At 7:00 PM, President Harry Huggins banged the gavel to get every ones attention and start the festivities. Past Presidents Bill Ambrose, John Hearn, Lenny Leonardson, Will Wathan, Ron Wright, and Buddy Husky were recognized, and distinguished members Buddy Husky and Harry Huggins recognized. 

Randy Cornell (National President) and his lovely wife Barbara were introduced. Randy came to administer the oath of office for the new administration. I’m sure you were sorry to miss Bill’s departure from the White House. 

A moment of silence was observed for all those who passed over the bar in the past year

Ed Ard graciously and eloquently blessed our meal, asked for remembrances of all those who were ill and not able to attend, for those who have had rough times during the year, and traveling mercies for those who were facing long drives after the activities tonight. Thank you Ed for such a beautiful and meaningful blessing.

It was on to dinner next. The buffet line formed behind Barbara Cornell and Judy Stearns, who were closely followed by their husbands. Thanks Harry, Hobey usually makes me wait. As usual we all started the line at the vegetables and rolls. Our lovely Chef Julie Heselton straightened us out by having us start in the other direction. That’s OK Julie; the President-elect will take the hit for that. I don’t know about anyone else, but whenever I get in line for food it reminds me of the days aboard ship. Only difference is I’m not strapped in to the table hanging on to my plate, silverware, glass, and whatever else was on the table at the time while green water is rushing over the focsle. Retirement, it’s great.

At 8:00 PM President Harry called the meeting of the Norfolk District Chapter CW & WO Association to order, and thanked everyone for his or her support over the past two years. Harry also added a special thanks to Bill Ambrose for all his help and leadership he personally provided to him, and all that he had done for the betterment of the Chapter. Harry then asked Randy Cornell to give us an update on happenings in Washington. 

Randy said the winds were starting to blow in our direction. Membership was slow, but getting a little better as of late. A letter addressing Warrant Officer time in grade till next higher rank (3 Vs 4), and Warrant Officer continuation past 30 years. Both these initiatives were discussed at the last National Meeting in Yorktown. These initiatives are to reward our Warrant Officers for their high performance and leadership, and fill shortfalls in the officer corp due to the major loss of junior officer’s to the civilian workforce. The initiatives were reviewed by Comdt., and were deemed unfavorable. However, there are chances for deep selection from W2 to W3 by being selected at the 2 year mark and advancing on your third anniversary, and so on for W3 to W4. These and other issues will be re-visited at the next National meeting in Seattle this spring. Thank you for the update Randy.

As Randy Cornell stood by, President Harry Huggins summoned the newly elected officers to the front. Harry introduced everyone and Randy Cornell administered the oath of office. The venerable Henry Domme (chapter historian) took pictures of the new officer’s. Your new officer’s for 2001 are: President, Hobey Stearns; Vice-President, Buddy Moore; Secretary, Bill Gasperetti; and Treasurer, David Sterling. Harry then said a few parting words and handed the gavel over to Hobey.

Hobey then stepped to the podium and identified all the past presidents and distinguished members, Randy and Barbara Cornell, and the active duty members in attendance. Hobey also thanked Harry for the leadership and direction he provided our Chapter over the last two years. Well-done Harry.

Hobey also apologized for the errors made in past newsletters, spelling of some names, and thanked his wife Judy for assisting him in stamping and folding hundreds of newsletters for the U. S. Mail. Only to be destroyed before delivery. In the future newsletters will be sent in envelopes.