Why Should You Join?

MOAA members have access to services specifically designed for them.

Join Secondary page

MOAA in the News

Increase size Decrease size Text Size PrintPrint

MOAA fights every day for the entire military community, and to preserve a strong national defense. Check out what we've had to say on the latest issues affecting active duty and retired servicemembers, and their families.

An 'unfair fight' for job-seeking veterans

May 8, 2013 - Stars and Stripes
Home Depot wants to hire more veterans. But as its human resources staff sorts through stacks of resumes each day, they often can’t find a reason why they should.

Protecting Military Families from Foreclosure

May 8, 2013 - Magic City Morning Star 
Today, Reps. Elijah E Cummings, Mike Michaud, Adam Smith, Susan Davis, Mark Takano, and John Tierney, the Ranking Members of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, and the Subcommittee on National Security, introduced H.R. 1842, the Military Family Home Protection Act, to strengthen foreclosure protections for U.S. military servicemembers and their families.

Reviews threaten commissary benefit

May 6, 2013 - Military Times
Commissary officials are conducting at least three short-fuse cost-cutting reviews, each of which could significantly reduce access to the benefit by either shutting down some stores or shortening their hours.

The case against pay caps, higher Tricare fees

May 5, 2013 - The Gazette- Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak
Military folks upset by Obama administration proposals to cap pay raises, to phase-in sharply higher co-pays on prescriptions filled off base and to raise Tricare costs on working-age retirees also tend to rail against such changes with arguments politicians can shrug off as stale or in error.

USO welcomes troops at new Nashville airport lounge

May 4, 2013 - The Tennessean
With a cascade of red, white and blue balloons as a backdrop and the USO Show Troupe on hand to perform musical tributes to each military branch, about 200 people, many waving small American flags, gathered at Nashville International Airport on Friday to mark the opening of the USO’s first airport lounge in Tennessee.

Cameron University's George D. Keathley Department Of Military Science Honors Army Rotc Cadets With Annual Awards

May 4, 2013 - Military&Aerospace Electronics® 
Cameron University's George D. Keathley Department of Military Science presented awards and scholarships to members of the Comanche Battalion, Cameron's Army ROTC unit, during a ceremony held last week. The Comanche Battalion annually recognizes cadets for meritorious performance in the areas of military science, academics, physical fitness, personal achievement, and leadership. Awards are sponsored by the Department of the Army; national and local societies, organizations, and businesses; and by private individuals.

Elva Resa Appoints Bianca Strzalkowski Senior Editor of Military Family Book Imprint

May 3, 2013 - Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Award-winning independent publisher Elva Resa Publishing has appointed Bianca Strzalkowski senior editor of its military family book imprint. Strzalkowski will use her professional writing and editing skills, as well as first-hand experience living the military lifestyle and advocating for military families, to develop important resources for service members, their families, and supporting organizations.

Outcry erupts over 1% pay raise proposed for military

April 25, 2013 - USA Today
Military families and their advocates are battling an Obama administration proposal to limit troops' pay raises to 1% in 2014, the lowest increase in half a century.

Tricare fee hikes, small pay raise don't faze senators

April 22, 2013 - Army, Air Force, Navy, and  Marine Corps Times
Military advocates are again appealing to Congress to protect pay and benefits by contending that the sacrifices of military service justify special treatment — but there are signs that argument may be losing effectiveness.

Lawmakers renew fight to call retired reservists 'veterans'

April 22, 2013 - Army, Air Force, Navy, and  Marine Corps Times
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee will move again this week to pass symbolic legislation allowing retired National Guard and reserve component members to officially be called “veterans.”

Casey, Moran, Cartwright, Wittman Introduce Bill to Give Tax Credit to Military Spouses

April 21, 2013 - BigNews.Biz
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA), and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) announced that they have introduced the Military Spouses Job Continuity Act, legislation that would help military spouses more easily re-enter the workforce by offering a tax credit to any military spouse who has to renew or transfer a professional license due to a military Change of Station order.

Senator Murray Honored by Military Officers Association of America

April 17, 2013 - Sen. Patty Murray
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) was presented the Colonel Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) during an awards ceremony yesterday on Capitol Hill. 

Witness Testimony of The Honorable Chellie Pingree, U.S. House of Representatives

April 16, 2013 - House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Legislative Hearing on H.R. 569, H.R. 570, H.R. 602, H.R. 671, H.R. 679, H.R. 733, H.R. 894 and H.R. 1405.

McCaskill honored for work on behalf of military

April 18, 2013 - SunTimesNews.com
In a ceremony this week, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill was honored by the nation’s largest military officers group, in recognition of her continued advocacy in support of America’s military officers.

Military groups fight to stop DoD budget proposal

April 19, 2013 - Federal News Radio
In a repeat of the battle that's played out over the last two federal budget cycles, the Defense Department is proposing to raise the fees military retirees pay for their health care. Groups that represent current and former service members are fighting to stop them, blasting the proposals as unfair.

Federal News Radio Quote of the Day- Audio Download

April 19, 2013 - Federal News Radio
AUDIO MP3 Download of Col. Steve Strobridge, USAF (Ret).

Military Association Angered by Spending Cuts

April 18, 2013 - NEWSMAX Independent. American.

The largest association of military officers in the country went to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to urge legislators to reject the Obama administration’s proposed spending cuts. 

Tricare, excessive?

April 15, 2013 - Longboat Key News

“The military budget is not on the table.  The military is at the table, and is eating everybody else’s lunch.”  Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) commenting on the House passage of the $649 billion FY2012 Defense Appropriations Bill.

Culture Fit & the Value of Hiring a Veteran

April 14, 2013 - Recruitingtrends.com

A small business owner told me that hiring the wrong person is the biggest mistake she can make in her company.

Vet Groups Question White House Budget Plan

April 13, 2013 - Military.com

Veteran service organizations are forming a united front against President Obama's debt-reduction plan that shrinks cost of living increases for retirees and disabled vets by linking them to the consumer price index. 

MOAA: Proposed cuts betray military personnel

April 13, 2013 - POLITICO Morning Defense
Angry at the Pentagon’s new 2014 spending plan, the nation’s largest association of military officers is taking its case to Capitol Hill today, pressing lawmakers to oppose the Obama administration’s latest proposals to rein in military personnel costs.

In Depth Show - April 2

April 2, 2013 - WMAL 1500 a.m. In Depth with Francis Rose
The D.C. area is a great place for service members and their families to find private-sector jobs. The trick is finding them. Capt. Jim Carman, director of the Military Officers Association of America's Transition Center, joins In Depth to discuss how a recent MOAA career fair can help service members and their families.

SGT. SHAFT: How does Reserve time apply in retirement?

April 2, 2013 - The Washington Times
Sgt. Shaft gives MOAA credit in his weekly column for helping him answer a question on military Reserve time and whether or not it can be applied toward federal civil service retirement — (CSRS or FERS) Civil Service Retirement Service or Federal Employees Retirement System.  

Tricare lacking for some tied to military

April 3, 2013 - The Republic/ AZCentral.com 
CAPT Kathy Beasley, Deputy Director for Healthcare in MOAA’s Government Relations department, was quoted in The Republic/AZCentral.com April 3 article saying the GAO report on Tricare echoes some of MOAA’s own findings.

New contractor takes over Tricare West region

March 29, 2013 - Marine Corps Times online
United Healthcare Military & Veterans Services will assume management of the West region contract on April 1, providing health care services for 2.9 million Tricare beneficiaries. 

Military Spending Cuts Will Probably Affect Mental Health Programs

March 20, 2013 - KSOO 1140 AM

The House Armed Services Committee Military Personnel Subcommittee met in Washington, D.C. Wednesday March 20th. The purpose was to discuss the current Dept. of Defense budget situation on soldiers and family-related programs.

PA Residents: Oppose Payday Loans

March 18, 2013 - News Network Delaware County

Federal legislation caps the annual interest rates that payday lenders can charge active duty members of the military and their families at 36 percent. This protection does not extend to veterans, National Guard and reservists.

Veterans' advocates lobby hard for attention on Capitol Hill

March 20, 2013 - Stars and Stripes

Nearly every major veterans advocacy organization has visited Capitol Hill over the last month, pushing lawmakers to keep the focus on their issues amid the financial fights in Congress.

Attempt by Sen. Hagan, Sen. Inhofe to restore tuition assistance proves popular

March 19, 2013 - FayObserver.com
U.S. Senators Kay Hagan and Jim Inhofe today announced growing support for their bipartisan amendment to reinstate the Tuition Assistance Program for servicemembers. Prominent national groups including the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), American Legion, Marine Corps League, American Military Retirees Association, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Non Commissioned Officer Association (NCOA), and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) have endorsed the amendment.

Hagan bill to reverse military tuition cuts

March 18, 2013 - Mount Airy News
Surry County’s representative to the Senate, Kay Hagan (D-NC), has joined Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe to introduce an amendment to the Continuing Resolution that would reinstate the tuition assistance program for service members.

NC-Sen: Kay Hagan (D) Introduces Amendment To Restore Military Tuition Assistance From Sequester

March 18, 2013 - Daily Kos
Military tuition assistance is one of the big victims due to the sequester: Recent sequester cuts have forced the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force to suspend their Tuition Assistance Programs, which gave active-duty military members up to $4,500 per year to work toward a high school diploma, certificate or college degree.

MOAA: Karzai owes troops, families an apology

March 16, 2013 - Military Times
Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s accusations that U.S. troops have been “colluding” with the Taliban in an effort to prolong combat operations is endangering service members and deserves an apology, the head of the Military Officers Association of America said Friday.

‘Tips for Lifelong Caregiving’ Manual in development

March 15, 2013 - South Potomac Pilot
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is one of three non-profit organizations to receive a Dole Foundation Innovation Grant for executing significant clearly recognized unmet military family caregiver needs. The grant will provide immediate relief to caregivers by creating an on-line manual entitled “Tips for Lifelong Caregiving.”

Watchdog: Veterans group skeptical of VA claims progress

March 2, 2013 - Washington Examiner
Veterans groups expressed skepticism Thursday that the Department of Veterans Affairs will meet its pledge to break its backlog of disability and pension claims by 2015.

Vets Hit VA, DoD for Ditching Records Project

February 28, 2013 - Military.com
Leaders of several of the country's veterans' service organizations told lawmakers on Thursday that they need to push the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to keep going with a plan to integrate the medical records of troops and veterans.

How will New York be impacted by sequestration?

February 25, 2013 - Time-Warner
The White House has released a breakdown of how each state will be impacted by sequestration. MOAA President, Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, Jr., is interviewed on the subject.

Veterans groups: New military medal for drone operators should not outrank combat honors

February 26, 2013 - The Patriot-News
A new medal from the Pentagon is raising the ire of the military community.

Military Divorcees Aim to End Lifetime Alimony Rules

February 18, 2013 - NEWSMAX

Pressure is growing among advocacy groups to revise a military divorce law that can grant ex-spouses of U.S. warriors up to half of their retirement pay right up to death.

Hagel delay gives opposition time to hone attack

February 15, 2013 - Boston.com

The weeklong Senate recess gives outside interest groups opposed to Chuck Hagel’s nomination to become defense secretary more time to sharpen their attack against President Barack Obama’s choice. And they’re not wasting any of it, promising to redouble their efforts to scour Hagel’s record and to pressure senators to vote against him.

Expand Health Care for CHAMPVA Children

February 14, 2013 - Third Estate Sunday Review

Today, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced legislation to adjust current eligibility requirements for children who receive health care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).

Careers in transition

February 14, 2013 - Northwest Guardian

As the deputy director of government relations for the Military Officers Association of America, Karen Golden is passionate about helping military spouses face the challenges of finding jobs and developing careers of their own. Her motivation is understandable because she is not only a social worker, but also the wife of a Marine.

DoD screw-up sticks Marine with $100K debt

February 12, 2013 - Army Times

A Marine Corps family is in dire financial straits, struggling to pay back a $100,000 loan following a huge error made by the Army Corps of Engineers in administering its Homeowners Assistance Program.

Top 3 Things I Learned From the Career Forum

February 11, 2013 - Military.com - SpouseBUZZ.com

Military spouses get backup at Tacoma event

February 10, 2013 - The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)

Stephanie Crosse figures her next move with her Army lawyer husband should open new career opportunities. She has a license to practice law in Georgia, and the Peach State is their next destination.

Murray speaks on challenges for military spouses

February 10, 2013 - Third Estate Sunday Review

Veterans groups praise Hagel

February 10, 2013 - Daily Republic

Online Countering the Republican-led opposition to President Barack Obama’s nominee for defense secretary is a less flashy but powerful constituency: military veterans.

TRICARE's High Price Tag Comes Under Scrutiny

January 17, 2013 - Government Executive
The military’s massive health insurance program offers millions of service members, retirees and their dependents quality care at relatively low cost. That’s what the government aimed for when it created the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services in 1966, now known as TRICARE. But the price of that success has been high for Uncle Sam: The $53 billion program now consumes 10 percent of the Pentagon’s nonwar budget.

Pentagon Solutions: Military Officers Association focuses on key priorities

January 16, 2013 - Federal News Radio
Retired Vice Adm. Norbert Ryan, president of the association, joined Pentagon Solutions with Francis Rose to discuss the group's priorities for the year.

A Changing of the Guard Among Veterans in Congress

January 4, 2013 - The New York Times "The Caucus" Blog
The 113th Congress convened for the first time on Thursday, welcoming the largest wave of veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since those wars began more than a decade ago.

Coburn, McCain sway Senate to bigger military prescription fees

December 6, 2012 - Stars and Stripes
Late-hour speeches by Republican Sens. Tom Coburn (Okla.) and John McCain (Ariz.) on runaway military health costs led the Senate Tuesday to shelve a defense bill amendment that would have spared family members and retirees more burdensome co-pays on drug prescriptions filled off base.

TRICARE drug co-pay increase still up in the air

December 5, 2012 - Government Executive 
TRICARE beneficiaries could see some of their prescription drug costs spike next year if the final Defense authorization bill that Congress sends to the White House is silent on the issue.

Senate Unanimously Approves Reed Amendment to Protect Military Families from High-Cost Loans and Unfair Credit Practices

December 3, 2012 - Federal News Service
In a victory for military families, the U.S. Senate today approved Senator Jack Reed’s (D-RI) amendment to the 2012 Defense Authorization bill to crack down on unscrupulous lenders and help prevent them from charging excessive fees to soldiers and their families.

Escalating military pay under scrutiny

December 1, 2012 - Dayton Daily News 

Military pay is under scrutiny by budget hawks who say something has to be done as the nation continues to increase its debt.

JBA ASF named 2012 MOAA community heroes

November 30, 2012 - DCmilitary.com (Andrews Gazette)

The 779th Medical Group Aeromedical Staging Facility team members were awarded the Military Officers Association of America 2012 Community Heroes Award in the Military Caregivers category during a ceremony Oct. 30 in Arlington, Va., for their endless dedication to helping wounded warriors returning from overseas everyday at Joint Base Andrews, Md. 

Hawthorn, Zebedies Earn Heroes Award

November 29, 2012 - DCmilitary.com (Tester - Naval Air Station Patuxent River) 

Two Navy Marine Corps Relief Society combat casualty nurses from NAS Patuxent River were awarded the Civilian Group 2012 Military Officers Association of America Community Heroes Appreciation Award in October.

Changes sought for vets' psych disorder discharges

November 28, 2012 - USA Today
After nearly 30,000 servicemembers were forced out of the military for "personality disorders," often after combat service, a bipartisan House coalition hopes to require the Pentagon to review those cases in the hopes that some veterans could receive benefits.

America's Broke Soldiery

November 28, 2012 - Pacific Free Press
Though 2008 and 2009 were bad years for most industries, as with every economic downturn, some sectors have benefited from the recession. As Americans look for creative ways of stretching their paychecks and planning for retirement in hard times, the financial advice business, which has been on the rise for over a decade, has been increasingly in demand in the last couple of years.

It’s time to consider pulling together all veterans’ programs

November 22, 2012 - Cumberland-Times News
No nation treats returning veterans better than than the United States.

New report grades state programs for veterans

November 17, 2012 - The Killeen Daily Herald
A new state-by-state report card from a national organization that represents members of the military and veterans indicated that Texas lacks when it comes to providing monetary incentives or property tax relief for veterans.

Think Our Troops Are Safe From Sequestration? They Aren't

November 16, 2012 - National Journal and Government Executive
Without a compromise by Congress, sequestration would cut health benefits for active-duty troops and veterans.

 

Winnefeld: Returning Veterans Need Nation's Support

October 31, 2012 - American Forces Press Service
The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised caregivers and other people and organizations that support the nation’s military veterans at an event here yesterday.

DoD to cut Tricare Prime in 5 West areas

October 18, 2012 - Army Times
The Pentagon is moving ahead with plans to slash its network of Tricare Prime providers, starting by eliminating the Prime option.

First Lady Dedicated to Helping Our Military Heroes

October 17, 2012 - Small Business Opportunities
VetFran Committee Vice Chair Joe Lindenmayer of TSS Photography and The Grounds Guy franchisee Rick Santo joined First Lady Michelle Obama as she addressed roughly 700 attendees at Mayport Naval Base in Jacksonville, FL. The First Lady said the Joining Forces goal of hiring 100,000 Veterans by 2014 was surpassed with nearly 2,000 companies combining to hire over 125,000 Veterans by mid-August, including those hired by Operation Enduring Opportunity.

Invisible War Wounds Can Leave Very Deep Scars

September 20, 2012 - Military.com
On the stage, seated with a small group of wounded warriors sharing stories of grievous injuries and inspirational recoveries, is an attractive young woman with short and spiked blond hair.

Navy Wounded Warriors Share Experiences

September 21, 2012 - dcmilitary.com
Two Navy wounded warriors served as panelists at the 2012 Warrior-Family Symposium in Washington, D.C., Sept. 13.

Defense official: Wounded veterans' caregivers a priority

September 14, 2012 -  Stars and Stripes
A top defense official is making support for caregivers of wounded veterans a priority this year, calling for collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and the private sector.

DoD to host caregivers conference in 2013

September 14, 2012 - Air Force Times
Campbell made the announcement during the 2012 Warrior and Family Symposium sponsored by the Military Officers Association of American and the National Defense Industrial Association.

Wounded Warriors Discuss Transitions to New Lives

September 14, 2012 - American Forces Press Service
Caregivers, National Guard, reserve support and sports for the wounded are the top Defense Department priorities for wounded warriors and their families, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for warrior care said today, as wounded warriors discussed their experiences with recovery.

Minneapolis VA faulted for suicide policy lapses

August 28, 2012 - Star Tribune
It didn't follow up on despondent patient who killed himself while under the agency's care, the VA Inspector General's Office said.

USMC investigates GI Bill anomaly

August 19, 2012 - Marine Corps Times
The Marine Corps is examining how its two boot camps inform recruits about their GI Bill education benefits. The move was prompted when officials realized that so far this year, nearly all West Coast recruits have elected to buy into the Montgomery GI Bill, while the vast majority of East Coast recruits have enrolled in the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, which is more generous than its predecessor and includes no buy-in fees.

Hale, Woodson Detail Defense Health Reprogramming Request

August 2, 2012 - American Forces Press Service
The Defense Department’s June 29 request to Congress to move $708 million in excess funds from the military health budget to other budget areas does not shortchange military health programs, Pentagon officials said today.

DoD explains, defends health care surplus

August 2, 2012 - Army Times, Navy Times
The Defense Department’s top budget officer Wednesday defended Pentagon efforts to shift $708 million in health funding to other military budget accounts, saying the surplus money — the result of conservative cost projections made two years ago — cannot go to new initiatives or be saved for the future.

In Depth with Francis Rose

August 1, 2012- Federal News Radio 1500AM
TRICARE costs are eating military officers alive, Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, President of MOAA told In Depth with Francis Rose. The Defense Department is claiming a $708 million health care surplus for FY2012 - money it wants to use for other purposes. But at the same time the department wants to raise fees for health benefits. MOAA says the surplus funds should be used to pay for military retiree healthcare, research and treatment for post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, and curb suicides in the military community.

Claims of Crippling TRICARE Cost Discredited

July 31, 2012 - MilitaryAdvantage.Military.com
As many of our readers know, the DoD has been pushing a proposal to increase TRICARE fees by claiming TRICARE costs are spiraling out of control. The proposal has drawn fire from military retirees and military advocacy organizations. One such organization, the Military Officer Association of America, recently reported that a recent DoD request to divert $500 million from Defense Department Health Care to other programs proves that the DoD’s “claims were bogus.”

MOAA ‘Appalled' by Reprogramming Request

July 31, 2012 - Politico’s Morning Defense
The Military Officers Association of America is up in arms over the Pentagon’s latest reprogramming request, which would use excess health care funds to pay for other budget priorities.

MOAA Appalled at Defense Leaders’ Health Cost Misrepresentations

July 30, 2012 - MySanAntonio - San Antonio Express Online
A DOD memo totally discredits TRICARE cost claims. “All the time defense leaders were claiming retiree health costs were exploding, the costs were actually going down,” Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, President of MOAA said.

Justice fines Capital One for violating law protecting troops from creditors

July 26, 2012 - The Washington Post
In its second settlement in eight days, McLean-based Capital One Bank will pay $12 million in restitution to troops who were unlawfully denied reprieve from high interest rates, foreclosure and car repossession while on active duty.

MOAA Mojave Desert Chapter presents youth awards

July 26, 2012 -  Daily Press
Each May, the Mojave Desert Chapter of Military Officers Association of America presents awards to the most deserving young people of the various military auxiliary organizations in the Victor Valley. This year the awards were presented by Lt. Commander Harry Flood, USN, retired, and Col. Lee Lange, II, USMC, retired, from National MOAA, at the Military Officers Association of America dinner meeting held on May 23 the Elks Lodge on Hesperia Road in Victorville.

NAFCU Annual Conference Kicks Off

July 25, 2012 - NAFCU.org
Credit union staff and volunteers in Nashville, Tenn., this week for NAFCU’s 45th Annual Conference and Exhibition spent Tuesday in a series of pre-conference events that gave them a look at issues facing defense credit unions and others specific to women executives in credit unions.

Continuing US trend, NC helps military spouses with licensing

July 25, 2012 - Stars and Stripes
Governor Bev Perdue signed into law Tuesday legislation aimed at helping military spouses land jobs after they arrive at North Carolina military bases, continuing a trend in statehouses to reduce barriers of entry into the workforce for military spouses across the U.S. 

Honoring and empowering the nation’s ‘Wounded Warriors’

July 23, 2012 - Jefferson Post, West Jefferson, NC In mid July the New River Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) hosted Jason Pratscher, an area outreach coordinator for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), as its guest speaker.

Uncle Sam’s health-care obligation to the military

July 21, 2012 - The Washington Post
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report that Walter Pincus cited in his July 17 Fine Print column, “CBO says military health-care costs could soar,” tells only half the story and ignores the obvious: Those who pursued a career in uniform have every right to use the benefits they were told that their decades of service would earn for them. Those who choose to use any other available civilian care are doing the government a favor, not the other way around.

States ease job licensing rules for spouses

July 2, 2012 - Army Times
Twelve more states have adopted laws to make it easier for military spouses to have portable careers, more than doubling the number since February, when first lady Michelle Obama began to draw attention to the issue.

High Court: Free Speech Trumps Insulted War Heroes

June 28, 2012 - US News and World Report

The Constitution's guarantee of free speech for all Americans outweighs a law created to punish liars who insult the nation's most-decorated war veterans, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

Stolen Valor Act Struck Down

June 28, 2012 -  HumanEvents.com
In a ruling that American war heroes will see as a slap in the face, the Supreme Court decided Monday that falsely claiming combat medals and military honors is protected speech under the First Amendment.

Construction Training Program for Georgia Vets

June 20, 2012 - Military.com
A pilot program in Valdosta, Georgia is offering veterans an opportunity to attend Wiregrass Technical College to learn the skills needed to apply for entry level construction jobs.

Dollar General Honors Military Members as “Every Day Heroes”

June 18, 2012 - Enhanced Online News
Throughout June, Dollar General will celebrate and honor members of the military - our true American heroes - as part of its year-long “Every Day Heroes” campaign.

Petrash: Is Obama fulfilling his duty to provide for the common defense?

June 17, 2012 - TimesRecordNews
Around the world, everyone has his eyes on Europe and China's economic slowdown. At home, our presidential race is picking up steam and Americans are eager to hear about plans for what is best for our country.

Health Net Federal Services Launches Veteran and Military Spouse Employment Initiative

June 14, 2012 - Pharmacy Choice
In an effort to help reduce Veteran unemployment, Health Net Federal Services, LLC, part of the Government Contracts segment of Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT), today announced the launch of the Veteran and Military Spouse Employment Initiative, a comprehensive and progressive plan to recruit, hire, train and retain Veterans for the Health Net workforce.

Rate Hikes for Military Health Plan Would Be Felt in San Diego

June 14, 2012 - California Healthline
As part of President Obama's 2013 budget, the Department of Defense proposed raising annual enrollment fees and prescription drug cost-sharing for TRICARE, the health care program for active military members, retirees their families and survivors.

Senate Committee Holds Hearing on Amendment to Webb’s Post-9/11 GI Bill

June 13, 2012 - August Free Press
Sen. Jim Webb, author of the landmark Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, today renewed his call for quick enactment of his bipartisan legislation to preserve those veterans’ education benefits from abuses by certain schools.

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Open Registration For The 2012 Warrior-Family Symposium (WFS.

June 11, 2012 - PR Web
This year's event, to be held on September 13 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, will focus on the theme "Saluting Their Sacrifice: A Decade of Challenges and Triumphs for Our Wounded Heroes and Their Families."

Politico's Morning Defense

May 29, 2012 - POLITICO
Veterans and active-military members vote as voters. When it comes to picking a president, they care about jobs, health insurance, and other kitchen-table issues -- just like everyone else. Consider that veterans narrowly favored Bill Clinton, who some called a draft dodger, over World War II hero George H.W. Bush in 1992, while Bush's son won the military vote in 2004 by 16 percentage points against decorated Vietnam veteran John Kerry.

A 'Military Vote' That Doesn't Really Exist

May 28, 2012 - National Journal
Research shows veterans and active-duty personnel aren't a cohesive voting bloc.

Washington Journal for Monday, May 28

May 28, 2012 - CSPAN
A discussion on what the FY 2013 Budget Request for the G.I. Bill, which provides education benefits for veterans. The program was expanded in 2008 by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) to provide additional benefits for military veterans serving after September 11, 2011. Guest will also offer advice for veterans looking to receive benefits under the program.

Winners and losers from SASC's authorization bill

May 25, 2012 - POLITICO
Winner #2: TRICARE. On this issue, SASC members and their House colleagues see eye to eye: Let’s not make veterans’ groups mad.

News: Service members learn transitioning techniques

May 22, 2012 - Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System
Marines, sailors and Department of Defense personnel learned to transition from military to civilian employment at a “Marketing Yourself” presentation by the Military Officers Association of America at the Marine Memorial Chapel here, May 15.

Military and Veteran Associations

May 22, 2012 - Military.com
Members of the military community -- veterans, active-duty, reserve, National Guard, or their family members -- have the opportunity to join or otherwise benefit from several types of associations and organizations. Ranging from fraternal to charity these military specific organizations can provide advocacy, help you network to access job opportunities, tap into benefits, lobby congress, or find support.

Protecting Military Retirees From Huge Health Insurance Fee Hikes

May 18, 2012 - New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio
New Jersey’s senior U.S. Senator, Frank Lautenberg is joining forces with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio from Florida. They’ve introduced a bill that would place reasonable and affordable caps on health insurance enrollment fees, deductibles, and pharmacy co-payments for military retirees enrolled in the Department of Defense’s TRICARE system. The bill is designed to protect the nine million beneficiaries in the military health care system, particularly military retirees, from unfair insurance fee hikes.

The sequestration crisis

May 15, 2012 - The Virginian Pilot
To most Americans, it may seem that the ongoing budget fights on Capitol Hill are just another political drill. If only that were so.

Forbes honored my military officers group

May 15, 2012 - The Petersburg Progress-Index
The Virginia Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America (VCOC MOAA) announced that Congressman J. Randy Forbes, R-Va., has been awarded the Legislator of the Year.

McKeon, Panetta spar over defense cuts

May 14, 2012 - POLITICO
Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., president and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America: “Secretary Panetta criticized the House Armed Services Committee for failing to impose the Pentagon-recommended dramatic TRICARE fee hikes, but that shoe belongs on the other foot. The committee action effectively rebukes defense leaders for their own mismanagement failures -- such as refusing to implement a more efficient unified medical command.”

Vet Advocates Slam Potential TRICARE Cost Increase

May 13, 2012 - Military.com
Any move by Congress to tie military retiree healthcare costs to a veteran’s rank is nothing less than discrimination, the head of a major veterans service organization said Saturday.

Video helps veterans

May 13, 2012 - The Valdosta Daily Times
During Thursday night’s Military Officers Association of America meeting, the local chapter shared a video presentation regarding the Community Blueprint program, which is also known as Valdosta Veterans First.

Veterans lobby to stop GI Bill abuses

May 11, 2012 - The Oakland Press

When Iraq and Afghanistan veterans got their own GI Bill passed in 2008, activists like Tom Tarantino had every reason to celebrate. Their advocacy persuaded Congress to provide billions in once-in-a-lifetime education aid to the more than 2 million men and women who served. The bill promised to be as transformative as its much-heralded post-World II predecessor, which laid the foundation of prosperity for an entire generation of Americans.

2012 Military Spouse of the Year

May 11, 2011 - FOX News
Jeremy Hilton quit Navy to care for Air Force wife.

Possible Overhaul of Military Retirement System Stirs Fear

May 8, 2012 - CNBC
Military families worry about plenty of things, but their retirement plan usually isn’t one of them — until now.

White House moves to protect GI Bill users from ‘bad actors’

May 7, 2012 - Herald Net
President Barack Obama's high-profile signing Friday of an executive order to protect GI Bill users from predatory practices of for-profit schools is viewed by veterans service organizations as a big step, but also a first step, toward curbing abuses within the U.S. education industry.

Military spouses struggle to find employment

April 25, 2012 - WTOP
The effort to hire military men and women after their service is completed can overshadow the challenges military spouses face with finding employment of their own. 

Military spouses struggle to find employment - Radio Broadcast I

April 25, 2012 - WTOP
Listen to this 40 second clip of Career Fair coverage.

Military spouses struggle to find employment - Radio Broadcast II

April 25, 2012 - WTOP
Listen to Part II of WTOP's radio coverage of MOAA's Career Fair.

Videos: 2012 Military Officers Association of America Career Fair

April 25, 2012 - Stars and Stripes
Hundreds of servicemembers, veterans, military spouses and others hoping to connect with potential employers gathered at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Tuesday for the Military Officers Association of America's 2012 Career Fair.

Career Fair for Military Spouses

April 24, 2012 - NBC Washington
A career fair in Washington, D.C., made it a mission to reach out to the heart of the Armed Forces: Military spouses. Jane Watrel reports.

A suicidal veteran and a call for help, unanswered

April 24, 2012 - Stars and Stripes
Jacob Manning waited until his wife and teenage son had left the house, then walked into his garage to kill himself.

Dollar General supports Michelle Obama's initiative

April 16, 2012 - Business Wire
Dollar General Corp announced that it is supporting the White House's Joining Forces initiative, which promotes private sector employment for members of the military community.

Wonks battle vets over TRICARE fees

April 14, 2012 - POLITICO
More than 150 members of the Military Officers Association of America will be on the Hill today urging lawmakers to oppose the TRICARE fee hikes.

MOAA's lobbying blitz ...

April 12, 2012 - POLITICO
More than 150 members of the Military Officers Association of America are heading to Washington as part of the association’s annual lobbying blitz. The event, set for next Wednesday, comes as HASC members are gearing up to begin the markup process for the FY 2013 NDAA.

SGT. SHAFT: Need information about Navy ships and Agent Orange?

April 10, 2012 - The Washington Times
The Sarge dittos the remarks of retired Col. Steve Strobridge, government relations director at Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), who recently was the sole military association witness testifying at a House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee hearing.

Insurance costs may rise for military retirees

April 5, 2012 - Cox News Service

The Pentagon’s proposal to charge higher fees on retirees enrolled in Tricare, the military’s health insurance program, has angered some veterans, while the Pentagon contends those who retired from the ranks must share more of the cost as expenses escalate under the weight of budget cuts.
 

Hikes in cost of veterans' health care draw fire

April 4, 2012 - Politico
The Obama administration’s budget proposal to cut defense spending, in part, by increasing the cost of health care for retired service members has riled veterans groups and members of Congress.

Akaka, veterans introduce GI benefit watchdog bill

March 28, 2012 - Hawaii 24/7
Bill will provide servicemembers and veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other VA education programs with an ONLINE GUIDE to help them to judge a school's performance.

The skinny on student loans

March 27, 2012 - CNN Money
More students are relying on loans to help finance their bachelor's degree, and the amount they're borrowing is getting a lot steeper too.

Retired veteran seeks clarification of benefits

March 26, 2012 - Washington Times
Sgt. Shaft responds to an inquiry on TRICARE fees.

Unregulated for-profits receive big chunk of military spouse tuition aid

March 7, 2012 - Inside Higher Education
The Department of Defense spent $65 million last year on its tuition benefit program for military spouses. About 40 percent of that amount -- $25.3 million -- was used at for-profit colleges that operate outside the regulatory reach of the U.S. Department of Education and do not qualify for other federal financial aid programs.

Experts at Spouse Summit Predict Benefits Cuts

March 5, 2012 - Military.com
Defense budget cuts could mean big changes for military benefits, experts told a gathering of military spouses in Washington on Saturday.

Military Retirees See Increased Health Care Costs

February 22, 2012 - NBC San Diego
Retired Navy Master Chief Joe Brunner and Retired Admiral Norb Ryan talk to NBC 7 about the increase in cost of military health care. Lea Sutton reports.

Senators Introduce Bill to Protect Military and Veterans Education Benefits

February 21, 2012 - Comprint Military Publications
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), a veteran and Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, today joined Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.)and a group of Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to improve the current laws regarding educational benefits for our nation's military service members and veterans.