MEMBER OF THE YEAR 2023
The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral has named Dennis Thompson 2023 Member of the Year. Dennis is a founding member of the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral, is a long time Board Member and a Past President. He is passionate about the club and the maritime industry and he works tirelessly towards furthering the club’s missions and activities. He served as the International Propeller Club Southeast Regional Vice President for three years, 2010 – 2012, helping to build the region into an influential voice in the IPC. He has had a passion for helping to establish new clubs and bringing dormant clubs back to life. Dennis earned an MBA from Anna Maria University and currently serves as a Trustee for the institution. He has had a long and successful career as an Insurance Agent. He is a well known drummer on the local music scene and brings his talents to some of the annual Propeller Club functions. The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral is honored to recognize Dennis Thompson for his dedication and service to the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral, the International Propeller Club, and our community. The presentation was made at the club’s annual ShrimpFeast fundraiser held on April 14 by club President Kevin Jobes. Congratulations to Dennis Thompson!
MEMBER OF THE YEAR 2022
The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral has named Jack Crockett Member of the Year 2022. Jack is a fifth generation Floridian raised in Brevard County and graduated from Cocoa High School in 1962. He is a 1966 graduate of the Citadel. Jack served six years in the U.S. Air Force including service in Viet Nam and at Patrick Air Force Base. Following his military service, Jack embarked on a business career that took him to the Florida panhandle and back to Brevard County in businesses ranging from hotel management, banking, land development, and charter fishing boats. Crockett Blvd in Merritt Island is named after him and he served as President of Crockett Groves on north Merritt Island. For many years he was a force in local Democratic politics and he was instrumental in the passing of the TDC hotel tourist tax with the slogan “the tax you don’t pay”.
Jack joined the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral in 2005 and quickly took on leadership positions both at the local level and at the International level. Jack served as President in 2010 and starting in 2012 served six years as Treasurer of the International Propeller Club. He was instrumental in helping the IPC navigate some turbulent waters and helped bring the organization back on a steady course. During his tenure on the International Board, he was dedicated to helping IPC improve administration and communication between HQ and the Ports. He built strong relationships with club members across the state, country, and overseas.
Jack was the driving force to bring the International Propeller Club Convention to Port Canaveral in 2017. He successfully brought together a group of local club volunteers and mentored them through the process of planning and pulling off a successful convention which was well received by the international membership. Jack continues to serve on the Board and especially enjoys identifying new potential club leaders as Nominating Committee Chair. His passion for the Propeller Club is unsurpassed and he is already advocating for Port Canaveral to host another International Convention! The Propeller Club is honored to recognize Jack Crocket for his years of dedicated service to the Propeller Club at both the local and International level as well as to Port Canaveral, Brevard County, and our nation.
MEMBER OF THE YEAR 2021
Capt. Earl McMillin has been named the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral Member of the Year for 2021. Earl retired in 2005 after serving over 18 years as a State Harbor Pilot with the Canaveral Pilots Association. He is a founding member of the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral and longtime Board member including serving as the club’s Treasurer most recently through 2019. Earl is a 1963 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and obtained his J.D. from Duquense University Law School in 1968. Prior to his career as a Harbor Pilot, he had a dual career as a Merchant Marine Deck Officer at sea and practicing maritime law. His law career included working for the Panama Canal as well as private practice. He is a Master Mariner and a Life member of the Maritime Law Association. He has been a driving force in many of the Propeller Club’s initiatives including the Rockledge High School HELM Martime Studies Program, the scholarship program, Keep Brevard Beautiful Clean Ups, and in legislative awareness campaigns in support of the maritime industry. The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral is proud and honored to recognize Capt. McMillin for his contributions to the club, the community, and the maritime industry.
List of Previous Members of the Year
2023 Dennis Thompson
2022 Jack Crockett
2021 Earl McMillin
2020 Tara Ruch
2019 Lori Robinson
2017 Richard Grimison
2016 Mike Bracic