Navy Club https://navyclub.org/ Navy Club of Chicago Sat, 15 Jun 2024 19:30:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://i0.wp.com/navyclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-Navy-Club-Icon-Image.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Navy Club https://navyclub.org/ 32 32 230832771 Navy Club Members Honored on Women Veterans Day in Chicago https://navyclub.org/2024/06/14/navy-club-members-honored-on-women-veterans-day-in-chicago/ Fri, 14 Jun 2024 18:48:08 +0000 https://navyclub.org/?p=333 The Navy Club of Chicago proudly witnessed this momentous occasion as several of its members were honored for their invaluable contributions and service.

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On June 12th, the city of Chicago made history by passing a resolution designating this day as Women Veterans Day. This significant date commemorates June 12, 1948, when women were officially recognized as regular members of the United States Armed Forces.

The Navy Club of Chicago proudly witnessed this momentous occasion as several of its members were honored for their invaluable contributions and service. The City Council, including the Mayor, extended their heartfelt praise to each woman veteran, recognizing their dedication and sacrifices.

Our Women of the Navy Club stood alongside other esteemed women leaders from every military branch, showcasing the diverse and powerful representation of female veterans. The resolution signing was not just a formality but a testament to the unwavering commitment and achievements of women in the military.

This celebration was more than an acknowledgment; it was a tribute to the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations of women in uniform. The Navy Club of Chicago is incredibly proud of its members who have served with honor and continue to inspire with their legacy.

As we celebrate Women Veterans Day, we honor all women veterans who have served and continue to serve our nation with courage and distinction. This historic resolution is a reminder of their enduring impact and a step forward in recognizing their vital role in our armed forces.

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Inspiring the Next Generation: Admiral Franchetti at Rickover Naval Academy https://navyclub.org/2024/06/01/inspiring-the-next-generation-admiral-franchetti-at-rickover-naval-academy/ Sat, 01 Jun 2024 19:26:03 +0000 https://navyclub.org/?p=339 The Navy Club of Chicago is proud to support Rickover Naval Academy and looks forward to continuing our support for its students, nurturing the next generation of leaders.

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Members of the Navy Club of Chicago recently had the distinct honor of welcoming Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Marie Franchetti to our city. Admiral Franchetti, the first woman to lead the US Navy, visited Rickover Naval Academy, making it a historic and memorable occasion for everyone involved.

During this special visit, Navy Club members actively engaged with the students, sharing personal stories and offering valuable guidance about life after high school. Their interaction provided the students with unique insights and inspiration from seasoned veterans.

The entire school hosted a ceremony to commemorate this significant event, allowing students to hear directly from leaders in the US Navy. This visit not only celebrated Admiral Franchetti’s groundbreaking leadership but also reinforced the strong bond between the Navy and our community.

The Navy Club of Chicago is proud to support Rickover Naval Academy and looks forward to continuing our support for its students, nurturing the next generation of leaders.

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Building Bonds: Navy Club Hosts Annual Block Party https://navyclub.org/2023/09/24/building-bonds-navy-club-hosts-annual-block-party/ Sun, 24 Sep 2023 01:53:35 +0000 https://navyclub.org/?p=327 This year's event was a delightful gathering where neighbors enjoyed a great BBQ, listened to live music, and engaged in games and activities for all ages.

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The Navy Club of Chicago, Post 69, joined forces with VFW Armed Forces Post 8322 to extend a warm welcome to the entire community for our Annual Block Party. This year’s event was a delightful gathering where neighbors enjoyed a great BBQ, listened to live music, and engaged in games and activities for all ages. Beyond the festivities, it was an opportunity for community members to build connections, learn about local organizations, and access vital resources provided by our esteemed partners.

Amidst the aroma of sizzling hot dogs, burgers, Polish sausages, and veggie patties, members from the Navy Club and VFW donned their chef hats to man the grill. Despite a few culinary mishaps (a burnt sausage here, an undercooked burger there), over 400 hot dogs, 300 burgers, and 100 Polish sausages were expertly cooked, ensuring that every attendee left with a satisfied appetite.

The success of the event was a collective effort, with dedicated members working tirelessly to set up and organize the festivities, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all. Under the sunny skies, amidst laughter and camaraderie, both familiar faces and new neighbors mingled, fostering connections and strengthening bonds within the community.

For many newcomers, the Block Party served as an introduction to the Navy Club of Chicago—a chance to learn about the services, support, and camaraderie offered by our post. As the day came to a close, hearts and bellies were full, and memories were made. The Annual Block Party BBQ has become a cherished highlight of the summer, eagerly anticipated by all who attend.

As we bid farewell to another successful gathering, we eagerly await the next opportunity to come together, celebrate, and continue building the bonds of community.

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The 69 Cruise https://navyclub.org/2023/08/18/the-69-cruise/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 18:04:19 +0000 https://navyclub.org/?p=294 One of the perks of being a 69 Club Member is being able to join fellow members of cruises all summer long.

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Chicago, known for its stunning skyline and picturesque waterways, offers residents and visitors endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Recently, members of the Navy Club of Chicago (USS Chicago Ship 69) had the chance to embark on their first boat tour of Lake Michigan and the iconic Chicago River as the newly established Navy Club of Chicago! What made this experience even more special is that the boat is owned and operated by two dedicated Navy Club members who generously provided the tour for their fellow comrades.

Navy Club Members, Erich “Erick” Totsch and Ray Novak own Chicago Fireboat Tours which conduct historical & architectural tours, cruises and private charters on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. The flagship vessel is the Fred A. Busse, a retired fireboat that served the Chicago Fire Department for 44 years, from 1937 until 1981.

Erich “Erick” Totsch (L) and Ray Novak (R)

The Illinois Department of the Navy Club was also onboard and cruised the lake along side members. Leaving Lake Michigan behind, the boat gracefully maneuvered its way through the Chicago River, revealing the city’s enchanting architectural treasures. Navy Club members had a chance to see their beloved city from a completely different angle.

The outstanding generosity of The 69 Club Members who owned the boat was deeply appreciated. Their selflessness and dedication to their fellow comrades exemplified the spirit and values of the Navy Club of Chicago. It was a reminder of the strong support system and lifelong friendships that are formed within this community. The tour highlighted the strong connection between Navy Club members and the water, reinforcing the sense of belonging and identity within the group.

As the boat tour came to an end, Navy Club members disembarked with a profound sense of gratitude and fulfillment. The experience of sailing through the waters of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, while being surrounded by friends and loved ones, was a reminder of the indelible bond forged through service and shared experiences.

One of the perks of being a 69 Club Member is being able to join fellow members of cruises all summer long. Check out some of the photos from our 69 cruise! Sorry, that many members were not included in the group photo, we forgot to take a group picture and when we finally did, most members have departed.

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Ship 69 Going Underway https://navyclub.org/2023/07/16/ship-69-going-underway/ Sun, 16 Jul 2023 20:16:20 +0000 https://navyclub.org/?p=220 From time to time, Navy Club Members have an opportunity to "Go Underway" on a cruise along the Lakefront.

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USS Chicago Club Members and fellow Navy Veterans own a charter boat on Lake Michigan. From time to time, Navy Club Members have an opportunity to “Go Underway” on a cruise along the Lakefront, connecting with fellow Club Members and enjoy a day on the sea’s again.

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Navy Club of Chicago gets their charter https://navyclub.org/2023/04/23/navy-club-of-chicago-gets-their-charter/ Sun, 23 Apr 2023 05:15:11 +0000 https://navyclub.org/?p=121 In April of 2023, USS Chicago Ship Number 69 gets their charter.

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National Commandant Ronald Wilson hosted the National Executive Staff Meeting in April at Gurnee Illinois where they also provided an award to Sailors at Great Lakes Naval Station.

Along with the National meeting, there was also a Commissioning of the USS CHICAGO SHIP #69 that place on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Navy Club of Chicago is the first ship in over 23 years that has been commissioned.

The commission process was extremely quick and easy thanks for the support from National. We encourage new ships to open up and continue to grow the Navy Club.

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Ship 69 is Recommissioned https://navyclub.org/2023/03/23/uss-chicago-finds-their-home/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:04:23 +0000 https://navyclub.org/?p=131 A number of Navy Veterans came together to refloat USS Chicago, which has been decommissioned for over 20+ years.

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The Navy Club of Chicago Ship 69 was established somewhere around 1938 and 1942 and was dry-docked (de-commissioned) in the last 1990s or early 2000s. Unfortunately the original charter is lost along with many historical documents along with the original date and members. We do have documents that Ship #69 was commissioned at least before 1942. Charters and other historical items are usually found in someone’s basement or garage and lost for years until someone finds it. We hope in the future someone will find the original charter and reach out to us. This has happened many times in the past and we are hopeful we will receive it as well.

Chicago was home to six Navy Club Ships (Chapters) and had one of the largest memberships but by the early 2000s, all six ships were dry-docked. Below are all the ships prior to 1942.

  • Ship 56 South Shore Chicago
  • Ship 64 North Shore Chicago
  • Ship 69 USS Chicago
  • Ship 78 Robert S. Abbott Chicago
  • Ship 95 USS Raleigh Chicago
  • Ship 155 USS Constitution Chicago

In March of 2023, a number of Navy Veterans came together to refloat USS Chicago, which has been decommissioned for over 20+ years. There are many amazing veteran groups in Chicago but none really dedicated to Navy Veterans. The Navy is extremely unique and has traditions 100s of years old that our members wanted to continue to preserve and celebrate.

Working with the Illinois Squadron we were able to identify 6 ships that was once commissioned in Chicago and USS Chicago Ship 69 was one of them. About a month later, we completed the paperwork, secured our first 15 members and held elections.

Walter Porter from Elgin Ship and also part of Illinois Squadron came to down to Chicago to host our first meeting and help commission each of our officers. The club nominated Leslie Rodriguez for the first commander of USS Chicago. Leslie is a US Navy Seabee Veteran and also the first women to lead a ship in Illinois. Our new home is at the VFW Armed Forces Post at 6940 W Diversey Ave in Chicago. We will host our quarterly social events and meetings there.

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