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The life of Carl "Maxie" Brashear was immortalized in the movie "Men of Honor" which starred Cuba Gooding, Jr. to assist people to better understand the man himself as he continues to be recognized for not only his spirit and drive to achieve his dreams but also as a humble man who wanted to serve his country and make a difference. Though Carl passed in July 2006, the tributes to him continue.
This page serves as landing point for you to reference the different events being done to remember Carl and the attributes he stood for in life.
Men of Honor Screening   On February 10, 2012, the Pentagon in Washington D.C. honored the late Master Chief and Master Diver Carl Brashear with a movie viewing of 'Men of Honor' in the Pentagon auditorium. The announcement was sent to all military and government employees in the Pentagon and surrounding areas. There was also an informative session before the movie. The presentation was given by retired Navy Diver CWO4 Les Burke and Carl Brashear's son, Army Helicopter pilot CW4 Phillip Brashear. CWO4 Burke described his personal relationship with the late Master Chief and the influence it had on his life. In addition, he noted the many changes to the diving equipment since the early days of Navy diving. CW4 Phillip Brashear also acknowledged the personal relationship he had with his father and the part it played in his life. Phillip acknowledged that he followed in the footsteps of the 'Tuskegee Airmen' in his dream of flying military aircraft. Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Juan Garcia presented Phillip Brashear with a letter of appreciation. Story at Navy.mil News Enterprise Story |
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Carl Brashear's Life Celebration  On July 25th, 2011 the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story Brashear Conference Center held a 'Life Celebration' of Navy Master Diver Boatswain Mate Master Chief Carl M. Brashear. Captain Charles Stuppard, Commander, JEB Little Creek-Ft Story, and his fine staff hosted this event in extraordinary fashion. Serving as the keynote speaker of the event was the Honorable L. Douglas Wilder, former Governor of the State of Virginia and the first elected African-American Governor in the United States. Additional speakers included Admiral John C. Harvey, Jr. Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command, Rear Admiral Frank A. Morneau, Deputy Director, Expeditionary Warfare Division, Office of Chief of Naval Operations, and Navy Master Diver, Master Chief J. Lemount King, USN Retired. Mr. James McArthur, Vice Admiral, USN Retired, Vice President, Lockheed Martin Center for Innovation in Suffolk, Virginia was a strong supporter of sponsorship for the evetn also provided remarks. Serving as the Mistress of Ceremonies was WTKR Channel 3 Hampton Roads' own Mrs. Bianca Martinez. The ceremony started with opening remarks from Mrs. Bianca Martinez who shared the story of the birth of her child in the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center where Carl Brashear passed away in 2006. Sailors from the base 'Posted the Colors' as Veroncia Watson, USN Retired. sung a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem. Minister Carl Jones of Portsmouth, Virginia gave the Invocation before Captain Charles Stuppard welcomed everyone to his base for this memorable and historic event. Master Tyler Brashear, grandson of Carl Brashear read an inspirational poem titled "A True Man of Honor" featured on the Carl Brashear Foundation website and authored by Minister Carl Jones. A short video was presented to the audience of the Newport News Fireboat Carl Brashear. Mr. J. Lemount King gave remarks concerning the legacy of Carl Brashear from his experience having Brashear as a personal mentor and friend. Mr. King is one of five African-American Master Divers in the United States Navy. Rear Admiral Morneau gave remarks concerning the legacy of Carl Brashear. The audience was introduced to a short clip of the christening ceremony for the United States Naval Ship Carl Brashear, a vessel under the control of the Military Sealift Command. The Honorable L. Douglas Wilder took the stage and talked about his personal relationship with Carl Brashear. He and Brashear were honored at a function a few years ago and Governor Wilder spoke of their conversations. Governor Wilder told the audience that both he and Carl Brashear knew each other's story and the fortitude it took for each man to rise to the level of achievement they both accomplished. He also spoke passionately about the importance of never forgetting the principles Carl Brashear stood for and the attitude towards life he lived by. Phillip Brashear followed with presentations to the speakers, which included a Commemorative Carl Brashear Coin and Carl Brashear Foundation 'Thank You' letter. Phillip presented the Hampton Veterans Administration Hospital in Hampton, VA a check from the Carl Brashear Foundation in the amount of, $1000. The check was accepted by Mrs. Judith Curtis on behalf of the VA Hospital. Phillip acknowledged family members to include his brother Patrick Brashear, Portsmouth, VA., who personally takes care of the family matriarch in the person of Junetta Brashear, wife of Carl Brashear for 28 years and mother of his four sons. Reverend Earl B. Hall, Pastor, Greater Nazarene Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA and congregation were acknowledged. He also acknowledged Mr. Gus Liggon, Customer Operations Director, Defense Logistics Agency in Richmond, VA, as well as other colleagues who supported the event. Lastly, he acknowledged three key individuals, responsible for the commemorative event and planned the details of the ceremony. They are Mrs. Sandra Brashear, wife of Phillip Brashear and Virginia State employee, Division of Child Support Enforcement, Richmond, VA; Mrs. Glenda B. Arrington, a government employee, U. S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, VA and friend of Carl Brashear, and; Mrs. Martha Walker, Curator, Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, Norfolk, VA. All three were honored with a dozen roses as gratitude for their service and making this event a memorable one. Mr. Jim McArthur followed with remarks of his introduction to Phillip and told the audience of his instant readiness to support the Carl Brashear celebration. Mr. Dawayne Brashear provided closing remarks highlighting the legacy of Carl Brashear (his father) and the importance of continuing in his footsteps. He especially accentuated the importance of his mother, Junetta Brashear, and her commitment to raising the sons of Carl Brashear acknowledging her sacrifices to her family as well. In the audience was Dawayne's daughter, Ms. Lauren Brashear, who served as the 'Maid of Honor' for the christening ceremony of the USNS Carl Brashear (TAK-7) in San Diego, September 2008. Minister Carl Jones closed-out the celebration with the benediction. The event was catered at the Brashear Conference Center through sponsorship of the Lockheed Martin Corporation. Many thanks to Mr. James McArthur, Vice President and the great men and women of the Center for Innovation in Suffolk, VA. for their support. Many thanks to The Navy League of Hampton Roads and the staff of the Brashear Conference Center, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story who were instrumental in the success of the event. Special thanks to Mrs. Jo Carter and Mrs. Kris Edmondson for managing the Commemorative Coin donations of over $1400 in honor of the Carl Brashear Foundation. This celebration was the brainstorm idea of Ms. Glenda Arrington who served as the coordinator and director. The success of this event is due to her attention to detail and energetic spirit in all matters that lead to the awesome event to honor such a great man. There are countless other volunteers that gave their time and efforts to make this first-time event successful. I want to personally THANK YOU for your contribution. Facebook image gallery Click here for the Program External LinksUS Fleet Forces BlogWAVY Another View Radio Navy.mil WVEC WTKR Yudu.com |
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| African-American Heritage Parade (The following is an excerpt from the official Newark, New Jersey Press Release) Newark, NJ – May 24, 2009 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, Governor Jon. S. Corzine, African-American Heritage Parade Committee Chairman Donald Bernard, Honorary Grand Marshals Reverend Levin B. West and Pastor Dolores A. Watson and other city, county and state dignitaries led the 43rd Annual African American Heritage Statewide Parade up Broad Street from Lincoln Park to Military Park today in New Jersey’s largest celebration of African American heritage. Governor Corzine emphasized how important it is to pay tribute to our state’s African American Heritage and said, “I am so proud to be Governor of a state which is so rich in diversity. We have so much to be proud of and as a country we are still celebrating the fact that our first African American President Barack Obama is in the White House. Yesterday President Obama announced his plans to nominate former space shuttle commander and Retired Marine Corps.General Charles F. Bolden as the first African American Administrator of NASA.” "Thanks to the leadership and determination of Donald Bernard, Sr. we are all gathered here today to honor our ancestors and remember the people who bled and sacrificed in order for us to enjoy the privileges we currently have,” said Mayor Booker. “Newark is a special city which goes back before the founding of our nation and many of Newark’s natives such as Master Chief Carl Brashear, Sarah Vaughn, and Paul Robeson stand out in history because of their extraordinary lives and the struggles they overcame to break the odds and move our country forward.” After receiving a proclamation from Mayor Booker, Donald Bernard, Sr., who is now serving his 17th year as Chairman of the African American Heritage Parade and Festival committee said, “This profound annual gathering restores and instills culture, history and pride in the African American community through education and entertainment. It is with this in mind that we celebrate this year’s parade and festival under the theme ‘Communal Spirit, Love and Respect and Soul Connection’ because our committee understands that as we pay homage to our African past that we are fostering the antidote to this crisis in our community which motivates acts of violence and lack of unity.” This year’s parade honored the late US Navy Master Chief Carl M. Brashear, who overcame both racial prejudice and the amputation of his left leg to become the first African-American master diver in Navy history, winning a dozen medals in his 31-year Navy career. Master Chief Brashear’s life became the subject of the Cuba Gooding Jr.-Robert De Niro movie “Men of Honor.” The late Master Chief Brashear was a Newark native and was represented by his family who marched in the parade, led by his two sons DaWayne and Phillip Brashear and his granddaughter, Lauren Brashear, who is a Newark Municipal Court employee. Mayor Booker also presented a city proclamation to the family of Master Chief Carl Brashear and said, “The life of Master Chief Brashear should be an inspiration to us all and stands as an example for Americans of all generations because it speaks to the power of the human spirit.” U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Phillip Brashear acknowledged that he was inspired by his father and the Tuskegee Airmen to follow his career as a military helicopter pilot, “It’s wonderful to know that my father left such a legacy that people still remember him three years after his death and still honor him for the life that he lived. I never knew my father had such an impact on people until the movie came out and it’s a tribute to our American society that we honor those who have paved the way for the lives that we are able to live today.” DaWayne Brashear said, “My father always wanted us to do better than he did. His diving helped him to support the family but he encouraged us to go to college and get an education because when he entered the Navy he only had a 7th grade education. My father’s great advice for us when we were growing up was “Don’t let anybody steal your dream.” Master Chief Brashear’s granddaughter Lauren Brashear is part of a select society that can christen naval vessels and serves as an adviser to the Master Chief Carl M. Brashear Foundation which hopes to bring the new interactive exhibit “To Dream to Dive” which chronicles the entire life of Carl Brashear to Newark sometime later this year. The Honorary Grand Marshals were Reverend Levin B.West, Sr., Pastor of Grace Reformed Baptist Church and Pastor Dolores A. Watson of the First Congregational Christian Church for their many outstanding career achievements, and for his continuous, numerous contributions to the community. Parade Grand Marshall’s for 2009 are both selected by the AAHPC for their noteworthy and significant commitment to educational excellence for youth in the Newark community and abroad. Highlights of the 43rd Annual African-American Heritage Parade can be seen on the City of Newark’s Municipal Government Television Station Channel 78. Please check program listings for broadcast times or call the Newark Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311. Click here for a gallery of parade images | |
| The Brashear Conference Center On April 1, 2009, the Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base located in Virginia Beach, Va. opened their newest conference center. The building formerly known as the Chief Petty Officer's Club, endured a complete $880,000 renovation and was named the Brashear Conference Center in honor of the late Master Chief and Master Diver Carl Brashear. The new conference center boasts a large ballroom with seating up to 500 and a Room of Honor with seating up to 130. The Commanding Officer of Little Creek, Captain William Crow was present to dedicate the building in style. During his address to the crowd of over 200 sailors and civilians, he commented on what he and Master Chief Carl Brashear had in common; the were both native Kentuckians from sharecroppers families. Phillip was given the opportunity to address the crowd on what the new honor meant to him and his family. Also present were Phillip's wife Sandy, her uncle Randy Pritchett and his wife Grace, Minister Carl Jones, and family friend Jean Jeffrey. A special guest of honor was present, Retired Master Chief and Master Diver K. Lemount King, who also addressed the crowd. Also in the crowd was a modest guest of honor, Retired Master Chief and Master Diver Mike Washington. Both of these men were long-time friends and students of Carl Brashear. During the ceremony, an official plague was unveiled that will be placed in the front of the center for all to see. After the formal festivities were over, many stayed and greeted the family and presented their well-wishes. The ceremony coincided with the 116th birthday of the rank of Chief in the Navy and the 30th anniversary of the retirement of Carl Brashear which was also held at Little Creek AMPHIB Base. Little Creek was home to Carl Brashear after he retired from the Navy and he was a regular at the base’s facilities ranging from Boone Clinic, the commissary, the Navy Exchange, the diving units, and the gym. The Chapel at Little Creek and Chief’s Club hosted and catered the funeral for Carl Brashear when he passed in July 2006. The Little Creek Amphibious Base will always be an honored site for the Brashear Family. Little Creek was the first home for the Brashear family in 1965 when Carl and wife Junetta moved into base housing. | |
| Warrior Transition Battalion – Ft Knox, Kentucky The Warrior Transition Battalion Unit Ministry Team headed by Chaplain (MAJ) Jim Boyle and SGT Anita Ellerbe welcomed Phillip Brashear to Ft Knox Kentucky March 18, 2009. Phillip arrived at Ft Knox around 2pm on March 18th and hit the ground running with Chaplain Boyle visiting soldiers in the Ireland Army Community Hospital, the Warrior Transition Battalion, the 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment Bible Study group (at the O'Neil Chapel) and eventually addressing the Soldiers and family of the graduating class of new Armored Cavalry Scouts, (Bravo Troop, 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry) at the Leader's Club during their evening celebration. The next day included another trip to the WTB meeting and motivating soldiers during the morning Office call was held between Phillip and CSM Randy Bottoms until it was time for the first formal activity of the trip. Philip attended the graduation of B Troop 5-15th Blackjacks. At noon, the Warrior Transition Battalion held a Prayer Luncheon at the Ft Knox Leader's Club where Phillip was the main keynote speaker for the event. On hand were two of Phillip's Kentucky cousins in the persons of Farley (Red) Brashear and Lawrence Wade. Chaplain Boyle made comment to the crowd on hand that Farley is set to return to the Army on active-duty. During Phillip's keynote address, he reflected on his famous father, Carl Brashear and his own distinguished career as an Army helicopter pilot. WTB Commanding Officer, LTC Gary Travis spoke after Phillip's comments and echoed the need for unity in these tough times in America. After the luncheon, Phillip was given the ability to address a large crowd of active–duty soldiers at the Ft Knox Wayburn Theater for a Leadership seminar conference. Phillip presented a well-received slideshow of his father's legacy and Phillip's time in Iraq. The major significance of this trip was the fact that Ft Knox, Kentucky (Hardin County) is extremely close to the site where Phillip’s parents, Carl and Junetta Brashear were born and raised. The Ft Knox community was well aware of this fact and it made the whole trip more special for the soldiers and Phillip. Chaplain Boyle and SGT Ellerbe accommodated Phillip with such kindness and even acquired quarters for him at the legendary Henry House during his stay. Mrs. Boyle even brought snacks foods to the house for Phillip to enjoy. With all of that being said, it was the soldiers that were the main focus of this trip. The WTB is set up for the health and welfare of soldiers going through change in their life because of pre-deployment or post-deployment trauma. These are the true heroes that Americans should focus on. Carl Brashear is a true American hero but he does have plenty of company within our current military force. | |
 Farley Brashear, Chaplain Boyle, Phillip Brashear, and Lawrence Wade |
 Phillip Brashear and SGT Anita Ellerbe |
| The Wade Center Phillip Brashear visited the Wade Center in Bluefield, W. Virginia on February 24, 2009. The Wade Center is an excellent community outreach facility dedicated to the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental development of the Greater Bluefield area children, teens, and young adults. As an honor to Black History Month, Phillip was invited to speak to the center about his life and the legacy of his famous Navy father, Carl Brashear. Dozens of kids were in attendance as Phillip talked about flying helicopters, being in Iraq, and the importance of an education. The movie ‘Men of Honor was shown to the group and the kids enjoyed a robust question and answer period that Phillip provided after the viewing. It was amazing how many types of questions were brought up by the crowd. The kids at the center were keenly aware of the movie that they were exposed to and their understanding of Carl Brashear struggles was evident. Susan Young, who is on the Board of Directors for the Wade Center donated her time and efforts to outfit everyone with a memorial Carl Brashear T-shirt with Carl’s favorite slogan, “It’s not a sin to get knocked down, it’s a sin to stay down”. Everyone wore their shirt with pride and even wore them to school the next day. Susan Young is a Graphic Designer with the Visual Energy Group. Phillip met Susan at a Bluefield College Fundraising event in Nov 2008. The evening ended around 8pm and was deemed as a fantastic interesting, and stimulating success. Brian Checcio (Executive Director), Vicki Mahood (Program Director), Bill Whitt (Media Director), and the rest of the Wade Center staff were on hand and pleased at the program’s successful turnout. These are a great group of Americans caring for our nation’s most precious resource, our children. www.wadecenter.com | |
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| Eaton Corporation Site Visit On November 21st, 2008, the Eaton Corporation in Warwick, Rhode Island extended a warm welcome to Phillip and Sandra Brashear. The Warwick Plant, which is an industry leader in the production of aerospace engine components and seals allowed Phillip to address the employees on site. Plant manager Marvin Pelser and assistant manager Peter Bennett took turns introducing Phillip to the individual groups in the site’s conference room. Phillip showed a slide presentation of his deployment to Iraq along with giving the crowd a personal history lesson on the life of his famous military father, Carl Brashear. The presentation concluded with pictures of the dedication and launch of the United States Naval Ship Carl Brashear that occurred on September 18, 2008. Question and answer periods followed each of the four sessions Phillip gave throughout the day. Eaton employee Dawn Lodge was the event coordinator and held a fabulous luncheon for Phillip with the work leaders of the Warwick plant. Many thanks to the Eaton Corporation! | |
| The Earl Hall Show Phillip Brashear was a special guest on the Earl Hall Show on Thursday, November 6, 2008. The last hour of the two-hour program was centered on the life of deceased Master Chief and Master Diver Carl Brashear. Earl Hall asked Phillip about his relationship with his famous father and other comprehensive questions dedicated to expose the real man behind the movie “Men of Honor” from a son’s perspective. The lively conversation was highlighted by new facts about Carl Brashear not previously known by the general public. Earl Hall is the son of Pastor Earl Hall Sr., the congregational leader of the Greater Nazarene Baptist Church located in Mechanicsville, Virginia, (of which Phillip and his family are members). Earl Hall Jr. met Carl Brashear in person a few years ago while visiting his father’s church. The Earl Hall Show is an online web-based talk program based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that provides meaningful conversation on today’s relevant topics ranging from politics to personal relationships based on a Christian’s point of view. | |
| Eaton Corporation Employee Celebration On October 10th, 2008, the Eaton Corporation in Jackson, Michigan literally rolled out the ‘Red Carpet’ for Phillip and his wife Sandy. The Eaton Corporation held an Employee Celebration Day that included an outdoor cookout, free ball caps, and a congratulatory speech from the Vice president and General Manager Andy Weeks. The plant has been under extreme pressure to produce many of the items used by our military, especially on Army Blackhawk helicopters. It was Mr. Weeks’ intent to honor his employees and allow them to hear from a direct consumer of their efforts. Phillip received a standing ovation before and after his presentation that included a slideshow of his time in Iraq (flying Blackhawks) and his famous military father, Master Chief and Master Diver Carl Brashear. As a special bonus, the plant celebrated the recent ship christening, the USNS Carl Brashear by ordering ball caps for all employees that displayed their pride in this great achievement. Over one thousand employees from two work-shifts and a local newspaper were present to witness the event. The whole affair was the idea of Eaton Employee Lori Barnett who coordinated the entire event and hosted the Brashears during the weekend. Many thanks to the Eaton Corporation! | |
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| 110th Hospital Corps Birthday Ball The Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (Virginia) held its 110th Hospital Corps Birthday Ball on June 21, 2008. This grand event was held at the Marriott Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. The guest keynote speaker was Retired Chief Petty Officer Harry Penny, who served as a Navy Corpsman during his career. During the ceremony, many fallen Navy Corpsman were honored. In April 2006, while Phillip was deployed to Iraq as an Army helicopter pilot, he personally retrieved the body of one of them on a special mission. As a special tribute, Phillip Brashear was given a few moments to reflect how the center played a significant part in his life and even more in his father’s. Carl Brashear had several operations and had to undergo intense physical therapy at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital after his incredible accident in the year 1966. He died in the same hospital 40 years later! The center honored Carl Brashear’s achievements with a framed aerial picture of the center and a decorative oar that will be donated to the upcoming USNS Carl Brashear. | |
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| National Society of Black Engineers – 34th Annual National Convention March 19th-23rd The Carl Brashear Foundation was on site in Orlando, Florida during the 34th Annual National Convention of the National Society of Black Engineers in March 2008. By way of a special invitation of the United States Navy, Phillip Brashear was on hand to display vintage photos and video footage of his father to thousands of convention participants. Inside the convention halls, the name and legacy of Carl Brashear echoed the values of diversity that the US Navy was sharing with the thousands of college, high and middle school students that were in attendance. In the adjacent parking lot outside the center, onlookers marveled at the Navy dive team underwater tank setup. A few of the NSBE's high ranking members, including NSBE National Chair Darryl A. Dickerson and NSBE Executive Director Carl B. Mack, dared to join the divers in the underwater environment. NSBE was successful again in their ability to bring many Fortune 500 companies, national associations, and high-level government agencies together to offer opportunities to the crowds of top-notch minority students. | |
 Phil with Admiral Williams and NSBE Director Carl Mack in the tank (between them) with a Navy safety diver. |
 Phil with LT D.J. Holmes who was key in bringing the Carl Brashear legacy to the NSBE Convention. |
| Black History Month Celebration – Bureau of Naval Medicine The Bureau of Naval Medicine celebrated Black History Month on February 19, 2008, with an observance in Washington, D.C. On hand as the keynote speakers were Vice Admiral Adam M. Robinson, Jr., and CW4 Phillip Brashear. Vice Admiral Robinson spoke about his life experiences and the importance of “staying grounded” in achieving your goals. Phillip gave insight to the type of father Carl Brashear was, and the influence his dad had on him in reaching his goals. Afterwards, many had the opportunity to ask Phillip questions ranging from the movie, “Men of Honor”, to key tips of advice left to Phillip by his dad. |
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| The Black History Showcase – Pennsylvania Convention Center February 16 and 17, 2008, marked the fifth annual Black History Showcase at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia. Dawayne and Phillip had a wonderful display of their father, the late Master Chief and Master Diver Carl M. Brashear. Historic pictures, video clips, and even an authentic diver’s helmet awed the spectators as they viewed the display area. Information was also on display about the newly created foundation and the goals it will try to achieve. Everett Staten, Founder of the event, met Phillip Brashear during the event in 2007. Phillip was just returning from duty in Iraq and was out-processing at nearby Fort Dix in New Jersey. Upon their meeting and follow-on conversation, the offer was extended by Mr. Staten to have Carl Brashear added to the showcase. | |
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| Patriot Guard Riders in Hampton Roads, VA: Special Mission - Tribute to Carl Brashear In honor of the life of Carl Brashear, the Patriot Guard Riders would like to present the Brashear Family and Estate a Patriot Guard Riders Honor Plaque. Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Phillip Brashear, USANG, will be on hand to accept the plaque as well as deliver present a United States Flag that was flown with Phillip while serving with the ARNG in Iraq. |
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American Association of Community Colleges April 14-17, 2007 - 87th Annual Convention, Tampa Florida On April 16th, 2007, Master Chief Boatswain's Mate, Master Diver Carl Brashear was honored as an outstanding alumni of the American Association of Community Colleges at the Waterside Marriott ballroom during the Gala Dinner in Tampa, Florida. Brashear was nominated for this award by both Tidewater Community College of Virginia and the College of Southern Maryland. This was the first time an outstanding alumnus was nominated by two different schools at the same time. Receiving the honors on the behalf of their famous father was two of his sons, Dawayne and Phillip. Phillip, who just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq a month prior to the Gala activities, also has academic ties to Tidewater Community College in Virginia. |
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| For more information visit: www.aacc.nche.edu | |
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The National Great Blacks In Wax: Building a Legacy Reception On September 19th, 2007, at Morgan State University, a ceremony was held to announce a major expansion effort being undertaken by The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum in Baltimore, MD. During the ceremony, Dr. Joanne M. Martin, Co-Founder of The National Great Blacks In Wax, announced that as a part of their expansion a robust display will be constructed for Carl Brashear to ensure that his legacy of courage can live on for many years and generations to come. The National Great Blacks In Wax will have a profound impact on the East North Avenue corridor in Baltimore, as through this expansion initiative effort will be spent on a beautification and physical renewal of the Oliver Community. This area will serve as a site of inspiration to the city as the key African-American icons in history are on display to inspire all visitors to believe in the possibilities of a better tomorrow. The Brashear Estate is proud to partner with The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum and look forward celebrating the opening of the expansion with the unveiling of the Carl Brashear display. Stay tuned for updates and start planning your visit as you will not want to miss this event. |
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Dr. Jo Ann Martin of the Great Blacks in Wax addresses the crowd about her dream for a Carl Brashear display in the museum. |
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14th Annual Khaki Ball - Groton Area Chief Petty Officer Association
September 29, 2007 - Groton, Connecticut On September 29th, 2007, the Groton Area Chief Petty Officer Association held its annual Khaki Ball honoring the accomplishments and induction of the Navy's newest Chief Petty Officers for the entire Submarine Base. This year the committee met and decided to honor the most distinguished member of the class with a new Master Chief Carl Brashear Award. This award was given to Chief Petty Officer Gordon A. Smith for his exceptional valor and fortitude he exhibited during his E-7 qualification course to wear the uniform of a Navy Chief. Presenting this award to Chief Smith was two of Master Chief Brashear's sons, Dawayne and Phillip. Phillip, who is a Chief Warrant Officer Four in the Army, was in uniform as he addressed the crowd before the presentation of the award. The Chief Petty Officer Association sponsored the trip for Dawayne and Phillip to be present for this annual event. Dawayne and Phillip also donated historic Carl Brashear memorabilia to the Chief's club which is presently under construction at the Groton Submarine Base for their Carl Brashear display case. |
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Dedication of Carl Brashear fireboat October 24, 2007 - Hampton Roads, VA The fire department received a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase the 33-foot boat which cost almost $400,000, the release says. The Virginia Port Authority and state Department of Fire Programs also contributed. The boat is capable of going 37 knots and has a pump that can squirt up to 2,400 gallons of water a minute on a fire, the release says. The Carl Brashear also has side scanning sonar, a thermal imaging system and global positioning satellite technology. |
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Divers exit the Carl Brashear for duty in the James River |
Fireboat Carl Brashear displays its fire-fighting muscle during a display on the James River |
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