“Serving the Sea Services” Quantico Chapter Spring 2006 Newsletter

President: LtCol Robert Clements Vice-President: Maj David Everly Chaplain: Capt Michael Williams Public Affairs: Capt Paula McNair Treasurer: Capt Travis Reeves Secretary: Lt Angela Simpson Membership: Maj Tamia Ashley Webmaster: Capt Robert Guice Sgt-At-Arms: Maj Jonathan Loney Historian: Capt Ronella Taylor

Upcoming Events Message from the President... • July 5th Executive Board Meeting

• July 12th General Meeting Once again let me compliment presence during TBS mixers, fight that we must share with the membership of the Quantico Church visits, Golf Tournaments, each other." For those that will • July 17-21 34th Annual National Chapter, NNOA for the superla- meetings is always inspirational depart Quantico, I wish you the NNOA Conference tive performance displayed over and educational. Gener- best as you continue to effec- the past year. As a team, we als Stanley, Bolden and Fields; tively lead our Marines and sail- • July 27-29 Montford Point Ma- continue to turn challenges in although not physically present, ors. rines Annual Convention accomplishments. We are ex- your wise and sterling examples tremely fortunate to have had continue to enrich our organiza- Semper Fidelis, • August 12 Quantico Membership Senior Leadership willing to tion. It is equally important for Picnic make time in their extremely me to thank everyone who made busy schedules to support the this year a success. As I have LtCol R. C. Clements chapter. Major Generals Gaskin, said previously, "We all bring a President Wilson, Coleman, Brigadier Gen- unique and special brand of Quantico Chapter, NNOA erals Bailey and Salinas, your expertise and experience to the Inside this issue:

Royalty to Take Charge of Quan- 2 Chapter Announces the 2006 Scholarship Award Winners tico’s Naval Health Clinic ~ Maj Jonathan P Loney Getting Involved with NNOA 2 Three local area high school education-related expenses at alike, graceful personality, and students are all smiles after the college or university of their favor as - in the words of both receiving notifications from the choice. her school principal and guid- Quantico Chapter Scholarship ance counselor - "the most SILVER HAWK: Frank Petersen, a 3 At the on-set of the scholar- man of firsts Committee that they were se- likely young women to succeed lected from a group of twenty ship committee's determination and make a difference in the and selection meeting, Brianne Women in Military Service for 4 candidates as recipients of world," had equally set her Connolly's package stood out America Foundation academic scholar- above and beyond both the ships. Brianne Connolly of among all the remaining 19 candidates that the selection Military Short On Minority Generals 5 Stonewall Jackson High School strong candidates. Touting a board considered, as well as at in Manassas, Jonathan Sahlin 4.53 cumulative GPA and an her awards ceremony held on 1 of Courtland High School in impressive listing of AP classes, June at Stonewall Jackson High Navy Ships Named in Honor of 5 Spotsylvania County, and Jes- her strong academic transcript School, where she received a African Americans sica Richers of Woodbridge spoke for itself. Her community total of six scholarships and Senior High School in Wood- service throughout high school grants. Brianne had been ac- with the student and Prince An Evening with the Commandant 6 bridge, will receive $1,000 each cepted at a number of schools William County governments to assist with tuition and other (Continued on page 3)

Career Day at Coles Elementary 9 School

“Serving the Sea Services” Page 2

Royalty to Take Charge of Quantico’s Naval Health Clinic On 14 July 2006 at 1030, Cap- will take place at the ceremo- ceived a Bachelor of Arts De- tain Janee Przybyl, Medical nial area in front of the Balch gree from the University of Service Corps, United States Clinic with a reception to follow. Maryland Baltimore County in Navy will relinquish command Health, Science and Policy con- to Captain Joan Queen, Medical A native of Baltimore, Maryland, centrating in Health Care Ad- Service Corps, United States Captain Queen graduated from ministration. She received a Navy. The change of command the Institute of Notre Dame, Baltimore, Maryland and re- (Continued on page 4) Getting Involved with NNOA ~Capt Travis T. Reeves, USMC

Initially, I did not understand have told them that it was a mality of the normal work envi- “My experience has the urgency of the suggestion: kind thought, but wishful think- ronment. Working diligently and “Get involved. Join the National ing at best. Not only did they closely toward the shared goals been one of senior Naval Officers Association. You show up, but they carved time and objectives of the organiza- officers going out of are the future of the Sea Ser- out of their busy schedules to tion often created a relaxed their way to get junior vices. Be a part of the future.” take pictures, interacted with atmosphere that fostered ca- At the time, I had not been com- other officers that showed up to maraderie amongst peers and officers involved and missioned a whole year, and I support, and squeezed a few an environment that was con- welcomed into the felt like I was swimming as hard last mentorship lessons in be- ducive to posing complex ques- organization; and as I could to keep up with the fore I started my journey as a tions to senior officers. Sec- present; the future would have Captain. It took a day as re- ondly, it is great being a junior questions are not only to wait. I never questioned the markable as that one, for me to officer in the organization. My answered, but significance of the organization realize how much of an impact experience has been one of encouraged.” Capt and I certainly never doubted that being involved in the NNOA senior officers going out of their Reeves the importance of the future. I has had on my socialization into way to get junior officers in- just felt like I would probably the Marine Corps. And while volved and welcomed into the join the organization eventually, these officers were here to sup- organization; and questions are but not now. I was just getting port me getting promoted, they not only answered, but encour- started with my career; I had 20 were simultaneously supporting aged. Thirdly, conversations years to “Get Involved”. Had I the core mission of the organi- (Continued on page 4) not been strong-armed, oops, I zation, which is the recruitment mean “strongly encouraged” by and retention of minority offi- my Staff Platoon Commander, cers. Had it not been for the to attend one of the meetings, it majority of the officers in the would have taken a lot longer audience, who had mentored for me to understand the impor- me at one point or another, I tance and value of being in- doubt that I would have stayed volved. beyond my first tour. I am grateful that there were more [Fast forward to my promotion experienced officers around ceremony on May 1st] that could help me see the big- It was an incredible day for me, ger picture. at the very least. I could not There are several advantages to have been more excited, or any participating in this organiza- happier with the support I re- tion, but there were three, in ceived from fellow officers, jun- particular, that made a huge ior and senior alike. Had some- difference to me. Meetings and one told me (4) years earlier other NNOA sponsored events that there would be (2) General served as a great introduction Officers, an SES, and a General to junior and senior officers Officer (select) there applauding Maj Everly, BGen Bailey, Capt Reeves, MajGen Coleman, and MajGen without the pressure and for- my promotion to Captain, I may Gaskin at Capt Reeve’s promotion ceremony

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Scholarship Continued... and elected to attend Duke intends to major in mathemat- School. She has elected to University, where she plans to ics. attend Indiana University, major in engineering. Jessica Richers knows where she plans to follow whence cometh her help, and through on her music education Jonathan Sahlin was selected that fact of her life she is not at in hopes of one day being a by virtue of his excellent aca- all ashamed or hesitant to tell university music professor and demic achievement in that he you comes from the Lord. A join the Metropolitan Orchestra. concurrently qualified to receive devoted Christian, athlete, and an associate's degree along musician, Jessica made the The scholarship committee with his high school di- decision early on in her life that joins our chapter president in ploma. When asked how he she would dedicate her life to thanking retired Major Gen- accomplished such an achieve- her religion while honing her eral’s Stanley, Bolden, Fields, ment, his reply was "during the creativity and musical talents and Lincoln Military Properties- tenth grade, I realized that high on creating music that will Quantico, for their contributions school AP (advanced place- touch as much of the world as that have enabled this year’s ment) classes just were not possible. From her church in scholarship awards to rank going to give me the challenge Woodbridge to overseas mis- among the largest that the Jonathan Sahlin, graduate of Court- that I needed, so I decided to sions to Honduras and future Quantico Chapter has been take college level courses in- land High School, receives his overseas missions that she is able to award in recent years. stead of AP." Jonathan was the planning in the near term, Jes- scholarship award from Maj Loney recipient of two scholarship sica had already begun to follow awards during his awards cere- through on her vision. Jessica mony held on 8 May at Court- was the recipient of five schol- land High School. Jonathan arships and awards at her plans to attend Virginia Com- awards ceremony held on 7 monwealth University where he June at Woodbridge Senior High SILVER HAWK: Frank Petersen, a man of firsts ~Written by Fred Carr Jr. Frank Petersen stood out- words that can best describe bees and started telling me about “We need to move side his home on the banks of him are “first,” “only,” “hero,” their travels and adventures, I de- forward to utilize, the Chesapeake Bay on Mary- and “leader.” cided it was time to go see the land’s Eastern Shore in early ocean for the first time in my life.” not capitalize on February. Gazing upward, he But when asked how he pointed out one of the local feels about being recognized After recruit training at Naval diversity. It’s just a landmarks to his visitors. as the Marine Corps’ first Training Center San Diego, Peter- matter of realizing There, high atop a tree, was a black aviator, its first black sen was sent to school to become bald eagle’s nest built strongly general, and the first African a Navy electronics technician. peoples’ talents.” enough to defy the winds that American Marine to wear three (Continued on page 7) Frank Petersen sometimes close the nearby stars, he said, “We need to Chesapeake Bay Bridge. His move forward to utilize, not eyes were a reflection of awe capitalize on diversity. It’s just and respect -- even kinship, for a matter of realizing peoples’ Frank Petersen is an “eagle” in talents.” his own right. And what talents Petersen The bleached homes and had as a Marine! His retire- wind-thinned pines that line ment as the commanding gen- this area of the Chesapeake eral of the Marine Corps Com- Bay are a long ways from bat Development Command at Topeka, Kansas, where Peter- Quantico, Va., in 1988 com- sen was born in 1932. But it is pleted a saga that began in the place he has chosen to 1950 when he decided to join quietly enjoy the the Navy. rewards of a life and career “There wasn’t much hap- that will forever occupy some pening in Topeka. So when (left to Right) BGen Coleman, MajGen Gaskin, LtGen(Ret) very notable pages of Marine some of my friends came Petersen, Ms. Petersen, MajGen (Ret) Stanley, BGen Bailey Corps history. Among the home on leave from the Sea-

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Queen Continued…

(Continued from page 2) She was promoted to Captain on 4 June 2002. Immediately thereafter, she reported to the U. S. Master’s Degree in Health Science from the Johns Naval Hospital, Naples, Italy as the Executive Offi- Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public cer. In June 2004 she reported to the National Health in Health Care Administration and Plan- Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland and ning. She received a direct commission into the served as the Director for Administration. Medical Service Corps, United States Naval Re- serve in September 1983 at the rank of Lieuten- Captain Queen’s military awards include the Meri- ant Junior Grade and then attended Officer Indoc- torious Service Medal with three gold stars and trination School in Newport, Rhode Island in Octo- the Navy Commendation Medal with one gold star. ber 1983. She is a credentialed member of the American Her previous assignments include Naval Hospital, Academy of Medical Administrators, a member of Portsmouth, Virginia; Naval Medical Command, the American College of Health Care Executives Mid-Atlantic Region; the Bureau of Medicine and and a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Surgery where she served as the Head of the Non- Sorority, Incorporated. naval Health Care Program Branch; Naval Medical Clinic, Annapolis, Maryland where she served as the Director for Administration; and the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery where she was the Adminis- trative Officer to the Deputy Surgeon General and she also served as the Assistant to the Chief of Staff; Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune, North Caro- lina where she was the Director for Administration and the Executive Officer of the Fleet Hospital. After serving as the Executive Officer of the Fleet Hospital Camp Lejeune, Captain Queen partici- pated in two operational readiness evaluations and completed the Fleet Hospital Operations In- doctrination and Orientation Course and four Fleet Hospital Operations Field Training Courses. Captain Joan Queen

Women in Military Service for America Foundation

The guest speaker for the last Women Marines WIMSA. Association luncheon was BGen Wilma Vaught USAF (Ret). She is the president of Women in BGen Vaught's goal is to have 500,000 women registered by the memorial's 10th anniversary Military Service for America Foundation. next year. Your are encouraged to visit the web- The WIMSA memorial is located at the gateway site using the link below. Registration is free but of Arlington National Cemetery and is the only donations are encouraged. major memorial dedicated to the women who have served to defend this nation. All women who http://www.womensmemorial.org/ have honorably served are eligible to register with

Getting Involved Continued...

(Continued from page 2) to concrete unbiased advice from senior officers outside of my chain-of-command, as well. with senior officers often lead to amazingly practi- It took a couple years, but I am glad I finally got cal advice. In many cases, I had excellent support it. It is important that we take up issues beyond from my chain-of-command to guide me with our own personal careers. In doing so, we make questions pertaining to my job. Yet on the other the Marine Corps stronger and cultivate relation- hand, I always found it beneficial to have access ships that will last us a lifetime.

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Military Short On Minority Generals ~Topher Sanders, Montgomery Advertiser Ronnie Hawkins Jr. had been in the Air Force come a general/flag officer. seven years before he met a black man like him- self wearing a silver eagle, the insignia of a colo- Both the Pentagon and Hawkins see minority officers as fundamental to the military's success. nel. Defense officials believe diversity is crucial be- At 29 and determined to make the military his cause so many in the ranks are minorities. Haw- life's work, Hawkins was wondering if he could kins makes the case from the perspective of sheer ever be more than a . The captain wanted brain power. to be like Daniel "Chappie" James, the distin- "It's because of the wealth of intellectual capital guished black general. that's gained," Hawkins said. "Everybody who "It had a positive effect," Hawkins said of meet- doesn't look the same doesn't think the same, so ing now retired Col. John Culver. "I could see and you need the wealth of that diversity that comes realize there's something for me to aspire to." from having minorities of all races, ethnicities and gender." Today, 20 years later, Hawkins is a brigadier (one-star) general in charge of the Air Force Officer Right now, according to Shavers, the Pentagon Accession and Training Schools at Maxwell-Gunter is hoping to increase diversity two ways: by recruit- Air Force Base. He is one of the branch's 274 gen- ing more promising minority students to become erals, only eight of whom are black. Three are officers and by helping guide the careers of newly Hispanic and one is Asian. commissioned minority officers. A shortage of minority generals – 62 out of 884 The military starts its recruitment efforts as in the four combat branches – is a fact that De- early as middle school. Recruiters encourage fense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld readily ac- those with "academic stamina" to apply for Re- knowledges and insists he's trying to remedy. The serve Officer Training Corps scholarships and ser- Pentagon, however, would not put a number or vice academy appointments. The Army, Navy and percentage on how many generals should be mi- Air Force academy even have established minority norities. admissions offices to identify and recruit potential appointees. Senior military officials are hard at work on ini- tiatives to increase diversity because there are so Hawkins commissions about 80 percent of the few minority officers now on their way up, spokes- officers entering the Air Force, so he knows first- man Maj. Michael Shavers said in a statement. hand how stiff the competition is for talented mi- The Defense Department estimates a newly com- nority candidates. missioned officer will need about 25 years to be- (Continued on page 8) Navy Ships Named in Honor of African Americans ~Rudi Williams American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2000 -- It The first ship named in honor struction. took more than 168 years after of an African American was the The nuclear-powered ballistic the Continental Congress author- USS Harmon (DE-678), a 1,400- missile submarine USS George ized the first ship of a new Navy ton destroyer escort, commis- Washington Carver (SSBN-656) for the United Colonies on Oct. sioned in August 1943. It was was the next craft named in 13, 1775, before a ship was named in honor of Mess Atten- honor of an African American. named for an African American. dant First Class Leonard Roy The submarine honors scientist Harmon, who posthumously was The first ships were named George Washington Carver awarded the Navy Cross for after kings (Alfred the Great), (1864-1943). Commissioned in heroism during the Battle of patriots (John Hancock), heroes June 1966, the Carver carried Guadalcanal on Nov. 13, 1942. (USS Nathanael Greene), ideals out 73 patrols in the Atlantic He was killed in action aboard (USS Constitution), institutions area until mid-1991. She was the cruiser the USS San Fran- (USS Congress), American places decommissioned in March 1993. cisco. (USS Virginia), and small crea- The USS Jesse L. Brown (DE- tures with a potent sting such as Nine other Navy ships have 1089 and later FF-1089 and Hornet, Wasp. been named in honor of African (Continued on page 9) Americans. Two are under con-

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An Evening with the Commandant ~Major Tamia Ashley On Friday, 16 June 2006, Presidential inaugurations quence and format, Colonel several members of the Quan- and specific occasions Leonard F. Chapman Jr., the Established in 1801, tico NNOA Chapter spent an prompted the parades and future 24th Commandant of the outstanding evening with the ceremonies conducted at the Marine Corps, insisted that the Marine Barracks 8th 33rd Commandant of the Ma- Barracks during the early parade adhere to strict regula- & I is the Corps' rine Corps, General M.W. 1900s. The traditional reveille tions. The parade drill would be oldest post, and home Hagee. The occasion was the and morning muster parades according to "the book" with no Evening Parade held each sum- were conducted with varying fancy theatrics, which fre- to the Evening Parade mer at the Marine Barracks 8th frequency at the post, and they quently characterized drill rou- -- the most dramatic & I in Washington, DC. eventually resulted in more tines of that period. Since its formalized ceremonies. inception, the Evening Parade military celebration in Established in 1801, Marine has become a unique patriotic the world. Barracks 8th & I is the Corps' Using the resplendent setting tradition of the "Oldest Post of oldest post, and home to the of the Barracks, wistful imagina- the Corps". The parade is of- Evening Parade -- the most dra- tion and the Marines' flare for fered solely to express the dig- matic military celebration in the showmanship, the parades nity and pride that represents world. The parade is a one hour were to be a showcase for the more than two centuries of and fifteen minute performance ceremonial prowess of Marines heritage for all Americans. of music and precision march- and the musical eminence of (History of the Barracks pro- ing, which features "The Presi- the U.S. Marine Band, which vided courtesy of Public Affairs dent's Own" United States Ma- had achieved international re- Staff.) rine Band; "The Commandant's nown under the premier military Own" The United States Marine band leader of all time, John To learn more about 8th & I or Drum and Bugle Corps; and, the Philip Sousa. to attend a parade, visit: http:// Marine Corps Silent Drill Pla- www.mbw.usmc.mil/. In planning the parade se- toon. The Evening Parade is held every Friday during the summer from May through August. The ceremony starts at 8:45 p.m., beginning with a concert by the United States Marine Band. The Evening Parade has be- come a universal symbol of the professionalism, discipline, and Esprit de Corps of the United States Marines. The story of the ceremony reflects the story of Marines throughout the world. Whether they are aboard ships, in foreign embassies, at recruit depots, in divisions, or in the many positions and places where Marines project their image, the individual Marine continually tells the story of the Corps.

History of the Evening Parade

As the "Oldest Post of the Corps," the Marine Barracks has performed military reviews and ceremonies since its found- Capt Travis Reeves, Capt Paula McNair, General Hagee, Major Tamia Ashley, and Capt Melissa Ayres ing. The present-day Evening Parade was first conducted on July 5, 1957.

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Silver Hawk Continued…

(Continued from page 3) ning. He transitioned from prop 46 (Sea Knight helicopter) about fighters to jets, while using his an eighth of a mile away off to There, he heard about the Naval off-duty hours to attend night one side. Directly where I was Aviation Cadet program and sud- school so he could qualify for the headed, though, I saw something denly found himself on a differ- Bootstrap Program. He knew he else – Vietnamese running to- ent path toward the adventure needed to finish college if he ward where I was going to land. I and travel he craved. was going to be competitive in didn’t know it at the time, but the officer Corps. they weren’t interested in me, “I was sent to Pensacola, Fla., they wanted my chute for silk for flight training, and that’s His studies went more slowly pajamas.” where I met a man who would than he preferred, interrupted in change my life.” part by assignments to Hawaii Petersen’s uncanny good for- and Iwakuni, Japan. Finally, he tune was illustrated again before That man was a former drew orders to the Amphibious the week was out. enlisted Marine, Dave Campbell, Warfare School at Quantico also a Naval Aviation Cadet. And where he was able to finish up “I couldn’t let my Marines if things had worked out a bit his bachelor’s degree at nearby think their “old man” was having differently, the Corps’ first Afri- George Washington University. second thoughts, so we found can American aviator may have The year was now 1967 and fate another bird and I was flying been Campbell, not Petersen. was about to create some new again in two days. When I found pages in the chronicles of Frank out what our target was, I started “I was only the fourth black muttering in my helmet. My Petersen. cadet in the program,” Petersen backseater said, ‘Skipper, what’s said. “It was tough training, and “I went to Vietnam and took wrong?’ I said, ‘You aren’t gonna Dave ended up washing out. But over Marine Fighter Attack believe this, but we’re headed before he left, he advised me Squadron 314,” he said. “It was right back to where I got my ass “It was something, there had never been a black one of the best assignments I shot down the other day!’ But returning to El Toro aviator in the Corps, something had -- we took the title of Fighter the second time was a whole he had hoped to change. It was Attack Squadron of the Year in different story.” as a lieutenant wearing up to me to carry that on.” the Corps for 1968.” a DFC,” he said. Vietnam safely behind him, Petersen persevered and, in It was also one of Petersen’s Petersen continued his upward “You wouldn’t believe October 1952, accepted a com- most dangerous assignments. In spiral toward the eagle’s nest. some of the looks I mission as a August 1968, his F-4 Phantom He commanded a Marine Aircraft got.” in the Marine Corps. was shot down. Group, a Marine Amphibious Brigade, and a Marine Aircraft “They gave me orders to Ma- “We had just taken off from rine Corps Air Station Cherry Wing, carving out many of his Chu Lai,” Petersen said, “to pro- successes during one of the Point, N.C.,” he recalled, “but I vide close air support for a Corps’ most contentious eras. told them I would prefer El Toro, trapped recon unit. I was leading Calif. I didn’t know it at the time, the attack as we made a second Petersen retired from the Ma- but I had just jumped from the run on the target when my left rine Corps in 1988 and went to frying pan into the fire.” engine was hit and caught fire. work for DuPont, where he rose to become a vice president, Petersen got his “dream tour” “Both of us (Petersen and his to California, but it ended up a teaching corporate America radar intercept officer, Maj. Ed about Marine Corps leadership. short-lived one. The fire he had Edelen) knew if we went down jumped into turned out to be Retiring from DuPont in 1997, north of the DMZ, we’d be guests Petersen now lives in his home Korea where he flew Corsairs at the Hanoi Hilton for a long with Marine Fighter Squadron along the Chesapeake and do- time, so we turned around. We nates his time to his favorite 212 in 60 combat missions. And were just about to the DMZ when causes. it was there that he discovered the second engine caught fire. the “eagle” in himself, earning We pressed on. Then the fire the Distinguished Flying Cross crossed over our hydraulics and and 6 Air Medals. our controls locked. We SILVER HAWK “It was something, returning to punched.” Petersen and Edelen Frank Petersen, a man of firsts El Toro as a lieutenant wearing a were fortunate. Both were res- but always a Marine. DFC,” he said. “You wouldn’t cued, but not before Petersen believe some of the looks I got.” wrote a footnote to his ordeal. But the attention leveled at “As I was floating down on my Frank Petersen was just begin- chute, I could see the Marine CH-

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Minority Generals Continued…

(Continued from page 5) attend all the right schools and take the right as- signments – that makes a difference," he said. “Everybody who doesn't "I see it all the time in this job, when I've got a "Mentors can give you those hints and advice." corporation telling a minority individual that they look the same doesn't The Pentagon flatly states that not enough will pay for all of their college and give them X think the same, so you number of thousands of dollars just to come into young minority officers are in the military occupa- tions where many of the general and flag officer their company," he said. need the wealth of that positions exist. For newly commissioned officers, Shavers said, diversity that comes from mentoring is key. A role model can provide invalu- Defense officials are so serious about address- ing the shortages, Shaver said, that they're hold- having minorities of all able advice about career planning. ing a strategy-planning summit this year. Each races, ethnicities and Hawkins had role models in his own family – his branch also has established an office devoted gender." grandfather was a Buffalo Soldier, his father is a solely to increasing diversity. retired Air Force chief master sergeant – but it was mentors who taught him how to be a good Hawkins acknowledged that certain jobs – pilot, air battle manager or navigator – traditionally general officer candidate. have been a faster track to general officer but Culver, the retired colonel, and retired Maj. Gen. stopped short of saying more minorities need to Dale Meyerrose gave Hawkins the confidence to be pushed into those military jobs. believe he could become a general. "You want to be in those operational career "I didn't really even think or believe in that and fields," he said. "Unfortunately, I'm a blemish on focus in on that until I was already a colonel selec- that track record because I'm a support person. tee," he said. "And so that's why I'm telling you So the reverse is also true, the opportunities are there were some blessings and people in my path there to make it happen." that made this possible because, in all honesty, it could have just passed me by, and I'd have never Marsh stressed that even beyond doing all the right things as an officer, increasing the number of known any difference." minority generals has to be a priority of top mili- Like Hawkins, retired Rear Adm. Clyde Marsh tary officials. believes mentoring is absolutely essential to the success of junior officers. Marsh returned to civil- "The senior leadership has to be committed and ian life in 2004 after achieving the rank of rear they have to make diversity a priority," he said. admiral lower half, the Navy's equivalent of a one- "Specifically the four-stars, they are the ones that star general. set the tone and set the example." "As a junior officer, you don't really know all the Hawkins is proud of his 27-year career and ins and outs of building a successful military ca- hopes his success will prove to be a motivator for reer," said Marsh, who now heads the Alabama other officers. Department of Veteran Affairs. "Yes, I experienced some struggles, both profes- "You have to pursue the high-profile and chal- sional and personally," he said. "But I didn't focus lenging jobs, and avoid the easy ones. You have to in on them, and I didn't let them hinder me. I use

Career Day at Coles Elementary School ~LtCol Dawn Harrison On 7 April 2006, I participated in bracelets similar to the live bag in his pocket a picture of his the career day at Coles Elemen- strong bracelets. The lanyards grandfather in his Marine uni- tary School where my son, were a big hit. While the kinder- form during the 1940s. Accord- Tommy, is a second grade stu- garten class why quite shy, like ing to his teacher, the student dent. I addressed kindergarten most seven and eight year olds, carries the picture with him through second grade classes. I the first and second graders had every day. At his young age, he used various posters as visual plenty of questions. There was is already demonstrating an aides. At the end of my presen- one student who said he wants understanding of the motto Sem- tation, I handed out Marine to be a Marine like his grandfa- per Fidelis. Corps lanyards and Marines.com ther. He even had in a plastic

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Ships Continued...

(Continued from page 5) of the Arctic Explorer Matthew Alexander Henson (1866-1955) who accompanied Robert E. Peary FFT- 1089) was named in honor of Ensign Jesse L. when he was credited with discovering the North Brown, USN (1926-1950). Brown was the first Pole in 1909. The Henson was commissioned in African-American naval aviator, and was killed in 1998. action during the Korean War. The USNS Watson was named in honor of Army The USS Miller (DE-1091, later FF-1091) was Pvt. George Watson, who was posthumously named in honor of Cook Third Class Doris ("Dorie") awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during Miller. Miller was awarded the Navy Cross for World War II. heroism during the Japanese attack on Pearl Har- The USS Oscar Austin was named in honor of Ma- bor on Dec. 7, 1941. The Miller was commis- rine Pfc. Oscar P. Austin, who was posthumously sioned in June 1973 and was transferred to the awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during Naval Reserve Force in January 1982. She was the Vietnam War. The Austin is an Arleigh Burke decommissioned in October 1991. class guided missile destroyer. The Austin is under The USNS (U.S. Naval Ship) Pfc. James Anderson construction and is scheduled for commissioning Jr. (T-AK- 3002) was named in honor of Marine in August 2000. Pfc. James Anderson Jr., who was posthumously A 10th ship honoring an African-American Navy awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during Cross recipient, Navy Cook 3rd Class William the Vietnam War. A maritime preprositioning ship, Pinckney, is under construction. No commission- the Anderson was built in Denmark in 1979 as the ing date has been set for the Pinckney (DDG-91). merchant ship Emma Maersk. She's based at The ship is named to honor Pinckney's heroism Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean, and aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise during carries equipment to support a Marine expedition- the Battle of Santa Cruz in 1942. He survived the ary brigade. battle and died in 1975. The guided-missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60) was named in honor of Marine Sgt. Rod- ney M. Davis, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Vietnam War. The USNS Henson (T-AGS-63) was named in honor

Farewinds and following seas... Major Tamia Ashley was awarded the Military Outstanding Volun- teer Service Medal (MOVSM) for 3600 volunteer service hours. The vast majority of her volunteer efforts were related to NNOA- sponsored activities. Bravo Zulo. Fair winds and following seas to Maj Ashley as she transitions to the Defense Language Insti- tute, Monterey, CA.

9 National Naval Officers Association, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Quantico, VA 22134

Website: http://www.quantico-nnoa.org

About NNOA

National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) actively supports the Sea Services in the recruitment, reten- tion, and career development of minority officers. We are an essential element in maintaining operational readiness. We provide professional develop- ment and mentoring and support cultural diversity. We establish and maintain a positive image of the Sea Services in communities and educational institutions. National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) is the "Gateway to Success" in the Sea Services. We are innovative thinkers committed to a shared vision of leadership, professional exchange, and networking. We are dedicated to achieving a diversi- fied workforce. We are the premier professional development organization in the Sea Services. Our members are empowered with the skills necessary to achieve their full potential. We are an invaluable partner of the Sea Services in the achievement of their recruitment, retention and readiness goals. We recognize our responsibility to our community as we promote and foster American ideals. We are an inclusive organization that seeks diversity in our membership. We value all members and are committed to treating everyone with dignity, respecting individual differences, and affirming organizational and personal strengths. We are "TEAM NNOA" composed of active duty, reserve and retired officers and civilians. We achieve our mission and vision through enthusiastic support and dedicated service at the na- tional and local levels. We are an organization of professionals whose accomplish- ments are attained through teamwork and accountability. We are dedicated to the professional development of our members. We promote an atmosphere conducive to self improvement and forward thinking. We promote honest, effective, and open com- munications. We communicate and process information using the best resources and technology available. We recognize achievements and maintain our valued reputation.

General Body meetings are held at 1700 on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Officer’s Club.

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