Vol.41 Issue 81 February 2017 President s Message In the month of January, the Fort Lauderdale Council of the Navy League held our annual Seven Seas Gala. This year s theme was A Night in Hong Kong. The gala was an elegant affair, and it was a thrill for me to welcome our Council Members, guests, Sea Cadets and special military guests from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. The Fort Lauderdale Sea Cadets Spruance Division, under the direction of Commander Alan Starr, did an outstanding job presenting the official party and the Colors. Natalie, Laing a 9 th grader from Calvary Chapel High School, did a wonderful job singing several patriotic songs, including our National Anthem. Port Chaplain of Seafarer s House, Reverend Ron Perkins, opened with an inspirational prayer that blessed all in attendance. The music was provided by Bob Puccetti and his orchestra, which kept the Gala alive with fabulous music all night long. I would like to thank our sponsors for their support. I would also like to thank Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort for the excellent service they provided. None of this could have been possible without the support of Lynn Drucker, Gala Chairperson, and the Gala Committee, who worked very hard for months to make this night unforgettable. Our guest speaker, Rear Admiral Brian Hendrickson, USN, Commander, Theatre of Operations, US Southern Command, gave a great presentation on the missions of the service and in particular the tasks in the area of responsibility for U.S. Southern Command. He also shared some stories about his training as a Navy Seal. I am looking forward to seeing everybody at our upcoming events in February. The Navy League Day at the Races, on Saturday February 11 th @ 1130, is always a lot of fun. Ladies please wear your race day hats! Our monthly dinner meeting, at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club on Wednesday February 15 th @ 1800, will feature CDR Edward Dambach, USN, Executive Officer of Naval Operational Support Center Miami, another Navy Seal, as our guest speaker. And on February 21 st, the Oren Lewis Sea Cadet Scholarship Luncheon, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort. Please contact us to purchase your tickets. I am looking forward to seeing everyone attend these special events that you don t want to miss! Semper Fidelis: Always Faithful! www.freedomsfoundation.org Abiud Abi Montes President Fort Lauderdale Council Navy League of the United States TABLE OF CONTENTS: Chuck Black Burial at Arlington National Cemetery Page 2 Birthdays...Page 2 Day at the Races...Page 3 Guest Speaker February Dinner Meeting...Page 4 Fort Lauderdale Council Website...Page 4 Seven Seas Gala :A Night in Hong Kong:...Page 5-6 Veterans Honored at Ronald O. Harrison Center...Page 7 View From the Bridge...Page 8 Sea Cadets Bivouac...Page 9-10 Sea Cadets Flagship Training...Page 11-12 Oren R. Lewis, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon...Page 13 Social Calendar...Page 14 Community Affiliates...Page 15
BuriAL SErviCE FOr PAST COuNCiL PrESidENT ChuCk BLACk AT ArLiNgTON NATiONAL CEMETEry ON FridAy, APriL 8Th 2017 Chuck s burial in Arlington National Cemetery is at 2 pm Friday, April 28. Anyone wishing to attend is welcome. We will gather at the Administration Building at Arlington - you must arrive 20 minutes before the service. At 2 pm we head to the gravesite for the service. Our dear friend, Chaplain Ron Perkins, whom many of you know, will perform the service. From the Commissioning of the USS Jason Dunham, many of you also know the Captain Scott Sciretta and his wife Sharon Sciretta. We are honored to have Sharon Sciretta serve as our Arlington Lady for Chuck s service. Arlington is accessible by metro or by car. If you have a car, there will be a parking attendant directing where to park for the service. Jonathan Black and Lynn Elsasser are hosting a reception after the service at the Navy League National Headquarters in Arlington VA for all attendees at Chuck s service. Navy League s HQ is near a metro stop and there is also a parking garage. On a Friday afternoon parking in the garage is not a problem. If you are planning to attend, kindly email Lynn - lynn.elsasser@gmail.com. A few weeks prior to the service, we will need an approximate count for the Reception. Navy League of the United States Fort Lauderdale Council February Birthdays Claudia Vance 2/2 Kenneth Strattan 2/9 Cristina Volkmar 2/9 Sue McAllister 2/13 Wendy Garfinkle 2/14 Kathryn Pate 2/16 Debo Ramsden 2/17 Robert Brauser 2/21 William Schmidlin 2/21 Gordon James III 2/24 NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 2
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guest SPEAkEr FOr Our FEBruAry 15Th dinner MEETiNg LCdr EdWArd dambach ii, usn ExECuTivE OFFiCEr, NAvAL OPErATiONAL SuPPOrT CENTEr, MiAMi Lieutenant Commander Edward Eddie Dambach II was born and raised in Southern California. He is one of the original 17 members to graduate from Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL (BUD/S) class 162 and is a plank owner of SEAL Team SEVENTEEN. His educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geological Sciences and Master of Arts degree in Latin American Studies from San Diego State University. He completed JPME I and II and has a diploma from the Naval War College and Joint Forces Staff College in Command and Staff and National Security Studies. Lieutenant Commander Dambach received his commission through the Direct Commissioning Officer program in 2002. After serving a tour of Presidential Recall and an additional tour of Active Duty for Special Work, Lieutenant Commander Dambach was selected for the Full Time Support Officer program. Lieutenant Commander Dambach s major operational assignments include: SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE; SEAL Team EIGHT; Very Shallow Water Mine Countermeasures (VSW MCM), mammals platoon assignment; Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), J-3 directorate; United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) Joint Inter Agency Coordination Group (JIACG); Operational Support Team ONE; as the Operations Department Head and; SEAL Team SEVENTEEN Platoon Commander Reserve Component, Joint Planning Assistance Team Officer (JPAT) Mexico City, Mexico; SOCSOUTH as action Officer for CENTAM/ CARIB and Regional Engagement Branch (REB) Country Officer for Panama. He also did a NAVSPECWARCOM Group ELEVEN tour as the Force Programs Officer and NAVSPECWAR UNIT FOUR Executive Officer prior to reporting for duty as NOSC Miami Executive Officer. Lieutenant Commander Dambach s major operational experience is drawn from OPERATIONS: SILVER WAKE, JOINT ENDEAVOR, JOINT GUARD, CONSTANT GUARD, NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM the MERIDA INITIATIVES and most recently, OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE. His special qualifications include: HALO-HAHO, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Operator and military linguist. Lieutenant Commander Dambach has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, 4 Joint Service Commendation Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, 2 Army Achievement Medals the combat action ribbon and various campaign and unit awards. ThE FOrT LAudErdALE COuNCiL WEBSiTE The Fort Lauderdale Council website can be found at www.ftlnavyleague.org. To access the 2017 2018 Council Roster online use UserName: ftlaud, and Password: gonavy to log in. Please send suggestions, changes, or corrections to Elaine Hogg at hovermotherfl@aol.com or call her at 954-857-3574. NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 4
A Night in Hong Kong at the Seven Seas Gala on 21 January Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six A Night in Hong Kong at the Seven Seas Gala, on 21January at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, was a great success! We were honored to have Admiral Brian Hendrickson, USN, Director, Theater Operation, United States Southern Command, as our Guest of Honor. Also in attendance from SOUTHCOM was BGen and Mrs. Kevin Iiams, USMC, Commander, Marine Forces South. The Sea Cadets served at side boys and escorted the arriving guests to the cocktail hour, where all the guests mingled and enjoyed the Blushing Dragon signature cocktail and delicious Asian hors d oeuvres, and had their portraits taken. Guests then entered the Crystal Ballroom, decorated with beautiful Chinese lanterns. LCDR Alan Starr orchestrated the arrival of the Official Party with two columns of saluting Sea Cadets flanking the military guests as they entered the ballroom. NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 5 continued on page 5
continued from page 4 A Night in Hong Kong at the Seven Seas Gala on 21 January Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six continued Guests included many active duty military from the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps as well as Navy League members, Naval Academy parents, Sea Cadet Parents, Sea Cadet Staff and Sea Cadets. The Spruance Division Sea Cadets presented the colors, and Reverend Ronald Perkins, Port Chaplain of Seafarer s House, delivered an inspiring invocation. Natalie Laing performed the National Anthem, Amazing Grace and God Bless America beautifully! Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner with impeccable service and dancing to the tunes of Bob Puccetti and the Taste Orchestra. Admiral Hendrickson gave a very moving speech which resonated with all members of the audience. He spoke about his experiences as a Navy Seal. The fabulous raffle featured luxury prizes including a 7-day cruise for two on Holland American Line, which was won by Council Member Peter Swanson. Many thanks to our Gala Committee for all the hard work they put into making it such a wonderful evening. NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 6
ThE ronald O. harrison NATiONAL guard readiness CENTEr MirAMAr, FLOridA Florida Governor Rick Scott Governor Rick Scott giving the Governor s Veterans Service Award to Abi Montes Florida Governor Rick Scott shaking Abi Montes hand. Veterans from South Florida NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 7
view From the Bridge January 2017 The Cadets began the New Year with an exciting overnight Bivouac at Birch State Park, for Wilderness and Sea Survival Training, where they learned how to purify water, start a fire, and set traps for food. A night operations exercise was held, where the Cadets were broken down into teams, assigned individual missions requiring the use of noise and light discipline. Ensign Paul Paguaga put his culinary skills to the test preparing delicious nutritious food for over 60 Cadets and Staff. The Cadets had a swim call on Fort Lauderdale s beautiful beach Saturday afternoon, and went back at 6 am Sunday morning, to do Physical Training on the Beach. The Color Guard presented Colors for a Masonic function on Saturday night, but they were back in time for cake and to celebrate January Birthdays. Flagship Training was held at the US Coast Guard Station, Fort Lauderdale in preparation for our Annual Flagship Competition which is set for February 25, 2017. Cadets from the Boca Delray Unit and the West Palm Beach Unit came down to the Coast Guard Station to join us for Flagship Training. Six Sea Cadet Units in the Southeastern Florida Region will be competing at the Fort Lauderdale Coast Guard Station for this years bragging rights. The highlight of the month was the Fort Lauderdale Navy League Council s Black-Tie event, A Night in Hong Kong, at the Seven Seas Gala, held at the Hyatt Pier 66 Hotel, January 21st. The guests of honor were Rear Admiral Brian Hendrickson, USN, Director, Theater Engagement, US Southern Command, and Brigadier General Kevin Iiams, USMC, Commander US Marine Corps Forces South, US Southern Command. Our Cadets presented an eight person color guard, performed Honors with Side Boys, and Gonged and welcomed all members of the Military 04 and above, along with Ruffles and Flourishes performed by the Band for our two Flag Officers. Other guests included representation from US Southern Command, and Several Marine Corps Senior Officers from Marine Forces South. Navy Recruiting District Miami, Commander and Deputy Commander of US Coast Guard Sector Miami, LT Mark Ketchum, Commanding Officer of USCG Station Fort Lauderdale, and LCDR Jorell Webb, Commanding Officer of our Adopted Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter Richard Etheridge, representing the US Coast Guard. The Four Chaplains Ceremony was held Sunday, January 29th, at the Fort Lauderdale Coast Guard Station by the Department of Florida, American Legion. The Ceremony honors four Army Chaplains who gave up their life jackets to four passing young soldiers who had none, on a freezing cold February night after the troop ship USS Dorchester was torpedoed off the coast of Greenland in 1943. Each Chaplains bio was read by a renactor, and then the life jacket he wore was passed to each of our 4 Cadets who represented the soldiers, saved that night. Respectfully submitted, LCDR Alan Starr NSCC, Commanding Officer NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 8
SEA CADETS BIVOUAC BivOuAC AT BirCh STATE PArk, FOr WiLdErNESS ANd SEA SurvivAL TrAiNiNg NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 9
SEA CADETS BIVOUAC BivOuAC AT BirCh STATE PArk, FOr WiLdErNESS ANd SEA SurvivAL TrAiNiNg continued NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 10
SEA CADETS FLAGSHIP TRAINING FLAgShiP TrAiNiNg AT us COAST guard STATiON FOrT LAudErdALE NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 11
SEA CADETS FLAGSHIP TRAINING FLAgShiP TrAiNiNg AT us COAST guard STATiON FOrT LAudErdALE NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 12
Second Biennial Oren R. Lewis, Jr. Sea Cadet Scholarship Fund Luncheon to benefit Spruance Division Sea Cadets Honorary Chair Jo Anne Lewis Event Co-Chairs Sandra Booth, Lynne McGrath Tuesday, February 21st, 2017 Noon Hyatt Regency Pier 66 - Pier Top Limited Seating - RSVP by February 10 th Business or Military Attire Complimentary Valet Parking RSVP by February 18 th Please detach and return with check Name Address City, State, Zip E-mail I/We will be attending $75.00 each I/We wish to be seated with: Please make check payable to: Navy League of the U. S., Fort Lauderdale Council and send to: Ms. Taylor McGrath 700 South Andrews Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33316 THE NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES, FORT LAUDERDALE COUNCIL, is a charitable tax exempt organization pursuant to section 501 3 of the Internal Revenue code. Contributions are tax deductible. The Federal Tax ID number for the Council is 59-1412425. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free within the state 1-800-435-7352. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. NAVY LEAGUE NEWS 13
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FOrT LAudErdALE COuNCiL 2017 OFFiCErS President: Abiud Montes First Vice President: Elaine Hogg Second Vice President: David Werkentien Third Vice President: Alan Starr Secretary: Jenni Laubaugh Treasurer: Harvey Kovac Assistant Treasurer: Diana Molina Judge Advocate General: Richard Chosid EdiTOriAL STAFF Lynn Drucker, Editor Jim Black Elaine Hogg Elaine Nasta Rudy Oetting Oscar Romano H H H H H H H H H H H H H BOArd OF directors MEETiNg Wednesday, March 1st, 2017 at 3:30 PM SEA CAdET headquarters Located at: 300 S.W. 25th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 H H H H H H H H H H H H H NExT general MEMBErShiP MEETiNg Wednesday, February 15, 2017 Coral ridge yacht Club 6-7PM Cocktails 7-9 PM dinner LCdr Edward dambach ii, usn Executive Officer, Naval Operational Support Center, Miami rsvp required! Call 954-565-6778 no later than noon, Monday prior to the meeting. visit us on the web at www.ftlnavyleague.org FOrT LAudErdALE COuNCiL COMMuNiTy AFFiLiATES 5700 Griffin Road, Suite 200 Davie, Florida 33314 Main Line: 954.797.0410 Cell: 954.658.7128 Direct Fax: 954.797.0549 Gary@PirtleConstruction.com Gary Pirtle, LEED AP AssistantVice President www.pirtleconstruction.com Offices located in Broward, Dade & Palm Beach CGC 001110