Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC) MOAA’s Finest Council

Topics Background of VCOC Major Accomplishments Key Activities

Background of VCOC 18 Chapters. Formed in November 1975 at Ft Lee Richmond (1959), Hampton Roads (1959), Central VA (1971), and Southside (1971) were early chapters Held 3 Day Biennial Conventions in 1980’s and 1990’s First VCOC Congressional Luncheon Establishment of VCOC Legislative Committee Recommended establishment of Coalition of Military Veterans Organizations Recommended funding of a Veterans Home and Cemetery

Major Accomplishments Repeal of state taxation of military retirement vs non - taxation of state/local employee retirement. VCOC fought this all the way to the US Supreme Court Leftover funds of $68,000 from Legal Fund were given to MOAA Scholarship Fund to provide 3 scholarships of $5000 each to VA students each year Aside from the rebates, these actions made a lasting impression on the General Assembly and the Administration - that the retired military is a force to be reckoned with

Other Accomplishments VCOC first Storming of General Assembly Funding and construction of the Richmond and Salem Veterans Care Centers Funding for VA National Guard Family Support Centers Funding and construction of 2 military cemeteries (Suffolk and Amelia) + 1 new cemetery in SW VA Initial funding of Wounded Warrior Mental Health Program Interstate Compact on Education for Military Children In-state tuition for non-resident military children Funding for the VA War Memorial Education Center

Other Accomplishments One of key VA veterans organizations to advocate formation of VA Dept of Veterans Services Recommended the creation of a Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations within Dept of Vet Svcs – 2002

2014 State Legislative Initiatives Hiring and retention of DVS VSO agents Educating employers on the value of hiring Veterans Funding for Virginia’s Wounded Warrior Program Electronic return of absentee ballots Implementing the Virginia Homeless Veterans Program Measure if Veterans are being properly served Real Property tax exemption for spouses of KIA

National Legislative Goals Sustain active duty, Guard, Reserve force size to meet requirements Retain a level of active duty pay and benefits to secure the future of the all volunteer force Protect against TRICARE fee increases and means testing Oppose benefits changes that are inconsistent with service career sacrifices Eliminate VA claims backlog Note: this is a partial listing. For a complete listing of 2014 goals visit

Key 2014 Activities Key 2014 Activities “Storming the Hill” of the General Assembly (Richmond) - 13 Jan Congressional Luncheon in (Wash, D.C.) - May (date TBD) MOAA Annual Meeting (Wash DC) - Oct (date TBD) VCOC quarterly meetings at various locations in such as Fort Lee, Charlottesville, Richmond, Lexington, Williamsburg, Petersburg Visit the VCOC website at