Register online!
All sessions will take place in the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Sign-in begins at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14th in front of Suite 2 (upper level), Virginia Beach Convention Center.
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
MOAA Kickoff Address
Vice Adm. Norb Ryan., Jr., USN-Ret. (Confirmed)
President
Military Officers Association of America
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Presentation: I Love You, But You’re Driving Me Crazy
Military marriages are often marked by prolonged separation, unreliable communication, and the demand to put the military even before one's self. Doc Finch shares with us insights on the traits that make our service member spouses unique and why we may not always understand them. From there, he’ll discuss how to feel close when separated by distance, make the most of available communication, and how to cope with separation and reunion.
MAJ Art Finch, PhD (Confirmed)
Psychologist, USA
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
MOAA Address: Military Benefits Update for Yourself and the Families You Serve
Keeping track of military financial benefits and using them to the greatest advantage can be a full-time job! Join us for an informative session covering (1) current military family financial benefits, (2) special deployment financial programs and (3) pending legislation affective Active Duty, Guard and Reserve families.
Phil Dyer, CFP® (Confirmed)
Deputy Director for Financial Education, Benefits Information Department
Military Officers Association of America
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon and Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year Recognition (early registration required, seats limited)
1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Panel: Culture Clash – Military Spouses and the Media
How military spouses are being portrayed in the media, what the perception is and who’s shaping it.
Moderator:
Sue Hoppin (Confirmed)
Deputy Director for Spouse Outreach
Military Officers Association of America
Panelists:
Sarah Smiley (Confirmed)
Author, Going Overboard: the Misadventures of a Military Wife
Tanya Biank (Confirmed)
Author, Army Wives and Consultant to Lifetime series, Army Wives
Laura Dempsey (Confirmed)
Co-Founder, Blue Star Families
3:15 p.m.
Reception
Join our panelists, your fellow spouses, representatives of MOAA's own, President's Currently Serving Spouse Advisory Council and staff as well as others working in the military spouse and family community for some food and fun.
Registration $25
Early Bird registration before May 1st includes guaranteed seat for luncheon and Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year Recognition.
Register online!
To register over the phone, call (888) 834-6622 M-F between 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST.
For those wanting to register by mail and send in a check, you can now download, print, and mail in the registration form with your payment.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Photo essay of last year's Spouse Symposium
