chaptersinaction
tenant colonel — died while on active duty in 1973, opted to be recognized by her local chapter so her family and friends could attend. Smith says she takes pride in making sure surviving spouses have someone to turn to because the mili- tary community is like a family. “It’s a source of comfort because I’ve been through it,” she says. “And if I can’t help them, I know who to call to get the answers.”
Recruiting new talent MOAA’s Cape Canaveral (Fla.) Chap- ter has 136 new members thanks to a loyal group of recruiters there. It is the largest chapter in Florida, with more than 1,300 members. Forty-five members act as sponsors for new recruits, helping identify prospective members and following them through the entire recruit- ment process until they officially join the chapter. For that reason, it was named the
2016 Top Recruiting Chapter of the Year during the annual meeting. “Recruiting is the lifeblood of any
organization,” Robertson said. The Cape Canaveral Chapter “is very ac- tive across Patrick Air Force Base and the Brevard County area.” The chapter has a growing and
powerful presence in the community, he added. They boast an ambitious legislative team made up of chapter leaders and members who stay con- nected with their state senators, congressional representatives, and state legislators.
— Contributors are Col. Terri Coles, USA (Ret), director, Council and Chapter Affairs; Lt. Col. Clarence Counts, USA (Ret), deputy director; and Gina Harkins, senior staff writ- er. For submission information, see page 4.
50 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2017 A New Start
Happy New Year! We’ve heard it before: Change is the only constant. At MOAA Council and Chapter Affairs, we have undergone a few changes of our own as we head into 2017. This month marks the departure of the department’s director — our fearless leader, Col. Barry Wright, USA (Ret). Barry served the department for 10 years, first as deputy director, then as director. Much like his career as an “old infantryman” (as he likes to refer to himself), Barry led from the front while executing his most important mission: grow- ing and strengthening a nationwide network of enthusiastic councils and chapters. He successfully accomplished this mission with his trademark professionalism, skill, and passion and, most important, an undying commit- ment to the legions of council and chapter members he served. Barry has left an indelible mark with his long service to MOAA. After the 2013 launch of an innovative and successful chapter recruiting program, he went on to craft and implement a training program for chapter leaders as well as strengthen and expand the awards program. Barry has a gift for cul- tivating strong relationships, and he liberally used his gift to ultimately make the chapter network stronger. We will be forever thankful for the heart and soul he poured into his work. Best wishes to him and his wife, Barb. I am very excited to pick up his mantle as the new director of Council and
Chapter Affairs. To be given the opportunity to work with such a dedicated cohort of chapter volunteers is an awesome privilege. I am so impressed with the high level of commitment our chapter members bring to MOAA’s vital grassroots advocacy efforts. Your positive impact on the community and your strong support of local Junior ROTC and ROTC programs speak directly to the intrinsic value of the council and chapter pro- gram. There are no greater MOAA ambassadors than you. Your efforts reflect a commitment born out of a true labor of love, and my duty is to provide the necessary support and re- sources that will allow you to continue your great work. To help accomplish this duty is my new deputy director, Lt.
Lt. Col. Clarence Counts, USA (Ret)
Col. Clarence Counts, USA (Ret), at left. Clarence retired from the Army in 2015 after 25 years as an armor and public affairs officer. He has served in a variety of key leadership positions that include command of the Armed Forces Network in Vicen- za, Italy, and deputy public affairs advisor to the NATO chair in Belgium. In his final assignment on active duty, he served as
a public affairs staff officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Clarence brings both new energy and a fresh perspective to strengthen the chapter system. I look forward to working with him as we forge ahead into 2017. — Col. Terri Coles, USA (Ret)
director, Council and Chapter Affairs PHOTOS: LEFT, MIKE MORONES; ABOVE, ROB CANNON
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