by Greg Williamson, President Cape Fear Chapter MOAA

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It was my pleasure to present the Robert F. DeMeter Chapter Service Award for 2024 to Major (Ret) Gerald F. “Jerry” Croll at our Awards and Recognition Luncheon on the 21st of March 2025. The DeMeter award is the most prestigious award the Chapter can bestow upon one of its members. The award consists of a rotating trophy which the recipient retains for a year, and a certificate.

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The citation reads as follows:

“For sustained outstanding service as Chapter Treasurer from April 2021 to December 2024. Major Croll’s’ stewardship of the Chapter’s finances was singularly outstanding. He mastered the Chapter’s financial accounting and record keeping system in short order resulting in a meticulous, disciplined and accurate accounting of all chapter financial assets and transactions. The three comprehensive reviews (audits) of the financial records of the chapter during his stewardship failed to reveal a single discrepancy in accounting and bookkeeping practices, a testament to his dedication to excellence. Jerry was not only the consummate Treasurer – thorough, meticulous and exact, but as a member of the chapter’s executive board, he was a sagacious advisor. He displayed an unusual grasp of a wide range of issues always contributing to discussions and offering logical and sensible recommendations that frequently influenced chapter policy. He is an inspiration to all and personifies the MOAA’s motto “Never Stop Serving.” His spirit of service, dedication and contributions to the Cape Fear Chapter and the Military Officers Association of America are commendable and justifiably worthy of this most coveted award.”

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Congratulations Jerry, you have earned our eternal gratitude for your dedicated service

and unselfish contributions to the chapter.