I will say up front that I apologize for not posting for about a month. There have been a lot of exciting things keeping us all busy!
In opening, I ask that our supporters and crew keep those members of the IOWA family in their thoughts and prayers that are dealing with challenges, health issues, or loss. We have lost two crewmembers in the past week and it is always difficult to hear the news, but we can't even imagine what their family is going through.
Part of the reason my blog is late is due to my travels to the states of Iowa and Maryland. We had a great visit with our supporters in Iowa and a great board meeting with our fellow museum ships in Annapolis. We are hosting the HNSA conference this year from September 16 to 19th. Please consider attending!
The LAUSD Day of Discovery kicked off the past couple of weeks with great success. Our partnership with the school district is tremendous and we are exposing numerous kids to the IOWA and STEM learning. In addition to this program, they have assisted flawlessly in our partnership with ITEP to do an underwater robotics program. I commend Mike Getscher, Josh Stutz, and the entire education guide team for a job well done.
Our spring break attendance was very good this year and the Easter brunch sold out. Good job to the events team and all volunteers that helped during spring break and the Easter brunch. Your help is what made it successful.
The operations team has been busy as usual on maintenance and restoration. Notice the dress ship painting going on? How about the security shack? The deck preparation? The wood for sale? Or the Iowa Veterans Association space? Thank these team members for their humble participation.
We hosted the families of the Iowa 47 and Veterans from the USS Iowa on April 19, 2015 for the 26th anniversary of that tragic event. It was a touching memorial service and the support by the crew was emotional and embracing. Every year this service brings new meaning and helps define who we are. I personally thank the families and veterans for allowing us to play a small part in remembering their friends and loved ones.
An enormous thank you to our security team, for embracing the change to the parking policy and security shack! The security teams are the unsung heroes in making parking for all volunteers come true. Without their support and participation, we wouldn't be able to bring the parking to fruition. Please thank them when you pick up or drop off your daily parking pass. They deserve it!
We need all of your help to recruit crew members for the summer. It will be busy and exciting. Please call your friends and fellow crewmembers to encourage their participation on the Battleship.
We played host to the Navy Days LA committee this past week and we look forward to supporting the annual Navy visit in August. We hope to have as much fun as we did last year!
What are we doing on the fundraising front? We are raising funds for a few important projects. They include power and accessibility. We are also working on STEM education programming funding to expand and operate the Day of Discovery. If any of this interests you, please email us at development@labattleship.com.
What is coming on the horizon?
-The second deck expansion including the Iowa Veterans Association exhibit.
-Sticks art panel exhibit in the museum.
-Veterans Association visit in August.
-HNSA visit in September.
-Day of Discovery expansion.
I am certain there is much more that I am not aware of. Pat yourselves on the back for the dedication and hard work necessary to pull it off.
In closing, we are eternally grateful for your involvement and participation. I know that sometimes things get rough, but as a family we always pull through. Remember that we are doing an enormous task and are admired by many for our amazing job.
Be safe, have fun, and take care of each other.
