MOAA honors Chapter stalwart Hank Shelton at VCOC meeting 

Leader recognized for decades of service to MOAA and Virginia Council 

Colonel Henry "Hank" Shelton, USA (Ret) was recognized by the senior MOAA leadership during the Virginia Council of Chapters (VCOC) quarterly meeting in Arlington, Virginia, 27 October 2014. The VCOC meeting was held in conjunction with MOAA's annual meeting and awards dinner. General John H. Lilelli, Jr. USA (Ret), Chairman of the MOAA Board of Directors, presented Hank with the Chairman's Award, a prestigious recognition rarely awarded. 

The award citing his "outstanding leadership and exceptional service," recognizes Hank's many ccontributions to MOAA and to the nation. Specifically cited was his role in establishing the Joint Leadership Council (JLC) bringing 27 veterans' service organizations together to collaborate with Virginia's Department of Veterans Services to meet the needs of the Commonwealth's veterans. Also cited was the annual "Storming of the Hill" by Virginia Chapter representatives to meet directly with Commonwealth delegates and senators to advocate for the JLC objectives.

Colonel Victoria Revilla, USA (Ret), President of the Virginia Council of Chapters, also recognized Hank's many years of service, bestowing the Virginia Council's President’s Award. The award honors Hank as a leader, a past VCOC President, and as the VCOC representative from the Central Virginia Chapter. 

A Distinguished Military Graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, COL Shelton was commissioned a second lieutenant in the infantry in 1951. He served 28 years in the Regular Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division; 1st Calvary Division; 3rd Infantry Division; 25th Infantry Division; and the Army General Staff as Executive for the Chief of Research and Development and as a Project Manager. 

Colonel Shelton received 14 decorations including the Silver Star for valor, and the South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (Palm, Gold Star and Silver Star). His Army schools included: Basic Infantry Officer; Advanced Infantry Officer; Command and General Staff Officer (awarded Master’s Degree of Military Arts and Science); and the Army War College. He taught Tactics and Nuclear Weapons Employment at the USA Infantry School. He also completed a tour as Assistant Professor of Military Science at Ohio University. 

Hank joined the Central Virginia Chapter of MOAA (then called TROA — The Retired Officers Association) in 1977. He has served CVC in an elected position continuously from 1988 until the present. He served two terms as president of the Chapter, 1991-92 and 1995-96. He served as Chapter representative to the Virginia Council of Chapters 1990-2014.