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Chapter Activities
The Heart of Texas
Chapter holds 11 meetings a year featuring guest speakers on topics relevant
to the members in regards to local items or interest, military and
legislative issues, or local public or private citizens in prominent
positions.
The
meetings will also alternate at times with entertainment. A special
entertainment program with live band occurs for the December dinner meeting.
The 2024
HOT MOAA Chapter golf fundraiser will be held on Saturday June 8th. The
fundraiser is open to the public and military at the City of Waco Cottonwood
Creek Golf Course. More information can be found under the 2024 Fundraiser
Tab.
We use
funds/donations raised to provide:
·
educational scholarships for undergraduate veterans
and veteran dependents |
·
grants for Baylor Army and Air Force and Space
ROTC cadets |
·
grants for cadets at the five local JROTC units and
Civil Air Patrol |
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·
donations to various veterans’ support groups |
 
HOT MOAA participates in local events such as the annual Veterans
Day Parade and Memorial Day Remembrance.
Our
chapter supports the MOAA national legislative agenda and we annually invite
our Congressional Representative, who is an honorary member, to speak to our
chapter.
The
chapter also actively supports the Texas Council of Chapters in various
state veterans' issues. We include legislative updates in the monthly
newsletter and email members on special legislative issues for contact with
their elected representatives. |
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Next Meeting
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Media Room at McLane Stadium.
Our November guest speaker will be Henry Hernandez.
Henry Hernandez was born in Lockhart, Texas. He joined the U.S.
Marine Corps in 1963. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, 1965 –
1967. He received numerous awards and recognition during his
military service. Following his honorable discharge from the Marine
Corps in 1969, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve unit in Austin,
Texas.
Henry will be making a presentation on “The Grunt Padre”, the
service and sacrifice of the late Father Vincent Robert Capodanno,
Vietnam 1966 – 1967.
Vincent R. Capodanno was a U.S. Navy chaplain who earned the Medal
of Honor while serving with the Marines during the Vietnam War. He
joined the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps in 1966 and, after completing
Officer Candidate School, was immediately posted to Vietnam, where
he was attached to the U.S. Marines Corps. During his service
Capodanno established a reputation for selfless dedication to the
men, sharing their hardships and working for their spiritual and
practical welfare. He was so beloved by the men that he acquired the
moniker “The Grunt Padre.
On September 4, 1967, Capodanno embedded himself with one of the
companies taking part in the mission. During a bloody firefight,
Capodanno repeatedly exposed himself to retrieve wounded soldiers,
deliver last rites, and bring comfort and aid in the heat of the
battle. Capodanno was severely wounded twice and refused treatment
or requests to withdraw. Finally, going to aid a wounded medical
corpsman under enemy fire, he was killed in action. His posthumous
Medal of Honor was presented to his family on January 7, 1969.
More
Meal cost is $40, payable by check or cash at the
registration table. The table opens at 5:00 PM. There
will be multiple ticket drawings.
Winter dress code is in effect. For gentlemen, collared shirt,
slacks and coat, with tie optional. Business casual for ladies.
RSVP by Noon, Thursday, November 14th 12:00 noon to
vtobola@aol.com or 254-709-5795.
Please see our
newsletter
for more information
Cost $40.00 You may also call Vince Tobola, 254-709-5795 or
e-mail vtobola@aol.com, to register. After this time, please contact as soon as possible if plans
change and desire to attend and we will work to accommodate you at
the dinner meeting. |
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