President‘s Welcome
Welcome to WNC-MOAA and Our Website!
Welcome to the Western North Carolina Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (WNC-MOAA), an affiliate of the national MOAA. Since our founding in 1968 and incorporation as an affiliate of MOAA (then called The Retired Officers Association, TROA) in 1969, WNC-MOAA has been proud to support active-duty, retired, and former uniformed military officers, their families, and surviving spouses throughout western North Carolina.
WNC-MOAA is a nonpartisan organization committed to advocating for the well-being of the military community. As an affiliate chapter of MOAA, the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers, we remain dedicated to supporting policies and initiatives that benefit service members, veterans, and their families - without political affiliation or bias. MOAA, as an independent, nonprofit, and politically nonpartisan organization, works tirelessly to ensure the voices of those who serve are heard at all levels of government.
Why Join WNC-MOAA?
We encourage you to join our MOAA 5-Star Level of Excellence Chapter to:
• Experience camaraderie with fellow officers and military families.
• Contribute to the betterment of our beautiful Western North Carolina communities.
• Help preserve the resources required to maintain our armed forces at a high level of readiness.
• Support benefit matters for all members of the military community.
• Access expert advice and guidance tailored to your needs.
Membership in WNC-MOAA Chapter and MOAA National is open to present and former commissioned officers and warrant officers (including retirees) with honorable service in any of the United States' eight uniformed services, including the National Guard and Reserves:
• Army
• Navy
• Marine Corps
• Air Force
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• U.S. Public Health Service
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Membership is nonpartisan and inclusive. If you are an active-duty officer, retired officer, former officer, or surviving spouse from one of these uniformed services, we invite you to join our vibrant local chapter and amplify MOAA’s powerful voice. Together, we can make a difference.
CLICK HERE TO PAY ANNUAL WNC-MOAA CHAPTER DUES
🍂 Fall 2025 Update – WNC-MOAA 🍂
Fellow Members and Friends,
Fall has arrived in Western North Carolina, and with it comes a busy season for our Chapter.
I want to thank all of you who made this summer such a success — your participation, generosity,
and dedication to service keep WNC-MOAA strong.
🌞 Summer Highlights
-
2nd Annual Summer Picnic — Friday, May 30, 2025 —
We gathered at Mills River Park with more than 60 attendees for food, fellowship, raffles, and a great afternoon together.
-
Biltmore Survey Project — Monday, May 19, 2025 —
A special opportunity for members to participate in a wellbeing research study and enjoy the Biltmore estate.
-
Falconry Experience — Friday, July 18, 2025 —
Members and guests enjoyed a hands-on, unforgettable encounter with birds of prey in Weaverville.
🍁 Looking Ahead
📅 Next Chapter Meeting
Saturday, November 15, 2025 — Please mark your calendars. We’ll share program and venue details soon, and I look forward to seeing you there.
📅 Blue Ridge Honor Flight
Saturday, September 27, 2025 — We will again proudly support Blue Ridge Honor Flight. Thank you to those volunteering and helping us honor our veterans.
📅 Veterans Healing Farm Women Warriors Luncheon
Saturday, September 6, 2025 — WNC-MOAA was honored to sponsor this sold-out event, highlighting and uplifting women veterans in our community.
🙏 Thank You
From outreach donations for VA patients to supporting Veterans Healing Farm, your commitment continues to embody MOAA’s spirit to
“Never Stop Serving.”
Together, we are strengthening our Chapter, serving our veterans, and building fellowship across Western North Carolina.
Contact Us
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our chapter. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Steve Watkins, COL, USA (Ret)
President, WNC-MOAA