FROM THE PRESIDENT
  WINGS OF GOLD       WINTER 2007 

  Over a year has passed since the new ANA was reorganized and reestablished.  We can all take pride in the fact that things
  continue to look up.  On the plus side the active Navy in the persons of the Vice Chief, the Commander Naval Air Force (the
  “Air Boss”), the Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command and the Director, Air Warfare in the Pentagon have all
  vouchsafed that they are foursquare behind our efforts to grow, to advocate and to pursue our mission with vigor.

  “…to educate and encourage an interest among the general public as to the importance of Naval Aviation in the defense of the
  United States and its allies….”

  Also on the plus side is the dedication shown by so many of you as you responded to our end-of-year call for tax-deductible
  contributions to ensure our continued financial viability.  Thank you all.

  There is also modestly growing support from industry in terms of both corporate membership and Wings of Gold advertising.
  We haven’t yet met our goals, however; we continue to need your support to help us out in enlisting businesses to join up.

  We also need to expand our regular memberships.  They and the corporate memberships and advertising are the engines that
  will bring us to good fiscal health.  To that end, very shortly you will see publicity about Project Three-Three Hundred: a
  recruiting initiative centered on a contest among ANA squadrons with an established goal of increasing by 300 ANA
  memberships during the months of February, March and April 2008.  Watch for more on this in various ANA communications
  media.

  Regarding ANA communications, you all should know that in addition to Wings of Gold we maintain an ANA website,
  www.anahq.org and regularly issue Bullhorns with as occurring information on the Navy and Naval Aviation, President’s
  Howgozits roughly once a month and Blue Stripe messages on an as needed basis.  It’s essential that we do most of our
  communications by electronic means (e-mails) in order to save precious dollar resources.  We realize that leaves those of you
  without e-mail at a disadvantage, but we hope that wing and squadron commanders will share the information conveyed via
  electronic media with those of you who don’t have the capability.  If they don’t share, please ask them.

  For planning, mark your calendars.  On the afternoon of May 9 in Pensacola, coincident with the Naval Aviation Foundation’s
  Annual Symposium (May 8 and 9), the First Annual Meeting of the new-ANA will take place.  Also, during the Symposium, ANA
  will be presenting three of its Annual Awards.  Specifics to follow, but we hope to see you all there.  (See page 63 for the
  Symposium schedule.)

  As I wrote at the top of this piece, over a year has passed since the new ANA was launched.  That it has been thus far
  successful must be attributed to the personal efforts of our chairman, Admiral Jim Holloway, USN (Ret).  He inspired us all,
  found the people and the wherewithal to make it happen and has continued to inspire at what seems to be flank speed.  Now
  he is leaving and the association will long-remember his dedication, spirit and sacrifice of time.  We will miss him and we wish
  him Godspeed as he backs off to a less visible presence.

  Fortunately, the board of directors in its collective wisdom has elected Admiral John Nathman, USN (Ret) to be our new
  chairman.  Admiral Nathman left active duty only earlier this year and so has the confidence of the active Navy leadership and
  the personal relationships to help our association grow.  We all welcome him aboard.

  Lastly, thank you all very much for your support over this past year.  Do keep your cards, letters and e-mails coming in.  It’s
  great to be working in such a worthwhile cause and for a membership such as you.  All the very best, Bob Dunn.