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The First Flight Military Officers’ Association (FFMOA) Chapter, chartered September 6, 1995, is comprised of retired and active military officers and their spouses that meet every month. There is a FFMOA Satellite Chapter comprised of active-duty US Coast Guard Officers that are based at the US Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.

The chapter and satellite chapter support development of skills in community youth by offering scholarship awards at surrounding county high school JROTC programs. Several JROTC students recently received a $300 scholarship from FFMOA that were presented by officers from the USCG Satellite Chapter.

Scholarships went to:

Cadet Ximena Hernandez, Washington High School, presented by LT James Gardner, USCG.

Cadet Alexis McCoy, Camden High School, presented by LTjg Brandon Horacek, USCG.

Cadet Xaria Mayberry, John A. Holmes High School, presented by CDR Brooks Crawford, USCG.

Cadet Joshua K. Billups, Northeastern High School, presented by LT Nick Kealy, USCG.

Cadet Aidan Vidal, Currituck High School, presented by LT Nick Kealy, USCG.

Cadet Cheyenne Golan, South Creek High School, presented by LCDR Megan Peters, USCG.

A FFMOA press release stated the Dare County school system currently does not support any JROTC units.

“Since our inception, FFMOA have provided over $27,000 in scholarship funds to those who have demonstrated potential leadership. While the JROTC is affiliated with the military, it is NOT designed to recruit students into the military,” stated the release. “All JROTC programs are designed to develop leadership skills that will help students be more successful in today’s world, as well as the many other challenges that they might face. Some of the USAF JROTC programs have a process where a limited number of talented students can earn a Commercial Pilots License upon graduation.”

FFMOA’s mission is to benefit the members of the uniformed services, their families and survivors and to advocate for a strong national defense, while providing needed support to the community and its members. “We are from a generation of success minded individuals that desire to share our leadership skills with the community,” stated the release.

FFMOA has over 22 members and growing; it is open to any officer that has served or is currently on active duty or in the reserves. Additionally, all spouses of military officers are also welcome to join the group. “If you would like to support our youth, and/or, exchange stories with other officers in our area, then FFMO might be right for you!” noted the release. Contact George Berry, Commander USN-Ret, FFMOA membership chairman, at 703-473-0528 if interested or have questions.

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