W
ith the holidays behind us and winter on the run, the Tailhook Association is off to a great start in 2008, thanks largely to the stewardship of our executive director, J.R. Davis. The board of directors approved his proposed budget and is moving forward to meet all yearly goals to keep Tailhook growing. Of course, the Reunion is our principle activity each year, and it is not too early to lock in your plans to attend at John Asuaga’s Nugget Hotel in Sparks/Reno, Nev. 4–7 September. Labor Day falls on 1 September, and we are gathering a few days earlier than normal; so don’t let it sneak up on you.
We have a great agenda for the Reunion and will include the fun run and tennis we reintroduced last year for those who will not be playing golf. Our Reunion coordinator, Mark Ostertag, continues to look for exciting side trips and activities to augment the symposium program. This year promises to elicit even more sea stories and passageway banter than usual as we hear the truths and others centered on the theme, “Honoring the LSO.” I expect there will be numerous passes and debriefs relived with the perspective of time making them even more colorful than in “real life.” Make sure you are there to hear and share the tales of those gashes and OK-no comments … looked good going by me!
While talking about the Reunion, I would like to make my pitch to everyone for keeping our Tailhook Association Membership strong and growing. In reviewing the trends over the past five years, the board has noticed a declining trend in membership the last two years, owing considerably to lapsed or unrenewed memberships. J.R. keeps great records and has a “Target List” that includes suspended memberships. But I solicit your individual efforts to stay in touch with your shipmates and squadronmates, both current and past, and spread the word about the value of Tailhook membership so we can keep our exclusive ranks strong.
Of course, one of the best perks of membership is our great magazine, The Hook. Our Editor, Denny Irelan, and immediate staff, Jan Jacobs, Doug Siegfried and Phyllis Carter, continue to keep the content and quality of the magazine high and is dedicated to making it the voice of the fleet. Your experiences and input are essential to recording the Naval Aviation history vital to all of us, so I encourage you silver-tongued aviators to contribute. Let us know what’s happening on work ups and deployment with your squadron update in the “At Marshall” section, and by all means if you have a “there I was” or “you had to be there” tale, shoot us an article. And as always, a picture can tell a thousand words, so send them in to augment your sea stories and milestones.
Included in this issue is the annual ballot for election of directors. Please read through the short biographies and send in your ballot so we can man our board with those you believe will best represent your interests in steering the Tailhook Association on a steady course for the next century of Naval Aviation. We need your vote.
My final thoughts reflect the initiative of our Air Boss, VADM Tom “Killer” Kilcline as he launches the preliminary planning for celebration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation, which is rapidly approaching in 2011. In early March he formed a committee to identify members of his Executive Steering Group and outlined a plan to coordinate activities around the country to highlight the history and traditions of Naval Aviation. Carrier aviation is the very core of our heritage, and the Tailhook Association will work closely with Commander Naval Air Forces to make this centennial a memorable and lasting tribute as we look to the next 100 years.
Keep your scan moving, keep your heads on a swivel and keep your knots up.