THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE (GAO) TO PERFORM A STUDY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF MIDWAY ATOLL

On July 16, 2014, the GAO accepted a request put forth by Congressman John Fleming, M.D. (Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs) and Congressman John Duncan (introduced the House bill to designate Midway Atoll as a National Memorial in 1999) to review the management of the financial and historic aspects of Midway Atoll by Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. The review is accepted to take place in early 2015.

There will also be Congressional hearings by the House Subcommittee chaired by Congressman John Fleming, M.D. regarding the financial and historic mismanagement of the Midway Atoll. The hearings will most likely occur by February 2015. In the meantime, the Foundation and its allies are compiling compelling documentary evidence to present at the Subcommittee hearings.

Discussions with Dan Clark, Midway Atoll Fish and Wildlife Manager have been inconclusive, impaired in part by a defective new telephone satellite system and his being able to get back to the IMMF.

U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE DEDICATION CEREMONY:

On September 18, Chris and I attended a dedication ceremony at the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) Terrace, where a plaque was placed on the wall of the terrace entitled The Admiral William Houser Battle of Midway Terrace. The dedication was sponsored by Admiral Houser's wife Jan Houser, in memory of Bill's contribution to preserving the memory of the Battle of Midway. Admiral Thomas Hayward, USN (Ret.) was the keynote speaker. In attendance were members of Bill's family , the CEO of the U.S. Naval Institute Press, Vice Admiral Peter Daly, USN (Ret.), the Publisher William Miller and the Editorial Director Rick Russell, as well as friends of the Houser's. The ceremony and reception was very successful.

The manuscript Pacific Rivalry at The Turning Point is still being reviewed by the USNI Press. I did receive encouraging news at the ceremony regarding its publication.

BATTLE OF MIDWAY COMMEMORATIVE STAMP:

The Foundation has contacted the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to request that a commemorative stamp be created for the 75th anniversary of the battle of Midway. The IMMF has contacted members of Congress to assist us in this mission.

Chris and I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.