President's Message Board

January 2007

Shipmates, Marines, and all supporters of Naval Photography, it is indeed an honor and privilege to be serving as president of the National Association of Naval Photography in 2007. I know it seems cliché, but it seems like yesterday I was a young college student looking for something different. I entered the US Navy with two goals—save enough money to buy a 1985 Trans Am and see the world. Of the two goals I only achieved the latter, but what a ride it has been.

As a way of introduction I recently retired from Fleet Combat Camera, Atlantic, after 20 years of service. I had a diverse career as a photographer/videographer completing tours in F-14 TARPS with VF-194 and 154, Fleet Imaging Command, Atlantic, Oceana and Combat Camera Group, USS Eisenhower and Fleet Combat Camera, Atlantic. I was afforded the opportunity to attend Syracuse in 1998/99 as a Motion Media student and Aircrew school. Serving my country as a photographer was one of the best choices I ever made.

As we look forward to the upcoming year I want to take a moment to thank Johnny Bivera and Kevin Tierney for their leadership these last two years. NANP is only 19 years young and we are learning new lessons every year. Johnny B is the driving force behind the DC shoot off that I’m working with MC1 Mike Pendergrass to host a similar one in Virginia Beach in conjunction with the October convention. Kevin stood up the San Diego chapter of NANP just last fall and we are looking forward to great ideas and support from this new chapter. Thanks for all your time and effort and your continued support in the future.

MCC Jay Pinsky has taken over as secretary from Ralph Lewis. Ralph has been charting the course as secretary for many years. A much deserved Bravo Zulu to Ralph for all your hard work as secretary. I know Jay will be relying on your mentorship these next few months.

Speaking of leadership positions… We have quite a few vacancies and are looking for a few volunteers to step up and take on the challenge of some of our committees such as Historian, Membership, Public Relations, Nominations, and Vendor Relations. Tim Timmerman has been leading the Merchandise committee for over ten years and would like someone else to take over so he can spend more time on the golf course! If you have ever thought how you could participate or make a difference in NANP please step up and make our organization better.

In closing, 2007 will be a busy year for all of us with reunions in San Diego in May and Virginia Beach in September. Currently, active duty Sailors comprise roughly one sixth of our membership. I’m challenging all active duty and retired to recruit more active duty Sailors for our reunions. San Diego and Virginia Beach are the best places to “enlist” active duty MC’s.

Please don’t hesitate to call or email me with suggestions or comments.

Greg McCreash
PHC/USN Ret.
Geobuck1@cox.net

At the 2002 VA Beach gathering, and by an overwhelming vote, the CPO’s denied a motion to operate the CPO Roundup activities separate from NANP. The CPO’s will continue to celebrate their annual reunion and will do so during the NANP convention as an element of NANP. The CPO’s Roundup provided the idea and motivation for the standup of NANP. Their proud history and contributions to Navy Photography has been an inspiration and will enrich our Association. NANP will continue to bring together those who have served in the Navy as well as the DOD Photo Community. The NANP has grown rapidly in the last few years enjoying membership from CPO Roundup, Active Duty Military, Retired Military (both Officers and Enlisted), and Civilians from all of the branches of service as well as private industry. Currently we have membership from the Navy, Marine Corps, USAF, US Army, USCG, DOD personnel and Civilians. In keeping with the spirit of the vote at VA Beach, we are committed to nourish our friendships, embrace new ones and continue to make contributions to our Photo family, our Military Departments and our Country.

As we enter this year, I ask for your ideas, thoughts and recommendations as we forge our way forward. Your renewed dedication to our work is paramount to our continued success. It is important to pass on ideas and suggestions on how we can grow and strengthen our organization. Finally, no organization can thrive from the labors of a few. We are in the process of establishing committees to better organize our efforts. I invite each of you to offer your ideas and to serve on a committee as a Chair person or member.

Please call me or send an E-mail expressing your interest in committing some time to make a difference. I look forward to the challenges that await us.

Focus on NANP
John M Lewin, President
lewin@erols.

January 2002
To the NANP Membership;
On January 1, I assumed my watch as your incoming NANP President. I’m reminded of that catchy line from an old Laurel and Hardy movie…” It’s a fine mess you’ve got us into now Ollie”….

 All joking aside, I start my watch at the Association helm with a great deal of enthusiasm, optimism, and personal pride. Most of you know me and I hope respect me. I honestly believe that those among you who know me best will agree that when I make a personal commitment, it is not taken lightly.

 When I enlisted in the Navy, at the young age of 17, I never envisioned how that single act would transform and enrich my life. The Navy not only allowed me to visit distant and exciting ports of call…. I also was introduced to a wonderful career field and a personal passion that has lasted for the past 53 years….PHOTOGRAPHY…. my security, my expression and my dedication.

 On a more personal note, because of the Navy, I would meet and win the hand of the woman of my dreams, Mary Jo. This wonderful wife has presented me with four great children and shared a lot of difficult times with me during our 51 years together. Thank you Mary Jo!!!

 I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to PHCM John Reimer, on behalf of all the members of NANP, for the sterling leadership he has provided us as President of the Association during the past twelve months. I have large feet but I am not certain I can fill the footprint that John has laid down. Thanks again John, you have served us well.

 I look upon my year in office as both a challenge and opportunity. For the past several months I have deliberated on what actions I might take during my watch to improve on what is already an outstanding organization. For starters, I would like to see NANP return to what it was originally conceived to be…. a single organization…national in scope…having strong by-laws and a clear cut sense of purpose. Over the past several years, I have sensed… and others report the same conclusion that the organization has exhibited some internal friction i.e.: the informal CPO Round-up group vs. the more formal NANP Association…each with it’s own agenda and priorities. Simply stated, we must resolve to become more unified under a single banner. This loss of focus is often responsible for bringing organizations like ours to a sad ending. In addressing this issue, I am calling upon both the executive board and each of you, to bond together and forge a single dynamic Association comprised of Regional Chapters that will be in existence for many years to come.

 My second priority also concerns the longevity of NANP. All you need to do is visit your local VFW or American Legion. Their membership is down. All military veteran groups are competing for a dwindling candidate pool. This situation is not going to change. There are no easy fixes to this problem so we will have to make a concerted and continuous effort to bring new members into the Association.

 I want to assure you that I am committed to giving you my best effort during the coming year. I will ask…in advance…for your forgiveness for the mistakes I will no doubt make and also ask for your strength, patience and guidance.

 As a postscript, I’ll close by saying that as a 70 year old who is fully aware that he will not live forever, I want to thank the US Navy for accepting a 10th grade dropout from the mines of West Virginia, with no skills, into the fleet on May 5, 1949. I was trained well…I was educated well…and I was retired well as a Navy Photographer 34 years ago.

I have a successful photo business, I am drawing social security, I have free medical care and last but not least, I had my 396th Navy retirement check deposited into my bank account.

 I am most grateful for Life’s blessings. I have lived a great life. God bless this country and protect its Navy and Marine Corp.

Anchors Aweigh and Semper Fi,
Chuck Mattes, PHC USN (ret)
President, NANP

NOVEMBER 2001
As my year as your President draws to a close, I wish to thank the membership of the National Association of Naval Photography for their support. It's been enjoyable working, corresponding and meeting old shipmates and making new friends.

The Association has been saddened this year with the passing of so many of our shipmates around the country, and the loss of Sheila Hein and Gerry Moran in the attack on the Pentagon.

My term of office was made much easier with the assistance of my Executive Board: 1st Vice President Chuck Mattis, 2nd Vice President Ed Carr and John Lewin, Secretary Bill Welch, Newsletter Editor Alice Welch, Electronics Director Bruce Moore, Public Relations Director Art Giberson and Merchandise Chairman Don Timmerman. Also greatly appreciated was the advise from Tom Fox, Dick Wade, Ralph Lewis, Gerry Pulley and Cal Larson, all former Presidents.

Our new program of Regional Membership Coordinators is starting to get the word out to attract Active Duty, Retired and Veteran Navy and Marine Corps photographers about our association; this along with current members replying to non-member individuals signing on the Navyphoto.org guest book should help increase our membership.

Two NANP conventions/Photo CPO Roundups were hosted by Ed Carr in Las Vegas and Ray Williams in Charleston and their committees respectively, and enjoyed by all who attended.

The Northwest Chapter is off and running under the direction of Chapter President John Pieroth and Secretary Jerry Craig and held its first Chapter Convention on 21 October in Everett WA. The Virginia Beach Chapter is formulating its plans for hosting the 2002 East Coast NANP Convention/Photo CPO Roundup in Virginia Beach. LCDR Dan Abrams, XO of Fleet Imaging Command, Pacific, is organizing the Southwest Chapter. Art Giberson and others are organizing the Gulf Coast Chapter. Also on the slate is a chapter at the DOD Photo School. I am very pleased and proud of this accomplishment of our association in these acquisitions.

The Executive Board proposed, voted on and accepted the presentation of a one year NANP membership to each Navy and Marine Corps graduate of the DOD Photo School. Still on the agenda is a plaque honoring Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard photographers who have contributed to the photos in the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, and the Naval and Marine Corps photographic community in general.

The NANP Awards Program to award outstanding active-duty photographers has come to a complete halt with the death of Russ Egnor and needs to be revised by input from Fleet and Shore activities, and presented at the appropriate NANP Convention/Photo CPO Roundup.

I sincerely hope that the conflicts that took place this past year between our two groups don't happen again and that we can enjoy a mutual gathering together, that of Navy and Marine Corps photographers coming together to share camaraderie and friendship.

I wish to thank you for the calls and E-mails concerning my ongoing health problems, and wish you all and your families a Very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

ANCHORS AWAY & SEMPER FI
John C. Reimer

JUNE 2001

I recently returned from the West Coast NANP Convention/Chief Photographers Roundup in Las Vegas, NV where about 149 attended the four day affair. Hosted by Ed Carr, Ron Matthews and Dick Wade ably assisted by Barbara Carr, Celinda Matthews, and Mary Wade with Jay Skidmore and Ron Jenkins helping with registrations. The Holiday Inn Boardwalk Casino located right on the "Strip" was excellent, providing us with a joint large Hospitality Suite, Meeting Room ,and Banquet Room.

 The NANP provided coffee and sweet rolls every morning and the West Coast CPO Roundup Committee provided the drinks and snacks. Old friends and shipmates gathered daily reliving past experiences and and amusing each other with sea stories. 

A joint Business Meeting was held on Monday Morning. The meeting ended with a two-bell ceremony honoring 18 departed shipmates. 

The Monday night Italian Buffet was outstanding with several specialty dishes, fruits, salad and deserts. PHCM Gerry Cosgrove, USN of the Pacific Fleet Combat Camera group was awarded the Earl Siever Award for outstanding leadership excellence and presented with a one year membership in the NANP. 

Tuesday nights sit-down Banquet was excellent with the serving of Chicken breast or Prime Rib of Beef. Our Regional membership Coordinators Program is doing well in contacting and signing up new members. Fred Miller, The Northeast Coordinator has been researching many different web sites obtaining names of Navy Photographers and emailing them an invitation to join the NANP. Bill Welch signed up 12 new members at Las Vegas. We are also emailing invitations to join to those photographers who sign in the the Navy Photo web site guest book who are not NANP members. I encourage all of you to do this too, never too many invitations to join, especially those you may know.

The 2001 NANP Convention/East Coast Chief Photographers Roundup will be held in Charleston, SC, 6-8 September, hosted by Ray Williams. Hope to see many of you there. John D. Reimer,
President

FEBRUARY 2001
As we begin the third millennium and the thirteenth year of our charter, the National Association of Naval Photography is alive and well. Our membership increased, "Eyes of the Fleet" was published and went on sale and we had two great Roundups. As with my predecessors, one of my main priorities is to keep increasing our membership. To this end regional coordinators have been established as members of the membership committee to contact and recruit active duty and retired navy photographers into our association. Tom Regina in the Pensacola region, Bill "Sammy" Solt in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach region, Dick Wade in the San Diego region, and John Pieroth in the Seattle area. In addition to this John, Jerry Craig, Jack Fullerton and Dale Glomstog have organized the "Northwest" Chapter of the NANP in the Seattle, WA. area signing up former reserve PHs stationed at NAS Seattle as well as active duty photographers at Naval Stations Everett and Bangor, WA. However, each member should be a recruiter also, to bring new member into our association.

The West Coast Roundup/NANP Reunion will be held in Las Vegas, NV. 20 April to 2 May and the East Coast in Charleston, SC., 6-8 September. Lets have a good turnout at our annual get togethers hosted by Ed Carr and Ray Williams respectfully.

I look forward to a great year as your President assisted by 1st Vice President Chuck Mattes and 2nd Vice President Ed Carr. Along with Bill Welch, Secretary, Dave Childs, Treasurer, Alice Welch, Newsletter Editor, Bruce Moore, Electronics Coordinator, Don Timmerman, Merchandise Sales Chairman and Art Giberson, Director of Public Relations who is taking on the job of publicizing the NANP and the Roundup/NANP Reunions in magazines and newspapers, both military and civilian throughout the country to get the word out on our association.

John D. Reimer
E-mail John at: phcmreimer@aol.com

 JANUARY 2001
The year is nearly over, with all of us thinking of the holidays and gathering with our family and friends. It is only appropriate that we think of our Naval Photography friends and family, as well. I can well remember the two Christmases that I spent in Vietnam where the Marine cook made a reasonable facsimile of roast turkey with all of the trimmings, but it didn’t hold a candle to Dianne’s holiday feast. I shared those meals and celebrated the holidays with a whole lot of other guys who would have rather been Stateside. Today, I wonder where many of those young men are and if they still think of us as family. Because of the NANP, many of us have kept and renewed friendships with those shipmates that would otherwise have been lost to us. The future of the NANP is dependent on retrieving these people and bringing them back into the fold of Naval Photography. My holiday challenge to each of you is to convince that one friend that hasn’t joined up, to join our ranks. Somebody is looking for him or her.

This is the end of my second consecutive term as your president and it was a tremendous two years for me. There were the "ups" of four great Roundups, the publishing of the "Eyes of the Fleet", and the continuation of the Silver Salts program. There were the "downs" in the passing of old friends that we will all dearly miss. Our ranks have grown and with each Roundup, more new members appear. The NANP is alive and healthy. It will be interesting to see what the future brings to our Association. 

Most importantly, I must thank some people. Those who have been so invaluable to me during these two years are Bill and Alice Welch, who have done so well in their efforts for all of us. Bill has done a magnificent job in the position of Secretary and keeping me honest and on track, while Alice has done a superb job on the Newsletter, including getting our postal rates at a reasonable level. John Reimer is a special person. He has kept the faith after serious illness of his own a couple of years ago, to agree to fleet up to 1st VP after George Walsh needed to resign during his recuperation from surgery. Bruce Moore has been a Godsend, keeping the web page going and growing is just a part of it. He volunteered to take over the Silver Salt Program that Pat Cady had created, along with being the driving force behind the East Coast Roundup. Chuck Mattes, our 2nd VP, who worked tirelessly to set up speakers for the Roundups. Herman Schroeder agreed to be our Chaplain and set the standard for future Chaplains with his devotion to the position. There has never been a Merchandise Chairman that can compare to Don Timmerman. He has gathered the best merchandise at the most reasonable prices and has made it totally self supporting. Dave Child has been our Treasurer for many years, and he has kept the treasury growing and solvent, with little to no help from me. George Walsh and Ron Matthews, who have kept the West Coast bunch on track so well. Dick Wade, Jerry Pulley, and Cal Larsen are more than just friends to me. They have helped me, advised me, and told me when I was wrong, and patted me on the back when I deserved it. To name everyone would be impossible and I am sure that I have forgotten some, and to them, I apologize. To all of these people, I say well done and thank-you! Every organization would be proud to have you in the positions of leadership that you all do so well. 

I must also thank Tommy Tomlinson whose stories made me laugh and cry, Bob Sitar who taught me what the word Shipmate really meant, Pat Cady who showed me how to define dedication, Bill Wolfe who taught me that pride can be achieved with humility, Bruce Bennett who showed me that the NANP is worth working for, and Russ Egnor who always made sure that I had a great Navy day. I thank them and I miss them, one and all.

Here’s to all of you, my friends and Shipmates, may you all have the happiest of holidays and I’ll see you in Vegas in 2001.
Tom Fox

July 2000
For those of you who missed the West Coast Roundup, you missed something special. There was much to do and memories were made, as well as relived. Dick Wade, Ron Matthews, and George Walsh did themselves proud. Of course, none of them would have shined so bright without the hard work of Mary Wade, Celinda Matthews, and Mary Walsh. The Hanalei Hotel was ideal for the Roundup, providing 2 hospitality suites next door to one another. The NANP suite furnished coffee, donuts and Danish, daily, while the Chiefs suite furnished cold drinks and chips.

 Out the patio doors from both rooms was a common lawn with chairs and tables. It was a gathering place for one and all. Roundups are always special, because we see our old shipmates and always have the opportunity to meet some new friends. We certainly succeeded in doing both, but this Roundup was even more. The Combat Camera Group celebrated it's 50th Anniversary to coincide with our get together. The Fleet Imaging Command Pacific celebrated the 50th Birthday of Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific with an Open House at Bldg 251. On Sunday 21 May and on Monday 22 May, there were displays and demonstrations inside and outside the building. Videos were shown in the command theater. CCG T-shirts were available for sale. Many of the NANP members attended, taking time to identify the faces in the pictures that adorned the wall.

One very special guest participated in the gathering, Ann Tomlinson. After the Roundup on Wednesday, a memorial service was held for LCDR Ray (Tommy) Tomlinson USN Ret, where he was returned to the sea. 

The West Coasters have already decided on Las Vegas for 2001 and Ed Carr is already checking it out. He has already talked to a couple of hotels and is planning some exiting events.

The East Coast Roundup is coming and I for one, expect it to be something special, as we all go home to Pensacola. To add to the excitement, Art Giberson has finished the book and Eyes of the Fleet will be a reality at this gathering. Almost everyone from the West Coast is making plans to attend. If all goes well, this will be one of the best attended events in our history. I certainly hope that each and everyone of you are planning to attend. I have received calls and mail from people who have never attended, hoping to make this their first Roundup. Get your reservations in early.

Tom Fox

5 August 1999
Since the start of my term, many have noted that I am particularly concerned with the remembering of friends. I feel great concern for those of us who procrastinate about the attendance at Roundups and generally staying in touch with their shipmates. I feel that friendship is a fragile treasure, here today and lost tomorrow. There was one man whose concern went much deeper than mine. The following is a letter written by Pat Cady in 1993:

From: Pat Cady, Member NANP

To: President, National Association of Naval Photography

Subject: Silver Salt Preservation Program

As part of the National Association of Naval Photography's goal to preserve the history of Naval Photography, I would like to see NANP establish a group dedicated to having the names and photos of older or deceased Navy photographers placed in the US Navy Memorial Log Room.

The Log Room is located in the Visitor's Center at the US Navy Memorial, Washington, DC. Log entries can be called up on a television monitor that will show the individuals name, rate or rank, service dates, birthplace, and birth date. It will also show a photo if one has been entered. Cost per entry is $25.00 and $25.00 per photo.

Visiting the Log Room you can see information on Admiral Quackenbush, Lyman Goodnight SR., Horace Peele and Ray L. Tomlinson but no photos of these photographers. Names were probably submitted before the Log Room was accepting photos. You will see nothing on Captain Steichen, Earl Sever, John Highfill, Chick Chamblin, Art Black, and Fred Hewitt, who contributed so much to Navy Photography.

As we move into the era of electronic imaging, a real effort should be made to preserve the names and faces of our Old Silver Salts. This can be done in the Memorial Log Room.

If you think this is a worthy project for NANP, I would be happy to get it going and hope that some young blood would take over later.
Mionghaire (Smile)
Pat Cady

The NANP did indeed think that Pat's Silver Salt Preservation Program was a very worthy project and incorporated it in October of 1993.

At each Roundup, Pat would show up with photos and applications for the nominees on display, along with his Kitty Jar. He would stand proudly by his display that grew more each year. He enjoyed talking about the program and was proud of his involvement. It has become his legacy.

Today, we still have the Silver Salt Preservation Program as a part of the NANP charter, and it is just as important as it was when Pat proposed it.

What we do not have is the "Young Blood" who would take over "later," as Pat had suggested. John Reimer has gathered all of Pat's materials and has them ready to pass on to the "Young Blood." I could appoint someone who would probably do the job satisfactorily, but would lack the passion and motivation of Pat Cady, so I am requesting something from the membership that is seldom seen, a volunteer. In the same spirit that Pat Cady approached the assignment, I seek a volunteer to assume the position of the Chairman of the Silver Salt Program. It should be someone who is within relatively close proximity to the US Navy Memorial Log Room, and shares the passion of remembering those Naval Photographers who went on before. How about it? You can reach me by e-mail at msgttomfox@aol.com.

Thank you,
Tom Fox, Semper Fi and Anchors Aweigh

3 May 1999
The West Coast Roundup was a success. It is really hard to have a flop in Las Vegas, and Sam's Town was a great location for the Event. With two hospitality suites and lots of friends to talk to late into the night, I only managed to run 2 rolls of quarters through a machine. I did however eat too much. It was remarkable how many East Coasters came to join the West Coast. I can only hope that as many, if not more West Coasters show up for the Cruise. After all, where you live does not have to dictate whether or not to go to a roundup. There was an Executive Board Meeting held in the NANP Hospitality Suite on Tuesday the 20th. It was there that I announced the news that George Walsh had resigned as the 1st Vice President, as he will need to expend his energy toward his recovery from his recent severe surgery. I accepted his resignation. John Reimer has now fleeted up to 1st VP, with the 2nd VP position vacant. It was the recommendation of the Board that as a result of the current situation, I should accept a 2nd term as President, to allow everything to get back to normal, without causing undue hardship. Eyes of the Fleet was discussed heavily. Art Giberson is moving along well on the book and it is his hope that he will be able to get it in our hands next year, hopefully at the Pensacola Roundup. It sounds like a tough task to me. Additionally, There are those of you who want to contribute to the book, but you have either waited for an invitation, or think that you have lots of time left. Well neither is true. If you have something that you think deserves to be in the book, get it to Art quickly. He is writing now and if you wait, it will be too late. I certainly hope that we will see the whole bunch of you on the cruise. I will be the one with the NANP hat, with the Master Sergeant chevrons, standing in the buffet line eating everything that is not good for me.

Tom Fox

6 February 1999
Nearly forty years have passed in what seems like the blink of an eye. Forty years of being a Naval Photographer. Whenever I repair a camera at the store, I remember who gave me the confidence and the knowledge to do it, PH1 Charlie Fox, at the Photographic Equipment Repair Course in Pensacola. When I shoot an aerial shot, I think of GySgts Bill Wolfe and Jesse Yelvington, my instructors in aerial phase of "A" School. When I make a couple of bucks shooting a still or a video, I thank GySgt Bill Nelson and Sgt Jerry Jones, from my first lab at MCAS Cherry Point. My skill as a Photographer and as a Camera Repairman was not something that I was born with, or learned on my own, but rather lessons taught to me by people who cared about me and Naval Photography, in that order. Lessons that are still an important part of my life today.

Naval Photography in my life was more than a job, it was a way of life. My friends then, are still my friends today, and they are as important to me as any of my blood family. I have often said that I never met a (Naval) photographer that I didn't like, but that is not to say that I didn't consider some of them to be more of a pain in the neck than a comfort to me. Still I liked them all. When I read the membership roster today, I see the names of many old friends. Some that I served with in hostile environments, some that I pulled great liberty with, some that I got in trouble with, some that I went to school with, some that were my supervisor, and some that I supervised. There are those that I just met since becoming a member of the NANP, and I rank them high among my list of friends, and wish that we had had the opportunity to serve together in the past. There are those that I have never had any contact with, other than through the newsletter, and those are my friends of the future. I hope to meet them all at some point in my life.

Let us not forget our spouses, as they served with us. They are as much a part of the family as we are. I see names of spouses on the list and they were friends to my wife and me. The friendships that they built stays with them as does ours.

The last few years have been sad for many of us. People who were legends in Naval Photography passed on, leaving us with an empty feeling by their loss. Last year, we lost a couple of personal friends, who were also friends of the NANP. Bob Sitar, past President, and Pat Cady passed on, leaving us with tears in our eyes, a void in our hearts, and a smile on our face each time we remember them. There were others who left us as well, and I invite all to spend a moment remembering them by visiting the Memorial page.

Each year there is at least one Roundup, made up of friends. There are those who have stayed home, thinking that there is always next year, but sometimes next year is too late. Please don't make that mistake this year. We have lost some good friends in the past couple of years and for those of us that attended the Roundup, we are able to celebrate our last meeting. For those who did not attend, it was sadly an opportunity lost forever. The Roundup is more than a bunch of "old guys" telling sea stories. It is a way " to preserve the memories and incidents of our personal lives and our professional associations." To spend a few moments in the company of friends is a reward that many will admire, but all will envy. Take the time to join your friends and claim the reward.

As for goals for this last year of this millennium, there are many that deserve equal billing. The book, Eyes of the Fleet, is progressing nicely. Art Giberson has sent me, and the book committee, the first chapter to read, and it looks great. It would be wonderful to finish the book this year and get it out for all of you and the world to appreciate. Secondly, our membership is growing older each year and sadly the younger, active duty folks don't flock to our ranks. We need to leave our legacy, and pulling in the active duty members can only do it. Maintenance of the Photo Memorial at NAS Pensacola by the NANP is a relative recent project that lends pride to what we are and who we are. The adding of additional local Chapters of the NANP in more parts of the country would help to create a more stable organization. And, of course, the Executive Board meeting and the General Membership meeting at each of the upcoming Roundups will certainly add goals that I haven't had the pleasure of remembering at the time of this writing. However, if allowed to accomplish only one thing during this term, I would want it to be that we pulled together a couple of Roundups that had more Photo Chiefs and NANP members in attendance than ever before. For the West Coast Roundup, the hotel lobby at Sam's Town would be a sea of Sailors, Marines and spouses, and the Sailors would be laughing at us seasick Marines on the East Coast Cruise.

In conclusion, I sincerely hope that this year will be a productive one and a memorable one for all of us.

Semper Fi and Anchors Aweigh,
Tom Fox

8 December 1998
Shipmates,

We have lost a great man with the death of immediate Past President Bob Sitar. He lived his life, both in and after the Navy, with a zest and steadfastness that will be long remembered by all who knew him. His love for his family rose above all else, but there was plenty of passion left for photography, flying, allegiance to his many friends, service to his church, and for doing his best in every endeavor. Candor and integrity were his beacons, and they served him well. Rest well, shipmate, until we meet again.

I know the prayers of all NANP members go out to Bob's wife Cathy and the entire family in this time of grieving. They have suggested that memorial contributions be sent either to NANP Secretary Bill Welch, marked for the "Eyes of the Fleet" publishing fund, or to their church, marked for the Prince of Peace Building Fund, to Cathy Sitar at 1300 Blackwater Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322.

Frank Peele

12 July 1998
By all accounts the Joint East-West Coast Roundup and annual NANP meeting in Colorado was a great success! Congratulations to Hal Abbott for putting together a superb package of events in and around Colorado Springs, to George Walsh for his seamless handling of the logistics of registration, and my special thanks to Tom Fox for not only assembling the trade show and seminars but, with little notice, also filling in for me when my health forced Sue and me to cancel our attendance.

After feeling washed out and worse for some time, complicated by a bout of lower back trouble, I was still surprised when the diagnosis came back: Hepatitis C. I bring it up in this forum not to incite sympathy, but to urge each of you to be screened for Hep C. In its 22 June cover story, U.S. News & World Report calls it "the coming epidemic". The virus, which can live undetected for years or decades while it damages the liver, is usually transmitted by contact with infected blood. Before 1990 (Hep C wasn't identified until 1989), blood for transfusion was not screened for the virus. Something as innocent as lining up at sick bay to be shot with a "needle gun" loaded with some vaccine or other could also pass the virus on. There are already four times as many known Hep C cases in the U.S. as there are of HIV -- and the numbers are growing rapidly. Among the ill effects of this virus can be very debilitating sickness (I can tell you it's not a great way to lose weight quickly!), cirrhosis of the liver, and increased risk of primary liver cancer. There is no reliable cure except a liver transplant.

Treatment with Interferon is still experimental, not very successful, and comes with some very unpleasant side effects. Veterans are at significantly greater risk for this disease, so again, I urge you to be screened for it. Long-term prognosis is better when it's diagnosed early.

On a much brighter note, work continues in the creation of "Eyes of the Fleet", the long-awaited history of Naval Photography. Art Giberson, chief writer, is now going through what he describes as a "treasure trove" of historical material unearthed in the closing of the Photo School in Pensacola for the move to Fort Meade, MD. These newly-discovered documents and photographs have prolonged the research phase of Art's writing and Jim Curry's cataloging, but will be a great addition to the book. Good news comes also in a refined estimate of the cost to produce the book. Earlier thought to run to $35,000, we now believe the work can be done for $15 to 20 thousand. But don't relax yet if you haven't sent a donation to NANP Treasurer Dave Child earmarked for "Eyes of the Fleet". We need the support of every member, to make this worthwhile project the success we know it will be!

All the best,
Frank Peele