November 19, 2023
Annual Business Meeting

Our November social and annual business meeting was held at the Blackthorn Club.  After the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer our group of about 40 members and guest enjoyed a wonderful brunch provided by the Blackthorn Club.  We were honored to be joined by CAPT Erin E. Stone, JAGC, USN, (Ret.) from MOAA National.  She is MOAA's Senior Director, Council and Chapter Affairs. We were also honored to have the Tennessee Council of Chapters incoming president LTC Pete Warner, USA (Ret.) join us for our annual business meeting.  MECMOAA President John Rice provided a report on the state of our Chapter and the most impressive result was that the Chapter signed up eight new members in 2023.  Also, he noted that our Chapter was awarded the 2022 Five Star Col. Marvin J. Harris Communications Award for our website and newsletter.  This is the second year in a row for this award.   He also pointed out that we currently have a little over $8.00 in the scholarship  account.  He put out a call to action and by the time the meeting was over our members had contributed $1,050 for our scholarship programs.  Well done and thank you to all that answered the call. After the business part of the meeting LTC Pete Warner provided his goals as incoming Council President which includes a state convention in 2024 or 2025.  

Next on the agenda, MECMOAA President John Rice introduced our guest speaker, CAPT Erin Stone.  She discussed the importance of legislative advocacy at the chapter level as well as how National MOAA is constantly reviewing and assessing any and all legislation that may impact the uniform services and veteran communities. She provided a handout to the Board that identified numerous resources that are available to assist chapter management.

See photos below.