Board of Directors

President@navyleaguephilly.org

(610) 529-6200

Enlisted into the Navy November 1988; assigned to Ship Replacement Unit 104 Oliver Hazard Perry FFG7

Attended Advanced Pay Grade School, New Orleans, LA 1990

Assigned to PERSMOBTEAM 1991 and mobilized for Desert Shield/Desert Storm reporting to COMSC HQ Washington, DC

Assigned to USS Bowen FFT 1079 1992 Norfolk, VA later changed to home port Staten Island, NY. Received Sailor of the Quarter award for REDCOM IV for Superior Performance while underway

Navy Regional Contracting Center, Naples, IT (2 tours) and Bahrain, UAE as a Contract Specialist in 1994

Supply Support Battalion 2, Newport, RI Det Ft supported: Special Operations Command Stuttgart, Germany; participated in ELLISPE Bravo 2000; Operation TANDUM THRUST 01 Rockhampton, Australia; NAS Rota Spain (4 tours); Fleet Mail Center Guantanomo Bay Cuba

Cargo Handling Battalion 8, Ft Dix NJ 2002; completed various ammo handling and basic cargo courses then assigned as Marshalling Yard Supervisor

Defense Logistics Agency Supply Center Philadelphia, supporting Command and Control Center 2004. While assigned there advanced to Battle Captain and supported the following: Hurricanes Katrina/Rita 2005; Ardent Sentry 07 and Positive Force 07 2007; Vigilant Shield 08, Positive Response 08, Global Lightening, NLE 08, Ardent Sentry 08, Hurricanes Ike/Gustave 2008; Operation Unified Response Haiti Relief 2010; Chairman, Commissioning Committees: USS Somerset (LPD-25) and the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26).

Board member of The Navy League of the United States Philadelphia Council since 2004.

Positions held:

• Director
• Vice President
• President

Organizations Memberships :

• NAVY LEAGUE of the UNITED STATES – Life Member
• VFW – Life Member
• NERA- Life Member
• FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION – Life Member

treasurer@navyleaguephilly.org

(610) 304-2863

Tom is founder and president of Trident Risk Advisors. He is responsible for Agency operations and development, revenue production and account retention.

Prior to founding Trident, Tom spent 14 years in the Property and Casualty insurance industry with a large, regional brokerage firm and 10 years in the life and health business specializing in estate and business continuation/succession planning services, wealth accumulation, retirement and disability and group benefits.

Tom served in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Commander in the Supply Corps where he was responsible for supply chain management, integrated logistics support, contract negotiations and execution.  He is a 1986 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Tom resides in Malvern, PA. 

j.pilat@comcast.net

(267) 218-0749

John Pilat was born and raised in the diverse community of Montclair, NJ where he

joined the Navy after High School and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS

Independence CV-62 working in the boiler and main engine spaces for 4 years. Forever a “Snipe” John raised a family of 5 outstanding, productive Americans while continuing to work and supervise boiler operators and HVAC mechanics in varying capacities over the years. John currently works for US Facilities as the Chief Engineer at a large industrial steam Boiler and chiller plant and is on the Board of Directors with the Philadelphia Council of the US Navy League. Over his adult life, John has always been a proponent of diversity and inclusion and has served on DEI committees in Companies he has worked for. Throughout the years John has always been most comfortable when he is out among nature. Through his early childhood days camping with his family, attending Army reserve events with his father or participating in Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities, gardening, nature, and being among “The Standing People” have always been his happy place. John is also on the Board of Directors with Heroic Gardens – an organization dedicated to supporting Veterans utilizing the healing powers of nature with plant based

activities right in their own homes.

executivedirector@navyleaguephilly.org

(267) 258-8232

Christine joined The Navy League – Philadelphia Council team on November 20! Her background brings with her a wealth of Executive leadership skills that will be beneficial for the Council both locally and ultimately Nationally. Christine was recently Executive Director for The Chapel of Four Chaplains at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and has a strong background in Non-Profit Executive Management.

Christine has a BS in Management/Administration from Peirce College. With over 30+years in administrative/leadership roles, Christine has focused on building relationships within her organizations to allow team members to focus on their strengths while building an environment that is open and team based.

Christine also uses her non-profit and organizational management skills to help organizations and individuals with getting their businesses on track to meet their budget goals. This includes Event Planning to stay on or under budget. She also enjoys spending her time with Veteran groups, events and engaging youth groups to get involved. This is one reason, amongst many others, that we believe Christine will be a true asset to us as we focus on growth and the future.

Please feel free to say hello to Christine at ExecDir.pcnlus@gmail.com.

bostonclb7@gmail.com

(215) 651-6394

Christopher L. Baker, Jr. is a Retired Colonel USMCR. He was stationed with the 1st Bn 7th Marines, 1 Bn 5th Marines, 7th Engineers, and Special Mission Central America. He was the Executive Officer of USS Little Rock CG-4, OIC 6th Fleet Military Police, (OSO) Recruiting Dep Commander, 4th MC Director of the Southwest Asia Training Group (Desert Shield/Storm), trained 18,000 Marines, Sailors, & Civilians. He was Acting Director of II Marine Expeditionary Force War Game Center, Exercise Director of “Cooperative Osprey” a NATO exercise involving 13 former Eastern Bloc Countries & 3 NATO Countries, Staff of Gen. Peter Pace’s Staff, Marine Forces Atlantic G-3 Operations & G-8 Business Reform, many selection & promotion boards, Staff Member of Reserve Component Naval War College & National Defense University, part of Special Operations Training Group II MEF training troops in Cold Weather, Arctic & Desert.

 He received both a BS & BA from Boston College and his MBA from The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. His Military Education includes the Amphibious Warfare School, Command & Staff, Naval Warfare Courses, Jungle Warfare School, Airborne School: Combat Dive Course, and other courses pertaining to the billets and duties performed.He has a daughter: Madison Victoria Baker

jcchurchjr@gmail.com

484-557-3537

COLONEL JOHN C. CHURCH, JR., is teaching at Our Lady of Angels Regional Catholic School in Morton, PA. Prior to that he was the Head Marine Corps Junior ROTC Leadership Studies at Bensalem High School. The program earned a United States Marine Corps Junior ROTC Naval Honor School designation for three consecutive years, reflecting that the program was in the top twenty percent in the nation. Colonel Church was selected as Teacher of the Year at Bensalem. Previously, he served as the Assistant Principal for Student Services at Bishop McDevitt Roman Catholic High School in Wyncote, PA. Prior to this position, he was the 13th president of Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, PA. Before VFMAC he was an Assistant Professor of English and Communication at Immaculata University. In 2017 he retired as a colonel in the Marine Reserves. His final duty was as commander of 3d Civil Affairs Group in Great Lakes, IL. Colonel Church served with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where he coordinated civil-military operations for the commanding general and his staff. Prior to that assignment, he commanded a combined, joint Civil Affairs unit in Iraq, leading Marines, soldiers, sailors, and Iraqi civilians in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Colonel Church enlisted from Detroit and served as an active duty U.S. Navy deck seaman and hospital corpsman assigned to the Marines. He attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, earning a Secretary of the Navy appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

As a combat engineer officer Colonel Church served in Okinawa, Japan, Mogadishu, Somalia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. He also served at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, and Headquarters U. S. Marine Corps, the Pentagon. As a reserve civil affairs officer John was called back to serve in Kosovo, Iraq, Liberia and Afghanistan. After leaving active duty, John taught at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the U. S. Naval War College, George Mason University and at Valley Forge Military College where he steadfastly supported accepting women at the college. John served as the college dean as well as the first ever president of the college before accepting a full-time, tenure-track, faculty position at Immaculata.

John earned a M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U. S. Naval War College, a M.A. in Communication Journalism and Public Affairs from American University in Washington, D.C. and a B.S. in Political Science from the U.S. Naval Academy. John’s personal reflections of duty throughout the world have been featured in both the Washington Post and the Philadelphia Inquirer. In 2009, John’s submission, "The Best Seven Months of Our Lives: The War in Iraq and the Battle in Hollywood" won first prize for "Top Graduate Competitive Papers" in the Pennsylvania Communication Association Writing Competition.

In 2010, his “This I Believe” essay was featured on Philadelphia’s WHYY 90.1 FM and National Public Radio. His essays regarding the service of minorities and what constitutes good training have been featured in the Inquirer.

Colonel Church’s personal decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, the Army Commendation Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon with gold star in lieu of second award. As a midshipman John was a member of the U.S. Naval Academy’s nationally ranked lacrosse program. As a junior officer, he was a member of the USMC All-Marine Rugby team select-side on four occasions. Colonel Church and his wife Mary Kay, a retired Marine major, reside in Wayne, Pennsylvania and are the proud parents of John Carl III (“JC”), Travis Joseph, Cathryn Harper and Claire Ripley, named in honor of Marine Corps legend Col. John Ripley USMC (Ret). John is the very proud and grateful son of Mrs. Rachel Church. She was married to Colonel John Carl Church, Sr., USMC (Ret.) for six decades. She is a widow and resides in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Robert W. Corrigan is a 39-year veteran of the fire service, and a 29-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department. Initially serving as a volunteer firefighter in the Bryn Mawr, PA, Fire Company and Mount Laurel, NJ, Fire Department, he was appointed as a Philadelphia Firefighter in 1994. During his career, he has worked in some of the busiest fire companies in the city and served for two years as the Deputy Commissioner for Technical Services. 

Mr. Corrigan currently serves as City-Wide Incident Safety Response Chief with the rank of Deputy Chief. Previously, he served as Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Chief for Philadelphia International Airport and Philadelphia Northeast Airport. While serving as ARFF Chief, he implemented a $300,000 upgrade to the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Training Center and a revival of the water rescue program.

Mr. Corrigan recently retired as a Captain, United States Navy Reserve. A qualified surface warfare officer, his world-wide deployments included two mobilizations to the Middle East, one as Commanding Officer of an armed patrol boat unit, Inshore Boat Unit 24 based at Fort Dix, NJ. During 2008-2009, he served as a staff officer for the Commander, Task Force 51/151, under RADM Michele Howard. During this deployment, he participated in counter piracy operations off Somalia, including the successful resolution of the Maersk Alabama incident and rescue of Captain Richard Phillips. His personal military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (6), and Navy Achievement Medal (3).

Mr. Corrigan joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in December of 2020, and serves the Coast Guard at Sector Delaware Bay in numerous capacities, including as Boat Coxswain, USCG Academy Admissions Partner, Division Operations Officer, Auxiliary Unit Coordinator to USCG Station Philadelphia, and Ombudsman.

Mr. Corrigan graduated from Villanova University in 1987, earning a B.A. in Political Science. He also holds a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College, and a master’s degree in public safety from Saint Joseph’s University. He resides in Blue Bell, PA, with his wife Laurie. His son, Matthew, 26, works in retail management and his daughter Sarah, 21, attends Pennsylvania State University. 

Lynne Edwards has served the Philadelphia hospitality industry for decades. She was the Director of Sales for the historic and elegant Warwick Hotel for 25 years. Currently she works for Korman Communities and has held management positions at numerous Korman properties. Her current role is the Business Development Manager at The Franklin Residences (formerly The Benjamin Franklin Hotel). Lynne and her husband, retired Navy Commander Michael Seider reside in the East Falls section of Philadelphia. Her daughter Caroline is a Naval Officer serving on active duty.

BIO FORTHCOMING

Bill served as an officer in the United States Navy, United States Navy Reserve and United States Army Reserve for more than 22 years. He is currently the Associate General Counsel at American Regent Inc., a pharmaceutical company headquartered in New York. In addition to being the President of the Philadelphia Council of the Navy League of the United States, Bill is the Officer-In-Charge of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Mason Division (Philadelphia).

Bill joined the military in 1983 as part of the NROTC program at the University of Pennsylvania while attending Drexel University. He graduated from Drexel in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree (Chemical Engineering), was commissioned as an Ensign and attended the Navy’s Nuclear Power School, Surface Warfare Officer School and other schools before being assigned to the USS Aylwin (FF-1081) in Newport, RI on which he completed his Surface Warfare qualifications and a UNITAS deployment around South America. After decommissioning the USS Aylwin, he was assigned to the USS Constellation (CV-64) where he served as a Lieutenant in the Engineering Department.

After completing his active duty commitment, Bill entered the U.S. Navy Reserve and spent several years working as a chemical engineer and attending Temple University Law School in the evening. After graduating from Temple Law, Bill spent approximately ten years practicing law at three private law firms in Philadelphia during which he transferred services to become a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in the U.S. Army Reserve. Bill was mobilized twice in the JAG Corps during which he provided legal counsel to the Army and its soldiers during the conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2010, Bill left law firm practice to become Patent Counsel at Johnson Matthey, an international chemical and pharmaceutical company. In 2016, he accepted the role of Assistant General Counsel at Mylan Inc., a multinational pharmaceutical company, where he worked primarily on intellectual property matters. In 2019, Bill retired from the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel and returned to Philadelphia full-time to work at American Regent.

 Bill lives in center city Philadelphia and has two children, ages 15 and 12.