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MOORING LINES

Newsletter of the Treasure Coast Council

#334

APRIL & MAY 2018

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Treasure Coast Council Members. Friends and Colleagues, During the past eight years, I have had the distinct pleasure of dining with many of you and becoming familiar with your remarkable stories and fascinating life histories. I have also served on our Treasure Coast Board in an advisory capacity and on the Meetings Committee. I am honored and humbled to assume the role as your next President and committed to the high standard and successes of John Beckert and his predecessors. I promise to serve you and our Navy League Council in its proud tradition. John’s service and dedication to our Council and the Board has been immeasurable. With the establishment of the Speaker Series, his emphasis on membership growth and promoting awareness of our Council throughout central Florida, John has made great progress and positioned our Council for another successful year ahead. With our Board Committee structure, we are organized for “Full Speed Ahead!!” I fully support his approach of inclusiveness and that our Navy League is a “big tent” which includes veterans of all services and civilians who have an interest in what we do. John will remain on the Board and on the Program committee – for which we are all very grateful. Our Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce Adoption Day was a great success and most enjoyable. What an honor to have the Commander, Sector Miami, Captain Megan Dean as not only our guest speaker for the dinner but the presiding officer at the ceremony. We appreciate the efforts of the station crew under CWO3 Watson as well as Lee Bertman and Mary Sheil for all their “behind the scenes” work to make this such a memorable day. We welcome: US Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce, USCGC Bluefin, USCGC Finback and the Aids to Navigation Team! And, of course, we send sincere appreciation to our dinner sponsor, Mr. John E. Moore, for his continued support! We look forward to our May 17 dinner speaker, LTC Carroll Oates (RET), who will present “Veterans in the Classroom Program” which is sponsored by the Veterans Council of IRC. Also, CDR Randy Laws (RET) has invited the instructors from our Youth Programs to describe their programs as well! We look forward to seeing you and your friends on the 17th and I thank you in advance for your support. Lastly, besides the Mooring Lines, please look to your dinner tables for information regarding our Council. I believe this is a great way to communicate any updates / information with you. Again, our council is comprised of many great people with wonderful ideas to share. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing these experiences. Very respectfully, Maryjo Thompson Council President

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OFFICERS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, & ADVISORS

Maryjo Thompson, President – Public Affairs Officer & Program Chair

Mary P. Sheil, Senior Vice President, Finance Committee Chair, Operation Paperback Coordinator & Meetings Committee Member

Philip Hanley, Vice President – Military & Legislative Affairs Programs Coordinator

F. Thomas Jones, Vice President – Membership & Retention Team Co-Chair & Meetings Committee Member

Sandra K. Jones - Membership & Retention Team Co-Chair

Chris Hanley - Meetings Committee Chair

Jean E. Beckert, Secretary & Meetings Committee Member

Alfred F. Glatz, Treasurer & Veterans Council Liaison & Finance Committee Member

Lee A. Bertman - USCG Liaison & Support & Finance Committee

Catherine V. Caddell - Mooring Lines Editor, Publicity Director & Veterans Council Liaison

Scott Caddell – Webmaster & Social Media

Franci H. Glatz - Meetings Committee Member

Randy J. Laws - Youth Programs

Richard P. Martucci - Merchant Marine Affairs

James C. Spillman – Projects & Welcome Officer

Ed Martin - UDT-SEAL Museum Liaison John Beckert – Immediate Past President Ted Rippert - Past National Director & Past Council President

Don R. Wickstrand - Past President & President Emeritus

Navy League Board Meetings are open to the all members – please call the President! Meetings are held the first Thursday each month 1:00-2:30 p.m.

In the History Room at the Main Branch of the Indian River County Library

Community Affiliates: Navy League Community Affiliates are local businesses that support our many programs. For $460 annually a business can become a Community Affiliate member and be recognized locally for their involvement in supporting our sea service personnel. The involvement includes four paid memberships in our Council with all the member privileges included. Also, our Council receives a portion of the membership fee. The Treasure Coast Council needs your help in recruiting Affiliates. These are people with whom you do business. Please ask that business if it would like to become a Community Affiliate.

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NLUS Council #334 News

19 April 2018 USCG Adoption Ceremony

Hooray! An Adoption Ceremony formalizing the Navy League Treasure Coast Council’s relationship with USCG Station Fort Pierce was held April 19, 2018 at 1300 at USCG Station Ft. Pierce. To get a better idea of the significance of this occasion, here is the description of such events, found in the Navy League’s 2001 Guide to Ship Adoption:

The Navy League has long been recognized for its role as a provider of support for the U.S. naval public’s/maritime services. Navy Leaguers are known for a sense of patriotism, commitment, and strength of spirit that meets challenges head-on. One of the most important objectives of the Navy League is to improve the understanding of and appreciation for those who wear the uniforms of America’s armed forces and to better the conditions under which they live. One way the Navy League furthers this objective is through the “adoption” of ships and units of the sea services by NLUS councils. The purpose of adopting a ship, station, or other military unit or facility is to concentrate the efforts of local Navy League members on that particular ship or station.

The 19 April Adoption included the USCG Station Ft. Pierce, the USCGC Bluefin, the USCGC Finback

and the Aids to Navigation Team, Ft. Pierce. The four adopted units each received a Proclamation, a

Plaque and a Support Agreement from Navy League Treasure Coast Council’s President Maryjo

Thompson. The Master of

Ceremonies was EMC Ken Blackman,

who also recited the Pledge of

Allegiance for those gathered. The

Invocation for the event was given by

“Chief” Joe Ryker. USCG Captain

Megan Dean, Commander, USCG

Sector Miami & Captain of the Port,

and Navy League Treasure Coast

Council’s President Maryjo Thompson

both played important roles during the

ceremony.

Later that evening Captain Dean,

guest speaker of the April 2018 Navy

League Dinner Meeting presented

“The Daily Work of Our Coast Guard

in Sector Miami” to our gathered

members at Pointe West Country

Club.

Pictured here are USCG Captain Megan Dean, Commander, USCG Sector Miami & Captain of the Port (standing at podium) and Navy League Treasure Coast Council’s President Maryjo Thompson (seated).

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Pictured Left to Right: BM1 Thomas Carter, Executive Petty Officer, Aids to Navigation Team Fort Pierce; BOSN3 Erik J. Watson, Commanding Officer, USCG Station Fort Pierce USCG Captain Megan Dean, Commander, USCG Sector Miami & Captain of the Port; Maryjo Thompson, Navy League Treasure Coast Council President; LT Patrick O’Donnell, Commanding Officer, USCGC Bluefin; BMCM Gregory Zerfass, Officer in Charge, USCGC Finback.

How about

some golf?

Mark your

calendars!

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NAVY LEAGUE DINNER MEETING

& SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDS

Thursday, 17 MAY 2018

Pointe West Country Club - 7500 14th Lane, Vero Beach, FL

Cash Bar opens at 5:30 PM Dinner served at 6:15 PM

Speaker: Carroll Oates, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (RET)

Topic: "Education and the Military - It Never Ends"

$28 per person – Please bring a guest!

RSVP via email Al Glatz at agfornl@yahoo.com

or by US Mail using the form below (No credit cards accepted, cash or checks only)

QUESTIONS???

Please call Al Glatz (772)492-9652

RSVP DEADLINE Monday MAY 14, 2018

Please indicate your meal choice(s) and mail this form and a check* payable to:

NLUS Treasure Coast Council #334 P.O. Box 643845

Vero Beach, FL 32964

Member’s Name:_______________________ Dinner Choice: _______________________ Guest(s) name(s)_______________________ Dinner Choice: _______________________

* Please be sure to include name, address and phone number on check.

Dinner MENU

ENTRÉE CHOICES:

Garlic & Lemon Roasted Chicken served with Rice Pilaf OR Breaded Pork Cutlet served with Herbed Potatoes & Caramelized Onions

Cookies & Brownies Coffee & Tea

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Our Guest Speaker:

Carroll Oates, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (RET) is originally from Connecticut. He was number 3 son of 4 brothers. Oates has achieved many academic degrees – he graduated with a BA from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT. in 1969, then graduated from US Army Command & General Staff College in 1981 and after returning to Sacred Heart University, earned an MBA in 1983. Oates entered the US Army in September of 1969 as an enlisted soldier and was commissioned a 2nd LT. in 1972. He spent a total of 27 years in Army and active Army Reserves, retiring in March 1997 as a Lt. Colonel. During his military career, he was deployed overseas three times: in 1977 Oates went to Europe as a member of a logistics team surveying potential depot sites for the prepositioning of equipment in preparation to fight the Russians; in 1984 he deployed to Honduras as a Company Commander with Joint Task Force BRAVO operating out of Soto Cano Joint Base, Honduras; His last deployment spanned 1990 -1991 when he travelled to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait & Iraq as S4 of a major support brigade to the 3rd Armored Division during operations Desert Shield & Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War. Oates was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, 4 Army Achievement Medals, 4 Army Commendation Medals and various overseas and campaign ribbons. Upon retirement from service Oates was employed by Honeywell and Detroit Diesel / MTU in various leadership positions mostly dealing internationally with military and non-military power production equipment. Oates and his wife Roberta came to Florida in 1997, moving to Vero Beach in 2008. He retired in 2014 and has worked part-time as Sacristan at Holy Cross Church since then, remaining very active with the Veterans Council of Indian River County and the Military Officers Association of America. Mr. Oates was awarded The Leadership award for 2017 by the Florida MOAA Chapters Council and currently serves as a Team Leader of the “Vets in the Classroom” programs for the Veterans Council and Manager (volunteer) at the Victory Center Military Store in the Indian River Mall. Oates and his wife Roberta have three grown children and three grandchildren - all living in New England.

Our Dinner Sponsor:

Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home has been a vital part of the community since 1930. Mentioned in the March 2018 issue of “Vero Beach Magazine” as a part of the legacy left by the Gifford family, Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home carries on the tradition of community service in a variety of ways > One way is by honoring U.S. Veterans and their spouses by offering discounts when they choose to prepay their funeral arrangements.

Prearranging locks in prices, provides a choice of payment plans, making sure all information is on file to eliminate stress for the family. As a Full-Service Funeral Provider, Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home helps with U.S. Veterans’ Funerals and Burial, Traditional Funerals and making connections for ship-outs to other states or countries.

Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home has its own Crematory and will make all the necessary arrangements if cremation services are requested. Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach www.coxgiffordseawinds.com (772) 562-2365

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NEXCOM Enterprise Celebrates Month of the Military Child 4/26/2018 By Courtney L. Williams, Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs

Virginia Beach, VA (NNS) -- Throughout the month of April, the Month of Military Child, the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) recognized the courageous efforts of our nation's youngest heroes. Around the globe, Navy Lodges and NEX locations held special events to honor our military children and families. Just like the dandelion, the military child puts roots down anywhere, almost impossible to destroy and is a survivor. The life of a military family and especially that of a military child is so different than that of their peers. A military child faces constant moves, transitions and family separations all while supporting their parent serving our nation in harm's way. "A military child lives a life of sacrifice yet remains resilient," said Capt. Mike Wilson, Navy Uniform program manager, NEXCOM. "I am astounded by my daughter's unyielding love, strength, sacrifice and independent nature. As with all military children, she is truly a force to be reckoned with." Navy Lodges in places like Yokosuka, Mayport, New York, Virginia Beach, Great Lakes, Everett, Kings Bay and Jacksonville recognized their youngest guests with celebratory events and festivities. "It is a joy to serve our military children and acknowledging their value to our nation is important. Throughout April, Navy Lodges worldwide recognized them with events such as receptions, arts and crafts, game nights, tours, movie nights and presentations," said Mike Bockelman, vice president, NEXCOM's Navy Lodge Program. Like the Navy Lodge, the NEX partnered with base leadership, MWR and Fleet & Family Support Centers to provide military children with the special recognition they deserve. NEX Oceana, Kitsap-Bangor, Little Creek and Pearl Harbor and other NEX locations hosted performances, carnival merriments, giveaways, Crayola outdoor activities and a LEGO build & play. Along with the NEX and Navy Lodge locations, NEXCOM headquarters proudly participated in the Purple Up! effort - a tradition to honor the sacrifices military children make every day for our nation. "I was thrilled to show my support for all military children who are continuing to be brave in the face of change and adversity," said Lerma Remias, content management specialist, NEXCOM. "As a former Navy brat, the spouse of a Navy veteran and the proud mother of an active duty Sailor, I am beyond thankful for their service. These children deserve our love and respect for what they endure and how they overcome. The NEXCOM family salutes our nation's military children this month and always!"

******************************************

Book donations are collected by our Treasure Coast Council #334 representatives and shipped to active military servicemen and

servicewomen out each month.

To date, we have sent over 18,000 paperback books!

If you have used paperback books to donate please contact Mary Sheil marypsheil@yahoo.com

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DISPATCHES from OUR Contributing Columnists:

FROM: Jay Johnson, Administrative Officer

U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, David McCampbell Battalion

Petty Officer 1st Class Olivia Troisi of the David McCampbell

Battalion received the MOAA Certificate and Medal at the

annual MOAA Luncheon held at the Indian River Colony Club

(larger photo below)..

Petty Officer 1st Class Troisi will also be receiving the Navy

League Award at our next Award Ceremony, the NLUS ribbon

and medal, sponsored by the Treasure Coast Navy League.

Right: PO-1 Troisi was escorted by ENS Rachel

Waldorff, Admin Officer for David McCampbell

Battalion, and was also accompanied by her mother

Jennifer Troisi.

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FROM: Paul Fenech

Bayside High School NJROTC

Bayside High School Naval JROTC Team to Compete in

National Academic Bowl Championship in Washington, DC

Palm Bay, FL – April 9th, 2018 -- After advancing through two phases of online

competition, the Bayside High School NJROTC Academic Team composed of

Nathan Johnstone, Thomas Kang, Jordan Wiggins, and Isabella DuFrane

(pictured below) will compete in person at the Championship event in

Washington, DC. The 2018 U.S. Navy JROTC Academic Bowl

Championship will be held on the campus of The Catholic

University of America, June 22-26, 2018. The event is conducted

by College Options Foundation.

Bayside’s JROTC team earned top scores out of the over 170 U.S.

Navy JROTC teams that competed from around the world. The

team is one of only eight U.S. Navy JROTC Academic Bowl teams

in the nation to advance to the finals. During the two fast-paced

preliminary rounds, students were tested on their knowledge of

JROTC curriculum, English, Math and Science. One of the main

goals of the JROTC Academic Bowl is

to prepare students for state

exit/graduation exams as well as

college entrance exams, such as the

SAT and ACT.

The winner of the U.S. Navy JROTC

Academic Championship will compete

against the winners of the U.S. Army,

Marine Corps, and Air Force JROTC

Academic Bowls in the JROTC Joint

Service Academic Bowl

Championship.

The JROTC Leadership & Academic

Bowl (JLAB) is a nationally recognized

academic competition created

exclusively for JROTC students. By

participating, cadets learn the values

of citizenship, academic competition,

and college opportunity. The

competition creates tremendous

opportunities for JROTC cadets by

allowing them to demonstrate

leadership and academic abilities.

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Did you Know????

College Options Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the academic

development of high school students and assisting them in their preparation for higher

education. Using academic competitions, college exam study guides, college admissions

tutorials and personalized counseling, College Options Foundation has assisted the nation’s

JROTC cadets worldwide for over a decade.

FROM: LCDR Jim Landis, USN (Ret.)

Navy JROTC Program , Sebastian River High School

Shark Company, back in action after Spring Break!

We had our biennial Area Manager’s Inspection three weeks

before the writing of this article, on 22 March. Commander Pat

Thurman reviewed our cadets in quick, personable discussions.

Afterwards, we had a successful Pass-in-Review, preceded by two

days of practice. The Company received an overall grade of

outstanding after working very hard preparing for the event.

We would like to thank Randy Laws for attending our ceremony on

behalf of the Navy League.

Now, we are facing a kind of demobilization as the end of the school year approaches. Our

Awards Ceremony is Friday, 20 April, at 1800, where cadets will be recognized for a

distinguishing trait they displayed throughout the year. As part of the ceremony our Cadet

Commanding Officer will Meritoriously Promote a well deserving cadet, and we will appoint the

new CO in a Change of Command ceremony. We look forward to seeing the Navy League

representatives there and appreciate your continued support!

Uniform turn-in is right around the corner and we will wrap up another successful “Shark

Company” year. As the school year comes to a close, we will begin planning for next school

year.

AHOY and WELCOME ABOARD >> 2 New Members!

Norman L. Roberts - Vero Beach, FL Joseph D. Roxe - Darien, CT

Let’s stay connected …

Website: http://treasurecoastnavyleague.org Email: nltreasurecoast@yahoo.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavyLeagueTreasureCoast334/

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News from Palm Bay Magnet HS MJROTC

Courtesy of Randy Laws

On April 25, 2018 Cadet Captain Jaclyn Stephenson (pictured below with NLUS #334’s Al Glatz) received the Navy League Medal/Certificate and the scholarship (full $1,000 scholarship).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If you know of a Navy League member who needs an encouraging message, a card of cheer or sympathy, please contact Jean Beckert at jeanb1425@cs.com or 772-589-9391.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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Navy League of the United States Treasure Coast Council #334 P.O. Box 643845 Vero Beach FL 32964

USNA NEWS…

. POSTED ON: MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2018 12:00 AM BY MEDIARELATIONS@USNA.EDU ANNAPOLIS, Md. – President Donald J. Trump will speak at the graduation and commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Naval Academy’s Class of 2018, Friday, May 25, at 10 a.m. This event is not open to the public. “It is my great honor and pleasure to address the young men and women of the U.S. Naval Academy’s class of 2018. These fine sailors have spent the last several years preparing to lead the United States Navy in both times of peace and crisis. My Administration will continue to fight to ensure that our military has the necessary resources to fight the brave fight so they may return, safe and sound, to their loving families and friends,” said President Trump. The 2018 Graduation and Commissioning ceremony will be streamed live online and a link will be available from www.usna.edu in the coming weeks.