The Miami Valley Military Affairs Association (MVMAA) was formed in 1980 through the combined efforts of several local Chambers of Commerce.

 

Our Mission

Recognizing the tremendous economic impact Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Springfield Air National Guard Base, and other area military units have on the Greater Dayton/Miami Valley area, local community leaders wanted to provide a support organization that would foster military-community understanding and cooperation

MVMAA is one of the nation's largest community military affairs organizations. A board
of trustees governs the Association and includes representatives from 14 local Chambers
of Commerce (representing five area counties), six members-at-large, and committee chairs. Commanders of the active-duty, Reserve and Guard units from the two major military installations serve as honorary, non-voting trustees. In addition, representatives from the First Sergeant Council, Fisher-Nightingale Houses, Junior Force Council and USO at Wright-Patterson AFB are non-voting liaisons to MVMAA’s board of trustees. The only requirements for MVMAA membership are an interest in military support issues and a desire to become involved in regional cooperation.

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 granted over $70,000 to the houses. In recent years, MVMAA has provided financial grants to First Sergeant Council, Junior Force Council and USO Center at Wright-Patterson AFB. 

What We've Achieved

  • MVMAA also completed a significant five-year project, dedicating "Valor Park" alongside the walkway leading to the front entrance of the National Museum of the United States
    Air Force. The memorial recognizes the 58 U.S. Air Force recipients of the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest military award for bravery. MVMAA raised funds to construct the memorial through private donations, with the Association absorbing all administrative expenses. Six Medal of Honor recipients attended the dedication ceremony on May 11, 2002, in conjunction with the Association's annual dinner.

  • Dedicating a monument in honor of our POW/MIAs 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 crew members during their cross-country flight of vintage aircraft commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II

  • Donating $2,500 to the National Museum of the United States Air Force expansion project; $2,000 toward restoration of Arnold House (Wright Patterson AFB's heritage center); and $1,000 toward construction of a hangar on Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where the Wright Brothers' first flying school was located

  • Contributing money to Dayton's Vietnam Memorial Park and the Fairborn Veterans Memorial.