United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Team
Spruance
Commanding Officer's
December 05 Report
Unit Headquarters:
300 SW 25th Street
P.O. Box 21101
Fort Lauderdale
Florida 33335-1101
954-522-8995
E-Mail:
info@flseacadets.org
To: All Hands Subject: Monthly Report
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
December 2005
December began with a Pearl Harbor Survivors Luncheon, sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and American Legion. The Cadets escorted the Survivors, and sat at their tables to learn first hand the stories of the events of that fateful day, from the survivors of the “Day that will live in Infamy”. Pearl Harbor ceremonies were held on December 7th at the Coast Guard Station, where a wreath was placed in the harbor in the memory of that fateful day. The remains of the Everglades Council NLUS President, Al Hubbard, were carried on board a Coast Guard Patrol Boat, for a burial at sea. The family presented a donation in memory of Al Hubbard to the Spruance Division.
The Cadets participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Gala, at the Hyatt Pier 66 Hotel, where 800 people were gathered to meet the special guest, Governor Jeb Bush. The Cadets presented the Colors, and were Side Boys for the VIP Reception, and the Dinner. They were introduced on the program by Tony Segretto, the TV News Anchorman from NBC Channel 6. The Chairperson in a letter following the event, stated that over $780,000 was raised that evening for Cystic Fibrosis, and the presence of the Cadets and the presentation of the Colors moved all of the guests in attendance, and set the tone for the evening.
The Parents Committee arranged for a spectacular lunch for our Annual Holiday Party, complete with a traditional Latin roast pig. Promotions were made to Petty Officer 2nd Class to Cadets Bradford Barrett and Jonathan Hoffman. PO1 Jessica Vance was presented with the NSCC Commendation Ribbon for her outstanding participation in the first International Exchange Program to St Petersburg Russia. League Cadets were promoted, and Ribbon Awards were presented. We had a visit from Midshipman Balcunas, home on Christmas Leave from his first year at the Coast Guard Academy. The Ft Lauderdale Fire Department came to our rescue with their Ladder Truck replacing the line on our Flagpole, which was damaged by Hurricane Wilma. The Fire Fighters, and Cadets stood proudly as the American Flag was raised by Midshipman Balcunas and Petty Officer Vance.
Great news was announced that PO Jessica Vance and PO Tim Nasta had both received Congressional Nominations for the Naval Academy. PO Vance has been accepted by both the Naval Academy and the Coast Guard Academy, and PO Nasta was accepted by the Naval Academy and the Air force Academy. We are all proud of them, and can take pride that we really are Training the Leaders of Tomorrow!
7 Cadets and 2 Staff had the special honor of being onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet, the lead boat in the annual Ft Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade, on the Intercoastal Waterway. Cadets and their families attended as guests of the Coast Guard Station Ft Lauderdale. The year ended with a most generous donation of 50 tickets to the Orange Bowl College Basketball Classic, for Cadets and their families, presented by Mr. Joe Millsaps and Broward Navy Days. Sincere best wishes to all of our friends, shipmates and supporters for the Holiday Season, and happy, safe New Year!
Respectfully Submitted,
LCDR Alan Starr, USNSCC
Commanding Officer, Team Spruance