MOAA is the nation's largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization. With more than 370,000 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.

To join the Military Officers Association of America, Capitol Area Chapter, please contact: President and/or Third Vice-President MOAA, CAC Lansing, Michigan. These Officers will guide you through the process to join both the local and national levels of MOAA, along with current cost of membership and discounts that may be available. For additional information, please contact: Joseph M. O'Connor LTC, USA (Ret.) (517) 719-0974 joseph.oconnor01@gmail.com

The Capitol Area Chapter (CAC) of MOAA holds 10 meetings a year. Typically, meetings feature a guest speaker in January through May, as well as in October and November of each year. The speaker provides information that may be military specific or of general interest to the membership. In the months of June and September, the CAC holds its annual picnics which are very well attended not only by members of the CAC, but by its sister Chapters in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Brighton, Michigan. In the month of December, CAC will host a local high school choir to perform a Christmas Program for the membership. In addition, volunteers of the CAC support the State of Michigan Officer Candidate School and the various college ROTC programs by awarding newly commissioned officers their first set of gold bars. Further, an annual meet and greet has been hosted by the Auxiliary Liaison to build and foster relationships. The Auxiliary support is vital to CAC sponsored programs.

The Capitol Area Chapter has a legislative liaison who keeps the membership well informed of important State and Federal legislative issues that may have an impact on veterans and/or their families. In addition, other items of legislative interest to the membership may be addressed as well such as social security and Medicare benefits. Other members of the Chapter provide information that may be of interest to the Association, including employment, housing, subsistence, etc. for military veterans, with a particular interest in the State of Michigan. Military financial and medical benefits are often addressed as points of interest. The Chapter has hosted many a State Representative/Senator and Federal Congressman/Senator to address current political trends within the State of Michigan as well as the Nation. MOAA National is well known for its efforts in the legislative arena and each year will "Storm the Hill" with the latest priorities to be addressed, along with pragmatic solutions to problems identified. CAC is represented by a member of the Chapter during this event to make an appearance and provide a voice to matters of interest to its membership and the MOAA as a whole.

Capitol Area Chapter of the MOAA has established a separate, tax-exempt scholarship fund to award college scholarships and book allowances to children and grandchildren of Chapter members or children of Michigan active duty military service members killed or disabled in the line of duty. The goal of the scholarship fund is to provide scholarship grants (range from $1,000.00 to $1,250.00) and/or book allowances (range from $250.00 to $300.00) as possible annually to qualified applicants. We need help in funding and sustaining the scholarship program. Please join us in helping a deserving child achieve his or her dream of a college education by sending a donation to the local Michigan Chapter address above.

The Capitol Area Chapter, MOAA, was chartered on November 12, 1970. Col (Ret) Howard E. Derby, USAR, as Regional Representative of the Retired Officers Association made the presentation. Dues were set at $2 per year, plus a national fee of $8. 26 members attended the meeting, which included a dinner entree choice of turkey or Swiss Steak at a cost of $3.80 per person. Officers were elected and committees were appointed for Programs, Publicity, Membership, and Public Affairs. Meetings were scheduled monthly during the fall, winter, and spring months. Program topics were alternated between those of military and general interest. Membership included a generous mix of all US services, officer ranks, and spouses. All have always been welcome to attend the gatherings. The Chapter has experienced regular growth, currently with more than 200 members. All member of US Uniformed Services are strongly encouraged to join and take an active role in the Chapter.