The Florida Chapter of the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA) was established in 1989 in Sanford, Florida. The founding CT’s discussed, and eventually made the decision, that they would try to contact other NCVA members living in Florida to see if there was enough interest in meeting on an annual basis.
The intent in forming the Florida Chapter was to provide a location and annual activities suitable for an evening or two of dining and socializing for NCVA members residing in Florida, but not to conflict with the Gulf Coast Chapter, which was already established in Pensacola, Florida.
The original three Crytpologic veterans were Dana Roach, Al Tounzen, and Hugh Ward. At the time all three of them were Deputy Clerks of the Court of Seminole County, Florida. They discussed the formation of a local unit of the NCVA and brought in two additional veterans, Herb Champion of Tampa, Florida, and Jack Stuchell of Titusville, Florida.
This original handful of members scrapped together enough money to cover the cost of postage so they could mail other Cryptologic veterans in Central Florida an invitation to join. Their vision became to reality, and although the first meetings location was not recorded, it was held in either the American Legion, or the Fleet Reserve club in Sanford, Florida.
The Florida Chapter of the NCVA covers the Sunshine State from Key West north to Tallahassee. West of Tallahassee and the ‘pan-handle’ of Florida is recognized as the boundaries of the Gulf Coast Area Chapter.
The Florida Chapter has continued to grow and become more of a success each and every year. The essence of our whole being is to host an annual get together. During our annual elections, the incoming President agrees to host the next years meeting.
What probably best describes “WHO WE ARE” is the following penned by Bill Cottrill on June 1, 1995; “Many relationships were renewed, some new ones developed, but all-in-all, the spirit and camaraderie we remember so well was very much alive – and that’s what it’s all about. Enjoying the opportunity once again to share our experiences with those who have meant so much to us for a good portion of our adult lives.”
The esprit and camaraderie of belonging to this lively and colorful group deserves to be shared by all who are residing in our part of Florida.