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January 29, 2026

FREEDOM HS NJROTC 2025 MOAA GRANT

FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL TAMPA NJROTC RECEIVES MOAA NATIONAL GRANT AT AUGUST 2025 MOAA TAMPA LUNCHEON

By Pettis Sims, LCDR USN (Ret)
Edited by: Sara Marks, CAPT NC USN (Ret)
Photo credit: Maryna Juman

Freedom High School’s NJROTC is pleased to receive the MOAA National 2025 Grant. This year’s MOAA grant money will be used for bus transportation to out of county competitions; help with entry fees and paying for meals for cadets participating in competition. Competitions include orienteering, marksmanship, and Brain Brawls.

“NJROTC has taught me much about leadership and discipline, but not only that it’s also taught me about community. From community events to competitions, I’ve met some amazing people and got to experience things most high school kids don’t. Accepting this grant has given me much appreciation for the MOAA organization. This day I took two freshman cadets, who were learning Color guard, myself, and the unit’s Admin Officer. We all appreciate and enjoy MOAA anytime we go to these monthly meetings. We are very grateful to be a part of something so respected. Thank you MOAA.” – Chelsey Parks, Cadet Color Guard Commander.

L to R: K. Krivan, I. Selvaggi, Admin Officer, C. Parks, Color Guard Commander, and K. Krivan

L to R: I. Selvaggi, Admin Officer, C. Parks, Color Guard Commander and MSgt Laura Hernandez, USMC (Ret), Naval Science Instructor Freedom NJROTC accepting the MOAA National Grant for 2025 from MOAA Tampa Chapter President LTC Paula Stewart, USA (Ret).

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January 29, 2026

MOAA GRANT 2025 KELLY KOWALL

KELLY KOWALL, CEO AND PRESIDENT OF MY WARRIORS PLACE AWARDED A MOAA COMMUNITY GRANT AT THE MOAA TAMPA AUGUST 2025 LUNCHEON

By Carol Zieres, COL USA (Ret)
Photo credit: Carol Zieres
Ms. Kelly Kowall, CEO and President of the nonprofit, My Warriors Place (MWP), received a MOAA Community grant award for $1950 in recognition for the enhancement of the quality of life programs and services that MWP provides to military Veterans in the Tampa Bay area.

Kelly introduced a new program starting up this fall, called the 82ND COMPASS PROGRAM, designed to give Veterans a road map and some directions to be able to leave the fight within and integrate back into civilization. This 6-month program teaches resilience that over time will help the veteran bounce back strong! This is free for any 82nd Veteran.

COL Carol Zieres, USA (Ret) presented Kelly Kowall the MOAA Community Grant.

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January 29, 2026

Check Point Charlie Foundation “Welcome Home Tour Nov 2025”

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May 21, 2025

MOAA Tampa Honors Five JROTC CADETS at the April 2025 Luncheon

The MOAA Tampa chapter honored Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) MOAA award winning cadets at the April luncheon. Chapter member Major General Frank Moore USAF (Ret) presented each Cadet with the MOAA medal. The five cadets honored at the luncheon were:

Freedom High School Cadet Justin Muller

Cadet Muller has 368 volunteer hours this year at various events such as color guard, drill competitions, relay for life and the Tampa beautiful project. He has attended Basic Leadership Training camp and leadership academy. He participated in the state brain brawl competition; this is the first time that Freedom qualified to participate in this state competition. Cadet Muller participates in all drill competitions and is key part of each drill team. He also manages to be part of the Police Explorers program while maintaining a 4.0 GPA average.

Middleton High School Cadet Cody Jimenez

Cadet Major Cody Jimenez is one of Middleton JROTC’s top leaders and academic performers. He serves as the Deputy Group Commander, the second highest position in the cadet corps, and is responsible for managing over 100 cadets along with overseeing 8 extracurricular and community service activities, to include Academic Bowl, CyberPatriot, and rocketry. As the Deputy Commander, his leadership was instrumental in training cadets and preparing the unit for a Headquarters AFJROTC inspection. The results were an Exceeds Standards – the highest level. Cadet Jimenez is also the Marksmanship commander. He generated interest in the 10-meter air rifle competition, expanding cadet participation from 4 to 12 members.

Sickles High School Cadet Katelynn McEntee

Cadet McEntee is the Deputy Corp Commander for Sickles High School. Cadet McEntee was instrumental to the unit receiving a perfect 100% score during this year’s annual Headquarters inspection. Sickles HS was the only school in the Southeast to receive a perfect score. She is the Marksmanship Team Commander and led her team to the Scopos 60 Shot National Championship Title, the State of Florida Precision Team State Championship, #2 ranking in the Air Force JROTC Nationals, and a top 15 in the world ranking. Cadet McEntee has several offers from just about every NCAA Rifle Program to be a member of their team when she graduates. She is also completing the final steps in the Boy Scouts of America to becoming an Eagle Scout!

Strawberry Crest High School Cadet Fallon Gee

Cadet Gee is the First Sergeant of Alpha Company. Cadet Gee has nearly a 4.0 GPA and is a National Honor Society member. She is a Master Driller and led her platoon to the Florida State Final Drill Meet. Cadet Gee is a JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (Summer Camp) graduate and National Flight Academy graduate. She has commanded Color Guard Missions at Parades and sporting events. Cadet Gee sings carols at the local Nursing Homes during the Christmas Season

Wharton High School Cadet Ky’lah Cooley

Cadet Cooley is the NJROTC Platoon Commander and has led her platoon with discipline and responsibility, guiding fellow cadets with integrity. She is the Track team Captain and a member of the Wharton flag football and soccer teams. She was voted the most athletic JROTC cadet in 2023-2024 and was recognized for outstanding physical fitness and athletic achievements within the program. Cadet Cooley is a Church Leader (Junior Pastor) and serves as a mentor and spiritual guide, contributing to the growth and leadership of her faith community.

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March 5, 2025

New MOAA Tampa Chapter President

LTC PAULA STEWART, USA RET SWORN IN AS THE MOAA TAMPA CHAPTER PRESIDENT

By Sara Marks, CAPT NC USN RET. Photo Credit: Maryna Juman and Sara Marks

Congratulations to LTC Paula Stewart, USA RET, for stepping forward as the MOAA Tampa Chapter President and SGT Ben Ritter, USMC (Former)/Honorary Member for taking over as the Director for Legislative Affairs. Thank you to COL Charles Dalcourt, USA RET, for your leadership over the past five years and to LTC Reggie Williams, USA RET, for your dedication as the Director for Legislative Affairs.

WC Area VP Eunice Patxot, COL USA RET, hands the gavel to Paula Stewart, LTC USA RET.

Congratulations to the MOAA Tampa Chapter’s new President.

Paula Stewart, LTC USA RET, shared an inspirational acceptance speech and explained what it means to “giddy up”.

Charles Dalcourt, COL USA RET, hands the President’s gavel to WC Area VP Eunice Patxot, COL USA RET

Area VP, Eunice Patxot, COL USA RET, swears in the MOAA Tampa Chapter 2025 Board of Directors. Front row, Ben Ritter, Director for Legislation. Back row (L to R) Paula Stewart, President, Lewis VanDyke, Treasurer, Carol Zieres (stepping down as Immediate Past President), Sara Marks, Director for Communication, Bill Mitchell, Director for Legal Affairs, and Charles Dalcourt, Immediate Past President.

Paula Stewart, President, Carol Zieres, Former Immediate Past President, and Charles Dalcourt, Immediate Past President

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February 5, 2025

2024 JROTC/ROTC

MOAA TAMPA RECOGNIZES THE JROTC STUDENTS AT THE APRIL LUNCHEON
By Ken Martin, LtCol USMC (Ret)

At our April luncheon the Chapter presented the MOAA award (medal)to deserving Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets. Deserving JROTC cadets and their guest were invited to our luncheon which was sponsored by the Chapter and the United Services Automobile Association (USAA). The MOAA JROTC awards program recognizes an outstanding cadet or midshipman in his or her next-to-last year in the program who has demonstrated exceptional potential for military leadership.

The following cadets were recognized and presented medals by our President:

Blake High School

Recipient: Cadet 1Lt Ivelise Alicea
In attendance with MSgt Herbert Ayers, JROTC instructor
Completing her 3rd year in the Blake HS AFJROTC program and currently serving as the Unit Athletic Officer
Cadet Alicea is an outstanding student. Holds a District GPA of 4.2. She has excelled across a number of AJFROTC activities:
- Key member of drill team—her efforts contributed to Blake’s “Exceeds” rating on drill for last year’s Unit Inspection
- Key member of the Unit’s 1st ever “Honoring 911” Ceremony & Presentation—Outstand ceremony to highlight fallen heroes
- Chief Narrator for multiple presentations in commemoration of Juneteenth—Presented for the Mayor of Tampa and other Distinguished Guests
- Member of the Parade team—marched in the “Joy of Giving Parade” to support charity events helping local families
-Athlete—Member of the Howard W. Blake HS Girls Softball Team

Freedom High School

Recipient: Cadet Carlean Ross
In attendance with her mother
Cadet Ross is currently the Color Guard Commander . She participated or organized the participation of the Freedom cadets in over 200 color guards, competing in 5 color guard competitions
Participated in 4 orienteering competitions and numerous volunteer events.
She is also the Public Affairs Officer where she is in charge of all media distribution and promoting the program within Freedom HS and families.

King High School

Recipient: Cadet James Shaughnessy
In attendance with his father, Joey Shaughnessy
11th grade, IB student
Platoon commander and competed in JROTC Orienteering
King Varsity Football Captain starting wide receiver, linebacker, punter and kicker
King Varsity Soccer (goalie) and Varsity Track
Honor roll student, member National Junior Honor Society
This summer, Cadet Shaughnessy plans to attend a Service Academy Summer Program as well as an NJROTC leadership program.
Following graduation, Cadet Shaughnessy plans to attend West Point Military Academy.

Middleton High School

Recipient: Cadet Matthew Griffin
In attendance with his mother Desiree (dez-E-ray) Dolly vvand either Major DANIEL P. PAGANO OR SMSgt Rutzke
Cadet Corps logistics officer, responsible for maintaining current inventory of all uniforms, accessories, and ceremonial and drill rifles.  Key contributor to Middleton’s preparations for a HQ Air Force JROTC inspection; expert inventory helped unit achieve the highest rating – Exceeds Standards
Joint Leadership and Academic Bowl ; member of team for sophomore and junior years; provided engineering expertise along with being the team’s expert on various mythologies; helped his team earn a spot at Nationals in June 2023. This was a top-16 placement out of 630+ Air Force JRTOC teams.
Marksmanship Team:  one of the best shooters on the 10m air rifle team; while not an experienced air rifle marksman, he was dedicated to learning and improving his skills.

Strawberry Crest High School

Recipient: Cadet First Sergeant Jordan Smith
In attendance with his parents, Johnny Smith and Linda Smith and LTC John Ingraham
Cadet Smith is Bravo Company First Sergeant, a Drill Team Leader and Color Guard Commander.
Jordan holds a 4.1 District GPA.

Wharton High School

Recipient: CadetSeamanAlannys Cruz Mercado
In attendance with her mother, Iniabel Mercado
Cadet Alannys Cruz is one of the top cadets at Wharton and was a unanimous choice for this award.  
Member of Wharton NJROTC for 3 Years
She has been in a Leadership position for the past two years.
Platoon Commander for 2nd Platoon this year.
Earned a spot on the Top Sporter Marksmanship team in her 1st year.
Plans to attend University of Puerto Rico on an Air Force ROTC Scholarship

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October 7, 2022

MOAA Tampa’s Transition Event Thriving After Military Service

By Paul McAneny, COL, USAF, RET

On Tuesday, August 23rd, the MOAA-Tampa Chapter hosted it’s fifth ever quarterly event for transitioning military members and their families. The popular event is titled “Thriving After Military Service” and, rather that the typical transition events focused on, job skills, resume writing, networking, etc., the MOAA event addressed leading fulfilling lives following your military service.

Why are we doing this? Simple…because nobody else is.

Thetheme of the morning portion of this unique seminarwas “a focus on the family” with speakers from TRICARE and the Veterans Administration as well as local Financial Advisors and Attorneys.

The afternoon was dedicated to “a focus on the community” with representatives and volunteers from organizations such as MOAA’s own Tampa Chapter, Association of the US Army-SunCoast Chapter,the Hillsborough County Veterans Treatment Court Mentors Group, 1^st US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment – Rough Riders, Tampa Sports Authority, EoS Fitness, and charity organizations addressing both veteran homelessness and mental health.

All that plus free drinks and snacks all day including lunch and a chance to meet other great transitioning military families.

THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL EVENT…you must be in Tampa to attend.

Attendees included a variety of ranks (officer and enlisted) from all military services.One enthusiastic attendee stated, “Extremely valuable! I’m in the middle of my transition now and this was the only venue I’ve seen that covered these topics.”

We are continuing to work with our full time partners, Tampa’s own FIVE Labs/USbioskills Lab and Conference Center. The FIVE Labs CEO comes from a military family and also a member of our local South Tampa Chamber of Commerce; he wanted to participate in an event supporting our local military and veteran community.

The MOAA-Tampa Transition Seminar is held every quarter with the next event scheduled for Tuesday, 15 Nov 2022. Sign-ups are now open at this link: https://MOAA_Tampa_Thriving_Transition_Seminar.eventbrite.com

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October 7, 2022

2023 Annual Winter Gala Updates

–By Tom Kuhar, CDR USCG RET and Winter Gala Chair

The days to the Winter Gala continue to count down. The registration link is: https://moaatampa.org/winter-gala. The deadline for purchasing tickets is February 9, 2023, so secure your spot for this terrific event (or when seats run out).

For your $140 event price you will receive:

Entry to the beautiful venue we enjoyed last year
2 beverages of your choice from the bar during the cocktail hours featuring passed hors d’oeuvres
An art show
The opportunity to participate in a silent auction and raffle of fantastic items to help raise money for our Chapter’s outreach efforts
Live music throughout the evening
A glass of wine for the evening’s ceremonial toasts • Your choice of one of the following meal options:
- Grilled Petite Filet Mignon
- Chicken Picatta
- Fresh Grouper topped with crab meat – Vegetarian entreìe (Chef’s choice)
Dessert trio dessert platter consisting of three individual dessert servings (Chef’s choice)

So pull out your fancy clothes, make sure they fit and mark your calendars for February 17, 2023 at 6:00 PM for a terrific evening supporting Tampa Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

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April 4, 2022

Freedom High School NJROTC at the MOAA Tampa Winter Gala 2021

By LCDR Pettis Sims, USN (Ret)

Senior Naval Science Instructor, Freedom High School

How do the youth of today learn about those who paved the road before them? How often do they truly get the chance to sit down and listen to their stories and learn from their advice? These opportunities are, too often, few and far between. A handful of cadets from the Freedom High School NJROTC program were given this opportunity during the MOAA Christmas Gala on December 10^th.

During the event cadets were responsible for the Color Guard as well as the POW/MIA table ceremony. Cadet Paola Ortiz-Ortiz mentioned “It was an honor to be there that night and be part of such an important ceremony for us the Cadets and everyone who attended.” This exposure to events honoring our vets, those who are still with us and those who aren’t, is a wonderful learning opportunity for these young adults. The chance to sit down with veterans who served this nation is not lost on these young men and women. When asked to share something about her experience at the gala, Cadet Carlaen Ross shared the following, “I really enjoyed talking to the veterans that were at my table and listening to some unique and interesting stories. They passed on a lot of life advice that I am going to consider following.”

For some of these cadets this was the first time attending a formal event such as this. For other cadets, it was one of many they have attended. They all felt honored to be part of it and welcomed by all the members of MOAA. Cadet Ana Rico, a 12^th grader, said she enjoyed meeting new people and “A lot of people that served in the military and had years of experience and stories to share with us. I kept thinking how amazing it was what these people did and how they’re willing to help students. I loved doing the POW/MIA table and love what it represents and means for everyone.” The food received rave reviews as well, although the cadets seemed to be far more impressed by the people they met and the event they were a part of.

In the NJROTC program there is of course a concentration on patriotism and honoring our servicemembers and veterans. However, sitting down and having the opportunity to speak to members of the MOAA organization and listen to their life experiences is something many of these cadets have never had a chance to do. It was indeed an honor for them. Some of these students come from military families, while others do not. Sitting down and experiencing a gala like this gave ALL of them a new perspective and respect for our military and our veterans, for the camaraderie amongst them, and for the sense of purpose that people in the military feel. When asked about her overall thoughts on the evening Cadet Stephanie Burgos Vazquez remarked, “I felt comfortable, I felt welcomed and that made the night beautiful. I am glad the MOAA program exists and that it is there to give a voice to the people, to our veterans, and the ones we should never forget.”

The students and staff of Freedom High School NJROTC appreciate our relationship with the Tampa Chapter of MOAA and are honored to provide the color guard and other ceremonial personnel for events such as the gala. For our cadets it is a chance to learn from those who have gone before them, those who have blazed trails, and those who have life advice to give. This kind of opportunity is priceless for them and appreciated beyond measure. Thank you to each and every member of MOAA that made this night possible. Thank you to those veterans who took the time out of their night to speak to the cadets and offer life advice. Thank you to Colonel Dalcourt for the opportunity to be a participant in the program honoring our country and our veterans. Many might assume that average teenagers couldn’t possibly find a night like this more enjoyable than whatever it is they normally do on a Friday night, but this was not a group of average teenagers…it was teenagers that think things like this:

“It definitely wasn’t the typical Friday night you’d think a high school senior would be doing but I wouldn’t change it. That was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life and I’m forever grateful for it.”