February 2012

I have frequently spoken and written about the importance of MOAA membership at both the local chapter and national levels. Our elected representatives in the Executive and Legislative Branches of our government listen to those who speak powerfully and competently on issues of importance to them. Speaking on our behalf is MOAA National’s purpose and full time job! It is they who make known our concerns to those who represent us. Unfortunately, not all our Chapter members are National members. I want to see all our Chapter members as members of MOAA National!

National MOAA membership cost, from my perspective, is a very wise investment in our futures. We are all experiencing the trials of the current economic situation and know these conditions are forecast to continue into at least the near future. The economic slowdown coupled with grid lock in Washington and 2012 being an election year only increases the importance of membership at the National level. MOAA National will ensure our concerns are ever present on the minds of those who represent us. However, we must do our part too!

A review of MOAA National’s top ten legislative goals for 2012 clearly demonstrates why MOAA National membership is a wise and very cost effective investment in our collective future. In this month’s issue of the Military Officer, Col Warren Lacy, the Magazine’s editor, states, “…MOAA’s most important message for the coming year: military health care, retirement, and other people programs are under attack. Now is the time for everyone to get involved. Take action to ensure sacrifices service members make for our country are recognized. Urge our nation’s leaders to treat troops and their families fairly.” By extension, all who have served are definitely included in this appeal to our representatives.

As members of MOAA National, letting your voice be heard at the appropriate time is greatly simplified. As MOAA National members, the Military Officer Magazine includes mail-in that can easily be sent by all at critical times. If not a National member, these critical timed mail-ins are not available to you. The “Calls to Action” by MOAA National are also not available to you. Many of the earned benefits we enjoy are under attack; we must actively join with MOAA National, responding when asked to ensure all MOAA National does influencing our elected representatives is supported by our voices. This is not possible unless we all are National members.

Sharing in the benefits secured for us by MOAA National can only be sustained if we do our part. If you ask, what is it I can do? The answer is rather simple. Ensure you are a current member in good standing at the National level. If you are in doubt about your National membership, please contact me or another Director and we will be delighted to assist you answering that critical question. If you are not a National member, please let us help you become one. Again, contact me or any Director and we can assist you. I want to work hard this year to make every one or our great Ark-La-Tex Chapter members become, renew or become a Lifetime MOAA National member. Stay involved with the issues. When MOAA National requests our assistance, respond by contacting your representatives directly about critical issues. Doing our part makes it easier for MOAA National to do its part on our behalf.

Please seriously consider becoming a MOAA National member. I want to see 100% of our Chapter members as National members! As always, I am honored to serve as your president and look forward to continuing work with you to keep the Ark-La-Tex Chapter the best in all of MOAA.


David Lay

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