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.

 

Recognize Your Chapter Leaders!

Don’t miss the chance to nominate your surviving spouse liaison and legislative chair/liaison for national MOAA awards.

 

Nominations for the Colonel Steve Strobridge Legislative Chair/Liaison Award and the Surviving Spouse Liaison Excellence Award are both due by June 1. 

 

The Colonel Steve Strobridge Legislative Chair/Liaison Award recognizes one council legislative chair and one chapter legislative chair/liaison who have demonstrated superior service in support of a national and/or state legislative agenda which supports service members, veterans and their families and survivors. Download the full award criteria and nomination form.

 

The Surviving Spouse Liaison Excellence Award is presented annually to one chapter and one council surviving spouse liaison who are members of MOAA and who have made outstanding contributions in Surviving Spouse Advisory Committee mission goals. Download the nomination form and instructions.

 

Final Call to Sign Up for the MOAA Insurance Plans Advertising Program

MOAA Insurance Plans, administered by AMBA Administrators Inc., is proud to support MOAA councils and chapters and is continuing its annual advertising program. A digital and print-ready advertisement promoting MOAA Insurance Plans is available by request until May 31. If a council or chapter would like to place the advertisement online or in a newsletter or other publication, they will be provided a copy of the advertisement and a $100 payment. Click here to learn more.

 

We Want to Highlight Your Chapter in Military Officer

The October issue of Military Officer will include expanded coverage of MOAA council and chapter activities. Email high-resolution photos as .jpg attachments with caption information and short articles about your affiliate’s activities — community-service projects, advocacy efforts, fundraisers, award ceremonies, etc. — so we can showcase your hard work. Send submissions by July to editor@moaa.org with “From the Field” in the subject line.

 

Did You Know? Helpful Resources

Social Media Guide: National MOAA has a helpful guide to assist MOAA councils and chapters with their social media efforts. Find the guide here.

 

Recurring Dates of Interest: Download this PDF to keep track of key annual events and deadlines for councils and chapters.

 

Join a Chapter Video: This video from national MOAA showcases the benefits of chapter membership and can be a helpful recruiting tool for affiliates. Share it in your networks.

 

Surviving Spouse Corner: 9 Ways to Get Through Hard Times

By Suzanne Walker, Surviving Spouse Advisory Council adviser

 

From celebrating joyous occasions like Mother’s Day and graduations and welcoming warmer weather and spring flowers to enduring the sometimes melancholy days of spring showers and the remembrances of the fallen at Memorial Day, the month of May can sometimes feel like an emotional roller coaster. It might help to have some strategies for handling lows. Consider these tips:

• Seek out the friendship and companionship of others. Do something you enjoy with a friend or family member.
• Take a walk, and enjoy being outside on a nice day.
• Give your time to a worthy cause. Support those less fortunate, or visit someone who is lonely.
• Learn something new. Try a new craft or hobby.
• Listen to music. Maybe try a genre or artist you have not listened to before.
• Label and organize your photos. Relive the happy memories by documenting the stories behind your photos.
• Write a letter. A handwritten note or card is always welcomed.
• Attend a patriotic event. Watch a Memorial Day parade, or help place flags at a local cemetery.
• Make new friends by participating in your local MOAA chapter or the Surviving Spouse Virtual Chapter.

 

Read past Surviving Spouse Corners.

 

Upcoming Events

Monthly Chapter Leader Virtual Roundtable: Join us May 25 at 7 p.m. Eastern for a discussion about awards. Click here to join the meeting  (ID: 277 686 548 726; Passcode: ow4kVV).

 

Find a complete list of council and chapter affairs events online.

 

Get Newsletter Content From National MOAA

Need some content to supplement your chapter’s newsletter? The White Label Newsletter Template includes information, articles, and helpful tips from national MOAA that already are formatted for inclusion in your newsletter. The content is updated every month to ensure you are receiving timely, relevant information.   

 

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:

• May 11, Luke (Ariz.) Chapter, Sun City West, Capt. Erin E. Stone, JAGC, USN (Ret), Council and Chapter Affairs (CCA)
• May 12, Arizona Council of Chapters, Sun City West, Capt. Erin E. Stone, JAGC, USN (Ret), Council and Chapter Affairs (CCA)
• May 16, MOAA Surviving Spouses, virtual, Lt. Col. Mark Belinsky, USA (Ret), Government Relations
• May 16, Fort Benning (Ga.) Area Chapter, Columbus, Col. Myles B. Caggins III USA (Ret), MOAA board of directors (BoD)
• May 17, Northern New Jersey Chapter, Dover, Renee Brunelle, Surviving Spouse Advisory Council
• May 17, Public Health Service Virtual Chapter, virtual, Rachel Barth, Communications
• May 18-20, Florida Council of Chapters Convention, Augustine, Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), MOAA president and CEO, and Capt. Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), CCA
• June 8, Southern Oklahoma Chapter, Burneyville, Col. Theodore J. Janosko, USA (Ret), BoD
• June 10, El Paso (Texas) Chapter, El Paso, Gail Joyce, BoD
• June 10, Genesee Valley (N.Y.) Chapter, Rochester, Col. Myles B. Caggins III, USA (Ret), BoD
• June 10, Missouri Council of Chapters, Columbia, Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), CCA
• June 17, Atlanta Chapter, Atlanta, Erin E. Stone, JAGC, USN (Ret), CCA
• June 17, Southern Maine Chapter, South Portland, Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), CCA