fromthechairman I Why We Serve
As one board class departs and another steps up, MOAA’s leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to fi nd solutions to the challenges facing the military community.
In December 1863, before attending an event to raise volunteers for the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln wrote, “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the fi eld, and serves as he best can the same … common good.” This great country has just come through a divisive election. We heard many promises; now it’s time for the new administration and the new Congress to work toward that same common good. I can attest MOAA will do its part, remaining steadfast in our commitment to help lawmakers fi nd ac- ceptable solutions to the challenges con- fronting our military community.
As I assume chairmanship of MOAA’s
board of directors*, I would like to pay trib- ute to the board members who have been “on point” during a diffi cult decade for ser- vicemembers and their families. Under my predecessor, Gen. Tony Robertson, USAF (Ret), MOAA fought sequestration and the disproportionate burden retirement reform would place on those who defend our freedoms and have given a lifetime of service and sacrifi ce for our great country. While 2016 was an important legislative year, 2017 likely will prove even more con- tentious. As former board Chair Gen. John H. Tilelli Jr., USA (Ret), said more than two years ago, “We have won some hard fi ghts, but the fi ght is far from over.” At press time, we still are waiting on Congress’ passage of the 2017 National
Defense Authorization Act. The current Budget Control Act expires in 2017, and without a new one, the return of sequestra- tion potentially could cut the next defense budget by $20 billion, creating pressure for force cuts, pay and allowance cutbacks, sig- nifi cant TRICARE fee increases, and more. Winning relief from sequestration will be MOAA’s top legislative priority for 2017. MOAA’s access and ability to infl uence
law and policy depend on our members and their engagement with local and na- tional leaders. Our system of councils and chapters plays a vital role in grassroots ad- vocacy. To that end, we must recognize the challenges of maintaining and growing our membership. I’m committed to providing more technology, communications, resourc- es, and recruiting support to our existing nationwide network of chapters and coun- cils. In addition, we will consider expanding our concept of virtual chapters based on shared professional interests and, equally important, create conditions that encourage those currently serving to join our ranks. I am both humbled and honored to
serve as your newest chair. The board of directors and I look forward to sustain- ing MOAA’s tradition of service. But more than ever, we will need your continued support and help — you can do that by liv- ing our motto, “never stop serving.”
— Gen. John J. Sheehan, USMC (Ret)
*online: Learn more about MOAA’s board of directors at
moaa.org/boardofdirectors. 8 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2017
PHOTO: MIKE MORONES
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