MOAA council and chapter leaders met with key DoD representatives recently to explore ways to deepen coordination on issues affecting servicemembers and their families.

Members of MOAA’s State Legislative Exchange Forum spoke with Lee Kelley, acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP), and Geraldine Valentino-Smith, director of the Defense-State Liaison Office (DSLO). Discussions focused on how MOAA’s 400-plus nationwide councils and chapters could enhance MC&FP’s advocacy impact —particularly as DSLO continues to advance key legislative goals in all 50 states.

Valentino-Smith praised MOAA state leaders: “Who’s influencing the legislators? MOAA members have relationships with state lawmakers who trust their expertise,” she said. “This should complement our efforts.”

[RELATED: Congratulations to MOAA's 2024 Council and Chapter Awardees]

Each year, DSLO publishes a list of 10 state legislative initiatives that serve as focal areas for the regional liaisons. In turn, legislative leaders within MOAA’s councils and chapters are empowered to work these initiatives at the local level. This engagement helps expand the reach of DSLO, which has just eight regional liaisons who each cover no less than five states each.

MOAA forum leaders expressed appreciation for MC&FP’s efforts and shared concerns about potential cuts to quality-of-life programs that support military families. Kelley highlighted the direct ties between MC&FP programs and readiness of the total force – along with DSLO, MC&FP oversees child and youth programs; morale, welfare, and recreation efforts; and casualty and mortuary affairs.

Shaping Longer-Term Priorities

Valentino-Smith acknowledged the challenges presented by DSLO’s battle rhythm, which involves identifying legislative priorities for each calendar year. While many priorities are retained in follow-on years, approximately four new priorities are added annually.

[LEARN MORE: Find a MOAA Chapter | MOAA Virtual Chapters]

DSLO is working on a process to identify priorities that will span a two-year period to allow regional liaisons and supporting organizations, like MOAA, to achieve more progress, Valentino-Smith indicated.

This proposed change was well-received by MOAA leaders, as new issues typically may require nearly a full year worth of research and lawmaker-education efforts. MOAA leaders also stressed the desire to be proactive rather than reactive, which a two-year cycle would enable.

Get Involved

Bringing MOAA State Legislative Exchange Forum leaders to the Pentagon signals an enhanced effort to find opportunities for our councils and chapters to engage with all levels of the process. We appreciate all those who have worked tirelessly on behalf of MOAA and the greater military and veteran community to advocate for changes and improvements at federal and state levels.

If you are a MOAA affiliate legislative leader and looking to get involved, email chapters@moaa.org.