From the Editor

January 2009 NRA News

by Casey Coane National Executive Director

This month, the guest column features The Honorable Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. As the Administration will change on the 20th, it is entirely fitting to hear from the Secretary one more time. I can think of no other individual who has impacted our membership more over the years. First, as a junior flag officer (yes, there is such a thing), he actively sought the assignment as Chief of Naval Reserve. He followed that immensely successful tour with six years in this office as Executive Director of the Association; and, now, he completes six difficult war-time years as the voice of Reservists in the Department of Defense. Well done, Mr. Secretary. Fair Winds and Following Seas.

On the fourth of December, the Association hosted its third Holiday Reception on Capitol Hill. It was very well attended with VADM Debbink and a number of other flag officers, Active and Reserve, spending time with us. This year, we had over 50 Congressional staff join us as well. Such an event is like a round of golf – besides being fun, a lot of business gets done. See the photos on page 13.

By now, all of you should have seen the broadcast announcement about TRICARE Reserve Select fees. They have been significantly reduced. Why? Last year a GAO report said that DoD was overcharging Reservists and Guardsmen; and, now, the Department has reacted. But who was talking to the GAO and other Congressional offices? Your Association, that’s who!  I know that some of you worry that as AUSN we will forget these issues. That is not going to happen on my watch or Captain Puzon’s watch.

The other day, it occurred to me that I haven’t said much recently about our regular contributing columnists, Marian Cioe, Bill Emslie, Ralph Hensley, Tom McAtee, Ike Puzon, Steve Rogers, Mark Soss (see the tax tips on page 15), and, now, Dave Bradley. This group
has materially improved your magazine, and we frequently get e-mails because of the quality of their columns. Anyone who has written for a deadline knows that it isn’t easy. I tip my hat to all of them. They provide thoughtful, well-researched information. I see a lot of association magazines on a monthly basis, and I would put this group up against any of them when it comes to value for the printed word. BZ

It is time to register for our Spring Conference in Ft. Worth. President Hardy worked hard to get you a registration fee under $200! That was no easy task given the standards to which we are accustomed. Although the conference officially ends Saturday afternoon, Jim Harrington has arranged for a get-together that evening as many of you will be staying over until Sunday morning. We will be having a great barbecue at Riscky’s, located a block from the hotel. Dinner will be $25, tax and tip included, separate from your registration fee but please sign up when you register.

As always, enjoy the read.

Warm regards,

Casey Coane
National Executive Director