The Military Order of the Cootie (MOC)
The Military Order of the Cootie (MOC) is the premier, invitation-only Honor Degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Established in 1920 by World War I veterans, the MOC functions as an elite service branch composed of dedicated VFW leaders who have demonstrated exceptional merit, recruitment success, and organizational leadership.
Operating under the motto "To Increase and Multiply,"
the Cooties balance a unique, lighthearted fraternity with serious, high-impact veteran advocacy. Members are easily recognized by their distinctive red caps and vests, symbolizing their elite service status.
The MOC focuses its collective efforts on two core, multimillion-dollar national missions:
- š„ Hospital Visitation:
Under their signature directive to "Keep 'Em Smiling in Beds of White,"
members dedicate millions of volunteer hours and financial aid annually to visit, entertain, and support hospitalized, confined, and elderly veterans in VA medical facilities.
- š” The VFW National Home:
The MOC is a primary financial sponsor of the VFW National Home campus, funding critical infrastructureāincluding libraries, athletic fields, and fire departmentsāto provide housing, education, and stability for the children and families of fallen or disabled service members.
By transforming a legacy of combat leadership into vibrant, community-focused philanthropy, the MOC ensures that no veteran is forgotten in their time of isolation or need.
