AZCOC Mission

To provide a unified voice and support for all MOAA members and chapters in Arizona in promoting and supporting National MOAA’s goals, objectives, and advocacy for the rights and benefits, interests of – and service to – active duty, retired, former and reserve component personnel of the uniformed services of the United States and their families and survivors.

AZCOC Vision

MOAA is recognized as Arizona’s most committed and effective advocate for the rights and benefits of—and service to—active duty, retired, former, and reserve component personnel of the uniformed services of the United States and their families and survivors.

AZ Council of Chapters MOAA Officers

President Nicholas Knight, Lt. Col USMA, Ret Contact Email
Vice President Charles Vaughan, CAPT USN, Ret Contact Email
Secretary Mrs. Pam Wojtas Contact Email
Treasurer Charles Bitner, Col, USAF, Ret Contact Email

Past AZCOC Presidents (Council was chartered in 1975).

Col Peter Kloeber, USAF, Ret. (Council President 2018-2022)
Lt Col Richard Jonas, USAF, Ret. (Council President 2016-2018)
Col Ronald Perkins, USAF, Ret. (Council President 2014-2016)
COL Allen F. Rossow, USA, Ret. (Council President 2012-2014)
COL Ken Yamanouchi, USA, Ret. (Council President 2010-2012)
MAJ Vern Pall, USAF, Ret. (Council President 2008-2010)
CW4 Robert (Bob) Delker, USA, Ret. (Council President 2007-2008) (Passed September 26, 2017)
Col Gary Fredricks, USAF, Ret. (Council President 2005-2006)
CAPT Dan Conway, USCGR, Ret. (Council President 2002-2004)
LTC Samuel K., Apuna, PhD, USA, Ret. (Council President 2001 only) (Passed December 13, 2010)
CW4 Jerry Nowicki, USA, Rett. (Council President 1999-2000)
LTC John Devine, USA, Ret. (Council President 1997-1998) (Passed May 30, 2021)
2nd Lt Raymond Hitzel, USA, Frm., AZ Chapter (Council President 1995-1996)
COL William Hicks, USA, Ret., Coronado Chapter (Council President 1993-1994)
COL John Thomas, Superstition Chapter (dates unknown, prior to 1995)
Col L.J. Milch, USAF, Ret. Superstition Chapter (dates unknown, prior to 1995)
BG George Woodward, USA, Ret., No. AZ (dates unknown, prior to 1995)
BG George Costello AZ Chapter (dates unknown, prior to 1995)
LTCOL Donald Costello (dates unknown, prior to 1995) (Passed Oct. 7, 2009)
COL Ed Kloos, USA, Ret., Coronado Chapter (dates unknown, prior to 1995) (Deceased)

National MOAA Mission Statement

MOAA is the nation’ largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization. With more than350,000 members from every branch of service-including active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, former officers, and their families-we are a powerful force speaking for a strong national defense and representing the interests of military officers at every stage of their careers. MOAA’s highest priority is providing first-class service to our members. We are the leading voice on compensation and benefit matters for all members of the military community. We provide expert advice and guidance to our members.

History of MOAA

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) was founded in Los Angeles, CA in 1929 with the view to counsel and render assistance to all officers in matters related to their retired status. Through the years, the association broadened its objectives to work on behalf of the entire uniformed service community. After a membership vote in September 2002, the association changed its name from The Retired Officers Association (TROA) to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), on January 1, 2003.

Video: Why MOAA

Why MOAA? [They] provide me with a direct voice to Congress. … My membership matters because I make the organization stronger, which makes our voice stronger. -1st Lt, ARNG. Learn more in this video. Membership is open to active duty, former, retired, and National Guard and Reserve Commissioned and warrant Officers of the uniformed services and their surviving spouses.

How to Join MOAA: Join

MOAA Who We Are

  • Six out of ten retired officers belong to MOAA, as do more than 30,000 active duty officers. Today, with about 354,000 members, MOAA is the nation’s largest military officer’s association and the main force among veterans’ groups in lobbying Congress to protect military retirement and survivor benefits.
  • MOAA is an independent, nonprofit organization operated exclusively to benefit members of the uniformed services, their families, ad survivors. MOAA is dedicated to preserving their entitlements and to maintain a strong defense.
  • The Arizona Council of Chapters MOAA is the State entity which provides support and assistance to member chapters of Arizona.

MOAA Council and Chapters Procedures Guides

Organizational Structure