Wash-O-Gram
Spring Edition Number 1-04
GREETINGS TO FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE SEA CADET FAMILY
We have wound down our very successful 2003 year with the largest number of Members ever. We were also able to accomplish a considerable amount of training over the Holiday Season. This happened in spite of the paucity of funds which caused Captain Nyland to put the pressure on all for quick turn-around following summer training. Thanks to all of you who helped make this possible. The effort required much work by several people from Headquarters as well as the field, and was of great aid to our Cadets.
As I gain experience, I have come to realize we have a tremendous resource embodied in that group of six individuals known collectively as "the Field Reps". They are constantly on the run putting out fires, lending a hand when necessary, planning and arranging with COTC's for summer training, and performing other duties which I'm sure were not included in the job description when they signed on. They are all retired Captains from the Navy or Coast Guard and probably never envisioned what was in store for them upon retirement to enjoy their "restful years". However, they all saw the possibilities of developing young people into responsible citizens and good leaders and are dedicated to the Corps and its mission. I am convinced it would be almost impossible to manage our growing organization without them. They are indeed "Headquarters Field Representatives" who work closely with NHQ staff to assure that our Regional Directors and Commanding Officers and other leaders have personal representation at NHQ, and that Headquarters has a close relationship with our dedicated volunteer leaders. If you agree with me, please don't hesitate to tell them they are appreciated when the occasion presents itself.
The foregoing is in no way indicative of any wavering on my part to constantly praise all of our Volunteer Leaders. You all give of yourselves to the youth of our Nation in ways many cannot even imagine.
As we look ahead, the year 2004 appears to hold much promise and I ask the entire Sea Cadet Family to assure that the future allows us to continue to expand to assist more of our young people in obtaining the training that the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is most qualified to provide.
Remember: IT IS FOR THE CADETS
Harold Learson
National Chairman
Contest: LCDR Gary Young of St Augustine, Florida, a NSCC benefactor has offered to sponsor a recruiting contest within the NSCC. The period of the contest is 1 March 2004 to 31 August 2004 and will be monitored by each Headquarters Representative (FR) for his areas of responsibilities. The contest is for units and is a way to increase unit funds. Each FR will identify their unit winner to NHQ. These unit winners will be provided with a check for $150 during September, anniversary month (Sept 10, 1962) of the Congressional chartering of the NSCC.
The winner for each FR area will be based on two factors: 1) Total (adults and cadets) numbers enrolled/re-enrolled (growth); and, 2) Percent of increase in the unit's on-board count from 1 March to 31 August. The FRs will consider both factors in selecting and identifying their winner. The Sea Count will be the official document to judge winners.
Enrollments: Summer training season is fast approaching. The list of opportunities will be on the web site soon. This is a reminder that you must have a current enrollment through the period of the training opportunity. If you are not currently enrolled through this period, your application will be turned back. All applications for re-enrollment and enrollment are processed by NHQ the day they are received. Fees are: $46 for NSCC/NLCC (all) cadets; adults...active duty personnel $8.50, all others...$13.00. That means as soon as we receive it at NHQ, an ID Card is issued that date. If you do not have an I D Card and have paid your fees to your Commanding Officer, please see him immediately and find out why you haven't received your new ID Card yet.
New NSCC CPO Turns "Activist"
CPO Riley Walls, Houston Division, was obviously listening when he heard the NSCC Congressional Liaison, CAPT Bob Hurd USN (Ret.), say "Whenever Naval Sea Cadets come to DC they should bring their dress uniform and spend some time accompanying me on my Congressional liaison efforts to raise federal funding that help to offset individual summer training costs." He came early for the National Youth Leadership Forum and spent two very productive days giving members of Congress and their staffs an excellent insight into our program through the eyes of a Cadet.
During his visit, the Congressman from his district, Representative Kevin Brady (TX) presented CPO Walls with an American flag that had flown over the Capital in honor of his having attained Chief Petty Officer. CPO Walls and CAPT Hurd made the rounds of as many Texas Members of Congress as time allowed, as well as visiting Senator Kerry's office. These Congressman and their staffs gained a greater insight into what it means to be a Naval Sea Cadet and they all pledged their support. At the end of the two days of activity CPO Walls summed it up by saying "Captain, I think we did a lot for the Corps this week." And he was right!
If you have future plans to come to DC and would like to be "NSCC Activist for a day" let CAPT Hurd know (at least a few weeks in advance please) and he will be pleased to put you to work. Nothing "sells" our program better than having them hear about your personal experiences and what the Sea Cadet Corps means to you.
Let Your Congressman Know What You Think of Being a Naval Sea Cadet
During my rounds on Capital Hill, I am always pleased when I hear Congressman and their staffs tell me that they have received letters from some of the Cadets in their Districts, or States in the case of Senators. The most important part of my annual efforts to convince Congress to provide us with funding is my year-round campaign to "educate" Senators and Congressman on what and who we are, and what Naval Sea Cadets do. Nothing reinforces this more than a letter from a Cadet and our NSCC Officers thanking them for their support and letting them know what the Corps means to them as individuals. Please take the time to periodically contact your Senators and Congressman in this regard. Such efforts help the entire Corps. To find out who your Senator is, simply go to www.senate.gov and to find your Representative, go to www.house.gov. All you need is your zip code. In fact, from those websites you can send emails directly to them (and save some postage - allowing you to write several times a year.).
Top Cadet, League Cadet, Officer and Instructor
The Reed Outstanding Sea Cadet Award was won by CPO Ryan J. Holmes, NSCC of the NARS B-1 Squadron, Marietta, GA; the Weaver Outstanding League Cadet Award was won by SLPO Kimberly D. Franklin, NLCC of the Challenger Division. San Diego, CA,; the Brango Outstanding Officer Award was won by LCDR Keith Larson, USN (ret), Commanding Officer of the Twin Cities Division, St. Paul, MN and the Colby Outstanding Instructor Award was won by INST Donald A. Davis, NSCC of Region 08-3 were named the Outstanding youth (NSCC and NLCC) and adults (Officer and Instructor) of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps by Harold Learson, NSCC National Chairman.
The NSCC Cadet, League Cadet and Officer recipients will be invited to attend the 2004 National Sea Cadet board of directors meeting to be held in June in San Diego, California to receive their awards. The League Cadet, not normally invited since that award is not endowed to cover expenses, will also attend this year since she resides near the convention site. The Instructor Award will be presented locally since that award is not as yet fully endowed; thus there are presently no monies available to fund expenses related to participation in the San Diego meeting.
The competition for the 2004 awards was especially keen as the number of recommendations submitted for each of these awards set new records. The four recipients, and those who were not selected this year, can feel quite proud of their accomplishments. Sincere congratulations go to all who won, or were nominated, for these top awards.
Congratulations to these exceptional Naval Sea Cadets for their outstanding accomplishments:
| Chief Petty Officers | Petty Officer First Classes |
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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.)
Summer Training Schedule. Signed 27 February, this letter is being mailed out mid-March and will also be available on the Sea Cadet Resources Web page by the time you read this article. Again this year, for almost all training evolutions, NSCTNG 001 and NSCTNG 002s are to be sent directly to the COTC at the address given in the training schedule.
THE TWO BIG BIGGEST CHANGES FOR THIS YEAR ARE:
Still in effect from last year:
For cadets performing more than one training over the summer, the second and subsequent training deposit (third, fourth, fifth, etc., what ever it might be) will be a flat $180 each for any two week or longer evolution, and a flat $90 each for any one week evolution; evolutions as listed in the summer training schedule, encl (3). Unit CO's are responsible for monitoring cadet performance of TWT and ensuring the correct deposit is sent to the COTC.
Examples:
Just some examples to help all understand. It's structured so that every cadet gets one training evolution at the $40 or $80 deposit cost and can advance, anything beyond that is at the higher rate for all summer training in the 2004 summer training schedule having a training code assigned.
(NOTE: WE KNOW THE DIFFICULTY EVERYONE HAS IN GETTING ENOUGH ESCORTS.....SO WE TRY AND DO THINGS TO ENCOURAGE ADULTS TO BE ESCORTS.....ACCORDINGLY, CADETS WHO ARE DOING THEIR SECOND, THIRD, ETC TRAINING AND WHO HAVE AT THAT TRAINING A PARENT OR GUARDIAN AS AN ESCORT, THESE CADETS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE HIGHER DEPOSIT COST. THEY JUST PAY THE REGULAR DEPOSIT OF $80, OR $40 WHEN A PARENT OR GUARDIAN ACCOMPANIES AS AN ESCORT. COTC'S TO MANAGE THIS. ANY OTHER UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES/PROBLEMS WITH THIS POLICY ARE TO BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FIELD REPRESENTATIVE, WHO WILL EITHER RESOLVE OR PASS TO NHQ FOR RESOLUTION.
ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER FOR SUMMER 2004 IS THAT MOST TRAINING IS SCHEDULED ONBOARD OUR NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICE COMPONENT BASES AND STATIONS. AND AS ALL OF YOU ARE MORE THAN WELL AWARE THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION CAN CHANGE AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE AND SO CAN SECURITY REGULATIONS AFFECTING NSCC ACCESS TO BASES AND STATIONS. AVAILABILITY OF BERTHING CAN ALSO CHANGE VERY QUICKLY. ALL TRAINING EVOLUTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION AND ALL NEED TO PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
AND BE REMINDED:
The NSCC Summer Training
Schedule Information Letter 4-04
is posted on the NSCC WEB Site at resources.seacadets.org. At this site is the
ORIGINAL information letter itself with all the enclosures. Enclosure (3) is
the training schedule as originally written as of the date of this letter. Understand
that it is accurate only at the time it gets posted, and remains accurate only
until someone phones in another change. Most of the time it is NOT up to date!
In fact, encl (3) is probably already out of date as you read this right now!
HOWEVER, change information as received gets immediately posted under:
"CURRENT UPDATED SCHEDULE" RIGHT NEXT TO INFO LETTER 04-04 SUMMER TRAINING SCHEDULE.
THIS IS WHERE YOU SHOULD GO TO FILL OUT YOUR APPLICATION.
Phone numbers change, COTC's change, addresses where to send applications change, etc. etc. It happens everyday. Some trainings even get cancelled. At National Headquarters we take these daily changes and post them as they occur to resources.seacadets.org as described above. THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO GO FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
ALSO BE REMINDED (AND THIS IS A BIG DEAL!): ID cards must be current through the end of training. So pull out your ID and look at it now! If your ID card is expiring between now and the last day of your desired training, re-new it first thing, then put in your request for training. We will not cut orders for anyone whose record does not show that his or her ID will be current through the end of training....It's an insurance thing and there is no other way!
ESCORT DUTY. All hands are reminded that the success of the Sea Cadet program is dependent upon adult volunteers. We all know this and recognize the invaluable contribution our adult volunteers make. And summer training, the highlight for all cadets, cannot happen with out adult help as escorts. Please volunteer!
NON REFUNDABLE AIRLINE FARES. As everyone prepares for this years summer training, please be advised that non refundable air line fares are just that! And that includes payment of penalties by NHQ. We strongly encourage you consider carefully the purchase of non refundable tickets. By far, most of the time, most of the summer training evolutions occur as scheduled in the summer training schedule. But please understand that they are dependant upon escort availability and host site accommodations. If escorts become unavailable due to emergency (and we can't find a replacement), or operational commitments suddenly preclude our being able to use host site facilities, training can be cancelled at the last minute. Changes to your non refundable airline tickets incur a penalty that averages about $100.00. NSCC National Headquarters does not have the resources to reimburse for these penalties regardless, regardless of reason.
NSCC Information Letter 3-04, International Exchange Programs. Signed out and sent to all units 6 February. It is also posted on the internet 1-MC and Sea Cadet Resources Web Page. Information regarding this year's exchange opportunities and all directions for applying are in this letter.
Enrollment Fees - for all Cadets is $46.00 (Ref: NSCC Action Letter 10-03 dated 28 Oct '03). Enrollments with incorrect fees will be returned without action.
Identity Theft - HQ has received several calls from Police Officer's around the country advising that young people's social security numbers are prime targets of identity theft due to the length of time before they are employed which would trigger discovery of prior SSN use. Please advise all personnel. especially Cadets, to guard their NSCC/NLCC identification cards. Units are reminded that all paperwork listing individuals SSN or any medical information is to be shredded.
Accident and Illness Medical Insurance - as of March 15, 2004 all Adults and Cadets will come under the Nationwide Insurance Company "excess medical insurance plan". That is, each family's primary medical insurance policy will be in effect before the NSCC policy becomes effective. For personnel without any medical insurance coverage, the NSCC coverage becomes the primary policy plan. (Ref: NSCC Action Letter 7-03, dated 29 May 2003).
MARS & Monthly Activity Reports (NSCADM002) - to assist units in saving time on completing reports, it is only necessary to write the word "drop" or "LOA" when noting that personnel are no longer drilling with the unit. Only the New Unit advises HQ of receiving transferred personnel. Additionally, due to heightened security measures transferred personnel must have ID cards reflecting the new unit to which they are attached.
Uniform Requests - are to be submitted as group orders through each unit. We can not accept individual requests. Please note that all orders are accepted on a first come first serve basis and may take four weeks or more before shipment. There is NO drop in service available for filling requests at the depot. Those units wishing to pick up their order, will list a contact telephone number. When the order is completed they will be notified by telephone of the amount due at pick up and when they may pick up the order. All previous uniform orders must have been paid in full prior to another requests being processed. Failure to pay uniform orders within 45 days of shipment will give you and automatic Zero for that portion of your unit's HQ score on your annual inspection.
Unit Tax Exemption - It is recommended that all units obtain an EIN # from the Internal Revenue Service which is now required by all banks to open an organizational account. (Ref: NSCC Information Letter 09-02 dated 30 Sept '02). You may download required Form SS-4 off of the website www.irs.gov There is no fee for this service.
Units that have need of 501(3) (c) tax exempt number be advised that the IRS charges a minimum fee of $500.00 or more. Additionally you will also need a CPA or Tax Lawyer 's guidance to complete Form 1023. If you are unable to get professional advise "pro bono", fees for this service range in the $100 per hour or more.
It is also recommended you contact your sponsoring organization asking if they have a group tax exemption status which you may be able to come under. Please check with your sponsor's President or Treasurer.
Shannon Jones, President of the Anchorage, AK Navy League is establishing a new unit in Anchorage and will name it the Training Ship PFC JESSE HALLING in honor of "one of our fallen soldiers in the present Iraqi conflict. PFC Halling was a decorated Army hero who has been a Sea Cadet as a youngster in Salt Lake City and Indianapolis where his mother now lives. His mother, Mrs. Pam Halling, granted the request that we name the unit after Jesse, and has kindly offered some memorabilia for the unit to keep in memory of him. CAPT Rob McWhorter, USNR (Ret) will be the Council's liaison with the unit.
Recommended by Hall of Fame Selection Committee and approved by National NSCC Board of Directors, CAPT Stan Ellexson has been named to the NSCC Hall of Fame. He is the fourth person to be so honored.
CAPT Ellexson, a current member of the NSCC Board of Directors, was recognized for his nearly 20 years of service to the Sea Cadet Corps having been a prominent contributor to the program in the San Francisco, CA area, a unit Commanding Officer, Commanding Officer of many Recruit Training courses and Regional Director. He was given the honorary title of Inspector General by his Region, and has served numerous years on the national NSCC Board of Directors.
The first recipient of the Hall of Fame recognition is NSCC founder Morgan Fitch, of Chicago, who was the program's first Chairman.
| To Lieutenant Commander | To Lieutenant |
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Dear Cadets:
You can imagine my surprise, when in the middle of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I am dug in the middle of the Iraq Desert, waiting our a very windy sandstorm, I am given a huge package of mail. After pulling out a very small red flashlight, I read the return address and thought to myself, I don't believe I know anyone from New Jersey.
After seeing all of the thoughtful letters sent to me half a world away, and realizing I never met any of you, comforting thought came to mind. My thought was that although we were doing something that we knew would be unpopular to some, I personally wondered if any of the children in our schools across America were being educated on the events taking place, fairly and correctly.
You see, I coach wrestling in a high school, assist with local Boy Scouts and help at the local boys and girls club, so children (when I say that I understand most of you are close to adulthood) are a big part of my life. A lot of news we received here of large protests and anti-war propaganda, and we were at the front of the line going into Iraq. We had lived like dogs for a little over a month, and to hear that some in America did not support our cause was a little disheartening.
So, all of the nice letters of support I received from you (whom I still call children) really lifted my spirits. Each and every one of you showed great kindness and Patriotism in the letters you sent. And it was the Patriotism you showed that made me feel the best.
You see, I love this country, our flag, our way of life. They are precious to me, so precious that in May of 1995 I signed an oath and joined the United States Marine Corps, and went to surround myself with others who felt the same.
I will stand and pledge allegiance every day for the rest of my life, and I feel that is is important for children to understand what a great life Americans have. And with greatness comes responsibility for all ages.
You have shown responsibility by selflessly writing to someone you never met, and I salute your Patriotism.
Always remember, what we have in American has not been given to us, it has cost a price. Thank you for remembering those who serve our great nation.
"Semper Fidelis"
Some recent contributions received at Sea Cadet HQ for the Board of Directors Scholarship Fund include:
$1,000 - $1,500 range: Mr. Nick Ricco matching amounts that were directed to the Board of Directors Scholarship Fund.
$100 - $500 range: Mr. Art Judson
As noted earlier, the Navy League Cadet of the Year award is not funded, and the Instructor of the Year award is not yet fully funded. Thus recipients do not usually attend the annual NSCC meetings held in conjunction with Navy League annual national conventions. When the Instructor fund was established a couple of years ago, a number of unit sponsors (Navy League, etc.) each donated $19.62 (in recognition of the year NSCC was established). Sponsors and individuals are encouraged to donate $19.62 annually to the League Cadet of the Year Fund and/or the Instructor of the Year Fund.
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
LCDR Pat O'Brion, 04-2 Regional Director, recently contacted the Navy's SHIFT COLORS publication telling of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps program and encouraging retirees to consider volunteering as Officers or Instructor's.
CAPT Henry J. Nyland, NSCC Deputy Executive Director, received a note from the editor of SHIFT COLORS advising that they took Commander O'Brion's input for the article and it should appear in the next edition. Said Nyland "Great news, and thanks to Pat O'Brion for putting it together."
"Great job by LCDR O'Brion!!!!!!" commented Captain Michael D. Ford, NSCC Executive Director. This could really help in getting in some quality leaders with great backgrounds."
The SHIFT COLORS Editor said they hope to publish another NSCC article in the not too distant future. Speculated CAPT Nyland "Maybe some pictures of this Summer's adventures could help get another article addressing NSCC Summer training for the Navy's Fall edition.
Click Here to View the Article.
On March 7, 2004, the NSCC Internet Development Group (IDG) will release its newest web-based tool for the field. "Compass," as it has been dubbed, is the new one-stop center for NSCC training resources.
According to LCDR Bill
Murphy, NSCC, Officer-in-Charge of the IDG, the decision to split off the
training portion of the resources site was
made "in an effort to better serve the field and align NSCC internet
resources to the Chairman's mission statement of 'It's for the Cadets.'
About 50% of the NSCC Resources Site consists of training-related materials. Since training is our primary mission, we felt that it was the right time to give training its own home. Compass will provide one-stop shopping for unit Training Department personnel," said LCDR Murphy.
Compass includes
classroom lesson plans, national and regional training schedules, training
forms, as well as other professional development
resources for officers and cadets. Over the next year, as feedback and materials
are incorporated from the field, Compass will develop into a dynamic training
library for officers and cadets alike.
The new Compass site
will be under the administration of INST
Matt Landry, NSCC of SEVEN-ZULU Squadron, the newest member of the IDG.
The 2004 summer training schedule will still be available on both Compass and
the Resources site. As Compass gains traffic and adds training material, all
Resources links will pass directly to Compass.
Compass is available at http://compass.seacadets.org. The IDG is an independent headquarters unit, comprised of volunteer adult leaders, charged with the administration and supervision of the NSCC's internet projects.
It is imperative that nominations for senior high school Cadets to submit their applications at this time for the annual Navy League scholarships, and in the very near future for the NSCC scholarship competitions.
Deadline for the applying for Sea Cadet scholarships is 15 May 2004, according to CAPT Mike Ford, NSCC, Executive Director.
Deadline for Navy League scholarships is 31 March 2004.
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
January 2005
01 Deadline for receipt of Willis E. Reed, Nicholas Brango, Keith T. Weaver and
Instructor of the Year nominations at NHQ from Regional Directors.
17 Martin Luther King Day
February 2005
14 Valentines Day
21 President's Day
March 2005
17 St. Patrick's Day
15 Deadline for receipt of Navy League Scholarship applications
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Corps
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with Article 2021.1 of
the NSCC Regulations.
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