While this holiday season may not mark a full “return to normal,” it comes as we welcome more long-awaited moves in that direction among our membership and across our nation.

First, most of our Councils and Chapters are returning to in-person meetings. On the local level, these meetings serve to engage participants in their advocacy, philanthropy, and recruitment efforts – work that remains critical to the success of MOAA on a national scale. We’ve also seen the return to in-person leadership gatherings, such as the recent workshop in San Diego and upcoming events in Florida and other locations in 2022.

Much of MOAA’s national advocacy has returned to in-person efforts as well, including my recent meeting with VA Secretary Denis McDonough (our keynote speaker at our in-person annual meeting). While our members and staff showed a willingness to engage virtually over these past months – work that showed results in major legislation – we look forward to again showing our strength in the halls of Congress in the coming year.

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These returns come with a reminder of the continued resiliency MOAA and its membership brings forward in 2022 in the face of continued threats to the benefits you’ve earned through service. It’s a common trait of those who’ve worn the uniform, and one that may become more valuable as this fight continues.

As always this time of year, please remember those deployed during this festive time. Here’s hoping for their continued safety, and for their families to receive the support they need as they too look forward to a happy return.

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