The_Granite_Slate_Page-2-Dec03

*President’s Corner* By Paul L. Bernard As we look forward to our twenty-fifth year as a recognized association in New Hampshire, we close the book on a very exciting year. I would like to briefly highlight some of the events of the past year. First, and most obvious, we have changed our name. Our organization is, and always has been, open to retired, active duty, reserve, National Guard, and former officers of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, USPHS and NOAA. The national organization changed their name effective January 1, 2003, in order to remove the term “retired” from the name. The chapter followed suit and the name change was effective August 1, 2003. Next, MOAA National changed its annual chapter awards program. Instead of having one Chapter of the Year, one Outstanding Chapter, and one Excellent Chapter, the program was revised so that now there are 5-star and 4-star chapters. Any chapters that satisfy the criteria will receive the award. This year, our chapter received a 5-star award – one of only two chapters in the large category (900 plus members) to do so. Our interest-free scholarship loan program continues to thrive due to the generosity of contributing members. Unlike other scholarship programs that approve a small percentage of its applicants, we approve all, or nearly all, applicants and none of our students are in default on repayment. We also must acknowledge the continuing success of our Programs Committee. As a general trend, attendance is up for our luncheons, probably because of the excellent caliber of the venues and speakers. Our chapter also was recognized by MOAA National for the notable effort made in recruiting new members last		year. With more members, we have a larger voice, which aided our efforts in supporting legislation concerning veterans issues, both on the state and federal level. These are but a few of the areas in which the chapter has excelled. I would like to personally thank the Board of Directors, the various committee chairs, and the numerous volunteers who have, once again, made this an award-wining chapter. Thank you. *Paul L. Bernard* *Fraudulent "myPay" Web Site* Be advised, there may be some “look-alike” sites on the Internet that copy the DFAS site "myPay" web site. The official DFAS myPay web site is found at: https://mypay. dfas.mil/mypay.asp This is a secure site with a military URL (“.mil”). There have been reports that some commercial sites have a similar URL and home page appearance that uses terms such as LES and DFAS. These sites may or may not be secure, which could be a problem. More importantly, however, is the fact that you do not know who is operating the site. If you mistakenly provide personal information on this look-alike site, such as your social security number, you increase the risk of being a victim of identity theft. Be careful when accessing your LES online. Use only the official myPay web site at: https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay. asp. *Congratulations* At the annual meeting, the following members were elected to serve on the Chapter’s Board of Directors in three-year terms: Peter S. Burdett, Catherine R. Fields, R. Bancroft McKittrick, and Arnold C. Sayer. Mary E. Moran also was elected to serve the last year in Jesse Trow’s term. Jesse resigned from the Board for personal reasons, and we would like to thank him for his service to the Chapter. The Board then elected the following officers for one-year terms: Paul Bernard as President; John Graham as Vice-President; Pat Graham as Secretary; and Dick Dennis as Treasurer. Congratulations!

year. With more members, we have a larger voice, which aided our efforts in supporting legislation concerning veterans issues, both on the state and federal level.

These are but a few of the areas in which the chapter has excelled. I would like to personally thank the Board of Directors, the various committee chairs, and the numerous volunteers who have, once again, made this an award-wining chapter. Thank you.

Fraudulent "myPay" Web Site Be advised, there may be some “look-alike” sites on the Internet that copy the DFAS site "myPay" web site. The official DFAS myPay web site is found at: https://mypay.
dfas.mil/mypay.asp This is a secure site with a military URL (“.mil”).

There have been reports that some commercial sites have a similar URL and home page appearance that uses terms such as LES and DFAS. These sites may or may not be secure, which could be a problem. More importantly, however, is the fact that you do not know who is operating the site. If you mistakenly provide personal information on this look-alike site, such as your social security number, you increase the risk of being a victim of identity theft.

Be careful when accessing your LES online. Use only the official myPay web site at: https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.
asp.

Congratulations At the annual meeting, the following members were elected to serve on the Chapter’s Board of Directors in three-year terms: Peter S. Burdett, Catherine R. Fields, R. Bancroft McKittrick, and Arnold C. Sayer. Mary E. Moran also was elected to serve the last year in Jesse Trow’s term. Jesse resigned from the Board for personal reasons, and we would like to thank him for his service to the Chapter. The Board then elected the following officers for one-year terms: Paul Bernard as President; John Graham as Vice-President; Pat Graham as Secretary; and Dick Dennis as Treasurer. Congratulations!