Eclipse Magazine - Produced by NABVETS Winter 2014 | Page 8

Richard S. Kornegay

Introducing NABVETS National Commander

by Tonya Crew

NABVETS’ 2014 Biennial Convention may be over, but the

But every good Commander knows he’s only as strong as

sense of energy and unity of purpose it generated is certainly

his team, and Kornegay is quick to express his gratitude to

still alive with members who attended the Brooklyn event.

a few of the exceptional folks he’s worked with thus far. First

Much of that energy and excitement is due to the election of a

on the list is his wonderful wife Margaret Kornegay, for her

new National Commander—former National Vice Commander

unwavering support throughout the years. The Commander

Richard S. Kornegay. The major change in command was

acknowledged Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Kaingsberry, Mary

ushered in with founder and first National Commander

Elliott, Jimmy Kirby, Barry Moore and Katherine Williams

Brigadier General (Ret.) Robert Cocroft’s announcement

for their assistance with Chapter development across North

that he would not seek re-election, and instead preferred

Carolina and Regions V and VIII. Commander Kornegay

to foster younger leadership. With the sun now setting on

credits the spectacular work and success of the North

Cocroft’s successful tenure, the new Commander knows

Carolina Chapters to the exceptional chapter development

his predecessor has set the bar very high. Kornegay,

and recruitment efforts of these and others.

with more than 20 years of active duty, including three
tours in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, is

Commander Kornegay is eager

ready for action and more than up to the challenge.

to build on the organization’s
exceptional growth

In addition to having seen some of the most intense close

nationwide. In 2012,

combat in Vietnam, Kornegay comes to his new role

NABVETS listed 85

with a strong background in organization building. The

Chapters on its roster.

former drill sergeant completed his military career as

Now, in 2014, the

the Operations/Liaison Sergeant for Directorate Plans

current number of

& Training, responsible for all logistical support and

active Chapters

instruction for the ROTC, ARNG and US Army Reserve

has grown to 108

Units that received training at Fort Jackson, SC. More

and counting. When

recently, he helmed the Opportunities Industrialization

asked about the vibrant

Center in Kinston, NC, and served as Regional Director of

growth in membership,

Capital Choice Financial Services. But it’s his continued

Commander Kornegay touts

service to NABVETS that is a testament to both his

skilled recruiting efforts and

commitment and his ability to promote our organization.

chapter development
as the keys to

Along with his previous role as National Vice Commander,
Kornegay has served our veterans as Commander of
NABVETS Fayetteville, North Carolina Chapter #0014. Since
2005, when Shirley McDougal, the first State Commander
and a retired Vietnam Veteran herself, began building
the North Carolina arm of NABVETS, the NC contingent
has blossomed. Under the leadership of Commander
Kornegay (2007-2014), Chapter #0014 has grown to
include 43 members, 13 Chapters and is the home of
the only Marine Chapter in the country. Because of his
work with NABVETS and his dedication to our veterans,
Kornegay was honored in 2012 as a recipient of President
Obama’s Whitehouse Champion for Change award.