I hope this message reaches you during a festive season, one where you're able to connect with friends, family, and fellow uniformed servicemembers past and present.

My wife Garrety and I made so many new MOAA connections throughout our year, all while strengthening our old relationships. Whether it's joining our members on Capitol Hill as part of MOAA's annual Advocacy in Action campaign, traveling throughout the nation to meet with leaders and members in our network of councils and chapters, or building a new foundation and fresh momentum for our association through our first-ever TotalForce+ conference, we remain motivated to spread the word about our important mission.

This time of year allows for some important reflection on that mission: The need to ensure all who serve and have served, their families, and survivors receive and maintain the benefits they've earned by virtue of their service and sacrifices. Executing that mission maintains our nation’s promises and in turn allows those who serve to provide the safety and stability their families and our entire nation need and treasure, particularly during the holiday season. Through our MOAA Charities we also continue our benevolent work on behalf of members of our uniformed services and veterans’ community who are in need, and we of course are proud to carry out our mission and our charitable work across all ranks and uniformed services.

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To those who'll spend the holiday in uniform, stationed or deployed far from their families, know that we at MOAA have you in our hearts this season and will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf. To those who've been out of service, whether it's been days or decades, we’re here for you as well and we encourage you to consider reaching out to a battle buddy — you never know when a renewed connection can make an incredible difference.

As always, thank you for the work you do to grow our association, spread our message of support for all who serve, and for your dedication in helping us "hold the line" on the earned benefits we know are critical to the strength of the total force, both now and in the future. Your efforts have helped MOAA forge an incredible 2025; and we look forward to an even more successful 2026 with your support.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!