The mission of the Southern Tier Chapter is to: 1. Promote the purposes and objectives of MOAA, 2. Foster fraternal relations among retired, active and former officers of the uniformed services and their National Guard or Reserve components, 3. Protect their rights and interests, and provide useful services for members and their dependents and survivors, and, 4. Serve the community and the nation.

Membership is open to men and women who are serving or have served on active duty or in one of the National Guard or Reserve components as a commissioned or warrant officer in one of the seven U.S. uniformed services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Command, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Service); and widows and widowers of any deceased individuals who would, if living, be eligible for membership; drilling/active duty National Guard, and Reserve officers; Junior and Senior college ROTC cadets and midshipmen (E-membership), and newly commissioned ROTC graduates. First year membership is free for active duty officers, drilling or active duty National ROTC graduates. All others pay $15.00 per year (Surviving Spouses pay $10.00 a year). We require that our chapter members ALSO be members of national MOAA, hopefully at least at the PREMIUM level so as to be able to take advantage of the full package of MOAA membership benefits. Life membership is also available.

STC has monthly meetings for members, Board of Directors, Ladies and Men's Groups, plus a monthly newsletter. Since COVID-19, we have switched all meetings to virtual. STC helps members secure veteran and retiree benefits; provides Personal Affairs guidance and training sessions; apprises local elected representatives (state and national) on the MOAA legislative agenda; and presents MOAA leadership award medals / certificates to Cornell University ROTC cadets. The chapter supports the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group, Inc. (STVSG) a 501(c)(3) public charity as members of the board and volunteers. STVSG's mission is to provide a network of resources for our local veterans, service members and their families. STVSG strives to educate the community on veteran needs and partner with other organizations to offer a broad range of services and assistance to enhance each veteran's physical, emotional and economic well-being. STVSG supports veterans in 11 New York and 3 Pennsylvania counties. Our chapter is hosting the NEW YORK STATE MOAA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS

 51^st ANNUAL CONVENTION

Tioga Downs Casino Resort

2384 West River Road

Nichols, NY 13812 

https://www.tiogadowns.com

Sunday, 17 September through Thursday, 21 September 2023

Call -‭(607) 725-4343‬ for more info.

The MOAA Chapter supports the national MOAA legislative agenda and strives to keep local elected representatives at the state and congressional level apprised on MOAA's key issues. The chapter is also active in supporting the New York State MOAA Council of Chapters on various state veterans' issues, and each April/May, participates in MOAA “Storming of Capitol Hill, discussing MOAA's legislative priorities with all 27 New York congressional represenatives and both senators or their staffs.

Southern Tier Chapter meetings are usually luncheon meetings held on the third Saturday of each month beginning at 11:30 hrs. Locations vary and are announced in the chapter newsletter and at chapter meetings. There is normally a guest speaker. Guests are welcome. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all these activities have become virtual. The members of STC strive to foster a creative and social environment for all attendees.

Why join the Southern Tier Chapter of MOAA?  Chapter membership enables each member to have a greater impact in the local community and benefit the lives of military personnel and their families. Chapter members speak up about local issues and influence their local and state governments. They publicize valuable information that affects other MOAA members and military personnel. They recognize outstanding young people in the community and reach out to help fellow officers in need. Chapter membership offers opportunities for lasting friendships, camaraderie, and networking with other officers who share similar concerns, outlooks, and aspirations. For more information, contact the chapter at southerntiermoaa@gmail.com.

The Southern Tier Chapter (STC) was chartered on March 13, 1971 and is proud of its 50 year history of mission accomplishment. STC is one of more than 400 independent, self-governing, and self-supporting organizations that voluntarily choose to affiliate with national MOAA for the purpose of cooperation and mutual support. STC is headquartered in the Binghamton/Vestal area and covers a large area extending from Hancock in the east to Corning in the west, as far north as Cortland, and south into the northern tier of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. STC is one of eight chapters in the New York State MOAA Council of Chapters. The chapter publishes a monthly newsletter and has members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Surviving Spouses (formerly called Auxiliaries). STC has received a number of MOAA performance awards, including 22 5-Star Levels of Excellence (LOE) awards, and 1  4-Star LOE award.