First Coast Commandery
MISSION
To preserve, promote, celebrate and enjoy our Nation’s Sea Service history and heritage. To accomplish this we will:
- Commemorate American Sea Service Heroes and important historical events,
- Support the study of Naval History through writing, speaking and educational events,
- Preserve Sea Service historical artifacts, documents and monuments, and
- Promote Camaraderie among our Companions and members of similar organizations
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Commander |
CAPT John E. O’Neil Jr., USN (ret) |
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Aide-de-camp |
CDR Robert C. Averill, USN (ret) |
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Treasurer |
Richard J. Streeter |
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Chaplain |
CAPT Jim Mennis, USN (ret) |
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Council: |
CAPT Greg Streeter, USN (ret) |
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CAPT Ed Froehlich, USN (ret) |
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LCDR Mike Manko, USN (ret) |
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CAPT Bob Beskind, USN (ret) |
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VADM Mike Kalleres, USN (ret) |
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CAPT Pete Wynkoop, USN (ret) |
2008 Events
31
January 2008:
D Day Navy
7
February 2008: Noon - Commandery Council Meeting at Queen's Harbour
CC Snack Bar.
6
March 2008: Noon
- Commandery Council Meeting - location TBD.
TBA
April 2008: Naval
Officer's sword presented to the outstanding Naval Officer Candidate at the
NROTC Unit at
17 May
2008:
Host annual commemoration ceremony for the former crew and families of USS
Stark (FFG 31) who was hit by two Iraqi Air Force Exocet
missiles on 17 May 1987.
7
June 2008: Annual
19
July 2008: Annual
Commandery Pot Luck Picnic on Saturday from 1600 - 1800 at the Queen's
Harbour Property Owners Association Sports Complex.
21
August 2008:
Noon - Commandery Council Meeting, location TBD. D Day Navy Normandy
Monument Dedication update; review "2009 NOUS Congress in
24-29
September 2008: D
9
October 2008: Noon - Commandery Council Meeting, location
TBD. Work on Annual First Coast Commandery Report; post Monument
Dedication brief; prepare for 2008 NOUS Congress in New Orleans; review
"2009 NOUS Congress planning in Jacksonville".
12-16
November 2008:
2008 NOUS Congress in New Orleans, LA.
7 December 2008: Annual formal dinner commemorating the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Sunday 7 December at the Queen's Harbour Country Club
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Greg Streeter (left) is relieved by John O’Neil, December 7, 2006 |
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The First Coast Commandery was chartered on 7 December 1997 and is the youngest Commandery in the Naval Order. The Commandery began with 16 members. The original officers were Captain Greg Streeter, USN (Ret) as Commandery Commander, Captain Brian Sheffield, USNR (Ret) as Vice Commander and Commander Bob Averill, USN (Ret) as Treasurer. Since its founding the Commandery has grown to over 65 companions including 1 Admiral, 1 Vice Admiral, four Rear Admirals, and 1 Air Force Major General.
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Jacksonville University outstanding ROTC Officer Candidate, Lisa Blanchford, receives sword from Captain Greg Streeter |
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Annual activities include Sword presentations to the outstanding Officer Candidate Graduate of the Jacksonville University NROTC, Co-Sponsorship with Naval Station Mayport of the USS Stark Memorial, participation in the Jacksonville area Battle of Midway Dinner and an Annual Anniversary Dinner and Commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day.
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USS Stark memorial service May, 2006 |
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The Commandery also sponsors dinners with speakers of historical interest and holds occasional member social events. The Commandery has also made ongoing contributions to the Ocean Breeze Conference Center, former Mayport Officer's Club, to enhance its attractiveness and historical ambiance.
The First Coast Commandery has been the most active leader in the Naval Order's Campaign to place a Monument to the US Navy at Normandy France to memorialize the sailors who served and died in the D- Day invasion of Europe.