President’s Message
Fall greetings to everyone!
I am looking forward to our final meeting of 2025 to be held on Saturday, December 6th at the Maine Military Museum in South Portland. Our guest speaker will be from MOAA National Headquarters, Capt. Frank J Michael, USN Retired. Frank is the Senior Director of Affiliated Councils and Chapters and is a good friend of our Chapter. He has been a regular attendee at the Lobster Bake and also came to visit our chapter at a board luncheon two years ago. He will be sharing some great updates from MOAA National that you won’t want to miss.
This meeting will also be my last meeting as Chapter President as we will be installing our new officers for 2026 including BG Paul Loiselle, USAF Retired as Chapter President. It has truly been an honor to serve as President for the last 6 years! I am proud of all that we have accomplished together and cherish the new friendships I’ve gained.
We are going to have a special Italian feast catered by Bruno’s in Portland. Please reserve your spot on the attached reservation form. Please click here to complete the Reservation Form: https://moaasouthernmaine.org/reservation-form/ We’ve made payment easier by including a QR code, or you can still mail a check if you prefer. I look forward to seeing you all on December 6th!
Yours in Service,
Brenda Pennels
President, Sothern Maine Chapter, MOAA
December 6th Luncheon Guest Speaker: Connect with Capt. Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret)
As Senior Director, Affiliated Councils & Chapters, Capt. Frank J. Michael, USN (Ret), is responsible for direct support of MOAA’s robust nationwide network of more than 400 active and engaged affiliates as they influence legislation, serve their local communities in impactful ways, grow membership at the local and national levels, and increase MOAA brand awareness nationwide. He coordinates with senior HQ staff, as well as national oversight committee and board leadership to improve and support the vibrancy and effectiveness of MOAA’s affiliate network. Michael also provides in-person support to council and chapter activities and events and plans/organizes quarterly council and chapter leader in-person workshops and other training opportunities.
Reservation Form: https://moaasouthernmaine.org/reservation-form/
Annual Dues
It is that time of year again when we begin our Annual Dues drive. This annual event provides the necessary financial foundation for our continuation as an organization that serves not only our members, but in many ways the larger community as a whole. While the deadline for dues is February 1, 2026, I would encourage you to take a few moments now to complete the form and send in your dues. We have tried to make this process as user friendly as possible. You can now mail in a hard copy of the form, or complete it by using the enclosed QR Code or link. Thank you for your continuing support. Here is the url with the letter containing the form, QR Code and online payment link: https://moaasouthernmaine.org/annual-dues-letter/
Rob McAleer
Membership Chair
Induction of New Officers and Members of the Board of Directors
Our Chapter By-Laws require us to install the newly elected slate of officers and members of the Board of Directors at our December General Meeting. The officers and new Directors for 2026 elected by our members at the September General Meeting include:
New Officer Slate for 2026
President: BG Paul Loiselle, USAF 207-205-3792 loisellepc@outlook.com
1st Vice President: CDR David A. Patch, USN 207-751-5672 dapatch66@gmail.com
2nd Vice President: COL Mike D. Delia USAF 207-967-4571 deliamdd1@gmail.com
Secretary: LT (jg) John J. Fay, USN 207-883-6447 jfay0001@maine.rr.com
Treasurer: COL Stephen Broughall, USA 207-833-0983 broughall.stephen@gmail.com
Immediate Past Pres.: LTC Brenda Pennels, USA 207-671-1262 brendapennels@gmail.com
Directors 2025 – 2027
COL Arthur R. Wickham, USA 207-810-6233 arthur.wickham@yahoo.com
LTC John T. Ham, USA 207-883-5982 johnandsueham@maine.rr.com
COL Robert P. McAleer, USMC 207-833-5574 rmcaleer04079@gmail.com
Directors 2026-2028
Col Frank Toderico, USA 207-939-8239 FToderico@juno.com
Mrs. Connie Harrison 207-420-5437 Connieharrison@gmail.com
Welcome Aboard
The Chapter would like to extend a warm Welcome Aboard to the following new members:
Commander Jeff Gabrielson, USCG and Linda from Cape Elizabeth
and
Captain Colleen Nevius, USN and Bill Readdy from Windham
We are grateful for your interest in our Chapter and look forward to meeting you at a future lunch meeting.
Save the Date July 22, 2026 !!!
The 2026 Chapter Golf Tournament is scheduled for July, 22 at the Dunegrass Country Club in OOB. As the major fundraiser that allows us to support ROTC Scholarships and other Veteran Organizations, we are looking for new committee members to help plan and execute the event.
Contact Jack Faye 207-883-6447 or Mike Delia 207-967-4571 for more information
Thank you Brenda for your dedication and leadership. You have made a difference.
