Who We Are and What We Do
Our History
The Navy League of the United States, founded in 1902 with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt, is a nonprofit civilian, educational and advocacy organization that supports America’s sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine, their people, families, and Navy League-sponsored youth programs. In 1957, a group of 20 World War II and Korean War veterans began laying the groundwork to establish the current Richmond Navy League Council. However, this was not the first Navy League organization in Richmond.
Meet Our Leaders 2026
President: Vaughan F. Dize
Acting Sr. VP: Maria Gallegos
Chaplain: John A. Harler, M.D.
Judge Advocate: Thomas T. Hassell, Jr.
Asst. Judge Advocate: Brian K. Miller
Treasurer: Billy L. Butler
Asst. Treasurer: Robert E. Lusk, Jr.
Editor: William W. McCathern, Jr.
Co-Editor: Nancy G. Butler
Secretary: Carol K. Zembroski
Directors:
Father William Bartz
Dennis A. Biggs
James R. Dageforde, M.D.
Marx (Mike) Eisenman, Jr.
George L. Feitig, Jr.
Philip S. Gahm
David J. Hajek
Patrick D. Harris
Melissa Hill
Thomas Jennings
Joseph M. Kelleher, Jr.
Douglas B. Reed
Gary K. Riffle, Sr.
B. Patterson (Pat) Robson, Jr.
2026 Calendar of Events
January 14: Annual Member and Business Luncheon
March 9: Richmond Council Board of Directors Meeting
March 11: Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Luncheon, Speaker - Debbie Phillips as Rosie the Riveter Impersonator
March 21: Salute to Service at the Virginia War Memorial - 35 Years After Desert Storm
May 9: Picnic at American Legion Post 354 along the James River. Members and guests bring a dish (details pending)
June 3-6: National Convention, Navy League of the United States, Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel (details pending)
June 8: Richmond Council Board of Directors Meeting
June 10: Commander Theodore Ellyson Luncheon, Speaker - Joe Kelleher USMC, RET (details pending)
June 12-22: Sail250® Virginia International Fleet of Tall Ships and Military Ships - Hampton Roads area (details pending)
September 14: Richmond Council Board of Directors Meeting
September 16: Annual Golf Tournament and Fundraiser (details pending)
September 18: Oceana Air Show (details pending)
October 14: Sea Services Luncheon (details pending)
December 7: 85th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor (details pending)
December 14: Richmond Council Board of Directors Meeting