FORGOTTEN BATTLES OF ATTU & KISKA - INSIDE: 9 - Fleet Reserve Association
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JUNE 2020
FORGOTTEN
BATTLES OF
ATTU & KISKA
INSIDE:
9 On & Off the Hill
26 Patriots Point Naval
& Maritime Museum
37 Education Foundation
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Contents
June 2020 Volume 99 Number 6
Cover: The Aleutian island of Kiska at sunrise, partially shrouded by clouds, in 1943. Photo courtesy of the Naval History and
Heritage Command. Above: Soldiers unloading LCVP and LCM type landing craft on the beach at Massacre Bay, Attu, on May 12,
1943. The boats are from USS HEYWOOD (APA-6). Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Features
18 The Forgotten Battles of Attu and Kiska: 1943’s Bloody
Fight to Retake Japanese-Occupied American Soil
The invasions were part of the combined campaign known in Japan as the Midway-
Aleutian Plan. The Aleutian prong of the strategy was intended to divide the American
Navy among two fronts.
26 Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: The Nation
Shuts Down and a Beloved Destination Adjusts
The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum features three ships berthed in the
harbor, a collection of aircraft from WWII to the modern day and the “Vietnam
Experience,” an exhibit re-creating base conditions during that war.
32 A Message to All Vietnam War Veterans
The annual Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime
Museum was canceled this year. Branch 269’s Stoney Bates, who served as a Marine
during the Vietnam War, was scheduled to be the featured speaker at the event and
shares his speech with FRAtoday.
LOYALTY,
PROTECTION
Departments
AND SERVICE
2 Communications 42 TAPS
The FRA is a
congressionally 4 From the Fantail 45 Looking For/Reunions
chartered, nonprofit
organization
6 Shipmate Forum 47 Auxiliary of the FRA News
advocating on 9 On & Off Capitol Hill Message from LA FRA National
Capitol Hill for President Bea Parco
current and former
Legislative Updates
48 Finance Matters
enlisted members
of the U.S. Navy,
37 FRA Education Foundation Five Ways to Help Protect Your
Marine Corps and 39 Membership Matters Family from Fraud
Coast Guard.
40 Shipmate News
FRAtoday /// June 2020 1
COMMUNICATIONS
National Officers/Board Of Directors
National President Donna M. Jansky, North Shore Branch 31
COVID-19 Sheds Light on Telehealth National Vice President Michael “Mick” Fulton, Imperial Beach Branch 289
National Executive Dir. Christopher J. Slawinski, Navy Department Branch 181
Junior PNP Robert Washington, Navy Department Branch 181
T
National Parliamentarian PNP George P. Hyland, Groton Branch 20
he recent stay-at-home rule due to the COVID-19 virus National Chaplain Paul R. Gunther, Triangle Branch 182
has changed health care forever. One of the solutions that
has been used for years, just not by all health care service Regional Presidents
providers, is telehealth. Don’t bother looking up this word because Northeast/New England Abe Zino, Buffalo Branch 23
it is not found in Merriam-Webster Online — yet. But I’ll bet East Coast Sha'ron D. Martin, Virginia Beach Branch 166
Southeast Laurie A. Bailey, Low Country Branch 269
you it will be introduced in the very near future. North Central Donald A. Watkins Jr., Omaha-Council Bluffs Branch 276
Telehealth has been used by almost all primary care providers South Central Emmett H. Smith Jr., Shreveport Bossier Branch 98
to avoid crowded waiting rooms filled with patients potentially Southwest John F. Quesnel Jr., Imperial Beach Branch 289
West Coast William S. Matthews, Modesto Branch 197
infected with COVID-19. Its use crosses most health service
Northwest William H. Hall, Gem State Branch 382
disciplines, including dentistry, counseling, physical therapy, home
health, and many others. Active Duty Advisory Council
My wife and I had some medical appointments made at the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith
beginning of the year and we were contacted by the caregivers Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black
asking us to call in at the arranged times instead of coming into Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason M. Vanderhaden
their offices. We are fortunate that these appointments were just Reserve Advisory Council
for our routine annual check ups and lab work.
Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Christopher D. Kotz
Telehealth may improve some of the most challenging Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Reserve Patrick Kimble
problems of our current health care system, such as access to care Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
and the cost-effective delivery of advice and prescriptions. Just Reserve George M. Williamson
imagine not having to drive to the doctor’s office and wait your
turn for some routine annual questions before going to the lab for FRAtoday Magazine
blood work. Wouldn’t it be nice to just go to the lab? The monthly membership publication of the Fleet Reserve Association
One of the more interesting aspects of telehealth is that it Publisher Fleet Reserve Association
National Executive Director Christopher J. Slawinski
increases access to health care for remote patients. Patients
Editor-in-Chief William D. Stevenson
diagnosed and treated earlier often have improved outcomes and Editor Elise M. Howard
less costly treatments. Patients with telehealth supported Intensive Contributing Writer Ann Norvell Gray
Care Units (often called eICUs) have substantially reduced Design and Art Direction FRA Staff
Advertising Sales: GLM Communications 212-929-1300
mortality rates, reduced complications, and reduced hospital Sales@glmcommunications.com
stays. The national average for readmission to hospitals within 30
FRAtoday (ISSN 1935-7192) is published monthly by the FRA, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA.
days following a heart failure episode is 20 percent. Telehealth 22314-2754. A member’s subscription is covered by the member’s annual dues. Periodicals
monitoring reduced that level to less than 4 percent. Telehealth postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and additional offices. Publication of nonsponsored
advertising in FRAtoday does not constitute an endorsement by the FRA or its representatives.
support to ICUs is reducing mortality rates by 15 to 30 percent Postmaster: Send address changes to Member Services, FRA, 125 N. West St.,
Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. FRAtoday is published in the interests of all current
and substantially reducing complications and length of stay. So and former enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Eligible
telehealth not only reduces health care costs, but it also improves nonmembers are entitled to subscription rates of $45. Established Nov. 1, 1923.
Title registered with the U.S. Patent Office.
patient care and comfort.
Telehealth also helps the environment by reducing patients’ FRA Administrative Headquarters
125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754
travel, which reduces their carbon footprint. Telehealth improves
Telephone: 703-683-1400, 800-FRA-1924
work life for employees who can now interact with their doctor Fax: 703-549-6610 • Email: FRAtoday@fra.org • www.fra.org
from anywhere they can get a cell signal. Volume 99 Number 6
Yes, the pandemic forced us all into the world of telehealth
while staying inside, but I do think the outcome of this solution is Find us on Facebook:
better for everyone. FRA www.fra.org/fb
In Loyalty, Protection and Service, Follow us on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/FRAHQ
William D. Stevenson, Editor-in-Chief
Follow us on Instagram:
Source: California Telehealth Resource Center www.instagram.com/FRA_HQ
2 FRAtoday /// June 2020
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FROM THE FANTAIL
Working Through the New Normal
“S
o, how are you doing?” This has become Social distancing has become the new
the opening phrase for most of us in practice. This has led to branches postponing
any conversation. While this question or even canceling their in-person meetings.
was typically an acceptable conversation starter, it Other branches are utilizing both old and
has more meaning now that we are living through new technology to meet virtually. Software
this critical time in our lives. programs and platforms like Zoom, Skype and
Ensuring the health and safety of our family, Microsoft Teams have brought FRA members
friends and Shipmates has been the primary focus together in virtual meeting spaces using their
Chris Slawinski of the FRA since the COVID-19 pandemic home computers, tablets or cellphones. Some
NED
began. Based on our membership demographics, branches have used one of the many free services
most of us are in the middle of the “higher risk” available online to set up conference calls for their
category for the severity of the disease. Taking meetings.
additional caution can lessen your potential for This technology has also permitted members
being exposed and exposing others. who have not attended meetings in some time —
Here at the FRA National Headquarters, due to the travel distance, their health or their age
we have established a work-at-home policy, — to be present and engaged in branch activities.
where staff members are performing their Recently, the National Football League made
everyday functions, but in the safety of their the decision to hold their annual league-wide
homes. Members have not experienced much draft virtually. Commissioner Roger Goodell
of a lag in services and staff members have been announced the team selections from the comfort
communicating via email, telephone or instant of his basement. He even called on the fans who
message applications. Staff impressions have been were logged into a league website to provide
positive, but we all miss the daily interaction. the traditional “boos” prior to announcing the
Branch leadership also has found ways to ensure selections.
the word of the association gets out to their fellow The one thing I think this epidemic has shown
Shipmates in a variety of ways. us is the importance of staying in contact with
Recently, I spoke to a Shipmate who called those we care about. Reaching out by telephone,
to ask about another issue. I asked how he and email or the internet, we all know a lot more about
the members of his branch were coping with the how we are as a community.
local stay-in-place orders. He stated that several Everyone’s hope is to get things back to normal
of the members of his branch split up the roster soon, but after the weeks of seclusion, mask-
and started a “call tree” to reach out to all the wearing, hand-washing and social distancing,
other members and check on their safety. Many what is normal? Caring for our family, friends and
Shipmates were grateful for the call and were Shipmates should always be paramount in our
surprised by hearing from their branch for the first daily activities. Remember to treat others the way
time in years! you want to be treated.
Another Shipmate mentioned to me that his Take care of yourselves, wash your hands and
branch was aware of a Shipmate from another branch check on your neighbors. This is the best way to
who had not been heard from for a while. When they face the new normal. FRA
reached out to his family, they could not find out his In Loyalty, Protection and Service,
status, so they called the local Adult Social Services Chris Slawinski
Office to request a welfare check. The 97-year-old Chris is the FRA’s national executive director and can be
Shipmate was safe and sound at home. contacted at NED@fra.org.
4 FRAtoday /// June 2020
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SHIPMATE FORUM
Open Membership Into the FRA Burial at Sea
Veterans of all stripes should be permitted to join any U.S. The letter by Cdr. Williams about Burial at Sea with the
Military Organization with FULL MEMBERSHIP. We all porpoises surrounding the casket may have made the hair on
fought together, salute the same flag and we all love the same the Commander’s neck stand, but it brought tears to my eyes
country. as it appeared to be a God-sent welcoming committee for our
The growth in membership would stimulate any and all departed Shipmate.
organizations when meeting MIGHT become a problem due A Shipmate of mine knew he was dying of cancer and
to distance! Army and Air Force relatives and friends could asked me to help his widow with the paperwork. He also
join the FRA too! wanted his ashes spread over water. After the second day,
WTC Charles E. Orvis, USN (Ret.) when his ashes were available, his widow, a friend of mine and
Member FRA Branch 382 I took him out in his boat that was moored at the marina, to
the break water. The weather was overcast with heavy cloud
Senior Enlisted Academy cover. As his wife was about to toss his ashes over the side, I
That was a very interesting article by FRA National Executive stopped her because the bag could wash up on shore and be
Director Slawinski in the February 2020 issue of FRAtoday. identified. When we opened the bag the clouds parted, the
The only “problem” I found with it, (in spite of the sun shined through and the rough water calmed — making
accolades the NED lauded on the current academy), is that it a perfect day for a “sailor to go back to sea.” Does our God
nowhere was any credit given to the CPO Academy that watch over us? I think so.
preceded the SEA. The CPO Academy was conducted under Very Respectfully,
the auspices of the Navy’s Chief of Education and Training, L.J. “SKI” Vsetecka, now a Life Member of Branch 248, former
or CNET, at NATTU Pensacola in the early 1960’s. Life member, Branch 30
The CPO Academy produced countless “Blue Chip” Chief
Petty Officers who then set the example of performance for Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo
Navy Chiefs. The article Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo brought back
I do believe that credit should be given where it is due; the memories for those, like myself, who lived through World
CPO Academy set the standard for the pilot project of the War II. However, there was a discrepancy that I would like to
Senior Enlisted Academy that later evolved. point out. Three airmen did not die by firing squad, they were,
Yours in Loyalty, Protection and Service, in fact, beheaded. The war has long been over but atrocities
Mike Goldman, TDC (Ret.) Branch 70, Poway, Calif. such as the beheading are forgiven but certainly not forgotten.
We are occasionally reminded by some who consider the
The Immigrant Experience in the U.S. Navy United States being wrong with the A-Bomb at Nagasaki
I am responding to your Immigrant Experience article in the and Hiroshima, so please let your readers know that the
April issue of FRAtoday. The correct way to spell the name other side committed some very barbaric acts that cannot be
of that South American country is C-O-L-O-M-B-I-A, and written off as a “firing squad.”
the proper adjective is Colombian. Other than that, it was a Thank you, F. E. Hopton, RMCS. USN (Ret.)
very interesting article.
Yours in LPS, Nice Remembrance of the Doolittle Raid!
Louis A Richards, MMC, USN (Ret.) RPCV A few corrections, IJN RYUHO was under conversion to an
aircraft carrier from a submarine tender, not construction.
FRAtoday author and editor: Thank you for bringing this There was one bomb hit that ricocheted off the drydock
misspelling to my attention! One of the downsides of editing into the RYUHOs hull. The three airmen did not face a firing
your own writing is that you can easily overlook your own squad, they were executed. https://www.globalsecurity.org/
misspelling habits (and apparently “Colombia” is one of mine!). military/world/japan/ryuho-cvl.htm
I sincerely apologize for any offense I may have caused to readers Aloha, Bruce Dewald
of Colombian nationality or heritage. Every country deserves the Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of
respect of being spelled correctly, and I appreciate you giving us the individual FRA members. They do not reflect the position of the FRA. The
opportunity to make this correction. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content. Submit letters to
FRAtoday, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314 or to fratoday@fra.org
6 FRAtoday /// June 2020
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FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION
2020-2021
AMERICANISM
ESSAY CONTEST
The Bill of Rights
and me .
Eligibility: Students, grades 7 through 12
Deadline: December 1, 2020
Requirements: 350 words or less about “The Bill of Rights and me.”
Website: www.fra.org/essay
For information about the contest, contact: Grand Prize
$5,000
School Counselor: __________________________________________________________
FRA Essay Chairman: ________________________________________________________ 18 National
Awards and
FRA Branch: _______________________________________________________________
Regional /
Telephone: ________________________________________________________________ Local Prizescapitol hill
ON& OFF
News & Notes from the Fleet Reserve Association’s Legislative Team
Light at the End of the Tunnel
As this issue of FRAtoday goes to press, We hope that as you receive this issue,
COVID-19 has forced most of us either many of you Shipmates can at least see light
into enforced or self-imposed quarantine. at the end of the tunnel regarding the re-
Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. opening of the American economy. Congress
have implemented stay-at-home orders should be back in session and working on
that is requiring most people to work from passing the National Defense Authorization
home. Most of the FRA headquarter staff are Act (NDAA-H.R.6395), 12 appropriations bills
John Davis working from home. and other high priority legislation.
Director Legislative Programs
Beware of COVID-19 Testing Scams Targeting TRICARE Beneficiaries
The Defense Health Agency recently issued Other risk factors include:
a warning that while medical professionals • If you’ve come into contact with
in the United States and also overseas someone known to have COVID-19.
are working hard to combat the novel • If you’ve recently traveled to a CDC-
coronavirus, some people are trying to use confirmed infected region.
this as an opportunity to take advantage of The people involved in the COVID-19
others. If you receive a telephone call from testing scams are looking to steal personal
someone offering to send you a COVID-19 information from beneficiaries. This could
testing kit, you could be the target of a include your social security, credit card or
scam. According to the Centers for Disease bank account numbers. Don’t provide them
Control and Prevention, your medical the opportunity to do it. Anyone receiving
care provider is the only person who can a call about COVID-19 testing, should
determine if you need testing. Be sure you submit a fraud report online to the DHA
talk to your physician if you are experiencing Program Integrity Office at: www.tricare.
COVID-19 symptoms, including: mil/ContactUs/ReportFraudAbuse. For more
• A fever. information about TRICARE and COVID-19,
• A cough. visit: www.tricare.mil/coronavirus. For the
• Shortness of breath. latest news on COVID-19, go to www.cdc.gov
and www.fema.gov.
NewsBytes is the FRA’s weekly legislative update. If you would like to subscribe, please email:
NewsBytes@Fra.org. Include your name and contact information in the body of the email. If you
are a member of the FRA or LA FRA, please include your member number.
FRAtoday /// June 2020 9capitol hill
ON& OFF
Your Mission, Your Voice
FRA Supports Pharmacy Home Delivery Co-pay Waiver
in the Next Stimulus Bill Some TRICARE
As FRAtoday goes to press, the FRA exposure. There is no co-pay to fill Beneficiaries Will
is working to include a TRICARE prescriptions in-person at the MTF Get a Refund
Pharmacy Home Delivery co-pay pharmacy, but many beneficiaries The Defense Health Agency has
waiver in the next stimulus bill. This pay between $10 and $60 for each announced that many TRICARE
will be the fourth stimulus aimed at medication filled through TRICARE’s Prime, TRICARE Select, and US
reducing the economic and financial mail-order pharmacy service. This Family Health Plan beneficiaries
impact of COVID-19. co-payment structure creates a will receive notification that they
Pharmacies at military treatment strong incentive for patients to may be eligible for refunds if
facilities are often crowded with visit an MTF pharmacy, potentially they have paid more than $2,400
beneficiaries, which include exposing themselves, their families, out of their own pockets toward
retirees, active duty service active duty service members their medical care in 2018, 2019
members and their families, as and military health personnel, to or 2020. This issue only affects
well as the pharmacy staff. With COVID-19. This exposure could be those TRICARE-eligible households
patients coming to pharmacies avoided by eliminating co-payments who exceeded or came close to
for prescription refills amid for TRICARE’s mail-order pharmacy exceeding their catastrophic cap in
the COVID-19 pandemic, MTF during the public health emergency. 2018, 2019 or 2020.
pharmacies are becoming even As FRAtoday goes to press, there In 2018, the DHA directed that
busier and more crowded than are ongoing negotiations with the annual fee paid by retirees no
usual. This is exactly the opposite of provisions in the next stimulus bill. longer counted toward their yearly
effective social distancing. Once there is agreement, the bill out-of-pocket maximum. However,
Earlier, the FRA and several other will move very quickly. Members last summer that decision was
organizations dispatched a letter to are urged to use the FRA Action reversed and applied retroactively
key lawmakers (the chairmen and Center located on the website to 2018 and 2019, resulting in
ranking members of the Senate and (www.fra.org) to ask their legislators refunds for those who exceeded
House Armed Services committees) to support putting a provision in their catastrophic cap in 2018,
requesting an immediate waiver of the next stimulus bill that would 2019, or 2020, or those who would
co-payments for TRICARE mail-order temporarily waive TRICARE mail- have exceeded it if their annual
prescriptions for the remainder of order pharmacy co-pays. This would fee had been included in their out-
the COVID-19 national emergency to help ensure beneficiaries are not of-pocket cost calculations, which
protect service members, retirees, exposed to COVID-19 and do not could total up to $3,600 for most
their families and vital medical staff. experience unexpected costs for retirees.
The association is also working to medications. Retirees who are eligible
include a pharmacy co-pay waiver The FRA will also work to put should be getting refund
provision in the FY2021 Defense these provisions in the FY2021 notification letters from TRICARE’s
authorization bill. Defense Authorization bills. contractors — Health Net Federal
The pharmacy co-pay structure If you would like to switch to Services in the West Region and
strongly incentivizes beneficiaries to home delivery, go to: https:// Humana Military in the East. The
fill prescriptions in-person at MTF tricare.mil/CoveredServices/ reimbursements can be applied as
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Your Mission, Your Voice
34 Reps. Demand SecDef Helps Military Pentagon Deploys Work-at-Home Strategy
Families Impacted by Stop Movement Order to Limit Exposure for Employees
Thirty-four U.S. representatives have dispatched a letter to The Pentagon workforce has shifted to a “maximum
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper urging the Department of telework” status to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Defense to provide more direction and support to help service “We are creating a much more robust, enhanced
members and military families who have been financially teleworking capability,” Defense Department Chief
impacted by the Pentagon’s 60-day “stop movement” orders. Information Officer Dana Deasy recently told reporters
“While the stop-movement order was noble and necessary, at the Pentagon. “What we’ve done is put a multiplier
this unprecedented action left thousands of military families in effect into the quantity, types of services, etc. There will
extreme financial distress,” the letter stated. be some permanency to what we have here, specifically
Two “stop movement” orders were issued in March by the more on the network side. We will also have created a
Defense Secretary in response to the spreading coronavirus base of teleworking equipment that we will be able to,
outbreak. They barred all DOD travel, including military moves in some cases, reuse for other purposes. But yes, there
and redeployments. The travel restrictions have impacted will be an enhanced teleworking capability that will be
thousands of service members and their families around the sustained at the end of COVID-19.”
world. The inability to follow through with their change of The Navy’s Outlook Web Access service went from
station, separation or retirement moving plans has made many 10,000 to 80,000 users within a week and very soon
pay for two residences, repurchase necessities and, in some there will be 300,000. The Marines went from a remote
cases, miss out on civilian job opportunities. Some military work capacity of 70,000 to more than 105,000 in just a
families have found themselves in extreme financial distress. The couple of weeks.
letter urges the DOD to provide the necessary assistance and However, the Government Accountability Office claims
resources to the thousands of military families under extreme the Defense Department has failed to adequately protect
financial distress as a result of the “stop movement”order. its computer and information systems from common and
In the letter, members wrote, “We strongly urge you to pervasive cybersecurity threats. A recent GAO report
show the same level of swift action you did in issuing the Stop indicates that cybersecurity initiatives at the Department
Movement Order to exercise every measure within your authority of Defense are incomplete — or their status is unknown
to provide the Services with the guidance and resources needed because no one is in charge of reporting on progress.
to ensure care and support to every military member and family
adversely affected by this order.”
The letter was signed by: U.S. Reps. Debra Haaland (N.M.),
James P. McGovern (Mass.), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Matt Gaetz The DOD Mandates Mask-Wearing on Base
(Fla.), Jackie Speier (Calif.), Cheri Bustos (Ill.), Denny Heck As FRAtoday goes to press, the Pentagon has tightened its
(Wash.), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (Va.), Madeleine Dean (Pa.), Tulsi policy on face masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19,
Gabbard (Hawaii), Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr. (Calif.), Veronica issuing new guidance that requires all military and civilian
Escobar (Texas), Jason Crow (Colo.), William Lacy Clay (Mo.), personnel, along with family members, contractors and
Doug Lamborn (Colo.), Elaine G. Luria (Va.), Terri Sewell (Ala.), guests, to wear a cloth face covering if they are unable
Anthony Brindisi (N.Y.), Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Michael Waltz to stay at least 6 feet away from others while on military
(Fla.), Joe Wilson (S.C.), Tony Cardenas (Calif.), Anthony G. Brown installations. This does not apply to a service member’s
(Md.), Stephen F. Lynch (Mass.), Vicki Hartzler (Mo.), Lauren home on a military base. Defense Secretary Mark Esper
Underwood (Ill.), Julia Brownley (Calif.), Seth Moulton (Mass.), has said this policy is designed to bring the Pentagon
Mike Levin (Calif.), Jamie Raskin (Md.), Salud Carbajal (Calif.), in compliance with the Centers for Disease Control
William R. Keating (Mass.), Colin Allred (Texas) and Eleanor and Prevention’s recommendations on preventing the
Holmes Norton (District of Columbia). transmission of COVID-19.
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Your Mission, Your Voice
VA and IRS Working to Get COVID-19
Payments to Veterans Acting SecNav Resigns Over Reaction to
The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Carrier Captain Being Relieved
Act (CARES - H.R.748, P. L.116-136) allows the Department of Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Moldly has
Veterans Affairs to work directly with the Internal Revenue Service resigned after the backlash he received relieving the
and U.S. Treasury Department to ensure delivery of Economic Impact captain of the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Brett Cozier,
Payments to veterans and survivors who receive VA Compensation only a day after he told the press he would not take such
and Pension benefit payments. This will be done without the action. Moldly addressed the ship’s crew and expressed his
beneficiary doing additional paperwork or IRS filings. anger over Crozier’s letter warning that sailors would die
This law authorizes the Treasury Department to automatically if they weren’t swiftly evacuated from the virus-infected
issue EIPs to recipients of non-taxable VA benefits who did not file aircraft carrier. The acting secretary of the Navy said the
annual income tax returns for 2018 or 2019. VA and the IRS have been captain was “too naive or too stupid to be a commanding
collaborating since the passage of the act on March 27 to ensure officer of a ship like this.” After Moldly addressed the
veterans receive their EIPs. crew, Rep. Adam Smith (Wash.), chairman of the House
“Many have expressed concern that veterans and their Armed Services Committee, called for Moldly’s dismissal.
beneficiaries would be overlooked during the distribution of Economic Secretary of Defense Mark Esper released a letter
Impact Payments from the CARES Act simply because they don’t explaining Moldly’s resignation and appointing current
file an annual tax return,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This Army Undersecretary Jim McPherson as acting Secretary
collaboration will ensure our veterans receive CARES Act payments of the Navy.
without any additional action or paperwork required.” Jim McPherson is a retired Admiral with a distinguished
For VA beneficiaries who filed a Form 1040 for 2018 or 2019, those 26 year naval career, serving ashore, afloat and overseas
payments will also be automatic. No further action is needed. They during his time in uniform. Esper wrote, “Jim will serve
can track the status of their payments using the “Get My Payment” as acting Secretary of the Navy until a permanent Navy
tool on IRS.gov. For non-tax filing VA beneficiaries, please note their Secretary is confirmed.”
information will be loaded on this tool within the next few weeks. Esper’s letter noted that he briefed President Trump on
For VA beneficiaries who didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 Moldly’s resignation and that the chief of naval operations,
and have a dependent, there is a special step they need to take, Adm. Michael M. Gilday, launched an investigation
and the sooner the better. They should use the “Non-Filer: Enter regarding the U.S.S. THEODORE ROOSEVELT, which is
Payment Info Here” tool on IRS.gov. By quickly taking steps to presently underway. “Any further action regarding the
enter information on the IRS website about themselves and their former commanding officer, Captain Crozier, will wait until
qualifying children, they can receive $500 per dependent child in that investigation is completed,” he wrote. As FRAtoday
addition to their $1,200 individual payment. The VA reports that goes to press, the report has not been released.
many non-tax-filing beneficiaries have already begun using the IRS
Economic Impact Payment portal at: www.freefilefillableforms. Student Veteran Housing Bill Enacted
com/#/fd/EconomicImpactPayment to provide the necessary data President Trump signed into law (P.L.116-128) legislation,
to the IRS to receive their EIP. There will be no interruption to sponsored by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman
payments being processed by using the IRS portal, and veterans Jerry Moran (Kan.). This bill will make sure student veterans
with internet access are encouraged to continue providing impacted by COVID-19-related school closures will not get their
information and track their EIP through the IRS portal. For those monthly housing stipends reduced. Since many classes are
who do not have access or choose not to use the IRS portal, their switching to online instruction, the VA had determined those
EIP will be processed without further action on their part. students should receive the “Exclusively Online Training” housing
While no date for distribution has been set at this time, the VA rate, which is significantly less than the rate for in-person class
is securely sharing necessary beneficiary data with the Treasury, attendance. Moran quickly stepped in to make sure student
to begin the issuance of EIPs. For more information on CARES veterans using distance learning due to the outbreak would not
Act Economic Impact Payments, visit www.irs.gov/newsroom/ be affected. The bipartisan, bicameral bill quickly passed the
economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know. House and Senate before being signed into law by the president.
14 FRAtoday /// June 2020You’ve traveled long and far…
LEAVE A LEGACY
of Loyalty, Protection and Service
Your involvement in the Fleet Reserve Association
demonstrates extraordinary commitment to improving the
quality of life for your shipmates and their families. Please
consider joining other shipmates who’ve chosen to leave a
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To learn more, contact FRA National Headquarters at 1-800-672-1924 or 703-683-1400, or via email at Williams@fra.orgcapitol hill
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HVAC Chairman and Ranking Member Ask VA to Postpone Changes to Claims Process
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano pandemic. Therefore, we urge the department to consider
(Calif.) and Ranking Member Dr. Phil Roe (Tenn.) sent a postponing any change to the 48-hour review period until after
bipartisan letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie, VA, VSOs and Congress are able to have a more thorough
calling on the VA to postpone their planned elimination of the discussion about this policy change.”
48-hour review period in the disability claims process and work “VSOs as well as other representatives and agents, provide
with veterans service organizations to consider alternatives to a veterans and their loved ones with invaluable assistance while
complete elimination of this review. Six major VSOs had already navigating the Department’s disability claims process,” Takano
expressed their concern over the decision in a letter to Wilkie, and Roe wrote. “The 48-hour review period provides a brief
stating that the “VA made this decision without consulting opportunity for VSOs to review rating decisions for errors or
with VSO partners about the impact this change would have on technical corrections before the decisions are finalized, thereby
veterans” in addition to changing rules “amidst the chaos of the quickly and efficiently improving the accuracy of claims and
COVID-19 crisis.” reducing the need for appeals. VSOs believe that elimination of
Takano and Roe wrote: “Our country is facing an this review period could result in delayed benefits for veterans
unprecedented emergency in light of the current COVID-l9 and an increase in appeals or other formal corrective action.”
Many Veterans to get Letter from VA on Medical Cost Reimbursement
Certain veterans who were denied reimbursement for non- veterans who seek non-department medical care violates
department emergency medical care will be getting a letter existing federal law. They ordered VA officials to re-examine
from the Department of Veterans Affairs informing them that more than 72,000 rejected claims and update their rules,
they will be reimbursed for their emergency room expenses if arguing the VA has a responsibility to cover the costs of
they were not covered by private insurance. unexpected medical visits. This case (Wolfie v. Wilkie) was first
On Sept. 9, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans reported in the Sept. 20, 2019, issue of NewsBytes.
Claims ruled (18-6091) that the VA’s current regulation for The case centers on veterans whose unpaid emergency
room expenses were denied by VA officials under existing
policies. The plaintiffs’ both had part of their bills paid for by
other insurance but were left with several thousand dollars in
personal costs.
VA officials argued in court that they did not need to handle
the unpaid balance because the veterans were primarily
covered under other insurance plans. The court ruled that
policy violated both existing law and past legal precedent. The
ruling invalidated all VA decisions denying reimbursement for
deductibles and co-insurance costs not covered for emergency
visits at non-VA facilities. VA officials have estimated that
full compliance with the court order could cost between $1.8
billion and $6.5 billion. Reimbursements may be issued for
cases decided by the VA as far back as 2016. The letters
come as many veterans are facing new debts related to work
interruptions and other financial problems due to the ongoing
coronavirus pandemic. However, processing of the claims is
likely to take several months and may be stalled further by
ongoing legal appeals. FRA
16 FRAtoday /// June 2020I SERVED FOR Honor At USAA, the same values that guide our military inspire us to go above and beyond for our members. When you join USAA, you’ll be part of an organization where we have everything you need to make your membership a lifelong bond. JOIN USAA TODAY. CALL 877-FRA-USAA (372-8722) OR VISIT USAA.COM/FRA USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Use of the term “member” or “membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. To join USAA, separated military personnel must have received a discharge type of “Honorable.” Eligible former dependents of USAA members may join USAA. No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement. Fleet Reserve Association receives financial support from USAA for this sponsorship. © 2020 USAA. 257612-0120-FRA
FEATURE
The 8-inch/55-mm guns of Turret 3 on the USS SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25). Notice the heat scale on the tubes from extensive firing
during the action at Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands in March of 1943. If you look closely, you can see snow flakes falling.
Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
18 FRAtoday /// June 2020FEATURE
The
Forgotten
Battles of
Attu & Kiska
1943’s Bloody Fights to
Retake Japanese-Occupied
American Soil.
By Mike Moran
F
rom June 6-7, 1942 — just months after the attack on Pearl Harbor — a
naval task force of the Japanese 5th Fleet seized the remote American
islands of Attu and Kiska, 1,700 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, in
the Aleutian Islands. Led by two Imperial aircraft carriers and escorted by heavy
and light cruisers, destroyers, submarines, seaplane tenders and support vessels, the
Japanese operation quickly overwhelmed the Alaskan Sea Frontier forces, which
consisted of two antiquated destroyers, three Coast Guard cutters, a gunboat and
several converted fishing boats.
Japan immediately began to consolidate its position on Attu, establishing
fortifications, constructing an airfield, and camouflaging barracks and supply
positions. Japanese forces also began supplying troops to hold their strategic
positions on both islands. They would be the only U.S. soil Japan would claim
during the war in the Pacific.
The invasions were part of the combined campaign known in Japan as the
Midway-Aleutian Plan. The Aleutian prong of the strategy was intended to divide
the American Navy among two fronts. The primary objective of the campaign
FRAtoday /// June 2020 19FEATURE
The USS PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38) fires its 14-inch main battery guns at Japanese installations in the Holtz Bay area of Attu on May
11, 1943. Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
was Midway, which Japan intended to capture while ambitious Central Pacific push and rendered their
destroying the remaining American Pacific Fleet. success in the Northern Pacific strategically irrelevant.
What Japan’s intentions were for the Aleutian On the American homefront, Midway also
campaign after the capture of Midway remains garnered most of the newspapers’ attention, providing
unclear. The Aleutians were poorly defended outposts a much-needed boost to morale. Still, on the
that presented a clear route for an invasion of Alaska, interior pages and in smaller typeset, The Associated
Canada and America. The islands also served as Press reported the Japanese consolidation of their
key observation posts in the strategic defense of the positions on the two U.S. islands. Stories carried
Japanese homeland and gave Japan control of the announcements from Japanese Imperial headquarters
sea-lanes across the Northern Pacific. Adm. Isoroku that the island of Attu was henceforth to be known as
Yamamoto’s simultaneous operation at Midway was Atsuta and Kiska as Narukami.
intended to secure control of the Central Pacific.
Taking Attu Back
The Forgotten Battle In June 1942, U.S. forces in the Pacific were in no
The Aleutians’ combat is today overshadowed by the position to launch an immediate counteroffensive. On
far larger conflict that took place at Midway, in no the heels of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor
small part due to the fact that the Battle of Midway and the string of Japanese successes across the Pacific
represented one of the most stunning American theater, the U.S. took months to leverage its industrial
victories in the history of naval warfare. The capacity to establish, reorganize and modernize its
decimation of the Japanese fleet both ended Japan’s forces.
20 FRAtoday /// June 2020You can also read
