Esperanza En Escalante (EEE) is a local organization that exists to provide housing, social services, programs and transportation to assist a veteran's transition into everyday life. To learn more about EEE click here. The Catalina Mountains chapter received a grant in 2024 from The MOAA Foundation and a grant from the State of Arizona Department of Veterans Services to provide new laptops to four EEE residents. Shown to the right is Chuck Vaughan, chapter president, on the left presenting a new laptop to a veteran living at EEE on 4 October 2024.
During the spring of 2024 the Catalina Mountains chapter presented, for the first time, awards to JROTC students at four high schools located north of the chapter. The four high schools were Casa Grande High School in Casa Grande; Coolidge High School in Coolidge; Poston Butte High School in San Tan Valley; and Vista Grande High School in Casa Grande. Chapter presenters were CJ Hindman, Brig Gen, USAF, retired; Bruce Huffman, COL, USA, retired; Cash Striplin, COL, USA, retired; and Chuck Vaughan, CAPT, USN, retired. Each presenter presented three awards: a MOAA medal/ribbon with certificate, a MOAA challenge coin, and MOAA money (a $100 bill). The MOAA medal/ribbon is presented to a cadet who demonstrates leadership traits. The challenge coin is presented to a cadet who has demonstrated he or she has learned the kind of self-discipline, self-confidence, and skills that can help him or her successfully meet the challenges of adulthood and serve their country and community. MOAA money is presented to a cadet who, by their performance, character and bearing upholds the values of the U. S. military. Cash Striplin is shown in the photo to the left with the three awardees at Poston Butte High School.
In October 2024 chapter members sponsored a five-day fall break camp for children of Esperanza En Escalante residents. Approximately twenty children participated in the camp; children and their chaperones spent the week visiting museums and other places around Tucson the children might not have previously visited. Children were provided with lunch, snacks, a water bottle and sometimes breakfast. The children are already asking if they can go to camp again next year and where they'll be going.