IL COC Newsletter -Forward Observations - December 2022
Advocacy in Action
Talking Papers
We have identified three talking papers addressing topic of interest to MOAA Leadership and its membership.
Advocacy in Action
2023
2022 Harris Communication Awards
The annual Col. Marvin J. Harris Communications Awards recognizes councils and chapters that achieve excellence in communicating with their members and communities. MOAA affiliates nominated themselves in two categories: newsletters (print or electronic) and websites. Submissions were judged on design and content. For the 2022 program year, eleven councils and 134 chapters received 152 five-star awards and 77 four-star awards.
Our Winners were:
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Illinois Council of Chapters: Newsletter 4 Star
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Lincolnland Chapter: Website 4 Star; Newsletter 5 Star
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Southwest Illinois Chapter: Newsletter 4 Star
These awards will be presented on April 27th to respective council representatives during a luncheon at the Council President’s Seminar during Advocacy in Action (AiA) week.
Congratulations to all!
Chapter Activities
In response to changing demographics and to better connect all the MOAA members living in Illinois with regional Chapters, the respective Chapter presidents recently reorganized Illinois into four regional MOAA chapters that meet and serve their geographic regions.
Why Should You Join a MOAA Chapter?
MOAA ESTORE
One of the many benefits of MOAA membership is exclusive access to MOAA-branded apparel and gift items. Thanks to feedback from our members, The MOAA Store has a fresh new look that’s easy to navigate. Show your pride and make MOAA a staple in your everyday wardrobe.
Our Mission
The mission of the Illinois Council of Chapters is to defend the interests of active duty, reserve, retired, and former officers of America’s Uniformed Services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space, Public Health, and NOAA) by promoting the aims of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) in their legislative advocacy for all of America’s veterans. Further the Illinois Council of Chapters provides assistance to the Illinois MOAA Chapters enabling them to more effectively serve their members, their communities, and our great nation.
Information on Joining a Chapter
MOAA and its Chapters welcome any active, reserve, retired, or former office of America’s Uniformed Services. If you were or are an officer in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space, Coast Guard, Public Health, or NOAA, you are eligible for membership in MOAA. Information on how to become a MOAA member can be found at www.moaa.org and for your local Chapter by clicking here, to view the Illinois Chapters Map and County Listing.
Chapter Activities
Illinois has four (4) active MOAA chapters that meet and serve their geographic regions. A listing of those chapters and the region they serve can be found by clicking here. Each Chapter sets its own meeting schedule that meets their membership needs. Meetings often include informational presentations along with service-related camaraderie. Local Chapters engage in support of ROTC and JROTC programs, community outreach especially those helping veterans, and fund raising for local & national scholarships.
Legislative Issues
Each year, generally in the April timeframe, Council presidents from around the country participate in the MOAA-sponsored, “Advocacy in Action” event held in Washington DC. During this event, MOAA members meet with all 535 senators and representatives soliciting legislator support for national issues and initiatives effecting America’s veterans. COVID restrictions necessitated conducting this event virtually in 2020, 2021 and 2022. This year’s topics were: the Major Richard Star Act supporting 50,300 combat-injured veterans, Stop Copay Overpay Act to reform TRICARE mental health copays, and Support of a 4.6% Military Pay Raise keeping our servicemembers’ wages competitive. The Council point of contact for legislative affairs is: Col Richard V. Smith, USAF (Ret) who may be reached at: smithrv75@gmail.com
About Our Council
The Illinois Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is comprised of the presidents and appointed members of the Illinois MOAA Chapters located throughout the state. Specific Chapter locations are shown in the “Information on Joining the Chapter” section of this website. The Council serves as a conduit for information and support to the local Chapters. Council members serve on various state and local veteran service organizations (VSO) in addition to being the MOAA “voice” when meeting with state, local, and national officials. There are more than 5,000 MOAA members in Illinois who continue to serve as they advocate for this state’s 60,000 plus veterans. The Council meets tri-annually, oftentimes at dates and locations coinciding with a hosting chapter’s meeting. This allows Council members the opportunity to visit Chapter members across the state.