NAFTS.com is visited daily by many folks out there that found for the first time that there is an organization for "Tuggers".  Many leave notes in the Guest log  commenting on their Tug expierence but don't think to write to ask about joining.  Off they go sailing into the deep seas without another thought.

Enter John Simpson

John is a long time NAFTS member that served on Hitchiti (ATF 103).  John has volunteered to look for these possible new members by sifting through the Guest log and following up on letters written to us.  No arm twisting here!  Just a friendly personal note from one Tugger to another with a personal invitation to join us.  A mighty important Gentleman, is John!  You can reach him at John@NAFTS.org   Who is he??  I asked, here is what he said:

I currently live in Gladwin, Michigan. That is is the upper middle of the lower peninsula. Was in the Navy from July 61 to Nov 64 (kiddy cruiser) with my last duty as a radarman on the USS Hitchiti ATF103. Prior to that I was on a survey ship and a oiler. After the Navy, got into law enforcement and was Chief of Police for 25 years until June of 99. Took a lateral transfer within the city and am now zoning administrator and code enforcement officer. Have been married for over 34 years and have two kids and two grandkids. Have been a NAFTS member since 1994. Made it to San Diego last year and hope to make this years convention.

John Simpson
John@NAFTS.org