National President's Message

Well-Being and Symposium Recap

By CAPT Tommy "Smokey" Butts, USN

Greetings from NHA here in San Diego!

This Rotor Review issue focuses on the physical and mental health of our Rotary Force as well as a recap of NHA Symposium ‘24.

I believe that it is safe to say that a vast majority of our Rotary Force, myself included, have failed at times when it comes to prioritizing our own personal physical and mental well-being. Collectively, are we cultivating a culture where a flyer or maintainer can “take a knee” to address their well-being without feeling career implications? There are examples from around the Fleet of leadership prioritizing a culture of physical and mental health well-being. We often ask for more resources (which we need); however, are we aware of and utilizing the resources that we currently have available? Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLC) are becoming the norm and psychologist billets are being assigned. I leave these questions for thought and discussion within your units and shops. We have a very long way to go; however, strides are being made.

Shifting gears, let’s talk about NHA Symposium ‘24. The only way our marquee community event happens is with the incredible amount of support from our industry partners and the volunteers. The vast majority of volunteers comes from our Junior Officers and Senior Enlisted leadership. Thank you for all of the hard work that was done behind the scenes to further build the culture of our community.

Over the course of my tenure as NHA National President, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and spend time with a number of great people: active duty, retired, and civilians. I want to thank the NHA Staff for their support and helping keep Nr at 100%. I believe that many of you know, but our “motor” within NHA is CAPT Jim Gillcrist, USN (Ret.). He likes to give everyone else the credit, but he is the one who “moves the chains” for NHA. He has dedicated his professional life to our rotary and tilt-rotor community, both in and out of uniform. I know over the last year that RADM Fillion, USN (Ret.) and I drove him crazy with new ideas and “writing checks” that CAPT G cashed for us. The success of NHA Symposium ‘24 is a direct reflection of his dedication and loyalty to the community. Thank you CAPT G for the friendship and mentorship. It has been an absolute pleasure and honor to work alongside you.

This article serves as my last submission as your NHA National President. I’m passing the controls to CDR Tim “Buck” Rogers. Many of you already know Buck, and I assure you that our organization is in great hands moving forward. I’ll continue to be involved and will see you at future NHA events. It has been an honor to serve as your National President of our professional organization. Buck, you have the controls!

V/r, Smokey NHA (LTM #504)