5-STAR LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE CHAPTER

The Albuquerque chapter was organized on August 12, 1958 and was subsequently chartered as an affiliate by National MOAA (formerly TROA) on the 20th day of that month. Its primary purpose was to provide for social gatherings of retired officers of the Uniformed Services. There were thirty charter members. The original constitution and bylaws were adopted at that time.

Since 1958 the chapter strength has grown from the original 30 members to approximately 309 Regular members and 93 Auxiliary Members. In December 1974 the name was changed to the "Albuquerque Chapter" and in January 2003 the name was changed to the "Military Officers Association of Albuquerque." The bylaws of the organization were most recently amended on January 9, 2009.

Throughout its history the Albuquerque chapter of MOAA has provided scholarships for ROTC students at the University of New Mexico, assistance to High School JROTC units, and has supported the Gold Star Mothers and the Blue Star Mothers as well as Toys for Tots and other charitable projects. We are now a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity organization, approved by the IRS in December 2006 - see Charitable Giving. Legislative matters are of great interest to the members of MOAA and members lobby for changes as needed, with both national and state legislatures.

A luncheon meeting for the membership is held monthly as is a breakfast meeting at which a speaker, invited by the organization, helps to inform the members in attendance of important developments in the city or the state. Additionally, the Tours Club plans trips/events both nationally and internationally in which the members may participate. The Ski Club makes winter trips to ski areas all over the Southwest for the enjoyment of its members.

In August 2008 the Albuquerque Chapter of MOAA celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its founding. Vice Admiral Ryan, USN-Ret., President of the Military Officers Association of America, honored the chapter by attending the celebration - see 50th Anniversary.

Although there were earlier Chapter newsletters, the "ALBUTROA" was founded in the early 1980's. During the following 20 years the newsletter won several awards. In 2003 the newsletter name was changed to "ALBUMOAA" reflecting the organizations name change to MOAA. The Albuquerque chapter was proud to receive the first place award for the newsletter, the "ALBUMOAA", in 2007.

The Chapter Web Site www.albumoaa.org, has also won awards including a first place award in 2007. These and other awards can be seen on the web site under the awards category. The Newsletters and Web Site are currently being submitted for possible recognition for 2008.

Bylaws of the Albuquerque Chapter