Submitted by the Northwest Arkansas Chapter

The death of a MOAA member is not only a personal tragedy — it is a life-altering event that leaves surviving spouses facing grief, uncertainty, and a complex military system. Benefits, entitlements, and procedures are detailed and often difficult to navigate even under normal circumstances. This is why having a chapter surviving spouse liaison like CW5 Randy Willis, USA (Ret), is essential.

“My primary roles are to educate chapter members on how to prepare for the eventual loss of a spouse, help surviving spouses through the administrative process of receiving earned benefits, and encourage surviving spouses to remain active in the chapter to stay engaged with friends and receive empathetic support,” said Willis, who became the surviving spouse liaison for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter in 2025.

[MOAA MEMBER PUBLICATION: Preparing for the Loss of a Military Spouse]

He has embraced these roles, teaching several classes, including one as the chapter’s guest speaker at a bimonthly dinner meeting and another one for the Military Order of the Purple Heart organization. He also is planning to brief the Northwest Arkansas Veterans Coalition soon as well as other veteran organizations.

In addition, Willis has also helped surviving spouses navigate the voluminous paperwork required to receive their benefits and entitlements and has offered to transport surviving spouses to chapter meetings.

[FREE MOAA WEBINAR: Understanding Your VA Benefits]

“Randy is a role model for MOAA surviving spouse liaisons,” said Col. Bob Crawford, USA (Ret), chapter public affairs officer. “Our chapter is extremely fortunate to have a highly energized, caring, and compassionate surviving spouse liaison to help surviving spouses during this very stressful period.”

Willis credits national MOAA for its wide range of training and resources for surviving spouse liaisons. A highlight for him was the surviving spouse liaison training at MOAA’s regional leadership workshop in Oklahoma City in 2025. He also commends MOAA for the Surviving Spouse Virtual Chapter.

“The chapter provides exceptional support and education,” he said.

[UPDATED MONTHLY: MOAA’s Surviving Spouse Corner]

For Willis, his role represents a promise: “That MOAA will not abandon families in their darkest moments. Investing in this role — through training, continuity, and institutional support — is an investment in compassion, integrity, and the enduring values of service.”