DFAS Monthly Retiree Newsletter
Click Here for Extended Interview: Air Force officer shot down in Iran on surviving behind enemy lines
Former Cape Canaveral Chapter President Colonel Stephen (Steve) J. Bond, USA (Ret.), has been elected to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) National Board of Directors for a six-year term. He will be inducted onto the board at MOAA’s annual meeting on October 22 nd in Alexandria, Virginia. MOAA is the nation’s largest military officer association representing more than 350,000 active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, and former officers and surviving spouses from all eight uniformed services. As a member of MOAA’s national governing body, Bond will help direct the strategic governance and oversight in support of the association’s mission, and shape strategies to strengthen our national defense, protect earned benefits of all veterans, and enhance the value MOAA provides to its members and their families. A MOAA member for more than 25 years, Bond has held numerous leadership positions at the chapter and state levels. With the Cape Canaveral Chapter--MOAA’s largest--he has served in leadership roles including as President, Speakers Bureau Chair, Army Liaison, and editor of the chapter’s bi-weekly Five Things e-newsletter. He is also a recipient of the Chapter’s most prestigious award, the Distinguished Service Award. He is currently the Immediate Past President and State Membership Chair for the MOAA Florida Council of Chapters. As Council President, he led Florida’s 36 chapters and more than 30,000 MOAA members in the state. A 29-year U.S. Army veteran, Bond served as an Infantry and Military Intelligence officer in Airborne, Infantry, Intelligence, and Special Operations assignments throughout the United States and overseas in Italy, Germany, and Japan. His military service included participation in Operations Just Cause in Panama, Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, and Uphold Democracy in Haiti. He is a Master Parachutist, Ranger qualified, and a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. Following his military retirement, Bond served in the U.S. Government Senior Executive Service (SES) as a Transition Team Director in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2008-2009 and has also held senior management positions in the aerospace-defense industry and in other non-profit organizations. Bond’s election to the National Board is an honor for him personally and a reflection of the leadership and commitment of the Cape Canaveral Chapter. His experience at the chapter and state levels will provide an important perspective as he joins the MOAA’s national leadership and works to advance the organization’s mission on behalf of the uniformed services community. “Never Stop Serving” ®
Patriot Day is Friday, September 11 th , and communities throughout Brevard County will gather to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks 25 years ago on September 11 th , 2001, as well as the first responders, military members, families, and others affected by the attacks and the ensuing Global War on Terror. Several local commemorative events are planned: City of Rockledge Remembering 9/11 Ceremony — Thursday, September 10 th : The City of Rockledge will hold its “Remembering 9/11 Ceremony” from 6-8 PM at Rockledge City Hall, 1600 Huntington Lane. The ceremony will feature musical tributes, guest speakers, and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, military members, and families impacted by the attacks. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 321-221-7540. Brevard Veterans Memorial Center 25th Anniversary Commemoration — Friday, September 11 th : The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center (BVMC) will hold its 25 th Annual Commemoration of September 11 th , 2001, from 6-7:30 PM at the BVMC Amphitheater, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island. The event will remember those killed in the attacks, the first responders subsequently affected by occupational toxins, the patriots who went to war in defense of our nation, and the families who shared their sacrifice. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call 321-453-1776. Palm Bay Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony — Friday, September 11 th : A Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony will be held at 8:30 AM at Palm Bay City Hall, 120 Malabar Road, Palm Bay. The ceremony will honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the heroes who emerged on September 11 th , 2001. Guest speakers will share remarks and personal reflections on the events and their lasting impact. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call 321-952-3443. The Avenue Viera World Trade Center Memorial — Friday, September 11 th : The Avenue Viera invites the community to visit its 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial from 10 AM to 7 PM. The memorial, located across from AMC Theaters at 2261 Town Center Avenue in Melbourne, includes remnants of the World Trade Center. Visitors are invited to pay their respects to those lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Flowers and flags will be available for visitors to leave at the memorial or take home in memory of the fallen. For more information, call 321-634-5390. We encourage our members and the community to take an opportunity to honor those who were lost, remember the courage of those who responded, and recognize the service and sacrifice of the generations of Americans who followed.
Army Echoes is the U.S. Army's official newsletter for retired Soldiers, surviving spouses, and their families. It provides timely information on military retirement benefits, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) updates, TRICARE and Medicare changes, VA benefits, DFAS pay matters, legislative and policy changes, and other programs affecting the retired military community. Its purpose is to help retirees and survivors stay informed, maintain access to earned benefits, and remain connected to the Army family. CLICK HERE for the latest edition. Typical topics include: Retirement pay and COLA updates Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) information TRICARE and healthcare changes VA benefits and survivor programs Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) Military community news and resources Guidance for surviving spouses and families As of 2026, Army Echoes is transitioning to primarily digital distribution, with notifications sent through the retiree's DFAS myPay email account.
Dear BNOVLB Supporters, As we honor all veterans, including those who have no family members to support therm at their end of life, pleased to report there will be another Brevard No One Veteran Left Behind (BNOVLB) Service at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on 30 September 0900-1000 hours. This will be our fourth such service since 2023, following several years working with MIAP. Remember that CCNC supports five counties, so not all the honorees are from Brevard County. Special appreciation to Tom Fitzgerald and his caisson as well to Joye Eiker and Sara Breuilly for being our case managers and working with VA to confirm eligibility. Thanks so much to CCNC/NCA Director Cindy Van Bibber and her staff for their support and setting up this next service. The staff will also read the names of many veterans who had no family present when they were laid to rest in the past year. We all will also bear witness to their service. Thanks to the Cape Canaveral Ladies and the CCNC staff, they were not buried alone. Please consider volunteering for one of the positions below, or just attending as witnesses, as we make sure another 20 veterans and spouses receive the honors they deserve for their final resting place. Some of our veterans have been left on funeral home shelves for decades, but we can then confirm they were not forgotten: A. Urn Bearer B. Flag Bearer (for Veterans) C. Flower Bearer (For spouses/dependents) D. Parking Support E. Information and Sign In table F. Other Support Roles, including placing urns on caisson, etc. We hope to have several alternates for the roles above in case of illness, etc. We also hope to match our record high for a past service with 180 in attendance. It is a special event you will not forget. The service will take place at a Committal Shelter, likely No 2 on the east side of the admin building. Parking will be available with direction from CCNC Staff. Please arrive by 0830 to sign in, confirm roles, pick up white gloves, etc. To Volunteer for a Role above, email only LaRue Fleming and myself no later than 20 Sep. We can also answer questions you may have. Please DO NOT Respond ALL. LaRue Fleming < laruefleming1@yahoo.com > Donn Weaver < donnweaver2020@gmail.com > Please also spread the word to your veteran organizations and friends. Details are also included in the BVMC Vet Events Calendar sent out earlier this week. Hope you are all looking forward to the Fall and all the veteran related events it brings. Good that the BNOVLB Service will be one of them. Warm Regards, CPT Donn A. Weaver USA (Former) President, MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation BNOVLB Coordinator 757-871-6576
The MOAACC Scholarship Corporation proudly recognized its 2026 scholarship recipients during the annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon held on July 21 at Colony Hall, Indian River Colony Club. This year, twelve outstanding students were each awarded a $7,000 scholarship, representing a total investment of $84,000 in their continued education. The recipients were selected from 28 completed applications following a highly competitive and thoughtful review process. Nine of the twelve recipients attended the luncheon in person, accompanied by family members and friends. For the three recipients unable to attend, a parent or family representative proudly accepted the scholarship on their behalf. It was an inspiring event that provided members an opportunity to meet these exceptional young scholars, hear about their accomplishments, and congratulate them as they continue their academic journeys. Led by Vice Admiral Don Hagen, USN Retired, the awards ceremony was outstanding, as always. Special thanks are extended to Dan Levy, Brent Baysinger, Mike Yaeger, Arnold Lim, and the entire Scholarship Selection Committee and Scholarship Corporation team for their dedication and hard work in making another scholarship year such a tremendous success. During the luncheon, Sam Ginsburg was also recognized for his generous and sustained contributions to the MOAACC Scholarship Corporation over the past several years. Sam, thank you for all you have done—and continue to do—to support the education and future success of our military families. Since its founding in 1984, the MOAACC Scholarship Corporation has awarded more than $1.15 million in scholarships to 339 students attending 86 colleges and universities nationwide. This year’s luncheon was another proud example of MOAACC’s enduring commitment to service, education, and the next generation.
Call for Articles for the Intercom
:
By Jim DesJardin, LTC, USA (Ret), Chairman, MOAACC Student Affairs At our May luncheon, the MOAACC’s Student Affairs Committee had the honor of hosting and recognizing fourteen outstanding young men and women who have earned appointments to our nation’s Military Academies or received Senior ROTC scholarships. Their achievements reflect exceptional academic performance, leadership ability, physical fitness, and a strong commitment to serving our nation, their schools and their communities. These students exemplify the Scholar-Athlete-Leader (SAL) model emphasized by our Military Academies and Senior ROTC programs. Collectively, they have excelled in the classroom—many maintaining GPAs of 4.0 or higher—while also demonstrating athletic excellence through varsity sports participation, team captaincies, and individual athletic accomplishments. Most importantly, they have shown the character and leadership potential required for one of the most demanding and honorable professions in our nation: military service. The luncheon was well attended by community leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Rendell, members of the School Board, parents and friends of the honorees, and many MOAACC members. Each student received an MOAACC Certificate of Excellence and an MOAACC Challenge Coin. The presentations were made by Chapter President Rosa Reich, Superintendent Dr. Rendell, and Donn Weaver, President of Good Deeds. The following students were honored: Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School – Rylan Reyes, appointment to the United States Air Force Academy Eau Gallie High School – Thomas Good, appointment to the United States Air Force Academy; T’Mari Bowe, appointment to the United States Air Force Academy Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School – Preston Ratliff, Senior ROTC Scholarship to the University of Miami Melbourne Central Catholic High School – Joseph Colombo, appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point Merritt Island High School – Nathan Oglesby, Senior ROTC Scholarship to Auburn University; Garrett Hall, Senior ROTC Scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Haley Underwood, Senior ROTC Scholarship to Georgia Military College; Ryan Gregorie, Senior ROTC Scholarship to the University of South Florida Rockledge High School – Ausha Daniels, Senior ROTC Scholarship to Georgia Military College Satellite High School – Thor Kopenkoskey, appointment to the United States Air Force Academy Viera High School – Luke Rodgers, Senior Air Force ROTC Scholarship to Purdue University West Shore Jr./Sr. High School – Pleasant Lewis, Senior ROTC Scholarship to the University of South Florida; Jacob Fine, appointment to the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School These students are entering a profession pursued by fewer than one percent of their peers nationwide. Their accomplishments demonstrate what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to service. MOAACC proudly congratulates each of these future leaders and wishes them continued success as they begin their journeys of service to our nation.
By Jim DesJardin, LTC, USA (Ret),
Chairman, MOAACC Student Affairs
Gold Bars Earned: Seven Florida Tech Cadets Commissioned as Army Officers
MOAA’s signature legislative effort,
Advocacy in Action (AiA), once again highlighted the power of coordinated advocacy—with the Cape Canaveral Chapter at the forefront! This year, Florida combined in-person engagement on Capitol Hill with a strong statewide virtual network, proving effective advocacy is about amplifying voices everywhere.
Dav Chapter 32 members and their family are invited to gather at Melbourne Orlando International Airport (1 Air Terminal Parkway, Melbourne, FL) for the next Space Coast Honor Flight Welcome Home Celebration, where we come together to honor local veterans returning from their unforgettable day in Washington D.C. , visiting the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.
