chapter projects and support
President Trump Celebrates U.S. Navy 250th Birthday at Naval Station Norfolk
President Donald J. Trump joined 15,000 Sailors and invited guests on 5 October 2025 to celebrate the United States Navy 250th Birthday. The All Hands Call was held on Pier 14, Naval Station Norfolk, adjacent to the USS Harry Truman (CVN 75) and USS Kearsage (LHD 3).
MPACOMVC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) represented MOAA at the All Hands Call, among numerous events scheduled around the country honoring the men and women serving in the U.S. Navy.
Pictured below: CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) with LT Michaela White, USN, Public Affairs Officer, United States Second Fleet.
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North Carolina Council of Chapters Hosts Retired Marine Corps Pilot Garret Biss: Veterans Suicide
In a powerful and eye-opening campaign, Garret Biss, a retired Marine Corps Pilot, delves into the critical factors that contribute to these issues among Veterans. Drawing from his own journey and extensive work in Veteran support and addiction recovery, Garret highlights the profound impact of a lack of connection, authenticity, and a sense of meaning and purpose on Veterans.
Understanding Veterans includes factors contributing to addiction, substance use disorder, and suicide. The transition from military to civilian life poses unique challenges for Veterans, often leading to addiction, substance use disorder (SUD) and even suicide.
Garret uses his own personal experience to provide a deep understanding of how these factors are intensified during the transition period and learn practical strategies to help Veterans navigate this high-risk phase.
He equips organizations with the tools to meet Veterans where they are, providing the empathy, support, and guidance they need on their recovery journey.
What organizations can expect to take from his campaign:
• Identify Unique Challenges
• Understand the Impact of Disconnection
• Explore Loss of Meaning and Purpose
MPACOMVC is providing public affairs support to the North Carolina Council of Chapters hosting of the Garret Biss Campaign on Veteran Suicide.
Arizona Catalina Mountains Chapter Veterans Support Program
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The Catalina Mountains Chapter is one of ten MOAA chapters in the state of Arizona. The Catalina Mountains Chapter began as a satellite chapter of the Tucson Chapter in 2015 and became a stand-alone MOAA chapter in 2022.
Catalina Mouintain Chapter is supporting Esperanza En Escalante (EEE), a local organization which provides housing, social services, programs and transportation to assist a Veteran's transition into everyday life.
The Catalina Mountains Chapter received a grant in 2023 from The MOAA Foundation to provide new laptops to four EEE residents.
MPACOMVC will provide public affairs support to the Catalina Mountain Chapter work with EEE.
Pictured below left to right: Chapter President CAPT Chuck Vaughan, USN (Ret) with Veterans Javier Duron, Joe Chlebowski, and Edward Gonzales, who received new laptop computers.
North Carolina Council of Chapters Hosts Annual Meeting 2025
CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret)PresidentMPACOMVC
The North Carolina Council of Chapters held their annual meeting 2025 on 7 November 2025 at the North Carolina State University Club, Raleigh, North Carolina.
With the annual meeting 2025 dedicated to COL Jeri Graham, USA (Ret), NCCOC President CW4 Jay Garbus, USA (Ret) welcomed attendees and honored guests. Colors were presented by the Cary High School Color Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation, led by Triangle Chapter President Col. Herb Segal, USA (Ret) with NCCOC First Vice President CDR Ken Klaussen, USN (Ret) opening dinner with a toast. MPACOMVC President CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret) provided support as Master of Ceremonies.
MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. "BK" Kelly, USAF (Ret) was the annual meeting keynote speaker. During his talk, Lt. Gen. Kelly highlighted MOAA's recent legislative advocacy, also the Total Force + Conference 2025, during which MOAA gained some 300 new members.
Invited guests included MOAA Senior Director, Affiliated Councils and Chapters, CAPT Frank Michael, USN (Ret), Tennessee Council of Chapters President Lt.Col. Pete Warner, USAF (Ret) and MOAA Uniformed Services Nurse Advocates Virtual Chapter First Vice President COL Diane Scherr, USA (Ret).
MPACOMVC Morale and Care Officer COL Jeri Graham, USA (Ret) was presented the MOAA Chairman's Award with MPACOMVC Public Relations Officer CW4 Jay Garbus, USA (Ret) receiving the MOAA President's Award.
The North Carolina Council of Chapters (NCCOC) provides programmatic guidance and oversight for 14 state chapters that serve 1350 members in 100 counties. As one of 32 state councils that support the Military Officers Association of America, NCCOC serves the needs of military members in North Carolina.
Pictured Above: MOAA President and CEO Lt.Gen. Brian T. "BK" Kelly, USAF (Ret) presents the MOAA President's Award to outgoing NCCOC President CW4 Jay Garbus, USA (Ret)
Pictured Below: MOAA Senior Director, Affiliated Councils and Chapters CAPT Frank Michael, USN (Ret) presents COL Jeri Graham, USA (Ret) with the MOAA Chairman's Award.
Heroes' Movement: A Path to Wellness for Veterans
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LCDR Rich Higgins, USN (Ret)President
MOAA Southeastern Michigan Chapter
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, my wife Susan and I had the honor of attending the inaugural gala for Heroes' Movement at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Representing MOAA’s Southeastern Michigan Chapter, I arrived with about 20 MOAA business cards—and by the end of the night, every one of them had found its way into the hands of a current or former commissioned officer, or someone who knew one.
Heroes' Movement is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving veterans’ physical and mental well-being through movement-based workouts and athletics. By partnering with gyms nationwide, the organization ensures that veterans can train for free while reimbursing the gyms for their services. Each participating gym follows specialized guidelines designed to accommodate veterans with post-traumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), creating a safe and supportive training environment. Open to all veterans, regardless of branch of service, the program fosters wellness and camaraderie through fitness.
The gala itself was an unforgettable evening—live music, an open bar, charcuterie, endless hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. However, the most moving part of the night was hearing the story of Josh Wege, a young Marine who lost both legs after his Humvee struck an IED. He recalled how a Navy Corpsman’s quick actions saved his life, but his future remained uncertain until Heroes' Movement founder Mike McKay stepped in. McKay arranged for a gym and a personal trainer to work with him—all at no cost. "It saved my life," Josh said, his voice filled with emotion. Today, he is happily married and expecting his first child.
Throughout the evening, I had the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, many of whom were current or former commissioned officers. Some were not yet MOAA members, so I eagerly shared our mission and left my card with several individuals who expressed interest in joining. One attendee, already a MOAA member, committed to becoming part of our chapter.
The evening ended with a paddle-raise auction in support of Heroes’ Movement. The auctioneer started at $2,000, and hands shot up to thunderous applause. The call for $1,000 saw even more supporters step forward. Then came the $500 level, and - I raised my paddle, as did many others. To my surprise, I turned to see Susan raising hers as well. "Jeez, Sue. We need to communicate better," I whispered. "I thought we were going to limit ourselves to $500."She smiled and replied, "We did."
The work of Heroes' Movement is profoundly impactful, offering veterans a renewed sense of strength and resilience. The gala was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve—and of the importance of supporting them in their journey beyond the uniform.
Strengthening Our Mission Through Partnership
MOAA’s Southeastern Michigan Chapter is continually seeking new ways to expand our membership and engage with individuals who share our commitment to service, leadership, and camaraderie. Supporting initiatives like Heroes' Movement aligns perfectly with the core mission of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)—advocating for and empowering those who have served.
Additionally, our connection with The War Memorial presents another vital opportunity to deepen our engagement with the veteran community. The War Memorial has long been a beacon of honor and remembrance, preserving the legacy of service members through educational initiatives, commemorative events, and community outreach. Their commitment not only celebrates the contributions of veterans but also provides essential support for their transition to civilian life. By fostering a space that honors their sacrifices, The War Memorial ensures that their stories inspire future generations and strengthen the bonds within our community.
As we look for meaningful ways to grow, partnerships with organizations like Heroes' Movement and The War Memorial allow us to connect with a broader network of veterans and their families. These collaborations reinforce the values of honor, duty, and service—principles that define both MOAA and the veterans we seek to support.
California Governor Signs Budget Partially Exempting Military Retirement Pay
CDR Linc Smith, USNR (Ret)
President
MPACOMVC
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the State budget on 27 June 2025, which includes exemption of $20,000 in military retiree or survivor benefit pay from State income tax. Scheduled to expire on 2030, the new law covers members of the Armed Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Public Health.
Until 2025, California was the sole state fully taxing military retirement. Legislation with a similar exemption, Assemby Bill 53, was introduced by Assembly member James Ramos (D-45). Governor Newsom later signed into law a provision in the 2025–26 state budget which exempts up to $20,000 of military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities from state income tax, effective January 1, 2025.
The MOAA California Council of Chapters, numbering 23 chapters consisting of over 1,300 members and member of the Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC), was a key long term advocate for passage of the California Veterans Tax Exemption.
Pictured below: MOAA California Council of Chapters (CALMOAA) President Capt Ramona Chavez, USAF (Ret) joins fellow Veterans Advocates, to include Assembly Member James Ramos, key to passage of the historic tax exemption.
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MPACOMVC is now providing public affairs and communication support CALMOAA.
MOAA Public Relations and Commuications Guide
The MOAA Public Relations and Commuications Guide was authored in 1998 by Col. Marvin J. Harris, USAF (Ret), Director of Public Relations, Nancy W. Carr, Assistant Director of Public Relations, Col. Jim Pauls, USAF (Ret) Deputy Director, Dept of Council & Chapter Affairs.
At this time, MPACOMVC is reviewing the MOAA Public Relations/Commuications Guide for comprehensive update.
U.S. Route 20 coast to coast now officially the National Medal of Honor Highway
LTC Keith Beebe, USA (Ret)
Vice President
MPACOMVC
The United States House of Representatives passed its approval of U.S. Senate Bill 1478 to establish the National Medal of Honor Highway. The bill was signed into law by President Biden.
The purpose of this Act is to honor all current and future Medal of Honor recipients and recognize the valor and service of those Medal of Honor recipients.
The National Medal of Honor Highway is U.S. Route 20 coast to coast throughout the States of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.
MPACOMVC Vice President LTC Keith Beebe, USA (Ret) was instrumental in the advocacy of the legislation. He also provided continuing public affairs support for the Act.
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