chaptersinaction Our Next Leaders


MOAA chapters provide a range of support to Junior ROTC and ROTC programs, including recognizing outstanding cadets, providing scholarships, and contributing funds to local units.


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or many years, MOAA’s chapter system has been supporting the nation’s Ju-


nior ROTC (JROTC) and ROTC programs. More than 90 percent of MOAA’s chapters help these programs in some way, making an investment in the future leaders of America. This is a great way for our chapter members to connect with the youth of America and pass on their experience and wisdom. Often, JROTC and ROTC instruc-


tors are members of MOAA and their local chapter — a natural fit. These programs often provide color guard details to support chapter meetings and other functions, providing more opportunities for chapter members to interact with these young people. Every year, national MOAA pro- vides approximately 3,000 sets of JROTC and ROTC medals, certifi- cates, and presentation folders to chapters to award to the top JROTC and ROTC cadets and midshipmen in individual school programs in their areas. Chapter members at-


On the road: This month, Col. Lee Lange II, USMC-Ret., director of MOAA’s Council and Chapter Affairs Department, will visit members of the San Francisco and Santa Maria-Lompoc chapters in California. Go to MOAA Calendar, page 102, for the dates.


tend school award ceremonies and present these medals and certifi- cates on behalf of their chapter and national MOAA. It’s one more way the rest of America finds out who MOAA is. Many chapters go beyond award- ing medals to deserving young people. Some chapters also have established scholarship programs for JROTC students going on to col- lege and for ROTC students already in college. One generation is help- ing another generation — and the nation. For many chapters, this is very rewarding and satisfying work. These scholarships can be awarded in many ways, including inviting the students and their parents to a chapter meeting and recognizing them there.


Some chapters provide monetary support for JROTC and ROTC pro- grams to help them conduct their programs in a time when tight bud- gets are getting tighter. Sometimes chapter members even help JROTC and ROTC programs directly — perhaps by getting involved in drill competitions and providing awards or even providing judging support. The East Texas Chapter in


Huntsville has started an innovative program to match ROTC cadets at Sam Houston State University with chapter officers and give them a


*online: Visit www.moaa.org/chapters/locator to find a chapter near you. 44 MILITARY OFFICER SEPTEMBER 2011


leadership role at chapter meetings — and it’s been a great success. Preparing today’s youth for to-


morrow is one more way MOAA chapter members give back to their communities. Be a part of it by join- ing a chapter near you.


— Col. Lee Lange II, USMC-Ret. Director, Council and Chapter Affairs


Investing in


the Future Chapters support America’s next leaders.


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reater Dallas Chapter mem- bers support 51 Junior ROTC (JROTC) programs, including


three new units that began this school year. Every year, members travel to area high schools, where they present an MOAA medal and a certificate to the top cadet in each unit. “I presented an MOAA medal for


the first time last year,” says Lt. Col. David Schafer, USAF-Ret., chapter president. “It was an uplifting experi- ence because of the camaraderie and spirit of the kids in the unit. There’s no doubt in my mind that JROTC positively influences these kids.” Chapter members also award scholarships to college-bound ca-


PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT


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