Every spring, as MOAA members prepare to come to Washington for our annual fly-in event, Advocacy in Action (AiA), I’m reminded of what truly sets MOAA apart. We are honored to represent members across the country who do not just believe in our mission but are participants and tireless advocates for the all-volunteer force — individuals who step forward to ensure the voices of those who serve and have served are heard.

That commitment endures regardless of how priorities and issues evolve on Capitol Hill. MOAA and our members hold the line on issues impacting the force, grounded in a shared sense of purpose that goes beyond officers and surviving spouses. There is a deep responsibility and a genuine passion to advocate for the well-being of the entire uniformed services community, across all services and every stage of service.

This year, that focus is reflected in four key issues we will bring directly to Congress: The Major Richard Star Act, the Shutdown Fairness Act, the GUARD VA Benefits Act, and the Military CARE Act. I encourage you to learn more about these priorities and how they impact our community.

Our in-person meetings on Capitol Hill keep these priorities where they belong: in front of Congress. And when those face-to-face conversations are reinforced by outreach from more than 350,000 MOAA members nationwide, it sends a clear message that carries real weight. That is why I would ask that you, and every other MOAA member, take a few minutes to review this year’s AiA topics and stay connected through our advocacy tools.

[RELATED: MOAA’s 2026 Advocacy Playbook]

Next Steps

• Register for MOAA’s Legislative Action Center to stay connected and contact your lawmakers. 
• Review all four Advocacy in Action topics on the AiA website and share these issues with your network.

On April 15, MOAA's volunteer leaders will be visiting your elected representatives in Washington and calling on them to support the all-volunteer force. We need your voice to show lawmakers how important these issues are to those who serve and have served, along with their families and survivors.

Thank you for standing with MOAA and for your continued commitment to our shared mission.