chapters in action
“I didn’t expect that level of support as a new member of the chapter,” says Addison. “It really enhanced my appreciation of MOAA, and it gave me an opportunity to talk about MOAA whenever I received a package.”
Addison says the packages boosted morale. Often, he used candy from the packages to give to local children to alleviate tension when his unit interacted with Afghan villagers. “[
Members of my chapter] know what it’s like to deploy,” says Addison. “And every time I would get a package, it reminded me I wasn’t alone.”
Packages from home
Many MOAA chapters run support-the-troops programs. The Military Officers Association of Sarasota (Fla.) Inc. members’ Support Our Troops (SOT) program is now in its 10th year.
“From 2004 through 2006, we were supporting between 4,000 and 5,000 soldiers and Marines in Iraq,” says Col. John O’Brien, USA (Ret), chapter president and SOT co-chair. “We received a letter from a Marine Corps colonel who stated, ‘We get more care packages from Sarasota, Fla., than any other city.’ ”
Capt. Don Cunningham, USCG (Ret), SOT co-chair, created a website (
www.supportourtroopsmoas.com) that lets patriots know what to send to the servicemembers, how to pack items, and where to send packages. How-to SOT kits also were distributed to churches, community organizations, Junior ROTC units, and individuals at patriotic events.
Co-chair Brig. Gen. James Hesson Sr., USA (Ret), expanded the program through his fundraising efforts — each package costs about $14 to mail — while Carol O’Brien improved logistics. Chapter members helped by packing comfort-care items to send. In the past 10 years, the chapter has shipped about 30,000 packages.
Help from HOT
In 2005, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Area Chapter started its Help Our Troops (HOT) program, which initially was chaired by Col. Roger Shields, USA (Ret), and his wife, Carolyn. Auxiliary member Anita Harrow, who took over in 2008, receives assistance from many other members and spouses, including Cmdr. William Bolin, USN (Ret); Joan Landers; Chris Lillich; Col. William Lofgren Jr., USAF (Ret); and Alice Neville, to name a few.
Chapter members donate many of the items shipped to the troops. Members also collect donated items from community groups and individuals. After members fill the care packages, Lt. Col. Larry Fernald, USAF (Ret), takes them to the post office for mailing.
Over the years, members have donated approximately $37,375 in cash to the HOT program and shipped more than 1,800 care packages, says Harrow. Servicemembers who receive a care package often send the chapter thank-you letters, cards, and emails, which are kept in a notebook and displayed at luncheon meetings.
“HOT will wind down as the troops continue to return home,” says Harrow. “The chapter is currently looking for another outreach effort that will support our military men and women when HOT ends.”
“From 2004 through 2006, we were supporting between 4,000 and 5,000 soldiers and Marines in Iraq.”
— Col. John O’Brien, USA (Ret), Support Our Troops co chair
A ton of support
The Mid-Missouri Chapter’s support-the-troops program began in January 2006. Initially, the 148-member chapter supported several deployed platoons from different states through the national Adopt a Platoon program (
www.adoptaplatoon.org). Members then contacted Missouri National Guard leaders, who connected them with deploying platoons from the Show Me State.
Since the program began, members have supported eight platoons and shipped more than a ton of comfort-care items ranging from powdered drink mixes to cold-weather gear, says board member and program chair Lt. Col. Tery Donelson, USAF (Ret). Initially members donated the items they shipped. Now members’ donations fund the program, with contributions exceeding $11,000 since 2006.
Prior to deployment, Donelson contacts the platoon and explains what MOAA is and the type of support chapter members will provide. Occasionally, platoon members will email special requests to the chapter. Members helped one platoon beat the heat by purchasing and shipping them a snow cone machine!
“A lot of our members have deployed,” says Donelson. “I think deep down, everyone in the chapter thinks this is a good cause because we’re helping our own.”
APRIL 2013 MILITARY OFFICER 41
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