The “Mighty” Quantico Chapter

MISSION STATEMENT

To enhance sea service operational readiness by supporting recruiting, professional development, and retention in an effort to achieve a diverse officer corps that reflects the demographics of our nation. National Naval Officers Association is a support organization of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and the United States Coast Guard. NNOA is comprised of active duty, reserve and retired officers, midshipman, cadets, and interested civilians.

Officers

President:   Axia Dones
Vice President:  Orlando Higgins
Secretary:  Kyle Britt
Treasurer: Keith Elliot
Membership: April Deacon
Public Relations: Vacant
Historian: Vacant
Executive Committee Officer: Rhonda Martin
Chaplain: Vacant
Parliamentarian: Vacant
Scholarship Chairperson: Vacant
Webmaster/IT DeMarco D. Forch/Melvin D. Jacobs Jr
Master-at-Arms: Vacant

Mailing Address
Quantico Chapter Naval Officers Association PO Box 812 Quantico VA 22134
Meeting Location
The Clubs at Quantico every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1730.

CHAPTER INFORMATION & EVENTS

History
The National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) is an organization composed of active duty, reserve and retired officers, midshipmen, cadets, and interested civilians. The organization is sanctioned by the Secretaries of the Navy and Transportation and is a member of the Navy and Marine Corps Council. NNOA has members of all ranks and ethnic groups. NNOA had its beginnings in 1970, when Lieutenant Kenneth H. Johnson, serving as Advisor for Minority Affairs at the U. S. Naval Academy, sought methods to improve minority interest in recruitment efforts and participation in the Naval Academy Blue and Gold Program. In 1971, faced with the dilemma of finding qualified naval officer candidates from minority communities, Captain Emerson Emory (USN), Captain Claude Williams (USN), Commander Emmanuel Jenkins, Cheif Warrant Officer James Harris and Lieutenant Johnson began to discuss forming an organization to assist minority officer recruitment. It was noted that fewer than 100 officers of every known minority could be identified and less than 50 of these were African-American. In 1972, an organizational meeting was held at the Hilton Inn in Annapolis, Maryland and the National Naval Officers Assocation was founded.

The objectives of the association were adopted and subsequently annual meetings during the month of July ensued. The Superintendent of the Naval Academy gave his full support to NNOA, and that support is still present today. The first chartered chapter was the Annapolis, MD chapter.

Our Purpose
The National Naval Officers Association’s mission is to actively support the Sea Services in the development of a diverse officer corps through recruitment, retention, and career development. NNOA is essential in maintaining operational readiness by providing professional development, mentoring, and support of cultural awareness. NNOA establishes and maintains a positive image of the Sea Services in communities and educational institutions. NNOA is an essential element in maintaining operational readiness. We provide professional development and mentoring and support cultural diversity. We establish and maintain a positive image of the Sea Services in communities and educational institutions. At the chapter level, the “Mighty” Quantico Chapter fulfills the NNOA mission through various activities. We use our monthly meetings to provide professional military education and foster an atmosphere that allows our members to engage in professional exchanges and networking. We recognize our responsibility to our community as we promote and foster American ideals. The Chapter does this by conducting quarterly church visits and participating in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Adopt-a-Highway program. Through the Chapter’s Scholarship Program, we annually recognize exceptional young citizens in our community who are high school seniors that have demonstrated a great potential to succeed at the college level and beyond. In addition to recognizing a select group of high school seniors, the Chapter launched the Rising Stars program in 2017. The Chapter will support exceptional underclassmen by sponsoring a comprehensive yearlong SAT preparation course for the next academic year. These students will also be assigned a mentor to work with them throughout the course of the year.
President's Corner
The 2022 NNOA year begins as I continue to serve as your Chapter President. I look forward to your participation, input and assistance in continuing to make our Chapter viable, responsive and RELEVANT. Please read the Mighty Quantico Chapter Vision for the 2022-2023 year here.

Semper Fidelis,
Colonel Henry Hurt III

Executive Board
President: Colonel Henry Hurt

Vice President: Lieutenant Colonel Wyndee Young

Secretary: Lieutenant Colonel T.J. Jaysura

Treasurer: Captain Kyle D. Britt

Membership: Captain Moses Menchaca

Public Relations: Captain Carlin Myrick

Historian: Vacant

Executive Committee Officer: Lieutenant Colonel Rhonda Martin

Scholarship Program

QUANTICO NNOA CHAPTER 2024 SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

The Quantico Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association Scholarship Program provides scholarships in an effort towards enhancing educational opportunities for area high school students.  These awards are available for students in Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford  and Fauquier Counties (and the Cities and Bases contained therein) who have demonstrated academic achievement.  Scholarship recipients are selected without any obligation to join or affiliate themselves with the military services.  High school senior recipients must enroll full-time at a two- or four-year accredited college or university, and submit verification of enrollment as part of the awarding process.

The scholarships are designed to support the student during their college freshman year.  The recipient must enroll full-time at a two- or four-year accredited college or university, and submit verification of enrollment as part of the application process.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Student must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.
  • Student must be accepted, or planning to enroll, full-time in the fall of 2024 in an undergraduate program of studies leading to a degree at an accredited college or university.
  • Student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to meet the minimum requirements.

    The scholarship application is completed online.  The application can be found here.

    Applications Deadline: Applications must be submitted by Apr 15, 2024.

    Upcoming Events

    2025 Virginia Black History Month Gala 22 February 2025

    Annual Ladies Event.  Click here for details. 

    Membership

    Our membership is quite diverse. NNOA is open to all active, reserve and retired members of the Sea Services, midshipmen, and cadets as well as our friends in the civilian community.  In order to become a member of the local chapter, you must first be a member of the National organization. You may complete an application online. Or mail payments along with a membership application to: National Naval Officers Association Attn: Membership P.O. Box 10871 Alexandria, VA 22310-0871 National dues can also be made through the the Quantico Chapter.   Local dues are $25.00. Local and national dues can be paid online here, paid in person to the Chapter Treasurer or mailed to: National Naval Officers Association Quantico Chapter P.O. Box 812 Quantico, VA 22134 Midshipmen and cadets are always invited to join our local chapter free of charge. Please contact the Quantico NNOA Membership Director Maj April Deacon with questions or for more information.

    Ways to Support the Chapter
    You can support the Quantico by donating to our scholarship fund. Donations can be accepted here via PayPal. Raise money for our scholarship fund when you shop  online via iGive.  iGive features almost 1,800 of the web’s best stores, including: Walmart, Pottery Barn, Neiman Marcus, Staples, PETCO, GAP, Expedia, and QVC.  From gifts to groceries, special occasions to everyday necessities, every purchase can help your cause.  Up to 26% of each and every purchase benefits your cause, and donation rates vary by store. Donation rates are clearly listed within the iGive Mall. When you shop, every penny of the advertised donation goes directly to your cause. No administrative costs, fees, no mark-ups. You’ll never pay more to shop through iGive. Shop via our iGive site at www.iGive.com/Quantico-NNOA.
    Leadership Principles
    General Colin Powell’s Rules
    1. It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
    2. Get mad, then get over it.
    3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
    4. It can be done!
    5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
    6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
    7. You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.
    8. Check small things.
    9. Share credit.
    10. Remain calm. Be kind.
    11. Have a bison. Be demanding.
    12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
    13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

    Colonel Shaw’s Rules
    1. Seek, create, and live the authentic life (spiritually, educational, professional, and relationships wise) YOU want.
    2. You are always interviewing for your next job, live your authentic self but be mindful others including mentors, sponsors, and possibly future bosses and coworkers are watching.
    3. Dress the way you wish to be presented to your superiors, subordinates, and peers.
    4. Always double check others’ works, including experts, before incorporating into your own.
    5. Know what constitutes a “win” for YOU; once you’ve won be wary of turning it into a loss.
    6. Particularly as a lawyer you should never be the angriest person in the room.
    7. Seek sponsors not just mentors; knowing the difference is critical.
    8. Good lawyers provide both legal advice and counsel; ensure both you and your clients are aware of distinction. Your advice should be informed by multitudes of informational sources.
    9. Determine if the question presented is EVEN a legal issue; if it is be sure it’s your legal issue.
    10. Don’t hesitate to speak but don’t speak just because it’s your turn to speak.
    11. Be clear of your client’s goals and missions and how your skill sets compliment and can be modified to compliment.
    12. Never ask your subordinates to do something you’re unwilling to do.
    13. Don’t be forced to provide an opinion before you’ve had time to think thru the issue.
    14. Don’t feel when you should be thinking or think when you should be feeling.
    15. Avoid surprising your boss.
    16. Provide your boss relevant absorbable facts and alternatives not just one solution.
    17. Take care of your people and your people will take care of you.
    18. Motivation is contagious and a force multiplier, be a carrier or Patient Zero.
    19. No position is lost until the defenders give it up.
    20. Those who care about your success will support you. Avoid seeking aid or opinions from those who are not vested in your success regardless of their affinity to you.

    Colonel Everly’s Top 11
    1. Thinking is your metric.
    2. Discipline your language. (up and down)
    3. Know your talking points. (The institutions and your units)
    4. You have to play chess not checkers. (Thinking multiple terrain features ahead — shaping)
    5. Understand the speed of decisions. (Understand the process of decision makers and adjust. Understand decision space for your commander)
    6. Don’t be a one-trick pony. (Breakout of your comfort zone)
    7. Spot or identify the Say-Do Gap. (The Major is the thermostat vice the thermometer — climate control)
    8. Learn to artfully advise. (What does the boss not know about this problem? Speak to risk to force and mission, resources, and culture)
    9. Don’t use yourself as the example. (It makes it feel like it’s about you. Be open to your beliefs/opinion being changed)
    10. What got you here, doesn’t get you there. (Figure out what got you here and figure out what you need to adjust to get you there)
    11. Do not reward selfishness.

    Swami’s 30 for 30 on Commandership
    1. Warfighting readiness is omnipotent
    2. Be able to absorb surprises
    3. Be wary of competition…it does not always bring out the best
    4. What gets measured…gets performed
    5. The ramification of ignorance can be deadly
    6. Skill & Confidence are an unconquerable army
    7. Think Steward, not Emperor
    8. Commanders make decisions; Majors solve problems
    9. Respect & Trust are the only currency
    10. Bad command climate and safety will get you relieved
    11. Pay strong attention to high-risk Marines
    12. CO gives TAC, NATOPS, & Instrument checks
    13. Winners usually do not have to explain themselves
    14. Pain teaches
    15. Never outshine the master
    16. A confused mind will always say “No!”
    17. Never refuse a favor
    18. Every experience carries its lesson…One must self-reflect
    19. Self-projection is dangerous
    20. When the facts change…Change your mind
    21. Hide your wounded finger
    22. Common sense and emotional intelligence go a long way
    23. Before you tear down the fence, find out why it was built
    24. If it matters, you will make time
    25. The Commander is always at the point of greatest friction
    26. You communicate with your feet
    27. Teach, Mentor, Coach
    28. Everything looks bigger up close
    29. The best way out is always through
    30. Calm is contagious

    Professional Development
    Jan 2018 | Commandant’s Education Board presented by LtCol Jerry A. Godfrey

    November 2017 | MCRC Diversity Event Brief Presented by Major Lim (Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers)

    September 2017 | MMOA Road show presented by LtCol Jerry A. Godfrey

    June 2017 | Biases presented by LtCol Jerry A. Godfrey

    Items of Interest
    NAACP 111th Annual National Convention Boston, MA July 25  -29 2020. To attend, register here.

    New Marine Corps recruiting video. This is the first one aimed to recruit women. “The fighting spirit lives within us. It conquers fear, doubt, and weakness. It drives us to serve our country and our communities. It makes us who we are: Marines.” U.S. Marine Corps Commercial: Battle Up :60

    Marines are defined by their ability to fight and win battles—on and off the battlefield. When twin brothers and Marine Captains Mika’il and Salahudin Ali faced obstacles in college, they were forced to make a difficult life decision: fight or be defeated. They chose to fight. These challenges would motivate the pair to become Marines and overcome their battles together. Captains Mika’il and Salahudin Ali, Marine Judge Advocates (Marine Stories)

    Marine Rotary-wing and Tilt-rotor Pilots fly Marine helicopters and Ospreys in coordination with ground forces to fight and defeat the enemy. In addition to close-air support, the role of these Marines is to provide transport of Marines and equipment to and from the battlefield. Roles in the Corps: Rotary-Wing and Tilt-Rotor Pilot

    Captain Ahmed Khalil has fought to serve his entire life, first as a translator in his community of Baghdad, Iraq, and now as a United States Marine. See how Captain Khalil’s desire to serve motivates him to fight and win our Nation’s battles as a Marine Officer. Captain Ahmed Khalil: Fighting Spirit Stories

    Veterans can visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture without passes.  See the FAQ Timed Passes for Museum Entry for details.

    U.S. Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia
    Crossroads of the Marine Corps

    GALLERY

    Highway Cleanup

    Highway Cleanup

    Highway Cleanup

    Highway Cleanup

    Highway Cleanup

    Highway Cleanup

    Highway Cleanup

    Highway Cleanup

    Highway Cleanup

    2016 Annual Membership Cookout

    September 2016 Highway cleanup  
    2017 Ladies’ Luncheon
    2017 Ladies’ Luncheon
    2017 Ladies’ Luncheon
    2016 Annual Membership Cookout

    2016 Annual Membership Cookout

    2016 Annual Membership Cookout
    Captain Jamar Alexander Promotion Ceremony
    2020 MEAC HOF Award Luncheon

    2020 MEAC HOF Award Luncheon

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