USCG Chief Warrant Officers Association (CWOA) 96th Annual Meeting

Welcome to the Chief Warrant & Warrant Officers Association (CWOA) 96th Annual Meeting! Join us at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town for a gathering of Chief Warrant Officers and Warrant Officers, featuring our Annual Business Meeting, awards banquet, and ceremonial events.

This in-person event includes networking, professional development, and camaraderie, along with special moments of reflection such as the Wreath-Laying Ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Members will also receive updates on CWOA initiatives, election results, and the FY 2026 budget request.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow officers, honor our traditions, and contribute to the future of CWOA. We look forward to seeing you there!

Info: CWOA National President, CWO4 Rob Resendes, will welcome members to the CWOA Annual Business Meeting and outline the ground rules for the session.

Info: National Chaplain CWO4 Jamie Baldueza will open with a prayer and honor the Chief Warrant Officers we have lost since our last annual meeting by reading their names.

Info: The National Secretary, CWO4 (Ret) Rodney Clark, will present the 3rd Quarter Membership Meeting Minutes for approval.

Info: CWO4 Anthony Moribito will announce the election results during the meeting.

Info: The National Treasurer, CWO2 Jenn Thompson will present the annual finance report with updates on the organization's financial status to date.

Info: The Chairwoman of the Permanent Finance Committee, CWO2 Jenn Thompson, will present the FY 2026 Budget Request for review and consideration.

Info: The National President, CWO4 Rob Resendes, will provide an update on the current committees, highlighting their progress and initiatives.

Info: The CWOA National President will field questions from members. Due to time constraints, each member will be limited to two minutes, and the final question will be taken at 11:36 AM.

Info: The National President, CWO4 Rob Resendes, will deliver the closing remarks, concluding the CWOA Annual Business Meeting.

Info: The CWOA National Chaplain, CWO2 Gilberto Correa, will deliver the closing prayer, bringing the CWOA Annual Business Meeting to a solemn and respectful conclusion.

Info: The CWOA National President will officially close the Annual Meeting, marking the conclusion of this year’s proceedings.

Info: An invite-only lunch will be held immediately following the Business Meeting. Invitations will be sent to attendees.

Info: Join us in honoring Chief Warrant Officers who have "Crossed the Bar" with a wreath-laying ceremony at the U.S. Coast Guard Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.

Located in Section 4, the memorial commemorates Coast Guard personnel lost during World War I, including the 11 crew members of the cutter Seneca and the 131 crew members of the cutter Tampa. Dedicated in 1928, its rock foundation and pyramid shape symbolize strength, with a bronze seagull above the Coast Guard motto, Semper Paratus ("Always Ready").

This solemn ceremony honors CWOs who served with dedication and sacrifice. We invite all CWOs and their families to join us in paying tribute and upholding the traditions of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Info: We invite you to a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, honoring the sacrifice and service of all fallen service members.

While only four members will lay the wreath, all others are welcome to observe from the steps behind the ceremony area.

Wreath-laying is a tradition symbolizing the beauty and brevity of life. At Arlington, floral tributes occur daily during funeral services, public ceremonies, and personal visits.

These ceremonies are among the most reverent traditions, attended by uniformed service ceremonial units as a reminder of our nation’s gratitude. While state events receive great pomp, wreath layings by veterans' groups are equally meaningful.

We invite all CWOs and their families to join us in reflection and tribute, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Info: The cocktail hour at a military dining out sets the tone for an evening of tradition, camaraderie, and esprit de corps. Guests gather in a relaxed, social setting to enjoy refreshments, connect with fellow service members, and welcome distinguished guests.

This is an opportunity to engage in informal conversations, strengthen professional relationships, and honor the shared experiences of military service. Attendees are encouraged to mingle, share stories, and embrace the formal yet welcoming atmosphere before the evening’s program begins.

The cocktail hour typically features a selection of beverages, light hors d’oeuvres, and a respectful adherence to military customs and courtesies. It serves as a bridge between the structured elements of the dining out and the spirit of fellowship that defines the event.

Info: A military dining out is a formal event that brings together service members, guests, and distinguished leaders to celebrate tradition, camaraderie, and esprit de corps. Rooted in military heritage, it follows time-honored customs, including a structured program, ceremonial toasts, and adherence to etiquette.

The evening includes a formal dinner, the posting of the colors, an invocation, and remarks from senior leaders. A key highlight is the toasts, where attendees honor the nation, fallen comrades, and their respective branches of service.

The event fosters unit cohesion, reinforces military values, and provides a setting for professional networking and mentorship. While formal in structure, it also embraces camaraderie and humor through traditions such as the grog bowl and lighthearted rules of the mess. A dining out is a memorable experience that strengthens the bonds of service and tradition.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, United States