If you’re like me, your home is already filled with the warm aromas of Thanksgiving. But before we dive into our plates of food, I want to offer some food for thought.

Even outside this season of thanks, every day I am thankful for the men and women who serve our country, and I’m always reminded of the profound sacrifices those who came before us made to protect our freedoms and our way of life.

My role at MOAA gives me a unique vantage point to the situations and circumstances those who are and those who have worn our nation’s uniform often face. This viewpoint solidifies the pride I carry in carrying out my current role as president and CEO of MOAA.

In this role, I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from veterans rebuilding their lives after a hurricane ripped apart their home. I’ve spoken to military spouses who are unable to maintain meaningful employment due to frequent moves. I’ve read applications from students who want to pursue their higher education dreams but are struggling to put financial aid together.

[DONATE TODAY]

And for every challenging story I hear, I hear at least three positive stories from individuals who turned to their community for help in their time of need or transition. Through the work of MOAA’s Charities, The MOAA Foundation and MOAA Scholarship Fund, we witness our community coming together to get through challenging times and I am truly thankful to be a part of such a generous and caring community.

The impact of our charities is truly remarkable, but we need your support to continue making a difference. The MOAA Foundation and MOAA Scholarship Fund count on MOAA members and a community of civilians who care for our military and uniformed services community to help us fuel our missions.

The MOAA Foundation has had a truly transformative year. The new Crisis Relief Program has become our most utilized program, one that fills a critical gap for our community. The financial assistance we are able to offer to individuals and families experiencing a crisis, thanks to the generosity of donors, is a lifeline for those in need.

The majority of Crisis Relief Program grants we distribute are awarded to individuals and families with a combined household income of around $35,000. Most of our grants have gone to enlisted members past and present, and their families, who are experiencing a FEMA-declared disaster. Our beneficiaries need fast assistance to meet their basic needs as they triage their crisis situation and care for their families.

Additionally, the MOAA Scholarship Fund is evolving to meet the changing needs of our students and their families. Serving children of military families for 75 years, the Scholarship Fund has adjusted the way funds are distributed to provide students with more financial assistance in the form of grants.

I am pleased to report our program assists students from all 50 states; to date, the Scholarship Fund has helped over 17,500 students reach their higher education dreams thanks to the support of donors like you!

[DONATE TODAY]

All donations, no matter the size, make a significant impact on the men, women, and families who are and who have served our country. In honor of Thanksgiving and the upcoming Giving Tuesday holiday, I urge all of you to make a donation today. If you have already contributed to the foundation and/or scholarship fund, thank you! I urge you to go one step further and help us spread the word about the work we are doing year-round.

Thank you in advance for your support. As an association and community of officers, we have a duty and responsibility to care for everyone who has or still puts on a uniform for our great country as well as their families and survivors.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.  

P.S.: Federal employees and retirees can set up their annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) pledge supporting The MOAA Foundation (CFC 86590) and/or the MOAA Scholarship Fund (CFC 11285) now through Jan. 15, 2024.