COUNCIL AND CHAPTERS SATISFY BASIC NEEDS, PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE

The active duty armed forces officer works to accomplish a specific mission and at the same time participates in a highly structured social life. It’s duty by day, and often the Officers Club at night.

At another time and place it is the professional association which provides opportunities for service as well as a social component involving camaraderie and good fellowship.

Many feel truly fortunate to be a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the 360,000 member strong premier organization of its kind.

Once a couple traveling on vacation and crossing into Mexico stopped for gas. The man filled the tank, not knowing his wife, thought to be sleeping in the back of the camper, had gone to the restroom, and he drove off without her. She had been left behind, a frightening situation.

Many active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and retired armed forces officers feel that they have been left behind. With full and active MOAA participation, they will never be alone.

Amazing Future
Members have an opportunity to focus on the mission, contribute in a variety of ways, work together with others to serve the wider military community. There is a specific place for members in CAL-MOAA and the local chapters. For those who choose to invest their time, talent, and energy, there is plenty of needed work to do, providing personal and professional satisfaction; for those who want to make new acquaintances and friends and take part in social events and activities, there is a social structure providing contacts with armed forces officers, prople with the same or similar values. There is a promise of profit and fun.

Real Friends
Both the Council and chapters have been in existence for many years, with members offering members an almost unconditional promise of friendship, suggesting that everyone is welcome, that there will be no strangers in a crowd. A real friend to CAL-MOAA and affiliated chapters is National MOAA, a group of professionals in Alexandria, VA, who literally promise a wide variety of general and direct support, bringing the Association’s full assets to bear on opportunities and problems. No member will be alone.

The Military Family
For the active duty officer, and in many respects for the drilling National Guard and Reserve officer, MOAA offers a home away from home. National MOAA is huge and worldwide; at the same time, the affiliated chapter is a relatively small group where members get to know one another, learn of wants and needs, help as appropriate, and have a good time together. On balance, members care about one another; it’s like a big family.

There often comes a time when members rediscover often forgotten truths. At a time when we live in a menacing and frightful world, MOAA works hard to protect and even enhance earned entitlements, providing the benefit, national security, and even personal support and services needed for an active and secure lifestyle.

Perhaps a very appropriate response would be to choose National MOAA, CAL-MOAA, and the local chapter, claiming the real or implied promises, participating fully and actively, and in all cases trying to make a difference.

One might be left behind, but one is never alone.

Comments RSS