As we come together with friends and family to celebrate our nation’s birthday, we also want to take a moment to remember the key role played by our uniformed services community in our country's founding, and over the 249 years of maintaining our ideals and freedoms since 1776!

Having a strong national defense starts with, and is carried out by, strong people – our uniformed service members and families. It’s our currently serving members, retirees, veterans, spouses, families, and survivors who have kept our country strong and preserved the liberties every American enjoys.  

All of us at MOAA support this community through our advocacy work each day, and through our MOAA charities. The MOAA Foundation and MOAA Scholarship Fund provide a direct avenue for us to give back, help when needed, and show our appreciation for those who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for our country, regardless of rank or branch.  

[MOAA LIVE AND PLAY 2025: Preparing for America's 250th]

Since The MOAA Foundation introduced our Crisis Relief Program in 2022, we have provided nearly $1 million to hundreds of families when they needed it most – many in the enlisted ranks, and most often in response to natural disasters.  

For over 75 years, the MOAA Scholarship Fund has been a cornerstone of MOAA, adapting to meet the evolving needs of our community and providing over $160 million in financial assistance to more than 17,000 students. As we have heard from so many families, our scholarships and interest-free loans open doors for military kids and keep them on course for a bright future.  

This Independence Day, let’s honor our nation’s uniformed servicemembers and families – and let’s celebrate the spirit of generosity and patriotism that binds us as a community – by donating to The MOAA Foundation and/or MOAA Scholarship Fund. Every contribution, regardless of size, will have a significant impact.  

I extend my heartfelt thanks to those who have already donated. For those who haven't, here are three simple ways to support our charities: 

• Make a secure online donation.  
• Purchase a limited-edition 2025 MOAA Charitee. These shirts are available for a limited time, with 100% of proceeds supporting MOAA Charities. 
• Encourage your friends, family, and others who wish to support the military and uniformed services to donate. 

I wish you a wonderful and safe holiday. Thank you for supporting our mission to Never Stop Serving.