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Executive Director's View
2020: Finishing on a Positive Note By CAPT Jim Gillcrist, USN (Ret.)
This Winter Issue closes out one heck of a challenging year in 2020 and ushers in hope and opportunity in 2021. Despite the relentless headwinds of COVID-19 and a canceled Symposium in the Spring, we rigged for heavy weather and finished on a positive note this Fall with a successful Virtual Gulf Coast Fleet Fly-In (GCFFI). Shining a spotlight upon each of the various Services and Communities gave us cause, even for a moment, to connect and celebrate who we are.
The energy and ideas from the JOs at HT-8 / 18 / 28 and across Fleet RAGs and Squadrons made this event happen – it was well worth the effort. We are forever thankful to our Industry Partners who sponsored the Gulf Coast Fleet Fly-In activities that comprised the entire week.
At the December Board of Director’s Meeting, a bold decision pushed the 2021 Symposium at Viejas Casino and Resort to the Fall timeframe. This course of action provides the greatest opportunity to conduct a live event and maximize member attendance and industry participation. GCFFI is scheduled for 2-4 November and will marry up with the end of season Blue Angels Airshow on 5-6 November in Pensacola.
I think you will enjoy this issue of Rotor Review – allow me to highlight several feature articles:
♦ VADM Dean Peter’s “On Leadership” column recounts a defining leadership moment with an interesting reveal at the end – a powerful takeaway!
♦ Commodore’s Corner by CAPT Shawn Bailey comments on “Why join NHA?”
♦ Insightful interview with CAG Barr and PCAG Drenning on opportunity in Naval Aviation.
♦ And a host of new contemporary articles from across the Fleet, USMC, USCG, and Industry.
Additionally, I would like to call attention to a variety of superb photo contestimages that came in to support the magazine’s theme of “Deployed – Now What?” … to include the front cover.
In this warfighting business that we are engaged to include staying ready to deploy, shipmates take care of shipmates, most particularly now. We are each other’s keeper. Staying positive and mutually supportive are essential. I read an article recently that grabbed me that I would like to share – the author suggested the following:
Be kind! Be thoughtful! Be genuine! But most of all, be thankful!
It is amazing how this messaging turbo charged my attitude. In fact, the author further suggested that being grateful prevents each of us from ever being entitled and keeps us focused on the team.
Finally, membership is the lifeblood of the organization. Connecting with new and expired members remains a team sport – active members at all levels are in a great position to help drive membership in 2021.
Please keep your membership / profile up to date. If you should need any assistance at all, give us a call at (619) 435-7139. We will be happy to help – you will get Linda, Mike, Allyson, or myself.
Warm regards with high hopes, Jim Gillcrist
