White Caps WAVES National Newsletter

I had the pleasure and privilege of attending the dedication of the WAVES National Stained Glass Window Shadow Box at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA. Unfortunately, President Barb Turner had another obligation in Florida, so I was delighted to represent her and WAVES National at this dedication.

The major thanks go to Tidewater Tidal WAVES Unit
152, and especially it’s President and Vice President, Dassa Carvey and Mary Freeman, respectively. Many others played a part in making this a wonderful occasion. There were over 75 people in attendance, including many active duty women. Our guest speaker was Coast Guard Admiral Sally Brice-O’Hara, who gave an inspiring talk about many of our predecessors who served in the military or otherwise served our country and supporting our efforts to preserve our history by sharing this window with those who pass through the hospital’s dining facility.

The window is beautiful, and we are guaranteed that many people pass through this galley every day – active duty personnel, visitors, and patients. In fact, before we left, lunch hour had commenced and many had already come into the dining facility. I’m sure after we left; they went up to look at the window and the plaque alongside it, after seeing
all of us congregating around it.

I had the chance to share the history of the other windows WAVES National has placed throughout the country, and some of our history. It was truly an honor to attend, and I think we will be successful in recruiting several new active duty and Coast Guard members who were present, including the Admiral, I might add. I passed out at least 6 applications myself, the Admiral among them.

Thank you to all those who contributed to the cost of this window and those who did so much work with the Naval officials at Portsmouth and the designer of the window, Michelle Hatfield, to make this happen. It was a long hard journey, but it was well worth the money and effort.

One last thing I would like to add to this article not relating to the window is that after mid-term, I will no longer be serving on the Board of Directors and may not be listed on page 2 of the White Caps. I do plan to continue accepting the obituaries of non-members of WAVES National. Please note my new address listed somewhere in White Caps. It is 2917 Porter Court, S.W., Grandville, MI 49418. I hope to see many of you in Philadelphia in 2004! God bless all of you…’til then,

Jan Roy
Immediate Past President

Ben Franklin Come Join Us In
PHILADELPHIA, PA
A HISTORIC TOWN IN A BIG CITY
AUGUST 2 - 8, 2004
FOR WAVES NATIONAL CONVENTION
Host Region IX

BEN FRANKLIN TELLS US - History may be Philadelphia’s claim to fame, but it has much to offer - art, museums, dining of all kinds, SHOPPING galore, fun for all ages. Take a walk and view history in the old city and Independence Park. It is here our nation was born, then on to China Town and the Convention Center (a world of information and goodies). Ben Franklin Parkway and the museum area, (how about a run up the famed “Rocky Steps?”), Antiques Row and Penn’s Landing. Visit the River Link Ferry, New Jersey State Aquarium and Children’s Garden, Independence Seaport Museum, and the historic Battleship New Jersey Memorial Museum. All of these can be reached by Carriage Tours, Trolley Tours, bus, etc.., easily accessible and reasonable. Look for more in future White Caps.