Welcome to the Virginia Council of Chapters web site.THE VIRGINIA COUNCIL WEBSITE IS HOSTED BY THE VIRGINIA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS, AN AFFILIATE OF THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (MOAA).

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. 

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.                        

NEW VCOC OFFICERS FOR 2026-2027

The new Virginia Council of Chapters Officers for 2026-2027 were inducted on 14October2025 at the Virginia Veterans Memorial in Richmond, Virginia. They are as follows:
(Left to right):  CAPT Gary Powers, USN (Ret) 1st Vice President, Communications; LTC John Huber, USAF(Ret), Secretary; COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret), 3rd Vice President, Legislative Chair; CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN(Ret) President; MAJ Sherry Ferki, USA (Ret), Treasurer; COL Diana Kupchella, USAF (Ret), Past President. 
(Not pictured - CDR John Prevar, USN(Ret) 2nd Vice President and Membership Chair)

State Senator Bill DeSteph Receives 2025 State Legislator of the Year Award

When the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) was threatened during and after the 2024 legislative session, Senator DeSteph provided one of the loudest voices in support of the program. In conjunction with Senator Danica Roam (see below), they ensured that veterans voices were heard.  His actions led to his being appointed to the Senate Special Review Committee and to the Governor's Panel to review VMSDEP.  His voice and actions were the strongest during the past year to ensure that legislators, the Governor's staff, and the academic community were aware of the importance of the program to veterans and their families. Senator DeSteph was instrumental in protecting the program we have today. 

From left to right:  Diana Kupchella, Col, USAF, Ret., President of VCOC; Senator Bill DeSteph; Mrs. Helen DeSteph, Senator's wife; John Down, LTC, USA, Ret, JLC Rep

MOAA 2025 Annual Meeting of the Membership 

The 2025 MOAA Annual Meeting of the Membership was held at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond, VA on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.  The meeting included Association Reports, the VCOC Biennial Memorial Service,  the State of MOAA address by MOAA Chair for Councils/Chapters, CWO4 Lelia Jackson, who also administered the oath of office for the induction of new VCOC officers for 2026-2027.  VCOC Outgoing President, COL Diana Kupchella, USAF (Ret) was presented with the MOAA President's Award. Lunch by Mission BB was included.

COL Diana Kupchella, USAF (Ret) was presented with the MOAA President's Award by CWO4 Lelia Jackson

VCOC members remember fallen chapter members during the Biennial Memorial Service

Left to right: (ncoming President, CAPT Mary Lou Wassel, USN (Ret),  MOAA Chair for Councils/Chapters, CWO4 Lelia Jackson, and Outgoing President, COL Diana Kupchella, USAF (Ret).

COL Diana Kupchella, USAF (Ret) places a white rose in remembrance of lost MOAA Chapter members.

"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:  https://www.moaa.org