Describe why you are proud to be an ROA member.

“I am proud to be a Life Member of this premier proponent of all the Reserve Component Forces. ROA has for over 100 years worked to ensure those forces were appropriately manned, trained and equipped too fulfill their assigned missions. Their advocacy has ensured that the Guard and reserve forces have been modernized with equipment on par with the active components.”

Describe how ROA has benefitted you in your military career.

“My involvement in ROA has enabled me to stay current on the issues all reserve forces face in the ever-changing "landscape" of our nation's national defense. Beyond the issues, I have been permitted to attend functions where I listened to presentations by senior military leaders, ask questions of them and interact directly with them. This networking paid benefits to me as a reservist and also a civilian.”

Colonel Nelson, a lifelong ROA leader, and 30-year Air Force veteran, died on April 23, 2022, in his home. He was buried with full military honors in Lakeview Cemetery, Fleming, N.Y. At the time of his death, he was serving as president of ROA Missouri Fighter Wing Chapter 442 at Whiteman Air Force Base, MO; he had been a member of the chapter since 1973. The following is the Faces of ROA entry he submitted before he passed.

Describe why you are proud to be an ROA member.

“ROA's volunteers, for almost 100 years, have uniquely and effectively supported our Reserve Forces. By continually championing for their equitable treatment, ROA has greatly increased the Reserves' capabilities in its vital role as an essential Operational Partner in DOD's Total Forces' defense of our Nation.”

Describe how ROA has benefitted you in your military career.

“Procuring similar benefits enjoyed by our Active Duty partners: career advancement opportunities; funding for more parts, newer equipment, and upgraded facilities; exchange and commissary privileges; more inactive duty training periods that also counted toward retirement pay; Tricare for Life medical, to name a few. ROA helped provide a proud atmosphere in which to serve."

UnitedHealthcare Federal Programs would like to celebrate Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) and honor the people who serve our nation within the Federal, State, County, and Local Government. You deserve a huge thank you for the work you do for our country.

They have many resources to help support you and your employees. Please scroll down to view some of their wellness webinars during the first few weeks in May and PSRW!

Easy Food & Drink Ideas to incorporate in your Spring Flings: Register Here

Tuesday May 9th, 2023
12 – 1pm ET

Intro to Kettlebells: Register Here

Thursday May 11th, 2023
12 – 1pm ET

Understanding Adolescent Mental Health: Register Here

Thursday May 15th, 2023
12 – 1pm ET

Sophrology for Recovering from Difficult Experiences (Trauma Awareness Month): Register Here

Thursday May 18th, 2023
12 – 1pm ET

Attend any of the above wellness webinars and 3 lucky winners will be selected from each webinar to win a PSRW gift from the UnitedHealthcare Federal Programs team.

Describe why you are proud to be an ROA member.

“Robert (Bob) has been a moving force in maintaining the active nature of Chapter 50, Pittsburgh, PA. He has created a Chapter 50 website, wrote the chapter bylaws, and authored an ROA recruiting brochure that has been provided to ROA National for editing/use by other chapters and departments among other accomplishments.”

Describe how ROA has benefitted you in your military career.

“ROA membership was vital in keeping Bob abreast of national issues impacting his Army career.”