MISSISSIPPI COAST CHAPTER

The Mississippi Coast Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MCMOA) was formed on April 29,1959 with a peak membership of 54. By August 1971 the membership had dwindled to eleven (11). Under the leadership of Colonel Matthew Thompson, USAF (president emeritus) and others, the membership grew to approximately 300. The pre-Katrina membership was 200 plus. Currently there are approximately 100 members.

Most of the Chapter members live in the three coastal counties and includes retired officers, active duty officers, Reserve and National Guard officers and other officers who were at one time an officer of any component of the uniform services. The Chapter is a charter affiliate of MOAA National. Auxiliary membership category members are widows and widowers of eligible members. Honorary memberships are extended to local political and military leaders including: U.S. Senator Trent Lott, Senator Chad Cochran, and U.S. Congressman Gene Taylor.

The Chapter holds monthly lunch meetings at noon on the 2nd Wednesday at the Keesler Club, Keesler Air Force Base, and quarterly dinner meetings each year. Some members volunteer at the Keesler Medical Center and the Keesler Retiree Activities Office.

The Chapter funds leadership awards for coast JROTC units. And we fund the attendance of Junior ROTC cadets from the ten coast high school programs we sponsor to participate in the annual "Salute to the Military” sponsored by the Mississippi Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Since 1999 the Chapter sponsored an annual holiday season community support program, which includes donations to local food banks, Toys For Tots, and Coats For Kids. The Chapter makes a $25 donation to the MOAA Scholarship Fund in memory of each deceased member.

In 2002 the Chapter received the "National Anniversary Affiliate Award" commemorating 35 years of exceptional service. The Chapter received National recognition for its website and electronic newsletter (2003 - 2nd Runner-up), and printed newsletter (2003 – Honorable Mention). The Mississippi Coast Chapter is the oldest chapter in the State.