|
|
Our Mission |
|
|
The Southwest Illinois Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a professional organization of military officers supporting the efforts of a nationally chartered veteran organization comprised of more than 320 chapters that is defending the interests of active duty, Reserve component, and retired military members to the national legislature. Within our local area, we support other veteran organizations supporting our men and women currently serving and those who have served.
|
|
Use these links to navigate our site: |
President's Message
Welcome to our newest Chapter member Anastacio "AL" Lambaria! I've known AL for over 20 years and he is a great person to have with us.
An Appeal Are you busy? Too busy to make a meaningful impact? What impact? If you're reading this, you are likely a member of MOAA and the Southwest Illinois Chapter. You receive the benefit of the work of several people who provide you with this monthly newsletter. It doesn’t just "make itself" and get to your e–mail address or home address on its own. Do you attend the Chapter meetings? These meetings don't just set themselves up. People in the Chapter have taken on the role to find a location, put together a menu, collect reservations, and find a program that is relevant or noteworthy for you to enjoy. We have people taking care of finances, taking care of your membership, reaching out to the community in various venues at Scott AFB, at Illinois State Fairs, with local support groups in the area, being the face of MOAA for the ROTC and JROTC detachments, listening to legislative and veteran issues. We have over 90 members in the Chapter, yet less than 10 people in the Chapter are involved in these activities other than the monthly membership meetings. Even your Chapter Board that used to have a dozen people meeting monthly now numbers just five. These folks are making an impact on our community, providing information and support to the veteran organizations in the area, serving. Can you imagine what kind of impact we could have if more than 10 people in the Chapter even got involved with ONE of these other activities? Let's face it. None of us are getting younger. We have had our share of losses over the past three or four years of members who have given just a bit of their time to supporting the reason why we have a Chapter in Southwest Illinois. Everyone has to know at least one other military officer who is not a member of MOAA or our Chapter. Perhaps a younger member. The average age in MOAA is over 70 years old, and our chapter's age demographic is probably even older. It's time to get involved. Otherwise, the Chapter will close and the legacy that was started in 1986 will disappear with it. Illinois has lost 5 Chapters over the last 10 years, and one more is nearing the end because nobody wants to take the lead. It doesn’t take a whole lot of time to get involved in ONE THING that a Chapter does. Just ask me, or any other of those fewer than 10 people. You won't regret it. We're all busy. But don't let this end. Many people count on us, on our support, and on our continuing service. Never Stop Serving!! God bless you, our men and women who serve and have served, and this great United States of America! Keep the dream alive and set the example for those who come afterward. |