Navy League changes leadership, recognizes members

Published 1:30 am Friday, March 29, 2019

The Oak Harbor Area Council, Navy League of the United States gathered at the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Chief Petty Officers Club March 7 to celebrate the council’s 13th awards banquet and commemorate the 39th “Change of the Watch.”

Navy League President Steve Bristow concluded a three-year term of office as president and passed the mantle of leadership to incoming president Greg Smith.

In addition to the transfer of leadership, members of the council and community who contributed to the council’s accomplishments during Bristow’s term of office were honored.

The presentation of colors was performed by the Oak Harbor High School NJROTC color guard, and the national anthem was performed by McKenna Peckenpaugh and Katie McClimans, of VR-61.

Following a “year in review” presentation, Bristow voiced his appreciation for the hard work and accomplishments of its members during his watch and extended his best wishes to Smith.

The executive board and board of directors were also sworn in during the event.

Awards were presented as follows:

The Orion Squadron, Naval Sea Cadet Corps, under the command of Lt. Elaine Torres, NSCC, recognized Cadet PO2 Aiden Daniels as the Navy League Cadet Corps Cadet of the Year and Cadet PO3 Jackson Oliverson as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps Cadet of the Year.

Oak Harbor High School NJROTC “Outstanding Naval Science Cadet” award was presented to Cadet CPO Jasmine Schultz, and Navy League’s Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal was awarded to Cadet Seaman Leanne Canonizado.

The Burlington-Edison High School NNDCC program recognized Cadet Lt. Cheyanne Potter as “Outstanding Naval Science Cadet.” The recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal was Cadet CPO Owen Holmes.

Navy League members and community organizations were recognized with awards as follows:

Notable Achievement Award – Dave Johnson,

Community Service Award – Whidbey Island Bank,

Navy Leaguer of the Year – Greg Smith,

President’s Award – Kent Peckenpaugh,

Navy League Scroll of Honor – Michael Johannsen,

John Vanderzicht Memorial Hall of Honor – Steve Bristow.