Broward Council Members and Friends

As we approach the end of 2024, I hope that all of our members are having an enjoyable Holidays. It was a busy year for the Council with a number of events and recognition. Because of the hard work of our members, we were one of only a few Councils that received five awards for excellence at the National Convention.

We closed out the year with our November Dinner Meeting at the STAR Center in Dania Beach with special guest speaker, Captain Willie Barrere, President of the American Maritime Officers, the largest maritime union in the U.S. for licensed officers, and the simulator tour led by Council Member Graeme Holman. Captain Barrere provided some disturbing statistics on the status of the US Merchant Marine and US-flagged ships compared to China, reinforcing the need for continued Navy League support.

On December 13th, we held our Annual Coast Guard Holiday Party jointly sponsored by our Council, the Fort Lauderdale Council, and Broward Navy Days at the Quarterdeck in Fort Lauderdale. Thanks to all that attended what is always a fun event. Abi Montes and I provided the "entertainment" using a few different games to distribute gifts, and Shelley Beck donated two tickets to a Miami Dolphins game for a special raffle. A special thanks to Tom Carney for making all of the logistics arrangements with the Quarterdeck. We ended the year with the joint meeting with the Fort Lauderdale Council that included donations of gifts for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and guest speaker Eric R. Dawicki, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Northeast Maritime Institute, also speaking of the challenges being faced by the US Merchant Marine and the critical importance of new legislation, the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation intended to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries, that was introduced in Congress on December 19th. While the "SHIPS Act" will need to be reintroduced when Congress returns in January, it will be an important piece of legislation for us to support in the coming year.

It looks like 2025 will also be a busy year for the Council as Fleet Week 2025 will be back at Port Everglades from April 22nd to the 29th. While the number of ships that will participate is still being determined, I look forward to seeing many of you at the Initial Planning meeting that will be held in the Auditorium at Port Everglades on January 28th. J.W. promises that this will be the best Fleet Week ever, with a number of new events. Also, please put our annual Easter Egg Hunt for Coast Guard families at the Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale on your calendar for Saturday, April 12th. Shelley will need a number of volunteers to make this a successful event.

Finally, my thanks to all of the elected officers and members of the Board that agreed to stay on for 2025. Our focus in the New Year will be on identifying additional members to join the Board as well as new officer candidates for 2026. My best to all of our members and friends as we look forward to a safe and prosperous New Year!

Best regards,

Glenn A. Wiltshire
Capt. USCG retired
Council President