Southwest FL – MOAS members, spouses, and guests gathered at Michael’s on East on Sunday, December 11th for the Chapter’s 34th Annual Military Gala – a wonderfully entertaining and special event. The ballroom was beautifully decorated, and uniforms, tuxedos, military decorations, and beautiful dresses and gowns were everywhere to be seen. The US Marine Corps Toys for Tots boxes overflowed with dump trucks, dolls, teddy bears, basketballs and games donated by the attendees, and music by LeCroix filled the air.
The Sarasota High School JROTC Color Guard, commanded by LTC Chris Davis, USA (Ret) opened the formal part of the evening by parading and posting the Colors, followed by the playing of the National Anthem and the invocation by Chaplain (Col) Charles Caudill. Traditional toasts were proposed by MOAS members to the President; Uniformed Services; MOAA Members & guests; Allied Nations; Fallen Comrades & POW/MIAs; and Spouses & Families.
After dinner, President George Tracy thanked the outgoing Board of Directors and members for their support during his tenure, and presented MOAS Certificates of Merit to Joyce & Jim Hesson, Carol & John O’Brien, Pat McLain and Elke Scott for their many years of supporting Chapter activities. He presented MOAS Certificates of Appreciation to Mary LaFollette, Beth Ruyle, and Kay Tracy for support of chapter activities during the past year. President Tracy then presented the MOAA Leadership Award to Chaplain Charles Caudill and the MOAA President’s Award to Len Friedlander.
President Tracy and incoming President Brian McCarthy attached the 2015 MOAA Five-Star Level of Excellence streamer to the chapter flag, and Florida Council Of Chapters President LTC Marc Oliveri, USAR (Ret) installed the 2017 MOAS Officers and Directors. FCOC President Oliveri then presented outgoing President Tracy with the FCOC Leadership Award for his outstanding work during the past four years as the MOAS Vice President, Secretary, Membership Director and President.
President McCarthy, after making some remarks, led the singing of the service songs and God Bless America to end the evening’s program. The room was then taken over by the folks dancing to the music of La Croix. Our thanks to Elke Scott and Pat McLain for their outstanding work to make the gala a success.
MOAS is the Sarasota Chapter of Military Officers Association of America. MOAA is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers with 370,000 members. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization. For more information visit, www.sarasotamoaa.com Are you a former military officer? Please come and join us at our monthly luncheon.
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