Posted By Lt. Col. Layne (ROBO) R. Wroblewski, USAF (Ret.),
Friday, January 17, 2025
Colleagues,
The year 2024 has been a beacon of encouragement for our association. Our financial growth through December 7 stands at an impressive 11.9%. Top of the Hill revenue has not only met but exceeded our expectations, soaring from $475K last year to $634K through August—a remarkable 33% increase.
We steadfastly pursue an ambitious legislative agenda, and it was a privilege to meet with congressional offices such as House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL), Senate Armed Services Committee member Markwayne Mullin (OK), and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (WA).
In June, we conducted a transformative legislative advocacy day for the Public Health Service, where over 40 advocates engaged with congressional offices to discuss vital funding for the Ready Reserve Corps. The outcomes of these discussions filled us with hope for positive developments on the horizon.
This month, Maj. Gen. Peggy Wilmoth, USA (Retired), and I had the honor of having lunch at the Pentagon with Maj. Gen. Vanessa Dornhoefer, USAF, and SGM Stuart Coupe from the Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB). Our Legislation and Military Policy Director, Matthew Schwartzman, has been invited to speak to the board next month. Gen. Dornhoefer has graciously accepted an invitation to discuss further collaborations at the March Executive Committee (ExCom) meeting. She will highlight the importance of ROA's leadership role within CIOR, CIOMR, and UPORFA, as well as our partnership with the RFPB.
Moreover, our annual meeting in October saw the approval of ballot voting for conducting business and elections, paving the way for transformative decision-making. The ExCom has decided to hold elections and association business via national ballot at the 2025 annual meeting. Our leaders’ gathering is set for March 15-17, 2025, in person, followed by the annual meeting, October 17-19, 2025. Both meetings will be held at the ROA Minute Man Memorial Building in Washington, D.C.
Maj. Gen. Wilmoth has been chosen as the 84th National President, and since her election, we have been collaborating closely. Together, we are forging an ambitious agenda for the final nine months of my presidency, preparing for her transition. Dr. Wilmoth, Executive Dean and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of North Carolina School of Nursing, made history as the first nurse and first woman to command a medical brigade as a general officer. Her exceptional capabilities enrich our association, and I am privileged to work alongside her.
The National ExCom has been diligently meeting quarterly, dedicating 4 hours at each gathering to discussing our five-year strategic plan, Vision29. Strategic planning is essential as we define, create, and measure value for our association. We will continue to execute this plan with vigor, measuring our progress and adapting as needed. I am excited to release its logo and encourage you to visit our website and learn more.
I have also established the Governance Reform and Optimization Workgroup (GROW), comprised of influential leaders nationwide. Chaired by Lt. Col. Susan Lukas, USAF (Retired), this workgroup evaluates five core principles: corporate simplification, association expansion, leadership continuity, membership redefinition, and process implementation. This initiative represents a transformative shift in our governance structure and value proposition.
GROW has strict timelines and will present its recommendations at the leaders' meeting in March. I hope these proposals will empower the association to thrive in a transformative era for member organizations.
As I conclude this update, I am mindful of how important YOU, our members, are to our association. Thank you for your unwavering commitment. Please reach out to me anytime via call or email. On behalf of Brooke, Sophia, Zachary, and Zoey, may you look back on 2024 as one of your finest years and move forward into 2025 with even greater success.
Layne (ROBO) R. Wroblewski Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret.) 83rd National President Reserve Organization of America
Posted By Tony W. Joyner Chief, Strategic Outreach,
Monday, December 16, 2024
Action Required before January 1, 2025
Don't risk losing coverage - update your payment information today.
Unless you pay using military allotments, you must update your payment information to TriWest Healthcare Alliance before January 1, 2025, to maintain coverage.
If you live in six states that are currently in the East Region that will move to the West Region, you will be required to provide your payment information to TriWest Healthcare. Those states are:
Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Why This Is Happening
As TriWest becomes the new TRICARE West Region contractor on January 1, 2025, your existing payment arrangements with Health Net Federal Services will not transfer automatically.
Option 1: Set up automatic payments securely online. Select “New User? Sign up now” under the blue “Sign in” button, verify your email address, and complete the secure forms.
While your current provider may not be in the TriWest network, TriWest is actively expanding their provider network to ensure continued access to care. Visit the TriWest Provider Directory to find network providers in your area.
Contact 1-888-TRIWEST to:
Get help transitioning to a new provider if needed
Discuss any concerns about your healthcare coverage
Important Notes
Existing military allotment payments will transfer automatically
No payment will be charged by TriWest before January 1, 2025
Your coverage and benefits remain the same
Current referrals remain valid through June 30, 2025, or their expiration date, whichever comes first
Posted By Dept. of North Carolina, retired Col. Ihor “Iggi” W. Husar, U.S. Army,
Monday, December 16, 2024
On Dec. 13, 2024, the Department of North Carolina held its first annual Christmas luncheon at Doherty's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Cary, N.C.
Rear Adm. Paul T. Kayye was presented the ROA John R. Delafield Achievement Award by Department President Col. Ihor "Iggi" Husar.
The award citation was read by Department Secretary Lt. Col. Mike Moose, who also submitted the request for award to the ROA national awards committee.
ROA member, Mrs. Linda "Gay" Kayye, was presented a bouquet of one dozen roses as special recognition for supporting her husband in his military service over 42 years of marriage.
Long time Department member Col. Bob Gay, shared words of tribute and President Elect, retired Maj. Gen. Peggy Wilmoth, provided remarks.
Executive Committee member Cmdr. John Leonard, USCG, made remarks in his capacity as member of the ROA Department National Council.
Fourteen Department members attended the luncheon, organized by Department Treasurer Lt. Col. Tom Froneberger.
Photo caption: Rear Adm. Paul T. Kayye (above right) and his wife Linda "Gay" Kayye display the John R. Delafield Achievement Award, received by Kayye for his support for ROA. Congratulations on this well deserved award.
Posted By UnitedHealthcare | Sponsored,
Monday, November 25, 2024
Enroll in a Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) plan or make changes to your existing plan. Open season ends December 9, 2024.
Posted By ROA Department of Hawaii,
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Pictured above from left to right are Robert Imose, KWVA; Brian and Helen Wong, ROA; Sanford Ching, ROA; Charlotte and David De Witt, ROA; James McLoughlin, Punahou School; Luke McLoughlin, Holomua Elementary School; Shannon Vincent, ROA; George McLoughlin, Holomua Elementary School; and Walter Ozawa, ROA.
Members of the Department of Hawaii, in partnership with the Korean War Veterans Association and students from two local elementary schools, cleared trash and cleaned the surface of the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials on Oct. 20 in Honolulu as part of ROA's 22 Days of Service campaign. Click here for full project images and details.
Posted By TRICARE Public Affairs,
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Open season applies to you if you’re eligible for or enrolled in a TRICARE Primeplan, a TRICARE Selectplan, or the US Family Health Plan, but if you live in the future West Regionand pay monthly fees or premiums for your health plan by bank transfer or credit/debit card, you need to take action now to update your payment authorization with TriWest Healthcare Alliance, your new regional contractor.
What’s changing?
Big shifts are coming to TRICARE regions in the new year. Six states will move from the East Regionto the West Regionon Jan. 1, 2025:
• Arkansas
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• Wisconsin
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, here’s what you need to know:
• East Region: Humana Military will continue as your regional contractor.
• West Region: TriWest Healthcare Alliance will be the new regional contractor for the West Region, including the six states moving on Jan. 1, 2025.
Not sure which region you're in now? Check out the TRICARE Regionspage to find out.
Remember: TRICARE Open Season is the only time you can change your healthcare coverage. As described in the TRICARE Qualifying Life Events Fact Sheet, the only exception is if you experience a Qualifying Life Event, such as giving birth or getting married.
Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare for these important updates to your healthcare coverage.
Posted By Dir. of Operations Tremayne Criner,
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Yesterday, Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan, Assistant Commandant for Reserve Rear Adm. Tiffany Danko, and Reserve Organization of America (ROA) Director of Operations, Cmdr. Tremayne Criner, retired USN, had the privilege of recognizing the 2023 ROA Reserve National award recipients at the Senior Leadership Conference at Coast Guard Headquarters.
The Reserve National Awards recognize exceptional leadership, collaboration, and mission excellence within the Reserve community. They honor the outstanding performance of districts, units, and individuals in maintaining a skilled, ready reserve force, while highlighting the critical role of reservists in operational readiness, mission success, and fostering a culture of dedication and professional development.
Admiral Russell R. Waesche Award
Category 1: Fifth Coast Guard District
Category 2: Seventh Coast Guard District
Rear Admiral Bennett "Bud" Sparks Award
Category 1: Coast Guard Sector Honolulu
Category 2: Port Security Unit 309
Reserve Outstanding Junior Officer Award
LT Anthony Emanuele, Coast Guard Reserve Unit U.S. Northern Command
Reserve Outstanding Chief Warrant Officer of the Year CW4 Michael J. Novosel Award
Chief Warrant Officer Ramon Bernal, Port Security Unit 312
Posted By Retired Col. Judi Davenport, USAR,
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Pictured above from left to right are Gene Wilson and Col. Wilson, Lt. Col. Bill Grieve, Lt. Col. Mike Crawford, Lt. Col. Neal Whetsel, Col. John Mays, Capt. McBride, LTCRD Don Thomas, Capt. Bill Robinson Air Force, the longest enlisted POW in N. Vietnam for over seven years.
Members of the Dept. of Tennessee attended the East Tennessee Military Affairs Council's 40th Annual Veterans Appreciation and Awards Luncheon Nov. 12.
Awards were presented to outstanding enlisted personnel from 18 military units and to outstanding cadets from four ROTC units: University of Tennessee Knoxville Army & Air Force ROTC, Carson Newman Army ROTC, and East Tennessee State University Army ROTC.
Gen. Thomas Bussiere (AFGSC/CC) noted there has been a long-standing consensus that “...our nation requires a Triad for our national defense needs, as well as those of our Allies and partners...All three legs of the Triad—the air leg, the land leg [ICBMs] and the sea leg—all have very unique attributes... that contribute to national security and strategic deterrence,” he said. Bussiere explained that the “The Triad and the ICBMs are used every day…we have Airmen, defenders, operators and maintainers maintaining “the watch” of deterrence every day of every week.”
AFMC: The Air Force has completed critical design reviews for Collaborative Combat Aircraft produced by Anduril Industries and General Atomics, and both companies are on a path toward first flight that will allow the Air Force to establish initial operational capability by 2030. “Both industry teammates are on the path to get to first flight in a timeline that allows us to get operational capability by the end of the decade,” said Col. Timothy Helfrich (AFLCMC/WAC). “We are on track, if not ahead, in some areas.”
AFRC:
The 301st Fighter Wing in Texas became the first standalone Air Force Reserve F-35 wing recently. The wing is expected to receive the remaining 25 of the fleet, over the next 12-15 months. The 301st Fighter Wing is the first standalone Reserve unit to get the F-35—the Reserve’s 419th Fighter Wing at Hill uses the Active-Duty 388th Fighter Wing’s jets.
Chief Master Sgts. Seth Thomas, 931st ARW/CCC and Craig Webb 22nd AMXS/MXAA, oversee maintenance operations on 18 KC-135 and 24 KC-46 tankers, along with over 1,000 maintenance personnel. These Reserve Airmen described their day-to-day roles and how they handle difficulties in their tasks and those of their subordinates. “As a senior enlisted leader here with 25 years of experience, I try to relay that [wisdom] to the maintainers,” said Thomas. “I have to remember that I was there once, too, an 18-year-old straight out of high school.”
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On Dec. 13, 2024, the Department of North Carolina held its first annual Christmas luncheon at Doherty's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Cary, N.C. 
