Greetings everyone! It’s already February – the year is off to a fast start. Members often ask me, “What can I do to help the Association?” The information below is an answer to that question. These are some opportunities with ways you can assist your chapter and Association. We need everyone to support in whatever way you can, through your actions!
Attend and/or support the NCOA 2023 Conference – As you all know, the Conference will be held July 18-21, 2023, in San Antonio, TX, at the Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk. Visit our website for more details. NCOA 2023 Conference – NCOA (ncoausa.org) or contact jterry@ncoausa.org. Chapters, encourage as many of your members as possible to attend the Conference. Also consider sponsoring some aspect of the Conference. Some chapters and members have already stepped up to sponsor and we appreciate it! Our attendance goal is 500 delegates. We look forward to seeing you all here in Military City USA!
The Vanguard Life Member Program – In order to become a Vanguard Life Member, you must already be a Life Member. For a donation of $100.00 (one-time fee) you can claim the title of NCOA Vanguard Life Member. Additional benefits are provided such as a 20% discount on future Conference registrations, preferred seating, and recognition at events. A Vanguard Life Member Card is provided as is a special Vanguard Life Member Lapel Pin.
Proceeds from this program benefit our Benevolent Programs and Membership Development Program. To sign up for Vanguard Life Membership, visit the NCOA website at www.ncoausa.org and log in to your membership profile to update your membership status. You can also mail your check/money order to NCOA, 9330 Corporate Dr, Suite 708, Selma, TX 78154 or contact NCOA Headquarters directly.
NCOA Medallion Recognition Program – This program is doing very well; however, we need more support from chapters in getting the word out everywhere and hosting medallion presentations. I know there are many deserving veterans in your areas who would be honored to receive a medallion. Ask for sponsors from your communities and/or host a fund raiser to help in obtaining medallions. The Rogue Chapter in Oregon has been receiving sponsorship donations/support from their community. For a small donation, anyone can purchase a World War II, Korean War, or Vietnam War medallion and present it to a surviving veteran or a family member if the veteran is deceased. A portion of your donation supports the NCOA Scholarship Fund, allowing us to recognize our past and enable our future. I encourage you to visit our website for more details – Medallions and NCOA Challenge Coin – NCOA (ncoausa.org). Help us get these small symbols of tremendous sacrifice and service around the necks of those who deserve them!!! We ask, if possible, that you take pictures and/or short videos of the presentations and share with us. Please send to jterry@ncoausa.org.
2022/2023 Membership Focus – Sign up at least 3 new members in any Division to be entered into drawing for an NCOA Belt Buckle and a $100 Visa Gift Card. This campaign runs from January 1 through July 31, 2023. Membership numbers are ESPECIALLY important when it comes to our advocating for the benefits we have in place, enhancing our benefits where possible, and obtaining additional benefits. Every membership counts, so please help in our efforts to grow so our voices speak loud and clear!
Affinity Partners – Be sure to check out the NCOA website for existing benefits and new benefits like the $500 new member scholarship available Excelsior University for the Spring session and financial readiness courses through the First Command Educational Foundation.
NCOA Total Force Challenge Coin – Do you have your NCOA Total Force Challenge Coin? You can order your coin from the NCOA website – Medallions and NCOA Challenge Coin – NCOA (ncoausa.org) for a minimum donation of $16 each which includes the shipping cost. Our goal is for every member to have at least one coin. Chapters are also using these coins as membership incentives.
Seeking Volunteers to assist and join the NCOA Legislative Committee: The NCOA Legislative Committee is seeking volunteers to get involved. Our goal is for each chapter to have a Legislative Representative to represent their area and for the chapter representative to interact and assist on committees, communicating with members, etc. Points of contact are: Levi Sadr – lsadr@ncoausa.org, Michael Wescott – bigmike1259@hotmail.com, and Travis Meeker – travis.s.meeker@gmail.com .
NCOA Scholarship Fund is one of the most important entities within the Association. Established in 1970, its single purpose is to help dependents of NCOA members continue their education beyond high school. To date, the Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $1.5 million in non-repayable scholarships. The deadline for scholarship applications is March 31. The scholarship application is available on the website – NCOA Scholarship Fund – NCOA (ncoausa.org). Applications are accepted from January 1 thru March 31 each year.
As mentioned at the beginning of this message, we need everyone to become an active member. If you are seeking ways to help, look at the information above. Let’s live our motto – Strength in Unity™ – through our actions.
Joseph Terry, SGM, U.S. Army (Ret)
NCOA Executive Director