Distinguished Speaker Programs

Transcription

1 The ANCHOR The Greater Austin Council Navy League of the United States July August 2009 Citizens in Support of the Sea Services OFFICERS Bruce Byron President Randy Patterson President-Elect Jim Brotherton Past President Roy Walker Chaplain Michael Murray Judge Advocate Brian Colfack Secretary Ray Roark Treasurer Sam Williams VP Administration Randy Patterson VP Education Jeanie Coffey VP Legislative Affairs Lee Hagan VP Operations NATIONAL DIRECTORS Glenn Looney Max Miller Jack Ritter BOARD OF DIRECTORS Max Miller Chairman Jack Mayo Secretary Jim Brotherton Bruce Byron Jeanie Coffey Peggy Jones Glenn Looney Kathy Pillmore Randy Patterson Jack Ritter COL. Steve Smith, USMC Ret. LIAISONS Brian Colfack Military Services Coalition Steve Smith Marine Corps Jack Ritter UT NROTC CAPT Mike Spence, USN CO UT NROTC Lee Hagan Navy & Marine Corps JROTC Jack Mayo Commissionings OUR NEXT Distinguished Speaker Programs THURSDAY 13 AUGUST 2009 CAPT. JAMES M. TRAPPER SPENCE Commanding Officer, UT NROTC Topic: UT-Naval ROTC Overview plus a Ship and Aircraft Procurement Update Captain James M. Spence is a 1980 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He received his wings in 1982 and completed two deployments on board USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). In 1986 he reported to the Naval Strike Warfare Center, NAS Fallon, Nevada as an Air Wing Tactics Instructor. After this tour, Spence joined the staff of Cruiser-Destroyer Group EIGHT in Norfolk, VA as Strike Operations Officer. In 1989 he deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVW 71) to the Mediterranean. After completion of F/A-18C transition training in 1990, he deployed aboard USS SARATOGA (CV 60) for Operation Desert Shield and flew combat sorties during Operation Desert Storm. He graduated from Naval War College in 1994 and reported for joint duty at the Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. In 1996 he returned to NAS Lemoore, California serving as executive commanding officer of the VFA 22 Fighting REDCOCKS. In 1997 VFA 22 deployed to the Arabian Gulf onboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) where they participated in Operations Desert Fox and Southern Watch. DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER PROGRAM Austin Woman s Club, Chateau Bellevue 8th and San Antonio (Parking entrance on Nueces between 7th & 8th Streets) Social 1815 Dinner 1915 Program 2015 Members & their Guests- $25 Military in Uniform & their Guests - $20 Cadets & Midshipmen and their Guests - $15 Reservations: rglennl@alumni.utexas.net Continued on page 2

2 President s Message As we all suffer through one of the hottest summers on record, there is good news to share. The Navy League of the United States has named the Greater Austin Council Outstanding Council in the medium-sized council class for Outstanding Council is the highest award presented by the Navy League of the United States (NLUS.) The highest award previously attained by the Council on five separate occasions was Meritorious Council. The award reflects the excellent work of the Council s officers Bruce Byron President, Greater Central Texas Council of the Navy League of the United States and directors and the support of the membership throughout It further recognizes a body of achievement that included the best public relations program, best web site, best legislative affairs (grassroots) program, and a highly regarded newsletter. Add to that the Council s renown Distinguished Speaker Programs, broad support of youth programs at all levels, growing scholarship fund, and support across the board of the Navy League s mission and objectives and the award of Outstanding Council is earned and deeply appreciated. NLUS Senior Director of Membership Salvador Chairez made the announcement July 2. There are 265 Navy League councils worldwide, of that number only 11 were named as Outstanding, 10 as Meritorious and 4 received Honorable Mention. Bravos all around to those who made this award possible. Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines are hosting an event to honor Central Texas Marines and their families. The event is Sunday, September 13 from 9 am to 12 noon at Camp Mabry Parade Field. Events for the day include a variety of military skill displays, weapons, reenactments, K-9 demonstrations, restored military vehicles and aircraft. Anyone interested in supporting the event or adding a display should contact MSgt Peter Walz via at peter.walz@usmc.mil. And it goes without saying that attending the event should be fun and interesting. Recently the Navy announced the naming of its newest littoral combat ship the USS Fort Worth (LCS-3.) The announcement continues the practice of naming the agile LCS vessels after American mid-sized cities, small towns and communities. Since the decommissioning of the USS Austin (LPD-4) in 2006, the City of Austin has been left without a namesake. As mentioned in previous newsletters, the Greater Austin Council intends to pursue the naming of a new Navy ship after our fair city. Perhaps the LCS-4 can be the newest USS Austin. Working on this effort with me are Ray Roark, Jack Ritter and Kathy Pillmore. If you d like to join us, let me know. Check out the proposed new Council structure noted elsewhere in this newsletter. It provides numerous opportunities to get involved and support the Outstanding Greater Austin Council and your sea services. Let us know what you think. Fair (and cooler) winds, and following seas SPENCE, Continued from page 1 Bruce After his tour he reported to the Programming Division (N801) on the Chief of Naval Operations staff. He was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for leadership in Pentagon rescue efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attack. In October 2001, he transferred to the Operations and Plans Division and worked on special projects related to the global war on terrorism. During this period he completed two three-month tours at Central Command Air Force, Combined Air Operations Center (COAC) in Saudi Arabia serving as director during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In June 2006, Spence reported to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain as Assistant Chief of Staff, Plans and Policy and the Maritime Operations Director. After a year-long tour with NAVCENT, he returned to OPNAV as head, Programming Branch. Captain Spence has over 900 carrier-arrested landings and 3900 flight hours. Awards include the Legion of Merit (3 awards,) Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards,) Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards,) Air Medal (1 individual w/combat V and 3 Strike/Fight,) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (5 awards including Combat V ) and various campaign and service awards. 2 The Anchor, July-August

3 Another successful Washington D.C. trip and other things on my mind The Lone Star Region Legislative Affairs team made another successful trip to Washington D. C. on 10 and 11 June. Jeanie Coffey, VP of Legislative Affairs and undoubtedly a most tenacious and fearless leader, arranged and guided Jack Ritter, Lone Star Region VP and yours truly through two grueling days and ten visits with Texas legislators including U. S. Representatives Michael C. Burgess, MD (R-Lewisville,) Michael McCaul (R-Austin,) Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands,) Mac Thornberry (R- Clarendon,) Ralph Hall (R-Rockwall,) Pete Olson (D- Wausau,) Pete Sessions (R-Dallas,) Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Dallas,) Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo,) and U. S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutcheson. We briefed each on the mission of the Navy League and the importance of strong sea services. Pictured below is the team with Senator Hutcheson. There are two things on my mind and I would like for them to be on everyone s mind. The upcoming National Convention of the Navy League in Corpus Christi, Texas on 27 October 1 November, This is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to attend a national convention and not have far to travel it s right in our back yard. Remember that we are not a book club or a knife and fork club. We are the Navy League and I hope we can have a large turnout from Greater Austin at the National Convention. I am firmly convinced that attending the National Convention makes our Navy League more meaningful and more enjoyable. I encourage everyone to attend at least part of the time. Our Greater Austin Council will man the hospitality suite one day during the convention. by Max Miller Max Miller NLUS National Director and Chairman of the Board Greater Austin Council Another thing on my mind is the upcoming election of new council officers and directors for I ask each member to think about what positions you would like to hold or how you can help out in any way. Let me or any board member know. Also, let me know if you would like to nominate someone for an office for Your help will be greatly appreciated. Fair winds and following seas, Max Lone Star Region s Legislative Affairs team are pictured here with Senator Kay Bailey Hutcheson. (l-r) Jack Ritter, Jeanie Coffey, Senator Hutcheson and Max Miller. At the June 25th dinner, Rich Coffey presented a $200 donation to the George T. Jones Scholarship fund on behalf of Great American Financial Resources. This is the second year he has made such a donation. BRING A FRIEND TO A GAC DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER DINNER. HE/SHE WILL THANK YOU FOR IT! The Anchor, July-August

4 Snapshots from the June 25th Distinguished Speaker Program &Dinner Jack Mayo, former board secretary, receives a Navy League Certificate of Appreciation for all his contributions to the Council. John Knox s presentation was not only interesting but quite colorful. He is holding the Lone Star Flag that was flown when Texas became a state. Don Jones and Joe Gathright share a laugh. Nancy Looney, Chris Byron and Brian Colfack eagerly await the evening s events. Jeanie Coffey, VP Legislative Affairs, presents a report on the Council members recent visit to Washington. Rick Hall and Morgan Little were among the attendees. Richard Robertson attended as a guest of long-time member Bernie Hillen. Members of the Sons of the American Revolution added to the colorful program and served as the honor guard for the evening. (l-r) John Knox, Pat Luckett, Greg Morgan, Marvin Morgan, Kevin Miller and Roger Gaby. 4 The Anchor, July-August

5 Council Considers Reorganization to Increase Member Involvement At the July joint meeting of the GAC board of directors and officers, Lone Star Region President Glenn Looney presented a proposal for restructuring of the Council s organization and hierarchy. He prefaced his recommendation explaining that the current structure, with fewer leadership positions that are responsible for numerous duties, can often be overwhelming. He stated, we can reorganize to create many more responsible positions/titles with fewer duties and responsibilities that will get more people involved in Council management and operations. By flattening out the organization we can bring currently more obscure but important functions up to a reporting line with more access to and from the Council president. Looney pointed out that with all the turmoil currently in Washington, the Navy League is needed more than ever to maintain vital sea services and the essential sea power that results. The charts below show our current structure and the proposed new structure where many more opportunities exist for members to get involved. The Council leadership will take this issue up at their next meeting and is looking to the membership for input and comments. Please direct your comments to either Glenn Looney at rglenn@alumni.utexas. net or Council President Bruce Byron at bbyron@austin. rr.com. EDUCATION Education Programs Program Logistics Speakers Bureau Communications Public (Media) Relations Program Announcements Council Newsletter Council Website EXISTING STRUCTURE ADMINISTRATION Membership Retention Individual Community Affiliate Corporate Membership Database & Mailing Lists Membership Recruiting Individual Community Affiliate Corporate Finance Council Budget (Chair, Budget Committee. Note: The VP Legislative Affairs reports directly to the Region. PROPOSED STRUCTURE OPERATIONS Youth Programs Support Navy and Marine Corps JROTC UT Naval ROTC Battalion Naval League & Sea Cadet Corps/Bd Young Marines Military Affairs/Liaison The 4 Sea Services (Adopted Units) UT Naval ROTC Staff Navy Ops. Support Center Staff U.S. Marine Corps I&I Staff Weapons Co. 1st Bat, 23rd Marines Navy Reserve Units/Reservists Navy & Marine Corps Recruiters Military & Civic Organizations EDUCATION Programs Program Logistics Speakers Bureau COMMUNICATIONS Public (Media) Relations Program Announcements Council Newsletter Council Website Social/Networking Media MEMBERSHIP RETENTION Individual Community Affiliate Corporate Membership Database & Mailing List MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING Individual Community Affiliate Corporate FINANCE Council Budget Chair, Budget Committee Fundraising Raffles & Sales YOUTH PROGRAMS Navy & Marine Corps Junior ROTC UT Naval ROTC Battalion Naval League & Sea Cadet Corps/Bd Young Marines MILITARY AFFAIRS The 4 Sea Services (Adopted Units) UT Naval ROTC Staff Navy Ops. Support Center Staff U.S. Marine Corps I&I Staff Weapons Co. 1st Bat, 23rd Marines Navy Reserve Units/Reservists Navy & Marine Corps Recruiters Military & Civic Organizations The Anchor, July-August

6 Good Reading powerhouse. JOHN PAUL JONES-SAILOR, HERO, FATHER OF THE AMERICAN NAVY Evan Thomas, Simon & Schuster submitted by Randy Patterson Although known to endless Annapolis midshipmen as The Father of the American Navy, author Evan Thomas presents a more complex view of this hero of the struggling Navy of the Revolutionary War. First published in 2003 and now available in a paperback edition, the author s detailed research and extensive narrative reveal just how difficult was the task of making the new country into a maritime Born the son of a gardener/landscape architect on the southwest coast of Scotland, he took to the sea at 13 to and learn his trade first hand. John Paul Jr. added the Jones some years later to aid in his escape from a murder charge after killing an insubordinate crew member of a merchant ship that John Paul commanded. He was forced to keep on the move to avoid prosecution and could not return to England. Thus, Jones ended up in the American Colonies where his years at sea, and his willingness to serve in the new Navy, made him a valuable commodity. His personality, however, ambitious, bold, feisty, moody and often overcome by self-doubts, held him back from what he wanted most: a command at sea in a first class ship of the line. That is until late September in 1779, in command of an old, slow ex-india merchant converted to a warship (which he had named Bonhomme Richard to honor his erstwhile ally Ben Franklin.) John Paul Jones fought and barely won a battle with HMS Serapis while supposedly coining the famous (and likely apocryphal) phrase I have not yet begun to fight! Author Thomas cannot be accused of sugar coating America s first naval hero s story, but he weaves a deep and generally sympathetic story of a troubled soul who showed flashes of brilliance in difficult times. A good read for those who have not heard the rest of the story. That John Paul Jones is as revered as he is can be credited to Theodore Roosevelt, himself an avid Navy supporter and founder of the Navy League, who was quoted as saying, Every officer in our navy should know by heart the deeds of John Paul Jones. RAMPART RAIDER: AN A-4 SKYHAWK PILOT IN VIETNAM Stephen R. Gray, Naval Institute Press submitted by George Haley This is a truly great, non-political personal account of a typical young civilian becoming a combat pilot flying off of an aircraft carrier into Vietnam. He describes the process of earning his wings, then going directly into combat flight training, and then into actual combat operations, performing the entire range of strike missions from an aircraft carrier. It is an easily readable, enlightening, accurate, and enjoyable insight of the whole process. It is written so well that the layman with no military or flight experience will understand and enjoy it, while those who have been in combat will identify and amen it. The reader will experience a true picture of what it was really like; no propaganda just the facts. Exciting, dramatic, and scary, it s all there. He presents it just the way it was, nothing false, pretentious, or hokie. Prejudiced for this book? You bet! As a former Skyhawk pilot, as a former member of the Rampart Raiders (as Light Attack Squadron Two Twelve is nicknamed), as a veteran of three combat cruises into Vietnam, and three tours as a combat flight instructor, this is the book I wish I d written. I can attest that it is an accurate portrayal of events from cover to cover. The reader will gain intimate insight into what it was like from a pilots view, and almost feel as if the one were there and experiencing action firsthand. Start reading it, I bet you will have a hard time putting it down. I know I did. Get it! You will enjoy it, and no doubt learn from it as well! IF YOU HAVE READ A BOOK RECENTLY THAT YOU THINK WOULD INTEREST OTHER NAVY LEAGUE MEMBERS, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR BOOK REPORT TO KPILLMORE@AUSTIN.RR.COM. Submissions will be accepted on a subject-appropriate basis and may be edited to fit space available. 6 The Anchor, July-August

7 George T. Jones, U. S. Navy WWII Veteran and GCTC Member George T. Jones Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to graduating seniors in Navy and Marine JROTC and Sea Cadet programs Contribute Now! Send your contributions to Greater Austin Council NLUS George T. Jones Scholarship Fund c/o Ray Roark Fountainbleu Circle Austin, TX Donations are tax deductible GAC Calendar 13 August Distinguished Speaker Program CAPT Mike Spence, UT NROTC Commanding Officer 7 Sept. Deadline for September-Oct. Anchor 13 Sept. Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines host Central Texas Marine Honor Day, 9am-12pm, Camp Mabry 16 Sept. GAC Board meeting, 12 Noon, Red Lobster, South Lamar Blvd. Capt. Will K. Brown Michael O Conner Hillen The Greater Austin Council has made a $100 donation to the George T. Jones Scholarship Fund in honor of each of the above-named individuals GAC Challenge Coins Are Here Challenge coins are collected for various military units, special events and the like. To mark the change of our council name, GAC has obtained a number of these coins for use as mementos for our distinguished speakers, other special recognitions, and for sale to our members. The coins (pictured here) will be available at our dinner meeting August 13th. IT S OFFICIAL! The Greater Central Texas Council of the Navy League of the United States is now officially The Greater Austin Council of the Navy League of the United States 18 Sept. NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY, Austin Chapter Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) conduct ceremonies honoring Texas Prisoners of War and Missing In Action during Vietnam War. Info at paladin_jam@yahoo.com 24 Sept Distinguished Speaker Program RADM John D. Butler, USN, Ret. Vice President, Fleet Ballistic Missile Program Requirements 27 Oct-1 Nov NLUS Convention at Corpus Christi 5 Nov Joint Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball (details tba.) 3 Dec Distinguished Speaker Program & Annual Meeting/Awards Speaker to be announced For calendar updates go to T H E A N C H O R I S N O W A C C E P T I N G A D V E R T I S I N G! The Anchor is distributed electronically to over 400 Navy League members, elected officials and interested parties, and prints more than 185 copies that are mailed to members and distributed at council meetings as well as other locations. Copies are also posted and archived at You can get your company s name in front of a highlytargeted audience for a very reasonable rate while supporting your Greater Austin Council. ADVERTISE TODAY! Go to /newsletter.asp for rate information, ad sizes and deadlines The Anchor, July-August

8 The ANCHOR Kathy Pillmore, Editor Jupiter Hills Drive Austin, TX The ANCHOR is the official newsletter of the Greater Austin Council of the Navy League of the United States. It is published semi-monthly and distributed free of charge to all its members and to other interested parties. The Greater Austin Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and as such is exempt from Limited Sales, Excise and Use Taxes per the IRS Code. FIRST CLASS MAIL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Supporting the U. S. Sea Services CORPORATE SPONSORS COMMUNITY AFFILIATES Texas Research International, Inc. Ricon Products HELP US BUILD OUR MEMBERSHIP Use the form below and sign up a new member. Bring it and your new member to our next council meeting, or mail the form, together with the fee (check or money order payable to NLUS,) to Kathy Pillmore, Jupiter Hills Drive, Austin, TX 78747; or Sam Williams, 3509 Arrowhead Dr., Austin, TX The new member will be added to our mailing list immediately. YES! Please enroll me as a Navy Leaguer Today I am a U.S. Citizen I am not a U. S. Citizen Name: (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Etc.) First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name Name of Spouse: (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Etc.) First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name Address: Number, Street, Name (Apt., Suite, P.O. Box) Date of Birth City State Zip Code (+4) Type of Membership (please check one) Individual One-Year Membership...$50 Joint Husband/Wife One-Year...$85 Individual Two-Year Membership...$90 Individual Three-Year Membership...$125 Individual Life Membership...$500 Joint Husband/Wife Life Membership...$750 Some NLUS Councils may charge local dues Method of Payment Check enclosed (Make payable to NLUS or Please charge my Visa MC AMEX Home Phone Business Phone Card# Exp. Date Sponsor s Last Name Sponsor s Membership # New Member s Council Signature Billing Zip Code