Mrs. Margie Griffin mother of Captain Anthony Swain, USN (Ret)

Mrs. Margie Griffin mother of Captain Anthony Swain, USN (Ret)

It is with saddened hearts that we report the passing of Margie Iola Griffin, the mother of longtime NNOA / DCNNOA member CAPT (Ret) Anthony (Tony) Swain, USN, on April 5, 2023 at the age of 84. She was known as a loving and devoted mother by her children, Captain Anthony Swain, USN, (Ret) (Dr. Joy); Gwendolyn Swain Allen; Marvin Swain (Kim); and Tracy Swain (Anisa). Her grandchildren are Dr. Trevon Swain (Tiffani), Amber Swain, Tracy Swain (Sameal), Christopher Swain, Allejah Swain, Miya Allen, and Kai Allen. She is also survived by her 5 great grandchildren, five siblings, two aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She also is survived by five siblings, two aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Viewing Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Mitchell Funeral Care and Creation
609 Hull Drive
Elizabeth City, NC

Celebration of Life, Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 11:30 a.m.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, COCGIC
118 N. Carolina Hwy 343 S.
Camden, NC

In lieu of Flowers, the family is requesting donations to Margie & Calvin Griffin Endowed Scholarship,Link: https://vikingsforward.ecsu.edu/project/29724/donate?des_id=390197

 

Captain Harold R. (Bob) Wise

Captain Harold R. (Bob) Wise

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of former NNOA president, Captain Harold R. (Bob) Wise on November 20, 2022.

During his 30 plus year career in both active and reserve duty assignments, he served in several leadership positions including Commanding Officer, Auxiliary Floating Drydock Medium 104, Trenton, NJ;  Assistant Programs Officer, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Four, Philadelphia, PA.; Plans Officer, CINCEASTLANT 108, Atlanta, GA; Communications Officer, SACLANT Det. 205, Buffalo, NY; Director of Training, Naval Reserve Center, Buffalo, NY; Management Information and Retention Officer, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Eight, Jacksonville, FL.; Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Voluntary Training Unit 0801, Atlanta, GA; Assistant Inspector General and Assistant Director of Plans for Readiness, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Eight, Jacksonville, FL.; Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Readiness Unit “C”, Atlanta, GA; Director of Selected Reserve Training, Naval Reserve Readiness Center, Atlanta, GA; and Explosives Safety Inspector, Naval Ordnance Center, Indian Head Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC.

Captain Wise attended the Naval War College, served as a member of the Secretary of the Navy’s National Naval Reserve Policy Board for three years, served on the Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Eight, Jacksonville, FL’s Reserve Policy Board for three years, completed the Reserve Components National Security Course presented by the National Defense University, attended the Armed Forces Staff College, attended the Naval War College War Gaming course and served on several Navy Reserve Officer line and staff selection boards.

Captain Wise was awarded the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy “E”, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two stars, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Expert Rifle Medal, the Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon, and Command Ashore Pin.

Captain Claude R. Williams

Captain Claude R. Williams

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of NNOA founding member, Captain Claude R. Williams. Dr. Claude R. Williams, Sr., 93, Orthodontist, Navy Captain, and Civil Rights Champion was born in Marshall, Texas in February 1929 died in Dallas, Texas. Williams was educated in the segregated schools of Marshall, Texas where he graduated from H.B. Pemberton High School. He attended Wiley College where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity but transferred to and graduated from Howard University in Washington DC with a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, a Doctorate in Dental Surgery, and a Certificate in Orthodontics. Upon graduation, Dr. Williams joined the United States Naval Reserves and served on active duty in Bainbridge, Maryland. Dr. Williams became the First African American Dental Commanding Officer and the First African American Navy Dentist to achieve the rank of 0-6 (Captain).

 

Dr. Claude R. Williams Sr. Endowed Scholarship fund at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry

How to give to the Dr. Claude R. Williams Sr. Endowed Scholarship fund at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry. The scholarship is endowed to exist in perpetuity, and the funds are managed through the Texas A&M Foundation:

Online:

  1. Go to www.txamfoundation.com.
  2. Click on the Give Now button.
  3. Where it says “Select a Unit or College” select: An Unlisted Account
  4. Where it says “Giving Account Name or Number” type: Dr. Claude R. Williams Scholarship – 23-076011
  5. Follow the rest of the instructions regarding donation, contact and payment information

By check:

Make check payable to: Texas A&M Foundation
In memo/notes section write: Dr. Williams Scholarship -23-076011
Mail check to: Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840

Farewall – LtCol Larry Hicks, USA

Farewall – LtCol Larry Hicks, USA

Dear NNOA Family,

It is with great sadness that I announce the sudden and unexpected passing of LTCol Larry Hicks, USA on 26 February 2022. Colonel Hicks was the husband of Captain Lynne Hicks, USN

Burial at Arlington Cemetery to be determined at a later date.

Larry Hicks Obituary (2022) – Fairfax, DC – The Washington Post
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/larry-hicks-obituary?id=33399124

Farewell Mrs. Mildred Brewer

Farewell Mrs. Mildred Brewer

Dear NNOA Family,

It is with great sadness that I send the news of Mrs. Mildred Brewer passing. Mrs. Brewer was the mother of one of our long time champions Vice Admiral David Brewer, US Navy, Retired.  Mrs. Brewer lived a very full and productive life and was less than a month from celebrating her 102nd birthday. Mrs. Brewer lived a life of purpose that included service as an elementary school teacher for almost 50 years. The Brewer family legacy of service continues in the scholarship foundation they established.

To commemorate her legacy, the Brewer Family will be asking those inclined to donate to a college scholarship & elementary school empowerment fund taught in four Title One schools. As soon as more details are available, we will pass them via NNOA social media and email.

Please join me in sending our prayers and thoughts to VADM David Brewer and his family.  

V/R, Sinclair Harris, RADM USN Retired, President, NNOA