table of contents - Navy League of the United States

Vol.41 Issue 63
January 2015
Happy New Year! I hope
you all had a wonderful holiday
season. Thank you to everyone
who attended our Holiday Dinner Meeting. It was great to see
Colonel Mike Cuccio, USMC,
and his lovely wife Yoly again. I
think his remarks regarding
service were spot on. I am certain he made an impression on
the Sea Cadets, who were listening intently. Thank
you for your donations to the Toys for Tots program.
These toys were delivered by 2nd Vice President Abi
Montes who assures me they were enthusiastically
received.
I hope you all plan to attend our upcoming Tropical Nights at the Seven Seas Gala on Saturday, January 24th, 7pm at Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six
Crystal Ballroom. We are pleased to welcome Rear
Admiral Daniel Fillion, USN from US Southern
Command, as our Guest of Honor (read his bio in
this issue). The evening begins with a signature
tropical cocktail with delicious tropical hors d’oeuvres. The Sea Cadets Rifle Drill team will perform,
and we will host many military guests. I know the
band, dancing and gourmet dinner will be wonderful. It is an elegant event for a great cause, and our
Gala Committee has been working hard to make it a
special evening. Please try to attend and, if possible,
make a donation so that a military couple can attend,
as well. Everyone who donates to support the Gala
is invited to our Underwriting Cocktail Party on
Wednesday, January 15, 5-8 pm at the Blue Martini
Lounge Fort Lauderdale.
On Sunday, February 8th, I hope you will join us
in the Winner’s Circle at Gulfstream Park for our
Navy League Day at the Races. We will be sponsoring a race, and our members will be photographed
in the Winner’s Circle with the winning jockey and
horse! You might even place some winning bets!
The buffet luncheon is always fabulous at the trackside Ten Palms Restaurant. Ladies, don’t forget to
wear a fashionable hat!
We are preparing another great Fleet Week Port
Everglades the week of May 4-10. Please try to volunteer and attend the many events scheduled to welcome the visiting sailors and marines. Our Council
will be sponsoring a dinner honoring the Sea Services Enlisted Person of the Year for all of the visiting
ships and local commands on May 7th. I hope you
will all attend and support this event.
It is an honor to serve as president of the Fort
Lauderdale Council for a third year. I thank all of
our current officers for agreeing to stay on for another year! We have a great team! Thank you all for
supporting our Council and the mission of the Navy
League!
I hope to see you all at the Gala! Best wishes for
a happy and healthy 2015!
Lynn Atkinson Drucker
President Fort Lauderdale Council NLUS
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Seven Seas Gala Party at Blue Martini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
2
Birthdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
2
An Evening in San Diego . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
3
Seven Seas Gala Guest Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
4
A Day at the Races. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
5
View From the Bridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
6
Seven Seas Gala Invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
7
Seven Seas Gala Underwriting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
8
Holiday Dinner Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9-10
In Memory of Leo Greenfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11-12
Social Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
13
Community Affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
14
Navy League of the United States
Fort Lauderdale Council
January Birthdays
Carin Palcer
Keith Walpole
Lynne Bender
Leslie Liebowitz
Alan Stotsky
Elaine Nasta
Barbara Greenfield
1/3
1/5
1/6
1/8
1/8
1/9
1/12
Monika Lent
Lila Zedeck
Ben Koether
Russell Bratt Tony Powell
Margaret Russell
Shirley Burtoff
NAVY LEAGUE NEWS – 2
1/18
1/19
1/23
1/23
1/23
1/24
1/27
AN EVENING IN SAN DIEGO
by James Black
Following a cruise from Miami to San Diego through the Panama Canal, Joann and I had a great evening
with Scott and Sharon Sciretta. They hosted us on their boat on the San Diego Bay.
It was a beautiful evening to cruise around the bay with a wonderful sunset.
The evening was topped off with Scott grilling steaks and chicken on the stern. Needless to say food and libations were outstanding. It really can’t get much better than that!
We in Fort Lauderdale know Scott as the first Commanding Officer of the USS JASON DUNHAM. He is
now CO of the cruiser USS COWPENS (CG 63), currently undergoing major repairs at the San Diego Naval
Base. Scott invited me to visit and tour the ship. Our evening on the Bay was definitely the highlight of our San
Diego visit!
Jim and Joann Black
Scott Sciretta and Jim Black
Scott and Sharon Sciretta
NAVY LEAGUE NEWS – 3
SEVEN SEAS GALA GUEST SPEAKER RADM DANIEL H. FILLION, USN
BIOGRAPHIES
UNIT ED STATE S SO UTHE RN COM M A ND
Daniel H. Fillion
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Director of Strategy, Policy & Plans
U.S. Southern Command
Rear Admiral Daniel Fillion serves as U.S. Southern Command’s
director of Strategy, Policy, & Plans, J5. As the J5, Fillion leads the
combatant command’s policy recommendations, strategy, and contingency and theater campaign plans for the Caribbean, Central
American, and South American regions. His immediate previous
assignment was executive assistant to the Office of the Assistant
Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller).
Fillion is a 1984 graduate of the College of Charleston, where he
earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. He also earned a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and is a graduate of Air Command and Staff College, Joint
Forces Staff College and the Navy Corporate Business Course.
Fillion’s afloat assignments include service in the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and the USS Wasp (LHD 1)
as executive officer and commanding officer. His aviation assignments in the SH-3 and SH-60B/R involved tours with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 1, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadrons Light
40, 44, and 46, and Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2. He served as commanding officer of
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 51 and of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41.
Ashore and staff assignments have included duty in the Politico-Military Affairs Directorate in Joint
Staff J5; director of the President’s Emergency Operations Center in the White House; Air Warfare
Research, Senior Development, Test and Evaluation Budget Analyst in the Office of the Chief of
Naval Operations; and Fellow on the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group (SSG
XXIX). Fillion’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit (three awards), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various
service and unit awards. NAVY LEAGUE NEWS – 4
NAVY LEAGUE NEWS – 5
VIEw FROM THE BRIDGE
December 2014
December was another very active month for the Cadets of the Spruance Division, and the League Cadets
from the Radford Training Ship. The Cadets and Color Guard stood tall and proud alongside the Crew of the
Fort Lauderdale Coast Guard Station for the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony, on December 7th. LCDR
Starr was the Master of Ceremonies. Father Ron Perkins, Port Chaplain from Seafarers’ House delivered the Invocation and Benediction. LT Mark Ketchum, the Commanding Officer welcomed everyone to Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale. Captain Long, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami, was our Guest Speaker,
and together with Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca participated in the Wreath laying ceremony
by throwing it into the waters of Port Everglades. Taps were played, and Pipe Major Graeme Massie, recently retired from the British Army Royal Scots Dragoon Guards after 30 years service, piped “Amazing Grace”, and
“Going Home”. Broward Navy Days sponsored the Ceremony and provided refreshments. LCDR Starr attended
another Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Pearl Harbor luncheon at VFW
Post 1966, sponsored by the District Ladies Auxiliary.
Ensign Alan Wenzel took a contingent of Cadets to the Ronald McDonald House to help set up their Annual
Fund Raising Drive. A Gang Avoidance program was presented to the Cadets by Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Jean
Marque-Pucheu. The Unit recently purchased an AED device. CPR Training and AED Training was conducted
for All Hands. Every Cadet should become a Qualified Life Saver.
The parents committee held a wonderful holiday luncheon including a traditional Spanish roast pig donated
and expertly carved by our X.O. LT Jorge Perez. A Promotion and Awards Ceremony was held and a lot of new
stripes were pinned on with the help of two of our former Cadet graduates. Instructor Robert Lagman was promoted to the rank of Ensign, assisted by his son PO2 Daulton, and daughter PO3 Cheyenne Lagman.
Several Cadets gave up their Xmas vacation and attended Sea Cadet Winter Training, in Jacksonville FL, and
Camp Pendleton, CA. For many of the Cadets it was their first time wearing the Navy Dress Blue Uniform.
A celebration of Life was held to honor the memory of one of our very dear friends and supporters, Leo
Greenfield. Our deepest and most sincere condolences go to his loving wife Barbara, and her family. They both
have sponsored our Annual Awards Banquet at Tropical Acres for many years.
We wished all of the Cadets, Families and Staff a wonderful safe, happy holiday season. We all have a lot to
be thankful for in our lives, and we are especially thankful for the support given so willingly by our sponsor, the
Fort Lauderdale Navy League Council.
Happy New Year!
Respectfully submitted,
LCDR Alan Starr, NSCC,
Commanding Officer
NAVY LEAGUE NEWS –6
Navy League of the United States
Fort Lauderdale Council
presents
Tropical Nights
at the
Seven Seas Gala
“Celebrating the Sea Services”
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort
2301 SE 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
7:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception
8:00 p.m. Dinner and Dancing
Black Tie or Dress Uniform for Military
Please R
R.S.V.P.
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1 2015
Name ____
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_____________________________________
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_______
______________________________________________
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________________________
______________ Email _______________________________________
___
_____________________________________
_______________
$175 per
per person
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Ten $1500
attending________
Number attending__
_______ __________________________________________
________________
_______________________
_____
Total
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NAVY LEAGUE NEWS –7
NAVY LEAGUE NEWS – 8
HOLIDAy DINNER MEETING & TOyS FOR TOTS COLLECTION
GUEST SPEAKER: COL. MIKE CUCCIO, USMC
CHIEF OF STAFF, US MARINE CORPS FORCES SOUTH
Thank you to all of our members who attended our December 17th Holiday Dinner Meeting and Toys for Tots collection. We were honored to welcome Col Mike Cuccio, USMC, Chief of Staff from Marine Corps Forces South, and his
lovely wife Yoly as our guests. Also attending from Marine Forces South was LtCol Justin Ansel, USMC and Cpl & Mrs.
Christopher Skelton, USMC. Our guests from US Southern Command were MCPO Rex Schmidt, USN and several
sailors.
Col. Cuccio’s remarks about the importance of service touched many of us in the audience. He specifically tasked
the Sea Cadets with making a difference. I think we all took his remarks to heart. I know I found the Colonel’s remarks
inspiring.
Col. Cuccio & Lynn Drucker
Col. Cuccio & George Reeves
Col. Cuccio with Sea Cadets Joshua Gonzales, Cian Campbell, Nico Skinner, Daulton Lagman & Cheyenne Lagman
Simone Ramos, Lina Montes, Abi Montes & Vicki Samuels
Simone Ramos, Richard Chosid, Lynn Drucker, Oscar Romano,
Abi Montes, Elaine Hogg & Harvey Kovac
NAVY LEAGUE NEWS – 9
continued on page 10
HOLIDAy DINNER MEETING & TOyS FOR TOTS COLLECTION
GUEST SPEAKER: COL. MIKE CUCCIO, USMC
CHIEF OF STAFF, US MARINE CORPS FORCES SOUTH
CONTINUED
continued from page 9
I am pleased to announce that our 2014 slate of officers were reelected to serve an additional year in the same capacities, as follows:
2015 Officers
President - Lynn Atkinson Drucker • 1st Vice President - Oscar Romano
2nd Vice President - Abiud Montes • 3rd Vice President - Simone Ramos • Treasurer - Harvey Kovac
Assistant Treasurer - Rosemarie Dezolt • Secretary - Elaine Hogg
Judge Advocate - Capt. Edward R. Fink USN (Ret) • Assistant Judge Advocate - Richard Chosid
In addition to our elections and guest speaker, we also had the holiday Toys for Tots collection. Vice President Abiud
Montes collected the toys on behalf of the US Marine Corps, to be distributed to pediatric patients at local hospitals
during the holiday season. It was a wonderful evening of holiday spirit.
Cheyenne Lagman, Col. Cuccio & Daulton Lagman
Col. Cuccio
Sea Cadet Color Guard
Toys for Tots
Abi Montes
NAVY LEAGUE NEWS – 10
In MeMorIaM : Leo GreenfIeLd
Leo GreenfIeLd - aGe: 90 (deceMber 25, 1923 to noveMber 28, 2014 )
LEO GREENFIELD, 90, passed away on November 28, 2014 at Vitas Hospice
in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. He was born on Christmas Day, December 25,
1923. Leo and his family moved from Accord, New York to Miami Shores,
Florida in 1939. He attended Miami Edison High School, attended the University of Miami where he received his Law Degree and his BS in Business Administration. He was predeceased by his mother, Helen, father, Alex, older
brother, John, his 3 year old daughter, Juli Karen, his niece Eileen and his
beloved sister-in-law Claire. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Barbara,
his two daughters, Jacqui Johnson (Ryan), Heidi Gray (Alan), beloved grandson Leo, brother Philip (Pauline), nephews Louis (Marjorie), John (Faith),
Bradley Ellison (Gilda) and his beloved friend, Mercedes Koczara. Leo practiced law in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties for 50 years. He had a beloved
secretary for nearly 30 years, whom he depended on, trusted and loved, “his
Maria.” Since Leo was a risk taker, Maria used to say “Mr. Greenfield likes to
fly close to the sun”. In the 1950s and 1960s, he and his law partner, Harlan
Street were co-owners of three Miami Beach ocean-front hotels and owned
and built apartment buildings. While Leo was at the University, he enlisted in
the Aviation Cadet Corps and after training, was sent overseas. He was assigned to the 493rd Fighter
Squadron, 48th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force. In World War II, he flew P-47 Thunderbolts as a fighter bomber
pilot over Germany and flew cover over the Battle of the Bulge, and the Ramagen Bridge with orders to
strafe and destroy the railroads which were carrying enemy supplies. He was shot down over Germany
on his 10th mission and was awarded the Purple Heart. After two weeks in the hospital, he was released
and flew another 28 missions. Upon his discharge from the Army Air Corps, he received the European
African Eastern Service Medal, American Service Medal, Overseas Service Bar, Victory Campaign Medal,
Air Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 3rd Oak Leaf
Cluster, and the Belgian Fourragere.
Former member of the Board of Directors of the Navy League of the United
States, Fort Lauderdale Council; Volunteer lecturer with Broward Outreach
Center for 14 years; former member of
The Parents Steering Committee, College of William and Mary; 32nd Degree
Mason, Hibiscus Lodge; 65 year member of the Mahi Shrine; Lifetime member of the P-47 Thunderbolt Pilots’
Association; 493rd Fighter Squadron
Association, 48th Fighter Group, 9th
Air Force, World War II; Charter member of the 9th Air Force Association.
Leo was diagnosed in 2011 with an
early stage of Alzheimers Disease. Leo
shared a great love of poetry with
Jacqui, his eldest daughter, and a great
love of history with Heidi, his younger
continued on page 12
NAVY LEAGUE NEWS – 11
In MeMorIaM : Leo GreenfIeLd
Leo GreenfIeLd - aGe: 90 (deceMber 25, 1923 to noveMber 28, 2014 )
continued from page 11
daughter. Leo will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was a top litigator, a wonderful hotelier,
a hard worker, kind, gentle, dignified, quiet, overly generous, and empathetic to all. He had a wonderful
sense of humor. He was always happy to join in with his wife’s projects and there were many. Together
each year for the past 15 years, they hosted the Annual Awards Banquet for the US Naval Sea Cadets
Corps, Spruance Division, Fort Lauderdale Unit. Private funeral services at the VA National Cemetery
in Lake Worth were held on December 4, 2014. Landmark Funeral Home on Hollywood Boulevard,
Hollywood, Florida, Kevin Rieth, Funeral Director handled all the arrangements for the family. The U.S.
Air Force from Patrick Air Force Base conducted the ceremony and served as Honor Guards. Special
thanks to the Oetting Family, the Ravanzo Family, Janet Clarke and the Koczara Family for all their love
and help. Leo made all of our dreams come true. Until we meet again. You may contact the family at email: [email protected] A Celebration of Life took place on December 28th, 2014 NAVY LEAGUE NEWS – 12
NAVY LEAGUE NEWS – 12
Fort Lauderdale Council
★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2015 OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
President: Lynn A. Drucker
1st Vice President: Oscar Romano
2nd Vice President: Abiud Montes
3rd Vice President: Simone Ramos
Secretary: Elaine M. Hogg
Treasurer: Harvey Kovac
Asst. Treasurer: Rosemarie Dezolt
Judge Advocate: Capt. Edward R. Fink
Asst. Judge Advocate: Richard Chosid
wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 3:30 PM
SEA CADET HEADQUARTERS
Located at:
300 S.W. 25th Street • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
★★★★★★★★★★★★★
THERE wILL BE NO GENERAL
MEMBERSHIP MEETING IN JANUARy
Please join us at the
EDITORIAL STAFF
Lynn Drucker
Rudy Oetting
Oscar Romano
Chuck Black
Jim Black
Simone Ramos
Seven Seas Gala
Saturday, January 24th
Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort
For more information contact: Lynn Drucker
954-325-9102 or [email protected]
visit us on the web at www.flnavyleague.org
FORT LAUDERDALE COUNCIL COMMUNITy AFFILIATES
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Davie, Florida 33314
Main Line: 954.797.0410
Cell: 954.658.7128
Direct Fax: 954.797.0549
[email protected]
Gary Pirtle, LEED AP
Assistant Vice President
www.PirtleConstruction.com
Offices located in Broward, Dade & Palm Beach
CGC 001110