Facing the Future
MOAA chapters support Guard and Reserve servicemembers.
By Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret.

Somewhere in Iraq, a young sergeant distributes boxes filled with magazines, lotion, batteries, socks, and other hard-to-find items to his fellow Marine reservists. In northeastern Wisconsin, family members of an Army civil affairs battalion enjoy support from the local community, and deployed members return home from duty in Iraq to a rousing reception. In Savannah, Ga., employers of reserve troops take part in a “boss lift” to understand their employees’ military jobs and learn about health care and legal issues affecting their companies and their employees who are members of the Guard and Reserve.

What do these activities have in common? Each is an example of MOAA chapters working with their local communities to support Guard and Reserve members and their families. In past issues, we’ve highlighted how MOAA chapters are the focus of grassroots activity and how they help educate citizens about our nation’s military heritage. We’ve also printed a series of stories about America’s increased dependence on the Guard and Reserve. This month, “Facing the Future” (page 64) demonstrates a convergence of these two themes.

The Marine in Iraq is Sgt. Jason Wood, USMCR. A member of the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, he may be the most popular person in his unit as he distributes care packages sent by members of the Clearwater, Fla., MOAA chapter. Wood’s father, Cmdr. Victor Wood, USN-Ret., is president of the chapter, which earlier this year adopted the reserve unit as part of its “Support Our Troops” program.

The Military Officers Club of Northeastern Wisconsin adopted the Army’s 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion, which deployed to Iraq in April 2003. During the unit’s deployment, the chapter provided resources and information for family members and assisted those whose spouses were killed. The chapter rallied businesses and community organizations to support the battalion and organized a welcome-home reception this past April.

The Savannah, Ga., MOAA chapter built ties with local Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) offices. Chapter President Cmdr. John Toler, USNR-Ret., contacted the southeast Georgia ESGR coordinator, and chapter members forged good relationships between area employers and Guard and Reserve members.

These are just a few examples of MOAA chapters working with their communities to help Guard and Reserve troops. And don’t forget that these stories present only one facet of MOAA chapters. Besides offering a chance to support active and reserve component troops, chapter membership means camaraderie and fun. If you need help finding a local chapter, call (800) 234-6622 or visit our Web Base, www.MOAA.org/chapters. Want to lend a hand? Check out an MOAA chapter!