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or two-year university, college, or community college accredited with the American Council of Education. The cadet also must have at least a 3.0 academic high school GPA, with at least a 3.5 GPA in JROTC courses. All selection and vetting is done by the cadre, and then two to three chapter members give final approval. “Placing the selection on the cadre, with quick chapter approval, works very well,” Hiatt says. “About 99-plus percent actually enter college. In 14 years, only two applicants were denied and [sub- sequently] replaced.” Chapter members present the schol- arships at each JROTC program’s cadet recognition ceremony. Recipi- ents and their families are “thrilled, appreciative, and thankful,” Hiatt says. For chapters looking to start a scholarship program, Hiatt offers this advice: First, ensure chapter members are willing to support the program financially and adminis- tratively. Chapter members who are school alumni can help, he says. Next, establish a 501(c)3 for contri- butions, contact area ROTC/JROTC leadership, and then develop the award criteria, application, and process. Finally, have a chapter presenter at each award ceremony and take photos for the chapter newsletter, and then follow up with each cadre in three to four years to determine the status of the scholar- ship recipient. Hiatt says members of the Hawaii Aloha Chapter feel honored to do something to recognize students from their state. Chapter members have “benefited from our military service and retirement,” he says, “and many JROTC cadets represent the future leaders of our state and nation.”
PHOTO: SEAN SHANAHAN Play Your Part
With September’s arrival, the tempera- tures have cooled and football season has begun. Furthermore, many MOAA chapters will start to meet again. As many chapter members enjoyed a summer break, other chapter and council leaders were busy contacting and visiting their legislators and staff members during the August congressional recess. Communicating with elected officials to advocate for MOAA’s positions
on issues that affect the currently serving community and the veteran com- munity at large is an important mission. Each year, during the August recess, our council and chapter members reach out at the state level and visit each legislator at his or her respective home office. MOAA council and chapter legislative committee members lead efforts
to coordinate these visits. The legislative committee at both the council and chapter levels is comprised of individuals who monitor legislative develop- ments at the local, state, and federal levels of government. This committee plays a vital role in MOAA’s successful advocacy efforts, and its members keep chapter members informed, focused, and engaged. At the state level, the legislative chair and committee can follow
statewide legislative matters as they relate to veterans’ issues, such as taxes on military retired pay and support for military families. At the federal level, the legislative committee will liaise with the state council of chapters and with MOAA’s Government Relations depart- ment regarding state and national matters. (The Government Relations department provides time-sensitive communications through MOAA’s e-newsletters. Visit
www.moaa.org/email to sign up.) During my chapter visits, members oſten make suggestions regarding what I should tell the folks in Washington, D.C. I can’t help but smile, for each of us has the power to engage, call, visit, and educate elected officials on issues facing the veteran community. We are all advocates, and elected officials need to hear everyone’s voice. National MOAA’s goal is to have a legislative committee in every council and chapter. Considering less than 20 percent of our current elected officials in Congress have served in the military, they need to hear from their military and veteran constituents. Chapters and councils must strive to remain politi- cally nonpartisan. Chapter members and legislative committees continue to serve the country as well as the veteran community. In every election year, the choice is clear: Do you want to sit on the sidelines and complain, or do you want to become engaged in the pro- cess? Your local chapter and state council can use your support. I hope to see you in the future at a chapter meeting. — Col. Barry Wright, USA (Ret), director, Council and Chapter Affairs
SEPTEMBER 2016 MILITARY OFFICER 43
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