FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER
As we stood in
front of the Kennedy gravesite reading the wall containing the words
from his inaugural speech, I explained to the cadets of the Honor
Detail that the words I spoke to them about the passing of the torch
were there. President
Kennedy’s words were carved in stone before us and they spoke of the
very honor, courage and commitment that Americans have found in the
defense of our great nation and the freedom that we enjoy.
The same words that were spoken over fifty years ago mean
even more today. As we
stood and looked out over three hundred and thirty thousand graves,
we saw before us the price of that freedom.
The meaning of our mission was there for all to see.
Remembrance.
There will always be a call to defend, a call to aid, and a call to
lead; a call that is answered every day by the young men and women
who put their lives on the line for us.
Let us not forget.
Our sincerest
thanks go out to all of our generous patrons who made this mission
of honor possible. Plans
are under way for next year’s journey of respect and remembrance,
and we will need your support again.
All eyes are on the selection of candidates for 2012 –
Do You Have What It Takes?
They’re watching.
December is our
annual awards banquet where we recognize the achievements of the
cadets and the unit and share some holiday cheer.
I hope to see you all there.
Announcements will be made about upcoming events; including
future trainings, a possible field trip, and the issuing of the new
Navy Working Uniform (NWU) for NSCC use.
Sunday will be a regular drill day with preparation for our
annual inspection in January.
The staff has been hard at work checking the record jackets
and making sure all is in order for our inspection.
Our score is reflected in the amount of effort the cadets put
into completing course work, advancements, and attendance.
We are competing on a national level for top honors and the
awarding of the Bergen Trophy.
The Sullivans Division last held this honor in 2000 under the
command of LCDR Bruce Bruni.
We will do our best to stay in the top ranking of Sea Cadet
units nationwide.
We delivered a
funding request to HQ for our Winter Survival Training while we were
in Arlington this week, and received some reassurance that they will
try to support our request even though the federal budget deadlock
has held up the allocation to the NSCC program.
We will go forward with or without national funding, local
training deposit costs may have to increase slightly, but we will
find a way.
I would like to
close by extending best wishes from my family to all of yours, for a
joyous and peaceful holiday season.
God Bless everyone and please pray for peace and the safe
return of our service men and women.
Christmas is a time of many gifts, but I think the next best
gift after family; is being able to work with the amazing young men
and women of The Sullivans Division and Training Ship Little Rock.
Thank you;
LT John D. O’Neil