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.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Feb 7, 2024 | Chaplain, News
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
Hosea 4:6
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
2 Timothy 4:2
My upbringing in the metropolitan region of Atlanta was characterized by an omnipresent aura of “Black Excellence.” This was mainly because my family lineage is steeped in the tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with my parents and siblings being proud alumni of the Atlanta University Center. The political landscape I was accustomed to was predominantly African American, with both male and female mayors and congressional members. Consequently, the Obamas were not an exception but rather a reaffirmation of the Black excellence that was a constant in my life.
Throughout my educational journey, from kindergarten to college, I was under the leadership of African American principals and presidents, both male and female. Many of my educators were products of the Atlanta University Center, which greatly influenced my decision to attend Spelman College. The representation of Spelman alumnae was compelling; these women exuded a level of acuity that I aspired to emulate. As a student, the essence of Black History was not confined to a single month but was an integral part of our curriculum throughout the year. This comprehensive exposure to my history fostered a robust sense of identity within me.
However, it was not until I ventured beyond the confines of Atlanta to pursue graduate studies at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, that I realized the uniqueness of my cultural upbringing. It was in this new environment that I encountered institutional racism, microaggressions, and distortions of our history for the first time. Faced with these challenges, I found myself compelled to contest the inaccuracies propagated by my professors despite the potential academic repercussions. The prospect of my history being misrepresented was unacceptable, and I was prepared to bear the consequences of defending the truth.
I believe this is our collective responsibility. We must ensure that our narratives are accurately represented, and that the truth of our identities is not compromised. We must resist attempts to erase or trivialize our history. We are not merely entertainers and athletes; we are inventors, scholars, scientists, theologians, world leaders, and so much more. Our contributions are vast and significant, and they deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
Persist in the narration of our history beyond the confines of February. Articulate the truth with unwavering conviction. Black history is integral to global history, and its significance should not be diminished. Continue to disseminate our narrative until it is recognized as the norm rather than the exception. Our history is not an anomaly; it is a standard that contributes to the rich tapestry of world history. Let us strive to ensure that it is acknowledged as such.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Feb 1, 2024 | News, Presidents Msg
This National Black History Month, we celebrate the vast contributions of Black Americans to our country and recognize that Black history is American history and that Black culture, stories, and triumphs are at the core of who we are as a Nation.
The soul of America is what makes us unique among all nations. We are the only country in the world founded on an idea. It is the idea that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated with equal dignity throughout our lives. While we still grapple today with the moral stain and vestiges of slavery — our country’s original sin — we have never walked away from the fight to fully realize the promise of America for all Americans. Throughout our history, Black Americans have never given up on the promise of America. Unbowed by the forces of hate and undaunted as they fought for centuries against slavery, segregation, and injustice, Black Americans have held a mirror up to our Nation, allowing our country to confront hard truths about who we are and pushing us to live up to our founding ideals. They have helped redeem the soul of our Nation, ensuring the promises in our founding documents were not just words on a page but a lived reality for all people. In the process, the vibrancy of Black history and culture has enriched every aspect of American life.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Jan 7, 2024 | Memoriam, News
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Alma Bernice Clark Gravely, devoted wife of the late Retired Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr.
Born on December 11, 1921, Alma led a life of ultimate grace and unwavering support alongside her husband, Admiral Gravely, the first African American Admiral in the United States Navy. Together, they raised three children, Robert, David, and Tracey, instilling in them the values of service, resilience, and love.
Alma’s kindness, sharp wit and tremendous strength touched countless lives. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast dedication to family, and commitment to her community. Alma was an iconic Navy Wife.
Alma Bernice Clark Gravely leaves a legacy of love, service, and strength.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Olive Branch Baptist Church, 4203 Mountain Rd., Haymarket, VA, 20169. Viewing will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Native American Veterans Association (NAVA.ORG), which was close to Alma’s heart.
We will forever cherish her memory and the light she brought to our lives.
by khurst2@gmail.com | Dec 10, 2023 | Chaplain, News
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
On my last night as a hospital chaplain in seminary, I received a call around 3:00 am. It had already been a hectic night. It seemed like the pager would not stop going off. The nurse told me that they had a baby in the pediatric intensive care unit on life support because of brain swelling from a car accident. His mother had been driving and had been hit by a drunk driver. Her mother was killed instantly, and now her son was on life-support.
I got myself together and walked over to the pediatric ICU to talk with the nurses and see the little man. I had never seen a baby’s head swollen and banged up like that in my life. While I was standing next to his bed, I noticed his name was Immanuel. The nurses informed me that Immanuel was going to die. I prayed with little Immanuel and then visited with his mother.
When I walked into the waiting room, I immediately observed that she had a lot of support with her. There were friends and family members all sitting with her and comforting her. At hospitals, people tend to get scared when a chaplain enters the room because they either know or assume the chaplain brings or precedes terrible news. Unfortunately, this was one of those times. I informed everyone who I was and let her know I was there to support her in any way I could.
I sat and listened as the mother explained what happened that night and how she was upset because she watched her mother die because of someone else’s fault. She then began talking about her fears for her son’s life and how she did not know what she would do if she lost him and her mother. And then she said something I will never forget. She said, “I named my son Immanuel, which means ‘God with us,’ so I know God is with me right now.” It was painful to hear her say that, knowing what I knew yet, I could not tell her. Her son was going to die. I remained with her for the rest of the morning until she fell asleep. I left my contact information with her friends in case she needed me later.
As I returned to my room, her words echoed, “I named my son Immanuel, which means ‘God with us,’ so I know God is with me right now.” I began to wonder what “God with us means.” Had God failed her in the death of her mother and son caused by the actions of an irresponsible individual? Where is God in all of this?
God was there long before I arrived. God was there when the accident took place. God was there in the nurses and doctors, tending to her and her son. God was there in the friends and family, comforting her. God was there even in me coming there to comfort her in her time of need. And God is still there with her even now. God is always there. We may not always understand how God works, but we can rest assured God is with us, Immanuel.
