SEPTEMBER 2001 TO SEPTEMBER 2002
"We are winning major battles, but the war isn't over.
Carry On With Grassroots Lobbying -- It Works!"
The 2001 convention was held in Las Vegas, NV, during the week of September 10, 2001. The following were elected, appointed to the Board of Directors:
President - Vince Niski
1st VP - David Washington
2nd VP - Patricia Gray
3rd VP - Preston Hale
Treasurer - Richard Brogan
Director - Larry Hund
Director - Floyd Quisenberry
Director - Pat Corbett
Director - LeRoy Riddell
Memorial Foundation - David Summarell
TSCL Chair - George Smith
VSO - C. D. Rice
VSO Advisor - Otho Lister
Parliamentarian - Michael O'Brien
Past National President - Fred Athans
Auxiliary President - Jan Jungemann
The day before Opening Ceremonies was the fateful 9-11-01 when Americans were attacked by terrorists. Most of the delegates were unable to attend the convention, and those that had arrived in Las Vegas, could not go home. The Board and the Past National Presidents called a meeting, and voted to continue the convention with those present.
Long time National Treasurer William "Bill" Evert passed away in October after a short illness. He had served as TREA's National Treasurer from 1990-2000.
Tricare-For-Life went into affect October 1, 2001. Under Tricare-For Life (TFL) Medicare eligible veterans who were enrolled in Medicare Part B, would would benefit, by being enrolled in Tricare, and the Tricare Pharmacy Program. Tricare became the second payer, after Medicare, thus eliminating the need for other health insurance.
President Vince Niski represented TREA in Washington DC at the Veterans Day Celebration.
Past National President Otho Lister (1983-86) passed away in November 2001. He also served as TREA's Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for several years.
TREA Auxilary celebrated their 30th Anniversary.
In February, TREA was forced to defend itself from an attack by a Representative from Wisconsin (Kleczka). He made statements maliciously attacking TREA and TSCL, and claiming many erroneous statements. He introduced a bill to pull our Federal Charter, because of activities he believed were tied to TSCL. After a full investigation, TSCL was not found guilty of any wrong doing.
In March, President Vince Niski testified before the Joint Veterans Affairs Committee in Washington DC. He spoke of our fight for Concurrent Receipt, Survivor Benefit Plan, and Former Spouse Protection Act. TREA also sponsored a Congressional Reception for all Senators and Representatives.
Chapter 24, joined National President Niski and his wife, Bev, and the Legislative staff, at the Memorial Day celebration at Arlington cemetery.
The Federal Long Term Health Care Insurance Program started July 1, 2002. Although not funded by the federal government, it did offer discounted premium rates for the insurance (as compared to private sector rates).
The Memorial Foundation gave out 40 scholarships for the 2001-2002 school year.
Four new chapters were chartered in 2002.