Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Award (Leadership) & Albert A. Michelson Award (Scientific)

Background of Awards

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Award honors a leader of industry who has made a major contribution to our nation’s maritime strength and/or enhanced our national security. In selecting the Nimitz Award recipient, the committee will select the person that best exemplifies the leadership, statesmanship and dedication to our country that was exhibited by the award’s namesake, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

Albert A. Michelson Award honors a civilian scientist, technical innovator or technical organization for scientific or technical achievement that results in a significant improvement in the strength of our maritime forces or to the enhancement of our industrial technology base. In selecting the Michelson Award recipient, the committee will give consideration to single event contributions, such as inventions and technological innovations, or long-term scientific development work.

Selection and Award Presentation

Nomination Packages will be reviewed and evaluated by a distinguished committee appointed by the National President of the Navy League. The committee will have the challenge of selecting the “best of the best” among civilian leaders. The winners will be honored in front of an audience of senior military leaders and their industry peers during one of the events at Sea-Air-Space 2013; either a luncheon or the black-tie banquet, whichever deemed appropriate.

Nomination Package Guidelines

The nomination package must include the following:
A. Nomination Submission Form
B. Curriculum Vitae or Narrative of professional achievements
C. Narrative detailing the nominee’s superior contributions to the advancement of the United State’s maritime strength and national defense.
D. Letters of Recommendation (up to three letters, no more than 1 page each).

Note: Letters of recommendation should be addressed to Navy League National President, Mr. Philip L. Dunmire. The original plus four copies of each nomination package should be sent to Navy League of the United States,

ATTN:
Lindsey Lassiter
Director of Corporate Relations
Navy League of the United States
2300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 200
Arlington, VA, 22201

The Global War on Terror has Navy boots on the ground in the forward combat areas. Yes, boots. It’s not just an Army and Marine war.

Numerous Sailors have been assigned on an individual basis to serve with combat units in Afghanistan, Iraq and other war zone areas. They buttress our troops on the front lines by providing special and needed skills, particularly medical support. These Navy battle field collaborators are called Individual Augmentees (IAs) and they’re sent singly to serve for extended periods. Upon completion of their assignments ,they return, virtually unannounced, to stateside Navy Reserve units to reassume their civilian duties.

About 100,000 Navy IAs have been sent beyond our shores over the past few years, many from local Navy Reserve Units.

The Navy League of the United States has a program to recognize the above and beyond service of these Navy men and women who, when they originally joined the Navy, never thought that they would be serving with ground combat units. In Florida alone, the Navy League has hosted formal appreciation events for some 1,500 these IAs and has issued commemorative plaques, acknowledgement certificates for spouses, including recognition by senior Navy officials, Senators and Congressional representatives.

On Sunday, November 4th, three South Florida Navy League Councils—Broward County, Ft. Lauderdale and Everglades -- together with Broward Navy Days hosted a luncheon at Shula’s Hotel in Miami Lakes for 23 sailors who’ve recently returned from war zone duty. All are attached to the Navy Operational Support Center, Miami Gardens, under the command of CDR Steven Sutton. The principal speaker was Philip L. Dunmire, National President, Navy League of the United States. RADM George Ballance, Vice Commander of US Naval Forces Europe, was also in attendance and presented coins to each IA. Some 60 members of the local Navy League Councils were on hand to show the community’s support for these sailors and their families.

As part of the continuing Special Topic Breakfast series, sponsored by Pentagon Federal Credit Union, the Navy League hosts top leadership from our sea services during monthly breakfasts near the Pentagon. At left, Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Bob Papp speaks to the crowd at December’s event. Above, Navy League National President Philip Dunmire Presents Vice Adm. William Burke, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems, with a token of appreciation for his remarks at January’s event.

Get ready! Navy Weeks are coming to the following cities near you in 2013. Get your council involved!

Savannah March 11-19
Tampa April 1-7
San Antonio April 22-28
Bossier-Shreveport April 29-May 5
Jackson May 6-12
Little Rock May 20-26
Rockford May 27-June 2
Indianapolis June 10-16
Rhode Island June 24-July 5
Pittsburgh June 24-July 4
Minneapolis–St. Paul July 15-21
Fargo Aug. 5-11
Kansas City Aug. 19-15
Salt Lake City Sept. 9-15
Oklahoma City Sept. 16-22
Albuquerque Oct. 7-13
Dallas – Fort Worth Oct. 14-21
Raleigh Oct. 21-27

• Sea-Air-Space is located just minutes from the Pentagon and downtown Washington, DC
• Meet with all your defense industry business partners in one location
• See the latest technologies, products and services from small and large defense contractors
• Visit major U.S. military command booths such as Marine Corps Systems Command, Marine Corps Headquarters Divisions, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, SPAWAR, ONL/ONR, Navy Medicine and U.S. Coast Guard

On 27 July, the Willard North Navy JROTC Unit, Willard, Mo., was awarded a trophy for selection as the Outstanding NJROTC Unit in Area Nine. The presentation was made to Captain Steve Burnett, CO of the Unit, and Jeff Weed, Principal of Willard North High School, by Gus Gudmunson, Lower Midwest Area President, NLUS. The presentation was made with scores of cadets, guests and staff looking on. An industriousness and proud group cheered mightily as the CO accepted, on their behalf.

The entire unit, and families, were participating in a Training Day at Captain Burnett’s Farm, just south of Joplin, MO. Dozens of cadets and dozens of guests enjoyed a great, although a bit warm, day in the countryside. A river runs through the farm and a dirt runway lies adjacent to the river. Area President Gudmunson flew over from Oklahoma City to join Captain Burnett and a local supporter in giving airplane rides to all who wished to go. Even the school principal, Jeff Weed, enjoyed a short series of twists and turns over the local farmland. Captain Burnett stated that he likes to hold these outings a couple of times a year, “The cadets get to exercise, socialize, do a bit of swimming and sports, and are rewarded with hot dogs and airplane rides. How can you beat that?”

Navy League, Hampton Roads Council took part in the inactivation of USS Enterprise on Dec. 1 at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. In attendance were several thousands guests, many of whom had served onboard Enterprise throughout her 51 years of service.

The Hampton Roads council hosted over 500 guests in the hangar bay prior to the ceremony that included our Congressional Delegation, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jon Greenert, Fleet Forces Command, Admiral William Gortney and Navy League National President, Phil Dunmire. The Council was proud to support the Navy by helping to provide the appropriate recognition for a ship that has fostered such a grand legacy both past and present.

Captain Bill Hamilton, Commanding Officer of CVN 65, did an outstanding job in summarizing the ships history and crew members who have served, particularly retired Navy Captain Eugene B. “Red” McDaniel who was shot down over North Vietnam while on a mission and later captured and released after six years. Recognizing the numerous awards he received upon his return, Captain Hamilton stated “Until today, Capt. McDaniel has never returned to the Enterprise, the ship he launched from in 1967. He considers his return today the completion of that mission he started May 19, 1967.

The big news of the day was a message from Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus announcing that the third Gerald R. Ford Class Aircraft Carrier, CVN 80, will become the ninth ship in Navy history to be named “Enterprise.”

Jon Gallinetti (Maj. Gen., Ret.), Navy League Hampton Roads President, acknowledged the long standing partnership that the Council has with the Navy in commissioning ships. The Inactivation was a first for the Council to take part in. The Council looks forward to the upcoming PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) commissioning in 2015.

National President - Philip Dunmire
Executive Director - Dale Lumme
National Vice President for Public Affairs and Education - Karen Crawford
Senior Director, Communications - John Daniels
Communications Specialist and Editor, Navy Leaguer - Rebecca Grapsy
Manager, Web Content - Donald Cheatham
Senior Manager, Public Relations - Jenn Womble

Information for Councils / Council Alert

January Message

The Navy League supports morale-enhancing efforts for sea service members and their families. During the holidays we focus on the families whose loved ones are deployed to defend our freedom and our right to enjoy the holidays with our families.

Year End Council Activities

Happy New Year to all council/area/region leaders! As we start a new year, there are a number of year-end activities that councils should complete, as appropriate:

• Elect new officers and Board members. Prepare the Council Annual Plan, preferably by conducting a planning session separate from your regular Board meeting (Annual Planning Retreat). Councils can also schedule Council Officer & Board Member Training for your newly elected personnel by contacting Bill Waylett, wwaylett@navyleague.org.
• Initiate preparation of the Council Annual Report.
• Collect year-end financial data to determine which IRS 990 must be filed. Councils with less than $50,000 in gross receipts file the ePostcard, IRS Form 990N (online submission). The Council Tax Exempt Status Workshop is available to assist councils in this effort; contact Bill Waylett to schedule this workshop.
• Complete state-required reports, which may include filings with the Secretary of State, Attorney General and state/local tax authorities.
• Initiate annual financial audit (we recommend it!). The Council Financial Audit Workshop is available online here, and can be scheduled by contacting Bill Waylett.
• New council presidents should complete their turnover using the Council President Turnover Guide, available here.

Your Area and/or Region President are available to guide councils in these efforts, including conducting a ceremony for the installation of new officers.

Council leaders are also reminded that they should notify their Area and Region Presidents and the Headquarters staff of the results of these elections, including contact information (postal address, email, and telephone numbers – home, work and mobile). An email Can be sent to service@navyleague.org to notify HQ of the new officers. The previous officers will get all communications for their position until the change is made.

The Council Annual Plan

Completing the planning activities above cannot ensure a successful year. Our recommendation (based on successful councils) is to focus on community involvement and the core Navy League mission. We have the Community Service Organization Program (CSOP) to assist your council speakers make professional presentations. Monthly training and information sessions for CSOP are help on the second and fourth Thursday; contact Bill Waylett wwaylett@navyleague.org, to participate in one of these sessions.

We have outstanding councils that do not have monthly membership meetings, but instead host community events, often partnering with other organizations. These events are planned to engage the community, showcase the men and women of the sea services, emphasize the value of and support for youth groups, engage the business community, support community service projects, then promote these activities and events online – council website, Facebook page and Twitter.

Navy Week is an excellent example of this type event! Navy Week schedule and contact information is available at www.navyoutreach.org. The 2013 schedule has not been posted at this time, but generally Navy League councils are welcome for the planning and support of local Navy Weeks. Let the community know about our Navy and your local council, get involved!

Council Award Applications

Council Award Application Deadlines.  Council leaders seeking recognition for their council’s accomplishments need to be aware of the council award deadlines for:

Mackie Award for Newsletters – January 31, 2013 **extended
Mackie Award for Websites – January 31, 2013 ** extended
Council Performance Awards – March 1, 2013 (with Council Annual Report)

Best Practices and Good Ideas

Ship Adoption – A Council Opportunity

Supporting the Men and Women of the Sea Services and their families…what does this mean? For many successful councils, it means adopting a ship, cutter or unit of the sea services. The Council Guide for Ship Adoption, on our website at www.navyleague.org/councils/ShipAdoptionGuide.pdf details the process for adoption.

Why should a council adopt a ship or unit of the sea services? Here are some reasons:

• Support the men and women in uniform who serve in the adopted ship or unit.
• Provide awards and financial support for the crew and their families.
• Provide opportunities for tours and ship rides to current council members and both individual and business candidates for membership.
• Gain public support and media attention for the council and the adopted ship or unit.
• Involve the community in support of the ship and support of the Navy League.

What is the adoption process? Briefly:

• Select a ship, cutter or unit to approach for adoption. Any ship or unit can be selected, regardless of location, but geographical proximity is usually preferred.
• Communicate with the Commanding Officer (look for a unit website to get contact information) and ask if the ship, cutter or unit would like to be adopted by your council.
• Discuss mutual support with the Commanding Officer – what will your council do for the adopted ship and what does your council request from the command.
• Prepare an adoption agreement reflecting the mutual support planned and schedule the adoption ceremony. Invite community and business leaders to participate, as well as your NLUS field leaders.
• Order an adoption certificate from the NLUS Membership Department, service@navyleague.org.

A list of adopted ships, cutters and units is maintained on the Navy league website here. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs office (see www.cffc.navy.mil) can assist your efforts to identify a command and contact the Commanding Officer. Please consider adoption and notify Bill Waylett, wwaylett@navyleague.org, of your council’s completed adoption so we can update our website. Your support of our men and women in uniform is appreciated.

IRS Information

Register for upcoming workshops for small and medium-sized charities in Virginia and Arkansas

Take a moment to register for one of our upcoming workshops for small and medium-sized 501(c)(3) organizations.  Each one-day workshop, presented by experienced Exempt Organizations specialists, will explain what 501(c)(3) organizations must do to keep their tax-exempt status and comply with tax obligations.

The full-day workshops are hosted by Virginia Tech and University of Arkansas at Little Rock in their respective states. The workshops are approved by the IRS for six continuing education credits for Enrolled Agents and Registered Tax Return Preparers.

This popular introductory workshop is especially designed for administrators or volunteers who are responsible for an organization’s tax compliance as well as tax professionals who work with the organizations.

Registration is now available for the following workshop dates and locations at www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Upcoming-Workshops-for-Small-and-Medium-Sized-501%28c%29%283%29-Organizations

•     December 4 – Little Rock, AR
•     December 5 – Little Rock, AR
•     December 5 – Arlington, VA
•     January 10 – Portsmouth, VA
•     January 11 – Richmond, VA

The IRS also has a special section for questions and information about 501.c.3 organizations and management at www.stayexempt.irs.gov.