About The MVMAA

The Miami Valley Military Affairs Association (MVMAA) supports military activities and special projects at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Springfield National Guard Base. The group’s focus is on the “Total Force” policy of active-duty, Guard and Reserve.

The MVMAA was formed in 1980 through the combined efforts of several local Chambers of Commerce. Recognizing the tremendous economic impact of these military installations on the Miami Valley, local community leaders wanted to provide a support organization that would foster military-community understanding and cooperation.

With membership first reaching the 1,000 mark in 1991, the MVMAA is the nation’s largest community military affairs group. A Board of Trustees governs the Association with representatives from each of 24 local Chambers of Commerce, seven members-at-large and past presidents. Commanders of the two local military installations serve as DOD liaisons. Participating Chambers come from a nine-county area. Chamber membership isn’t necessary to join the MVMAA. The only requirements for membership are an interest in defense issues and a desire to become involved in regional cooperation.

The MVMAA has long supported the Fisher/Nightingale Houses, which provide lodging in a homelike atmosphere for the families of the seriously ill patients at the Wright-Patterson AFB Medical Center. Since 1990, the Association has donated almost $50,000 to the houses.

Other special projects accomplished include:

• The MVMAA also completed a significant fice-year project, dedicating "Valor Park" alongside the walkway leading to the front entrance of the U.S. Air Force Museum. The memorial recognizes the 59 U.S. Air Force recipients of the Medal of Honor, our nations highest military award for bravery. The MVMAA raised funds to construct the memorial through private dontations, with the Association absorbing all administrative expenses. All six living recipients attended the dedication ceremony on May 11, 2002, in conjunction with the Association's annual dinner,
• Dedicating monument in honor of our POW/MIA's at Arnold House and placing a wreath there each year on POW/MIA Day,
• Co-Sponsoring with Wright-Patterson AFB a reception to honor Freedom Flight America Pilots and crewmembers during their cross-country flight of vintage aircraft commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II,
• Donating $2,500 to the Air Force Museums's expansion project; $2,000 toward restoration of Arnold House (Wright Patterson AFB's heritage center); and $1000 toward construction of a hangar on Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where the Wright Brothers' first flying school was located,
• Establishing a system for local telephone companies an utility companies to waive the requirement for deposits for military members and,
• Contributing money to Dayton's Vietnam Memorial Park and Fairborn Verterans Memorial.

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