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The Crier Newsletter
The Crier, Spotlight on the Council and Chapters, Social Media
The VCOC Crier is the Quarterly Newsletter of the Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Per MOAA Charter, the Crier Newsletter remains nonpartisan, all regards.
The purpose of the Crier is to tell the VCOC story. Each issue of the Crier includes officer contact information, feature articles, chapter spotlight section, VCOC schedule and sponsor recognition.
The Crier is scheduled to be published electonically in March, June, September and December. This noted, actual publishing and posting dates may vary. Chapter input is most welcome, due to the editor on the 10th of the month prior to publication. Target publication dates are 10 Feb for March issue, 10 May for June issue, 10 August for September issue and 10 November for December issue; actual publication dates may vary. The Chapters and Council in the Spotlight section of the VCOC Homepage (below) allows for immediate posting of both Council and Chapter Stories. Provide stories for the Council Crier or the VCOC Homepage with supporting photographs to CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) at: mvng288@aol.com.
The purpose of the Crier is to tell the VCOC story. Each issue of the Crier includes officer contact information, feature articles, chapter spotlight section, VCOC schedule and sponsor recognition.
The Crier is scheduled to be published electonically in March, June, September and December. This noted, actual publishing and posting dates may vary. Chapter input is most welcome, due to the editor on the 10th of the month prior to publication. Target publication dates are 10 Feb for March issue, 10 May for June issue, 10 August for September issue and 10 November for December issue; actual publication dates may vary. The Chapters and Council in the Spotlight section of the VCOC Homepage (below) allows for immediate posting of both Council and Chapter Stories. Provide stories for the Council Crier or the VCOC Homepage with supporting photographs to CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) at: mvng288@aol.com.
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To social media, VCOC membership may connect with Social Media, Facebook: Military Officers Association of America.
VCOC Chapter Social Media spotlight, Facebook: George C. Marshall Chapter.
VCOC Chapter Social Media spotlight, Facebook: George C. Marshall Chapter.
spotlight on the Council and chapters
The Crier, Chapters and Council in the Spotlight, Sponsors
The Crier
Smash On Station Mt. Vernon Chapter
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Esteemed Colleagues,
The mid-term elections are upon us. Statements will be made as the electorate will show. Exercise your right and vote! As important as our mission as Americans is to vote, we must also continue to serve veterans in need during the holiday season. We all have deployed during many administrations through our long and illustrious careers, and we stayed focused on the mission assigned and the task at hand. November offers reminders to be thankful and to serve during the holidays celebrated this month.
Chapter News
Chapter Schedule to the end of 2022 – The Annual Business meeting and luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, November 19th from 1100-1300 at La Fiamma Italian Kitchen in Alexandria, VA. We will also have the installation of officers for 2023-2024.
Wreaths Across America (WAA) - The Mount Vernon Chapter, MOAA is proud to participate in the Wreaths Across America Project, the national effort that remembers and honors our veterans and educates all generations about their sacrifice. We are supporting them with the purchase of wreaths in the coming months and their placement at Alexandria National Cemetery on December 17th, 2022. Mount Vernon Chapter also uses this as a fundraising effort that helps service members and their families on Fort Belvoir.
To learn more about Wreaths Across America, go online to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. To order wreaths, here are the steps you need to follow: Go to the Wreaths Across America Website www.wreathsacrossamerica.org See SPONSOR WREATHS – Click on Local Fundraising Group (below the SPONSOR button) On the Local Fundraising Group Page type in VA0020P or Mount Vernon Chapter, Military Officers Association of America. You must do this to ensure the chapter gets credit for wreaths purchased by our members.
Next, follow the instructions for the number of wreaths you want to purchase and payment. (For every wreath purchased, we will earn $5 that will go to support service members and their families.) As this is open to anyone, please feel free to share this information with your families, neighbors and friends.
November Observances – On November 10th 1775, A Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. In memory of all Marines, we who are Marines commemorate the birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history, not the least of which was being born in a Tavern! November 11th is Veterans Day, a federal holiday in the United States observed annually to honor military veterans.
Finally, 24 November is Thanksgiving Day, a day for all people to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon them and for what they have.
Final Thoughts:
Personally, November has always been a reflective month. The right to vote and the concept of E Pluribus Unum are established tenets within our country. The holiday of Thanksgiving always provided family gatherings to be grateful for what we have and who we are as Americans. Finally, as I joined the Marine Corps in 1975, the 10th of November has held a special place on the November calendar. I celebrate the legacy of the Corps of I was so proud to be a member of and to serve this great Nation.
“America belongs to the People. It does not belong to Congress, It doesn’t belong to special interest groups. It doesn’t belong to the courts. It belongs to “we the People”…” John Jay, Founding Father.
Col Douglas "Smash" Yurovich, USMC (Ret)
President
Mt. Vernon Chapter
VCOC President installs Portsmouth Area Chapter at January Meeting 2022
VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) administered the oath of office to the incoming PACMOAA Officer Slate for 2022-2024 via the virtual Zoom Meeting platform on 13 January 2022.
Sworn in were COL Hal Hostetler, USA (Ret), 1st Vice President/Program Chair, MAJ Steve Watkins, USA, (Ret) Board Member; MAJ Sherry Ferki, USA (Ret), Second Vice President/Membership Chair and CDR Hans Sachse, USN (Ret), Treasurer. Not present, also sworn in, was Ms. Kay Watkins, Board Member.
View spotlight on the January 2022 meeting by PACMOAA Chapter President COL Bill Smith, USA (Ret) at below link: From the President's Desk
Sworn in were COL Hal Hostetler, USA (Ret), 1st Vice President/Program Chair, MAJ Steve Watkins, USA, (Ret) Board Member; MAJ Sherry Ferki, USA (Ret), Second Vice President/Membership Chair and CDR Hans Sachse, USN (Ret), Treasurer. Not present, also sworn in, was Ms. Kay Watkins, Board Member.
View spotlight on the January 2022 meeting by PACMOAA Chapter President COL Bill Smith, USA (Ret) at below link: From the President's Desk
Potomac Chapter Installs New Officer Slate
MOAA Vice President Council/Chapter and Member Support CAPT Jim Carman, USN (Ret)
installed the incoming Potomac Chapter Officer slate, River Boat Casino, Colonial Beach, Virginia, 16 March 2022.
The chapter luncheon also included a presentation by Capt Carman of the MOAA National Brief and an update on the Virginia General Assembly Session 2022 by VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret).
Above: MOAA Vice President Council/Chapter and Member Support CAPT Jim Carman administering oath of office to incoming Potomac Chapter Board.
Above : MOAA Vice President Council/Chapter and Member Support CAPT Jim Carman, USN (Ret), Chapter President RADM John Sigler, USN (Ret), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret).
City of Chesapeake holds Thirteenth Annual Mayor's Veterans Breakfast
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The City of Chesapeake Mayor's Commissionon Veterans Affairs held the Thirteenth Annual Mayor's Breakfast to honor Veterans on 17 September 2022, Chesapeake Conference Center, Chesapeake.
Head Commissioner Zach Williams joined Chesapeake Mayor Rick West in welcoming Lt. Gen. Tony Crutchfield (Ret) as guest speaker. The Chesapeake Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force, posted the colors, with Boy Scout 55 leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Navy Veteran Mikalena Wojcinski singing the National Anthem and The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band playing the service songs. Commissioner Lincoln Smith served as Master of Ceremonies.
Pictured below: City of Chesapeake Mayor's Commission on Veterans Affairs group picture with Lt. Gen. Crutchfield.
Falcon's Landing Chapter hosts VCOC
The Falcon's Landing Chapter hosted VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) and Third Vice President, Legislative Chair COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret), 20 October 2022, Falcon's Landing, Sterling, Virginia.
During the visit, CDR Smith and COL Zimmerman attended the Chapter board meeting, followed by a mid day luncheon in the Falcon's Landing dining room.
During the board meeting, COL Zimmerman provided an overview of VCOC Legislative Affairs accomplishments for 2022. Upon conclusion of the luncheon, CDR Smith highlighted the VCOC Homepage, with interactive question and answer session following.
With over 170 members, the Falcon's Landing Chapter is located with in the Falcon's Landing Commmunity.
The Chapter provides multifaceted local support to veterans and their families, to include the Loudoun Veterans and Family Support (LVFS) program, executed in partnership with Community Lutheran Church of Sterling. The Chapter supports the Loudoun County Community Veterans Engagement Board (LCCVEB), purpose of which is to promote a healthy and enriched lifestyle for Loudoun County veterans.
Four times a year the chapter supports the AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort® dedicated to serving deployed United States Service Men and Women by providing ongoing care packages to improve quality of life and raising morale for those serving overseas in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corp, Coast Guard and Special Forces. The Chapter also supports two Junior ROTC Units: the Air Force JROTC unit at Chantilly High School in Fairfax and the Navy JROTC unit at Loudoun County High School. The Chapter President and director of JROTC Programs present two-four scholarships to cadets at each school. In addition, the Lieutenant General John Pustay Scholarship is awarded to a selected cadet at Chantilly High School. View the Chapter website at: Falcon's Landing. Pictured below, top: COL Zimmerman briefing the chapter board meeting, chaired by Chapter President COL Phil Walsh, USMC (Ret). Below, bottom: Falcon's Landing Chapter President COL Phil Walsh, USMC (Ret) and VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret)
Four times a year the chapter supports the AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort® dedicated to serving deployed United States Service Men and Women by providing ongoing care packages to improve quality of life and raising morale for those serving overseas in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corp, Coast Guard and Special Forces. The Chapter also supports two Junior ROTC Units: the Air Force JROTC unit at Chantilly High School in Fairfax and the Navy JROTC unit at Loudoun County High School. The Chapter President and director of JROTC Programs present two-four scholarships to cadets at each school. In addition, the Lieutenant General John Pustay Scholarship is awarded to a selected cadet at Chantilly High School. View the Chapter website at: Falcon's Landing. Pictured below, top: COL Zimmerman briefing the chapter board meeting, chaired by Chapter President COL Phil Walsh, USMC (Ret). Below, bottom: Falcon's Landing Chapter President COL Phil Walsh, USMC (Ret) and VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret)
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Mount Vernon Chapter Luncheon Features Two Speakers on May 14th
MOAA Director for Currently Serving and Retired Affairs LTC Mark Belinsky, USA (Ret) and Virginia Council of Chapters President CDR Lincoln Smith, USNR (Ret) spoke at the Mt. Vernon Chapter luncheon meeting on Saturday, May 14th at La Fiamma Italian Kitchen, Alexandria.
At the luncheon, LTCOL Belinksy provided the MOAA National briefing, with CDR Linc Smith providing highlight of the VCOC Homepage and most recent Council Crier.
Above: Mt. Vernon Chapter Luncheon briefing team, 14 May 2022, MOAA’s Director for Currently Serving and Retired Affairs LTCOL Mark Belinsky, USA (Ret), Mt. Vernon Chapter President COL Smash Yurovich, USMC (Ret), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret).
Above: LTCOL Mark Belinsky briefing Mt. Vernon Chapter, to include interactive question and answer session.
Richmond Area Chapter Award Drisko Scholarships
Col. Mark Rich, USA (Ret)
RACMOAA President
The Richmond Area Chapter (RACMOAA) supports Twenty Six area Junior Reserve Officer Training Cadet high school programs. Each school submits a top cadet rising senior to be awarded a MOAA certificate and medal from RACMOAA. Presentations are made at the schools’ military awards ceremony by a RACMOAA member, usually a board member.
COVID 19 pandemic restrictions have limited these opportunities, but this year RACMOAA did very well.
RACMOAA also awards up to four $1,000 scholarships through our Mel Drisko Leadership scholarship Fund. These awards are highly competitive and are made to graduating seniors planning to become commissioned offciers, who accepted in four-year colleges, universities, service academies, and ROTC programs.
This year, RACMOAA awarded two Drisko scholarships. At the RACMOAA May members’ dinner, our chapter highlighted the awardees. One awardee was unable to attend, as his school was holding their military awards ceremony the same evening of our chapter event.
Awardee Cadet Ethan Henry was present, along with his parents, his grandparents (grandfather being a retired Army officer and RACMOAA member), and the James River High School Senior JROTC Instructor and his wife.
An added bonus was a short presentation by one of last year’s scholarship winners who just finished his first year at VMI. He was introduced by RACMOAA member and Senior JROTC Instructor from the student’s school last year – Benedictine College Preparatory in Richmond.
Below: RACMOAA member LTC Owen Waltman, USA (Ret) presents Cadet Ethan Henry with the Drisko Award.
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Sponsors
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VCOC expresses continued appreciation to Patriots Colony in Williamsburg for ongoing sponsorship for both our annual VCOC Congressional Affairs Luncheon and Quarterly Meetings.
View Patriots Colony Webpage here:
Patriots Colony
VCOC Presents Certificate of Appreciation to Patriot's Colony
VCOC President Col Boyd Nix, USAF (Ret), and MOAA Vice President Government Relations Col Dan Merry, USAF (Ret) presented VCOC Certificate of Appreciation to Ms. Kathy Kammer in recognition of Patriot's Colony sponsorship of the VCOC, Biennial Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, 5 October 2021, Ford's Colony Country Club, Williamsburg, Virginia.
From the Patriots Colony Website:
The Best in Retirement Community LivingLocated in Williamsburg, Virginia-one of the country's best places to retire-Patriots Colony is a 55+ continuing care retirement community exclusively for those who share the common bond of service to our country, including officers in the armed forces and civil servants.
Set on 90 acres of protected woodlands, Patriots Colony is a senior living community that strikes the perfect balance of a serene, quiet community complemented by the convenience of city living. Your new neighbors are friendly, devoted former officers and civilian employees of the federal government who share the same life experiences and priorities and always leave rank at the gate.
The recently renovated Canon Community Center, which offers a myriad of dining, social, educational and wellness opportunities.State-of-the-art fitness center and exercise programs. The highest quality medical services you'll find at a retirement community due to our unique relationship with Riverside Health System.Our own on-site medical center.
The recently renovated Canon Community Center, which offers a myriad of dining, social, educational and wellness opportunities.State-of-the-art fitness center and exercise programs. The highest quality medical services you'll find at a retirement community due to our unique relationship with Riverside Health System.Our own on-site medical center.
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Central Virginia Chapter Hosts MOAA National Board Member and VCOC President
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Above, Left to Right: Central Virginia Chapter President CAPT John Warnecke, USN (Ret) , MOAA National Board Member LTC Walter Smiley, USA (Ret), CVC Vice President and VCOC Secretary LtCol John Down, USAF (Ret), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret)
The Central Virginia Chapter completed its 2021-2022 social season with a luncheon at the Club at Glenmore, Keswick, Virginia, Thursday, 23 June.
VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) provided a brief snapshot of recent VCOC activities, followed by MOAA’s Council and Chapters Communications Chair, LTC Walter J. Smiley, Jr., USA (Ret) addressing the Chapter’s members and luncheon guests.
Colonel Smiley highlighted MOAA’s new five-year strategic plan, including an update on the work MOAA is doing in each of the focus areas of the plan.
MOAA’s six strategic priorities are:Advocacy; Membership; Councils and Chapters; Philanthropy; Engagement; and Resources.
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Above: Central Virginia Chapter President CAPT John Warnecke, USN (Ret), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret).
Mt. Vernon Chapter Hosts Meet and Greet
The Mt. Vernon Chapter hosted a meet and greet social at Kilroy's Restaurant, Springfield, Virginia, 19 October 2022.
The meet and greet was hosted by Mt. Vernon Chapter Immediate Past President CDR George Wallace , USN (Ret). MOAA President and Chief Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret) and MOAA Chief Operating Officer Jim O' Brien, USAF (Ret) attended, with Lt. Gen. Atkins providing brief remarks, including spotlight on the MOAA Legislative Advocacy process on Capitol Hill, also challenges and opportunities of the modern day military recruiting environment. VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) and Third Vice President, Legislative Affairs COL Monti Zimmerman, USA (Ret) also provided a brief informal review of VCOC Legislative Affairs accomplishments for 2022, Federal and State levels. CDR Smith also thanked Lt. Gen. Atkins for his leadership and steadfast support of VCOC.
Below, top: MOAA President and Chief Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret) and Mt. Vernon Chapter Immediate Past President CDR George Wallace, USN (Ret).
Bottom: MOAA Chief Operating Officer Jim O' Brien, USAF (Ret), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), MOAA President and Chief Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret).
MOAA Holds Council & Chapter Leaders Workshop (Mid-Atlantic Region) Workshop
MOAA held the Council & Chapter Leaders Workshop (Mid-Atlantic Region) 2022 Workshop on Friday and Saturday, August 12-13 at the Hilton Raleigh North Hills in Raleigh, North Carolina. Council and Chapter Presidents, Membership Chairs, Legislative Chairs and Surviving Spouse Liaisons from Georgia, Kentuky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tenessese, Virginia, West Virgina and Virtual Chapters attended. The Workshop was hosted by the North Carolina Council of Chapters.
Director, MOAA Council and Chapter Affairs CAPT Frank Michael, USN (Ret) and President, North Carolina Council of Chapters President CW4 Jay Garbus, USA (Ret) provided welcome remarks, followed by the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. A MOAA senior leader moderated panel followed, which included MOAA General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Maj. Gen. Joe Lynch, USAF (Ret), MOAA Vice President, Council/Chapter and Member Support CAPT Jim Carman, USN (Ret), MOAA Membership and Marketing Vice President Kathy Partain, MOAA Senior Director of Government Relations, CDR Rene Campos, USN (Ret) and Magazine and Creative Director, MOAA Communications Rachel Barth. Question and answer period followed the panel presentation.
Pictured Above : MOAA Vice President, Council/Chapter and Member Support CAPT Jim Carman, USN (Ret), North Carolina Council of Chapters President CW4 Jay Garbus, USA (Ret), Director, MOAA Council and Chapter Affairs CAPT Frank Michael, USN (Ret) and MOAA Director, Membership and Protocol. Lt. Col. Suzanne Walker, USA (Ret).
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Breakout sessions convened on Saturday, 13 August in Chapter Management, Legislative Training and Surviving Spouse Liaison Training (Mrs. Barbara Smith). In follow on, Digital Content Specialist, MOAA Communications Ms. Amber Monks conducted a brief on Social Media. CAPT Jim Carman, USN (Ret) provided closing remarks for the Workshop. Pictured above: CDR Rene Campos, USN (Ret), conducting the Workshop Legislative Affairs breakout session.
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Pictured above, left to right: Falcon's Landing Chapter Legislative Affairs Chair Lt. Col. Jim Mullen, USA (Ret) with wife Jackie, Falcon's Landing Chapter President COL Phil Walsh, USMC (Ret), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret), Southwest, Virginia Chapter President CAPT Matt Haag, USN (Ret).
Pictured above, left to right: North Carolina Council of Chapters President CW4 Jay Garbus, USA (Ret), VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret).
VCOC Chapter President Interview Series
A Conversation with the Richmond Chapter President
With this conversation, VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) interviews Richmond Chapter (RACMOAA) President COL Mark Rich, USA (Ret). He discusses his career in the United States Army as a Special Forces Officer, following with spotlight on RACMOAA activity for 2022, also the value of VCOC membership and legislative advocacy. Click below to listen.
A Conversation with the Falcon's Landing Chapter President
With this conversation, VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) interviews Falcon's Landing Chapter President Col. Phil Walsh, USMC (Ret). He discusses his career in the United States Marine Corps, following with spotlight on Falcon's Landing Chapter activity for 2022, also the value of VCOC membership and legislative advocacy. Click below to listen.
A Conversation with the Central Virginia Chapter President
With this conversation, VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) interviews Central Virgina Chapter President CAPT John Warnecke, (USN) Ret. He discusses his career in the United States Navy, following with spotlight on Central Virginia Chapter activity for 2022, also the value of VCOC membership and legislative advocacy. Click below to listen.
A Conversation with the Southwest Virginia Chapter President
With this conversation, VCOC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) interviews Central Virgina CAPT Matt Haag, (USN) Ret. He discusses his career in the United States Navy, following with spotlight on the Southwest Virginia Chapter activity for 2022, also the value of VCOC membership and legislative advocacy. Click below to listen.