Just 12 months ago, many of us were sitting elbow-to-elbow with friends and family, enjoying festive gatherings, attending holiday recitals, and celebrating a magical season without any help from a video teleconference app.

In 2020, those circumstances changed. But as we approach the holidays, the spirit of joy and thankfulness remains – a spirit that’s been on display throughout a challenging year thanks to MOAA’s wonderful members.

You’ve answered our call with donations to The MOAA Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, which has amassed more than $240,000 (as of Dec. 9) thanks to almost 2,000 individual donors. This money goes to help the neediest among our expanded uniformed services community in a time where the help is needed most. A special thanks to the members of our local chapters who’ve done the heavy lifting in their communities with support from COVID-19 Chapter Grants and Community Outreach Chapter Grants.

[RELATED: Donate to MOAA’s COVID-19 Relief Fund]

The pandemic has influenced MOAA’s advocacy efforts, as well – in addition to many other priorities in the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, MOAA has worked to ensure any closures or changes to military treatment facilities, and any cuts to military medical personnel, are put on hold as we fight the pandemic, and until leaders can analyze the true health of the DoD and private-sector systems. We move forward with this issue, and others, with a new legislative session.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The holidays are here, and we wish you happy times with your family and loved ones -- even if it means you must enjoy a wassail via web cast.

From all of us at the Military Officers Association of America, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.