Deborah McGeehan, Lt. Col., United States Army (Ret.)
The Catalina Mountain Chapter (CMC) of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) held its recent meeting on Feb. 21 at SaddleBrooke Ranch. The meeting began with a business session presided over by CMC’s vice president, retired Col. Bruce Huffman, U.S. Army, during which members were updated on the chapter’s current activities. Capt. Vaughn spoke about the recent luncheon on Jan. 29 where computers, printers, desks, and chairs were presented to four veterans transitioning from Esperanza En Escalante (EEE). MOAA grant money was used to purchase these items, supplemented with money from our general fund.
Our first speaker was the Senior Director of MOAA, Capt. Frank Michael, USN (Ret.), who is responsible for direct support of MOAA’s robust nationwide network. He coordinates with senior headquarters staff to improve and support the vibrancy and effectiveness of MOAA’s affiliate network. Capt. Michael stated that some chapters are closing due to lack of leadership. Our average membership is in their mid-70s, and our goal is to recruit new retirees ages 40 to 60 years old.
Dr. William Myers, Col (Ret), was our main speaker, and his presentation was about government-sanctioned counterfeiting during World War II. The German operation counterfeited British white notes during this time and used concentration camp prisoners for their skills and labor. The United States, along with Great Britain, counterfeited Japanese Invasion Money for the Philippines. Dr. Myers was very knowledgeable with all the history and stories behind counterfeiting during World War II. The presentation was excellent!
The next regular meeting of CMC will be on Saturday, March 21, at SaddleBrooke Ranch. The speaker will be Dr. Connie Mariano, Navy Rear Admiral (Ret.). Dr. Mariano was born into the military lifestyle. She has many achievements in her life. She was the valedictorian of her high school, going on to achieve her medical degree and then complete a distinguished 24-year career in the U.S. Navy. She is the first military woman to become the White House Physician to the President, the first woman Director of the White House Medical Unit, and the first Filipino American in U.S. history to become a Navy Rear Admiral.
If you are a former or present officer of the uniformed services interested in joining our organization, please contact Membership Chair, retired Lt. Col. Donald Timian, U.S. Army, by email at dontimian@hotmail.com or by telephone at 571-216-3679.
The membership of CMC encompasses the areas of Catalina, Oracle, parts of Marana and Oro Valley, SaddleBrooke, SaddleBrooke Ranch, San Manuel, Sun City, and parts of Superstition Mountains. For additional information, please visit our website at catalinamountainsmoaa.org.