Some 30 years ago the Richmond Council developed the idea of setting aside an evening devoted to honoring those serving in our Country’s Reserve Sea Services, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard Reservists.

This special evening became known as Council’s Annual Honors Night.

Today “Honors Night” has been expanded to recognize the outstanding Cadets selected from both the League and Sea Cadet Corps, Sailors-of-Year serving aboard Council’s adopted ships, Recruiters, Active Duty personnel, as well as Reservists.

During the last week in March, 2007, Council held its Annual Honors Night at the Willow Oaks Country Club, Richmond, Virginia.

Following the “Parading of the Colors” by our Sea Cadets and the invocation by Father Adrian Harmening, Council’s President, Roy Martin, extended a special welcome to guest of honor, Col. Van Barfoot, USA, Ret (Medal of Honor Recipient).

Lt. Brian W. Clark, USCG, Guest Speaker, gave an interesting talk on the activities of today’s Coast Guard and, specifically, Port Security Unit 305 stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Each “honoree” was called to the lectern, accompanied by a sponsor and was congratulated by Colonel Barfoot. Honors Night awards included letters of commendation from the Governor of Virginia, and, from the Council, a plaque and a check.

Of special note at this year’s Honors Night was the presentation of the NAVY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL (NAM) to Petty Officer Nicky V. Ruffin, USN. as all military personnel stood at attention, Council President Roy Martin read PO Ruffin’s Achievement Citation. Col. Barfoot extended his congratulations and pinned the medal on PO Ruffin.

Council was pleased to present Petty Officer Thomas Carbaugh, USN (Sailor-of-the-Year, USS Normandy) with a letter of commendation from the Governor of Virginia.

At the conclusion of the awards presentation, Col. Van Barfoot asked for a moment to make a presentation for himself. The Colonel commented on how much he has appreciated his association with the Richmond Council and presented a beautifully bound book entitled, “MEDAL OF HONOR – Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty”, to Council President Roy Martin.

President Martin expressed thanks to Col. Barfoot for his participation at numerous Council events over the years and made the Colonel an honorary member of the Richmond Council Navy League. On behalf of members of the Richmond Council, Martin extended appreciation to all members of the military for their vital service to our Country and congratulated each of the 2007 Honors Night awardees !