denver council peak news, 11 (1), january 2021...gram, followed by assignments to the joint chiefs...

NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES

Citizens in Support of the Sea Services

Denver Council Peak News, 11 (1), January 2021

Denver Council Virtual meeting featuring

former Navy F-14 Topgun Instructor and

Squadron Commander, Cmdr. Dave

“BIO” Baranek who will present

“Tomcats and Topgun: Indelible Images” I hope everyone is continuing to stay safe and healthy

in our “new normal”, this holiday season. Due to the con-

tinuing pandemic we will again be holding our January

meeting on-line. We are incredibly fortunate to have the

author of the hardbound book, TOMCAT RIO as our

guest speaker. Dave “BIO” Baranek’s latest book is fea-

tured in SEAPOWER Magazine, and reviewed by Senior

Editor Richard R. Burgess. A synopsis of his review and

a few words on Cmdr. Baranek’s biography follow.

Jim Quin, Council President

Dave Baranek, Cmdr. USN, (ret.)

The motion picture Top

Gun made the F-14 Tomcat

jet fighter one of the most

recognized and admired air-

craft in the world. The author

of TOMCAT RIO was an F-14

Radar Intercept Officer (RIO)

and a consultant for the film.

Cmdr. Baranek was not only a Topgun instructor, but

later assumed command of the "Fighting Checkmates" of

VF-211.

He recounts Cold War missions encountering potential

aerial foes and of Operation Southern

Watch missions over Iraq. Just as illumi-

nating are the interactions with his fel-

low aviators and Sailors that show the

high performance dynamics that make

U.S. Naval aviation the potent force that

it is to this day.

Dave, “BIO” Baranek is also the au-

thor of Topgun Days and Before Topgun

Days. He enjoyed a successful twenty-year career in the

United States Navy, starting with assignments to F-14

Tomcat Squadrons and the elite Topgun training pro-

gram, followed by assignments to the Joint Chiefs of

Staff and the U.S. 7th Fleet.

November Virtual Meeting Honored

Dr. Carlin Calaway Commander,

(NC) USN (Ret.)

During the November virtual meeting, Dr. Calaway

presented a fascinating, insightful and moving overview

of her worldwide nursing assignments and her academic

advancements and “seasoning” in her

chosen field of oncology where she cur-

rently serves as the Lead Advanced

Practice Provider for Medical Oncology

at the University of Colorado School of

Medicine.

The Council also honored two top per-

formers from the Navy Talent Acquisi-

tion Group Rocky Mountain further discussed in the

Awards Section.

Council Awards/Honors

During the November Meeting, the Council honored

the following top performers assigned to the Navy Talent

Acquisition Group Rocky Mountain, (SCW/EXW) Josh-

ua A. James, USN earned the Denver Council Navy

League Sailor of the Year Award for 2020 and AO1

(AW) Xiomara Flores, USN earned the

Denver Council Recruiter

of the Year Award for

2020. Congratulations to

both honorees.

The Council will honor

the Navy Operational

Support Center Denver’s

top sailor during the Jan-

uary 22, 2021 virtual

meeting.

Upcoming Events

The next Denver Council Virtual Meeting is Fri-

day, March 19, 2021, featuring Motivational Speak-

er John Ramstead, former F-14 Tomcat pilot.

Blue Angels Airshow, Northern Colorado

Regional Airport, Loveland,

October 16-17, 2021.

EA1 Joshua A.

James

AO1 Xiomara

Flores

Denver Council Page 2

President’s Column

Well, 2020 has come and gone. It was

quite a year. After canceling our March

and May meetings, we stepped up to the

challenge and held meetings virtually in

September and November. I think one

silver lining in the pandemic is that we

have all learned some new on-line

skills. Also, with the virtual meetings,

we have been able to host guest speakers from distant

locations. That said, I am hoping that we will be able to

return to our regular in-person meetings by May.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and that you

were able to join us for November’s meeting. We heard a

very informative talk from Dr. Carlin Calaway about her

career as a Navy nurse.

Instructions for registering for the January meeting are

on the final page of this newsletter. There is no cost for

the meeting, but you must register to receive the link for

the meeting (on Google Meets). David Fong will send the

link to all registrants a few days before the meeting.

Thanks to all of you for your continuing support of the

Navy League and the Denver Council. Just a reminder –

please keep your Navy League membership up to date.

Also, don’t forget our local annual Council dues of

$15 per person or $25 per couple. Send checks (made

out to Denver Council, Navy League) for local dues to

our treasurer, David Fong at 6945 N. Trailway Circle,

Parker, CO 80134

Jim Quin, Council President

USS Colorado Submarine Association

The Association participated in

several projects in November

and December:

Delivered 400 Colorado

themed face masks to the

boat (discussed and pictured

in the November Denver

Council Newsletter). These same masks are for sale

on the Association website at usscoloradosubas-

soc.org.

Received new Association challenge coins that in-

clude the new SSN 788 logo, also for sale on the

website.

Assisted the boat’s Family Readiness Group in ful-

filling a wish-list of holiday gifts for the children of

crew members.

Depending on the status of the COVID Pandemic, As-

sociation members hope to travel to New London this

spring or early summer to visit the boat and attend a fami-

ly picnic.

The Association received several letters from crew-

members thanking local donors for the gift of their sub-

marine dolphin pins. These

“hand-me-down” dolphins

from veteran submariners

were awarded to newly quali-

fied exemplary crewmembers.

Finally, the Association re-

ceived a copy of a December

15, 2020 letter sent to Colorado’s crew from Colorado 2nd

District Congressman Joe Neguse wherein he expressed

season’s greetings and gratitude on behalf of the people

of Colorado for the crew members’ sacrifice, dedicated

service and ardent commitment to defending our country.

If you like the work we’re doing, please consider be-

coming a member at: www.usscoloradosubassoc.org.

Don Price, Association President



U.S. Navy

U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Flag Merchant Marine

National and Local Dues

Please remember to keep up with your Navy League national dues (and

keep Sea Power magazine coming to you) and our local Council annual

dues of $15 per individual or $25 per couple. These local dues became

mandatory in January 2019 and are a key element in supporting Council

initiatives.

Denver Council Navy League Peak Newsletter is an official publication of the Denver Council, serving the members and community of Colorado. This publi-cation does not necessarily reflect the official views of the National Navy League or Department of Defense.

Stories and artwork may be submitted via email to the editor at [email protected] Electronic versions available upon request.

Find out more on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DenverCouncil/

usscoloradosubassoc.orgusscoloradosubassoc.orghttp://www.usscoloradosubassoc.orghttp://www.uscg.mil/http://www.marad.dot.gov/mailto:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/DenverCouncil/


U.S. Navy

U.S. Coast Guard


Denver Council Earns Navy League National Honors

In December, Council President Jim Quin received

plaques from Navy League Headquarters denoting the

following awards earned by the Denver Council:

2019 Meritorious Council

2019 Mackie Award for Newsletter Excellence,

Bronze

2019 Sea Service Unit Adoption Excellence,

Medium Council

This particular award deserves further explanation.

The Denver Council is responsible for a total of 14 active

adoptions/sponsorships including:

One NROTC Unit, University of Colorado,

Boulder, CO

Two Marine Corps JROTC Units,

Adams City High School, Commerce City, CO

North Ridge High School, Greeley, CO

One Sea Cadet Unit, Aurora, CO

One League Cadet Unit, Aurora, CO

One U.S. Coast Guard Parents Association Unit,

Denver, CO

Colorado Merchant Marine Academy Parents

Association, Manitou Springs, CO

One Submarine Unit, USS Colorado (SSN-788),

Groton, CT

One Ship Unit, USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19),

Norfolk, VA

One Marine Corps Young Marines Unit,

Ft. Collins, CO

Four Shore Command Units:

Navy Information Operations Command,

Colorado, Aurora, CO

Navy Operational Support Center, Denver,

Aurora, CO

Navy Talent Acquisition Group Rocky

Mountain, Denver CO

U.S. Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit,

Aurora, CO

The fact that our Council has received national recogni-

tion the past two years reflects the dedicated effort and

commitment of council members to support these im-

portant initiatives, despite the challenges inherent with

being a land-locked council. Council members should be

justifiably proud of this performance.

Congratulations and well done to those whose efforts

helped achieve national recognition in all of the above

award categories.

Sea Cadets Update

The 54 cadets of the Lexington Division and Training

Ship Colorado (SSN 788) continued to come togeth-

er virtually throughout Novem-

ber and December. The 36 Lex-

ington Division Cadets met to

review Navy News from around

the world, and received a brief-

ing about a former cadet's per-

sonal experience signing up for

the U.S. Marine Corps. They

were also mentored by a retired

Army Brigadier General, and

learned skills to enhance effective communications.

The 18 Training Ship Colorado cadets continued their

coursework and performed individual Physical Readiness

Tests, demonstrating that they are continuing to learn de-

spite the pandemic conditions in Colorado.

Advancements continued as well, with the Lexington

Division promoting a new Chief Petty Officer and the

pending promotion of two new First Class Petty Offic-

ers. Overall, cadet training opportunities throughout the

program remain challenging, with fewer advanced train-

ing courses available for cadets to support their advance-

ments.

Locally, both units developed their own Recruit Train-

ing and Navy League Cadet Orientation sessions earlier

this past year and are exploring development of an addi-

tional training session in the coming weeks which focuses

on Navy and Marine Corps Weapons Systems.

Recently Sea Cadet Lexington Division Commanding

Officer LT Greg Hall, NSCC and League Cadet Training

Ship Colorado (SSN-788) Commanding Officer LT Da-

vid Gillfillan, NSCC reached the end of their tenures and

were relieved by LCDR David Fong, NSCC. The Coun-

cil wishes to express deep appreciation for the dedication

and exemplary leadership demonstrated by both former

CO’s.

LCDR David Fong, NSCC



Legacy photo reflecting

traditional training days

prior to COVID-19.

http://www.uscg.mil/http://www.marad.dot.gov/




Spotlight on Norris Hermsmeyer, a Navy Leaguer

whom we should all be proud

When visiting the University of

Colorado, Boulder’s University Me-

morial Center, the on-campus Navy

ROTC Unit’s spaces, the State’s Cap-

itol or the Navy Operational Support

Center Denver, one will see an ex-

pansive array of memorabilia from

the various ships named “Colorado”.

This includes an emphasis on the

highly decorated WWII battleship,

USS Colorado BB-45. She served

from 1923 to 1947 earning seven battle stars for combat

actions during the 2nd World War.

An unassuming patriot, Navy Leaguer, Norris Herms-

meyer’s 25+ year contribution, sourcing USS Colorado BB

-45 artifacts on display in greater Denver and Boulder is

showcased in the following story.

Norris was commissioned an Ensign via the CU Boulder

Navy ROTC program in 1967. He then served honorably

during the Vietnam War. His ongoing work to assist the

USS Colorado BB-45 Alumni Association earned him a

rare “honorary member” position with that organization.

Norris relates that in 1995, he was working with BB-45

collectors, Andy Andresen and former USS Colorado

crewmember, Ken Jones, to bring various memorabilia to

the State. Norris later displayed these artifacts at a Denver

Council Navy League dinner where the Naval Reserve

Center Executive Officer

was in attendance. The of-

ficer asked Norris if the Re-

serve Center might be con-

sidered a location to display

these artifacts. The request

was subsequently approved.

This memorabilia remains

on display on the Quarterdeck of the former Naval Reserve

Center, now renamed NOSC Denver, located on Buckley

AFB in Aurora, Colorado.

Among, what might be considered, his most recognized

projects was to secure the approval of State Capitol Advi-

sory Committee, followed by former, State Governor Roy

Romer, to design and secure state government approval to

erect a granite Memorial on the North East lawn of the

state’s capitol, honoring the men who served onboard the

Battleship. Funding was provided largely by donations

from the USS Colorado Alumni Association. This Memori-

al was designed to have a similar look to the prior Pearl

Harbor Memorial displayed on the North West lawn of the

state’s Capitol. Dedicated on March 21, 1997 it is of note is

that this was to be the last free-standing Memorial author-

ized to be erected on the Capitol grounds.

Norris related fascinating background on how the BB-45

Ship’s bells (forward and aft bells were installed on ships

of that size) and how the Stern (emergency) Pilot Wheels

came to be presented and displayed at the CU Boulder

UMC and NROTC unit nearly 70 years ago in 1953.

He also related how the first

USS Colorado ship’s bell, dated

1856, and then recast for the sec-

ond ship named USS Colorado in

1904, was sourced in a warehouse

managed by the Navy History and

Heritage Command. The bell was

subsequently shipped to the CU

Boulder UMC at Norris’ great

personal expense to be displayed at the University’s annual

Veteran’s Day remembrance event, and now on permanent

display at this, the State’s official Veteran’s Memorial.

Norris gives another Navy Leaguer, Richard “Dick”

Cooper full credit for his work in sourcing this “lost” bell.

We salute the patriots who preserve our rich Naval herit-

age. This memorabilia, and the story it tells, acts as a con-

stant reminder that freedom does not come without a price.

Denver Council Executive VP, Dan Puleio

U.S. Navy

U.S. Coast Guard


http://www.uscg.mil/http://www.marad.dot.gov/




Denver Council Officers & Board Members

The following are the Officers and Board Members

elected at the November 20, 2020 virtual meeting. They

will be inducted at the January 22, 2021 virtual meeting

with the mandate to lead the Council through 2021.

Officers:

Jim Quin, President

Dan Puleio, Executive Vice-President

Joanne Nelson, Secretary

David Fong, Treasurer

Executive Board:

Kathleen Branch, Membership Recruiting

Florence Mackin, Membership Retention & Social

Media

David Fong, Council Contact & Youth Programs

David Oppenheim, Military Affairs

Brett Nelson, Legislative Affairs

Joe Suchman, Photographer & Public Relations

Gray Buckley, Council Chaplain

Joe Mahaffey, Newsletter Editor & Council Awards

Member-at-Large, TBD

We are seeking volunteers for the position of Member-at

-Large. Those interested in serving should contact Joe

Mahaffey at [email protected]. Board members must

be active members in good standing of the Denver Coun-

cil Navy League.

U.S. Navy

U.S. Coast Guard


Online Resources:

Navy League National:

https://www.navyleague.org/

Denver Council Navy League:

www.navyleague-denvercouncil.org/

Denver Council Flickr photo albums:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/131150115@N07/albums/

Denver Council Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DenverCouncil/

USS Colorado (SSN-788) Submarine Association

https://usscoloradosubassoc.org

Winter Dinner “Virtual” Meeting

Friday, January 22, 2021, 7 PM

Due to the continuing social distancing imposed

by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Denver Council

will be conducting the Friday 22 January, 7 PM

meeting Virtually, at no cost to you, using the

Google Meets platform.

To be invited to the meeting, RSVP by Wednes-

day, January 20th, via our Navy League RSVP

site: www.blacktie-colorado.com.

Enter event code DNL0122 (All one word, not

case sensitive.)

Provide your preferred email address and phone

number to receive later log-in instructions. Since

this is a new format for our meeting we ask that

you please not wait to the last minute to RSVP.

If you will not be using a computer, we will also

provide a dial-in phone number and log-in pass-

word. Utilizing a land-line versus a cell phone is

recommended.

Your Denver Council Board of Directors, thank

you for your patience during these challenging

times and for your ever-present support of the na-

tional award-winning Denver Council.

In ceremonies

conducted at

Wings over

the Rockies

Air and Space Museum on 19 November 2020, Cmdr. Frank

Ryan was relieved by Cmdr. Jeremiah Baldwin as Command-

ing Officer of NTAG Rocky Mountain. Denver Council

members Dan Puleio and Joe Suchman provided the still and

video photographic support to document the event.
mailto:[email protected]://www.uscg.mil/http://www.marad.dot.gov/https://www.navyleague.org/http://www.navyleague-denvercouncil.org/https://www.flickr.com/photos/131150115@N07/albums/https://www.facebook.com/DenverCouncil/https://usscoloradosubassoc.orghttp://www.blacktie-colorado.com

denver council peak news, 11 (1), january 2021...gram, followed by assignments to the joint chiefs...

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