Lake Murray Power Squadron Celebrates
Change of Watch With Weekend of Activities
by P/C Debra Allen, P
With its usual style, the Lake Murray Power Squadron toasted the
hard work of its 2009 Commander Jeff Langlois on 6 November then welcomed new
Commander Andy Hyman, SN, onboard. Lake Murray's own D/Lt/C Eric Pearson, SN, was on hand to
give Andy the oath of office, while D/Lt/C Ed Kridler, SN, swore in the bridge
officers and members-at-large.
"I am most honored and thankful for the privilege to serve as
your commander," Andy told squadron members gathered at Saluda Shoals
Conference Center. "It is a most humbling experience to
follow in the footsteps of many of my respected friends and mentors, who have
created such a truly great organization. To you, I thank you for your
leadership, your encouragement and your support.
"District 26 is comprised of many great squadrons. Among the
best, is our very own Lake Murray Power Squadron. We lead the district in many
categories! I was asked during a recent District Leadership Conference, what
makes us different? My reply was simple: It is our membership!
"My predecessors have performed an outstanding job managing our
organization," Andy continued. "However, Our Future is Now, and we must
continue to build upon the foundation we have and prepare for that future. We
don’t need to rebuild or remodel our squadron. I suggest to you, though, that we
need to redecorate it. We must redecorate to meet the challenges we will face
tomorrow.
"I ask you to support me and let’s provide responsible financial
management, growth in membership, education and involvement of all members, and
development of a long-term plan for the expansion of Flotilla Island.
"For my Bridge, I look forward to working with you over the next
year. Most of us have already served together so it’s really nothing new. I want
you to know that we are only limited by the constraints we place on ourselves
and the limitations we allow to control us," said Lake Murray's new commander.
"Our Future is Now; and from my perspective, we have no limits. I challenge you
to join me and reach high to put our membership and our future, first, in
everything we do."
Another highlight of the evening was a roast of P/C Jeff Langlois
and presentation of a special "Shoeless Commander" award to him along with the coveted past commander's flag
and a plaque recognizing Jeff's service to the squadron.
The view the COW activities, the after party at Flotilla Island,
and the last and first cruise of the command year, click on the thumbnails below
to open a larger view slide show. A copy of Cdr
Hyman's complete remarks are available here in PDF.
