The NWA Chapter of MOAA was established to benefit members of the uniformed services, their families and survivors and to advocate for a strong national defense, while providing needed support to the community and its members.

Membership in the NWA Chapter of MOAA is open to anyone who holds or has ever held a commission or warrant in any component of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and their surviving spouses. Specific membership information can be obtained from the Chapter Membership Chairman, CDR Sam Sansom, USN (Ret), 479-761-3772, or samayeam@pgtc.com.

Our chapter conducts six dinner meetings during the year, featuring guest speakers with topics relevant to our members; a special semi-formal Christmas Party held each December celebrates the season and members wear their uniforms as feasible. Our Chapter also administers the Gold Bar Program to the cadets of the Army and Air Force ROTC Programs at the University of Arkansas.  The Chapter has a very active mentorship program with Army/Air Force ROTC Cadets.  We also support and coordinate a flag etiquette training for local area 5th graders.  Chapter members contribute to an annual fund raising event to support expansion of the Fayetteville National Cemetery and provide volunteer services to the Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corporation (RNCIC). The Chapter also has a robust Veterans Scholarship Program for veterans attending the U of A.

The NWA Chapter of MOAA supports the MOAA national legislative agenda and we occasionally invite our Congressional Representatives and Senators to speak to the Chapter. The chapter is also active in supporting the state council in various state veterans' issues. Another member is on his fourth term as a State House of Representative member.

The Northwest Arkansas (NWA) MOAA Chapter had its beginning when the organization received its Charter as an Affiliate of The Retired Officers Association (TROA) on 23 April 1956. Twenty-four officers made up the initial membership. Our organization has remained active since that time, and on April 23, 2006, received a 50-year certificate from the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).  We presently have 90+ members in the Chapter.  The NWA Chapter of MOAA has dinner meetings on the 3rd Friday of every even numbered month. The dinners are usually held at the Mermaids Restaurant in Fayetteville starting with a social hour at 6:00 PM followed by dinner at 7:00PM. We also have pot luck dinner meetings at verious times during the year. The Chapter's newsletter keeps all members apprised on upcoming activities and meetings times and agenda. Subscription to the NWA newsletters can be obtained by contacting the Chapter's Newsletter Editor, CDR Richard "Sam" Sansom, USN (Ret) at samayeam@pgtc.com