Eclipse Magazine - Produced by NABVETS Winter 2014 | Page 17

The ship set sail in the harbor, and with the
beautiful New York skyline as the backdrop, guest
NABVETS new National Commander Richard S. Kornegay presents a plaque to NABVETS Founder/Past National Commander
dressed in classic formal or chic evening attire
BG (Ret.) Robert Cocroft honoring his lifetime of service to Veterans through his exemplary leadership of NABVETS.
were treated to a spectacular sunset with cocktails
and live jazz music. A plated dinner was served
in the soaring atrium ballroom, and each table was adorned with
golden floral centerpieces and black and gold accents. A whimsical
“Candyland” dessert buffet featured old-school candies artfully
arranged in vases and jars, as well as cake pops and festivelydecorated cupcakes. The fun continued with a DJ and dancing on
the mirrored ballroom floor under crystal chandeliers. In the spirit
of unity that characterized the weekend, many guests reached out
to make new acquaintances and re-connected with old friends
in the bar and on the observation deck throughout the evening.
Participants also received a journal commemorating the convention.
Emeritus Board Member and Co-Founder William Sims addressed
the gathering and emphasized the importance of serving every
veteran in need, saying that “they protect others’ interests overseas,
and shouldn’t have their interests overlooked at home.” General
Cocroft concurred, “The vast majority of veterans come home and
get on with their lives after serving. They get married, go to school,
find employment… But there are a few that, for whatever reason, the
war experience has changed forever, and it’s up to us—a grateful
nation,