JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The American Military Retirees Association held its first meeting at the Charleston Club here to gain support for establishing a new South Carolina chapter Feb. 20.
The focus of the meeting was to provide information to attendees on the mission of the AMRA, its history and impact. Attendees were offered an opportunity to sign as members in support of establishing the new state chapter as well.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 6 at 3 p.m. in the Charleston Club and will offer attendees the opportunity to sign the chapter's charter. In order to complete the charter, a minimum of 20 people must sign in support of creating the new chapter. The meeting will also welcome new members, any interested in becoming members and provide supporting information on retiree concerns.
AMRA traditionally includes support for retirees, medically retired service members, surviving spouses and the disabled through insurance benefits and special credits for local services. The AMRA also provides scholarship incentives and encourages students toward success through their Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps recognition program.
"We have two main objectives in AMRA," said Kenneth Anderson, former AMRA national president. "We support the welfare of the United States and the welfare of military retirees. People forget that although there are many veterans, not all veterans are retirees."
During the meeting, Mr. Anderson gave opening remarks before turning the floor over to Catherine La Valle, the current AMRA national president.
"Other organizations have focuses that include retirees, but what sets us apart is that we advocate specifically for our retirees," said Ms. La Valle. "What we're hoping to do is start a chapter here in S.C.
"What will it do?" she added. "It will give you a voice - not just in the chapter, but in South Carolina."
Ms. La Valle is an Air Force retiree who said she understands that with so many veterans' organizations one can be a part of, it is important to choose one which advocates for the things which matter most to a person.
One direct benefit of membership in the AMRA, said AMRA member and retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert Klowas, is the TRICARE supplemental insurance benefit he was able to receive for his wife.
"There was a promotion for the TRICARE supplement package, and part of it was being a member," he said.
TRICARE supplemental insurance helps with the cost of medical expenses by paying after TRICARE pays its portion of the bill, reimbursing the insured member for out-of-pocket medical expenses paid to civilian providers based on the plan's policies.
Other attendees expressed feelings of wanting the sense of community a retiree organization would provide, such as Cheryl Baker and her husband, retired Army Master Sgt. William Baker.
"I saw the event was happening from the newspaper and wanted to get involved," she said. "I want to feel like I belong again ... it's worthwhile and I wanted to be a part of it," Mrs. Baker said.
Another attendee simply thought it was a good idea to have an active organization for retirees that was in close proximity.
"For me the closest [Veterans of Foreign Wars] is down Dorchestor [Road]. I don't even know if it's functioning," said retired Tech. Sgt. Al Ciccarelli. "It would be good to have a group specifically for retirees."
The AMRA was established in 1973 and currently has chapters in Florida, New York and Texas, said AMRAs former president.
"We hope South Carolina will be next," said Mr. Anderson.
For more information on the AMRA, call Kenneth Anderson at 884-5526 or visit the AMRA Web site at www.amra1973.org.