The AUSN Phoenix Saguaro Chapter, continuing a tradition started in 2006, hosted the Phoenix Area Navy Birthday Ball, celebrating the 249th Birthday of the U.S. Navy, on October 12, 2024.
Held at the Marriott Phoenix Chandler Hotel in Chandler, Arizona, the event was organized by a team of seven volunteers, including three chapter members: CAPT, USN (Ret), Carol Culbertson, chair; LCDR, USN (Ret), Lynn Bennett; and Navy EM2 (SW) veteran Charlotte Shields. The evening event featured the POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony and Taps honoring the Fallen, followed by dinner, the cutting of the Navy Birthday cake by the senior sailor and junior sailor present, and dance music.
“It is a privilege on our part to accomplish the Navy Birthday Ball tasks in support of our area’s active, mission-oriented Navy commands: the Navy Reserve Center at Luke Air Force Base, the Navy Talent Acquisition Group (Navy recruiters) and the NROTC unit at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, as well as on behalf of our chapter members, their families and friends,” explained Culbertson.
In addition to celebrating Navy traditions, this annual gala highlights veterans who have served during a specific conflict or war, or were part of a particular group, such as the Seabees, Navy aviators or submariners. This year’s focus was on veterans and sailors who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2001-2014) and Operation Enduring Freedom (2003-2011).
Keynote speaker Vice Admiral Yancy Lindsey, USN (Ret), encapsulated the spirit of the evening: “Never forget that at this very moment, there are men and women around the world, ashore and afloat, in harm’s way, defending our interests…serving our great nation. They’re doing their part, let’s make sure we do ours.”
Partnering with the AUSN Phoenix Saguaro Chapter in hosting the event was the USS Phoenix (SSN-702) Cold War Monument Foundation. This all-volunteer nonprofit veterans' organization is raising funds to build a museum monument commemorating Cold War veterans, civil service and defense workers who protected our country against the USSR and other Warsaw Pact nations, 1946 to 1991. (ussphoenixmonument.org)
AUSN welcomes photos and information about all chapter events and undertakings. Please send your news to Contact Us
