Accomplishments of CDR Will Stubbs '85
2001 Recipient of Distinguished Service Award

Compiled by Vicki Stephens, '82
Secretary, UNC NROTC Alumni Association

The Board of Directors of the UNC NROTC Alumni Association is pleased to share the biographical information and accomplishments of CDR Will Stubbs '85, the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award given during the 11th Annual Reunion in Chapel Hill on Saturday October 6, 2001.

Biographical Information

Commander Willard B. Stubbs is the son of Campbell and Martha Stubbs of Hamden, CT. Following his father and brother's footsteps, he received his commission in the U. S. Navy through the NROTC Scholarship Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1985. There he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace, War and Defense. As a Midshipman in the NROTC Battalion, he was an enthusiastic champion of the Navy's sail training program, commanded the Drill Team and Headquarters Company, and was honored with the CDR Christopher M. Mills Award for participation in unit activities. In 1994, he received his Master's Degree in Business Administration from Bryant College, Smithfield, RI.

Following completion of the Surface Warfare Officers School curricula in Newport, RI, then-Ensign Stubbs reported in February of 1986 to USS FAHRION (FFG 22) in Mayport, FL. While in USS FAHRION he served as Auxiliaries Officer and Damage Control. In August 1988, then-Lieutenant Stubbs reported to the USS RICHMOND K. TURNER (CG 20) at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, MS. There he served as Fire Control Officer and pinch-hit briefly as Damage Control Assistant.

In August of 1990, LCDR Stubbs reported back to the Surface Warfare Officer School Command in Newport for instructor duty. In 1992 he was designated a Master Training Specialist and recognized as the command's Officer Instructor of the Year.

In May of 1993, LCDR Stubbs left active duty and founded Stubbs & Associates of New England, a promotional products advertising firm. In July of 1993, he joined Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 202. His assignments included: Surface Surveillance Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Training Department Head, Administrative Department Head, and Operations Officer.

In August 1997, LCDR Stubbs was selected for assignment as Commanding Officer, Inshore Boat Unit 22, New Haven, CT; he assumed command in October 1997. In April of 1999, he was recalled to active duty to serve as the Naval Coastal Warfare Advisor to Commander, Amphibious Group TWO in Little Creek, VA. For the first six months of that assignment, he served out his command tour concurrently, commuting back to New Haven monthly for his Reserve assignment. As a result of his contribution in these assignments, LCDR Stubbs was honored by the Naval Reserve Association as their Junior Officer of the Year (Drilling Reservist) for 1999.

In March of 2000, LCDR Stubbs was reassigned to Commander, Standing Naval Force Atlantic, NATO's at-sea rapid reaction force in the Atlantic. There he served as the Staff amphibious Plans Officer. While in that assignment, he was selected for promotion to his present rank and for command in the new rank.

In September 2000, Commander Stubbs was released from active duty recall and assumed command of Personnel Mobilization Team 101, Groton, CT.

In November 2000, Poly-Flex Circuits, a Parlex Company, in Cranston, RI, hired CDR Stubbs. He serves as the Global Business Unit Manager for a product line of flexible electronic circuitry.

In September 2001, CDR Stubbs was again recalled to active duty in response to the terrorist attacks, in order to execute the responsibilities of his mobilization billet: directing the Navy Mobilization Processing Site for Commander, Navy Region Northeast, Groton, CT.

CDR Stubbs is active in a variety of professional, military, and civic organizations. He is a life member and past officer of the UNC NROTC Alumni Association. He is a life member of the Naval Reserve Association and the National Parliamentarian. He is a Companion of the Naval Order of the United States, and a Life Member of the U.S. Naval Institute, the surface Navy Association, the Navy League of the United States, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Cranston, Rhode Island. CDR Stubbs' decorations include the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars, the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star, and several other service medals and campaign ribbons. He resides in Newport, Rhode Island.

Service on the Board of Board of Directors

Will Stubbs faithfully served on the UNC NROTC Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1994-2000. He served in the office of Treasurer from 1994 - 1996. Throughout his tenure on the board, he constantly presented dynamic ideas aimed at moving the association forward to a higher level of standing and service. His brilliance and enthusiasm were matched only by his commitment of much personal time. He often placed the association's needs ahead of his own as he molded ideas into action. Some of his many contributions while serving on the board include:

• Implemented the use of professional software to automate the bookkeeping and financial reports.
• Created a finance committee to oversee association investment strategies.
• Created the life membership option for members in lieu of annual dues payment.
• Established the practice of membership renewal/registration at the beginning of each year enabling the board to adopt a formal budget in which a percentage of revenues could be set aside for midshipmen educational support.
• Instituted credit card payment as an option for members.
• Personally solicited members to raise the necessary funds to make the Connor Award self-sustaining.
• Prepared essential paperwork that succeeded in getting the association recognized as a tax -exempt organization in accordance with IRS code section 501 (c) 3.
• Driving force behind the association becoming incorporated within the state of North Carolina through much personal time spent securing legal advice, making specific changes to the bylaws, and filing the necessary paperwork.
• Presented idea for the 10-year anniversary celebration of the association. Spearheaded the majority of the planning and preparations for the association's first Dining Out.
• Proposed the Distinguished Service and Distinguished Alumnus Awards.

It's difficult to imagine where the Alumni Association would be today without the talented support and dedication of Will Stubbs. His contributions have been both significant and enduring in the continuing growth of the organization. The Alumni Association is very proud to award Will Stubbs the Distinguished Service Award for 2001.

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