Greetings, the major conflict in Iraq seems to be over and some of our troops are coming home, this is good news. Unfortunately, as in all conflicts, some have given their lives for our freedoms, the ultimate sacrifice. We will keep them and their families in our prayers. We still have much work to do in bringing peace and stability to Iraq and it's People. May God speed.

On Wednesday, 30 April, 7 of our members made the trek to Washington DC for the annual Virginia Council Of Chapters luncheon at the Capitol Hill Club. Representatives from the Virginia Chapters, VCOC, and National MOAA were in attendance. The guest speakers were Senator John Warner, Senator George Allen, Congressmen Ed Schrock, Randy Forbes, and Bobby Scott, to name a few. All speakers spoke on the programs that their committees were working on. It was a great turnout by all groups. Congressman Ed Schrock had lunch with our Hampton Roads Chapter members.

There is a new place to go for a wealth of information about Social Security programs and services: www.socialsecurity.gov.  The new address takes you to a redesigned site that is easier to navigate, more attractive, and more accessible to all visitors, including people with visual impairments or physical disabilities. One of the most popular features of the website is the online benefits application, where people can apply for retirement, spouse's and disability benefits online. The service allows people to do business with Social Security whenever they want from the comfort of their own home.

Again we would like to encourage any member, who is interested in becoming actively involved in MOAA operations, to attend our Board meetings, normally held on the 1st Saturday of every month at the NS Little Creek Amphibious Base Golf Course clubhouse. The meetings start at 0830. The June Board meeting has been changed to 31 May. 
                                                                                                We're Rolling,
                                                                                                John

     Virginia House of Delegates' 81st District Representative Ms. Terri L. Suit addressed a variety of interesting issues to the local MOAA membership on Friday, April 11, at the Holiday Inn Executive Center. More than 80 members enjoyed Suit's informative talk at the April chapter social. She graciously stepped in when Congressman Edward Schrock (R-VA) canceled due to his required presence for a House vote at, the Capitol.

     Suit serves on the Agriculture, Chesapeake Bay, and Natural Resources Committee; Counties, Cities and Towns Committee; and General Laws Committee. She is the Republican House Caucus Deputy Whip and serves as a House Republican Representative to the State Republican Party. She represents parts of southern Chesapeake and southeastern Virginia Beach.

     The planned May publication of the new chapter directory has been delayed slightly because of the influx of last-minute membership renewals and the need to re-format the booklet so as to remain within postal weight limits. It should be in the mail in early June.

     You will find that it comes in two parts: Part I contains basically the chapter history, Constitution and By-Laws, and advertisements purchased by sponsors. Part II contains the actual roster of members and its distribution is limited solely to chapter members, other Virginia MOAA Chapters, and National MOAA Headquarters.

     Review your information and submit any needed changes to the chapter's P.O. Box. Directory changes will be published in succeeding MOAA BULLETINS.  (The Chapter Directory is available to members on the web in the Member Access area.  For access, you must have a current password).