Military Officers Association of America – Expanding Support for Veterans and Students

The Green Valley Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) expanded its services in 2023, recognizing additional ways to support local veterans and the military community. One of their core services involves providing scholarships to high school students enrolled in NJROTC programs while actively engaging in Southern Arizona’s veteran support.

Elliott Jones, the membership chairman, emphasized the importance of collaboration with similar organizations like American Legion chapters and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) new chapter in Sahuarita. Exploring new projects, MOAA collected and sent 83 Hawaiian shirts to active-duty military personnel and initiated a gardening program at the VA Hospital for visually impaired veterans. Additionally, they made significant contributions to the food bank at the 162nd Wing, Air National Guard in Tucson, recognizing the need to support active-duty military members who face food insecurity.

Looking ahead to 2024, MOAA aims to expand their scholarship offerings to various high schools and extend support to veterans transitioning to higher education at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College. The organization secured its first White Elephant grant in 2023, amounting to $2,500, specifically dedicated to scholarships. Jones highlighted their intent to widen the scholarship scope, including programs for trade schools, while also focusing on enhancing their membership base for sustainable growth.

Green Valley Sahuarita Lions Club – Dedicated Service in Five Pillars

The Green Valley Sahuarita Lions Club dedicated its efforts to the Five Pillars of Service defined by Lions Club International: vision, hunger, diabetes, cancer, and the environment. The club provided free vision screenings to approximately 3,200 children across various educational institutions and age groups, extending the service to adults as well. Notably, they processed a staggering 31,000 pairs of donated eyeglasses in 2023, facilitating improved vision for those in need.

Undergoing a name change from Green Valley La Canoa Lions Club, the organization sought to emphasize its service areas, especially in Sahuarita. President Huberta Zander expressed the club’s intention to broaden their services, focusing on raising awareness about diabetes, considering it an emerging concern in the community.

Friends of the Green Valley and Sahuarita Library – Advocating Literacy and Community Support

The Friends of the Green Valley and Sahuarita Library continued its unwavering support for local libraries through the Friends Bookstore in Green Valley Village. Board Vice President Gerry Peterson highlighted the successful opening of the new bookstore in December 2022, praising the efforts of dedicated volunteers. Their ongoing scholarship program for Pima County Library employees persisted, aiding the educational aspirations of deserving candidates.

Moving forward, the organization aims to bolster its membership and actively engage with forthcoming physical changes at the Green Valley Library. Despite the loss of key board members, the Friends group is optimistic about recruiting new members and volunteers, anticipating fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to enhance their programs and initiatives. Furthermore, there are plans to extend membership outreach to Sahuarita, potentially fostering the creation of a separate Friends group in the area.