The mission of the Southwest Virginia Chapter of MOAA is to benefit the members of the uniformed services, Reserves, National Guard their families and survivors as well as retired officers and their survivors, widows and widowers representing all seven uniformed services, Reserve and National Guard in all officer grades throughout Southwest Virginia, and to advocate for a strong national defense, while providing needed support to the community and its members.

Membership in the Southwest Virginia Chapter 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, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, Reserve, National Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and their surviving spouses. Information on The Southwest Virginia Chapter (SWVC) can be obtained by contacting Thomas J. Dalzell, Colonel USMC (Ret), Membership Chair at (540) 343-3258, E-Mail: thomasdalzell@gmail.com or mail to the Southwest Virginia Chapter, P.O. Box 3090, Roanoke, VA 24015-1090. Annual Chapter Dues are $20.00. Widows(ers) dues are $10.00. Dues for those entering MOAA between 1 July and 31 December are $10.00.

1. A bi-monthly lunch or social event held at various locations. A short program is usually included on a topic of interest. Information on these events is promulgated through the SWVC chapter monthly newsletter. 2. The Chapter Legislative Committee is deeply involved in promoting State and National legislation in the interest of all military personnel, their dependents and survivors. 3. The Chapter Personal Affairs Committee is available on call to provide information to members and survivors on entitlements and to help members and survivors in the submission of inquiries, applications and claims. 4. A monthly newsletter mailed to each member containing interesting and useful information on chapter activities and other items of interest on entitlements and benefits. 5. The Chapter undertakes community service projects plus annual awards presented to distinguished ROTC cadets in area schools and complimentary memberships to newly commissioned officers at VA Tech Radford

Legislative objectives of the 23 Veterans Service Organizations represented on the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations for 2009: 1.TurboVet System-To fully fund and deploy a system to expedite receipt of veterans disability benefits. 2.Homeless Veterans Study-To examine the current level of services provided to homeless veterans and the need for and cost of additional services. 3.Burial Vaults for Virginia Veterans Cemeteries-Appropriate funds to provide for burial vaults at Virginia State cemeteries at no cost to the veteran. 4.Real Estate Tax Relief for 100% Disabled Veterans-Pass legislation to amend the Virginia Constitution that would require local governments to grant real estate tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans without regard to means testing. 5.Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children-The General Assembly enact HB395(2008)Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. 6.Military Family Relief Fund-Enact legislation such that benefits paid from the Military Family Relief Fund shall be nontaxable.

The SWVC Chapter holds general membership meetings at Hidden Valley Country Club Salem, VA at 1200 noon the 3rd Thursday of every month except June and July. Meetings include lunch and a short program on topics of interest. For information and reservations contact Bill Gore at (540) 562-0355, E-Mail gasbill1@aol.com. The Smith Mountain Lake satellite meets at Westlake Country Club, Smith Mountain Lake, VA at 1130 AM the 2nd Tuesday of Feb/Mar/May/June/Sept/Nov, and dinner meetings at 6:30 PM the 3rd Friday of Jan/Mar/Oct. For information and reservations contact William Smith at (540) 721-5335, E-Mail wnoscss@.juno.com. The New River Valley satellite holds bi-monthly lunch meetings on the 2nd Tuesday at 1200 noon at The Red Lobster Restaurant, Christiansburg, VA. Information on the meetings are included in the Chapter monthly newsletter mailed to each member. For information and reservations contact Dick Culbertson at(540) 951-7948. The Ladies Auxiliary holds monthly lunch meetings (except Jan) at 1200 noon at The Hunting Hills Country Club, Roanoke, VA. Contact Mary Martin at (540)387-2280 for information and reservations. Information on all SWVC Chapter and satellite monthly meetings are included in the Chapter monthly newsletter mailed to each member.

The Southwest Virginia Chapter (SWVC), charted on 18 Feb 1978 is an autonomous and self-supporting Chapter of MOAA located in Roanoke, Virginia with two satellite chapters, The Smith Mountain Chapter located at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia and The New River Valley Chapter located in the Blacksburg Christiansburg, Virginia area. The SWVC and its satellites represent more than 265 officers made up of currently serving, former, and retired officers and their survivors, widows and widowers representing all seven uniformed services, Reserve and National Guard in all officer grades throughout Southwest Virginia. 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.