United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Team
Spruance
Commanding Officer's
February 06 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
February 2006
February is the shortest month of the year, but nonetheless it is always one of the busiest for the Staff and Cadets of the Spruance Division. We began the month with a dedication ceremony for the new bricks installed at the entrance to our HQ building, as part of our Unit Fundraiser. Several bricks were donated in memory of family members, and in honor of achievements. A special brick was dedicated to honor the memory of our dear departed friend Lou Besterda. Nine of our Cadets were invited to attend the Ft Lauderdale Naval Academy Alumni Association luncheon at Emerald Hills Country Club. They presented Colors and rendered Honors to the Superintendent of the Naval Academy and his wife, who were the honored guests. It was announced to the Admiral that PO1 Jessica Vance had already received Early Acceptance to the Naval Academy. It was a tremendous opportunity for all Cadets that attended to meet Blue and Gold Officers, and to understand what they must do to work on their plans for their futures. We attended the annual remembrance service in honor of the Four Chaplains that went down onboard the troop ship USS Dorchester in 1943. This year it was held at the First Baptist Church in Ft Lauderdale, sponsored by the American Legion. All of the Broward Schools JROTC Units participated with their school color guards. The Spruance Division was the first Youth Program to participate and honor the memory of these four valiant Chaplains who gave up their life jackets so that four soldiers would survive the sinking.
The highlight of the month was the Fort Lauderdale Council Annual Presidents Ball, held at the Westin Hotel. The Color Guard rendered Honors to Coast Guard Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District, Rear Admiral Peterman. The Spruance rifle Drill Team put on a spectacular performance, in their winter Dress Blue Uniforms, with precision routines under the direction of PO1 Jessica Vance, our National Sea Cadet of the Year. It was our honor to participate and support our Council’s Annual Ball.
Cadets and their parents had a unique opportunity to enjoy an after hours tour, onboard USS Bataan, LHD 5, an Amphibious Assault ship, here in honor of the Ft Lauderdale Council Ball. The Cadets ended the month with two major events on the same day, that proved the versatility of their training and dedication. After completing our monthly Beach PT Program on Ft Lauderdale Beach with the “Health Colonel”, LCOL Bob Weinstein, on Saturday Feb. 25th, that evening, the Cadets presented Colors at the annual Ball of the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation, at the Westin Hotel. At the same time, Nine Cadets and Staff journeyed down to the Port of Miami for the dedication of the World War II Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk. Sponsored by the Miami Dade Historical Maritime Museum. Honored guests included Coast Guard Rear Admiral Peterman and Captain James Mayes, and the Captain of the present Coast Guard Cutter Mohwak, operating out of Key West.
Our sincerest condolences to our Council President Mary Minnet, on the recent loss of her mother.
Respectfully Submitted,
LCDR Alan Starr, USNSCC
Commanding Officer, Team Spruance