Silicon Valley Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America

San Jose’s Oak Hill Cemetery was the venue for the 2024 Memorial Day remembrance ceremony. The grandstands were full of Veterans and ceremony. There were free hot dogs for all and an old time band played music to entertain guest as they strolled among several organizational booths that shared information on their mission. Booth displays included the VA Palo Alto, Santa Clara County Veteran Services Office [VSO], the Honor Flight Org, and MOAA-SVC. USA Col (Ret) Roger Clark and former Captain (USAF) Ricky Deutsch manned our booth to greet guests and prospective members. They distributed chapter promotional cards and provided information on MOAA-SVC primary mission which is to support veterans and active-duty military members and their families.

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San Jose’s 106th Annual Veterans Day Parade was almost not going to happen. Funding and organizational issues threatened the 2024 edition. Kudos to svcMOAA President Lt Col Ray Watts USA (ret) for picking up the ball. New sponsors, the city and personal & business donations committed to fund the parade. Light rain didn’t stop the event which runs from SAP Arena thru town to the Plaza de Cesar Chavez..​

The guest speaker for the June 2024 luncheon was Dr Gary Laine, a veteran of the US Navy Dental Corps. He is on the Board of the local Honor Flight program. Attendees heard a presentation regarding the objectives of the program. It means a lot to the veterans of WWII, the Korean and Vietnam conflicts fly to Washington DC to view the military memorials and reconnect with fellow warriors. The trip to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was heartfelt. Any veteran can apply – but the list is long. Each participant must bring a “guardian.” This is someone to care for the vet – pushing a wheelchair, helping with meals and sharing a room. No spouses are allowed. This time is for the veteran.

San Jose’s Oak Hill Cemetery was the venue for the 2024 Memorial Day remembrance ceremony. The grandstands were full of Veterans and supporters. There were free hot dogs for all and an old-time band played music to entertain guests as they strolled among several organizational booths that shared information on their mission. Displays included the VA Palo Alto, Santa Clara County Veteran Services Office [VSO], the Honor Flight Org, and SVC MOAA. USA Col (Ret) Roger Clark and former Captain (USAF) Ricky Deutsch manned our booth to greet guests and prospective members. They distributed chapter promotional cards and provided information on SVC MOAA. A real surprise was a fly-over by a Moffett 129th Air National Guard helicopter It also landed and gave tours. In a cemetery! A WWI reenactor group dug a trench to replicate how the soldiers fought. Kudos to our President, Ray Watts (USA Col (Ret) for his role in organizing the day.​

Your Silicon Valley Chapter of MOAA applied grant funds we recently received to an idea that has crystalized. A partnership comprising Santa Clara the County, Silicon Valley Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, (SVC MOAA) and Yellow Cab of Silicon Valley. Free transportation assistance is now available to veterans in the County. Vets will be able to schedule a free taxi ride to and from medical appointments, job interviews, employment services, school or education activities and other essential appointments. The County Veteran Services Office (VSO) will manage the program. County Supervisor and veteran, Otto Lee was instrumental in awarding the chapter a $5,000 grant for this type of veteran support. President Ret. Col. Ray Watts said: “Providing reliable and accessible taxi services for veterans can significantly improve their quality of life and motility. Veterans, especially those with disabilities or limited mobility, often face challenges in transportation, making it difficult for them to attend medical ​appointments, run errands, or participate in social activities, this really helps reduce stress and anxiety.”

Your Silicon Valley Chapter of MOAA applied grant funds we recently received to an idea that has crystalized. A partnership comprising Santa Clara the County, Silicon Valley Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, (SVC MOAA) and Yellow Cab of Silicon Valley. Free transportation assistance is now available to veterans in the County. Vets will be able to schedule a free taxi ride to and from medical appointments, job interviews, employment services, school or education activities and other essential appointments. The County Veteran Services Office (VSO) will manage the program. County Supervisor and veteran, Otto Lee was instrumental in awarding the chapter a $5,000 grant for this type of veteran support. President Ret. Col. Ray Watts said: “Providing reliable and accessible taxi services for veterans can significantly improve their quality of life and motility. Veterans, especially those with disabilities or limited mobility, often face challenges in transportation, making it difficult for them to attend medical ​appointments, run errands, or participate in social activities, this really helps reduce stress and anxiety.”

Retiring Congresswoman Anna Eshoo came to the 129th Rescue Wing base at Moffett Field in May, 2024. It was a reception for local High School graduates who were selected to attend one of the military service academies. She recommended them based on their demonstrated outstanding traits of leadership, academics and athletics. 15 Students were selected: six to West Point, four to Annapolis, and five to the Air Force Academy. In a special ceremony on the flight line tarmac, an HH-60G helicopter was named “The Honorable Anna” in gratitude for her support of the 129th. Colonel Vick Teal, commander of 129th, presided over the naming ceremony. The event was well attended by 100+ family, friends and several senior military officers. Major General Steven Butow, Commander of the California Air National Guard, gave the keynote speech. The Silicon Valley Chapter of MOAA was represented by Col Ray Watts, USA (ret) and Captain Ricky Deutsch (former USAF).​

In October, Eshoo returned for a formal luncheon by NASA Ames. She was given a replica of the Sound of Earth gold disk that was placed on the Voyager 1 & 2. While there, she toured Hanger 1, which is being restored (target is the end of 2025). Planetary Ventures (Google) did not say what’s going to be inside. Ms. Eshoo then went to the Moffett Museum, where a ceremony marked the naming the Air Park after her.​

Retiring Congresswoman Anna Eshoo came to the 129th Rescue Wing base at Moffett Field in May, 2024. It was a reception for local High School graduates who were selected to attend one of the military service academies. She recommended them based on their demonstrated outstanding traits of leadership, academics and athletics. 15 Students were selected: six to West Point, four to Annapolis, and five to the Air Force Academy. In a special ceremony on the flight line tarmac, an HH-60G helicopter was named “The Honorable Anna” in gratitude for her support of the 129th. Colonel Vick Teal, commander of 129th, presided over the naming ceremony. The event was well attended by 100+ family, friends and several senior military officers. Major General Steven Butow, Commander of the California Air National Guard, gave the keynote speech. The Silicon Valley Chapter of MOAA was represented by Col Ray Watts, USA (ret) and Captain Ricky Deutsch (former USAF).​

In October, Eshoo returned for a formal luncheon by NASA Ames. She was given a replica of the Sound of Earth gold disk that was placed on the Voyager 1 & 2. While there, she toured Hanger 1, which is being restored (target is the end of 2025). Planetary Ventures (Google) did not say what’s going to be inside. Ms. Eshoo then went to the Moffett Museum, where a ceremony marked the naming the Air Park after her.​

San Jose State’s Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) held their 76th Dining Out in May 2024. The night highlighted cadet achievements and brought community leaders together to recognize these fine young men and women. The event was presided over by AFROTC Detachment 045 Commander and Silicon Valley MOAA board member, Lt Col Joshua Sullivan. SJSU President, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, welcomed the California ANG Commander, Major General Steven “Bucky” Butow as guest speaker. SVC MOAA is the largest community contributor to the cadets. We awarded a total of $4,000 in scholarships to four outstanding cadets. Our President, Col (R) Ray Watts presented the scholarships on our behalf. The event was also attended by Board members Col (R) Ray Powell and former AF Captain, Ricky Deutsch.​

We believe that access to quality education should be available to all deserving students, regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting the programs at universities in our community. Through our ROTC scholarship initiative, we provide financial assistance to outstanding students who have chosen to serve their country while pursuing their academic goals. By alleviating the financial burden, our scholarships empower these exceptional individuals to focus on their studies and military training, ultimately paving the way for them to become the future leaders of our nation’s armed forces. We are committed to investing in the education and development of these remarkable students, who embody the values of honor, courage, and selfless service. Join us in our mission to support the next generation of military leaders by contributing to our ROTC scholarship fund.​

Santa Clara County of Office of Veterans Services [VSO] Ms. Darleen Escalante addressed members of the MOAA Silicon Valley Chapter at the monthly luncheon at DeAnza College. She shared information about VA programs that chapter members could take advantage of. Her team reviewed issues and scheduled appointments after lunch. Ms. Escalante has been with the VSO since 2019, where she started as a Veterans Services Representative and was most recently a Program Manager. Escalante oversees veteran support services provided by 16 staff members who assist over 64,000 veterans and their dependents. She also represents the County with the California Department of Veterans Affairs and the State and National Associations of County Veterans Service Offices. She is an Air Force veteran and is accredited to assist veterans and their families with obtaining benefits through Federal, State and local organizations. She has the experience and the leadership skills to direct this department whose sole mission is to connect veterans with the benefits they’ve ​earned. Her innovation and energy have already led to stronger connections with County departments and other veteran service organizations throughout the area. She and her team, ​continue to work with these groups to build a stronger coalition so no veteran in the county goes unserved. Members requested a follow-on session with her team at a future luncheon.​

On March 30, 2024, San Jose participated in the National Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day. A several SVC MOAA members attended. The event featured a reading of all 142 Sons of San Jose who were killed in the conflict. A large plaque lists the names of San Jose residents who died in Vietnam. 1968-69 had the most deaths. A few Gold Star moms were in attendance. SJ Mayor Mark Mahan and his predecessor, Sam Liccardo, gave short talks. San Jose State AFROTC cadets served as honor guard.​

Since the Obama era, all military who were on active duty between 1965-1975 are considered “Vietnam Veterans.”  Before, you had to have had boots on the ground there. The logic was you COULD have been sent over. You were ready.​

Our March 2024 lunch meeting speaker was Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Kulis, US Marine Corp. He is a National Security Affairs Fellow for the academic year 2023-2024 at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. Lt Col Kulisz served 18 years as an Intelligence Officer ranging from leading counterintelligence and human intelligence teams to supporting special operations to building partnerships with key allies and partners throughout both Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Most recently, he served as Commanding Officer of 1st Intelligence Battalion based on Camp Pendleton, California. His talk capsulized the efforts the Chinese Communist Party is taking to influence the minds of young people. Social Media and TikTok, in particular, are addicting lonely youth to be indoctrinated into a different way of thinking. This can influence their perspective of democracy. In addition, heavy users of social media are seen to be drawing inward and increasing loneliness. It’s all a way of manipulating Americans into radical thinking – and acting. The US Government does not allow TikTok to reside on any government funded device. Parents need to be aware of the risks.​

Our March 2024 lunch meeting speaker was Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Kulis, US Marine Corp. He is a National Security Affairs Fellow for the academic year 2023-2024 at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. Lt Col Kulisz served 18 years as an Intelligence Officer ranging from leading counterintelligence and human intelligence teams to supporting special operations to building partnerships with key allies and partners throughout both Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Most recently, he served as Commanding Officer of 1st Intelligence Battalion based on Camp Pendleton, California. His talk capsulized the efforts the Chinese Communist Party is taking to influence the minds of young people. Social Media and TikTok, in particular, are addicting lonely youth to be indoctrinated into a different way of thinking. This can influence their perspective of democracy. In addition, heavy users of social media are seen to be drawing inward and increasing loneliness. It’s all a way of manipulating Americans into radical thinking – and acting. The US Government does not allow TikTok to reside on any government funded device. Parents need to be aware of the risks.​

The VA announced that all veterans who have served in a combat zone since the Vietnam War, as well as those who participated in training or operations and came into contact with hazardous materials, will be able to enroll in VA health care. The PACT Act was passed by Congress in August 2023. The full name is the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, Since then, more than 100,000 veterans have enrolled in VA health care and roughly 760,000 disability claims have been approved. This applies to all veterans who deployed to combat zones in support of the Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In addition, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to pollutants while participating in a known “toxic exposure risk activity,” or TERA, either in the U.S. or abroad, will be eligible. Specifically, if service men and women were in the presence of burn pits, Camp Lejeune water or in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos or Cambodia during the Vietnam era (Agent Orange), disability aid and compensation may be granted. The VA will use service records and other resources to determine whether a veteran participated in a TERA. Veterans are not required to have a service-connected disability or file a compensation claim to be eligible for VA care. To learn more, visit the VA.gov/PACT website or call 1-800-MYVA411. The Santa Clara County Office of Veterans Services (VSO) can help you navigate the process. They are at 68 North Winchester Boulevard (near Santana Row) in Santa Clara, Phone: (408) 918-4980.​

The VA announced that all veterans who have served in a combat zone since the Vietnam War, as well as those who participated in training or operations and came into contact with hazardous materials, will be able to enroll in VA health care. The PACT Act was passed by Congress in August 2023. The full name is the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, Since then, more than 100,000 veterans have enrolled in VA health care and roughly 760,000 disability claims have been approved. This applies to all veterans who deployed to combat zones in support of the Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In addition, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to pollutants while participating in a known “toxic exposure risk activity,” or TERA, either in the U.S. or abroad, will be eligible. Specifically, if service men and women were in the presence of burn pits, Camp Lejeune water or in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos or Cambodia during the Vietnam era (Agent Orange), disability aid and compensation may be granted. The VA will use service records and other resources to determine whether a veteran participated in a TERA. Veterans are not required to have a service-connected disability or file a compensation claim to be eligible for VA care. To learn more, visit the VA.gov/PACT website or call 1-800-MYVA411. The Santa Clara County Office of Veterans Services (VSO) can help you navigate the process. They are at 68 North Winchester Boulevard (near Santana Row) in Santa Clara, Phone: (408) 918-4980.​

It was a sad day when the Naval Air Station was closed in 1994. It was a valley fixture since 1933 and was a core contributor to the growth of Silicon Valley. The Moffett Museum is a repository of artifacts from those days. The highlight of the base is the giant Hangar #1 aka “The Big Hangar.” Planetary Ventures (part of Google) manages the base now is in the process of reskinning the facility to as it was before and the Navy to tore it down to girders. Late 2025 is the target completion date. Although it’s not known what will be inside, it would be a great place to relocate the museum. The recently named “Anna Eshoo Air Park” holds a collection of aircraft outside. UC Berkeley has announced the Berkeley Space Center; a proposed, $2 billion, 36-acre innovation hub where academia, private industry and government will come together to identify, incubate and launch tomorrow’s technological breakthroughs. It will be a multi-building campus located near the big hanger on land where the closed gas station and auto repair bays were located. Target opening is 2027. Many of our members served at NAS Moffett. Click HERE for more info. ​

Finally, the Headquarters of the USGS – US Geologic Survey recently moved from San Mateo to near the big hangar.

It was a sad day when the Naval Air Station was closed in 1994. It was a valley fixture since 1933 and was a core contributor to the growth of Silicon Valley. The Moffett Museum is a repository of artifacts from those days. The highlight of the base is the giant Hangar #1 aka “The Big Hangar.” Planetary Ventures (part of Google) manages the base now is in the process of reskinning the facility to as it was before and the Navy to tore it down to girders. Late 2025 is the target completion date. Although it’s not known what will be inside, it would be a great place to relocate the museum. The recently named “Anna Eshoo Air Park” holds a collection of aircraft outside. UC Berkeley has announced the Berkeley Space Center; a proposed, $2 billion, 36-acre innovation hub where academia, private industry and government will come together to identify, incubate and launch tomorrow’s technological breakthroughs. It will be a multi-building campus located near the big hanger on land where the closed gas station and auto repair bays were located. Target opening is 2027. Many of our members served at NAS Moffett. Click HERE for more info. ​

Finally, the Headquarters of the USGS – US Geologic Survey recently moved from San Mateo to near the big hangar.

Junior ROTC is a Title 10 US Code mandated citizenship training program . It is designed to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill personal responsibility, character, and self-discipline. JROTC is not an officer accessions program and cadets are never under any obligation to join the military. Instructors are drawn from former active duty and the reserves. Programs in our area that we support are: Delmar, Mt Pleasant and Milpitas. They are a good source for Honor Guard duty.​

Nationwide number of JROTC units​

1,600 Army AJROTC​

794 Air Force AFJROTC​

619 Navy NJROTC​

260 Marine Corps MCJROTC​

10 Space Force SFJROTC​

6 Coast Guard CGJROTC

Junior ROTC is a Title 10 US Code mandated citizenship training program . It is designed to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill personal responsibility, character, and self-discipline. JROTC is not an officer accessions program and cadets are never under any obligation to join the military. Instructors are drawn from former active duty and the reserves. Programs in our area that we support are: Delmar, Mt Pleasant and Milpitas. They are a good source for Honor Guard duty.​

Nationwide number of JROTC units​

1,600 Army AJROTC​

794 Air Force AFJROTC​

619 Navy NJROTC​

260 Marine Corps MCJROTC​

10 Space Force SFJROTC​

6 Coast Guard CGJROTC

Founded in 2019 by President Trump, the United States Space Force (USSF) is the military branch of the Armed Forces that conducts military operations in space. The USSF is part of the Department of the Air Force. The mission is to protect the nation’s interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint forces. They are ramping up with about 8,000 members currently. Their uniforms are different than Air Force,​ enlisted rank chevrons are new members are referred to as “Guardians.” Currently SVC MOAA has no Space Force members. They now have an anthem. Hear the Space Force Anthem HERE

Founded in 2019 by President Trump, the United States Space Force (USSF) is the military branch of the Armed Forces that conducts military operations in space. The USSF is part of the Department of the Air Force. The mission is to protect the nation’s interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint forces. They are ramping up with about 8,000 members currently. Their uniforms are different than Air Force,​ enlisted rank chevrons are new members are referred to as “Guardians.” Currently SVC MOAA has no Space Force members. They now have an anthem. Hear the Space Force Anthem HERE

Santa Clara County has bought the Homeless Veterans Emergency Housing Facility, HVEHF, located at 10 Kirk Avenue in San Jose. The purchase was completed in September, 2023 in an effort to enhance a core resource for the more than 64,000 veterans in the South Bay. Since 2009, the HVEHF has provided transitional housing at this site, serving more than 6,000 veterans and being a key linkage to Veterans Affairs and to support transitional housing and access to VA services. Supervisor Otto Lee was instrumental in making this happen. He said: “The site at 10 Kirk Avenue will not only serve as transitional housing for our veterans, but will be renovated and more housing and veteran services will be co-located to serve many more veterans in the near future.” This purchase affirms the County of Santa Clara’s commitment to supporting veterans and is in concert with additional efforts by the Board of Supervisors including an annual Stand Down event, increased staffing for the County’s Veterans Service Office, and mobile dental services.​

Santa Clara County has bought the Homeless Veterans Emergency Housing Facility, HVEHF, located at 10 Kirk Avenue in San Jose. The purchase was completed in September, 2023 in an effort to enhance a core resource for the more than 64,000 veterans in the South Bay. Since 2009, the HVEHF has provided transitional housing at this site, serving more than 6,000 veterans and being a key linkage to Veterans Affairs and to support transitional housing and access to VA services. Supervisor Otto Lee was instrumental in making this happen. He said: “The site at 10 Kirk Avenue will not only serve as transitional housing for our veterans, but will be renovated and more housing and veteran services will be co-located to serve many more veterans in the near future.” This purchase affirms the County of Santa Clara’s commitment to supporting veterans and is in concert with additional efforts by the Board of Supervisors including an annual Stand Down event, increased staffing for the County’s Veterans Service Office, and mobile dental services.​