National President's Message

The Future is Bright

By CDR Emily “ABE” Stellpflug, USN

Greetings from NHA! I hope you all enjoyed the FIRST Symposium at Harrah’s as much as I did! It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces and relive tales from the past. A highlight for me was the Legends Panel and having the opportunity to hear sea stories from those of a different rotary force era. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, but as we look toward two more years at Harrah’s, we’re very interested in how we can make it BETTER!

The Symposium would not have been possible without the volunteers—led by a joint effort from HSM-41 Seahawks and HSC-3 Merlins. The enterprising JOs and CPOs came up with the theme, meticulously planned the panels, and executed flawlessly! I’m still marveling over the first ever, on site CHALLENGE—featuring a swim against the lazy river and a serious up-slope fire truck pull. The creativity throughout Symposium was phenomenal. Thank you volunteers!

This is my final note as your NHA National President (I know—you’ll be glad to hear from someone more inspired). It truly has been a joy to serve and look behind the curtain to see all of the hard work to keep the organization running. Special thank you to the NHA, Historical Society, and Scholarship Fund Staffs—CAPT Gillcrist, USN (Ret), CAPT Personius, USN (Ret), CAPT Nelson, USN (Ret), CDR Brattland, USN (Ret), Linda, and Allyson. It’s been a joy to work with all of you and thank you for what you do for the organization day in and day out. None of this would be possible without your dedication.

Finally, it’s time for me to pass controls to CDR Tommy “Smokey” Butts, Commanding Officer of HSC-3. I have only known him a short time, but I am immediately impressed by his charisma, positive energy, and innovative ideas. NHA is in great hands and Smokey is postured to take the organization to the next level. Smokey—you have the controls!

Best Wishes and Fly Safe!

V/R ABE, NHA Lifetime Member #481