​

 

The concept for Friends of Distinction was the brainchild of Larry W. Hunt, a retired US Navy Chief, who in 1988 thought it might be a great idea for several old shipmates to get together and rehash old Sea Stories.  Hunt wrote, called and contacted several old Navy friends and in 1989 the first ‘Reunion’ was held in Cleveland, Ohio and the group was founded.

 

They decided early on that the gathering should be repeated annually and the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend would be a great time to set aside, not only due to the significance of the holiday, but also that the additional time off and the long weekend would provide necessary travel time.

 

The name ‘Friends of Distinction’ was chosen to indicate the level of professionalism of the members and their many distinctive achievements during their service to their country.  Although the original ‘Plank Owners’ were Navy men, the group soon began to attract other members from other services, and it was decided that veterans from all services would be welcome to join.  Today five branches are represented, as are both genders, officers and enlisted.

 

Our members have served, or are serving on active duty, for various lengths of service, some a single enlistment, others retired with more than 20 years service, but all have served honorably.  We represent well over 2,100 years of service to the United States of America.   The logo of

Clasped  Hands represents the camaraderie shared over the years by our members.

 

Over the years the group has grown significantly and now boasts 96 members, who hail from all over the country.  Each year the reunion is held in a different city, to provide variety, and keep it exciting.  Reunions are planned for two years in advance and each year they are always held on Memorial Day Weekend.  Generally, the event includes a Friday evening Reception Meet and Greet, Saturday morning Business Meeting, Saturday evening Dinner/Dance, and a Sunday Afternoon Cook Out or luncheon.

 

The basic By- Laws of the organization are very simple and straight-forward, which has contributed a great deal to the longevity of the group.  After an initial Lifetime Membership Fee of $100.00, there are NO dues or financial obligations of any kind.  Members are not obligated to attend reunions, so they attend at their own discretion.  There are NO meetings other than the one annual meeting at each Reunion.  The Reunion is ALWAYS on Memorial Day Weekend.

 

Potential members must be introduced and sponsored by a current member.  The sponsoring member is expected to have ‘vetted’ the new member, vouched for his/her honorable service, and explained the operation of the organization.  New members are then voted on and inducted at the annual meeting.

 

The group has five elected officers who serve for a term of Two Years – President, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Sgt-At-Arms.  James Griffin, Treasurer and Eric Waters, Secretary, have been ‘elected’ for life, so these offices are no longer elective, until they step down.  Elections are held during the annual meetings that occur every two years and the slate of Officers is changed immediately following the election.  The new slate is introduced to all at the Saturday evening Banquet.