3 minute read
Executive Director's View
Symposium Shoutout - Norfolk’s Human Advantage Made the Difference
By CAPT Jim Gillcrist, USN (Ret.)
The 2022 Symposium in Norfolk proved to be a huge success on many levels. The going in position was to do things differently and mix it up (listen and deliver on input received from the previous Symposium). The VP for Symposium, CAPT Steve-O Thomas, gave commander’s intent and the Fleet Angels / Norfolk HSC Volunteer Team led by LT Tyler “Kuzco” Bothel crushed the planning and execution. From theme to logo, from Keynote Speaker, Jamie Cochran, to VCNO Calls with DHs and JOs, and from an Aircrew Challenge at the Oceanview Pier to Top Golf, Symposium was new and different. Even the Second Sea Tour Panel was new, and value added. Other guest speakers such as Katy Hendrickson, CAPT Sunita Williams, Andy Harold, and Joy Doyle enriched our members. RDML “Pepper” McCoy connected with Navy and Industry leadership at the VIP Lunch. Bottom line: The Norfolk HSC Community was the “human advantage” for Symposium. A cast of all stars deserve a shoutout to include the HM-14/15 Bus Drivers, Kuzco, Gonzo (HSC-2), Kelly, TWON, AWSCM Nord, BOJ, MEEP, ABE, Reptar, Zoo, Rhino, Fatty, CaSPR, Frizzle, WYLD BILL, Big Bird, Bus, Bubbles, IKE, Quiet Riot, Gonzo (HSC-3), Squids, Prius, JoJo, Homeskool, Rumspringa, Musband, LiMP, Whiz, Juddy, Llama, Chastity, Dimitri, DQ, Average, McMuff, and Milkman. Additionally, a big thanks to Ronnie Boone, owner and operator of the Oceanview Fishing Pier, who hosted the Aircrew Challenge – his enthusiastic support was huge.
Oceanview Fishing Pier serves as an awesome VFR check point!
Getting JOs and Aircrew more involved in NHA from coast to coast as Regional Reps, in production of Rotor Review Magazine, in social media outreach, in planning and execution of regional events, and in the planning and execution of Symposium and Fleet Fly-In creates a stronger organization that offers a richer experience. For this reason, we are starting the planning for the 2023 Symposium at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. The VP for Symposium is CDR Eli “Whiz” Owre, and we are putting the JO & Aircrew Volunteer Team together, pulling talent from HSM-41, HSC-3, VRM-50, and Region 1 Squadrons.
Exceeding 3,000 active members this year was a strategic priority. Currently, NHA is at 3,051 members. Membership remains the lifeblood of the organization, and it is NHA’s “human advantage!”
• Please keep your membership profile up to date.
• If you should need any assistance at all, give us a call at (619) 435-7139 and we will be happy to help – you will get Linda, Mike, Allyson, or myself.
Warm regards with high hopes, Jim Gillcrist.
P.S. A final shoutout to LT Mike “Bubbles” Short as Magazine Editor-in-Chief is appropriate. He poured his heart and soul into the magazine, and it shows in the caliber of the content. Thanks Bubbles for “raising the bar” and making Rotor Review so much better!
P.P.S. Lastly, a “final salute” to Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), ADM Bill Lescher, for an incredible Naval career and for his years of strong support to NHA – never too busy to be involved – we hope you enjoy the “On Leadership Column” in this issue. For his entire body of work within the Rotary Wing Community, the NHA Board of Directors recognized ADM Lescher as recipient of the 2022 NHA Lifelong Service Award.
With admiration from the NHA Staff: “Fair winds and following seas!”
