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.
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.
State Senator Danica Roam Receives 2024 State Legislator of the Year Award
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(From left to right) Senator Danica Roam, VCOC 3rd Vice President, Col, USA, (ret) Monti Zimmerman , VCOC President, Col. USAF (ret) Diana Kupchella
When it came to saving the Veterans and Military Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP), Senator Roam was the single obstacle to prevent the elimination of the program. She would not be bullied by senior senators and her actions persuaded her senate colleagues to restore and retain the VMSDEP benefits as they had been for the last several years. Thank you Senator Roam!
The Virginia Assistant Secretary of Defense and Veterans Affairs Jordan Stewart Receives the 2024 Cabinet Level Member of the Year Award
(From left to right) Joint Leadership Council Representative, LTC, USA (ret) John Down, VCOC 3rd Vice President, Col., USA (ret) Monti Zimmerman, Virginia Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Ms. Jordan Stewart, VCOC President, Col, USAF (ret) Diana Kupchella
Ms. Stewart helped restore the VMSDEP program by facilitating and constantly communicating the evolving position of the Governor's Office as she helped the Veterans and Military Service Organization navigate through the restoration of this vital benefit.
Virginia Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Assistant Secretary of Defense Affairs Presented First VCOC Cabinet Level Members of the Year Award
Below, left to right: Virginia Joint Leadership Council Chair MAJ Kevin Hoffman, USA, VCOC Third Vice President COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret) present the first VCOC Cabinet Level Member of the Year Award to Virginia Deputy Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Jason Pak (Right), Virginia War Memorial, Richmond, Virginia, 14 December 2023.
Below, left to right: VCOC Third Vice President COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret) presents the first VCOC Cabinet Level Member of the Year Award to Virginia Assistant Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Jordan Stewart, Virginia War Memorial, Richmond, Virginia, 14 December 2023.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough Delivers Remarks on Veterans and the PACT Act, National Press Club
Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough delivered remarks on the benefits and implementation of the 2022 PACT Act at the National Press Club, D.C. on 6 November 2023. Followed by his prepared remarks, Secretary McDonough answered written questions from the media. Topics covered by Secretary McDonough included building trust, workforce challenges, modernization efforts, and the impact of the PACT Act on eligible veterans and their families. Click on below picture to view Secretary McDonough's remarks, as posted on C-Span.
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Pictured above: VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) with Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary
Denis McDonough, National Press Club, DC 6 November 2023.
MOAA 2023 Annual Meeting of the Membership
The 2023 MOAA Annual Meeting of the Membership was held at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Arlington, VA 22204 Friday, November 3, 2023 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The meeting included Association Reports and State of MOAA address by MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelley, USAF (Ret).
With Reception to following, pictured below, left to right: VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), Former MOAA Vice President Of Government Relations Lt.Col. Steve Strobridge, USAF (Ret), COL Minti Zimmerman, USA (Ret), MOAA Chief Operating Officer Col. Jim O'Brien, USAF (Ret), MOAA Chairman of the Board Gen. Gary North, USAF (Ret).
VCOC Biennial Luncheon 2023
The Virginia Council of Chapters held the Council Biennial Luncheon on 25 October 2023. Hosted by the Falcons Landing Chapter in Sterling, Virginia, the Luncheon included a Remembrance Ceremony, presentation of Council and Chapter Levels of Excellence Awards, MOAA and VCOC Awards, Officer Installation (2024-2026 term) and Congressional Salutations.
MOAA President and Chief Executive President Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret) was the honored guest and featured speaker.
Pictured Below: MOAA President and Chief Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret) administers Oath of Office to the VCOC Officer Slate 2024-2026: President, Col Diana Kupchella, USAF (Ret), Second Vice President, CDR John Prevar, USN (Ret), Third Vice President, COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret) and Treasurer (virtually), MAJ Sherry Ferki, USA (Ret).
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During the luncheon, Lt. Gen. Kelly presented the following MOAA awards:
Levels of Excellence 2022
Virginia Council of ChaptersCentral Virginia ChapterFalcons Landing ChapterGeorge C. Marshall ChapterHeritage ChapterMount Vernon ChapterNorthern Virginia ChapterPortsmouth Area ChapterRichmond Area ChapterSouthwest Virginia ChapterVirginia Peninsula Chapter
Strobidge Legislative Award
COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret)
President's Award
VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret)
Portsmouth Chapter Member MAJ Sherry Ferki, USA (Ret)
Leadership Award
Portsmouth Chapter Newsletter Editor CDR Ken App, USN (Ret)
Falcons Landing Chapter President Col Phil Walsh, USMC (Ret)
VCOC Secretary LtCol John Down, USAF (Ret)
VCOC Legal Council COL Vince Cammarata, USA (Ret)
Outstanding Service
VCOC Treasurer Capt Maria Kelly, USAF (Ret) (Former)
VCOC Chaplain LTCOL Ken Ruppar, USA (Ret)
VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) presented following VCOC awards:
Impact Awards
MOAA Vice President Council/Chapter and Member Support CAPT Jim Carman, USN (Ret)
MOAA Program Director Council and Chapter Support CAPT Frank Michael, USN (Ret)
MOAA Vice President Government Relations Col Dan Merry, USAF (Ret)
MOAA Director Currently Serving and Retired Affairs LtCol Mark Belinsky, USA (Ret)
George C. Marshall Foundation's Dodona Manor
Honorary VCOC MembershipNorth Carolina Council of Chapters President CW4 Jay Garbus, USA (Ret)
VCOC Third Vice President Col Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret) presented following Legislative Affairs Awards:
Legislator of the Year
Senator Jeremy McPike (D 29th)
Executive Branch Member of the Year
Virginia Secretary of Defense and Veterans Affairs Jason Pak
Virginia Assistant Secretary of Defense and Veterans Affairs Jordan Stewart
Congressional Salutations were heard from Representatives Don Beyer (VA 08) and Abigail Spanberger (VA 07), Senator Bryce Reeves (R 17th) and Virginia Governor Winsome Sears. Delegate Kathy Tran (VA 42nd) read a letter of Congratulations to VCOC from Senator Tim Kaine (D VA). Click on below icons to watch the Congressional Salutations.
MOAA's 2023 Level of Excellence Awards!
Congratulations to the following for being awarded a Level of Excellence Award for 2023!
FIVE STARVirginia Council of ChaptersCentral Virginia Chapter of MOAAMount Vernon Chapter, MOAANorthern Virginia Chapter MOAARichmond Area ChapterMOAA, Southwest Virginia ChapterVirginia Peninsula Chapter MOAAPortsmouth Area ChapterGeorge C. Marshall ChapterFalcons Landing Chapter of the MOAA FOUR STARHeritage Chapter of the MOAA
MOAA's Harris Communication Awards for 2023
Congratulations to the following for achieving MOAA's Harris Communication Award for 2023!
Virginia Council of Chapters: 5-Star Newsletter; 5-Star WebsiteCentral Virginia Chapter of MOAA: 5-Star Newsletter; 5-Star WebsiteMount Vernon Chapter, MOAA: 5-Star Newsletter; 5-Star WebsiteRichmond Area Chapter: 5-Star Newsletter; 5-Star WebsiteMOAA, Southwest Virginia Chapter: 5-Star Newsletter; 5-Star WebsiteVirginia Peninsula Chapter MOAA: 5-Star Newsletter; 5-Star WebsitePortsmouth Area Chapter: 5-Star Newsletter; 5-Star WebsiteHeritage Chapter of the MOAA: 5-Star NewsletterFalcons Landing Chapter of the MOAA: 5-Star Newsletter; 5-Star WebsiteHeritage Hunt Chapter: 5-Star Newsletter
"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