Spring 2013

Spring 2013
Vol. VII, No. 21
The Halyards
Newletter of Colorado Springs Council of the Navy League of the United States
Meet Your New Council President
by Richard Cooper I've been relieved! After three years as your
council president, I have been “termed out” by
National and Council By-Laws. I have to admit
that I’m going to miss the job; there have been a
lot of smiles along with the blood, sweat, and
tears. My intention is to remain on the Colorado
Springs Board, along with other past presidents,
to give advice and counsel to the incoming
president. I will also serve on the NLUS Board
and assist on several of their committees, at the
pleasure of the national president.
Please welcome Rod Gardner as your next
president. Rod, born in St. Louis, is a hopelesslyaddicted Saint Louis Cardinals fan – but that
seems to be his only shortcoming. He is a
graduate of the University of Illinois, and has a
total of 36 years in the active duty Navy and Navy
Reserve. Rod has held every rank from seaman
through commander. As a CPO, he was selected
for a LDO program, having been qualified in
nuclear-powered submarines, where he served on
the USS Swordfish (SSN-579) and the USS Baton
Rouge (SSN-689). He was recalled to active duty
after 9/11, serving with anti-terrorism and force
protection activities at the U.S. Pacific Command,
retiring from the Navy Reserve in 2008 as a
Commander.
a
Clinton Nuclear Power Station, has been an
evaluator of emergency response programs for 22
nuclear power plants for the Institute of Nuclear
Power Operations. He is currently employed by
Booz Allen Hamilton as a contractor at the U.S.
Northern Command.
Rod is married to his lovely wife of 40 years,
Linda; they have two sons and three grandsons.
Welcome aboard, Rod!
As a civilian, Rod was responsible for health
physics activities at the Illinois Power Company’s
1 of 3
Spring 2013
Page 2
The Halyards
2013 Colorado Springs Council
Swear In New Officers
(left to right)
Lesley Priest - VP Programs
Rod Gardner - President
Bill Lockwood - VP Legislative Affairs/Membership
Art Cyphers - VP Treasurer & Youth Programs
Wayne Wolfe - Webmaster
Richard Cooper - Secretary & Past President
(Other Officers Not in Photo)
Jerry Davis - Member at Large
Bill Marshall - Member at Large
Brian Tally - Member at Large
Roy Bebee - Chaplain & Newsletter Editor
Looking Ahead--Navy League
Colorado Springs Council
2013 Schedule
11-16 May Warrior Games, Col. Spgs.
13 May Board Of Dir. Meeting 0830
Mimi's Restaurant
27 May Memorial Day Wreath
Ceremony, Memorial Park
7 Jun Social, Hilton Garden Hotel
8 Jun Regional Meeting; Hilton
Garden Hotel
19-23 Jun National Convention, Long
Beach, CA
12 July Board of Dir. Meeting 0830 at
Mimi's Restaurant
23 Aug Board of Dir. Mtg. 0830 at
Mimi's Restaurant
30 Aug Social (Location TBD)
20 Sep Board of Directors Mtg.
Mimi's Restaurant
5 Oct Navy Vs. Air Force, Sports Bar
Party
11 Nov Veterans Day
7 Dec Pearl Harbor RecognitionMemorial Park
14 Dec Navy vs Army; Sports Bar (TBD)
National Navy League Convention
Slated for June 19-23, 2013
Ready for a West Coast trip? The Navy League of the United
States will hold its 2013 convention June 19-23 at the Hilton Long
Beach hotel, where special rates have been authorized for
convention attendees. Features of this year’s conference include:
1) the appearance of best-selling author Clive Cussler at the
Welcome Aboard Reception, 2) available tours of Catalina Island,
the Queen Mary, and Gondola Rides from Belmont Shores. A new
feature this year is that members may select from several learning
“tracks” – such as Track 1: The future of the Navy league; Track 2:
Council Activities – New Ideas for Long-Term Success; and Track
3: Legislative and Public Affairs. These are facilitated in sessions
on Wednesday through Saturday. The convention culminates with
a reception and dinner Saturday evening. More information and
registration is available at the national website: http://
www.navyleagueconvention.org.
Hope to see you in Long Beach!
Spring 2013
Page 3
The Halyards
Newsletter of the Colorado Springs Council of the Navy League of the United States
Navy League Dinner honoring Colorado’s
Maritime Service Academy and NROTC
Appointees
Please accept my personal invitation to join the
Denver Council Navy League for our Gala dinner
honoring Colorado’s Maritime Service Academy and
NROTC appointees.
Did You Know?
* The Mission of the Navy League is to educate
the public and elected officials on the importance
of a strong maritime component for our National
Security.
* That NLUS -- has 50,000 members nationwide
Date: Friday, May 17th
Locale: Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport
16475 E. 40th Circle, Aurora, CO 80011.
Time: Social hour 6:00 pm, dinner 7:00 pm.
We are fortunate to have as our guest speaker,
Captain Stewart Elliott. His insights as one of the most
senior Navy SEALs will be a truly not-to-be missed
presentation.
Dan Puleio, Council President
* There are 240 Local Councils
* That your local Council was organized in 1957
YOUTH ACTIVITIES OF THE
COLORADO
SPRINGS COUNCIL
The Springs Council Supports NJROTC
units at the following schools:
o Widefield High School
o Mesa Ridge High School
o Wasson High School
o Montrose High School
During the Springtime each NJROTC
will be recognized through
presentations of the Theodore
Roosevelt Awards from the Navy
League for individual performance
and outstanding leadership
representatives.
Photo shows a shot of the NJROTC presentation of the King and Queen of the
Ball celebrated in April at Wasson High School.
For additional information or you desire to
help with Youth activities, please
contact Art [email protected]