MOAA presents military program
FOUNTAIN LAKE — The Hot Springs Village chapter of the Military Officers Association of America visited Fountain Lake High School on Sept. 21 to talk with students about what it is like serving in the armed forces.
“We are not recruiters, but we are former members of the military service branches,” HSV MOAA President John Weidert said.
“During these programs, we are happy to discuss military service in general terms.
“We let the students know about opportunities to serve in military fields in both officer and enlisted capacities, where they will find a wide array of career choices,” he said.
“We will make ourselves available on a continuing basis to answer any further questions the students may have.”
Rather than a visit aimed at recruitment, it instead serves as a chance for students to hear firsthand from those with personal insights based on their own experience about military service.
Coordinated by Fountain Lake School District career coach Leland Green, HSV MOAA was represented by Weidert, along with fellow retired Air Force Col. Harv Shelton, who serves as MOAA’s treasurer.
Green welcomed the members, he noted, due to their expertise in “discussing military service with students for the potential to learn job experience toward a future profession.”
“We need young people to be able to find their paths,” he said, noting he was grateful for the MOAA members agreeing to serve as ongoing mentors. Meetings of the Hot Springs Village MOAA chapter are held at Debra’s Restaurant, 198 Carmona Road, on the second Monday of each month at 8 a.m. Membership is open to anyone who holds or has ever held a commission or warrant in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy. For information on membership, contact Clara Nicolosi at 501-984-3778 or claranicolosi@ remax.net.