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Navy League is more
than a support group

Last Wednesday evening I attended the Honolulu Navy League's annual meeting at the invitation of its executive director, Bob McDermott.

The meeting was held to elect the Honolulu Council's officers for 2005 and to recognize those members who have made outstanding contributions to the Navy League.

My host mentioned he would appreciate anything I could write about the Navy League because he felt "most folks don't know what it is."

So, although Water Ways is usually devoted to recreational boating subjects, let's expand our world and consider the main support group for those who sail aboard the biggest fleet of vessels in the world, our U.S. military sea services.

To begin with, the Navy League is more than just the Navy's support group.

It is also there for those -- and their families -- serving in the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine.

As one of 330 Navy League Councils (with some 75,000 members worldwide), the Honolulu Council provides both educational and motivational information to the civilian community and its political leaders on the condition and needs of our sea services.

The Council is also actively involved in providing special recognition for outstanding sea services personnel, as well as sponsoring and supporting Naval Sea Cadet units and providing family assistance to sea service families.

It supports active duty military personnel through the "adoption" of ships, installations and units, and by hosting commissioning ceremonies, award programs and other recognition programs.

As a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, the League relies solely on its members for support and funds.

In return, League members are provided with benefits that range from free cruises aboard military vessels to discounts at businesses such as AFLAC Insurance, AIG Hawaii and Road Runner Internet access.

The Navy League's programs should be especially praised and its members recognized for their integrity and patriotism.

This year, the Navy Leaguer of the Year Award -- recognizing outstanding contributions to the Honolulu Council and to the sea services -- was presented to Glenn Hong, president of Young Brothers.

As a past president of the Honolulu Council and a longtime member, Hong was honored for "devoting countless hours to furthering the work of the Navy League and promoting corporate membership in the council."

Additionally, four former presidents and board members were inducted into the Honolulu Council's Hall of Fame: Roy Yee, businessman; Edwin Carter, USN-retired and U.S. Navy League National Director; Richard Fahrenwald, retired businessman and former National Director and Alan Lloyd, retired businessman and current parliamentarian and historian of the council.

"We are proud to honor these exceptional individuals who have devoted their personal and professional time and resources to advance the work of the Navy League and the Honolulu Council," said council president Kraig Kennedy.