photo by allison lucas
uscg
Of all the ships Howard sailed with or helped preserve, or whose programs he supported, none were as close to his heart as the US Coast Guard Barque Eagle, which he came to know from his work with OpSail. He became an unofficial ship’s ambassador, getting to know and sailing with successive Eagle commanding officers over the years and in turn introducing them to captains of the other training ships when Eagle would be in foreign ports. He attended most, if not all, Eagle change-of-command ceremonies and many US Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremonies since his introduction to the ship. While he enjoyed the company of the wardroom, he was equally interested in and comfortable with cadets and crew. Fellow NMHS trustee and HowUSCG Barque Eagle ard’s dear friend Admiral Robert J. Papp Jr., USCG (Ret.), a former Eagle captain, explained their relationship: “What did I have in common with a ADM Robert J. Papp Jr., USCG (Ret.), presents his good successful New York businessman, two friend Howard Slotnick with the NMHS David O’Neil decades my senior? Love of the sea... Sheet Anchor Award in 2014. and in particular, the Coast Guard’s barque Eagle. Howard became my dear shipmate afloat and ashore, and although old enough to be my father, he was the big brother I never had.” NMHS honored Howard in 1998 with the Society’s Distinguished Service Award, and in 2014 with the David A. O’Neil Sheet Anchor Award, in recognition of his extraordinary leadership in building the strength and outreach of the Society and in advancing its mission. Fair Winds Howard. You were one of a kind. Your absence is keenly felt by all of us at NMHS, and by all who value and cherish our maritime heritage. —Trustees, Staff, and Friends of the National Maritime Historical Society
Howard Slotnick Leadership Fund Celebrate Howard’s legacy with a matching gift to the National Maritime Historical Society
Howard Slotnick dedicated much of his life to the success and financial stability of the National Maritime Historical Society that he so loved, and his daughter Sharon has asked us to create a fund in his name to further his legacy. Please join us in supporting the Howard Slotnick Leadership Fund, chaired by his dear friend and shipmate, NMHS trustee and 24th Commandant of the US Coast Guard, Admiral Robert J. Papp Jr., to carry forward the work that meant so much to Howard. We are grateful to announce that an anonymous friend of Howard and the Society has provided NMHS with a $50,000 matching gift, challenging Sea History readers like you to raise an additional $50,000 to match his generosity. This is an incredible offer that doubles the impact of your gift today and will provide enduring support for Sea History magazine, the NMHS website, and the Society’s educational initiatives. Contributing to the Howard Slotnick Leadership Fund both honors Howard and ensures that the National Maritime Historical Society’s mission, serving as America’s voice for our maritime heritage, continues. In order for your support to be doubled up to $50,000 in matching funds, simply donate online at www.seahistory.org/HowardSlotnick or use the bind-in envelope between pages 8 and 9 to mail in your tax-deductible gift. Thank you! SEA HISTORY 171, SUMMER 2020 11