Summary of Annual Chapter Activities
Received MOAA’s national FIVE STAR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE. This prestigious award was given in recognition of the Mount Vernon Chapter’s superior accomplishments during past year.
Chapter Scholarship Program: Organized a scholarship awards program in conjunction with local high schools. Solicited funds and provided scholarship grants to selected ROTC seniors. Currently conducting a priority drive to increase funding for these awards.
Membership: Expanded our membership program and incentives to encourage current Active Duty, Guard and Reserve officers to become members. Increased our transition and employment assistance to attract new retirees through coordination with MOAA’s national Officer Placement Service.
Troop Support: Instituted a program to provide free telephone calling cards to wounded veterans at Walter Reed Army Hospital and Bethesda Naval Hospital. Expanded these efforts to include financial support for the Fort Belvoir "Hearts Apart" program for family members of deployed forces. Supported Operation USO Care Package, by preparing care packages for our men and women serving overseas in the fight against terrorism.
Community Activities: Supported community patriotic and veterans’ functions including dedication ceremonies for the National World War II Memorial on the Mall, Presidential Veteran’s Day ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery and Fort Belvoir Retiree Appreciation Day.
Personal Affairs: Conducted seminars, which provided current information on legal services, estate planning, insurance and healthcare. Published an informational handbook to assist members emergency planning.
Communications: Published ten issues of our award winning newsletter “The Despatch” which provides timely information on Chapter activities. Established a Chapter website www.mvmoaa.com and continue to expand its capabilities.
Legislative Affairs: Supported MOAA’s national drive to improve survivors’ benefits legislation. Participated in MOAA’s Virginia Council of Chapters meetings, legislative activities and Congressional luncheons.
Social Activities: Sponsored monthly dinner meetings, brunches, annual theater and Christmas Parties. Supported auxiliary activities including quarterly luncheons and fashion shows. Hosted a wide range of interesting speakers, including a White House correspondent, a Senator’s Chief of Staff, a former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense, a WW II Women’s Air Force Service Pilot, a former Astronaut and a distinguished Vietnam combat veteran.
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