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Black History Month Message from the President’s Desk

by | Feb 1, 2022 | News, Presidents Msg

February is the month we celebrate Black History. The 2022 Black History Month celebration theme is “Black Health and Wellness.” As we take the time to focus on our health and wellness, I would like to share a poem that I feel sums up this month.  It was written by my mother, the late Margaret Oliver:

There is stress and strife in our daily life,
And peace seems far away.
But with work and prayer we have hope,
To find health and wellness day by day.
Our minds and bodies are fragile things,
So we have to treat them well.
Diet, exercise, meditation and friends,
Are part of the magic spell.
We are all challenged all along our journey,
In our days on this earthly realm.
Just keep your head up and keep your spirit,
You are not alone at life’s helm.
I and the NNOA family are looking forward to celebrating the legacy of Black contributors, scholars, and practitioners in Western medicine. NNOA chapters, please share your events, photos, and links as we celebrate together.

MLK Birthday – A Day On…Not A Day Off

by | Jan 24, 2022 | Presidents Msg

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I encourage our NNOA family to give back to local communities as a National Day of Service. Please share your stories and photos of service as an encouragement to everyone.

Dr. King’s life work is the idea that we must learn from one another and work together to pursue equality and justice. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

God bless and v/r,
RADM Sinclair Harris, USN(Ret)

December Holiday President’s Message

December Holiday President’s Message

by | Dec 10, 2021 | News, Presidents Msg

Dear Shipmates, Family, and Friends of NNOA,

Season’s Greetings! I wish you good health, great happiness, and much prosperity through the season and into 2022. As I reflect on the many successes of 2021 for our association, I feel nothing but pride for all that we have accomplished, and I have tremendous expectations for the year to come.

This year has been phenomenal for the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) both as an organization and our members. Our membership has grown over the last three years. Our chapters are expanding, with new ones starting across our Sea Services and established ones thriving. Our members are being promoted, recognized, and taking positions of greater responsibility and importance. Our finances are excellent and will get even better as we establish the NNOA Foundation. Active and reserve members are working with Sea Services recruiting personnel to identify eligible candidates for Officer and NROTC programs. Our Career Development program provides mentors and open forums with senior leadership via Zoom to help officers navigate career challenges and milestones. Our veterans support recruiting efforts and have established an outstanding Transition Assistance Team program. Our reputation with leadership across the Sea Services is strong and getting stronger as the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Public Health Service, and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) have all drawn on NNOA for support in growing a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and resilient Officer Corps. Many organizations and entities that support American Sea Power have asked NNOA to collaborate and work with them, increasing our association’s relevance and impact. I could list so much more of what NNOA has done in 2021, but I share these few to give you a sense of our outstanding accomplishments for the year.

As we begin 2022, there are even greater expectations for NNOA. We will celebrate our Golden Anniversary from July 25-29 as NNOA turns 50 years young! Our celebration will be at the place where it all began in Annapolis, Maryland, with an impressive line-up of speakers. More details will come in January. NNOA is deepening its relationship with our civilian Shipmates as Ms. Karen Davis, a Senior Executive Service (SES) in our Navy, has joined our leadership as a Liaison Advisor. Our Career Development Committee will continue to take full advantage of our virtual platform featuring more awesome speakers and mentoring opportunities. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are being planned for several new NNOA chapters, undoubtedly enhancing our mission effectiveness.

In closing, as your President, I ask that each of you to do the following:

  • First and foremost, have a blessed holiday season, and please reflect on the many good things we are doing and what is happening with our NNOA Shipmates.
  • Second, share the good news of NNOA with your Shipmates, both members and non-members, and with friends and family. Finally, please continue to support our mission of Recruitment, Retention, and Career Development in support of American Sea Power.

Again, I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season!

Where do we go from here?

by | Sep 12, 2021 | Presidents Msg

49th Symposium Letter from NNOA President’s Desk

September 12, 2021

Greetings NNOA Shipmates, Family, and Friends!

Another outstanding NNOA Symposium is passed and opening!  Bravo Zulu to all who organized, led, participated, and provided technical support!  I offer a special thanks to LtCol Khalilah Thomas, USMC for her phenomenal leadership from start to finish as our Symposium Chairperson. Over 360 attendees heard speakers and panelists that included all three Sea Service Chiefs and many others.  New offerings such as our first ever Senior Executive Service Panel was an unqualified success.  Bravo Zulu to all!

As part of our tradition, I provided an NNOA Year in Review to the general body.  Many were not able to attend but we did record it.  Please take time to listen to it and send any comments.  You can also open it inside our website. Send your comments to me at president@nnoa.org.  I assure you I will read them all.

Let me also take a moment to welcome (or welcome back) our new leadership for NNOA:

  • Executive VP: Colonel Quintin D. Jones, USMC
  • Treasurer:  LCDR Bea Henderson, USN (Ret.)
  • Veterans Rep:  CDR Ernie Taylor, USN (Ret.)
  • Public Relations Officer: Capt Larry Boyd, USMC
  • Eastern Region VP: Major Matt Bowman, USMC
  • Central Region VP: CDR Stacey O’Neal, USN
  • Western Region VP: CAPT Kevin Reed, USCG

As I take a three-point fix on our organization, it is clear that NNOA is in a good place.  Financially, we are sound, thanks to the great work of our treasurer Bea Henderson.  Our membership continues to be very solid with over 1000 shipmates and growing – thank you Tremayne Williams our Membership Chair. And our reputation as an organization is well respected by the leaders of our Sea Services, NOAA, Public Health Service and MARAD. This is due to the work of the many at the chapter and national level. NNOA members are engaging Sea Service leadership over important issues and representing our organization well.  Bottomline, we are squarely in the center of the channel and making way. As an “old SWO” I know where we have been and where we are now is not as important as where we are headed.  I have a few thoughts but really need to hear from you – especially those on Active Duty, Reservists still serving, and Government Service members still in the fight.  We Veteran’s have demonstrated our commitment and will continue to do so under the leadership of Ernie Taylor and others, but the future of NNOA is about those still serving. I need to know what is on your heart and mind.

There are many initiatives already underway in OUR NNOA.  Here are just a few:

  1. NNOA turns 50 years young in 2022. We will be holding our symposium in person and back where it all started in Annapolis, Maryland starting July 25, 2022.  We will put out the link for registration early.  Please don’t wait to until the last minute to register your attendance.  CAPT Robert Dews, USN (Retired) is our Symposium Chairperson.  He is looking for volunteers.  Please let him know if you are willing to support the effort in any way.  CAPT Rick Wright, USN (Retired) Phd is our NNOA Historian.  He is looking for volunteers as well. He is also requesting your NNOA photos, artifacts, and memories to help him put together our 50 year journey into a proper historical perspective.

 

  1. NNOA Logo Contest. We have conducted a small sample survey and there appears to be some who believe that our logo needs to be updated. I am sure there are also those who are more traditional in perspective and love our current symbol.  With this in mind, we have launched a contest to see what ideas are out there for a new logo and will reveal it during our 50th symposium for vote.

 

  1. NNOA Roster and Membership Roles need to be updated. Many of us have changed email addresses, ranks, retired, or moved.  The only way for NNOA to keep up with you, is with your help.  Often, we are seeing members fail to renew membership and then tell me that it just slipped their minds.  I understand, as it has happened to me before I became a life member.  No worries!  This is an easy fix but I need your help.  I ask all to do two things:
    1. I need each of you to review their status and contact information in NNOA.
    2. I need each of you to renew their membership and spread the word to others.

 

  1. NNOA Foundation. We are modernizing our platform, our processes, and our infrastructure. Having been a member of NNOA since 1988 and served as your president since 2018, I have seen the ups and the downs of NNOA over the years.  We are on a good pace right now, but we will not be able to continue meeting the needs of our members and the Sea Service leaders without a more stable financial foundation.  We have gotten about all the juice we can out of an all-volunteer organization but need a modest investment in infrastructure to take NNOA to the next level.  In the coming weeks, you will be hearing more from me and others regarding this new initiative.

 

  1. NNOA Diversity Strategy (NDS). VADM Kevin Scott, USN (Retired) has the deck and the conn on moving our NDS from PowerPoint to reality. He is already in flight making an impact with leadership.  There are a few who have signed on to help, but more will be needed. Stay tuned.

In summary, the state of NNOA is sound.  We have much to cherish about where we have come and what we can do moving forward. We have many irons in the fire, but I need you, our membership on board and in the fight to make our NNOA stronger and responsive to the call of recruitment, training, retention, and diversity.   I close with two very important question for you – Where do we go from here and will you help us? .  Remember, “we are stronger together.”  

Very respectfully,

Sinclair Harris, RADM USN (Retired), President, NNOA

October 2020 President’s Message

by | Oct 25, 2020 | Presidents Msg

“May you live in interesting times.”
 – Frederic R. Coudert, 1939

The NNOA is needed more today than ever!

To say we are living in “interesting times” is an understatement for sure but captures what many feel about 2020.  Deaths and economic impacts from COVID-19, protests over racial inequality, wildfires across the western states, hurricanes so numerous that NOAA ran out of names, and all of this during a national election year.  “Unprecedented” and “exhausting” are two words that seem to come up when thinking about this year.  However, daunting these situations may be, this has been a year of great success for our National Naval Officers Association (NNOA).  Members of NNOA are in the middle of so much good that is happening to make our Sea Services and our Nation better.  It is impossible to list everything that we should be proud of in our organization.  Now is the time for NNOA to have even deeper and wider impact as a leadership resource for the maritime services and nation.  In this short message, I want to highlight a few of the key ideas and major concepts that I see for NNOA coming over the next year or so.

Relevance of NNOA Could Not Be Greater

Our own RADM Alvin “Bull” Holsey, USN, is leading TF ONE, and several senior members of NNOA are working in advisory capacities. U.S. Coast Guard NNOA members are currently serving as Diversity and Inclusion Change Agents and Action Officers for the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) recruiting at Minority Servicing Institutions and serving as critical mentors throughout the ranks to provide career guidance to junior members. They are also taking a leadership role within the Commandant’s Affinity Group Council, aligning the strategic priorities of 10 affinity group organizations to improve policies that impact the entire workforce.  The Secretary of Defense Task Force on Race, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)’s Task Force ONE (TF ONE), CCG Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, CMC’s Diversity and Inclusion Discussion Forum, CMC’s Talent Management Executive Council, and the Chief of Naval Research’s STEM Diversity Initiative are just a few of the major projects where NNOA members have been essential.

NNOA’s First Virtual Leadership and Career Development Symposium

Nearly 600 people signed up and attended our first virtual Annual Symposium.  Thanks to the incredible leadership and drive of our NNOA IT Chair – LCDR Marlon Heron, USCG – NNOA was able to seamlessly bring leadership from each of our Sea Services into a stimulating exchange with our members.  Headlined by the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), Commandant of the Coast Guard (CCG), Commander of Fleet Forces Command, and many other Flag and General Officers, it was a professional development event like no other.  Our National Executive Vice President – CAPT Simonia Blassingame, USN (Ret) “Queen of ZOOM” – provided leadership throughout the Symposium that made each session engaging and stimulating to the audience.  Subject to pandemic restrictions, we will initially plan to return to a live/face-to-face or hybrid Annual Symposium next year, given the success of our 2020 all virtual event.

The Way Ahead for 2021

With the wind filling our sails from our recent Symposium, the ship of NNOA is set to sail at full speed through the rest of 2020 and 2021 on our way to the 50th anniversary in 2022.  We will adjust course and speed as is prudent and ensure our charts are updated regularly in order to deal what the realities of the time.  There are many projects and programs that are vital to keeping on course and speed. Specifically:

  1. Implementation of the NNOA Diversity Strategy (NDS) – Led by RDML Frank Ponds, USN (Ret), Dr./CAPT Bernard Jackson, USN (Ret), and CAPT Syd Abernethy, USN (Ret), the NDS will help guide NNOA to the next level of effectiveness.
  2. Establishing our NNOA Veteran’s Action Group – Led by CDR Ernie Taylor, USN (Ret), we have many outstanding leaders in NNOA who have transitioned out of active service but have a passion for supporting our members and chapters.
  3. NNOA 2021 Annual Symposium – LtCol Misca Geter, USMC is our new Eastern Regional Vice-President and leading our way to our next great Symposium in Portsmouth, VA.
  4. NNOA at 50 – Dr./CAPT Rick Wright, USN (Ret) our NNOA Historian, has the wheels in motion to make our 50TH anniversary celebration grand and set the stage for the future of NNOA.
  5. Establishing the Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Award for high school students in the NJROTC programs. This award will be presented beginning in the spring of 2021 and recognizes leadership, mentoring, inclusion, and diversity displayed by our future leaders.  Our Regional VPs will seek your participation in the upcoming months as NNOA makes in-person presentations of this award once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

 The Year of the Captain and Colonel

For NNOA to live up to its potential, we need ALL HANDS ON DECK.  Every member of NNOA has an important role to play in fulfilling our mission. This year, I want to especially call on those officers who have successfully navigated their way to the highest level of senior officer – our Captains and Colonels.  NNOA wants everyone to know more about your personal story.  I want you to share your wisdom regarding leadership, intelligence, passion, and strength with our members. I ask that each of you consider sharing your thoughts in our monthly post to our membership via our website and social media.  NNOA will recognize your courage and integrity in a world showcasing so few examples of these traits.   We know our members will find inspiration and encouragement from your experiences. Please email Dr./CAPT Mary E. McAdams, USN (Ret) at careers@nnoa.org, with your inputs. If you are not a Colonel or Captain but want to send your recommendation, please do.   Finally, I ask that each of our Colonels and Captains take on greater leadership positions in NNOA at the chapter or national level.  We need you now more than ever!

As Vice Admiral D.C. Curtis, USN (Ret) would often say, “KEEP CHARGING!”

V/R

RADM Sinclair M. Harris, USN (Ret)
President, NNOA

President Message – Feb 2019

by | Feb 14, 2019 | Presidents Msg

Dear Shipmates of NNOA, 

Happy February! Your NNOA Board has been busy since we left the conference and making a positive impact on the Sea Services. Here is a quick update.

We continue to make progress in all four lines of effort and seek your input on how to accelerate our progress:

  • Chapter Empowerment – NNOA working as one entity with strong and vibrant chapters meeting the needs of our members where they live and work.
  • Membership Growth – Each member of NNOA reaching out to their friends, colleagues, and shipmates to enhance their careers in the Sea Services, PHS, MARAD and NOAA.
  • Symposium 2019 – Leveraging a great symposium in 2018 and responding to our members’ demands to make it even better as we return to San Diego, August 7th & 8th, 2019.
  • Implementation of the Strategic Review Plan – Prioritize, develop a roadmap, and adopt key recommendations from the Strategic Review.

CNO John Richardson, USN and I signed an updated Memorandum of Understand (MOU) last week and we are well on our way to requesting funding to support our 2019 Symposium. We anticipate having a NAVADMIN released early to give you enough time to make plans to attend August 7-8, Admiral Kidd Conference Center, Naval Amphibious Base, San Diego. This year our STEM program will be held August 6th, one day before the official opening of the Symposium. Please check our website for continuous Symposium updates. Sign up for alerts now to receive updates as they are posted.

The new Navy MOU, and the MOU signed by Commandant Karl Schultz, USCG are both available on our website for reading and downloading. We have high hopes to get a fresh MOU signed with the Commandant of the Marine Corps as well.

I held a “Town Hall” meeting for all NNOA members and appreciate your participation. Many asked that we continue to do this, especially for our At Large Members. The next one is planned for Saturday, 11 May.

Our Symposium Planning Committee lead by Western Region Vice President, Captain(S) Rod Rojas, USCG is hard at work. Thank you to all the members who participated in the Theme contest.  The final Theme was developed by our Theme Selection Committee (CDRs David Cooper, Shirl Johnson and Col Dorian Lewis). The NNOA 2019 Symposium theme is “Charting a Course for Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

Finally, we will launch a new Career Development Program in April. Please plan to join us for webinars where we will have guest speakers on career development topics using our newly procured webinar software. We want to offer sessions on a variety of career development topics but need your advice. Please click here and complete a short survey. The survey will close at midnight 28 February.

Very respectfully,

Sinclair M Harris
Rear Admiral United States Navy (Retired)
President, National Naval Officers Association (NNOA)