▲ top

  WNC-MOAA : Western North Carolina Chapter MOAA FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Click the Question to reveal the answer, and the Permalink to see it as a detail view.
 

MOAA

What Is MOAA’s Mission?
đź”— Permalink

Never Stop Serving

MOAA’s core mission is to improve the lives of those who serve in the military and their families. This mission is achieved primarily through relentless advocacy in our nation’s capital. MOAA’s experts work tirelessly to:

  • Support legislation that benefits the military community
  • Oppose legislation that threatens the livelihood and well-being of service members and their families

The strength of MOAA’s advocacy lies in its over 360,000 membership. The larger our numbers, the louder and more impactful your voice becomes in shaping policies that matter to the military community.

01/19/26 19:17/ WNC MOAA/ MOAA/ / 1581433048
What Is the Advantage of Joining MOAA?
đź”— Permalink

With over 360,000 members, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to protecting the rights of military service members and their families. Joining MOAA offers several key advantages:

  • A Strong, United Voice: By becoming a member, you lend your voice to a powerful organization advocating for policies that benefit military officers, their families, and surviving spouses.

  • Exclusive Benefits: Gain access to a wide range of benefits tailored to the unique needs and lifestyles of military officers, including career transition resources, financial tools, advocacy support, and more.

  • Community Across All Branches: MOAA members proudly represent every branch of the uniformed services, fostering a shared mission and camaraderie.

  • Commitment to Service: MOAA upholds the same promise its members made to their country: Never Stop Serving.

12/24/24 07:46/ WNC MOAA/ MOAA/ / 1581433025
How do I join MOAA?
đź”— Permalink

The easiest way to join MOAA is by visiting www.moaa.org/join or by speaking with a MOAA membership associate at (800) 234-MOAA (6622).

MOAA offers three levels of membership, and you can upgrade at any time:

Basic Membership

Basic Membership is free and serves as your introduction to MOAA. Benefits include:

  • Discounts on retail, travel, and insurance
  • Electronic access to MOAA news updates
  • Support for critical advocacy efforts to protect military benefits
  • Eligibility to join local chapters or affiliates

Premium Membership

Premium Membership provides access to an extensive suite of tools and resources, such as:

  • Expert one-on-one consultations on pay and benefits
  • Career transition resources, including personalized resume and LinkedIn critiques
  • Financial planning and investment tools
  • Scholarships, interest-free loans, and grants for dependents
  • Military Officer magazine (12 issues per year)
  • Discounts on retail, travel, and insurance
  • Support for MOAA’s ongoing advocacy efforts

Life Membership

Life Membership offers the greatest value, providing all Premium benefits and more, including:

  • Lifetime access to MOAA benefits for you and your spouse
  • Invitation to the Army and Navy Club of Washington, D.C., with no initiation fee
  • Special recognition as a Life Member
  • Unlimited access to career resources
  • Direct access to MOAA staff experts via the dedicated Life Member Hotline

Join MOAA here.
12/24/24 07:35/ WNC MOAA/ MOAA/ / 1581432983

WNC-MOAA

What should I expect at my first WNC-MOAA event?
đź”— Permalink

New members and guests can expect a welcoming, informal environment focused on connection and participation. You do not need to know anyone in advance - members are happy to make introductions and help you get oriented.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768869866
How can I get involved or volunteer with WNC-MOAA?
đź”— Permalink

Members are encouraged to get involved in ways that match their interests and availability. Opportunities include event support, community partnerships, service projects, and committee involvement. You can express interest by speaking with a board member or contacting the Chapter through the website.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768869793
Does WNC-MOAA offer mentoring or transition support?
đź”— Permalink

While many career and transition resources are provided by National MOAA, WNC-MOAA members frequently share experience, guidance, and connections informally through Chapter activities and relationships. Members are encouraged to engage and ask questions within the Chapter.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768869736
How do Chapter dues work?
đź”— Permalink

WNC-Chapter dues are separate from National MOAA membership and support local activities, programs, and operations. Dues information and renewal details are provided when joining or renewing Chapter membership.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768869638
I’m a younger officer - is WNC-MOAA a good fit for me?
đź”— Permalink

Many WNC-MOAA members are in their 40s and 50s and are still working or transitioning careers. The Chapter emphasizes participation, service, and connection through shared experiences rather than meeting-only engagement. Members often join after attending an event or participating in a service activity.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768869588
How does WNC-MOAA support the local veteran community?
đź”— Permalink

WNC-MOAA actively partners with organizations such as Blue Ridge Honor Flight, Veterans Healing Farm, Veterans Treatment Court, County Veteran Service Officers, and other Veteran Service Organizations. Members support these efforts through volunteering, outreach, and participation in community events.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768869537
How does WNC-MOAA communicate with members?
đź”— Permalink

The Chapter communicates through email updates, the WNC-MOAA website, and social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. These channels are used to share upcoming events, community activities, and important updates.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768869488
What benefits does WNC-Chapter membership provide beyond National MOAA membership?
đź”— Permalink

In addition to national MOAA benefits, WNC-MOAA members enjoy local fellowship, access to community service opportunities, partnerships with local veteran organizations, and engagement with veterans and families throughout Western North Carolina. Chapter membership provides a local connection to MOAA’s mission.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768869378
Are spouses and family members welcome at WNC-MOAA events?
đź”— Permalink

Yes. WNC-MOAA activities are intentionally spouse- and family-inclusive. We recognize that service, community involvement, and fellowship are often shared experiences, and spouses and partners play an important role in our Chapter.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768869136
Do I have to be a National MOAA member to attend Chapter events?
đź”— Permalink

In many cases, guests and non-members are welcome to participate in Chapter events. This allows individuals to get to know the Chapter, meet members, and decide if joining is right for them. National MOAA membership is not required for formal Chapter membership, but is strongly encouraged at a minimum at the Basic level.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768868963
I’m not retired - can I still participate in WNC-MOAA events?
đź”— Permalink

Yes. WNC-MOAA welcomes active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and former service members, as well as retirees. Many of our events are designed with working-age members in mind, and participation is not limited to those who are retired.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1768868881
What kinds of events does WNC-MOAA host?
đź”— Permalink

WNC-MOAA hosts a wide range of activities designed to bring members together through shared experiences and service. These include outdoor and recreational activities, social gatherings, educational tours, community service projects, and traditional chapter meetings. Many events are intentionally activity-based and participation-focused.

01/19/26 19:25/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1587047830
Why should I join the WNC-MOAA chapter?
đź”— Permalink

  1. Make Yourself Heard
  2. MOAA chapters provide critical grassroots support for MOAA’s national legislative agenda. Our benefits are under attack, and MOAA is fighting to preserve them. Chapter members help influence legislators and open doors for MOAA’s legislative team in Washington, D.C. In these challenging times, sticking together as MOAA members is essential, and chapters are the best way to achieve this.

  3. Give Back to the Community
  4. Chapter members serve as MOAA’s ambassadors, supporting programs that make a positive impact in their communities. They continue their “officership” by giving back in meaningful ways.

  5. Add Value to Your Life
  6. MOAA chapters host engaging programs and provide opportunities to interact with civic, political, military, and business leaders on topics important to members.

  7. Network with Fellow Officers
  8. Chapters include second-career members in the workforce and retired servicemembers with valuable contacts in their communities, offering helpful resources for transitioning officers.

  9. Stay Informed
  10. Chapter newsletters, websites, and meetings keep you updated on local, state, and national issues, as well as changes to military benefits.

  11. Influence State & Federal Legislation
  12. State councils of chapters often unite to advocate for legislation that benefits military members and their families. This includes initiatives like exempting military retired pay from state income tax and increasing funding for state veterans’ programs.

  13. Build Camaraderie with Purpose
  14. MOAA chapters bring together active duty, former, and retired officers from all branches of service, including the National Guard and Reserve, as well as surviving spouses. These groups foster lasting friendships and a sense of belonging while working toward common goals.

01/19/26 19:45/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1581432846
What Is the Mission of WNC-MOAA?
đź”— Permalink

The mission of WNC-MOAA is outlined in the Chapter Bylaws as follows:

"The purposes of the Chapter shall be to promote the purposes and objectives of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); foster fraternal relations among retired, active duty, and former officers of the uniformed services and their reserve components; protect the rights and interests of active duty, retired, and reserve component personnel of the uniformed services and their dependents and survivors; provide useful services for members and their dependents and survivors; and serve the community and the nation."

Source: Article II, Section 1, WNC-MOAA Bylaws, 20 November 2021

12/24/24 08:16/ WNC MOAA/ WNC-MOAA/ / 1579379526
How Do I Join Western North Carolina MOAA (WNC-MOAA)?