(A version of this article originally appeared in the January 2026 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members who can log in to access our digital version and archive. Basic members can save on a membership upgrade and access the magazine.)

As your chairman, I am so proud of what MOAA continues to accomplish on behalf of the entire uniformed services community. Every day, MOAA’s members, volunteers, and staff demonstrate that commitment through advocacy, outreach, and action.

In 2025, MOAA sharpened its legislative strategy with clear priorities and disciplined strategies that continue in the new year. Our Government Relations team has been hard at work on Capitol Hill — building new relationships and strengthening existing ones across the new Congress.

Our Advocacy in Action event once again brought MOAA members from across the country to Washington, D.C., to meet directly with lawmakers — an impressive demonstration of unity and professionalism that continues to set us apart.

[TAKE ACTION: MOAA's Legislative Action Center]

Our grassroots network remains one of the strongest in the nation; amplifying our message through our constituent contacts makes a real difference in legislative outcomes.

We were named in The Hill’s “Top Lobbyist” list for the 18th straight year, a mark of our sustained influence and the trust in our advocacy.

[RELATED: Advocacy News From MOAA]

As we look ahead, we’ll continue advancing our mission, strengthening our influence, and delivering results worthy of the people we serve.

MOAA’s impact extends well beyond advocacy. Through our two charitable arms — the MOAA Scholarship Fund and The MOAA Foundation — we translate generosity into life-changing results. In 2025 alone, we awarded more than $18 million in scholarships to children of military families from all ranks and services, and our foundation provided more than $700,000 in direct support to veterans and families in crisis. These programs embody our values and ensure we continue to give back to the community we represent.

[RELATED: MOAA Charities]

That same spirit of service was on full display at our inaugural TotalForce+ conference, where leaders from across the uniformed service, civilian, industry, and academic sectors came together to strengthen the all-volunteer force. The conversations and ideas shared there will shape our efforts in the years ahead, including as we look toward a number of smaller TotalForce+ events in 2026, with the full conference returning Feb. 1-3, 2027.

Please share the good work of our association throughout your network and in your local communities. Remind potential members of our greatest achievements.

From a personal perspective, I find my service on this board over the past five years, and especially now as your chairman, incredibly rewarding and
gratifying. I want to express my gratitude to MOAA’s dedicated council and chapter leaders, staff, and every member and volunteer who keeps our association strong. Your leadership, advocacy, and generosity drive our success.

Together, we will continue to protect what’s been earned, champion solutions that strengthen the community we serve, and advance a future worthy of those who defend our nation.