Remembering Dr. Olivia Hooker, U.S. Coast Guard

Remembering Dr. Olivia Hooker, U.S. Coast Guard

Greetings To Our Fantastic NNOA Family During This Holiday Season of 2018 –

“Remembering Dr. Olivia Hooker, U.S. Coast Guard – 12 February 1915 – ‘Sea Services Sunset, 21 November 2018,’ Age 103 years of Service” – God Bless Her Soul!

Yesterday, Sunday, 25 November 2018, I had the “Wonderful Pleasure and Historic Sadness,” to Dedicate Words of Inspiration and Information on the Life of Our Family Member – Dr. Olivia Hooker, USCG on my weekly I Heart Media Radio Show, “Old Skool Sunday with Dr. Rick Wright.”  As one of the 1st African-American Females to enter into the ranks of the United States Coast Guard, SPARS, during WWII, and  serving as Yeoman Second Class was beyond exceptional.  Dr. Hooker, born February 12, 1915, was one of the remaining survivors of the “Black Wall Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma Race Riots of 1921,” that wiped out the Entire African-American Community of that City.  Dr. Hooker, at age 6, had to hide with her family in order to escape death, and the destruction that was presenting a most perilous situation.  Her family left Oklahoma and settled in Columbus, Ohio, where later in her life, Dr. Hooker graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A. Degree in 1937.  During World War II, and as a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Dr. Hooker fought for “equal opportunities” for African-American Women to serve in the Sea Services.  Her efforts lead to the ranks of the U.S. Coast Guard Women Reserves program, The SPARS, in February 1945.  After boot camp at Coast Guard Station, Manhattan Beach, she served as a most accomplished Yeoman, in handling various duties in Coast Guard Administration.  After completing duties with the U.S.C.G., Dr. Hooker received her M.A. Degree from Columbia University, and later her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester.  As one of the founders of the American Psychological Association, and its’ Intellectual and Developmental Division, Dr. Olivia Hooker, “trail blazed” a most incredible career.  As a Professor at Fordham University, Dr. Olivia Hooker became a most beloved teacher, and received “Honors and Recognition” from the Highest Levels of Leadership in Our Country.  President Barack Obama, presented major recognition for her “legacy,” while delivering his Commencement Address to the Graduating Cadets of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, during “The 134th Commencement Exercises,” on May 20, 2015.

So, in Celebrating The Legacy of Dr. Olivia Hooker, U. S. Coast Guard, Let’s Present A Most Magnificent – NNOA, “BRAVO ZULU” TO HER LIFE!”

V/r,
Roosevelt “Rick” Wright, Jr., Ph.D., CAPT., USNR(ret)
Member, Board of Directors – The National Naval Officers Association
Historian

Interesting Stories/Links:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/obituaries/olivia-hooker-dead.html 

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/olivia-hooker-tulsa-race-riots-1921-dead_us_5bf952bce4b0eb6d930ebfa5

https://www.essence.com/news/olivia-hooker-first-black-woman-coast-guard-died/

https://www.theroot.com/dr-olivia-hooker-1921-tulsa-race-massacre-survivor-an-1830631406?utm_medium=sharefromsite&utm_source=theroot_copy&utm_campaign=bottom

NNOA’s CDR McCallaCreary Participates in Prairie View A&M University Celebration

CDR McCallaCreary attended the Prairie View A&M University, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Unit 50th Celebration held October 11 – 13, 2018.  The overarching theme was “Continuing the Mission of increasing numbers of minority Officers in the Marine Corps and Navy.”   NNOA continues to help develop synergy between the NROTC Unit, HBCU’s (Historically Black College and University) and NNOA.  

View Event Photos

The Prairie View A&M NROTC Story

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit at Prairie View A&M was established in1968 with an expressed mission to produce exceptional officers and increase the number of Minority Officers serving in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

As the first NROTC program established a predominantly Black college or university, Prairie View A&M immediately assumed a leadership role for Sea Services. A high performing, inclusive school with exacting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) standards, Prairie View A&M University was a natural fit for the NROTC program from day one.

Midshipmen accepted into the program are required to perform academically, physically, and morally. Since the unit’s establishment, over four hundred exemplary young men and women have been commissioned into the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Prairie View A&M University NROTC graduates are currently deployed around the globe.

The success of the unit is exemplified by the quality of officers commissioned into naval service. To date, the Prairie View A&M University NROTC unit has produced three Flag Officers, Vice Admiral David Brewer III, Rear Admiral Kelvin Dixon, and Rear Admiral Osie Combs, Jr. The collective performance of all officers commissioned from Prairie View A&M University validates the premise that increasing the number of minority Naval and Marine Corps Officers would vastly improve our military.

From the Golden Thirteen to the Living Spirit of the Dream, the Prairie View A&M University NROTC unit maintains a decorated history that remains relevant today. Over the course of the past year, the 50th Anniversary Committee worked diligently to honor this proud legacy. Anniversary kickoff events in Houston, Texas and Washington DC, conducted during Black History Month were a tremendous success. The events included senior military officers, to include General Robert Neller, the 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, as well as national and locally elected officials.

We want this proud history to live on and for the unit to thrive as it continues to mission. Tonight we have planned an evening of awards, recognition, speeches and most importantly, fellowship. We are most thankful for our partnership with the Houston Military Affairs Committee (HMAC) and appreciative of all their help in making this event happen. Tonight, past and present members of this outstanding unit are encouraged to celebrate past accomplishments tonight while keeping a watchful eye on a bright future.

a. NROTC Class of 1970 (Prairie View A&M University Golden Thirteen)

1. Marvin L. Bell LCDR, USN (Ret) (Deceased)
2. VADM David L. Brewer III VADM, USN (Ret)
3. Ollie V. Bucker Lt. USN
4. James E. Ealy CAPT, USN (Ret)
5. Isaac C. Gouldsby Capt, USMC
6. Moses H. Hadnot Lt USMC)
7. Ronald E. Hall LCDR, USN (Ret)
8. Dr Kenneth E. Hinson CAPT, USN (Ret)
9. Harvey Mattox LCDR, USN (Ret)
10.Dr. David C. Mosby CAPT, USN (Ret)
11.Niley J. Rosemond Capt, USMC
12.James E. Tarver CAPT, USN (Ret)
13.Charles E. White CAPT, USN (Ret)

b. NROTC Class 1972 (First Full Four Year Class)

1. Robert Dean CDR, USN (Ret)
2. Wendell Chinn, Jr Captain, USMC (Ret)
3. Emmerson Edwards* LCDR, USN (Ret)
4. Christopher Peterson Major, USMC (Ret)
5. Robert Rush LCDR, USN (Ret)
6. Herlis Williams Major, USMC (Ret)
7. Arthur Ray Wilson Lt, USN

* Note: Completed NRTOC program obligation in 1972. Commissioned and BSEE in 1973.

Very Respectfully,
E. Edwards
LCDR, USN (Ret)
50th Anniversary Program Manager
Original member of the first full four year PVAMU NROTC Class of 1972
IP: 281-712-8010 (Recorder – will respond within 24 Hours)
C: 346-262-5763

DCNNOA EXCELS AT SYMPOSIUM 2018

By CAPT Gary J. Powe, SC, USN (Vice-President, DCNNOA)

The Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) led by Chapter President, CAPT Tom Abernethy, USN (Ret.) once again demonstrated the sustained superior performance that it has been renowned for by winning several awards at the 2018 Professional Development and Training Symposium at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel held August 8-9, 2018.

LCDR Desmond Walker, USN

Included in the list of awards the chapter received is the highly coveted Dorie Miller Award. This is the highest individual award in NNOA and is awarded to the member who has excelled in the accomplishment of NNOA goals and objectives. This year’s recipient was DCNNOA’s very own LCDR Desmond Walker, USN currently serving as Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N00Z). He has been critical in the mentoring and advising of African-American nuclear trained officers as part of the Black Surface/Submarine Nuclear Network (BSNN). LCDR Walker additionally is highly engaged at his alma mater, Norfolk State University. His efforts at the NROTC unit have proven significant in the mentoring, advocacy and professional development of Midshipmen at this Historical Black University.

 

DCNNOA was also recognized for Outstanding Chapter Newsletter, Outstanding Chapter Programs and Overall Outstanding Chapter (large category) at the Virginia 2018 Symposium held on  8-9 August.

The Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association (DCNNOA) has established a legacy of leadership, mentorship and community service for those associated with the sea services in the greater metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. The chapter continues to make a difference; exemplifying the strength that comes from making the best use of diverse talent. During the 2017-2018 reporting period, DCNNOA has remained true to the calling and the mission of NNOA on both a local and national level. The chapter continues to build on the programs that have been synonymous with the distinguished name of NNOA. The chapter’s continued success is a testament to the resilience of its membership and the dedication of its Executive Board. DCNNOA recognizes that we are responsible for developing a new generation of leaders from both within and outside of our ranks. The variety of mentorship and sponsorship activities conducted by DCNNOA has the sole purpose of fostering and nurturing the strength found in a truly diverse society. DCNNOA continues to realize the value of working with and in support of others as it undertakes a lifecycle approach to talent development from middle school through public service to private sector transition. DCNNOA uses innovative partnerships and co-sponsorship with members of the military, the community and business arena to achieve its goals. DCNNOA maintains strong ties with service organizations with goals similar to its own like The ROCKS, Inc., collaborating together on professional, community and social events.

Our signature chapter program for DCNNOA is the annual Ester Boone Memorial Scholarship Banquet. This year was the 30th edition of this phenomenal event. Our guest speaker at this year’s event was VADM Kevin D. Scott, USN, Director, Joint Force Development (J-7). Thirty-seven scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors from high schools in the Washington, D.C. Metro area (Maryland, D.C. and Northern Virginia), totaling over $60,000.

DCNNOA programs such as the chapter’s scholarship program, the Annual Ester Boone Memorial Scholarship Award Banquet and the Annual Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital visit continue to provide the foundation from which new initiatives are born and will continue to serve as the basis for our chapter’s growth and advocacy throughout the Washington, D.C. community.

DCNNOA – Washington, D.C Veterans Hospital Visit

 

The Historian Review – Nov 2018

NNOA 2018 Symposium – “A Tremendous Experience of Discovering Leadership, Professional Development, Training Opportunities, and Teamwork Within the Ranks of the Sea Services.”

By Roosevelt “Rick” Wright, Jr., Ph.D., CAPT., USNR(ret)
NNOA Historian

On the Banks of the Elizabeth River, and The Main Ship Channel for Ships of the Atlantic Fleet, sits the Renaissance Portsmouth/Norfolk Waterfront Hotel, where on the 8th and 9th of August 2018, The National Naval Officers Association held its’ 46th Annual Symposium. This gathering of very impressive, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corp., and U.S. Coast Guard Officers, plus civilian personnel, was a “fantastic, spirited, and most productive event.” This years’ theme, “Embracing Diversity to Strengthen the Sea Services,” was supported by an array of notables, such as Sea Services Chiefs, ADM John M. Richardson, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, and ADM Karl L. Schultz, USCG, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. This years’ 2018 Symposium was blessed with the attendance of “Living Founders and Incorporators of NNOA,” Capt. Claude Williams, USN(ret), The Honorable Buddie Penn, Former Acting Secretary of the U.S. Navy, and LCDR Richard West, USN(ret). Congressman Robert C. Scott, who represents the third congressional district of Virginia, was a wonderful luncheon speaker, and his remarks were most delightful and stimulating for his support of the Sea Services. Mr. John Rowe, Mayor of Portsmouth, Va., presented words of further support for the work of NNOA, during the opening ceremonies.

A major opening activity for the NNOA 2018 Symposium was the annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (STEM) that was held at U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, Va. At this event, 58 local tidewater youth were treated and participated with some of the latest technology used in the carrying out the various missions of the Sea Services. Dr. Melvin T. Stith, Interim President of Norfolk State University, presented a “most powerful, opening presentation,” on the excellence of obtaining an education in the field of technology. The luncheon Keynote speaker was CAPT. Donnie Cochran, USN (ret), Naval Aviator and former Commanding Officer of the Elite Naval Flight Demonstration Team- “The Blue Angels.” His presentation on developing “leadership qualities and productivity in STEM fields,” was shown to this group of exceptional youth, by his management skills in commanding, and flying with the Blue Angels Flight Team. RADM William Kelly, USCG, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources presented his message about the importance of a STEM based education for tomorrow’s work force.

During this Seven Hour NNOA STEM event, the students representing 37 local tidewater schools, grades 8-12 had the opportunity to see Two Navy Helicopters, a H-53 from HM-15, and an H-60 from HSC-22, from NAS Norfolk. These assess along with various operational demonstrations, and Q&A discussions, plus an introduction to the overall relationships to STEM based education careers, and opportunities was presented. Towards the end of this event, and after a strong “Life Skills Session,” was held, one rising high school senior received the CAPT Donald Flowers, USN, Scholarship Award. This $500 Award was presented to the NNOA STEM participant who “demonstrated superior knowledge and performance in the related activity competition.”

The Attendance at NNOA 2018 included 235 fully registered attendees, and 21 speakers from all sea services families. Representation was as follows, 97, U.S. Navy; 89, U.S. Coast Guard; 39, U.S. Marine Corp; 1, U.S. Army; 3, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association; 2, U.S. Public Health Service, 4, Civilians. The full spectrum of rank, 7, Midshipmen, to Flag was present with many junior officers, 0-3 and below, attending one or more informational sessions. NNOA’s efforts to increase junior officer membership, resulted in an increase of 53% attending this years’ symposium. LtCol Jason Davis, USMC, and membership director of NNOA is “spearheading major efforts in increasing the membership of NNOA.”

The Renaissance Waterfront Hotel was a most efficacious location, with the aesthetics of Naval, Coast Guard Vessels, Water taxi’s, Yachts, Tugboats, and barges plying outside on the river conducting their missions. While inside the hallways, conference/meeting rooms, auditorium, patios, and ballrooms, NNOA’s 2018 Symposium was in a mode of celerity with an array of notable and illustrious participants. This years’ theme, “Embracing Diversity to Strengthen the Sea Services,” set the cognitive tone for the message content presented in the various panel discussions, and keynote speakers. Highlights of these most impressive content providers and sessions are as follows for those in attendance.

Setting the atmosphere for the symposium were Two Life Skills seminars, one entitled, “Financial Planning,” and the other, “Building Wealth in Real Estate,” were presented on Tuesday night, which was prior to the official opening sermon on Wednesday morning. The sessions were most informative, and well attended by the membership.

Representation from our Sea Services, had many notable VIP’s in attendance, some of our U.S. Navy Family members, were The Honorable Buddie Penn, Former Acting Secretary of the Navy; ADM John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations; ADM(ret) Cecil Haney; VADM Kevin Scott, Director, Joint Force Development; Ms. Steffanie Easter, Director, Navy Staff; RADM(ret) Sinclair Harris, President, National Naval Officers Association; RDML Stephen Evans, Commander, Carrier Strike Group TWO; RDML Jesse Wilson, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic; RDML(ret) Annie Andrews, Assistant Administrator for Human Resources Management, Federal Aviation Administration; CAPT Donald Nisbett, Deputy Commander for NROTC Operations; CAPT Tara McArthur-Milton, Former Director for U.S. Naval Academy; CAPT Robert Dews, Safety Officer, U.S. Naval Academy; CAPT(ret) Donnie Cochran, Former Commanding Officer, U.S. Navy Blue Angels; COL Arthur Athens, USMC, Director, Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership; and CDR Michael Files, OPNAV N1, NNOA Navy Service Affiliate.

The U. S. Marine Corp, also had major representation, and “Semper Fidelis” to these notables, LTGEN Mark Brilakis, CG, Marine Forces Command; MAJGEN Craig Crenshaw, Director, Manpower and Reserve Affairs; BGEN Wiliam Seely III, Director Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communications; BGEN William Swan, Director, Manpower and Reserve Affairs; COL DeWayne Whiteside, Branch Head, LPO, I&L; COL David Everly, Commanding Officer, The Basic School; COL Reginald Hairston, G1, Marine Forces Command; LtCOL Quintin Jones, J3, NATO; COL Christopher Shaw, SJA, MCCD&I; LtCOL Jefferey Godfrey, OPSO, The Basic School, and COL Anthony M. Henderson, Branch Head, PP&O, Marine Corp Affiliate NNOA.

The “Pea Island U. S. Coast Guard Life Saving Surfmen of the Mid-1800’s, on the North Carolina Coast,” were probably beaming in “heaven,” as they watched the Coast Guard Family notables on board for NNOA 2018. ADM Karl Schultz, Commandant, USCG; VADM Charles Ray, Vice Commandant, USCG; RADM Meredith Austin, CO, District 5; CAPT Tom Walsh, Coast Guard Recruiting Command, USCG; CDR Shameen Anthanio-Williams, Pentagon Liaison, USCG; CDR Kristina Lewis, Office of Personnel Management, USCG; and LCDR Paul Green, Reserve Affairs, USCG.

Serving as Keynote Breakfast and luncheon speakers, plus panelist, these Senior Sea Service Leaders presented “information and guidance on a myriad of enlightening topics, including; honing leadership skills, joint service, career management, operational competence, life skills, mentoring, and recruiting.” Further our professional and experienced VIP’s, emphasized, “how the Naval Services must lead by measurable actions, that will increase professional competence, inclusion, and maximizing the talent recruited and within the ranks.”

Two Notable VIP’s, Congressman Bobby Scott, representing the Third Congressional District of the State of Virginia, was the Keynote Speaker for the opening of NNOA 2018 Symposium. And for the first time in the History of the National Naval Officers Association Conferences/Symposium, a President of a Historically Black College and University, Dr. Melvin T. Stith, Interim President of Norfolk State University, and Home of an outstanding NROTC unit was our “Gala Keynote Speaker for Our Awards Banquet and Dinner.” Also, the list of notables attending at various stages, were Mr. John Rowe, Mayor of Portsmouth, Va.; RADM(ret) Mark Buzby, Administrator, Maritime Administration; RADM Syvia Trent-Adams, Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service; RDML Nancy Hann, Deputy Director, NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; and COL(ret) Brian Anderson, USAF, Director, Career Transition & Member Services.

NNOA 2018 culminated with the presentation of annual awards at the Gala Banquet Dinner, “The Dorie Miller Award” for Excelling in the accomplishments of NNOA goals was presented to LCDR Desmond Walker, USN, (OPNAV N00Z). “The Captain John G. Witherspoon Award,” for Excellence in Leadership and Mentoring was presented to CDR Michael Files, USN, (OPNAV N122R). Receiving the “Lifetime Achievement Award, was CAPT Robert Dews, USN, (USNA), who 34 years ago received a scholarship from the DC Chapter of NNOA. This award lead to a “fantastic Naval Career as an Aviator,” which started after receiving his B.S. Degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. Upon completion of undergraduate studies at Southern University, CAPT Robert Dews, USN, was one of the “Navy Pioneers of the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program(BDCP),” and received his Naval Commission as an Ensign, after graduating from Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1989.

The use of Social Media technology and Mass Media tools were widely used in telling the NNOA 2018 Symposium Story. WAVY-TV, Channel 10, NBC affiliate, Portsmouth, Va. and Broadcast Journalist Kara Dixon presented major coverage of NNOA Events. CAPT Mike Francis, USN(ret), IT Specialist for NNOA, Kwan, NNOA Web Master, Roosevelt Rubin Wright III, Junior, Public Relations/Public Diplomacy Major, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University, and Mr. Eric Martin Labat, Award Winning Photographer of Norfolk, Va., were audiovisual and social media content providers. Video interviews with notable VIP’s, Photographs, Stories, Social Media Post about all events can all be found by visiting NNOA.ORG.

The National Naval Officers Association 2018 was a “huge success,” with a wonderful election of our new President, “Longtime NNOA Pioneer and Leader,” RADM Sinclair M. Harris, USN(ret). His message of “FULL SPEED AHEAD,” with the Mission of Chapter Empowerment, Growth of Membership, A Greater Symposium 2019 in San Diego, California, and The Implementation of the Strategic Review, that will take NNOA to Greater Heights in Providing Leadership and Diversity for the Sea Services.

Commander Denise J. McCallaCreary, USN(ret), Immediate Past President of NNOA leaves us with this message, “I was extremely pleased with the attendance, the participation of Senior Sea Service Leadership, and their commitment to diversity in the sea services. I believe there is a momentum and appreciation for NNOA, and what was as an organization can do to support their diversity mission. While this is my last year as President, I am excited for the future of NNOA.”

As we close out this review of NNOA 2018 Symposium, “Lets’ Never Forget the Incredible Work of Our Founders and Visionaries in Establishing the National Naval Officers Association in the 1970’s.” See you next year in San Diego, California, Navy, Marine Corp., Coast Guard, NOAA, and USPHS, SEA SERVICES FAMILY MEMBERS, ”BZ To ALL”

Respectfully Submitted,
Roosevelt “Rick” Wright, Jr., Ph.D., CAPT., USNR(ret)
NNOA, Historian

JO in the Spotlight

JO in the Spotlight
By LTJG Shakeitha Lewis. Navy BFM Intern

In June of 2014 I received my selectee notification on BOL as an OCS Candidate with the 3100, Supply Corps designator. It took me a year and three non-select notifications before I finally got the news I desired. I enlisted in the Navy at the tender age of 18 from Houston, TX. I qualified for the Air Traffic Control rating, which I knew was a great job that could catapult me into a world of success if I chose to end my career in the Navy after my first enlistment. I served nine years as an Enlisted Sailor, completing successful tours at Naval Station Mayport, Tactical Air Squadron Two-One, deploying on the USS Kearsarge and the USS Bataan, and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. During my enlisted tenure I took advantage of programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the NC PACE Program, which enables Sailor’s to continue their education in a class-like setting or via distance learning while deployed.

It was through these two programs that I was able to complete both a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting, graduating Summa and Magna Cum Laude respectively, during my enlisted career, which ultimately led to fulfilling my dream of becoming a Naval Officer. Although the road presented a lot of challenges, it was through perseverance, dedication, determination, and consistency that I was able to achieve my dream. As a Naval Officer, I have realized that while the workload and responsibilities increase, the principals of what makes a great Sailor and Leader are the same regardless of rank. It was through the aforementioned traits coupled with Honor, Courage, Commitment, accountability, and mentorship that my transition into the officer ranks have been somewhat seamless.

While the Navy Core Values and personal traits such as accountability, dedication and consistency are geared more towards individualized characteristics, it is through mentorship that these traits can be maximized. The National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) has provided me with a safe-haven of senior and junior officers that I know I can seek both professional and personal advice. I did mention that my transition to the Officer ranks were somewhat seamless, but it has not been without challenges. However, when faced with adversity I know can seek mentorship from my NNOA family to develop positive solutions. I am grateful for my experiences as an Enlisted Sailor, and I heavily believe it is those experiences that have molded me to the officer that I am today. However, as I move through the ranks and the trials intensify, I am truly appreciative to have the NNOA as a lifelong tool in my toolbox and truly believe every officer should take advantage of the professional and personal development opportunities provided by this organization.