Click on photo for a larger view		Click on photo for a larger view
National Council Meeting 2011

Fred's Place is proud to represent over 13,600 retirees at the 2011 Commandant's Coast Guard National Retiree Council Annual Meeting.

Much of our discussions centered on exactly how the Council can better serve the Coast Guard Retiree. We realize that a vast majority are satisfied and most likely have little to do with "the" Coast Guard. After all the monthly check is automatically deposited and all is well. However there are times that a small percentage have 'a problem' and need help or information.

In all probability you attended a TAPS or some other 'transition course' prior to retirement. Surely, you recall that upon reaching 65 your ID Card expires and you have to decide whether to elect Part B on your Medicare Plan, right? No one anticipates a divorce or death of a spouse and surely everyone recalls all the ins and outs of the Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP), right? I'm sure everyone follows the legislation in Congress and knows every new benefit due them by recent legislation - case in point - the new Blue Water Sailor's disability the VA now awards to those who qualify and served in Viet Nam. And surely you know when the time comes that you may require a 'caregiver' that caregiver will know all the benefits you are entitled to?

What I've touched on above are not little problems. Yes, I asked these questions with toungue in cheek but these situations can be emotional and fanicial disasters.

The Commandant's Coast Guard National Retiree Council stays abreast of the retiree's benefits and entitlements through our association with many Military Organizations, briefings by benefit providers, establishing a liaison with the other four Armed Force's Retiree organizations and at vast array of other resources. In fact, this year we added two new members to our Council. One representing the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and another representing the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA).

One of the Council's goals is to establish and maintain a reliable communications path to ALL Coast Guard Retirees. At present we are doing that via the Retirees Newsletter, our National Help Desk and our Local or Regional Retiree Councils. Plans and initiatives are being implemented to expand our outreach efforts even further. However, it is imperative that YOU, the Coast Guard Retiree also connect with us. Please contact and join your nearest Local Council. read the Retiree Newsletter and if there's not a Local Council near you - establish one!

The official Council report is now online and here's some photos taken that week. ~ Fred

What is the Commandant's Coast Guard National Retiree Council and what does it do? Commandant Instruction 1800.5F provides guidance for the Commandant of the Coast Guard National Retiree Council (CCGNRC) program, outlines council purposes and objectives, describes procedures for council formation, identifies funding and support responsibilities, and explains the relationship between the Coast Guard and the national and regional retiree councils.

Eligible Membership. U.S. Coast Guard Retirees, retired Civilian Employees and annuitants.

Join a Local Council. You are encouraged to seek out and join a local Council. Click here for a listing of Local Councils and their co-chairs.

No Local Council in your area? We have an easy-to-follow, Eight Step Guide to assist you in establishing a Local Retiree Council. The Guide provides tools and sample letters - it doesn't get any easier than this! Check it out!

Local Councils Needed - New England, St Louis & Where YOU ARE! We have a large retired population in the New England & St. Louis areas that should have representation at the National Council Meeting. If you are interested in establishing a Local Council in any of these areas, I urge you to review our EASY Eight Step Guide on how-to establish a Local Regional Council. It's so EASY, a Commander can do it! Hawaii Expansion - Our Hawaiian Local Council Seeks Expansion. The Hawaii Local Regional Council seeks to represent the entire Pacific Rim. Realizing a large retired community is localed within the Pacific Rim, the Hawaii Local Regional Council is reaching out to establish a large virtual Council. Are you living in the Pacific Rim and seeking up-to-date information pertaining to the retired community? Contact either CAPT Rod Schultz USCG (Ret) or BMCS Thomas R. Dutton, USCG, (Ret).

2011 National Retiree Council Meeting Report. The Commandant of the Coast Guard National Retiree Council (CCGNRC) held its tenth annual meeting in accordance with COMDTINST 1800.5E from 10 thru 13 May 2011 at Coast Guard Headquarters. Meeting Report

Can't find what you're looking for? We understand and have estiblished a Helpdesk to assist you.

• Headquarters Retiree Program Coordinator's Office. Email: nrhdesk@gmail.com Commercial: 202-475-5381 or toll free 866-664-6245.
• The Help Desk Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Click here
  
  

  Help Wanted - Poor Pay - Great Rewards Volunteers are needed for the Coast Guard’s National Retiree Council (NRC) Help Desk. The Help Desk serves as a resource for Coast Guard retirees and family members to get referrals or answers to questions about benefits and other matters of interest to retirees. Volunteers that stand the Help Desk “watch” are responsible for responding to telephone and e-mail inquiries. The watch is stood for one week, starting on Monday and ending on the following Sunday. It is not a “live” watch in the sense that the watchstander does not answer a telephone immediately, nor is the watchstander on line to perform a “chat” or instant messaging function. Instead, watchstanders are asked to periodically check the NRC Help Desk voicemail and e-mail accounts, to research answers to inquiries, and reply by phone or e-mail. Training with an experienced watchstander, along with resource materials, are available to all new volunteers. Serving as a NRC Help Desk volunteer will not take a lot of time, but it will allow you to help CG veterans and their families in need. For more information about volunteering, contact CAPT Bob Warakomsky (USCG, ret.) or LCDR David Du Pont (USCG, ret.).