Executive Director's View

2024 NHA National Symposium & More

By CAPT Jim Gillcrist, USN (Ret.)

Gametime came and the Symposium Volunteer Team of JOs and Aircrew from HSC-3 and HSM-41 excelled to execute and make this event a spectacular success. Their committed hard work started last summer. The individual who got the effort underway and kept things on track was Skipper “Smokey” Butts, NHA National President. I served as his “wingman,” and he made me feel valued through the entire planning cycle. It was fun. It was hard and frustrating at times. It was memorable. The rapport that we developed is really what the NHA experience is all about, and it filtered down from there through the Volunteer Team.

Big shout-outs and thanks for key individuals include: Smokey, Penny, Sparkles, AWRCM Nate Hickey, AWSC Kris Strand, ACE, Binky, Latrina, Quiet Riot, AWF1 Bruno Theo, Houston, Pinko, AWRC Tony Pettee, Fetus, KAM, Karen, Meat Dawg, Ludes, Amber, Wiper, Donkey, Moose, Deuce, Whitey, RIMM, Milky, Judy, BradChad, IKEA, BOT, DOM, Heater, LB, Regina, Downsy, Grudge, Eagle, Bus, Brain, Dusty Bottoms, Beaker, SKE, Dano, Chick-a-Fil, Bambi, Schmitty, HiSpeed, Ricky Bobby, Megatron, Devil Dog, Clown, Kat, TT, and many others.

With more than a few Symposiums under my belt, I am convinced that it is all about getting the entire Rotary Force together to enjoy each other’s company. Sure, the keynote address and professional briefs add value, but the camaraderie, networking, and catching up with past squadron mates and shipmates are EPIC. Throw in The Challenge, Charity Golf Tournament, and I-Bar Det Harrah’s in the evenings, and you end up with “time well spent” hanging out with each other. The goodness of this annual event is priceless.

This leads me to the magazine theme that looks at how physical and mental health support an engaged and resilient Rotary Force. Again, our professional organization plays a vital role in creating an identity and a sense of well being, through National and Regional activities, that bind us and add depth to our larger role within Naval Aviation.

Hope you enjoy RDML Reynolds' On Leadership Column and CAPT Chaney’s Commodore’s Corner plus of course our Symposium Photo Spread and much more … enjoy the read / enjoy your summer!

IMPORTANT STAFF UPDATE: We turned over the reins of Marketing Director from Linda Vydra to Megan Buriak. Linda joined the NHA Team in 2015 and did amazing things for the organization, most notably, turbo charging corporate membership and daily outreach to our corporate partners. Linda is now the Development Manager for Susan G. Komen for the Cure in San Diego, and we wish her tremendous success in this new capacity. In this regard, Linda’s professional good fortune became NHA’s good fortune. This afforded us the wonderful opportunity to hire Megan Buriak who already had a strong connection to the Rotary Force as a Gold Star Spouse. She brings a wealth of energy, passion, and refreshing ideas to her role as Marketing Director. We are truly blessed to have Megan as part of the NHA Team.

Please keep your membership profile up to date (mailing address and region affiliation). 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 Megan, Mike, Allyson, or myself.

Warm regards with high hopes, Jim Gillcrist / LTM #43

2024 Symposium “Partners in Crime," CAPT Jim Gillcrist, USN (Ret.) & CAPT Tommy Butts, USN.