Points of Pride
MOAA members are committed to taking action and making a positive difference for the military community — and so are MOAA’s member service representatives.
By Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN-Ret.

I’m always proud of MOAA, but never more so than when Col. Steve Strobridge, USAF-Ret., director of Government Relations, and I testified before the Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. Arrayed before the subcommittee members were several trays of correspondence House members had received, opposing proposed TRICARE fee increases.

The piles of mail — 40,000 letters and postcards — were so sizable, a subcommittee member said they were obstructing his view of the witnesses. They made a picture that wasn’t lost on anyone, including subcommittee members and their House colleagues, the vice chiefs of staff of the four services (also testifying), and the media.

That’s clout — a clear demonstration of the impact your “one postcard” to your legislator carries here in Washington. Giving a heartfelt thanks to each member who mailed a postcard doesn’t seem like enough, but it’s all I can do. Keep up the great work. You make a real difference.

Another group making a difference is MOAA’s member service representatives (MSRs). Bright and dedicated, they are usually the first people you talk to when calling MOAA. They take pride in helping you, and members appreciate their skill:

“I desired a simple explanation of recent changes in concurrent pay. DFAS did not provide explanation, MOAA’s Member Service Center did!” — a 40-year life member

“4.0 service [on a 4.0 scale], professional, knowledgeable, most helpful. [I’m] grateful and relieved to know where to turn for answers to ‘end of tour’ questions.” — a retired Navy officer

“Your representative worked for several days to obtain the information I needed. She e-mailed and telephoned me to make sure I received the information. Joining MOAA was a very positive decision on my part.” — a new MOAA member

“You have a most commendable service; there are no interminable periods of ‘push one, push two, push three’ to get to you. The best part is that your representatives have the answers.” — a 45-year association member

“MOAA is the most ‘customer friendly’ of all organizations.” — a retired Air Force reservist

“[It’s] comforting to know such helpful and excellent service is available at my fingertips!” — a surviving spouse

“MOAA is rated No. 1 in making its members feel important and not [like] mere names in the computer.” — a life member since 1980

If you have a question or a problem, call on the MSRs at (800) 234-MOAA (6622).