CVC-MOAA July 2026 Monthly Update

Date Published: 07/01/2026

Members,

Lots of activity has been percolating this month for our next season of meetings and fundraising events.

Our first summer “dark” gathering of members was June 18, 2026, and we had 17 members present.  There was much conversation, a veteran’a discount from Burgers and 

Beers, and a good time.  There are three more gatherings scheduled this summer at Burgers and Beers in LaQuinta near Coscto.  Those dates are:

July 16, 2025 at 11:30 am

August 20, 2026 at 11:30 am

September 17, 2026 at 11:30 am

Here are more dates that you will want to remember:

October 15, 2026 - General Membership Meeting - Palm Springs Air Museum

October 22, 2026 - March Air Force Reserve Base & Museum Tour

November 11, 2026 - Veterans Day Auction and Dinner, Trilogy HOA

November 19, 2026 - General Membership Mtg - Speaker: Todd Anton -“When Football Went 

    To War”

December 10, 2026 - General Membership Mtg - Holiday Lunch

December 2026 - Date TBD - Hockey Game Fundraiser

January 14, 2027 -General Membership Mtg

January 2027 - Date TBD - Maryvn’s Magic Theater Fundraiser

February 11, 2027 - General Membership and Membership Drive Mtg - Speaker:  CAPT Marv               Heinze, MOAA Board Member

February 2027 - Date TBD Acuisure BB Game Fundraiser

March 11, 2027 - General Membership Mtg

March 2027 - Date TBD - Best Ball Night Golf at Indio Lights

April 8, 2027 - General Membership and Annual Meeting

May 12, 2027 - Leadership and Scholarship Dinner

PLEASE NOTE:  TWO DATES HAVE CHANGED - The two functions in November have moved up in dates.  The CVC-MOAA Veterans Auction and Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at Trilogy HOA.  Due to that moved, we also changed the general membership meeting to Thursday, November 19, 2026.  Todd Anton who spoke to our Chapter in March is returning.  His topic will be “When Football Went to War.”  If you were there in March, you know he has been one of the best speakers we have had in the last two years. I personally am excited for his return.

SEES CANDY - We have been contacted by See’s Candy to sell their chocolates this Fall as a fundraiser.  CVC-MOAA will receive from 15 to 50% of the profit for the candy we sell.  We will start taking orders at the October meeting and have it delivered in November, plus we will be selling actual boxes of See’s candy at the November/December meetings. We believe this will raise at least $600 for the Chapter.  Start thinking about the holidays and the sweets you might need.

COACHELLA VALLEY FIREBIRDS HOCKEY NIGHT.  This week, I had a meeting with the Group Sales Manager for the Firebirds.  We will be reserving 60 center court seats for an upcoming hockey game in the November - December timeframe. (We are waiting for the schedule to be released to pick a date). Tickets will be $75 a ticket and the Chapter will retain $10 per each ticket sold.  We will be able to add tickets and then also release tickets without any obligations.   This will bring in needed signing, but it will be hard to place a value on the promotion we will receive from attending the game.  Firebirds are big on “fan experience” and has opened many options for us to participate in at the game.  One such experience is that one of our members will be ask to participate in their “Hero’s” part of the game.  More information is forthcoming.

CVC-MOAA VETERANS DAY AUCTION AND DINNER.  As noted above, the date of this event has changed to Wednesday, November 11, 2026.  The committee is already meeting and seeking out auction items.  This year, we have created strong committee chairs that will be responsible for their areas.  We hope that each of you would be willing to assist in one of the committees,  This is our largest fundraiser of the year and helped us last year to give out four $3,000 scholarships.  Listed below is the list of the committee chairs.  If you are interested in volunteering for this event, I encourage you to contact me or one of the chairpersons.

Project Chair - MAJ Terrie Heer

Auction Committee Chair - COL Kathleen O’Regan

Marketing Chair - Gary Heer

Ticket Sales Chair - MacKinsey Simmons, Trilogy HOA

Auction Registration.Check Out Chair - CDR Matt Stone

VFW Donation Collection Chair - Flavia Abel

Runner Coordinator Chair - LTC Pete Shaner

Security Coordinator Chair - CPT Jim McIntosh

STAY ALERT: PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MEMBERSHIP SCAMS!  National MOAA often uses email and online channels to communicate with its members about their membership status.  However, they realize it may sometimes be difficult to discern legitimate messaging from scams.  If you receive an email or online message about your membership that seems suspicious, do not respond.  Contact MOAA’s Member Center immediately at 800-234-6622 to verify its legitimacy.

MOAA provides scams prevention resources at MOAA.org/scams that can help you combat all types of fraud.  Some MOAA specific details that may help you spot a scam messaging:

- Life members whose dues are paid in full will never be asked for additional dues payments.

- Spouses of deceased Life members inherit their membership at no additional cost.

- Spouses are not eligible for national MOAA membership; MOAA will never solicit a spouse to join. (Spouses are eligible to join the Coachella Valley Chapter-MOAA Auxiliary Unit)

- Basic and Premium members may receive renewal or upgrade communications from MOAA via mail, email, text message, or phone.

If you are unsure whether a message is authentic, DO NOT REPLY to the message - contact Member Service Center at 800-234-6622.

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT - CPT KENNETH (KEN) MC COOL

“A long time ago, in a land far away” likely applies to most of us who served in the military.  In Ken McCool’s case, his first memory was of one of his uncles who served as a tail gunner on a B-17 during WWII.  The uncle did make it home.  

The first direct military involvement for Ken began in 1966 when he applied for and was accepted in the Air Force Officer Training School.  He had just completed his Master of Science degree in mathematics, which was deemed appropriate for meteorology program at Texas A&M University.  In twelve months, he took thirteen courses in meteorology and one course in astronomy that resulted in an Air Force Certificate of Completion (essentially the equivalent of a BS degree in meteorology).

After finishing the program at Texas A&M, Ken was stationed at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth Texas, a SAC base - 22nd Weather Squadron, 26th Bomb Wing.  Ken joined the military to see the world, yet he was still in Texas.  He gave weather briefings for all types of training flights from fighter jets to KC-135s and B-52s for about a year. When the Wing was deployed to Andersen AFB on Guam. (Ken had never been on an airplane until that time.) he became the Wing Weather Officer. While on Guam, Ken flew on several B-52 bombing missions over Vietnam but at that time there was no particular concerns as they were at 38,000 to 40,000 feet with flak well below the flight level.

Upon returning to Carswell AFB, Ken remained as a Wing Weather Officer and interim Detachment Commander until his separation in 1970.

After his military separation from the USAF, he began a PhD program in mathematics at the University of North Texas.  Most well known alum was “Mean Joe Green” who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After finishing is doctorate, he taught at Mountain View College of the Dallas County Community College, which just happened to have an Aviation Technology Program.  One of the course was Aviation Meteorology, which he taught.

In 1980, Ken wrote a book, AVIATION METEOROLOGY UNSCRAMBLED (ninth edition in 2006).  Copies are still available on the internet.  Also that year, he became a certified flight instructor - using his GI Bill and became a Certified Consulting Meteorologist by the American Meteorological Society.

While teaching college on the week days, Ken was also a weekend weathercaster on a local NBC TV station.  Ken ended his teaching career back at the University of North Texas as an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics.  He retired in 2014.

Although his military stent was short, the meteorology training stayed with him for many decades.  Ken came from humble beginnings from a rural farm-ranch family about sixty miles north of Fort Worth, he now lives with his wife Martha in Rancho LaQuinta.  Martha is an CVC-MOAA Auxiliary Member and helps with Chapter promotions.  Ken has been a member of the Chapter since 2015.  The McCools have been married for over 30 years.  “I place a high value on all of my military experiences, both then and now,” concluded Ken.

LEGISLATIVE LIAISON APPOINTED

In the past, CVC-MOAA short sided regarding veteran advocacy - staying up-to-date on both state and federal legislation that affects veterans and their families.  Board member, CAPT John Doyle, has agreed to step in as Legislative Liaison.  He will keep us informed on what piece of legislation members will be interested in supporting.  

John has recommended for members to review Bear Flag Veterans organization.  This is a California focused, veteran-led advocacy organization that helps veterans directly influence state legislation by engaging with their own district legislators.  It is not a traditional VSO (life VFW or American Legion); instead, it operates as a grassroots legislative action network designed to give California veterans a stronger voice in Sacramento.

Bear Flag Veterans is an advocacy initiative connected to Reeb Government Relations, LLC, a registered California lobbying firm.  It’s purpose is to mobilize California veterans to shape state policy by:

- Sending personalized letters to legislators about active veterans bills.

- Organizing veterans to engage district offices, where constituent bounces carry the most weight.

- Providing tools to track bills propose edits, and participate in real-time policy discussions.

Go to bearflagveterans.com to join if you are interested.  The cost is $5 a month for unlimited letters and bill tracking or $4 a month if billed annually.  They do offer a seven-day trial period for those that are interested.

There are 1.6 million veterans in California, yet only a handful shape the legislative agenda.  Veterans living with consequences of policy should help write it and grassroots input should replace “three people in a room” deciding statewide priorities.

John will be keeping us briefed at our general membership meetings and through our website, CVC-MOAA.com, next year to keep our members updated on current legislation that affects us.

REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT OUR WEBPAGE AT CVC-MOAA.com.

NEVER STOP SERVING
Terrie Heer
MAJ, USAR, (RET.)
President
CVC-MOAA

CVC-MOAA June 2026 Monthly Update

Date Published: 06/06/2026

HONORING ALL THOSE THAT SERVED AND PARISHED DURING D-DAY

“The American citizen soldiers knew the difference between right and wrong, and they didn’t want to live in a world in which wrong prevailed.  So they fought, and won, and all of us, living and yet to be born, must be profoundly grateful.”  Historian Stephen Ambrose from his definitive book, D-Day:  June 6, 1944

MOAA Western Conference:  CMDR Matt Stone, MAJ Terrie Heer, Lt General Brian Kelly, MOAA President, CAPT John Doyle and LTC Jim LaBaugh

The Normandy landings were operations  associated airborne and naval operations on 6 June 1944 of the Allied Invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during WWII.  Code name Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it is the largest seaborne invasion in history.  The operation began the liberation of France and the rest of Western Europe, and laid the foundations for the Allied victory on the Western Front.  

D-Day Strength:  156,000 soldiers; 195,700 naval personnel; 50,350+170 coastal artillery guns.

Casualties and losses:  10,000+ casualties; 4,414 confirmed killed; 4,000-9,000 killed, wounded, missing or captured.

*********************************************************************************************************

Today is June 6, 2026, 82 years after D-Day.  Recommended movie to see is “Pressure” now playing at Regal Rancho Mirage, Mary Pickford, Cinemark Century LaQuinta and Festival Theater in Palm Springs.  The movie reflects the daring forecasts for the Allies’ ability to pinpoint a brief break in the severe storms over the English Channel.

President-elect John F. Kennedy asked Dwight D. Eisenhower what was the secret to the success of D-Day invasion was, Eisenhower replied “We had better meteorologists than the Germans.”

SUMMER MEETINGS

The Coachella Valley Chapter of MOAA goes dark June through September.  Chapter members who remain in the desert during the summer months can still enjoy the camaraderie of each other at Burgers and Beers located near LaQuinta Costco in their small meeting area.  Members order off the menu, receive a Veteran’s discount and a place to meet.  These are scheduled on the third Thursday of each month:

Thursday, June 18, 2026, 11:30 am

Thursday, July 16, 2026, 11:30 am

Thursday, August 20, 2026, 11:30 am

Thursday, September 17, 2026, 11:30 am

OCTOBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - OCTOBER 15, 2026

The first meeting of the new year will be Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Palm Springs Air Museum.  The museum will be be giving a no-host lunch with guest speaker of Palm Springs Air Museum Director, Fred Bell.  Also, CalMOAA President, CPT Ramona Chavez, will be in attendance to swear in the 2026-28 Board of Directors to include:

President:  MAJ Terrie Heer

1VP:  LTC Jim LaBaugh

2nd VP:  LTC Alan Tibbetts

3rd VP:  CMDR Matt Stone

Director at Large:  COL Duke Frey

Director at Large:  COL Mike Dulac

Director at Large:  CAPT John Doyle

Director at Large:  CW02 Bryan Equez

Director at Large:  CPT Jim McIntosh

After the meeting, two of our Chapter members, LTC Alan Tibbetts and MAJ Peter Fleury (both docents at the Museum) will give us a tour.  More information to come in the coming months.

MARCH AIR FORCE RESERVE BASE AND MARCH FIELD MUSEUM TOUR - OCTOBER 26, 2026

The March Air Force Reserve Base and the March Field Museum has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026.  The cost is $95 a person to include transportation to and from the Sams Club in Palm Desert, tour of the base, lunch and admission to the Museum.  For those members who would like to just meet the bus at March AFR Base, the cost is $50 a person. A flyer with a sign-up sheet will be sent this month to members.

VETERANS DAY SILENT AUCTION - NOVEMBER 11, 2026

This year’s Veterans Day Silent Auction and Dance is scheduled for November 11, 2026 at Trilogy HOA at 5:00 p.m.  The Co-Chairs are COL Kathleen O-Regan and MAJ Terrie Heer. The first committee meeting is Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.at the Agave Room at Trilogy HOA.  This year, we will be having an oral auction for items over $200 along with a silent auction.  We are also partnering with two other organizations.  First is Trilogy HOA and the other is the Coachella Valley VFW on their Christmas Sock Drive.  More information will be coming out about this event.  This is our biggest fundraiser of the year.  Last year, we raised $6,100.  This year, our goal will be $10,000!  If you are interested in volunteering on the committee or want to submit something for auction, please either contact MAJ Terrie Heer at 503-347-7614  or COL Kathleen O’Regan at 310-920-9406.

OTHER PROPOSED FUNDRAISERS AND IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026-27

October 15, 2026 - General Membership Meeting - PS Museum

October 2026 - Assist in the VFW Sock Drive for Veterans Home

October 22, 2026 - March Air Force Reserve Base/Museum Tour

November 11, 2026 - Veterans Day Silent Auction

November 12, 2026 - General Membership Mtg, Oasis CC, Speaker:  Todd Anton

December 10, 2026 - Holiday General Membership Mtg. Oasis CC

December 2026 - Hockey Game Fundraiser - Date TBA

January 14, 2027 - General Membership Meeting, Oasis CC

January 2027 - MARVYN’S Magic Theater Fundraiser - Date TBA

February 11, 2027 - General Membership Meeting and Membership Drive, Oasis CC

February 2027 - Putt Putt Golf Fundraiser -  Date TBA

March 11, 2027 - General Membership Meeting

March 2027 - Coachella Valley Lakers Basketball Game - Date TBA

April 8, 2027 - General Membership and Annual Meeting

April 2027 - Angels Baseball Game Fundraiser- Bus Trip - Date TBA

May 12, 2027 - Leadership and Scholarship Dinner

This is a very ambitious calendar for our Chapter.  But these meetings and fundraisers will build camaraderie and membership within our organization.  The fundraisers will allow us to maintain our $3,000 scholarship levels, allow parents to participate in the Leadership and Scholarship dinner and give our Chapter the latitude to take on more philanthropy projects to help our Veteran communities.

2026 PRESIDENT’S AWARD WINNER:

COL MIKE DULAC, USAR, (Ret.)

COL Mike Dulac, U.S. Army Infantry officer was commissioned in 1963.  Upon graduation from college he spent two years stationed at Ft. Benning, GA.  He was assigned to test the new Army Air Assault concept.  He was attached with the 82nd Airborne on war games and maneuvers against the 11th Air Assault (Test) Division.  His units provided supporting opposing forces in tactical infantry training for the Rangers and Basic Officers Courses.

Upon release from active duty, he returned to NYC to resume his business career.  At that time, Mike joined the Reserves where he then served another 28 years, attaining the rank of Colonel.

He had assignments in both Command and Staff at every level in the Army to include platoon leader, company commander, battalion S-3, XO and commander, brigade XO, division Asst. G-3 and G1, Individual Mobilization Augmentee at I Corps and finally at the Pentagon, Department of the Army, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans where he was assigned as Deputy Chief of Training Operations Division.

COL Dulac completed his Airborne qualification, Army career course, DA-Inspector General Course, the Army Command and General Staff College and the War College.

His decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (OLC) and the Meritorious Service Medal (OLC) and the Parachute Badge.

He graduated with a BA in Economics from Lafayette College, PA and received a MBA from Syracuse University, NY.

COL Dulac’s business career was involved with products manufacturing and marketed to construction or contractor related industries.  His early career was in sales and marketing and later moved into general management where he became the CEO and President of several companies retiring from the Purdy Corporation out of Portland, Oregon — the world’s highest quality painting tools manufacturer.  His business career included extensive international travels and experience including working in Japan.  Other markets took him to Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Liechtenstein.

Mike and Shannon moved to the desert in late 2007 and shortly thereafter joined the Palms Springs Chapter (CVC-MOAA) both as a member and Chapter Board of Directors.  He served as president from 2012-2014. Recently, Mike and Shannon moved to Murrieta to be near family, but remains a member of CVC-MOAA and a Board member.

Mike and Shannon have been married 56 years and have two children and four grandchildren.

MAY LEADERSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS DINNER

The Coachella Valley Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (CVC-MOAA) hosted their annual Leadership and Scholarship Awards dinner last month.  Over 96 members, parents, cadets and staff attended this event.  Plus LaQuinta Mayor Linda Evans and LaQuinta Council Members, Steve Sanchez and Deborah McGarry attended.

Over the last 25 years, the CVC-MOAA has given out over $165,000 worth of scholarships to Coachella Valley high school students.  This year the Chapter gave out four (4) $3,000 scholarships.  This was the largest dollar amount in the CVC-MOAA history.

Those recipients were the following students:

Hunter Lopez Scholarship was given to Desert Hot Springs High School USMC JROTC Cadet Major Emmanuel Villalba-Orozco.

Colonel John Samson Scholarship was awarded to Desert Hot Springs High School USMC JROTC Cadet Captain Camilla Cardenas.

CWO4 Robert Ramirez Scholarship was awarded to LaQuinta High School Air Force JROTC Cadet LTC Leslie Grimaldo.

CPT John and Celeste Schleimer Scholarship was awarded to LaQuinta High School Air Force JROTC Cadet CPT Melissa Tran.

The event also included awarding two leadership medals to participating juniors.  This award recognizes an outstanding cadet in their junior year in the program who has demonstrated exceptional potential for military leadership and good academic standing.

Those students were Desert Hot Springs High School USMC JROTC 2LT Deyo James and LaQuinta High School Air Force JROTC 2LT Jemma Silva-Miller.

The Chapter also honored LaQuinta High School Air Force COL Ethan Miller.  Ethan was selected to attend the US Air Force Academy in the Fall. Out of 10,000 applicants, he was rated No. 2.

The Chapter started its own leadership award called the President’s Award and will be awarded each year at the annual Leadership and Scholarship Awards dinner.  This year it was given to Col Mike Dulac (see article above.)

The members are active throughout the year raising funds for scholarships.  Over $7,000 was raised last year through a silent auction an a promotion through MARVYN’S Magic Theater.  Also, a generous donation from CPT John and Celeste Schleimer helps with the funds.  In the last five years, the Schleimer’s have given $25,000 to the CVC-MOAA Scholarship fund to fund two scholarships:  Hunter Lopez Scholarship and the CPT John and Celeste Schleimer Scholarship.

CVC-MOAA believes in supporting our future leaders!

MILITARY HOLIDAYS IN JUNE

JUNE 6:  D-DAY ANNIVERSARY

JUNE 12:  WOMEN VETERANS DAY

JUNE 14:  ARMY BIRTHDAY

JUNE 14:  U.S. FLAG DAY

    - Indio Elks Lodge Flag Day Ceremony: a community celebration and flag ceremony honoring the American Flag

JUNE 23:  COAST GUARD AUXILARY BIRTHDAY

JUNE 27: NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS DAY

    - If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, confidential support is available 24/7.  You can call or text the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or text 838255.

NATIONAL MOAA WESTERN CONFERENCE

The national MOAA invited the CVC-MOAA Chapter to the Western Conference in San Diego, May 28-29, 2026.  Four Board members attended:  MAJ Terrie Heer, LTC Jim LaBaugh, CMDR Matt Stone and CAPT John Doyle, along with three spouses:  Gary Heer,

Jean LaBaugh and Diana Doyle.  Topics included chapter management, fundraising, legislative training, surviving spouse liaison training and best practices.  This was a packed educational conference which allow our members to meet national MOAA leadership and leaders from other chapters from the western states.  Speaking for all of us — we came home energized.

NEVER STOP SERVING
Terrie Heer
MAJ, USAR, (RET.)
President
CVC-MOAA

Coachella Valley Students Receive Scholarships and Leadership Awards

Date Published: 06/02/2026

The Coachella Valley Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (CVC-MOAA) hosted their annual Leadership and Scholarship Awards dinner last week. Over 96 members, parents, cadets and staff attended this event. Plus LaQuinta Mayor Linda Evans and La Quinta Council Members, Steve Sanchez and Deborah McGarry attended.

Over the last 25 years, the CVC-MOAA has given out over $165,000 worth of scholarships to Coachella Valley high school students. This year the Chapter gave out four $3,000 scholarships. This was the largest dollar amount in the CVC-MOAA history. Those recipients were the following students:

Hunter Lopez Scholarship was given to Desert Hot Springs High School USMC JROTC Cadet Major Emmanuel Villaba-Orozco.

Colonel John Samson Scholarship was awarded to Desert Hot Springs High School USMC JROTC Cadet CPT Camilla Cardenas.

CWO4 Robert Ramirez Scholarship was awarded to La Quinta High School Air Force JROTC Cadet LTC Leslie Grimaldo.

CPT John and Celeste Schleimer Scholarship was awarded to La Quinta High School Air Force JROTC Cadet CPT Melissa Tran.

The event also include awarding two leadership medals to participating high school juniors. This award recognizes an outstanding cadet in their junior year in the program who has demonstrated exceptional potential for military leadership and good academic standing

Those students were Desert Hot Springs High School USMC JROTC 2LT Deyo James and La Quinta High School Air Force JROTC 2LT Jemma Silva-Miller.

The Chapter also honored La Quinta High School Air Force COL Ethan Miller. Ethan was selected to attend the US Air Force Academy in the Fall. Out of 10,000 applicants, his application was ranked No. 2.

The Chapter started its own leadership award called the President’s Award and will be awarded each year at the annual Leadership and Scholarship Awards dinner. This year it was given to COL Mike Dulac, USAR, (Ret.) for his leadership within CVC-MOAA organization. Mike has been a member since 2007, served as president from 2012-2014, been on the throughout the twenty years being a member.

The members are active throughout the year raising funds for the scholarships. Over $7,000 was raised last year through a silent auction and a promotion through Marvyns Magic Theater. Also, a generous donation from CPT John and Celeste Schleimer helps with the funds. In the last 5 years, the Schleimer’s have given $25,000 to the CVC-MOAA Scholarship Fund.

“We believe in supporting tomorrow’s leaders through mentorship and sponsoring scholarships. Throughout the year at each meeting, the Chapter invites a cadet to speak to the membership but also interact with our members. It is great for the cadets, but our members thoroughly enjoy having a one-on-one conversation with these future leaders,” stated CVCMOAA president, MAJ Terrie Heer, USAR (Ret.).

The CVC-MOAA is a non-profit organization that meets monthly. Members are military officers representing the nine uniformed services and can be active, retired or commissioned officers plus surviving spouses

To learn more about the Coachella Valley Chapter of MOAA or to make a donation, visit CVC-MOAA.com

For more information contact:

Terrie Heer, MAJ, USAR, (Ret.)
President, CVC-MOAA
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
503-347-7614