Recent news from The MOAA Newsletter. View previous editions of Council and Chapter News here.
2020 Community Outreach Grant Recipients
The MOAA Foundation has selected 23 chapters to receive funds from its Community Outreach Grant program.
The MOAA Foundation has announced the 2020 recipients of its Community Outreach Grant program. MOAA chapters receiving a portion of the more than $84,000 in grants are:
- Alamo (Texas) Chapter
- Arizona Chapter
- Falcons Landing (Va.) Chapter
- Grand Canyon (Ariz.) Chapter
- Grand Strand (S.C.) Chapter
- Greater Baton Rouge (La.) Chapter
- Greater Dallas & North Texas Chapter
- Green Country (Ky.) Chapter
- Hilton Head (S.C.) Chapter
- Historic Mayport (Fla.) Chapter
- Indian River (Fla.) Chapter
- Keystone Capital (Pa.) Chapter
- Luke (Ariz.) Chapter
- Northeastern Wisconsin Chapter
- Northwest Florida Chapter
- Old Capitol Area (Ga.) Chapter
- Olympia Area (Wash.) Chapter
- Olympic Peninsula (Wash.) Chapter
- River Valley (Ark.) Chapter
- South Central Florida Chapter
- Southeastern NC Chapter
- Tampa (Fla.) Chapter
- Tucson (Ariz.) Chapter
Long-term sustainability of the Community Outreach Grant program is largely dependent on individual MOAA member donations to the MOAA Foundation. Corporate and external foundation funding may provide additional funds to the grant pool. To make a donation and to learn more about the program and the MOAA Foundation, visit www.moaa.org/foundation.
MOAA Launches COVID-19 Relief Fund
Emergency relief grants are available through MOAA chapters.
The gravity of the challenges and hardships communities are facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything in recent history.
Prior to the pandemic, the MOAA Foundation was not directly involved in emergency relief services. However, we could not stand by and watch residual effects of the pandemic threaten livelihoods of servicemembers and veterans and their families.
Therefore, the MOAA Foundation launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund April 15 and, thanks to your generosity, has been able to provide immediate support in areas of critical need to those who need it most. Every dollar donated to this effort goes toward these relief services. If you have not yet contributed, consider donating today.
All members of the military and veteran communities — officer and enlisted, Guard and Reserve, as well as military spouses and caregivers — who are in need of assistance with household expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply through their local chapter for a grant of up to $500. Priority will be given to those who are not eligible for grants from military relief societies. Details on the application process have been sent to council and chapter presidents. Learn more.
New Chapter Dues Enhancements
MOAA has added new features to the chapter dues program including: 1) a dues proration option; 2) two administrators to receive payment confirmations; 3) an increased donation maximum; and 4) a donation-only option.
Chapter Dues Administrator:
- Can select or deselect proration on payments.
- Can add a second administrator to receive an email confirmation on payments.
Chapter Member:
- Donation maximum has been increased to $500.
- Dues page will allow member to join, renew or donate only.
Did You Know? National MOAA Can Help You Recognize Centenarians
You can honor a chapter member’s milestone 100th birthday with a birthday certificate and personalized card signed by MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, USAF (Ret). Submit your requests to chapters@moaa.org, and provide the recipient’s name, chapter name, birth date, and date needed. In addition, submit a brief description about the recipient and any contributions they have made.
Surviving Spouse Corner: The Benefits of a Canine Companion
Dogs not only are loving members of their families, but they also provide needed therapy, comfort, and joy during difficult times.
By Georgie Suitor, Surviving Spouse Advisory Council member
“For me, a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love we call a dog," said Roger Caras, president emeritus of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
I couldn’t agree more. Dogs truly are loving, protective, understanding canine members of our families. Science tells us dogs feel our moods and bring comfort when needed, as well as great amounts of humor and wonder.
For seriously wounded members of the military, a dedicated companion dog can help with the healing and recovery process. Because each of these specially trained canines is able to read human body language, there is a dedication to meeting physical and emotional needs, while forming trusted relationships and achieving a sense of human independence.
As a strong advocate of rescued pet adoption, for the past three years, I have had the joy of having Shih Tzu rescue brother and sister, Tye and Sadie, as members of my family. While sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tye and Sadie have kept me active with four walks a day and laughing, and I think they are quite happy to have me at home — most of the time.
Read past Surviving Spouse Corners.
We Want to Highlight Your Chapter in Military Officer
The October issue of Military Officer will include expanded coverage of MOAA council and chapter activities. Email high-resolution photos with caption information and short articles about your affiliate’s activities — community-service projects, advocacy efforts, fundraisers, award ceremonies, etcetera — so we can showcase your hard work. Send submissions by June 15 to Contributing Editor Blair Drake at blaird@moaa.org.
Get Newsletter Content From National MOAA
Need some content to supplement your chapter’s newsletter? The White Label Newsletter Template includes information, articles, and helpful tips from national MOAA that already are formatted for inclusion in your newsletter. The content is updated every month to ensure you are receiving timely, relevant information.
From the Field
MOAA chapters give back to their communities through fundraising efforts, community-service projects, scholarship programs, and other initiatives. Here are some recent activities.
The Greater St. Louis Chapter supported the staff of the Missouri Athletic Club West in St. Louis County after the chapter’s meetings that are held there had to be canceled because of COVID-19. The chapter and individual members gave $800 to a fund to assist cooks and servers from the club who lost their jobs during the pandemic.
Members of the Greater Dallas and North Texas Chapter put together a video for the virtual presentation of the MOAA Leadership Medal at the 54 local high schools the chapter supports. The video can be used by the high schools that are conducting virtual award ceremonies because of the COVID-19 crisis. View the chapter’s video.