BECOME A MEMBER

MOAA Membership is open to active duty, retired, former officers, Reserve, National Guard, and warrant officers of the seven uniformed services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, Public Health Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the newest service the United States Space Force. You can print out a membership form by clicking the "Membership" tab above followed by "Application," and "On-Line Application."

Surviving Spouse memberships also are available.

If you are interested in joining, please either click on the membership tab (on this site), or contact our President, John Bradley at: phone:  727-771-3712  

or email: jebradjr46@gmail.com.  

Also, our Membership Chairman is Claude Poirier, phone 978-660-3202 or email claudelsa@yahoo.com

CHAPTER HISTORY

Sixty-Five years ago, President Eisenhower was in his last year of office. The average price of a new house in the US was $16,500. At 49 cents a gallon, milk cost more than gasoline which averaged 31 cents a gallon. The Dow Jones industrial average of stocks hit a high of 685 that year and the US population was 180,671,158. The US Naval Academy’s Joe Bellino won the Heisman Trophy, and the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series. The Soviet Union downed a US U-2 aircraft, and To Kill a Mockingbird won a Pulitzer Prize in literature for the late Harper Lee. As all of that and more was unfolding, a band of 29 retired military officers organized the Grand Strand Chapter of the-then Retired Officers Association. Recently acquired correspondence shows the effort was led by C.M. Breedlove, (AUS, Ret), along with several other retired officers. They received their charter at the September 13, 1960 meeting, held then as now on the second Tuesday of the month. Regrettably, history of the chapter’s early activities are lost to time, but it has been described by some as essentially an opportunity for its members to socialize and stay in touch with one another and others they had served with across the country. National MOAA records reflect that the chapter unfortunately fell into distress around the turn of the century before seeking a “rescue” effort from the national office. The Chapter regained its viability in 2006 and began a steady climb to its current stature of prominence in the Grand Strand area. The resurrection of the Chapter began with the late Captain Ross Word (USN, Ret) spearheading its reconstitution and reinvigorating it with increased membership. Much of his effort and those of his compatriots was spent laying the foundation for an organization that would stand the test of time. Three years later, Lieutenant Colonel Roger Pilcher (USMC, Ret) took the reins of leadership and guided the Chapter to its next level of success. Among achievements during his 4 1/2 year tenure, the Chapter membership grew from 37 to 121. The Chapter won its first 5-Star Level of Excellence Award and followed that with two more. It captured its first 4-star MOAA communications award, began its involvement in the Myrtle Beach Military Appreciation Days, hosted the second South Carolina Council of Chapters conference, increased the size and number of scholarships for high school JROTC cadets, and held its first annual golf tournament. Other initiatives were undertaken to support veterans throughout the Grand Strand and beyond. In the ensuing 5 1/2 years, the Chapter has grown its support for JROTC, ROTC, and veterans assistance. It has been a major sponsor of the annual Stand Down and provides financial support for ROTC cadets at Coastal Carolina University and JROTC units at 17 area high schools including scholarships and leadership awards. Scholarship Chairman Hans Duerr reports that the Chapter has awarded 43 scholarships worth $66,750 since that program started in 2007. More recently, the Chapter expanded its activities to partner with groups such as the Low Country Veterans Group, Toys for Tots, and other area veteran support organizations to assist homeless and nearhomeless veterans and their families. Establishment this year of a Veterans Outreach Council and an effort by Chaplain Greg Hill to identify and inter the unclaimed remains of deceased veterans have added new programs to the Chapter’s agenda. These accomplishments have been achieved through exceptional leadership and the hard work and unselfish support of a Chapter membership devoted to supporting those who share the experience of military service in the past and those who will serve in the future.

SOUTH CAROLINA COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS

We are one of ten MOAA chapters in the state of South Carolina, and a member of the South Carolina Council of Chapters. To view their website, please click on this link South Carolina MOAA Chapters to locate a chapter near you and learn more about the South Carolina Council of MOAA Chapters.

NATIONAL MOAA HEADQUARTERS

MOAA is the nation's largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization. 

With more than 360,000 members from every branch of service - including active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, former officers, and their families - MOAA is a powerful force speaking for a strong national defense and representing the interests of military officers at every stage of their careers.

MOAA's highest priority is providing first-class service to our members. We are the leading voice on compensation and benefit matters for all members of the military community. We provide expert advice and guidance to our members.

See National MOAA Tab for more information.

Why join MOAA is discussed in the following video link:       http://www.moaa.org/whymoaa/      MOAA and its affiliated chapters and councils are nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. The National MOAA "Take Action" link is:  http://takeaction.moaa.org 

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Editorial Policy: This website and “The Coastal Tide Newsletter" are published by the Grand Strand Chapter, which is an affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).