Editor: HT Linke, COL/USA (Ret)
June to Aug 2025
Greetings, I hope that you’re all enjoying what our region has to offer this summer with family and loved ones! I wanted to start off with recognizing that the California reƟred military community has reached a long sought after milestone when Governor Newsom signed into law state tax exemption on military retirement pay and Surviving Spouse Benefits.
For full details, download the latest newsletter below!
We are pleased to invite you to our August Luncheon hosted by the Miramar and San Diego Chapters on Thursday, August 7th at 11:30 AM at Admiral Baker Golf Course.
This special gathering will feature Colonel Rich Marindale, USAF (Ret.) as our guest speaker. Col. Marindale brings a fascinating and rare perspective on aerial combat and drone operations, making this luncheon an event you won’t want to miss.
A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and a University of Arizona ROTC graduate, Col. Marindale has flown:
In retirement, he took on a unique role as a civilian contract pilot flying the MQ-9 Reaper, a state-of-the-art remotely piloted vehicle (RPV or drone). During his presentation, he will compare and contrast his experiences piloting traditional fighter jets with remotely operated aircraft.
He will also share firsthand stories from deployments across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, providing insight into the evolving world of aerial warfare and the life of a modern drone pilot.
Editor: HT Linke, COL/USA (Ret)
April—May 2025
Greetings, members!
Greetings!! As we move into May & June, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued support and engagement with our chapter. Whether you’ve attended a luncheon, supported legislative outreach, or simply stayed connected through our newsleƩer, your involvement keeps
our mission strong.
For full details, download the latest newsletter below!
Editor: HT Linke, COL/USA (Ret)
February—March 2025
Greetings, members!
As we step into March, I’m excited to share my first message as Chapter President, reflecting on my background, vision for our chapter, and key initiatives for the year ahead. Additionally, we have important updates on legislative efforts to exempt military retirement pay and survivor benefits from California state taxes.
Next Chapter Meeting: April 3rd at 11:30 AM – Admiral Baker Golf Club
Guest Speaker: Steve – Update on legislative efforts for military tax exemptions
For full details, download the latest newsletter below!
This is the first invitation to our April luncheon, on Thursday, April 3rd at 11:30am at Adm Baker Golf Course.
Our guest speaker will Steve Cross of the USS Midway Museum Speakers Bureau. Steve will provide us with a little Work War II history with the topic of “The Early Carrier Raids leading up to the Doolittle Raid April 18, 1942.”
For 2025, the cost for our luncheons at Admiral Baker will be $30 per person. Please confirm your attendance and pay via the Zelle banking app to miramarchapter@gmail.com or using the attached reservation form with a check (made out to "Miramar Chapter, MOAA") mailed to Darryle Grimes NLT March 31st. Wes Schermann normally handles these duties but will be unavailable this month, please forward your RSVP’s, payments, etc. to Darryle.
We'll see you on April 3rd!
Thank you,
Gerard P. Cloutier, LtCol. USMCR (Ret)
President, Miramar Chapter, MOAA
This was the first invitation to our inaugural luncheon of 2025, which took place on Thursday, February 6, at 11:30 AM at Admiral Baker Golf Course.
A distinguished journalist, author, and USMC and USN veteran. She served on multiple overseas deployments, has worked as a TV reporter, and was a featured author at the 2024 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California.
Amy Forsythe has been at the ‘tip of the spear,’ armed with a camera and microphone as she covered combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Amy has served more than 30 years in uniform, on active duty and in the reserves, and continues to be a leader in the San Diego veteran community. She is highly sought after for her communications experience and media savvy.
Serving as a combat correspondent and later becoming a Navy Reserve Communications Officer has taken her to other overseas locations, including Romania, Poland, Germany, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Guam, and Palau, where she covered military exercises and operations.
In between overseas deployments, Amy worked as a TV reporter covering military and veteran topics in San Diego County. She is a proud graduate of Cal State San Marcos (2005) and the University of San Diego (2009) and has completed numerous courses at the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, MD.
Amy is the host of several multimedia projects, including the American Legion’s Be The One podcast, KOCT Today, and other programming that highlights community leaders in North San Diego County.
Major “MOAA National issues” (website):
http://www.moaa.org/Content/Take-Action/Top-Issues/Top-Issues.aspx
Continue to CHECK this NEWSLETTER, the CHAPTER WEBSITE, and MOAA WEBSITE for UPDATES on NATIONAL, CALIFORNIA, and LOCAL ISSUES
MOAA
For Ready Reference Contact Information, LINKS, Record Retrieval/Replacement, Service Retiree Publications, TRICARE, VA Organizations, Fact Sheets, Benefit Forms, U.S. Senate Directory, Representatives Directory, Committees, Military Lodge Information, Military Base Information, Crisis Lines, Toll Free Numbers for Contacting Information.. Website is listed on Page 1.
Acts under consideration that members should be contacting their Representatives about!!:
H.R. 1282/SB.344 The Major Richard Star Act
H.R. 1413 Arlington National Cemetery (ANC)
AB-2200 California Guaranteed Health Care
H.R. 2537/SB. 1823 BAH Restoration Act
H.R. 3232/SB.1588 Respect for Grieving Military Families Act
AB 1361 California 100% rated Veterans Real Estate Exemption Act
SB-871 Property taxation: homeowners/veterans/disabled veterans’ exemptions,
H.R. 4518: Veteran Caregiver Application and Appeals Reform (CARE)
Go to MOAA, VFW, DAV, and other Veterans Organization Legislative Sites and remain up-to-date on these and other bills, and contact your Representatives for support.
SB 73 Employment Policy: Voluntary Veteran’s preference
SB-82 Property taxes: Disabled Veteran’s exemption; eligibility letters
AB 718 VALVET Study of Mental Health among Women Veteran
AB 883 Expedite Application in Department of Defense Skill Bridge program
SB-3885: Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act.
H.R. 1815/SB-495: Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act
SB-726 Property taxation: exemption: disabled homeowners
SB-811 Teacher Credentialing: Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact
SCA-6 Property taxation: veterans exemption.
SJR-4 Veterans Health Care
H.R. 1277/SB. 596 Military Spouse Hiring Act
H.R. 1045/SB.956 TRICARE Young Adult
AB 988 Miles Hall Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Act
H.R. 542/SB-141: Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veteran and Caregivers Act
San Diego Military Advisory Council
409 Camino Del Rio S, Ste 302
San Diego, CA 92108-3507
SDMAC worked to support several bills. For additional information on current action on bills go to SDMAC website.
In San Diego County, veterans are encouraged to visit the VA Regional Office (8810 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego to complete their application and speak directly with representatives.
CALVET, Veteran Services:vetservices@calvet.ca.gov
CALVET Veterans Services. For those not receiving information from this organization, please go to their site, stay up to date on services provided. Major information is provided in their newsletters.CALVET will continue to assist veterans in transition to next stage in lives through education/training opportunities. Check CalTAP webpage for training opportunities, previously recorded webinars, and additional information.
Note from Darryle Grimes, President MOAA Miramar Chapter
(See Insert on November Newsletter)
Remembering the “Forgotten War”, HONORING VETERANS OF THE KOREAN WAR. Join us as we express our gratitude for our nations’ Korean War Veterans, their families, and those who still remain missing in action…the event that sparked the creation of the MT. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. No Cost Event – Open to the Public, Free Parking and Shuttle Service from the Mt Soledad Presbyterian Church and French American School.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2024 (11AM – 12PM) at the:
MT. SOLEDAD NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL
6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 384-2405
soledadmemorial.org/event/veterans-day-event/
Senator.Cabellero@Senate.ca.gov Chair of Senate Appropriations Committee
Senator.jones@senate.ca.gov Vice-Chair of Appropriations
Senator.atkins@senate.ca.gov Senate President pro Tempore
Mark.McKenzie@sen.ca.gov Senate Appropriations Staff Director
Anna.Velazquez@sen.ca.gov Senator Cabellero’s District Director
Robert.ingenito@sen.ca.gov Appropriations Committee Staff Member
GovPressOffice@gov.ca.gov Governor Press Office
Michael.Chen@asm.a.gov Senator Ramos’s Staff Member
breitenj@msn.com Jeffrey J. Breiten, 3rd Vice-President Legislative
Affairs,
All,
I would like to thank you for your support. AB46 died in the Appropriations Committee. Please reach out to your team, Chamber of Commerce who supported us on this bill. We send out Major Kudos to everyone, all of the various Chamber of Commerce throughout the state, PORAC (Peace Officers Research Association of California [one of the state’s largest police associations]), Members of Congress – (Representative Mike Levin, Representative Adam B. Schiff, and Representative Julia Brownley. It should be noted that our Members of Congress were not called out by name).
As we reflect on the positives, we should take note that somethings take time. Which is why we cannot stop now. We need to keep the momentum in motion. Expect another effort during the next legislative year.
On August 15, the California Senate Appropriations Committee did not vote on AB46, which means it died automatically. Thank you everyone for all your support. This was the first time we had 26 Co-Sponsors in support.
In Closing, as of 15 August 2024, California remains the only state in the country that fails to provide an exemption on military retirement. According to recent DoD data, California’s military retiree population continues to decline, and for an 11th straight year California’s military again declined.
Respectfully,
E. Fred Green, Jr.
Tel: (619) 787-2244
SAN DIEGO MILITARY ADVISORY COUNCIL (SDMAC) at admin@sdmac.org.
Mailing Address:
San Diego Military Advisory Council
409 Camino Del Rio S, Ste 302
San Diego, CA 92108-3507
SDMAC worked to support several bills. For additional information on current action on bills go to SDMAC website.
In San Diego County, veterans are encouraged to visit the VA Regional Office (8810 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego to complete their application and speak directly with representatives.
CALVET, Veteran Services:vetservices@calvet.ca.gov
CALVET Veterans Services. For those not receiving information from this organization, please go to their site, stay up to date on services provided. Major information is provided in their newsletters. CALVET will continue to assist veterans in transition to next stage in lives through education/training opportunities. Check CalTAP webpage for training opportunities, previously recorded webinars, and additional information
“This last year was eventful for Surviving Spouses with the SBP/DIC offset ending and several new bills being presented that will increase all DIC benefits. The link to support various bills is the MOAA’s Legislative Action Center. We must work harder to gain sponsorship for inclusion in the 2025 budget. If you have any questions about survivor issues, please let me know. There will be a reserved table for Surviving Spouses and guests at the FEBRUARY luncheon. Hope to see you there. Desirae
Every month there are considerable articles keeping Active Duty and Retired informed of what is happening. Those surviving spouses that do not have access to website, please have a member of your family or friend access it during the month, for important links to information and assistance (Editor). Desirae Smidt is the Surviving Spouse Liaison. She may be contacted at: d_smidt22@icloud.com.
Surviving Spouse 2024 Article from January MOAA National Newsletter
Surviving_spouse_2024.pdf
The following brochure is available by clicking on the following link. whyiraqmatters-eventflyerfinal-flag[10908].pdf
CHAPTER ACTIVITIES, NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES and MEMBER NOTES OF INTEREST
NOTICE: An announcement of MEMORY CARE RESOURCES FOR VETERANS is now posted on the Chapter Web Site under Veterans Benefits Page (New Paragraph 28). See website info on Page 1.
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS!: January 2025 is here. (Thank You to all who stepped up to fill the open Board Positions) Being a member of BOARD Of Directors/ Leadership is a very rewarding experience.
JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE
Fellow Chapter Members; If looking for employment, or know of a veteran needing help finding a job, know of job/position at your place of business, contact https://www.moaa.org and follow the menu for Transition Assistance, Placement, Job Board, or Advocacy. (Latest MOAA newsletter for information).
Another source of assistance is: NAVNET Resources Management. These areformer senior military leaders who transitioned to successful civilian careers and have a clear understanding of employer needs and job candidate search processes. NAVNET members have extensive technical/managerial expertise across a full spectrum of experience levels. NAVNET meets for breakfast on 3rd Friday at Admiral Baker Clubhouse located 2400 Admiral Baker Road, San Diego, CA, 92120 (From 0700 and ends by 0815 or so). For information on current job openings go to website: www.navnetresources.com.
(In addition to Page 1 Website Information)
MOAA Surviving Spouses and Friends (Private Group) – Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/581427115240904
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) – Facebook Link:
https://www.facebook.com/28446275521/posts/10159082027055522/?d=n
California State Issues: www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/.
DIC Surviving Spouses/DIC Increase Advocacy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/610245403387077.
Veterans Pension eligibility: https//www.va.gov/pension/eligibility.
CALVET, California Department of Veterans Affairs: vetservices@calvet.ca.gov. 1-800-741-8532 (Toll Free).
Passport Renewal: https://www.defense/gov/News/Nes-Stories/Article/Artyicle/2880945/dod-personnel-families-can-renew-passports-online/
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255.
MILITARY LEGISLATION ACTION ITEM
MOAA, Miramar Chapter Community Involvement/Veterans Assistance
Have you heard? The USS Midway Museum is always looking for Volunteers! Do you enjoy learning about and talking about military history? Do you have any military experience? Do you like meeting new people from all over the world? Do you have a language skill? Would you enjoy acting as a guest services “Ambassador”? Do you like telling or relating “sea stories”? Learning something new? Having a good time? Making new friends? Are you interested in or have experience in restoring aircraft? Have ship maintenance experience with corrosion control or painting? – Metal work? Welding? Do you remember the Marlinspike Steamship fancy knot work you once could do? Could you contribute 20 – Hours a month? The Midway Museum needs volunteers in all areas from Administrative Support, Safety, Docents, Aircraft Restoration, Ship Corrosion and Painting.
The museum has a fit for your interests and a need for your skills. Join the Midway Volunteers – which already includes a few chapter members from MOAA Chapters, including the MOAA Miramar Chapter at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station, MOAA Chapter San Diego, and MOAA Chapter Silver Strand, who come from diverse backgrounds.Midway’s volunteers include civilians with no military experience, and men and women veterans with enlisted and officer backgrounds, from all branches of the U.S. armed forces. Regardless of your physical limitations, if you have a talent and the motivation, Midway will work to accommodate you. Where can you act as if you were 26 – years old and get away with it? Sound interesting? Can you think of someone else who would be an easy fit? Want to learn more? Spread the word!!! Email Volunteer Office USS Midway Museum at volunteering@midway.org or Website: www.midway.org/volunteers or Call: (619) 398-8289. (NOTE: Miramar Chapter Members, Vice President, Editor, and other Members are volunteers on Midway, and may be contacted if need of some questions/answers about USS Midway Museum. Contact info is available from Editor or under CONTACT US on the Miramar Chapter website: moaa-miramarchapter.weebly.com). For Midway information go to Midway website: www.midway.org/contact or Tel: 619-544-9600.
Did you know you can also reserve overnight visits on USS Midway Museum?? Please see email below with link to reserve/schedule an overnight on board.
https://www.midway.org.education/snooze-crewz-overnight-adventure/#programs.
A view of the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War is available on the following site.
https://www.midway.org/exhibits-activitees/special-days/50th-anniversary-of-the-end-of-vietnam-war/
Next Luncheon (Also Annual TOYS for TOTS Drive), THURSDAY December 5, 2024 @ 11:30am Location: Admiral Baker Golf Course
Speaker: Heather Arbogast RN, as Program Manager will discuss the Women Veteran Program at VA San Diego, CA, Healthcare System.
Currently Women Veteran Program Manager for San Diego VA for last 2 years. Part of VA Team for 8 years. Been in Health Care field for over 20 years providing patient care, working in supervisory roles, program management, and as a Nursing Instructor.
A Veteran, served in Navy for 12 years as a Hospital Corpsman. Stationed in China Lake, CA; Chicago, IL; Guam; San Antonio, TX; and San Diego, CA. Had opportunity to participate in a WestPac Humanitarian Mission on the USNS Mercy in 2006. Left the Navy in 2011 and began Nursing School in San Diego, CA. Originally from Cleveland, OH, where my family reside.
Currently live in San Diego, CA with 15-year-old Daughter, 2 cats, 1 dog. Nursing background in Women's Health (passionate about). Honored for opportunity to serve our local San Diego Women Veterans!
"Miramar Quarterly Color Ceremony" - hosted by Headquarters 3rd MAW. The location is in front of flagpoles near 3rd MAW Headquarters. Color Ceremonies are now on a TBA status.
For reservations and further info call (858) 577-8990. CALLS MUST BE NO LATER THAN "ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE".
Sunday November 3: Daylight Savings Time Ends.
Tuesday November 5: Election Day.
Thursday November 7: Miramar Chapter BOD Meeting, Zoom at 6:00 PM.
Saturday November 9: Honoring Veterans of the Korean War Event.
Sunday November 10: U.S. Marine Corps Birthday.
Monday November 11: Veterans Day.
Thursday November 28: Chaplain Corps Birthday.
Thursday November 28: Thanksgiving Day.
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