chaptersinaction Engaged Activists

Chapter members exert local and national influence, whether supporting Flag Day activities, running community-service projects, or bringing MOAA’s message to Capitol Hill.

E

ach year on June 14, Ameri- cans celebrate Flag Day by reflecting on the history of

our nation’s flag and the foundations of our country’s freedom. Many of our chapters will lead or participate in events within their communities to recognize Flag Day. Community events range from flag-raising cer- emonies to a Flag Day service. This year, the Sarasota (Fla.) Chapter will celebrate the history and the origin of our American flag with a musical pro- duction at the Sarasota National Cem- etery’s Patriot’s Plaza. If you are in the area, you might want to check it out. I salute all our chapters that are

working within their communities to bring attention to and commemorate the adoption of our flag 239 years ago. The same community involvement that has chapter members participat- ing in Flag Day events is what spells success for our April 15 Storming the Hill event, highlighted in the article “Successful Advocates” and in Washington Scene, page 34. We can only represent a small part of the many hours spent by our council and chapter leaders coordinating congres-

On the road: This month, Col. Barry Wright, USA (Ret), director, MOAA Coun- cil and Chapter Affairs, will make visits to North Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia. See MOAA Calendar, page 84, for dates.

sional visits prior to this one busy and successful day. Members back home in their districts do so much to ensure our legislative success. More often than not, our chap- ter members know the community leaders and elected officials who can make things happen. That’s why, when opportunities arise to support community-service projects such as the Community Blueprint program, the Flag Protocol Initiative, Opera- tion Helping Hand, or USO airport facilities, it is our chapter leaders and chapter members who connect and lead communities, rolling up their sleeves to make things happen. You cannot read the paper, listen

to the radio, watch television, or surf the Web without noticing the issues affecting the military — draw- downs, DoD budget cuts, pending changes to the commissary system, or the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Com- mission proposals to overhaul the retirement system and erode TRI- CARE benefits. There are too many proposed changes to list, but no category of our membership will be unaffected. These legislative fights mean our community involvement, whether in support of Flag Day or Storming the Hill, is crucial. Each spring, MOAA storms the Hill, but we need to stay involved in

44 MILITARY OFFICER JUNE 2015

legislative advocacy year-round. Our chapters can use your help to make a difference at both the local and na- tional levels. Your participation helps our voice stay strong and powerful. I hope to see you in the future at a chapter meeting.

— Col. Barry Wright, USA (Ret) Director, Council and Chapter Affairs

Successful

Advocates Leaders exchange ideas and lobby on Capitol Hill.

M

OAA leaders and their spouses from all 50 states gathered in Alex-

andria, Va., April 13-16 to learn more about national MOAA’s new initia- tives and exchange best practices and ideas during the 2015 Council Presi- dents’ Seminar. The seminar began with an icebreaker, which allowed council leaders and their spouses to mingle and exchange ideas. The next day, participants re-

viewed three key legislative issues they would advocate for on Capitol Hill: sustaining currently serving military pay and benefits, rejecting disproportional TRICARE fees and changes, and eliminating harmful se-

PHOTO: SEAN SHANAHAN