by khurst2@gmail.com | Mar 11, 2024 | News
Dear Fellow Members of NNOA,
I am honored to have worked on this most unique project honoring Black Women, Black Heritage Day V – WOMEN (BHD V – WOMEN) with my Brother and friend, Dr. Carl Mack, former executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers, NSBE.
This calendar is perpetual (no year and no day), features 366 days of extraordinary Black women (leap year included), has four pages of Table of Contents, Sistas from yesterday and today, and finally 6 of our Extraordinary Naval Sistas per the attachment.
I am strongly encouraging us to purchase and support this one-of-a-kind project. I say again, there is no other calendar like this one. If you were to find one like BHD V – Women, we give you this one for FREE!
Furthermore, the price is incredible at $19.99, FREE SHIPPING!
To order, go to blackheritagedays.com
Thank you and stay blessed,
Captain Tony Barnes
20th NNOA National President
by khurst2@gmail.com | Mar 3, 2024 | Memoriam, News
June 27, 1949 – February 27, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Loretta Ann Penn, beloved wife of The Honorable B.J. “Buddie” Penn, the 10th President of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA). Loretta passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024, at her home in Fairfax Station, Virginia, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 74 years old.
Loretta was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She married Buddie, the love of her life, on June 25, 1987, in San Diego, California, and they shared 36 wonderful years of marriage. They were true partners in life and supported each other in their personal and professional endeavors. Loretta was a proud and supportive spouse of Buddie’s service in the U.S. Navy and his leadership in the NNOA. She was also a dedicated and involved member of the NNOA Spouses Organization, serving as the National President for two terms.
Loretta is survived by her loving husband Buddie, stepdaughter Emily Grooms (Bruce), stepsons Brian and Eric, grandsons Geoffery and Jared Grooms, Aunt Lena Sparks, and devoted nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Antioch Baptist Church at 6531 Little Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega ceremony will be held at 9:30 am, the viewing will begin at 10:00 am, and the service will follow at 11:00 am. A repass will immediately follow the service. The service will be live streamed at http://antioch-church.org/streaming-access.
A final service and interment will take place in Dallas, Texas on March 15, 2024, where Loretta will be eternally rejoined with her parents at Laurel Land Memorial Park, 6300 S R L Thornton, Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75232. The viewing will be held at 9:00 am, the service will begin at 10:00 am with the interment immediately following the service.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Loretta Ann Medlock Penn please visit our Tribute Store.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Mar 3, 2024 | Memoriam, News
1931 – 2024
The National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) mourns the passing of one of our founders, Lieutenant Commander Richard C. West, USN (Ret).
LCDR West, born in Hobart, Oklahoma, served with distinction in the Army Reserves and Navy during the Korean War. He faced adversity with courage and emerged as a trailblazer, becoming the fifth African American Naval Aviator in 1956.
His distinguished career spanned eleven aircraft types and numerous deployments. He later served as a mentor and advocate for aspiring Naval Officers through the NNOA and various community organizations.
LCDR West is survived by his wife, Pacita, and daughters, Carolyn and Martha.
A viewing for Navy Lieutenant Commander Pilot Richard will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at New Hope Friendship Baptist Church, 2205 Harrison Ave., San Diego, CA 92113, followed by a celebration of life from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
Navy Lieutenant Commander Richard will be laid to rest in Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA.
