EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE... Winter 2008
Bob Anderson
It is time for a recap of a very busy year. In case you missed it, the Saratoga Springs, New York reunion was a really great success story! I asked our host for the reunion and current President, Al St Onge, to provide me with some names so that I can acknowledge the fine work that went on over the three years it takes to put on a reunion in the style that they did. In typical St Onge fashion he gave me a list of everyone that assisted him. It appeared that the list was most of the directory from the New England Chapter. He takes very little credit himself which is also typical of Al. For fear of leaving someone out that Al mentioned I will suffice it to say that the New England Chapter (all of the New England Chapter), with some assistance from the City of Saratoga Springs, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Chapter in Saratoga Springs did a superb job of putting on an annual NCVA reunion. As they can attest this was no easy feat. It was three years of details that they mastered. Actually many of the folks up that way were not strangers to running reunions. They also conducted the 2001 Boston reunion. To Al and Barbara St Onge, like it or you must accept the credit for a superb job. And for all of those who assisted, it goes without saying, We all thank you.
I will recap some of the things that were discussed at the reunion. First and foremost I must correct an error from my last article in the fall update. I mentioned that Clyde Wilson would return as a board of director member. Not true! It was Clyde Aldridge. My sincere apologies to both Clyde Wilson and Clyde Aldridge.
By the time this CRYPTOLOG hits the street you will have received a directory. It will have come either in hard copy form or on CD. The hardcopy edition this year has changed from what we have received in the past. It does not have the geographical section. Also, you will find a "draft form" of the NCVA By-laws. They were placed in the directory in draft form so that all of the membership will have the opportunity to review them and make comments. We will vote on the updated version of these by-laws at the St Louis reunion in 2008. The CD version of the directory has many features added including the geographical section, a special section with phone and e-mail contact information and the draft by-laws. The directory is also available online at www.usncva.org.
The board of directors approved a recognition plaque that will be made available to all of our chapters so that they can get involved with commands in their respective areas. The plaques may be presented to Sailor-of-the-Year award winners or other appropriate ceremonies. They are available and will be sent out to any chapter that requests them. The Gulf Coast Chapter will make the first presentations of theirs in the Pensacola area after the selections are made in early 2008.
The NCVA has progressed further and further into the computer age over the last few years. The Board of Directors approved another step in this direction at the last board meetings. A Laptop Computer was approved for the individual that hosts our reunions. A state-of-the-art Laptop was purchased and stocked with the latest in business software and files that are appropriate for those involved in running a reunion. They also include homegrown files such as the Reunion SOP and a Reunion Pass Down Log (PDL). Currently the Laptop resides at our Vice Presidents residents. Frank Huffman is the VP and the host for our St Louis reunion in 2008. He will pass it along after his reunion closeout.
The back issues of all CRYPTOLOGS are now co-located with at the Ships Store. They have also been grouped on CD's. If back issues are desired please contact the merchandiser at the Ships Store on line or at PO Box 16009, Pensacola, Fl. 32507-6009.
Last but by far not least. The next History Book that is being worked by Jay Browne is nearing completion. We are still looking for more biographies with before and after pictures of members. His deadline for them to be included in the book will be 30 days after receipt of this edition of the CRYPTOLOG. It doesn't take much effort to but your career onto paper and we would all like to see the before and after pictures.
Angie and I sincerely hope that your Christmas season was great and your New Year is the best ever.
Archived Executive Director Updates:
Fall 2007
Summer 2007
Summer 2004
Spring 2004
Last Modified: Sunday, 16-Mar-2008 10:06:27 EST