MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- After approximately 25 years at the helm of the Windward Civilian-Military Council, Mrs. Dorothy Rose Babineau stepped aside as president of the organization recently, to allow new leadership to head the group into the future - though she intends to continue to play an active role in the organization.
Mr. David Earles, marketing director of Castle Medical Center and former president of the Kailua Chamber of Commerce, has taken over as president of the organization.
"There's no way I can fill the shoes of Dorothy Rose," said Earles. "My hope is to walk beside her, and learn from her and the experience she has, to be an effective leader for the organization."
After effectively heading the organization for more than a quarter century, Babineau relinquished her title during a ceremony in which both leaders were presented with lei and a round of applause.
"She has a unique leadership style," said Earles, "just in the way she commands respect. I can only hope to learn from her."
The Windward Civ-Mil holds monthly meetings in an effort to foster better relations between the military community of MCB Hawaii and the residents and businesses of Windward Oahu. Key members of the local community and military officials are invited to the meetings to accomplish this goal.
Earles said his first order of business will be to help get more active participation from the civilian community.
"As far as the military goes, things are great. We have the right members at all the meetings, and that's good. But what we need is a little more help from the civilian side of the house. I want to encourage civilian members of the council to be more actively involved."
Though relations are currently very good, Earles believes that there is always room for improvement.
"I can't say that I have any big plans, or that there's one big thing that needs to be fixed," he said. "It's really up to the council members to give us direction. I'm sure that with Dorothy Rose's continuing mentorship, we'll be able to keep things on the right track."
Most on the council are excited about the new leadership, but share sentiments similar to Earles about Dorothy Rose.
"There is no greater proponent of the armed forces than Dorothy Rose," said Maj. Chris Hughes, director of public affairs for MCB Hawaii and an active Civ-Mil member. "Long before matters become problems for either the base or our neighbors, they are solved at the Civ-Mil.
"When people show indifference toward the military or openly take us for granted, she [Dorothy Rose] still responds with the determination of someone who has experienced warfare firsthand," explained Hughes, "and [she] genuinely appreciates the American military."