[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FEDERAL CHARTER ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, today I rise to introduce, along with 
my colleague Walter Jones, a bill to grant a federal charter to the 
Military Officers Association of America.
  The MOAA is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization 
that plays an active role in military personnel matters while working 
with Congress to propose legislation affecting our active duty, 
National Guard and Reserve forces, the retired community, veterans and 
survivors of the uniformed services.
  The MOAA is the largest professional association for military 
officers and the fourth largest veterans group in the nation with 
nearly 370,000 members. Nonetheless, MOAA remains the only major 
veterans organization in the country without a Congressional Charter.
  Although a Federal Charter does not confer any specific rights or 
benefits, it provides public recognition to membership organizations 
that serve the public interest. A Charter also will enable some state-
level MOAA affiliates to represent veterans on Governor-level veterans 
advisory councils from which they are presently excluded.
  MOAA has established a distinguished 80 year history of service to 
the military community, veterans, survivors and their families by 
offering career transition assistance, military benefits counseling, 
and educational assistance to children of military families.
  I am proud to stand in support of MOAA with my colleague 
Representative Jones and with our Senate colleagues Bill Nelson and 
Susan Collins, who introduced the bi-partisan companion bill.
  After eight decades of service to our men and women in uniform, the 
MOAA richly deserves congressional support for a federal charter--not 
only for their benefit but for the benefit of those whom they serve and 
represent.

                          ____________________