chapters in action
Chapter Achievements
From the Field:
Virginia Council of Chapters
Members of the Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC) traveled to Richmond, Va., to meet with their state legislators and advocate on six key issues affecting servicemembers and their families. Before their visit, VCOC leaders established a common legislative agenda with the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations and the Virginia Board of Veterans Services.
Sixty VCOC members and MOAA Deputy Director of Government Relations Col. Mike Hayden, USAF (Ret), took part in the annual legislative effort known as Storming the Hill, modeled after national MOAA’s annual Storming the Hill lobbying blitz. Members advocated on issues ranging from providing electronic return of absentee ballots by overseas voters to creating business incentives for employers hiring veterans.
Northwest Arkansas Military Officers Group
The Northwest Arkansas Military Officers Group assists veterans and their family members through its scholarship program. Recipients — all students at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville — were Carolyn Hollingsworth, Leslie McGaugh, Khanh Nguyen, and Martha Zepeda. Thomas and Shayla Bonner, who are married, shared a scholarship.
The scholarship program was established in 2009, with four applicants vying for one $500 scholarship. This year, 43 applicants vied for five $500 scholarships that are funded through members’ donations. Lt. Col. Jack King, USA (Ret), scholarship chair, delivered each scholarship and thanked recipients for their service and sacrifice.
Ark-La-Tex (La.) Chapter
During the Ark-La-Tex Chapter’s 2012 Letters to the Front contest, students produced 6,542 letters, cards, and drawings, which were mailed to deployed servicemembers. Lt. Col. George Finck, USAF (Ret), has chaired the program since its inception 13 years ago. In that time more than 60,000 letters, cards, and drawings have been delivered to military personnel.
Students in Bossier Parish, La., participate in the program, along with area Junior ROTC units and VFW Post 4588. Chapter members gave a small cash award and medallion to the student whose letter was judged as the best in each grade level.
MOA of Southwest Florida
Members of MOA of Southwest Florida (MOASWF) donated $2,500 to Fisher House at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in Florida. The chapter’s charitable contributions have increased in recent years, with members contributing to an annual fund drive that supports eight local Junior ROTC units.
Members raised a total of $6,400 in 2012 and divided it equally among area schools to expand programs for cadets. To encourage donations, chapter leaders established the MOASWF Charity Fund Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that will accept members’ tax-deductible contributions. Members plan to support many additional charities in 2013.
MO
— Contributors are Col. Barry Wright, USA (Ret), director, Council and Chapter Affairs; Col. Brian Anderson, USAF (Ret), deputy director; and Kris Ann Hegle. For submission information, see page 6.
42 MILITARY OFFICER APRIL 2013
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