Central PA Chapter of MOAA

Last updated 3/26/2024
Address 144 Ridge Ave
City, State, Zip State College, PA 16803-3522
Meeting Time Feb, May, Aug, and Oct
Meeting Place American Legion Post 245 or TBD
Council Website http://www.pa-coc.org/
Basic information
Address 144 Ridge Ave
City, State, Zip State College, PA 16803-3522
Meeting Time Feb, May, Aug, and Oct
Meeting Place American Legion Post 245 or TBD
Council Website http://www.pa-coc.org/
Information President Membership Chair Webmaster
Name Vincent J Tedesco Jr. John W Diercks N/A
Rank COL Col
Service USA USAF
Component USA USAF
Retirement Status RET RET
Phone Number (814) 237-2245 (814) 234-8775
Email Address vintedesco@me.com jwdiercks@aol.com
President
Name Vincent J Tedesco Jr.
Rank COL
Service USA
Component USA
Retirement Status RET
Phone Number (814) 237-2245
Email Address vintedesco@me.com
Chairman
Name John W Diercks
Rank Col
Service USAF
Component USAF
Retirement Status RET
Phone Number (814) 234-8775
Email Address jwdiercks@aol.com
Webmaster
Name N/A
Rank
Service
Component
Retirement Status
Phone Number
Email Address

Mission

The purpose of the Chapter is to promote the goals and objectives of the Military Officers Association of America; foster fraternal relations among retired, active and former officers of the uniformed services and their National Guard or Reserve components; protect the rights and interests of the former and active officers and their dependents and survivors; and serve the military community with voluntary services and monetary donations as the chapter deems appropriate. The Chapter is a non-profit organization operated exclusively for the purposes specified above.

Information on Joining the Chapter

Membership in the 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 or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and their surviving spouses. Yearly dues for the Chapter are $20. Membership is for the period 1 January to 31 December each year. Contact John Diercks, 814-234-8775, jwdiercks@aol.com to ask questions and obtain a membership form.

Chapter Activities

The Chapter's annual meeting was held on 14 October 2015 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College, PA. This was our annual dinner meeting for presentation of annual reports on Chapter activities, determination of annual dues for the next calendar year, the election of officers and directors, and the transaction of other business. United States Congressman Glenn "G.T." Thompson was our special guest and speaker at the annual meeting. Congressman Thompson updated the Chapter on the status of military issues before Congress. We have hosted a number of “Beer Calls” in State College and the surrounding area. We will continue this program in an effort to get to know vets in the area and build the Chapter. Future "Beer Calls" will be announced via email. Our next event will be held in February 2016 at a location and time to be announced. Contact John Diercks, 814-234-8775, jwdiercks@aol.com, if you are interested in attending future Chapter events.

Legislative Issues

The Chapter supports the MOAA national legislative agenda, and we annually invite our Congressional Representative and Senators to speak to the chapter. (See the annual meeting information above with Congressman Glenn Thompson as the speaker.) The chapter is also active in supporting the state council in various state veterans' issues.

General Information

As a new Chapter, we are in the process of structuring our activities and volunteer services to assist the military community in central Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State University is located in our region. Penn State has one of the largest and highest rated R.O.T.C. departments in the country. We have volunteered to mentor future officers and spouses on what to expect when they are commissioned and enter active duty officer corps. We are also prepared to assist returning veterans as they enter the university community. The Chapter is currently developing a Junior R.O.T.C program for central Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America Explorer Program. Contact Chapter President Vin Tedesco, vintedesco@me.com, if you or your organization needs assistance or are interested in participating in development of the Junior R.O.T.C. program.

About Our Chapter

The Central PA Chapter is relatively new. It was chartered in November 2014 and serves central Pennsylvania, including Centre, Clinton, Clearfield, Blair, Huntingdon, and Mifflin Counties. Meetings are held quarterly at various locations in the area. The Chapter has 39 members consisting of currently serving, former, and retired officers and their survivors. We serve the military community with voluntary services and monetary donations as the chapter deems appropriate.