Recent news from The MOAA Newsletter. View previous editions of Council and Chapter News here. Send updates about your affiliate’s activities to chapters@moaa.org for possible inclusion in future editions.

Surviving Spouse Corner: Engaging Surviving Spouses for Membership Growth

Here are five reasons surviving spouses should be members of MOAA.

By Dr. Vivianne Wersel, MOAA Surviving Spouse Advisory Council member

Unfortunately, MOAA chapters lose members due to death. It is essential to recognize that for Life members of MOAA, their membership transfers to their spouse upon their death. But surviving spouses of military officers can also join MOAA on their own. The advantages of surviving spouses joining MOAA include:

• A MOAA surviving spouse membership unlocks unique benefits. These include a robust support network tailored to their needs, dedicated advocacy on issues directly impacting surviving spouses, and a wealth of resources designed to guide them through life's challenges after loss. Encouraging a surviving spouse to join MOAA is an excellent source for maintaining and growing chapter membership.
  
  
• As MOAA members, surviving spouses are welcomed into a community of peers who understand their unique journey. They receive updates on benefits and programs, participate in interpersonal and group activities, and find support and commitment. Joining MOAA bridges the knowledge gap that often follows the loss of a military spouse, ensuring all aspects are addressed. It is important to note that many surviving spouses might not know they can join MOAA, even if their military spouses were not members.
  
  
• MOAA surviving spouses gain access to various communication and support channels tailored to their membership level. These include telephone, email, magazines, websites, social media, virtual meetings, and webinars. This comprehensive range of options ensures they can always contact MOAA for assistance regardless of location or specific needs.
  
  
• Research published in Jeffrey Saltzman’s blog indicates age does not influence why one should join an organization. People join because they seek similarity, regardless of generation gaps. The MOAA Surviving Spouses and Friends Facebook group is an example. The group includes military survivors from different war eras, all joined for a common goal. As a MOAA member, surviving spouses can relate to like members with similar backgrounds and be associated with the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers. The MOAA Surviving Spouse Virtual Chapter caters to surviving spouses with monthly Zoom meetings and, every other month, a guest presenter. Email MSSVC02@gmail.com to request membership or for more information.
  
  
• Surviving spouses can also join their local geographic chapter of MOAA, connecting them with other MOAA members and their spouses.

MOAA has over 360,000 members, with surviving spouses comprising 13% of MOAA’s total membership. Membership is open to active duty, former, retired, and National Guard and Reserve commissioned and warrant officers of the uniformed services and their surviving spouses. Membership benefits vary depending on the level of membership. Learn more at this link.

Joining MOAA provides surviving spouses with advocacy, community, resources, and practical support, helping them navigate the complexities of life after loss. Speak with a surviving spouse in your network about joining MOAA today, then encourage them to join the MOAA Surviving Spouses Virtual Chapter.

Read past Surviving Spouse Corners.

Did You Know?

Protect Yourself From Scammers. MOAA offers a range of resources to help you protect your personal data (and your bank account) from scammers of all types:

• From our financial and benefits expert, Protect Yourself From These 5 Common Fraud Schemes
• Three-part series, Don’t Be Scammed
• Recorded webinars (available to Premium and Life members), including An Overview of Scams and Frauds, Outsmart the Scammers: How to Spot and Avoid Financial Fraud, and Protecting Yourself From Cybercrime and Scams

MOAA also is a partner in the Cybercrime Support Network’s Military and Veteran Program, which aims to protect servicemembers, veterans, and military families from falling victim to fraud. Get more resources from that organization at this link.

Get Awards From National MOAA. National-level awards, including leadership and 100th birthday certificates, are available by nomination. Click here to learn more about the process and to nominate deserving individuals, or watch the recording of the May 30 Leaders Virtual Roundtable.

Upcoming Events

Monthly Chapter Leader Virtual Roundtable: Join us June 27 at 7 p.m. Eastern for a discussion about generational recruiting. Join here at the time of the meeting. (Meeting ID: 969 6649 4754; Passcode: 118941). Please note that based on your feedback, we have transitioned to the Zoom platform for these events. 

AiA Travel Reimbursement Requests Due No Later Than June 15

Any leaders who participated in Advocacy in Action 2024, please be advised that requests for expense reimbursement must be received by June 15. If you have not already submitted your required forms and receipts, please do so now. Please review the reimbursement guidelines prior to submitting and note the limitations and process outlined. Access forms here.

From the Field

MOAA chapters give back to their communities through fundraising efforts, community-service projects, scholarship programs, and other initiatives. Here are some recent activities.

The Cape Fear (N.C.) Chapter donated $1,000 to the Sandhills Chapter of the American Red Cross May 21. Chapter 1st Vice President George Bond presented the donation to Phil Harris, executive director of the American Red Cross Sandhills Chapter.

The Florida Council of Chapters hosted its 47th Annual Convention May 13-15 in Daytona Beach. MOAA members representing Florida’s 39 chapters, including members from Georgia and Tennessee, gathered for the event. Gen. Gary North, USAF (Ret), national MOAA chairman of the board, also attended and provided a MOAA update, presented the Levels of Excellence Awards and Col. Marvin J. Harris Communications Awards to chapters receiving these distinctions, and installed the newly elected council officers into their positions.

Members of the Cape Canaveral (Fla.) Chapter laid the ceremonial MOAA wreath at the 36th annual Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall in Wickham Park in Melbourne, Fla., in early May.

National MOAA Travel Schedule

Here are the councils and chapters MOAA leaders will be visiting over the next few months.

Contact the associated chapter if you would like to attend any of the following scheduled visits:

• June 2, Spokane (Wash.) Chapter, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), Council and Chapter Affairs (CCA) 
• June 8, Heart of Texas Chapter, Waco, Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), CCA
• June 9, Western Connecticut Chapter, location TBD, Capt. Jim Carman, USN (Ret), vice president of Council and Chapter/Member Support
• June 11, Missouri Council of Chapters, Columbia, Dena Kilgore, CCA
• June 17, Northeast Texas Chapter, Greenville, Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), CCA
• June 18, River Valley (Ark.) Chapter, Russellville, Col. Theodore J. Janosko, USA (Ret), MOAA board of directors
• June 20, South Alabama Chapter, Mobile, Jim Carman, USN (Ret), vice president of Council and Chapter/Member Support
• June 28, Charleston (S.C.) Chapter, Charleston, Dena Kilgore, CCA