VP Associations,
In recognition of the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA), the 2011 Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Heritage Celebration will be held on-board NAS Jacksonville from 4-6 April, 2011 in conjunction with the annual MPRF Reunion. Heritage events run from Monday-Wednesday and include a Flight Suit Dinner with guest speaker Vice Admiral Myers, Commander Naval Air Forces. Other highlights include a Heritage Fly-in, Heritage Golf Tournament, PBY Monument rededication and more. As we are looking for maximum participation from every era of MPR aviation, the events are open to all current and past MPRF warriors.
Information on the event, as well as, registration, is provided on the CoNA website (www.mprfcona.org).
The website includes information on travel, lodging, base info and a detailed description of each event. There is a $20 registration fee, which includes an official patch and coin designed for the celebration. The event is fully supported by the MPRF and we intend to make it one of the most memorable events to date.
We are reaching out to the reunion groups as our first and most important step in getting full participation for this event. In order to include every individual, any rank, that has ever worked in our community, we are asking for the reunion groups to reach out to their members, as well as post the information on their websites. We are aware the reunion groups are planning their 2011 gathering and hope our event will coincide with it.
During the “heritage dinner,” we will be introducing the inductees into the inaugural “Hall of Honor.” The inaugural MPRF Hall of Honor will set a precedent of honoring the men and women who have helped shape the heritage of our community and/or displayed acts of heroism in and out of combat. Beginning in 2011, these individuals will be honored in conjunction with future Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Reunions.
We are currently looking for nominations to the inaugural MPRF Hall of Honor. These nominations will be gathered via the MPRF Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA) Celebration website (www.mprfcona.org) and judged by a panel of MPRF Flag Officers. Once approved, the 2011 selectees will be presented at the MPRF Heritage Dinner during the CoNA Celebration. The requirements for submission are any members who have made significant contributions which have shaped Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force heritage or displayed acts of heroism during the following eras: WWII, Korea, Vietnam, The Cold War, Post Cold War, and Global War on Terror.
Any suggestions, ideas and assistance would be greatly appreciated, as we plan this first-of-its-kind event. Your help, in particular, in promoting the MPRF Centennial of Naval Aviation Celebration will be the foundation that makes this a historical event. We look forward to working with you.
Very Respectfully,
Rob Wilkerson
LCDR USN
MPRF CoNA Coordinator