The MOAA San Diego–Miramar Chapter is proud to share our bi‑monthly Newsletter, created especially for our valued MOAA members. Each edition reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping members informed, engaged, and connected with the latest chapter activities, community initiatives, and opportunities to support fellow service members.
This publication is more than just an update — it is a celebration of the dedication, camaraderie, and shared mission that unite our chapter. We are honored to provide this resource to our very special members, whose continued involvement strengthens both our local community and the broader mission of MOAA
The MOAA San Diego–Miramar Chapter is proud to share our bi‑monthly Newsletter, created especially for our valued MOAA members. Each edition reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping members informed, engaged, and connected with the latest chapter activities, community initiatives, and opportunities to support fellow service members.
This publication is more than just an update — it is a celebration of the dedication, camaraderie, and shared mission that unite our chapter. We are honored to provide this resource to our very special members, whose continued involvement strengthens both our local community and the broader mission of MOAA
The MOAA San Diego–Miramar Chapter is proud to share our bi‑monthly Newsletter, created especially for our valued MOAA members. Each edition reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping members informed, engaged, and connected with the latest chapter activities, community initiatives, and opportunities to support fellow service members.
This publication is more than just an update — it is a celebration of the dedication, camaraderie, and shared mission that unite our chapter. We are honored to provide this resource to our very special members, whose continued involvement strengthens both our local community and the broader mission of MOAA
The MOAA San Diego–Miramar Chapter is proud to share our bi‑monthly Newsletter, created especially for our valued MOAA members. Each edition reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping members informed, engaged, and connected with the latest chapter activities, community initiatives, and opportunities to support fellow service members.
This publication is more than just an update — it is a celebration of the dedication, camaraderie, and shared mission that unite our chapter. We are honored to provide this resource to our very special members, whose continued involvement strengthens both our local community and the broader mission of MOAA.
We’re proud to share our latest MOAA September/October Newsletter, packed with updates, reflections, and resources for our community. A heartfelt thank-you to HT Linke for his editorial leadership, and to all our contributors who brought this issue to life with their insights and dedication.
Whether you're catching up on recent events, exploring upcoming opportunities, or simply staying connected, this edition is a testament to the strength and spirit of our chapter.
📰 Dive in, stay informed, and let us know what you think!
Gerard P. Cloutier, LtCol. USMCR (Ret)President, Miramar Chapter, MOAA
For full details, download the latest newsletter below!
Editor: HT Linke, COL/USA (Ret)
June to Aug 2025
Greetings, I hope that you’re all enjoying what our region has to offer this summer with family and loved ones! I wanted to start off with recognizing that the California reƟred military community has reached a long sought after milestone when Governor Newsom signed into law state tax exemption on military retirement pay and Surviving Spouse Benefits.
For full details, download the latest newsletter below!
We are pleased to invite you to our August Luncheon hosted by the Miramar and San Diego Chapters on Thursday, August 7th at 11:30 AM at Admiral Baker Golf Course.
This special gathering will feature Colonel Rich Marindale, USAF (Ret.) as our guest speaker. Col. Marindale brings a fascinating and rare perspective on aerial combat and drone operations, making this luncheon an event you won’t want to miss.
A former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and a University of Arizona ROTC graduate, Col. Marindale has flown:
In retirement, he took on a unique role as a civilian contract pilot flying the MQ-9 Reaper, a state-of-the-art remotely piloted vehicle (RPV or drone). During his presentation, he will compare and contrast his experiences piloting traditional fighter jets with remotely operated aircraft.
He will also share firsthand stories from deployments across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, providing insight into the evolving world of aerial warfare and the life of a modern drone pilot.
Editor: HT Linke, COL/USA (Ret)
April—May 2025
Greetings, members!
Greetings!! As we move into May & June, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued support and engagement with our chapter. Whether you’ve attended a luncheon, supported legislative outreach, or simply stayed connected through our newsleƩer, your involvement keeps
our mission strong.
For full details, download the latest newsletter below!
Editor: HT Linke, COL/USA (Ret)
February—March 2025
Greetings, members!
As we step into March, I’m excited to share my first message as Chapter President, reflecting on my background, vision for our chapter, and key initiatives for the year ahead. Additionally, we have important updates on legislative efforts to exempt military retirement pay and survivor benefits from California state taxes.
Next Chapter Meeting: April 3rd at 11:30 AM – Admiral Baker Golf Club
Guest Speaker: Steve – Update on legislative efforts for military tax exemptions
For full details, download the latest newsletter below!
This is the first invitation to our April luncheon, on Thursday, April 3rd at 11:30am at Adm Baker Golf Course.
Our guest speaker will Steve Cross of the USS Midway Museum Speakers Bureau. Steve will provide us with a little Work War II history with the topic of “The Early Carrier Raids leading up to the Doolittle Raid April 18, 1942.”
For 2025, the cost for our luncheons at Admiral Baker will be $30 per person. Please confirm your attendance and pay via the Zelle banking app to miramarchapter@gmail.com or using the attached reservation form with a check (made out to "Miramar Chapter, MOAA") mailed to Darryle Grimes NLT March 31st. Wes Schermann normally handles these duties but will be unavailable this month, please forward your RSVP’s, payments, etc. to Darryle.
We'll see you on April 3rd!
Thank you,
Gerard P. Cloutier, LtCol. USMCR (Ret)
President, Miramar Chapter, MOAA
This was the first invitation to our inaugural luncheon of 2025, which took place on Thursday, February 6, at 11:30 AM at Admiral Baker Golf Course.

A distinguished journalist, author, and USMC and USN veteran. She served on multiple overseas deployments, has worked as a TV reporter, and was a featured author at the 2024 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California.
Amy Forsythe has been at the ‘tip of the spear,’ armed with a camera and microphone as she covered combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Amy has served more than 30 years in uniform, on active duty and in the reserves, and continues to be a leader in the San Diego veteran community. She is highly sought after for her communications experience and media savvy.
Serving as a combat correspondent and later becoming a Navy Reserve Communications Officer has taken her to other overseas locations, including Romania, Poland, Germany, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Guam, and Palau, where she covered military exercises and operations.
In between overseas deployments, Amy worked as a TV reporter covering military and veteran topics in San Diego County. She is a proud graduate of Cal State San Marcos (2005) and the University of San Diego (2009) and has completed numerous courses at the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, MD.
Amy is the host of several multimedia projects, including the American Legion’s Be The One podcast, KOCT Today, and other programming that highlights community leaders in North San Diego County.






