Fort Lauderdale Council President’s Ball celebrates Sea Cadet Corps' 50th anniversary

The Fort Lauderdale Council of the Navy League of the United States held their President’s Ball on February 9, 2008, at the Westin Fort Lauderdale. The event celebrated the 50th anniversary of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the youth development program sponsored by the Navy League.

The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps trains young men and women, age 11-18, to foster their leadership abilities, broaden their horizons through hands-on training, and to guide them to becoming mature young adults.  They are taught patriotism and self-reliance, and aspire to the core values of honor, courage and commitment. The Fort Lauderdale Council sponsors the Fort Lauderdale Division of the Sea Cadets.

NLUS Fort Lauderdale Council President Chuck Black presided as master of ceremonies for the evening’s festivities.  The Guest of Honor was Vice Admiral Adam Robinson, Jr., the Surgeon General of the Navy, who traveled from Washington, D.C.  Abandoning his prepared speech, he spoke from the heart to a crowd of 175 Council members, active duty military, Sea Cadets, Sea Cadet staff and family members. 

“You are my relief,” said the Surgeon General of the Navy, VADM Adam Robinson, Jr., as he looked directly at our Sea Cadets. 

Our Guest of Honor described the dedication to service that had directed his life choices.  He explained how devotion to service had kept him in the medical corps when he could have gone into private surgical practice.  His words inspired all those present -- young and old -- to aspire to a life of service and patriotism.

Another highlight of the evening was the fantastic performance by the Sea Cadet Color Guard and Rifle Drill Team, under the command of LCDR Alan Starr. Each Sea Cadet received a personal greeting from VADM Robinson, as well as one of the Admiral’s personal challenge coins as a gift. The Sea Cadets listened attentively to the Admiral’s speech and initiated a standing ovation at its conclusion.

In addition to Admiral Robinson and his wife Yuko, many other active duty military were our guests. Colonel Bill Costello, USA, attended, representing Admiral James G. Stavridis, USN, Commander, U.S. Southern Command. We had 26 active military in attendance, representing the Navy, the Coast Guard and the Army. It was a thrill to have so many military guests spread throughout the room. Other honored guests included RADM and Mrs. Alberto Diaz, Jr., RADM and Mrs. James Black, VADM and Mrs. Diego Hernandez, and NLUS National Vice President and U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps National Director Patricia Du Mont. 

The ballroom was decorated with poster-sized photos of the Sea Cadets, blue and gold balloon bouquets, and orchids in golden cachepots adorned with the Sea Cadet seal. Dancing to the tunes of the Ted Knight Orchestra, a delicious dinner and an exciting raffle drawing capped off the evening.  The raffle prizes included a seven-day cruise for two on Holland America Line, round-trip tickets for two on American, Jet Blue, and Air Tran Airlines, opera tickets, Marlins tickets, and dinner for two at the Tower Club.

The evening was in keeping with our Navy League goals.  We celebrated our Sea Cadets, entertained our active duty military, and inspired all in attendance with our excellent speaker.

Our guests enjoyed a lovely evening, and proceeds will benefit the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. To learn more about the Navy League of the United States, Fort Lauderdale Council, call our hotline at (954) 565-6778 or visit our website.  Click here to learn more about the Sea Cadets.