Issues of the Day
Help pay for college; join a chapter; protect your identity.
By Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret.

Got kids in college? Have you made plans to pay the bills? If you’re the well-organized type—typical of most military officers—then you likely have been setting aside funds for quite a few years to cover the considerable costs of higher education. But even with a good savings plan, you’d probably welcome an additional boost from a scholarship or education loan. That’s where MOAA’s various educational assistance programs can lend a hand. 

Perhaps you’ve already passed the “kids in college” days. Maybe you’re looking for an opportunity to help future generations of military children. Again, The Scholarship Fund of MOAA can give you some options. 

If you read this month’s cover wrap (ok, I know we’re all tempted to rip off those offending flaps), you’ll know how MOAA helps military families pay for college. You’ll also see how you can lend a hand. In the next two issues of Military Officer we’ll give more information about these programs, as well as offer details on how to apply for MOAA scholarships or to donate to them. Meanwhile, if you need more information—or if you already have tossed your cover wrap—check out www.moaa.org/education. 

Another MOAA topic we highlight in this issue is chapter activities. We often talk about how councils and chapters play key roles in generating grassroots support for legislative campaigns. This month we tell the story of how MOAA’s council and chapter members also work to make a difference in the lives of today’s youth by supporting local ROTC and Junior ROTC units (page 52). 

The final story I’d like to preview is not about an MOAA-specific program. But, judging from your calls, letters, and e-mails, it’s a subject that’s on your mind. The issue is a fact of today’s society in which personal privacy (always a premium) is now in peril. Yes, we’re talking about how to protect your personal information and avoid becoming a victim of robbers on the information highway. These thieves aren’t after just your money; they’re after your very identity. 

So is this a really big problem? Or are we a tad paranoid? 

The Federal Trade Commission’s annual report about consumer complaint categories in 2002 says that identity theft topped the list of the top 10 fraud issues. The Department of Justice says that identity theft affected between 500,000 and 700,000 Americans—up 40 percent from last year. Without a doubt, identity theft is a modern-day peril, but you can take steps to reduce your vulnerability. Our story “Social Insecurity” (page 32) lists a few pointers for safely navigating today’s information highways, protecting your privacy, and reducing the risk of losing your identity. Enjoy the read … and be safe out there!