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Lorraine Holland

President’s Message – March 2026

Presidents Message / By

I was reminded waking up two Saturdays ago of the high price our most precious of patriotic Americans paid in Operation Epic Fury. Please send extra prayers to the families of the American services members who have been killed or wounded. For those of you who have upcoming overseas trips, I urge you to register your travel information before you depart with https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/smart-traveler-enrollment-program .html In my past travels I found it extremely helpful when the State Department sent me very specific alerts, informative messages, and locations of the nearest Embassy/Consulate during my overseas trips. The main State Government website is https://travel.state.gov .

By the looks of the new buds coming out on my Bald Cypress trees, I believe Spring has Sprung in Central Florida! Luckily, we are turning our clocks forward on March 8h to give us an extra hour of sunshine for all the new growth that is occurring. I’m wishing you all the luck of the Irish on
March 17th, and don’t forget to “Welcome Home” our Vietnam Veterans on their special National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29th. Mark your calendar for March 10th as we are having our monthly luncheon with special guest speaker Navy veteran and past American Legion District
Commander Kurt Gies, the Founder and Executive Director of Challenge22. www.Challenge22Inc.com exists to end veteran suicide by raising awareness and funding programs that save veterans’ lives.

If it’s been a while since you’ve attended one of our MOAA Central Florida Chapter luncheons, please reserve April 11th (our only Saturday luncheon) to come out and celebrate our JROTC Scholarship Cadets, their family and cadre. This is my favorite luncheon event as it’s an opportunity to showcase the achievements of our future military leaders and recognize them with the generous financial donations from our chapter members. Lastly, I know there are chapter members who don’t always come to our luncheons and thus may not get a reminder that the $20 membership dues we each pay to support our chapter are now overdue. We rely on the dues to help pay for items such as meals for our guest speakers, and other operating costs such as our Chapter Insurance policy. You will find the form to send in your $20 on the last page of the Focus, or go to www.moaacfc.org and click the “Donate” link. We need your support, and while you are at it, please update your information (especially your spouse) so we can keep in touch! For those celebrating Easter, I wish each of you a joyous Easter celebration on April 1st! I hope to see you all on March 10th for your monthly Chapter Luncheon!
Cheers, Lorraine

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Yellow Ribbon Veterans Appreciation Celebration

Yellow Ribbon Veterans Appreciation Celebration

Special Events / By

“Healing Through Expression” was invited to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Veterans Appreciation Celebration held by the Orlando Region Realtors Association on November 7th, 2025.  Our featured artist was Kathy Redmond, who creates exquisite paper flowers and paintings.  This event was well attended, and there was plenty of interest in this worthwhile project.   

Yellow Ribbon Veterans Appreciation Celebration
Yellow Ribbon Veterans Appreciation Celebration

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Surviving Spouse Pat Green

Surviving Spouse Corner – November 2025

Surviving Spouse / By

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/

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Chaplain's Corner

Chaplain’s Corner – November 2025

Chaplain's Corner / By

The Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season is almost upon us. For many who have lost a loved this last year it can be an emotionally hard time. Even the second holiday season can be difficult. It is my hope that the poem “Epitaph” by Merrit Malloy can be helpful. I have found it so.

Epitaph
When I die give what’s left of me away to children and old men that wait to die. Cry for your brother walking the street beside you,
And when you need me, put your arms around anyone
And give them what you need to give me.

I want to leave you something, something better than words or sounds.

Look for me in the people I’ve known or loved,
And if you cannot give me away, at least let me live on your eyes and not on your mind.

You can love me most by letting hands touch hands,
By letting bodies touch bodies, and by letting go of children that need to be free.

Love doesn’t die; People do.
So, when all that’s left of me is love … Give me away.

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MOAA CFC Board President

President’s Message – November 2025

Mail / By

November is one of the most rewarding months of the year for me. We all honor November 11th as Veterans Day, but with so many veteran events I would like to see all of November proclaimed as “Veteran’s Month” to adequately honor our veterans who gave their youth and lives in support of our great country! Please give an extra dose of gratitude this month to our veterans, especially when you come across veterans who proudly display their military caps and attire. I’m reminded that as we head into the holiday season, there are some who are vulnerable trying to cope with memories of those who are no longer here. Please reach out and give an extra “Buddy Check.” November is also National Family Caregivers Month. I would like to recognize our military caregivers who not only cared for their loved one while in military service, but who work tirelessly as we all advance in age to give an extra dose of TLC. Caregivers often do not recognize the signs that they too need extra support to cope with the daunting task that comes with caregiving. We have included an article for support and education so that you don’t burn yourself out. Caregivers are sometimes the last to seek help, but the first to need a helping hand.

I’d like to deviate from having a guest speaker at our Veterans Day luncheon on November 11th. It occurred to me that if you totaled up all the years of service our military members have, and the years our spouses have been right there with us, we will discover a camaraderie of mutual support that has kept our MOAA family going strong since 1959! I would like to give those that choose to speak the opportunity to take a few minutes and enlighten our lunch crowd about some of their significant experiences in the military or supporting our service member. With the uncertainty of our food challenged veterans that rely on SNAP, please consider bringing canned goods to our luncheon-I will make sure they get to our Orlando Soldiers Angels that feeds 200+ veterans and military on the 3rd Friday of the month at Lake Baldwin. I’m looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Nov 11th, and for those of you that can’t, I thank you all for getting out of your comfort zone to serve our Nation and proudly share the title of “Veteran.”

It’s that time of year again when we need to review our Board of Directors and Chapter Leadership. Like any successful organization, we need new eyes and ears to help steer us into the future to keep our Chapter alive and vibrant. Please make yourself known at the November and December Chapter events so we can put your name forward to fill Chapter positions of leadership.
Cheers, Lorraine

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