President’s Welcome

It is my honor to serve as the 54^th 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 96^th 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 54^th 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

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February 11th, 2026

Florida Council of Chapters’ Leadership Training Seminar-Convention

I recently had the pleasure to attend and represent NWFMOA at the annual Florida Council of Chapters (FCoC) Leadership Training Seminar and Convention. Also attending from NWFMOA was 1 st VP Jeff Watson and his lovely bride, Judy. The training seminar/convention started on Thursday, January 29 and ended on Sunday, February 1. Highlights of the 4-day seminar included presentations from MOAA National, the MOAA Foundation, FCoC, and breakout sessions with other Chapters to discuss issues of shared concern.

Because of NWFMOA’s success in obtaining MOAA Foundation grants, I was asked to make an hour presentation during the convention on the how and why pursuing a MOAA Foundation Grant is important to your chapter. Joining me on the dais during the presentation was Lauren Walters, MOAA Charities. Together, we explained the how and why. The success NWFMOA has enjoyed in obtaining MOAA grants was used throughout the presentation to demonstrate the ease of obtaining a grant, the impact of the grant on the designated community you are trying to serve, and how a grant increases the public’s awareness of your chapter. The presentation was well received and garnered many favorable comments and follow up engagements with members from other chapters. (Special thanks to Fred Westfall who made my slides look outstanding).

The highlight of the convention was to hear from General Brian Kelly, President and CEO of MOAA National. He sat with us throughout the training sessions and gave a formal address at the awards dinner. I am happy to report that MOAA had a very successful 2025 safeguarding and promoting the benefits each of us earned through our service. He stressed the importance of each of us being active in the MOAA Legislative Action Center. Through our individual responses, we send a strong message to Congress supporting MOAA’s targeted actions. (Please see my Legislative Corner in this edition of the Defender for how to sign up for MOAA’s Legislative Action Center and have your voice heard, thereby helping MOAA in its efforts). Gen Kelly also complemented NWFMOA by name several times during his various speaking engagements at the convention.

The annual convention also had a solemn session where we gathered for a memorial service honoring all our members we lost during the year. I had the honor to read the names of NWFMOA’s fallen. When I finished the list, a bell was wrung honoring them and their service. The memorial service had several readings from the Bible and ended with Amazing Grace being played on bagpipes.

During the convention, the following NWFMOA members were publicly called out and recognized for their leadership…Dan Brown, Karl Eschmann, and Kevin Kirby. Each will receive a certificate at an upcoming chapter luncheon. Thank you for the opportunity to represent our chapter at this annual event.

H2S,

Brig Gen Fran Hendricks, USAF Retired
54th President, NWFMOA

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January 14th, 2026

What Gets Measured–Gets Done

To quote an old boss of mine, MG Keith Thurgood, US Army Reserve, “What gets measured, gets done!” At the January Board meeting, the NWFMOA
Board approved the Chapter’s goals for 2026. They did so with the intent of building upon the successes the Chapter has earned and enjoyed over the
past decade. This approved list of goals will define where we will concentrate our efforts on meeting our stated purpose of making a difference in the lives
of those presently serving, those who have served, and those who have expressed an interest in serving. Following are the goals for the NWFMOA as we celebrate our 67th year.

NWFMOA 2026 Goals

Goal 1 Membership
(1) Increase Chapter Membership by 10 new Members
(2) Feature New Members in The Defender Welcome Aboard
(3) Schedule and hold Officers Call in Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct

Goal 2 Financial Soundness
(1) Finish the year in the black
(2) Banner Income…collect $4000 in donations
(3) Solicit and collect members’ dues

Goal 3 Christmas Party
(1) Partner with Crispy Warriors (again)

Goal 4 Scholarship
(1) Award scholarships to deserving local area high school JROTC seniors
and college ROTC juniors and seniors
(2) Award Education Support Grants to local JRTOC units

Goal 5 Community Outreach                                                                                                                                                                                                (1) Finalize 2025 MOAA Foundation Grant (After Action Report)
(2) Apply for 2026 MOAA Foundation Community Outreach Grant
(3) Annual Valentines for Veterans
(4) Military Family Appreciation Day
(5) Commissary Gift Card Campaign—purchase 600 Commissary Gift Cards
for Junior Enlisted Families in need
(6) Wreaths Across America—purchase 200 wreaths DONE (Dec 25)

Goal 6 To be a Recognized Leader in Florida and with MOAA National
(1) Work in close coordination with the Florida Council of Presidents
(2) Establish and maintain contact with MOAA National
(3) Earn MOAA 5-Star LOE Submit annual Chapter LOE to MOAA
(4) Earn MOAA 5-Star Harris Communication Award for Newsletter
(5) Earn MOAA 5-Star Harris Communication Award for Website

Goal 7 Recognition
(1) Recognize Chapter members for their selfless service and support to the
Chapter and its mission
(2) Each Board Member identify 1 NWFMOA Member for Spotlight Feature in
The Defender

Goal 8 Support Legislative and Service-Related Issues that impact
our Community
(1) Use Call to Action emails to all Chapter Members to solicit action and
support
(2) Conduct Legislative Minute at monthly Chapter luncheons
(3) Invite an elected official to attend lunch and brief on items of interest to
our members

Please plan to join us as we once again demonstrate Comradery with Purpose and build upon the excellence the Chapter has routinely demonstrated.

H2S

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
54th President, NWFMOA

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2025 – Celebrating 66 Years of Service to the Community

As we look forward to our 67th year of serving those who are presently serving, those who have served, as well as those who have expressed a desire to serve, I thought I would give a quick summary of the year that just closed out. 2025 was another great year for NWFMOA.  Following is some of the highlights from this memorable year. As we have in the past, we will continue to build upon these impactful events as we strive to make a difference in the lives of others in 2026.

Year 2025 in Review:

Increase the awareness of being a NWFMOA Member

• Free lunch during our member’s birth month continues to be well received.

• Monthly trivia question in The Defender…get it correct and have your name drawn at the next meeting to win a free lunch. Must be present to win.

• Members shared personal stories about their careers in our Member Spotlight feature in The Defender. (I encourage everyone to take advantage of this. In addition to enlightening us all, your feature becomes part of our Chapter repository and lore).

• Mascot of the Month…All Members are invited to share a picture of their pet for publication in the Defender

• Fielded a new website to further recognize the Chapter, its members, and our impact in the community we serve. (Great job Fred Westfall!) I invite everyone to check it out.

 Membership

• Added new members as well as many current members opting for Life Memberships.

• Hosted Officer Calls…great time and place to share stories from our time in uniform. (Kudos to Dick Solt for leading this effort).

• Had a joint Christmas Party with the Crispy Warriors. Connie Hendricks and Susie Garcia each made a Christmas Wreath to be raffled off, with the proceeds going to the Community Outreach Fund, INC. A total of $710 was raised.

 Increase Community Outreach Impact

• Partnered with Longwood Elementary School and Bob Hope Village for our 3rd Annual Valentines for Veterans celebration…over 200 handmade Valentine Cards were made and delivered by the Longwood Kindergarteners and 4 th  Graders to residents of Bob Hope Village.

•Awarded $55,000 in scholarships. (Great job NWFMOA Scholarship Fund Board)

•Participated in FWB Chamber of Commerce’s Military Family Appreciation Day at the Landing. We again partnered with Zaxby’s and offered 20 ($25) restaurant gift card to winners of our cornhole game. (The prior year Zaxby’s gave us 10 ($10) gift cards. Zaxby’s has committed to be our partner again in 2026).

•Applied for and received a $3,000 MOAA Foundation Grant to purchase Commissary Gift Cards for Junior Enlisted Families. During the first five years of this initiative, we reached a total of 1,298 junior enlisted families. We reached 400 families in 2024. In 2025, we leverage the MOAA Foundation grant and raised an additional $12,000 for a total of $15,000 raised thereby allowing us to reach 600 junior enlisted families—200 additional families this year! (The MOAA Foundation, NWFMOA Members, and the local community are commended for their generosity which enabled this incredible success).

• Purchased 150 wreaths through the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee and helped placed them on the graves of Veterans buried in Beal Memorial Cemetery.

Be a Recognized Leader in Florida and with MOAA National

• 3 Chapter Members were recognized with FCoC Leadership Awards (Ray Alexander, Bob Allen, and Bob Gramm).

• Chapter earned MOAA’s highest award (5-Star Award) for its Newsletter…our 8th consecutive 5-Star Award. (Congratulations to Defender Editor Fred Westfall)

• The Chapter earned MOAA’s highest award (5-Star Award) for its Webpage…our 8th consecutive 5-Star Award. (Congratulations Fred Westfall, Webmaster)

• The Chapter earned MOAA’s highest award (5-Star Award) for the Chapter…our 10th 5-Star Award since 2014. (Congratulations on being one of the best Chapters in all of MOAA).

• The Chapter approved an amendment to its Bylaws which extends Chapter Life Membership to all Surviving Spouses.

• The Chapter submitted its Community Outreach efforts for IRS recognition as a 501(c)3 and was approved. The NWFMOA Community Outreach Fund, INC is also recognized by the State of Florida as a charity/non-profit entity and is thereby exempt from state taxes on necessary purchases. Our Chapter continues to do well thanks to the hard work of many. I want to especially thank the Board (Karl Eschmann, Jeff Watson, Fred Westfall, Doug Stauffer, Ray Alexander, Bob Allen, Bob Gramm, Kevin Kirby, and Dick Solt) for their leadership and help in guiding our Chapter. A very special thank you is extended to Dave Parisot and Fred Westfall for their untiring help to make the Chapter the best it can be. In 2026, we will once again build on the excellence the Chapter is known for. Please plan to join us as we once again demonstrate Comradery with Purpose.

H2S,

Brig Gen Fran Hendricks, USAF Retired
54th President, NWFMOA

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November 9, 2025
NWFMOA Community Outreach Earns 501(c)3 Status

Community outreach has always been a point of focus for NWFMOA. In recent years we have added programs such as Valentines for Veterans, Military Family Appreciation Day, Commissary Gift Card Program for Junior Enlisted Families in Need, and Wreaths Across America. Each of these programs has proven to be a huge success due to the trust afforded our Chapter by the community we serve.

Valentines for Veterans married Longwood Elementary School with Bob Hope Village. This past February we celebrated our third year leading this event. Just last month, we partnered for the second consecutive year with Zaxby’s and gave away 25 ($20) Zaxby ‘s Gift Cards during the Military Family Appreciation Day at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. Zaxby’s has agreed to partner with us again next year. 2025 will mark our sixth year providing Commissary Gift Cards to Junior Enlisted Families in need during the Holidays. Last year we raised $10,000 and reached 400 families. Since 2020, 1,298 Junior Enlisted Families have been assisted. This year we are on track to reach 600 families in this ultra impactful program. Lastly, in early December we will mark the graves of fallen Veterans entombed at Beal Memorial Cemetery with a wreath. Our Chapter purchased 150 wreaths from Wreaths Across America earlier this year.

Because of our ongoing community outreach efforts and track record of delivering results, the NWFMOA Board determined it was time to take the formal step and apply for 501(c)3 status. Dave Parisot led our effort …he drafted the required documents and submitted them for certification. The IRS approved our request on September 25, 2025, and issued us an EIN (39-4351621) for the NWFMOA Community Outreach Fund INC.  As such, the Chapter is a 501(c)19 (Veteran Organization) with two 501(c)3s…the NWFMOA Scholarship Fund INC and the NWFMOA Community Outreach Fund INC…under its umbrella. This new certification further acknowledges and validates our commitment to serve those presently serving, those who have served, and those who have expressed a desired to serve.

NWFMOA is a special organization, and I am proud to count myself among its members.

H2S (Here to Serve).

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
54^th President, NWFMOA

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October 9, 2025
Americans Love a Winner

On September 30^th, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed the Nation’s generals, admirals, and senior enlisted advisors at Quantico, Virginia. After welcoming them, Secretary Hegseth, gave a spirited speech covering why the Department was changing from the Defense Department back to the War Department. More than a name change, this was a change in mission and focus. Excerpts from his speech follow…“From this moment forward, the only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: warfighting, preparing for war and preparing to win, unrelenting and uncompromising in that pursuit not because we want war, no one here wants war, but it’s because we love peace”. His speech focused on people and culture. He stated, “Personnel is policy. The best way to take care of troops is to give them good leaders committed to the warfighting culture of the department, not perfect leaders, good leaders, competent, qualified, professional, agile, aggressive, innovative, risk-taking, apolitical, faithful to their oath and to the Constitution”. He was adamant that the military needed to return to high standards and discipline. “First and foremost, we must restore a ruthless, dispassionate and common-sense application of standards. Standards must be uniform, gender neutral and high. If not, they’re not standards. They’re just suggestions, suggestions that get our sons and daughters killed. At every level, either you can do the job, either you are disciplined, fit and trained, or you are out”. He addressed physical fitness and appearance head on. “It all starts with physical fitness and appearance. It’s tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops. Likewise, it’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon and leading commands around the country and the world. So, whether you are a new private or a four star general, you need to meet the height and weight standards and pass your PT test”. He hammered home the need for standards and the need to end the one mistake and your career is over mentality. “We as senior leaders, need to end the poisonous culture of risk aversion and empower our NCOs at all levels to enforce standards. Truth be told, for the most part we don’t need new standards. We just need to reestablish a culture where enforcing standards is possible”. “The new compass heading is clear. Out with the Chiarellis, the McKenzies and the Milleys, and in with the Stockdales, the Schwarzkopfs and the Pattons. More leadership changes will be made, not because we want to but because we must. Once again this is life and death. The sooner we have the right people, the sooner we can advance the right policies. Personnel is policy”.  Regarding the change from the Department of Defense to the Department of War, he stated, “We have to be prepared for war, not for defense. We fight wars to win, not to defend. Defense is something you do all the time. It is inherently reactionary and can lead to overuse, overreach and mission creep. War is something you do sparingly on your own terms and with clear aims. We fight to win. We unleash overwhelming and punishing violence on the enemy. We also don’t fight with stupid rules of engagement. We untie the hands of our warfighters to intimidate, demoralize, hunt and kill the enemies of our country. No more politically correct and overbearing rules of engagement, just common sense, maximum lethality and authority for warfighters. We fight not because we hate what is in front of us. We fight because we love what is behind us”.

I encourage each of you to read the speech yourself and draw your own conclusions. If you choose to watch the speech, please note he gave it without notes and out from behind the podium. There was no teleprompter. This speech was from the heart. After watching it I immediately searched for George C. Scott’s speech at the end of the movie Patton. Where General Patton reminded each of us, “Americans love a winner”.

H2S (Here to Serve),

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
54^th President, NWFMOA

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 September 8, 2025
NWFMOA Makes Another Change Regarding Dues

The NWFMOA Board of Directors has authorized a policy change designed to benefit members who elect to become life members. While most chapter members pay dues on an annual basis, some choose the option of life membership, eliminating the need for yearly payments. At the September Board meeting, the Board approved a provision allowing members to apply their annual dues payment toward a life membership if they make this decision within the same calendar year. Specifically, any member who has paid annual dues and subsequently opts for life membership may have the previous payment credited toward the cost, provided the transaction is completed by December 31. The total cost of life membership is determined by the member’s current age.

Life Membership Dues (amount shown is for your current age)
younger than 50 $395              51-55 $360                56-60 $335                61-65 $295                 66-70 $275                   71-75 $240                                                        76-80 $195                 81-85 $150                 86-90 $110                 91-95 $75                   96-100 $50                   over 101 Free

This change follows the Chapter’s recent approval to amend our bylaws, allowing life memberships to be extended at no cost to all surviving spouses of NWFMOA members. I would like to commend both the Chapter and the Board for these important actions, which reflect sound judgment. The Board remains committed to seeking additional ways to recognize and reward our members.

H2S (Here to Serve),

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired                                                                                                                                                                                          54th President, NWFMOA    

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August 12, 2025
What Type Of Government Do We Have?

With so much discussion today on different types of government, I thought it would be a great time to share an Ann Landers column from Dec 27, 2001, titled Lesson in How Now, Capitalist Cow?

Dear Ann: I am an inner-city English teacher, and my students are reading George Orwell’s “1984.” I am having a difficult time explaining communism, socialism and fascism to my students without giving a full-blown, time-consuming history lesson. I recall you printed a humorous column some time ago explaining these concepts using cows as examples. Will you please print it again for my students? I’m sure it will kick-start a lively class discussion. I’d appreciate your help. –A TEACHER IN MISSISSIPPI

Dear Mississippi Teacher: Thank you for asking. It’s an “oldie,” but a “goodie.” Here it is “ISMS”

Socialism: You have two cows. Give one cow to your neighbor.
Communism: You have two cows. Give both cows to the government, and they may give you some of the milk.
Fascism: You have two cows. You give all of the milk to the government, and the government sells it.
Nazism: You have two cows. The government shoots you and takes both cows.
Anarchism: You have two cows. Keep both of the cows, shoot the government agent and steal another cow.
Capitalism: You have two cows. Sell one cow and buy a bull. Surrealism: You have two giraffes. The government makes you take harmonica lessons.

It is important for us to share the type of government and way of life we protected when we proudly served.

H2S (Here to Serve),

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
54th President, NWFMOA
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August 3, 2025
Call to Action…Replace Your Military ID Card

If you haven’t changed your and your spouse’s military ID to the new Next Generation Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card, you need to do so before December 31, 2025. If you miss this deadline, the Security Forces will confiscate your military ID upon trying to enter the base.

How do you know if you have the correct military ID card? The new Next Generation Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card is white. The soon to be outdated cards are red, brown, green, blue, and tan in color. It doesn’t matter if your current military ID card says INDEF or has an expiration date beyond December 31, 2025. If your military ID card is not the new white ID card, it will be confiscated.

Both you and your spouse can get your new Next Generation Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card by visiting the Eglin Military Personnel Section, Building 210 (310 Van Matre Avenue). Appointments are not required. Search military ID cards Eglin AFB online for instructions on how to sign into the queue before arriving, thereby shortening your wait time.

For more specifics on this matter, please see the article, Replace Your ID Card in the August Military Officer magazine, page 28.

Kudos to NWFMOA Board Member, Kevin Kirby for bringing this to our attention.

(8/14/25 Update: The December 31, 2025 implementation date has been extended. New implementation date for replacement of “old” military ID cards has not been released. Recommend you still replace your “old” military ID Card with the new one at your earliest convenience).

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF, Retired
54th President, NWFMOA

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July 8, 2025

Bylaws Change: NWFMOA Surviving Spouse Members No Longer Pay Dues

Earlier this year, the NWFMOA Board of Directors reviewed the practice of charging Surviving Spouse Members (SSMs) dues. According to the current bylaws, when a NWFMOA Military Member passes away, SSMs are required to pay half the annual dues amount paid by their military sponsor. The Board discussed making a change to this policy and subsequently proposed an amendment to the bylaws that would exempt surviving spouses from paying dues.

The proposed bylaw amendment required notifying the Chapter at least 60 days before a vote. The bylaw amendment was introduced at the March Chapter meeting and discussed at subsequent meetings. It was unanimously approved by Chapter Members in July and takes effect immediately.

Thank you to the Board for its vision and the Chapter for its compassion. When our time comes, we can be assured the Chapter will support our Surviving Spouse and cover their dues.

H2S (Here to Serve),

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
54^th President, NWFMOA
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June 8, 2025
MOAA National Judges Provide Feedback Regarding NWFMOA’s Level of Excellence Submission

As previously shared, MOAA National awarded NWFMOA a 5-Star rating for our Chapter, our newsletter, and our website. More recently, MOAA National sent me the following feedback from the judges regarding our submission.

Judges’ Panel Feedback for NWFMOA
Advocacy in Action is front and center.” How heartening to hear this! By highlighting the MOAA initiatives at every monthly meeting, you are ensuring the membership knows what MOAA is really about.
You are a “Best in Class” chapter, very impressive achievement with results! Items to note below:
(1) Leveraged the MOAA Foundation Grant and raised additional funding to provide $10k of commissary gift cards to 400 junior enlisted families in need;
(2) Awarded 12 scholarships to ROTC students totaling approximately $40k from an established Scholarship Fund registered with the IRS as a 501(c)3;
(3) Created a “Best Practice” having built training modules (video tutorials) for every chapter leadership position;
(4) Established a process that ensures the membership at large are well informed and trained.

Congratulations on being the beacon for other chapters to steer their course!
Thank you again for the outstanding work that you and your volunteer leaders do on behalf of this organization!

Signed,
Affiliated Councils & Chapters Team

I like the view from the top of the mountain. Thank you to all in the Chapter who gave their time and talent. It is because of each of them we have reach MOAA’s summit. Going forward, I am respectfully requesting you, as a fellow NWFMOA Member, to put your hand in the pile as we strive to remain on top and “a beacon for other chapters to steer their course”. Please see me or a Board Member on how to get more involved. I assure you it will be both fun and rewarding.

H2S (Here to Serve),

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
54th President, NWFMOA

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May 12, 2025
NWFMOA Earns Three 5-Star Ratings (Chapter, Newsletter, Website)

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April 8, 2025
“We Got Next”

Arguably from the beginning of time, each elder generation has had concerns about the younger generation as it comes of age. Aristotle wrote about it in the 4^th Century BC. This has been a long-standing concern.  I am certain if we think about our lives, we too can remember our commitment and readiness for what lied ahead for us was also questioned by some. And just like the generations before us, we persevered and proved our strength in adversity.  Having met and spent time with members of the next generation who are pursuing their calling to be an officer in the military, I can emphatically claim, they will meet the challenges that await and will proudly add to the heritage of what it takes and means to be an officer in the United States military.

At the May NWFMOA luncheon you can see firsthand what I have seen. There you will see JROTC and ROTC Cadets from our area and have an opportunity to engage with them directly. Each of these young men and women have distinguished themselves academically in the classroom, through leadership opportunities within their ROTC units and high schools, and in voluntary service to their local communities. They are an impressive group.

Each has applied to colleges, been selected to attend, and be part of that school’s ROTC program. Anticipated fields of study range from Engineering, Computer Science, and Cyber Security to Biochemistry, Nursing, Physics, Kinesiology, and Nursing.  Many want to fly airplanes, while others want to build them. Having met with each of them after their scholarship board interview, I can attest to their readiness and desire to be part of the Nation’s 1%–to lead the 1% who have committed themselves to the defense of our Nation.

Therefore, when someone expresses concern about the younger generation of our Nation, please assure them that, based on your observations, you are confident that our future is secure. As a group, they are ready. As a group, they proudly exclaim, “We Got Next!”

H2S,

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
President, NWFMOA

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March 15, 2025
Heroes Abound

Do you know what is one of the great treasures of my daily life? It’s being a member and current President of the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association (NWFMOA). The treasure comes in the form of being associated with a group of men and women who served our nation in uniform, during wartime and peacetime, all while making great family sacrifices. Each of you in my opinion is a hero.

Case in point. This past month (March luncheon meeting), we had a presentation regarding Operation Commando Saber (Misty) during the Vietnam War. This presentation was orchestrated by fellow NWFMOA members, Dan Brown (Misty 143) and George Hanks (Misty 49). Joining them were fellow Misty pilots, Guy Gruters (Misty 29) and Gib Ahl (Misty 100). Gib gave the presentation. It was outstanding. Each of us who heard the presentation left with a better understanding and appreciation of Misty, its pilots, and the contribution they made to the war effort. Talk about heroes!

Side note: While on a Misty flight, Guy was shot down and taken prisoner. He would remain a POW for over 5 years until freed at the end of the Vietnam War. Guy lives in Ohio, is a “snowbird”, and chose to become a member of NWFMOA at the March meeting. Welcome aboard Guy Gruters and his beautiful bride Sandra!
On the day after our monthly luncheon, I had the distinct pleasure to visit with fellow NWFMOA members, Jake and Kathy Bush. Jake is 102 years old and is the Senior Elder of our chapter. As a young Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, Jake flew the Berlin Airlift. It was a delightful visit. Kathy, Jake and I had a fabulous conversation across many subjects (Berlin Airlift, the birth of the USAF, how they met, and eventually married). I was once again in the presence of two heroes. Prior to leaving, I had the great honor to present each of them with their NWFMOA 65th Anniversary Commemorative Coin.

Both the Misty presentation and the conversation with the Jake and Kathy is reflective of the richness of our chapter and its members. Each of you has a compelling sorry to tell. Each of you is a hero. I am always in awe when I learn something new about you. I encourage each of you to consider sharing some part of your military service with the chapter. These stories, your stories, are the living history of our military. By you telling your story, we can capture your first-person, eyewitness account and share these stories with others, even after we are all called home.

As a NWFMOA member, it is my privilege to serve where heroes abound. I thank each of you for your service and the sacrifices you made. I also look forward to you sharing your story–NWFMOA has a treasure chest full of life experiences. Please consider sharing yours.

H2S,

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
President, NWFMOA

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February 12, 2025
2025 – Celebrating 66 Years of Service to the Community

I recently had the pleasure to attend the Florida Council and Chapters (FCoC) Training Seminar and Florida MOAA State Convention. While there, I engaged presidents from other chapters across the state as well as presidents from neighboring states who were also attending. We openly shared best practices and lessons learned. I also attended numerous training sessions led by MOAA National and FCOC individuals. All in all, it was a great conference—learned a lot.

Also in attendance were the President of MOAA National, Lt Gen Brian Kelly and his wife. Both made it a point to thank NWFMOA for their visit in September. They openly shared with all how impressed they were with the chapter and our community. They made a point to recall some of the events we hosted, and they asked about specific people they met.

The highlight of the training seminar/state convention for me was hearing the names of three of our fellow chapter members being announced as FCoC Leadership Award recipients. Those individuals were Bob Gramm, Ray Alexander, and Bob Allen – each is truly deserving of this recognition. It was my honor to receive the awards on their behalf from General Kelly and Colonel Steve Bond, US Army Retired, President FCoC.

Bob Allen and Ray Alexander were presented their certificates at the NWFMOA February luncheon. Bob Gramm, who is presently on travel, will receive his certificate at a future chapter luncheon. Please join me in congratulating them on their well deserved recognition.

Here to Serve,

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
President, NWFMOA

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January 13 , 2025
NWFMOA Establishes New Goals for 2025

The new NWFMOA Board has been installed and is committed to building on prior year successes. 2025 marks 66 years we have served the community while embracing a mantra of Comradery with Purpose. The Board has approved its Goals and Tasks for 2025. A quick summary of the 2025 Goals and Tasks follows:

Goal #1…Membership: Increase Chapter membership by 10 new members. Utilizing our various categories of membership (Regular, Auxiliary, Associate, and Honorary), we are confident we can attain this goal with candidates who share the same sense of purpose our Chapter was built on. Also included in Goal #1…we will host Officer Calls every month there is a fifth Thursday. In fact, our first Officer Call will be Thursday, January 30 / 1700 hours at Cheers in Shalimar.

Goal #2… Financial…Be fiscally smart with the Chapter’s funds, thereby finishing the year in the black. We will once again have a banner on our webpage that individuals, organizations, and businesses can post their picture or logo congratulating NWFMOA for their 66 years supporting the community. These funds will be used primarily to support our Community Outreach Programs.

Goal #3…Military Ball…Host our annual Military Ball in December.

Goal #4…Community Outreach…Continue to conduct Valentines for Veterans, Military Family Appreciation Day, Junior Enlisted Gift Cards, and Wreaths Across America, while also looking for new opportunities to support our local community. We will continue to partner with other likeminded organizations in support of our shared purposes.

Goal #5…Model MOAA Chapter…Be a recognized leader in the State (FCoC) and MOAA. We will submit our annual chapter LOA and Harris Communication Awards with the intent to earn 5-star awards for each. We will seek appropriate recognition for deserving Chapter members.

Goal #6…Legislative Affairs…Actively support MOAA and local legislative issues. Call to Action emails, coupled with the Legislative Minute at our monthly chapter meetings and the Legislative Corner in our monthly newsletter (The Defender) will be used again to define an ongoing issue and inspire action.

2025 is going to be another historic year for NWFMOA as we celebrate 66 years since our founding in 1959. We are already off to a great start thanks to the untiring efforts of many. For those looking for ways to become more involved, we welcome your involvement. Feel free to contact me or any Board member.

Here to Serve,

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
NWFMOA, President

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