MOAA Military Spouses Storm the Hill
May 01 2012
MOAA Spouse Council prepares to “Storm the Hill”
On April 18th MOAA Stormed Capitol Hill!
In the course of one single day, MOAA Council and Chapter Presidents, members of the national Board of Directors and headquarters staff, plus members of MOAA’s active duty, Guard, Reserve, spouse and auxiliary advisory committees had visited almost all 535 representatives and senators.
MOAA Spouse (Monique and Karen) and the MOAA Spouse Advisory Council (eight strong) were out in force representing you and our military community.
Here are our impressions of this unique opportunity:
Storming the Hill was an amazing experience. I was really nervous at first – I’m a stay at home mom, not a professional lobbyist! MOAA prepared us well and by the end of the first day I could speak knowledgeably on all three points, mainly because they really do matter directly to my family. It was wonderful to speak to my congressmen and women. They actually listened to what my team (a MOAA chapter president- a retired Army officer, a MOAA staff member – another military spouse, and myself) had to say about these important issues. It was great to have our voice heard and know that each state was hearing what is critical to the military. I was honored to be part of advocating for military families.
Additionally, I grew even more respect for MOAA as a military support organization (something I didn’t think possible – they’re awesome!). Each person from MOAA is passionate about supporting the military as a whole but also individuals and families. Every person that I met within MOAA took a genuine interest in me and what issues are important to our family. I’m so grateful for their attention to the WHOLE military family! ~Julie Ann Thomas, Coast Guard Spouse
Julie Ann and Baby are ready to go!
Storming the Hill was an unforgettable experience! When storming, I felt a deep sense of care and responsibility for the military members and the issues that we were representing. The day’s highlight was time spent with Sen. Jim Webb. Senator Webb was engaging and shared a great deal of information on the most important issues facing the military today. He was very generous with his time, candid on the issues, and passionate for the overall well being of the military. Amazing day! Thank you to MOAA for the opportunity to speak directly to our Senators and Congressmen on behalf of the military community. I look forward to storming for years to come.~Leona Sachrison, USMC Spouse
Monique Rizer and her storming partner, Col. Mary Mayer, USAF-Ret.
This was my 3rd year Storming with MOAA and my second year storming Oregon. Storming the Hill is more than the chance to experience all that is great about our country, that we can, as ordinary citizens, petition Congress for the needs of our community – though that is the primary focus – it’s also a chance to meet some incredible veterans. My partner this year was Col Mary Mayer. Mary is a retired Air Force colonel who left a teaching job to join the military. I learned this on our first meeting. The staffer, a young woman, smartly asked Mary, “What prompted you to join the military?” Mary shared her journey, how she wanted to see the world, meet new people, and serve her country. A casual postcard sent for more information about the Air Force in 1972, resulted in a personal visit from a recruiter just a few days later. The staffer and I listened, transfixed at Mary’s story being recruited and ending up on the ground in the final throes of the Vietnam War. “Rockets don’t care if you’re a woman,” she said of combat.
Mary and I left Sen Merkel’s office and went on to four more meetings, but I think I learned more that day than any congressional staffers – about how many veterans and their incredible stories go unnoticed as they retire the uniform, put on a suit and blend into the civilian community. Invisible heroes among us.” ~ Monique Rizer, Deputy Director, Spouse Programs.
Col. Mary Mayer, USAF-Ret.
Be sure and come back tomorrow. The “Storm” continues.
