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As a 501(c)19, Veteran Organization, the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association solely focuses on the needs of those presently serving and those who have served. Our recent Community Outreach initiatives include:  2018:  Veterans Stand Down; 2019:  Purchased kitchen equipment for One Hopeful Place Homeless Shelter; 2020, 2021, & 2022:  Purchased commissary gift cards for distribution to E4 and below enlisted families at Thanksgiving; 2022, we partnered with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and purchased and placed wreaths on Veterans’ graves. In 2023, we again purchased gift cards for junior enlisted families, partnered with the DAR, and unveiled a new initiative…Valentines for Vets. Please help us to continue our work in the community in 2024 by clicking the donation link in the top menu above.


2024  


NWFMOA Presents Commissary Gift Cards to Area First Sergeants 

For the fifth year in a row, the NWFMOA has given commissary gift cards to area First Seargeants to distribute as needed to E-4 and below families for the holidays.  Below are pictures of those events.

(December 7, 2024)

(December 6, 2024)


OPUS ONE performs for the NWFMOA (December 5, 2024)

Opus One thrilled the members of the NWFMOA with their annual Christmas song medley.

Click HERE for all the pictures.


President Fran Hendricks Presents Lunch Speaker Kim Jackson with NWFMOA Coin (November 7, 2024)

Kim Jackson, Director of the Eglin Commissary and our featured speaker, receives the NWFMOA chapter coin from President Fran Hendricks.


President Hendricks presents $8,500 Check to the Eglin Commissary (November 7, 2024)

The NWFMOA presented a check to Kim Jackson to be used to purchase Commissary Gift Cards for E-4 and below families.  The cards will be given out by First Sergeants at area bases during the holiday season.


Les Matheson Receives DAR Award (November 7, 2024)

NWFMOA member Les Matheson received the Bronze Medal of Distinction from the DAR.


Karl Eschmann receives DAR Award (November 7, 2024)

Karl Eschmann received the DAR Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award from the DAR.  Pictured below are Charlotte and Karl Eshmann with the DAR representative.

Pictured below are DAR members with award winners Les Matheson and Karl Eschmann.


Officers Call at Doc's Oyster Bar and Grill (October 31, 2024)

Several NWFMOA members enjoyed officers Call at Doc's Oyster Bar and Grill on October 31, 2024.


NWFMOA's B/G Patt Maney Awarded Eagle Scouts' Highest Honor (October 25, 2024)

NWFMOA member and Florida State Representative Brig Gen Patt Maney pictured with his wife, Mrs. Caroline Maney.

NWFMOA member and Florida State Representative Thomas Patterson "Patt" Maney received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) during a National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) court of honor, hosted by Scouting America's Gulf Coast Council. The DESA is NESA’s highest honor for Eagle Scouts and, out of 2.7 million Eagle Scout recipients, has only been awarded to an estimated 2,500 individuals in 55 years (< 1%).  

For more information, click HERE.


Installation of Flag Poles at Baker School (October 10, 2024)

NWFMOA Scholarship Fund President, Dave Parisot, and Chapter President, Fran Hendricks, stand below the new flagpoles at Baker School. The new poles were funded in part by an Educational Support Grant from the Scholarship Fund.

The Army JROTC program celebrated the installation of new flagpoles at the front of the school. This project, costing approximately $7,500, was made possible through community support.

Contributors to the flagpole project included Adam's Sanitation, local Veterans' organizations, and several community leaders. Among the donors were the American Legion Emerald Coast Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution Fort Walton Beach Chapter, Military Order of the World Wars, Northwest Florida Military Officers Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Individual contributors included John Cahoon, Okaloosa School Board Member Linda Evanchyk, County Commissioner Nathan Boyles, and Dave Parisot.

The flagpoles were funded in part through an NWFMOA Scholarship Fund Educational Support Grant.  Shown above are Dave Parisot, President of the NWFMOA Scholarship Fund and Fran Hendricks, President of the NWFMOA.

Dave Parisot stands with the Army JROTC members at the flagpole dedication at Baker School.

Special Operations Forces Foundation Fundraiser (October 5, 2024)

The SOF Foundation held a fundraising dinner to raise funds for scholarships. NWFMOA Members in attendance pictured are Howard Fisher, Jim Shoff, Fred Shor, Fran Hendricks, and Paul Singleton. The Harley-Davidson bike was the grand prize of the event. None of them won it.


Memorial Service for GEN Gary Luck

Les Matheson and Patt Maney attended the Memorial Service for GEN Gary Luck, US Army Retired. Les played the bagpipes in a fitting send off to a great warrior/leader. (Not pictured, but also in attendance was Fran Hendricks).


DAR’s Constitution Week Celebration (September 17-23, 2024)

Photo is from the local DAR’s Constitution Week Celebration. Pictured are NWFMOA members Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson and Paul Singleton ringing the bells. Not pictured are Les Matheson and Fran Hendricks. Fran was the keynote speaker for this annual event which celebrates the signing of the US Constitution.


Crispy Warriors (September 5, 2024)

Gen and Mrs Kelly’s first stop on their NWFMOA 65th Anniversary Visit was breakfast with the Crispy Warriors. Also going the group was COL Steve Bond, FCoC President. Many NWFMOA members are also Crispy Warriors.


Col David Skalicky, 33rd Fighter Wing, Speaks At Our October Lunch, (October 3, 2024)

President Hendricks presents an NWFMOA Commemorative coin to Col Skalicky.


History of Women in the Military (October 3, 2024)

Lt Col Elvira Chiccarelli is pictured in the middle.


 

General Kelly's Note to the NWFMOA (September 11, 2024)


NWFMOA Celebrates Its 65th Anniversary (September 5, 2024)

We were honored to have Lt Gen Brian Kelly, President and CEO of MOAA, his wife, and COL Steve Bond, President of the Florida Council of Chapters, join us in the many activities on our September 5 celebration.

The activities started with an early morning visit with the Crispy Warriors, a meeting at the Bob Hope Victory Village, followed by lunch at the Fort Walton Yacht Club, a Town Hall meeting at VFW Post 7674 in the afternoon and the culmination event at the Air Force Arament Museum in the evening.

Below are just a few of the pictures from the events.
 

To view all 87 pictures of the events, click HERE.
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President Fran Hendricks Swears In Our New Treasurer, Doug Stauffer, During Our Board Meeting. (September 4, 2024)


Sam's Club Donates Two Cakes for the NWFMOA Community Reception (September 4, 2024)

Our local Sam’s Club graciously donated the two cakes for our 65th Community Reception.  Three cooks were involved in making and designing the cakes: Kaitlynn, Mariah and Farrah.  Below is a picture of 2nd Vice President Jeff Watson presenting Farrah with the NWFMOA Anniversary coin.


Lt Col Christine Keeley, USAF Retired, Speaks at the NWFMOA Lunch Meeting (August 1, 2024)

Below: Christine Keeley recounts the events in her AF career leading up to her being the first female to fly the F-35.

Below: NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks presents our chapter coin to Lt Col Christine Keeley.


NWFMOA President Welcomes New 96thTest Wing Commander

(July 3, 2024)


Brig Gen Patt Maney Speaks to Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women (June 14, 2024)

NWFMOA member and Florida State Representative, Brig Gen Patt Maney discussed legislative updates to the Baker Act and their potential impact on Florida's mental health system at the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women.


D-Day Remembrance (June 6, 2024)

Member Colonel Jeff Watson visits Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He is joined by General North, Chairman of the Board, MOAA.

View all the pictures by clicking HERE.


June NWFMOA Lunch Meeting (June 6, 2024)

Above: The NWFMOA members at the lunch gathered to celebrate the award of the 5-Star awards for 2023: the MOAA Level of Excellence award and the Marvin Harris Communications awards for the NWFMOA website and our monthly publication, The Defender.

Below: Member Steve Snow gives a presentation about his time flying Air Force One and Two while assigned to Andrews AFB.

Below: Scholarship Fund President Dave Parisot presents certificates to Larry Tashlik and Bob Gramm for their entry to the Gold Century Club.

      


 

NWFMOA Officers Call (May 30, 2024)

We celebrated the second Officers Call this year at Doc’s Oyster Bar. The event was well attended by 20+ members a great time was had by all. A couple of members relayed interesting stories of their days on active duty. In the above picture are (left to right) Les Matheson, NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks, Bert Everhart and Al Stearns.

To view additional pictures, click HERE.

President Fran Hendricks Receives 5-Star Awards for the Chapter, the Website and our newsletter, The Defender (May 14, 2024)

This photo is from the 2024 Florida Council of Chapters (FCoC) Military Ball where NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks is flanked by Col Steve Bond, US Army Retired, new FCoC President and Col John Murphy, USAR Retried, new FCoC Vice President. NWFMOA was recognized with three separate 5-Star Awards…one for the Chapter, The Defender, and the Website. 


Dave Parisot Attends Commissioning Ceremony (May 3, 2024)

Dave Parisot attended the Commissioning Ceremony on May 3rd of two former NWFMOA scholarship recipients at the Mission Anglican Church in Pensacola.  Anthony Rodas and Kathryn Dunn took their oaths of office as second lieutenants following completion of the Army ROTC program at the University of West Florida.

2LT Rodas graduated from Crestview H.S. and its Army JROTC program in May, 2020, and was awarded a $2,500 scholarship by the NWFMOA Scholarship Fund.  He entered the University of West Florida in the fall of 2020 and graduated from UWF and the Army ROTC in May 2024.  He will serve on active duty as an Air Defense Artillery Officer.

2LT Dunn graduated from Crestview H.S. and its Army JROTC program in May 2021, and was awarded a $2,500 scholarship by the NWFMOA Scholarship Fund.  She entered the University of West Florida in the fall of 2021 as a sophomore due to participating in dual enrollment in high school.  She will serve with the Army Reserves as a Military Intelligence Officer.  Kathryn plans to go to Law School and eventually join the Army Judge Advocate General.

We wish both of these new Army officers great success and well-being as they enter service to our country.


NWFMOA Scholarship Awards (May 2, 2024)

This year there were four endowed scholarship awards, six “In memoriam” awards and two ROTC award totaling $39,500. The Col William “Bill” Byerley Memorial Scholarship was presented bill’s wife, Jeanne Rief, to Cadet Colonel Jade Bradley of the Fort Walton Beach High School.  The Dr. Howard and Mrs. Irene Fisher Scholarship was presented to Cadet Victoria Beckworth from Baker High School. The Dr. Fred and Mrs. Janet Westfall Scholarship was presented to Cadet Griffin Woodley from Niceville High School. The Col Karl and Mrs. Charlotte Eschmann Scholarship was presented to Cadet Jacob Bollenbach of Choctaw High School. The Chong Cha (Kim) Parisot Memorial Scholarship award was presented to Cadet Reece Sayer of Navarre High School. The Col Hampton and Mrs. Nancy Kenaston Memorial Scholarship was presented to Cadet Alexander Bollenbach of Choctaw High School.  The Major William “Bill” Van Hoesen Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Cadet Akadian Campbell of Baker High School. The Col Troy Dent Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Cadet Franchesca Howard from Choctaw High School.  The Col Mel Bryant Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Cadet Lauren Bage from Choctaw High School. The Lt Col James “Jim” and Mrs. Una Heavener Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Cadet Angelina Romano from Fort Walton Beach High School.  Dave then presented the two $4,00 scholarships to ROTC Cadets Jeffrey Tavarez (Embry Riddle Aeronautical University…Choctaw Grad) and Cadet Logan Herron (University of Florida…Navarre Grad).  Dave then recognized our local high school students who have been accepted into one of the service academies.  President Fran Hendricks along with academy graduates Retired Navy Captain Mike Fisher (Annapolis), Retired Army Major Chris Beam (West Point), and Former USAF Captain Jim Shoff (Air Force Academy) presented certificates of recognition to Cadet Jesse Lee (Navarre) Cadet Brenner Mavity (Navarre) and Cadet Gennaro Smith (Navarre). All three will be attending West Point.

Also recognized were five of our previous scholarships awardees who will be commissioned this month: AF 2nd Lieutenant Kayla McCarthy from USF; Army 2nd Lieutenants attending USF Kathrynn Dunn and 2nd Lieutenant Anthony Rodas. Not able to attend today’s ceremony were Army 2nd Lieutenants Sean Ripley (Texas A&M) of Niceville High School, Naomi Barr (Marion Military Institute) of Crestview High School.

For pictures of all award winners, click HERE.

 


Pictures of our members (May 2024)

Photo of NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks emceeing the AFA Scholarship Awards Reception at the AF Armament Museum in May.  Fran also serves as the Eglin AFA Education Foundation Vice President for Scholarships.  AFA awarded 6 scholarships totaling $30,000 to local JROTC and ROTC Cadets.


Photo of NWFMOA member Les Matheson making an award presentation at Niceville High School.


Photo of NWFMOA member B/Gen Patt Maney making an award presentation at Fort Walton High School.


Photo of NWFMOA member Jim Shoff at this year's Kentucky Derby with the trainer of the horse who won.


Valparaiso's Day In The Park (April 27, 2024)

Fellow NWFMOA member Marian McByrde dressed as Rosie the Riveter during Val-P's Day in the Park Celebration. Marian has filled this role for years.


Military Family Appreciation Day (April 20, 2024)

We had a great turnout for Military Family Appreciation Day at the Fort Walton Beach Landing today. Fran did his emissary thing and wooed lots of people to our Zaxby's gift card give-away. A special thanks for all those who volunteered to help man the booth: Fran Hendricks (all day), Fred Westfall, Bob Gramm, Bob Secrest, Jim Shoff, Dave Parisot, Rod Gerdes, Jeff Watson and Chaplain Tom Azar.

All who could score a point in the corn hole game were given a chance to win a gift card from our partner, Zaxby's chicken. Dave Parisot brought a Community Outreach board with lots of interesting NWFMOA accomplishments. Additional pictures from the event can be seen HERE.


Read Across America (March 1, 2024)

By Jeff Watson, Colonel, USAF (Ret.)


President Joe Biden, Jr, declared March 2, 2024, as Read Across America Day, a day that fell on Saturday, so educators in Okaloosa County Schools celebrated on Friday, March 1st. As President Biden states in his proclamation, “we celebrate the power of literacy to expand our minds and our understanding of the world around us.” The President goes on to explain that “[r]esearch shows that children who start school at 3 and 4 years old are more likely to graduate from high school and further their education.” Reading is obviously a part of that education.

March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the encouragement to read is associated with the recognition of Dr. Seuss. If you have ever read a Dr. Seuss book, you might appreciate the simplicity of its presentation and also associate the book themes with imaginative pictures that captivate any young reader. I had the esteemed pleasure to participate in the Longwood Elementary School Read Across America event by reading to two combined classes of kindergarteners at the invitation of Longwood Principal Lisa Tucker. While there, I met her administrative staff and librarian, as well as two supportive teachers and their students.

I was given an opportunity to select a book of my choice from several pre-approved books in the Longwood library. I saw several Dr. Seuss books as well as Llama llama books. As a parent and grandparent, I am familiar with these books but I do not recall reading “Pete the Cat” books so I chose the book with Pete visiting the library. I thought it perfect for my visit and these little kindergarteners showed rapt attention. I engaged them with questions as we proceeded through the book and I was re-paid with enthusiasm, raised hands, and responsive answers, by well-behaved citizens.

As I returned to the library after reading the book, and was saying farewell, one of the teachers came in the library to give me a farewell “thank you” memento from the students. She asked them to draw something from the story that they remembered. It was truly a pleasure to see that they had paid attention as the artwork reflected how well they had listened to the story. If you are ever asked to participate in this annual school event, I encourage you to accept and read to the students. I hope that my participation will encourage them to be future “readers” too!


Jeff Watson reads to students at Longwood Elementary students on Read Across America Day at Longwood Elementary School.

For additional photos, Click HERE.


Officers Call - Doc's Oyster Bar (February 29, 2024)

The NWFMOA celebrated Leap Day with an Officers Call at Doc's Oyster Bar.  We signed up one new member and Doc's made a donation to our 65th Anniversary banner ad campaign.

For additional photos of the Officers Call, click HERE.


 

Presentation to Emil Pagliari (February 15, 2024)

Chapter President, Fran Hendricks presents Major Emil Pagliari, CAP, and owner of The Shack Restaurant on Hwy 98, Fort Walton Beach, with two coins from Florida Council of Chapters President, Pat Kluever. One coin is the Florida Council of Chapters MOAA coin and the other is the Mayport MOAA Chapter coin. These coins were presented as a token of appreciation to Emil for his restaurant hosting Frank “Tank” Michael, MOAA National visit in February 2023 and for hosting Pat Kluever and the FCoC Leadership team's visit in November 2023. Emil has also been a contributor to the NWFMOA Scholarship Fund. Emil is 90 years young and until recently, was flying his own private plane. He epitomizes "The Right Stuff”.

 


AF JROTC Area Drill Competition (February 10, 2024)

On February 10, 2024, Dave Parisot attended drill competition hosted by the Fort Walton Beach AFJROTC at the Commando Hangar at Hurlburt Field. This was their first annual drill competition for six local Air Force JROTC units. AFJROTC units from Niceville, Choctawhatchee, Walton, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, and Pensacola High Schools participated in the drill competition. The event started at 8:30AM and finished at approximately 3:00PM. Each team was judged on several drill components including armed and unarmed regulation, armed exhibition, color guard regulation and color guard specialty.

The FWB AFJROTC plans to continue hosting this event annually in the upcoming years. Dave sees potential for the NWFMOA Chapter and Scholarship Fund to be a sponsor to defray some of the expenses if future years. 

Opening ceremony at JROTC Drill Competition in the Commando Hangar at Hurlburt Field on Feb. 10, 2024

Dave Parisot, President of the NWFMOA Scholarship Fund, Inc., (center) discussed our Scholarship Programs
with JROTC cadets of Niceville High School at the Drill Competition at Hurlburt Field on Feb. 10, 2024


Our 2nd Annual Valentines for Veterans (January 14, 2024)

NWFMOA carried on its newfound tradition of Valentines for Veterans. This special community outreach program which the Chapter instituted in 2023, was the original idea of General Ron Folgeman, Air Force Chief of Staff. By resurrecting this program, the NWFMOA has become the facilitator for bringing Longwood Elementary School and the Air Force Enlisted Village (Bob Hope Village) together for this annual celebration on Valentine’s Day.

Once again, this year the students from Longwood Elementary hand delivered their Valentines to the residents of Bob Hope Village. Under the watchful eye of their teachers and Principal Lisa Tucker, the students walked from their campus to the Bob Hope Village to personally present their handmade Valentines to the anxiously waiting residents. The students made over 300 Valentines…they wanted to make sure everyone received one. From the smiles, laughter, and especially the hugs, this was once again a resounding success.

In addition to receiving Valentines from the students, the residents were serenaded by the Emerald Coast Chorus. As an indication of the importance of this event to the community and the school district, Dr Lamar White, Okaloosa County School Board, was also in attendance.

Special thanks to Tom Azar, Ray Alexander, Dick Solt, Dave Parisot, Fred Westfall, Rod Gerdes, Mel Claxton, Bob Allen, Kim Wintner, and Fran Hendricks for attending. We also unveiled our new NWFMOA Chapter Banner…great job Jim Shoff!

 

Firsts Sergeants Attend January Luncheon (January 4, 2024)

First Sergeants from Eglin, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field attended the NWFMOA January lunch meeting. Also joining them was the President of the Commando Airman & Family Support Group. They came at the invite of the Board to meet our members and provide feedback regarding our Annual Junior Enlisted Family Commissary Gift Card program. Each base received a specified allotment of the 300 Commissary gift cards we purchased based on their base’s junior enlisted population. In addition to enjoying lunch with our members, a First Sergeant from each base and the President of the Commando Airman & Family Support Group addressed the Chapter and shared some short stories regarding the impact this program had on those it aims to help. Their words captured fully what this program means to the junior enlisted assigned to our local community.

2023 was the fourth year NWFMOA has conducted this program. In the first three years (2021, 2022, 2023), we averaged 189 gift cards purchased. In 2023, that number skyrocketed to 300 gift cards purchased. We were able to do this thanks to the $1,500 grant we received from the MOAA Foundation. We combined that grant with $6,000 we raised thanks to the generosity of our Chapter members, local residents, Destin Chamber of Commerce, Eglin AFA, American Legion Post 235, VFW Post 7674, VFW Auxiliary Post 7674, Moose Lodge 2193, Emerald Bay Golf Club, and the Emerald Coast MAC to purchase the 300 Commissary gift cards.

In the recently approved 2024 Goals and Tasks, the NWFMOA Board set 300 gift cards as a Chapter goal again for this year. Donations to the gift card program can be made year-round. I invite you to visit our website by going HERE and then clicking on the NWFMOA Community Outreach Donation Form button. There you will find a form in which a donation can be made.

A First Sergeant from each base and the President of the Commando Airman & Family Support Group addressed the Chapter and shared some short stories regarding the impact of our Junior Enlisted Family Commissary Gift Card had on those it aims to help.

       

American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program

(January 7, 2024)

NWFMOA Chapter members Bert Everhart and Fran Hendricks participated in the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program on Sunday, January 7th at the American Legion Post 235, Fort Walton Beach. Bert was a judge and Fran served as a tabulator. Students from local high schools participated in the program. Each student presented a prepared speech (not to exceed 10 minutes) and was required to give an additional 3-minute speech. The students had no prior notice of the subject of the 3-minute impromptu speech other than it would be one of the Amendments to the US Constitution. The event’s facilitator drew the envelope containing the Amendment to be addressed. That Amendment was the 23rd Amendment which extended the right to participate in presidential elections to residents of the District of Columbia. Each student had 5 minutes to prepare their 3-minute speech.

  

This is another example of NWFMOA partnering with likeminded Veteran Organizations.


2023

NWFMOA Participates in Wreaths Across America

On December 16th, our Chapter participated in the Wreaths Across America event at the Beal cemetary.  We had 7 NWFMOA members (pictured below) who participated in laying the wreaths and NWFMOA members  B/Gen Patt Maney and Dr. Ed Merkle were part of the presentation ceremonies. 

Pictured from left are Fred Westfall, Karl Eschmann, Jim Shoff, Dave Parisot, Fran Hendricks, Bob Gramm and Les Matheson.

View all the pictures of the event by clicking HERE.

 

NWFMOA Military Ball

On December 14th, our Chapter wound down our activities by celebrating the Christmas season at our annual Military Ball. Shown below are some of those present wearing their mess dress attire. Attendance topped 50 this year.

For additional pictures of the Ball, click HERE.

 

Gift Cards for Junior Enlisted Families

On December 1st, our Chapter presented more Commissary gift cards for junior enlisted families at Duke Field and the 7th Special Forces Group (A) (see photos below). (See the November 2023 Defender issue for article and more photos.) This is the fourth consecutive year that NWFMOA has done this project to assist young military families.  Started in 2020 with  Community Outreach grants from the MOAA Foundation, donations by Chapter members, and donations by local businesses and military non-profit organizations, our Chapter has provided a total of 900 Commissary gift cards of $25 each to enlisted families of ranks E-4 and below and distributed by the First Sergeants Associations at Eglin, Hurlburt, the 7th Special Forces Group (A), the 919SOW First Sergeants Council, and via the Commando Airman & Family Support Group at Hurlburt Field.  By partnering with these military organizations, we better assure that the neediest junior enlisted families (airmen and soldiers) in ranks E-4 and below receive the food purchase assistance provided.  The total monetary value of these Commissary gift cards is $22,500.  THANK YOU to all who have supported this worthwhile program.  We plan to do it again in 2024.

Dave Parisot and Chapter President Fran Hendricks presented 25 commissary gift cards
to SMSgt Censabella of the 919SOW First Sergeant Council at Duke Field on Dec. 1st.

Dave Parisot and Fran Hendricks presented 75 Commissary gift cards valued at $1,875 to First Sergeant James Schultz of the 7th Special Forces Group (A) on Dec. 1st.

For additional pictures of the presentation of E4 commissary gift cards, click HERE.

 

On November 14th and 16th, our Chapter presented Commissary gift cards for junior enlisted families at Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base (see photos below). This is the fourth consecutive year that NWFMOA has done this project to assist young military families. Started in 2020 with a grant of $3,575 from the MOAA Foundation and donations by Chapter members, our Chapter provided 143 Commissary gift cards of $25 each to enlisted families of ranks E-4 and below through the First Sergeants Associations at Eglin, Hurlburt, and the 7th Special Forces Group (A), and via the Commando Airman & Family Support Group at Hurlburt Field. In 2021 we continued this project with a grant of $3,750 from the MOAA Foundation plus $1,300 in donations by Chapter members for a total of $5,050. With these funds we purchased and distributed 202 Commissary gift cards at $25 each to junior enlisted families.

With the positive feedback we received from the multiple First Sergeant Associations, we continued this program in 2022 and 2023. The MOAA Foundation Grant in 2022 was $4,000, plus we added $2,375 of local member and business donations for a total of $6,375. This allowed us to purchase and distribute 255 gift cards. Our MOAA Foundation grant for this program in 2023 was $1,500, but we added $6,000 in donations from Chapter members and local businesses for a total of $7,500. The 300 Commissary gift cards were distributed as follows: 75 cards each to the Hurlburt Field First Sergeants Association ($1,875); Eglin First Sergeants Association ($1,875); and, 7th Special Forces Group (A) First Sergeants Association ($1,875). We also gave 25 gift cards to the 919th SOW First Sergeants Council ($625) and 50 gift cards to the Commando Airman & Family Support Group at Hurlburt Field ($1,250). By partnering with these military organizations, we better assure that the neediest junior enlisted families (airmen and soldiers) in ranks E-4 and below receive the food purchase assistance provided.

In the four years we have done this project, we have benefited 900 junior enlisted families. Our sincerest ‘THANK YOU’ to all who have donated to this program. Current plans are to continue this program in 2024.


Veterans Stand Down

November was a busy month for our Chapter’s Community Outreach programs. Okaloosa County held its annual Veterans’ Stand Down on Wednesday, November 8th, at the FWB Fairgrounds. Our NWFMOA Chapter was one of 40 local organizations who provide services for Veterans with a booth at this event. In our booth, we had over 1,000 items of new clothing which we purchased via the $2,800 in grant funds we received last May from the MOAA Foundation’s Community Outreach Grant program. Our inventory of clothing items distributed to male and female Veterans consisted of 57 pairs of men’s and ladies’ jeans, 10 pairs of sport pants, 32 men’s T-shirts, 43 ladies’ shirts, 75 pairs of men’s boxer shorts, 4 jackets, 71 hoodies for men and women, 40 pairs of shower shoes, 96 sets of stocking caps & gloves, and 612 pairs of crew socks (men and women). The clothing items were primarily oriented towards the up-coming colder months. The clothing items were distributed to over fifty local Veterans.
Our NWFMOA booth was manned by members Dave Parisot, Dick Solt, Fran Hendricks, and Karl Eschmann. We sincerely thank the MOAA Foundation for providing the funds to purchase the clothing items
.


Vietnam Veterans Recognition Ceremony
 

The NWFMOA partnered with the Daughters of the American Republic in the Vietnam Veterans Recognization Ceremony hosted at the Air Armament Museum on November 3rd.  President Fran Hendricks, 1st Vice President Karl Eschmann, Jeff Watson, Patrick Johnson and Les Matheson each spoke during the ceremony.  To view a video of the event, click HERE.


Membership Recruiting Booth

Our Chapter had an information booth at the annual Home & Boat Show at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on September 23rd and 24th.   Just another effort to get our organization in front of the local community and businesses to promote our organization and community service projects.  We were able to contact  about ten potential new members using our ‘tri-fold member recruiting folder’ Ia copy is on the NWFMOA website).  A hearty ‘thank you’ to Chapter members Fran Hendricks, Jim Shoff, Bob Gramm, Dick Solt, and Dave Parisot for giving up some of their weekend time to man the booth.  Pictures below are of Major Dave Parisot on left and Capt Jim Shoff and Brig Gen Fran Hendricks, Chapter President, on right.

   


NWFMOA Scholarship Awardees Receive Commissions

In May of 2023, five of our previous scholarship awardees were commissioned in three of our military services. 2nd Lt. Cole Briggs, USAF, was commissioned at the University of Notre Dame via its AFROTC program. Cole is a former graduated of Baker School and Army JROTC. 2nd Lt. Yolanda Stallworth, USAF, received her commission via the AFROTC at the University of Central Florida. She graduated from Niceville H.S. and its AFJROTC program in 2019. Also, is 2nd Lt. Blayne Johnson of Niceville. He received one of our ROTC scholarships at the University of West Florida AFROTC. We also have 2LT James Webb, U.S. Army, at the University of West Florida Army ROTC program. He previously received one of our JROTC scholarships in 2019 at Crestview H.S. The Nany Nurse program gains Ensign Sarah Brown, USN, a former Navarre NJROTC scholarship recipient in 2019. Sarah received her nursing degree at Belmont University and her commission from the NROTC at Vanderbilt University. Our heartiest congratulations and best wishes for success as they pursue their military careers. They are welcome back to see us at any time.


Annual NWFMOA Scholarship Awards

Our annual Scholarship & Awards Luncheon on May 4th was very well attended with 97 people and cadets, our highest attendance ever.  We awarded eight scholarships totaling $25,500 to JROTC cadets at six of our local high schools plus one scholarship of $4,000 to a local ROTC cadet at the University of South Florida.  We continued a program we started last year of naming some of our scholarships to remember deceased NWFMOA Chapter members.


Pictures from the 2023 Awards Luncheon can be seen by clicking HERE.

Fort Walton Beach Memorial Day Service

The morning started early at 7:00AM in the morning when 35 JROTC cadets from Fort Walton Beach High School approached the gravesites of 1,800 military Veterans, hand saluted and placed a United States flag at their headstones. By 9:00AM, over 1,800 graves had been decorated. Per JROTC instructor Mark Batcho, Col., USAF, Ret., this is one of their annual events with the most cadets participating. The JROTC also provided the color Guard for the service to present the Colors.  Several of our members participated in the service. Lt Col Frank Roberts recited the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McRae after the National Anthem. Chapter members T. Patt Maney, BG, USAR, Ret., and Chuck Merkel, Jr., Major, USA, Ret., helped read the ‘Roll Call of the Deceased’ which included about a dozen of our Chapter members. (see photos below).


NWFMOA Receives MOAA Foundation Grants for 6th Consecutive Year

On May 12th we were notified by the MOAA Foundation that we received two Community Outreach Grants this year, our sixth consecutive year our Chapter has received grants. The first grant of $1,500 is for a continuation of one of our Community Outreach projects from the most previous three years, i.e., to purchase commissary gift cards for young enlisted families (E-4 and below) at our local bases. The second grant, for $2,800, is to participate in the 2023 Veterans Stand Down this fall by purchasing cold weather clothing and toiletry items for needy Veterans in our area.

This will be our fourth consecutive year of purchasing Commissary gift cards in $25 denominations to distribute to local junior enlisted families. We plan to again partner with the First Sergeants Associations at Eglin, Hurlburt, and the 7th Special forces Group(A) and the Hurlburt Military Family Assistance Center to get the gift cards to those in greatest need. In our Community Outreach projects for 2020, 2021, and 2022, we distributed a total of 610 gift cards at a combined value of $15,250. Of this total, the MOAA Foundation provided $11,325 and $3,925 was from local donations.


Military Family Appreciation Day

The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted the Military Family Appreciation Day at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park on Saturday, April 15th from 11:00AM to 5:00PM. Chapter members who staffed our NWFMOA booth on the first shift were (from left) Bob Gramm, Dave Parisot, Fred Westfall.

Below are those at our booth for the second shift. From left are Jim Shoff, George Hanks, Fran Hendricks, Dick Solt. The third shift was rained out. We thank you for sharing your weekend time for the benefit of our Chapter and local community.


Valentines for Vets

A new community event for 2023 was “Valentines for Vets”. For nearly 65 years, the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association (NWFMOA), an affiliate of the Military Officer Association of America, has been making a difference in the lives of Veterans in the Okaloosa and Walton Counties. One of its community outreach initiatives this year was to partner Bob Hope Village with Longwood Elementary School, whereby second grade students made Valentines and delivered them to the residents on Valentine’s Day. This endeavor allowed the students to express their appreciation for the service and sacrifices made by this Veteran community and their families through the gift of a handmade Valentine. The students presented their Valentines to the residents during the annual Valentine Day Brunch at Bob Hope Village.

Valentines for Vets was first enacted in 1996 by General Ron Fogleman, Air Force Chief of Staff, and was intended to support the Department of Veteran Affairs weeklong National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. Today, the VA has expanded the salute to the entire month of February and has renamed it, National Salute to Veteran Patients Month.

The NWFMOA invites everyone to recognize a Veteran’s service and sacrifice especially on Valentine’s Day. To view additional pictures, click HERE. This program was coordinated by our Chapter President, Fran Hendricks.

 

More pictures from Valentines for Vets can be seen HERE.


Fort Walton Chamber of Commerce thanks Dave Parisot


Paul Singleton honored by FWB Chamber of Commerce

Chapter member Lt. Col Paul Singleton, USAF, Ret, was honored by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce on June 2nd with their ‘Above and Beyond’ award, and made ‘King for the Day’ in front of approximately 300 local business people. Paul has been a part of the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee for 39 years and has personally participated in over 1,700 ribbon cutting ceremonies for new businesses. This is in addition to the thousands of other volunteer hours Paul has given to multiple non-profit organizations in our local area. As a result, the Chamber has added Paul’s name to this award and it is now known as the ‘Paul Singleton Above and Beyond Award’. Congratulations, Paul, and thank you for what you have done and continue to do to support our community. (see photo below).


Chamber of Commerce "Business After Hours"

On January 19th our Chapter had an information booth at the “Business After Hours” event of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, held at the Emerald Coast Science Center. At the booth, our displays highlighted Chapter membership, our Community Outreach programs, and our Scholarship programs. At the table are Fred Westfall and Dave Parisot.


2022

Our Outreach Efforts Are Noticed and Appreciated by MOAA
The email below was received from MOAA National


Major Parisot,

Thank you very much for providing this final report for the Northwest Florida Chapter’s 2022 Community Outreach Grant.

We appreciate your detailed information regarding the grant fund use in your report. It was also great to see the photo/summaries of the presentation of grant funds to the representatives of Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, and the Hurlburt Military & Family Readiness Center – subsequently then providing the commissary gift cards to those who needed them most.

This information has been added to our records, and we appreciate the continued efforts and support that you and your chapter members provide to those in the military community each and every day.

We also passed along your kind message to Amanda Centers, and know that she is looking forward to the upcoming January 6th presentation in Florida as well!

As a reminder, our 2023 Community Outreach Grant application is currently open, and we hope you will consider applying for a grant before the application window closes on February 28, 2023.

Please let us know if you have any questions, and thank you again.

With thanks,

The MOAA Development Team


December 17:  Participated Participated in “Wreaths Across America” at Beal Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach by helping place holiday wreaths on Veterans’ gravesites; chapter members contributed $300 to the Choctawhatchee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to purchase 20 wreaths “In Memory of Deceased Members and Spouses of the NWFMOA”. (See Defender articles for December 2022 and January 2023)


November 11:  Chapter members & spouses participated in Veterans Day services at local cemeteries; Lt Col Frank Roberts gave the history of and recited “On Flanders Field” at the Beal Cemetery service (See Defender article for December 2022


 November 8 and 10: Distributed 255 commissary gift cards valued at $6,375 to the First Sergeants Associations at Hurlburt Field, Eglin AFB, and the 7th Special Forces Group (A), and to the Military Family Readiness Centers at Hurlburt Field and Duke Field. (See Defender articles for December 2022)


September 1:  NWFMOA assisted the Greater Fort Walton Beach with publicizing the 75th Anniversary of the United States Air Force on September 13th at Northwest Florida State College.  NWFMOA used its Defender newsletter and ‘e-mail blasts’ to members plus announcement of the event at the Chapter luncheon on September 1st. (See Defender for September 2022)


August 5:  Led by Chapter First Vice President Fran Hendricks, NWFMOA had a “Spotlight Table” display and made a stage presentation at the monthly First Friday Breakfast of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, attended by over 250 local business members. (See Defender article for September 2022)


July 7:  NWFMOA Scholarship Fund presented a $4,000 scholarship to University of West Florida AFROTC Cadet Colonel Blayne Johnson. This scholarship was in memory of Deceased Chapter member Lt. Gen. Leroy Manor, USAF, Ret. (See Defender article for August 2022)


May 30:  Chapter members & spouses participated in Memorial Day services at local cemeteries.  Fourteen Chapter members and spouses had passed away during the previous 12 months. (See Defender for May 2022)


May 5:  Held the annual Scholarship Luncheon at the Fort Walton Yacht Club, attended by 85 Chapter members, JROTC scholarship awardees, JROTC instructors, 2022 MOAA Medal awardees, 11 local high school appointees to military academies, and Business Gold scholarship donors. (See Defender article for June 2022)


April 19: Received notification that MOAA Foundation has awarded a community Outreach Grant of $4,000 to purchase commissary gift cards to be distributed to local airman and soldier families in ranks of E-4 and below. This is the 5th consecutive year our chapter has received a grant from the MOAA Foundation. (See Defender article for May 2022)


April 18: Several Chapter members attended the “Final Goblet Ceremony” of the Doolittle Raiders at Northwest Florida State College, when the goblet of the last survivor of the Doolittle Raiders, Col. Richard Cole, was inverted in the display case by his son and daughter.


April 2: Six Chapter members staffed our NWFMOA information booth at the 50th anniversary celebration of the 919th Special Operations Group at Duke Field. (See Defender for May 2022)


March: NWFMOA assisted the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber in publicizing the “Final Goblet Ceremony” of the Doolittle Raiders via ‘email blasts’ to Chapter members.


2021:

November 11:  Several chapter members and spouses attended Veterans Day services at local cemeteries.  Chapter member Lt Col Frank Rogers recited the poem “On Flanders Field” at the Beal Cemetery service in Fort Walton Beach. (See Defender for December 2021)


October 11: NWFMOA Scholarship Fund Board of Directors established the Educational Support Grant (ESG) Program to provide grants of up to $500 per year to local JROTC units who request financial aid for otherwise unfunded needs. (See Defender for November 2021)


August 23:  Charlotte Eschmann, wife of chapter member Col. Karl Eschmann, was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Okaloosa County commission on the Status of Women in the Military category. (See Defender for October 2021)


May 31: Several Chapter members and spouses participated in Memorial Day services at local cemeteries.


May 6:  The NWFMOA Scholarship Fund held its annual Scholarship Awards luncheon at the American Legion hall in Fort Walton Beach.  Eight scholarships totaling $21,500 were awarded to local JROTC cadets.  In addition, the 2021 MOAA Medals were presented to seven junior-year JROTC cadets, and a senior at Choctawhatchee High School was recognized for her appointment to the USAF academy. (See Defenders for May 2022 and June 2022)


April 15:  NWFMOA was awarded two MOAA Foundation Community Outreach Grants totaling $3,750.  A grant for Community Outreach was for $2,500 and a MOAA COVID Relief Grant was for $1,250.  The two grants will be combined to purchase commissary gift card for local active duty junior enlisted families in ranks E-4 and below.  This is the 4th consecutive year our Chapter has received grants from the MOAA Foundation. (See Defender for May 2021 and October 2021)




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