At the national level, MOAA members continue serving their communities by participating in critical federal advocacy campaigns, spearheading scholarship programs, and championing charitable efforts.

But by joining a MOAA Chapter, members can take that service, and the sense of camaraderie brought on by shared experiences, to another level.

Hundreds of MOAA affiliates across the nation offer a new way to engage with your community; to meet, collaborate, and socialize with fellow servicemembers; and to work toward state and local reform on issues outside the national scope.

Below, you'll find some more reasons to reach out to your local chapter. Need help finding a group in your area? Email chapters@moaa.org.

1. Make Yourself Heard

MOAA’s chapters provide critical grassroots support for MOAA’s national legislative agenda. Our benefits are under attack, and MOAA is in the fight to preserve them. Chapter members let their legislators know what’s on their minds and open doors for MOAA’s legislative team in Washington, D.C. In these difficult times, MOAA members need to stick together, and our chapters are the best way we know to do that.

2. Give Back to the Community

Chapter members are MOAA’s ambassadors in their communities, supporting countless programs that make a difference in the lives of others. These members continue their “officership” service and are giving back in the truest sense.

3. Expand Social Opportunities

MOAA chapters sponsor interesting programs and opportunities to interact with civic, political, military, and business leaders on issues important to members.

4. Network With Fellow Officers

Chapters include second-career members in the work force and retired servicemembers who have contacts in their communities that can be valuable to transitioning officers.

5. Stay Informed 

Chapter newsletters, websites, and meetings provide you with the latest information on local, state, and national issues and changes to military benefits.

6. Influence State Legislation

Most states have a council of chapters that unites chapters in the state. These councils, and independent chapters in states without a council, often lobby for and pass state-level legislation that affects military members and their families, such as exempting military retired pay from state income tax or increasing funding for state veterans programs.

7. Find Camaraderie With a Purpose 

MOAA chapters unite active duty, former, and retired officers from every branch of service, including National Guard and Reserve, as well as surviving spouses. These centers of camaraderie not only give you a chance to connect with other members with similar backgrounds and interest, but to also develop close and lasting friendships.