Call to Order.
    Meeting called to order at 1830 hours by Chapter President Terhune.  After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, President Terhune welcomed everyone and said that he hopes this heat wave breaks soon.
Recording Secretary’s Report/Minutes of Previous Meeting.
    Secretary Pat Graham received the following additions to the 10 June 2010 minutes.  “Add (frmr) behind USMC in the Honorary Member paragraph.  Under new business in the paragraph about President Terhune’s interview about his military service, add word “project” after Veterans History and before word person.  Minutes for June were approved as amended.
Secretary’s Report.
    Pat Graham reported that there was a quorum tonight.
Treasurer’s Report.
    The balance in the Chapter’s checking account as of 30 June 2010 is $2434.15.
    The amount in the bulk mail account at the Dover Post Office is $529.46; the amount in the postage due account is $65.41.
    Joan Huber reported that we anticipate printing costs will be going up and the chapter is still losing assets.  This is the fourth month in a row.  Treasurer’s report approved.  Michael McLean handed out a sheet showing 2010 budget versus actual expenses.
Trustees of the Trust Funds.
    Life Member Fund    31 May 10: $25,965.59    30 June 10  $25,696.43
    Scholarship    31 May 10: $75,508.32    30 June 10  $73,974.01
Gary Terhune looked at the situation for the first six months of 2010 and according to his calculations, we are flat.  Almost flat or down $200/300 on life membership fund.   The growth gained in first quarter was given back in the second quarter.  In the scholarship fund we are down $1500 or so even after adding $5000 to it.  Peter Burdett said he thinks we’ll see a nice rebound by the end of the year.  Gary is looking at reducing short term income bond fund and moving some more money into a dividend fund. Report approved.

STANDING COMMITTEES:

National Legislative.
    Russ Ober.  At a 30 June hearing before the National Commission of  Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, MOAA government Relations Director Col Steve Strobridge (USAF, Ret.) highlighted the importance of sustaining military manpower levels and unique military and veterans’ benefits programs.  MOAA was the only military association invited to testify.
    The 18-member bipartisan commission was appointed by the President to recommend options to reduce near term federal budge deficits and achieve fiscal sustainability in the long term.  The commission’s report is due 1 December 2010.
    Strobridge drew a sharp distinction between social insurance programs open to all Americans and military and veterans’ benefits that are earned by service and sacrifice for the nation.  He reminded commissioners of American’s unique obligations – over and above its obligations to the general public – to those who agree to serve a career in uniform and to those who incur disabilities in service to the nation.
    He urged rejections of proposals to means-test military and VA benefits, saying that would impose a “counter-productive performance penalty” for programs like military retired pay that are designed to incentivize longer service and successful competition for promotion.
    Military and veterans’ benefits, including survivor benefits, “are not a gift or some fair-share rebate from the taxpayers,” he said.  “They are earned compensation for extended service and sacrifice for the nation, over and above what is rendered by other taxpayers.”
    Strobridge challenged those who express alarm about the growth in military personnel costs over the last decade, asserting that many use a “statistical sleight-of-hand” in picking the worst possible starting point.
    He noted that military personnel costs were significantly depressed ten years ago in the wake of two decades of capping military pay raises below private sector pay growth and repeated cutbacks in military retirement and health care programs that dropped almost all retirees and their families from military medical coverage at age 65.  Congress had to spend money to fix those problems, he said, but “the period of rapid growth is behind us” and won’t be repeated.
    Strobridge also challenged proposals to make the military retirement system more like civilian programs, asserting the military requires a unique system to offset the extraordinary demands and sacrifices inherent in a service career.  He reminded commissioners that a 1986 retirement reform law that reduced lifetime retired pay value by 25% for new entrants had to be repealed in 2000 because it was undermining career retention.
    Absent the drawing power of the unique military system, he said, “Sustaining the career force through the combat environment of the last decade would have been impossible.”
State Legislative.
    John Graham said that there is nothing to report.
Personal Affairs.
    Joan Huber.
        • VA Announces New Hotline
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) has announced a new telephone hotline to provide emergency support and resources to homeless veterans. The hotline of the new National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID VET will provide homeless veterans with timely assistance and coordinated access to VA and community services. Family members, workers at community agencies and non-VA providers also may call the hotline to find out about the many programs and services available to assist homeless veterans. For more information, visit the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans web page .
        • VFW Fans Exceed 30,000
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has announced that its National Headquarters' Official Facebook page has reached and exceeded the 30,000 mark. The VFW's Facebook page is a place to connect with other veterans and active duty military, to keep up with announcements of support initiatives, national calls to action, legislative issues, and all news of veteran and military interest.  To become a fan of the VFW on Facebook, visit the VFW's Facebook page and click the "Like" button.
        • VA Changes Health Care Co-Pays
Veterans who generally have higher income and no service-connected disabilities -- referred to as Priority Groups 7 and 8 Veterans -- will now pay an additional $1 for each 30-day supply of outpatient medications. Taking effect July 1, the increase to $9 from $8. This change does not impact Veterans in Priority Groups 2 through 6 who will continue to pay $8 for each 30-day supply of medications for their non-service connected conditions unless otherwise exempted. Veterans who have difficulty paying copayments for outpatient medications should discuss the matter with their local VA enrollment coordinator. Veterans may also contact VA at 1-877-222 VETS (8387) or visit VA's health eligibility website.
        • VA to Assist at Arlington
Patrick K. Hallinan, an over 31-year employee of VA's National Cemetery Administration (NCA), is being detailed to the Army to assist in the management of Arlington National Cemetery. Hallinan has a wide-breadth of experience in every facet of cemetery operations. Army Secretary John McHugh recently announced a series of management and oversight changes in the Army National Cemeteries Program, which includes both Arlington and the Soldiers' and Airmens' Home National Cemetery in Washington, DC. Meanwhile, information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from VA Burial and Memorial Benefits website or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000.  To make burial arrangements at the time of need at any VA national cemetery, call the national cemetery scheduling office at 800-535-1117.
        • American Legion Appeals to President
A letter signed by The American Legion is asking President Barack Obama to restore the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial cross. This spring, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled lower federal courts' decisions to tear down the memorial because of a misplaced belief that it was a religious icon on federal land. Soon after the ruling, the memorial was ripped down and carried away by vandals. The letter goes on to state that the National Park Service has not restored the memorial because it is complying with a lower court order, which in their interpretation, the Supreme Court decision did not fully address. Anyone who wants to sign their name onto to the letter can do so at the website http://www.putthecrossback.com.
 Membership.
    Michael McLean reported that we received two new members in June and there were no deaths.  He sent out 49 dues letter reminders.  Of the 49, we received 10 checks and three who wanted to be dropped.  One had moved out of state, one had free membership last year due to MOAA initiative and one said not involved with any groups.
Recruiting.
    Bob Jaffin said that he has nothing to report.
Programs.
    Jim Lefebvre  handed out a sheet with proposed program dates for 2011. Dates are: 22 January, 2 April, 4 June, 6 August, 1 October and 12 November.  Discussion followed on 2 April and 12 November.  It was decided to see if 16 April would work (less chance of inclement weather) and John Graham will check on the availability of the Manchester Country Club on 12 November.  Discussion tabled on possible speakers for 12 November meeting until we know if country club is available.  NHVH hosting volunteers appreciation day on 10 July.  Jim Lefebvre will represent chapter.  Several other board members will also attend.
Web Page.
    www.moaa-nh.org 107 hits in June, same number as for May.
Travel.
    Bruce Avery said he has set up a laptop with slides showing our two 2011 trips.  It takes about 7 minutes to cycle through the slides.  He plans to have it at all our luncheon meetings except for the clambake.  There will be signs, brochures and sign-up sheets available at the clambake.
Historian.
    Nothing to report.
Scholarship.
    Nothing to report, but the committee has received seven applications.  Peter Burdett said that the committee has met and all seven have been approved.  They will be given choice of $2000 or $3000 and Peter anticipates everyone will select $3000 since interest rate of 0% is great.

SPECIAL COMMITTEES:

Awards.
    No report.
Budget/Chapter Finances.
    Vacant
Newsletter.
    The next issue is due in September.  Discussion about increasing the number of pages in the newsletter.  In the past didn’t have enough material and reduced size for financial reasons.  Gary has been checking with a printer he knows.  Concheco does all preparation work, mailing, etc., so they do more than just printing.  A newsletter of 4, 8 or 12 pages is cheaper than 6 or 10 due to manual insertion of pages.
Board/Officer Nominations.
    Michael McLean said he thinks he’s all set for board nominations.  Will have report to secretary by August meeting as per by laws.  Glen Crowell will be coming off the board, Coulter going on.  Jim LeFebvre said that he works out of his home on a defense contract, which is being cancelled.  Jim is currently looking for a job.  If he finds an out of state job, he will resign as vice president.  His wife Cindy, our auxiliary liaison, will stay here.  Gary has been working on a back-up plan if Jim resigns.  Jim will let us know by August meeting what his plans are.
PAO.
    George Arvanetaki not in attendance.  He will be back in New Hampshire  soon and will be at the clambake.

LIAISON ACTIVITIES:

Martin’s Point.
    Glen Crowell said quarterly meeting was rescheduled to late June, so he and Bob Jaffin drove to Maine and the meeting had been cancelled.  The next meeting will probably be held in September.
Veterans Home.
    Steve Waterman said he has nothing to report.
PSNY.
    Paul Lessard.  No report received.
State Veterans Advisory Committee.
    No meetings are held in the summer.  Next meeting 21 September, not normal meeting day, but day after Labor Day is not good and 14 September is primary day.  Peter Burdett handed out a history of SVAC.   The Veterans Council is now known as State Offices of Veterans Services.  If you have not heard of a VA benefit known as aid and attendance, need to call Mary Moran about what you qualify for if you need long term care and have active duty during a time of war.  The Dailanis House for the homeless in Nashua is open.  NHVH is now open to National Guard folks.  Veterans Legal Aid program has been passed by the NH General Court and Easter Seals/Veterans Count programs are prepared for the up-coming deployment.
Events:
    -- 31 July – Retiree Appreciation day – NG aviation facility in Concord
    -- 19 August – Fisher Cats Military Appreciation Day – We need to support this event.  Look for the link on www.moaa-nh-org – Use MOAA as the promo code.
    -- 28/29 August – Blue Angels Air Show at Pease
    -- 11 September – largest mobilization of NH troops will be held at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester
TOPS.
    Jim LeFebvre.  Nothing to report.
 VAMC.
    Tom Kyle.  Nothing to report.
Auxiliary.
    Cindy LeFebvre sent the following report:
        1.  Paws for Patriots is a unique guide dog program that is looking for financial or volunteer assistance.  This program provides free guide dogs to wounded veterans.  It is designed especially for our returning veterans with trauma, visual problems, and other disabilities.
        2.  To date, there is no government funding so private funding is necessary for the program to continue. MOAA’s Bradenton, FL, Chapter contributed $1,000 last year to the program.  Volunteer to walk a dog. Give a wounded warrior the chance to rebuild his or her life. Their service to our country gives us independence; help them regain theirs. Visit www.guidedogs.org for volunteer opportunities and information on how you can help.

• Began in 2003, when a board member of Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, Fla., heard about a young Marine blinded by a bomb in Iraq and found out there were no programs to provide Seeing Eye dogs. With the help of Gen. Tommy Franks, USA-Ret., the staff of Southeastern Guide Dogs created Paws for Patriots.
• Placed therapy dogs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Therapy dogs lifted spirits of veterans during physical therapy.
• Connects veterans with visual and other disabilities with professionally trained guide and therapy dogs to provide mobility with independence and dignity to those who have sacrificed so much for their country.
• Costs about $60,000 to provide a guide dog from puppyhood to placement, including lifetime support. Volunteers foster and walk the dogs until they are 18 months old. After being trained by a professional, the dog is matched with a veteran. A final one-month boot camp for the veteran and his or her dog on the Palmetto campus creates a lasting bond as they become a team.
• Provided about 140 dogs to injured veterans.

• That the chapter consider sending a donation to this unique program to help our wounded veterans regain their independence.
• That the chapter consider adding a link to the web page advertising this program.

OLD BUSINESS:

    Military Night at Fisher Cats Ball Park.  This event will be held on 19 August.  Peter Burdett said that we purchased 100 tickets.  He will be attending a meeting on 22 July with TAG, president of Fisher Cats and businessman who will purchase the rest of the tickets.  Peter Burdett has 30 additional tickets provided by Bank of America.  The chapter won’t see any rebates until after the events.  Other things happening that night:  Gold Star mothers will be revealing their statue; fireworks display and the chapter will have a table there.  A flyer will be available at the clambake with website, directions, etc.

    Clambake. Jeff Olson said planning is moving along smoothly.  He has ordered several items and should have them on time.  He and Glen Crowell have talked about the rest of the produce.  Cal Hosmer orders lobster and Jeff the steaks.  One issue from last year was the serving line got a bit thin.  We need to make sure people only take one platter.  Other plates will be there as needed.  Glen Crowell is getting the key.  We’ve had to pay for the whole area; we paid the day after last year’s clambake and will pay for next year the day after this year’s.  Tom Kyle has to give list to guard shack for security purposes.  There are 111 signed up so far with 86 lobster and 25 steak.  Over $800 for scholarships has been received. Two people get free meals.  There was discussion about receiving late responses and possible penalties and should we look at this for regular luncheon meetings as well.  Discussion was tabled for a future meeting.  Peter Burdett said that Ed Johnson will be retiring as head of Pease Greeters and wondered if the chapter should do something to honor him.  It was decided the clambake would not be an appropriate venue.

NEW BUSINESS:

     Web based communications.  The chapter sends out hard copy newsletters.  Should we consider use of electronic means.  It would save money on printing costs and might appeal to younger folks.  Bruce Avery talked about conversion to electronic communications in another non-profit organization.  Ten years ago went to web based communications.  Couple of things happened.  Could immediately accept credit cards and had instant communications.  More younger people attended events.  Not an inexpensive proposition, but well worth it.  Database must be good.  Also must have good plan to deal with folks who don’t have computers.  Gary Terhune said that we will look into nuts and bolts of this.  Bruce Avery will do the spade work and report back at a future meeting.  Michael McLean said that we have 920 members of which 279 have an email address, but no data on how accurate these email addresses are.

    Peter and Susie Burdett discussed the Blue Angels event, which benefits the NH brain injury association research (including wounded warriors) and the Boy Scouts.  It will be held at Pease on 28 and 29 August. The Blue Angels haven’t been here in 20 years and there will be many other events during the two days. Go to http://www.bostonportsmouthairshow.com/. Susie Burdett, who works at Concord Hospital, is in charge of volunteers and can put people to work.  Contact her if you would to help, 364-6231.

    2011 Board and Officer vacancies.  Already covered.