We are seeing a rising demand from members of our uniformed services community facing financial hardship, natural disasters, medical setbacks, and other crises they did nothing to cause.

This summer, I saw firsthand how quickly a crisis can change someone's life. I was in Green Bay participating in the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter's annual golf event when high winds, lightning, and tornadoes forced an emergency stop to the festivities. While we sheltered, participants began receiving calls and texts from family and friends about damage to their homes. You could see on their faces the impact of finding yourself instantly and unexpectedly in a crisis.

I was able to share information among the veterans about MOAA’s Crisis Relief Program, a rapidly growing initiative under MOAA Charities that awards emergency financial assistance to members of the uniformed services community facing short-term crises. The program extends to all ranks and all services and includes active duty and Guard and Reserve personnel, veterans, spouses and survivors, and caregivers.

[DONATE TODAY: MOAA’s Crisis Relief Program]

Since the program’s creation in 2020, we have provided $1.2 million in grants to more than 1,000 applicants. But demand for our program continues to grow year-over-year as word has spread and the need has increased.

September is National Preparedness Month, so we are asking to please help keep MOAA Charities ready when it matters most.  

Whether it’s an Air Force veteran who lost the car she relies on for work, a veteran family that spent months without a place to call home, or a father who fell behind on rent when his income suddenly dropped, the Crisis Relief Program has been able to step in quickly, providing financial relief at the right moment while restoring hope and dignity.  

That is the kind of impact your gift can make. It takes a dedicated community, and we are grateful to have one, and we thank you for your generosity.