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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Steve Sandy, Executive Director

Breaking news, the Chinese precious things we do as citizens. I recommend voting in
Navy has surpassed the US in person, not as a political statement, but for the pure joy of
the number of war ships! How standing with your fellow citizens and casting your vote.
many times in our history have I remember Election Day as a kid, Mom and Dad would
we been confronted with the dress for this honorable occasion, mom in Sunday dress
possibility that another nation with hat and white gloves, dad (a carpenter) in coat and
might have achieved military tie and dress hat. It was obvious that this was a serious
superiority over our country? task not to be taken lightly. ey would gather in groups
In every case, the de ning fac- of family and friends before they entered the polling place
Steve Sandy tor was not the size of the force and cast their ballot. If you asked them who they voted
NERA Executive but the spirit of our citizens. for they would smile politely and say “that’s my business.
Director
Our young people stood up It’s a secret ballot."
and recited this oath:
If you can’t vote in person, request an Absentee Ballot. If
“I (state name of enlistee), do solemnly swear (or a rm) you receive a ballot in the mail, and are able to do so, drop
that I will support and defend the Constitution of the it o at your polling place. It will assure that your ballot is
United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; delivered in a timely manner and relieve the postal service
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and of some of the burden. Remember every vote counts. As
that I will obey the orders of the President of the United you know, Congress is not doing much at this time, so
States and the orders of the O cers appointed over there is not much to report. It is impossible to have any
me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of in person meetings, so we will wait and see what happens
Military Justice. (So help me God).” after the elections.

How many of our young people would stand up and take I hope everyone and their families are staying safe in this
this oath today? I believe the number is greater than any day of social distancing. To those who have been ill or lost
nation could imagine and they should not take our resolve a love one in this time of crisis, you have my prayers. Pick
for granted. Have you sat down with young people and up the phone and call a friend or relative and check on
explained the great responsibility they have as United their welfare. It will do you both some good to hear their
States Citizen? e most sacred right we have in this voices and know they’re okay. Hell! Give me a call on 301-
country is the right to vote. Along with this right is the 219-2647 and we can tell “Old Sea Stories” or I will try
duty to exercise that right. to nd you some help. I’ve seen tragedy in my life but will
never say “I know how you feel.”
Elections are coming up and I hope the Mariner reaches
you before then. If not, use this advice for the next one. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Please exercise your right to vote. It is one of the most Steve

All military families can

speak to a trained
professional 24/7 for free

www.veteranscrisisline.net

6 The Mariner • 2020 SUMMER Edition • Volume 63 • Issue 2