Ozark Empire Chapter Newsletter

This months words from the Chapter President - November 2025

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Our October luncheon meeting was well attended. There was a robust discussion as our presenter provided good information about scams that especially target the senior population. The November Chapter Meeting: Noon, Friday, 21 Nov 25, DAV Hall, 2525 E Division, Springfield. Speaker: Katy Holmer, Missouri State Parks
RSVP to LtCol Dean Smith, USMC, Ret.

OEMOAA has been a very active organization over the years. However, in the past couple of years, the membership has dwindled, our population is aging, and new/younger people are not joining. Given this and the fact that members are not stepping up to fill Board positions, the Chapter may not be sustainable in the future.

Along these same lines, the President of the MOAA MO Council of Chapters, Don Wolfinger, is leaving his position next year. He requested Chapter Presidents to present the opportunity to our members, that if there’s any interest in working at the state level, he would love to talk with them. I would be happy to connect any interested parties with Don.

Regarding our local chapter’s structure, Anthony Willis, our First Vice President, has decided to step down from his position in 2026. We need to fill this position for the duration of his present term, which includes 2026. If anyone is interested, please contact a Board member.

Amid the present government shutdown, no protections are in place to pay USPHS and NOAA their retirement pay as it comes from a different funding stream than those retired from the armed services.
[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Protect Retiree Pay for All Who Served]
(Taken from: MOAA.org, Oct. 21, 2025 issue).

A bipartisan House Bill, the TRICARE Transition Transparency Act (H.R. 5586) mandates email notices at the 180-day, 60-day, and 30-day marks before any deadlines to act. The bill would ensure families are aware of upcoming changes (Taken from: MOAA.org, Oct. 21, 2025 issue).

On a lighter note, these are a couple of important military dates of note in November 2025

(taken from: hfotusa.org):

Nov. 10, 2025 – Marine Corps Birthday

Nov. 11, 2025 – Veterans Day – T Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with holidays in several countries, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which also occur on the anniversary of the end of World War.

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