Military Officer - December 2007 - (Page 12) fromthepresident Look Both Ways December is an opportune time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and to prepare for the coming year and the challenges it will bring. D ecember is a time for warmth, family, and, most of all, expressing gratitude for all we have. December also is a month when we should reflect on the importance of our national preparedness. In addition to the recent sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack, the air assault on Pearl Harbor occurred 66 years ago this month. Our nation should never again be caught so unaware or so unprepared to cope in a dangerous world. As I look back on 2007, I see measurable progress for MOAA. For the second year in a row, we are on track to recruit more members than we lose annually through attrition and deaths. We’ve reached increasingly large numbers of eligible officers through our magazines, visits to conferences, seminars, and award presentations. We still have a long way to go, but more and more currently serving military and their spouses say they’ve heard of MOAA and appreciate the good work your association is doing. Our councils and chapters are working exceptionally hard on the innovative “Give Me 10!” recruiting program, with the Virginia Council of Chapters team setting the pace (see “Chapters in Action,” page 42). At press time, both houses of Congress hadn’t reached a compromise on the next National Defense Authorization Act. We are encouraged that there are more items being considered for the military than we normally see in an off-election year (see 12 MILITARY OFFICER DECEMBER 2007 “Washington Scene,” page 29), and I’m particularly proud of the role MOAA’s government relations team has played in championing better care for our wounded warriors. Another end-of-year item is financial and tax planning; please consider a tax-deductible donation to The Scholarship Fund of MOAA (www .moaa.org/scholarshipfund), which helps sons and daughters from officer and enlisted families pursue their undergraduate studies. You also might consider starting a Vanguard 529 college savings plan for your children or grandchildren for just $50. Sign up online at www.moaa.org/529. In closing, thank you for what you do for MOAA by being a member, participating in a chapter, helping recruit and retain your peers, and supporting our legislative efforts with cards, letters, e-mail, and other contacts with legislators. My wife, Judy, and I wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday and ask that you pause to remember those who serve and have served in our military around the world and their families. Have a great holiday season. — Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret. PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT http://www.moaa.org/scholarshipfund http://www.moaa.org/scholarshipfund http://www.moaa.org/529
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