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Fran Hendricks
Brig Gen, USAF (Ret)

President’s Welcome

It is my honor to serve as the 54th President of the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association (NWFMOA). Initially formed in 1959, the NWFMOA Chapter has been an active participant in matters affecting military personnel, their families, and Veterans who live in our local community. We pride ourselves on the fact, when we hung up our uniforms, we didn’t stop serving.

My first introduction to the NWFMOA Chapter was when I was assigned to Eglin AFB as the 96th Air Base Wing Commander, 2002-2004. I would attend the Chapter’s monthly meetings and keep them informed on what was happening at the base. This was my first encounter with any Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) Chapter. In positions I held after leaving Eglin, I worked very close with MOAA National and saw firsthand their impact on protecting and securing military benefits.  

When I returned to Fort Walton Beach area, I immediately sought membership again in the NWFMOA Chapter. I was ecstatic to be part of this group of men and women who were making such a significant impact in the lives of others. From their scholarship program for graduating high school JROTC cadets to commissary gift cards for junior enlisted families, they were making a difference in our community. Each of these programs continues to grow each year, thereby impacting more people. It is through the generosity of our members’ time, talents, and treasure, coupled with the support of MOAA National and local entities, we are able to do what we do as a Chapter.  

 As the 54th President of the NWFMOA Chapter, I would like to extend to you an invitation to check us out. Google NWFMOA and look at our 5-star website, to include our monthly award-winning newsletter, The Defender. Make a reservation to join us for our monthly lunch meeting…good food, great comradery, and a guest speaker speaking on topics of interest.  Our dues are modest at $25 per year. For new members, that covers the current year and the entire next year. Please feel free to contact me at president@nwfmoa.org for more information.

H2S (Here to Serve),

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
President, NWFMOA


May 26, 2023

Memorial Day…A Time to Remember

On this Memorial Day Weekend, please take time to remember those who gave their lives while serving in the defense of our great nation. They were fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, neighbors, and friends.  To all, they are heroes.  They were common folks, who lived uncommon lives. Many, who we honor this weekend, gave their lives far from home as they served to protect us and to defend our freedoms.  It’s their service and sacrifice that we remember.  In remembering them, I ask that you also remember and pray for their families and friends who mourn their lost every day. 

When a revolution needed to be waged and a Union needed to be saved, these common men and women left their homes and families and took up arms for the sake of freedom and its defense.  From Bunker Hill to Gettysburg, from Pearl Harbor, the beaches of Normandy and Korea’s frozen Chosen Reservoir to the jungles of Vietnam, the Cold War, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan, they stepped forward and answered their Nation’s call.  Drafted or volunteered for duty, they fought for a home they may never return to; they fought for buddies they would never forget; they fought for you, and they fought for me.  And while their stories maybe separated by hundreds of years and thousands of miles, their service and their sacrifice remind each of us of the cost of freedom.  Freedom is not free.  It cost us our most precious treasure…it costs us our loved ones.

This weekend, we come together as Americans, to pray, to reflect and to remember these fallen veterans, these heroes, their sacrifices, and the sacrifices born by their families and friends. There is an inscription carved into the stone memorial at the Omaha Beach Cemetery in France which sums up why we celebrate Memorial Day.  It reads:  “To these we owe the highest resolve, that the cause for which they died, shall live”.  Cemeteries across our Nation will adorn the graves of these past Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines with American flags, they too are forever counted among our Nation’s heroes.  President John F. Kennedy said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.”

While the Nation remembers its heroes this weekend, I am proud to be part of an organization that honors and remembers their sacrifice every day through our actions.  To our fallen Brothers and Sisters, rest in peace for we have the watch.

 H2S,

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF (Ret)
President, NWFMOA


May 20, 2023

President's Pen from the June 2023 Defender - NWFMOA’s Role in Identifying and Recognizing Future Military Officers

Looking back, May was the crescendo of Chapter Member and local business donations to our scholarship program, the culmination of many months of coordination with the local schools, review of scholarship submissions, interviews of cadets, consensus of the selection committee on scholarship award recipients, and finally, the award of our Chapter’s Scholarships at the annual scholarship luncheon. Dave Parisot and his Scholarship Fund Committee comprised of Fred Westfall, George Colton, Bob Allen, Karl Eschmann, and Charles Farmer (Senior JROTC Instructor at Niceville High School) made 2023 another outstanding year. As a committee, they awarded nine scholarships totaling nearly $30,000 to 8 JROTC graduating seniors and 1 College ROTC junior. Nearly 100 people attended the Annual NWFMOA Scholarship and Awards Luncheon where the cadets were awarded their scholarships and the audience learned of their outstanding academic and leadership accomplishments. Local media was present and covered the lunch for its news worthiness. The Scholarship Fund Committee is commended for once again raising the bar. I also commend them for their dedication to attend each of the local high school JROTC Awards events throughout the month of May. Crisscrossing the counties we serve, they ensured NWFMOA had a presence at each of these important daytime or evening assemblies of cadets and parents. 

Also in May, I had the distinct pleasure to give the Commissioning Address at the Commissioning Ceremony of the AFROTC Cadets from the University of South Alabama and University of West Florida. The ceremony was held at the National Navy Aviation Museum, NAS Pensacola. A fitting place to capture this historical moment—where everywhere we looked was a reminder of the sacrifices and successes of those who had gone before us. Of the 16 cadets commissioned, Cadet Blayne Johnson, the first recipient of our then newly forged College ROTC Scholarship in 2022, was one of them. 2LT Johnson will now report to NAS Pensacola for Combat Systems Officer training.    

 One line from my address simply stated, “Life is about choices…You can be in the arena or in the stands…Each of you has chosen to be in the thick of it…I applaud your choice”. It was an honor to witness them take the same oath we took, and I am confident they will rise to the challenges that await them. Looking into the eyes of those eager and newly minted officers, you could see our Nation’s future and it is in good hands.

 Once again, NWFMOA has made a difference. Through your generosity, our Nation’s future is bright because the bench we are helping to build is deep with individuals willing to proudly serve and protect our freedoms. Thank you to all for your commitment to this important role of the NWFMOA.

Never Stop Serving.

H2S

Fran Hendricks
President, NWFMOA


May 17, 2023

President's Pen from the May 2023 Defender - In Pursuit of 5 Stars

Well, it is that time of year again when MOAA Chapters across the nation submit their Levels of Excellence submissions. These submissions are akin to a self-assessment of what your respective Chapter did the past year across several graded areas. In turn, they are graded by a panel comprised of Directors from the National MOAA Board. Historically, the NWFMOA has done exceptionally well and has been awarded MOAA’s highest award, a 5-Star rating, as recent as 2020. (We did not submit a submission in 2021 due to COVID).

 Our 2023 submission (covers 2022) highlighted the many outstanding things the Chapter did last year. Those highlights included pursuing and receiving a MOAA Community Outreach Grant for $4,000. We used those funds, combined with $2.300 in donations from Chapter Members, 3 Military Affairs Councils, and the Eglin AFA Chapter, to purchase 252 Commissary gift cards at $25 each for E4 and below personnel. The Commissary gift cards were distributed to 252 active-duty Airman and Soldier families by the Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, and the Army 7th Special Forces Group (A) First Sergeant Associations and the Hurlburt’s Airman, Family & Readiness Center to purchase food at the base commissaries at Thanksgiving.

 We highlighted our advocacy efforts. Those efforts included sending a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs regarding their inaccurate assessment of the Okaloosa County Schools. We claimed this inaccurate assessment directly impacts retention of the military assigned to our local area or those who have received orders reassigning them to one of our bases. Additionally, we sent letters to Senator Rubio, Senator Scott, and Congressman Gaetz regarding the Child Care needs at Camp Bull Simons. We applauded their efforts to get involved in solving this long-standing issue. This issue is both a retention and quality of life matter affecting primarily the 7th Special Forces Group at Camp Bull Simons.

 We were active in the local community. We manned a NWFMOA information booth at the Duke Field Open House which was celebrating their 50th Anniversary. We made a stage presentation at the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce First Friday assembly. Over 300 Chamber members were informed of NWFMOA’s mission and our commitment to service. We expanded our scholarship program to include two University of West Florida ROTC junior or senior cadets who graduated from one of our local high schools and are on track to commission. All totaled, we awarded over $17,000 in scholarships to five outstanding Cadets. We highlighted our Military Ball and its importance to our Chapter.

 2022 was a very good year for the NWFMOA. With COVID restrictions in our rearview mirror, we were once again pursuing our mission with vigor and making a difference in the lives of those presently serving, those who have served, and those who want to serve.

H2S,

Fran Hendricks
President, NWFMOA


April 20, 2023

President's Pen from the April 2023 Defender

Camaraderie is an important component of our Chapter and has been since our establishment nearly 65 years ago. It is one of the four components of our mission tetrad and a major reason to be a member. This past month on March 9th, we had the pleasure to be part of history at the Air Force Armament Museum as Okaloosa County celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the repatriation of the Vietnam POWs. Those honored included Brigadier General George “Bud” Day, (a former NWFMOA Member); Colonel Richard Dutton, USAF Retired; Colonel Keith Hall, USAF Retired; Col Howard Hill, USAF Retired (former NWFMOA Vice President); Colonel Ed Hubbard, USAF Retired; Col Ron Webb, USAF Retried; Lieutenant Colonel Dave Gray, USAF Retired; and Mr. Ken Frazer, former USAF Captain. This event served as our quarterly Officer Call.

Numerous NWFMOA members served in key roles for the evening. Chuck Merkel served as the evening’s historian and moderator, giving all in attendance a description of the Vietnam War period, the atrocities endured by our POWs, and the courage, sacrifice and tenacity of those being honored. Chaplain Tom Azar gave the invocation. Fred Westfall was in attendance, just as he was 50 years ago on the tarmac of Clark Air Base, Philippines when the POWs made their first stop after leaving Hanoi, Vietnam. Fred was a Captain then, assigned to 13th Air Force. Honorary NWFMOA Member, Jerry Williams, CEO Eglin Federal Credit Union was a sponsor for this historic event. NWFMOA Board Member Bob Allen and Past President Elvira Chiccarelli serve as volunteers at the museum and were there helping. New NWFMOA Member, Col Kim Wintner (Air Force Armament Museum Foundation Treasure) was there, as were many, many other chapter members. It was a great turnout for NWFMOA. And I had the great honor to give welcoming comments while wearing my Vice President of the Air Force Armament Museum Foundation hat.

NWFMOA extends kudos to Ted Corcoran, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce (it was his idea to conduct this event); Tom Rice, Magnolia Grill (Food); Voices of NW Florida; Props Craft Brewery (Beer); Forever Warriors, Powered by First Step Automotive; Docies Dock (Wine); Connect with Flowers; Voices of Northwest Florida State College; and the Eglin AFB Honor Guard. We are fortunate to live in a community that is so supportive of those presently serving and its Veterans. Camaraderie sets us apart and was on full display at this event. In addition to those participating in the program, our members showed up in large numbers to honor the POWs and to engage the community. In the future when I am talking with a perspective NWFMOA member about joining our Chapter, I will add the happenings of this evening to my arsenal of reasons I share. I respectfully request you do the same.

H2S (Here to Serve),

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired

President, NWFMOA


March 30, 2023  -  CALL to ACTION 23-03

A Call To Action: Tricare for Life Fees and Cost Sharing

Fellow NWFMOA Chapter Members,

If you havent read Dave Parisots Legislative Liaison feature in the April Defender, I strongly encourage you to do so. In the article you will learn the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has made two recommendations regarding our Tricare for Life (TFL) benefit. Both recommendations (if enacted) would cost us significant more money in fees and deductibles to use our earned benefit if Congress doesn’t act to stop it.

  CBO Recommendation #1 (Fees)...We would be required to pay an enrollment fee of $575 (individual) or $1,150 (family) for TFL coverage.

  CBO Recommendation #2 (Cost-Sharing)…We would be required to pay a deductible of $850. After the deductible ($850) is met, TFL would pay only 50% of the next $7,650 in Medicare expenses. 

If you agree this is wrong (as I do) and want to join MOAA’s efforts to have these recommendations thwarted, I respectfully request you send the Act Now! message that MOAA has drafted regarding this topic to Representative Gaetz, Senator Scott and Senator Rubio. You can access the Act Now! message to our elected leaders by going to our website (nwfmoa.org) and clicking on the take action button on the bottom of our page. Feel free to make changes to the proposed wording of the message. I also recommend in addition to your name at the bottom of the Act Now! message you add NWFMOA Member. We want our elected representatives to know we are advocates for matters important to our members and the military / Veteran community we serve.

You can also click HERE to TAKE ACTION on this MOAA initiative. 

Thank you.
H2S
Fran Hendricks, Brigadier General, USAF (Retired)
NWFMOA President
March 30, 2023  - CTA 23-02

A Call To Action: H.R.1413, The Expanding America's National Cemetery Act

Fellow NWFMOA Chapter Members,

MOAA National is advocating for authorizing the transformation of a VA-run national cemetery into the next location that affords military honors as Arlington National Cemetery reaches capacity. This is a long-term solution and needs our support. Florida has the second largest number of military retirees – 210,073. We need to advise Congressman Gaetz to protect the benefit of in-ground burial with full military honors for all who plan for internment or inurnment at a DoD managed National Cemetery.

I respectfully request you go to the MOAA website’s Advocacy page and send the Act Now! message that MOAA has drafted regarding this topic to Representative Gaetz. If you want, you can change the proposed wording to your liking. I also recommend in addition to your name at the bottom of the Act Now! message you add NWFMOA Member. We want our elected representatives to know when NWFMOA comes up on the net regarding an issue important to our members and the military / Veteran community we serve.

Click HERE to TAKE ACTION on this MOAA initiative.

Thank you.

H2S,

Fran Hendricks, Brigadier General, USAF (Retired)
NWFMOA President


March 3, 2023


Happy 108th Birthday to the Navy Reserve

One hundred and eight years ago today, the Navy Reserve was formed in 1915 in response to the outbreak of World War I. Fully constituted, it made up nearly 84% of the Navy’s fighting force during the war. Among its ranks were 5 future U.S. Presidents and 15 Medal of Honor recipients. Since its inception, the Navy Reserve has been part of every major war the US has fought.

If you get a chance today, raise a glass and toast the Navy Reserve.

H2S,

Fran Hendricks
President, NWFMOA

February 28, 2023  -  CTA 23-01

A Call To Action: Major Richard Star Act

Fellow Chapter Members,

Your assistance is needed. Last year, the efforts of MOAA and their partners in The Military Coalition came close to having Congress enact the Major Richard Star Act. That legislation is solely focused on supporting 50,000 combat-injured Veterans whose retirement pay is reduced by the amount they receive for disabilities due to combat. This is wrong and needs to be righted. Undeterred and fully committed to seeing the Star Act passed, MOAA and The Military Coalition are again engaging Congress and could use your help. They simply ask each of us to contact our elected officials and state our support. They have made it very easy for us to make that contact. Just use this link provided by MOAA: contacting your senators and representative TODAY . It takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and it will send a letter directly from you to Senator Rubio, Senator Scott, and Representative Gaetz. I have sent my letters of support and respectfully request you do the same.  The Major Richard Star Act is a necessary step towards concurrent receipt for all.

To view the conversation about this, click HERE. To send a letter to your representatives, click HERE
.

H2S,

Fran Hendricks
President, NWFMOA


February 14, 2023

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 on the picture to the right or HERE.

The Air Force Enlisted Village also posted a nice article on their website.  The contents of that article are below.


Valentines for Veterans Visit Bob Hope Village

by Taylar Banks

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and Longwood Elementary partnered to bring Valentines for Veterans at Bob Hope Village.

Shalimar, FL (February 14, 2023) - With markers, pencils, crayons, and glue sticks in hand, second-grade students from Longwood Elementary happily created Valentine’s Day cards with woodland animals not knowing the impact they would soon have. With pep in their step, the students proudly walked over to the Bob Hope Village Commons with smiles on their faces and Valentine’s Day cards in their hands.

The students were immediately met with applause and cheer from a ballroom filled with Bob Hope Village residents awaiting the young artists.

Happily, the children disbursed their hand-made cards and chimed in with conversations with residents who are retired military surviving spouses or couples. There were 125 beautiful Valentine’s Day cards made by the students and twenty-five children delivered them to Bob Hope Village. “The kids had a blast even walking here,” said Lisa Jones, assistant principal of Longwood Elementary.

Northwest Florida Military Officers Association (NWFMOA) coordinated the Valentine’s Day event partnering Bob Hope Village with Longwood Elementary for Valentines for Veterans, an annual event first enacted in 1996 by Gen. Ron Fogleman, Air Force Chief of Staff, and was intended to support the Department of Veteran Affairs weeklong National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.

NWFMOA consists of 230 members and has been making a difference in the lives of veterans in Okaloosa and Walton counties for sixty years. According to Brig. Gen. Fran Hendricks, USAF, Ret., and president of NWFMOA, the organization is made up of all military branches that never stop serving. “We assist all ranks of those who have served and are currently serving, and we hold a soft spot for surviving spouses,” Hendricks said.

Valentine’s Day love was felt everywhere in the Bob Hope Village ballroom thanks to NWFMOA and Longwood Elementary. All residents could talk about were the hugs and cards they received from the students.

“We can’t thank MOA enough for choosing us to be part of Valentines for Veterans,” said Bobbi Jo Dominguez, Director of Bob Hope Village. “Love is in the air today thanks to MOA and thanks to the Longwood Elementary second graders. We have big love for our friends.


 H2S

Fran Hendricks
President, NWFMOA


February 13, 2023

President's Pen from the March 2023 Defender

As I pen this first address as President, I feel its only appropriate that I use this space to honor one of our recently fallen members, Colonel Doug Hardin (pictured below). I first met Colonel Hardin and his wife Carol in July 2002 when I took command of the 96th Air Base Wing at Eglin. Colonel Hardin had the position I was assuming several commanders prior. Colonel Hardin and I became quick friends, and I sought out his counsel from time to time on matters impacting the wing.

When I returned to the area after retiring from the university, Doug was one of the first individuals I contacted. I was looking to get involved in various organizations, and he was key to paving the way for me. All told, we served together on NWFMOA, Air Force Association Education Foundation, and the Emerald Coast Military Affairs Council. To say he was a fireball would be an understatement. Everything he was involved with, he was all in. His infectious personality and superb leadership skills quickly inspired all around him to want to do more.

When Col Hardin commanded the Air Base Wing at Eglin, it had a 4-digit designation. Then Air Force Chief of Staff, Merrill McPeak, put out an edit that all wings had to have a numerical designation of historical relevance to the Army Air Corps or Air Force. He even provided a list of available wing designations. On that list was the 96th. Colonel Hardin, as a lieutenant had served in the 96th, before it had been deactivated. He quickly responded to the Chief’s call and secured the 96th designation for Eglin. The significance of the 96th dates from its inception as a Bomb Group during World War II and its role in the Vietnam War.

The B-52 that resides at the Air Armament Museum, was secured during Colonel Hardin’s time as commander of Eglin. He also served as crew member on that bird during Vietnam.

As we perform community outreach with the First Sergeants in 96th Test Wing or when we drive pass the Air Armament Museum, let’s give a tip of the cap to one of our very own, Col Doug Hardin and his enduring legacy. For additional pictures of Col Hardin, click this link:

http://nwfmoa.org/files/hardin/album/

H2S (Here to Serve),


Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
President, NWFMOA


February 10, 2023

50th Anniversary Salute to Okaloosa County Vietnam POWs Returning Home

On Thursday, March 9th, from 1730 to 1930, our community will gather at the Air Force Armament Museum and honor five Vietnam POWs who call Okaloosa County home on the 50th Anniversary of their release from captivity. I respectfully request our Chapter come out and partake in the celebration. One of the POWs to be honored, Brig Gen George “Bud” Day, was a NWFMOA Member. At least two of our Chapter Members (then Capt Fred and Jan Westfall) were on the tarmac at Clark Air Base, Philippines in 1973 when the just released POWs made their first stop after departing Hanoi.  This will also be our Officers Call for the quarter so please join us.

H2S

Fran Hendricks
President, NWFMOA


January 16, 2023

MOAA Florida Council of Chapters Training Seminar

I recently had the pleasure to attend the MOAA Florida Council of Chapters (FCoC) annual training seminar in Orlando, Florida.  MOAA Chapters from throughout Florida and surrounding states attended the two-day event.  Pat Kluever, President of the FCoC served as Master of Ceremonies for the training seminar. Presentations from MOAA National senior officials included the following topics: MOAA Update; Surviving Spouse; Chapter Affairs; Legislative Affairs; and the MOAA Foundation.  The FCoC Board gave presentations regarding its State-wide Membership Campaign and the 2023 Convention.

This was the first time I attended this annual training seminar and found it to both very informative and engaging. I had numerous conversations with MOAA National staff members, MOAA Board members, FCoC Board members, and Presidents from Florida MOAA chapters. We shared best practices and lessons learned. I even found the opportunity to engage the MOAA Chairman of the Board, Lt Gen Gary North, USAF (Ret).

In addition to telling Gen North a little bit about the NWFMOA Chapter, I planted the seed for him or the MOAA President, Lt Gen Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret), to visit our chapter in 2024 and partake in our 65th Anniversary (60th affiliated with MOAA). I received an early commitment that one of the two will be there.

 On Friday evening, MOAA National hosted Dinner and awarded various chapters their LOE awards. While we didn’t receive a LOE award, I was happy to see our very own Don Panzenhagen be recognized with a FCoC Leadership Award for his work as the Area Vice President for our region. I was equally honored to be called forward and accept a FCoC Leadership Award for Michael Griffith for his work as our Chapter President. We will make the presentation to Mike at the February Chapter luncheon. Also, at our February Chapter luncheon we will be joined by CAPT Frank Michael, USN Retired. CAPT Michael serves as the Program Director, Council and Chapter Affairs at MOAA National and will update us on MOAA’s recent legislative successes and what initiatives MOAA is presently undertaking to further safeguard our benefits. Please plan to attend the February NWFMOA Chapter meeting on February 2 (Ground Hog Day) at 1130, Fort Walton Yacht Club.

 H2S (Here to Serve),

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
President, NWFMOA


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