Farewell Message from Sammy Solt

Shipmates,

The sun has finally set on my tenure as President of the NANP. It has been one of the most rewarding positions I have ever held. It kept me in close contact with the many friends I have made over the years. I joined the Navy in 1961, and through my travels have met many wonderful people and created many precious memories. I have served with and made lifetime friends with many of you and was able to cultivate new and lasting relationships with many that I met after my retirement. These are relationships that I will cherish forever.

Over the past two years, I was blessed with a Board of Directors (BOD) whose primary focus was keeping the NANP on top of organizations for Navy Photographers. I had some health issues over the past year and Wes Gibson, who was our Vice President (now President of NANP), was a rock I could depend on to help me get things done. The NANP is extremely fortunate to have Wes step up to the Presidents position. For those that don’t know, Wes is also our Webmaster. His computer skills are phenomenal and always spot on. He will be assisted by our new Vice President, Chuck Abell. Congratulations Wes and Chuck. The Board and membership are behind you 100%.

In November we had a very successful reunion in Pensacola, and it was an absolute bell ringer. The BOD meeting was held where Chuck Abell was nominated for Vice President and Director nominees were Lisa Borges and Jeff Hilton. All three passed muster and were duly elected by the general membership. BZ to Chuck, Lisa, and Jeff! The BOD also discussed changes in the by-laws along with a name change of the NANP and our logo. The new administration will be dealing with these issues so stay tuned to the NANP website for further developments. 

At the general meeting, a $500 Scholarship fund was established; parameters and requirements for the program will be coming soon. To kick start the program I have donated $100.00 and would like to challenge the membership to donate to help get this program off the ground. All donations should go to our treasurer, Sam Trice. 

In closing, I would once again like to thank everyone for all their help over the past two years. This organization is not a one-man show. It takes all of us collectively to make the NANP work. Wes, it is your program now, we all know you will do a great job. May everyone have a blessed and prosperous New Year.  

Remember, friendships are for life, Shipmates are forever.

Sammy