Charleston, SC, Oct 19 -  

The National Conference of the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association (NERA) convened in Charleston this week and Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC) welcomed the group to the Port City.

“The relationship between Charleston and the U.S. Navy the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Marines goes back more than a century,” Brown said. “We take great pride in our considerable history associated with the defense of our nation.”

“Charleston is proud to have the military as part of our community and our heritage,” Brown noted. “We are also proud that the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association chose Charleston for their 2006 Conference.” Hosted by the Mid-Carolina Chapter of NERA, the Conference combined business sessions with numerous opportunities to enjoy the history and culture of Charleston.

Established in 1957, NERA represents enlisted Sea Service Reservists to the Congress, the White House and the Departments of Defense and Transportation. The only military association comprised exclusively of enlisted Sea Service Reservists, NERA's mission is to promote and maintain national security by ensuring a strong and well-trained Naval, Coast Guard and Marine Corps Reserve. NERA has been instrumental in gaining Congressional support for every improvement in Reserve personnel strength and equipment, as well as the promotion, pay and retirement benefits Reservists now enjoy.