Friday, May 22, 2020

Photos for the Gallery of our New Website

St Patrick's at the Gordons March 15, 2020
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RFSGFMuPQhoNnTbc9


Cruise Siesta Key March 11, 2020
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FvMMkxuCZwbaLV81A

Luncheon Feb 21, 2020
https://photos.app.goo.gl/U343cFQR5zbb7aLW9

 Miniature Golf and Japanese Steak House Feb 7, 2020
https://photos.app.goo.gl/BVrggdpUbtpofrn38


Photos Jan 9, 2020 Nice Sunsets  
https://photos.app.goo.gl/H8BHdhRYL8wfTLkAA


MOAA Happy Hour Jan 8, 2020
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zqkMGhFakYL17xr68


Gala Dec 14, 2019
https://photos.app.goo.gl/z1sYt5sE34sadvGe6 


Dec 12, 2019 Meet and  Greet


MOAA Visit to Ringling College Nov 20, 2019


Veterans Day Parade Nov 11, 2019


Oct 16, 2019 MOAS Picnic


Dec 7, 2019 MCL Corvette Club Toys For Tots



Sep 11, 2019 Octoberfest
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FhT43J9JHQMDAomR9


Aug 16, 2019 Siesta Key Rum Tasting
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZGPErTNVrZBMsBaw6


2019 Aug 14 MOAA Happy Hour
https://photos.app.goo.gl/5wsaZejzz5oaheB9A 


Nov 15, 2019 MOAA Luncheon
https://photos.app.goo.gl/axLWUWiBaukTwjRD6


 









Animations
https://photos.app.goo.gl/29v9zc7ad3g74q7X9

111









at No comments:

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Our Chapter

We are an affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America [MOAA] and the third largest chapter of 44 in Florida with over 325 active members.
LEARN MORE


Our Foundation

We are honored to be serving our community of over 85,000 military veterans and 40,000 Sarasota County school students for over 20 years. Donations are always appreciated.

LEARN MORE

Join Us

We welcome all officers of the uniformed services to join and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow officers and the opportunity to support your community. Make your voice heard on legislation impacting active, former, and retired military personnel.

LEARN MORE

Our Veteran Events

From major events at Patriot Plaza and concerts with the Pops Orchestra at Riverview and Neel Performing Arts Centers, Veteran Appreciation Day at the Orioles ballpark to parades in downtown Sarasota - please join us in the fun.

LEARN MORE

Military Officers Association of Sarasota, Inc. | Sarasota Military Officers Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 1016, Sarasota, Florida 34230-1016
©2020 All Rights Reserved. Site by Clubessential


Meeting all our members’ needs

Our Chapter is affiliated with the Military Officers Association of America, the largest and most effective lobbying association in the country. We are a very active chapter, as you can tell if you browse through our web site. We meet at the Bird Key Yacht Club for lunch on the third Friday of each month, except May and September, when we have dinner meetings, and December, when we hold our Annual Military Gala. Luncheon programs feature military oriented speakers, city and county officials, representatives of local organizations (e.g. Mote Marine Laboratories, Ringling School of Design), and entertainment showcasing the Sarasota Opera, the Sarasota Ballet, the Pops Orchestra, authors, and many others. In short, our monthly luncheons provide something for everyone. You need not be a member to attend.

Not a luncheon person? Then YAHOOs will surely have something for you. The Young at Heart Officers [YAHOO] holds a wide variety of events each month. Whether it is a Super Bowl or a St. Patrick’s Day Party, a kayak trip, a day at the Polo matches, the Army-Navy football game, bowling or our annual picnic in the Philippi Park, we’re sure that you will find something of interest.

And, then, there is our Meet & Greets, held the second Wednesday of each month at Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota. A casual opportunity to make new friends over a beer or two overlooking beautiful Sarasota Bay. It is not uncommon for a member to take you out in the Bay before the Meet & Greet.

While fostering camaraderie and sharing good times may be the reason many of us joined the Chapter, we are much more than a social club. We are active in our community - making an impact on veterans’ issues and giving back to our community.
  • We are a member of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission, in which all veteran organizations come together to support our 70,000 veterans,
  • We are a member of the Florida Council of Chapters (FCOC), an organization of 44 Florida MOAA Chapters with over 10,000 members.
  • Most importantly, we serve as a communications link, a Veterans' Voice, between our local veteran community and our state and national MOAA affiliates, advocating for the rights and the benefits of veterans of all our military services.
  • Our Foundation is active in sponsoring community events, granting scholarships to local high school students, providing educational financial aid to our returning veterans and promoting patriotism and respect for our flag in our elementary schools. To date we have sent more than 50,000 care packages to our deployed troops in the Middle East.
We welcome all uniformed service officers and their spouses to join our Chapter, the third largest Chapter in the State of Florida. We are affiliated with the Military Officers Association of America, the largest and most effective lobbying association in the country.

Never Stop Serving
Social | Educational | Community | Legislative


We meet at the The Bird Key Yacht Club for lunch on the third Friday of each month, except in May and September, when we have an evening dinner and December when we hold our Annual Military Gala. Our luncheon programs feature military oriented speakers, city and county officials, representatives of local organizations, and entertainment showcasing the the Sarasota Opera, the Sarasota Ballet, authors, and many others. In short, our monthly luncheons provide something for everyone.



Not a luncheon person? Then our YAHOOs will surely have something for you. The Young at Heart Officers [YAHOO] holds a wide variety of monthly events. Whether it is a Super Bowl or St. Patrick’s Day party, a kayak trip, fishing in the Intercoastal, a day at the Polo matches or the Army-Navy football game, I am sure that you will find something of interest. And, then, there is our Meet & Greet, held the second Wednesday of each month at the Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota.

Meeting all our members’ needs

Our Chapter is affiliated with the Military Officers Association of America, the largest and most effective lobbying association in the country. We are a very active chapter, as you can tell if you browse through our web site. We meet at the Bird Key Yacht Club for lunch on the third Friday of each month, except May and September, when we have dinner meetings, and December, when we hold our Annual Military Gala. Luncheon programs feature military oriented speakers, city and county officials, representatives of local organizations (e.g. Mote Marine Laboratories, Ringling School of Design), and entertainment showcasing the Sarasota Opera, the Sarasota Ballet, the Pops Orchestra, authors, and many others. In short, our monthly luncheons provide something for everyone. You need not be a member to attend.

Not a luncheon person? Then YAHOOs will surely have something for you. The Young at Heart Officers [YAHOO] holds a wide variety of events each month. Whether it is a Super Bowl or a St. Patrick’s Day Party, a kayak trip, a day at the Polo matches, the Army-Navy football game, bowling or our annual picnic in the Philippi Park, we’re sure that you will find something of interest.

And, then, there is our Meet & Greets, held the second Wednesday of each month at Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota. A casual opportunity to make new friends over a beer or two overlooking beautiful Sarasota Bay. It is not uncommon for a member to take you out in the Bay before the Meet & Greet.

While fostering camaraderie and sharing good times may be the reason many of us joined the Chapter, we are much more than a social club. We are active in our community - making an impact on veterans’ issues and giving back to our community.
  • We are a member of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission, in which all veteran organizations come together to support our 70,000 veterans,
  • We are a member of the Florida Council of Chapters (FCOC), an organization of 44 Florida MOAA Chapters with over 10,000 members.
  • Most importantly, we serve as a communications link, a Veterans' Voice, between our local veteran community and our state and national MOAA affiliates, advocating for the rights and the benefits of veterans of all our military services.
  • Our Foundation is active in sponsoring community events, granting scholarships to local high school students, providing educational financial aid to our returning veterans and promoting patriotism and respect for our flag in our elementary schools. To date we have sent more than 50,000 care packages to our deployed troops in the Middle East.
We welcome all uniformed service officers and their spouses to join our Chapter, the third largest Chapter in the State of Florida. We are affiliated with the Military Officers Association of America, the largest and most effective lobbying association in the country.

Never Stop Serving
Social | Educational | Community | Legislative


Meeting all our members’ needs

Our Chapter is affiliated with the Military Officers Association of America, the largest and most effective lobbying association in the country. We are a very active chapter, as you can tell if you browse through our web site. We meet at the Bird Key Yacht Club for lunch on the third Friday of each month, except May and September, when we have dinner meetings, and December, when we hold our Annual Military Gala. Luncheon programs feature military oriented speakers, city and county officials, representatives of local organizations (e.g. Mote Marine Laboratories, Ringling School of Design), and entertainment showcasing the Sarasota Opera, the Sarasota Ballet, the Pops Orchestra, authors, and many others. In short, our monthly luncheons provide something for everyone. You need not be a member to attend.

Not a luncheon person? Then YAHOOs will surely have something for you. The Young at Heart Officers [YAHOO] holds a wide variety of events each month. Whether it is a Super Bowl or a St. Patrick’s Day Party, a kayak trip, a day at the Polo matches, the Army-Navy football game, bowling or our annual picnic in the Philippi Park, we’re sure that you will find something of interest.

And, then, there is our Meet & Greets, held the second Wednesday of each month at Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota. A casual opportunity to make new friends over a beer or two overlooking beautiful Sarasota Bay. It is not uncommon for a member to take you out in the Bay before the Meet & Greet.

While fostering camaraderie and sharing good times may be the reason many of us joined the Chapter, we are much more than a social club. We are active in our community - making an impact on veterans’ issues and giving back to our community.
  • We are a member of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission, in which all veteran organizations come together to support our 70,000 veterans,
  • We are a member of the Florida Council of Chapters (FCOC), an organization of 44 Florida MOAA Chapters with over 10,000 members.
  • Most importantly, we serve as a communications link, a Veterans' Voice, between our local veteran community and our state and national MOAA affiliates, advocating for the rights and the benefits of veterans of all our military services.
  • Our Foundation is active in sponsoring community events, granting scholarships to local high school students, providing educational financial aid to our returning veterans and promoting patriotism and respect for our flag in our elementary schools. To date we have sent more than 50,000 care packages to our deployed troops in the Middle East.
We welcome all uniformed service officers and their spouses to join our Chapter, the third largest Chapter in the State of Florida. We are affiliated with the Military Officers Association of America, the largest and most effective lobbying association in the country.

Never Stop Serving
Social | Educational | Community | Legislative

 
    • We meet at the The Bird Key Yacht Club for lunch on the third Friday of each month, except in May and September, when we have an evening dinner and December when we hold our Annual Military Gala. Our luncheon programs feature military oriented speakers, city and county officials, representatives of local organizations, and entertainment showcasing the the Sarasota Opera, the Sarasota Ballet, authors, and many others. In short, our monthly luncheons provide something for everyone.


      Not a luncheon person? Then our YAHOOs will surely have something for you. The Young at Heart Officers [YAHOO] holds a wide variety of monthly events. Whether it is a Super Bowl or St. Patrick’s Day party, a kayak trip, fishing in the Intercoastal, a day at the Polo matches or the Army-Navy football game, I am sure that you will find something of interest. And, then, there is our Meet & Greet, held the second Wednesday of each month at the Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota.
  • Educational
  • Community
  • Legislative
  • Our Leadership
  • Our Awards
  • Newsletters
  • Social Media
  •  
  • Educational
    • Our luncheons and dinner events always include a speaker for the purpose of educating our attendees on current events and topics of mutual interest. The range of topics is vast. We have professors from the Naval War College discuss drone technology and the growing threat in the South China Sea, medical experts on PTSD and the latest research on coronary heart disease. Senior flag officers have discussed the importance of the Coast Guard to our national defense and motivational speakers on the lessons learned in the Vietnam War. The Sarasota County Sheriff has discussed local crime challenges and the conductor of the Pops Orchestra has discussed the process of assembling an orchestra and preparing for a performance.

      Many of our members are interested in legislative issues impacting their veteran and retirement benefits. No better place to stay current than to read our newsletter The Sarasota Breeze. Everyone enjoys reading the Medic Tent articles by our own Dr. Minken, formerly head of vascular surgery at John Hopkins. Stay informed and become a member of our Chapter.
     
  •  
  • Community
    • MOAS is far more than a social club!  While we foster camaraderie and keep members connected to those with whom they have served and shared a portion of their life, we are active in local veterans’ activities also. We are a member of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission and are also a part of the Florida Council of Chapters (FCOC), with MOAS members serving as council officers both past and present. MOAS has hosted two FCOC conventions in Sarasota. Most importantly we have our own Foundation, the Sarasota Officers Military Foundation, a 501c3. We support our veteran community through scholarships to supplement the GI Bill, award scholarship to local high school seniors and we administer the American Flag Initiative curriculum in Sarasota and Manatee county elementary schools.  We sponsor community wide events at Patriot Plaza on Flag Day, Veterans Day, and President's Day, in which thousands attend. We are active in our community and true to our motto - Never Stop Serving.
     
  •  
  • Legislative
    • We serve as a communications link and a Veterans' voice between our local veteran community and our state and national MOAA affiliates, advocating for the plights, the rights and the benefits of veterans. We keep our members up to date on legislative initiatives at both the state and federal level. Our voice is heard in Tallahassee and Washington DC on legislative issues and policies that impact you and our Veteran community.

      So how do we keep our members up-to-date on legislative issues and initiatives??
      • Our award-winning, 5-Star chapter newsletter, The Sarasota Breeze.
      • Our award-winning, 5-Star state council newsletter, The Communique
      •       Our MOAA National Legislative Action Center • Our MOAA Military Officer Magazine
      And how is your voice heard in Tallahassee and Washington DC on legislative issues impacting military veterans and their (your) families??
      • Your MOAA Take Action Network - Your microphone to advocate for military veterans and their families.
      • MOAA's Annual Storming The Hill -       Legislators hear your call, welcome MOAA Stormers", listen and vote!!
      • Our MOAA 2018 Legislative Results - What we did in 2018 with your help.
      • Our MOAA 2019 Legislative Goals -       What we will do in 2019 with your help.
      Learn more about us by reading our award-winning newsletter – The Sarasota Breeze.
      Social Media
     
at No comments:

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Contact 2019 Website

Please contact us by filling out this form. 

We look forward to talking to you and introducing you to the #1 MOAA Chapter in the state. We welcome all inquiries from those officers who have served in uniform and most for their surviving spouses. 

Are you interested in joining our chapter?
 
     
at No comments:

Our Events 2019 Website

Our Events

The Foundation organizes and sponsors events throughout the year.  Veteran Appreciation Day at Ed Smith Stadium, Veteran’s Day concerts at the Riverview Performing Arts Center and the Neel Performing Arts Center and special patriotic and educational events at Patriot Plaza at the Sarasota National Cemetery. The following is a sample of our past events.
  • VIETNAM WAR 50TH COMMEMORATION
  • VETERAN CONCERTS WITH THE POPS
  • PATRIOTIC PARADES - CITY OF SARASOTA
  • PATRIOT PLAZA SPECIAL EVENTS
  • VETERAN APPRECIATION DAY - ED SMITH STADIUM
  • 37TH ANNUAL MILITARY GALA
  •  
  •  
  • VIETNAM WAR 50TH COMMEMORATION

    • Our chapter has been awarded recognition for our willingness to assist and support a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam War Veterans, their families, and those who served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces. Our objectives under the partnership with DoD are to:
      1. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
      2. To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
      3. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
      4. To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
      5. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.
      We are pleased to accept opportunities at local events to recognize our Vietnam War veterans. Each attendee will be awarded a DOD Vietnam War 50th Commemoration pin at the official ceremony.

      VIETNAM HOMECOMING AT PATRIOT PLAZA - February 2018 

      Our Chapter president, Rear Admiral Brian McCarthy, SC, USN(Ret) was the master of Ceremony for the event and General Hugh Shelton, USA(Ret) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff [1997 - 2001] was the keynote speaker.
      photos copy of
     
  •  
  •  
at No comments:

Why Join

Our Chapter was founded in 1953, as the Retired Officers Club of Sarasota, we changed our name in 2003 to The Military Officers Association of Sarasota. Originally, we were just a social organization for retired officers. We got together to tell war stories and relive the camaraderie of the "O" Club.

Today we are a vibrant multifaceted association of all the uniformed services, that stills enjoy our get togethers, but have now reached out into our veteran community to make a difference. We award scholarships, sponsor an American Flag Initiative curriculum in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and sponsor patriotic events at Patriot Plaza and Veterans Day concerts with the Pops Orchestra to thousands of attendees. We are active in the Sarasota County Veteran's Commission and the sponsor of Veteran Appreciation Day at Ed Smith stadium in partnership with the Baltimore Orioles. Our voice is heard in Tallahassee and Washington DC on legislative issues and policies that impact you and our veteran's community.

You may be asking who qualifies? You don’t have to be retired to join our Chapter.

We have three membership categories and we welcome all. Our membership fee is a modest $35/year, includes our digital newsletter. Printed copies are available for $15 more.
Regular Membership
Regular memberships open to active duty, retired, National Guard, reserve, former commissioned officers and warrant officers of the uniformed services. Officers or former officers of foreign services are also welcome to join.
Surviving Spouse Membership
Auxiliary memberships are open to surviving spouses of deceased officers and warrant officers.
Associate Membership
Associate Memberships are open to those who support our goals and objectives and wish to support veteran programs in our community. Requires Board approval.

To learn more please contact Scott Wuesthoff wwopsLdr@gmail.com or 703-593-4447

Military Officers Association of America [MOAA] Membership

By joining our chapter and providing a valid email address, we will, with your permission, set up your free, 3-year national MOAA BASIC membership, or you may do so directly at MOAA Basic Membership Sign-Up. If you are already a member great! Please provide us your MOAA membership number.

Join Now


DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

Meet Us

You don’t have to join to come and meet us. You are welcome to attend a Meet & Greet at Marina Jacks or a luncheon at the Bird Key Yacht Club. You will be most welcome.


Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
MOAA has over 350,000 members and plays an active role with Congress on behalf of the military community on issues that affect the career force, the retired community, and all veterans of the uniformed services.

Your MOAA Membership Will...

In addition to representing your interests before Congress, MOAA offers a wide range of personal and financial services exclusive to MOAA membership. Whatever the stage of your career, your MOAA membership delivers benefits geared specifically to you – and your family. From active-duty service through retirement, MOAA can help you make the most of your career as an officer. When you join MOAA, you become part of the strongest advocate for our military’s personnel and their families. The stronger our membership is, the stronger our voice becomes. Consider joining today because every voice counts.
  • Basic Membership
  • Premium Membership
  • Life Membership
  •  
  •  
  •  
  • If you are missing the camaraderie and core values of military service and want to develop close and lasting friendships with other members with similar backgrounds and interest, please join us.
    • Monthly luncheons at Bird Key Yacht Club - speakers, entertainment and education
    • Celebrating our shared military heritage at December’s Annual Military Ball.
    • Monthly Meet & Greets at Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota – the way officers’ clubs used to be.
    • Outings and events – polo matches, kayaking trips, military ceremonies, Army/Navy football games, Orioles baseball and even beach parties.



    Networking with Fellow Officers

    Our second career members in the workforce and retired members who have contacts in the business community are invaluable to transitioning member.
    • Provide ample and repeated member opportunities for business networking and mutual consulting resources.
    • Publish an annual Membership Directory so everyone can stay in touch.
    • Young At Heart Officers Organization [YAHOO] for members wishing to attend activities with other members to establish relationships.

     MAKE YOURSELF HEARD
    • MOAA's chapters provide critical grassroots support for MOAA’s national legislative agenda. Our benefits are under attack and MOAA is in the fight to preserve them.
      • Monitor and evaluate state, local and federal legislation of interest to veterans and our national defense.
      • Coordinate with other community Veteran organizations
      • Be a voice at events and conferences that bring together all MOAA chapters.
      Take action at MOAA.org.

      • We are ambassadors in our community, supporting countless programs that make a difference in the lives of others. These members continue the “officer-ship” service and are giving back in the truest sense.
        • Established and have operated the Sarasota Military Officers Foundation for over 20 years, providing scholarships for high school seniors and educational financial aid for our returning Veterans at our local colleges, universities, and technical schools.
        • Supporting individual members and their families during times of difficulty, crises, illness or death.
        • Representing the military, active, retired or reserve, at selected local events or ceremonies.
        • Continue to expand the American Flag Initiative in our elementary schools.
        • Supporting our local high school JROTC programs.
        • Sending over 50,000 care packages overseas to our deployed troops under the Support Our Troops Program (SOT). 


      Our newsletters, website, meetings and events all provide the latest information on local, state and national issues and changes to military benefits.
      • Improve access to available health services and most recent information
      • Serve as an information resource and facilitator.
      • Publish a monthly newsletter called The Sarasota Breeze, which keeps our members informed on our Chapter’s activities and articles from our leadership team

at No comments:

Our Foundation 2019 Website

Sarasota Military Officers Foundation

Benefiting Our Community 

...Twenty Years and Growing

Last year marked the twentieth anniversary of the Sarasota Military Officers Foundation, Inc., honored to be serving our community of over 88,000 Veterans and 40,000 Sarasota County school students. Our Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, established by the Military Officers Association of Sarasota to support community outreach programs throughout the greater Sarasota & Manatee region. We are an all-volunteer Veteran’s organization and, as such, are very frugal with our donors’ contributions. Other than regulatory fees, postage and printing costs, your donations are used to support our programs. We focus our efforts in six areas:
  1. Awarding educational and vocational merit-based scholarships to qualified, high-achieving high school seniors;
  2. Providing Veteran educational financial aid to returning Veterans to attend local educational institutions;
  3. Sponsoring the American Flag Initiative, a 10-lesson curriculum to educate our elementary school children on the origin, history and meaning of the American Flag.
  4. Supporting the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs and the maintenance of their training facilities;
  5. Sending care packages to deployed troops under the Support Our Troops Program (SOT)
  6. Sponsoring patriotic, educational and inspirational public events for our community and Veterans.

  

Learn About our Foundation in more detail.

























Donate by Mail Donate Online


  • Foundation Donations
  • Foundation Sponsorships
    • Our Chapter is over 325 members strong, the third largest in Florida. Your sponsorship will be recognized on both the Military Officers Association of Sarasota and the Sarasota Military Officers Foundation’s web site, recognized at our monthly luncheons at the Bird Key Yacht Club and in our monthly newsletter The Sarasota Breeze. Our community events are widely publicized through social and print media, as well as local radio and television.
      Our next major event is Celebrating The Stars & Stripes on President’s Day February 17th, 2020 at Patriot Plaza, Sarasota National Cemetery. The Pops Orchestra and Vane Scott will once again perform for our community free of charge. Sponsors are recognized in the concert programs that are attended by thousands in our community, as supporting the community initiatives and honoring our local Veterans. With over 70,000 Veterans and their families living in our community, this is truly a unique and yearlong opportunity to promote your company or association.
      SPONSOR CATEGORIES
      Founding $5,000
      Patriot  $2,500
      Minuteman $1,000
      Contributor $ 100 < $1,000
      Donor <$100
      All contributions are appreciated.
      OUR SPONSORS TO DATE
      We wish to thank the sponsors who have already committed to sponsor Celebrating The Stars & Stripes event on President's Day 2020. We are truly grateful to those who support our Veterans  and community.
      Patriot
       Veteran Air Conditioning & Heating
      Minutemen 
       Tidewell Hospice
       The Pops Orchestra
       Freeman Design Group
      Contributor
       US Tent
      Become a friend and sponsor. Join us in supporting local Veteran activities and attending upcoming events and concerts with VIP seating. We look forward to meeting you and providing more information on how you can make a difference.
      Contact
      Troy C. Scott, COL USAR (Ret)
      MOAS President
       entscott41@gmail.com       Claire Power
      Director & Chair, Scholarship Committee       CPower@SarasotaMOF.org
  • SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PROGRAM CRITERIA
    The Foundation's scholarship program, was established in 1998. Over the years the program has grown and evolved to address the award recipients' needs. Our present program addresses the needs of high school seniors enrolled in the JROTC program and those deserving to be recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments. Scholarships are being awarded to graduating seniors at Booker High School, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Pine View School, Riverview High School, Sarasota High School, Sarasota Military Academy and Suncoast Polytechnic High School.

    Our high school scholarships have helped students from all walks of life with their college needs. Scholarship winners have been students bound for the Service Academies, rural and urban students, abandoned children, students living with friends and young women trying to break the bonds of poverty.

    JROTC APPLICATION MERIT APPLICATION

    Scholarship winners will be advised in writing of their award. The awards letter will instruct the recipient as to the requirement to furnish the Scholarship Committee chair proof of enrollment (not an acceptance letter) from the college, university or technical school they will be attending. When these documents have been received the check will be issued and presented at the Scholarship Awards Luncheon at Michael’s On East,1212 East Avenue South, Sarasota, FL 34239 on Friday, May 22nd beginning at 11:30 AM. or, if unable to attend, mailed to the winner at his or her home of record. If the scholarship winner has not complied with this requirement by January 31st of the following year, the award will be forfeited. Completed applications must be submitted to the Scholarship Committee chair no later than:
    DEADLINE: Because of the COVID-19 school closings our scholarship deadline for 2020 has been extended from March 31, 2020 at 12 noon to April 21,2020 at 12 noon. Please continue to use the attached applications (above).

    If you have any further questions please e mail Claire Power, Chairman of the Scholarship Fund at bcpower@comcast.net.

    The high school program provides deserving local youth a financial jump-start on their post high school education. For the purposes of the scholarship program, post high school education is defined as enrollment in an accredited college, university or technical school (online programs do not qualify for the scholarship). In 2014 the Foundation Board of Directors approved a scholarship program for honorably discharged returning veterans attending accredited local colleges and technical schools. These veterans scholarships are needs based and are awarded in coordination with local education institutions financial aid offices.
    1. One (1) each JROTC scholarship for a senior at Booker, Riverview, Sarasota and Sarasota Military Academy and Venice High School;
    2. Eight (8) merit scholarships open to any senior in schools located in the greater Sarasota area. These scholarships consist of four (4)  merit scholarships underwritten by the Foundation and four (4) underwritten by the William E. Schmidt Foundation. A senior member of the school’s academic department must endorse the school's scholarship applications; and
    3. Should a JROTC scholarship or a Foundation merit scholarship not be utilized due to non-submission, non-selection or ineligibility of the nominee, the scholarship money may be reallocated by the Scholarship Committee. 
    REQUIREMENTS
    1. An applicant must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA;
    2. If a student has taken the SAT’s, he or she must have a Minimum SAT score of 1,000 (out of a maximum of 1600) to apply for a Sarasota Military Officers Scholarship. Any student submitting an ACT score must have a minimum score of 22 (out of a maximum of 36);
    3. Super Score - A student may create a Super Score;
    4. Complete the Application in full; and
    5. Attach copies of all documents enumerated on the bottom of page 4 of the application. This will include Official Signed transcripts. 
    The  Scholarship Committee chair will visit each area high school to advertise and promote the program. In addition, letters will be sent to each school guidance counselor and Senior Army Instructor (SAI) to focus their attention on the opportunities available to their students. 
     REMEMBER: Completed applications must be submitted to the Scholarship Committee chair no later than 12:00 PM, April 21st for this year, 2020.



  • The MOAS Support Our Troops (SOT) Program has been indefinitely suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been in contact with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) afloat and the Task Forces in Afghanistan regarding delivery of SOT Boxes to them, and they requested all shipments to halt until further notice.
    Please view this site after Memorial Day to see of we will resume operations.
    Thank you for your support.
    Ron Wozniak
    LtCol USMCR Retired
    SOT Chairman     RonWozniak13@gmail.com
    Mobile: 941-779-5448
    The Foundation sponsors the Support Our Troops Initiative (SOT), which sends care packages to our troops serving in combat areas and other units in austere environments worldwide. Most of the country is unaware that we have over 150,000 troops deployed overseas, 45,000 of which are attached to the U.S. Central Command’s [CENTCOM] area of responsibility. The CENTCOM region includes 20 countries, stretching from Northeast Africa across the Middle East to Central and South Asia. Our troops are separated from their home and families, often for 6 months to a year. Nothing is more welcome that a package from home, recognizing and appreciating the sacrifice they are making for us. Our Foundation has sent over 50,000 boxes to our troops! We know they appreciate our efforts from the numerous letters of appreciation we receive, some of which are posted below. Throughout the year, we pass out SOT boxes in our community at events, especially the Sarasota Memorial Day and Veterans Day Parades and to our sister Veteran organizations.


    AMERICAN FLAG INITIATIVE

    • An Elementary School Education Program

      In partnership with The Patterson Foundation, the Sarasota County School Board, and numerous other organizations, our Foundation introduced the American Flag Initiative in October 2013 to educate the community’s children; the public; and the greater Sarasota/Manatee business community on the origin, history, and meaning of the American Flag; the importance of patriotism and respect for the flag; as well as the proper protocols for the flag’s display and retirement. With our Chapter’s support, the Sarasota County educators developed an Academic Curriculum consisting of ten (10) fifty-minute lessons of classroom instruction for 4th grade students to be taught by their teachers and a visiting instructional team consisting of a retired/former military officer; a JROTC Cadet from our local high school; and a Senior Level Scout from the Girl Scouts. This program has subsequently been replicated in other communities throughout Florida and the United States. Our Foundation publishes, OLD GLORY, a guide to displaying and honoring our Nation’s flag. We also organize old and damaged flag collections throughout the Sarasota and Manatee
      counties for appropriate disposal.
      We hope that you enjoyed had an opportunity to attend our "Celebration of the Stars & Stripes" on Flag Day, June 2015, and on June 2016 at Sarasota's Patriot Plaza. Our next celebration will take place on President's Day Monday, February 17, 2020, also at Patriot Plaza at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
      Meet Our 4th Grade "Old Glory" Graduates!! Watch Our American Flag Video!! Folding Our Flag
      Our American Flag Protocol Initiative has four major components:
      1. An Academic Curriculum consisting of ten (10) 50-minute lessons of in-classroom instruction for 4th grade students that will be presented by their assigned teachers and a visiting instructional team consisting of a MOAA member, JROTC Cadets from either Sarasota Military Academy, Sarasota, Booker, Riverview, Venice or North Port High Schools, and Senior Level Scouts from the Girl Scouts of Gulf-coast Florida;
      2. The opportunity for teachers and/or school principals to request that a veteran organization color guard conduct a formal retreat ceremony on school grounds to demonstrate respect, patriotism and proper flag protocol;
      3. An extensive outreach program to area businesses and civic organizations consisting of both hard copy and electronic media outlining the proper use and display of the American Flag;
      4. And finally, the conduct of an Annual American Flag Collection and Retirement Ceremony for old and/or damaged flags that will be widely advertised and open to the general public.
      Certificate of Completion Old Glory brochure

      American Flag Protocol Curriculum Lessons

       

      everal years ago, we initiated our Veterans Educational Financial Aid Program for honorably discharged and returning Veterans attending accredited local colleges and technical schools. These Veterans’ aid awards are needs-based and are awarded in coordination with local education institutions’ financial aid offices. This year we anticipate awarding $10,000 in need- based awards, which include such items as transportation to and from college, course books, supplies and lab equipment. Items not covered by the GI Bill. Funds are currently allocated to USF Sarasota-Manatee, the State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, the Manatee Technical College and the Manatee Technical College - West. Specific award criteria have been developed by our Scholarship Committee and administered by our Veteran Financial Aid Committee and the respective college/university financial aid office. The awards are administered by each individual college/university.
      In addition to our Foundation donation activities and the Patterson Foundation’s Giving Challenge, these veteran awards are underwritten by a grant from the William E. Schmidt Foundation, established by Veteran and philanthropist, Bill Schmidt, Capt USAF (Retired), a decorated WWII pilot. We have also formed a long-term strategic partnership with the community-based Pops Orchestra for Bradenton & Sarasota. Past events have included free concerts at Patriot Plaza, at the Sarasota National Cemetery, and most recently veteran concerts at the Riverview Arts Centre and the Neel Performing Arts Center from which The Pops Orchestra generously contributes 100% of their profits to our Foundation, earmarked for our Veterans educational assistance.
      Our Educational Partners
      State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota
      University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
      Manatee Technical College - East
      Manatee Technical College - West
      Southeaster Guide Dogs
      MOAA Foundation [Heritage Society Member]       JROTC Support


The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps

The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a federal program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools and some middle schools across the United States and United States military bases across the world. The program was originally created as part of the National Defense Act of 1916 and later expanded under the 1964 ROTC Vitalization Act. The purpose of JROTC is "to instill in students in secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. Additional objectives are established by the service departments of the Department of Defense. The Department of the Army has declared those objectives for each cadet to be:
  1. Developing citizenship and patriotism
  2. Developing self-reliance and responsiveness to all authority
  3. Improving the ability to communicate well both orally and in writing.
  4. Developing an appreciation of the importance of physical fitness.
  5. Increasing a respect for the role of the U.S. Armed Forces in support of national objectives.
  6. Developing a knowledge of team building skills and basic military skills.
  7. Taking 1-3 years of the course grants cadets the ability to rank higher if they pursue a military career.
Our Chapter supports the JROTC programs throughout Sarasota County.
  • Booker High School
  • Venice High School
  • Riverview High School
  • Sarasota Military Academy
  • Sarasota High School

at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Photos for the Gallery of our New Website

St Patrick's at the Gordons March 15, 2020 https://photos.app.goo.gl/RFSGFMuPQhoNnTbc9 Cruise Siesta Key March 11, 2020 https://ph...

  • Photos for the Gallery of our New Website
    St Patrick's at the Gordons March 15, 2020 https://photos.app.goo.gl/RFSGFMuPQhoNnTbc9 Cruise Siesta Key March 11, 2020 https://ph...
  • Our Foundation 2019 Website
    Sarasota Military Officers Foundation Benefiting Our Community  ... Twenty Years and Gro...
  • Foundation
    Our Foundation Benefiting Our Community Veterans Concerts At Patriot Plaza … Twenty Years and Growing Last year 2018 marke...