The following is a report from North Carolina Council of Chapters President Jeri Graham, USA, Ret., in which she states that she was again proud to represent the North Carolina at the 2015 MOAA Council Presidents’ Seminar 13-16 April 2015.

* Team North Carolina - shown above - gathered at the Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria, VA to learn more about national MOAA’s initiatives and exchange best practices. New Board Chair Gen. Charles Robertson, USAF (Ret) and new Council and Chapter Committee Chair Lt. Col Ed Marvin, USAF (Ret) were motivating leaders throughout the Seminar. In addition to learning more about MOAA’s ongoing and upcoming initiatives, a good portion of the focus on Tuesday was on preparing for Storming the Hill on 15 April.

* President Graham spent many weeks going back and forth with Senate and House NC schedulers in coordinating the Team North Carolina’s appointments for that day. While not able to meet with every NC legislator, she did communicate and share information with all.

* Team North Carolina met with primary / staff of Rep. Walter Jones, Patrick Henry, David Rouzer, George Holding, Renee Ellmers, David Price, Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson, G.K. Butterfield and Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis.

* The focus during "Storming the Hill" was on the following major issues:

- Eliminating harmful sequestration budget cuts established by the Budget Control Axt (BCA) of 2011;

- Sustaining military pay and benefits; and

- Rejecting disproportional TRICARE fee hikes and plan changes.

* The team provided information on MOAA’s position on the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission’s 15 recommendations and the inequities affecting National Guard members and Reservists, disabled retirees, and survivors. Other specific concerns shared were about North Carolina military installations and veterans issues.

Seminar Highlights:

- VADM Ryan, always the most inspiring and respected leader, was passionate about our charges/responsibilities as Council leaders and future directions for MOAA.

- COL Barry Wright, Director of Council/Chapters, reviewed the Chapter Recruiting 2015 program, strategic and aspirational goals, and provided an operational snapshot of councils and Chapters.

- Kathy Partain, Director of Marketing and Membership reviewed new membership model, website redesign and brand refresh to include new MOA logo and tagline NEVER STOP SERVING.

- COL Mike Hayden not only prepared us for our Storming work but also announced the new Steve Strobridge Award for top legislative chair/liaison in a council or chapter each year.

- Kathy Prout announced that the Auxiliary Member Advisory Committee has been renamed the Surviving Spouses Advisory Committee.

- A lot of information was shared about the Transition Center and the new VSO pilot program in the DC area.

* The 2015 Col. Arthur T. Marix Award ceremony was especially meaningful as this year’s winners, Senator Kelly Ayotte (Congressional Leadership Award), MOAA’s Distinguished Service Award (AT&T represented by Jamie Rufolo and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine represented by John Lowe) also addressed the attendees.

* Brad Bowman and David Sitcovsky, were recognized with MOAA’s Col. Paul W. Arcari Meritorious Service Award for their efforts in support of legislation that directly impacts of service members, their families and survivors.

* VADM William F. Moran, USN, Chief of Naval Personnel spoke at the 16 April Luncheon and Representative Mac Thornberry at the Council President’s Dinner.

* COL Graham wants to especially recognize the support that we all receive from the MOAA Headquarters Staff all through the year. COL Wright often talks about the battle rhythm/calendar for the year. It’s just about breathtaking when you see what must be accomplished throughout the year. What we do as good Council/Chapter stewards is very important to the whole picture of accomplishments.

* THANKS TO EVERYONE FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS FOR THE SUPPORT PROVIDED EACH YEAR FOR THIS IMPORTANT EVENT!