I would like to open the first Border Bulletin issue of 2010 by expressing my appreciation for the opportunity to serve as the president of the El Paso Chapter of the Military Officers’ Association of America. I am committed to working with the recently elected new Officers and Board members to build upon the success of the previous leadership. 2010 is going to be an exciting year, and there will be many opportunities to for MOAA to demonstrate its commitment and support to both active and retired, and enlisted as well as officers, in military communities along the southwest border. I think we can achieve great success in the El Paso community, and inform and influence success in our sister chapters in other military communities on our flanks by focusing on the Texas Council of Chapters (TCC) objectives; (1) Grow MOAA Membership; (2) Strengthen and build Chapters; (3) Focus on National Legislative Issues; and (4) Concentrate on State Legislative matters.
MOAA Membership. The El Paso Chapter MOAA will utilize a recruiting strategy that will capitalize on our successful support to ROTC and Junior ROTC programs, while reaching out to deployed and redeploying units/soldiers. There will be numerous opportunities to link both through professional development opportunities via Video Teleconference and other multimedia venues, recognizing the success of our combat heroes while informing future leaders. While we want to cultivate an increased following among the active duty and recently retired demographics, we’ll continue to capitalize on the tremendous improvements in our website and legislative reporting in keeping our retired members informed while tracking and recruiting recently retired service members.View Details
EL PASO -- A bill authorizing nearly $1 billion in construction for a new Beaumont Army Medical Center passed the House of Representatives on Thursday. "This new facility is necessary to serve the thousands of new soldiers and their dependents who are coming to El Paso," said U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas, in a statement.
Major Issues
Are you aware of the major issues and MOAA's legislative initiatives? Educate yourself on the issues that affect you and your family. See what MOAA is really doing for you on Capitol Hill. View Details
Action Alerts
Check your legislators’ positions on key issues and urge them to support MOAA’s goals. View Details
FORT BLISS -- 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division hosted their first Fiscal Year 2009, First Brigade Commander’s Retention Program Award Ceremony at the 1-1 AD dining facility. The Ready First Retention Program earned three of four commendable ratings during both the III Corps Retention Staff Assistance visit and FORSCOM Retention Staff Assistance visit. According to the Army Retention Program Web site, the Army Retention Program is one of the tools the Army uses to shape the force.
The program is designed to retain the right Soldier with the right skills at the right location. The program allows the Army to foster an environment that encourages high quality, career-minded Soldiers to stay with the Army team. The Retention Program encourages Soldiers to continue their service with the Army.
I think our success was a combination of both the career counselors and the command teams’ efforts in keeping our Soldiers on the team,” said Master Sgt. Hayward Smith, a Soldier assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bde., 1st Armored Div.
The awards given were to recognize individuals and battalions for their achievements this fiscal year. A successful retention program is critical to properly manning the Army. Soldiers possess a wealth of skills and combat experience and retaining these servicemembers is essential to the quality of the force as well as meeting our manpower needs. The Army Retention Program serves as an adaptable morale enhancing tool which Army leaders use, not only to meet the manpower needs of today’s Army, but also set the stage to properly man the Army as it continues to transform.
Staff Sgt. Ariesa D. Griffin
1st HBCT, 1st Armored Div. Public Affairs
Saturday, Mar 20, 2010
MOAA Chapter's Annual "Day at the Races" | View Details
Sunday, Mar 21, 2010
The 21st Annual Bataan Memorial Death March | View Details
Seventeen members serve on the El Paso Chapter of MOAA board of directors. They represent the seven uniformed services. Each is a volunteer and serves one, one-year term.
Seventeen members serve on the El Paso Chapter of MOAA board of directors. They represent the seven uniformed services. Each is a volunteer and serves one, one-year term. 
