26 November 2007
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am genuinely honored to be elected the President of the South Carolina Council of Chapters. MOAA is the premier organization representing both retired military, and many times overlooked, the active duty force as well. I have no doubt that MOAASC will continue to be at the forefront of these two objectives.
You will find that I am a communicator, and believe firmly that everyone in the chain needs to know what’s going on. I tend to concentrate on email, so please let me know if that is not the best way for you. And - please feel completely free, if not obligated, to return comments, critical or otherwise, or call whenever an issue is at hand. Your concerns will be heard.
We have two major issues carried over. The first is to resolve the problem the State has encountered with the TriCare Supplement support of so many of our members. If you are unfamiliar with it, the November MOAA magazine has an excellent article on page 34. Our initial attempt to correct the problem was with the Governor and Budget and Control Board level, and it met a stone wall. The alternate approach will be bottom-up through the legislature and we have a few people working on it. We will keep you advised of the progress and welcome participation from your Chapters.
The second issue is to convince the State Legislature that all military retired pay should be exempt from state income tax. Fifteen states exempt retired pay in one form or another, and 10 states have no income tax. This will be an uphill battle taking several years, however, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. I am corresponding with several other state Councils to see if we can utilize their successful approach. If you have anyone in your Chapter with expertise in this area, I would welcome their input and participation.
Former President, Stan Schaetzle, has volunteered to pursue how the Council can support Chapters in their ROTC/JROTC awards program. We’re not sure what format that will take at the moment, but will keep you advised and request comment.
The possibility of a SC State
MOAA Convention has been discussed for several years. There has been general acceptance of the idea,
but little progress in the planning. It
appears to me that there are only a few chapter-areas that could reasonably
support a convention - the coastal areas,
Since we are in the season of leadership change, I ask that you check your Chapter rosters, both SC and MOAA, to be sure they are up to date. Jim Young is ready and willing to help you if needed.
Finally, if I am not on your mailing list for your bulletin and/or meeting notification, please include me. I would welcome the opportunity to attend one of your meetings.
Sincerely,
John Allen
President, MOAA-SC
Seneca SC 29678
(864) 653-7492