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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Shipmates,

Wow. 2022 has been a hel- USAA has changed their financial giving approach. USAA
luva of a year and not in a says it wants to give “support to organizations that align
good way. I have been fighting with our corporate responsibility focus areas.” We are
health issues for the past year unsure why USAA has new corporate responsibilities.
after an accident on a motor- However, we do know that NERA is a proud nonprofit
bike. I won’t bore you with all organization with 501(c)(19) status, completely dedicated
the details, but it has not been to our members and the sea service Reservists. Our mis-
an easy recovery. I have been sion is solid and steadfast.
struggling to put on weight
Joanne Elliott, YNC and my energy is low. I am Unfortunately, without the financial support of USAA,
National President
pleased to say I am now rally- we will need to fund our yearly scholarship with mostly
ing, and looking forward to seeing everyone in October. individual donations. If you or a family member are inter-
ested in donating to the NERA scholarship, we are already
We are holding NERA’s National Conference on October taking contributions to the 2023 fund. Any amount ($10-
6th-9th, 2022, outside of Washington DC. After Covid $20) is appreciated and we thank you in advance. NERA
quarantines and my accident, I cannot tell you how excited feels very positively about our scholarship program and
I am to get back to normal. This conference is a great knows it aligns with our mission and focus areas. Check
opportunity to get the younger members involved in our out our scholarship recipients for the 2022 year, and feel
organization. We need aspiring NERA members who want good about how 100% of your scholarship donations goes
to make a difference. The National Executive Counsel to such a good cause.
(NEC) positions up for reelection consist of National
President, National Vice President, National Secretary, I look forward to seeing you at the conference. We are
National Treasurer and National Counselor. We vote at open to new ideas, new sponsorships, and new leadership.
this conference. Honestly, these positions are not burden- This is a very exciting time of change. If you want to run
some and the time commitment is really minimal. Think for office, call or email NERA HQ.
how good it will look on your CV to say you were part of
the executive team. Please consider throwing your name Joanne Elliott
into the ring (even if you cannot attend the conference), or
suggesting it to a competent friend. We need the younger
generation to embrace NERA and lead it into the future.
President
Also, you may have noticed that there are no USAA spon-
sorship ads in this edition of The Mariner. Unfortunately,

Join NERA and Advance Your Career

Join or renew online at nera.org

4 The Mariner • 2022 SUMMER Edition • Volume 65 • Issue 2