Mountain Empire Chapter
affiliate of MOAA
Visit MOAA National for the latest military news and resources for both active duty and retired military officers.
Do you miss the Officers' Club?
We have the next best thing in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Find camaraderie, interact with fellow officers and spouses, meet old friends, make new ones and share stories. We meet socially on a bi-monthly basis, and we welcome you to our next gathering. See below for upcoming events, look through the information on our site, and join us!
CHAPTER NEWS
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
On December 17, 2022 several MECMOAA members participated in this years wreath laying event at Mountain Home National Cemetery.
Next years event is on December 16th 2023. Mark your calendars.
See photos below.
Jeanie Thomas, Mary Ward, Charlie Thomas, Stan Gedelman and Brett Monette. Not in photo: Alicia Monette (Photographer), Ed Champion, George and Karen Aprahamian and Jack and Nancy Butterworth.
Annual Business Meeting
Our annual business meeting was held on Sunday November 20, 2022 at the Blackthorn Club. After the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation everyone enjoyed the Blackthorn brunch which was followed by our business meeting. Topics of discussion were membership, treasurer, legislative and webmaster reports. Our election of officers for 2023-2024 was held and election results will be provided separately. Also, members were provided Wreaths Across America sponsoring information for this years event on December 17, 2022 at Mountain Home Cemetery. See above post for additional information.
See below photos.
New Members photo with MEC President
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Bill and Mrs. Richardson; Mrs. Karen and CAPT (Ret.) George Aprahamian; LCDR (Ret.) John Rice; Mrs. Pattye and CDR (Ret.) Kevin O'Shaughnessy
Chapter Flag
MOUNTAIN EMPIRE CHAPTER WINS MULTIPLE AWARDS FOR 2021
2021 Five Star Level of Excellent Award
Our chapter has been awarded the Five Star Level of Excellent Award for 2021. This is MOAA's most prestigious award and their website states "The very, very best councils or chapters receive a five star award." The award is a lookback on 2021 calendar year programs, initiatives and successful experiences shared by the chapter leaders.
2021 Five Star Col. Marvin J. Harris Communications Award
Our chapter was awarded the Five Star Col. Marvin J. Harris Communications Award for 2021. This award is to identify councils and chapters that do an outstanding job communicating with their members and community. Our chapter was honored to receive this award for the chapter website and newsletter. This follows the Four Star Award in 2020.
Congratulations to our leadership and all involved for making our chapter the "best of the best".
Lifeline for Vets
Will you help one veteran?
Whether you support veterans with your time or monetary donations every little bit does make a difference. As Mountain Empire Chapter members we continue to serve our local area and now we need to help our local veteran community. During the COVID-19 Pandemic many people are losing their jobs or having their work hours reduced. Our mission is to provide a Lifeline for Vets that need financial assistance with rent, electric bills, groceries or other day to day expenses. This is not a monetary hand out but will be assistance to a specific veteran and their family needs. One source for finding veterans in need is the Mountain Home VA Healthcare System. Other sources will be identified as this fundraising event progresses. Please click on the Donate button below to provide a Lifeline for Vets. You can also contribute by mailing a check to MECMOAA, P.O. Box 5024, Johnson City, TN 37602. Any amount will be appreciated.
December 2022 Newsletter
See the latest Chapter Newsletter. Click below or visit The Newsletter page to see previous newsletters.
2023 Social Events
Member meetings (social events) are bimonthly on the third Sunday in January, March, May, July, September and November.
RESCHEDULED TO January 29, 2023
Member's Meeting
Sunday Brunch at Blackthorn Club
The pavilion is open for us at 12:30 and brunch begins at 1:00
Guest Speaker: Janet Hatcher Rice, DDS, PC - World War One 332nd Ohio Infantry and my Grandfather
Cost: $25 per person for members current on Chapter dues and their spouses and $30 for non-current members and guests - Pay at the door
RSVP to mecmoaa@gmail link below
March 19, 2023
Member's Meeting
Sunday Brunch at Blackthorn Club
The pavilion is open for us at 12:30 and brunch begins at 1:00
Guest Speaker: To Be Announced
Cost: $25 per person for members current on Chapter dues and their spouses and $30 for non-current members and guests - Pay at the door
RSVP to mecmoaa@gmail link below
May 21, 2023
Member's Meeting
Sunday Brunch at Blackthorn Club
The pavilion is open for us at 12:30 and brunch begins at 1:00
Guest Speaker: To Be Announced
Cost: $25 per person for members current on Chapter dues and their spouses and $30 for non-current members and guests - Pay at the door
RSVP to mecmoaa@gmail link below
July 16, 2023
Member's Meeting
Sunday Brunch at Blackthorn Club
The pavilion is open for us at 12:30 and brunch begins at 1:00
Guest Speaker: To Be Announced
Cost: $25 per person for members current on Chapter dues and their spouses and $30 for non-current members and guests - Pay at the door
RSVP to mecmoaa@gmail link below
September 17, 2023
Member's Meeting
Sunday Brunch at Blackthorn Club
The pavilion is open for us at 12:30 and brunch begins at 1:00
Guest Speaker: To Be Announced
Cost: $25 per person for members current on Chapter dues and their spouses and $30 for non-current members and guests - Pay at the door
RSVP to mecmoaa@gmail link below
November 19, 2023
Annual Business Meeting
Sunday Brunch at Blackthorn Club
The pavilion is open for us at 12:30 and brunch begins at 1:00
Guest Speaker: To Be Announced
Cost: $25 per person for members current on Chapter dues and their spouses and $30 for non-current members and guests - Pay at the door
RSVP to mecmoaa@gmail link below