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Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC) - Advocating for Veterans' Rights

Established in 1975, VCOC is a leading advocate for military veterans in Virginia, achieving remarkable legislative victories and supporting various initiatives. Its activities include congressional luncheons, conventions, and legislative initiatives. VCOC has played a key role in repealing state taxation of military retirement, funding veterans' programs, and promoting education for military children. Recent accomplishments include receiving awards and being selected for a Direct Membership Pilot Program. Stay informed by visiting the VCOC website.

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Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC) - Advocating for Veterans' Rights

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  1. Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC) MOAA’s Finest Council 1

  2. Topics • Background of VCOC • Major Accomplishments • Key Activities 2

  3. Background of VCOC • 18 Chapters. Formed in November 1975 at Ft Lee • Richmond (1959), Hampton Roads (1959), Central VA (1971), and Southside (1971) were early chapters • Held 3 Day Biennial Conventions in 1980’s and 1990’s • First VCOC Congressional Luncheon - 1986 • Establishment of VCOC Legislative Committee - 1988 • Recommended establishment of Coalition of Military Veterans Organizations -1989 • Recommended funding of a Veterans Home and Cemetery - 1989 3

  4. Major Accomplishments • Repeal of state taxation of military retirement vs non -taxation of state/local employee retirement. VCOC fought this all the way to the US Supreme Court • Leftover funds of $68,000 from Legal Fund were given to MOAA Scholarship Fund to provide 3 scholarships of $5000 each to VA students each year • Aside from the rebates, these actions made a lasting impression on the General Assembly and the Administration - that the retired military is a force to be reckoned with 4

  5. Other Accomplishments • VCOC first Storming of General Assembly - 1996 • Funding and construction of the Richmond and Salem Veterans Care Centers • Funding for VA National Guard Family Support Centers • Funding and construction of 2 military cemeteries (Suffolk and Amelia) + 1 new cemetery in SW VA • Initial funding of Wounded Warrior Mental Health Program • Interstate Compact on Education for Military Children • In-state tuition for non-resident military children • Funding for the VA War Memorial Education Center 5

  6. OtherAccomplishments • One of key VA veterans organizations to advocate formation of VA Dept of Veterans Services - 2002 • Recommended the creation of a Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations within Dept of Vet Svcs – 2002 6

  7. 2012 Legislative Initiatives- State • Various options for Veterans designation on VA drivers licenses or a separate Veterans ID • Unclaimed cremated remains of veterans • Sales and use tax exemption for VSO’s • Homeless veterans 7

  8. 2012 Legislative Initiatives- National • Maintain an adequate level of national security in a dangerous world • Retain a level of active duty pay and benefits to secure the future of the all volunteer force • Continue to recognize the sacrifices made by wounded, retired and survivors • Note: each of the above initiatives will entail numerous sub-initiatives as deficit reduction plans become clearer • Stay informed! http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/ 8

  9. Recent Accomplishments • VCOC accounts for 13% of MOAA national Give Me Ten membership total in 2011 • Virginia winner of consecutive MOAA Give Me Ten Dinners 2007-2011 • Ten Chapters were awarded 5 star Levels of Excellence Awards in 2011! Plus two 4-star Chapters • Virginia selected for Direct Membership Pilot Program 9

  10. Key 2012 Activities • “Storming the Hill” of the General Assembly (Richmond) - 23 Jan • Congressional Luncheon in (Wash, D.C.) - 9 May • MOAA Annual Meeting (Arlington VA) - 29-30 Oct • VCOC quarterly meetings at various locations in such as Fort Lee, Charlottesville, Richmond, Lexington, Williamsburg, Petersburg • Visit the VCOC website at www.virginiamoaa.com 10

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