The ANCHOR The Greater Central Texas Council Navy League of the United States March April 2009 Citizens in Support of the Sea Services www.centexnavyleague.org 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 23 APRIL 2009 Captain Henry S. Domeracki Director, US Pacific Command, Joint Intelligence Operations Center Detachment Fort Worth and Commanding Officer, Joint Intelligence Operations Center Pacific, 0308 Captain Hank Domeracki graduated from the University of South Carolina, in 1979 earning a Bachelor degree in History, with a minor in Political Science, and in 1980 with a Masters of Public Administration. Captain Domeracki entered the Navy in 1975 as a Hospital Corpsman and completed his enlisted service as a Hospital Corpsman 2 nd Class. In 1982 he received his commission as an Ensign. During his Navy Career he served as the Executive Officer of COMNAVAIR PAC 0270, Commanding Officer of CINCPACFLT 0270, Commanding Officer of COM- PACFLT 0194, Commanding Officer of STRATJIC 0118, and Chief Staff Officer Reserve Intelligence Area 16. His CINCPACFLT 0270 unit was awarded the national George O Connell Unit of the Year award. In 1991 Captain Domeracki was recalled to active duty during the first Gulf war and served as a Counter-Terrorism Officer/Agent in Europe for six months. He was mobilized again in 2004 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he served in Baghdad as the Chief of Operations for the Coalition Provisional Authority - Baghdad Central. In that capacity he built the financial structure for the Baghdad Provincial government and re-established 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: 512-327-7413 rglennl@alumni.utexas.net Continued on page 2
President s Message So What Can We Do? There is no doubt that the country is sailing in heavy seas. Terrorism, by whatever name you want to call it, is still with us along with renewed nationalism from Russia and China. The economy is in shambles and deficit spending seems to have become a way of life. Funding for the military will be competing against many other priorities. What can we as the Navy League do to help provide support in these turbulent times? Bruce Byron President, Greater Central Texas Council of the Navy League of the United States Well, it seems to me you do what we used to do when our ship hit a storm. You survive you persevere. The ship rolls and plunges sometimes simultaneously. You hold on, stay on your feet, try to keep the contents of your stomach where they belong and pray for an end to the storm. You are certain that eventually, the wind and waves will slack off and the clouds will part and eventually there will be blue sky and sunshine. So we of the Navy League, sure of the coming of better days, must stay on our feet and continue to build for tomorrow. The military has always been the rock upon which this country has been built. Whether it was George Washington and starving soldiers at Valley Forge or Captain James Lawrence s dying order to don t give up the ship. We must continue to host our dinners and invite more people to learn about the sea services. We must continue to support the Sea Cadets and Junior ROTC as they are our future. Lastly, we can do a bold initiative. I am going to recommend to the board that we commence operation: Where in the world is the USS Austin? As you will remember our namesake and adopted ship was decommissioned in 2006 and replaced by the USS San Antonio. It seems to me that one way to get our community to support expanding the number of ships is to provide them USS Austin LPD 4 DOMERACKI, Continued from page 1 the financial operations for the City of Baghdad. He also managed over $100 million in capital outlay and business development projects to aid in rebuilding that country. Based on his government management expertise, Captain Domeracki was mobilized in 2006-07 to fill a US Army Civil Affairs billet. He served as the chief of operations for the Multi-National Forces Iraq - Civil Military Directorate and was responsible for developing, implementing and managing economic development, job creation, business development, and vocational training programs and projects for the entire country of Iraq. As a direct result of his initiatives and actions over 15,000 militia-aged Iraqis were employed; over $2.1 billion (USD) in private sector funds from companies in the United Arab Emirates were invested in business development projects in the Kurdish, Sunni, and Basra regions of Iraq this was a result from three international conferences he developed, organized and managed; and ten vocational training schools were established with over 10,000 students enrolled. In addition, over 60 agribusinesses and co-operatives ranging from commercial milk and date production to industrial-level honey processing facilities were created. Captain Domeracki has 28 years of municipal government management experience. For the past 17 years he has served as the chief financial officer of the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool. Captain Domeracki was awarded the Bronze Star, two Defense Meritorious Service medals, three Meritorious Service medals, a Joint Service Commendation medal, three Navy & Marine Corps Commendation medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals, an Army Achievement medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. President s Message continued a connection. Most don t identify with the military but they are proud of our community. I think we should ask the City of Austin, Travis County and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce to support a resolution that reconnects our community and our Navy through another USS Austin. It gives us a reason to explain our goals to the community, heightens our visibility and provides a rallying call Where in the world is the USS Austin? Fair Winds and Following Seas. Bruce 2 The Anchor, March April 2009 www.centexnavyleague.org
The latest news on the happenings in Central Texas Navy League Councils Austin Fredericksburg San Antonio by Glenn Looney NLUS National Director and Central Texas Area President GREATER CENTRAL TEXAS COUNCIL APPOINTS VP-ADMIN Austin, TX Sam Williams has assumed duties as the Greater Central Texas Council s Vice President of Administration whose primary goal is to recruit and retain Navy League members. Everyone should be renewing their memberships in a timely manner and not need to be contacted, nonetheless Sam is prepared to hunt you down if you do not. Finding new members is everyone s job, but Sam is prepared to be a resource to you to assist in recruiting. Any questions about membership types, applications, dues, costs, or how to should be addressed to Sam at: vp-admin@ centexnavyleague.org, or by telephone to (512) 773-8111. Please help Sam bring our membership up to 300 this year. We need 40 good men and women. Membership is every member s job! NIMITZ FOUNDATION NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Fredericksburg, TX The Admiral Nimitz Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of General Michael W. Hagee, USMC (Ret) as its new executive director effective January 5, 2009. General Hagee served as the 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2004 to 2007. He has served on the foundation s all-volunteer board since 2007. In his new role, he will work closely with the other members of the board, the foundation staff, the National Museum of the Pacific War Staff, and the Texas Historical Commission not only to maintain, but also to enhance the museum s position as a world-class history and research center in historic Fredericksburg John Kerr, Chairman of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation commented: We are delighted to have such a distinguished and experienced individual to follow Admiral Chuck Grojean as our new executive director. His knowledge of the foundation and his passion for its mission will ensure a seamless leadership transition. Raised in Fredericksburg, he understands the role the foundation and its museum play as a part of this community and the Texas Hill Country. General Hagee said, I am honored to follow Admiral Grojean and assume this important position at the foundation. Admiral Grojean was an inspirational leader and visionary. I look forward to helping realize this vision by working with the foundation s board, museum employees and our many supporters. My wife, Silke, and I are excited about becoming a part of the Fredericksburg Community. Heave Ho Glenn BRING A FRIEND TO A GCTC DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER DINNER. HE/SHE WILL THANK YOU FOR IT! Glenn Looney VOTE ON NAME CHANGE TO TAKE PLACE AT APRIL MEETING As reported in the Jan-Feb Anchor, the council board approved a name change from the Greater Central Texas Council to the Greaater Austin Council to more readily reflect the area served by the council. This change requires a vote by the membership. The vote will take place at the 23 April meeting. A new chapter logo is being designed for use on printed materials, etc. and will be presented at a future meeting. www.centexnavyleague.org The Anchor, March April 2009 3
Snapshots from the February 12th Distinguished Speaker Program &Dinner Certificates of Appreciation for outstanding contributions to the council in 2008 were presented by Max Miller, GCTC Chairman of the Board and NLUS National Director. Max Miller persents certificates to (l-r) Jim Brotherton, Nita Wathen and George Haley Kitty Larson, Horace Johnson and Bruce Byron and, last but not lease, Lee Hagan. Honorary Memberships were presented to LCDR Michael Evans, Commanding Officer of the Navy Operational Support Center at Camp Mabry and CDR James M. Spence, Commanding Officer, UT NROTC 4 The Anchor, March April 2009 www.centexnavyleague.org
Snapshots from the February 12th Distinguished Speaker Program &Dinner Nita Wathen and Lee Hagan soldl Valentine roses to guests. President Byron inspects the Stoney Point High School NJROTC cadets who presented the colors. Bob Pillmore (l) greets old friend Bob Carnes who attended his first Navy League dinner. Bruce Byron welcomed RADM Bill Heine, USN Ret. The new Commanding Officer, Navy Operational Support Center, Austin, TX, LCDR Mike Evans, USN, and his wife, Heidi attended their first Navy League meeting in Austin. Evans became CO on 9 January, 2009. He is a submariner and comes here from Washington State. Byron presents guest speaker Don Kehn with a token of the council s appreciation. www.centexnavyleague.org The Anchor, March April 2009 5
SURFING THE WEB Here are some interesting weblinks for you surfers Follow this link to some very moving interviews with recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor at http://www.greatamericans.com (Click on Interviews, then Heroes, then view the two video interviews with Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.) This site is just for fun. Enjoy the workout with these young women as they entertain at half-time during a Naval Academy basketball game. The reaction of the young sailors is as much fun to watch as the drill team. http://soonereyo.blip.tv/#176205 About three years ago, the Navy Ceremonial Guard Silent Drill Team was invited to compete in an International Tattoo in Norway. They competed against military units from all over NATO and they won first place. http://www.whc.net/rjones/usn/usn_team.html Enjoy the April 2009 edition of SeaPower online at http://www.seapower-digital.com/seapower/ spsample/ Read the Secretary of Defense, Robert M. Gates, Press Briefing of April 6, 2009 regarding the defense budget. http://www.defenselink.mil/speeches/speech. aspx?speechid=1341 Max Miller (l) and Jack Ritter presented CAPT. Gabriel Salazar with an Admiral of the Texas Navy certificate and a History of the Navy League book at his change of command /retirement ceremony held in the hallowed halls of the Senate Chambers at the State Capitol on February 6, 2009 George T. Jones, 1926-2003 U. S. Navy WWII Veteran and GCTC Member Board Notes From the March 25, 2009 Council officers meeting: Challenge coins are being designed to present to speakers and other guests of the GCTC. The Two-Bell Program will be delivered at the 23 April meeting. Lee Hagan is working on getting the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Awards out to the various JROTC & Sea Cadet programs. The Legislative Affairs Committee is preparing to meet with a new round of legislators this summer. 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 Central Texas Council NLUS George T. Jones Scholarship Fund c/o Ray Roark 10709 Fountainblue Circle Austin, TX 78750 Donations are tax deductible 6 The Anchor, March April 2009 www.centexnavyleague.org
JROTC, UT ROTC YOUNG MARINES & SEA CADETS UPDATE The William B. Travis Division of the Navy League Sea Cadets recently completed their 2008 inspection with 3.401 points out of 4.0 going to the Navy Sea Cadet Corps and 2.8 points out of 4.0 going to the Navy League Cadet Corps. The unit grew last year from two Sea Cadets and one League Cadet to 12 Sea Cadets and 7 League Cadets. Cadet Seaman Donovan T. McMahan (pictured below left) and League Cadet Petty Officer Third Class DeCarlos E. Zuniga, members of the William B. Travis Division, U.S. Navy League Sea Cadet Corps, were awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal for 2009. The medals were presented by Lee Hagan (center,) GCTC Vice President for Operations, in a ceremony held Sunday, March 29 at Ft. Hood Texas. Cadet McMahan s parents, Todd and Penni McMahan, were on hand to see their son receive his award. The senior McMahan is in the Army and was scheduled to return to Iraq April 3rd. GCTC Calendar 23 Apr Distinguished Speaker Program Capt. Henry S. Domeracki, USN Director, US Pacific Command, Joint Intelligence Operations Center Detachment Fort Worth 23 April Alamo Council Fiesta Navy League night with King Antonio and his court 1 3 May NLUS Lone Star Region/Navy League Convention and Getaway in Fredericksburg. Reservations deadline extended to 15 April. 16 May Austin Military Officers Association of American (MOAA) Dinner w/speaker 25 Jun Distinguished Speaker Program John Knox, vexillologist and member of the Patrick Henry Chapter of the Texas Society of Sons of the American Revolution, presents a Flag Day Program. 30 Jul Distinguished Speaker Program (In conjunction with the UT NROTC Annual Reunion) 24 Sep Distinguished Speaker Program 27 Oct-1 Nov NLUS Convention at Corpus Christi 5 Nov Distinguished Speaker Program 3 Dec Distinguished Speaker Program Is there a speaker or topic you would like to see featured at a future GCTC dinner? Contact your council leadership and let them know. THE ANCHOR IS NOW ACCEPTING ADVERTISING! The Anchor is distributed electronically to over 400 Navy League members, elected officials and interested parties, and prints more than 150 copies that are mailed to members and distributed at council meetings as well as other locations. Copies are also posted and archived at www.centexnavyleague.org. You can get your name in front of a highly-targeted audience for a very reasonable rate while supporting your Greater Central Texas Area Council. ADVERTISE TODAY! Go to www.centexnavyleague.org /newsletter. asp for rate information, ad sizes and deadlines www.centexnavyleague.org The Anchor, March April 2009 7
The ANCHOR Kathy Pillmore, Editor 10001 Jupiter Hills Drive Austin, TX 78747 email: kpillmore@austin.rr.com The ANCHOR is the official newsletter of the Greater Central Texas 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 Central Texas Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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, 10001 Jupiter Hills Drive, Austin, TX 78747; or Sam Williams, 3509 Arrowhead Dr., Austin, TX 78731-4801. 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 Email Card# Exp. Date Sponsor s Last Name Sponsor s Membership # New Member s Council Signature Billing Zip Code