Time to reflect

January 2011 Navy

by Tim Moon

HAPPY NEW YEAR! The holidays can be exhausting as we travel to visit friends and relatives or to vacation in interesting places just to relax or do something exciting. I know that to be true for my family as we always try to do it all. We always visit as many relatives as possible and go somewhere exciting to “get away.” The travel may be exhausting and reuniting with friends and family may be hectic and stressful, but it is always worth it. Now that the New Year is upon us, I sincerely hope that everyone enjoyed a safe and joyous holiday season with family and friends.

Veterans Day was a very special day as I had the honor and privilege to represent the AUSN membership at several Veterans Day events. Captain Mileva Hartman and I attended a to tribute at the Women’s Memorial women who served in World War II. It was so inspirational to meet so many courageous women, listen to their stories and be a part of a celebration of their accomplishments. I attended the annual Veterans Day breakfast at the White House, hosted by Vice President Biden, with leaders of many other veterans’ organizations. Master Chief Jerry Featherstone, Ensign Haraz Ghanbari and I attended the 57th Annual National Veterans Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery. The three of us were then joined by Captain Jim Diehl as we laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown. What an awesome experience for me, to spend that special day honoring so many great Americans who have served, including so many who have given their lives to guarantee the freedoms that we enjoy. It all made me so proud to be a veteran myself, and even more thankful for the efforts and selfless sacrifice of so many Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen who have served in the past, are serving today, and will serve in the future.

Your Association has been busy! I would like to congratulate and thank Captain Ike Puzon, AUSN Director of Government Relations, for coordinating and hosting a highly successful AUSN Navy Now Forum in San Diego. Vice Admiral Al Myers, Commander Naval Air Forces, Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific, was the guest speaker; and he provided an update on current operations and a historical background of Navy Air Forces. This was especially timely as we approach the Centennial of Naval Aviation Celebration. Attended by AUSN members, officer and enlisted Sailors, industry partners and business leaders, this is just another in a continuing series of very informative professional forums hosted by AUSN. I wish a hearty “welcome aboard” to Ms. Kenya Houston as the newest member of the AUSN Headquarters Staff. She recently joined AUSN as the Director of Business Development and brings a new focus and energy to an area that is crucial to our future.

The New Year is always a time of reflection. We all reflect on what we have done during the past year and look for ways to improve our personal and professional lives. Reflecting on the previous year usually leads to a number of New Year’s resolutions. I encourage you to consider including your relationship with AUSN in your New Year’s resolutions. Resolve to help take our message to Congress, to become active in AUSN activities, or to become a successful AUSN recruiter. It can be as simple as a monthly visit to the AUSN Web site, to recruit one new member, or to send one letter to Congress regarding an issue that is important to you. It is easy to do, and we can surely use your help.

Thank you for all that you have done in the past to support our Nation, our Navy and our Association. I wish all of you a very happy new year filled with success in your respective personal and professional endeavors. The holidays are over and it is now time to get back to work!