We are MOAA members, just like you. The State Legislative Exchange Forum (SLEF) was created by MOAA member Don Wolfinger. He saw an opportunity - so many MOAA members are interested in advocacy in support of legislation and programs supporting veterans and service members and their families - and have deep roots in their communities and states. The concept behind SLEF is to fill a gap. MOAA is focused on national level advocacy. The SLEF is an idea exchange for state level advocacy. What works, what doesn’t work, successful legislation, legislative obstacles etc. We discuss all such topics and collectively help each other introduce new programs and improves existing programs in their states.

SLEF also provides a venue to ask questions and lean on fellow MOAA members for advice on how to approach new legislation while avoiding obstacles that others may already have surmounted.

SLEF is also a connection to the DoD Defense State Liaison (DSLO) team - with one of our quarterly meetings dedicated to DSLO updates.

SLEF holds quarterly virtual meetings and at the moment we are looking for ideas and new avenues to expand our impact, effectiveness and participation rate. This new website is a first step on that journey.

SLEF is administered by four volunteer Co-Chairs:

Harold Cooney, COL, USA (Ret)

Don Wolfinger, LTC, USA (Ret)

Shelly Kalkowski, LTC, USAF (Ret)

Steve Chamberlin, CAPT, USCG (Ret)

Reach out to any of us at: Team@slef-moaa.com