By Pat Green
Networks and Friendships
At our last Surviving Spouse Advisory Council meeting, the subject of communications came up. Some members espoused Facebook; others embraced LinkedIn, a text trail, or email groups. I can say good things about them all, depending on the size of the group and the message.
Still, the need for a personal connection exists.
My favorite means of communication remains a telephone call. Nothing brightens the day like a call from an old friend. A memory shared or a laugh exchanged lifts the spirits. Personal communications build strong families and good friends, and create great institutions and cohesive organizations.
Personal interaction between Chapter members provides opportunities to build friendships, exchange ideas and share experiences.
I have just returned from my annual Council Leadership Training/Convention. At an event like that, you feel the connection of shared experiences and our shared purpose. But you feel more. It’s the hugs exchanged, the appreciation of each member and their contributions, and the connection to the MOAA Leaders and staff that attend. It was an experience that energizes and renews your commitment.
Your Council and Chapter create a cohesive network for the work of MOAA. They also provide a setting for friendships to flourish.
This shared affinity should be practiced in your Chapter. The Chaplain and the Surviving Spouse Liaison serve as a personal outreach to each member. Their role is very important.
A Chapter member who lives alone and has no local family member needs a Chapter friend or neighbor to exchange a greeting with each day. It could be as simple as texting “Good Morning” and a thumbs up response. The greeter and responder should share contact information for their next of kin in the event that the greeting is not returned.
I know of one Chapter that has created such a program. They call it Buddy Check. This topic might be a good discussion point for your next meeting.
Also, the Chapter should have a list of emergency contacts for its members in case a member becomes ill at a meeting. I personally experienced two situations where that information would have been helpful.
Please…Keep caring. Keep advocating! Keep in touch! Keep connected. And “Never Stop Serving”.

November is the month of Thanksgiving and each of us has so much to be thankful for.
Sometimes, the wearies of the world will overcome us, but this month is the time to look forward and be hopeful. Each day we should examine and find at least 3 things to be grateful for. It’s easy if you start with…

The warmth of the sun, a breath of fresh air, a new day to fill with activities, new conversations, and accomplishments.

These are givens, but each of us has so many more. Concentrate on your many blessings and share your joy. I am looking forward to the Holidays and the preparations. One of the things I can do in advance is contribute to Wreaths across America.

This year Wreaths across America will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025

Wreaths of greenery and a red bow will be laid on graves of veterans at over 4,800 cemeteries nationwide. The event is free and open to the public at these locations. You can be a participant by volunteering to place wreaths or sponsoring a wreath to honor our American Heroes. What a lovely way to give thanks for the courage and honor of a loved one. If you wish to order a wreath, they are $17. The deadline to make your order is December 1, 2025. Some cemeteries allow for a specific grave placement; some cannot because of lack of volunteers working. Check information for the location that interests you.

go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/