On 28 May, our MOASWF Legislative Director, CDR Jeff Kuhnreich, provided a legislative update briefing for members of our Chapter and of VFW Post 7721 and American Legion Post 135.  Jeff did a great job of summarizing the basics of the federal legislative process, including the difference between “authorizations” and “appropriations”.  Jeff talked about how congressional committees function and informed us of the various committees our two Florida Senators (Scott and Moody) serve on.  He pointed out some of the key legislative issues before Congress, including the Major Richard Star Act, extension of the PACT Act, military spouse hiring, Tricare pharmacy issues, and assistance for home caregivers.  Jeff emphasized the importance of each of us reaching out to our elected officials regarding key issues affecting the military community.  And, attendees were informed about the MOAA Legislative Action Center and how to sign up for it on the MOAA website (moaa.org).

Prior to being  recognized at our Chapter’s JROTC Awards Banquet on 9 May, the outstanding rising senior JROTC cadets from all eight Collier County high schools (Naples, Barron Collier, Lely, Golden Gate, Immokalee, Palmetto Ridge, Gulf Coast, Aubrey Rogers) were recognized at individual ceremonies held at each high school.  An MOASWF Board member was present at each ceremony to present an MOAA medal and certificate to each outstanding cadet.  Pictured is MOASWF President Jeff Cahoon presenting the medal and certificate to Cadet Madeleine Cox from Aubrey Rogers High School.

We’ve received notice of our Chapter receiving yet another 5 STAR Levels of Excellence Award from MOAA National for calendar year 2024!  This is MOAA’s most prestigious award honoring chapters and councils for their efforts across the full scope of the MOAA mission.

Our Chapter recently received a grant for $3,000 from the Vasari Cares Foundation in Bonita Springs.  In cooperation with the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, this grant will be used to offset the cost of critical dental care for a Southwest Florida military veteran.  This is not for routine dental care; rather, this is for critical dental care that, if left untreated, would likely lead to more serious overall health issues.  Veterans selected for this program cannot afford dental insurance and are not eligible for VA dental care.  Once identified, this will be the third veteran our Chapter has supported in this way.

Each year, MOASWF presents an awards banquet to honor one deserving rising senior Army JROTC Cadet from each Collier County High School.  The 2024 Banquet was held on 10 May at Glen Eagle Golf and Country Club, who did a fabulous job of hosting the event.  MOASWF members, the honored Cadets, their parents, and the Army instructors from each of the eight Collier County programs are invited to attend.  At a separate ceremony at each high school, each honored Cadet had received a MOAA Certificate and medal in recognition of their accomplishments.  Hearing the Senior Army Instructors talk about the character and accomplishments of their respective honored Cadets was both impressive and uplifting.  Congratulations to those honored Cadets!