Experienced leader transitions from 5Star Life Board to AFBA Board

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) today announced that Command Sergeant Major (CSM) (Retired) John Sampa will join its Board of Directors effective September 1, 2026, following his service on the Board of Directors of 5Star Life Insurance Company, AFBA’s wholly owned subsidiary.

Sampa’s transition to the AFBA Board reflects the enterprise’s commitment to strong governance and mission-focused leadership as it continues serving military service members, government employees, first responders, and their families.

“John has been a valued member of the 5Star Life Board, bringing insight, leadership, and a strong commitment to our mission,” said General Larry O. Spencer, USAF (Ret.), Chair and President of AFBA and President of 5Star Life. “As he joins the AFBA Board, we look forward to benefiting from his experience and perspective as we continue advancing our purpose of providing financial security and peace of mind to those who serve others.”

Sampa has contributed significantly to the enterprise through his service on the 5Star Life Board and will continue supporting AFBA’s strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives in his new role.

“It has been an honor to serve on the 5Star Life Board, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the AFBA mission in this new capacity,” said CSM (Ret.) John Sampa. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to help ensure AFBA remains a trusted source of financial security for those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting others.”

About Armed Forces Benefit Association
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members by providing survivor and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has 900,000 members with $57 billion of death benefits in force and has paid $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are primarily underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company). AFBA is not affiliated with any government agency.

AFBA is proud to support the National Guard community through programs, benefits, and educational opportunities. This feature from National Guard Magazine highlights the impact of that partnership and our shared commitment to serving National Guard members and their families.

Read the article in National Guard Magazine

Education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future. Through scholarship partnerships with the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), AFBA proudly supports students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service.

Celebrating the 2026 AFBA-NGAUS Scholarship Recipients

AFBA congratulates Derek McKinney and Leigh Rath, recipients of the 2026 AFBA-NGAUS Scholarships. Selected from nearly 190 applicants, these students exemplify the values of leadership, resilience, and service that strengthen the National Guard community. NGAUS published detailed profiles highlighting their personal stories, educational goals, and the experiences that have shaped their aspirations.

Read their full stories on the NGAUS website:

View the 2026 AFBA-NGAUS Scholarship Winners Announcement

Celebrating the Inaugural AFBA-EANGUS Scholarship Recipient

AFBA is also proud to recognize Logan Church, the inaugural recipient of the $10,000 AFBA-EANGUS Scholarship.

Logan attends UNC Charlotte, where he is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. The son of retired North Carolina National Guard Soldier SFC Scotty Church, Logan has distinguished himself through academic achievement and leadership. He is also a recipient of a scholarship from the Tarheel Minuteman Foundation.

As the first recipient of the AFBA-EANGUS Scholarship, Logan represents the promise and potential that AFBA seeks to support through its commitment to military families and educational advancement.

Investing in Future Leaders

Supporting education is one of the many ways AFBA fulfills its mission of serving those who serve. Through partnerships with NGAUS and EANGUS, AFBA helps create opportunities for students to pursue their ambitions, achieve their goals, and build brighter futures.

We congratulate all scholarship recipients and look forward to seeing the impact they make in their communities, professions, and beyond.

Current AFBA president to take the helm of the 915,000 member-strong association

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) announced today the appointment of General Larry O. Spencer, USAF (Ret.), as Chair of its board of directors, effective January 1, 2026.

“On behalf of the Armed Forces Benefit Association, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to General Craig R. McKinley for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment as Chair of the Board for the past 3 years. His dedication has strengthened our mission and inspired all of us to serve those who protect and defend our nation. As I look ahead, I remain committed to building on our legacy—guiding AFBA with integrity, vision, and a steadfast focus on the welfare of our members and their families. We will continue to honor our promise and advance the values that have defined AFBA since its founding,” said General Larry O. Spencer, USAF (Ret.), Chairman and President of AFBA and President of 5Star Life Insurance Company.

General Larry O. Spencer spent more than 40 years in the Air Force, beginning his career in the enlisted ranks and rising to become a four-star general. His last assignment was as the Vice Chief of Staff of the US Air Force where he assisted the Chief of Staff in organizing, training and equipping 690,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces. After retiring from the Air Force in 2015, General Spencer served as President of the Air Force Association until 2019. General Spencer received his Bachelor of Science Degree in industrial engineering technology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and has two Master of Science degrees. He currently serves on the boards of Whirlpool Corporation, Triumph Group, Inc., and Haynes International, Inc. General Spencer was named President of AFBA and 5Star Life Insurance Company in 2020.

About Armed Forces Benefit Association
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families who, at the time, could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members by providing survivor and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has 915,000 members with $57 billion of death benefits in force and has paid $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are primarily underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company). AFBA is not affiliated with any government agency.

Moser brings enterprise knowledge and financial expertise to new role

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA), and its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life), announced today that Michael R. Moser has been named Chief Distribution and Legal Officer, effective January 1, 2024.

“Michael has been a valued member of the AFBA and 5Star Life team for the past ten years. His thorough knowledge of our enterprise, along with his financial and legal expertise, will be an invaluable asset in his new and expanded role,” said General Larry O. Spencer, USAF (Ret.), President of AFBA and 5Star Life.

Moser joined the enterprise in 2013 bringing more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. Previously, he served eight years as Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer for the Fortune 500 company, the Western & Southern Financial Group, and eight years in ascending legal and compliance roles at Nationwide Mutual, a Fortune 100 company, where he assisted in strategy formation and market planning. Before his career in home office financial services, Michael practiced in law firms with a focus on business matters, worked as a strategy consultant to start-up entities, and as a financial planning services sales representative.

“I’m looking forward to contributing in this new capacity to our important mission of serving our members and hardworking Americans,” said Moser. “It’s humbling to have this opportunity to play a role in our growth as we find ways to even better serve those who rely on us to be there for their families in difficult times.”

About AFBA
With the support of the General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 in the basement of the Pentagon to ease the strain on military members and their families. At the time, they could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in combat. Today, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, AFBA continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, promoting the welfare of its members by providing survivor and other benefits to those who serve this great nation, including members of the uniformed services, first responders, government employees, and their families. AFBA has more than 920,000 members with $40 billion of death benefits in force and has paid nearly $2 billion of death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are primarily underwritten by its affiliate, 5Star Life Insurance Company (a Lincoln, Nebraska domiciled company). AFBA is not affiliated with any government agency.

About 5Star Life Insurance Company
5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the primary underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member benefits and is also a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary products. Its business model enables 5Star Life to serve the needs of a diverse clientele as an insurance advisor to individuals and organizations and as a trusted partner to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.