From the Executive Director

CAPT Tom Finley, USN(Ret)

My special thanks go to all those who have made me feel so welcome here at the Association. Our departing executive director, Charlie Robinson, ensured that I had an especially thorough turnover in the job. All of the staff, together with RADMs Tom Brown and Corky Lenox, CAPT Lonny McClung and a host of others have patiently helped me to settle into my new responsibilities. Charlie is now in his new position in Washington as executive director of the Navy League of the United States. His contributions in the nearly three years he served The Tailhook Association are many, and will continue to pay dividends. All of us at Tailhook wish him every success and happiness. We salute his dedicated efforts in helping the Tailhook Association and Foundation grow.

Complex Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Association's executive director are many. Principally, they involve day-to-day management of our business operations. I'm the guy who pays the bills, manages the general office routine and oversees our important membership and recruiting efforts. I also coordinate the internal and external activities for the Association and the Educational Foundation. There is a lot that goes on, and I am part of it all. I'm still amazed and a little awed by how many things Charlie dealt so effectively with--he was a dynamo! I hope to be able to continue the programs he has begun and to follow his example of dedication to the purposes of The Tailhook Association and Foundation.

Volunteer Assistance Is Vital

The best part of this job is associating with great people who really care about the Navy and especially carrier aviation. So many of these folks are eager and ready on short notice to pitch in and help out. I intend to depend upon the continued enthusiasm and support of our band of loyal, long-time supporters. I know there will always be opportunities for others to help in our activities, and I hope to involve some of you. Volunteers are the lifeblood of this organization.

I hope that you will seriously consider helping when approached to assist in our various events. Tailhook has endured as a result of the efforts of dedicated, committed volunteers, and our success in the coming years will be in the hands of those who are directly involved.

My efforts in the coming months will concentrate upon the important program to build our membership. Of equal importance is the need to encourage increased corporate involvement and to fine-tune the business aspects of the Tailhook Association. Ours is a solid organization with much to offer its members, and you will hear more concerning the benefits to those who are part of Tailhook.

At the heart of our organization is the pride we have in the contribution of the Navy's aircraft carriers to our nation's peace and security. We intend to continue telling our story and to support the people and equipment that are doing a vital job at sea.

Looking Forward to Tailhook '97

Preparations are well under way for the 1997 convention in Reno. Our hope is to expand on the considerable success of last year's gettogether and to make the coming event the best ever. I am pleased to be working closely with CAPT J.R. Davis, USN(Ret), a new member of our Board of Directors who has volunteered to be convention chairman. He is off to a fast start in reviewing past lessons and moving ahead on the plans for this year's event. The convention is to be held 4 September through 7 September 1997. I hope that those of you who haven't had the opportunity to attend a Reno convention will be able to join us in our program and take part in the fun of seeing those you haven't seen in years. You will not be disappointed--the convention facilities and accommodations provided by the Nugget Hotel are first-class in all respects. And, of course, we intend to provide a program that will be informative as well as enjoyable.

Mark your calendar now and plan to be with us in Reno. Information will be distributed concerning the program and details for making your reservations.

One last thought--if you know of someone who should be part of The Tailhook Association, let us know. We'll be happy to send information along. Resolve for the New Year to help make Tailhook grow. Every member can be part of our Membership Committee if he recruits at least one new member a year. With everyone on board with that objective, The Tailhook Association will become even stronger.

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