NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION SPRING 2014

Message from the President… Gree$ng  Members,  Friends,  and  Family;  

First  and  foremost,  I  want  to  thank  you  for  your  dedica$on  to  the  chapter  and  all  of  its  endeavors.    Because  of  your  hard  work  and  devo$on  to  such  a  worthy  cause,  the  Na$onal  Board  recognized  the  Camp  Pendleton/Miramar  chapter  at  the  42th  Annual  Conference  for  its  superb  performance  over  the  last  year  as  Overall  Outstanding  Chapter.    I  want  to  personally  thank  the  Execu$ve  Council  for  their  countless  hours  and  selfless  commitment.    Addi$onally,  for  the  fourth  year  in  a  row  our  chapter  website  was  selected  as  the  most  outstanding  with  CWO3  (Ret)  Gerald  Washington  at  the  helm.  

I  look  forward  to  your  con$nued  support  as  we  con$nue  to  raise  the  bar  for  the  chapter  seeking  new  and  innova$ve  approaches  to  accomplish  our  mission  of  “Developing  America’s  future  leaders  to  enhance  mission  readiness  and  cultural  awareness.    I  challenge  you  to  get  involved,  join  a  commiVee,  give  a  PME  and  most  importantly  spread  the  word.    I  promise  the  $me  you  invest  will  yield  a  much  greater  return.    Lastly,  let  us  not  forget  our  commitment  to  service  and  our  embodiment  of  sacrifice.    As  we  move  forward,  in  our  service  missions,  our  thoughts  and  prayers  shall  remain  with  the  Marines,  Sailors,  and  Coast  Guardsmen  forward  deployed  throughout  the  globe.    Semper  Fidelis!                                                                                                                                                                      

Capt  Zerbin  M.  Singleton,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    President,  Camp  Pendleton/Miramar  Chapter,  NNOA

PAGE ! OF ! 1 5

PERFORMANCE !WHAT  ARE  YOU  DOING  TO  

IMPROVE?

PHYSICAL FITNESS !DAILY  AND  WEEKLY  

ROUTINES

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

KNOW  YOUR  REPORT!

PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION

GRADE  COMPLETE?

CAMP PENDLETON/MIRAMAR NEWSLETTERUpcoming Events

-9 Dec General Body Meeting

-13 Dec Holiday Social

-18 Jan Quarterly Church Visit

-TBD Officer Speed Mentoring

The B.ottom L.ine U.p F.ront…(page 5)

NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION SPRING 2014

Chaplain’s Corner… I  recently  read  a  short  ar$cle  in  the  publica$on,  The  Chris$an  Century  in  regards  to  bias.    The  ar$cle  was  repor$ng  that  Time’s  “Most  Influen$al  People  of  All-­‐Time”  list  had  recently  come  out  for  2014.    The  top  ten  included  such  names  as  Jesus  Christ,  Napoleon,  and  Abraham  Lincoln.    These  names  were  not  a  huge  surprise.    Then,  the  ar$cle  made  an  interes$ng  observa$on:  the  first  woman  to  be  named  was  found  at  number  thirteen.    There  were  not  very  many  that  followed  either.                                                  Time  was  contacted  and  stated  that  the  list  definitely  has  a  Western  bias.    Does  this  explain  why  a  woman’s  contribu$on  to  history  may  be  overshadowed  or  underes$mated?    Does  Western  culture  perceive  contribu$ons  from  women  as  less  significant?      It  is  upsedng  that  a  biased  list  would  be  published  in  the  first  place,  yet  I  suppose  that  is  the  danger  in  ever  crea$ng  such  a  list;    however,  this  also  implies  we  simply  carry  ingrained  biases  whether  we  like  it  or  not.            Maybe  this  interpreta$on  is  an  important  step  in  understanding  the  world  around  us.    Iden$fying  our  biases  and  how  those  biases  limit  us  is  one  step  in  truly  understanding  diversity.    If  we  truly  believe  a  diverse  Navy  and  Marine  Corps  strengthens  our  community,  then  iden$fying  and  then,  elimina$ng  our  biases  is  a  prac$ce  we  need  to  use  each  and  every  day.    Understanding  that  people  from  all  walks  of  life  contribute  to  the  mission  and  bring  new  and  fresh  perspec$ve  is  just  as  mission  cri$cal  than  anything  else.    Contribu$ons  are  made  at  every  rank,  every  gender,  every  social  class  and  every  color  –  even  in  Western  culture!    When  we  value  this  principle  by  iden$fying  the  bias  we  may  hold,  the  strength  of  the  beloved  community  may  one  day  be  truly  realized.                      

Blessings,  Chaplain  David  A.  Tambur,  LT,  CHC,  USN  

PAGE ! OF ! 2 5

About NNOA…

N a t i o n a l N a v a l O f f i c e r s Association (NNOA) actively supports the Sea Services in the recruitment, retention, and career development of minority o f f i c e r s . W e p r o v i d e professional development and mentoring while supporting cultural diversity, which is an essential element in maintaining operational readiness. Please come out and join an innovative group of thinkers committed to a shared vision of leadership, professional exchange, and networking. !General Body meetings are held at 1800 on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the MCI West Command Center, Bldg 1160, Room 292 (Mainside).

ANNUAL  BACK-­‐PACK  GIVE-­‐A-­‐WAY  We  have  seen  the  current  economic  crisis  that  has  affected  many  households  in  North  San  Diego  County,  causing  several  financial  hardships  to  families  in  that  area.  Because  of  these  hardships,  many  students  were  not  equipped  with  sufficient  school  supplies  they  so  desperately  needed  for  the  2014-­‐  2015  calendar  school  year.  

To  meet  this  need,  hundreds  of  backpacks  filled  with  school  supplies  were  distributed  to  children  in  need  on  August  8  at  the  annual  NAACP  Backpack  Giveaway  and  Fun  Day  in  Oceanside,  Ca.  The  daylong  event  which  took  place  at  Mira  Costa  College  featured  raffles,  music  and  free  barbecue  in  a  family  friendly  environment.  The  event  was  a  huge  success  and  450  backpacks  were  distributed  that  day.  

The  Backpack  Giveaway  was  organized  and  hosted  by  the  North  San  Diego  Chapter  of  the  NAACP,  Camp  Pendleton/  MCAS  Miramar  Chapter  of  Na$onal  Naval  Officers  Associa$on,  Xi  Gamma  Gamma  Chapter  of  Omega  Psi  Phi,  Inc,  and  San  Diego  Chapter  12  of  the  Monoord  Point  Marine  Associa$on,  Inc.

NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION SPRING 2014

PAGE ! OF ! 3 5

Following  the  historic  (an  understatement)  presiden$al  elec$on  of  2008,  mainstream  media  organiza$ons  such  as  Forbes  and  Na$onal  Public  Radio  (NPR)  declared  that  “racism  was  over”  or  that  we  were  living  in  a  “post-­‐racial  society.”  However,  the  recent  years’  struggles  with  topics  such  as  the  shoo$ngs  of  Trayvon  Mar$n  and  Michael  Brown  would  suggest  that  there  are  s$ll  racial  tensions  in  America.  In  a  racially  tense  21st  Century,  one  might  ask:  are  diversity  organiza$ons  adding  to  or  helping  to  dissipate  the  pressure?    

Open  $mes,  when  discussing  diversity  in  a  mixed  group,  I  have  found  myself  feeling  defensive.  The  natural  “fight  or  flight”  ins$nct  arises  either  externally  in  the  urgency  of  my  tone,  or  internally  in  the  built  up  an$cipa$on  of  the  ques$on  “do  we  even  need  these  organiza$ons  anymore.”  My  defensiveness  suggests  to  me  two  things.  The  first  is  that  I  s$ll  believe  there  is  s$ll  a  place  for  organiza$ons  dedicated  to  the  cause  of  diversity.  The  second  is  that  there  are  s$gmas  surrounding  diversity  organiza$ons  as  a  whole.    

As  individuals,  we  are  open  defined  by  our  associa$ons.  When  assessing  whether  or  not  to  associate  with  an  organiza$on,  it  is  important  that  individuals  weigh  the  ethos  of  an  organiza$on  against  that  of  their  own.  There  are  four  adverse  traits  related  to  diversity  organiza$ons  -­‐  whether  real  or  perceived  -­‐  that  are  damaging  not  only  to  that  organiza$on,  but  to  the  percep$on  of  all  diversity  organiza$ons.  This  nega$ve  percep$on  can  detract  from  membership,  the  ability  to  outreach,  and  the  poten$al  to  

partner  with  other  organiza$ons  that  might  otherwise  support  their  goals.    

Mission  Relevance  

Since  there  are  myriad  na$onal  organiza$ons  dedicated  to  the  cause  of  minori$es  of  all  types,  I  will  refrain  from  making  an  overarching  statement  regarding  their  collec$ve  worth.  Organiza$ons  should  look  internally  to  assess  whether  their  mission  statement  and  ac$vi$es  are  kept  relevant  to  the  needs  of  the  community  which  they  serve.      

Perceived  Exclusion  

A  pioall  of  minority  organiza$ons  is  that  they  can  be  viewed  as  only  for  minori$es.  This  percep$on,  whether  true  or  not,  can  lead  to  the  same  feelings  of  exclusion  that  they  might  be  working  to  fight  against.    

Vengeful  History  

The  teaching  of  a  minority  group’s  history  can  have  significant  value  for  both  that  group  and  for  the  na$on  as  a  whole.  For  that  group,  an  increased  sense  of  collec$ve  pride  and  self-­‐esteem  can  develop  from  stories  of  underdogs  achieving  against  insurmountable  odds.  For  the  na$on,  a  holis$c  awareness  and  understanding  of  our  history  and  all  of  the  contributors  to  our  success  will  provide  beVer  informed  and  more  responsible  ci$zens.  However,  if  that  history  is  only  presented  as  a  means  to  resurface  old  injus$ces  and  to  paint  another  group  in  a  nega$ve  light,  the  only  thing  that  is  being  served  is  vengeance,  and  it  creates  a  vic$m  mentality  out  of  its  audience.    

!

New  “Good  Ol’  Boys”  Network  

It  is  human  nature  to  group  together  with  those  whom  we  feel  most  comfortable.  These  associa$ons  can  lead  to  close  rela$onships  and  deeper  understanding  of  character  between  members.  With  this  understanding,  it  is  common  place  to  see  members  defer  to  their  fellow  cohorts  rather  than  an  outside  en$ty,  presumably  because  this  individual  is  an  unknown  quan$ty.  While  this  deferral  due  to  mutual  values  can  be  a  posi$ve,  it  has  the  poten$al  to  develop  into  nepo$sm,  either  real  or  perceived.    

Conclusion  

While  fresh  wounds  hurt  the  most,  it  is  important  to  note  that  The  United  States  of  America  has  come  a  long  way  from  a  past  of  sweeping  ins$tu$onalized  exclusion.  We  have  come  this  far  because  of  organiza$ons  dedicated  to  the  cause  of  cultural  awareness  and  universal  inclusion.  Though  we  have  come  far,  we  cannot  rest  on  our  laurels.  Just  as  best  prac$ces  in  business  and  the  military  stress  Con$nued  Process  Improvement,  organiza$ons  should  remain  vigilant  to  ensure  that  old  habits  do  not  return.  This  way  we  can  all  grow  from  our  successes,  and  will  not  retreat  to  our  benighted  past.    In  order  to  ensure  con$nued  posi$ve  success,  organiza$ons  dedicated  to  diversity  should  avoid  the  pioalls  discussed  to  ensure  that  they  are  not  a  distrac$on  to  the  larger  cause.    

Ar#cle  by  Capt  Ma/  Bowman  Co  Cmdr,  Co  B,  9th  Comm  Bn.    He  also  serves  at  the  PME  Coordinator  for  the  Chapter  of  NNOA  

Figh%ng  S%gma  To  Con%nue  Progress

NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION SPRING 2014

PAGE ! OF ! 4 5

Camp Pendleton-Miramar Chapter Scholarship Program !We  would  like  to  thank  and  congratulate  all  who  par$cipated  in  the  2014  Scholarship  Program.    A  special  thanks  goes  to  our  magnificent  donors  for  their  compassion  and  belief  in  the  value  of  the  Na$onal  Naval  Officers  Associa$on.  !NNOA  is  commiVed  to  developing  and  suppor$ng  youth  to  aspire  for  higher  academic  educa$on  through  tutorial  programs  and  scholarship  awards.  The  Chapter  has  established  an  Annual  Scholarship  Program  for  high  school  seniors  who  qualify  for  Need  based  or  Merit  based  -­‐those  who  meet  criteria  for  the  Science  

Technology  Engineering  and  Math  (STEM)  Program  Scholarships.    !The  Scholarship  CommiVee  reviewed  19  applica$ons  in  the  two  categories.  We  were  pleased  to  select  nine  qualified  awardees  for  the  Camp  Pendleton-­‐Miramar  Chapter  of  the  NNOA  Annual  Scholarship  Program.  Six  Need/Merit  based  and  three  STEM  scholarships  were  available  for  2014  all  valued  at  $2,000.  By:  Mr.  Russell  C.  Woody,  Colonel  USMC  Re$red,  Scholarship  Coordinator  

Black Student Union BBQ at Cal State San Marcos

"Black  Student  Union  is  a  cultural  student  organiza$on  centered  around  the  voices  of  marginalized  people  groups  specifically  black  students.    Together  they  aim  to  create  a  strong  suppor$ve  unite  where  students  achieve  academic  excellence  and  resources  in  order  to  become  effec$ve  ci$zens  in  their  communi$es."(www.csusm.edu/orgs/blackstudentunion/html)  

California  State  San  Marcos  and  NNOA  are  commiVed  to  building  stronger  communi$es.    On  12  September  2014,  members  of  the  Camp  Pendleton/  MCAS  Miramar  Chapter  of  the  Na$onal  Naval  Officers  Associa$on  and  Members  of  the  Xi  Gamma  Chapter  of  Omega  Psi  Phi,  Inc  traveled  to  the  campus  and  mentored  students  on  post  college  career  plans,  community  involvement,  and  the  importance  of  academic  excellence.  

Why  should  you  aQend  an  NNOA  NaRonal  Conference?  I  have  never  been  in  such  awe  as  when  I  aVended  the  annual  NNOA  Na$onal  Conference.    The  amazement  did  not   come   from   such   a   well-­‐executed   and   professional   conference,   although   each   year   it   always   exceeds  my  expecta$ons.    It’s  not  even  the  first  class  sponsors  who  are  commiVed  to  the  mission  of  NNOA.    It  is  the  genuine  officers   that   I  met  who  are  willing   to  bend  over  backwards   to  ensure  we   (aVendees)   are  able   to  be   the  best  officers  humanly  possible.    This  conference  is  the  one  stop  source  to  answer  any  ques$ons  you  have  about  your  Naval  Career   in   the  Sea  Services.    The  wealth  and   immeasurable  knowledge  packed   into   three  days  will  blow  your  mind  away.     In  aVendance  nearly  every  year  is  the  Commandant  of  the  Marine  Corps,  the  Chief  of  Naval  Opera$ons,  and  the  Commandant  of  the  Coast  Guard.    If  your  service  chief  finds  the  conference  to  be  of  great  importance,  I  believe  you  should  too.    Every  year  I  gain  new  mentors  that  may  range  from  an  O-­‐3  to  an  O-­‐10.    Someone   that   is  able   to  provide  advice  and  guidance.    They  sit  on  boards,   they  are  Commanders,   they  write  leVers  of  recommenda$ons,  and  they  also  will  let  you  know  if  you  are  veering  off  the  path  of  success.    Each  year  I  aVend  a  conference  it  serves  as  a  renewing  of  my  mo$va$on  and  enthusiasm  to  con$nue  to  strive  to  become  a  beVer  officer.    I  hope  to  see  you  at  the  2015  Na$onal  Conference  being  held  in  San  Diego  July  28th  –  30th.  

NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION SPRING 2014

PAGE ! OF ! 5 5

The B.L.U.F. (cont)

   The  Marine  Corps  is  a  professional  organiza$on  that  prides  itself  on  developing  the  best  and    the  brightest.    Any  one  associated  with  an  organiza$on  of  this  caliber  should  con$nuously  seek  professional  and  personal  improvement.    Embodying  Leadership  Traits  and  Principles,  however  important,  are  not  the  only  ways  to  improve  as  a  Marine.    There  are  several  areas  in  which  one  can  enhance  their  

successes  in  their  military  career.    The  opportuni$es  for  development  can  come  from  staying  late  reading  a  manual  or  receiving  construc$ve  counseling  from  a  senior  member.    Also,  daily  planning,  execu$ng,  or  recupera$ng  from  some  sort  of  Physical  Fitness  is  paramount.    Body  composi$on-­‐  good  or  bad-­‐  are  reflected  in  military  photos;  therefore  shape  up!    Next,  performance  evaluaRon  is  a  professional  statement  to  promo$on  

boards.      Communica$ng  vital  informa$on  that  may  prove  beneficial  to  career  aspira$ons  and  goals  to  repor$ng  seniors  is  helpful  to  promo$on  board  members.    Lastly,  Professional  Military  EducaRon  is  essen$al  to  professional  improvement.    Strive  to  know  and  learn  more  regarding  career  fields.  This  ensures  the  preserva$on  of  the  highest  standards.  

NNOA  Editor,    

Capt  D.D.  Sanders

The  2nd  Annual  Scholarship  Golf  Tournament  was  a  great  success.    With  nearly  60  golfers  and  almost  $6,000  raised,  it  was  definitely  a  great  start  to  our  goal  of  $12,000.    Over  the  last  three  years,  The  Camp  Pendleton/Miramar  Chapter  has  awarded  over  $36,000  in  scholarships  to  college  bound  high  school  seniors.    Yet  this  was  not  the  average  golf  tournament.    A  major  reason  for  its  success  was  due  to  the  sponsors.    From  eco-­‐friendly  golf  balls  by  Dixon  Golf,  to  customized  Krank  It  Golf  Clubs-­‐which  hold  the  record  for  the  world’s  longest  drive-­‐  the   golfers  were   definitely   in   for   a   treat   at  many   of   the   holes.     To   top   it   off   the  Golf   Academy   of   America  analyzed  players'  strokes  and  gave  pointers  to   lower  handicap.    Once  complete  with  the  round  of  golf,   there  was  free  food,  a  silent  auc$on,  free  massages  from  San  Diego  Spa  and  Rehab  and  a  chance  to  win  great  prizes  in   the   opportunity   raffle.     From   $500   Harris   Jewelry   Gip   Cer$ficates   to   golf   clubs   valued   at   over   $400,  par$cipants   were   guaranteed   to   walk   away   in   much   an$cipa$on   for   the   3rd   Annual   Scholarship   Golf  Tournament      Those  who  did  not  win  a  raffle  item  s$ll  walked  away  with  a  laptop  bag  filled  with  goodies.    The  NNOA  would   like   to   recognize  First  Command  Financial   Services   for   sponsoring   the  event.     The   tournament  would  not  have  been  possible  without  their  support.      Looking  forward  to  next  year!