Joint Warfighting Conference

Co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, in coordination with U.S. Joint Forces Command and with support of the NDIA Greater Hampton Roads Chapter and AFCEA Hampton Roads and Tidewater Chapters.

Military Spouse Symposium

Military Officers Association of America Military Spouse Symposium

Thursday, May 14

** Separate Registration Required.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

In conjunction with the Joint Warfighting Conference, the Military Officers Association of America will present the 3rd Annual Military Spouse Symposium on Thursday, May 14th. This event provides an open forum for military spouses and those working military spouse and family issues by presenting recognized experts addressing thought-provoking topics. This year’s topics include a presentation entitled, I Love You, but You’re Driving Me Crazy and a panel entitled, Culture Clash: Military Spouses and the Media. Panelists include: Tanya Biank, Author, Army Wives; Sarah Smiley, Author, Going Overboard and I’m Just Saying…; and Laura Dempsey, Co-Founder, Blue Star Families.

Find out more at http://moaablogs.org/spouse/

Pre-registration is required. Register now by calling (888) 834-MOAA (6622) 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST (M-F) or by going to: www.moaa.org/spousesymposium.

Registration $25

Early Bird registration before May 1st includes guaranteed seat for luncheon and Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year Recognition.

Thursday, May 14 Agenda

8:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14th, Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Sign-In Begins

8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
MOAA Kickoff Address
VADM Norbert Ryan Jr. (USN, Ret) (Confirmed)

President
Military Officers Association of America

9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Presentation: I Love You, But You’re Driving Me Crazy
Military marriages are often marked by prolonged separation, unreliable communication, and the demand to put the military even before one's self. Doc Finch shares with us insights on the traits that make our service member spouses unique and why we may not always understand them. From there, he’ll discuss how to feel close when separated by distance, make the most of available communication, and how to cope with separation and reunion.
MAJ Art Finch, PhD (Confirmed)
Psychologist, USA

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
MOAA Address: Military Benefits Update for Yourself and the Families You Serve
Keeping track of military financial benefits and using them to the greatest advantage can be a full-time job! Join us for an informative session covering (1) current military family financial benefits, (2) special deployment financial programs and (3) pending legislation affective Active Duty, Guard and Reserve families.
Phil Dyer, CFP® (Confirmed)
Deputy Director for Financial Education, Benefits Information Department
Military Officers Association of America

Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon and Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year Recognition
(early registration required, seats limited)

1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Panel: Culture Clash – Military Spouses and the Media
How military spouses are being portrayed in the media, what the perception is and who’s shaping it.
Moderator:
Sue Hoppin (Confirmed)
Deputy Director for Spouse Outreach
Military Officers Association of America

Panelists:
Sarah Smiley (Confirmed)
Author, Going Overboard: the Misadventures of a Military Wife

Tanya Biank (Confirmed)
Author, Army Wives and Consultant to Lifetime series, Army Wives

Laura Dempsey (Confirmed)
Co-Founder, Blue Star Families

Babette Maxwell (Confirmed)
Co-Founder and Executive Editor, Military Spouse Magazine

3:15 p.m.
Reception
Join our panelists, your fellow spouses, representatives of MOAA's own, President's Currently Serving Spouse Advisory Council and staff as well as others working in the military spouse and family community for some food and fun.

MOAA Military Spouse Symposium Buzz

From the spouses:

“Thanks for all your hard work.”

“Great job in hosting a spouse symposium.”

“Our membership was reinforced by “One Powerful Voice”.”

“Thank you for picking up spouse topics!”

From the speakers/panelists:

“Can’t believe that the long-awaited Military Spouse Symposium is over. I had such a good time and, as always, being around military spouses reinvigorated me. You can rest assured that the first annual event will not be the last, thanks to your mighty efforts.”

“Kudos on a great symposium! I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed myself yesterday. The participants and attendees were such a pleasure. Also, I have to say, that's the best "loot" bag that I've ever received for such participation.”

“Thanks for inviting me...it was a great symposium and I got lots of good story ideas from it!”