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MOAA LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Phil Dyer, a Certified Financial Planner, is assigned to the MOAA staff as Deputy Director, Benefits Information and will be a regular contributor to this newsletter.

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MOAA Exchange - Your source for distinctive clothing and gifts

Summer clearance sale on MOAA men's and women's golf shirts for $18.20. Our Highland Bay golf shirt is made of 7 oz. ringspun combed cotton. The MOAA logo is embroidered on the left chest. Available in either navy blue or white.

Visit the MOAA Exchange online to see our unique line of merchandise or call 866-663-6622 to place an order.

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MOAA Holiday Card Program

The 2003 MOAA Holiday Card Collection is a perfect way to send greetings to your loved ones and help the children of military personnel receive the education they deserve at the same time. The 2003 Collection of Holiday Cards features distinctive designs by some of the best artists and photographers in the marketplace.

Each box holds 25 cards with envelopes and comes with FREE decorative holiday seals and customized return-address labels. Our quality cards are an excellent value and unconditionally guaranteed.

Why not take this opportunity to order now? Your purchase will help fund our important programs throughout the year. Visit our website at www. holidaycardcenter.org/freera3

Purchase 3 or more boxes by November 5th and you'll receive FREE shipping and handling.

MOAA VACATIONS

Top Ten Deals of the Week!

GREAT RATES - GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

1. Holland America ~ Oceanview staterooms for $399 including port charges!

2. Princess Fall 2003 Panama Canal "10-nights from $599, 15-nights from $899"

3. Princess Fall 2003 Caribbean "7-nights from $399, 10-nights from $599"

4. Royal Caribbean 2004 Balcony Sale ~ The BEST price on the BEST cabin

5. Radisson ~ 2-for-1 Savings! ~ $99 Singles Offer! ~ 3rd Person Free!

6. Freestyle Cruising on Sale ~ Christmas Caribbean, Western Europe & South America.

7. Celebrity Alaska ~ Inside Passage & Glacier Bay cruises for under $1000

8. Steep Savings at SuperClubs Breezes in the Bahamas ~ from $139

9. European River cruises with Brendan Tours

10. Europe cruises ~ Save 41% to 47& PLUS Companion FLIES FREE

All Cruise Prices include Port Charges!

Toll-Free: 1-800-211-5107

[Last Minute Addition]

Legislative Update for Friday, 31 Oct 2003:

Issue 1: Conferees Endorse TRICARE for Reserve Forces

     Backed by strong bi-partisan support in the Senate and against the vehement objection of the Administration, conferees negotiating the final outline of the $87 billion dollar Iraq Emergency Supplemental spending bill voted this week to allow uninsured members of the National Guard and Reserve to participate in TRICARE on a cost-share basis.

     The program funding covers only one year and it remains to be seen if the Defense Authorization conferees will roll up the initiative in the pending National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2004. MOAA strongly recommends this be done. The prospects for success, however, are dimmed by the Administration's threat of a defense bill veto if TRICARE expansion is permanently authorized.

     MOAA is particularly grateful to the champions of this initiative for their tireless support. Senators Tom Daschle (D-SD), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike DeWine (R-OH), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) deserve commendation for their commitment to this initiative. We feel confident that they will lead the charge to extend and improve upon this needed coverage for our nation's citizen-soldiers.

Issue 2: Senator Landrieu to Champion SBP Campaign

     In a meeting with VADM Norb Ryan, Jr. last week, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) agreed to be the Senate champion of MOAA's and The Military Coalition's (TMC) fight to increase the SBP benefit to 55 percent after age 62. Sen. Landrieu is a strong supporter of military members and their families and is the sponsor of S. 401 which would raise the SBP benefit to 55 percent.

     Letters to be sent to your Representatives and Senators can be found on the MOAA Web site at http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills.