About Us

Early History
 
The El Paso Chapter of MOAA was established in 1955 as an adjunct of the Retired Officers Association headquartered in Washington, DC. Under the leadership of BG Earl M. Heathcote, approximately 66 retired officers agreed to support the organization and the charter was issued. Staffing followed the Chapter Organization outlined for Chapters by the National Association of TROA. The early history tells us that even though, located in and around Ft. Bliss, the chapter suffered many changes of meeting venues until finally settled in the Officers Club at Ft. Bliss. Through the years, the membership has grown to over 700 members and fluctuates as each renewal period begins. 
 
Middle History
 
From the 1960s through the 1980s, the chapter initiated many important programs which are still honored to this day. Budget considerations were the determining factor on what to support and fund. Of great importance is the bi-monthly Border Bulletin of chapter news, Life membership started in the late 1980s. Programs designed to involve the membership in a more personal manner include the Day at The Races held in Sunland Park Race Track across the border in New Mexico. This activity reaches forty or fifty members who love the thrill of horse racing. Health issues are always a matter for concern and whenever possible, the Chapter organizes a Health Fair or includes a guest speaker at out Bi-Monthly Membership meetings/luncheons. Winding down the year, we join the military community in presenting the Retiree Appreciation Day held in September (presently at the Sgt Majors Academy on East Ft. Bliss). MG ® Ed Greer (MOAA Member) along with the Retiree Office and Council of Ft Bliss organize and administer this important event. Involvement of the chapter does not stop with military community outreach but, includes the membership in tours and cruises in other parts of the World such as, Hawaii and the Eastern Mediterranean areas. 
 
Recent History
 
Starting in the 1990s, new programs were developed which infected the entire fabric of the chapter. A Fisher House was constructed on the property of William Beaumont Medical Center and the chapter authorized an annual stipend and personal support. Charitable outreach included the USO, the Pediatric Clinic of William Beaumont Hospital, youth programs located in Arizona, the West Point Coalition, and support of our wounded warrior program. A particularly important feature of our outreach is the Scholarship program administered by National Headquarters.
 
As the present decade reacted to the events of September 11, 2001, so did the makeup of the Chapter. National MOAA presented a three-year study to justify the need to change the name of the organization from The Retired Officers Association (TROA) to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Consequently, in 2003, the name change became official. With that change, the focus of the organization was directed toward the Active Duty Officer as a potential member. This required a slight change in the organizational structure of the Chapter in terms of outreach and a new direction for recruitment. Consequently, we were faced with the need to balance our membership and to provide staffing for accomplishing our mission. Our approach has been reflected in the expansion of the staff to include additional Vice Presidents, balanced reporting in our newsletter, the Border Bulletin, and maintaining direct contact with commanders of active duty units and personnel located at Ft. Bliss.   
 
Outstanding Accomplishments
 
Since the late 1990s, the chapter actively participated in National and local competitions/events. The five Star National MOAA Award was earned on five consecutive years. Aggressive support of the National “Give Me Ten” program has netted over 200 new members and a deposit of some $1000 to our treasury. In honor of the survivors of the Bataan Death March from Corregidor at the onset of World War II, members participate in an annual march which takes place at White Sands Missile Range Headquarters in March.  The chapter was responsible in 2008 for the naming of a gunnery range at Dona Anna Camp, in Otero County, New Mexico honoring the memory of COL Joseph Rodriguez, Medal of Honor Recipient and member of the chapter. 
 
General Information
 
Of interest to all members is the support the chapter gives to many military and community organizations. Throughout Texas, the Texas Council of Chapters meets quarterly to discuss progress toward National and local issues affecting the membership. In 2010, Ed Stone, Past President of the El Paso Chapter has been elected to head the Council for the next two years.  At the National level, a minimum of three of our BOD attend the National Seminar held annually in whatever designated place chosen by National. We are represented on the Military Committee of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce and frequently meet with and give orientation talks to incoming military scheduled for deployment. Finally, our chapter: supports the MOWW Annual Flag Ceremony held at a local venue; presents ROTC Medals to High school and University outstanding graduates; is well represented at Memorial Day ceremonies at Ft Bliss National Cemetery.
 
Of particular interest to the general membership is our participation with the Veterans Coalition. This group meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Armed Forces YMCA, on William Beaumont Army Medical Center property, for the purpose of discussing Veterans problems at all levels. Membership is open to all Veterans and is jointly chaired with District 73 Congressional Representative Sylvestre Reyes and LTC John McKinney, Legislative Liaison to the Texas government. 
 
 For over twenty five years, the Chapter has been holding meetings and enjoying membership luncheons in the Ft. Bliss Offices Club. In September 2009, the O Club closed and all those who regularly used the Club were asked to transfer activities to the Centennial Club in East Fort Bliss. Unless and until a new O Club is built on main post proper, the Centennial club will be our home for the future. 

In 2011, the chapter put into motion the development of the El Paso Chapter Outreach Foundation, a nonprofit 501c(3) charitable organization to support, fund and enhance MOAA objectives and El Paso MOAA Chapter activities; educate and encourage participation in local and national legislative issues and decisions; sponsor educational scholarships; support local individual service member’s, units’ needs, events, and special requests for support from Active, Reserve, National Guard, Public Health, Retiree, Veteran, Spouse’s, and Beneficiaries in the local Military community.
 
In 2012, the chapter continued to excel according to MOAA national. The chapter was awarded another 5-Star streamer for chapter excellence, twelve consecutive years. The chapter website, http://elpasomoaa.org, and the Legislative articles were selected as best in MOAA for the chapter category. The newsletter, The Border Bulletin, was rated third best. The chapter improved its support of the University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP) ROTC program. The chapter awards newly commissioned second lieutenants with their first set of epaulets. The chapter continued to participate in local events with JROTC units, MOWW, SMW, Retired Officers’ wives Club, and NAUS.
 
In 2013, the chapter continued to excel according to MOAA national. The chapter was awarded another 5-Star streamer for chapter excellence, twelve consecutive years. The chapter website, http://elpasomoaa.org, the chapter newsletter, The Border Bulletin, and the Legislative articles were selected as best in MOAA for the chapter category. The chapter ameliorated its support of the University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP) ROTC program. The chapter initiated application for 501(c) (3) status to increase support of Fort Bliss soldiers, and others in need. Additionally, the chapter supported the Junior Enlisted Food Pantry. The chapter continued to participate in local events with JROTC units, MOWW, SMW, Retired Officers’ wives Club, and NAUS.
 
In 2014, the chapter continued to excel according to MOAA national. The chapter was awarded another 5-Star streamer for chapter excellence, thirtheenth consecutive years.  The chapter newsletter, The Border Bulletin, was selected as best in MOAA for the chapter category for the communications award competition, and  the chapter website, http://elpasomoaa.orgwas rated third best. The chapter ameliorated its support of the University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP) ROTC program. 
 
Note: The Chapter History is dynamic and this page will be updated annually or sooner as events dictate.
 
LTC Dan Schulte, USA, Retired – Chapter Staff Emeritus