May 22, 2015
MOAA's Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC) hosted its congressional delegation for a lunch discussion on Capitol Hill on May 21.
Seven legislators spoke to more than 125 MOAA members at the event, where the Council thanked them for their support to date and urged them to do more for the military and veterans' community.
VCOC's annual congressional luncheon - now in its 30th year - is a great way for MOAA members to meet face-to-face with their legislators and push both state and national level issues.
A common theme among the legislators' remarks was concern over the balancing the budget in a responsible way that doesn't put a disproportionate share of the burden on servicemembers and retirees.
Col. Barry Wright, USA (Ret), MOAA's Director of Chapter and Council Affairs, received the Minuteman award for his leadership. The Minuteman award is given to a MOAA member providing outstanding support and loyal service to the VCOC. Wright expressed his appreciation for the support of the legislators in attendance and thanked members for staying active with MOAA's grassroots advocacy.
The VCOC recognized Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) with its annual legislative award for his support of many of MOAA's top priorities and nearly fifteen years of service in Congress. Because of his dedication to the military community, Forbes received the award for the second time in three years.
The VCOC's luncheon is a great example of how you can become involved legislatively through MOAA's state chapters. Click here to find a chapter in your area.