Recent news from The MOAA Newsletter. View previous editions of Council and Chapter News here. Send updates about your affiliate’s activities to blaird@moaa.org for possible inclusion in future editions.

COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Grant

MOAA chapters can help spread the word about and facilitate grants for those struggling because of the pandemic.

The MOAA Foundation launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund April 15, 2020, and has been able to provide immediate support in areas of critical need to those who need it most. 

All members of the military and veteran communities — officer and enlisted, Guard and Reserve, as well as military spouses and caregivers — who are in need of assistance with household expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply through their local chapter for a grant of up to $500. Priority will be given to those who are not eligible for grants from military relief societies. 

If you are a member of a council or chapter and want to share the application in your community, visit MOAA.org/billreliefapp. Information on printer-friendly and fillable PDF versions can be found on that website, as well. Chapter-connected applicants should select “chapter application” for the first question.

For any MOAA councils or chapters who would like to facilitate and endorse a grant application, you can visit MOAA.org/billreliefverify to find the facilitation form. If you’re facing financial stress brought on by the pandemic (or know someone who is) and you aren't affiliated or near a MOAA chapter, visit the first “Bill Relief App” link for instructions and to fill out the digital application. 

To read more about how to apply for COVID-19 Relief through a MOAA Chapter, click here to learn more.

This application program is currently being monitored on a monthly basis regarding fund availability. For any additional application or program questions, please email relief@moaa.org.

Back on the Road Again

The Council and Chapter Affairs team is preparing to return to in-person council and chapter visits this month. Please ensure your meeting complies with all local and venue restrictions and make a visit request. Our fall travel calendar is filling up quickly, so give us a three date options and don’t hesitate to plan ahead for 2022.

Surviving Spouse Corner: Help Us Help You

Whether you’re seeking resources, support, or answers to questions, MOAA’s Surviving Spouse Advisory Council wants to hear from you.

By Suzanne Walker, Surviving Spouse Advisory Council adviser

The Surviving Spouse Advisory Council (SSAC) just wrapped up a busy month. Members of the SSAC joined hundreds of MOAA council and chapter presidents and board and staff members for the Advocacy in Action event to support MOAA’s advocacy initiatives. The SSAC also participated in the Surviving Spouse Virtual Chapter meeting, the council and chapter Virtual Leaders' Regional Workshop, and the Florida Council of Chapters annual convention. These activities help the SSAC achieve its mission to encourage, engage, and educate.

To further ensure the council fulfills its mission, we want to hear from you. Tell us what issues are important to you as you navigate life without your loved one. We have several avenues you can use to express your opinions, ask questions, learn about resources, and receive support from fellow surviving spouses. From The MOAA Newsletter, Military Officer magazine, and MOAA.org to the MOAA Surviving Spouses and Friends Facebook group and the Surviving Spouse Virtual Chapter we are here for you. Would you like to connect with others who have similar interests, like gardening, genealogy, cooking, or travel? Would you like to participate in one of the MOAA-sponsored cruises but need a travel companion? Are you interested in attending a MOAA-sponsored social gathering near your home but are unsure about taking that first step?

Connect with the SSAC and let us know what is important to you. Send emails to sscomm@moaa.org. 

We Want to Highlight Your Chapter in Military Officer

The October issue of Military Officer will include expanded coverage of MOAA council and chapter activities. Email high-resolution photos with caption information and short articles about your affiliate’s activities — community-service projects, advocacy efforts, fundraisers, award ceremonies, etcetera — so we can showcase your hard work. Send submissions by June 25 to Contributing Editor Blair Drake at blaird@moaa.org.

Update Your Personal Information and Preferences

Now is a good time to take stock of your information on file with MOAA to ensure our communications reach you and you get the information you want and need. Just log in to MOAA.org, and go to “My Profile Info” at the top left of the screen. Then, review your demographics (contact) information. Next, under “Communications,” verify your “Communication Preferences” and “Opt In/Opt Out.” This is where you can customize the information you receive in the electronic newsletter and make sure we know you want to receive communications from and about your local chapter.

Chapter Management Question?

MOAA’s Council and Chapter Policies and Procedure Guide provides guidance on a range of chapter-management topics. Download a copy of this helpful guide online. You can also contact the team at chapters@moaa.org with your questions. We are here to support you!

Get Newsletter Content From National MOAA

Need some content to supplement your chapter’s newsletter? The White Label Newsletter Template includes information, articles, and helpful tips from national MOAA that already are formatted for inclusion in your newsletter. The content is updated every month to ensure you are receiving timely, relevant information.   

From the Field 

MOAA chapters give back to their communities through fundraising efforts, community-service projects, scholarship programs, and other initiatives. Here are some recent activities.

The Northern Arizona Chapter recently presented two ROTC and one Junior ROTC scholarships to local students. Recipients were an Army and an Air Force cadet from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) as well as a high school junior from Bradshaw Mountain High School. In addition, the chapter cosponsored the ERAU AROTC Lumberjack Battalion entry in the 2021 Bataan Memorial Death March. All 11 of the cadets finished the 26.2-mile march with 35-pound ruck sacks.

Members of the Star Fort (S.C.) Chapter helped with a Last Patrol honor ceremony for Frank Glenn, a local World War II Navy veteran, in April. The ceremonies honor veterans in hospice or at home end-of-life care. Chapter members served in the color guard and presented certificates of appreciation. 

The Maryland Council of Chapters presented its 2019 National Guard Unit of the Year award to the 175th Operations Group May 2 at Warfield Air National Guard Base. Col. Drew E. Dougherty, ANG, unit commander, accepted the award. Approximately 50 unit members attended as well as Maj. Gen. Timothy Gowen, Maryland adjutant general, and Brig. Gen. Paul Johnson, commander, 175th Wing.

Two leaders of the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter were named 2021 Veteran Family of the Year by the Oklahoma Veterans Council. Col. Theodore Janosko, USA (Ret), and Former Army Capt. Marilyn Janosko were honored May 27 for their time and efforts to improve the lives of veterans and their families in their local communities and state-wide.