Photo By Chief Petty Officer Grant Probst | Cmdr. Rob Simone, commanding officer of NRD San Francisco, addressing the Fleet...... read more read more
VALLEJO, Calif. – The commanding officer of Navy Recruiting District San Francisco spoke to the Fleet Reserve Association with 80 members present at the Vallejo Veterans Memorial Building, March 16.
Cmdr. Rob Simone graciously took the opportunity to speak to the FRA upon HM1 Ret. Gary Blackburn’s request. The FRA comprised entirely of Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps veterans, and Auxiliary (spouses) is a national, congressionally chartered, nonprofit organization representing the interests of the sea service community before the U.S. Congress.
“The FRA maintains an ability to reach the hearts and minds outside of an active duty uniform in a relaxed environment through the Auxiliary and Association. They are performing a critical role within the community on a local and national level,” said Simone. “The past, present and future Navy is a stronger one due to the determination and legacy of the Fleet Reserve Association.”
After the opening and introductions were made throughout the room of current and former positions throughout the FRA, Simone was invited to the lectern by Blackburn to speak. Simone addressed the audience, encompassing a brief bio, current events impacting recruiting and the struggles and benefits of recruiting throughout Northern and Central California. The half-hour long speech led into a question and answer session concerning such topics as women in the Navy, funding, sequestration, and how the FRA can assist in the recruiting mission.
“As is stated in our preamble, ‘Our desire to assist in obtaining the best type of personnel for our sea services’ is one of the mainstays of our association,” said Blackburn. “The presentation by Cmdr. Simone highlighted the efforts of the recruiters and reinforced our convictions in our Navy.”
Following Simone’s presentation the FRA National President Mark Kilgore presented Ray Clark from Branch 101 with a certificate and pin for his 60th year of membership. Following the award ceremony, the FRA held a Two Bells Ceremony for all regional FRA members that had passed since the previous meeting in which each name was read followed by two bells. The event closed with a luncheon, and local chapter FRA meetings and work groups.
| Date Taken: | 03.16.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2013 19:11 |
| Story ID: | 104081 |
| Location: | VALLEJO, CA, US |
| Hometown: | WINSTON SALEM, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 158 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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