Local Chapter Of Military Off cers Honored

The Bella Vista chapter of the Military Off cers Association of America received an honor at its December dinner meeting.

Past President Steve Gray went to the association’s national convention this summer at San Diego to take delivery of a Five-Star banner for the Bella Vista chapter flagpole. It was earned for numerous acts of the local chapter and was one of the few granted this year.

Among the Bella Vista chapter activities earning the distinction are:

“Care Packages” for the troops now in the field. At each dinner meeting, all members, including current and former officers, freely donate to the program.Armed forces members of all branches of service in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere can benefit from this program. Addressees are drawn from the list of some 3,000 names found at www.anysoldier.com. In addition, the Bella Vista chapter gives financial support to the local newspaper for shipment of additional boxes to troops in the fi eld.

College scholarships for local high school seniors. Individual graduating seniors, and in some cases their school principals, have recognized the group’s support of higher education.

Legislative aft airs. At all Board of Directors meetings and at all open meetings of all members, the group is provided updates on activities in Washington having to do with military matters.

Membership development. Members of the board seek to build total membership.

Personal aft airs. A board member keeps the group informed as to the health and other concerns of all chapter members.

Membership in the Arkansas Council of Chapters. Members all benefit from the ideas and actions of other chapters in the state.

Other local activities. The group takes part in militaryactivities in general, like the Veterans Task Force. Such actions include supporting Veterans Day and 4th of July parades to raise awareness of the sacrifice of military people and their families. Also, the Bella Vista chapter conducts a continuing flow of books and periodicals from donors to the veterans hospital in Fayetteville.

Our Town, Pages 14 on 12/27/2009

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