Member Logon Username: Password:   Logon Help NNOA.Org   Home   Join/Renew Membership  NNOA Features   Origin   Mission   Chapters   Meridian Magazine   Board of Directors   Chapter Representatives   Bulletins   Links   Contact Us		"What Can NNOA Do for Me" The sea services are entering one of the most exciting eras of all times. Just as the size and capabilities of the latest ships and aircraft have evolved, so have our people. Americans are as motivated, self-sacrificing, and more patriotic than ever before. However, the reoccurring question asked more often than not in American society is: What's in it for me? The dedicated men and women of the sea services are no different. Therefore, it is time to make some changes in NNOA. When a U.S. Coast Guard, Marine or Navy Officer joins NNOA, we should be able to tell him that NNOA can provide him/her with tools for a successful career. A successful career is defined as promotion to O-5 or above. What are the tools that make a successful career? I have two words for you mentorship and education. As a senior African American Officer in the United States Coast Guard, junior officers have often asked me, "How did you do it?" I do not have one answer to that question. However, there is one common denominator on which most senior officers agree --mentorship. No officer regardless of race or class distinction can survive into the upper ranks without mentors. Note the plural. "When asked, who was your mentor, " said Navy Admiral J. Paul Reason at the 1998 NAACP Convention, "my answer was there were many of them." NNOA can provide you with an opportunity to meet and establish a mentor to mentee relationship with a large number of senior officers. NNOA members have reviewed fitness reports, received helpful career information and established life long friendships. Education is the second key to a successful career. A more correct term may be information. Many young officers perform well "behind the scenes" believing that hard work will always be recognized. I wish that that was true. Unfortunately, sometimes knowing the correct methods to have that hard work noticed is more important than work accomplishment itself. NNOA will provide informational workshops and opportunities to ask CNO, CMC, and CUSCG your questions. NNOA assemblies are typically small and usually everyone has the opportunity to ask his or her question. There's nothing like hearing it from the horse's mouth. Additionally, NNOA leadership will do everything within its power to ensure that you have the best chance of success as a sea services officer. So, if you're wondering why you should continue to pay your NNOA dues or why you should bring your best buddy to the next NNOA mixer. Think about the things above. NNOA --What can you do for me? Answer: I can give you a better chance of achieving a successful career. Until next time. Captain Charles Williams, USCG Immediate Past-President