"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.
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.
A proud chapter of the national Military Order of the World Wars — serving youth, community & nation.
Serving Since 1974
"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.
Every program turns a veteran's experience into something the next generation can use. Here's where your time and support go.
Youth Leadership Conferences and Youth Education Seminars that teach students leadership, the Constitution, and the responsibilities of free citizenship — often at no cost.
Annual cadet recognition and achievement awards for outstanding college ROTC and high‑school JROTC cadets across Tampa Bay.
Honoring Eagle Scouts, Summit Award recipients, Quartermasters, and Girl Scout Gold Award recipients for service, citizenship, and leadership.
Recognition and presentations honoring the police officers, firefighters, and public‑safety personnel who protect our communities.
Educational presentations and recognition of the security and defense professionals who keep the nation safe.
Programs supporting veterans, volunteers, and veteran education — from Bay Pines to Wreaths Across America and the camaraderie of fellow Companions.
Establishing and maintaining the memorials, monuments, and commemorative plaques that keep the memory of service alive.
Seven programs, one mission. Become a Companion →
Clearwater Chapter 136 is one chapter in a national movement. Here's the most recent nationwide impact of MOWW's programs.
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.
The volunteers who keep Chapter 136's mission moving across the greater Clearwater and Tampa Bay area.
John "JJ" Coyne has served as Commander of the Clearwater Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars since 2023. A retired U.S. Navy Supply Corps officer and former Chief Petty Officer, he completed seven operational tours supporting aviation, surface, and submarine forces, including service aboard USS Seawolf (SSN-21) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). He stays active in youth leadership, JROTC, Scouting, and patriotic education; previously served as EVP and Director with Major League Football; serves on the board of the Legacy Athletic Fund; and holds advanced degrees in economics, operations management, business administration, and project management.
Richard enlisted in 1962 at age 16, rising to Staff Sergeant before his 1973 commission. Across 33 years he served as a Minuteman III launch officer, AFROTC instructor, nuclear weapons inspector, and resource-management director, including Gulf War duty in Saudi Arabia and as Vice Commander in Crete, before retiring in 1995. He holds two Master's degrees and is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College.
A 1983 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, BK earned his pilot wings as a distinguished graduate in 1984. A combat veteran of Kosovo, Serbia, and Iraq, he logged over 3,400 hours in the F-4 and F-16 across fourteen assignments, eight of them overseas, and later served as AIGI at the National Security Agency. He holds a Master's in Aeronautical Engineering and is a graduate of the Air War College.
The Rev. Nathaniel Crawford, Jr. made history as Marion Military Institute's first African American cadet and graduate, earning his A.A. in 1972, where he was a varsity baseball and basketball standout and received the Excellence in Citizenship award. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center and a Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University. A career Air Force chaplain, he rose to Colonel and retired as Chaplain of the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott AFB. He and his family settled on Florida's West Coast.
A practicing attorney for more than 50 years, the first five as a JAG Corps officer and the rest in civilian practice, including 20 years on the federal bench until his retirement in 2006. Admitted to the bar in NY, NJ, DC, FL, and before the U.S. Supreme Court, he remains active in the NJ and FL Bar Associations. A Companion since 2007, Jack has served MOWW as Judge Advocate and Judge Advocate General and as chapter Law & Order chair, leading its annual Law Day programs.
A 1963 graduate of The Citadel, Steve was commissioned in the U.S. Army and served two tours in Vietnam before retiring after 22 years. A past Commander of the Clearwater Chapter and now Commander of the Florida Department of MOWW, he champions Pinellas County youth leadership, mentors students, and recognizes Eagle Scouts and Gold Award Girl Scouts. He is also a two-time Honor Flight Guardian.
Membership in MOWW is open to far more people than most realize — including enlisted veterans, family members, and civilian patriots.
Annual national dues. Includes a subscription to The MOWW Review magazine. Local chapter dues may apply.
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.
Scan the code or tap below to open the official MOWW membership application.
Apply on MOWW.org →Companions gather on the fourth Wednesday of each month for a staff meeting and luncheon at the Clearwater Country Club — now a combined gathering of the MOWW and MOAA Clearwater chapters (two organizations, one table). Visitors and prospective members are always welcome as our guest.
MOWW’s flagship youth patriotic‑education program. The 3rd Annual National Youth Civics Summit runs 7–12 July 2026, bringing high‑school students together for leadership, civics, and the principles of free citizenship.
Each summit immerses students in hands‑on lessons on the Constitution, leadership, and civic responsibility — taught by veterans who have lived those values. It is where the next generation of leaders gets its start, and a program Clearwater Chapter 136 is proud to support.
San Antonio, Texas · 11–16 August 2026 — Companions from across the Order gather at the Westin Riverwalk. Clearwater Chapter 136 hopes to see you there.
At the national level, MOWW partners with leading patriotic and service organizations for mutual support of its outreach programs. These partnerships are held nationally (not at the local chapter level) — explore them all below.
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.
Questions about membership, our programs, or supporting a youth conference? We'd love to hear from you.
Send us a message using the form, and a Companion will reply.
LCDR JJ Coyne, SC, USN (Ret)
Clearwater Country Club
525 Betty Lane, Clearwater, FL 33755