EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE... Fall 2008
Bob Anderson

Dodging a bullet. That is the name of the game in Florida this year. Rain we have gotten... wind we have not (so far). So with that; an update.

St. Louis I believe was a surprise to many of those who attended. There was so much to do that it was impossible to go everywhere and do everything. I rarely go on any of the tours at the reunions because of lack of time. However, my wife "took" me on the City Tour this time. This was an all day event that was worth every nickel. It included the "Arch" downtown. The little car to the top did not attract me so I went to the movie in the tourist area. I should have gone up on the arch. I am not very fond of high places and the detail that they went into describing how the arch was built caused me to close my eyes on several occasions. But then that is just me. We had a great time, overall, on the tour. One thing that struck us all in St. Louis, especially us Miller Lite drinkers, if you don't drink "Bud" you probably won't get any beer out in the town. The hospitality suite at the reunion hotel was a different story however.

Actually Frank Huffman and his crew did an outstanding job setting up and conducting the reunion. Frank seemed to be everywhere. The Ships Store in particular set an all time record in sales. The latest History Book "Echo's of Our Past" had a lot to do with those sales. If you haven't got your copy contact the Ships Store.

Our special guests this year included Rear Admiral Edward Deets, III, the Vice Commander of Naval Network Warfare Command. He is not a stranger to our membership and he is responsible for clearing up much of what was perceived as a mystery to much of the membership. Naval Network Warfare Command is a "successor" command to what most of us knew as the Naval Security Group. His bottom line is Cryptologic Officers and CT's have not changed. Their jobs are up to date with the state‑of‑the‑art. They are up front with all of our forces on a real time basis.

As many of you know the Radioman rate went away into history. The "Crow" that Radioman had did not go away. It is now Information Systems Technician (IT). Corry station is now the A school for CT's and IT's. Some of our membership now includes IT's.

We also had NETWARCOM's Force Master Chief Chuck Dassance and the Reserve NETWARCOM Command Master Chief, CTRCM Pam Buelow in attendance. Both individuals addressed the membership at our General Membership Meeting. All of our special guests were involved in presenting the OTRG and NCVA CSE awards. The OTRG awards this year went to CTRCM (SW/NAC) Joseph F. Bass, USN and GySgt_Ryan M. Truitt, USMC. The Awards for NCVA Cryptologic Support Excellence (CSE) went to CTMC (SS) John E. Earnshaw, USN, SSgt Brian M. Rogers, USMC and CTNC (IUSS) (Sel) Patrick Griffen, USNR.

This was a banner year for the NCVA scholarship program. We had 24 applications recommended by our membership. We gave three $1000.00 scholarships. The recipients were Ms. Rachel Schramm, Mr. Michael Gray‑Lewis and Mr. Joshua R. Malvaney. The quality of the applications was such that it was extremely difficult for the scholarship committee to make choices. The scholarship fund for NCVA has really taken on a life of its own. Many folks have donated in the name of late members and also we have received some sizable donations from members. Not the least of which is a large donation from one of our members who has continued the practice for the past five years and chooses to remain anonymous. The donations from this member and from others, is a true investment in the young folks of the future. The scholarships and the number that NCVA gives each year will soon be covered by an amendment to our by‑laws. It will be presented at the next General Membership meeting in Portland, Oregon. The amounts of scholarships and/or the number given will be a major topic of discussion for members of the Board of Directors prior to next years program.

You will find a story in this particular edition of the CRYPTOLOG that concerns the USS Pueblo. Our CRYPTOLOGIC editor, Bob Payne, made a trip to New England, and to the New England NCVA group in particular to file the story on behalf of a USS Pueblo reunion. Without taking away from the story a well done is appropriate for the New England NCVA group and to Bob Payne.

Many of you have read my e‑mail story on the two members of NCVA that had medical problems at or on the way to the reunion. I have talked to both Larry Dolieslager and Tom Christy to two members involved. Larry's problem started right after he checked in at the reunion. Tom's problems were when he was on the road prior to arrival in St. Louis. Both are on the mend and plan to attend the reunion in Portland in 2009. Larry has forwarded an e‑mail to the web describing his medical problem and a thank you to all of those at the reunion who either helped out during the emergency or who signed the large get well poster at the reunion. He had a special thanks to others, especially, Deborah Cotinho whose expertise as an EMT did much to keep him calm and prepare him for transport to the hospital. The concern shown by all was heart warming to say the least. We do take care of our own.

Watch the CRYPTOLOG for news on the Portland reunion, its tours, Garden Party and also a cruise ship tour to Alaska.

And to our good friend in Wassila, Alaska who I asked to "describe where it is." I now know precisely where it is. You guessed it. It was because of the Hockey Mom.

Cheers and Hope to see you all in Portland, Oregon in 2009.

---

Archived Executive Director Updates:
Spring 2009
Winter 2009
Fall 2008
Summer 2008
Winter 2008
Fall 2007
Summer 2007
Summer 2004
Spring 2004

Last Modified: Monday, 03-Nov-2008 22:32:01 EST