World War II Merchant Mariners Remembered this Memorial …navyleague.org/files/communications/navyleaguer/20160613-summer.pdf · Our membership spring campaign has come to a close.

THE

NAVY LEAGUERVOLUME 6, ISSUE 2

Summer 2016NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES

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In this issue... 2 3-4 5 6-7 8-9 10-12 12-14 15-16 President’s NY Council Member Council STEM Council Council FromMessage Dinner News Events News News Alert HQ

“We survived it. We really did a lot for World War II. If it wasn’t for us, I don’t think we would have won the war,” said 90-year old Bill Fairfield, a Merchant

Marine veteran from World War II to KCRA News in Sacra-mento. Fairfield is just one of more than 240,000 men who served in the Merchant Marine at that time.

“In peace and war, remembering our veterans and honor-ing the United States Merchant Mariners.” This was printed on the cover of the program for the 10th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony held at Mather Memorial Plaza at the Sacra-mento VA Medical Center in Mather, Calif., May 30. And it almost did not happen.

Phelps Hobart, vice present of the Sacramento Council and president of Pacific Merchant Marine Council, was instrumental in ensuring that the American Merchant Ma-rine veterans of World War II were recognized during this ceremony. After all, 9,521 Merchant Mariners were lost in World War II, yet they did not receive veteran status until 1988. Shortly after Veterans Day 2015, Hobart suggested to the planning committee that these frequently neglected veterans be recognized on Memorial Day. On May 30, the mission was accomplished.

“People didn’t know what took place,” Fairfield said. “It’s an honor to be able to tell them about it.”

Robert Been, president of the Sacramento Council agreed. “It’s good to reflect on the past and study history for our

kids,” he said to Kathy Park, reporting for KCRA News in Sacramento.

The ceremony included the Presentation of Colors by the Cordova High School U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) unit. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed by the Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band, which also was on hand for other songs throughout the program. Hobart led the Pledge of Alle-giance.

Rear Adm. Tom Cropper, USMS, president of the Cali-fornia Maritime Academy, was the primary guest speaker. Cropper is a national director and member of the Pacific Merchant Marine Council. Frank Mendez, president of the

Golden Gate Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, participated by displaying a poster board listing their fatalities during World War II. Mendez is a director of the Pacific Merchant Marine Council.

Ken Blue, president of the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, gave a special thanks for the recognition. He is also a member of the Pa-cific Merchant Marine Council.

Other highlights of the ceremony included recognition of the veterans and recognition of the newly placed bricks. The brick donors were escorted by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Sacramento Division and Cordova High School U.S. Air Force JROTC cadets. The guest speakers included U.S. Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif.; California Assembly member Ken Cooley, D-8th District; and Dr. Todd Irby, deputy secretary, California Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sacramento Council members Been, John Meyers, vice president of military affairs, and Tal Norwood,

Continued on page 4

World War II Merchant Mariners Remembered this Memorial Day

Photo courtesy of Phelps Hobart

The Navy League’s memorial wreath was used throughout the month of May to pay respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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2 THE NAVY LEAGUER / Summer 2016

President’s MessageDear Navy Leaguers,

What a busy couple of months it has been for the Navy League. We hosted a very successful 51st Sea-Air-Space Exposition, celebrated anniversaries, and welcomed some new changes at headquarters.

I would like to announce that Rear Adm. Cari B. Thomas will be the new executive director and welcome her to the Navy League staff, effective July 1. Thomas is currently finishing her military career as the Coast Guard’s assistant commandant, Human Re-sources. She previously served as the commander of the Coast Guard’s 14th District in Honolulu, Hawaii. A 1984 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, she has more than 20 years of leadership, human resources, educa-tion, training, operations and public relations experience. She will be a strong addition to our team and will work with all councils to help sustain and develop membership.

Preliminary membership numbers

show that we are at 38,830 members as of Feb. 29. That’s an 817-member increase from 38,313 on Dec. 31, 2015. I encourage you to continue the growth of your councils and welcome change!

Our membership spring campaign has come to a close. The Navy League member who recruited the most new members will win a $500 American Express gift card, and their council will receive a $250 American Express gift card! Winners will be announced at our annual convention. I would like to continue to challenge each and every member to reach out to your friends and share your passion for the Navy League and our mission.

The larger we are, the greater the voice we have to advocate on behalf of strong sea services and keeping our sea lanes open and secure. Let’s tell our local officials and members of our communities about our council efforts — big and small — to show we do make a difference. Let us all join the drive for more members.

All the Best,

Skip WitunskiNational President

On May 12, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, (D-Conn.), re-ceived the National Capital Council’s annual ‘Sea Service Award’ for his efforts to promote shipbuilding and sup-port our maritime services as the ranking member of the House Armed Services seapower and projection forces subcommittee. This award is presented to one member of the House or Senate each year on an alternating basis, with the previous recipient being Sen. John McCain, (R-Ariz.). Courtney serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is the ranking member on the seapower and projection forces subcommittee.

“I am deeply honored to receive this year’s Sea Service Award,” said Courtney. “Our Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and mariners work each and every day to protect our nation, and I am proud to do what I can in congress to ad-vocate for them. The rotating award itself, a binnacle from the S.S. Sioux Falls Victory, will be an interesting addition to my office for the next year that I am sure will spark a lot of discussion about the importance of the sea services and maritime industry to our nation.

“I want to thank Dale Lumme, Chief of Naval Opera-tions Admiral John Richardson, former Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral (ret.) Robert Papp and USCG Vice Admiral Sandra Stosz for their kind remarks during the ceremony. I promise to continue my work championing increased submarine and ship construction to make sure

our Navy, Coast Guard and maritime industry have the resources they need to continue to protect our national security.”

Dale Lumme, president of the National Capital Council, said, “This year, Representative Courtney was described by all as the quintessential bipartisan member of Congress that defines every aspect of this award.”

Photo courtesy of Office of Rep. Joe CourtneyRep. Joe Courtney (center ) with the president of the National Capital Council, Dale Lumme (far left), Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, Coast Guard Adm. (ret.) Robert Papp, and USCG Vice Adm. Sandra Stoszfor.

Courtney Awarded ‘Sea Service Award’

THE NAVY LEAGUER / Summer 2016 3

114th New York Council Dinner Honors Military, Industry LeadersBy PETER ATKINSON, Seapower Magazine Deputy Editor

The New York Council hosted its 114th Anniversary Dinner on April 19 at in the Model Room of the storied New York Yacht Club, surrounded by maritime and naval models and yacht half hulls.

The lively affair, with nearly 200 attendees, honored four distinguished Americans in the city where the Navy League was founded in 1902 with the support of Theodore Roosevelt, according to a report from Council Advisory Committee Member Sally McElwreath.

The dinner pays tribute to those who have significantly contributed to the nation and supported the Navy League’s efforts on behalf of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. Distin-guished honorees and their awards included Adm. Cecil D. Haney, com-mander, U.S. Strategic Command, who received the Council’s Distin-guished Service Award; Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman and chief execu-tive officer, C.V. Starr & Co. Inc., who received the RADM J. Robert Lunney Patriot’s Award; Dr. J. Phillip London, executive chairman and chairman of the board, CACI International Inc., who received the Leadership in Tech-nology Award; and Stuart Parker, chief executive officer of United Services Automobile Association (USAA), who received the Leadership in Military Support Award. Retired Vice Adm. John Bird, senior vice president of Military Affairs for USAA, accepted the award for Parker, who could not be present, according to McElwreath.

Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening was Lea Gabrielle, former U.S. Navy F-18 fighter pilot and intelligence operator, now Fox News correspondent. Among those attend-ing the dinner was Navy League National President Skip Witunski, who was “welcomed home” by New York Council President Theodore T. Mason to Navy League’s birthplace.

The audience included corporate sponsors, uniformed personnel from the sea services, Navy Leaguers and their guests.

The evening began with a wel-come by Mason, the dinner’s host. He briefed attendees on the many programs of the New York Council, including extensive youth initiatives such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Young Marines; hosting thousands of sea services personnel each year, including those participating in New York City Fleet Week; and continuation of the council’s acclaimed lecture series on the “New Ways of War.”

The council also recognizes out-standing leadership and academic excellence to NROTC midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and State University of New York Maritime College; continues its Sailor of the Quarter and Sailor of the Year

program with the U.S. Coast Guard Station New York; and hosts an annual reception for the Naval War College Naval Command College program officers.

In his keynote speech, Haney stressed the importance of mentoring, and discussed his journey to the Navy and the important mentors he had.

“I did not make this journey alone,” he said. “I hope this short glimpse of my life story will reinforce the impor-tance of helping and mentoring others. Throughout my life, and especially in my military career, I have received support from those who are my se-niors, my peers and my juniors.”

Earlier in the evening, Haney met privately with the NJROTC cadets from George Washington High School and Graphics Campus as well as Sea Cadets of the George Washington Division. The cadets were part of the welcoming committee to dinner guests

Continued on page 4

Photo courtesy of Allison LucasThe four honorees at the 114th Anniversary Dinner were awarded engraved pewter trays from Tif-fany & Co., which has a history of providing ceremonial silver to ships built in the former Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City. From the left, New York Council President Theodore T. Mason stands with Maurice Greenberg, who received the RADM J. Robert Lunney Patriot’s Award; Dr. J. Phillip London, who received the Leadership in Technology Award; Adm. Cecil D. Haney, who received the Distinguished Service Award; and retired Vice Adm. John Bird, who accepted the Leadership in Military Support Award on behalf of Stuart Parker.


Continued from page 3and aided in the presentations to the honorees.

Turning to his command, Haney said, “We also execute operations in domains that are global and have no geo-graphic boundaries: in space; cyberspace; global strike; joint electronic warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; combatting weapons of mass destruction; and analysis and targeting.”

He continued, “Let there be no doubt that we must con-tinue to maintain a military second to none. This is why Presidential Budget 2017 is so important, why we must avoid sequestration in 2018, and why the third offset strat-egy, requiring new innovation and technology approaches is a must. … From strategic to tactical, we must support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians with the right equipment, tools and training. … These professionals

are why I come to work every day confident in our nation’s security.”

Haney concluded by noting his appreciation for the coun-cil’s Distinguished Service Award and thanking the Navy League and the New York Council for its support of the sea services and mission of educating the public on the work they do on behalf of the nation.

“Thank you once again for this award,” he said. “I accept it on behalf of everyone who has helped me to stand here tonight. I am truly humbled, and I will treasure this award and put it in my sea locker of memorable life events.

“I salute the Navy League and all it does, not just for our Sailors and their families, but for perpetuating the under-standing that the U.S.A. is a maritime nation that needs a Navy capable of combining our joint military forces to ad-dress today’s and future challenges. Well done!”

114th New York Council Dinner

The Singapore Council welcomed the arrival of the U.S. Seventh Fleet’s flagship, USS Blue Ridge, on March 13. Aboard Blue Ridge is a team of 900 officers and crew, in-cluding members of the talented U.S. Seventh Fleet Band.

The Singapore Council was pleased to partner with The American Club for a poolside reception on March 17, according to a report from Council Public Affairs Of-ficer Lauren S. Power. The event had live music and was very well attended. Several Sailors remarked during the evening that Singapore was one of their favorite ports of call because of the warm welcome they receive from the Singapore community. Thanks to the Home Hospitality Program, many Sailors were able to enjoy spending time with families in Singapore, Power said.

On March 19, Navy League members were invited to join a reception aboard Blue Ridge organized, in part, by the U.S. Embassy. Opening addresses were given by U.S. Ambassador to Singapore Kirk Wagar; Fleet Commander of the Republic of the Singapore Navy Rear Adm. Lew Chuen Hong and Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet. Live music was provided by the bril-liant Seventh Fleet Band, Power said.

While Blue Ridge was in Singapore, the Seventh Fleet Band played throughout the city. Some of their concerts in-cluded the Stanford American School, Gardens by the Bay and the Terror Club. The Singapore Council was proud

to welcome the Blue Ridge during its time in Singapore, Power said, and looks forward to its next visit.

Singapore Welcomes USS Blue Ridge

Photo Courtesy of Lauren S. Power

From the left, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore Kirk Wagar, Fleet Com-mander of the Republic of the Singapore Navy Rear Adm. Lew Chuen Hong and Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, are introduced during a March 19 reception aboard the U.S. Seventh Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge in Singapore.

Continued from page 1public affairs officer, presented the Navy League’s memo-rial wreath. The wreath was assembled by Hobart’s wife, Teddy.

It was a busy weekend for the wreath. On May 28, Ho-bart presented the wreath at the Sacramento Veterans Affili-ated Council ceremony at Sacramento City Cemetery. He

also brought the wreath to the reading of the names at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Capitol Park on May 29.

This ceremony stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when the Navy League councils reach out and work with like-minded organizations. Freedom is not free and many have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life. Let’s never forget their sacrifices.

WWII Mariners Remembered Memorial Day


Herberger Awarded Merchant Marine MedalNavy League member and mariner Albert J. Herberger

was presented with the U.S. Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement, which is given to mariners or other individuals making a significant contribution to the U.S. Merchant Marine or the maritime industry of the Unit-ed States. Herberger, who, after retiring as a vice admiral from a distinguished naval career, went on to serve as U.S. maritime administrator from 1993 to 1997, has consistently been a strong and eloquent advocate for the American Mer-chant Marine.

Herberger, who has held numerous leadership positions within the Navy League, received the award from Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen during the annual Maritime Day celebration at the Maritime Administration headquarters in Washington on May 23.

Sorenson Celebrates 100th BirthdayFriends and family gathered at the Museum of the Pacific

in Fredericksburg, Texas, on May 21 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Sam Sorenson, a World War II veteran and life member and director emeritus of the Navy League.

Sorenson was born in Holden, Utah. He joined the Navy in March 1941 at the Naval Reserve Air Base, Oakland, Ca-lif. He served in a Fleet Air Photographic Squadron (VD-2) at the Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Va., and then at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. He served on the staffs of Fleet Admirals Chester W. Nimitz and William F. “Bull” Halsey during 1944, in several other Pacific Command staffs, on board the battleship USS Mississippi (BB 41) and the light cruiser USS Honolulu (CL 48).

Sorenson was a member of the Navy’s first combat photography unit and later the commanding officer of the Naval Photo Science Lab, Washington. He was separated as a lieutenant in January 1946 and retired from the Navy Reserve as a lieutenant commander. During his service, Sorenson was awarded the American Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Ribbon (4 Stars) and the WWII Victory Ribbon.

There were 10 Combat Camera units then, and the Navy has two today, one on each coast. Sorenson is the only liv-ing member of the original Photographic Squadrons.

Navy League National Director Jack Ritter and Amy Wittman, Seapower editor in chief and Navy League staff vice president for communications, were on hand to represent National President Skip Witunski. Wittman read a letter from the national president and Ritter presented Sorenson with the president’s medallion. National Directors Mary Ritter and Mary Virginia Pittman-Waller also were among the party guests.

The Fredericksburg Navy Junior Reserve Officers Train-ing Corps Color Guard presented the flags, “The Star-Span-gled Banner” was played, the Pledge of Allegiance was given and “Amazing Grace” was played by two bagpipers.

John Lewin, representing the National Association of Naval Photographers, presented Sorenson with signed and framed commemorative photos from the two Navy photog-raphy squadrons and a plaque from the association.

Other gifts and presentations were made, family photos taken, and a wonderful time was had by all in honoring this member of the Greatest Generation.

Photo by John LewinNavy League National Director Jack Ritter, right, and Amy Wittman, editor in chief of Seapower magazine and staff vice president of Communica-tions, present National Director Emeritus Sam Sorenson with a letter and medallion from National President Skip Witunski commemorating Soren-son’s 100th birthday during a party on May 21 in Fredericksburg, Texas.

MM&P Photo


Marine Awards & Seabees Update from NOVAAt its April dinner meeting, the Northern Virginia

(NOVA) Council began its program with the election of Roger Camp as executive vice president. Camp swung right into action to present awards to two local Marines.

He was joined by Rear Adm. Bret J. Muilenburg, com-mander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAV-FAC), and chief of Civil Engineers (or head Seabee). Muilenburg helped the council reward the performance of Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter, Sgt. Brendan Schuler, and Marine of the Quarter, Lance Cpl. Michelle Ponce from U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters and Services (HQ&S) Battalion, Henderson Hall.

Schuler provides direct support to Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Ronald Green. The council was delighted that Green participated in the award ceremony, in addition to Schuler’s supervisor, Master Gunnery Sgt. Steven Hunt.

Muilenburg was accompanied by the recently selected 17th Force Master Chief of the Seabees, Percy Trent, Jr. He praised Trent as an innovative leader in the Naval Construc-tion Force who will lead the Seabees into the future.

Muilenburg began his presentation with a historical review of the Seabees and then proceeded to discuss many of the current issues facing the Navy, NAVFAC and the Seabees. It was obvious to everyone that he was facing several challenges. He launched right into several sobering remarks.

After highlighting the chief of naval operations’ call for the Navy to be tough, not just resilient, and to become a High-Velocity Learning organization in order to keep ahead of near-peer competitors, Muilenburg described what he was doing to keep ahead of the threat, both external and fiscal. Specifically, he discussed the NAVFAC actions being taken to address the cyber threat to the Navy’s shore infra-structure, especially control systems.

Muilenburg cited the fiscal challenge of maintaining

existing bases with a bare-bones budget while constructing new facilities to accommodate new systems and upgrad-ing strategic facilities overseas, such as Guam, Romania, Poland and Djibouti. And, he highlighted that ocean sea level rise was another complicating factor for Navy bases, especially in tidewater locations like Norfolk.

Following the awards, the NOVA Council received cor-respondence from Col. Andy Regan, commanding officer of the Marine Corps HQ&S Battalion, thanking the council “for the continued support of the Marines in the National Capital Region. Your recognition of the Marines adds to the accomplishment they each have achieved through their hard work and commitment.”

Northern Virginia Council Photo

From left: Roger Camp, NOVA council executive VP; Rear Adm. Bret Mui-lenburg, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command; Sgt. Brendan Schuler, U.S. Marine Corps; Mrs. Sarah Schuler; Sgt.Maj. Ronald Green, U.S. Marine Corps; Master Gunnery Sgt. Steven Hunt, U.S. Marine Corps; and Force Master Chief of the Seabees, Percy Trent, Jr.

Madrid Council President Molly Long and incom-ing Treasurer Kristina Dron Thomson attended a recep-tion April 15 on board the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge. Kearsarge stopped in Valencia, Spain, for a scheduled port visit on its way home to Norfolk, Va., after its Middle East and European tour.

The ship’s motto — “Proud-Trustworthy-Bold” — was felt as Long and Thomson had a chance to speak to some of the officers, Sailors and Marines during the reception, including Capt. Lawrence Getz, commanding officer.

The council thanks everyone serving on the USS Ke-arsarge for their service and protecting our freedoms. Madrid Council Photo

Madrid Council Visits the USS Kearsarge

Molly Long and Kristina Dron Thomson pose in front of the USS Ke-arsarge with Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Poulter, assistant naval attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Spain.


Bremerton Hospital’s 2015 Top Sailors Recognized by Navy League

The Naval Hospital Bremerton 2015 Sailor of the Year (SOY), Junior SOY and Blue Jacket of the Year were recognized by the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula, Wash., Council during a recent luncheon at the Bangor Plaza on Naval Station Kitsap-Bangor.

The awardees were presented an engraved soaring eagle statuette by Council President Tim Katona. Naval Hospital Bremerton’s commanding officer, Capt. David Weiss, and Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (Fleet Marine Force/Surface Warfare) Jerry Currier, were also on hand to introduce and help recognize their stand-outs for their hard work and individual efforts. Weiss was also the luncheon keynote speaker.

According to its website, Naval Hospital Bremerton is a fully accred-ited, community-based acute care and obstetrical hospital, currently operat-ing 23 in-patient beds and hosting a variety of ambulatory, acute and specialty clinics. The main Naval Hospital Bremerton campus is located in Bremerton, with Branch Clinics at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Naval Base Kitsap Bangor and Naval Station Everett.

The hospital’s more than 1,400 military, civilian, contract and volun-teer staff of doctors, nurses, hospital corpsmen and support staff administer care to more than 60,000 eligible mili-tary families throughout West Puget Sound. The hospital has three primary missions: provide exceptional care anytime and anywhere; shape military medicine through training, mentor-ing and research; and prepare armed forces for deployment.

The Junior SOY was HM2(FMF) Christopher Spangler of Eureka, Calif, who served as the hospital’s Leading Petty Officer (LPO) of the Indoctrina-tion Division within the Staff Educa-tion and Training Department.

According to Currier, “Spangler is one of the first faces that a new Sailor sees when checking aboard the hospi-tal for duty. He takes care of every

thing from getting them settled into the command, to ensuring housing, pay, and everything else that changes when you move is taken care of in those initial few weeks.”

Spangler, who has since been reas-signed to be the LPO of the Multi-Service Ward, thanked the council for the presentation.

“I want to thank you guys for recog-nizing us here and inviting us to lunch, and especially for allowing us to get out into the community and see all the faces of people appreciative of what we do — it’s a great honor.”

The Blue Jacket of the Year was Hospitalman Tryzon Valencia, who served as Limited Duty Assistant within the Patient Administration Department, which takes care of all admits and discharges.

According to Currier, Valencia also assisted in helping all the military members on limited duty — currently about 100 people — and served as the Fleet Liaison to help the fleet with any medical questions they may have

about limited duty status. Currier fur-ther noted that Valencia was a second-generation corpsman, taking after his father.

“I’m honored to be recognized as Blue Jacket of the Year,” Valencia said after the presentation. “If you ask anyone at the hospital, they’ll tell you there are a lot of outstanding people working there. So I’m humbled to have been selected among them.”

The SOY, Master-at-Arms 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare) Michael Bradley Jr. was not able to attend, but was recognized by Currier. Bradley is the Directorate LPO for the Adminis-tration Directorate, the largest depart-ment in the hospital.

According to his citation, Bradley’s “...enthusiasm and contributions epito-mized the Navy Medical Department’s motto, ‘World Class Care … Anytime, Anywhere,’ and provided tangible evi-dence of the vital role that the enlisted community plays in today’s Navy.”

Naval Hospital Bremerton 2015 Sailor of the Year (SOY), Junior SOY and Blue Jacket of the Year were recognized by the Navy League’s Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council during a recent lun-cheon. Shown left to right: Council President Tim Katona; the hospital’s commanding officer, Capt. David Weiss; HMCS(FMF/SW) Jerry Currier (holding the award for SOY MA2(EW) Michael Bradley Jr., who was unable to attend); Junior SOY, HM2(FMF) Christopher Spangler; and Blue Jacket of the Year, Hospitalman Tryzon Valencia.

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Torcolini


By TRICIA CASPERS, Auburn Journal

The school day had ended at E.V. Cain STEM Charter School in Au-burn, Calif., but 15 students — sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders — stayed behind in Toni Amarel’s math class. The 12 boys and three girls clustered around desks in groups of three, nois-ily chatting, snacking on almonds and crackers and putting the final touches on the SeaPerch they have been build-ing for the last month.

What is a SeaPerch? It’s a small robot, or remotely operated vehicle (ROV), made mostly of PVC pipe with a small propeller and motor that allows a human to navigate it under-water. The SeaPerch program was donated by the Navy League’s Placer County Council.

“It … allows (students) to wear the hats of scientists and engineers,” Amarel said. “They can experience what careers are like in this time when they’re figuring out what they want to be.”

Katarina Kratzschmar, Makenzie Robinson and Pheona Archer all joined the afterschool activity for dif-ferent reasons.

“I’d already done all of the robotics classes, and I wanted something more advanced,” Archer said.

Kratzschmar signed up because she’s interested in a career in design.

“I want to work for Disney as a roll-ercoaster engineer,” she said.

Robinson, however, had hoped to take a cooking class.

“We went to the parent-teacher con-ference, and the teacher begged me to [sign up],” she said.

As an added incentive, her dad vol-unteered to help out.

“I didn’t think I would like it,” Rob-inson said. “Now that I’m here I think it’s cool.”

The girls were the first to finish building their SeaPerch while the four other groups were trouble-shooting problems such as botched soldering and faulty wiring.

“The next big test is going to be when they put it in the pool,” said Don Anderson, vice president of the Placer County Council.

The plan is to test the ROVs in the pool at Recreation Park the following week, depending on the weather.

The Navy League donated the five SeaPerch— which cost $169 each — to the school, plus the accompany-ing tool kits, which cost $235 each. Anderson’s hope is that some of the parts may be reused for the next round of students, and other parts, such as the PVC, may be purchased locally for a lower cost.

Anderson also wants to introduce the program at other local middle schools so that the culminating event might be an area-wide SeaPerch competition,

where students will be judged, accord-ing the SeaPerch website, on maneu-vering and recovery, design, presenta-tions, record keeping and team spirit.

Meanwhile, Amarel’s goal is to in-troduce more girls to engineering and design.

“These girls are going to recruit their friends,” she said of the three girls in the program.

She does not need to worry about Archer’s career path, though.

Her plan: “I want to be an engineer for NASA and support the 2035 launch mission to Mars,” Archer said.

This article was reprinted with the permission of the Auburn, Calif., Journal.

E.V. Cain’s SeaPerch Program Helps Students Hone Science, Engineering Skills

Photo Courtesy of Donald C. AndersonFrom left: Makenzie Robinson, Katarina Kratzschmar and Pheona Archer work on their recently completed SeaPerch at E.V. Cain in January.

By Herb Thomas, National Navy League STEM Committee & Past-President, Madison Council

A grant from the Navy League STEM Institute — along with the Madison Council, Wisconsin State Navy League STEM donations, local community businesses, community members’ financial support and fund-raising events staffed by the students themselves — made a trip to compete

at Louisiana State University in the National SeaPerch Challenge on May 20-22 a reality.

The two Richland Center High School teams competed at a higher level of competition, giving them the opportunity to enhance their team-building skills in solving problems as they worked together “thinking out of the box” as they confronted the new challenges while competing in the obstacle course and hoist, as well as

poster presentations.The Madison Council was officially

presented the inaugural $500 Navy League STEM Institute grant during the second Naval STEM Exposition that kicked off the 2016 Sea-Air-Space Exposition in National Harbor, Md., May 15.

The Navy League’s support of STEM (science, technology, engineer-ing and mathematics) programs, and

Continued on page 9

Navy League’s First STEM Grant Helps Madison Team Compete in SeaPerch Challenge


Continued from page 8in particular the underwater robotics STEM program called SeaPerch, has been recognized in the local news-paper and on two radio interviews. This has been helpful in educating the public about the Navy League’s involvement and continued support of our youth.

Coming from a rural area of the United States and competing at a national level is a huge step for the youth, considering that they began their involvement with SeaPerch pro-gram only two and a half years ago. Hats off to their mentors, physics and science teachers and the community for their dedication to STEM pro-grams, and in the process, for inspir-ing and building our future leaders of tomorrow.

The Navy League STEM Institute, the Madison Council, and the Wis-consin Navy League STEM support is sending a crystal clear message, “We support our youth STEM programs,” which in this case is the very catalyst that has inspired our local youth to strongly consider a career in a STEM-related field or to attend the Naval Academy.

During the competition, a female engineer from Exxon Corp. interacted with our Girls Team. The engineer inspired several of the girls to consider a career in the engineering field.

It was also a wonderful cultural +experience. Some of the students had never been that far from home

and it was an eye-opening opportunity. They got to sample some local cuisine — shrimp, alligator and barbecue from Memphis — as well as catch a Loui-siana State University baseball game. Famous Southern hospitality was not lost on any of them.

By PETER ATKINSON, Seapower Deputy Editor

The Navy League’s 2016 Sea-Air-Space Exposition kicked off with the second Naval STEM Exposition highlighting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines and innovations from more than 30 companies, sea service repre-sentatives and education organizations at the Gaylord Convention Center at National Harbor, Md.

About 1,000 students from area schools and U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps units attended the event to get a first-hand look at — and, in many cases, try out – technologies ranging from robotics and unmanned systems to virtual reality and flight simula-tion, and hear about the importance of

STEM education from those who have put it into practice. The Naval STEM Expo is co-sponsored by the Navy League STEM Institute and the Office of Naval Research (ONR).

Navy League National President Skip Witunski welcomed attendees and introduced Rear Adm. Mathias W. Winter, the chief of naval research and director, Innovation Technology Requirements, and Test & Evaluation (N84) — aka “the chief mad scientist of the Navy” — who took on the role of STEM cheerleader at the event.

“Are you all ready to have some fun?” Winter asked the crowd.

“Yes, sir!” was response.“If this isn’t exciting, I don’t know

what is,” Winter said, pointing to the many exhibits, the advances they rep-resented and the scientists, technolo-

gists, engineers and mathematicians who helped create them — and who were eager to help attendees “ex-change, discover, explore and learn.”

“They want to exchange informa-tion, they want to show you what they do,” he said. “You have a responsibil-ity to ask the question, ‘what do you do?’ And I’d ask you to also ask, ‘why did you become a scientist? Why did you become an engineer?’

“I’m looking at the next generation of scientists and technicians,” he said. “We’re here to inspire you and get you engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

For the full article visit the Seapower magazine website: http://www.seapowermagazine.org/stories/20160516-stemexpo.html

Naval STEM Expo at Sea-Air-Space

Navy League’s First STEM Grant

Seapower Photo by Lisa NippDavid Todd, Navy League vice president for Strategic Planning and STEM, left, and Navy League National President Skip Witunski, right, present the first Navy League STEM Institute grant to Ken Sparks from the Madison, Wis., Council during the Naval STEM Exposition at the 2016 Sea-Air-Space Exposition in National Harbor, Md., May 15.


Council News and UpdatesATLANTA

The Atlanta Metropolitan Council members provided a Navy League grassroots presentation entitled, “The U.S. Navy, America’s Strength,” to U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., in his Lithonia, Ga., office on April 5. The congress-man met with Atlanta Metropolitan Council Vice President for Youth Programs Dale Mastley and Council Vice Presi-dent, Legislative Affairs, Don Giles.

DENVERThe Denver Council reported that on May 10 members

of the USS Colorado Commissioning Committee toured the Left Hand Brewing Co. during the inauguration of their new “Pride Runs Deep” IPA. A sponsor of the USS Colo-rado Commissioning Committee, the brewery has devel-oped a special beer to honor this namesake ship. Several members of the commissioning committee were there to observe. The beer should be ready at the end of June and will be available in bottles and on tap in Colorado and Con-necticut.

FORT WORTHThe Fort Worth Council held a Navy League Social on

April 21 at the Kent and Co. event center “The Space.” The event was co-hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber of Com-merce, the Fort Worth Air Power Council and the USS Fort Worth Committee.

In attendance was former Secretary of the Navy Gordon England, Capt. Mike Steffen, commanding officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, guests from the Fort Worth Air Power Council, USS Fort Worth Committee and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. In addition, there were special guests from the Navy Blue An-gels Marine Corps Fat Albert C-130 team, who presented an autographed picture from the team to the council. It was a great event.

NEW YORKOn May 3, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John

Richardson delivered remarks during the National Security Breakfast Series, jointly sponsored by the New York Coun-cil, Ernst and Young and Morgan Stanley, at the Ernst and Young offices in Times Square. Approximately 90 people attended the breakfast, including executives from both firms, New York council members, Rear Adm. John Wei-gold and Rear Adm. (select) John Mustin as well as other Reserve Component members.

A welcome was given by Nancy Altobello, global vice chair, talent, Ernst and Young. Thomas Nides, vice chair-man, Morgan Stanley, welcomed the CNO.

Richardson spoke about technology, people, competition, lines of effort, coordination with Congress and a willing-ness to send briefers to New York. He also added that he

Photo courtesy of Don Giles

From left are Dale Mastley, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., and Don Giles.

Denver Council Photo

From left, Gunnery Sgt. Villlalobo CWO-4 Steve Acra, USMC (Ret.); CWO-4 Rich Driscoll, USMC (Ret.); Gunnery Sgt. Steve Stewart; and Gunnery Sgt. Micah Bachtold. The gunnery sergeants are all crew members of the Marine Corps Fat Albert C-130 team and presented an autographed picture to the Fort Worth Council. Accepting were Steve Acra, Navy League board member and former Fat Albert crewman, and Rich Driscoll, council president and former Marine KC-130 crewman.

Fort Worth Council Photo


Council News and Updateswas pleased to support a larger Fleet Week, seeking direct connection with more centers of opinions and influence in the Big Apple. Retired Capt. Ted Mason, president of the New York Council, wrapped up the program.

Launched in February 2014, the New York Council initi-ated the National Security Breakfast Series — Tomorrow’s Challenges. The program’s objective is to encourage a more forward-looking perspective on national defense. The audi-ence usually consists of a mixture of senior and mid-range business and professional people, typically those with a military background or a strong interest in national security matters. Consistently, there have been Reserve Component officers. Media representatives are regularly in attendance as well. The series is open to the public.

PHILADELPHIAPhiladelphia Council Board Member Patrick Pang, Coun-

cil President Bill Rorer and Board Member Tom Lamaine were guests of the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton for its transit down river on May 13 after spending several days visiting Philadelphia. The trio were treated to a VIP tour aboard the ship and then returned to shore aboard a Coast Guard small boat launched off Hamilton’s stern ramp.

JACKSONVILLEThe Jacksonville Council held its May Luncheon on May

4 at the NAS JAX Officers’ Club. The subject was the NAS JAX Runway Project and the luncheon was well attended. Capt. Howard Wanamaker, commanding officer of NAS Jacksonville, presented a briefing on the runway expan-sion scheduled for completion this summer. He gave a very thorough overview of the multimillion dollar project and answered multiple questions following his presentation.

MOBILEOn May 11, the Mobile, Ala., Council hosted a recep-

tion at the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile to celebrate Aviation Training Center (ATC) Mobile’s 50th an-niversary. ATC Mobile is the center of aviation excellence for the Coast Guard. There were three Coast Guard aircraft and two vintage aircraft on display. It was a wonderful op-portunity to visit the ATC and celebrate the milestone.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson was on hand for the event. Mobile is a designated Coast Guard City and the mayor has two retired Coast Guard officers on his imme-diate staff. Stimpson is a very big supporter of the Coast Guard.

U.S. Navy PhotoChief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson delivers remarks during a breakfast hosted by Ernst and Young, Morgan Stanley and the New York Council.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Pang

Jacksonville Council President JB Renninger and Capt. Howard Wana-maker at the May Luncheon.

Jacksonville Council Photo

Mobile Council Photo

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson addresses the crowd at the reception.


SARASOTA-MANATEEOn behalf of the Sarasota-Manatee Council, Board

Member Al Burda presented a $250 check to the Imagine School of North Port’s Young Marines in North Port, Fla., on May 25. Burda presented the check to Dr. Steve Black, Young Marines unit commander, and James West, also of the Young Marines. The Sarasota-Manatee Council sup-ports youth programs with direct financial aid and scholar-ships throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties in Florida, including the North Port High School Naval JROTC and the Venice High School Marine Corps JROTC, as well as the Venice Middle School Young Marines and the De Soto Young Marines in Bradenton, and the Maritime Eagles Sea Cadets in Sarasota.

SAVANNAHThe Savannah Council held its monthly dinner meet-

ing on May 17 at Carey Hilliard’s Restaurant. Capt. Gary Tomasulo, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charles-ton, was the keynote speaker.

He gave a very informative overview of Sector Charles-

ton, and its various missions covering coastal waters off of Georgia and South Carolina out to 200 nautical miles. He presented details on ports, waterways and coastal secu-rity; aids-to-navigation; search and rescue; living marine resources; marine safety; defense readiness; and marine environmental protection. Tomasulo also assisted Council President Tom Latham with the raffle drawing, proceeds of which go to support the council’s youth programs.

UPPER SOUTH CAROLINANavy League Upper South Carolina Council welcomed

retired Rear Adm. Charles Young to the Greenville’s Commerce Club. Young provided a briefing on the Navy’s submarine program and his distinguished career as both a submarine commander and in acquisition and development with the Ohio-class submarine replacement program.

Council News and Updates

Photo courtesy of Jerry St. Germain

From left, Council Board Member Al Burda, James West and Steve Black, both of the Young Marines.

Council President Mike Epprecht and retired Rear Adm. Charles Young at Greenville’s Commerce Club.

Upper South Carolina Council Photo

Council Alert Council Alert Provided by William Waylett, Consultant for Regional Programs

Best Practice – Advocacy CommitteeThe Anchorage Council formed an Advocacy Committee

to advocate for the sea services in Alaska. The committee adopted a mission statement which includes “…to support the military and the security of the Artic for the benefit of all Alaskans and for the nation.”

Initially, the committee adopted six issues:1) Funding for at least one new Coast Guard icebreaker,

and construction on an accelerated schedule;2) Increased funding for the Coast Guard in Alaska to

support its expanding mission;

3) An active and involved Navy presence in Alaska;4) A deep-water port in western Alaska;5) Support for maintaining our military presence in

Alaska at least at current levels; and6) Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the

Law of the Sea.The Anchorage Council has created a meaningful means

of meeting the Navy League educational mission. Their issues combine our Legislative Affairs Grassroots Program with identified local issues that could have national impact.


Council AlertNonprofit Tax QuizThis month, let’s have some fun and test your knowledge of rules for 501.c.3 nonprofits. Answers are at the end of this Council Alert.

1. Which of the following is legally a restriction on a 501.c.3 nonprofit:

a. Nonprofit staff cannot donate blood.b. Nonprofits cannot borrow money, except from

board members and staff.c. Nonprofit board meetings must be open to the

public.d. Nonprofits cannot divvy up surplus gross receipts

at year-end and distribute it to staff.e. b and c

2. If you buy $20 worth of raffle tickets from a nonprofit as a fundraiser, you can:

a. Deduct $20 from your taxable income.b. Deduct between 15 percent and 35 percent of

the $20 from your taxable income depending onyour tax bracket.

c. You can deduct only if the ticket says, “donation requested” and indicates how you can get tickets for free.

d. $20, but only if you win the prize (valued over $20).

3. True/False. Thank you notes to donors are required by law.

a. True.b. False, but you must send a receipt (acknowledment

letter) to a donor for any donation of $75 or more.c. False, but you must send a receipt (acknowledment

letter) to a donor for any donation of $250 or more.d. Thank you notes are only required for donors who

intend to list the donations on their individual tax returns.

4. True/False. Nonprofits with less than $5,000 annual gross receipts do not have to file a nonprofit tax return (IRS Form 990).

a. True.b. False, IRS Form 990N is required for gross receipts

of $60,000 or less.c. False. All nonprofits must file a tax return.

5. True/False. Funds raised by nonprofits by selling T-shirts and ball caps must be reported as unrelated business income on an IRS Form 990-T.

a. True, these funds are considered business income since selling T-shirts and ball caps for profit is a business.

b. False, if the items are sold by volunteers not paid

employees.c. False, since nonprofits can raise money using any

means.

Adopted Ships, Units and Youth Group UpdateAs you may know, the Navy League maintains a list of

adopted ships, units and supported youth groups, which is posted on the Navy League website. This list is posted on our website here and is used frequently by sea service personnel as well as council, area and region leaders. This list is kept current with input from councils by sending an email to Bill Waylett, [email protected]. Please review this list for your council and send us an update so the list can remain current. Thanks!

IRS InformationIRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities Knowledge Management team issues research summaries called “Is-sue Snapshots” on tax-related issues.

Issue Snapshots are found on the IRS Electronic Reading Room under Training and Reference Materials (https://www.irs.gov/Government-Entities/Tax-Exempt-and-Government-Entities-Issue-Snapshots). Mainly targeting tax professionals, some articles may be useful for nonprofits. Council treasurers may want to periodically review the electronic reading room for relevant articles. Categories (titles) on the Electronic Reading Room are:

1) Published Tax Guidance,2) Admin Manuals & Instructions,3) Program Plans & Reports,4) Nonprecedential Rulings & Advice,5) Training & Reference Materials, and6) Frequently Requested Documents.

Nationwide Tax Forums

Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations can par-ticipate in the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums. The forums provide three days of seminars and workshops featuring speakers from both the IRS and tax practitioner organiza-tions. In addition to getting the latest tax information, tax professionals can earn continuing education credits for attending IRS outreach activities.

Exempt Organizations will once again present multiple sessions of its Exempt Organization Workshop on the Form 990, “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax.” This workshop will cover filing basics and will also discuss unique aspects of the form, such as how to report the activi-ties that form the basis for an organization’s continued ex-emption. The session will also explore the consequences of the most common Form 990 errors and how to avoid them.

http://navyleague.org/files/programs/adoptedshipsunits.pdf


Council Alert The dates and locations of 2016 forums announced to date are:

• Chicago, Hyatt Regency Chicago, July 12-14 • New Orleans, Hyatt New Orleans, July 26-28 • Washington, Gaylord National Hotel and Convention

Center, Aug. 23-25 • Orlando, Fla., Hyatt Regency Orlando, Aug. 30-Sept. 1 • San Diego, Town & Country Resort and Convention

Center, Sept. 13-15

Registration for these workshops is at https://www.irstaxforum.com/index.

News Alert: IRS reported errors in filing Form 990N due to website issues. If your council was not able to post your Form 990N due to website issues, no penalty will be as-sessed for late filing. The IRS publishes a User Guide for filing the 990 form at https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/irs-form-990-n-e-postcard-user-guide.

If you have a technical or procedural question relating to Exempt Organizations, visit the Charities and Nonprofits homepage on the IRS.gov website https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/. For questions about exempt or-ganizations, call EO Customer Account Services at 1-877-829-5500.

Small and Medium-sized 501(c)(3) Organizations Workshop

In an effort to allow nonprofits better access to our popu-lar workshops, the Exempt Organizations office has posted a virtual version of the workshop lessons on its educational website, StayExempt.irs.gov.

Have you wanted to attend one of the IRS Exempt Organizations (EO) Small and Medium-Sized 501(c)(3) Workshops? Here’s an easy way to experience the training from your own computer. This online tool covers the basics of tax compliance for small- and medium-sized 501(c)(3)

organizations and is designed to help those involved in non-profit management and related programs.

Participants may take these interactive presentations in any order at any time. Certificates of attendance are pro-vided at the end of most lessons.

Existing Organizations can view workshops on a wide variety of topics, such as Maintaining 501.c.3 Tax Exempt Status, Form 990 Overview Course, Required Disclosures, Unrelated Business Income, Political Campaigns and Char-ities and Charitable Gaming for Exempt Organizations. All available workshops are listed at https://www.stayexempt.irs.gov/Existing-Organizations.

Go to https://www.stayexempt.irs.gov/ to learn about all resources available.

Answers to the Non-Profit Tax Quiz1. (d): Nonprofits cannot split up surplus receipts at year-end and distribute to staff. Nonprofits must use the surplus for future work related to their charitable purpose. Nonprof-its can legally give bonuses to staff under specific condi-tions.2. (d): $20, but only if you win the prize, which is taxable income. IRS Publication 526 “Charitable Deductions.”3. (c): A donor must be given an acknowledgment letter for cumulative donations of $250 or more in a given tax year. All charitable deductions taken on individual tax returns must be backed up by documentation (canceled check, receipt, donor letter).4. (c): All nonprofits must file a Form 990 by May 15 each year.5. (b): False, if the items are sold by volunteers not paid employees. A “store” run by paid personnel constitute a business, subject to business taxes documented on Form 990-T.

If you have additional questions, consult with the IRS EO Customer Account Services at 1-877-829-5500. To discuss interpretation of quiz answers, contact Bill Waylett, [email protected].

http://navyleague.org/americas-strength/


Starbucks and the Sea ServicesEveryone’s favorite green mermaid is serving more

than just caffeinated drinks. In November 2013, Starbucks announced a nationwide military initiative that seeks to employ 10,000 individuals and engage veterans and their family members. This has acted as a catalyst to many on-base operations across the country where veterans and their families can seek employment near their home base. While many of these stores are located in or around bases, many Starbucks are taking part by hiring individual veterans and military spouses. These members of the military commu-nity can be identified by their patriotic apron provided by Starbucks. The patriotic apron is a humble way to recog-nize someone’s service to our country by embroidering an American flag and sometimes their military affiliation.

There are many ways to assist Starbucks in fulfilling its mission to engage and employ veterans. A simple thank

you to anyone wearing a patriotic apron is a great place to start. If you happen to find yourself passing through one of these military branches of Starbucks be sure to stop in to help support them. Engage your local Starbucks to see if it is participating in this campaign and connect it to your local Navy League chapter. With your help, Starbucks can meet its hiring goal of 10,000 military employees and 30 new military family stores by 2018, while also keeping our sea service men and women awake and ready for action.

America’s Strength UpdateNavy Leaguers around the country have worked hard on

sharing one simple message: The Navy-Marine Corps team is overextended and underfunded. That message is starting to get through to Congress — the next step is to ensure they don’t forget it.

Continued on page 16

News from HeadquartersSea-Air-Space was a Massive Success! By KEVIN J. TRAVER, Staff VP, Corporate Affairs

The 51st edition of the Sea-Air-Space Exposition took place at the Gaylord National Convention Center May 16-18 and was the largest and most successful Sea-Air-Space in history. Floor space was completely sold out and total exhibitors increased to 281 in 2016, up from 240 in 2015. The exposition grossed $320,063 more in 2016 than in 2015, with sponsorship sales leading the way up, $119,100. Sea-Air-Space continues to be the financial backbone of the Navy League annually.

Total attendance at Sea-Air-Space increased by 8 percent over 2015. This number included 24 international delega-tions, up from 11 in 2015, with five international Heads of Navy attending, including the First Sea Lord Sir Adm. Philip Jones, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jaime Mu-ñoz Delgado from Spain and Commander, Royal Canadian Navy, Vice Adm. Mark Norman.

On Social Media, our hashtag #SAS16 was trending in the top five all week in the D.C. market and spiked on Tuesday afternoon to No. 6 globally on Twitter. This ac-complishment reflects how successful Sea-Air-Space has become and how valued a platform it is for the sea services and the Navy League.

Advanced sales for the 2017 expo are well under way, with 85 percent of the floor space already sold. This level of investment and corporate support is a clear sign that Sea-Air-Space continues to be the No. 1 naval trade show in the United States and a growing global destination. Please follow this link to see the 2017 floor plan - http://www.expocad.com/host/fx/clarion/2017sas/default.html.

In closing, I would like to thank the Corporate Affairs team at headquarters specifically, and the entire staff, for their incredible hard work on this year’s Sea-Air-Space.

Visit the Seapower site for SAS NewsWeren’t able to attend this year’s successful Sea-Air-

Space? Visit the Seapower magazine website (www.seapowermagazine.org) for all the coverage from the show, including all three days’ Show Daily issues, pho-tos and articles.

Adm. John M. Richardson, chief of naval operations, joins Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter onstage during the Sea Air Space Luncheon May 17.

Seapower Photo by Lisa Nipp


News from HeadquartersContinued from page 15

Navy Leaguers around the United States have written and published 16 op-eds and letters to the editor. More than 15,000 e-mails were sent to members of Congress using our “Write Congress” website, which lets you easily and quickly share your opinion with your elected officials at www.cqrcengage.com/navyleague. TV Interviews and briefs to community organizations were given. Seventy-seven Navy Leaguers flew in, on their own dime, to brief more than 200 members of Congress. You were called to action, and you roared!

And Congress heard you. For the first time since the Rea-gan build up, we have four defense bills in Congress that authorize and appropriate shipbuilding at more than $20 billion, near the Navy League’s recommended $21 billion level. All four bills invest significantly in aircraft, funding nearly every program on the Navy’s unfunded requirements list. Most importantly, there’s significant investments in readiness and training: areas for which there is no voice but the Navy League’s. We have successfully convinced congressional leadership that the Navy needs a significant investment. But what comes next is just as important.

We cannot let this opportunity pass us by. The Navy League must continue to tell the Navy-Marine Corps story. Our Sailors and Marines continue to work at high opera-tional tempo but with less training, equipment, and money — and the Navy League will tell America why that’s unac-ceptable. We need you to continue your hard work: write letters, write op-eds, talk to your friends, engage us on so-cial media, brief your member of Congress: you’ve brought us so close, let’s make sure we get the Navy-Marine Corps the funding they need!

Amazon SmileThe Navy League is part of the Amazon Smile program.

Amazon will make a donation to the Navy League for every purchase made under an account registered with Amazon Smile. Get your shopping done and support the great work of the Navy League at the same time.

Click here to register today: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/53-0116710

Social Media TipPhotos add value to any post, tweet or article. But con-

sider getting creative with your photos. Think outside of the box. We’ve all seen the “photo-op” pictures. Why not snap some candids at your next council meeting or event? Maybe shoot the decorations or food, or something unique to your event. Just make sure to have permission for any photo you use online, especially where minors are con-cerned.

Here are some useful Facebook pages to follow:Navy League National:www.facebook.com/NavyLeagueUSSeapower magazine: www.facebook.com/SeapowerMagazineSea Cadet Headquarters: www.facebook.com/usnscc Sea-Air-Space: www.facebook.com/seaairspaceexpo

Here are some useful Twitter accounts to follow:Navy League National: www.twitter.com/NavyLeagueUSSeapower magazine: www.twitter.com/SeapowerMagSea Cadet Headquarters: www.twitter.com/seacadets Sea-Air-Space:www.twitter.com/SeaAirSpace

Navy Leaguer SubmissionsHey, we want to be in the Navy Leaguer!

Want to see your council in future Navy Leaguers? So do we. But you have to let us know what you’re up to. How do you do that?

Send your submissions to the Communications team at [email protected]. For articles, don’t forget the five Ws: “Who, What, Where, When and Why.” Please send photos as separate, high-resolution jpegs, at least 300 dpi. Do not embed photos in Word documents or e-mails. Make sure to include a contact name, phone num-ber and e-mail address in case we need more information.

Another way to keep us informed of your activities and events is to send us your newsletters. Please add Kerri Carpenter, [email protected], and the Com-munications email, [email protected] to your distribution list.

Who’s putting this thing together?That would be Kerri Carpenter, Director of Publications

and Social Media. You can reach Kerri at [email protected]. She also checks the com-munications e-mail account listed above.

When’s the next Navy Leaguer coming out?The Fall Navy Leaguer will go out in September 2016

and we need your help. We know a lot of councils are hold-ing, or helping with, events in their areas. We would love to include stories and photos from these events. Please let us know and include any info about how these programs did in the past.Deadline for all copy is Wednesday, Aug. 17. (This date is subject to change.)

FLY-IN ONCAPITOL HILLAll Navy League members are invitedto the second Anchors Aweigh Fly-Into storm the Hill on December 3.Highlighting the need for strong SeaServices, the Fly-In is a powerfuladvocacy and education event for con -stituents to present the Navy League’slegislative priorities to their electedofficials. The Sea Services need youto speak for them to Congress!

HOTEL INFORMATIONThis year’s Board of Directors’Meeting will be December 2–5, at theConference Center at the MaritimeInstitute, 692 Maritime Boulevard,Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1952.

Room reservations can be made byphone at 866-900-3517 and referenc-ing the Navy League or by going tohttps://book.b4checkin.com/ccmit/,using our group code 22362, andpassword 976

Room Rate is $172 (single) or $216(double) and includes: breakfast, lunch,dinner, all day refreshments/ snacks.Complimentary use of recreational facil-ities, including indoor pool, fitness cen-ter and game room. Complimentaryparking and shuttle service to/fromBWI Airport and BWI Amtrak Station.

ATTIRECapitol Hill Fly-In: BusinessBoard Meeting: Business CasualCommittee Meetings: Business CasualFriday Night Banquet: Business

PROGRAM [SUBJECT TO CHANGE]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2ND

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Registration (CCMIT)

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Dinner

6:00 PM – 7:45 PM Bylaws Committee Meeting

7:00 PM – 8:00PM Fly-In Training

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3RD

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Registration (CCMIT)

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Fly-In on Capitol Hill

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Town Hall Meeting with the National President

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Dinner

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4TH


8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Registration

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM NSCC Board of Directors Meeting

8:00 AM – 9:45 AM Communications Committee Meeting

8:00 AM – 9:45 AM Budget & Financial Presentation

10:15 AM – 12:00 PM Membership and Marketing Committee

10:15 AM – 12:00 PM Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting

10:15 AM – 12:00 PM Investment Committee Meeting

10:15 AM – 12:00 PM NSCC Foundation Meeting

10:15 AM – 12:00 PM Development Committee Meeting

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Region Presidents’ Meeting

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Steering Committee Meeting

3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Executive Committee Meeting

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Navy League Foundation Meeting

6:00 PM Banquet

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5TH


8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Board of Directors Meeting

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Registration

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Lunch

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Training Sessions

NAVY LEAGUEBOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETINGDECEMBER 2–5, 2015

The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute (CCMIT), Linthicum Heights, Maryland

FOR MORE INFORMATION

AND TO REGISTER ONLINE,

PLEASE VISIT

WWW.NAVYLEAGUE.ORG/BOD