​Dear NCOA Members and Partners,

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and now we are moving full speed ahead for Christmas! This year is flying by! I have just a few things to share with you and ask for your assistance. Please take a few moments to read and even if you are unable to contribute directly it would be helpful if you would share with others to consider.

GIVING TUESDAY is just a few days away (2 Dec), and I want to personally invite you to consider supporting the mission of the Non Commissioned Officers Association.

NCOA has been a trusted voice for Enlisted Service Members since 1960. We advocate for benefits on Capitol Hill, support families through our scholarship program, and recognize the service and sacrifice of our military community through our programs.

Your support helps us continue this work. Whether it is ten dollars or one hundred, every gift strengthens our ability to serve and represent Enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their families. You can make a contribution at zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/one-dollar-can-make-a-difference. 

WAR MEDALLION PROGRAM UPDATE: Please check out the link below (Simplebooklet) with information regarding our NCOA War Medallion Program. Consider supporting and help us get the word out far and wide via your email and or social media outlets. You can see presentations of the Medallions on our Facebook pages and website at ncoausa.org.

What a wonderful way to show our "Thank you for Your Service" through our actions! Visit simplebooklet.com/ncoamedallionprogram to access the flipbook. Learn more about all NCOA programs, visit ncoausa.org/programs. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission.

Lastly, I wish you all a joyous Holiday Season and Christmas!

Hello Team NCOA!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! I wish you all the best and remember, it is the one day we don’t have to be ashamed if we eat too much!

What have you done for your Association lately! Have you signed up at
least one new member? Sponsored a new member? Contributed to one of our Benevolent Funds Programs? Sponsored a War Medallion? Contributed to your local chapter hosted events?

No? it’s not too late…. As I have mentioned several times, this Association belongs to all of us and we
need everyone to pitch in to keep us moving in a positive direction.

Membership is key! Now more than ever is an important time for our Service Members and
Families to join an MSO/VSO. We need our voices to be heard loud and clear throughout the
halls of Congress!

Help us by encouraging someone to join, or sponsor a new member. It doesn’t matter if you are a Board Member, Chapter Leader, Auxiliary Member, Knight, Vanguard Life Member or a newly joined member, we want everyone to join us on our effort to sign up new members.

There is still some uncertainty about who can join our Association.

Regular Division: Any individual who serves or served in any branch of the U.S Armed Forces (active
duty, Reserves, National Guard, retired or separated personnel) and held the rank/grade of E-1 through E-
9 at the time of separation from active duty under honorable conditions

Veterans Division: Any individual who served in any branch of the U.S Armed Forces (active duty,
Reserve, National Guard, and retired and separated personnel) who separated with a rank/grade other
than E-1 through E-9.

Associate Division: Any individual who actively supports and aims and goals of the NCOA but is not
eligible for any other categories of membership.

International Auxiliary: Spouses/former spouses, widows/widowers, and family members 18 years of age
or older of individuals whether active duty, separated, veteran, Reserve or National Guard, in grades E-1
through E-9.

Continued Blessings to you all in 2025!
​Strength in Unity®

NCOA Members,

Fall, Fall, Fall is here!

Our members are the lifeblood of our organization. You're the reason why we do what we do, and you are what keeps our organization running. The more members we have, the bigger impact we can make on advocacy and the Military Service Organization community as well as your local community and achieve our mission. Be loud and proud of your membership!

Recruitment is just one part of a strong membership base. Member retention is just as important to the maintenance and growth of our organization. 

Please visit our website, Facebook page, Facebook group, and other social media pages to keep up to date on what we are doing. Share the ADVOCATE Newsletter and invite/encourage others to check the information out as well. I am also asking you to review our Members Benefits page.

Consider signing up at least one new member. Our goal is 2500 New Members this year!

Lastly, a friendly reminder of our on-going "One Dollar Can Make a Difference" Campaign. Your contribution of as little as $1.00 will help the NCOA continue to support our benevolent programs, such as Scholarships, Grants, and Disaster Relief. We make a difference in the lives of Veterans and their families. Please click on the link below and a huge THANK YOU for your support.
zeffy.com/donation-form/one-dollar-can-make-a-difference

NCOA Leaders,

Fall is almost here, and I am going to be straightforward with you in this message. I want to start by thanking those of you who have supported our One Dollar Can Make a Difference campaign, our Membership efforts, and the Medallion Program. Your support matters and it does not go unnoticed.

Since we decided to postpone the Conference this year, we have been working hard to keep the Association moving forward. Every bit of help you provide makes a difference. You are the leaders of this Association, and our members will follow your lead. That influence can be positive or negative, which is why I am asking those who have not yet engaged to step up. Even something as simple as sharing information with your Chapters, families, or networks helps far more than doing nothing at all.

I encourage those who have not yet put their hand to the wheel to consider doing so. This Association belongs to all of us, not just a few. We may not be perfect in every decision, but each one is made with the best interests of the Association in mind.

As we move into this next season, I ask that you focus on the three areas that are most important to our continued strength.

1. Each One Reach One Membership Campaign
Membership is the foundation of our Association. It strengthens our voice in Washington and ensures we can continue to support enlisted Service Members, Veterans, and their families. By encouraging every member to bring in just one more, we can grow our reach and make sure future generations know they belong here.

2. NCOA War Service Medallion Recognition Program
As Veterans Day approaches, we have the opportunity to honor those who served in conflicts throughout history by presenting them or their families with medallions. These presentations recognize their service while also supporting scholarships for future Veterans. Keep in mind that it takes about four weeks to receive shipments, so please order in advance. More information is available at ncoausa.org/programs.

3. One Dollar Can Make a Difference Campaign
Even the smallest contributions have a lasting impact. A single dollar can help fund scholarships, provide grants, and deliver disaster relief for Veterans and their families. Every donation adds up and allows us to continue making a difference in the lives of those who have served. Please consider supporting at zeffy.com/donation-form/one-dollar-can-make-a-difference.

We are counting on you to help us live our Association motto, Strength in Unity®. Remember, our members are our strength.

​Our members are our Strength!

The importance of Membership! Our members are the ones that make the difference. Our members are the reason we continue to fight to preserve and enhance our benefits. It’s because of YOUR sacrifices both past and present.

Our members visit VA Hospitals, help provide Food and Resources to those in need, recognize those that have served in War, raise funds to assist our children with college, send care packages to our Service Members serving in faraway places. These are just a few of the many programs our members support individually and or through their Chapters.

If every current member recruited one person this month, we would hit our 2025 goal early. You can help us achieve this by signing up one person you served with, or a family member or supporter. Each One, Reach One, is how we grow our voice in D.C.

Medallion Program: As we approach Veterans Day, this is a prime opportunity to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served in conflicts throughout history. Please take a moment to consider how you or your networks can support our Medallion Program. At the very least please share the information with your members and others! 

Lastly, do not wait until the last minute to order any medallions needed because it takes about 3 weeks to get an order in. If you order 100 or more on any of the same types of medallions, we can have them shipped directly to you from the factory.

If you have not already, please visit the news section of our website periodically for updates.  Thank you in advance for your support!

​Please forward this to one person who you think should be a member in the NCOA. A quick share makes a real difference. If your chapter needs help with social media, email [email protected] to set up a quick strategy session.

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.

​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.

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
        
Facebook:
NCOA USA
NCOA Strength In Unity
Instagram:
NCOA1960
​LinkedIn:
NCOAUSA

​NCOA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S INSIGHTS
FEBRUARY 2025
​
Greetings Team NCOA! 
One Member at a Time. Each One Reach One.
Our Membership Goal ....2025 New Members in 2025!

If you are wondering, how can I help the Association? Here is one way to help and quite frankly, it’s easy. Just sign up or sponsor at least 1 new member from any membership category. Let’s do it! I truly believe we will achieve that goal in very short order. We will provide an update each month so everyone will know our progress. I am asking everyone to participate. Help us increase our Association’s membership. The more members we have the more influence we have when seeking support on issues like The Richard Star Act, Tricare Coverage, Adjustments/Amendments to Quality-of-Life Benefits and opportunities for us to partner with sponsors that offer our members exclusive Discounts and Services.

Speaking of benefits, visit the Membership Benefits page on the website for updated list of our partners. We are working on more, so, continue to read the ADVOCATE Newsletter, support us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube, and regularly visit the website for the latest updates. Share this information with those who you will ask to join us. In many cases all it takes is to ask! It doesn’t matter if you are assigned to a chapter, a new member or Life member signing up new members is something we all can do. 

Remember, we represent all branches of the Military - Active Duty, Retired, Veterans, Reservists, National Guardsmen, spouses, siblings, parents, and children (adults 18-years and up) are all potential members.

Other Goals for 2025

• Learn and share information about our Association and the Benefits of joining (Visit www.ncoausa.org)
• Follow us on social media, tag and share with your family and friends
• Assist in supporting / promoting our War Recognition Medallion Program (New Medallion coming soon)
• Start planning now to attend the 2025 NCOA Conference in Norfolk Va.
• Pledge to make at least a $1.00 Donation to our Benevolent Funds Programs – Every Dollar Counts and can make a Difference!!! Consider donating and share the with others:  zeffy.com/donation-form/one-dollar-can-make-a-difference​

NCOA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S INSIGHTS
JANUARY 2025

​Happy New Year! Our theme for 2025 will continue, One Member at a Time. Each One Reach One. Our Membership Goal will be ....2025 New Members! Some of you may be asking yourselves, is that a typo, or did Joe drink too much eggnog for Christmas? LOL.
 
Neither is true. This is very achievable if all of us do our part. As I have repeated year after year, if each of us signs up at least one new member in any category we would blow that 2025 New Member number out of the water! I genuinely believe we can achieve that in short order. We will provide an update each month so everyone can see our progress. I am asking everyone to participate. Many hands make the load lighter!
 
When I tell people we represent the Total Force, they tend to ask, “how many members do you have?’ Our numbers do not reflect our representing the Total Force. We are well under 100,000 Members. You can help us fix this! All you need to do is get off the sidelines and act! You can help, whether you are affiliated with a chapter, a new member, or a Life member. 
 
Start by implementing your own Chapter Membership Drives and establish Incentives for those that sign up new members. A few chapters are already doing this; however, we need more chapters and those not assigned to a chapter to sign up new members. It doesn't matter if your chapter has 5 members or 500 members, your efforts still can make a difference. Host a “bring a friend” meeting. Encourage members to bring someone to see how your organization operates. Host a family-friendly event. Spouses, siblings, parents, and (grown-up) children are all potential members showing your organization is family-oriented and is a potential attracting point for new members! Additional information to follow via email and social media.

​Other Goals for 2025

• Learn and share information about our Association and the Benefits of joining (Visit www.ncoausa.org)
• Pledge to sign up and or sponsor at least 1 New Member in 2025
• Assist in supporting and promoting the War Recognition Medallion Program
• Start planning now to attend the 2025 NCOA Conference in Norfolk Va.
• Pledge to make at least a $1.00 donation to our Benevolent Funds Programs – Every Dollar Counts and Makes a Difference!! Consider donating and share the information with others:  https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/one-dollar-can-make-a-difference

Team NCOA!

This year is moving along at a fast pace! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Please take the time to celebrate with family and friends. Also, if you are able, reach out to someone that may be in need, especially during this Holiday Season.

NCOA is seeking design ideas for our next War Service Recognition Medallion - The Non Commissioned Officers Association Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism Medallion.

• All artwork must be original. Any submission that is not original artwork will be disqualified (copyright images, computer graphics, etc.).  
• All submissions must be in the format of a PDF or JPG. 
• All colors must be solid. 
• Contest will run from 1 November thru 31 December 2024. All entry submissions must be sent to [email protected].
• The Individual submitting the winning design will receive recognition on all NCOA social media pages and will receive the very first Medallion once designed.  In addition, the individual selected will receive a 2-year complimentary membership which can be transferred to someone else who is eligible to join. 
  
  

Fall Membership Challenge - One Member At A Time - Each One-Reach One! Challenge will run from 15 Oct - 31 Dec 2024.  Sign up a New Member and receive an NCOA Lapel Pin. Application with payment can be sent to NCOA Headquarters, Attn: Joe Terry. If an individual signs up online, we will need their name/sponsor to verify membership.
 
NCOA Chapter Start up - If you or someone you know in your area would like to consider starting up a chapter, please reach out to Ms. Tina Kish or myself and we will be more than happy to assist. It only takes 5 dedicated paid members to get a new chapter started. Email [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

Consider supporting our Benevolent Funds Programs – Every Dollar Counts and can make a Difference!!!  https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/one-dollar-can-make-a-difference.
 
As always, thank you for your part in helping us achieve our overall goal of being the Military Service Organization of Choice! One Member at a Time-Each One-Reach One!
 
Strength in Unity®

Joseph Terry, SGM, U.S. Army (Ret)
NCOA Executive Director
9330 Corporate Drive, Suite 708
Selma Texas. 78154

​Facebook: NCOA USA and NCOA Strength In Unity
INSTAGRAM: NCOA1960