FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MOAA chapters host engaging programs and provide opportunities to interact with civic, political, military, and business leaders on topics important to members.
Chapters include second-career members in the workforce and retired servicemembers with valuable contacts in their communities, offering helpful resources for transitioning officers.
Chapter newsletters, websites, and meetings keep you updated on local, state, and national issues, as well as changes to military benefits.
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.
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.
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
The easiest and fastest way to join or renew your WNC-MOAA Chapter membership is online. Simply use the link below:
Join or Renew Your WNC-MOAA Chapter Membership
This online method is quick, secure, and convenient.