As I begin my tenure as Chairman of the Board for the Hampton Roads Navy League, I want to express my thanks to Maryellen Baldwin and the Board for the invaluable opportunity. Having served for 27 years in the Navy, with the majority of my career stationed in Hampton Roads, I am grateful to continue to serve amongst family and friends in our military community.
I share the passion and commitment amongst our Board members to advance the important work in the advocacy for our Sea Services. I also want to recognize the leadership of my predecessor, Jim Monroe, for his tireless work as Chairman the past three years. Building on the advancements from Jim and the Board, and with Maryellen’s guidance, I am committed to promoting the vital work of our Navy League.
2020 was a year unlike any other in so many respects. A worldwide pandemic has forever changed how we approach almost every aspect of our daily lives. Communities and families have made adjustments and demonstrated resiliency amidst the uncertainty. In business, Zoom meetings have become the norm but in time, we will return to face-to-face meetings. This month, the American cycle of democracy continues with a new administration and a shift in the political control of Congress. Throughout all of these changes, one constant remains; support for our Sailors, Marines, Coastguardsman, Merchant Marines, and their families. Today more than ever, your Hampton Roads Navy League has an opportunity to strengthen the support for our service members, advocate for a strong sea service to the public and congress and mentor today’s youth. More specifically, the mission of Navy League of Hampton Roads includes:
Enhancing the morale of active-duty personnel and their families.
Informing Congress and the American public on the importance of a strong maritime defense.
Supporting youth through programs such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC, and Young Marines that expose young people to the values of our sea services.
Success in meeting our mission requires generosity from many of you. Generosity can come in many forms. First, I want to encourage you to share your insight, ideas, and feedback to best inform our Board of what is important to you. With millions of people across Hampton Roads, the vast majority are connected to the Sea Services and hence, are impacted through the success of our mission. Secondly, please consider introducing the Hampton Roads Navy League and our mission to a friend or Hampton Roads business. Greater outreach will undoubtedly raise the awareness of our important mission and empower those to join us as members. Lastly, consider a monetary donation to ensure we have the resources necessary to advance our cause in 2021 and beyond. No amount is too small, and we are grateful for your consideration.
During these uncertain times, and with your help, I promise to chart a steady course; one that brings greater awareness to our mission and empowers action to advance our cause. I want to thank our Board members, past and present, and all of you who have been supporters of the Navy League of Hampton Roads. I look forward to working with all of you in 2021 and in due time……face-to-face, once again.
Captain Lou Schager, USN (Ret)
Theodore Roosevelt
Our members are experts on the issues driving decision-making on our sea services. Every other year, we analyze and recommend a way forward, so our legislators have a clear playbook on the best way to advocate on behalf of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.
We are a maritime nation, and we must make the right investments in our sea services for the future.
Get educated on our issues by downloading our policy statement for 2021-2022.
The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational and advocacy organization that supports America’s sea services — the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.
The Navy League has provided a powerful voice for a stronger sea service to Congress and to the American people. We have grown into the foremost citizens’ organization to serve, support and stand with all the sea services – the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.
Navy league of the United States
Hampton Roads
600 Lynnhaven Parkway Suite 202 Virginia Beach, VA 23452
757-486-7654 navyleague@earthlink.net