SPEAKERS BUREAU
Washington Tattoo President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Reilly
From the Washington Tatto Homepage:
"The mission of The Washington Tattoo is not only to entertain with inspiring cultural performances, but to provide much needed support to our military veterans, first responders and youth to shine a light on the challenges they face.
The Washington Tattoo is a non-profit organization that uses music and culture to provide much needed mental health programs to veterans and young people."
Ticket purchases to the Tatto support outreach and wellness programs such as Rudiments to Recovery, which provides mental health resources for veterans, also Rudiments to Opportunity, which mentors at-risk youth through music.
The Washington Tattoo™ is a 501(c)3 organization based in Virginia offering unique, world-class music and cultural programs in the Washington, D.C. area.
Washington Tattoo President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Reilly was Speaker at the MOAA Public Affairs and Communication Professional Virtual meeting in February 2025.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins Statement
From the Veterans Administration Website:
"It is my life’s honor to serve America’s Veterans as secretary of Veterans Affairs, and I thank President Donald J. Trump as well as the U.S. Senate for their confidence in me.
America is the greatest nation on Earth precisely because of the Veterans willing to step forward and defend our freedom. I’ve witnessed this firsthand throughout my two decades in the military, as I’ve served with some of the finest men and women our nation has to offer.
In addition to being a Navy Veteran, I am an Air Force Reserve colonel and chaplain. During my time in the military, I’ve learned that leadership is about listening, serving, motivating and setting a good example for those around you. That is the approach I will bring to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
When President Trump offered me this job, he gave me simple instructions: take great care of America’s Veterans. Here is how we’re going to accomplish the task the president has set out for us:
We’re going to deliver timely access to care and benefits for every eligible Veteran, family member, caregiver and survivor.
We’re going to put Veterans at the center of everything VA does, focusing relentlessly on customer service and convenience.
We’re going to challenge the status quo in order to find new and better ways of helping VA beneficiaries.
We’re going to celebrate the vast majority of VA employees who do a great job every day and hold employees accountable when they fall short of the mission.
We’re going to provide Veterans with the health care choices they have earned while maintaining and improving VA’s direct health care capabilities.
And we’re going to do a better job reaching Veterans at risk of homelessness or suicide – especially those who have had no contact with VA.
My commitment to my fellow servicemembers and Veterans will serve as my compass for the way ahead, and I am honored to be working with the men and women of VA to accomplish our noble and vital mission.
Together, we will strengthen VA so it works better for America’s heroes. Let’s get to work."
United States Veterans Affairs Administration Leadership is scheduled to speak at a future MPACOMVC meeting in 2025.
President Trump signs the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act into law
President Donald Trump signed House Resolution 1815, the Veterans Home Loan Program Reform Act, on July 30, 2025.
Bill Author Derrick Van Orden (WI-3) and House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12) joined the President at the signing ceremony.
From the White House Homepage: "H.R. 1815, VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, which amends title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take certain actions in the case of a default on a home loan guaranteed by the Secretary, and for other purposes."
Victor Smith, Vice President, Programs and Events, United States Navy Memorial
Victor Smith is Vice President, Programs and Events at the United States Navy Memorial. The United States Navy Memorial's mission is to Honor, Recognize, and Celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services, past, present, and future; and to Inform the public about their service.
Mr. Smith spoke at the MPACOMVC Chapter meeting held on 18 September 2025. At the meeting, he spoke about the mission and activities of the Navy Memorial.
Dave Yeager, "Fall In: A Veteran With A Gambling Addiction"
Former Army Officer Dave Yeager was the featured speaker at the MPACOMVC Chapter meeting held on 17 July 2025.
Dave Yeager is an eleven-year veteran of the US Army, recovering from gambling addiction. He tells his story in order to raise awareness about gambling addiction, with focus on active military and veterans. He periodically hosts his "Fall In" Podcast, a forum for gambling treatment providers, advocates, and veterans who are in recovery.
Dave Yeager is an eleven-year veteran of the US Army, recovering from gambling addiction. He tells his story in order to raise awareness about gambling addiction, with focus on active military and veterans. He periodically hosts his "Fall In" Podcast, a forum for gambling treatment providers, advocates, and veterans who are in recovery.
Rob Wilkins, Founder of "Fit to Serve"
MSgt Rob Wilkins, USA (Ret) was the featured speaker at the MPACOMVC Chapter meeting held on 19 June 2025.
Serving in the United States Air Force for 26 years, Rob was a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. He is editor of Muscle & Fitness’ Fit to Serve series and a lifetime fitness advocate.
From the Vietnam War Commemoration Homepage:
" Across the Nation, Americans are uniting to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. This is the main focus of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration—a national 50th anniversary commemoration, authorized by Congress established under the secretary of defense, and launched by President Barack Obama in 2012 Congress penned a total of five objectives, with the primary being to thank and honor our Vietnam veterans and their families, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the Nation."
Pictured below, U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration Task Force 23 Commander Major General Ed Chrystal spoke at the MOAA Public Affairs and Communication Professional Virtual meeting in March 2025.
.jpeg)
MOAA Annual Meeting 2024, Book Talk with Admiral James Stavridis
.png)
From the MOAA Homepage:
Immediately following the MOAA Annual Meeting 2024, Adm. James Stavridis, USN (Ret), former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, discussed his latest book, The Restless Wave. The fast-paced novel tells the story of Scott Bradley James, a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1941.
The book is about romance, action, brushes with historical figures, and a few lessons learned as James navigates the early years of his career, with World War II as the backdrop.
“I tried to create something that was historical, but not completely bedded down in the dark tragedy of war,” said Stavridis, a MOAA Life member. “I think even in the midst of war, people fall in love, and there are complex love triangles. … And I think it’s important that we realize this is a story about the Greatest Generation, but that the Greatest Generation was young. They were trying to find their way.”
Following his talk, Admiral Stavridis signed copies of his book, with donations benefitting The MOAA Foundation.
Dr. Jennifer London, Founder of National American History and Founders Month Organization
Dr. Jennifer London is the founder and President of National American History and Founders Month Organization NAHFMO. From the NAHFMO website: "The mission of National American History and Founders Month is to create a tradition of educating and celebrating the founding history of our country for all Americans. Furthermore, while there are holidays celebrating key events, leaders, and groups responsible for creating and shaping our Nation, there is no official recognition or formal commemoration of our Nation’s early history, its founders and its governmental system. This new recognition and focus offers all Americans an occasion to appreciate the struggle to create a new nation, the founders who pioneered how this new nation should be governed, and the civic duties of its citizens."
Dr. London spoke at the MPACOMVC Chapter meeting held on 21 August 2025. At the meeting, Dr. London spoke about the mission and activities of NAHFMO, also spotlighting the book "Profiles in Character: Sixteen Americans and the Traits That Defined Them," authored by Dr. J. Phillip London in 2023.
.jpg)
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) hosts "Military Kids Day"
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) hosted "Military Kids Day" on 15 February 2025 at the USTA USTA National Campus Nemours Family Zone, in Orlando, Florida. The event included Games and giveaways, followed by a 5:00 PM flyover, also an Air Force versus Navy dual match.
The USTA is proud to support tennis programming to help military service members, veterans and their families reintegrate into their community.
"Through the sport of tennis, we're proving each and every day that it is possible for our veterans and their families to enjoy a more healthy and fulfilled quality of life in the communities where they live." USTA Leadership is scheduled for a presentation of USTA Military Programs at a MOAA Public Affairs and Communication Professional Virtual Chapter Meeting in 2025.
"Through the sport of tennis, we're proving each and every day that it is possible for our veterans and their families to enjoy a more healthy and fulfilled quality of life in the communities where they live." USTA Leadership is scheduled for a presentation of USTA Military Programs at a MOAA Public Affairs and Communication Professional Virtual Chapter Meeting in 2025.
.png)
Military Veterans in Journalism
.jpg)
From the Military Veterans in Journalism website:
"Military Veterans in Journalism, also known as MVJ, is a professional association that creates community for veterans in the news field, supports their career growth, and advocates for increasing newsroom diversity through hiring more vets."
""Veterans bring perspective, professional experience, and diversity of thought that benefits newsrooms and news consumers. Our annual convention in October brings together veterans, military spouses, and newsroom professionals for three days of networking and shared growth."
In October of 2024, MVJ featured a career fair of top newsrooms and journalism schools, the annual Top 10 Vets in Journalism Awards ceremony, and a full slate of educational programming at the historic Brooklyn Brewery in New York City.
Veterans, military spouses, newsroom professionals, and supporters of diversity in the industry joined MVJ for 2.5 days of networking and shared growth. Panels were also live-streamed for those who were unable to attend in-person.
MVJ Founder Zack Baddorf was guest Speaker at the MPACOMVC Chapter Meeting in January 2025.
General George C. Marshall's Dodonna Manor
.jpeg)
From the Dodonna Manor Website:
"General George C. Marshall was Time magazine's Man of the Year twice. He led the U.S. Army to victory in World War II, served as Secretary of State and of Defense, and even led the American Red Cross. But his greatest legacy is his vision for and leadership of what came to be called the Marshall Plan, America's historic investment in rebuilding the economies of Western Europe.
General Marshall and his wife called Dodona Manor home. Today, the 19th-century house and gardens are lovingly tended, all preserved as a living reminder of his inspiring leadership. We invite you to tour the house, visit the garden (General Marshall was an avid green thumb) and revisit a moment in time when American leadership saved democracy and preserved peace during troubled times." George C. Marshall Foundation Leadership is scheduled to speak at a future MPACOMVC meeting in 2025.
General Marshall and his wife called Dodona Manor home. Today, the 19th-century house and gardens are lovingly tended, all preserved as a living reminder of his inspiring leadership. We invite you to tour the house, visit the garden (General Marshall was an avid green thumb) and revisit a moment in time when American leadership saved democracy and preserved peace during troubled times." George C. Marshall Foundation Leadership is scheduled to speak at a future MPACOMVC meeting in 2025.