| As they move into their 80s and 90s, many of the remaining veterans are ready to tell their stories, which can serve as valuable lessons for today’s generation,” said Ole Sam. “One story which has been told holds a place of honor in our collective memories as an award presenter family”, answered Spook. Now Ole Sam and Spook will tell the story of Diane Day when she established the Quartermaster Award of Excellence after her father, Gerald O. Day, who passed away in April 2002. She was looking for a way to honor his memory and his service to his country. Not many patriotic or nautical theme Award Programs existed, so her award program held a special place in our hearts, then and now. | | 
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| Since Diane's father was the first quartermaster aboard the USS SAVAGE (DE-386), she designed the award along nautical lines. “Ole Sam, what is a quartermaster?”, asked Spook. “Oh goodness Ole Sam. Quartermaster is one of the few ratings for which billets exist in virtually all types of Navy ships, from the largest to the smallest-both surface craft and submarines. The nature of the First Class or Chief Quartermaster's work depends mainly on the type of ship to which he is assigned” answered Spook. “No wonder Diane was so proud of her poppa” said Ole Sam. |
