NNOA Member Promotions
Congratulations to our NNOA Members on their nominations.
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Black History Month 2023 Spotlight
The Medal of Honor (MoH) is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. Conferred only upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal of Honor was established on December 21, 1861 and is the nation’s oldest continuously awarded decoration. The naval forces version of the MoH may be awarded to a member of the United States Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, (and to members of the Coast Guard when operating under the authority of the Department of the Navy).
3,525 Servicemen have been awarded the MoH. Of that, 93 are African American. The first U.S. Serviceman of African descent to be decorated was Sergeant William Harvey Carney, U.S. Army during the U.S. Civil War. And although 1050 Marines, Sailors and Coastguardsmen have been awarded the MoH, only 18 Sailors, 6 Marines and no Coastguardsmen of African descent have been awarded this distinction. Click on the MOH icon below to access the link to the 93 African American Naval MoH recipients.
In August 2021, the Secretary of Defense directed a review of all African American and Native Americans previously awarded the various Service Crosses, to ensure that all Americans received equitable treatment, and to determine if they possibly rated the Medal of Honor instead. Many valorous acts worthy of the two highest decorations, this nation can bestow upon its Servicemen, likely were not properly recognized and awarded, due to systemic racism.
https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/lists/black-african-american-recipients
Military Spouse Opportunity
Important new pilot program all spouses need to be aware.
Military spouses of currently serving members of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force, to include active, reserve and National Guard components, are invited to apply to the new Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot, a competitive multi-year program that provides spouses with paid 12-week fellowships at employers across various industries and locations.
https://myseco.
Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In the 60th anniversary year of the March on Washington and Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, NNOA is honored to recognize and celebrate the birth of one of the greatest champions’ for civil rights, nonviolent protest and equality the world has ever known, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, he stated what still rings true today, “So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
NNOA embodies Dr. King’s vision in its endeavor to ensure that all men and women in the Sea Services have an equal opportunity to succeed, advance and live up to the best of their abilities. This nation is strongest when we stand together. And as Dr. King profoundly noted, the nation’s freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. And as so, success of the Sea Services is also inextricably bound to the equality and success of all of its members, regardless of race, sex, creed or sexual orientation.
Please take a moment to reflect what part you can or do play to honor his legacy and ideals, as we celebrate the 94th year of the birth of this great man and leader for equality. Happy Birthday Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Happy New Year
Philippians 3:13-14
“…I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize…”
Happy New Year!
Typically, around this time of year many set goals or make resolutions. A lot of churches like to start the year off with the Daniel Fast which usually lasts about 21 days or some just take the entire month of January. And of course, there are those “new year, new me” or “new year, same me” social media posts, and those who make declarations about who and what has been cut out of their lives. The point is this is a time of new beginnings for many.
As the months go by, many fall off the wagon and give up on their goals. Life happens and plans change. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Does that mean we should not plan or set goals? Absolutely not. It means we must be in alignment with God’s will for our lives. Our goals and desires come from God. Not us. So if things are not working out, then it may be time for a realignment. Examine your motive behind the goals you set. Were the goals set out of selfish ambition or out of the need to fulfill a calling or purpose? When you are not in alignment with God’s will for your life, you will continue to meet with failure. Trust me. Been there. Done that. Got the swag bag.
One of my favorite songs is Moving Forward, written by Ricardo Sanchez and recorded by Israel Houghton. The chorus says,
“You make all things new.
And I will follow you forward.”
We don’t have to wait until the new year to make changes in our lives. We can make a change at any moment. The time does not matter. All that matters is that we are moving forward. Things may not happen on the timeline we desire, but if we are in the will of God, they will happen. “…no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”[1]
Keep pressing. You’ll get there if it’s in God’s will.
Happy New Year!
[1] Psalm 84:11