Charleston Council of the Navy League of the United States.

PRESIDENTIAL APPEAL & DUES

Local dues returns remain very disappointing in light of new dues policy which excludes older members. Of 175 eligible dues paying members, only 40 have paid the new $25 dues to date. All members are asked to reflect on their means to support the council as members in good standing. Without adequate funding, several programs, especially those planned to support Generation "M" will have to be curtailed or canceled. Your financial assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. Presidential Appeal returns likewise have been disappointing. The goal was $5,000. We have not topped $500 to date. Presidential appeal is aimed at all members, but especially those who have been exempted from local dues. Every little bit helps.

2008 Sponsored Soccer Team

Activities





• April EVENTS


12 April: Annual Spring Members Mixer. Planning is underway to have it at the USCG Base downtown. As was the case last year, we anticipate this being a late afternoon / early evening event. Reservations are reques ted so we can order the right amount of food, beer and sodas. Donations will be requested. 25-27 April: AirExpo USAF Base. This is a bi-annual event. Navy League will have a booth. Volunteers please contact Brian Kost at 218-6657 or brian.kost@navy.mil Brian is working to find out if Navy Leaguers can attend the AirExpo practice session on Friday, 25 April for those who wish to avoid the crowds on Saturday.

• MAY EVENTS


16-18 Harbor Fest: NLC has been asked to participate in this year's Harbor Fest. Details are not yet known. I am looking for a NLC Lead for this project. Volunteers contact me via email. Volunteer Wanted.

• JUNE EVENTS


Nomination for 2009 President: One lessons learned from my tour as President is that we need to roll back the nomination and selection of a president by six months. The incoming president should have a stake in the coming year’s annual plan, budget and schedule of events.& amp; lt; SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Additionally, the potential president should have a voice in chartering the nomination committee. Given a six month lead time, the incoming president will be more engaged in council affairs and meetings. All this is aimed at smoothing out our transition process.

Administration is the major focus in June. IT Working Group will focus on achieving meaningful gains on our website, particularly semi-automating new member’s registration and existing membership data base. A draft of the annual plan, an accompanying draft schedule of events and a draft budget are all hoped for achievement. This will be a busy time for the President’s Advisory Board.

MARCH EVENTS REPORT

08 March: USCG Shipmates of the Year Dinner at Carolina Yacht Club. Event was a great success. It was co-sponsored with US Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association who will secure the main speaker - Honorable Sean Connaughton, MARAD Administrator. This is expected to be a heavily attended affair. Seating has been closed out. NLC will honor USCG Shipmates of the Year Ashore and Afloat. VP Sea Services is in charge.

13 March: Tom Brown attended the Public Hearing on Navy Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Charleston Harbor Resort on Patriots Point. 5-7 PM is informal displays and talked to staff. The formal brief and public response where covered in the Post and Courier. The Navy EIS is asking for the unrestricted use of active son ar’s on the east coast to be able to train fleet ASW operators against the submarine threat both diesel and nuclear both in shallow waters and deep ocean prosecutions. Attached is Navy League talking points on the matter. GOOGLE: Navy EIS Sonar to find the official government website accepting on line comments.

15-17 March: Irish Navy Flag Ship "Le Eithne" moored at Pier Papa on the old Naval Base, the first use of this pier in many years for a naval ship port visit. The ship’s husbanding agent was so pleased with NLC support that he sent a formal letter commend i ng us. The reception onboard was a blast. True Irish Guinness’s on tap was served. The officers found their way down to Tommy Condon’s with the help of a few of our younger Navy Leaguers. The Captain emailed back after they left that Charleston was the highlight of their North