The Military Order of the Cootie of the United States is a non-profit Veterans Service Organization. The organization is 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. The MOC took on many special projects of two special groups of people; hospitalized Veterans and the residents of the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
Shortly after, the MOC began the tradition of sponsoring the National Home's annual Christmas party, ensuring all the residents had Christmas presents and Christmas dinner. The Grand of Michigan has been the sponsor for this event as far back as 1933.
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 (VA) 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 VA 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.
The distinctive red hat and unusual uniform sets MOC apart and draws attention to the plight of those less fortunate than ourselves. MOC organizations seek others like them to join and help others in their times of stress and anxiety.
