We are off and running here in the Council and Chapter Affairs Department. We have a few new faces in some new spaces, but our mission remains the same: supporting you and MOAA’s network of councils and chapters. I want to use The Affiliate to provide timely and relevant information, share best business practices, and showcase the great efforts of our chapter leaders.

I also want to use this forum to address issues of interest to you, so I want to hear from you. Let me know if there’s a particular topic you’d like covered in this newsletter, and we’ll make every effort to include it. Reach out to me directly or email chapters@moaa.org with your topic of interest. We’re in this together. I look forward to hearing from you!

This month, there are 3 MOAA updates that directly affect our chapter leaders:

• MOAA recently welcomed more than 2,000 former members of the National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS) into its membership. The leadership of both organizations worked closely to ensure the needs and interests of NAUS’ officer members would continue to be well-served following NAUS’ cessation of operations Dec. 31, 2016. What does this mean to you? This means a new pool of potential members to add to your chapter. Our Member Service Center currently is processing these members, and next month you’ll receive updated lists with the names and contact information for former NAUS members in your catchment area.
• MOAA Vacations is the new trademark for MOAA travel services, which replaces our former trademark, MOAA Travel. As of Jan. 1, Brennco Travel Services Inc., or Brennco, is MOAA’s new travel partner. Brennco desires to provide best-in-class concierge services, tailored vacations, and superb customer service as MOAA’s designated travel provider. Visit the MOAA Vacations websiteand enter to win a “grand prize” eight-night European River Cruise for two people on Viking River Cruises. The drawing will be held Feb. 15.
• We are pleased many of you are shopping at the MOAA Store for your Junior ROTC (JROTC)/Gold Bar needs. Unfortunately, there currently is a backorder on JROTC medals. We expect replenishment by Mar 10, 2017.

I look forward to visiting and talking with as many of you as possible this year. I thank you in advance for your leadership and dedication to the affiliate network and our great association.

— Col. Terri Coles, USA (Ret)