Veterans Day, a time to celebrate

November 2011 - Navy
By RADM Casey W. Coane, USN (Ret)

The Association of the United States Navy (AUSN) is a registered War Veterans Organization and a second tier Veterans Service Organization. We are also an Associate Member of the Washington, DC, Veterans Day Committee. We are a co-chair of the Military Veterans Alliance. Our members are veterans or will be considered such when they leave the Service. It is entirely appropriate, therefore, that we pay a good deal of attention to Veterans Day. I am proud and pleased that we have an article this month from the Secretary of the Veterans Administration, the Honorable Eric Shinseki. The Secretary has made it clear to all of us who work with him that Veterans Day should be a celebration. Memorial Day is a time to honor the fallen but Veterans Day is a time to honor and appreciate all those who serve or have served, particularly those still with us. Today, one percent of America is serving and fighting our wars. We must honor that one percent and do it loudly and proudly, so the other ninety-nine percent can hear us.

I am also pleased to tell you that this month at their Washington meeting, our Board of Directors will sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation Board. The Foundation provides financial support to the Navy Safe Harbor Command and AUSN is going to help the Foundation in a number of ways. When I think of all the organizations we have been in that have sprung up to support the veterans of this ten-year war, the number is both heartwarming and confusing. Across the country there are many, many organizations whose goal is to help the deserving. Where does one turn to be the most helpful? The Navy Safe Harbor Command briefed us at our Las Vegas conference, and we were impressed. This is the Navy’s lifetime commitment to injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen. The Safe Harbor Foundation supports the command with monies that cannot legally be provided by the Navy. It is a great partnership and one that AUSN can easily support. It is something that you can do to be part of a greater cause, a solution to the problem rather than just being on the sidelines. AUSN is not only a voice for Sailors but also a helping hand for those in need.

Our guest column this month is from CAPT Ted Daywalt, President of VetJobs. His company is the leading jobs board for veterans and Ted testifies before Congress frequently on employment issues for veterans. He is a good partner of AUSN and I’m pleased that we have his column for this Veterans’ issue. Our Senior Enlisted Voice on page 10 is from FLTCM Scott Benning. He writes about MCPON West’s CPO 365 program. This is good education for all of our members. MCPON West is having a real impact and we thank FLTCM Benning for bringing this to us. On page 22, CAPT Kathryn Serbin brings us her usual good advice. This time it’s about not going crazy over the holidays. Thanks Kathryn, I needed that.

As a reminder, next month, we begin bi-monthly publication of Navy. Next year, we will begin an increased schedule of e-newsletters to keep you informed of the fast moving Washington world. As always enjoy the read.