The NCOA is excited to invite all members to the NCOA Member Engagement Roundtable on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM CST. This virtual event, hosted via Zoom, is designed to bring together NCOA members, chapter leaders, and key representatives from across the country for an important conversation about the future of our Association and our shared mission.

As we work to strengthen our voice and increase our impact on behalf of Enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their families, this roundtable will be a key opportunity to engage directly with NCOA leadership, learn about current initiatives, and discuss how we can all contribute to NCOA's continued growth and success.

Why Should You Attend?
This meeting is open to all members, but we strongly encourage Chapter Leaders and Representatives to participate. You’ll get a firsthand update on NCOA’s strategic goals, including membership recruitment, the Medallion Program, upcoming conferences, and more.

Agenda Highlights
- Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer, and NCOA Creed
- Welcome and Remarks from NCOA Leadership
- Headquarters Update: An overview of the latest initiatives
- Membership, Conference, and Medallion Program Updates
- Open Session: An opportunity for members to share their ideas and feedback
- Closing Remarks

This event will provide a collaborative space for members to engage with NCOA leadership, voice their thoughts, and be a part of shaping the direction of the Association. We value your insights and look forward to making real progress together.

How to Participate: Registration details coming soon! Make sure to mark your calendars for July 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM CST!

On June 25th and 26th, 2025, the Gold Star Spouses of America hosted their inaugural Legislative Fly-In and National Convention, uniting over 25 surviving spouses from across the nation. This event allowed surviving spouses to connect directly with policymakers and advocate for their families, ensuring their loved ones’ sacrifices are never forgotten.
The event focused on engaging with Congress to advocate for policies that support the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. In just two days, the spouses connected with over 400 congressional offices, demonstrating incredible strength, resilience, and determination.
The NCOA was honored to participate, and we are deeply thankful to the volunteers who assisted as escorts, supporting the spouses during their visit. We are committed to continuing our support for Gold Star Spouses and their vital advocacy efforts.

​*Event photos below

Happy Summer to you all!

Conference Reminder: Mark your calendars for 16 and 17 July with a start time of 6PM CST. The Virtual Meetings will be on Facebook Live and Zoom. Invite and links are/will be posted in our ADVOCATE and social media. Please join us and invite a friend.

​ In addition, on 10 July NCOA Headquarters will host a What’s Happening NCOA Round Table via Zoom. You will be able to ask questions and share what you and your chapters are doing.
 
Let's get HOT on Membership:
Let's say you just saw a great Movie, purchased a new Car or outfit, got a good discount for a Service. What would be one of the first things you would do, perhaps, tell someone about it?
 
Being part of your professional association is not just about what you can get; it’s also about what you can give back as well. Every member has a responsibility to help build up the association by contributing to its collective success.
 
Ultimately, belonging to and being an active member of a professional association offers immense value. It provides access to educational resources, a supportive and expansive network, leadership development opportunities, and mentorship, which contributes to a professional’s ongoing success.
 
I highly encourage all of you to help us spread the word about our organization. Invite a fellow Veteran, a Service Member, Family member or a Friend to join the NCOA and become part of our growing community. Learn and share about the benefits of joining Membership Benefits - NCOA.

​Do your part to Support our “Each one Reach one” Goal of 2500 new members this year! Just be excited about your being a member and ASK them to join or gift a One Year Membership to a friend or family member. Some will join just to be a part of an organization you belong to.

​Rogue Chapter member Dave Burnette presents a Vietnam Medallion to Navy veteran Jerry Lodge.

On June 12th, the NCOA, alongside The Military Coalition, was honored to be a part of the first-ever Seersucker Social, marking National Seersucker Day. The event was more than just a celebration of tradition, it was a powerful gathering of advocates, Congressional leaders, and Military and Veteran Support Organizations, all united in our shared mission to support Service Members, Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
This special event served as a reminder of our collective commitment to advancing policies that honor the sacrifices made by our Military community. We thank everyone who participated and continue to work tirelessly to ensure the needs of our heroes are met.

Members of the NCOA,

Look at how fast the month of June came upon us.  The Month of June is rich in military history, with several significant events and anniversaries. Some notable occurrences include D-Day, the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, the founding of the U.S. Army, the start of the Korean War, and much more. Know that this is a great time to dive deep into our military history. 

As we are less that a month out from our annual Business Meeting the changes to our conference have been felt across the NCOA. Just know that we now have more time to make 2026 bigger and better than ever.  Please keep in mind that your support is needed in promoting the goals of the NCOA and all of its programs. Please share what you think about our new Medallions.  Personally, I love them and feel honored to be able to award them to the many deserving that are eligible.  Enjoy the rest of the month and I will see you in the field.

​Strength in Unity!®

​Garry A. McClure
FORCM, USN (Ret)
NCOA President

​Rogue Chapter member Dave Burnette assisted by Trustee David Haines presented Vietnam Medallions to Crystal Beachler on behalf of her father, Army veteran Walter Ray Helgedalen and her uncle, Marine veteran Kent Nelson. ​

​Hello Team NCOA,

I want to take a moment to update you on some important developments within the NCOA. Although we had originally planned to host our Annual Conference in person this year, unforeseen circumstances have led us to transition to a virtual format. While we will miss seeing you all in person, this change will allow many more members to participate who may not have been able to attend due to travel and accommodation costs.

​One key aspect of the virtual conference will be the Parade of Checks, which is an opportunity for chapters and individuals to contribute to our mission and help support the programs that make a difference in the lives of our Veterans. If you or your chapter is interested in participating, we encourage you to send in your donations. You’ll be recognized during the virtual event, and your contribution will make a lasting impact.

I also want to encourage all of you to help us spread the word about our organization. One of the most effective ways you can help is by recruiting new members. Invite a fellow Veteran, a Service Member, or a friend to join the NCOA and become part of our growing community. Even something as simple as liking and sharing our social media posts helps us reach a broader audience, grow our voice, and strengthen our mission. It’s an easy, cost-free way to contribute to our cause.

We also recognize that June 12 is Women Veterans Day. This is a day to celebrate and honor the incredible women who have served our country. We thank you for your service, strength, and dedication, and we stand with you in your ongoing journey.

As we head into the rest of the year, we are excited for what’s to come. The changes happening in Washington right now will affect all of us, and the NCOA will continue to be your voice in D.C. Together, we will advocate for the rights and benefits that every Veteran deserves.

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make this year’s virtual conference a huge success, and continue to grow and strengthen the NCOA community. Together, we are stronger.

👇 Follow us on Social Media!​​ ​👇

The Major Richard Star Act, named in honor of a combat-wounded Veteran, is a pivotal piece of legislation designed to correct an unjust pay offset that impacts thousands of medically retired Service Members. The act aims to ensure that Veterans who were forced to medically retire due to combat-related injuries can receive both their full disability compensation and retirement pay without offset.

How Are Veterans Being Penalized?
Under current law, Veterans who are medically retired due to combat-related injuries do not receive their full retirement pay from the Department of Defense (DoD) if they are also receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This creates an offset, meaning their DoD retirement pay is reduced by the amount they receive from the VA, resulting in some Veterans receiving no retirement benefits at all.

The Benefits of the Major Richard Star Act
The Major Richard Star Act offers Veterans the option to receive both their disability compensation and full retirement pay. Veterans will be able to choose whether to stay in the Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) program or opt-out and receive both VA compensation and the full DoD retirement pay. This choice will provide Veterans with the flexibility to select the best option for their individual needs.

What is CRSC?
The Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) program provides tax-free payments to retired Veterans with combat-related disabilities. To be eligible, Veterans must have at least a 30% disability rating and be retired for a combat-related injury. Veterans can choose CRSC or, with the passage of the Major Richard Star Act, opt for the full retirement pay with VA disability compensation.

The Importance of Advocacy
Veterans who qualify for this benefit need our collective voice to get this bill passed. The NCOA is proud to stand with The Military Coalition and organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project in supporting the Major Richard Star Act.

This bill is a long-overdue fix that would give Veterans the benefits they earned and deserve. It's time to correct this injustice and ensure that combat-wounded Veterans are not penalized for their service.

What You Can Do to Help:
We encourage all Veterans, their families, and supporters to take action and contact their legislators to show support for the Major Richard Star Act. Click below to easily send a message to your representatives.

In the spirit of "Each One, Reach One," we’re excited to announce the 2025 Conference Membership Challenge, starting May 19, 2025! This is your opportunity to help strengthen the NCOA family and make a direct impact on our community by bringing in new members.
Here’s How the Challenge Works:

1. Step 1: Sign up one new member between May 19, 2025 and July 21, 2025.
2. Step 2: Once the new member joins, email [email protected] to validate their membership.
3. Step 3: After validation, you’ll receive an exclusive NCOA Executive Director’s Coin for Excellence as a token of appreciation for your support in growing our association.
4. Step 4: Coins will be mailed after the 2025 Annual Conference.

Why Participate?
Membership is at the heart of everything we do at NCOA. Our voice is strongest when we stand together. By participating in the 2025 Conference Membership Challenge, you’re not just helping to grow our numbers, you’re strengthening our collective ability to advocate for Veterans, ensure their voices are heard in D.C., and support our mission of service to those who have served.
This challenge is a great way to not only engage with fellow Veterans and supporters but also to ensure that the NCOA’s voice continues to grow and be heard for years to come.
How to Get Started:
It’s easy to get started! Simply reach out to friends, colleagues, or fellow Veterans who would benefit from being part of the NCOA community and encourage them to join. When they sign up, you’ll be one step closer to earning your Executive Director’s Coin for Excellence.
​If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re excited to see the NCOA grow stronger, and we’re even more excited to recognize you for your contribution. Let’s make 2025 the year we truly elevate the power of our community.
For more details or to get involved, please visit ncoausa.org/join.

NCOA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE - May 2025
This is Our Association!
         
Hello Team NCOA!
 
Someone asked me the other day, “Who owns NCOA?” My answer, “The members”! We all play a role in our Association. What role have you been taking? What role are you playing in helping us grow, helping us be more relevant, sharing the word about who we are and what we do? Below are some programs where we need YOUR assistance.

Membership: Help us continue to grow by encouraging someone to join or sponsor a new member. It doesn’t matter if you are a Board Member, NCOA Staff Member, Knight, Vanguard Life Member or a newly joined member, we want everyone to join us in our effort to reach our goal of 2025 New Members this year. For those that are renewing, we appreciate your staying on our Team! Membership Recruitment is a critical ongoing process for the health and future of our Association! This is one area everyone can get involved with! At a minimum share the information with family, friends, and other organizations. Check out the incentive we are including for those that sign up a new member in the next couple of months.
 
War Medallions Recognition Program: Check out this story from the Leader of the NCOA Rogue Chapter - “In a little over 2 years, our chapter alone has awarded 929 Vietnam Medallions to veterans and families of Vietnam veterans who have already passed.  I awarded one Medallion to a woman who saw our medallions and inquired as to what they were.  When I showed her the Vietnam Medallion, she started crying and told me that her husband had just passed away the week before from Agent Orange.  I told her that I would love to present a medallion to her to honor her husband’s service so she would have something to share with her family.  She started sobbing and gave me a tight hug and then allowed me to present it in his honor.  When presenting these Medallions, we thank them for their service and tell them “Welcome Home.”" (Sir Terry Haines).
 
A salute to the Rogue Chapter for their support of this very worthy program. There are other Chapters that have stepped up as well; however, we would like to see more chapters and members get involved. Many members asked for the Gulf Wars/GWOT Medallion since it, as well as the Cold War Medallion, is now available.  For more information, visit our website www.ncoausa.org . To order go to https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/non-commissioned-officers-association-of-the-united-states-of-americas-shop
 
Conference: Plan to attend our National Conference 15-18 July in Norfolk. Register Now! For planning purposes we need to get a firm idea of how many will be able to join us in Norfolk. Stay alert for updates as we get closer to the event.
 
Lastly, if you have a better idea of how to reach new members, use and share your ideas with others. Visit all our Social Media Outlets. Thank you in advance for your part in helping us achieve our overall goal of being the Military Service Organization of Choice!
 
Continued Blessings to you all in 2025!
 
Strength in Unity®

Joseph Terry
​SGM, U.S. Army (Ret)
NCOA Executive Director
        
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NCOA ​Chairman of the Board Robert Barnett, representing the NCOA Huntsville Chapter, presented a JROTC Award to Hazel Green High School Cadet Ethan Robinson. 

Board nominations due
Individuals wishing to nominate a person for a position to be filled on Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) International Board of Directors must submit nomination packets not later than May 30. Nomination packages should contain a short biographical sketch that will be placed on the NCOA website, a head and shoulders photo and information about the nominee’s NCOA and community involvement.  Nomination packets, or requests for more information, should be addressed to NCOA, Attn: Tina Kish, P.O. Box 33790, San Antonio, TX 78265 or via e-mail to [email protected]. Elections will take place Wednesday, July 16 at the Association’s Annual Membership Business Meeting. Members must be present to cast a ballot.

Auxiliary Seeks Nominations
Auxiliary members wishing to nominate a person for a position to be filled on the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) International Auxiliary Board of Directors must submit their nomination packets to NCOA Headquarters not later than May 30. Nomination packages should contain a short biographical sketch that will be placed on the NCOA website, a head and shoulders photo and information about the nominee’s NCOA Auxiliary and community involvement. Auxiliary members wishing to nominate an individual, or receive additional information, should contact Tina Kish, NCOA International Auxiliary Liaison, P.O. Box 33790, San Antonio, TX  78265 or via e-mail to [email protected]. Elections will take place Wednesday, July 16 at the Auxiliary’s Annual Membership Business Meeting.

Association Resolutions Due
Chapters or individuals with resolutions to submit on subjects for consideration by the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) International Board of Directors and the general membership at the 2025 Annual Membership Business Meeting must submit the resolution not later than May 30 to Levi Sadr, NCOA Director of Government Affairs via e-mail to [email protected].

​Happy May, NCOA Family,

First, I would like to thank all of our members who submitted input and provided recommendations for our new Medallions. A huge shout-out to our amazing headquarters staff for their hard work on our new programs.

I hope you're enjoying our new social media presence as we continue to expand and connect with more of our community.

As we take the month of May to remember and honor our Veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice, I encourage you to pick one day each week to reach out to someone you served with. Your outreach can make a difference and may even save a life.

Our Annual Conference is just around the corner! I hope you're as excited as I am for the event. Norfolk is ready for you and looks forward to showcasing all that the Hampton Roads area has to offer. I’m planning to announce a special "President’s Gift" before the conference... possibly a special raffle!

Today, I had the honor of presenting the NCOA Vietnam War Medallion to Seaman Louis Voorhies aboard the Carnival Valor. Seaman Voorhies served in Operation Eagle Pull, the U.S. Military’s evacuation of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on April 12, 1975. This was a poignant reminder that we have heroes all around us.

Enjoy the month of May, and I’ll see you on the seven seas!


Strength in Unity!®

​Garry A. McClure
FORCM, USN (Ret)
NCOA President

NCOA Board Member Sir Ted Pilihos, PGK, member of the NCOA Fort Sam Houston Chapter, recently presented the NCOA Vietnam Medallion to Dr. Jesse Moss, Jr.  Dr. Moss served in combat as an Army Infantry Officer in Vietnam before he began his medical career.  He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and is, in Sir Ted's opinion, "one of the best ENT doctors in San Antonio."

The newest member of the NCOA Huntsville Chapter, 1SG (Ret) John Audaine, Auburn High School Army JROTC Instructor, recently presented the NCOA JROTC award to Cadet 1SG Blake Adams.