Naval Reserve Association Naval Reserve Association

Reservists in ActionDenver NRA Members Among 3,000 HonoringNavy Cross Hero Petty Officer DietzBy CDR Frank Evans, USNR (Ret)Public Affairs OfficerRear Admiral Dick Young, USN (Ret), President of theDenver NRA Chapter and National VP for Membership,praised his 35-40 NRA members who found time to joinwith 3,000 other military and civilians in attending theunveiling statue (photo on the right) ceremony forColoradoan Gunner’s Mate 2 nd Class Danny Dietz.“I want to personally thank you for honoring one of our local Sailorswho exemplified heroism and dedication to his country,” he said. “Icouldn’t believe how large a turn-out we had from our NRA Chapter,” hesaid.“It was moving to see so many white uniforms at the ceremony. And, thatincludes officers and enlisted personnel from Recruiting and the NavyReserve Center.”He added, “I thought it was a very emotional and meaningful ceremonythat paid tribute to a true Navy hero. Yet at the same time, as DannyDietz’s father told me just before the start of the ceremonies, he wantedthe event to be a celebration. And though somber, I came away with thefeeling that we had, indeed, celebrated the life of a fine young Sailor.”“I do hope that our local Chapter, through more members, can becomemore involved in those activities where we can be of real ongoing help toour Navy, to our Navy’s Reserve, and to our country. We certainly havethe numbers. We certainly have the people with real dedication . . .and we certainly have the talent.”NAPS 2007Outstanding Cadet(Left photo)(L to R) Commanding Officer Naval Academy PreparatorySchool and Midshipman Joshua HerdersonMidshipman candidate Joshua Hendersonreceives a watch from the Naval ReserveAssociation for being selected as theoutstanding cadet for this year’s class atthe Naval Academy Preparatory School.30 NRA NEWS/SEPTEMBER 2007