The Retiree Council met on this date at 1300 hours. The following Board of Directors was present: Vice President Fred Gustin, Treasurer Ron Kroon, and Secretary Jerry Chenoweth. Members at Large: Al Peate, Ollie Sapp, Bill Nelson, and John Bailey.
Fred called the meeting to order. The minutes of the previous meeting were read. There were no additions or corrections. The minutes stand as read.
Treasurer’s report was given by Ron. We have $ 4,665.70 in our treasury at this date. We have 573 members of which 56 are widows.
OLD BUSINESS:
The results of the election of Board members are as follows: Vice President-Fred Gustin, Treasurer-Ron Kroon. Members at large: Allan Peate, Ollie Sapp, Dave Petersen, John Bailey, and Bill Nelson. Vice President and Treasurers term of office is 2 years, Members at Large term of office is 3 years.
Al brought up the Founders Award nominations. There were no nominations that were eligible at this time. So far the committee has not suggested any names.
Fred gave us an update on the possibility of briefings from the TAG office for 2006. He has talked to Col. Rein and they are looking at 1 & 2 of April. They are again looking at Kearney, North Platte and Scottsbluff. The Council is in favor of having a briefing in Lincoln and Omaha. We have quite a few members in the Omaha area and we think having one there would create a good turn out, Fred will be working with the TAG office as the dates and agenda come together. There will be information sent to all retirees.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Council office has a new location in the TAG building; it is now room 20 in the basement where the Family Program office used to be. We appreciate any location the AG’s office gives us as we would not be able to exist with out their help.
Ollie made the motion to place in the minutes the following information: a bill was introduced into the Nebraska State Legislature by Senator Adrian Smith. LB 945. Titled MILITARY PENSIONS: Income from military pensions would be exempt from state income tax. The motion was seconded by Al and the motion passed. Bill is following the progress of this bill and suggests our members contact their Senators and express their views in support of LB 945.
This is a reminder of who is eligible for TRICARE for Life.
Beneficiaries entitled to Medicare Part A who decline Medicare Part B coverage will lose TRICARE eligibility (with the exception of active duty family members). TFL is available to all TRICARE and Medicare dual-eligible Uniformed Services beneficiaries, regardless of age, including retired members of the National Guard and Reserve who are in receipt of retired pay, family members, widows/widowers and certain former spouses. Dependent parents and parents-in-law are not eligible for TFL. Uniformed Services beneficiaries entitled to Medicare Part A are required by law to have Medicare Part B coverage to retain their TRICARE benefits with one exception. Beneficiaries should confirm that their Medicare status is current in the Defense Eligibility and Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) by calling the DSO Telephone Center at 1-800-538-9552 or for the Deaf (TTY/TDD): 1-866-363-2883. Beneficiaries may visit TRICARE's DEERS Website to learn how to update their personal information. For information about Medicare Part B, beneficiaries may visit the Social Security Administration Website, or call 1-800-772-1213. Beneficiaries may also visit the Medicare Website.
We discussed the possibility of placing an ad in the Prairie Soldier to promote the Nebraska Military Retiree Council. Jerry talked to Col Varana and he was very positive about helping to do this project. Fred will get with him to follow thru with this ad.
Enclosed with these minutes is article from the Air Force Times relating to Tricare. It is a very true picture of the many retirees that might be missing out on their entitled benefits.
It has been announced in the Lincoln Journal-Star that the Nebraska Air National Guard and the City of Lincoln will host an air show at the Lincoln Municipal Airport on September 23 and 24, 2006. This is the 60th anniversaries of the Nebraska Air National Guard and the Navy Blue Angels flying demonstration team. The Council will keep the members updated on the progress of this event.
The Council officers are working with the Family Program Office to connect to the new web site they are building. At the present it is being designed and the Council web site is going to be linked to it. The Family Program Office is asking for help from the retirees to help with the prescription pick-up at Offutt, if you can help please call their office at 402-309-7332 or 1-800-432-6778.
The Council office received a invitation to a meeting of the Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee. This meeting will be held January 26th, 2006 10:00AM to 4:00PM at 404 East Third Street in Grand Island, NE. This is a function of the Nebraska Air National Guard.
The date for the mail out is set for January 25th.
As there was no more business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Jerry Chenoweth
Secretary
