The Lake & Sumter Counties Chapter (MOAA) was chartered and became an affiliate of The Retired Officers Association of America (TROA) in 1970, originally designated as the "Lake Chapter."  This included the geographical area of Lake County, Florida.  The majority of membership came from the cities of Eustis, Mount Dora, Tavares, and Leesburg, Florida.  The name of TROA was changed by a vote of members in 2003 to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

In 2010, chapter members voted to change the name to include Sumter County, thus Lake & Sumter Counties Chapter - MOAA. This was done to recognize the entire geographical area in which our members reside.  It more accurately portrayed a "Pride" of demographic location and ownership to our members.  It did result in an increase in membership, including many new members who reside in The Villages.  Residents of Marion County who live in The Villages are also welcome members of our chapter.

The chapter holds their monthly meetings at the Eisenhower Recreation Center near the Brownwood Paddock Square in The Villages from January through November.  No meetings are held in June, July, August, or December.  All meetings, except the November meeting, are luncheon meetings starting at 11:30 on the second Tuesday of the month.  The November meeting is a dinner meeting honoring the Junior ROTC students from the six high schools the chapter supports and starts at 5:30 p.m.

The mission and purpose of our chapter shall be to:

1. Promote the purposes and objectives of MOAA.
2. Foster fraternal relations among retired, active, and former officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.   
3. Protect the rights and interests of active duty and retired personnel of the uniformed services and their dependents and survivors.
4. Provide useful services for members of our chapter and their dependents and survivors.
5. Support family financial assistance projects and scholarship programs as approved by the Executive Board.
6. Serve the community and nation.