Director of Audience Engagement, Military Officers Association of America. I tweet about protecting benefits for those who served.
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Articles by Tony Lombardo
A Career Built Outside the Comfort Zone
Cmdr. Brooke Millard likes a saying: There’s no growth in the comfort zone, but there’s no comfort in the growth zone. The retired Coast Guardsman has always opted to steer clear of comfort.
MOAA Honored for Hiring Practices Supporting Veterans, Military Spouses
I am a Cmdr. Erin Cardinal, USN (Ret), CPC, MOAA's program director for Transition Services and Family Programs, speaks during an Executive Career Transition Accelerator Seminar held at MOAA Headquarters in Alexandria, Va. (Photo by Mike Morones/MOAA) MOAA earned recognition this month for its commitment to hiring, retaining, and promoting veterans. The association received the 2026-2027 Vetted Employer Badge on Aug.
Meet MOAA’s New Chief Financial Officer
Col. Carlos Perez loves economics, finance, and data-crunching, seeks out opportunities to serve, and misses the camaraderie he found downrange in the Army. So it’s no surprise the retired combat engineer jumped at a chance to join MOAA’s leadership team as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Perez began his new job in May. He succeeds Regina Chavis, who retired after more than nine years overseeing MOAA’s finances.
MOAA Joins Gold Star Spouses in Call for Improved Survivor Benefits
Gold Star spouses from around the country arrived in Washington, D.C., this month to meet with Congress and advocate on behalf of all uniformed services survivors. “It is our job to educate them about the issues. There are too many bills for any one person to know about all of them,” said Kathy Prout, a MOAA Life member and founding member of Gold Star Spouses of America (GSSA).
MOLD Act Would Protect Military Families from Hazardous Living Conditions
Black mold saturates your walls and bedding. Your entire family is sick, and you feel helpless and trapped. This is a nightmare scenario our military families continue to face at an alarming rate in privatized military housing. The Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act, introduced Jan. 15 in the House (bill number pending) and Senate (S. 3654), would create enforceable safety standards for privatized housing and require inspections and reporting to prevent hazardous living conditions.
Duty Status Reform Act Would Correct Benefits Disparities for Guard and Reserve
A new bill would dramatically simplify the reserve component’s duty status classifications to fix unfair pay and benefits disparities servicemembers have dealt with for years. The Duty Status Reform Act (H.R. 6976), introduced Jan. 8, would reduce duty statuses from 30 to just four.
Army and Navy Club Expands Roster of International Locations
The Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C., promises exciting opportunities in 2026 both at home in our nation’s capital and abroad, with access to new and exclusive venues in some of the world’s most popular destinations. “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the member experience and attract new members,” said Sarah Ford, the Club’s general manager.
New USPHS Commissioned Corps Leader Seeks Fitter Force, Greater Awareness
The new leader of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps launched a new fitness initiative this month aimed at improving the health and readiness of the force while promising to elevate the branch’s role and recognition among the uniformed services. “As public health service officers and servicemembers, it is our job to lead by example. If we’re asking the American public to focus on their health, our servicemen and women should be leading the way,” said Adm.
Service Organizations Rally to End the Nation’s Longest Government Shutdown
I am a As the government shutdown set the record for the longest funding lapse in our nation’s history, MOAA and fellow veterans service organizations rallied with one clear message: End it now. “The impacts of a prolonged shutdown extend far beyond single paycheck across our military services,” said Maj. Gen. April Vogel, USAF (Ret), MOAA’s vice president of Government Relations, at a Nov. 4 press conference on Capitol Hill.
MOAA Looks Ahead: Building the Next Century of Service
I am a MOAA may have just hosted the largest conference in its history, but at the annual meeting of the membership in National Harbor, Md., on Oct. 30, leaders focused on the future. “I think you will share the feeling of great pride I have of MOAA’s accomplishments and what it does every day for the uniformed services community … but we can’t rest on past accomplishments,” said Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, USMC (Ret), chairman of MOAA’s board of directors. The association will turn 97 on Feb.
What is the new GSI Video Otoscope, and how is it integrated with GSI Suite? -Ask the Experts 29402
Question What is the new GSI Video Otoscope, and how is it integrated with GSI Suite? Answer The GSI Video Otoscope is a portable, USB-powered device that integrates with GSI Suite™ version 2.9 or higher. A dedicated video otoscope module in GSI Suite allows users to combine otoscopic images with audiologic reports for a comprehensive view of the ear. How do you operate the GSI Video Otoscope?
MOAA Members Mobilize for Advocacy in Action 2025
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. I am a Crammed into an elevator on Capitol Hill, an unwitting observer sized up the name badges and branded gear and had to ask, “What is MOAA? … Because MOAA is here!” His fellow riders were eager to elaborate.
Leaders of Growing Chapters Offer 6 Tips to Grow Membership
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. I am a MOAA’s council and chapter members provide the heartbeat of our association, bolstering our national mission but also their local communities. National MOAA is indebted to the leaders who volunteer time and energy to keep this network moving, but we know it is not an easy task.
Meet MOAA’s New General Counsel: Veteran Douglas Sanders
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. I am a Doug Sanders spent more than 24 years at the Air Force, including service in the Judge Advocate General's Corps on active-duty and in the reserves.
Adm. James Stavridis, USN (Ret), Gives an Inside Look at His Latest Novel
Adm. James Stavridis, USN (Ret), is among the most prolific and popular authors of military fiction and nonfiction working today, with bestselling books on leadership, naval history, and two (soon to be three) co-authored works of speculative fiction that paint a sobering view of our future.
Outgoing MOAA Chairman Reflects on Association’s Growth During His Tenure
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. I am a Gen. Gary North, USAF (Ret), will his six-year term on MOAA’s board of directors and his two-year term as chairman this month. Before stepping down, he looked back on his tenure, which emphasized growing MOAA’s strength in advocacy and number. Q. What were some milestones MOAA reached during your tenure? A.
10 Pro Tips for Transitioning From Service (and Landing a Solid Job)
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. I am a Attention, servicemembers and spouses mulling your options for a civilian career: Networking is essential to landing that dream gig. Go figure, this message reverberated off the walls Oct.
Wounded Warriors Meet With Legislators, Seek Senate Action on Star Act
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Q&A: Public Health Service Leaders Talk Emerging Missions, Budget Challenges
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. I am a The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps set deployment records during the pandemic, with officers dispatched globally and the small corps raising its profile among Americans unfamiliar with its mission to protect our nation’s health and safety.
Public Health Service Officers, Advocates Team Up to Support Ready Reserve
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. I am a The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps has a small Ready Reserve force trained in medicine, public health, and emergency response. The desire to serve is there. The talent is there. But the money is not.
MOAA, Military Coalition Lead Star Act Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. I am a Sgt. James Powers, USA (Ret), traveled from Canton, Ohio, this week to meet with his lawmakers on Capitol Hill and voice his support for the Major Richard Star Act.
Annual Meeting Highlights Forward Momentum for Member Growth, Effective Advocacy
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. I am a MOAA heads into 2024 with an improved focus and clear vision to better support the “people programs” of our uniformed services and to continue to attract and retain the next generation of military officers, families, and survivors as lifetime MOAA members.
MOAA Networking Event Unites Transitioning Servicemembers and Employers
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. I am a Mere days into her retirement, Air Force Lt. Col. Carman Henry decided to check out MOAA’s Network for Career Success event.
Quality of Life Panel, Led by a MOAA Member, Takes Shape in the House
Our website uses cookies to deliver safer, faster, and more customized site experiences. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy for more information. If you have cookies disabled, you will see this message each visit. I am a Search by entering keywords
Lendlease share price tumbles 5% on $141 million loss
Learn More The strong (ASX: LLC) share price is plunging on the back of the property and infrastructure group’s first-half earnings.Here are the highlights of the group’s report: Lendlease share price slumps amid $200m UK provision Core operating profit came in at $105 million – compared to $28 million in the prior comparable period Statutory loss after tax of $141 million – the pcp saw a $264 million statutory loss Operating earnings per share (EPS) of 15.Global CEO and managing director...
Chapter 61 Retirees Span the Generations of War
Note from MOAA: For more information on concurrent receipt, including the latest on advocacy efforts, visit MOAA's Concurrent Receipt Resources and Advocacy Updates page. Click here to take action now. Thomas Throckmorton, a young and career-focused Army officer, did not want to miss combat in Vietnam. It was 1964, and he believed the war would soon be over. He sought an overseas assignment and served alongside paratroopers in the 5th Vietnamese Airborne Battalion.
Emergency Drug Refills Available for TRICARE Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Dorian
[Editor’s Note: MOAA will update this story with more information as we track Hurricane Dorian’s path and its potential impact on servicemembers, veterans and their families.] TRICARE beneficiaries across all of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida are eligible for emergency prescription refills through Sept. 9, the Defense Health Agency has announced. Twelve countes in Georgia are also eligilbe. Puerto Rico is eligible, but through Sept. 6.
MOAA Members Storm Capitol Hill and Make A Difference
By Tony Lombardo and Amanda Dolasinski The sun shone brightly with barely a cloud in sight on April 10, but a storm was brewing members from the Military Officers Association of America canvassed Capitol Hill and called on Congress to protect benefits our servicemembers, veterans and military spouses have earned.
FEDVIP Enrollment Officially Extended For Three Months
Sign-ups for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) have officially extended for three months, officials at the Office of Personnel Management have informed MOAA. Open Season ended Dec. 10, however OPM has granted a "belated enrollment phase" for potential beneficiaries who missed the first deadline. Sign-ups should be granted until about mid-March. The Military Officers Association of America encouraged OPM to grant more time for beneficiaries.
POW’s wedding ring was lost in German prison camp 75 years ago. Now his son will get it back.
KERRVILLE, Texas — Wayne Gotke already owns several pieces of memorabilia from the time his father, also named Wayne, spent in a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. There’s the POW identification tag each prisoner was issued upon entering a camp. A copy of the silk map of France and Germany many escapees used to help guide them to freedom, reports The San Antonio Express-News.
TRICARE Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 31
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs All beneficiaries of TRICARE Prime and Select have until Dec. 31 to make adjustments to their health plans for the New Year. Click here to enroll or change your plan. [RELATED: TRICARE Rates for 2019 Announced] This is the first round of TRICARE open season. Under a new policy, changes to TRICARE Select or TRICARE Prime can only be made during the enrollment period, unless there is a “qualifying life event” during the year.
Did You Miss FEDVIP Open Season? You Can Still Sign Up
Photo by Lance Cpl. Alissa P. Schuning / Marine Corps Open season for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) closed Dec. 10. But if you missed the deadline, you still have a chance to sign up. Enrollment via the BENEFEDS website, as of Dec. 11, was still operational. It was unclear how long it would remain so, however.
In a First, Public Health Officers Receive DoD Humanitarian Medal
This article by Tony Lombardo originally appeared on the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) website. More than 1,400 members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps received the Defense Department's Humanitarian Service Medal on Nov. 15 for hurricane response efforts in 2017. It marked the first time Commissioned Corps officers received the medal for a large-scale deployment, USPHS reports.
In a First, Public Health Officers Receive DoD Humanitarian Medal
Members of the USPHS Commissioned Corps receive their Defense Department Humanitarian Service Medal during a Nov. 15 ceremony at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services building in Washington, D.C. (Tony Lombardo/MOAA) More than 1,400 members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps received the Defense Department's Humanitarian Service Medal on Nov. 15 for hurricane response efforts in 2017.
Maryland Launched a State Military Coalition, and You Can, Too
The charter members of the Maryland Military Coalition, who will lobby state legislators and government for positive change for service members and veterans, and their families. (Photo by Jen Milbrett) Thirteen Maryland-based service organizations, including MOAA's Maryland Council of Chapters, have joined forces to better represent the state's servicemembers and veterans, and their families.
Military Coalition to Congress: Add NOAA and USPHS to Native American Memorial
Twenty-six service organizations are calling on Congress to include the U.S. Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in a planned Native American Veterans Memorial in D.C. The memorial, scheduled for late 2020, is to be built outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. The design, produced by Marine veteran Harvey Pratt, includes the logos of the five armed services, but not NOAA and USPHS.
U.S. service member killed in Syria on Thanksgiving
A U.S. service member was killed in northern Syria on Thursday, marking the first known American combat death there in a steadily escalating campaign against the Islamic State group. The improvised explosive attack occurred near Ayn Issa, according to the U.S. military. The town is about 35 miles north of Raqqa, the Islamic State's self-proclaimed capital.
New Veterans Administration Would Mean Another VA Home Loan Fee
The creation of a fourth veterans administration - this one aimed at employment programs, education and military transition - advanced in the House in late July, according to a Military Times report. Groups such as the Student Veterans of America and the American Enterprise Institute have supported the plan to create the Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration.
MOAA Members Storm Capitol Hill, Fight for Servicemembers’ Pay and Benefits
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, greets Army Lt. Col. Juan Crockett and Col E.J. Vincent, president of MOAA's Acadiana Chapter. (Photo by Mike Morones) The Military Officers Association of America descended on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, with members flooding the offices of every senator and representative, all with a unified message: Action must be taken to protect servicemembers' pay and benefits.
New Vietnam memorial honoring 5th Marines on its way to Camp Pendleton
The names of the 5th Marines who died in Vietnam are included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C., but until now, their sacrifice has not been recognized with any memorial of its own. Since 2014, Vietnam veterans Steve Colwell, 74, and Nick Warr, 73, have been working to change that, according to the Orange County Register.
MOAA Joins Fight For Spending Bill to Support Millions of Veterans
March 20, 2018 MOAA has teamed with seven other veterans service organizations in support of a compromise measure to consolidate several VA community-care programs and extend caregiver benefits - moves that could measurably improve the lives of millions of veterans.The VSOs called on congressional leaders to support a compromise on Veterans Affairs legislation in a letter sent to lawmakers Monday night. Congress must pass a funding bill by Friday to avoid triggering another government shutdown.
Survey: Most MOAA Members Think Military Parade is a ‘Costly Distraction’
A majority of members of the Military Officers Association of America do not support President Trump's plan to hold a military parade, a new MOAA survey shows. MOAA was wrapping up its survey just as a March 8 Pentagon memo released new planning details for the parade. About 62 percent of respondents said they would not support the parade - under any circumstance. The most common reason?
Q-and-A: Colin Powell on Vietnam service, Iraq and Afghanistan, and Black History Month
A. I was very privileged as a military officer to have been selected to be a White House fellow. You work somewhere within the administration. In my case, it was the administration of President Richard Nixon in his second term as president. And I worked in the Office of Management and Budget in the White House. I came away from that with having had an enormous exposure to how the federal government works. Beyond that, though, I also traveled and I went to both Russia and China that year.
Military Times’ 2017 Service Members of the Year among HillVets 100 recipients
“It’s really easy to always kind of surround yourself with people who are in the same industry, it’s a little more difficult to find people who are in the top of their game in a completely different industry,” he said.
As Tet Offensive erupted, this Air Force vet bombed his own base to repel attack
Fifty years later, almost to the very hour, Abrams and other F-100 pilots gathered at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, to commemorate the battle. The event, organized by the Super Sabre Society, took place in the shadow of an F-100 that was stationed at Bien Hoa ? about 16 miles northeast of the city formerly known as Saigon ? during the Tet Offensive, though not one of the two that flew that day.
Tricare allotment snafu hits more than 4,000 Prime beneficiaries
Earlier in December, Humana Military mistakenly sent a letter to an unknown number of military retirees in the then-Tricare North region notifying them that they would have to pay their Tricare Prime premiums electronically from their bank account or credit card, even though many of those retirees were paying by allotment from their retirement pay.
Tricare allotment snafu hits more than 4,000 Prime beneficiaries
Earlier in December, Humana Military mistakenly sent a letter to an unknown number of military retirees in the then-Tricare North region notifying them that they would have to pay their Tricare Prime premiums electronically from their bank account or credit card, even though many of those retirees were paying by allotment from their retirement pay.
President Trump to present new Afghanistan, Asia strategy Monday night
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is still finalizing details of a new strategy for Afghanistan to present to President Donald Trump.
President Trump to present new Afghanistan, Asia strategy Monday night
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is still finalizing details of a new strategy for Afghanistan to present to President Donald Trump.
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Improved for both mobile and desktop, we hope you find the experience an improvement to our old sites. We’re also introducing several new features, including new channels like: Flashpoints. U.S. troops are deployed all over the world. Flashpoints puts a laser focus on areas of global conflict, terrorism and U.S. military action. Veterans. A dedicated channel to all U.S. military veterans, with coverage including benefits, health care and Tricare, transition assistance and more. Military Honor.
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