Navy League Council celebrates 40-years of service

Historic City News learned of a recent dinner party held for members of the St. Augustine-Palm Coast Navy League Council held at the Slammer & Squire Legends Grill, World Golf Village. The occasion celebrated 40-years of honoring and serving the men and women in our Sea Services.

The guest list included five command representatives from the Council’s adopted units: CDR Ian Hawley from VR-58, Captain Wyatt Chidester and wife Sharon from USS HUE CITY, Captain Kevin Gavin and wife Lisa from USCG HITRON, Captain Thomas Allan and wife Kim from USCG Sector Jacksonville, and Colonel Matthew Crabill and wife Jen from USMC Blount Island. Also attending were Captain Wesley McCall, Commanding Officer NS Mayport plus Captain Roy Undersander Commanding Officer NAS Jacksonville and wife Pam.

“Bill Dudley paid tribute to a very special attendee, Herbie Wiles, one of the original founders of the council when it was founded in 1974,” reported Kim Kendall. “Other special guests included Allen Stevenson, Captain USN (RET), who was the Commanding Officer of VR-58 when the Council first adopted them, plus Michael Wanchick, St. Johns County Administrator and wife Leslie.”

The evening was filled with good fellowship and shared memories. The Council’s last four Presidents – Mike Zollar, Bill Dudley, Bill Korach and Dave Sullivan, provided the walks down memory lane. All Presidents spoke on the great strides the Council has made over the years dramatically building up membership numbers and the importance of communicating the mission of the Sea Services.

A special exhibit of military memorabilia was displayed along with a continuously running slide show of old and recent pictures prepared by Council member Garry Cohn.

Next Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 17th at the St. Johns County Library Southeast Branch. Council meetings are open to the public. The job of our military is tremendous and one way to support them is by participating in Council activities that have great impact to those serving in our Sea Services.

Learn about the St. Augustine-Palm Coast Council of the Navy League of the United States by contacting President Mike Zollar at 904-460-1251. Also visit www.sapcnavyleague.org for more information.

Mission Statement: The St. Augustine–Palm Coast Council of the Navy League of the United States is a civilian organization whose mission is to: Support the objectives of the National Navy League of the United States and selected active duty Maritime Military units within our reach in the St. Augustine –Palm Coast area and to support local High School JROTC programs.

Photo credits: © 2014 Historic City News contributed photograph by Garry Cohn