THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 14, 1996 TAG: 9607120026
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 37 lines
The passage of time has allowed me to cool down. Nevertheless, I'm still upset and I need to get this off my chest.
My wife and I were privileged to attend an impressive event on June 19. We thought it was a special and important occurrence for Virginia Beach, as did our charming and very busy Mayor Meyera Oberndorf and two Virginia Beach City Council members. It was the official opening of the Tiki Tai Naval Museum at 14th Street and Atlantic Avenue. Retired Navy Master Chief Bob Walker was the master of ceremonies, and the people in attendance were a compact gathering - mostly military retirees.
Hampton Roads has long been recognized as the hub of the Navy, and Virginia Beach is no small spoke in the wheel. This museum is the result of years of hard work and dedication on the part of two Navy veterans - Tom Imeson and John Nugent - and hats off to them!
A total of two active-duty Navy people attended. That's what bothers me.
Where was the brass? The sailors who did attend were two of the Navy's finest - 1995 Atlantic Fleet Sailor of the Year QMC Daniel Nicholson, and his relief, 1996 Atlantic Fleet Sailor of the Year AW1 Charles Kixmiller. The Fleet master chief had an appointment elsewhere, but he made sure that the best of his community was represented at this ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Nearly every flag officer in Hampton Roads received an invitation to this event; wouldn't you think that at least one of them would have attended?
Our Navy has seen so much adverse publicity - Tailhook, cheating at the Academy and the loss of Chief of Naval Operations Mike Boorda. When will we start paying attention to the positive things? If the brass can't take the time to recognize the good stuff, how and why should they expect positive response and support from the public?
EDWARD W. O'HARA
Virginia Beach, June 29, 1996 by CNB