rapidfire

MOAA SEEKS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT AND CEO MOAA invites eligible candidates to apply for the posi- tion of association president and chief executive officer. Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN (Ret), who has served as president and CEO since September 2002, has announced he will transition in January 2016. The president, under the general direction and guid-

ance of the board of directors, leads and manages a 90-person civilian staff in the areas of legislative advoca- cy, program development and delivery, membership and marketing, financial and human resource management, fundraising, technology, and communications. The presi- dent also serves as an officer of the association’s three subsidiaries and is the association’s chief spokesperson. Candidates must have experience developing a strate- gic vision with the demonstrated ability to translate that vision into a comprehensive, integrated plan with mea- surable outcomes. Proven leadership, initiative, and su- perior legislative acumen are essential. Applicants either must be MOAA members or be eligible to join. A special committee of the board of directors will rec- ommend a final candidate to the board in October. To apply: Email cover letter, résumé, biography, and

three letters of reference by July 31 to resumes@moaa .org. Specify “MOAA President Search Committee” in the subject line. For further information, call (800) 234- 6622, ext. 531. This is an exempt, full-time position. MOAA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

MOAA OFFERS VISION BENEFIT MOAA now is offering a new member benefit: a vision insurance plan* through MetLife. MetLife has a large network of participat- ing providers, and the plan offers savings on eye exams and glasses or contact lenses. MOAA members can get more information from the MOAA Insur- ance Plans administra- tor by calling (800) 247-2192, emailing moaa.service@mercer .com, or visiting www. moaainsurance.com.

A Team Approach J

eremiah Fountain’s health was too poor to run, so the former Army specialist was last to cross the finish line at his first race. But a crowd was there

to celebrate anyway. “There’s no better way to put it,” Fountain says, “a flock of eagles was there to cheer me on.” The “eagles” were members of Team Red, White and

Blue (RWB), an organization with a mission to enrich the lives of veterans by connecting them through physical and social activity. (The team’s emblem features an eagle.) After separating from active duty to raise his son,

Fountain (holding flag, above) was looking forward to liv- ing life “on his own terms.” But mild post-traumatic stress and feelings of isolation led him to destructive habits. Less than one year out of the infantry, Fountain had gained 60 pounds and was diagnosed with diabetes. He knew he needed to change but was unable to take the first step. It was then that his wife, an active duty officer and

Team RWB member, convinced him to try a Team RWB breakfast social. “I couldn’t run, but I could eat waffles,” Fountain says. He felt an instant sense of support, accept- ed his free eagle shirt, and committed to his first race. Now a team leader who has completed plenty of races, including a half marathon, Fountain participates in and organizes events for civilians and veterans to support each other. As he trains, he carries the story of fallen he- roes to memorialize their lives and sacrifice. He credits Team RWB with rekindling a sense of mis- sion within him, and he wants veterans to know Team RWB meets veterans wherever they are in their lives. “Team RWB is a community,” Fountain said. “Come as

you are, hang out, be accepted, we’re here for you.” — Mandy Howard

*read more: Get details about the new MOAA vision insurance plan in “Focusing on You,” page 50. 24 MILITARY OFFICER JUNE 2015

PHOTOS: LEFT, SHUTTERSTOCK; ABOVE, COURTESY JEREMIAH FOUNTAIN