Chapter Member Elected to MOAA National Board of Directors

Patriot Day is Friday, September 11 th , and communities throughout Brevard County will gather to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks 25 years ago on September 11 th , 2001, as well as the first responders, military members, families, and others affected by the attacks and the ensuing Global War on Terror. Several local commemorative events are planned: City of Rockledge Remembering 9/11 Ceremony — Thursday, September 10 th : The City of Rockledge will hold its “Remembering 9/11 Ceremony” from 6-8 PM at Rockledge City Hall, 1600 Huntington Lane. The ceremony will feature musical tributes, guest speakers, and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, military members, and families impacted by the attacks. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 321-221-7540. Brevard Veterans Memorial Center 25th Anniversary Commemoration — Friday, September 11 th : The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center (BVMC) will hold its 25 th Annual Commemoration of September 11 th , 2001, from 6-7:30 PM at the BVMC Amphitheater, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island. The event will remember those killed in the attacks, the first responders subsequently affected by occupational toxins, the patriots who went to war in defense of our nation, and the families who shared their sacrifice. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call 321-453-1776. Palm Bay Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony — Friday, September 11 th : A Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony will be held at 8:30 AM at Palm Bay City Hall, 120 Malabar Road, Palm Bay. The ceremony will honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the heroes who emerged on September 11 th , 2001. Guest speakers will share remarks and personal reflections on the events and their lasting impact. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call 321-952-3443. The Avenue Viera World Trade Center Memorial — Friday, September 11 th : The Avenue Viera invites the community to visit its 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial from 10 AM to 7 PM. The memorial, located across from AMC Theaters at 2261 Town Center Avenue in Melbourne, includes remnants of the World Trade Center. Visitors are invited to pay their respects to those lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Flowers and flags will be available for visitors to leave at the memorial or take home in memory of the fallen. For more information, call 321-634-5390. We encourage our members and the community to take an opportunity to honor those who were lost, remember the courage of those who responded, and recognize the service and sacrifice of the generations of Americans who followed.

Army Echoes is the U.S. Army's official newsletter for retired Soldiers, surviving spouses, and their families. It provides timely information on military retirement benefits, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) updates, TRICARE and Medicare changes, VA benefits, DFAS pay matters, legislative and policy changes, and other programs affecting the retired military community. Its purpose is to help retirees and survivors stay informed, maintain access to earned benefits, and remain connected to the Army family. CLICK HERE for the latest edition. Typical topics include: Retirement pay and COLA updates Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) information TRICARE and healthcare changes VA benefits and survivor programs Retiree Appreciation Days (RADs) Military community news and resources Guidance for surviving spouses and families As of 2026, Army Echoes is transitioning to primarily digital distribution, with notifications sent through the retiree's DFAS myPay email account.

Dear BNOVLB Supporters, As we honor all veterans, including those who have no family members to support therm at their end of life, pleased to report there will be another Brevard No One Veteran Left Behind (BNOVLB) Service at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on 30 September 0900-1000 hours. This will be our fourth such service since 2023, following several years working with MIAP. Remember that CCNC supports five counties, so not all the honorees are from Brevard County. Special appreciation to Tom Fitzgerald and his caisson as well to Joye Eiker and Sara Breuilly for being our case managers and working with VA to confirm eligibility. Thanks so much to CCNC/NCA Director Cindy Van Bibber and her staff for their support and setting up this next service. The staff will also read the names of many veterans who had no family present when they were laid to rest in the past year. We all will also bear witness to their service. Thanks to the Cape Canaveral Ladies and the CCNC staff, they were not buried alone. Please consider volunteering for one of the positions below, or just attending as witnesses, as we make sure another 20 veterans and spouses receive the honors they deserve for their final resting place. Some of our veterans have been left on funeral home shelves for decades, but we can then confirm they were not forgotten: A. Urn Bearer B. Flag Bearer (for Veterans) C. Flower Bearer (For spouses/dependents) D. Parking Support E. Information and Sign In table F. Other Support Roles, including placing urns on caisson, etc. We hope to have several alternates for the roles above in case of illness, etc. We also hope to match our record high for a past service with 180 in attendance. It is a special event you will not forget. The service will take place at a Committal Shelter, likely No 2 on the east side of the admin building. Parking will be available with direction from CCNC Staff. Please arrive by 0830 to sign in, confirm roles, pick up white gloves, etc. To Volunteer for a Role above, email only LaRue Fleming and myself no later than 20 Sep. We can also answer questions you may have. Please DO NOT Respond ALL. LaRue Fleming < laruefleming1@yahoo.com > Donn Weaver < donnweaver2020@gmail.com > Please also spread the word to your veteran organizations and friends. Details are also included in the BVMC Vet Events Calendar sent out earlier this week. Hope you are all looking forward to the Fall and all the veteran related events it brings. Good that the BNOVLB Service will be one of them. Warm Regards, CPT Donn A. Weaver USA (Former) President, MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation BNOVLB Coordinator 757-871-6576

UNOFFICIAL BREVARD VMC VETERAN EVENTS CALENDAR — September 2026 AND BEYOND. Contact BVMC for any additions or other information. NOTE: Some Events Change in between our monthly mailing of the BVMC Calendar. Keep up to date with those changes using our web link: https://veteransmemorialcenter.org/upcoming-veterans-events/ SEPTEMBER 04 Sep — Their Voice of Hope Welcome Back Happy Birthday and Appreciation Luncheon 1130-1330 at Gray Hall of BVMC. RSVP and registration required at events@theirvoiceofhope.com . For women veterans and the organizations that support TVOH. 11 Sep — 25th Annual Commemoration of the attacks on America on 9/11/2001 sponsored by Club 1013 And BVMC. (1800-1930) In the new Park Amphitheater. Focused on those who fell on 9/11 as well as thousands who were affected by toxins and went to the fight abroad. This major event supports and remembers the Fire, Police, EMS, Civilians, Military who lost their lives on or because of 9/11. We will honor and remember all their families as well. 12 Sep — Space Coast Honor Flight #4 of 5 2026 visits by veterans to see their monuments and memorials in Wash DC. Starts at 0400 hours at Melbourne International Airport Main Terminal with Welcome home set 2030 hours same evening. Come out and honor these veterans , some from the Korean War era and their Guardians that will travel with them. Many veteran organizations and community groups support this amazing program. MOAACC Good Deeds funds FIT ROTC Cadets and Veterans in the VA sponsored FIT Psych PhD program to serve as guardians throughout the year. Contact schf.org for more information and to sign up on the waiting list for both honorees and guardians. 26 Sep — Special Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Dinner and Celebration sponsored by the Vietnam Exhibit Project led by Ben Bydalek. Azon Temple , 1591 W Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne. Event starts at 1530. FREE Dinner 1630 -1730 with other events until 2000. VVA Chapter 1096 co sponsor. Contact Ben for more info. thenamwar@yahoo.com 27 Sep — Dice Run by AMVETS riders Chapter 2415 (0830- 1600. Ride Cycles, Roll Dice and Win with 6 stops starting with AM Legion Post 1 in Titusville. Plenty of eats and drinks (non- alcoholic ) at $20 per rider and $10 per passenger. Proceeds benefit Veteran Barry Munn’s battle with cancer. Contact AMVETS for more info. Register at 0900-1000 at AL Post 1. 30 Sep — Brevard No One Veteran Left Behind Memorial Service at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims 0900-1000. We will lay to rest almost 20 Veterans and Spouses who were abandoned by their families and left on funeral home shelves in some cases for decades. Call to support with urn, flag and flower bearers along with witnesses will be made before Labor Day. CCNC will also read the names of all veterans and spouses laid to rest during the past year with no family present. Let us thus pay respects to our veterans that will finally lay in honored rest as America promised. Contact Donn Weaver, donnweaver2020@gmail.com for more information and to volunteer. OCTOBER 03 Oct — JROTC Raider Challenge Meet #1 at BVMC Park and Amphitheater. (0630- 1230) 10 Oct — Medal of Honor BBQ , Craft Fair, Specialty Car show, live music, food trucks and more. Sponsored by SpaceX and other MOH Foundation supporters with proceeds going to support veteran families in distress. Contact BVMC VP Don Pearsall for more information on 321-313-2444. . (1000- 1600). . 17 Oct — Space Coast Honor Flight #5 of 5 2026 visits by veterans to see their monuments and memorials in Wash DC. Starts at 0400 hours at Melbourne International Airport Main Terminal with Welcome home set 2030 hours same evening. Come out and honor these veterans , some from the Korean War era and their Guardians that will travel with them. Many veteran organizations and community groups support this amazing program. MOAACC Good Deeds funds FIT ROTC Cadets and Veterans in the VA sponsored FIT Psych PhD program to serve as guardians throughout the year. Contact schf.org for more information and to sign up on the waiting list for both honorees and guardians. 31 Oct — JROTC Raider Challenge Meets #2 at BVMC Park and Amphitheater. (0630-1230) NOVEMBER 07 Nov — Annual St Francis Hospice 5K Run for Veterans at the new Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater and Plaza 0730- 1130. Includes vendors, awards, veteran pinning as SFH raises funds for their “ We Honor Veterans Program “ throughout the County all year. Details and registration in September. 07 Nov Third Annual Cape Canaveral Veterans Day Parade sponsored by VFW Post 10131. Starts and Ends near the Cape Canaveral City Hall at 1111 Hours until 1330. Includes music, vendors, food, and more. Sign ups and more information in August. 07 Nov — Second Annual VyStar MOACC Good Deeds Foundation Veterans Recognition Dinner 1700-2000 Fundraiser at the Melbourne Hilton Rialto as they recognize veteran organizations, projects and individuals who have made major contributions on the Space Coast 2025-26. Keynote Speaker is Rep Mike Haridopolos, with Clerk of Courts Rachel Sadoff as MC and Sheriff Wayne Ivey as Auctioneer. Sign up to sponsor tables or reserve seats at moaacc.org 08 Nov — Home Stretch 9th Annual 5K sponsored by National Veterans Homeless Support in the Eau Gallie Arts District with the start at 0800 hours. Sign up at https://runsignup.com/homestretch5k 11 Nov — Veteran Day Events at BVMC and many other locations in the county. Details in August. 14 Nov — JROTC Raider Challenge Meet #3 for District Championship at BVMC Park and Amphitheater (0630-1300) NOTE: State Championships on 12 Dec. 14 Nov — Annual Marine Corps Ball at Space Coast Convention Center, Cape Canaveral 1700-2200 sponsored by Brevard Marine Corps League Chapter 513. Ceremony, dinner, silent auction, tradition, dancing and fun. Contact : mclbrevard513@gmail.com to sign up, pay and for more information. Tickets $60 each. 14 Nov — The Support Committee at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (501(c)3) will be having their annual Fall Fundraiser on November 14 at American Legion Post 1 in Titusville. Beginning at 5:30, dinner tickets are available at $25 per person; a 50/50 raffle and many raffle items will be available in a silent auction. With a DJ, the evening will be fun, tasty and entertaining while supporting the efforts to enhance ceremonies and education about Cape Canaveral National Cemetery For reservations and more information: saavik31324@yahoo.com DECEMBER 05 Dec — Annual Merritt Island Grand Illumination sponsored by CAMI and BVMC 1500- 2000 at BVMC Amphitheater Park and Plaza. More details in August. 11-12 Dec— 2026 Superintendent’s Cup Brevard County JROTC Air Rifle Championships at Palm Bay jr/Sr Magnet High School Shooting Range Building 0800-1700 each day. This event is a qualifier for State Championships. 12 Dec —5th Annual Space Force T-minus 10 Miler Run at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. 0700-1100. This is a USSF Heritage Event which is open to the public and thus gives a rare glimpse into the historic area with run past 4 old launch sites. Runners and dozens of volunteers and sponsors needed. Learn more and register at https://runspaceforce.com 19 Dec. — Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery and other Brevard locations. CCNC Friday, 18 Dec and Saturday, 19 Dec (1500-1730 and 0800 - 1030 for family and friends, 1030 - 1100 to lay wreaths and 1100-1130 for the Ceremony at the Flag Assembly Area. Contact waaccnc.org to donate wreaths and funds for the ceremony. 2027 January 23 Jan — JROTC Drill Meet #1 in VM Park with amphitheater stage for awards (0630-1230). 30 Jan — JROTC Run and Shoot Event at Satellite HS 0800-1200. Includes Ruck Run and timed air rifle shooting for accuracy. -6-8 JROTC Teams expected for this unique Brevard County Event. February 06 Feb — JROTC Drill Meet #2 in Park with amphitheater stage for awards (0630-1230). Also planned to overlap with 2027 Medal of Honor Event. Look for more details in December 2026. 27 Feb. — JROTC Drill Meet #3 District Championships in Park with amphitheater stage for awards (0630-1230) March 13 Mar. — BVMC/SAR Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution (0800-1200) Amphitheater and Concessions area. Details in Dec April 16 Apr. — BVMC/BPS Space Coast Military Enlistment Ceremony at VMP Amphitheater (1400-1900) May 02 May — BVMC/Back Brevard Heroes — Hero Fest — Plaza and Park (0900-1500). Please help us spread the word and advis e of any new events.

The MOAACC Scholarship Corporation proudly recognized its 2026 scholarship recipients during the annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon held on July 21 at Colony Hall, Indian River Colony Club. This year, twelve outstanding students were each awarded a $7,000 scholarship, representing a total investment of $84,000 in their continued education. The recipients were selected from 28 completed applications following a highly competitive and thoughtful review process. Nine of the twelve recipients attended the luncheon in person, accompanied by family members and friends. For the three recipients unable to attend, a parent or family representative proudly accepted the scholarship on their behalf. It was an inspiring event that provided members an opportunity to meet these exceptional young scholars, hear about their accomplishments, and congratulate them as they continue their academic journeys. Led by Vice Admiral Don Hagen, USN Retired, the awards ceremony was outstanding, as always. Special thanks are extended to Dan Levy, Brent Baysinger, Mike Yaeger, Arnold Lim, and the entire Scholarship Selection Committee and Scholarship Corporation team for their dedication and hard work in making another scholarship year such a tremendous success. During the luncheon, Sam Ginsburg was also recognized for his generous and sustained contributions to the MOAACC Scholarship Corporation over the past several years. Sam, thank you for all you have done—and continue to do—to support the education and future success of our military families.  Since its founding in 1984, the MOAACC Scholarship Corporation has awarded more than $1.15 million in scholarships to 339 students attending 86 colleges and universities nationwide. This year’s luncheon was another proud example of MOAACC’s enduring commitment to service, education, and the next generation.

DFAS Monthly Retiree Newsletter

Call for Articles for the Intercom :

By Jim DesJardin, LTC, USA (Ret), Chairman, MOAACC Student Affairs At our May luncheon, the MOAACC’s Student Affairs Committee had the honor of hosting and recognizing fourteen outstanding young men and women who have earned appointments to our nation’s Military Academies or received Senior ROTC scholarships. Their achievements reflect exceptional academic performance, leadership ability, physical fitness, and a strong commitment to serving our nation, their schools and their communities. These students exemplify the Scholar-Athlete-Leader (SAL) model emphasized by our Military Academies and Senior ROTC programs. Collectively, they have excelled in the classroom—many maintaining GPAs of 4.0 or higher—while also demonstrating athletic excellence through varsity sports participation, team captaincies, and individual athletic accomplishments. Most importantly, they have shown the character and leadership potential required for one of the most demanding and honorable professions in our nation: military service. The luncheon was well attended by community leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Rendell, members of the School Board, parents and friends of the honorees, and many MOAACC members. Each student received an MOAACC Certificate of Excellence and an MOAACC Challenge Coin. The presentations were made by Chapter President Rosa Reich, Superintendent Dr. Rendell, and Donn Weaver, President of Good Deeds. The following students were honored: Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School – Rylan Reyes, appointment to the United States Air Force Academy Eau Gallie High School – Thomas Good, appointment to the United States Air Force Academy; T’Mari Bowe, appointment to the United States Air Force Academy Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School – Preston Ratliff, Senior ROTC Scholarship to the University of Miami Melbourne Central Catholic High School – Joseph Colombo, appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point Merritt Island High School – Nathan Oglesby, Senior ROTC Scholarship to Auburn University; Garrett Hall, Senior ROTC Scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Haley Underwood, Senior ROTC Scholarship to Georgia Military College; Ryan Gregorie, Senior ROTC Scholarship to the University of South Florida Rockledge High School – Ausha Daniels, Senior ROTC Scholarship to Georgia Military College Satellite High School – Thor Kopenkoskey, appointment to the United States Air Force Academy Viera High School – Luke Rodgers, Senior Air Force ROTC Scholarship to Purdue University West Shore Jr./Sr. High School – Pleasant Lewis, Senior ROTC Scholarship to the University of South Florida; Jacob Fine, appointment to the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School  These students are entering a profession pursued by fewer than one percent of their peers nationwide. Their accomplishments demonstrate what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to service. MOAACC proudly congratulates each of these future leaders and wishes them continued success as they begin their journeys of service to our nation.

By Jim DesJardin, LTC, USA (Ret),  Chairman, MOAACC Student Affairs

Gold Bars Earned: Seven Florida Tech Cadets Commissioned as Army Officers

MOAA’s signature legislative effort, Advocacy in Action (AiA), once again highlighted the power of coordinated advocacy—with the Cape Canaveral Chapter at the forefront!  This year, Florida combined in-person engagement on Capitol Hill with a strong statewide virtual network, proving effective advocacy is about amplifying voices everywhere.

Dav Chapter 32 members and their family are invited to gather at Melbourne Orlando International Airport (1 Air Terminal Parkway, Melbourne, FL) for the next Space Coast Honor Flight Welcome Home Celebration, where we come together to honor local veterans returning from their unforgettable day in Washington D.C. , visiting the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.