The purpose of adopting a ship, station or other military unit or facility is
to concentrate the efforts of local Navy League members on that particular ship or station or unit.
Adoption implies a commitment of continuing support through awards programs.
Establishing a Sailor of the Month and/or Sailor of the Quarter followed by a Sailor of the Year Program enhance morale of
the adopted unit or ship and offers recognition throughout the community of outstanding achievements.
We
have worked diligently to support our eleven adopted units and continue to help our Blue Angels Sea Cadet Squadron
and the NROTC unit at the University of Washington as well as JNROTC unit at Issaquah High School
unit. We have been actively engaged whenever possible demonstrating our support for those
who serve our nation. The Seattle Council is proud that we are evolving into a “go to” organization when
it comes to support for the military and other patriotic related matters. Frequently we are asked for council support
for various projects and we have established ourselves as great conduits between those who serve and civilians who wish to
be connected with them. We have achieved a lot but there is much more to do.
Particularly, in these times, we need to “ratchet up”
our support activities. Once again, our area has distinguished itself on the national scene – many of you may have seen
the ABC Nightline special on Military Recruiting where representatives of both our adopted recruiting units were featured.
Unfortunately, our recruiters continue to face challenges within the Seattle Public Schools and other districts. Many
of you know how passionately Tom Jaffa (Past President 2002-2004, Past National VP 2005, and currently National
Director and Council VP - Governance, Events and Military Liason) feels about supporting our recruiters. If they are not given
an opportunity to fulfill their mission – especially in regards to providing various young people with outstanding opportunities
(“No Child Left Behind”) – and the best and brightest do not have the opportunity to serve – perhaps
“the draft” may emerge as the alternative. Tom has carried a message back to NLUS Headquarters and he
is delighted that our National President addressed the recruiting challenges in the most recent issue of SEAPOWER.
Tom encourages you all to do your best to “weigh in” on this issue.
