Pioneers in the naval Services

WWW.NNOA.ORG MERIDIAN In this issue: 2—Mission to Haiti 4—Tidewater Chapter 6– Bayou Chapter

8—Military Diversity 10—DDG-107 Commissioned Magazine of theNational Naval Officers Association “GATEWAY TO SUCCESS” 1st Quarter 2011

On the Cover: Row 1: 1944—LTjg Harriet Ida Pickens (left) and ENS Frances Wills were the Navy's first African-American "WAVES" officers 1945—2ndLt Frederick C. Branch became the 1st African-American commissioned in the US Marine Corps 1943—LTJG Joseph C. Jenkins and LTJG Clarence Samuels were the first African-American Coast Guard officers 1944—―The Golden Thirteen", the first African-American U.S. Navy Officers They are (bottom row, left to right): Ensign James E. Hare, USNR; Ensign Samuel E. Barnes, USNR; Ensign George C. Cooper, USNR; Ensign William S. White, USNR; Ensign Dennis D. Nelson, USNR; (middle row, left to right): Ensign Graham E. Martin, USNR; Warrant Officer Charles B. Lear, USNR; Ensign Phillip G. Barnes, USNR; Ensign Reginald E. Goodwin, USNR; (top row, left to right): Ensign John W. Reagan, USNR; Ensign Jesse W. Arbor, USNR; Ensign Dalton L. Baugh, USNR; Ensign Frank E. Sublett, USNR. (U.S. NHHC Photograph) Row 2: 1998—RADM Erroll Brown, the first African-American promoted to flag rank in the U.S. Coast Guard 1945—Olivia Hooker was sworn in by a Coast Guard officer, becoming the first African-American female admitted into the U. S. Coast Guard 1971—LT Kenneth H. Johnson, founding member of the National Naval Officers Association 1979—LtGen Frank E. Petersen Jr. became the first African-American US Marine Corps general Row 3: 1949—ENS Jesse L. Brown was the first African-American naval aviator in the Navy 1972—CAPT Emerson Emory founding member of the National Naval Officers Association 1970—CWO Annie Grimes the first female African-American commissioned officer in the US Marine Corps and also the first black woman officer to retire after a full 20-year career 1996—ADM J. Paul Reason the only African American to be promoted to 4 Star Admiral in the US Navy. Row 4: 1966—ENS Merle J. Smith, Jr. was the first African-American graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. 1977—CAPT Bobby C. Wilks, first African-American promoted to the rank of Captain in the US Coast Guard 1972—CAPT Claude Williams founding member of the National Naval Officers Association 1998—RADM Lillian Elaine Fishburne was the first African-American female to hold the rank of Rear Admiral in the US Navy Row 5: 1978—CAPT Joan C. Bynum, Navy Nurse Corps, first black female promoted to the rank of captain 1949—LCDR Wesley A. Brown graduated as a member of the Class of 1949, the first African-American to complete a Naval Academy education 1980—ENS Brenda Robinson became the first Black female aviator in the U.S. Navy assigned to the Fleet Logistics Squadron Forty in Norfolk, Virginia 2003—Capt Vernice Armour the first African-American female naval aviator in the Marine Corps and America's first African American female combat pilot in the United States military

Mission to Haiti East Coast Regional Vice- President Herlena Washington, LCDR, USN (Ret) poses with students from Little Shepherd School in Pernal, Haiti. LCDR Washington was in Haiti for a week long mission to provide assistance and motivation to some of the children of the earthquake devastated island of Haiti. Along with a group of eight other missionaries, LCDR Washington installed electrical lighting and outlets in classrooms and provided three meals each day where they would otherwise have received only one. The students were taught American games and songs. Money was donated to the school to help pay teachers salaries. LCDR Washington personally sponsored three youth and purchased uniforms and books for another for one year . 2

12 March 2011 President National Naval Officers Association

NNOA Colleagues,

I cannot tell you how privileged I feel to be your National President. I think I speak for each member of the National Board when I say how excited we are to be in the early planning stages of the 2011 NNOA National Professional Development and Training Conference being held in San Diego, 1-5 AUG 2011. You can be certain that the leadership is truly committed to promoting diversity through recruitment, personnel development, and mentoring. And there’s nothing like hearing that com- mitment directly from those in top leadership roles. We certainly have come a long way and I am honored to be a part of this great team.

The NNOA website has been set up for you to reserve your room for the conference now and avoid the rush. We are preparing an exciting agenda and the conference planning staff is ready to meet your high expectations for another awesome event. The hotel is one of the best venues we will have ever attended and is fully capable of meeting our needs. I hope to see all of you there.

I have been in constant contact with the chapter leaders over the past 7 months and I can assure you of their dedication to the goals and ideals of this great association. We are so blessed to have these leaders in place at a time where strong leadership is so im- portant. I ask that you keep our top priorities foremost in your mind; junior officer development, a growing membership, and scholarships to deserving youths.

Finally, I ask you to ask yourself often, “What can I do to help NNOA today?” Rededicate yourself to attending and being an active member of your chapter. Reach out to your peers and bring a new member to your next meeting opportunity. Reach out to a re- tired or reserve local former member and invite them to the next meeting opportunity. Finally, I ask for your partnership to in- form aspiring young men and women about NROTC and service academy opportunities (USNA and USCGA). If you have a Son, Daughter, Brother, Sister, or someone in your community that has the potential, please let them know about this great opportuni- ty to receive a four-year STEM-based Bachelor of Science degree, commission on graduation, guaranteed five-year job, and finally, the honor to serve our great nation!

I look forward to hearing from you ([email protected]) and seeing you at the next conference!

Sincerely,

CAPT Tony Barnes, USN (ret)

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Tidewater Chapter Receives Community Award

The Tidewater Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association, Inc. (NNOA) was recognized recently by the Literacy Part- nership for the chapter’s work in the Hampton Roads, Va. community. On Feb. 24, Tidewater NNOA received the 5th Annual Rear Admiral Ben Hacker Literacy Leadership Award in the Business Category.

The Literacy Partnership is a non-profit organization whose primary goals are to strengthen the culture of lifelong learning with- in Hampton Roads and support and initiate efforts to increase access to literacy resources and programs. The RADM Ben Hacker Literacy Leadership Award was created by the Literacy Partnership to recognize the contributions of individuals, pro- grams, and businesses that move forward the goal of becoming a fully literate society.

The Tidewater NNOA Chapter was selected for this distinguished honor because of the chapter’s multi-pronged approach to improving literacy. Chapter members volunteer in two Norfolk public schools, Camp Allen and Campostella Elementary Schools. The vari- ety and scope of the programming the chapter has developed, has en- hanced literacy and helped students recognize their stake in their own development.

The award was presented to chapter representatives by Mr. Tommy Johnson, a member of the Board of Directors and Volunteers for WHRO Public Broadcasting Television Station. According to John- son, elementary schools and communities are thankful to have non- profit organizations like Tidewater NNOA in their corner.

The Literacy Leadership Award is named for Rear Adm. Ben Hacker, Receiving this prestigious honor for the Tidewater Chapter were Maj. the first Naval Flight Officer to be selected for Flag rank in the United Morina Foster (President), far right; LCDR Michelle Joachim (Treasurer), center left, and CWO4 Joseph King (Webmaster), far left. The award was States Navy. —Submitted by Tidewater Chapter Members— presented by Mr. Tommy Johnson, center right.

Tidewater Chapter Hosts Annual Black History Month Event

The Tidewater Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association, Inc. (NNOA) held its annual Black History Month Soulful Feast Celebration on Feb. 27 at the Base Chapel of Joint Expeditionary Base – Little Creek/Fort Story. The event featured a Protestant worship service followed by a buffet of African American dishes provided by members of the chapter.

[Chap Devon Foster (LT, CHC, USN)] [Rev. Dr. Derek Keith Ross, CDR, CHC, USN (Ret)] During the worship service, Tidewater NNOA member Chaplain Devon Foster (LT, CHC, USN) delivered an eloquent homily, setting the atmosphere for a message from the guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Derek Keith Ross, CDR, CHC, USN (Ret). With the theme ―Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,‖ Ross used the accomplishments of Ms. Isabella Baumfree (a.k.a) Sojourner Truth to illus- trate his uplifting message. In keeping with the Chief of Naval Operations’ African American Heritage Month’s Theme ―African American during the Civil War,‖ Ross detailed to the congregation how Sojourner Truth was a strong force for her race as well as for women’s rights during her time on earth. —Submitted by Tidewater Chapter Members— 4

Returning IA honored by the Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies honored LT Chris Saffold, Head Aviation Enlisted Commu- nity Manager and member of the Mem- phis Chapter, during a home game at the FedEx Forum Dec. 27, 2010. Saffold re- cently returned from an Individual Aug- ment (IA) assignment to Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq. He was deployed in sup- port Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn from May 31- Nov. 24, 2010, serving as the Force Manager for J35 Joint Staff. His work focused on the management of all U.S. forces into and out of the Iraq Joint Operating Area, which included adherence to the responsi- ble drawdown of forces. The event was sponsored by The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation which provides returning service members and their fami- lies, and families of currently deployed military personnel a night out at a Mem- phis Grizzlies regular season home game. Pictured (left to right): The Memphis Grizzlies mascot, Terryl Saffold, Jr. (Brother), Ljillauna (Jill) Smith (Mother), LtT Chris The Memphis Grizzlies extend this honor Saffold, Terryl Saffold, Sr. (Father), Candace Ashir (Girlfriend) —Photo courtesy of Memphis Grizzlies— to local servicemen and women to show their deepest appreciation for their sacrifice and commitment. —By CDR Star Rhodes, Memphis PAO—

Bayou Chapter Members help with the construction of 3 homes in New Orleans

On December 3, 2010, CDR Kenneth Ivery, LCDR Wil- lie Pittman and LTJG Donald Porter, members of the Bayou Chapter along with Coast Guard Sector New Orle- ans worked with the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity to help with the construction of a home at 4025 N. Rocheblave Street, New Orleans. Additionally, they built door/window framing and assembled foundations on two additional homes being constructed at 8301 Green Street in the Carrollton Area of New Orleans.

Bayou Chapter NNOA members have routinely joined with other community conscious organizations in the New Orleans area and helped construct homes for deserv- ing underprivileged families in the New Orleans Area.

The New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is a non- profit organization dedicated to eliminating sub-standard —LTJG Donald Porter (on ladder) , CDR Ken Ivery (standing)— poverty housing. Habitat is a long-term housing solution that provides the opportunity to buy simple, decent, and affordable housing to lower-income families in our community. Habitat finances a loan, builds the home and sells the home to qualified applicants in partnership with supporters and volunteers.

Groups and individuals volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans are assigned to one of two areas, Musicians' Vil- lage in the Upper Ninth Ward or St Bernard Parish.

While much progress has been made since the city endure the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, there is still work to be done, particularly in the Upper Ninth Ward and St Bernard Parish.

Though Federal, State and Local officials are doing their part; more donations and volunteers are needed to restore the most dev- astated areas of the New Orleans to their pre-Katrina condition. —CDR Kenneth Ivery, Bayou, President—

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Report Finds Military Leadership Too Male, White Report Urges More Diversity In Military, Women In Combat

(ASSOCIATED PRESS 08 MAR 11) ... Pauline Jelinek

WASHINGTON - The U.S. military is too white and too male at the top and needs to change recruiting and promotion policies and lift its ban on women in combat, an independent report for Congress said Monday.

Seventy-seven percent of senior officers in the active-duty military are white, while only 8 percent are black, 5 percent are His- panic and 16 percent are women, the report by an independent panel said, quoting data from September 2008.

One barrier that keeps women from the highest ranks is their inability to serve in combat units. Promotion and job opportunities have favored those with battlefield leadership credentials.

The report ordered by Congress in 2009 calls for greater diversity in the military's leadership so it will better reflect the racial, ethnic and gender mix in the armed forces and in American society.

Efforts over the years to develop a more equal opportunity military have increased the number of women and racial and ethnic minorities in the ranks of leadership. But, the report said, "despite undeniable successes ... the armed forces have not yet succeed- ed in developing a continuing stream of leaders who are as diverse as the nation they serve."

"This problem will only become more acute as the racial, ethnic and cultural makeup of the United States continues to change," said the report from the Military Leadership Diversity Commission, whose more than two dozen members included current and former military personnel as well as businessmen and other civilians.

Having military leaders who better mirror the nation can inspire future recruits and help create trust among the general popula- tion, the commission said.

Among recommendations is that the military eliminate policies that exclude women from combat units, phasing in additional career fields and units that they can be assigned to as long as they are qualified. A 1994 combat exclusion policy bans women from being assigned to ground combat units below the brigade level even though women have for years served in combat situa- tions.

"If you look at today's battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan, it's not like it was in the Cold War, when we had a defined battlefield," retired Air Force Gen. Lester L. Lyles, the commission's chairman, said in an interview. "Women serve - and they lead - military security, military police units, air defense units, intelligence units, all of which have to be right there with combat veterans in order to do the job appropriately."

Because they are technically attached to, but not assigned to, combat units, they do not get credit for being in combat arms, some- thing important for promotion to the most senior ranks.

Lyles said the commission consulted a panel of enlisted women on the issue. "I didn't hear, 'Rah, rah, we want to be in combat,' " Lyles said. "But I also didn't hear, 'We don't want to be in combat.' What they want is an equal opportunity to serve where their skills allow them to serve."

Stretching the definition of diversity, the report also said the military must harness people with a greater range of skills and back- grounds in, for instance, cyber systems, languages and cultural knowledge to be able to operate in an era of new threats and to collaborate with international partners and others.

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ADM Rochon awarded Spirit of Hope Award

Thursday, October 28, 2010 Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young Post written by Angela Hirsch, chief, Coast Guard Community Relations

Vice Admiral Sally Brice O’Hara, Coast Guard Vice Comman- dant, looks on as Kelly Hope, son of Bob Hope, presents the Spirit of Hope lapel pin to Retired Rear Adm. Stephen P. Rochon. Coast Guard photo by PA2 Patrick Kelley. Retired Rear Adm. Stephen P. Rochon was honored Tuesday as the Coast Guard recipient of the Spirit of Hope Award at a cere- mony at the Pentagon. The award honors individuals whose pat- riotism and service to members of the Armed Forces reflect the patriotism and service of Bob Hope. Awards were also presented to recipients selected by the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Adm. Rochon, a lifelong student of history, has focused particu- larly on highlighting the role have played in shaping today’s Coast Guard. He wrote and produced a video documentary honoring the late Alex Haley, who served 20 years as a Coast Guardsman before going on to write the acclaimed book, ―Roots.‖ He also led the effort to award the Gold Lifesaving Medal to six New Orleans mariners for their bravery during the 1969 fire and sinking of the SS Union Faith on the Mississippi River.

In 1996, Rochon spearheaded the posthumous awarding of the Gold Lifesaving Medal to the all-black crew of the Pea Island Life- Saving Station for their daring rescue in 1896 near the Outer Banks of North Carolina. ―Through his passion for history, Adm. Rochon has resurrected some of our service’s greatest untold stories, and taught us how our diversity – whether a hundred years ago or today – makes us stronger,‖ said Vice Admiral Sally Brice-O’Hara, who presented the Spirit of Hope award to Adm. Rochon and gave the ceremony’s keynote address. ―Like Bob Hope, the winners of this award that bears his name remind us how we all can use our passions and talents to give back to the men and women of the Armed Forces.‖

Each Spirit of Hope award winner received a bas relief medal bear- ing the image of Bob Hope. U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA2 Pat- rick Kelley. Since his retirement from the Coast Guard in 2007, Adm. Rochon has continued working on behalf of the Coast Guard, sharing his knowledge as interest in these previously untold stories has grown. He served as an advisor to the documentary film ―Rescue Men,‖ released this year, and to ―Fire on the Beach,‖ the book on which the film was based.

―Adm. Rochon has been an enthusiastic advocate of the history of the Coast Guard and particularly that of the contributions of Afri- can Americans to the service,‖ said Coast Guard Historian Dr. Robert Browning. ―For many years he has advanced and promoted the knowledge that we have on the African American lifesaving crew at Pea Island, North Carolina. The service and the nation are richer for his untiring efforts.‖

Advertise in the 2011 Conference Souvenir Program

Would you like to promote your business, represent your fraternity/sorority, or maybe you’d just like to see your name and or picture in print? Well, NNOA has a golden opportunity for you; advertise in the 2011 Souvenir Conference Program. It is inexpensive and best of all, you will be supporting NNOA in its efforts to provide a quality keepsake. A patron ad (up to 50 characters and spaces) is priced at $25 and a full page $130. There are also other options available so visit the NNOA website or contact your local chapter PAO for more details and or to place an ad. Be a part of history place an ad in the 2011 souvenir program.

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USS Samuel L. Gravely (DDG 107) Commissioned

20 Nov 10—Members of the Lejeune/Cherry Point Chapter pose in front of the Navy’s newest Arleigh-Burke class destroyer the USS Gravely (DDG 107), which is named after the late VADM Samuel L. Gravely Jr. VADM Gravely achieved a number of firsts in the U.S. Navy to include being the 1st African American commissioned, serve aboard a Navy war ship, command a Navy Ship and 1st African American to become a Fleet Commander and Flag Officer. The ships motto ―First to Conquer‖. (Pictured l-r—1sttLt O. Higgins, Capt T. Johnson, LtCol R. LeGall, 1stLt A. M. Toure’, LtGen W. Williams, Col G.C. Lewis III, Maj K. Flagg, Maj J.M. Boyd and CWO3 R. Summers) (Photo by LCpl Damany S. Coleman)

The commissioning ceremony was also well attended by a number of Navy Admirals past and present. (l to r) RDML Gene Kendall, USN (Ret); VADM David Brewer III, USN (Ret); RADM Lawrence Chambers, USN (Ret); VADM Anthony Winns; ADM J. Paul Reason, USN (Ret); RDML Kevin Scott; VADM Walter Davis, USN (Ret); RDML Sinclair Harris; RADM Arthur Johnson; RADM Julius Ceasar

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Spotlight on San Francisco Bay Area Life Member LCDR ―Jim‖ Haskins, USN, Retired

James Harold Haskins hails from Texarkana, Texas originally. He was raised by his parents along with nine brothers and two sisters. Jim credits knowing what to expect in life from watching his older siblings. A graduate of Dunbar High School, Jim recalls that ―Football‖ was a ―required‖ staple in his family. All the boys played Football.

Jim enlisted in the Navy right out of high school. He had ambitions of getting a Football scholarship to attend college but was afraid he would not make the Team. Instead, hearing that he could play Football in the Navy and the benefits of the GI bill, he decided the Navy was the best place for him. Jim did his Navy job in the day, played Football and attended classes at night. He speaks with great excite- ment and appreciation about meeting a Navy Petty Officer by the name of Clauson at this first duty station. ―Petty Officer Clauson took me under his wing,‖ Jim said and guided me to do all the courses to get promoted quickly in the Navy. I made rank fast, Jim said ―plus I had some good Chiefs who beat me up and made me do what I was supposed to do.‖

While serving in Vietnam, Jim received a letter from his Chief telling him about the Chief Warrant Officer program. The Army tried to recruit him but his Divi- sion Officer encouraged him to apply for the Navy’s Warrant program. Jim became eligible to be a Navy Chief Petty Officer and when he was not promoted decided to apply for the Navy Warrant Officer pro- gram. He was accepted and was a CWO3 when he applied for the Navy’s Limited Duty Officer program. He was then select- ed a Lieutenant junior grade to serve in the Supply Corps.

The rest is history for Jim. He served in various assignments at sea and ―loved it.‖ He recalls working alongside then Lt. Paul Reason now Admiral retired. Jim reflects that the Navy is the greatest career in the world. ―The Navy has everything. They don’t ask for experience, they give it to you.‖ Jim retired after 30 years of service and is now an ordained Deacon. He is very active in the National Naval Officers Association, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and his community. He is married to Ethel Haskins and resides in Oakland, California with his two daughters Lori, and Gina and four grandchildren.

Why should you attend the NNOA Professional Development and Training Conference to be held 1-5 Aug 2011 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina? - More than 20 hours of instruction and lecture by top leaders in the Sea Services, other US Government Agencies, and industry. - Several hours of mentoring by military and civilian leaders - Three Professional Luncheons with the Sea Service Chiefs - Welcome Reception and networking opportunities! - Three General Assemblies (NNOA business meetings) - A Four-Day Silent Auction - Youth Day - Two-day Spouse Workshop - Morning Devotionals - Awards Banquet And much, much more! For more information and to register visit www.nnoa.org and click on the 2011 Conf Info link

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NNOA 2011 CONFERENCE SILENT AUCTION National Naval Officers Association Dear Chapter Presidents, 2010-2011 Board of Just a reminder that Chapters will have the opportunity again this year to participate in the Silent Directors Auction featured at the National Conference. President: Tony Barnes, CAPT, USN (Ret) Auction items can be new or used. If used, must be in mint condition. All chapters who desire to participate should e-mail CDR McCallaCreary to register for the auction. A 6-foot table will be Immediate Past Pressident: provided for exhibition of auction items. Each item must have a bid sheet with the minimum bid Bernard L. Jackson CAPT, USN (Ret) amount listed on the bid sheet. Chapters should bring all items with bid sheet to be displayed Eastern Region Vice-President: starting on Tuesday, the first day of the conference ending at 1400 on Herlena Washington, LCDR, USN (Ret) Friday, August 5th. If your item is too large to be transported to the conference, recommend that Central Region Vice-President: a picture of the item is printed on the bid sheet along with instructions as to how the winning bid- Lamar Johnson, CDR, USCG (Ret) der can expect the item to be delivered. Western Region Vice-President: LtCol David R. Everly, USMC Any questions, please contact CDR McCallaCreary at [email protected] or call 408 268-2933. Far East Region Vice-President: CAPT Joel L. Parker, USN Flag Officer Announcements Secretary: February 17, 2011 Maj Melissa Ayres, USMCR Treasurer: Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead LtCol Grady A. Belyeu, USMC announced today the following assignment: Rear Adm. Arthur J. Johnson will be assigned as Navy Representative: director, Assessment Division, N81, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, CAPT Will Triplett, USN D.C. Johnson is currently serving as commander, , Norfolk, Va. Marine Corps Representative: Col Grover C. Lewis III, USMC General Officer Announcements Coast Guard Representative: Major Gen. Ronald L. Bailey assumed command of Marine Corps Recruiting Command LCDR Simone Montgomery, USCG on Jan. 3, 2011. He is also the commanding general of the Western Recruiting Region and Ma- Reserve Representative: rine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. CAPT Fleurette Etienne, USNR January 21, 2011 Retired Representative: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the Ron Evans, CAPT, USN (Ret) following nominations: Marine Corps Col. Craig Q. Timberlake has been nominated for appoint- Historian: ment to the rank of brigadier general. Timberlake is currently serving as the chief of staff, III Ron Casey, CDR, USN (Ret) Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. Chaplain: LT Ferguson Harris, USN Public Affairs Officer: 2011 NNOA Professional Development and Maj Jason B. Davis, USMC training conference Master-at-Arms: Capt Neville Welch, USMC NNOA — Enhancing Mission Readiness for the Sea Membership Director: (Interim) Services through Leadership, Mentorship and Layne Boone, CDR, USN (Ret) D i v e r s i t y Judge Advocate:

The Honorable Ms. Tamia Gordon

Parliamentarian: 1 - 5 August 2011 Bill Shelton, LCDR,USCG (Ret)

Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina Executive Assistant Bea Henderson, LCDR, USN (Ret) Sponsored in part by: P.O. Box 10871 Alexandria, VA 22310-0871 Fax: 703-997-1068 E-mail: [email protected]

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