MOASWF Legislative Briefing

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).

MOASWF Members Honor Fallen Veterans

MOASWF members support the military community, but not solely as MOASWF members.  Along with  representatives of the Coast Guard and Marines, MOASWF members Major Jessica Stearns (representing the Air Force), LCDR Gary Asztalos (representing the Navy), and COL Mike Shoen (representing the Army) served as honorary captains at the FC Naples soccer match at the Paradise Sports Complex.  The Memorial Day weekend ceremony before the match was in honor of those who died in service of our country.  Each honorary captain was presented a poster signed by FC Naples players.  Also present for the ceremony was MOASWF member Capt Jack Fulmer who participated as a member of the VFW Post 7721 Color Guard.  Those honorary captains brought good luck to the FC Naples squad who went on to win the match, 3-1!

MOASWF Board Members Present MOAA Medals

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.

JROTC Awards Banquet 2025

On 9 May, MOASWF held its 2025 JROTC Awards Banquet.  This event honors the outstanding rising senior JROTC Cadet from each of the eight Collier County High Schools.  The Banquet was held once again at Glen Eagle Golf and Country Club.  Following the cocktail hour and dinner, the Senior Army Instructor from each school called forward the honored cadet and talked about that cadet’s progress, accomplishments, and what he or she meant to their program.  The parents, Instructors, and MOASWF members present were highly impressed by the many accomplishments of those honored cadets.

Another MOAA 5 STAR LOE Award for MOASWF

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.

57th MOASWF Military Ball

Our Southwest Florida Chapter held its 57th Military Ball on 8 March 2025 at the Hilton Naples.  The theme for the Ball was “Honoring Military Wives” which we did by way of a “Cinderella Celebration” for the ladies, complete with tiara’s and handmade gifts (primarily through the creativity and hard work of member Charlene Lonick).  Dance music was provided by Uptown Express and we again had outstanding support from Collier County High School JROTC Cadets. A great time was had by all!

Here is a link to the 2025 Military Ball photos:

https://charliemcdphoto.smugmug.com/2025-03-08-CE-Military-Ball

MOASWF Receives Grant from the Vasari Cares Foundation

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.

Critical Dental Treatment For A Southwest Florida Veteran

Today, MOASWF presented a check for $1,500 to Naples Dental Boutique to help pay for critical dental treatment for U.S. Army and Vietnam War veteran, David Patterson.  The Veterans Administration does not cover this dental treatment.  The $1,500 was obtained by MOASWF via a grant from the Military Officers Association of America.  David is the second Southwest Florida veteran who has been able to receive critical dental treatment via a partnership between MOASWF and the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF).  MOASWF and WVRF will continue working to find ways to fund critical dental treatment for Southwest Florida veterans who otherwise would not be able to receive that care.

2024 JROTC Awards Banquet

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!

MOASWF Receives 2023 MOAA 5-STAR Levels of Excellence Award

During the President’s Reception at the Florida Council of Chapters (FCOC) Annual Convention in Daytona Beach Shores on 13 May, MOASWF was presented a MOAA 5-STAR Levels of Excellence Award for CY2023.  The 5-STAR LOE is MOAA’s most prestigious affiliate award, honoring councils and chapters for their efforts across the full scope of the association’s mission.  Pictured (l-r) are Gen. Gary North (MOAA Chairman), Maj. Jeff Cahoon (MOASWF President), Col. Gary Nolan (Southwest Area VP) and Cmdr. Pat Kluever (FCOC President)