OF

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NAVY HOSPITAL CORPSMEN (AAONHC)

MISSION STATEMENT:

We honor those who served to forge the heritage of the Hospital Corps of the U.S.Navy; in tribute to those who perished and presently serve; and to provide peace and security for America.

Brief History:

AAONHC was first started out as a thought of Joe B. Havens, Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman, United States Navy, Retired seeing a need to get all former and presently serving Corpsmen together to rekindle and maintain the comradeship that had developed. As a result of a survey of retired and active duty corpsmen showing a definite need for an organization, the word was put out about the Inaugural Reunion call to muster at The Ridgeway Inn in Memphis, Tennessee, June 16-20, 1994.

Our Founder

Background

It's funny, more ironic, that our reflection on past events allows us to appreciate what others have done for us. For me it was the men and women of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps who guided me and acted as my mentors in a career that I cherish with sincere pride. Collectively, it is this group of caring individuals that have earned the right to wear the red cross of the Pharmacist Mate or cadueces of the Hospital Corps. Their reputation for unselfish service, many times above and beyond the call of duty, is known world over.

The idea of an Association, I felt, was cogent for many reasons. Particularly to preserve the proud legacy and to let the tradition live in perpetuity to inspire those who come after us. It will be up to them to keep alive the spirit and pride that has garnered international recognition and respect. Guiding the founding of such an association has been a labor of love for me and a way of "giving back" to the community of man and women who have given so much of themselves throughout history.

Joe B. Havens, HMCS, USN Retired, Founder - 1997