The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) ­– Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter met Jan. 16 at A La Cart Catering in Canfield to swear in a new slate of officers and Board of Directors for 2026-28 and hear from former Army veteran Anthony “Stony” Smith about private security contractor operations in Iraq.

MOAA Ohio Council of Chapters president John Benedele Jr. of Troy administered the oath of office to incoming president David DiTallo of Boardman, vice president Joseph Mersol of New Middletown, treasurer Bruce Bille of Howland and board members at large Ralph DeLucia of Boardman and Stephen Motika of Perry Township. Secretary Albert Lind of Poland and board members at large Rod Hosler and Florence Hosler of Boardman were absent.

Smith, a native of Bowling Green, is a 1982 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and served on active duty as an infantry officer. After leaving active duty, he worked in the financial services industry before joining several private security contractors in Iraq from 2004 to 2010.

The chapter’s next meeting is at noon Feb. 20 and reservations are due by Feb. 16. Current, former, retired commissioned and warrant officers residing in northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania may attend one time at no cost or obligation. Write to msvcmoaa@gmail.com for details.