As an Air Force Academy graduate and career Air Force officer, I’ve always appreciated the contributions of “my” service to our nation’s security; however, I tended to take the Navy for granted—or even view it as a rival. In the mid-1990s, while serving as Deputy Director, Plans and Policy, at U.S. Pacific Command, a predominantly naval-focused organization, I started reading Proceedings. Interactions with my Navy and Marine Corps comrades and the thoughtful, informative articles in Proceedings helped me to better recognize the contributions of the Sea Services to national security. I became a Naval Institute member and found that—both as an active-duty officer and, later, as a consultant on national security matters—I frequently turned to the Institute for credible and useful information.
Now, with many years of membership under my belt, I absolutely recommend the Naval Institute—not just to young people who aspire to a career in the Navy but, more important, to those from any armed service. To truly be a military professional, one should maintain an awareness of the issues of greatest importance to all the services and thus to the nation. Understanding what those issues are, what factors bear on them, and why they are important is crucial to the profession of arms. To me, calling one’s self a “professional” implies accepting certain requirements, including, at minimum, responsibility, accountability, relevant knowledge, and a moral code of conduct. The Naval Institute fosters all these traits.
Beyond that, with fewer people today having firsthand military experience, it’s essential for the American public to be more educated on the key role of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (as well as the Merchant Marine!) in defending the nation and deterring hostile actions. The Naval Institute provides a crucial service to the nation by credibly and effectively articulating these roles. If a citizen does not serve in the armed forces, I believe he or she has an even greater obligation to keep informed about what is required to “provide for the common defense,” as our Constitution states. A person should know what their taxes go for and why these expenses are proper and justified. The Naval Institute is instrumental in answering those questions, and doing so in a balanced manner.
Because my resources are limited, I try to make charitable contributions only to those organizations that meet three basic criteria: (1) they serve an important function and do so effectively; (2) they operate efficiently, making the most use of contributed dollars; and (3) their goals resonate with my own. The Naval Institute meets all three of these objectives. Supporting our Sea Services is important to me because it is important to our nation. It also is important that our Sailors and Marines know their continual sacrifices are appreciated by the citizens (like me) they protect.
Welcome, Wendy Taylor!
We are delighted to announce that Wendy Taylor has joined the Naval Institute Foundation staff as a gift officer. Wendy will be on the road and is looking forward to meeting our members across the country.
Wendy has an extensive fundraising background, concentrating on major gifts. She comes to us from Reading Is Fundamental, where she served as director of fundraising. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California in art history and a graduate degree in museum education from George Washington University.
A volunteer for several organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, Wendy has a deep interest in military history. A member of her family has served our country in uniform since its formation. Her son, Sanford, served in the Air Force. She also has a daughter, Emily. Wendy can be reached at (410) 295-1087 and at [email protected].