Seattle Council 2017 Report January – April 2017

Scuttlebutt

Contact Seattle Navy

League

By Mail: 2200 Alaskan Way Suite #465

Seattle, WA 98121

Online: www.navyleagueseattle.org

Membership:

jeff@navyleagueseattle.org

By phone: SNL Office: 206-448-2120

Tom Jaffa at (206) 932-3792

Social media Find us on Facebook Navy League Seattle

“Civilians supporting the Sea Services (USCG, USMC, USN, U.S. Merchant Marine, NOAA Corps), their members and their families

through direct action and enhanced public awareness”

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The year has flown by with a lot of great activities and exciting opportunities. This issue of Scuttlebutt will recap the year’s events for our members who may have missed some of the events. We were honored to play such a significant role in the UCGC Munro commissioning and it was an honor to support this ship named after a true National hero from Washington state. Meeting all the men and

President’s Message

Recap of 2016

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women who serve aboard this magnificent National Security Cutter and those who support them at sea and ashore was a reminder of the sacrifices, teamwork and talent we have in the USCG. OK I am a little biased, but I am allowed to be proud of my service. Ahead is another US Navy submarine commissioning we will play a role in the USS Washington in October. I know of few other Councils who are

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privileged to serve our Sea Services in such a public way. The Seattle Navy League is known for our great events so come join in the fun! It’s been my honor to serve as President and I wish the best to President Jeff Davis for his terms of good times ahead!

2017 Outline of Events

March 23 – Installation of Officers and Social

April – USCGC Munro Commissioning & Mariner’s Armed Forces Baseball Game

June – Member Appreciation and Sea Cadet Awards Reception

July/August – Fleet Week Events

October – USS Washington (SSN 787) virtual commissioning celebration

USMC Birthday Celebration

4th Thursday monthly Board meetings

4th Thursday Monthly Social Hour at Paddy Coyne’s

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The Seattle Council supported several youth programs in 2016 including the Naval Sea Cadets adopted unit, Blue Angel Squadron where the Theodore Roosevelt Medal Youth Medal was presented to the Outstanding Youth Cadet. At the University of Washington’s Navy ROTC program, Seattle Navy League presented the Outstanding Midshipman/Officer Candidate Sword. During Fleet Week, we also supported the Blue Angel squadron in their tremendously successful outreach and fundraising

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efforts by selling bottled water to crowds waiting in line for ship tours. In turn, the Blue Angel Squadron supported the Navy League by providing the color guard at several events. The Commanding Officer of the Blue Angel Squadron is Seattle Navy League member LCDR Andrew Munoz. During Fleet Week, Seattle Navy League hosted the Eagles & Anchors Reception, Welcome the Fleet Dinner, USS GRIDLEY and USS SOMERSET ship rides. Seattle was the host for the Navy League’s

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Northwest regional Conference as well and our Council coordinated the event accommodations showcasing our great city to our guests. Seattle Navy League coordinated participation for the Sea Services Command for the Mariners Armed Forces night highlighted with a sailor throwing the first pitch and Navy Leaguers marching onto the field with the service members. In 2016 we also hosted USCG appreciation dinner and celebrated the USMC anniversary.

Matthew Miller, USCG CAPT (Ret) Photo: Maritime Executive

http://www.navyleagueseattle.org/

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Planning the events for Fleet Week is one of the highlights and honors for this Council and it is also one of the most challenging times of the year. It takes a Seattle Navy League village to pull off the many events we host successfully year after year and the driving force behind this is Tom and Diane Jaffa. This year one of our newest members will be joining

Gearing up for Fleet Week 2017

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On March 30, Admiral Butt, Tom Jaffa and Matt Miller presented to the crew, Plank Owner Plaques and certificates, commemorative coins as well as Sailor of the Quarter and Sailor of the Year recognition.

Appreciation Awards, Banquets and Socials

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In February 2017, Jeff Davis joined LCDR Andrew Munoz, Commanding Officer, Blue Angels Squadron, Naval Sea Cadets, as part of the official party conducting the annual inspection of our adopted unit. Our February Monthly social highlighted adopted unit USCG Maritime Safety Committee (MSST) and drinks were sponsored by

Supporting our Adopted Units in 2017

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the Fleet Week Executive Committee, Bill Bulis, Captain, Navy Retired, who has personal experience with these events during his active duty time. We are thrilled to have Bill on the team with his experience at the table. In 2017, SNL will hosted Fleet Week events including:

- Reception Dinner

- Sea Services Luncheon

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- Eagles & Anchors Reception (TBD)

- Welcome the Fleet Dinner

- Rotary VIP Tour

- VIP Ship Embark

- Canadian Navy Ships Competition

- Fleet Tour line managers

- SNL Farewell to Ships

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On March 31, before the commissioning, SNL hosted a special reception for 185 guests including U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary John F. Kelly, Senator Sullivan of Alaska, Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Paul F. Zukunft.

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Man Tech International. Our March Social featured adopted unit Navy Recruiting District Seattle and drinks were sponsored by Outgoing President Matthew Miller and Incoming President Jeff Davis. In April, we highlighted the United States Volunteer Joint Services Command “Boots on the Graves” unit led by Major General Ray

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Coffey. Drinks were sponsored by Past President Matthew Miller and current President Jeff Davis.

We plan to feature adopted units at these socials and welcome your attendance and sponsorship of drinks (first $100).

Pictures of our past events can be found at www.navyleagueseattle.org

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1. USCGC Polar Sea (WAGB-10) &

USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-11)

2. Navy Recruiting District Seattle

3. USS Ohio SSGN-726, Blue & Gold crew

4. USMC Recruiting Station Seattle

5. USCG Sector Puget Sound

6. USS John C Stennis (CVN-74)

7. Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3

8. USS Nimitz (CVN-68)

Reports from Our Adopted Units

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Hello Past Members and Welcome New Members!

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Our members contribute in many ways. Of course, your dues help Navy League and Seattle Council operate. Also crucially important is the message that you help us take out into the community. The message has two parts. First, our nation needs to continue

2016 Wrap Up Membership Report – Jeff Davis

2017 Governance, Incoming Officers & Committee Chairs

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9. Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11

10. USCGC Mellon (WHEC 717)

11. University of Washington NROTC

12. Blue Angel Sea Cadet Squadron

13. NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer (R-337)

14. NOAA Pacific Northwest Operations Center

15. USCG Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Seattle

16. Naval Hospital Bremerton

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to maintain a strong military to protect and defend our national interests around the world. And particularly for the state of Washington, since we’re the most trade-dependent state in the country, our Navy and Coast Guard need to be able to keep the sea lines of commerce open, or our economy is doomed. And second and equally important, the men and

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women who serve in our military are the finest in the world. They and their families deserve our support.

We ended 2016 with 311 members strong!

Welcome to our new members in 2017!

Jeff Davis

2016 Sponsors/Business Members

The Boeing Company Tri-Tec Manufacturing The Jaffa Company GM Nameplate/Supergraphics Starbucks Coffee Company JP Morgan Chase Ship Supply Fremont Dock Company ManTech International Corporation City University of Seattle HMS Global Maritime Best Western Plus Executive Inn Tsuruni Records Athletic Awards Company Ivar’s Restaurants And a special THANKS to all of our individual

Donors for their generous contributions throughout the year!

Sponsors/Support Levels

$25,000 Diamond Supporter (Event Sponsor) $10,000 Platinum Supporter $5,000 Gold Supporter $2,500 Silver Supporter $1,000 President’s Circle*** $500 Bronze Supporter $250 Star Supporter $100 Sustaining Supporter $50 Individual Supporter Other $_______ ***ask about our Friends of the Seattle Navy League program (Those committing $1,000 a year for 3 years are eligible to attend special VIP Events) For info regarding donations and benefits associated with each level, please contact Tom Jaffa at (206) 448-2120.

Local Seattle Dues Needed

The amount rebated from our yearly dues to National does not cover this

council’s expenses. As a result, members are asked to help the Council fund the annual activities. We ask that every member support this council’s

activities with a monetary contribution toward expenses which can be

considered local dues.

Non Profit Status Reminder

The Seattle Council, as a 501 c 3 not for profit is totally dependent upon voluntary

contributions of time and financial resources. We thank you for your support!

The Annual Donation Form can

be found at http://www.navyleagueseattle.org/

or contact Tom Jaffa. Thank you!

One of the best ways to keep up with our many adopted units is to “like” and “follow” their Facebook pages! We also try to link our Facebook page to their events when we see them. Finally please attend our monthly socials where we plan to feature an adopted unit.

In early March, Seattle Navy League Council Members Jeff Davis (then President-elect), Kyle Curtis (Sec/Treas) and Mark Haller (VP) attended the Pacific Northwest Regional Conference in Portland, OR. Nominations were completed for National and regional positions.

On March 23, Seattle Council held elections. The Council positions for 2017 are listed in the margin on following page.

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Thanks to the following for stepping up into leadership positions in 2017: President – Jeff Davis Immediate Past President – Matthew Miller, CAPT USCG (Ret) President-Elect – Bill Bulis, CAPT Navy (Ret) VP Comms – Michele Bullock, CAPT NOAA (Ret) VP Res. Dev. & Outreach – Mark Haller VP Governance, Legis. Public & Military Affairs – Tom Jaffa Youth Programs Liaison– Dan Neilsen VP Finance/Treasure – Kyle Curtis VP Membership – Jeff Davis JAG – Hunter Abell Secretary/Treasurer – Kyle Curtis Chaplain – E. Lamont McDonald The above constitute the Executive Committee (or EXCOM) plus an At Large Member – Diane Jaffa 2017 Directors Lyn McClelland Don Root Dave Schiffman Sheri Schiffman Fred Smith Steve Tripp Dan Neilsen April Collier Ex-Officio VADM (USCG, Ret) Robert Parker MAJ Son Kim, USMC Advisory Board ADM (Navy, Ret) Tom Hayward VADM (Navy Ret) Barry Costello RADM (Navy Ret) Herb Bridge Tim Beltz John Blackman Steve Leahy Hon. Ralph Munro Tom Norwalk Hon. Roger Simmons Paul Stevens Betty Tisdale * Executive Committee ** National Director *** National Vice President

January – April 2017 Picture Highlights

USCGC Munro Commissioning, Breakfast, Tours

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On April 1 of all days, SNL was honored to host the Munro Commissioning breakfast. Members volunteered to staff the continental breakfast for invited guest and crew and had the honor of attending the commissioning ceremony emceed by our very own President Matthew Miller USCG Captain Retired who was also the co-chair

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of the commissioning event. Matt and support team did a terrific effort and it showed. Commissionings are such an exciting time as the ship is “brought to life” and is an extremely significant event for many and we were glad to be such a big part of it and welcoming crew, family and guests to our fair city. USCGS Munro already

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accomplished several missions on her transit with a major drug bust! Bravo zulu to all! SNL received many compliments on all the events we hosted and many thanks are owed to a strong team of supporters who made this a great occasion we can all be proud of. For more pictures and details go to our website.

For more USCGC Munro information see our Facebook page: http://www.navyleagueseattle.org/index.php?i=MunroCommissioning

And for pictures of all our events click on “Photo Gallery” on our web page: http://www.navyleagueseattle.org/