Date Published: 09/03/2025
Members,
September Social Luncheon
Just a reminder that the last social luncheon for this summer is September 18, 2025, at Burgers and Beers at 11:30 a.m. This is the last one before our chapter starts our general membership meeting for the season.
New Meeting Place Announced
Due to an 87% increase in the cost of lunch at Heritage Palms Country Club, the CVC-MOAA Chapter has changed our general luncheon meeting place to the Oasis Country Club, 42330 Casbah Way, Palm Desert, 92201 off of Hovley and Washington. 2nd VP LTC Alan Tibbetts, USA, (Ret) and President MAJ Terrie Heer, USA, (Ret) reviewed 11 locations. Over 27 members live on the east side of the valley, so location was an important factor as well as quality of food and meeting place. Oasis Country Club was the top pick. It meets all our criteria plus the meeting space can be adjusted to the size of our particular needs. The space can fit 50 up to 250 people. The Club House has been completely renovated within the last few years. The cost remains at $35 a person. No rental costs.
October General Membership Meeting
The first CVC-MOAA General Membership meeting is Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Oasis Country Club at 11:30 a.m. The guest speaker is Bob Wendler, West Coast Regional Director of Custom Caines. This non-profit trains service dogs for veterans. Not only does Bob talk about his organization, he also brings veterans who have received a dog and they tell their own personal story. It is an extremely interesting presentation. JROTC students will return to present the colors and one student each meeting will give a short presentation on what they have learned participating in the JROTC program. Mark your calendars and make note of our location change to the Oasis Country Club.
Veterans Day
There are two exciting events that day. First, the George S. Patton Museum at Chiriaco Summit, at 11:00 am. This year they are having a huge presentation with Patton’s granddaughter, Helen Patton, actress, speaking. Also they have planned to have a Patton impersonator, additional outdoor displays, food trucks and vendors. They are also honoring our 100 year old friend who has attended several of CVC-MOAA meetings, Victor Alvarez, who was in Patton’s Army from Italy to Germany.
Second event is our very own CVC-MOAA Patriots Silent Auction. This is our third silent auction. Last year, we raised $3,100 for an additional scholarship. This year it will be at Trilogy Country Club with a silent auction, dinner and dance. The Auction starts at 5 p.m. Our new member, W02 Bryon Equez, USMC, will be the disc jockey. He provided the music at last year’s event. Our hopes is that we can get the Trilogy residents involved to provide a larger attendance to help increase auction sales. The LaQuinta High School AFJROTC will be presenting the colors and the missing man/POW table. Now is the time to starts seeking out donations. It can be gift cards, a specialty basket or any item of value. Bring them to our meeting in October or contact the Chair LTC Jim LaBaugh, USA (Ret). Mark your calendar for this event.
November General Membership Meeting
Our November General Membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Oasis Country Club. This is our Membership Celebration: Saluting members old and new. CAPT Jim Carmen, USN, (Ret.) is coming from Washington DC to be our guest speaker. There will be a $300 plus opportunity drawing for CVC-MOAA members who bring a potential new member with them. Those guests who sign up that day will receive free membership for one year. There will be prizes and much more. Remember, if we build it, they will come. There is a plethora of potential members in the Coachella Valley, we just need to find them. Start recruiting today.
December General Membership Meeting and Holiday Party
This year, we will have our holiday party as a general luncheon meeting on December 11, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Oasis Country Club. No guest speaker, but special surprise entertainers will be there. Our menu will be a special lunch. More details to come.
This Year’s Special Events
This year the Chapter is planning a few more social events to possibly include a night at Marvins Magic Theater, a tour of March AFB, Best Ball Golf Night at Indio Lights, Bowling at Fantasy Springs and a night at Escape Games at The River and more. More details to come.
California Income Tax Relief for Veterans
California’s long fight to provide state income tax relief for military retirees and surviving spouses has succeeded and the changes go into effect immediately. This means California veterans and their facilities receiving Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP) annuities can claim a state income tax exception on their 2025 taxes, to be filed in 2026. Under the 2025-26 state budget, California will now exempt $20,000 per year in military retirement pay or SBP benefits for eligible taxpayers reporting up to $125,000 adjusted gross income (AGI) for individual filers or up to $250,000 AGI for joint filers.
CVC-MOAA Treasurer’s Report
As of May 2025
Checking - $9,147.95
Mutual Funds - $22,877
CVC-MOAA Membership Report
Officers. 25
Surviving Spouses. 3
Spouses. 13
Honorary Members. 5
Total Members. 45
We are always looking for new ideas to boost our chapter, feel free to email me at
NEVER STOP SERVING
Terrie Heer
MAJ, USA, (Ret)
President
CVC-MOAA