Possible Firearms Tour

________________________________________
From: Jim Bomford

While working on the campaign of Randy Johnson I was invited to tour a semi private firearms museum in Titusville at the Knights Armament Company. I asked the owner Reed Knight if he would do a tour for our guys if any wished to see it. I found it impressive as it contains automatic weapons and semi autos dating back to the early twentieth century from around the world. He said to ask you guys to see if there was an interest and he would see if he could set up a tour date for us and a small gun club headed by a friend of mine from Brevard.

If interested contact epwoods@cfl.rr.com

LEAA Wins Court Victory in San Fran for HR 218!

From John Villa:

As part of the Law Enforcement Alliance of Americas (LEAA) ongoing efforts to fight for the full and fair implementation of HR 218 National Concealed Carry for Cops we recently joined as a plaintiff in a lawsuit against a San Francisco handgun ban that would have made it illegal for off-duty and retired police officers living in San Francisco from carrying or even owning handguns for personal protection.

The San Fran Gun Ban would have made it illegal for San Francisco residents to own or possess handguns even going so far as to ban handguns for off duty or retired offices!

LEAA argued that this draconian measure which, amazingly would not have made it illegal for gang bangers from Oakland to possess handguns in San Francisco was a threat to public safety and contrary to the public interest of the state of California.

In the judges decision to overturn the San Fran Gun Ban the very first reason cited was the bans impact on the concealed carry and ownership of handguns by off-duty and retired police officers living in San Francisco.

LEAA fought for over a decade to pass National Concealed Carry for Cops. While we were thrilled with the passage of HR 218 in 2004, we knew the fight would continue as cities and states dragged their feet, and even attempted to outright block the full and fair implementation of this law.

Today, many retired officers, maybe even you too, have not been able to get their states or agencies to issue the required credentials and certification to allow this law to be in effect.

We are continuing to fight for full and fair implementation of HR 218 all across the country and we need your help to do so.

There are three things you can do right now to help:

1. Write Your Governor today and demand that they answer how they are implementing the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act.
2. Forward this email to friends in the law enforcement community
3. Make a special contribution to LEAA to help us continue our fight for the full and fair implementation of HR 218 - You can contribute online at:

http://www.leaa.org/contribute.html or call us toll-free at 800-766-8578

Were also interested in seeing any official correspondence from your states or law enforcement agencies that in any way obstruct the full and fair implementation of HR 218

You can fax documents to us at (703) 556-6485 attention: HR 218

The help of thousands of HR 218 supporters across the country enabled this life saving legislation to become law Your continued support will not be in vain, as we will not let up until HR 218 is in full effect in every state and jurisdiction.

Sincerely,
James J. Fotis
Executive Director
Law Enforcement Alliance of America
http://www.leaa.org/

The Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) is recognized by the United States Treasury Department as a non-profit organization under IRS Code Section 501 (c)(4).
Due to LEAAs legislative activities, contributions to LEAA are not tax-deductible as a donation or business expense. Dues and contributions are not refundable.

NEW NE BY-LAWS

The By-Laws committee has completed rewriting the new By-Laws. The committee was comprised of eight members. We will present it to the membership for discussion at the Aug 7 meeting in Palm Coast. Every member will be notified in a written notification of the new proposed By-Laws.

Fraternally,
Eddie

G H I Benefits Summary

From: NYFD

For those of you that have GHI coverage go to the link below

Ed,

The GHI Benefits is on our web page (bottom left side above the Guest Book) we also placed your Blog site under FD Links.

John Carino
http://www.fdnyfloridaretirees.com

Circle of Six "Quotes"

"Thank you letting me read this wonderful book. It was an incredible experience for me. Not only because I remember that day and that shameful way this terrible murder of Phil Cardillo was handled, but also as a writer who admired the emotional way the authors captured the events of that day. The pace was wonderful, the story moved "like a downtown A-train". Please pass along my sincere congratulations to Randy Jurgensen and Rob Cea. I remember April 14, 1972 as the most heartbreaking day in the history of the NYPD. And Circle of Six had my blood boiling again. This fantastic book puts you right there in the teaming riotous, Harlem streets, amist the chaos, anger, fear, betrayal, violence and death. Every cop should read this. Every American should read it. You won't believe what they did."

Ed Dee, Retired NYPD Lieutenant
Author The Con Man's Daughter

"Randy Jurgensen is the genuine article. He stands among some of the best detectives in the NYPD. The Mosque case of 1972 is the most famous case amongst the rank and file of the NYPD and Circle of Six holds no punches in relating the events leading up to the crime, the day of the crime, and the remarkable efforts of Jurgensen to solve the crime. This book is a must read for true crime fans and those interested in the history of NYC. I predict it will join the cannon of the great police stories and will become part of a nationwide curriculum of law enforcement for the purpose of teaching how to conduct an investigation."

Joe "Donnie Brasco" Pistone
F.B.I. Agent

"Randy Jurgensen's and Robert Cea's gripping account of the 1970s New York makes today's city streets seem quaint by comparison."

--Raymond W. Kelly, NYPD Police Commissioner

The Official Website of Randy Jurgensen:
http://www.randyjurgensen.com/index.html

H R 218 Info from FDLE--Q & A

Eddie and Lee,

Attached is the Latest Q&A from FDLE on implementing HR218. Looks like qualification started as of July 1, 2006. I’ve sent the PDF document to Jim Bomford for comments.

Thanks and hope to see you both at the next meeting. (Aug 7)

Mike Gotschall (NE Newest Member)

Information Regarding Florida's Efforts
To Implement H.R. 218

* H.R. 218 Q&A - 06/12/06 (pdf)


http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/HR218/concealed_firearms.html

Seventy-Five Officers Killed in First Half of 2006

TRAFFIC-RELATED FATALITIES ON THE RISE
July 21, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The number of police officers killed nationwide during the first half of 2006 increased by more than seven percent over the same period last year. Seventy-five federal, state, and local law enforcement officers were killed during the first six months of 2006, according to preliminary numbers recently released jointly by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and the Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS). This is an increase from the 70 officers who lost their lives during the same period in 2005.

California and New York were the deadliest states for law enforcement officers during the first half of the year, both with eight deaths. Florida had four law enforcement fatalities. Of the 75 officers killed in 2006, 30 were shot, 22 died in automobile accidents, 11 officers succumbed to job-related illnesses, five were struck by automobiles while outside of their own vehicles, four officers died in motorcycle accidents, two were killed in helicopter accidents, and one officer was killed in a bomb blast. Over the past 10 years (1996-2005), a total of 1,635 law enforcement officers across the nation were killed in the line of duty.

According to NLEOMF Chairman Craig W. Floyd, one of the most troubling trends is the growing number of officers killed in automobile crashes.

"The increase of law enforcement deaths in 2006 means that COPS will be reaching out to 75 more families who are going through the worst pain and heartache they have ever known," cited Jean Hill, National President of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS). "Concerns of Police Survivors understands the pain that families feel when losing their officer. The safety of all our officers is in the hands of every American and we all need to do whatever it takes to keep law enforcement families from becoming members of COPS."

http://www.nleomf.com/media/press/midyear_July2106.htm

Federal COLA Watch

In mid-July, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced the June 2006 monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is used to calculate the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for military retired pay, VA disability compensation, survivor annuities, and Social Security.

The CPI continued its upward trend, rising 0.2% in June - for a total of 3.1% growth so far this fiscal year.

No Free Credit Monitoring for Vets

Free credit monitoring for 26.5 veterans and military personnel whose personal information was stolen has been withdrawn, the Bush administration said Tuesday, because the laptop containing their data has been recovered.

He noted that the FBI had determined with a “high degree of confidence” that information stored on the stolen laptop and external drive were not accessed or compromised.

“On the basis of the FBI’s analysis, the administration has concluded that credit monitoring services and the associated funding will no longer be necessary,” Portman wrote. (Source: Associated Press)

VA Survivors Website

The Veterans Benefits Administration has created a “Survivors” Web site http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/(copy and paste) for spouses and dependents of military personnel who died on active duty and for the survivors and dependents of veterans who died after leaving the military. The Web site is organized into two broad categories – death in service and death after service. It provides visitors with information about a wide range of benefits for the surviving spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans and active-duty personnel. The site also has information from -- and links to -- other federal agencies and organizations that offer benefits and services to survivors and dependents plus online download of all forms needed to apply for benefits.

V A Scam

SCAM WARNING:

" We have noted increasing reports of veterans receiving email from the address abuse@vba.va.gov, asking them to check an account by clicking on a link. This email is a phishing scam, an attempt to gain personal information. The email address abuse@vba.va.gov is fake and the link in the email is to a web site in Asia.Please notify all users of this phishing scam and instruct them to delete this email if they receive it. DO NOT OPEN the email

Be very wary of anyone or any website that doesn't take you to the official VA website or to http://www.firstgov.gov/ when seeking information regarding the data theft."

Note: Please pass this on to all your veteran friends. We suspect this won't be the last instance of crooks trying to take advantage of the theft of the veterans' data.

VSF/COLA

FROM RSA CHEVRON: VSF/COLA

Although the Defined Benefit (VSF) and COLA have been discussed and explained many times in the past, there still seems to be some confusion. We will try to answer the frequent questions received.

1. When you are retired 10 years and attain the age of 55, OR retired years and attain the age of 62, you will receive COLA

2. Disabled retirees receive COLA after 5 years retired, NO age requirement.

3. Service retirees who are receiving the Defined Benefit (VSF)-when they become eligible for COLA, will have the COLA amount received each year deducted from their defined Benefit (VSF) payment.

4. In 2007, Service retirees who have reached the age of 62 will no longer have the COLA payments deducted from their Defined Benefit (VSF) payment.

That is: In December 2007, the Defined Benefit (VSF) will be set at $12,000 (less taxes). If you are 62 years of age, you will receive the FULL $12,000.00 (less taxes). You will also receive COLA throughout the year. If you turn 62 during 2007, COLA will be deducted from the Defined Benefit (VSF) payment for the period up to the month in which you turned 62. We hope that this will clear up any questions you may have.

Patsy Noto

Medicare Part B Premiums To Increase

Medicare Part B Premiums To Increase 11.2% in 2007 to Nearly $100 Per Month, Bush Administration Says

The elderly will face another double-digit rise in their Medicare premiums next year, resulting in monthly payments of nearly $100.

The monthly premiums for supplementary medical insurance will rise from $88.50 to at least $98.40, the Bush administration projected Tuesday. That's an 11.2 percent increase, and it's possible the amount will be slightly higher.

PICNIC

Today we held our first picnic in three years. We were overwhelmed by the number of members and their families that showed up. One-hundred and twenty-five (125) members and their families had a good time. Chairmen Jack Murray and Milt Williams should be proud of themselves as they worked hard all day.

Ed Aviles cooked all day, with no breaks and did wonders with the grille. Wally Fredericks also helped. John Briganti and Peter Barkhausen made our 50/50 very successful. We had six cash drawings and two other prizes.
The winners were: Gary Rosen, Barbara Gleason, Alvin Barrett, John Fatta and Rich Gander FDNY Central FL retirees, Chuck- Johnny B’s neighbor. Joan Fitzgerald and Joe Sanchez’s grandson Ryan won club shirts.

Sal Rosato held the attendance drawing: Gerry K---, Al Cunningham and Roy Peron won.

Joe Nero organized the Bocce games. Marie Rosato and Linda Woods were selling the club shirts. Jack Murray ordered new club golf shirts (light blue & light weight) and they went on sale today $18.00. The new shirts will also be available at our next meeting AUG 7 PALM COAST.

The chairmen have decided to do it again next year, but in a different month. We thank everyone that supported the picnic and all the workers that gave their time so we could enjoy ourselves.

MESSAGE FROM CHARLIE CRIST

Dear Eddie Woods -

On behalf of the Charlie Crist for Governor Campaign, I would like to thank you for inviting him to attend the NE-10-13 Picnic at James Holland Park Pavilion on July 15.

Charlie Crist greatly appreciates your kindness in extending this invitation. Unfortunately, it is not possible to add this commitment to his calendar. We hope that you will understand the limitations on his schedule and will continue to keep him in mind for future invitations.

If you have any questions or if we may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 850/656-9445.

Respectfully,

Katie Bohnett

Assistant Scheduler

Charlie Crist for Governor

KEN RICE

I RECEIVED A CALL FROM ARLENE RICE THURSDAY THAT KEN IS IN MAJESTIC OAKS REHAB, KNOX VILLAGE, 901 VETERANS MEMORIAL PWKY, ORANGE CITY. HE TOOK A BAD FALL SATURDAY. HIS LEGS HAVE BEEN GIVING OUT ON HIM LATELY. ARLENE SAID THAT HE WASN’T LUCID FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT HE IS NOW. JACK MURRAY WENT TO SEE HIM THURSDAY. I WENT FRIDAY AND WILL KEEP THE MEMBERS APPRISED OF KEN’s PROGRESS

Arlene said that this is only the second time he has been in a hospital in ninety-nine (99) years

YOU CAN CALL KEN AT 386-775-2008

He is in room 101, extension 172.

HE IS USUALLY IN REHAB IN THE MORNING.

Presidents Message

PLEASE HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

The June 5th meeting was well attended by our members and some spouses. It was our third annual pizza night. Our special guest speaker was Dr. Dorman, a GHI participating doctor, who answered all the members’ questions. The good doctor is also going to be a sponsor in the newsletter. You probably noticed that we doubled the number of our sponsors, over the last few months, thanks to Gary Rosen PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS.

HIPB: S-6397/A9722 - One year Health Insurance Protection Bill has been VETOED (Veto 218) June 21. The bill had been on the Governor’s desk since June 9. Please remember that Gov. Pataki has now vetoed HIPB FIVE TIMES. See inserts for Memorandum of Support and a Letter to all Members, from our National President, Tony Perrone. I was just speaking with Tony and he told me that the legislators are in session on June 23. They were supposed to wrap up yesterday. Tony has sent the legislators a message that now is the time to override Veto 218, since they unanimously supported the HIPB.

COLA: Alan Berkowitz, President, Broward 10-13 announced that the COLA increase effective Sept 30, 2006 will be $306.00 a year, based on the maximum of $18,000 pension.

PICNIC: Will be held on July 15. The last picnic was in 2003. We revived the picnic because more of our members expressed interest in attending. Jack Murray again has agreed to chair the event as he has done for many years. Milt Williams is co-chairing. We have had a good response. Cutoff date is July 5. I hope to see many of you and your family there.

NEW CLUB GOLF SHIRTS: Jack has placed an order for the new shirts. The shirt is similar to the old one except, color is light blue, with NYCPD on the right sleeve. We hope to have them available at the picnic.

NEW CLUB BANNER: Two members advised us that our last club banner was left at the last picnic. We will be ordering a new one the end of June.

300 CLUB: We have sold 46 tickets. 28 members are in the first draw. The National would have a second drawing if 200 more tickets were sold and it doesn’t look like they will reach that goal. That is why we haven’t been selling any more tickets. I will return your checks when I receive the final word. Thank you for your support.

We are looking into having a Night at the Races, in Daytona. We need to have 50 people to attend so we can get a Club discount. The cost would be $16.00 per person. It would include a Hot Dinner buffet, admission, taxes and gratuities and a full service poker room. Please contact Gary Rosen if interested. @ 386-586-0290

I will be attending the National Convention, Friar Tuck Resort, Catskill, NY, from July 28-30. If anyone would like any information, in regards to attending, please call me.

THERE WILL BE NO NEWSLETTER IN AUG. THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE VFW, PALM COAST ON AUGUST 7

THE OPINIONS AND STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE THE SOLE OPINIONS OF THE 10-13 CLUB OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA, INC.

Our First 10-13 Blog Posting

This is the start of a whole new way of communicating important information to our NorthEast Florida 10-13 members. We also will be mailing the newsletter for those who do not have computer access.

We are a fraternal as well as a social organization of retired New York City Police Department officers, who in retirement continue to seek meaningful retirement benefits for all those concerned and their families.

In the weeks and months to come we will continually be up-dating this site with information vital to your retirement.