Hampton Roads Chapter MOAA

Hampton Roads Chapter – MOAA

VCOC QUARTERLY REPORT (3rd)

1 July – 30 September 2016

I. Membership Regular Auxiliary Honorary Total

As of 1 January: 257 60 2 319

Gains: 66 11 0 77

As of 30 September: 323 71 2 396

Emailed 275 national MOAA members, and mailed letters to 1,025 national members resident in the Chapter area from MOAA listing of 9,000 inviting them to join the Chapter. Emailed, sent letters with return envelops, and members made phone calls to those with 2015 expired memberships. Free 2016 Chapter memberships were offered to those whose memberships expire in 2016, if they re-new for three (3) years. Reminders were provided to Chapter members to renew their memberships using emails and our newsletter, “The Tribute.”

II. Legislative Affairs: Chapter Legislative Affairs Director participated in 13 July JLC meeting to finalize recommendations to Governor McAuliffe, and also participated in the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation meeting on 3 August. Hampton Roads Chapter Legislative Affairs representative, and representatives from Peninsula and Portsmouth Chapters together met with the regional staff of Senators Warner and Kaine to present MOAA Top 10 Legislative Goals for 2016.

III. Public Affairs: Chapter noted in MOAA magazine, “Military Officer,” for its work with local ROTC units. Chapter completed awards presentations to area NJROTC units. Attended Chesapeake’s 8th Annual Mayor’s Breakfast to Honor Veterans; conducted event publicity, distributed event information to 42 businesses and local agencies. Chapter newsletter highlighted venues, dates and times of future local military career fairs and networking opportunities. Coordination with local ROTC units initiated to support Honor Flight on 15 October. Two JROTC units have developed a “Vets and Cadets” program to interview and record veterans’ personal stories to be uploaded to the Library of Congress.

IV. Levels of Excellence Award Scoring & Chapter Self-Evaluation Status: Chapter notified it had been selected for the MOAA Five Star Award for the 13th consecutive time, and notified that Chapter member, Barbara Smith, has been selected by MOAA for its 2016 Surviving Spouse Liaison Excellence Award. Formal awards presentation ceremony will be at the MOAA National Meeting 24-25 October 2016 in Arlington, VA. Chapter self-evaluation process for the 2016 LOE submission has begun. Focus continues to be membership, legislative issues, and community affairs. A “Continuity of Operations” matrix is underway to insure missions and responsibilities are carried out regardless of personnel changes in the Chapter.

V. Gold Bars Awarded to Newly Commissioned Senior ROTC Lieutenants/Ensigns: The Chapter presented MOAA “Gold Bars” to two Norfolk State University newly commissioned Army officers.

VI. Most Significant Events of the Quarter:

Hampton Roads, Peninsula, and Portsmouth Chapters held their annual Summer Brunch Mixer on 17 July in Virginia Beach. Chapter hosted a panel discussion on senior care at its 16 September luncheon. Ms. Mary Leeds, Care Advocate, and Ms. Sandra L. Smith, Elder Law Attorney were lead panelists.

Submitted by:

COL Jim Smith

Chapter VCOC Representative

(757) 425-5934