by khurst2@gmail.com | Nov 2, 2021 | News
Torchbearer: a person who leads or inspires others in working toward a valued goal
This week, we are recognizing U.S. Naval Officer, Commander Kathryn Wijnaldum as Torchbearer.
According to 11 Alive, Commander Kathryn Wijnaldum recently returned home to the Metro Atlanta area and used her time off from the Military to uplift the youth at her alma mater, Stone Mountain High School. This week, she visited the school’s Navy JROTC program and other students. She encouraged the students to be true to themselves and continue to work hard and persevere.
Commander Wijnaldum knows all too well the benefits of the advice she’s given them. She worked tirelessly to get into the U.S. Naval Academy and later became the commander of the USS Oak Hill, a warship made up of more than 300 personnel on board. Though her journey was not easy, she never gave up and now she’s back home to impart that wisdom onto tomorrow’s future leaders.
“It’s about creating an opportunity for others to do more, achieve more than I did. That pressure birthed a purpose in me that I didn’t even know I had. That pressure identified a gift and talent I brought to the table,” Wijnaldum told 11 Alive.
Commander Wijnaldum credits her family for instilling values of strength and leadership within her from an early age. As a Black woman, Wijnaldum also recognizes the importance of diverse representation in the armed forces and hopes by coming back to her community, that she will inspire others.
“I understand that I represent what they could one day achieve, and when I was in the program, I didn’t have the opportunity to see someone who looked like me who achieved professional success like I have,” Wijnaldum told 11 Alive. “I’m willing to share my journey if it means that I can help someone else achieve what they may believe is impossible.”
DeKalb County commends Commander Kathryn Wijnaldum for her work in giving back to the community and thanks her for her service. To read more about her inspiring story, click here.
Do you know a person or organization who is a DeKalb County Torchbearer? Nominate them to be featured in The Relay.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Nov 2, 2021 | Chaplain, News
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
When Paul wrote the letter to the church of Thessalonica, he opened with being thankful for their faithfulness to his ministry through support, giving, and encouraging one another. He was also grateful to learn how well they were getting along and spreading the gospel. At the end of his letter, Paul provided a word of encouragement. Paul understood that we could grow weary in well-doing. We can begin to grow tired if we do not see a harvest from the seeds we have sown.
Paul tells them to acknowledge those who work hard, admonish, and care for others. “Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15. Then he ends the letter with, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
His emphasis is a community with one another. We are not individual islands that are only concerned with ourselves because what we do affects others. We should do our best to live in harmony and love with one another. While striving to strengthen our community relationships, we should give thanks to God in every situation. The good, bad, and the ugly. Job said it best, “how can we only accept the God things from God and not the bad.” All of our experiences make us who we are. Each situation is an opportunity to grow and become better in our relationships with ourselves and one another. As we give thanks this month for all that our Creator has provided, may we also give thanks to those within our communities and families. Let us share the same love that God has given to us. Be grateful in all things.
Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy
by khurst2@gmail.com | Oct 25, 2021 | Announcements, News
COMPETITION OVERVIEW
The National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) is inviting members and non-members to participate in a NNOA Logo Contest. The winning Artist will be awarded a Lifetime Membership and one 2022 Symposium registration to participate in all the events July 26-29 at our 50th Anniversary Symposium, in Annapolis, Maryland.
As we celebrate 50 years past and begin a new decade, our logo should represent NNOA’s objectives of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our sea services, and that we are “stronger together”. If you think that our current logo still represents
The deadline to submit entries is March 5, 2022. Logo submissions will be posted online at www.nnoa.org/logo/vote March 7-15, 2022, for voting. The winning logo will be revealed on our Facebook page March 19, 2022..
PROCESS
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- Work well both horizontally and vertically
- Look as good on a large banner as on a bookmark
- Capture the spirit of NNOA
- Include the name “NNOA” or “National Naval Officers Association” somewhere in the design
- Designs with two to five colors that also look good in black and white are ideal
SUBMIT DESIGNS
DATES AND DEADLINES
- November 1 – Competition Launch / Registration opens
- March 5 – Deadline for submission Due by Midnight PST
- March 7-15 – eVoting at www.nnoa.org/logo/vote
- March 19 – Winner Announced
by khurst2@gmail.com | Oct 21, 2021 | News
Record your video birthday message for Mrs. Alma Gravely. Help us make her milestone birthday special.
Mrs. Gravely is the wife of the first African American to rise to the rank of Admiral in the US Navy, Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, USN (Ret.)
We will present the finished video at a celebration event in December 2021.
Take a little time to share your message. Click here.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Oct 21, 2021 | Captains & Colonels, News
View Bio
I’m truly blessed and privileged to add some words of wisdom to what has already been shared by this impressive group of senators from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Marine Corps.
I believe the development of ethical leaders firmly rooted in the Marine Corps’ heritage of selfless service, core values, and warfighting excellence is the life blood of the Marine Corps. With that, a call to action to dedicate ourselves to our leadership principles that have stood the test of time.
Leadership Principles
- Know yourself and seek self-improvement – You are never done growing as a leader.
- Be technically and tactically proficient – Know your business.
- Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions – Be accountable.
- Make sound and timely decisions – Be wise and decisive.
- Set the example – More is caught than taught.
- Know your Marines and Sailors and look out for their well-being – Marines and Sailors don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
- Keep your unit informed – No team ever failed because of too much honest and effective communication.
- Develop a sense of responsibility in subordinates – You are responsible for the development of the physical, mental, and moral welfare of the Marines and Sailors in your organization.
- Ensure the task is understood, supervised and accomplished – Set clear expectations and goals, then teach, coach, evaluate, and hold Marines and Sailors accountable.
- Train your Marines and Sailors as a team – Organizational Culture is your job.
- Employ your team in accordance with its strengths and capabilities – Create an environment in which your Marines and Sailors will succeed.
