Honoring Those Who Have Served. 

As an established Veterans Service Organization, RAC-MOAA plays an integral part in recognizing the the contributions of those veterans who have made the Supreme Sacrifice for the cause of freedom. To this end, RAC-MOAA representatives participate in annual memorial ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans' Day, usually at the Virginia War Memorial, Central Virginia VA Medical Center, Amelia State Veterans Cemetery and in Chesterfield County. Participation includes placement of a memorial wreath at the ceremonial site.

Avenue of Flags.

The Amelia State Veterans Cemetery Avenue of Flags Committee, asks for your participation in maintaining an "Avenue of Flags" at the cemetery in Amelia. The first display was dedicated on Memorial Day 2000. The flags flank drives, walks and/or interment sections within the cemetery. Cash donations of $100 are requested for the purchase of a single flag pole and hardware.

• The Committee is also requesting donations of interment flags given to veterans’ next of kin. Many of these flags are tucked away in some closet or dresser drawer, not being seen or used by anyone. Chapter members or other recipients of such flags, should donate them to the cemetery for the Avenue of Flags. These flags will be flown in memory of the deceased veteran for whom it was donated. Each such flag will bear a brass clip displaying the name and rank of the deceased veteran.
   
• All donations of interment flags should be accompanied by a typed or handwritten card listing the name, rank and branch of service of the deceased veteran, and the name, address and telephone of the person making the donation of the interment flag.
   
• All donors of flags or cash, will receive a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the cemetery superintendent. Questions may be directed to the cemetery staff by calling 804-561-1475. Please mail or deliver all donations to: Virginia State Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, Pridesville Road, Amelia, VA 23002.

RAC-MOAA Memorial Bench.

In the year 2000, the Chapter solicited donations from its membership to fund the placement of a marble bench, inscribed with the name of the Chapter, at the Virginia State Veterans Cemetery in Amelia. The membership contributed more than $500 for the purchase of the bench. The bench was installed in April 2001 and was formally dedicated in November 2002. If you visit the cemetery, the bench can be viewed near the entrance to the Chapel.

Legislative Affairs.

Primarily through the efforts of our Legislative Affairs Committee, our chapter has made laudable progress in improving the recognition of, and services and facilities provided to, Virginia's more than 820,000 veterans of military service. Over the last decade, through persistent lobbying of the Governor and members of the Virginia General Assembly, our chapter has been instrumental in obtaining the following:
 

• achieving Virginia state income tax equity (and retroactive refunds) for federal retirees.
• funding and construction of state veterans cemeteries in Suffolk County and Southwest Virginia.
• funding for the expansion/improvement of the Veterans Care Center in Roanoke.
• funding for the construction of Veterans Care Centers in Richmond, Hampton, Northern Virginia and Virginia Beach.
• funding for construction of a "Fisher House" residence at McGuire VA Medical Center.
• funding for construction of an Education Center at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.
• creation of a new and improved Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
• in-state tuition for non-resident active-duty military personnel and dependents domiciled in Virginia.
• enhanced fuding and support for the Virginia National Guard and members of the Reserve forces.

To oversee the administration of Virginia's Veterans Services, pursue future increases in funding and staffing for operation of the Department of Veterans Services, obtain commitments for the construction of additional Veterans Care Centers in the Northern Virginia and Tidewater areas, and improve responsiveness to the needs of Virginia's veterans, several RAC-MOAA and VCOC members serve voluntarily on the Board for Veterans Services and the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Services Organizations. To learn more about our Legislative Affairs efforts, please click here or contact our Legislative Chair, LCDR Wayne Sine at legislative@racmoaa.org.

Supporting Those Who Have Served. 

The Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross is always in need of volunteers to serve on its Armed Forces Emergency Services Committee. One of the principal functions of this committee is to provide greeters for new recruits into the Armed Forces at the Richmond-area Military Entrance Processing Center at the Federal Building at 9th & Broad Streets in downtown Richmond. These Red Cross volunteers provide a brief overview of Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services to inductees from all service branches. The typical Red Cross volunteer is assigned for 1 - 2 hours on a given day, distributes Family Contact Cards and Red Cross wallet cards to inductees, answers any questions, and then collects and mails the completed Contact Cards to appropriate Red Cross Chapters and family members. Training for these voluntary positions is provided by the Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross. For a more detailed description of this volunteer opportunity contact the Richmond Regional Office on 2825 Emerywood Parkway at 804.780.2250.

Public Relations.

We need enthusiastic volunteers to help make our Public Relations efforts timely and meaningful. Currently our chapter is seeking a volunteer to serve as our Director of Public Relations. For more information, please contact our President, COL Vince Cammarata, at president@racmoaa.org.