Sub officers' wives name scholarship for auctioneer

Arlie McNeill, a resident of Glynn County, Ga., and a staunch supporter of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, has served as the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation's auctions resident auctioneer for more than 25 years.

Vice Adm. John J. Donnelly, commander, Submarine Force, Rear Adm. Timothy M. Giardina, commander Submarine Group Nine, and Rear Adm. Barry L. Bruner, commander, Submarine Group Ten, were present for the announcement of the endowment scholarship and expressed gratitude to McNeill for his service.

The Dolphin Scholarship Foundation was established in 1960. The foundation awards scholarships to the children and stepchildren of submarine sailors and is primarily supported by submarine officers' wives clubs across the United States. Currently, DSF awards 137 annual scholarships and has awarded almost $8 million to more than 1,000 students attending universities and colleges through the country. The Silver/Gold Dolphin auction is an important fund raiser for the foundation and is held on every submarine base.

Navy photo From left, Dawn Carlisle, Rear Adm. Timothy and Missy Giardina, Arlie and Sheila McNeill, Vice Adm. John and Mimi Donnelly, Rear Adm. Barry and Elizabeth Bruner, Kelly Huls and Suzanne McAllister congratulate Arlie McNeill, who was honored by the Kings Bay Submarine Officers Wives Club on June 26. The wives club has pledged $80,000 to having an endowed scholarship named after McNeill. For the past 25 years McNeill has donated his time and skill as auctioneer for the Silver/Gold Dolphin Auction. The auction is a fund-raiser for the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation. Dolphin Scholarships are awarded yearly to the children and stepchildren of submarine Sailors. MC1 (AW/SW) Kimberly Clifford

"After this year's auction, we realized we had made over $25,000," said Carol Ann Traub, a board member of the Kings Bay SOWC. "I called Dolphin Scholarship because I remembered a couple of years ago that you could name a scholarship if you raised over $25,000.

"The DSF confirmed this but said the scholarship would only be named for one year. I asked how could we make it an endowed scholarship, and the director told me that between our auction and Dolphin Store we would have to make an $80,000 commitment within a four-year period, "I went back to the Silver/Gold Auction committee and the Kings Bay SOWC and shared the news. Without hesitation, everyone agreed that no one is more deserving of having a scholarship named after them than Arlie McNeill."

The Kings Bay auctions provide the Navy and it's supporters an opportunity to support the scholarships while having a fun evening. McNeill's style and personality are considered a great contribution to the auctions success. As officers and their wives have transferred from Kings Bay, word traveled about McNeill's abilities and he was recommended to auction at other submarine bases.

McNeill has volunteered to auction more than a million dollars worth of items at Norfolk, Charleston, Bangor and Kings Bay in support of DSF. "It is exciting to have a scholarship in my name," McNeill said. "To think that well after I have died that there will be a scholarship given in my name is humbling. It is a wonderful honor, and I look forward to many more auctions."

McNeill, a North Carolina native, learned auctioning in high school and has been the auctioneer for the Darien Blessing of the Fleet for more than 35 years.

He also travels across the country to auction for more than 50 other charitable organizations.

For more details on the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation visit www.dolphinscholarship.org