I hope this message finds you in the midst of a joyous holiday season. As we prepare for 2024, I want to take a minute to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support of MOAA and our uniformed services communities and to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year.

In my first year as MOAA’s president and CEO, my wife Garrety and I had great fortune to connect with members across the nation, young and old. This has proven to be more than a job for us – it’s an experience I treasure, and a continuing source of motivation as our association works to secure service-earned benefits and provide for members of our community in need, regardless of rank or branch.

To the men and women serving overseas this holiday and their families: We are all so grateful for your service to our nation. We are thinking of you.

[RELATED: As Servicemembers Spend the Holidays Deployed, Work Remains at Home]

Stateside, as most of us gather with loved ones for the holidays, remember it’s also the perfect time to reach out and express love and gratitude to some of our old friends and battle buddies we haven’t spoken to in a while. For some of us, the holidays can be a lonely time, and your friendship could mean so much.

I’m truly grateful for our network of Chapters and Councils, who I see firsthand forging strong bonds and friendships across our country. They instill that sense of camaraderie we valued so much during our time in uniform. If you haven’t explored chapter membership, please take a moment and search for a chapter near you or consider one of our virtual affiliates. They are active all year-round and do so much to support our mission.

Thank you again for the warm welcome to the MOAA community this past year. I am so thrilled to continue to grow our strong association and make a positive difference in the lives of our servicemembers, veterans, retirees, families, survivors, and caregivers.

Happy Holidays and cheers to a wonderful new year!