Florida Council of Chapters (FCoC) Meeting 2026
The conference ran January 29–31, opening with an Early Arrivers Day and All-Chapter Presidents Meeting, followed by optional Friends & Family activities or leadership training and a Casino Night fundraiser benefiting the MOAA Foundation. The event concluded with Area Team Meetings, a Memorial Service, the Annual Business Meeting, MOAA updates, and a formal military-themed Dining Out.
The Halifax Area Chapter was represented by 12 members, reflecting part of Florida’s role as home to the third-largest veteran population in the nation. MOAA chapters across the state represent more than 4,000 members, with an average chapter size of approximately 110 members, underscoring both the strength of Florida’s chapters and opportunities for continued growth and engagement. Discussions also included the potential for a FY28 MOAA FCoC Convention in Daytona Beach. (Pictured from left Mr. Don Sebes, CDR Anita Williams, LT Billie Krueger, Mr. Carl Krueger, CDR John Higgins, Mrs. Patti Higgins, CAPT Drew Hoffman, Lt Gen Brian Kelly, COL Bancroft McKittrick, Mrs. Kathleen McKittrick and CWO2 Pierre Louis; not pictured- LCDR Jose Vargas and wife Tami)
2026 FCoC Leadership and Training Seminar – Orlando, FL
Join us for an affordable, fun, and memorable event for all MOAA members. The event will take place at the Rosen Centre in Orlando with a discounted nightly rate of $159 with $12.50/night for parking. Here are some of the events and activities:
- Day One, Thursday 29 January—is designed as an “Early Arrivers” day. We’ll have an All-Chapter Presidents meeting in the afternoon and an informal icebreaker social, early arrivers’ pizza party in our hospitality suite that evening.
- Day Two, Friday 30 January—is both a “Friends and Family Day” or a training day as you prefer. For fun, you can Golf at a nearby course, visit Universal Studios at discounted rates, go shopping, or plan a leisurely arrival. The training option provides focused high-value sessions on personal topics like financial planning and investment strategies for seniors, a VA Benefits update, and Chapter-related topics like Writing Successful Grants, or being a great Chapter Treasurer. Friday evening, we will have an informal dinner, followed by a play-for-charity, Casino Night Fundraiser with profits going to The MOAA Foundation.
- Day Three, Saturday 31 January—will include Area Team Meetings, the Memorial Service to remember those we lost in 2025, our Annual Business Meeting, preparing to be a surviving spouse, MOAA update, and membership and marketing sessions. We will end the day with a more formal pre-dinner reception and military themed “Dining Out” sponsored by MOAA.
🫡Veteran’s Day Ceremony 🇺🇸
Join the Halifax Area Chapter of MOAA for a 9/11 Memorial & Blue Mass
Please join our chapter, fellow veterans, first responders, and neighbors on Thursday, September 11, 2025, as we honor the victims of 9/11 and pay tribute to the courage of first responders.
Chapter President Andrew Hoffman and 1st Vice President Anita Williams will be in attendance and look forward to greeting members and guests.
Schedule
- 8:00 a.m. – Memorial at Veteran’s Park
101 N. Flagler Ave., Flagler Beach, FL
Memorial, prayers, and honors. - 9:30 a.m. – Blue Mass at Santa Maria del Mar Parish
915 N. Central Ave., Flagler Beach, FL
Giving Back
Collections will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
All MOAA members, families, and friends are encouraged to attend and to invite a neighbor. Chapter attire or service pins welcome.
Hosted with the Knights of Columbus. Thank you for standing with us in remembrance and unity.
Halifax Area Chapter of MOAA to resume speaker series, invites new members
✍🏼 Article published in the Observer newspaper dated August 26, 2025
The Halifax Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America represents retired, former ad active-duty military officers and their spouses.
The Halifax Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America’s 2025 speaker series is resuming in September.
The chapter — which represents retired, former ad active-duty military officers and their spouses — meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona Beach, save for the summer months of June, July and August. The chapter is led by Chapter President retired Air Force Capt. Andrew Hoffman and its monthly luncheons feature guest speakers from the military, business, health and wellness, and civic communities, according to a press release.
“Our national motto is ‘Never Stop Serving,’ and that’s exactly what our members live by,” Hoffman said. “We are committed to supporting one another and advocating for earned benefits, healthcare, and family programs for those who have served and those still in uniform.”
The 2025 speaker series will includes speakers such as Gary Wilson from the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy, David Lydon from Flagler County Veterans Affairs, and Dr. Itzel Harriott, who is committed to providing affordable, trauma-informed counseling for underserved communities.
October’s meeting will honor surviving spouses, and December’s will feature the chapter’s festive Holiday Gala and Silent Auction.
The chapter currently has 106 members. Among their community engagement initiatives are “Bagels and Bingo” at the Emory L. Bennett Veterans Nursing Home, “Coffee and Donuts” at the Daytona Veterans Affairs Clinic, and scholarships for local high school students and university cadets. The chapter also provides gold bar to newly commissioned officers, the press release states.
Each May, the chapter also presents its Outstanding Support to Veterans Awards to one local business and one nonprofit.
“This annual tradition underscores the chapter’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting organizations that share MOAA’s mission of service,” the press release states.
Board planning throughout the year focuses on balancing the budget while prioritizing scholarship funds, growing membership, preparing for the annual Christmas Gala and Silent Auction, and supporting legislative priorities through MOAA’s Advocacy in Action national program.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.halifaxchaptermoaa.com.
🗓️ Upcoming Event: Veterans Services Connection Event on August 26, 2025
Information on Homeless Veterans..
The Daytona VA has representatives to help them with a HUDVASH application. The veteran may be authorized additional assistance. A big goal of the VA is to get every veteran enrolled into the VA (and receive the white VA ID card) so that the VA budget remains strong based on veterans enrolled. I am reminded that some of our veterans are only one paycheck away from becoming homeless, and we owe it to them and their families to help keep them off the streets.
Major Lorraine Holland
🗓️ Upcoming Event: Housing Our Heroes – Connecting Property Owners with Homeless Veterans
📆 Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Daytona Beach VA Clinic 1776 N. Williamson Blvd, Room B9206 Daytona Beach, FL 32117
If you own property in Volusia County and want to play a vital role in ending veteran homelessness, please join us for this important event. The Daytona Beach VA Clinic is hosting a special outreach initiative to connect local property owners with Veterans who are ready to move into safe, stable housing.
This is your opportunity to make a difference—learn how you can help provide housing for those who’ve served our country with honor.
🗓️ The City of Daytona Beach Annual Purple Heart Ceremony August 6th at 5:45pm
Daytona Beach will recognize Purple Heart recipients during a special ceremony at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave.
Mayor Derrick L. Henry, city officials and community veteran organizations will join together to honor the sacrifices of combat-wounded service members. The Purple Heart is the oldest military award still presented to American service members. National Purple Heart Day is observed Thursday, Aug. 7.
The ceremony is presented by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 316, Zone 4 City Commissioner Stacy Cantu and Zone 3 City Commissioner Quanita May. The public is encouraged to attend and show support for these brave men and women.
🗓️ VA Women Veterans Virtual Learning Lounge: The impact of trauma on your physical health and wellbeing July 8th at 5:30pm
days
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Women Veterans Virtual Learning Lounge
🎶 A Musical Salute to Veterans 🇺🇸
Save the Date!
Join us for an afternoon of music and tribute in honor of our nation’s veterans.
📅 Saturday, November 8
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 Port Orange Regional Library
1005 City Center Circle
Port Orange, Florida 32129
📞 386-322-5152
🌐 volusialibrary.org
Presented by Volusia County Public Library
Volusia County, Florida
Let’s come together to celebrate and honor those who
Attention to Award
👏👏👏
📣 Announcement: MOAA Leadership Award Presented to Mrs. Patti Higgins
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is proud to announce that Mrs. Patti Higgins has been awarded the prestigious MOAA Leadership Award for her outstanding service to the Halifax Area Chapter.
As the chapter’s Surviving Spouse Liaison, Patti has demonstrated unwavering commitment, compassion, and leadership in support of surviving spouses and the broader military community. Her selfless efforts have made a lasting impact throughout the Daytona Beach area, reflecting the highest standards of service and dedication.
Patti’s contributions continue to uplift and strengthen the MOAA community, embodying the true spirit of our motto: “Never Stop Serving.”
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Patti Higgins on this well-deserved honor!
📌FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2025
CWO2 Pierre Louis, USMC (Ret.), Honored with MOAA Leadership Award for Outstanding Service 🫡
Daytona Beach, FL — The Halifax Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is proud to announce that CWO2 Pierre Louis, United States Marine Corps (Retired), has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious MOAA Leadership Award.
This honor recognizes CWO2 Pierre Louis’s exceptional leadership and service as the Legislative Chair for the Halifax Area Chapter. In this role, he has played a vital part in advancing legislative advocacy efforts on behalf of military personnel, retirees, veterans, and their families. His dedication has directly contributed to improving the quality of life for members of the greater military community across the region.
“CWO2 Pierre Louis embodies the spirit of service that defines MOAA,” said Brian T. Kelly, LT General USAF (Ret) President and CEO of MOAA. “His tireless work and leadership as Legislative Chair have made a lasting impact on our chapter and the lives of those we serve. We are honored to celebrate his contributions with this well-deserved recognition.”
The MOAA Leadership Award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding service and commitment to MOAA’s mission to protect earned military benefits and advocate for a strong national defense. The award highlights the importance of grassroots leadership in influencing policy and supporting the military community.
CWO2 Pierre Louis’s work stands as a powerful example of MOAA’s guiding principle: “Never Stop Serving.”
👏👏👏
#MOAA #LeadershipAward #NeverStopServing #VeteranLeadership #MilitaryCommunity
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Anita Williams
Webmaster/1st Vice President
Halifax Area Chapter, MOAA
HalifaxAreaMOAA@gmail.com
🇺🇸Calling All Patriots🇺🇸
🎖️Join the City of Daytona Beach for a heartfelt tribute and celebration!🫡
🇺🇸 VETERANS CEREMONY & PARADE 🇺🇸
Friday, July 4, 2025
Presented by Zone 4 City Commissioner Stacy Cantu
📍 Veterans Ceremony
🕘 9:00 A.M.
Clock Tower, 100 N. Atlantic Ave.
Honor the brave men and women who served our country.
🎉 Parade on Main Street
🕙 10:00 A.M.
Begins at the east end of Main Street and travels west to the base of the Main Street Bridge. Wave your flags and celebrate freedom with marching bands, community groups, and local heroes!
🌟 Be part of the tradition in world-famous Daytona Beach.
Help us make this Independence Day unforgettable—participants and volunteers welcome!
For more info or to participate with your Halifax Area Chapter of MOAA, contact Joe Peabody at jpeabody65@gmail.com
Halifax Area Chapter of MOAA Recognizes Outstanding Veterans Support at our May Luncheon
Volusia County Values Veterans
From the desk of Jake Johansson:
I wanted you all to know that I have spearheaded a robust campaign called Volusia Values Veterans. It is a county-wide initiative that embodies the unwavering commitment to our 50,000 plus veterans in the county. It revolves around 4 pillars:
Public Initiatives, Recognizing Veteran Employees, Addressing critical issues, Expanding Employment Opportunities.
It is important to me, our Veterans Services Officers and our 50,000 plus veterans that we have some support from our veterans in the audience at our next county council meeting on May 20th starting at 4pm. Our Item is early in the agenda, so you won’t have to stay all night.
Please consider rallying your organizations and other friends of veterans to show up and maybe even saying a few words to support the program.
Attached (above) are the details of what we will kick off and improve on as time goes on.
Thanks in advance for getting the word out.
Best, Jake Johansson
April 2025 ROTC Cadet Dinner Highlights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
CDR Anita Williams, USCGR
1st President HAC-MOAA
Williams.AAnn@gmail.com
Halifax Area Chapter of MOAA Honors Outstanding Military Cadets
Daytona Beach, FL – April 24, 2025 – The Halifax Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) was proud to host a special recognition ceremony honoring outstanding military cadets from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Spruce Creek High School, Mainland High School, and Seabreeze High School. The event took place at the Halifax River Yacht Club in Daytona Beach.
Our Master of Ceremonies, Glenn Harmon, Lt. Col. US Air Force (Ret.), expressed from the heart how these exceptional cadets have demonstrated exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and a steadfast commitment to service, representing the very best of our future military leaders.
“We are proud to recognize these young men and women who have answered the call to lead,” said Andrew (Drew) Hoffman, CAPT, USAF [Ret], President of the Halifax Area Chapter of MOAA. “Their dedication and passion for serving their country is inspiring, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements.”
The Halifax River Yacht Club provided a fitting backdrop for the ceremony, bringing together community leaders, veterans, families, and educators in support of these remarkable students.
This annual event reflects MOAA’s ongoing mission to support and recognize the next generation of military officers and to foster strong connections between the military and local communities.
About MOAA:
The Military Officers Association of America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocating for military families and supporting the professional growth of America’s uniformed services. The Halifax Area Chapter is one of more than 400 affiliates nationwide, committed to honoring service and leadership at every level.
Please take the time to read personal thank letters from our recognized scholarship winners.
For more information, please contact Anita Williams, 1st Vice President and Webmaster.
Memorial Concert May 25, 2025
ERAU Army ROTC Awards
ERAU Army ROTC Awards Dinner – April 11, 2025
The Embry-Riddle Army ROTC Awards Dinner and Social Hour was held on April 11, 2025, at the Henderson Hall Welcome Center, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Representing the Halifax Area Chapter were COL Skip Keating (Ret) and CDR Anita Williams, who proudly presented awards to this year’s outstanding cadets.
Please join us in congratulating our 2024–2025 scholarship and award recipients:
- Fall 2024 Scholarship – Cadet Aliza Garofalo, MS
- Spring 2025 Scholarship – Cadet Evan Vaughn, MS
- MOAA ROTC Medal – Cadet Clayton Hinkley, MS III
- Challenger Plaque – Cadet Sterling Stein, MS IV
Cadets Garofalo and Vaughn each received a $500 scholarship. All four cadets were honored with prestigious awards in recognition of their excellence and dedication.
Veterans Memorial Plaza April 25th
Memorial Plaza Post
Be a Part of History — Honor Our Veterans
Dear Halifax Chapter and friends,
We invite you to make history with us by honoring the heroes who made our freedom possible. The Tom Staed Veterans Memorial Bridge is more than just a structure — it is a tribute to courage, sacrifice, and unwavering service. Completed in 2019, it stands as a proud landmark in Volusia County, a symbol of remembrance and community pride.
We have a unique opportunity to enhance this memorial with the creation of the Veterans Memorial Plaza, envisioned on the northwest side of the bridge. This will be a place of honor — where families, friends, and citizens can gather to remember fallen heroes, celebrate service, and host solemn ceremonies that connect us to our nation’s defenders.
To make this vision a reality, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! The Veterans Memorial Plaza project is built with community support and generosity — and you can leave a lasting mark.
Please consider purchasing a personalized brick paver to be placed at the memorial plaza. Each brick tells a story — your story, your family’s story, or the story of a Veteran whose life deserves to be remembered.
Visit www.volusiaveterans.com today to order your paver and contribute to a legacy of honor and gratitude. Your donation will directly help create a sacred space where generations can pause, reflect, and give thanks.
Let us come together to build a memorial worthy of their sacrifice. Thank you for joining us in this important mission — because every brick matters, and so does every hero.
Ceremony
The Volusia County Council will host a grand opening ceremony for the $1.4 million Veterans Memorial Plaza at 9 a.m.
Friday, April 25, on the northwest corner of the Tom Staed Veterans Memorial Bridge in Daytona Beach.
The plaza is the final phase of Volusia County’s memorial to veterans along the Halifax River.
The ceremony will include a celebration of veterans, along with music, refreshments, and speeches by local veterans and dignitaries. Free parking will be available at the Stephen C. Henderson Judicial Center, 125 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach.
https://www.volusia.org/veteransmemorialbridge/memorial-plaza.stml
2025 Cyber Security Talk by Col Kimberley Ramos USAF
On February 11th, COL Ramos conducted the Cyber Security Talk to 43 members at the Prince of Peace Church in Ormond Beach. The topic included how to protect yourself from electronic thieves who are trying to attack you through your cell phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer is something everyone needs to accomplish. But HOW do you protect yourself?
This seminar included a PowerPoint presentation on the threats to your personal information and covers specific actions you can take to increase the security on your devices. Questions during the presentation were welcomed. The second half of the seminar included a hands-on workshop which demonstrated how to secure both I-Phones and Android devices. The Prince of Peace Church donated $25 to the Halifax Area Chapter scholarship fund.
Veteran’s Stand Down 2025
Marine Corps- Law Enforcement Foundation Northeast Florida Chapter 2025 Golf Classic Event
Palm Coast, FL – January 9, 2025 – The Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF) Northeast Florida Chapter located in Palm Coast announces its 2025 Golf Classic, scheduled for February 10, 2025, at the Grand Haven Country Club in Palm Coast.
Registration and breakfast will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a fun-filled day of golf and camaraderie, culminating in an awards luncheon after the tournament.
MC-LEF Mission Statement
To paraphrase former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, USMC (Ret.) the chairman of MC-LEF: MC-LEF provides a $35,000 educational account for every child who loses a parent serving on active duty, in the United States Marine Corps, United States Navy as a Corpsman, or Federal law Enforcement Agent. MC-LEF also provides educational and humanitarian assistance to the children of fallen former Marines and Corpsmen who serve in state and local law enforcement. 90%-96% of all donations go towards our mission: “Educating The Children of Those Who Sacrificed All.”MC-LEF is a registered non-profit 501(c) 3 charitable organization, IRS Tax ID #22-3357410.
For more information about MC-LEF and its mission please visit mc-lef.org. To register for the Golf Classic, or to become a sponsor, please visit mc-lef.org/events, or you may contact:
• Heather Thompson, HT Production Company:
Email: HTPRODUCTIONCOMPANY@gmail.com
Phone: (770) 310-9123
• Jerry Di Menna, MC-LEF Northeast Florida Chapter:
Email: jdimmenco@yahoo.com
Phone: (914) 475-6743
Veteran of the Year Award 2024
Chapter members Skip Keating and Pierre Louis received Veteran of the Year awards from the City of Daytona Beach.
Halifax Area Chapter MOAA 