chaptersinaction

Caring for the troops Members of the Central Ohio Chapter (www.moaa-centralohio.org) support the Central Ohio Homeless Veterans Stand Down. Last year, chapter mem- bers donated $2,000 and volunteered at the Stand Down. Approximately 447 homeless and at-risk veterans from the Columbus, Ohio, area at- tended and received critical services. “Many of the veterans you meet at these Stand Downs are just down on their luck,” says chapter Presi- dent Lt. Col. Joe Machado, USA (Ret). “Helping them is part of our chapter’s mission.” According to Central Ohio Chapter member Col. Pete Wilkinson, USAF (Ret), who serves on the Stand Down’s planning committee, some chapter volunteers verify veterans’ eligibility and register them when they arrive. Other chapter volun- teers help manage the clothing- distribution process and perform other tasks. “Even though some of these vet-

erans are bad off, they still have their pride,” Wilkinson says. “You have to remind them the services that are available through the VA are not handouts. They earned them through their military service.” At press time, chapter members

were planning for this year’s Stand Down. According to Wilkinson, the chapter plans to donate $2,000, which includes funds from the chapter, individual members, and the USAA sponsorship program. “A lot of [our chapter mem-

bers] went to war, and most of us were lucky and came home OK,” Wilkinson says. “Some veterans didn’t come home OK. They should receive help first — not last.”

PHOTO: SEAN SHANAHAN

Reflecting on Our Veterans

November is always a month of transition from the cool, crisp nights of fall to the anticipa- tion of winter and the warm recollection of the past sun-filled summer days. It is also the per- fect time to reflect on where we are in life. Each November on Veterans Day, our country

will pause, reflect, and, for one day, pay tribute to the countless men and women who have served our country in years past and those who are still serving and going into harm’s way. This year, at our nation’s Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National

Cemetery in Virginia, two MOAA chapter leaders will lead the procession into the amphitheater carrying our national and association colors, followed by many other military service organizations, to begin the official ceremony. Across our country, communities both large and small also will commem-

orate Veterans Day. Often, our local chapter members, working with other military service organization volunteers, lead these community ceremonies. I have often discussed over the last few years during chapter visits

MOAA’s efforts to bridge the gap of understanding between the civilian and military communities. With only 1 percent of our nation currently serving in the military, and less than 20 percent of our elected officials having served, it is understandable why there is often confusion about what it means to serve in the military. Our concern is this gap will only grow with each election cycle, among both the elected officials and our citizenry. It is a tough challenge. MOAA members and their families, both at the chapter and national

levels, are some of the best-qualified individuals to help bridge this gap of understanding. Our council and chapter members are our grassroots advo- cates, and many are known by their elected officials. Members provide back- ground information on military issues and help lead discussions about the impact of pending legislation at the local and national levels. Many of our chapter members work to address veterans’ issues, like lead- ing their local Stand Down efforts that support and supplement the VA’s efforts. Our chapters from New York City to Danville, Calif., all work toward one goal: making their community and our nation stronger. Among the veterans whose contributions we recognize and celebrate

each November are a growing number of women. It is only fitting that as we pause, reflect, and pay tribute to our veterans, two female chap- ter leaders will carry our colors as they represent MOAA and lead the procession into Arlington to start the ceremony. As we pause this month, let’s say thanks to all veterans. I hope to see you during a future chapter visit.

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

NOVEMBER 2015 MILITARY OFFICER 43