chaptersinaction Chapter Achievements

From the Field: Maryland Council of Chapters Members of the Maryland Council of Chapters (www.mdmoaa.org) and Maryland Retired Veterans Task Force helped pass state legis- lation that will provide tax breaks for retired servicemembers and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) re- cipients who are 65 and older. The legislation, which takes effect this year, raises the state income tax ex- emption from $5,000 to $10,000 for SBP payments and servicemembers’ retired pay.

Council members will resume

their advocacy efforts in 2016, as they work to extend the state income tax exemption to all servicemembers drawing retired pay and SBP recipi- ents, regardless of age.

Central PA Chapter National MOAA President Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN (Ret), presented a charter June 19 to members of the new Central PA Chapter. The 36-member chapter is based in State College but serves MOAA members throughout cen- tral Pennsylvania.

Chapter members will support

projects and programs that help area veterans. This fall, members will take part in a fundraiser to build a home for a local veteran and will support activities and events during Pennsylvania State Univer- sity’s Military Appreciation Week. To join, contact Central PA Chapter President Col. Vincent Te- desco Jr., USA (Ret), at vintedesco @me.com.

Fort Leonard Wood (Mo.) Chapter Members of the Fort Leonard Wood Chapter (www.moaa.org/chapter/ fortleonardwood) support students who have ties to the military. Chap- ter members work with two ROTC units and one Junior ROTC unit and fund their own scholarship program. The scholarship program encom- passes 37 area high schools and assists students of veterans or servicemem- bers. This spring, Emilee Vaught from Climax Springs, Mo., and Courtney Smith from Cabool, Mo., each re- ceived a $500 chapter scholarship. The Fort Leonard Wood Chap- ter meets at noon on the second Wednesday of each month at the Piney Valley Golf Course at Fort Leonard Wood.

(above) Richmond (Va.) Area Chap- ter President Col. Alan Cunningham, USAR (Ret), right, hands Virginia National Guard Foundation Ex- ecutive Director Col. Persse “Bud” Deverell III, USA (Ret), a $1,000 donation. (left) MOAA President Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN (Ret), left, presents the Central PA Chapter charter.

44 MILITARY OFFICER SEPTEMBER 2015

Richmond (Va.) Area Chapter Members of the Richmond Area Chapter (www.racmoaa.org) support National Guard fami- lies. Chapter President Col. Alan Cunningham, USAR (Ret), recently presented a check for $1,000 to Col. Persse “Bud” Deverell III, USA (Ret), executive director of the Vir- ginia National Guard Foundation and a member of the chapter. The foundation assists National Guard members and their families in times of need.

The chapter’s Military Com- munity Assistance Program, which is funded by members’ donations, financed the contribution.

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.