Serving with Honor – Past, Present, and Future
MOAA – Darby Rangers Chapter
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Mission
To inculcate and stimulate love of our country and the flag;
To defend the honor, integrity, and supremacy of our National Government and the
Constitution of the United States;
To advocate military forces adequate to the defense of our country;
To foster the integrity and prestige of uniformed service;
To foster fraternal relations between all branches of the various Services from which our
members are drawn;
To further the education of children of Service personnel;
To aid personnel of the Services from which our members are drawn, and their family
members and survivors, in every proper and legitimate manner;
To present their rights and interests when Service matters are under consideration.
Taken from the National MOAA Bylaws & Preamble.
Organized February 12, 1929
Incorporated 1944
As Amended & Approved by the Membership, October 26, 2024
Programs
Advocacy
The Darby Chapter has an active Legislative Action Committee that works closely with the National MOAA organization, Congressional Delegation, and state legislature to advocate for all military, veteran, and retiree issues. Initiatives include tax code benefits, the establishment of veterans homes, and exemptions for disabled veterans.
Public Affairs
The Public Affairs Committee plays an active part in the ROTC and JROTC programs at regional universities and area high schools. MOAA members attend annual banquets to support military programs in schools and make special presentations to outstanding cadets.
National Cemetery
In an effort to honor late military men and servicewomen, MOAA’s National Cemetery Acquisition Committee works with the Veterans Administration to procure property to expand the Fort Smith National Cemetery when the need arises.
Surviving Spouses
Spouses play a pivotal role in military families by providing support and making sacrifices throughout a service man or woman’s career. MOAA stands ready to assist surviving spouses or members who are receiving care.
Flag Education
Understanding the rich history of the nation’s flag helps instill respect and appreciation for America’s most recognizable symbol. MOAA’s Flag Education Committee members travel throughout the region, providing flag etiquette training to fifth-grade students at private, parochial, and public schools, as well as homeschool coalitions and youth organizations.
Scholarships
Each year, MOAA’s Scholarship Committee provides funding to selected ROTC cadets from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith to assist them in completing their higher education. A portion of each MOAA-Darby Chapter member’s dues goes toward funding the initiative.
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Chapter History
The William O. Darby Rangers MOAA Chapter was incorporated in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 26, 2009. It was established at the urging of then-Congressman John Boozman, who was concerned that a vast number of retirees and serving officers were underrepresented in the River Valley region. The Chapter is incorporated as a Nonprofit Veterans Service Organization, 501(c)(19), and was named in honor of Brigadier General William O. Darby.
Brigadier General William Orlando Darby
Brigadier General William O. Darby is the father of the United States Army Rangers and a native of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Click here to read an in-depth biography on the decorated veteran. (Darby, William Orlando - Encyclopedia of Arkansas)