O. Jay: I learned about the U.S. Naval Institute through retired Vice Admiral Norman Ray, who served on the Institute’s board. Norm has become a close friend of our family since he retired from the Navy and moved to Mason City, Iowa, the hometown of his wife, Priscilla.
Our conversations revealed my lifelong interest in U.S. military history, especially World War II and naval warfare in the Pacific. I was too young to serve, but my interest was kindled through my cousins, who were serving in both the European and Pacific theaters. My favorite cousin was on board the USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73) when she was sunk on 25 October 1944 during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Also, Fleet Admiral William Leahy was born only 20 miles from my home, and Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher a few miles farther.
Norm Ray nominated me to the Board of Directors of the Institute. I was elected in 2009 and served for three years. It was a distinct honor to support the mission of the Naval Institute and its publishing arm. The men and women with whom I served were individuals of distinction, mostly retired military, who remain passionate about our nation’s defense and the role of Institute. I had the opportunity to work with Robert Timberg, Edward Miller, Admiral James Stavridis, Denis Clift, and others I admire and whose books I have.
I was serving as a director in mid-2011 when Vice Admiral Pete Daly came on board as CEO and Publisher. Pete’s dedication has been instrumental in transforming the Institute into the world-class professional organization it is today and in making the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center a reality. I am a proud contributor to this project. The center makes a significant and positive statement on the future of the Naval Institute.
Three generations of our family are involved in the Naval Institute: my daughter Marti, granddaughter Meeghan, and me. I heartily recommend membership to young naval professionals and to civilians as well. Reading Proceedings is informative, and the independent forum is valuable and unique among the services.
Marti: When my daughter Meeghan became interested in attending the Naval Academy, my husband, Bill, and I did not have any experience with the Academy, and our knowledge of the military was limited (though Bill had served in the Army). My father encouraged me to reach out to Vice Admiral Daly at the Naval Institute. Admiral Daly was a font of information. He recommended a number of books: Reef Points, A Parents Guide to the Navy, fiction, nonfiction, etc. Perhaps the most meaningful recommendation was Naval Institute membership. Proceedings provides a wonderful historical perspective, as well as current relevant information about the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. I look forward to my monthly magazine and staying abreast of security and defense topics.
As with all midshipmen, Meeghan was able to use the Naval Institute’s vast library and resources throughout her time at the Academy. This became increasingly important during her final year, because of the pandemic and the necessity to study from home during the spring 2020 semester. The Institute went out of its way to assist Academy and NROTC midshipmen in their remote studies. I know Meeghan and her classmates truly appreciated this support.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my interactions with the Institute, and I’m honored to currently serve on the Naval Institute Foundation Board. It has been both challenging and exciting to be part of the progress on the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center. This privately funded, state-of the-art facility embodies—and will facilitate for years to come—the mission of the Naval Institute. I believe the Conference Center will be a crowning jewel on the Naval Academy Yard.
