3 April 2008

Dear Fellow Navy Leaguers,

In my January message to all of you, I had no idea that I would be sending another message so soon or that it would be to announce that I am stepping aside as President.  I learned late last month that I was being assigned to a new project within Busch Entertainment Corporation and will be devoting my professional time to helping to design new parks in Dubai.

This new undertaking will require a grat deal of time and travel that would not permit me to carry on effectively as your council president.  The good new is, however, that Chris Paddock agreed to take the reins as president and, in so doing, will ensure that all the activities and initiatives of the Tampa Council will go forward without interruption.  Chris is a retired Navy Captain and currently heads the Defense Acquisition University.  He has served our council as Vice President, and Treasurer, since before I joined the board.  I know he will do a great job as president.

I am grateful to all of our members, and, particularly, the board of directors for your support and encouragement during my term, and I know you will support and encourage Chris.  The official change of command is 1 May 2008, but, as I  will be traveling most of the rest of this month, Chris has already assumed the duties as president.  Please join me in congratulating him and giving him your full support as he leads the council into the future.

Respectfully,
Mike Patrick