Chapters

Announcements, Reports and Membership

George C. Marshall Chapter Donates to Veterans Programs

Since its affiliation with the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) in 2006, the George C Marshall Chapter has provided noteworthy support to active-duty personnel, Guard and Reserve members, Junior and Senior ROTC programs, and retired personnel and their dependents. On December 13, 2023, the George C. Marshall Chapter awarded $5,000 to the Virginia Veterans Support Foundation (VSF) for use by the Virginia Veteran and Family Support program. This donation caps off a total of $44,195 donated to the VSF since 2017 and nearly $143,000 since our first donation in 2008. Additionally, in December the Marshall Chapter made separate donations totaling $7,500 to ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice for their “We Honor Veterans” program and The Healing Waters project in support of a rehabilitative and recreational fly fishing program for veterans. Through a golf tournament fund raiser and generous individual and corporate donations, the chapter raised the above funds and was also able to donate $1,000 each to two Junior ROTC programs and contribute an additional $8,500 to the Chapter’s endowment in the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany counties. This endowment supports an annual scholarship for the dependent of a veteran who will attend college, a community college, or a trade school the following year. ph to your block, write your own text and edit me.
Southwest Chapter Launches Website From the Southwest Virginia Chapter Website: The Southwest Virginia Chapter website is now up and running. To access the site go to: moaaswva.org. The Southwest Virginia Chapter (SWVC), an affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), charted on 18 Feb 1978 is an autonomous and self-supporting, nonpartisan, non-profit veteran's organization located in Roanoke, Virginia with a satellite chapter, The Smith Mountain satellite located in the Smith Mountain lake area of Southwest Virginia. The SWVC and its satellite represent more than 191 officers made up of currently serving, former, and retired officers and their survivors representing all seven uniformed services, Reserve and National Guard, Public Health Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in all officer grades dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and ensuring our nation keeps its commitments. Chapter members are able to speak up about local issues and influence local and state governments. Chapter membership offers opportunities for lasting friendships, camaraderie and networking with other officers who share common concerns and aspirations. View the most recent issue of the Southwest Chapter Newsletter here: The Communique

Council and Chapter Dates to Know


December 2023 Dec. 28: Monthly chapter leader virtual roundtable, 7 p.m. Eastern: 2023 review & 2024 preview

Southwest Virginia Chapter Seeks Volunteers


For many years, the Southwest Virginia Chapter has utilized a program to recognize the rising leaders and distinguished Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets at our sixteen local high schools and three Civil Air Patrol Squadrons in our geographical area.
Our Chapter established two leadership awards to recognize the recipient's academic, community service, and leadership qualities that demonstrate exceptional military leadership potential while a member of the JROTC programs.
The first award is the MOAA JROTC Medal Award. The second award is the MAJ James Milton Archer, Jr., USA Award. This award i also presented to distinguished CAP squadron members.
Volunteers are needed to represent our Chapter to present these awards. If you are an alumnus of these area high schools, have a service affiliation with a JROTC unit, or live near one of these high schools, I encourage you to volunteer to present an award of merit to the deserving cadets.
Currently, I need representatives to attend the awards ceremonies at the following high schools and Civil Air Patrol Squadrons:
· Bassett High School in Bassett, VA on 10 May at 1800 hours;· Magna Vista High School in Ridgeway, VA on 3 May at 1800 hours;· the Danville Civil Air Patrol Squadron awards ceremony on 25 April at the Danville Regional Airport in Danville, VA, at 1800 hours; and· the Roanoke Civil Air Patrol Squadron on 1 May at 1900 hours at the BRAAC (Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center)at 312 Whitwell Drive, Roanoke VA 24019.
As more high schools and CAP Squadrons advise me, there will be additional opportunities for presentations.
Please let me know if you can help. You can contact me at Habermanor@aol.com.Thanks for your help.Best wishes,Robert S. Habermann, LTC USAR (Ret.)SWVC Awards Chair

Virginia Peninsula Chapter Legislative Affairs

August 2023

COL Tom Shubert, USAF (Ret) I had the opportunity in mid-July to attend the third quarter meeting of the Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC), held at the former residence of General George C. Marshall (Dodona Manor) in Leesburg, Virginia. If you have never visited the Manor, you owe it to yourself to take the time, when you are up in northern Virginia, to pay a visit. (https://www.georgecmarshall.org/) During the meeting, Virginia State Senator Jeremy McPike (29th District) was recognized by VCOC as our “State Legislator of the Year.” He thanked VCOC for this recognition and emphasized his on-going support for our three key legislative initiatives: constitutional amendment to provide property tax relief for spouses of military members who die from non-combat related causes (e.g., training accident) on active duty; remove the age 55 restriction for military members’ retirement pay tax relief; and include NOAA and Public Health Service retired officers as well in the tax relief benefit. Also in attendance was a representative of MOAA’s National Staff, who provided an interesting and concerning statistic. He informed the VCOC attendees that less than 15% of MOAA Chapter Members use MOAA’s Legislative Action Center to contact Members of Congress on issues of critical importance in order to support legislation that benefits the uniformed services community and, equally important, to engage to stop legislation that will negatively impact that same community. While there are certainly many MOAA Members who engage with their legislators via other means (phone calls, personal visits, etc.) besides using the Action Center, using the Center allows MOAA to gather important data to engage on legislation more effectively. Also, the Action Center is a very convenient and easy to use tool to make your concerns known to Congress. One issue highlighted during the meeting was to ask Chapter members to engage with their Congressional Members on, using the Action Center, H.R.3232 – “Respect for Grieving Military Families Act.” Under DoD’s current policy, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) recoups the final month of retirement benefits upon the passing of any retired servicemember. This can put surviving family members in a stressful financial position; many survivors are unaware DFAS can recoup benefits – by pulling funds out of a joint checking account, for example – without their consent. If passed into law, this Act will prevent DFAS from immediately recouping any overpayment of benefits and instead gives survivors the opportunity to repay the benefits over a 12-month period. It would also allow the Secretary of Defense to forgive the repayment. When I returned from Leesburg, I used the Action Center to engage with my Congressional Members on H.R 3232 – it was easy and effective. It formatted and addressed the below email to the Members, and also allowed me to edit and “personalize” the letter if I so desired: When I returned from Leesburg, I used the Action Center to engage with my Congressional Members on H.R 3232 – it was easy and effective. It formatted and addressed the below email to the Members, and also allowed me to edit and “personalize” the letter if I so desired: I am writing to ask you to co-sponsor H.R. 3232/S. 1588, the Respect for Grieving Military Families Act, which prevents the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) from immediately recouping the final month of retirement benefits upon the passing of a retired servicemember. This legislation will provide surviving family members the opportunity to repay any overpayment of benefits over a 12-month period and also would allow the Secretary of Defense to forgive the repayment.
Please co-sponsor H.R. 3232/S. 1588, the Respect for Grieving Military Families Act. I urge you to work with your colleagues to pass the bill as standalone legislation or as a part of the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
A few days later, I received emails from Both Senator Warner’s and Congressman Wittman’s offices acknowledging my correspondence. So, please add your voice to this effort concerning H.R. 3232, as well as a host of other issues, by contacting your legislators today using the MOAA Legislative Action Center (https://moaa.quorum.us/).
Example of Sample Report for 2024 Reports 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
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Colonel Kenneth “Steve” Turner, United States Air Force (Ret), Passes Away

Colonel Kenneth “Steve” Turner, United States Air Force (Retired), 74, of Suffolk, VA, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022, surrounded by immediate family. He was born on August 25, 1948, in Boston, MA, and spent his youth in Squantum and Quincy, MA, graduating from North Quincy High School in 1966. It is there where he met his wife of 50 years, Paulamarie Moriarty Turner. He attended the University of Massachusetts-Boston, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and upon graduation accepted a commission in the United States Air Force to become a pilot.Steve's Air Force career was made notable by his combat service in both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, as commander of the 38th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. He honorably served his country for over 26 years, retiring with the 12th Air Force, Detachment 612, Beale AFB in June of 1996. His education through his military career included a Master of Arts in Psychology from Webster University, as well completing Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and the USAF Air War College. He served as President of the MOAA Virginia Council of Chapters from 2016-2017. A memorial service was held 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 8th, 2022, at Glebe Episcopal Church in Suffolk, VA. A reception will follow in the Glebe Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Bennett Creek Historical Society, in care of Glebe Episcopal Church, 4400 Nansemond Parkway, Suffolk, VA 23435.

MOAA Membership

From the MOAA Website: BASIC MOAA membership is a free digital membership that provides you with access to some of MOAA’s most popular member benefits, including timely legislative news and information, career guidance for you and your spouse, and connection to a local network of officers.
As a BASIC Member, you’ll also enjoy money-saving discounts on products and travel. Not to mention participation in MOAA’s spouse support program, dedicated to informing and empowering the men and women who stand beside our nation’s heroes.
But most importantly, with MOAA’s tireless advocacy looking out for your best interests on Capitol Hill, you can have peace of mind in knowing your earned benefits are being protected 365 days a year. Click below links for MOAA Membership Application, Committee Module and National Letter. MOAA Membership Application MOAA Committee Module

In Memorium

Lt Col Robert (Bob) Steorts, USAF (Ret)

MAJ Sherry Ferki, USA (Ret) I am very sorry to report the death of Bob Steorts. Bob joined PACTROA in March 1988 and was active in both our chapter and the Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC). He served PACMOAA loyally for 35 years: serving in a variety of roles, including President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, BOD, Chapter Historian for 33 years, Chaplain for 21 years, Co-Chair of Bylaws Committee for over 20 years, member of Scholarship Committee, and Hospitality Co-Chair. I worked closely with Bob for over 20 years on the BOD, as Bylaws Co-Chairs and Scholarship Committee. We also spent numerous hours going through pictures and articles for the 30th and 35th PACMOAA Anniversary Celebrations. Bob’s service to VCOC included PACTROA VCOC representative for many years, going on to become Vice President, and then President for VCOC (1997-1999). Bob was very proud of his service to our country especially having over 5000 flight hours in the B-52, including 1000 hours combat time from four deployments to Southeast Asia from 1968-1972. He had a wall in his office displaying his many medals and commendations including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal Ninth Oak Leaf Cluster. Bob was a true gentleman, a wonderful friend, and a fountain of information about our chapter’s history! He was a treasured member of our PACMOAA family and will truly be missed. Please keep Gladys and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Colonel Bill Flanagan, USA (Ret) passes

COL Bill Flanagan USA (Ret) passed away on 2 December 2023. Colonel Flanagan's military career spanned over 30 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army's Quartermaster Corps. He was actively involved in several military associations and veterans' organizations, serving as the President of the Virginia Council of Chapters 2006-2007. View full obituary here: COL Bill Flanagan, USA (Ret).

A Conversation with MOAA Program Director, Council and Chapter Affairs, CAPT Frank Michael (USN) Ret.

With this conversation, VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) interviews Military Officers Association of America Program Director, Council and Chapter Affairs, CAPT Frank Michael (USN) Ret. He discusses his career in the United States Navy, following with spotlight on the work of MOAA Chapter and Councils, also the value of VCOC membership and legislative advocacy.
A Conversation with MOAA Program Director, Council and Chapter Affairs, CAPT Frank Michael (USN) Ret.
Virginia Council of Chapters
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