On October 27, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation granting a federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America headquarters at 201 N. Washington St. The U.S. Senate passed similar legislation September 24.

This is a historic day in the 80 year history of MOAA, said MOAA President Norb Ryan Jr. of the U.S. Navy (ret.). It was founded to support a strong national defense and to protect the earned benefits of those who have worn the uniform of our great country active duty, National Guard and Reserves, military retirees, survivors, veterans and their families. 

MOAA North Carolina Council first brought the charter issue to the attention of the associations national leadership, pointing out that MOAA council and chapter representatives are barred from participating in state-level veterans advisory panels because state laws require a federal charter for participation. Passage of the charter will enable all MOAA to be at the table when military and veterans issues are discussed.

MOAA is the nations largest association of active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired and former military officers and their families and survivors and the fourth-largest veterans association, with 370,000 members. It advocates equitable treatment of those who serve and have served their country in uniform.