Making a Difference

By JOHN A. PANNETON, National President

I made my first Seapower appearance as Navy League president in July 2005. Time seems to have flown by.

As I reflect on my term as national president, I am very proud of what the Navy League — fueled by the work of the local councils — has accomplished. Councils remain the driving force behind the success of our outreach and educational programs, our support programs for service members and their families, our grassroots initiative to reach out to our political leaders, ship commissioning and homecoming ceremonies, and so much more.

One major “lesson learned” from the journeys Alice and I made to visit councils in Europe and the Pacific was how very different their challenges and needs are compared with councils here in the states. We have come a long way in addressing the unique contributions and circumstances of our overseas councils through the appointment of a national vice president for International Relations, some adjustments to our bylaws and initiating an effort to create an international mission statement for the Navy League.

We must continue to build on these initiatives or risk losing these very valuable councils who directly support U.S. military personnel abroad.

The tireless efforts of the volunteers at the local level to educate the public about the importance of sea power and support our Marines, sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Merchant Mariners are the heart of the Navy League’s mission. Our members embody the spirit of our most famous benefactor, Theodore Roosevelt, who said: “The first requisite of a good citizen in this republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his weight.”

Over the past two-plus years, the Navy League has expanded its educational and military outreach programs through a variety of partnerships and support. These include Operation Homefront, the Navy and Coast Guard Professional Reading Programs, the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Fisher Houses, and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund that provides outstanding care for Marines and sailors and their families.

Alliances with kindred organizations that support the sea services can enhance the quality of support our troops receive. We should continue this approach when opportunities arise.

The Navy League has seen much success and made great strides in getting our message out, but much remains to be done. We must actively and aggressively seek to retain current members and attract new ones who are committed to active service in support of our maritime forces and the Navy League mission.

There is no doubt that the Navy League enjoys the support and confidence of those currently at the helm of our sea services, and it is equally strong in the Marine Corps and Coast Guard as in the Navy. With naval leaders at the majority of the combatant commands, we have a terrific opportunity to reach new audiences and new potential members, but we must seize these opportunities at both the national and council level.

To all Navy League members, Alice and I thank you for your unwavering dedication to the brave men and women who wear the uniforms of our sea services.

I also thank you for your support during my tenure and wish incoming President J. Michael McGrath and his wife, Gloria, all the best as he takes the helm. Mike has been a member of the Navy League for more than two decades, and has held a number of leadership positions on the local and national level, serving as national vice president for Region President Liaison, for Strategic Planning and for Membership and Marketing. He will serve you and our sea services well.

Semper Fidelis.