The Military Order of the Cootie of the United States is a non-profit Veterans Service Organization. We are known as "The Honor Degree of the VFW" and our members are comprised of the officers and leadership of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Membership in the MOC is recognition of outstanding service to the VFW and its programs.
Founded in New York City on September 17, 1920, the MOC is based on the principals of good humor and fun. Over the past ninety years, the Cooties have provided social and entertainment programs to members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. as an Ancillary unit within the organization. Since 1923, our first year as a part of the VFW, the Cooties have worked hard to further the aims of the VFW while adding to it the frivolity known as Military Humor to the serious work of our parent organization. What would ultimately become known as the VFW National Home for Children, a sprawling campus of homes located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, started out as the brainchild of the MOC. We firmly believe in caring for the widows and children of our Armed Forces. Literally millions of dollars have been raised and donated to help "our kids" over our history; starting with the library, the swimming pool, the Fire Department, and a host of other projects designed to make life fun and educational for the children during their stay at the National Home.
With the outbreak of World War II, the Cooties recognized a need to entertain hospitalized troops and veterans during their confinement and rehabilitation at Veterans Administration facilities throughout the country. Our service program is described as a directive to "Keep 'em Smiling in Beds of White." Each year the Cooties volunteer thousands of hours of time worth over ten million dollars to DVA Hospitals and domiciliaries throughout the United States. This work, in addition to the hours of service donated as active members of the VFW, set the members of the MOC apart as Foreign Service and Combat Veterans who are fully engaged in their communities, and their fellow comrades in arms and their families. Our distinctive red hat and unusual uniform sets us apart and draws attention to the plight of those less fortunate than ourselves. We sacrifice a little of ourselves to bring a smile or a laugh during what is normally a difficult time for our heroes. We seek others like us to join and help us help them in their times of stress and anxiety.
VFW Post 12146 Member invitations to the Military Order of the Cooties (Any MOC Worldwide) shall be in good standing with a minimum of 6 months remaining on current dues, nominee must be invited to receive the Honor Degree of the VFW by a qualified Cootie in good standing with the VFW and be nominated to represent the Post by membership 2/3 vote. The Commander would verify such qualification with the District Senior MOC member.
The following minimum criteria must be established before a motion is brought forward at the regularly scheduled Post member monthly meeting see article VII sec. 703. With invitation, member must make application for membership in the MOC
- Member applicant must be in good standing with the Post, be a "Life Member" (Annual members should not apply)
- Has been an active member in the Post for at least six months and attended at least 80% of the Post meetings
- Active means: been a Chairman, Leader or member of Post committee, satisfactory performed Post duties and / or participating actively at post functions, (Post Commanders discretion / recommendation)
- The Post Commander and Post Adjutant will certify the member applicant's eligibility by signing the MOC Application after the post membership vote.
- The Senior Post Cooties in attendance at the member monthly meeting may provide a monthly report on MOC post member activities ensuring MOC activities do not negatively impact the Post activities, CS events etc. MOC is encouraged to participate in post activities.
There shall be no competition from Post Cooties soliciting funds within the Post local area. Any Cooties activities sponsored in the Post local area shall be informed to the Post Commander.
