Kennedy cites SAS, education and awards programs; Middendorf selected for Burke Award; Fisher elected senior VP

Sea Power, Jan 1999 by Reynolds, Jean B

To ensure that the numerous companies and divisions of Corporate Gold Members receive Sea Power and are invited to participate in all NLUS functions the League has established a special membership category, Corporate Gold Division Associate.

Gen. Richard I. Neal, then assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, was the principal speaker at an NLUS Executive Forum meeting in Boston; also in attendance was Rear Adm. Richard M. Larrabee, commander, First Coast Guard District. The Executive Forums have become another important link between the Navy/Marine Corps Team and NLUS corporate members. The exposure to the sea services provided in this informal atmosphere, sea-service leaders say, pays real dividends in helping industry executives understand the challenges facing the sea services in the 21 st century, and how industry can be a more effective partner in the development and production of the finest military equipment in the world. The Navy League hosted similar meetings in New Orleans, La., and the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area in Texas. Stanley R. Arthur, vice president of the electronic sector of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and chairman of the Navy League's Industrial Executive Board, worked with other board members in the selection of the Nimitz and Michelson Award winners, and in developing and expanding other NLUS corporate programs.

Legislative Education

The Legislative Affairs Department continued to actively support the Navy League's mission of educating the American people, and members of Congress, about the economic and national security importance to the United States of strong naval/maritime forces. As a member of the Military Coalition, the Navy League has been particularly active in educating Congress on the needs of the sea services, and has given special emphasis on improving medical and dental care for active-duty service members, dependents, and retired personnel. The department also has been actively involved in supporting cost-of-living adjustments, survivor benefit plans, and the Constitutional Amendment on "Flag Protection." The Military Coalition-an association of 28 military organizations that meet regularly to share information, discuss issues of common interest, and advocate a coordinated legislative agenda-gives the Navy League expanded opportunities to advocate programs that benefit the sea services. As a member of the coalition the Navy League has greater access to Congress and thus is in better position to help active-duty personnel and military retirees-who because of downsizing and base closings have been gradually losing their own influence with Congress.

In October, NLUS President Kennedy hosted a reception on Capitol Hill for the winner of the League's 1998 Vincent T. Hirsch Maritime Award, Rep. Herbert H. Bateman (RVa.), who was recognized for his strong support of the U.S.-flag merchant marine. Bateman played a strong leadership role in restoring and rebuilding the merchant marine through the Maritime Security Act of 1995, and assisted the American shipbuilding community through earlier legislation that protects U.S. liners from the economic threat posed by foreignsubsidized cruise ships. "A tireless legislator, a patriot, and a great American, Chairman Bateman has contributed substantially to an increased public awareness of the role of the U.S.-flag merchant marine," Kennedy said. Among the sea-service leaders attending the award ceremony were Under Secretary of the Navy Jerry MacArthur Hultin, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Charles C. Krulak, and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jay L. Johnson.