By MOAA Staff

The Military Officers Association of America's efforts on behalf of its members and the wider military community on Capitol Hill have yet again earned recognition from The Hill newspaper, which named MOAA one of the top lobbying associations for the 12th straight year.

“We are honored to again receive this recognition, and to be among the other accomplished organizations and individuals on this list,” said Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, USAF (Ret), “but our work is far from finished. We will remain engaged with every branch of government on behalf of our nation's servicemembers and veterans, and their families, to ensure their efforts are acknowledged and their earned benefits are protected.”

MOAA was the only military or veteran service organization named in the list of 89 associations honored by The Hill. The newspaper also selected top performers in other lobbying fields, including corporate and grass-roots efforts. All of the selectees “are the players at the top of their game, known for their ability to successfully navigate the byzantine and competitive world of federal policymaking,” per the paper, a nonpartisan outlet with a 24,000-copy print circulation that includes every Congressional office.

Among the legislative victories on MOAA's list for 2018:

• A fully funded National Defense Authorization Act, ensuring pay raises for servicemembers, an increase in end strength, and no reduction in housing allowances.
• Continued health care for servicemembers and retirees without fee increases.
• The passage of the VA MISSION Act, which includes many long-sought improvements for VA care and for the department's staff, many of which were years in the making.

“Our strength on the Hill, and in the offices of lawmakers, comes from the commitment and engagement of our membership,” said Col. Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), MOAA's vice president of government relations. “We are honored to receive this award - it's another sign that our work on our members' behalf isn't going unnoticed.”