President‘s Welcome
Welcome to WNC-MOAA and Our Website!
Welcome to the Western North Carolina Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (WNC-MOAA), an affiliate of the national MOAA. Since our founding in 1968 and incorporation as an affiliate of MOAA (then called The Retired Officers Association, TROA) in 1969, WNC-MOAA has been proud to support active-duty, retired, and former uniformed military officers, their families, and surviving spouses throughout western North Carolina.
WNC-MOAA is a nonpartisan organization committed to advocating for the well-being of the military community. As an affiliate chapter of MOAA, the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers, we remain dedicated to supporting policies and initiatives that benefit service members, veterans, and their families - without political affiliation or bias. MOAA, as an independent, nonprofit, and politically nonpartisan organization, works tirelessly to ensure the voices of those who serve are heard at all levels of government.
Why Join WNC-MOAA?
WNC-MOAA brings together veterans, spouses, and military families who value service, connection, and continued purpose.
Through a wide range of activities and community involvement, members build relationships, serve together, and remain
engaged with the military community in Western North Carolina.
As a MOAA 5-Star Level of Excellence Chapter, WNC-MOAA offers opportunities to:
- Enjoy camaraderie with fellow officers, former service members, spouses, and military families
- Give back locally by supporting veterans and strengthening our Western North Carolina communities
- Advocate for military readiness and the resources required to sustain our armed forces
- Support military and veteran benefits, helping ensure members of the military community are informed and supported
- Access trusted guidance and insight relevant to military, veteran, and survivor needs
Many individuals first connect with WNC-MOAA through events, service projects, or community partnerships, and choose to
become members as those relationships grow.
WNC-MOAA is focused on shared service, meaningful connection, and continued involvement – welcoming those who
wish to remain engaged and serve.
Membership in WNC-MOAA Chapter and MOAA National is open to present and former commissioned officers and warrant officers (including retirees) with honorable service in any of the United States' eight uniformed services, including the National Guard and Reserves:
• Army
• Navy
• Marine Corps
• Air Force
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• U.S. Public Health Service
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Membership is nonpartisan and inclusive. If you are an active-duty officer, retired officer, former officer, or surviving spouse from one of these uniformed services, we invite you to join our vibrant local chapter and amplify MOAA’s powerful voice. Together, we can make a difference.
CLICK HERE TO PAY ANNUAL WNC-MOAA CHAPTER DUES
Winter 2026 Update – WNC-MOAA
Fellow Members and Friends,
As we begin 2026, I want to thank you for your continued engagement with the Western North Carolina Chapter of MOAA.
The past year reflected steady growth, meaningful service, and thoughtful progress in how our Chapter operates.
We are Chapter Focused on Purpose and Participation
WNC-MOAA continues to emphasize purpose-driven, activity-based engagement, particularly for our working-age veterans and their families. Many of our events prioritize shared experiences, participation, and service over traditional
meeting formats, and are intentionally spouse- and family-inclusive.
Outreach and Community Partnerships
We actively reach veterans where they are through Facebook and LinkedIn, and through partnerships with organizations such as Blue Ridge Honor Flight, Veterans Healing Farm, Buncombe County Veterans Council, Asheville VA Medical Center, County Veteran Service Officers, and other VSOs. Community events allow us to connect with veterans beyond our current membership and follow up with future opportunities to serve.
Governance and Leadership
At our Annual Meeting in November, members approved updated Chapter Bylaws and elected a new Board of Directors, providing a strong foundation for leadership continuity, transparency, and growth in the years ahead.
WNC-MOAA is intentionally adapting to align with how today’s veterans live, work, and want to continue serving – while staying true to MOAA’s mission and values.
Looking Ahead - Next Chapter Meeting:
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Hedrick-Rhodes Veterans Center
900 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our chapter. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Steve Watkins, COL, USA (Ret)
President, WNC-MOAA