2010/04/27 16:08:00
VCOC President Col. Sam Wilder, USA-Ret., (right) greets Virginia Senator Jim Webb. (Photo by Steve Barrett)
Washington, D.C., April 27, 2010 – Leaders of MOAA’s Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC) recognized and thanked members of their congressional delegation during the council’s 25th annual Congressional Appreciation Luncheon at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.
“This luncheon is our opportunity to thank our congressional leaders for what they have done for our military,” said VCOC President Col. Sam Wilder, USA-Ret. “It also is an opportunity to express to our congressmen our deep concerns about the need to keep our national defense strong and to protect the health care for the men and women who serve and sacrificed for their country.”
Sen. Jim Webb, host for the meeting room, addressed more than 130 officers and surviving spouses of officers, as did Sen. Mark Warner and nine of the 11 Virginia representatives.
“I have tremendous admiration for this organization, like everyone in this room,” said Webb. “Everyone in this room understands not simply the issues that come up about one bill or another bill, but everyone in this room understands that at the heart of everything we do is what it means to serve, and how valuable military service is to our country, and how much the people who have served our country deserve to be protected and taken care of all through their life cycle. As many of you know, I grew up in the military. I know what it’s like to have been in a military family.”
Col. Don Kaiserman, USA-Ret., VCOC first vice president and legislative chair, noted the annual luncheon is a chance to focus the attention of Virginia’s 13-member congressional delegation on priority issues. “We support all of MOAA’s legislative goals and are especially concerned with strength of the all-volunteer force,” said Kaiserman. “Specifically, we are asking to increase the size of our ground forces, prevent the erosion of health benefits, and help widows and wounded.”
MOAA President Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret., thanked VCOC members for their efforts, saying, “I don’t know of any other organization that has the depth and breadth of leadership that we have in this room. You in this room understand that the key principle of leadership is example. I want to thank each of you for your example. It inspires all of us.”
The VCOC also presented Col. Barry Wright, USA-Ret., MOAA deputy director for council and chapter affairs, their “Minute Man Award” in recognition of his support of the Virginia council.
The VCOC represents the interests of about 49,000 MOAA members who live in Virginia. The council is an affiliation of 18 chapters throughout the state.
