As summer approaches we look forward to more time with Family and Friends. Many of those friends are Service friends who have been at our side through the best and worst of times. Others, may have lost touch and moved away or our lives just became too busy!
Summer is often reunion season for ships and staffs that shaped us into who we are today. Some reunion groups are long-standing with an extensive history of get togethers, others have only had a smattering of reunion opportunities here and there. Look up an old ship, Unit, or staff in Proceedings, Navy Times and other publications or websites and see if one of your past commands is getting together. Use these opportunities to stimulate the Oral Histories all of our shipmates have to offer. Ask them to join us online for a history night, or to attend a luncheon, a dinner or just a quick ‘Join-up at a local brewhouse or other establishments. If not in the area, use the ‘Always On’ Zoom room for ‘Sea stories night’ on our Website and engage in a Zoom session (also supports ‘phone only’ if multiple participants less technical members are expected). Reach out and re-engage! Our COMMs staff is here to help!
Also use the opportunity for you and them to explore our Website, take a tour around…. As previously stated here, you cannot break it and there is a ton of valuable information on what is happening throughout the Commanderies and regular efforts to promote History. All of the past years’ presentation for History Night are archived there on the ‘History Happenings’ page; so take a look! Continue to make recommendations on improvement, and if you need some training on the technologies or user assistance, let us know.
Make the most of your summer and mark your calendars NOW to attend the Naval Order Congress in our Nation’s Capital in October! The opportunity to meet face to face with History knows no better place!!!
For the Good of the Order
Bob Whitkop, CAPT USN (Ret)
Commander General