* Our Mailing Address: NEW RIVER MOAA, PO BOX 1202, JEFFERSON, NC 28640

* The New River Chapter of the MOAA was formed in 2009 to support the National MOAA's goals and to serve the needs of military members in the counties of Ashe, Allegheny and Wilkes in North Carolina.

* We are a 501(c) (19) organization incorporated as a non profit corporation under the laws of North Carolina and recognized by the IRS as tax exempt.

* While we are non-partisan, we are proud of our relations with the elected officials from our community, locally, statewide, and nationally. All of them support our service men and women and have gone out of their way to participate with us in efforts on behalf of our military brethren.

* Our members include active duty, reserve, retired, and former officers who range from warrant to flag officer, and every rank in between.

* Our members are not only active in MOAA, but are leaders of local community businesses, physicians, educators and citizens who voluntarily serve in a wide range of local charitable or service organizations.

* Aside from the camaraderie that we share at meetings, our members continue the traditions of leadership that they developed in their military careers.

* We participate in our North Carolina MOAA Council of Chapters, and work in harmony with other local veterans organizations.

* In 2010, our chapter began supporting the Ashe County High School Junior ROTC program; in 2012 we also supported Junior ROTC programs at two high schools in Wilkesboro County one of which lost their ROTC affiliation.

* If you are a present or former officer, we are friends who have shared many of your experiences. As an active, retired or former officer of one of the seven uniformed services, you are most welcome to visit, and join the New River Chapter of MOAA.

* E-mail

* Website

* Facebook

* Left-click any menu choice in the left column of the "Home" page to be taken to that category.

* Mouse over the selection carat (>) in the category menu list on the left to expand the category's sub-menu...select a sub-menu item which will then open.

* Choose any of the navigation links in the sub-menu to learn more about MOAA, or the New River Chapter. The selection carats (>) also work within the sub-menu to expand on a desired topic.

* To return to the "Home" menu at any time, left-click the MOAA logo in the upper right hand corner of each page.

* If you want to have a printed copy giving a more complete description of the navigation instructions, follow the link below:

* Looking for a great gift?

* Are you a resident of Ashe County, NC and want some postcards showcasing our beautiful town?

* Link to the entry in "News and Events" below to learn more about our award winning Scholarship fundraiser, named in memory of "Rear Admiral Scott L. Sears, USN."

- When sending a letter to a current, or former service member, it can be confusing on how to address a formal salutation, or how to abbreviate the individuals rank since the services differ...

- Oftentimes, the use of the wrong abbreviation - Cpt vs. CAPT, for example - can be off-putting to the intended recipient.

The attached document, from the MOAA National's Council and Chapter Policies and Procedures Guide, can assist with writing to service personnel.

Not all military personnel may be aware of the law which allows retirees and veterans to salute the flag at ceremonial events. The below information is gleaned from the Military.com web site (also provided as a link at the bottom of this page):

* Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organization have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag ONLY while wearing the organization's official head-gear.

* The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow not-in-uniform service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.

* A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. The was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, signed by President Bush on October 14, 2008.

* For complete wording, link to "SEC. 595. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS" on the Military.com web site.

Open the attached downloadable file which includes the National Flag Foundation's documents to learn about the proper etiquette for displaying, folding and flying the US flag.

For more detailed information, link to the National Flag Foundation web site.

Where can I get information regarding benefits for members or survivors?

* Go to the Benefits Information Pamphlet in the Documents section.

* The pamphlet contains information on:

County service offices

Family service centers

Social security

TRICARE and Medicare

Veterans Links

and much more!

* The New River Chapter of the MOAA holds Regular Membership meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, beginning in April of each calendar year and continuing through October, at which time the annual meeting is held. Prior to the Regular Membership meeting, a Board of Directors meeting is held at 5:30 p.m.

* The Chapter holds an annual picnic in August, and a holiday party is held each December.

* The Chapter takes the period from November through February off since many members are seasonal residents. Everyone, however, is encouraged to stay put, or return for our holiday social, and guests of members are always welcome.

Go to Calendar for complete information on meeting locations, dates and programs.

Members are welcomed and encouraged to attend the board meetings.

* All commissioned and warrant officers of the seven Uniformed Services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the reserve and other components of these services (regular members) are eligible for membership.

* Widows and widowers of any deceased individual, who would, if living, be eligible for membership are eligible as auxiliary members.

* Regular members must hold and maintain membership in both MOAA National and the local Chapter.

* Auxiliary members are encouraged, but not required to hold such membership.

* Any person identified in the "Who can join MOAA and the New River Chapter" link above, can contact the New River Chapter by E-mail using the link below.

* Interested persons can also click on the downloadable file (New River Chapter Membership Form), fill in the requested information and print two (2) copies on your printer. Keep one for your own records and mail the other one to our Chapter as indicated on the form...new chapter members receive a complimentary first year of membership but must be a member of MOAA.

- There are 15 MOAA Chapters in North Carolina with a combined total of 18,000 members...

- BUT, there are ONLY ~ 1,500 MOAA members who have a corresponding membership with a NC Chapter!

- Why is this important? Here are just some of the critical actions that have been enacted or supported by MOAA:

* A military member AND the member's spouse can declare a state of residency. This ensures that the spouse doesn't face problems with having to re-register to vote or to get a drivers license in each state to which the military member is assigned.

* TRICARE is NOT in jeopardy of any increases as a result of recent actions by Congress to pass a health care bill because of MOAA's efforts.

* A Caregiver Bill is currently being drafted by Congress to extend critical benefits to family members who support wounded warriors thanks in part to the work of MOAA.

* All of these programs, and many others like them, are the direct result of MOAA's Never Stop Serving imprimatur in representing us before Congress.

* MOAA National NEEDS to hear from everyone about issues important to us as military members, in total, but also as they relate to our state, our hometown, AND our Chapter.

If you would like to become a member of the New River Chapter, please click on the "New River Chapter Membership Form" below, fill in the requested information and print two (2) copies on your printer. Keep one for your own records and mail the other one, along with your membership fees to:

New River Chapter MOAA

PO Box 1202

Jefferson, NC 28640