Jun 27 2008
About MOAA Spouse
Sue Hoppin joined the Benefits Information Department staff of MOAA in 2005 and quickly established herself as an expert in military spouse issues.
In addition to holding a variety of paid positions, Sue came to MOAA with over 14 years experience serving in the military community as a volunteer. Her responsibilities ranged from squadron fundraiser and spouse club membership chair to the presidency of both the Kadena Officers’ Spouses’ Club and of the Ramstein Elementary School PTA. She currently serves as the 2008-2009 President of the Air Force Officers Wives Club at Bolling AFB.
Sue was recognized for her volunteer efforts with awards as Volunteer of the Year at McConnell AFB (1999) and as the 76th Airlift Squadron Spouse of the Year (2002). In 2006, Sue was selected to be MOAA’s first assistant director for spouse outreach. In 2007, Military Spouse Magazine named Sue on their 2007 Who’s Who of Military Spouses list recognizing 12 spouses who have made significant contributions in the military community for all military spouses. In addition to her work at MOAA, she writes a monthly column for Military Spouse Magazine and serves as a member of the Board of Advisors for the Military Spouse and Family Legacy Association. She is also the co-author of, “A Family’s Guide to the Military for Dummies”.
Sue holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Denver and a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Oklahoma. She and her husband reside in Springfield, Va., with their son.
Where do I find information for widows.
(My husband passed away 11-12-08)
I’m writing because I thought military spouses might be interested in avoiding scams that affect veterans’ charities. The FTC is cracking down on bogus charities and warning consumers to ask questions before donating money.
Today, the FTC and more than 40 states announced a nationwide sweep targeting scam artists who claimed to be raising money for military veterans, firefighters, and police officers. In reality, almost all of the money went to the fundraisers themselves.
Scam artists like these can be very compelling, so it’s important for people to know the warning signs of a charity fraud. Check out http://www.ftc.gov/charityfraud for tips and information, and feel free to use any of our materials, including our newest consumer alert, Supporting the Troops.
You can hand out copies of the materials or use the information for your publications. Feel free to share it with your network of military websites, blogs, listservs or forums.
For more information, you can read the press release at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/charityfraud.shtm.
Thanks so much!
Carol
Carol Kando-Pineda
Counsel
Division of Consumer and Business Education
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, DC 20580
ckando@ftc.gov
A big, “LOOK HERE” to all the moms who are interested in teaching their children the value of money making and saving. It’s all in a simple, kid-friendly website, http://www.kids-save.com. It is parent and child involved and is essential in teaching a child the basics of earning, saving, spending money. Its designed to help children understand what’s expected of them (chores, listed by the parents) and their allowance (also set up by the parents). Their incentive is not only in the ability to make money but in the game provided on the website. Its a virtual kingdom the child gets to build. Based on points received from completing chores, and the disciplines of their spending/saving habits, they can compete with children from all around the world and help build their very own city. This website enforces goal setting, financial stability and the ability for children to understand the importance of money! I LOVE IT!!!!! It is extremely motivating and my son checks his chore list everyday, monitors his savings and understands the value of earning it. I recommend kids-save.com for any young family!!!