Volunteer to Serve on one of the various 721 Association Committees

Committees

Activities Chairman- Joe Conway

Joe Conway served on board U.S.S. Chicago from June 1986 until February 1989, arriving as an Ensign and departing as a Submarine and Engineer Qualified Lieutenant. During his time onboard he served as the Electrical Officer, Reactor Controls Officer, Communications Officer, and Damage Control Officer. He exited from the Navy at the end of February 1989 with an Honorable Discharge. Since leaving the U.S. Navy, Joe has held engineering and management positions in commercial nuclear plant component manufacturing, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, software consulting, and software engineering. His current role is as a Senior Software Engineering Manager for Amazon Web Services (AWS), leading a team that contributes to the development of the PostgreSQL database engine. Joe lives in northern Florida with his wife. They enjoy relaxing on their lanai, and occasionally taking cruise ships to interesting places.

Accommodations Chairman- John Leitner

John Leitner enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1988, attaining the rank of YNC(SS/SW) in 1998 prior to commissioning through the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Program in November 2000. He retired as a Commander in 2022 after more than 34 years of service. His enlisted assignments included USS SEA DEVIL (SSN 664); USS CHICAGO (SSN 721); Admin Leading Petty Officer, Submarine Squadron ELEVEN; Leading Yeoman, USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701); Ship’s Secretary, USS FORT FISHER (LSD 40); and Ship’s Secretary, USS BRIDGE (AOE 10). His officer assignments include Administrative Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron 22; Personnel Officer, USS EMORY S. LAND (AS 39); Administrative Officer, Carrier Air Wing 14; Officer in Charge, Personnel Support Detachment Naples; Director for Administration, USNS MERCY (T-AH-19); Flag Secretary, Naval Postgraduate School; Deputy Director, Commander’s Action Group, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command; Flag Secretary, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central and Deputy Branch Head, Fleet Manning and Readiness, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He currently serves as Director, Force Readiness for Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic.

MM1(SS) Brest served in Reactor Laboratory Division on board USS Chicago from September 1984 to November 1987. After leaving the Chicago, he reported to the USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN-635) which was undergoing refueling overhaul at Charleston Naval Shipyard and conversion into the Navy’s first Moored Training Ship (MTS). After completing overhaul and conversion, Petty Officer Brest served as a staff instructor and Crew D Leading ELT on the Sam Rayburn (MTS-635). Returning to Norfolk, he reported to the USS Montpelier (SSN-765) where he served as Leading ELT and Machinery Division Leading First. Prior to leaving Montpelier, he was selected to advance to Chief Petty Officer. He next reported to R-5 Division on the USS Puget Sound (AD-38), which was decommissioned in January 1996, following which he reported to R-6 Division on the USS Emory S. Land (AS-36). Chief Brest retired from active duty on October 31st 1997. After retirement from the Navy he worked at Newport News Shipbuilding in the Aircraft Carrier Nuclear Overhaul Engineering Department. During his time at the shipyard he attended night school achieving certifications in computer programming and database administration. He then went to work for Newport News Public schools as a software developer and upon leaving the school district went to work for the College of William and Mary as an application engineer and database administrator where he still works today.

In his time off he enjoys motorcycle riding, animal welfare and foster care, working with his wife in their garden at their home in Port Haywood Virginia and spending time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fundraising Chairman- Robert Brest

Our services

Fund-Raising Committee
Accommodation Committee

The Accommodation Committee shall research and make recommendations to the Executive Committee on the availability and cost of lodging, recreational vehicles, or motor homes campsites for the upcoming reunion. This research will include the utilization of office spaces, meeting spaces, outdoor and recreational facilities to include pools as well as banquet hall and catering amenities.

This committee will be comprised of a chairperson and up to 2 additional members.

Activities Committee

The Activities Committee shall research, organize and orchestrate all activities during the reunion such as tours of military facilities, museums, local tourist interests, sporting events, recreational activities, social activities, and entertainment. This research will include group transportation such as Tour Bus or small Motor Coach to events away from the reunion location.

This committee will be comprised of a chairperson and up to 2 additional members.

Nominating Committee

Nominating Committee. Not less than sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Meeting of Members, the Nominating Committee chaired by the past president and consisting of vice president and secretary and up to three at-large Members in good standing to select candidates to fill the terms of Officers whose terms are scheduled to expire. The Secretary shall advise all Members in good standing of the persons appointed to the Nominating Committee and call for nominations. The Nominating Committee shall provide the Secretary with its slate of candidates at least fourteen (14) days prior to the Annual Meeting. The Secretary shall notify the Members of the slate not less than seven (7) days prior to the Annual Meeting.

The Fund-Raising Committee shall be responsible for all fundraising activities. This committee shall be responsible for raising funds to support the mission of the Association as listed in Article II of the "Association" Bi-Laws and to support short term goals as decided by the Board of Directors.

This committee will be comprised of a chairperson and up to 2 additional members.