COMMUNITY OUTREACH
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. The Community Outreach Fund, Inc. was recently awarded 501(C)3 status. 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, 2024, 2025 and 2026, we again purchased gift cards for junior enlisted families, partnered with the DAR, and Valentines for Vets. Please help us to continue our work in the community in 2026 by clicking a donation link below.
THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (NWFMOA), COMMUNITY OUTREACH FUND, INC. IS A 501(C)3 CORPORATION. DONATIONS ARE TAX EXEMPT AS PROVIDED BY LAW. REGISTRATION # CH81242. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FL DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING (800) 435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA OR VIA THEIR WEBSITE OF https://www.fdacs.gov/consumerservices. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. IRS FEIN is 39-4351621
CHAPTER happenings
Pictures of NWFMOA events
March 5, 2026
Lunch Speaker and MOAA Leadership Awards
The speaker for the March 5th lunch was Lt Col Derek Haun, Commander, 20th Space Surveillance Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base Site C-6, Florida.
Col Haun gave a most interesting presentation about the mission of the 20th Space Surveillance Squadron and and answered many questions posed by the members.
Also at the meeting President Fran Hendricks presented MOAA Leadership Awards to Kevin Kirby, Dan Brown and Karl Eschmann.
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February 13, 2026
NWFMOA Participates in the 3rd Annual Valentines For Veterans
For the third consecutive year the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association partnered with the Longwood elementary students to give Valentines For Veterans to the members of Bob Hope Village. This year the NWFMOA provided cookies and soft drinks for all.
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, 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 400 Valentines…they wanted to make sure everyone received one. From the smiles, laughter, and especially the hugs, this was once again a resounding success.
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February 7, 2026
American Legion Honors The Four Chaplains
American Legion Post 296 in Destin paid honor to the Four Chaplains (Lt. George L. Fox (Methodist), Lt. Alexander D. Goode (Jewish), Lt. John P. Washington (Catholic), and Lt. Clark V. Poling (Dutch Reformed) who sacrificed their lives during the sinking of the troopship USAT Dorchester on February 3, 1943, by giving up their life jackets to soldiers and going down with the ship.
The pictures on the right are from the event. Chaplain Tom Azar brought a painting commemorating the event. We were welcomed by Corrine Ziegler, Commander AM Legion Post 296. Tom Godbold, former member of the NWFMOA, made opening remarks. Guest speaker Ron Springer gave an accounting of the events of that day in February, 1943, including the actions taken by the Four Chaplains. Tom Goldbold is shown holding Chaplain Azar’s painting.
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February 6, 2026
Thank You Note from Representative Patronis.
I received the following note from Congressman Patronis for serving on his Air Force Academy Recommendation Board. We interviewed 25 students and made recommendations to the Congressman regarding potential nominees for a congressional appointment.
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February 5, 2026
VFW Donates to the NWFMOA Scholarship Fund
Pictured are NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks, VFW Post 7674 Auxiliary President Betty Riker, and NWFMOA Scholarship Fund President Dave Parisot. Betty presented a sizable check to the NWFMOA Community Outreach Program in support of our Commissary Gift Cards for E-4 Families and below in need. Fran presented a thank you note to the Post Auxiliary for their very generous donation.
President Fran Hendricks thanks the VFW Post Auxiliary for their donation and provides a short description of our Chapter and our Community Outreach programs.
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February 5, 2026
February Lunch Speaker – Drew Palmer
Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer was our presenter at the February 5th luncheon.
Drew spoke about his commitment to driving economic development and expansion in Okaloosa County. He gave examples of several infrastructure improvement projects that support the region’s growth while maintaining low taxes and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Drew’s vision for Okaloosa County includes fostering a thriving business environment, promoting community engagement, and supporting sustainable development. At the end of his presentation he answered questions from NWFMOA members
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January 8, 2026
Induction of New Officers and Board
Major General Richard Comer, USAF, Ret., addresses the group and administers the Oath of Office to the 2026 NWFMOA Officers and Board members at the January lunch meeting.
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Clicking on the bottom picture takes you to the album of all 19 pictures of the event.
December 10th, 2025
Crestview Rotary Makes Contribution
NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks briefed the Crestview Rotary on Dec 10, 2025 on NWFMOA. They made a donation to the PolioPlus Fund of the Rotary Foundation on his behalf and also made a sizeable donation to our Commissary Gift Card Program.
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Fellow NWFMOA Members,
Special Olympics Okaloosa County is in need of basketball coaches. No prior coaching experience is required—just enthusiasm and a willingness to support the athletes. If you are interested, please contact Isabella Johnson, Manager, Sports Training and Competition Area 1, Special Olympics Florida at (229) 898-9227 or isabellajohnson@sofl.org Thank you for considering this request for assistance.
H2S,
Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
54th President, NWFMOA
December 2025
NWFMOA Distributes Commissary Gift Cards
Again this year the NWFMOA presented Commissary Gift Cards to area First Sergeants to be distributed to E-4 and below Families In Need. This year we gave $15,000 to Duke Field, the Army 7th Special Forces (A), Eglin, and Hurlburt First Sergeants and the Commando Airmen and Family Support Group.
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Clicking on the bottom picture takes you to the album of all 32 pictures.
December 13, 2025
NWFMOA Participates in Wreaths Across America
Again this year the NWFMOA participated in the annual Wreaths Across America at the Beal Memorial cemetery.
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Clicking on the bottom picture takes you to the album of all 38 pictures.
December 5, 2025
The Christmas Ball 2025
This year the NWFMOA partnered with the Crispy Warriors for the annual Christmas Ball. Pictures are by Bob Gramm (unless otherwise noted).
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Clicking on the bottom picture takes you to the album of all 25 pictures.
December 4, 2025
December Lunch Speaker – Opus One Returns
For our December NWFMOA lunch we once again had the pleasure of listening to Opus One, the outstanding choral group from Niceville High School. As usual, they provided both a traditional and entertaining performance.
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Clicking on the bottom picture takes you to the album of all pictures.
Thanksgiving Week 2025
President Hendricks spends his time at the courts
President Fran Hendricks spends a lot of time watching Northwest Florida State College Basketball events. The pictures on the right show him at various NWFSC events. He usually gets some goodies for his loyalty. Fran’s wife, Connie, even participates by baking cookies for some of the events.
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November 20, 2025
President Hendricks thanks the United Way
The United Way of the Emerald Coast has been a major contributor to our Commissary Gift Cards for E-4 Families and below. The picture shows him thanking them and presenting our 65th Commemorative Coin.
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November 6, 2025
November Lunch Speaker – Parker Destin
Dewey “Parker” Destin was our guest speaker at the November NWFMOA Chapter Luncheon. Parker is a 6th generation Floridian. Parker grew up commercial fishing and operating restaurants with his family before receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tampa in 2007. Parker graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2012 and is admitted to the Bar in the State of Florida. As a life-long student of Florida History, Mr. Destin has worked to preserve Florida’s historical heritage through passing local preservation incentives, as an elected official, and digitizing documents from Florida’s Revolutionary War period for public access. He currently owns and operates restaurants in Northwest Florida.
He provided a a very interesting historical perspective of “what was happening in our area during the Revolutionary War”.
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November 1, 2025
Military Family Appreciation Day
The NWFMOA in partnership with Zaxby’s Chicken participated in the 2025 Military Family Appreciation Day event at the Fort Walton Beach Landing.
Over 200 people of all ages participated in the corn hole toss. We gave away 25 Gift Cards from Zaxby’s Chicken to the lucky winners. Each card was valued at $25.
View all 43 pictures of the event by clicking HERE.
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October 17, 2025
Baker High School Installs Plaque
Baler High School recently added a plaque thanking those who helped provide funding for their flag pole project which was completed in October 2024 (bottom picture). The NWFMOA Scholarship Fund provided a $500 Educational Support Grant to the Baker JROTC program to help fund the project.
Educational Support Grants are provided upon request and approval through donations made to the Scholarship Fund. Thank you all for your generous contributions.
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October 2, 2025
October Lunch Speaker
The speaker for the October 2 lunch meeting was Bonnie Barlow, CEO of the Bridgeway Center. She is seen receiving our Commemorative Coin from NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks. Ms. Barlow gave a very informative and entertaining presentation on the Bridgeway Center and One Hopeful Place.
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September 5, 2025
Fort Walton Beach Chamber Breakfast
NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks, Scholarship Fund President Dave Parisot and Fred Westfall manned the Spotlight table at the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Breakfast.
Below: President Fran Hendricks speaks to the group.
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August 3, 2025
Welcome New Member Liz Plauche
Welcome Liz Plauche, our new webmaster, to the NWFMOA Chapter. Liz has been working hand in hand with Fred Westfall so as to ensure a smooth transition and she is doing a magnificent job. If you haven’t checked out our new website, please do so by searching for nwfmoa on line. (NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks presented Liz with her NWFMOA Chapter coin).
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July 10, 2025
NWFMOA member Col. Dale Marks receives ‘Quilt of Valor’
Retired Colonel Dale Marks received a Quilt of Valor Heirloom quilt Thursday, July 10, presented by the Flying Needles Quilt Guild of Valparaiso. Marks currently serves as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, where he advises on Department of Defense matters relating to energy, installations, and the environment. He oversees the department’s extensive real property assets, including millions of acres of land and more than 500,000 buildings and structures at over 800 installations.
Previously, Marks served as Executive Director of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, directing a workforce of over 10,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel. His role included leading developmental testing and evaluation of advanced weapon systems and directing base operating support for the Air Force’s largest installation.
His military career spanned over 24 years of both Active Duty and National Guard service in the U.S. Air Force. As a combat fighter pilot, Marks logged over 3,000 hours in A-10, F-15E, AT-38, and F-16 aircraft. His service included a deployment as Chief of Staff for Operational Sustainment in Kabul with U.S. Forces – Afghanistan and NATO Resolute Support.
The Flying Needles Quilt Guild’s activities include creating quilts for charity projects, completing Quilts of Valor for military veterans, and working on “Opportunity Quilts” for fundraising.
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July 4, 2025
Dave Parisot Addresses The FWB Chamber
At the July Fort Walton Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Dave Parisot showed two slides of FP&L’s scholarship presentation from our May 1st Scholarship Awards luncheon, and publicly thanked FP&L for their financial support of our Scholarship Program and also thanked other Chamber business sponsors (Merrill Lynch, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Step One Automotive Group, and Lisa Jo Spencer, P.A.). Dave reminded the Chamber members that our prime objective with the Scholarship Program is to achieve officer commissions in our armed forces and recounted the successes we have had since 2018 (65% of scholarship awardees are now commissioned officers). He received a great ovation from the breakfast crowd (about 250-300 present).
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July 4, 2025
Heroes Among Us
On the 249th anniversary of our country, Dan Brown sent the graphic (edited) listing the members of the Northwest Florida Military Officers who were Misty FACs during the Vietnam War. Those members are highlighted in yellow in the graphic.
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July 3, 2025
Col Dick Solt
Our July lunch speaker featured Col Dick Solt. The picture on the right is him riding a camel. Dick spoke about the many and varied assignments, particularly the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam. Dick will speak again later this year or next about his dealings with the Iran Contra Affair and Desert Storm.
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June 24, 2025
Chuck Merkel and Tina
Our July Defender featured Col Dick Solt and a picture of him riding a camel. Not to be outdone, Major Chuck Merkel, USA (Ret) sent the picture on the right. He stated “In the “for what it is worth” department, here is a photo of me with Tina during my second deployment to the desert. I think she is a lot cuter than the one in the photo below (of Col Solt). When I sent the picture to Diane (his wife), she posted on her Facebook page with the caption “I think I have been replaced.” One of my friends wrote back to ask if she has a sister. Diane still has not forgiven me, so I sent her two stuffed camels as gifts.”
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June 1, 2025
NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks Addresses Tyndall AFB Civil Engineers
Fran Hendricks was invited to address the Air Force’s newest Civil Engineers Course at Tyndall AFB on June 1, 2025. This course is prepare the new AF Civil Engineer Officers for what awaits them at their base of assignment and deployed locations.
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MOAA Foundation Awards NWFMOA Grant
The NWFMOA was recently notified it was approved to receive a $3,250 MOAA Foundation grant for its Annual Commissary Gift Card Program that assists Junior Enlisted Families in need. This marks the sixth consecutive year we have received a grant for this community outreach imitative.
Last year, we were awarded a $3,000 MOAA Foundation grant and we raised an additional $7,000 for a total of $10,000 which allowed us to directly impact 400 families during the Holidays with $25 Commissary Gift Cards. Working with First Sergeants from Eglin, Hurlburt, Camp Bull Simons, and Duke Field, the cards were distributed to those deemed in most need. Each gift card was accompanied by a letter from the President, NWFMOA that described the program and listed the donors who made the program possible. Debriefs from the First Sergeant after distribution indicated the great appreciation and emotion of receiving a Commissary Gift Card. Some of the 2024 recipients are shown on the right.
Our goal for 2025 is to initially match the $3,250 grant through community donations and then strive to surpass last year’s total. If we can raise a grand total of $11,000, we will be able to support 440 junior enlisted families in need. That is 40 more families than we reached last year.
To reach our goal, we invite you to participate. Donations can be made by check or cash and given to any Chapter Board Member. Donations can also be made with a credit card on our website. We welcome the opportunity to add you to our banner of donors (displayed on our website with a minimum donation of $25). Additionally, we encourage you to participate in our monthly Chapter luncheon 50/50…all proceeds go to support this community outreach program.
Bottomline; every $25 we raise will directly impact one junior enlisted family in need. Thank you!
H2S,
Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
54th President, NWFMOA
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I respectfully request all NWFMOA members consider sending us pictures of them traveling, etc.
To the right is Jeff Watson, 1st VP, traveling in Vancouver, British Columbia with his NWFMOA coin.
Elvira and I at the Stories of (A Reflection on Vietnam) at the Air Force Armament Museum, May 28th.
Bottom: Jeff Fanto and I at the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers event at Uptown Station. Both Jeff and I are members of the Sunset Vettes Club and brought our Corvettes out for the show.
H2S
Fran Hendricks
President, NWFMOA
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May 16, 2025
Three Okaloosa leaders honored for mental health advocacy
Three community leaders were recognized by Bridgeway Center for their service advocating for improved mental health access in Okaloosa County.
NWFMOA member Patt Maney, B/G, USA (Retired), who served as a judge before becoming a state representative, shared his longstanding commitment to mental health advocacy.
“As a judge, I worked with Bridgeway for years and first became concerned about the challenges of mental health and the shortcomings of Florida law. That concern was a major reason I ran for state representative,” said Maney. “I am proud to support Bridgeway’s many mental health initiatives like the Okaloosa County’s Mental Health Diversion Program, their support of One Hopeful Place and the BCI transitional housing initiative.”
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May 6, 2025
Florida State Representative and NWFMOA member BG Patt Maney was appointed to the newly formed Select Committee on Property Taxes, which will examine possible proposals to cut property taxes in Florida. “We’re on the hunt and everything is on the table,” He said in a statement. “Florida’s families deserve meaningful relief from their tax burdens.” Maney, also a retired judge and Army general, said he was honored by the appointment and committed to tackling a “challenge”.
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May 1, 2025
NWFMOA Awards $55,000 in Scholarships to ROTC and JROTC Cadets
This year the Scholarship gave 9 scholarships to deserving ROTC and JROTC Cadets.
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To view all 40 pictures from the event, click here or graphic on right →.
April 30, 2025
NWFMOA Participates in the Honoring Our Heroes Ceremony
Over 35 NWFMOA members helped celebrate Fort Walton Beach’s Honoring Our Heroes ceremony.
Rocky Bleier, US Army and Vietnam Veteran, was the keynote speaker at the Honoring Our Heroes, Welcome Home—A Tribute to Vietnam Veterans on April 30, 2025. As a lifelong Steeler fan, he asked me to put on his 4 Super Bowl rings…which Fran did with great respect.
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April 15, 2025
NWFMOA Members Celebrate NWFSC Championship
As ardent Raider Club Members, Dr Howard Fisher and Fran Hendricks had the pleasure to attend the Northwest Florida State College Women’s Basketball National Championship reception. Here they are pictured with the National Championship Trophy and the net from the championship game.
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March 2025
More Community Service – Helping the Boy Scouts
Dual-hatted Kiwanis and NWFMOA members Larry Bush, Paul Singleton, Jon Morris, and Fred Shore participate in the Annual Boy Scouts Pancake breakfast. The annual event raises funds for the local Boy Scouts Troop 544.
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March 6, 2025
NWFMOA March Lunch – The Mistys
NWFMOA had the great honor to have 4 Misty Pilots join us for lunch and make a presentation on Commando Sabre (Misty) operations in Vietnam. Pictured below are NWFMOA President Fran Hendricks, Dan Brown (Misty 143), Gib Ahl (Misty 100), George Hanks (Misty 49), and Guy Gruters (Misty 29). Guy Gruters spent over 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton (POW).
Misty FACs (forward air controllers) flew at low altitude, spotting and marking enemy targets in heavily-defended areas in Laos and North Vietnam. This all-volunteer group had a quarter of their number shot down during these extremely hazardous missions. U.S. Air Force used F-100F FACs over the most heavily-defended spots under the code name COMMANDO SABRE. In June 1967 Detachment 1, 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron, commanded by Maj. George “Bud” Day, NWFMOA member who passed in 2013, began operations. The all-volunteer aircrews of this unit quickly became known by their radio call sign Misty.
At today’s lunch, one of the Mistys, Col Gib Ahl, USAF (RET), gave a presentation to our group.
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March 1, 2025
AF JROTC Area Drill Competition
On March 1, 2025, several representatives from the NWFMOA attended JROTC drill competition in the Commando Hangar at Hurlburt Field. This was the second annual drill competition for several local Air Force JROTC units. The event started at 8:00AM. Each team was judged on several drill components including armed and unarmed regulation, armed exhibition, color guard regulation and color guard specialty.
The JROTC units plan to continue this event annually in the upcoming years. We see potential for the NWFMOA Chapter and Scholarship Fund to be a sponsor and help to defray some of the expenses in future years.
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To view all 26 pictures of the Drill Competition, click HERE.
February 14, 2025
NWFMOA Participates in the 3rd Annual Valentines for Veterans
For the second year in a row, the NWFMOA carried on its 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, 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.
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To view all 30 pictures of the event, click HERE.
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