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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Dean-o Fournier
The months of June and July the council were less busy as we headed into those "lazy summer" days. But nonetheless we were active and participated in a few fine events, which I will try to outline.
June 16th,. we had a first. We entertained the United States Coast Guard (USCG) ship, CGC Bertholf. She transited from Pascagoula for her first port call to Allegany Pier on Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP). She stayed for one night and then off to Washington DC to be welcomed as the first of many new class National Security Cutters for the Coast Guard’s Deepwater Program. She will be part of the Homeland Security Department. While here, she was able to complete her first on-load of weapons. During the crews break from the on-load, we were able to provide dinner with the help of the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and the NASP MWR. It was a great success and well attended by the council. The crew was much appreciative of the pizza and sodas… especially the cooks. The Commanding Officer, CAPT Pat Stadt, USCG, was extremely proud of his ship and crew. He later was able to provide a tour to those working the pizza line, which entailed the most modern and hi-tech bridge in the USCG
July 2nd… we were over to Seville Square with Buck Mitchell to host our first annual membership drive during Seville’s Happy Hour. Mark Harden and Kenny Ruber, to include other members of the Navy League Board of Directors, found out that it was well worth the drive for the free drink from Buck and the opportunity to meet many new potential members and Affiliate members. Thanks Buck!!!
Status of my 3 personal goals for this year’s Pensacola Council and board:
• Enhance communications "up and down" the chain of command
o During the past few months we have had problems with our internet connection, so please bear with us while we straighten the problem out. Brenda Machuga may be contacted via phone at 850-436-8552.
• Increase the membership of our council and retain our members.
o 3rd VP Mark Harden and his membership committee are making great strides towards increasing and retaining our current membership. Mark has recently returned from the NL Southern Region Meeting in New Orleans held July 12th. Here are a few notes from the meeting as expressed by Mark:
�� Community Affiliates are the key to supporting our Sea Service events. Meridian has more members than we do because they are able to attract more people and fund more projects through… Affiliates. Meridian has 30-40 Affiliates! Think about having to put up that many affiliate banners!!!
�� The Jax/Mayport Council has 2 events a month…one dinner and one business-after-hours event. The after-hours event is much like what we did at Seville Square, but the Affiliates take turns sponsoring it.
�� We also need a speaker’s forum that can make presentations to area businesses and clubs (a short 5-10 minute canned presentation would be necessary). Looking for a few good speakers to help out in developing and presenting our mission and goals at various speaking engagements throughout the community. Hopefully we can partner with local and invited guest active duty to provide such a venue.
�� One cool idea was to offer a seminar called "How to do business with the Government." Have the base contracting officer/representative give a presentation. Offer this to Affiliates and potential Affiliates. Great experience and networking experience for the Affiliates.
We will continue to support Mark as his committee works through the many suggestions to improve our Affiliate numbers. Thanks Mark for stepping up and representing the Pensacola Council at the Southern Region meeting for me.
• Expand the personal involvement of each council member, so you may better appreciate and realize your value to the Sea Service members. Your personal contact with those members of the military takes on a real and positive synergistic effect as to how they feel about their country and themselves and vice versa.
o This summer there are port calls occurring more frequently. Some leave little time for us to get the word out. Please refer to our web site frequently at http://pensacola.navyleague.us to see when these "pop up" so you can take the opportunity to come down to main side NAS Pensacola and welcome the men and women who serve for you.
Thank you & have a great Navy Day… and as always God Bless America!
What is the Navy League?
Dean-o Fournier,President
The object and purpose of the the Navy League is simple - to educate and motivate the American people. The need to awaken interest and to support all matters aiding our NAvy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine is  critical in today's environment. With the cooperation and encouragement of President Roosevelt, the Navy League was formed in 1902 to disseminate to all condition of our naval and maritime forces. Over the years, the Navy League has compiled an impressive record of accomplishments in meeting this challenge. The Navy League conducts local, national and internation educational programs aimed at gathering support and understanding for America's maritime services and for the people who serve in them.
President Dean-O Fournier
The Local Pensacola Council of the the Navy League
The local Pensacola Council Navy League, is a civilian organization, established in 1946. Today, the local council supports our local military and youth programs. Some of the many activities during the year include: Military Recognition Day, support of numerous military functions, and member educational and social functions. The dues include both local and National membership, subscription to SEA POWER magazine and the local quarterly “Bullhorn”.
The Admiral's Club
The Admiral's Club is designed to allow the Pensacola Council additional funds to support receptions for visiting military ships, and special programs throughout the year.
The Admiral's Club Members also receive special benefits annually. They are invited to all receptions for ship visits at no cost, and included on other VIP special event invitation lists.
Although the benefits are great, the contribution you make allows the Pensacola Council to reach it's goals of supporting the area's military personel.
We are a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization. |
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