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

2Topics Background of VCOC Major Accomplishments Key Activities

3 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

4 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

5 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

6 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

Legislative Initiatives- State Various options for Veterans designation on VA drivers licenses or a separate Veterans ID Unclaimed cremated remains of veterans Sales and use tax exemption for VSO’s Homeless veterans

Legislative Initiatives- National Maintain an adequate level of national security in a dangerous world Retain a level of active duty pay and benefits to secure the future of the all volunteer force Continue to recognize the sacrifices made by wounded, retired and survivors Note: each of the above initiatives will entail numerous sub-initiatives as deficit reduction plans become clearer Stay informed!

9 Recent Accomplishments VCOC accounts for 13% of MOAA national Give Me Ten membership total in 2011 Virginia winner of consecutive MOAA Give Me Ten Dinners Ten Chapters were awarded 5 star Levels of Excellence Awards in 2011! Plus two 4-star Chapters Virginia selected for Direct Membership Pilot Program

10 Key 2012 Activities Key 2012 Activities “Storming the Hill” of the General Assembly (Richmond) - 23 Jan Congressional Luncheon in (Wash, D.C.) - 9 May MOAA Annual Meeting (Arlington VA) Oct VCOC quarterly meetings at various locations in such as Fort Lee, Charlottesville, Richmond, Lexington, Williamsburg, Petersburg Visit the VCOC website at