Wash-O-Gram
Winter Edition Number 4-03

In this issue

1. Chairman's Message
2. Executive Director's Message
3. Congressional Matters
4. Naval Sea Cadets at Annapolis
5. New CPOs and PO1s
6. Training Reports
7. Administration
8. NSCC Selection Board Meets
9. Reserve CO Extends Kudos to NSCC CO
10. Parents Comment on New Jersey Honor Guard Training
11. Sea Cadets Teach Naval Reservists Skills on the High Seas
12. Contributions Needed
13. Cadets Participate in NLCC Unit Namesake's Funeral
14. UDT-SEAL Museum recognizes LCDR Marshall Muros, NSCC
15. Mark Your Calendar

Chairman's Message

    SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    As the Holidays approach, let us in our own way give thanks for the blessings we received in 2003.

    We achieved, with initiatives started by then Chairman Jim Ward, the highest enrollment in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps history.

    As we approached the "danger point in funding training at affordable costs", our "intrepid educator", Captain Bob Hurd", was able to convince Congress of our value to American youth; and as a result, Congress deserves our thanks for their response resulting in an increase of $500,0000 granted to NSCC. That means we should receive a total of $1.5 Million for training Cadets in 2004.

    Of course, we give thanks for our National leadership ranging from our National Directors to Captain Mike Ford, his Regional Representatives and his Headquarters' staff for their daily efforts to achieve a unified and effective, economic organization to serve our Cadets.

    But most of all we must thank our superior and dedicated Corps' volunteers including Regional Directors, Commanding Officers, Other Officers and Instructors, military support personnel, parents, and others serving throughout our Nation at the local level by leading and showing by example what it means to be good citizens, selfless leaders, recruiters, and mentors of our youth. These services are largely performed without reward except as they witness first hand the Cadets they have touched achieve successes, set and meet goals, and mature into solid citizens.

    With these thoughts in mind, I cannot but also issue a challenge for 2004. Let us all work hard to achieve increased growth so that additional young people may also enjoy the experiences uniquely achieved through membership in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Past Chairman Ward set the course for us all when he reminded us that, "IT IS FOR THE CADETS".

    I close by wishing all: "A MOST JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON and A MOST HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR, 2004"

Harold Learson
National Chairman

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Executive Director's Message

        Title of Headquarters Representative. The comment has been made there are some in the field (mostly new members) that don't fully understand what the the Field Representative title means. In order to further clarify this to newly recruited personnel, when discussing/referring to the FR, the position should be referred to in it's full meaning as 'Headquarters Headquarters Representative.' This conveys that the FR is directly part of the NHQ staff and is more readily understandable to the new member. Also that the Headquarters Representative is in the chain of command.

        Cadets of the Year/Officer of the Year/Instructor of the Year. NHQ has received a couple of nominations for these awards. Please remind your activities that the awards are to go through you and should be at NHQ NLT 5 January. There should only be one nominee from each RD for each award. These are important and prestigious awards so there should be lots of applicants.

        Appointments to O-1 and Promotion to O-2. Over the past several months, there has been some increase in trying to promote individuals who are not ready for the next pay grade. Part of this problem has been that the promotion recommendations have not been forwarded through the chain of command for endorsements and recommendations. Frequently individuals in the chain have reasons not to recommend promotion of an individual. Unless the recommendation goes through the chain, NHQ does not know of the desires of the chain. In order to alleviate future problems and delays in getting endorsements, all non-board appointments and promotions at the lower level must go though the chain and receive a recommendation from the DR and FR..............Note Both are required!!!!!!

        Uniform Payments. As all are aware, the NSCC charges a nominal fee for used uniforms. Most of those shipped from Great Lakes are in almost new condition for a small fee. However, even though the fee is small, we have numerous NSCC units which are very slow in paying their bills and require repeated reminders to pay their outstanding balances. There is no excuse for this. Please remind your activities that if they (unit) has a balance outstanding, their requests for new uniforms will be denied until they pay their bill. Any disputes with a bill should be brought to the attention of NHQ immediately.

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Congressional Matters - CAPT Robert Hurd, USN (Ret)

         "OVER THE MARK - AND CLIMBING!" On September 30th President Bush signed Public Law 108-87, the Fiscal Year 2004 Defense Appropriations Bill. This Bill contains $1,500,000 earmarked for support of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (Of the $2,000,000 requested). This amount is a 50% increase over that received in the three years since we have requested federal funding.

        There were speculations that in light of the Iraq war and the additional funding needed to support it, that we may have received nothing this year, so we were holding our breath to even be funded at the previous years' levels. A lot of special effort went into convincing Congress to continue, and to increase, our support, much of it is directly attributable to those individual Sea Cadets, their friends and families, and in some cases, entire units, who took time to contact their Representative and Senators to let them know what the Naval Sea Cadet Corps means to them and that we need financial assistance. We know for fact that many of you used the "canned" e-mail message available on the Navy League website, as the program automatically sends us a copy. There were several hundred inputs at the last minute which was obviously influential in getting the compromise between the Senate recommended funding level of $2,000,000 and the House $1,000,000 recommendation. Many of you sent us copies of the letters that you had written - and the responses from members of Congress.

        We have no idea how many letters may have been written during the year, but Captain Hurd, during his visits to the Hill, has often heard from the Senators and Congressmen that they have had email and letters concerning the program. For those of you who took the time to participate in these efforts, "Well Done!" for a very successful effort. Next years' effort starts this coming January, and we hope that all Sea Cadets, Officers and Instructors - their friends and family, will all take the time to write in support of our program (Numbers are important in getting Congresses attention.). As previously mentioned, the "what's in it for me" of all this is simply that the monies received go to offsetting your training costs - keeping your "out-of-pocket" costs as low as we can. The other major benefit is recognition of our program at a national level.

        EX-CADETS AT THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY. With the entry of the new Plebe class at the Naval Academy this past summer, the number of those Midshipmen who were ex-Naval Sea Cadets rose to a total of 482 - which is 10% of the entire Brigade. We are trying to obtain similar statistics for the other Service Academies and for the numbers of our Cadets who volunteer for all Services. (See the Wash-O-Gram article below).

        NEWLY PROMOTED CPO RECOGNITION. In response to the article in the Spring 2003 issue of the WASH-O-GRAM, several newly promoted CPOs are being recognized by Congress at the national level. Unit COs have submitted requests to the CPOs Congressman with a request for recognition, citing the individual's accomplishments in the NSCC and stressing the significance of this accomplishment. The letters have been sent to CAPT Hurd at National Headquarters, and he hand delivers them to Congress. The request is for the achievement to be announced on the floor of the House, then it is entered into the Congressional Record. A copy of the announcement is printed on parchment, signed by the Congressman, then forwarded to the Cadet. All CO's are encouraged to request this recognition as Cadets are promoted to CPO. Sending them via CAPT Hurd allows him to hand carry them and to stress the importance and significance of the achievement.

        Sending the request to the correct Representative is of course key to the whole process. The Representative is the one who represents the District where the Cadet lives - not necessarily where the unit drills. This can be found on the www by going to www.house.gov and in the "Find your Representative" box typing in his/her 9 postal ZIP code. (Capt. Hurd will be pleased to assist you with the letter content, if desired. Give him a call at 703-312-1589 for any questions or assistance.)

        SOUTH CAROLINA CONGRESSMAN IS FORMER SEA CADET. Congressman Joe Wilson, 2nd District of South Carolina, is a former Naval Sea Cadet and was a supporter of the legislation that provides $1.5 million for Sea Cadet training in 2004. This is a 50% increase over amounts provided for 2003 and previous years Congressional support.

        Mr. Wilson, a strong supporter of the military, served in the Army Reserve from 1972-1975 and is currently a Colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard serving as a Staff Judge Advocate.

        Mr. Wilson's oldest son, Alan, is a Captain in the Army National Guard. His second son, Add, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and is now an Ensign and attending Uniform Services Medical School. His third son, Julian, is a cadet of the Army ROTC at Clemson University.

        In addition to his Congressional duties, Congressman Wilson is very active in many community and civic organizations, including membership in the Navy League.

        Mr. Wilson's history in Republican politics began as a Teenage Republican at high school in 1962. His first visit to Washington in 1963 to attend the National Draft Goldwater Rally on July 4, 1963. Since then he has served as the first elected Youth Vice-Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, Campaign Manager for Congressman Floyd Spence in 1974, 1978, 1980, 1982, and 1998, Second District Chairman of Citizens for Reagan 1976, District Chairman for Governor Carroll Campbell 1986, Bush for President Second District Chairman 1988 and 1992, Strom Thurmond for Senate Second District Chairman 1990 and State Vice-Chairman 1996, George W. Bush for President Second District chairman 2000.

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U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Attending the Naval Academy - 2004

        There are currently 482 ex-NSCC Cadets attending the U.S. Naval Academy. (More than all other former high school JROTC students, (combined Navy, Air Force and Army JROTCs) - 461)

Class of 2004:	102 out of 1224 Midshipmen (8.3%)
Class of 2005:	125 out of 1239 Midshipmen (10.1%)
Class of 2006:	139 out of 1214 Midshipmen (11.5%)
Class of 2007:	116 out of 1228 Midshipmen (9.5%)
Total:	482 out of 4905 (9.83%)

• Extremely high motivation of ex-Cadets to enter the Academy - and to graduate.
• Excellent background provided by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet experience in preparing and motivating Cadets to enter the Academy.
• Prior U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps experience is an excellent pre-screening opportunity for young men and women to evaluate their interest in pursuing an appointment to USNA. This factor could potentially save considerable tax-payer dollars expended on individuals who apply for, then resign after entering the Academy if they decide at some point they do not have the interest or motivation.
• U.S. Naval Sea Cadet experience prior to entering the Service is an excellent indicator of a potentially high success rate.

        It is known that there are ex-Naval Sea Cadets at all other Service Academies, but to date those Academies have not provided us with the requested data. It is believed that similar success rates and motivation factors apply to those Sea Cadets who chose to enlist in the Armed Forces (We estimate that at least 500 enlist every year, and suspect the number is significantly higher).

        All of the above is an excellent return to the United States for the average $105.60 of Federal funds appropriated per Cadet in FY's 01, 02 and 03.

        Please support inclusion of $2,000,000 for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps in the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill - FY 2005 and continue to help your Naval Sea Cadet Corps help to develop the future leaders of our great Nation.

        For additional information, please contact Captain Bob Hurd, USN (Ret.), U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Headquarters Liaison at 703.312.1589 or by e-mail at rhurd@navyleague.org.

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New CPOs and PO1s

Congratulations to these exceptional Naval Sea Cadets for their outstanding accomplishments:

         Bravo Zulu to the dedicated Officers, Instructors and parents for encouraging these special young people to attain this very high level of achievement. (While our NSCC Chief Petty Officer rating is not as well known as the BSA Eagle Scout, it is the NSCC equivalent to the Boy Scouts of America EAGLE rank, and the PO1 rank is similar to the Scouts Life level.)

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Training Reports - CAPT Henry Nyland, USNR (Ret)

        Summer training 2004. 2004 summer training is right around the corner, and as we have done over the last couple of years, we intend to promulgate the summer training plan for 2004 not later than end February, with hard copy in the mail. The first place you will see it is posted at www.seacadets.org/resources. Federal funding will once again be available to offset or cover most cadet training cost, much like last year. The grant for 2004 is $1.5M, an increase over 2003, 2002 and 2001. Cadet numbers have continued to increase and overall costs of training have also continued to rise. What this means is that even with the increase in grant dollars, we will be stretching those grant dollars as much as ever throughout 2004, and asking COTC's to continue to be particularly conservative in their spending. COTC's have all done a great job and we know they will do it again. The cadet deposit for 2004 will generally be $40 for one week evolutions and $80 for two week evolutions. Fortunately, the grant increase is allowing us to keep annual deposit increases at the very minimum. Firm deposit requirements will be included in the summer training schedule.

        For cadets who perform multiple trainings over the summer, deposits for those trainings beyond the first training will remain as they were in 2003; $90 for one week trainings and $180 for two week trainings. What this amounts to, is that the first training for every cadet is subsidized and offered at the reduced rate while cost for second or more trainings are borne by the cadet. With this plan we expect to be able to provide all cadets the opportunity to train and still keep costs to a minimum. Forms for 2004 training, the funding of training, and the guidelines themselves will be very much like last year.

        With regard to base access, we will work each opportunity with the particular base, and the COTC for that evolution….any special requirements will be passed to cadets so they will know how to report. Current ID cards, a ready sea bag, deposit money in place, physical fitness, and ready cadets will be the same prescription this year, just like last, for a successful summer. Think about what you will want to do so that applications can be submitted early. Early submissions will be particularly important this year as they always are. Competition for billets will be keen and quotas will go fast, so start thinking now.

        For everyone, just like last year, be advised……. any and all of the evolutions scheduled will be subject to possible cancellation and relocation right up to the last minute….As we so well have come to realize, the world situation can change on a moments notice, and the alert status in effect on the report date will dictate whether or not the evolution is held as scheduled. Non refundable airline tickets are strongly discouraged. If flying, use refundable tickets!

       International Exchange Program 2004. We expect most of the same exchange opportunities that we had in 2003 to be again available in 2004. UK aboard the HMS Bristol and Australia will be advertised as soon as known…..generally, these are the first known with Australia dates the earliest. We will get the word out as soon as known, hard copy information letter and posted on the 1MC and to the website. Look for them soon. All other International Exchange opportunities will be promulgated in an information letter in February as was done last year. Information as it becomes available, as well as the international exchange information letter, will also be posted at resources.seacadets.org.

        We expect to be able to provide good support to the International Exchange Program for 2004 with the same processes in place. LCDR Mike Campbell continues as IEP Program Director and a merit based selection process for both cadets and escorts will once again be used for many exchanges. Guidelines for Canada East and West, along with LCDR Farrow's UK Exchange will be as promulgated in the Information letter. As with all other trainings a modest increase in deposit monies may be expected. Specific requirements will be as posted in the Information Letter. Look for it at the end of February.

       2003 Regional Director's Conference. For changes in policy and/or administrative procedures, see NSCC Action Letter 11-03. Hard copy distribution to all units has been made and it is posted on the WEB. You should all have this by now. It is posted on the Internet and should be reviewed by all hands. There were not many changes this year…the consensus of opinion by most Regional Directors for most of the items submitted for consideration, was that current guidelines and policy are more than adequate…..we only need to read and follow the guidelines already in place.

        All cadets must pass the PT test at RT to get credit for the RT; if they don't pass they will have to repeat the RT. The policy was put in place last year and is still in place this year. It remains a Unit CO responsibility. All cadets must pass the PT test before attending RT, and at RT, or they have to repeat the RT. All are reminded that the PT program is modeled after the President's Challenge, and that NSCC requirements remain below the 50th percentile nationally. See NSCC Action Letter 9-02. Bottom line for Unit CO's is that if your cadet cannot pass the PT test, do not send him or her to Recruit Training.

        All hands asked to help in looking for additional training opportunities. The NSCC is looking for additional training opportunities to offer our growing numbers of NSCC/NLCC cadets. Specifically, expanded one week or two week (or even longer) advanced summer training opportunities are desired. While military training onboard bases, stations, and ships, continues to be of first preference in accordance with our program goal of making cadets aware of the prestige of military careers and also to increase advancement potential for those who join, we are not restricted to only that training. Our other goals are:

• Develop interest and skills in basic seamanship and seagoing skills.
• Instill virtues of good citizenship and strong moral character and principles.
• Demonstrate value of alcohol, drug and gang free lifestyle.
  

        One and two week training courses that support any of these goals are desired. In 2001, 2002, and 2003 we were able to expand our training opportunities to include Maritime Academy training, multiple new sailing camps, additional SEAL Orientation training, an honor guard school, sailing training, and EOD/MDSU Diving training in addition to expanding other of our traditional training opportunities. We are still looking and want to continue to expand these opportunities. If you have any ideas or recommendations, call NSCC NHQ CAPT Nyland or 1SG Bunting at (703) 243-6910-4-8. We need your help, and remember, messing and berthing will be covered and this applies to both NSCC and NLCC training. While we cannot get too pricey for our training, there is certainly much more that we can do. Give us a call!

        New OPD 101, 201 Admin and 201 Training. Rewrites of these courses are about 99% complete to include a power point presentation on CD for each. Drafts of these course have already been piloted and the response has been most positive. Look for this improved instruction program wide as we move into 2004. Full availability of these new courses is expected about April.

        Help coming for adults. For 2004 summer training, we hope to be able to offset adult escort cost to and from training sites. We hope, and expect, to be able to implement a mileage compensation program for adult escorts. It will be modest, and probably only cover the cost of gas to and from the training sites, and while not much, hopefully it will help a little. Details to follow…Thank you to all the adults who make the program possible.

        Additionally, for adults who attend OPD training later in 2004 we intend to implement a program to cover adult training costs for attending OPDs. It too, will be modest and probably won't cover all expenses, but should help a little. Details to follow, but the message here is, in addition to saying thank you to all the adults, to also assist in getting adults the NSCC program training so that all can do an even greater job in supporting NSCC cadets across the entire program. These programs are expected to be implemented in the spring, and be available sometime during the second quarter of the calendar year.

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Administration - ENS Evelyn Tadle, NSCC

        Merry Christmas to all the Officers, Instructors, Cadets, Parents and volunteers who make our program one of the best programs for youth in the county. From all of us.

        Reminder that NSCC Action Letter 10-03 goes into effect on January 1, 2004 with an increase in Cadets enrollment fee to $46.00 per Sea or League Cadet. There is no change on adult enrollment fees.

        Many units have unpaid uniforms bills. Any unit with an outstanding uniform bill will receive a Zero score on that portion of their annual inspection grade and will not be allowed to receive additional uniforms until all bills are paid.

        Returned checks, again a number of units have bounced checks that have not been made good. Not only will this count on your inspection grade but it will also count toward any Commanding Officer desiring promotion.

        Monthly Activity Reports are to be received by the 15th of the following month. The reports are considered late if received any time after that date. Please be more attentive as these reports reflect on your annual inspection score.

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NSCC Officer Selection Board Meets

        About the time you read this Wash O Gram, the NSCC’s 2003 Officer Selection Board will meet at NHQ (9 December).  From the NSCC national staff, Captain Bob Hurd, USN (Ret) is designated as president of the 2003 Board, Captain Henry Nyland is Recorder and Mr. Steve Bunting is Assistant Recorder.  Two Regional Directors and a past national chairman round out the Board. Their recommendations will be presented to Harold Learson, National Chairman for approval.

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Reserve Center CO Extends Kudos to NSCC CO

        The following was received from LCDR Kirk Benson USN, CO of the Green Bay (WI) Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center.

        "LTJG Erik Mims, NSCC is the unit CO for the VADM James H. Flatley, Jr. Division of the Sea Cadets here at NMCRC Green Bay. Over the past two years I have observed Erik closely. He is the most dedicated person I have ever met and his cadets are definitely his priority. I awarded him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his hard work." Here is the citation:

       "Lieutenant Junior Grade Erik Mims, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties as Commanding Officer of the Vice Admiral James H. Flatley, Jr. Naval Sea Cadet Division at Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center Green Bay, Wisconsin from October 2001 to September 2003. Lieutenant Junior Grade Mims' leadership and expertise has led to the numerous successes of his Division since commissioning. In addition, Lieutenant Junior Grade Mims superbly served in multiple nationwide U.S. Naval Sea Cadets billets, which significantly enhanced the professional development of literally hundreds of young men and women. Lieutenant Junior Grade Mims' distinctive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance and steadfast devotion to duty reflected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service"

    Ed note: It is always good to hear from outside sources of the accomplishments of our volunteers. Many thanks to LCDR Benson for taking the time to share this citation. Such Items of note are encouraged and may be sent to jrw7@prodigy.net.

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Parents Comment on New Jersey Honor Guard Training

        CAPT John F. Nash, USNR, 3-2 Regional Director received the following from parents of Sea Cadet PO3 Courtney Sauter:

        "I am writing this letter to inform you how pleased myself, my wife, and my daughter PO3 Courtney Sauter, Nicholas J. DeSalvo Division, Albany, NY are with the results of this past summer's Ceremonial/Honor Guard Training held at NAS Lakehurst, NJ.

        Commander Esposito was an inspiration and a steady hand of motivation and guidance to our daughter and the other cadets attending. Commander Esposito was able to extract the best possible qualities and performance from those attending.

        Courtney has informed us that this was the best training evolution that she has attended in her three plus years in the USNSCC. To quote Courtney "Commander Esposito was tough but fair. Always willing to recognize a job well done." She also informed us that she cannot wait for the opportunity to train with Commander Esposito again as either an attendee or staff cadet before leaving for Norwich University's Corps of Cadets this coming fall.

        This training has proven itself to be of great value to not only Courtney but to her home division as she is now Color Guard/ Honor Guard Commander and coordinator for her unit and is now training her successor for this fall when she leaves for university.

        We as parents and myself as a veteran appreciate the dedication and professionalism afforded Courtney towards learning some of the necessary skills and examples of leadership that she will need as her chosen career as a Naval Officer develops.

        Commander Esposito is a shining example of dedication and guidance that the youth of our country so desperately need to ensure our future as a nation."

2LT Darren C Sauter USAF Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol), and Marianne Sauter

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Sea Cadets Teach Naval Reservists Skills on the High Seas - Journalist 2nd Class Barrie Barber, USN

        DETROIT (NNS) -- It is not uncommon for Sailors to pass their knowledge of seamanship to young Sailors following in their footsteps. But in this case, it was a role reversal of sorts.

        Seven Sailors of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Great Lakes division taught 26 of their counterparts at Naval Reserve Center Detroit shipboard skills aboard USS Pride of Michigan (YP 673).

        The former U.S. Navy yard patrol boat once taught midshipmen seamanship skills as it plied the waters off Newport, R.I. The Navy loaned the vessel to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., in 1989 to be used on Lake St. Clair.

        The government provides no funding to the Sea Cadet unit, which supports itself through donations and grants. For many Reservists with no prior military experience, the recent boat trip was their first time aboard a Navy vessel. Members of Commander, Submarine Group (COMSUBGRU) 8 and Carrier Group Northeast (CVNE) 0492 handled everything from man overboard and fire drills, to steering the helm, laying line and standing watch on the bridge on the 80-foot patrol boat as it cruised Lake St. Clair.

        “They’ll get a little taste of everything,” said Chief Torpedoman Duane Messing, of Macomb Township, Mich., assigned to COMSUBGRU 8.

        “You appreciate how much work goes into running a ship,” said Aviation Storekeeper 3rd Class Donald Martin, of Macomb Township, Mich., a member of CVNE 0492. “This is just a small ship. Can you imagine an aircraft carrier?”

        Members of both Reserve units took advantage of the time on deck.

        “I didn’t know if I would get a bunch of Reservists who just wanted to go out for a boat ride,” said Luke Clyburn, captain of the yard patrol boat. “They’re taking this very seriously.”

        Their mentors, cadets who typically range in age from 14 to 17, spend at least 30 days on the Great Lakes every year, said Clyburn, a lieutenant commander in the Sea Cadets who has served in the program for 30 years.

        “We’re really out there doing a job,” said Clyburn, a White Township, Mich., sea captain. “Once you’re out on a boat, they realize the dangers. Discipline is not a game.”

        The teenage Sailors are well versed in rough waters, according to Dennis Novak, an ensign with the Sea Cadets who serves as the unit-training officer. “They took this boat through 10 or 15 foot waves out on the lakes navigating beyond what you can expect. They handle themselves as true, true professionals,” he said.

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Contributions Needed 

        Some recent contributions received at Sea Cadet HQ for the Boad of Directors Scholarship Fund include:

        $100 - $500 range: Lorraine D. Hughey, Gerald Moeller, Harold Learson, John Stegman, Randy Hollstein, Jim Ward, Jim Erlinger, Larry Lynott and Fred Carl

        To contribute to the national Sea Cadet program, please send checks, in any amount, to: 

U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Attn: Executive Director CAPT M. D. Ford
2300 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201-3308

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Cadets Participate in NLCC Unit Namesake's Funeral - LTJG Cindy Rapelye, NSCC

        The United States Navy League Cadet Corps unit Training Ship LT Jack Rittichier based out of Naval Weapons Station Earle, Colts Neck, New Jersey was provided a once in a lifetime experience. LCDR James Brewster, USCG, had invited the cadets to attend and participate in the full military honor funeral ceremony for LT Jack Columbus Rittichier on 06 October 2003. 

        The day began with the cadets standing in formation on the flight line at Andrews Air Force Base to receive the remains of LT Rittichier where he was escorted off the plane to the hearse and a short ceremony was held. 

        LT Rittichier, USCG, was a helicopter pilot who was KIA and missing for thirty-five years before being found. The entourage proceeded to Fort Meyer Chapel where the funeral mass was held and ADM Thomas Collins gave the eulogy. Four horses pulled the caisson as the family; senior officials, the bagpipers and the cadets marched one mile with Colors to Arlington National Cemetery where a twenty-one-gun salute and a fly by with four Coast Guard helicopters gave their final salute to LT Rittichier. 

        The cadets went to a reception afterward where they met LT Rittichier's wife, Mrs. Carol Wypick, his brother Dave Rittichier and wife Maggie, and his younger brother Henry Rittichier. The cadets will never forget what they saw and why they were there. It's an honor and privilege to have a unit named after such a great man.

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UDT-SEAL Museum Recognizes LCDR Marshal Muros, NSCC

        CAPT Mike Ford recently recognized LCDR Marshall Muros for his SEAL activities and his success with local schools:

        "Congratulations...........a super, very real achievement for anyone and particularly for someone outside the (SEAL) community. You have worked hard for this and it is well deserved. I'm glad to see the community recognize the work you have done for the organization in preparing young adults to go forth in the world. Again, congratulations for the award.

        We also received the letter on authorization of the NSCC courses to get credit for in local schools; that is also a big achievement.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations on that. I will try to get the word out on that and will (with your approval) direct any inquiries on how you did it, to you. We have had other school systems give credit, but none recently. Great work!!!!!!!!"

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Calendar

        It is imperative that nominations for Reed, Brango, Weaver and Colby awards be submitted now.

        It is not too early for senior high school Cadets to start preparing their applications for the annual Navy League and the NSCC scholarship competitions. Deadline for the Navy League scholarships is 31 March 2004, and the deadline for the various Sea Cadet scholarships is 15 May 2004, according to CAPT Mike Ford, NSCC national executive director.

January 2004
01  Deadline for receipt of Willis E. Reed, Nicholas Brango, Keith T. Weaver and Instructor of the Year nominations at NHQ from Regional Directors.
19  Martin Luther King Day

February 2004
14  Valentines Day
16  President's Day

March 2004
17  St. Patrick's Day
31  Deadline for receipt of Navy League Scholarship applications

April 2004
04  Daylight Savings Time begins
05  Passover Begins at Sunset
09  Good Friday
11  Easter Sunday
15  Deadline for NSCC Scholarship applications at NHQ.

May 2004
01  Deadline for Hall of Fame nominations
09 Mother's Day
15  Deadline (for Stockholm, NSCC, Kingsley Foundation and Pacific Gas & Electric and other Sea Cadet Scholarships) for applications to be received at NHQ
15  Armed Forces Day
31  Memorial Day observed
TBD NSCC Scholarship Board meets

June 2004
14  Flag Day (1775)
14  Army Anniversary (1775)
20  Fathers Day
08-13  Navy League National Convention / Sea Cadet Board Meeting, San Diego, California

July
04  Fourth of July (1776)
15  Public Health Service Anniversary

August
04  Coast Guard Anniversary (1790)

September
06  Labor Day
10  NSCC Anniversary (1962)
11  Patriot Day - Anniversary of World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks (2001)
17  Merchant Marine Academy Anniversary (1943)
23  Yom Kippur begins at Sunset

October
TBD  Headquarters Representatives Meeting and Regional Directors Meeting, San Diego, California
11  Columbus Day
13  Navy Anniversary (1775)
31  Daylight Savings Time ends/Halloween

November
01  Deadline for receipt of Willis E. Reed, Nicholas Brango, Keith Weaver and Instructor of the Year Award nominations to Regional Directors
01  Deadline Nominations for Promotion Board
02  Election Day
10  Marine Corps Anniversary (1775)
11  Veterans Day
25  Thanksgiving Day

December
TBD NSCC Promotion Board meets at National Headquarters
07  Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day/Hanukkah begins at sunset
24  Christmas Day observed
25  Christmas

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Copyright © 2003  Naval Sea Cadet Corps
The WOG is printed under authority of the National Chairman in accordance with Article 2021.1 of the NSCC Regulations.
Wash-O-Gram, WOG, NSCC Emblems, and seals are trademarks of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps protected under Title 36, Section 154106 of the United States Code