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VIRGINIA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS
Military Officers Association of America
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Who We Are
The Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, chartered to better the overall well being of its member chapters. VCOC supports and serves 16 member chapters, advocating legislative affairs pertaining to active duty, retired and former military members. VCOC enhances the image of America’s uniformed services in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. MOAA is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers.
Independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan, MOAA is one powerful voice speaking for a strong national defense, representing the interests of military officers at all stages of a military career.
Independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan, MOAA is one powerful voice speaking for a strong national defense, representing the interests of military officers at all stages of a military career.
Letter of Congratulations to VCOC from Senator Tim Kaine (D VA)
Above: On behalf of MOAA Virginia Council of Chapters, VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) places a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Second Annual Flowers of Remembrance Day, Arlington National Cemetery, 28 May 2023.
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Above: immediately prior to presentation of the Arthur T. Marix Award 2022, Office of Representative Elaine Luria (VA 02), Washington, DC.
Left to right: MOAA Director, Currently Serving/Retired Affairs LtCol Mark Belinsky, USA (Ret), Representative Elaine Luria (VA 02), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) , MOAA Vice President, Government Relations, COL Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), MOAA National Board Member Col Jeri Graham, USA (Ret), MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins USAF (Ret).
MOAA Presents Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award
On 18 May 2022, MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dan Atkins, USAF (Ret) presented MOAA's 2022 Colonel Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award to Representative Elaine Luia (VA 02) for her strong leadership as vice chair of the House Armed Services Committee in support of our servicemembers and their families and survivors.
Specifically, she was instrumental in securing support for servicemembers and their families in the FY 2022 NDAA, including the 2.7% pay raise to match Employment Cost Index, extended paid parental leave up to 12 weeks, bereavement Leave, and a Basic Needs Allowance for military families.
She introduced H.R. 475, Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2021, and while it was not in the NDAA, she made the case to the House Rules Committee for continued support along with her co-sponsor Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) and what is now 138 cosponsors. She was an original cosponsor for Chairman Mark Takano’s Honoring our PACT Act of 2021 (for toxic exposure reform), and she cosponsored the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021, signed into law on 8 October 2021. MOAA's Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award is given annually to lawmakers who distinguish themselves in protecting the rights and interests of servicemembers, their families, and their survivors.
The award is named for Col. Marix, who founded MOAA in 1929. Past recipients include Senators Lindsey Graham, Jim Webb and the late Senator John McCain.
She introduced H.R. 475, Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2021, and while it was not in the NDAA, she made the case to the House Rules Committee for continued support along with her co-sponsor Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) and what is now 138 cosponsors. She was an original cosponsor for Chairman Mark Takano’s Honoring our PACT Act of 2021 (for toxic exposure reform), and she cosponsored the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021, signed into law on 8 October 2021. MOAA's Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award is given annually to lawmakers who distinguish themselves in protecting the rights and interests of servicemembers, their families, and their survivors.
The award is named for Col. Marix, who founded MOAA in 1929. Past recipients include Senators Lindsey Graham, Jim Webb and the late Senator John McCain.
Above, Office of Representative Elaine Luria (VA 02), Washington, DC, left to right: MOAA Director, Currently Serving/Retired Affairs LtCol Mark Belinsky, USA (Ret), MOAA Vice President, Government Relations COL Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), MOAA National Board Member Col Jeri Graham, USA (Ret), Representative Elaine Luria (VA 02), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) , MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins USAF (Ret).
Family, Friends, Fellow Advocates Honor Maj. Richard Star at Arlington Ceremony
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From the MOAA Homepage
By Kipp Hanley
September 14, 2022:
Maj. Richard Star, USAR, a champion for the expansion of benefits for combat injured retirees, was laid to rest with full military honors Sept. 13 at Arlington National Cemetery. On a beautiful breezy summer morning, family members, friends, and advocates for his cause paid their final respects to Star before his remains were inurned. Star died in 2021 after a three-year battle with lung cancer linked to exposure to burn pits during his deployments to the Middle East.
Since his cancer diagnosis in 2018 and subsequent medical retirement, Star fought valiantly for the more than 50,000 veterans that aren’t eligible to collect both DoD retirement pay and VA disability benefits. Under concurrent receipt, only medically retired veterans with 20 years of service and a VA disability rating of 50% or greater receive both benefits in full. In an effort to change this law, the combat engineer spent countless hours walking the halls of the Capitol and communicating with veterans service organizations (VSOs), which ultimately resulted in the introduction of the Major Richard Star Act. If passed, the legislation would permit injured veterans who have not served their full 20 years to receive full retirement benefits in addition to their disability pay. Star deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait during his military career but did not have enough years of service to collect full retirement benefits.
“Rich died and he would die again and again and again for this country,” said college friend Sean Bourke, who was attending a movie with Star just before his cancer diagnosis. “He loved this country beyond a doubt. He’s … doing this for all the other guys so they don’t have to go through what he went through.”
“I felt like he did this because of his sense of service,” said Star’s older brother, Robert. “It was the last service he did perform. And that is a hard thing to have in your mind and to work towards when you know that your time is short. But he did it anyway.” As an example of Star’s dedication to his country, his former commander, Brig. Gen. Michelle Link, USAR, said he volunteered to backfill a position with the 420th Engineer Brigade in Kuwait. It was his final deployment before he was diagnosed with cancer. “lt was late notice,” Link said of the assignment. “Someone who already deployed, circumstances made him come back, so Rich covered that gap. At that point, he wasn’t feeling well, [but by going], he had postponed any follow-up in his medical care.”
MOAA and The Military Coalition, a group of military and veterans organizations representing a combined membership of nearly 5.5 million, have been working hard to realize Star’s final wish. As of Sept. 12, 307 House members and 63 senators have signed on as bill co-sponsors. Efforts are underway to include the bill in the Senate version of the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), while the House bill’s original sponsor, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), recently filed a motion to add the bill to a House calendar that could lead to a floor vote. “MOAA is proud to continue the fight for our combat injured to receive their hard-earned retirement pay for exceptional personal sacrifice and years of selfless service, a cause Richard so eloquently championed,” said Lt. Col. Mark Belinsky, USA (Ret), MOAA’s Director of Government Relations for Currently Serving and Retired Affairs. Robert said he is not surprised others have championed his brother’s cause given his humility and respect for others. “Whether you were above him or below him in status, he would talk to you as a peer,” Robert Star said. “And I think that’s the core of why people respect him, because he respected them.” While fighting for the legislation, he always remained humble, even questioning why it would be named after him, said Star’s widow, Tonya. Just knowing that the lives of medically retired individuals would be just a little easier would make him happy, she said. “The privilege that we had of meeting other families in the same situation, people that he knew personally, it would mean everything to him [if this bill is passed],” added Tonya Star. Virginia Council of Chapters President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) and Maryland Council of Chapters President Col. Bob Norton, USA (Ret) were among those from the MOAA Council and Chapter system in attendance at the September 13 ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
MOAA and The Military Coalition, a group of military and veterans organizations representing a combined membership of nearly 5.5 million, have been working hard to realize Star’s final wish. As of Sept. 12, 307 House members and 63 senators have signed on as bill co-sponsors. Efforts are underway to include the bill in the Senate version of the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), while the House bill’s original sponsor, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), recently filed a motion to add the bill to a House calendar that could lead to a floor vote. “MOAA is proud to continue the fight for our combat injured to receive their hard-earned retirement pay for exceptional personal sacrifice and years of selfless service, a cause Richard so eloquently championed,” said Lt. Col. Mark Belinsky, USA (Ret), MOAA’s Director of Government Relations for Currently Serving and Retired Affairs. Robert said he is not surprised others have championed his brother’s cause given his humility and respect for others. “Whether you were above him or below him in status, he would talk to you as a peer,” Robert Star said. “And I think that’s the core of why people respect him, because he respected them.” While fighting for the legislation, he always remained humble, even questioning why it would be named after him, said Star’s widow, Tonya. Just knowing that the lives of medically retired individuals would be just a little easier would make him happy, she said. “The privilege that we had of meeting other families in the same situation, people that he knew personally, it would mean everything to him [if this bill is passed],” added Tonya Star. Virginia Council of Chapters President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) and Maryland Council of Chapters President Col. Bob Norton, USA (Ret) were among those from the MOAA Council and Chapter system in attendance at the September 13 ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Soldiers take part in funeral honors for Maj. Richard Star, USAR, on Sept. 13 at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. (Photos by Mike Morones/MOAA)
President Signs Comprehensive Toxic Exposure Reform Legislation
From the MOAA Homepage
By Kipp HanleyAugust 10, 2022
A signing ceremony at the White House on Aug. 10 marked the end of a long legislative road to comprehensive toxic exposure reform, with the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 set to expand health care coverage to millions of veterans. The bill’s passage came as part of a combined effort from MOAA and more than 60 other veterans service organizations, alongside veterans and their families, other advocates and advocacy groups, and a bipartisan group of legislators from both chambers.
The bill adds nearly two dozen conditions to a list of ailments presumed connected to toxic exposure by the VA; while the legislation includes a timetable for this change, President Joe Biden announced at the signing the VA will move to make these changes immediately. The bill also expands VA research into burn pit-related illnesses and improves VA’s screening process for those illnesses.
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President Joe Biden applauds after handing a pen to Brielle Robinson, the daughter of Sgt. First Class Heath Robinson, after signing the Honoring PACT Act at the White House in Washington, D.C, on Aug. 10. The president was surrounded by many of the bill's supporters during the signing ceremony, including MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, USAF (Ret), here standing over the president's shoulder. (Photo by Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
An Award Winning Council of Chapters
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VCOC Five Star Award Level of Excellence Winners 2021
Virginia Council of ChaptersCentral Virginia ChapterFalcons Landing ChapterGeorge C. Marshall ChapterHeritage ChapterMount Vernon ChapterNorthern Virginia ChapterPortsmouth Area ChapterRichmond Area ChapterSouthwest Virginia ChapterVirginia Peninsula Chapter
VCOC Col. Marvin J. Harris Communications Award Winners 2022
Five Star
Virginia Council of Chapters (print newsletter and website)Central Virginia Chapter (print newsletter and website)Falcons Landing Chapter (print newsletter)Heritage Hunt Chapter (print newsletter)Mount Vernon Chapter (print newsletter and website)Portsmouth Area Chapter (print newsletter)Richmond Area Chapter (print newsletter and website)Southwest Virginia Chapter (print newsletter and website)Virginia Peninsula Chapter (print newsletter and website) Four Star
Falcons Landing Chapter (website) Heritage Chapter (print newsletter and website) Portsmouth Area Chapter (website)
Virginia Council of Chapters (print newsletter and website)Central Virginia Chapter (print newsletter and website)Falcons Landing Chapter (print newsletter)Heritage Hunt Chapter (print newsletter)Mount Vernon Chapter (print newsletter and website)Portsmouth Area Chapter (print newsletter)Richmond Area Chapter (print newsletter and website)Southwest Virginia Chapter (print newsletter and website)Virginia Peninsula Chapter (print newsletter and website) Four Star
Falcons Landing Chapter (website) Heritage Chapter (print newsletter and website) Portsmouth Area Chapter (website)
At MOAA Advoccay In Action 2023, the Harris Communication Awards were formally presented on 27 April 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, Virginia. Above, left to right: MOAA Chairman of the Board Gen. Gary North, USAF (Ret), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). CDR Smith accepted the Harris Communcation Awards 2022 for both VCOC and VCOC awardee Chapters.
MOAA Annual Meeting 2022
The MOAA Annual Meeting was held on October 28, 2022, Kansas City, Missouri, at which MOAA announced its new president and CEO, Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret) and new board Chairman, Gen. Gary L. North, USAF (Ret), along with 12 newly elected members of its board of Directors. Pictured above: On behalf of VCOC, VCOC Third Vice President and Legislative Affairs Chair COL Monti Zimmerman, USAF (Ret) accepts the MOAA Five Star Award from MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret) and board Chairman Gen. Walter "Skip" Sharp, USA (Ret).
Governor Glenn Youngkin Signs Tax Reduction for Veterans
Pictured below, Governor Glenn Youngkin signs two Bills at Patricio Associates in Stafford, Virginia on 9 September, reducing state income taxes for Virginia’s Military and Veteran Community. The bills apply to military retirement income for veterans age 55 and older, phased in rate of $10,000 in taxable year 2022, $20,000 in taxable year 2023, $30,000 in taxable year 2024, and up to $40,000 in taxable year 2025.
Virginia General Assembly and Veterans Military Caucus Legislative Reception 2022
Senator Bryce Reeves (R 17th), Senator John Bell (D 13th), Delegate David Reid (D 32nd) and Delegate Nick Freitas (R 30th) hosted the annual Virginia General Assembly and Veterans Military Caucus Legislative Reception, March 3, 2022, Virginia War Memorial, Richmond, Virginia. Food and refreshments were provided by Mission Barbeque. Virginia Council of Chapters members from multiple chapters attended the reception, as pictured below.
Below: CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret), RACMOAA, COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret), VCOC Third Vice President, CAPT Hardy Josephson, USN (Ret), RACMOAA, CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), VCOC President, and LTC Craig Pinsker, USA (Ret) RACMOAA.
Below: CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), VCOC President, Virginia Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Dan Gade
Below: CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), VCOC President, Senator Bryce Reeves (R 17th), COL Monti Zimmerman, VCOC Third Vice President
Below: CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), VCOC President, Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears
Below: CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), VCOC President, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
Military and Veteran Bill Signing Ceremony
Members of the Virginia General Assembly and Veterans Service Organizations representatives joined Governor Glenn Youngkin for the 2022 Military and Veterans Bill Signing Ceremony, held at 9:00am on 20 May, Virginia War Memorial.
Virginia House Bill 957, Classification of real property owned by certain surviving spouses for tax purposes, was among the Bills formally signed by Governor Youngkin at the ceremony. Introduced by Delegate Kathy Tran (D 42nd), House Bill 957 (JLC 2022-02) passed the House Virginia House Finance Subcommittee unanimously on 4 February 2022, by a vote of 8-0.
HB 957 provides that beginning with taxable year 2022, any locality may declare real property owned by a surviving spouse of a member of the armed forces of the United States who died in the line of duty with a line of duty determination from the U.S. Department of Defense, where the spouse occupies the real property as his principal place of residence and does not remarry, a separate class of property for local taxation of real property that may be taxed at a different rate than that imposed on the general class of real property, provided that the rate of tax is greater than zero and does not exceed the rate of tax on the general class of real property.
HB 957 was based on Joint Leadership Council Initiative 2022-02, authored by VCOC State Legislative Affairs Chair Col. Monti Zimmerman USA (Ret). Passage of HB 957 in the Virgina House is a significant milestone in the effort to expand Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Military Service Members in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Below : With Members of the Virginia General Assembly and Veterans Service Organizations, Governor Youngkin formally signs veterans Legislation
HB 957 was based on Joint Leadership Council Initiative 2022-02, authored by VCOC State Legislative Affairs Chair Col. Monti Zimmerman USA (Ret). Passage of HB 957 in the Virgina House is a significant milestone in the effort to expand Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Military Service Members in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Below : With Members of the Virginia General Assembly and Veterans Service Organizations, Governor Youngkin formally signs veterans Legislation
Below: Picture in recognition of HB 957 signing, left to right: Ms. Edith Smith, National Military Family Association Survivor, VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, Ms. Tamara Sipes, Gold Star Wives of America President, Governor Glenn Youngkin, Ms. Traci Voelke, Gold Star Wives of America and Surviving Spouse, Attorney General Jason Miyares, Delegate Kathy Tran (D 42nd), Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw
Representative Elaine Luria (VA 02) and Delegate Kathy Tran (D 42nd) Awarded VCOC State Legislator of the Year
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The Virginia Council of Chapters presented the Legislator of the Year 2021 award at the Council Fourth Quarter Meeting, 6 October 2022, Virginia War Memorial, Richmond, Virginia. Representative Elaine Luria (VA 02) was Federal level awardee, with Virginia Delegate Kathy Tran (D-42nd) State level awardee (pictured above with son Warren and VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret). Mr. John Brodke, Legislative Director for Rep. Luria, accepted the award on her behalf, via the Zoom Virtual meeting platform.
"MOAA is the nation's largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization. With more than 350,000 members from every branch of service - including active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, former officers, and their families - we are a powerful force speaking for a strong national defense and representing the interests of military officers at every stage of their careers. MOAA's highest priority is providing first-class service to our members. We are the leading voice on compensation and benefit matters for all members of the military community. We provide expert advice and guidance to our members."
View the MOAA homepage at: MOAA
MOAA Year in Review 2022 Video
