(This article originally appeared in the June 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.)

On a national scale, many know MOAA because of our daily work in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the uniformed services community — protecting earned benefits and ensuring the voices of servicemembers, retirees, and veterans and their families and survivors are heard.

But on the local level, when someone recognizes the MOAA name, it is because they have seen firsthand the impact of a local council or chapter — neighbors helping neighbors, veterans supporting veterans, and communities strengthened through service. This local engagement is essential to fulfilling MOAA’s broader mission of advocacy, education, and philanthropy, and I’m pleased to share national MOAA is providing support at record levels.

MOAA Charities’ Community Outreach Grants provide awards of up to $5,000 to chapters covering a wide range of critical family needs, including housing, food assistance, family support, transportation, legal assistance, and crisis relief.

This year marks a milestone: We received the highest number of applications in the program’s history and are awarding the largest number of grants — and the greatest total funding — ever.  

[RELATED: 52 Affiliates Receive Grants From MOAA Charities]

It is a clear signal that the need is growing, but so is the commitment of our members to meet it.

What makes these efforts especially powerful is their focus on prevention. Rather than reacting to crises after they occur, our chapters and partners are working to connect servicemembers, veterans, and families with support before challenges escalate. Whether addressing housing instability, financial hardship, or mental health concerns, these coordinated efforts can stabilize lives and strengthen communities.

Coordinated local efforts can truly bolster military families and save veterans’ lives, advocates shared last year at our TotalForce+ conference.

The VA reports veteran homelessness numbers are dropping, and we can point to MOAA’s own efforts in support of the mission in places like Flagstaff, Ariz., and Monterey, Calif.

[RELATED: Communities Come Together to Fight Veteran Homelessness]

I often say MOAA is an association of officers but never only about officers. Our commitment extends to all ranks, all services, and all who have served and continue to serve. The work we do — at the national level and in communities across the country — demonstrates this responsibility.

And it is why, together, we will always answer the call to serve.