Clearwater Chapter 136 • PO Box 326, Oldsmar, FL 34677‑3125 • Chartered 1974
A Veterans Service Organization · Since 1919

Veterans who keep serving — long after the uniform.

"It is nobler to serve than to be served."

Clearwater Chapter 136 of the Military Order of the World Wars unites officers, veterans, and patriots across the greater Clearwater–Tampa Bay area to mentor youth, honor service, and strengthen our community — together.

Official Military Order of the World Wars crest
Honoring America's 250th — join us for the 2026 Semiquincentennial commemorations. Learn about America 250 →
1919
Order Founded by Gen. Pershing
1974
Clearwater Chapter Chartered
72
Chapters Nationwide
6,300+
Companions Serving
Who We Are

A half-century of service — rooted right here in Clearwater.

The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) is a patriotic, nonpartisan Veterans Service Organization founded in 1919 at the request of General of the Armies John J. Pershing, who asked his officers to keep serving America after the war. More than a century later, MOWW Companions still live by a single idea: service before self.

Clearwater Chapter 136 was established in May 1974, with 38 charter Companions inducted on July 19, 1974 by LTC Fred A. Kaps, then Commander‑in‑Chief of the Order. Since then the chapter has earned numerous National and Regional awards for excellence in service and community engagement across Pinellas County and the greater Clearwater–Tampa Bay area.

PatriotismYouth LeadershipPublic ServiceCamaraderieRemembrance
Military Order of the World Wars official logo A proud chapter of the national Military Order of the World Wars — serving youth, community & nation.
Military Order of the World Wars crest Serving Since 1974
The Preamble · read at every meeting

"To cherish the memories and associations of the World Wars… to inculcate and stimulate love of our Country and the Flag… and ever to maintain law and order." — A tradition unbroken since the first MOWW convention.

What We Do

How Chapter 136 serves youth, community & nation

Every program turns a veteran's experience into something the next generation can use. Here's where your time and support go.

Patriotic Education

Youth Leadership Conferences and Youth Education Seminars that teach students leadership, the Constitution, and the responsibilities of free citizenship — often at no cost.

ROTC & JROTC

Annual cadet recognition and achievement awards for outstanding college ROTC and high‑school JROTC cadets across Tampa Bay.

Scouting Recognition

Honoring Eagle Scouts, Summit Award recipients, Quartermasters, and Girl Scout Gold Award recipients for service, citizenship, and leadership.

Law & Order

Recognition and presentations honoring the police officers, firefighters, and public‑safety personnel who protect our communities.

National & Homeland Security

Educational presentations and recognition of the security and defense professionals who keep the nation safe.

Veteran Affairs

Programs supporting veterans, volunteers, and veteran education — from Bay Pines to Wreaths Across America and the camaraderie of fellow Companions.

Memorial Preservation

Establishing and maintaining the memorials, monuments, and commemorative plaques that keep the memory of service alive.

Serving Youth, Community & Nation

Seven programs, one mission. Become a Companion →

Order-Wide Impact · 2024–2025

What the Order accomplished last year

Clearwater Chapter 136 is one chapter in a national movement. Here's the most recent nationwide impact of MOWW's programs.

78
Youth Leadership events hosted nationwide
1,260+
Students reached through Patriotic Education
2,681
ROTC & JROTC medals awarded
1,968
Scouting & Girl Scout awards presented
2,345+
Events supporting veterans, first responders & communities
1,821
JROTC & ROTC units supported nationwide
Figures from MOWW's 2024–2025 Program Impact Sheet (Order‑wide totals across 72 chapters and 6,300+ Companions). View the Impact Sheet (PDF)
From the Chapter Commander
MOWW provides a meaningful opportunity to continue serving our nation beyond my military career. MOWW brings together veterans, active‑duty service members, and patriotic citizens committed to promoting leadership, patriotism, and service to our communities. I value the organization's focus on mentoring youth, supporting veterans, and preserving the ideals for which generations of Americans have sacrificed. Through MOWW, I can remain connected to a tradition of service while helping develop future leaders and strengthening our communities.
JJ Coyne
LCDR, SC, USN (Ret) · Commander, Clearwater Chapter 136
Reach the Commander
Our Companions in Command

Chapter Leadership & Staff

The volunteers who keep Chapter 136's mission moving. Add a headshot and short bio for each — replace the placeholders below.

JJ Coyne, Commander
Chapter Commander
JJ Coyne
LCDR, SC, USN (Ret) · Commander

A retired Navy Supply Corps officer, JJ sees MOWW as a way to keep serving the nation well beyond his military career. He's drawn to the Order's focus on mentoring youth, supporting veterans, and preserving the ideals generations of Americans have sacrificed for — and to the camaraderie of veterans, active‑duty members, and patriotic citizens who share that commitment to leadership and service.

Lt Col Richard Gouin
Richard Gouin
Lt Col, USAF (Ret) · Sr. Vice Cdr & Adjutant
Open Seat
Vacant
Junior Vice Commander

This seat is open — interested in stepping up? Get involved →

Col Brian “BK” Smith
Brian “BK” Smith
Col, USAF (Ret) · Treasurer
Col Nate Crawford
Nate Crawford
Col, USAF (Ret) · Chaplain
MAJ Andrew “Jack” Rodnite
Andrew “Jack” Rodnite
MAJ, USA (Fmr) · Staff Judge Advocate
LTC Paul “Steve” Hodges
Paul “Steve” Hodges
LTC, USA (Ret) · Patriotic Education · Region VI Vice Cdr

The Junior Vice Commander seat is currently open — interested in a chapter leadership role? Get in touch.

Become a Companion

Your service qualifies. Your community needs you.

Membership in MOWW is open to far more people than most realize — including enlisted veterans, family members, and civilian patriots.

354 new Companions have joined MOWW nationwide this operating year — just 30 short of the Order's goal of 384. Add your name and help Clearwater push us across the finish line.

Who's eligible

  • Officers & warrant officers — active duty, reserve, guard, retired, or former.
  • Enlisted members of the U.S. uniformed services — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, USPHS, and NOAA.
  • Family members — spouses and descendants of eligible service members qualify for Hereditary Membership.
  • Civilian patriots who support our mission may participate as Patriot Members.
Request an Application Sponsor a Member
Regular Membership
$60 / year

Annual national dues. Includes a subscription to The MOWW Review magazine. Local chapter dues may apply.

Perpetual Membership
$500 one‑time

A lifetime commitment — or pay in four quarterly installments of $125. No annual renewals, ever.

Dues reflect current national MOWW rates. Local Chapter 136 dues are billed separately by the chapter. You can renew anytime through the national MOWW portal.

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Apply online in minutes

Scan the code or tap below to open the official MOWW membership application.

Apply on MOWW.org →
Get Together

Meetings & events

Companions gather on the fourth Wednesday of each month for a staff meeting and luncheon at the Clearwater Country Club. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome as our guest.

Wed
4th

Monthly Chapter Luncheon & Guest Speaker

Fourth Wednesday monthly · Clearwater Country Club — fellowship, chapter business, and a guest speaker. Reservations requested.

May
TBA

ROTC & JROTC Awards Presentation

Recognizing the year's outstanding cadets across Pinellas County high schools and area colleges.

Jun
TBA

Tampa Bay Youth Leadership Conference

A flagship Patriotic Education program — students learn leadership, civics, and the free‑enterprise system.

Dec
TBA

Wreaths Across America · Bay Pines

Join Companions in laying remembrance wreaths to honor veterans at Bay Pines National Cemetery.

Meeting Details

When
4th Wednesday of each month
Staff meeting & luncheon
Where
Clearwater Country Club
525 Betty Lane, Clearwater, FL 33755
Reservations
Reserve through our contact form — guests always welcome.
RSVP / Visit as Our Guest

Still serving. Still leading. Still here.

Add your name to a fifty‑year roll of officers and veterans who chose to keep serving Clearwater. Whether you give an hour a month or lend a lifetime of experience — Chapter 136 has a place for you.

Get In Touch

Reach Clearwater Chapter 136

Questions about membership, our programs, or supporting a youth conference? We'd love to hear from you.

Get in Touch

Send us a message using the form, and a Companion will reply.

Commander

LCDR JJ Coyne, SC, USN (Ret)

We Meet At

Clearwater Country Club
525 Betty Lane, Clearwater, FL 33755