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Commandant’s Desk

Greetings Shipmates,

S

easons change and so do the faces as we welcomed the Regi-

mental Class of 2020 to our ranks. On October 8, they accepted

the challenge to be a part of something bigger than themselves

and took the Oath of Midshipmen. This group of 183 new 4/C, who

represent nearly every major offered, have begun to take part in all

aspects of regimental life.

They are being taught that to be a shipmate means something more

than simply going to class with a group of people. Leadership begins

with responsibility to others.

Eight short months ago, I wrote about several initiatives the

Regiment of Midshipmen had undertaken in support of shipmates,

past and present. Today, I am proud to report on the success of these

initiatives. In October, 2/C Elizabeth Bailey and 1/C David Harrison

led our inaugural “Relay for Life” event at MMA to raise money for

the American Cancer Society. In true MMA fashion, the size of our

academy was irrelevant in determining our impact, as we raised more

than $2,100. In my discussions with the American Cancer Society,

they informed me on a per capita basis, we out-earned other colleges

in the area by more than 300 percent.

In addition to this external philanthropy, the midshipmen have

raised more than $3,000 toward their endowment goal for the Reg-

imental Scholarship Fund established by the “Wedge” or regimental

student leadership. This scholarship is administered by the Regimental

Commander and Wedge and awarded to a 3/C or 2/C midshipman

based on financial need, academic achievement and strength of char-

acter. Fundraising continued for this scholarship initiative through the

“No-Shave November” program. As of this writing, we have already

raised an additional $2,000 toward the endowment.

Until next time,

Shipmates and a Culture

of Philanthropy

Commandant

CAPT. NATHAN GANDY ’92

The Trustees of the

Sailors' Snug Harbor

(SSH) in the City of New York

SSH is an operating foundation dedicated

to assisting retired mariners wherever

they live, who need financial assistance

and meet the eligibility criteria. More than

16,500 mariners have been assisted since

its inception in the early nineteenth century.

Mariners must meet the following criteria to

be eligible:

• 2555 days of deep sea time, at least
  five years on U.S. flagged ships or 14
  years working on inland rivers


• 65 years of age or older or on disability


• (Some exceptions may be made)


• Proven need for financial assistance


• An individual with $50,000 or more
  in assets will not be eligible (primary
  residence excluded)


• All public benefits available to a mariner
  must be accessed, if eligible, before
  any subsidy from SSH is approved. For
  example, VA benefits, Medicaid, food
  stamps, etc.).

Learn more about SSH and its benefits:

The Trustees of the Sailors’ Snug Harbor

40 Exchange Place, Suite 1701

New York, NY 10005

1-888-257-5456

[email protected]

http://www.thesailorssnugharbor.org