Pikes Peak Chapter – MOAA

History and Milestones

In June, 1960, COL Raymond A. Nelson, USA, and CW04 Joseph K. Petre, USA, compiled a list of area retirees and invited them to a meeting to organize a local Retired Officer's group. On 1 September 1960, COL Nelson was elected President of the group with CW04 Petre as Secretary. At that time an application for affiliation was submitted to the National Retired Officer's Association (TROA) in Washington, D.C. On 26 October 1960, National TROA approved our application for affiliation as the "Central Colorado Chapter" with an initial membership of 52 members. In 1963, the Chapter changed its name to the "Pikes Peak Chapter" and began having monthly meetings at the Embers Steak House in downtown Colorado Springs. Over the years, the meetings moved to the Holiday Inn Central, the old Sheraton South, and eventually settled at the Peterson AFB Officers Club or the Air Force Academy Officers Club.

From the outset, the Chapter has been an organization devoted to fostering fellowship among retired officers and their families; supporting various civic and charitable organizations; and honoring the principles upon which our nation was founded. In addition, the Chapter is dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and preserving the earned entitlements and benefits of all members of the Uniformed Services and their families. The monthly meetings and dinner dances are designed to enhance our efforts toward these goals, as is the publication and distribution of our monthly newsletter, The Eagle. Additionally, the Chapter’s Officer Placement Service (TOPS) has continued to expand. Weekly networking breakfasts are held at which speakers from the local business community can interface with members seeking to transition into civilian positions.

In 1962, a Retired Officers Wives Club (ROWC) was organized for spouses of Chapter members. The club sponsors luncheons and entertainment programs for its members. In 1980, a Singles group was organized as a subset of the Auxiliary. The Singles meet monthly throughout the year at various locations to serve the needs of its members.

In 1985, the Chapter established a Scholarship Fund for ROTC students at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) to help them cover expenses and to encourage them to become commissioned officers. The fund is supported by donations from Chapter members and friends, and many donations honor the memory of deceased members. A monetary award is presented each year to several deserving ROTC Cadets. The Chapter also provides monetary support from its operating funds to all local Junior ROTC programs and from the Scholarship Fund to graduating JROTC Cadets.

In 2001, the Tri-Lakes Satellite was formed to better accommodate members living to the north of Colorado Springs. 

In October 2002, National TROA changed its name, with approval of the membership, to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). This change is to better reflect the association's focus on benefits for all categories of its membership, not just the retired officers. In February 2003, the Chapter followed suit and approved a name change to the Pikes Peak Chapter - Military Officers Association of America.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the chapter’s operation from 2020 to 2022. Normal operations were suspended during this nearly two-year event and membership was greatly impacted. The Board of Directors maintained communication with members through the Eagle newsletter and emails. Monthly meetings resumed in 2022 and attempts to resurrect the chapter’s prior operations continue.

The Pikes Peak Chapter continues to maintain its membership and influence thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of its officers and members. The chapter received the MOAA  4-Star outstanding chapters award ("Level of Excellence") for 2021& 2022.