rapidfire Annual Meeting G

en. John H. Tilelli Jr., USA (Ret), then-chair of MOAA’s board of directors, welcomed attendees to the association’s 2014 Annual Meeting of the

Membership Oct. 28. During his report, Tilelli discussed the strength of MOAA and the important role members play in the association’s advocacy efforts. “Your organiza- tion is the most active in this town or anywhere else in the U.S. supporting [the military community]. Because of you ... we have the largest representation. That gives us clout and leverage [on the Hill],” he said. He highlighted the four big issues MOAA must contin- ue to fight: the 1-percent pay raise, TRICARE fee increas- es, commissary cuts, and reductions to the basic allowance for housing benefit. MOAA President Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN

(Ret), presented the association’s 2014 scorecard, focusing on advocacy, membership, information and services, and councils and chapters. He thanked members for contact- ing Congress and lauded the growth of the association’s Transition Center and Spouse Program.

Community Heroes T

ilelli and Ryan also proudly presented that evening the MOAA Military Family National Service Award to former Sen. Elizabeth Dole and

several Community Heroes Awards to eight selfless groups and individuals who exemplify service to the wounded military and veterans’ populations. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., USMC, assistant commandant

of the Marine Corps, delivered the keynote address, draw- ing on U.S. history to illustrate America’s long and storied tradition of patriotism and democracy. “We’re still embarking on this noble experiment,”

Paxton said. “We’re here tonight to recognize those … out guarding the ramparts and keeping us free … those ... suf- fering grievous wounds — visible and invisible — and those who care for them.”

In her acceptance speech, Dole thanked MOAA and the “hidden heroes” who care for wounded servicemembers and veterans. She called for a holistic transformation in care for these populations. “[These awardees] all serve as an example to all of us about what each of us needs to do to become that super- power at home,” she said.

(from above) Former Sen. Elizabeth Dole, second from left, receives the inau- gural MOAA Military Family National Service Award. Gen. John H. Tilelli Jr., USA (Ret), then-chair of MOAA’s board of directors, presents a Commu- nity Heroes Award to military caregiver and wounded- warrior advocate Leah Hernandez, one of the night’s civilian awardees.

online: Read full coverage of the annual meeting and find awardee biographies at www.moaa.org/capitalevent. 30 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2015

PHOTOS: STEVE BARRETT

(above) Members of MOAA’s board of directors discuss the association’s important legislative and other suc- cesses in 2014 and lay the groundwork for the next board class. (left) MOAA members network with

military and spouse-friendly employers at the MOAA Ca- reer Fair, one of the signature events held in conjunction with the MOAA Annual Meeting of the Membership.