Council Leadership in Action: The Juneau Story
BY LARRY SALTER, NAVY LEAGUE NATIONAL PRESIDENT
During a stop in Juneau, Alaska, this August, I had the opportunity to spend time with Juneau Council President Carl Uchytil and several members of his board. I knew the council’s story, but hearing firsthand what they have accomplished reminded me of something important: strong Navy League councils do not simply happen. They are built by people with energy, passion and a willingness to do the hard work, and the Juneau Council is a remarkable example.
The council had been disestablished in 2018 because of declining activity and membership. After retiring in Juneau, Carl, a retired Coast Guard Captain who had seen the Navy League’s impact in the Puget Sound area, asked a simple question: why doesn’t Juneau have an active Navy League council? More importantly, he did something about it.
Beginning in March 2023, Carl worked with our vice president of Member Engagement, Karen Maddox; Region President Steve Westover; and CEO Mike Stevens to understand what was required to reestablish the council. He recruited a board, built membership beyond the required threshold and completed the organizational work necessary to bring the council back. On February 5, 2024, the Juneau Council was officially reestablished, and what has happened since is even more impressive.
Membership has grown to approximately 100, including five Community Affiliates. The council holds regular board and membership meetings, supports locally stationed Coast Guardsmen and their families, welcomes visiting ships, recognizes outstanding service members and connects the maritime community with the people of Juneau.
In 2025 alone, the council supported the Juneau Maritime Festival, helped Juneau earn recognition as a Coast Guard City, supported the commissioning of USCGC STORIS, established scholarships, welcomed visiting Coast Guard cutters and coordinated community support for their crews. This year, it hosted its first Salute to Sea Services dinner, recognizing members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Alaska maritime community. When Coast Guard crews visit Juneau, the council mobilizes local businesses and organizations to provide everything from meals and recreation to museums and community hospitality.
There is an important lesson here for all of us. We spend considerable time discussing council health, growth and revitalization. Programs, tools and headquarters support matters. So does strong region leadership. But ultimately, establishing or revitalizing a council requires someone locally who believes deeply enough in the mission to pull others forward.
Carl calls to mind a phrase I have used for years: a “rope puller.” Rather than trying to push a rope uphill, successful organizations need people out front pulling, creating momentum and bringing others with them.
Juneau is exceptional, but it is not alone. Across our country and around the world, Navy League volunteers are doing similar work every day, supporting Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Merchant Mariners and their families while strengthening the connection between our sea services and the communities they serve. That is the Navy League at its best, and Juneau is showing us what is possible.