Our mission must reflect not only MOAA’s proud 95-year history but also the changing landscape of our members’ experiences, from the newly commissioned officer to those who have long retired. At every level, we strive to maintain an organization that is both efficient and effective — one that champions issues for veterans and retirees and their families, caregivers, and survivors, making a lasting impact that reaches beyond our own ranks.

Serving on the board for more than four years now, my goal is to build on my experiences, working with our exceptional staff, to move MOAA’s work forward with even greater relevance and responsiveness.

Our members’ advocacy has had a tremendous impact over the past years. Through Advocacy in Action, for example, we have seen support grow — both in person and online — alongside an increase in member participation in our Legislative Action Center. As we engage with a new administration and Congress, maintaining past relationships and forging new ones will be important. Please stay connected with MOAA communications and continue to answer our calls to action.

[REGISTER TODAY: MOAA's Legislative Action Center]

I was inspired by the support for MOAA Charities in 2024, in particular, The MOAA Foundation’s Crisis Relief Program, which provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to servicemembers and veterans whose lives were upended by the natural disasters. I want to extend my thanks to those who have contributed and encourage others to consider supporting this worthy cause.

I am also incredibly proud of our council and chapter members, whose commitment drives our organization at the local level. The contributions made by these groups are relevant and meaningful.

[GET INVOLVED: Find a Chapter | Virtual Chapters]

We are moving forward in 2025 with important steps to ensure MOAA can continue to be the leading voice when it comes to protecting service-
earned pay and benefits.

The most significant initiative will be Total Force+, Oct. 28-29, at National Harbor, Md. This conference will underscore our commitment to servicemembers and their families.

The purpose is to assemble together leaders from the community, services, industry, and civilian colleagues in defense and academia to identify
solutions to the personnel challenges across all uniformed services and veteran communities.

We are excited to see what new ideas and concrete proposals can be generated from this first-time event that is exclusively devoted to “people issues.”

[JOIN THE WAITLIST: TotalForce+]

Remember MOAA’s motto: Never Stop Serving. This call to serve takes many forms — whether it is through your current uniformed service, supporting your local community, honoring Junior ROTC cadets, conducting ceremonies on Veterans Day, or standing with us in advocacy. There is no single way to serve, but together, we embody this mission in everything we do.

Finally, thank you for your membership. It is because of your dedication that MOAA has been able to serve our community for nearly a century. Let us continue to carry forward this mission, with all the rich history and future promise, making a brighter pathway for all.