Howard M. Backus
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Happy New Year
1999 hopefully will bring Placer County Council even more exciting events and accomplishments. Potpourri ... Page 5, provides a review of 1998's accomplishments, accomplishments which remind us of the hard work our Officers, Directors, Committees, and Members contributed to.
Not mentioned however was the major accomplishment of becoming a Non-profit, Incorporated Council. Our past Judge Advocate Bob Robinson did a yeoman's job in putting together the legalese to make it possible and he deserves our lasting thanks for doing so. As many may know when you become involved with government you face mountains of paper work, paperwork as president I prepared to satisfy the Franchise Tax Board as to our purpose in becoming a non-profit corporation.
After submitting some 28 pages, we received our letter of acceptance and now we are faced with the responsibility of accomplishing our stated purpose. Briefly our purpose as submitted to the State simply follows our missions as prescribed by the founders of the Navy League in 1902. That being educational and to that end to acquire and spread before the citizens of the United States information as to the conditions of the naval and maritime forces and equipment of the United States. Our mission also includes awakening interest and cooperation in all matters tending to aid, improve, or develop their efficiency.
Success of any organization requires setting and meeting goals. Placer County Council has progressed steadily over the past five years. In 1993 when Jack Jackson and Merv Hall revitalized the Council they set goals by calling upon long time members to regroup and begin meeting on a regular basis, contacting interesting speakers and actively seeking new members. When Jack turned the gavel over to Hal Albertsen the council had grown by some 50%. In 1996 having taken the Helm for a 2nd term, Hal and his officers having the unanimous support of the members took on the responsibility of answering one of the Prime Missions of the Navy League, involvement in Youth Programs, by sponsoring the Sacramento Division U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and in the same year commissioning the Navy League Training Ship California.
When the decision was made to accept the responsibility of sponsoring the Sea Cadets, all parties involved were well aware we were not in a financial position to meet the minimum $2,500.00 Sea Cadet budget suggested by National Headquarters.
In 1997 when Chet Fergusen relieved Hal he began a plan to have the Council incorporate and become a non-profit organization in a plan which was pursued and as stated became a reality 1998 near the end of my 1st term.
Another program Chet enthusiastically pursued was participating in another important program of the Navy League, that of Adopting a unit. At one time the Council had an Adopted Unit, the U.S. Coast Guard Station, Lake Tahoe, Ca. During our dark years we lost the unit to the Reno, NV Council. Today finding a unit or ship to adopt is practically impossible; however, Chet came up with a winner. A Navy Unit practically right under our nose: the U.S. Navy Science Dept., CMA, Vallejo. As president I supported his suggestion as did the board of directors and happily the adoption of the unit was approved by you at our general meeting in August. Lcdr R. Lago, USN, OinC of the department is making plans for our official Adoption Ceremony at CMA this month.
With both of these programs in place and to meet requirements of our non-profit status, I have set the following goals for 1999. Raise a minimum of $2,500.00 designated to support our Sea Cadet program and $1,500.00 designated to provide a scholarship fund for deserving Midshipmen of the U.S. Navy Science Department. With the understanding monies are available from several commercial and community sources for worthy causes, we have installed Vice President Fund-Raising Robert (Bob) Ellis to pursue these avenues.
I would greatly appreciate having any member wishing to join in to assist in the success of this very important committee contact Bob at 530-878-9058 or myself at 916-624-0513 as soon as possible.
$2,500 is considered minimum in defraying cost of ceremonies or presentation of awards to deserving Cadets as well as providing necessary fees for needy Cadets to attend various training activities, uniforms, and operation costs. A typical budget of our division indicates it costs approximately $9,500.00. Income is now derived from donations, dues, uniform deposits, and their fund raising events. Expenses incurred are for enrollment fees, uniforms and insignia, office expenses, transportation, billeting and messing, and color guard. The Council contributed approximately $450.00 in 1998 in the form of awards, flags, and expenses for the cadet's participation in our ceremonies and parades.
The adoption of the U.S. Navy Science Department is new. When exploring the idea, the board learned the midshipmen program represents some 100 students out of a student population of over 400. In light of the current attrition and recruitment shortage of qualified Naval Officers, we hope offering scholarships to qualified midshipmen will serve as an incentive for more students to consider the program in the future.
Once again George Bryant has agreed to pursue the annual Samuel E. Morrison Essay Contest. This contest is especially important to bringing the Navy League's mission to the unknowing and uninformed public as well as providing a wonderful opportunity to High School students to compete for scholarships and recognition.
Let's have some fun and learn more about our Nation. Feb. 20-21, 1999 brings the Naval War College Symposium at Moffett Federal Air Field. Registration Fee is $50.00 per person. I have received interest by several members of putting together a fun weekend with gals and guys, gals are more than welcome at the symposium, however, like we did at Monterey, a couple year ago the gals lunched and shopped while the guys attended the meeting, then all got together in the evening for a great dinner. ... Give it thought and if interested let Patt Bennett or me know early on so we can set up reservations, etc. Special rates are available at the Ramada Inn. Deadline is January 25, '99.
Thank you for your support... Howard.