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.

MOAA Database Transition Timeline and Impact

As a reminder, MOAA soon will transition to a new association management system. The current system and database are scheduled to be transitioned March 31. Leaders, please be advised that both the Committee Module and the Near Real Time (NRT) Report will likely be “read-only” for a few weeks as the transition takes place. We ask you to plan accordingly. 

The February Chapter Leader Virtual Roundtable highlighted upcoming changes to the Committee Module and NRT as MOAA makes this database transition. A recording of the session is available at this link.

AIA Event/Council President’s Seminar Registration Deadline March 15

Council presidents and independent chapter presidents who are confirmed to participate in Advocacy in Action (AIA) and the Council Presidents Seminar (April 15-18) are reminded to register by March 15 with the link provided via email.

Earn Advertising Revenue for Your Chapter

Your chapter can earn $100 by including an advertisement in your newsletter for MOAA Insurance Plans. MOAA councils and chapters can enroll in the advertising program now through May 31. (Ads can be published later in the year.) Find additional details about the program and how to enroll here.

Surviving Spouse Corner: Are Your Personal Documents Ready for an Emergency?

Learn why you should have an important documents kit and how to create one.

By Renée Brunelle Matthews, MOAA Surviving Spouse Advisory Council member

Emergencies can strike unexpectedly, leaving individuals and families grappling with chaos and uncertainty. Whether it's a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake, a house fire, or a medical crisis, being prepared can make all the difference in navigating through the turmoil. One often-overlooked aspect of preparedness is having essential documents readily accessible for yourself or a trusted person.

It might sound simple, but having your important documents organized and easily accessible can significantly expedite critical decision-making during emergencies. Imagine being evacuated from your home due to an impending hurricane (yes, that has happened to me), and in the rush to leave, you forget to grab essential documents like identification, insurance policies, or medical records. Having these documents readily available in a designated “important documents kit” ensures you have the necessary information on hand to prove your identity, access medical care, or file insurance claims promptly.

Also, having your documents prepared in advance can alleviate stress and anxiety during already tense situations. Emergencies are inherently chaotic, and the last thing you want to worry about is rummaging through drawers or files, searching for vital paperwork. By proactively organizing your documents and keeping them in a secure location, you can focus on prioritizing safety and addressing immediate needs rather than scrambling to gather paperwork under duress.

Another compelling reason to have your important documents ready for an emergency is to safeguard against loss or damage. Disasters such as floods, fires, or earthquakes can destroy physical documents stored in homes or offices. While some documents can be replaced, others, like birth certificates, passports, or irreplaceable family heirlooms, might be lost forever.

Digitally storing copies of essential documents in secure cloud storage like Everplans or on encrypted USB drives provides an extra layer of protection against physical damage or loss, ensuring critical information remains accessible even if the originals are destroyed.

[RELATED: MOAA Members Save With Everplans]

Furthermore, having your important documents organized facilitates seamless communication and coordination with emergency responders and relief agencies. Whether you're seeking medical assistance, applying for government aid, or navigating insurance claims, having all necessary documentation readily available expedites the process and ensures you receive the support and resources you need in a timely manner.

What documents should you include in your important documents kit? While the specific documents might vary depending on individual circumstances, some essential items to consider include:

• Personal identification (driver's license, passport, Social Security card)
• Medical records (health insurance cards, medication lists, immunization records)
• Financial documents (bank account information, insurance policies, wills, deeds)
• Emergency contacts (family members, doctors, insurance agents)
• Important legal documents (DD Form 214, birth certificates, marriage certificates, power of attorney)
• Property records (homeowner’s insurance, mortgage documents, property deeds)
• Copies of valuable photos or sentimental items

Every day you see stories about natural disasters, car accidents, medical emergencies, and unforeseen events that change someone’s life forever. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you're well-prepared is invaluable. Take the time today to gather your important documents and create an important document kit — it could make all the difference tomorrow. 

Read past Surviving Spouse Corners.

Did You Know?

Chapter Name Change: MOAA’s Fort Benning Area (Ga.) Chapter has recently undergone a name change to the Chattahoochee Valley Chapter.

Chapter Recruiting Resources: Council and chapter leaders can find tools, ideas, and incentives to help with their recruiting efforts. Learn more.

Newly Installed Council or Chapter Officers: Remember to update your committee module roster as soon as possible so new officers do not miss any important communications. Access the committee module.

Upcoming Events

Virtual Leader Training Workshop (New Leaders): Join us for this virtual workshop March 27 to find helpful information and resources for new affiliate leaders. Visit MOAA.org/chapter-events for information about joining the workshop.

Monthly Chapter Leader Virtual Roundtable: Join us March 28 at 7 p.m. Eastern for a discussion about advocacy. Join here at the time of the meeting. (Meeting ID: 944 7121 2852; Passcode: 594730). Please note that based on your feedback, we have transitioned to the Zoom platform for these events. 

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 Florida Council of Chapters held its annual Leadership Training Seminar in Orlando Jan. 26-27.  Approximately 130 council and chapter leaders from across the state as well as Georgia Council of Chapter representatives participated in the seminar. MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), and MOAA Council and Chapter Affairs leaders Capt. Frank Michael, USN (Ret), and Dena Kilgore also attended the event. The focus of the seminar was to train council and chapter representatives leaders to be leaders in the larger MOAA enterprise, with a focus on improving chapter health, and included presentation of 2022 Levels of Excellence and Council Leadership Awards.

Members of the General Omar N. Bradley Mid Missouri Chapter participated in Wreaths Across America in December. On Dec. 16, 2023, chapter members were among the volunteers who laid wreaths on more than 20,000 graves in veteran cemeteries across Missouri to honor our nation’s heroes. In addition, chapter members supported the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Holiday Campaign by ringing bells from 4-7 p.m. at the West Broadway Hy-Vee Dec. 12-14.

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:

• March 5, West Alabama Chapter, virtual, Capt. Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), Council and Chapter Affairs (CCA), and Dena Kilgore, CCA
• March 8, Tampa (Fla.) Chapter, Tampa, Capt. Jim Carman, USN (Ret), Council/Chapter and Member Support
• March 15, Western Montana Chapter, Missoula, Capt. Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), CCA
• March 16, Southwest Illinois Chapter, Scott AFB, Capt. Jim Carman, USN (Ret), Council/Chapter and Member Support
• March 16, Four Rivers (Ky.) Chapter, Paducah, Dena Kilgore, CCA
• March 17, Richmond Area (Va.) Chapter, Richmond, Karen Ruedisueli, MOAA Government Relations
• March 19, Fort Knox Area (Ky.) Chapter, Fort Knox, Capt. Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), CCA
• March 21, Connecticut Council of Chapters, Hartford, Dena Kilgore, CCA
• March 22, Kitsap (Wash.) Chapter, Silverdale, Capt. Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), CCA
• April 7, Western Connecticut Chapter, Norwalk, Dena Kilgore, CCA
• April 26, Colorado Council of Chapters, Loveland, Dena Kilgore, CCA
• April 27, Kentucky Council of Chapters, Fort Knox, Capt. Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), CCA
• April 30, Greater Baton Rouge Area (La.) Chapter, Baton Rouge, Dena Kilgore, CCA