chaptersinaction
Council of Chapters convention. In addition to organizing and promot- ing the event, she raised more than $12,000 by selling advertising for the convention brochure. She now chairs the chapter’s
Veterans in the Classroom program, which links schools with chapter members who teach students about the military and what it means to be a veteran. She also launched the Bits and Pieces e-newsletter, which is dis- tributed to Florida council and chapter leaders. In addition, she visits chapters with her husband and attends many MOAA signature events. Dottie’s contribu-
In fact, many chapters and coun- cils benefit from the volunteer ef- forts of members’ spouses. Some affiliates, such as the Pendleton (Calif.) Chapter, even have changed their chapter bylaws to allow spous- es to hold leadership positions. Paulette Aviles, wife of CWO2
Sgt. Robert Griffith,
MOAA spouse 1st
tions haven’t gone unnoticed. She re- ceived thank-you letters from national MOAA staff and members of its board of directors, a plaque for her work on the Florida Council of Chapters’ conven- tion, and MOAA’s President’s Award in recognition of her leadership and service. “MOAA protects my rights and my
future and those of my husband and family,” says Dottie. “MOAA works hard for me, so I try to work hard to help MOAA be successful.”
Ready to volunteer Dottie isn’t the only spouse in her chapter who works hard to help MOAA. Eileen Goulette, Carol Jonic, Gail Surico, Shirley Tribbie, and Jean Van House also tackle tasks ranging from running fundraisers to editing the monthly newsletter.
never misses the chance to educate the public about what MOAA does.
USA-Ret.,
Angel Aviles, USCG-Ret., is president of the Pendleton Chapter. Paulette’s involvement began in 2008 when Angel joined the chapter and served as president. Paulette, an accountant who runs a tax service business, also wanted to contribute, so she volunteered to straighten out the chapter’s financial records. After getting the chapter back on solid financial footing, members changed the bylaws so she could serve as treasurer. Earlier in 2012,
Paulette was appoint- ed chapter president. She also organizes the chapter’s biggest
fundraiser — the annual Marine Corps Ball that draws hundreds of people. “I respect the military and all
branches of it,” says Paulette. “So whatever I can do to assist and con- tribute, I’m honored to do it.” Paulette received thank-you notes and letters from leaders in both the Pendleton Chapter and the Califor- nia Council of Chapters. In 2011, she received MOAA’s President’s Award in recognition of her dedication and many contributions. Currently, Paulette is focused on
recruiting new members. She’s also keeping an eye on the finances so
the chapter can continue to make charitable contributions to the Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA and a Marine Corps Family Readiness Group, as well as award two $500 scholarships to Junior ROTC cadets.
Continuing service Many council and chapter leaders have met 1st Sgt. Robert Griffith, USA-Ret., who is married to Lt. Col. Lessie Griffith, USA-Ret., past president of the Louisiana Council of Chapters and program chair for the Pelican (La.) Chapter. Over the years, Robert has attended numerous MOAA signature events and council and chapter meetings. But most of the time, you’ll find him typing up meeting notes, sending emails for his wife, maintaining rosters for his chapter and the state council, and doing council paperwork. “I support my wife, and I support
officers,” says Robert. “It’s something I’ll always do.” For four years, Robert has led the
council’s scholarship program among the state’s nine MOAA chapters. The Griffiths also are officers in the Loui- siana Veterans Coalition. As the coali- tion’s secretary, treasurer, and public relations officer, Robert never misses a chance to educate the public about what MOAA does. In 2011, Robert received MOAA’s
President’s Award for his exceptional leadership and meritorious service. Like most servicemembers, however, he isn’t looking for accolades. He’s working to protect servicemembers’ earned entitlements and benefits. “When I talk about MOAA, it re- minds people the issues MOAA works on don’t just affect officers,” he says. “These issues directly affect me [and other enlisted servicemembers] too.”
N OVEMBER 2012 MILITARY OFFICER 47
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