MCPON Lauds ‘Nation’s Treasures’
At Northern Virginia Council Meeting
By PETER ATKINSON, Deputy Editor
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D.
West was the guest speaker at the
Northern Virginia Council’s dinner
at Navy League Headquarters in
Arlington, Va., Jan. 18.
The night served as an opportunity to trade sea stories and gain perspective for the audience, according
to a report from the Navy News
Service.
“I love the Navy League; everywhere I go I am pleased to be affiliated with them,” said West.
“Organizations like the Navy
League are crucial to the awareness
and education of our Sailors and
the public, ensuring that none of
us stop learning about our past and
the road ahead.”
Nancy Gorell, vice president and
ship liaison for the Northern Virginia
Council, said the top priority for the
organization is to take care of the
U.S. sea services and their families.
During the dinner, U.S. Coast
Guard Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class
Timothy Leland was named Coast
Guardsman of the Quarter for Coast
Guard Station Washington. West
and the council presented Leland
with a certificate of appreciation
and gifts from the Navy League.
“I enjoy every opportunity to rec-
ognize outstanding service members
for their outstanding dedication and
accomplishments,” said West.
“Petty Officer Leland is a phenome-
nal representative of the Coast
Guard and our military team.”
West briefed the council on the
current state of the Navy, issues
facing the Navy and Sailors, and
reinforced the importance of the
Navy League and the work it does
for Sailors and families, particular-
U.S. NAVY
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West mentors three U.S. Naval
Academy Midshipman during the Northern Virginia Council’s dinner Jan. 18 at
Navy League Headquarters in Arlington, Va., at which he was the guest speak-
er. After spending the majority of his career in the submarine force, West had
much to say to the Midshipmen who plan to become submarine officers.
ly in its partnership with Navy Safe
Harbor and the Anchor Program
that help wounded warriors.
“I learn something new from
Sailors every single day. They are our
nation’s treasures, they’re the crown
jewels,” said West. “It’s 120 degrees
on the flight deck of that carrier and
they’ll look at you, smile, and then
say, ‘What else you got?’ That, to me,
is amazing.”
San Diego Honors
Spouses of the Year
The San Diego Council honored its
2011 Sea Service Spouses of the Year
during a ceremony at the Sheraton
San Diego Hotel and Marina Dec. 8.
The second annual event recognized
a spouse married to a service member from the U.S. Navy, Marine
Corps and Coast Guard.
Recipients of the 2011 Sea Ser-
vices Spouse of the Year award
were: from the Navy, Cheryl Tru -
jillo, ombudsmen for the guided-
missile destroyer USS Lawrence;
from the Marine Corps, Traci
Tallman, a 13th Marine Expedi-
tionary Unit (MEU) Family Readi-
ness volunteer; and from the Coast
Guard, Rachel Conley, ombuds-
men for the Cutter Boutwell.
