As the holiday approaches, I want to wish a happy Veterans Day to all who have served and offer a sincere note of appreciation to each and every one of you. Thank you for your continued support for the Military Officers Association of America, our entire service community, and our country.

“Never Stop Serving” is not just MOAA’s motto. It’s a mindset I see exemplified across our membership, and your stories of service are an inspiration MOAA takes with us everywhere we go.  

As your president and CEO, I’m making a concerted effort to share more positive stories of service, to shine a brighter light on hardworking men and women in uniform as well as our retirees and veterans, military spouses and family members, caregivers and survivors. Sharing your stories shows resilience, dedication, and selfless service born through service and continued for life.  

A recent MOAA.org article highlighted the service of Lt. Col. Roy Yenchesky, USA (Ret), a recipient of MOAA’s Surviving Spouse Liaison Excellence Award. When his chapter’s longtime surviving spouse liaison moved out of the area, and Yenchesky found out what the job entailed, his response was a simple one: “I can do that.” 

MOAA members nationwide bring similar attitudes to post-service challenges. Whether it’s organizing fundraisers for veterans in need, reaching out to local nonprofits as part of work on behalf of homeless veterans, or mentoring the next generation of military leaders, we all have ways we can contribute. 

I hope all MOAA members can take time to reflect on their good works as part of the wider uniformed services community over the past year. This ongoing service is the foundation of MOAA’s success as an association, allowing us to remain strong advocates on Capitol Hill, take important roles in hundreds of communities via our Councils and Chapters, and support our fellow servicemembers, retirees, veterans, families, and survivors through all manner of programs including the charitable work of The MOAA Foundation and MOAA Scholarship Fund. 

Again, thank you or your service and dedication, and Happy Veterans Day!