Military Officer - December 2006 - (Page 50)

chapteractivities Farewell, Friends I came to work for MOAA 17 years ago this month. Little did I know that in this second career I would work with and for the greatest people in the country. I don’t say this casually, for I truly believe that you are the best this country has ever produced — from those who make up the “greatest generation” to today’s valiant warriors defending our freedom. I have seen many changes in these 17 years. Probably the most signiﬁcant was the name change from TROA to MOAA — a change that, not surprisingly, was initiated by complaints from chapter leaders who were having a difﬁcult time recruiting younger, still-working, or still-serving members. Looking back, I’m not sure those leaders knew how inﬂuential their suggestion would be or expected the sea change that would result. Now MOAA represents an ever-growing number of younger, still-serving military members and their families, while continuing to remain loyal to the mission of meeting the needs of those who have served before. 50 MILITARY OFFICER DECEMBER 2006 as best you can to our younger members. Impress on them that there is but one organization that is totally dedicated to their welfare: MOAA. Explain that what we’re ﬁghting for For those of you in my little corner will have long-range consequences of the world — the chapter world — not only for them but also for our enmy pride in what you have done over tire national defense structure. the past years for all military memMy successor, Col. Lee Lange II, bers knows no bounds. USMC-Ret., and his You have always anwife, Janet, already swered the call to legisare in place. Lee is a You made lative arms, and it is my six-year veteran of us feel like MOAA and knows our privilege to have served a part of you in some small way chapter world. I’m sure in your efforts to reyou will show them your exmain strong. the same affection tended My wife, Eileen, and and support you have family. I send a huge thankshown Eileen and me. you to the many chapFinally, a big thankter members we’ve had you to each member the privilege of meeting. You made of the MOAA staff, from its presius feel like a part of your extended dent, Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., family, and we will not forget your USN-Ret., on down. Each is totally graciousness. Each of you brings real dedicated to the mission of MOAA, meaning to the saying, “Parting is and each has made the past 17 years such sweet sorrow.” the most pleasurable and rewarding There is much more I’d like to say, of my life. Having said that, may God bless but at this juncture most words are insufﬁcient. I will, however, leave you each and every one of you, and may God bless America. with some last thoughts. — Col. Chris Giaimo, USAF-Ret. It has taken MOAA more than 77 years to gain the respected status Director, Council and Chapter Affairs it has today. Each of you has been instrumental in helping earn that respect; through the good times and bad, when we had legislative support and when we didn’t, you lent Regional Symposium unﬂagging support. Whether we were Brings Leaders Together ﬁghting to preserve an earned COLA increase or to gain an important aking this the biggest health care initiative, you were there. symposium yet, more than 370 chapter leaders, You are MOAA. What you do — or personal affairs representatives, don’t do — dictates where MOAA auxiliary members, spouses, and goes in the future, and the future is members of MOAA’s board of direcwhat we need to be concerned about. tors and national staff traveled to I urge each of you, regardless of Savannah, Ga., to take part in the age, to keep up the ﬁght. Reach out Field Reports M PHOTO: RHODA BAER

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Military Officer - December 2006

From the Editor From the President Your Views MOAA Directory Rapid Fire Washington Scene Financial Forum Ask the Doctor Chapter Activities Cover Story: How to Fund the Future Martial Lore Good Night, Sleep Tight Mixed Review Information Exchange Advertising Index Member Books MOAA Calendar Sounding Taps MOAA Member Services

Military Officer - December 2006

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