Southwest FL –The Military Officers Association of Sarasota (MOAS) just hosted the Florida Council of Chapters (FCOC) 2021 Convention in May at the Westin Sarasota Hotel. The hotel is a relatively new addition to the downtown skyline with a super rooftop bar and pool. The staff was friendly, helpful and worked very hard to ensure a successful convention.
But the convention itself really shined. From the President’s Reception on Friday night until the Memorial service on the last day, the event was full of camaraderie, interesting presentations, and sharing. Lt Gen Dana Atkins, the MOAA National President attended and presented the MOAA Communications Awards at the President’s Reception.
At the All-Hands Breakfast the guest speaker was MajGen James “ Hammer” Hartsell, USMC (Ret), the new Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. He shared his priorities for the FDVA in the future and really wants to connect with Vietnam vets and Women Vets, which seem to be the most underserved groups. At the Annual Meeting three new FCOC Area VPs were elected and the 2022 budget was approved.
Several seminars were conducted, and the standout was the presentation on “Surviving Spouses” and the benefits that they can receive. Also, very good seminars were presented on the MOAA Committee Module, Federal and State Legislation, Membership and Chapter Affairs.
Saturday evening was topped off with the Military Gala, with over 150 attendees. MOAS celebrated the 50th Anniversary of FCOC’s affiliation with MOAA National with a special cake cutting. Congressman Greg Steube, also a MOAS chapter member, spoke on his Veterans True Choice Act. This legislation would expand health insurance options for disabled veterans and give service connected veterans the ability to use TRICARE Select and TRICARE for Life. The guest speaker was Lt Gen Dana Atkins, who updated MOAS on the current activities and legislation plans for the next Congress. After the meal, speeches, all danced to the music of LeCroix until late in the evening.
Sunday morning, MOAS had its Traditional Memorial Service with the tolling of the bell for our departed comrades and the playing of Taps.
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 400,000 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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