The Navy Leaguer - May 2007

ON CAPITOL HILL

Gen. James Conway Speaks at
Navy-Marine Corps Caucus Event

The Navy League’s Office of Legislative Affairs recently sponsored a Navy–Marine Corps Caucus coffee with Gen. James Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps. The event drew more than 25 members of congress and key staff. Among them were Reps. Susan Davis (CA-

53) and Randy Forbes (VA- 4), the bipartisan co-chairs of the caucus, who served as moderators.

The early morning gathering, open only to members of congress and designated legislative staff, is intended to provide an open forum for congressional members and senior sea service

officials to address pertinent issues. Gen. Conway spelled out the top priorities and concerns related to his Title 10 (U.S. Code) responsibility for the readiness of all active and reserve elements of the Marine Corps. Several attendees solicited Conway’s perspective on the adequacy of both time and operating space for training activity, which Conway characterized as a concern second only to the welfare of Marines in action. The Navy League plans to support additional coffees with the Navy–Marine Corps and Coast Guard Caucuses throughout the 2007 Congressional session. ■

U.S. NAVY

Gen. James Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, shown later during his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee in March.

COUNCIL NEWS

Membership Outreach Here and Abroad

S T. MAAR TEN / S T. MAR TIN COUNCIL WELCOMES PRESIDENT & MRS. PANNETON John A. Panneton, national president of the Navy League, visited the dual-nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin in mid-February to recognize the accomplishments of the St. Maarten/St. Martin Navy League Council for its exemplary work with island groups to provide greater assistance to the island community. Panneton, accompanied by his wife, Alice, used the trip to emphasize the importance of government, civic and business partnerships not just on a community scale but also globally. Panneton met with a number of leaders on both the French and Dutch sides of the island, including French Mayor Albert Fleming, whom Panneton welcomed as a new Navy League member. Panneton also presented a workshop on how to achieve success in volunteer organizations. At a luncheon at the (Dutch) St. Maarten Rotary Club, he said the Navy League’s global vision for maritime security is founded on a partnership concept, as is supporting the men and women of the Sea Services. “Building community partners and sharing resources provides a win-win situation for all concerned,” he said.

U.K. COUNCIL MEMBERS CONFER ON UNIQUE CHALLENGES In early March, board members of the Navy League’s United Kingdom Council had the opportunity to meet with past National President Sheila McNeill, who was visiting London, to discuss the challenges facing the council. Although council president Sharon Christenson was on travel in the U.S., board members took advantage of McNeill’s visit to discuss an array of matters such as strategies for building membership and hosting activities in the U.K, particularly since U.S. naval presence in greater London will end in October 2007. McNeill, who is chairman of the National Advisory Council, met with members Steve Franck, newly-retired Navy Vice Adm. Malcolm Fages, council treasurer, and long-time U.K. Council member Doug Stearns. The group discussed membership initiatives, education, the legislative program and the Sea-Air-Space Exposition.

IMPERIAL VALLEY COUNCIL DESERT OUTING In mid-February, the Imperial Valley Navy League Council hosted its 25th Annual Desert Outing, a two-day membership event for the Pacific Southwest Region. The event, which drew guests from as far as Seattle and Mississippi and boosted membership by 35 members, kicked off with a Friday evening social hour and steak dinner. The following day, guests traveled by chartered bus to the desert for a ranch-style breakfast, where they watched a Blue Angels practice demonstration from Naval Air Facility El Centro. The event culminated with a BBQ luncheon for attendees. The Imperial Valley Council actively supports the men, women and their families stationed at NAF El Centro, the winter home and training ground of the Navy’s Blue Angel’s Flight Demonstration Squadron.

TOP: National President John Panneton addresses audience at St. Maarten Rotary Club while vice president for international relations Jack Stevens looks on. ABOVE: John Panneton and his wife, Alice, along with Jack and Asha Stevens, meet with Dutch Governor Franklyn Richards of St. Maarten.

CINCINNATI COUNCIL FUNDRAISING GALA The Greater Cincinnati Navy League Council will host its annual fundraising gala on May 19 at the Tri-State Warbird Museum in Eastern Cincinnati. For more information, visit www.cincinnatinavy league.com or contact council president retired Navy Cmdr. Tony Gadaleta, at 513-523-8844.

Board members of the U.K. Council of the Navy League meet with past National President Sheila McNeill, who was visiting London. From left to right: Malcolm Fages, Steve Franck, Sheila McNeill and Don Stearns.