The future of the all-volunteer force depends on support today for our currently serving and veteran populations, said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), in an address to members of Congress, their staffs, and representatives from fellow veterans service organizations. 

MOAA hosted a March 29 reception on Capitol Hill to welcome the 118th Congress and give lawmakers a chance to meet Kelly, who took over as MOAA’s CEO in January. Kelly brought a message that while the association may be officer-based, MOAA’s members recognize the need and responsibility to serve the entire uniformed services community, to include all branches and ranks, spouses, families, survivors, and caregivers.  

 Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) meets with MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), on his left and Gen. Gary North, USAF (Ret), chairman of MOAA’s Board of Directors, at the March 29 reception. 

“Serving the broader community certainly lets us see the importance of taking care of all who are currently serving, all who have served, and the importance of honoring and matching the commitment that those who volunteer and raised their hand made,” Kelly told the crowd.  

Veterans and currently serving members will be the ones advising future generations on whether they should serve, Kelly said.  

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Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.), a former Navy officer who served aboard nuclear submarines, said he spent his morning meeting with the sub fleet’s junior officers of the year. He capped the day by attending MOAA’s reception. 

“There is nothing like being in the company of veterans,” he said. “Since the day I stopped wearing the uniform, I miss the association with other veterans. So, one of the benefits of being in Congress is it’s a great excuse to remake those ties.”  

Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.), at left, meets with Gen. Gary North, USAF (Ret), chairman of MOAA’s Board of Directors, at the March 29 reception.

Gen. Gary North, USAF (Ret), MOAA’s board chairman, noted we “learn so much from each other” when lawmakers, veterans, and advocates can gather like they did March 29.  

“We are in a challenging time in our world,” North told the audience. “And so, whether it’s the balancing of cost, whether it’s the balancing of equipment, whether it’s international relationships, those are very important. … What’s really important is how we make that balance work, and it’s our people. And that is what MOAA represents.”  

The March reception served as a lead-in to MOAA’s Advocacy in Action campaign. In less than a month, MOAA leaders from across the country will visit Washington to meet with members of Congress to advocate for two legislative issues:  

1. Restoring Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to 100% 

Our servicemembers give 100% in service to our country, and they should not have to carry the additional burden of paying higher housing costs not covered by their allowance. Please help relieve stress on our military and help support recruitment and retention to sustain a strong all-volunteer force. Read more about the issue here. 

2. Reversing Cuts to the TRICARE Pharmacy Network

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Col. Rojan Robotham, USAF, a member of MOAA’s board of directors, said she valued having events like this to bring together varied viewpoints and experiences.

“I think it’s really great for MOAA to host events like this and to bring in other members of the military community,” she said. “We really need fellowship together. We need more conversations, storytelling about the struggles we’re having, but also the potential solutions to those struggles.”