DAPHNE — The Military Officer Association of America gathered at the Daphne Civic Center July 27 to recognize surviving spouses of those who have served.

Virginia “Gail” Joyce, surviving spouse liaison, founding member of MOAA Greater Granbury Chapter and a Gold Star Mother, was guest speaker at the luncheon. Joyce presented all surviving spouses with bracelets to honor their spouses’ military service.

The event was attended by 87 representatives of families who served their country during various wartime eras, including in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan. Joyce discussed the reality of losing a spouse and the emotional toll it can have.

Tara Morrison, Baldwin County MOAA Board of Directors in the position of family support liaison, said she was honored to have heard Joyce speak.

“Ms. Joyce impressed upon her listeners that preparing, organizing and reviewing financial and legal documents with a spouse is a 'gift of love,'” she said. “This gave listeners a sense of urgency to start checking wills, deeds, review accounts with transferable and non-transferable numbers, explore health care options and prepare end of life arrangements.”

This gathering marked the first time that all three MOAA chapters from Baldwin County, Mobile and Pensacola came together. Participants included representatives from Alabama and Florida as well as National MOAA representatives from Texas and Washington D.C.

The MOAA offers a chapter dedicated to surviving spouses, which meets on the third Tuesday of each month and currently consists of 250 members. To join, individuals must either be an MOAA member, a surviving spouse or a surviving spouse liaison.

“It’s an optimal way to get new and updated information and meet with others in the same season of life,” Morrison said.

As a nonprofit, MOAA conducts regional leadership training four times a year, including special sessions for surviving spouses. The organization produces brochures and conducts webinars on end-of-life issues. Additionally, the National MOAA's Surviving Spouse Advisory Council regularly writes articles on special interest topics for spouses and surviving spouses, available on MOAA.org. MOAA extends benefits to surviving spouses, such as travel and insurance benefits, along with information on financials, employment, military issues and legislation.

Membership in MOAA is open to individuals who have held or currently hold a warrant or commission in any component of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as their surviving spouses.