About Us
History
Navy Nurse Corps Association of Southern California (NNCASC)
In April 1983, an item appeared in the Orange County Register looking for Navy Nurses who had served on active duty. Forty-eight nurses responded. 30 Navy Nurses from San Diego and Orange County gathered for the first luncheon at the Officers Club at MCAS, El Toro on 23 June 1983. By 1985 the group had established by-laws and elected officers. The first President of NNA of Southern California was Nancy Habash. The current Board of Directors, which includes the officers and committee chairpersons, meets four times a year.
In May 1988, the first Navy Nurse Corps Association reunion was held in San Diego and then again in 1998. The Chapter amended their by-laws in 2004 to rename the chapter Navy Nurse Corps Association of Southern California (NNCASC). They hosted a NNCA reunion again in 2010. Annual meetings have been hosted by Southern California in 2005 and 2017.
Membership
MEMBERSHIP: NNCASC is the largest Chapter out of 10 in the organization with an average membership of 175. Membership is open to any Officer of the Navy Nurse Corps, United States Navy, regular or reserve, active or inactive duty, retired or former. Current membership includes nurses from Southern California –San Diego County north including Ventura County, Nevada and Arizona. Navy Nurses from any other states or countries, may also join as long as they belong to NNCA.
MEETINGS: Four General Meetings/Luncheons are generally held each year in January, April, July and October. Luncheon details are included in the Chapter newsletter “THE OAKLEAF” which is published four (4) times per year.
CHAPTER DUES: NNCASC Chapter dues are $20.00 per year and are collected simultaneously with the NNCA annual membership renewal process.
Purpose of NNCASC
Purpose of NNCASC
Gather and preserve the history of the Navy Nurse Corps
- Promote and support other Veteran organizations including WIMSA Vietnam Women’s Memorial, Balboa Park Veterans Museum & Memorial, Chula Vista Veterans Home, Semper Fi Fund, VVSD, Wreaths Across America, and Home for Our Troops to name several
- Provide yearly scholarships to nursing students pursuing a BSN degree from accredited California colleges or universities
- Collect memorabilia pertaining to the Nurse Corps for preservation by NNCASC
- Identify needs of members and eligible non-members of the association and assist them as appropriate
- Support active duty activities when invited
- Participate in community affairs as requested
- Periodically host NNCA meetings and reunions
- Provide information on legislation and other state/local veteran affairs and activities
Navy Nurse Corps 118th Birthday Celebration
NNCASC celebrated the Navy Nurse Corps 118th Birthday at their quarterly luncheon meeting. Rose Castellanos and Dolly Brown, both who turn 98 years young this year, shared the honor as NNCASC's oldest members present and Lt Brittannie Haring, the youngest present, participated in the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake.
NNCASC Member Recognition
NNCASC Member of the year 2025
President Jane Hourigan acknowledging our NNCASC Member of the Year 2025 and newly elected Treasurer, Tom Colgan. Tom is a Navy Nurse of many talents and started our meeting off with the singing of the National Anthem. Tom has been a contributor to our newsletter, a member of the Memorabilia Committee and had arranged one of our lunches at the Masonic Lodge in Vista where he is a member. He is also active in his church community in the choir and as a cantor for services.
Honor Flight Homecoming
Honor Flight Homecoming for NNCA's members Barbara Anderson and DJ Lavoie, both having served in Viet Nam. Back row (l-r) Pat Bull, Tina Hooker, Nancy Owen, Cindy Perry, Judy Harris. Front row (l-r) Candace Curlee, Jane Hourigan, Barbara Anderson, Jane Eberlein, DJ Lavoie.
Honor Flights are free trips for U.S. veterans to Washington, DC., allowing them to visit memorials built in their honor and be celebrated for their service. Veterans describe Honor Flights as life-changing experiences, providing recognition, closure, and a sense of appreciation for their service.
2026 NNCASC Scholarship Recipients
A total of $25,000 was awarded to 7 deserving BSN programs in Southern CA. The recipients honored at the July 2026 Luncheon are: Cressandra W., Virginia R., and Tia I.
