KANSAS COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS

Frank E. Sisson, MAJ, USAF-Ret, President

The Kansas Council of Chapters held its last quarterly meeting at the Lawrence Country Club, Lawrence, Kansas, on Saturday, June 15, 2002. We talked briefly on the "Storming the Hill" event in Washington, DC, last April with emphasis on what we tried to accomplish with our legislators. These issues were getting the disability offset removed, getting the SBP offset adjusted and eventually removed, and closing the pay gap between active military and civilian pay. We believe we made an impact and that these issues will be addressed and hopefully come to pass in time.

Also at the President's Seminar, we learned about the new TROA Directors, and we were sorry to learn that Capt James Henry did not make it this time. It turns out that there are very few openings and many well- qualified applicants, and perhaps some political considerations that come into play. We encourage Capt Henry to reapply next time. We believe he deserves to be on the board!

We talked about revitalizing the Smoky Hill Chapter, which has been inactive for some time. MG Jack Strukel has taken the responsibility to lead the way for this chapter to get the effort underway. There is interest in Salina, and we need to find leaders there who will take the responsibility for leadership! A meeting is planned to take place in July, and we are hopeful to have a representative from National TROA there as well as a good attendance. The Council voted to support this effort with necessary funds. Further, CWO Dave Kennedy from the Sunflower Chapter volunteered to act as chapter newsletter editor for the time being!

 

All of the Chapters represented at the Council meeting have very impressive programs ongoing. It is gratifying to hear about the events and activities that are being promoted by these chapters. Most chapters are supporting JROTC and ROTC scholarships. Some chapters are involved in supporting events that involve veteran assistance events. We are proud of the Chapters involved in supporting these kinds of activity. Cheers for them!

Col Hollis Logan gave us a thorough legislative report. One key item was the status of the disability offset which is still being discussed in the House and Senate with little doubt that the bill will pass with perhaps some changes when the two legislative bodies get together to iron out differences.

Among other items discussed was the forthcoming vote to change the name of TROA to MOAA, Military Officers Association of America. TROA leadership is strongly endorsing this change in order to attract a larger group for membership. We need this to influence legislation for active and retired military personnel down the road. All of us need to cast our vote on this subject when it comes out in the August issue of "The Retired Officer Magazine."

All members from the Kansas Chapters are welcome to attend any council meeting. Please let us know if you have any subject you would like the Council to address. The Kansas Council of Chapters is the link between you, your Chapter and National TROA, and we are here to serve you.

Regards,

Frank                   

 

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