Navy Supply Corps Foundation

On 06Mar, NAVSUP WSS-P officially welcomed aboard our newest members: LCDR Dessi Rabell, LCDR Nate Marlow, and Maj Luke Scholl. We wished farewell and following seas to our departing friends: Capt Danny Poulsen, LCDR Nick Mader, and CDR Jen Charlton.

   

The Navy Supply Corps Foundation Philadelphia Chapter was first to kick off 2023 Supply Corps Birthday Ball and Celebration.  On February 23, 1795, the United States Navy Supply Corps was officially established by an act of Congress.  On February 17, 2023, the Navy Supply Corps Foundation Philadelphia Chapter celebrated the 228th Supply Corps Birthday with a ball at the Union League in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The Navy Supply Corps Birthday Ball is a longstanding tradition that brings together members of the Navy Supply Corps to celebrate service and honor the corps' rich history.

Our Navy Supply Corps is responsible for providing logistics and supply support to the Navy and other branches of the military.  This includes everything from food and fuel to medical supplies and equipment.  Supply Corps has played an essential role in every major conflict in which the United States has been involved, from the American Revolution to this present day.

Our Chapter’s Navy Supply Corps Birthday Ball is a way to recognize the contributions of those who serve in the Supply Corps and to honor the legacy of those who have come before them.  This event was an elegant affair, with formal attire and a ceremonial cake-cutting ceremony.  Celebration included guest speaker Mr. Robert Irvine (chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur), speeches, toasts, and live music by local Uptown Band, as well as presentation of the CAPT John D. Titus Award.  The CAPT John D. Titus Award was presented to LCDR Dave Coachman for having an exemplary uniformed service record and going the extra mile to foster military and community relations throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area.  Dave’s Wife Michiko received the CAPT Titus Award on his behalf.

A long standing tradition for the Philadelphia Chapter the celebration was held at the Union League in Philadelphia, a historic venue that has hosted many significant events throughout its long history. The Union League was founded in 1862 as a patriotic organization to support the Union during the Civil War.  Today, it is a private social club that is committed to promoting civic engagement and serving the community.
 

Philly Chapter brought together friends and family to enjoy the inaugural Parent-Daughter Dance! Families had a blast with an amazing Valentine's Day backdrop, cookies and baked goods, pizza, art & crafts, and a dance floor with the best DJ around!
It will be hard to top this one again next year! What an outstanding time with plenty of memories made...

 

 
 

 

Happy 247th Birthday, United States Navy!

The Philly Chapter celebrated with a traditional cake cutting ceremony. This tradition enhances the greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, showing a positive sense of pride and professionalism.

This year's central theme is “On Watch – 24/7 for 247 Years,” which highlights Navy’s enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond and effectively deter threats.

Hooyah, Navy!

 
 

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On 10Sep22, NAVSUP WSS-P tradition continues as the team gathers for the 9/11 Heroes Run in Philadelphia at the Navy Yard.

The 9/11 Heroes Run joins communities to honor the sacrifices of those heroes from September 11th and wars since, including Veterans, Active Duty, First Responders, and families of the fallen.

The Philadelphia Chapter pays tribute yearly by volunteering and participating in the 9/11 Heroes Run hosted by the Travis Manion Foundation.

 
 

Back to school season kicked off with a bang at the Philadelphia Learning Academy-South as members of the Navy Supply Corps Foundation-Philadelphia Chapter delivered over 200 pounds of school supplies.

Navy Supply Corps Foundation-Philadelphia Chapter President, Commander Jay McFarland stated, “This effort stemmed from numerous members throughout the NAVSUP WSS community seeking to make a difference during the start of the school year.” The Chapter’s Vice President, Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Charlton added, “Generosity is at the core of the volunteer mission of this chapter. We hope the spirit of giving and caring will take root and carry on throughout the future back-to-school seasons—amplifying the impact for the students and giving back to the community in which we proudly serve today.”

Staff and Military pictured from left to right: Ms. Maggie Harbour (English), Mr. Mohammad Camara (Social Studies), Ms. Winnie Gralinski (Math), Dr. Darryl Blackwell (Principal), Commander Jay McFarland, Ms. Kia Ireland-Hall (Science), FLTLT Dean Topp, Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Charlton, Lieutenant Commander Daniel Hatting, and Ms. Edda Loredo (School Counselor).

The Philadelphia Chapter has profound beliefs in being an active member in the community and having a lasting, positive impact on society at large.
 

The Philadelphia Chapter hosted interns from NAVAIR and NAVSUP WSS Mechanicsburg on Friday 05Aug.

Enriching the Supply Corps community across commands with a focus on “Relationships Build Readiness,” we aimed to strengthen relationships and further naval readiness.

Hooyah, Supply Corps!







 

What better way to serve our Veterans than to spin outdoors at a fun-filled event on the Eagles playing field. Navy Supply Corps Foundation--Philadelphia Chapter joined Comcast in raising money for Veterans through Team Foster on June 4-5.

“No Hero Left Behind” is Philadelphia’s Ruff Ride’s motto at the Lincoln Financial Field held on June 4-5, 2022. Ruff Ride is part festival and part competition, bringing together friends and families in forming teams to sponsor a stationary spin bike for 24 consecutive hours!

As 22 Veterans and service members lose the battle to suicide every day, events like Ruff Ride benefits “Team Foster” to provide the resources to train and partner specialized dogs to our Veterans. They aim to raise awareness on the unmet needs of injured and disabled Veterans while raising standards for service dog training. It was an honor for friends and family to take part in supporting our Veterans!

Click HERE (part 1) and HERE (part2) for photos of the event!


 

The Philly Chapter participated in the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival on 04 June 2022. Many gather in crews of twenty paddlers on the Schuylkill River to share in camaraderie, competition, culture, and community. Having fun, embracing challenges, and combining strength with teamwork is the recipe for success while out on the river.

Click HERE to view photos of the event!
 

CDR Matthew Duncan has brought the strength and unity of this chapter to new heights during his tenure as president. He orchestrated weekly socials, the 226^th Supply Corps Virtual Birthday Ball, and the inaugural holiday party to reinforce and celebrate the chapter’s renewed purpose and community. His impact through various community outreach events such as Feast of Justice and Travis Manion Foundation, CAPT John Titus 9/11 Hero’s Run, are examples of the amazing milestones reached by the Philadelphia Chapter. BZ CDR Duncan on an inspirational tour!

CDR(s) Jay McFarland is our newest Navy Supply Corps Foundation- Philadelphia Chapter President. He enlisted through the delayed entry program at the age of 17 and ultimately received his commissioning through the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Program. CDR(s) McFarland is the first LDO assigned to NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia. He set records as the Director of the E-2/C-2 Integrated Weapons Systems Team (IWST) and will continue leading as the Director of Commons Avionics IWST. This chapter is looking forward to his innovative and trailblazing leadership!
 







 

































































 

On behalf of the Navy Supply Corps Foundation, Philadelphia Chapter, the CAPT John D. Titus Award was presented to LCDR Nicholas Mader on 20 May 2022.

This annual award celebrates achievements of a uniformed service member who has gone the extra mile in community leadership, outreach, and impacts which have contributed to a greater social responsibility through community involvement.

CAPT John D. Titus enlisted in the Navy in 1982 via the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training Program. He became a commissioned officer and a US Naval Academy graduate in 1987 and retired in October 2012 after 26 years of distinguished active duty service. On June 14, 2019, CAPT Titus passed away unexpectedly leaving behind a wife, two sons and scores of friends and family. This award was established in 2020 to honor his memory and selfless contributions and to the Supply Corps and Philadelphia community, serving as a guiding light for others to carry on in his place.

LCDR Nicholas Mader formalized a partnership with Philabundance and Feast of Justice, fighting food insecurity in the area immediately surrounding the base and organized efforts that streamlines operations, delivered on-time support and provided financial aid. He dedicated countless hours of meticulous review of national scholarship packages for youth in need. He is an inspiration, a tremendous leader, a community servant and a friend of the city. He has left an unforgettable impression on the Philadelphia community across two tours in the area. Congratulations to LCDR Nick Mader and his family!

















 

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NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia hosted their Semi-Annual Craft Fair on Saturday May 14, 2022!

The team came together for a long standing tradition in supporting the community, local vendors, and crafters!

Click HERE for photos!

This Earth Day we recognize and celebrate the commitment to give back to our community and positively impact our environment.

NSCF Philadelphia Chapter kicked off Earth Day with an annual Kelly Drive 5K Fun Run. Military members and families celebrated the completion of the 5K at the top of "The Rocky Steps" of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Following the Kelly Drive 5K Fun Run, NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia and Naval Support Activity Philadelphia joined in a base and community clean up while spreading awareness on preservation, protection, restoration and enhancement of the environment. 

• Gracie Dziewiatkowski, wife of CDR Craig Dziewiatkowski, a dedicated Spouse Representative Volunteer who paved the way for the expansion of the "Fun Bunch" across the community.
• LT Pamela Velez, a Heritage Committee Volunteer with almost 20 years of Naval experience who continues to spread and preserve the history of our community.
• Interesting and thought provoking Q&A with the newest members of the Board of Directors: LCDR Dave Couchman, CAPT (ret) Eddie Fishburne, CAPT (ret) Jennifer Lednicky, CAPT (ret) Mike Lucas, CAPT (ret) Mark Murphy, and CAPT (ret) Dana Weiner. 
• An encaptivating sea story from RADM (ret) Dan McKinnon as he recounts his most unusual assignments as a Supply Corps Officer!
• Rachel Beanland: A now established author and then receipient of the Navy Supply Corps Foundation Scholarship. Her novel, "Florence Adler Swims Forever," was recognized as one of the Best Books of 2020 according to USA Today and the Barnes & Nobel Book Club!

We're proud to announce our new Foundation Scholarship recipients have been selected for the 2021-22 academic year. View the list of worthy students on page 25, and take notice of the familiar scholarship names too! We think you'll love the new features in this issue: a Calendar of Events on page 3 and Committee & Program News on page 11--plus, all your Tench Francis Legacy Society questions are answered by CAPT (ret) Will Port on page 7. And after a year of limited activity, our Chapters are back in action and we have the first photos on page 4 to prove it. 

Also in this issue, CAPT (ret) Tiffany Schad shines the Vintage Oakleaf spotlight on a pioneer in the Supply Corps, RADM (ret) Joseph Howard, and includes a letter from (then) CNO RADM Arleigh Burke to CDR Howard. Transition Committee Chair CDR (ret) Bob Dolan completes his three-part interview with Tom Wolfe, sharing a few final thoughts from the author on page 19, and our Museum Ships & Displays come alive as CAPT Danny King provides photos and details about the historic Supply Corps exhibits...and a dog named Vicky! 

Read CAPT (ret) Donald B. Hoffmann's article on the history of our Supply Corps shoulder insignia and as a bonus you'll learn the name of the last Navy captain to be promoted directly to two-star! Then, the tables are turned as RADM (ret) Dan McKinnon asks you to name the Flag officers in the photos on page 23.

Our Members are at the heart of every story told and memory shared in The Oakleaf. As exhibited in the various contributions from ENS Robert Georgen, LT Patrick Oliveri, and CAPT (ret) Lee Henwood, your experiences in uniform are valuable and a part of our collective history as Supply Corps officers. Would you like to contribute? Active, retired, reserve, former and family members are encouraged to submit articles, pictures, news and updates to theoakleaf@usnscf.com. Please keep submissions limited to 300 words and two images with captions.

Finally, don't forget to keep your email and mailing address current so you continue to receive Foundation news and information, and update your Chapter affiliation in your Member Profile to ensure you don't miss Chapter activities in your area. Login and update your information at www.usnscf.com. 

Enjoy the Summer issue of The Oakleaf!
https://www.usnscf.com/Foundation/TheOakleaf/Current

Fellow Philadelphia Area Supply Corps Officers, Families, and Community Members:

Thank you for visiting our Chapter page!  We're excited to incorporate this avenue of communication as we celebrate camaraderie and work together to make our community a better place.  As President of the Philadelphia Chapter, I want to thank you for your continued involvement and support.  Thanks!

The Philadelphia Chapter of the Navy Supply Corps Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization. The purpose of NSCF is to advance the professional development of area Supply Corps Officers and to foster esprit de corps through participation in social and community activities. NSCF strives to build a strong partnership between our Active Duty, Reserve, and Retired Communities that encourages involvement, commitment, and camaraderie.

We're always up to something fun around here!  Our most anticipated event of the year is Philadelphia's renowned Supply Corps Ball.  Our chapter takes pride in hosting the best Supply Corps Ball in the area.  If camaraderie through sports is your thing, be sure to join us each year in the Group Schuylkill River Runs in the summer months with all area military and friends.  If you want to reconnect with your aquatic tendencies (we are Navy!), we also race Dragon Boats on the Schuylkill River each June.  And if you consider yourself a grill master or bean bag toss champ, make sure to join us at our Tailgater each December for the classic Army-Navy Football Game played in Philadelphia.  Whether it's social events, sporting events, or community betterment projects, we hope to see you out there.  I'm looking forward to it!

Please "Like" our Chapter and Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NavySupplyCorpsFoundationPhiladelphiaChapter/, to keep an eye on the happenings here in our community.  In addition, if you desire to become a Supply Corps Foundation member, we strongly encourage you to do so at our Philadelphia Chapter Foundation website.  You'll need to be a member if you're interested in applying for one of the Supply Corps Foundation Scholarships offered each year. 

Thank you for visiting the Philadelphia Chapter web page. Please remember to "Like" us on Facebook! We believe your involvement will strengthen and enlarge the sense of community in our Supply Corps and further the impact of our community betterment efforts.  Thank you for being part of our team!

If you have any ideas, connections, or are a local business person looking to get involved, please feel free to reach us through private message or via the contact info listed on the home page.  Thank you for all that you do, and we look forward to our continued relationship.

I look forward to serving with you.

Very respectfully,
 
Matt Duncan
NSCF Philadelphia Chapter President
 
*The Navy Supply Corps Foundation-Philadelphia Chapter is a private organization and is not part of, or endorsed by the Navy, the Department of Defense, or the federal government.
 

Below is a link to pictures from the 2020 Supply Corps Birthday Ball held at The Union League of Philadelphia. We hope to see you all again next year!

https://gallery.maddieklebe.com/supplycorpsball2020/