Ozark Empire Chapter Newsletter

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This months words from the Chapter President - November 2026

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Greetings and welcome to November. As we look back on our chapter’s recent activities, I am incredibly proud of the impact we are making right here in the Ozarks. Our core mission has always been to support the uniformed services community, their families, and survivors—and right now, our members are putting that mission into active practice.

Expanding Our Veteran Outreach
Our latest endeavor—visiting veterans and surviving spouses of veterans residing in local nursing homes—has been a resounding success. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, these visits have brought meaningful companionship and a reminder of our enduring gratitude to those who served before us.
We have been warmly welcomed by the local care facility staff, who appreciate the unique bond our members share with their residents. Because this initiative is going so well, we are actively planning to expand the number of facilities we visit. I am pleased to announce that our next milestone will be an inaugural visit to the James River Nursing and Rehabilitation facility (formerly James River Care Center) on December 7, at 1400 hours. If you would like to join us for this upcoming visit, please reach out to Chuck Guy to coordinate. Your presence can make a massive difference in a fellow veteran's day.

Coffee with Chuck (CWC)
I also want to highlight the steady success of our monthly Coffee with Chuck (CWC) meetings. These informal gatherings continue to serve as a fantastic touchpoint for regular fellowship, casual networking, and open discussions. Thank you to everyone who consistently shows up to pour a cup, share a story, and keep our friendship ties strong. Our next meeting will take place on Monday, November 2, at 1000 hours at Traveler’s House Coffee and Tea-2151 West Republic Rd., Springfield, MO 65807.

Looking Ahead
As we move forward it has become evident that our chapter will be dissolving as there are no volunteers who have stepped forward to embrace the necessary leadership positions to maintain a functioning chapter. Therefore, our final official meeting will take place next month. Closing the chapter does not preclude folks getting together on their own. The two initiatives mentioned above should continue after the chapter folds. The visitation initiative will continue under the umbrella of MOAA National, as those that lead are all lifetime members of the same. Frank Bridges has committed to continue coordinating the CWC monthly meetings as they have proven beneficial to participants and very often the chapter. These meetings have forged close friendships and a true commitment to one another.
Our Christmas gathering will take place on the FIRST Friday in December as this date worked best for our special entertainment. We will meet at our usual spot, DAV on East Sunshine and we can gather for happy hour at 1800 hours, with festivities to begin at 1830. As usual, Dean Smith will send out a notice requesting an RSVP so we can plan for dinner.

For all who are Premium or Life members of MOAA, a free Survivor’s Planning Guide is available for download. It can be obtained at www.moaa.org.

As always, our newsletter is freely available on the chapter website: www.oemoaa.org as well as via email to all members. If anyone wishes to receive this newsletter via US Mail, please make that known to a Board Member or the Newsletter Editor, and we will be happy to accommodate.

Becky Hutchings, President