Progress in Service
In a changing world, MOAA keeps up with the latest advances so your association can continue to provide efficient and personal service to members and their families.
By Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN-Ret.

If you’re like me, you are awed by the effect technology has had on our lives and the dizzying speed at which technological change occurs. America has seen many changes in the past 20 years — CDs, the Internet, DVDs, satellite radio, and much more. Who knew we would be looking at pictures and video through our cell phones — or even have cell phones?

Emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina demonstrate not only the vulnerability but also the resilience of our technology. After the storm, cell phones and computers passed valuable information about families, supplies, and ways to help and get help. (See page 19 for more information about the response to Hurricane Katrina.)

MOAA’s most recent survey of Military Officer readers revealed that more than 70 percent use a computer at home. This information helps guide MOAA’s communication with members and their families. For example, we recently redesigned MOAA’s Web Base, www.moaa.org, to make it easier for members to find information online. Creating concepts and testing usability took almost a year, but with input from chapter leaders and other members, MOAA developed a site with a wealth of easily located content.

MOAA also has consolidated several electronic newsletters into the MOAA News Exchange to give members current information on a variety of topics without cluttering their e-mail inboxes. MOAA’s popular weekly Legislative Update e-mail newsletter continues to go to more than 124,000 members. Contact MOAA’s Member Service Center (MSC), msc@ moaa.org or (800) 234-6622, if you want to receive these informative e-mail updates.

Within MOAA headquarters, technology in the form of an expanded, customer relations-oriented database allows us to maintain more complex records — including spouse information, so MOAA can better serve spouses and ensure a smooth transfer of membership to them upon a member’s death. Of course, the association continues to carefully protect members’ privacy. The most up-to-date firewalls and antivirus software ensure your data remains protected and secure. And MOAA does not sell the e-mail lists we have, nor do we give out member addresses or phone numbers.

If you prefer to speak with a member service representative, call the MSC between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time at (800) 234-6622. Technology is a tool we use to raise the bar in our service to members. We don’t let it isolate us or overcome our human concern and caring for you.