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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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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December 14, 2024
2024 – Celebrating 65 Years of Service to the Community

As we look forward to our 66th 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. 2024 was a special year for NWFMOA as we celebrated 65 years as a Chapter. 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 2025.

Year 2024 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. (This is just one of the many contributions made by Fred Westfall).

• Added Mascot of the Month feature to The Defender (An opportunity to share a picture of your pet).

• 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).

 Membership

• Added 22 new Members.

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

• The Annual Military Ball was a resounding success. Karl Eschmann spearheaded the event and was helped by several Members…Dave Swanick, Fred Westfall, and numerous others who donated items for the auction. Money raised will be used to fund Chapter Community Outreach initiatives in 2025.

 Increase Community Outreach Impact

• Partnered with Longwood Elementary School and Bob Hope Village for our 2nd Annual Valentines for Veterans celebration…over 200 handmade Valentine Cards were made and delivered by the Longwood 2nd Graders to residents of Bob Hope Village.

• Awarded $39,500 in scholarships. (Great job NWFMOA Scholarship Fund Board)

• Participated in FWB Chamber’s Military Family Appreciation Day at the Landing. We partnered with Zaxby’s and offered restaurant gift card to winners of our cornhole game.

• Applied for and received a $3,000 MOAA Foundation Grant to purchase Commissary Gift Cards for Junior Enlisted Families. During the first four years of this initiative, we reached a total of 898 junior enlisted families. We reached 300 families in 2023. In 2024, we leverage the $3,000 MOAA Foundation grant and raised an additional $7,000 thereby allowing us to reach 400 junior enlisted families—100 additional families this year! (The MOAA Foundation, NWFMOA Members, and the local community are commended for their generosity which enabled this incredible success).

• We hosted a Community Reception to thank the community for partnering with NWFMOA for 65 years as we served the community. Gen and Mrs. Brian Kelly, MOAA President, and COL Steve Bond, Florida Council and Chapters (FCoC) President also attended. Governor DeSantis, Senators Rubio and Scott, Rep Gaetz, State Rep and NWFMOA Member, Patt Maney, Okaloosa County Commissioners, and many local Mayors sent proclamations and letters congratulating the Chapter for its service over the past 65 years. The event was well attended.

• Purchased 100 wreaths through the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)/Wreaths Across America and helped placed them on the graves of Veterans buried in Beal Memorial Cemetery.

Be a Recognized Leader in Florida and with MOAA National

• Three Chapter Members were recognized with FCoC Leadership Awards (George Hanks, Jim Shoff, and Dick Solt).

• Chapter earned MOAA’s highest award (5-Star Award) for its Newsletter. (Congratulations to 2023 Defender Editor Fred Westfall)

  The Chapter earned MOAA’s highest award (5-Star Award) for its Webpage. (Congratulations Fred Westfall, Webmaster)

  The Chapter earned MOAA’s highest award (5-Star Award) for the Chapter. (Congratulations to one and all).

  Karl Eschmann was awarded the DAR Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award and Les Matheson was awarded the DAR Bronze Medal of Distinction.

  State Rep/Retired Judge/Retired BG Patt Maney was awarded the Boy Scouts’ highest honor for an Eagle Scout, the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

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, Michael Griffith, Kevin Kirby, and Dick Solt) for their leadership and help in guiding our Chapter. In 2025, 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,

Fran Hendricks, Brig Gen, USAF Retired
President, NWFMOA