Chairman’s Brief

Change of Command

By RADM Pat McGrath, USN (Ret.)

It is hard to believe, but I am finishing my third year with NHA. I am very excited to know that I will be leaving the Chairman position in the very capable hands of RADM Dan Fillion, USN (Ret.) He will certainly take the organization to new heights with his combination of inspiration, determination, and a joie de vivre that just can't be beat.

I cannot overstate what an honor it was for me to be asked to fill the Chairman position. As a young junior officer, I always looked forward to the NHA conventions and looked up to the leadership in the organization as the "tall timber" of our community. I hope that I did my part during my tenure as Chairman. I am most proud of the team we selected to man the tiller of the NHA Scholarship Fund, which is going strong and has a great future. I am also very proud of the manner in which the entire NHA Team and Board weathered the COVID Ciisis and am confident that we are in a strong position for the future.

I would be remiss in not acknowledging Jim Gillcrist, Bill Personius, Arne Nelson, Allyson Darroch, Mike Brattland and Linda Vydra. They are the lifeblood of NHA and should take all the credit for all of the great things that NHA does and will do in the future.

Did You Know?

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon. com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the Naval Helicopter Association Historical Society.

Sign-up today! It does not cost you anything and a percentage of your purchase price is donated to NHAHS!