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Destroyer named for Hudner ’47 Streamers and snow mixed in the air as hundreds gathered on 1 April 2017 to witness a future guided-missile destroyer be christened as the THOMAS HUDNEr (DDG 116) in Bath, ME. CAPT Thomas J. Hudner ’47, USN (Ret.), who was awarded the Medal of Honor for valor during the Korean War, was named a U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate in 2006 for his service to the nation. At the ceremony, Dirk Lesko, president of General Dynamics, said, “When the USS HUDNER takes to the seas, it will be with a fearless spirit of an American hero.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NAVY
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Sword Donation This midshipman-run program has become a meaningful event for the graduating midshipman class as well as the alumni class. Although not an official part of the Another Link in the Chain program, the sword donation ceremony is certainly inspired by the relationship built through the program. About 200 midshipmen attended, further connecting the Class of ’17 with ’67, including MIDN Will Herbert ’17 with his sponsor parents CDR Jack Parry ’67, USN (Ret.), and wife Nita Parry.
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LETTER fRoM THE PRESIdEnT
GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT By Byron F. Marchant ’78
CAPT John W. “Jack” Crawford ’42, USN (Ret.), is saluted at the Battle of Midway monument rededication during the Class of ’42’s reunion in September 2016.
ach of us strives to live up to the mission of the Naval Academy. So many of you have stayed actively engaged with the ideals of command, citizenship and government through your work and your service—in the military and the community. You volunteer in support of veterans initiatives, STEM and education programs, and in support of the Academy and the Brigade of Midshipmen. You are advocates for and an example of what the Academy produces each and every year. It is an honor and privilege to be among our more than 55,000 alumni members, and to work with so many of you in our mission to serve and support the Naval Academy and its alumni. 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the Midshipman Action Group (MAG). Started by a small group of midshipmen from the Class of ’92, MAG continues to be a shining example of service to the community. This fall, when members of the Class of ’92 head back to Annapolis for their reunion, they plan to take part in
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a MAG service project as part of their weekend of activities. Their combined effort will be yet another example of how links form in our alumni network.
Midshipman Yash Khatavkar ’19, the 19th Company representative for the Midshipman Action Group. In the Class of ’42’s efforts to recognize the Battle, they have also built a memorial on the Yard and refurbished it last year so it would be ready for the anniversary this June. June brings a changing of the guard with Captain Robb Chadwick ’91, USN, relieving Colonel Stephen Liszewski ’90, USMC, to become the 87th Commandant of Midshipmen. Chadwick and his family have a long and powerful connection to the Academy, and he’s even been a past contributor to Shipmate magazine. We look forward to working with Chadwick in this new role. We also thank Liszewski, or “Zeus” as the midshipmen call him, for his work in support of the midshipmen, and our mission. I’d like to end my letter this month with a thank you. As you noticed, this issue came mailed with our annual donor
“… Develop strategic relationships with alumni, friends and national institutions of influence that contribute to the Naval Academy’s success and America’s security and prosperity.” —Imperative No. 9 from the U.S. Naval Academy Strategic Plan 2020
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. In 2000, the Class of ’42, who graduated in December 1941 only 12 days after the attacks at Pearl Harbor, established the Battle of Midway essay contest. Coincidentally, the winner of the 2016 Battle of Midway essay contest (published in this issue) was
report. The report lists the more than 14,000 donors—alumni, parents, friends, corporations and foundations)—who have given to the Foundation to support the Naval Academy and the Brigade of Midshipmen. Your generosity and your passion make our community and our alma mater better, and a place we can all take pride in. Thank you. a
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IN THIS ISSUE DEPA RTMENTS
BACK AT 14 PORTER ROAD
4 Letter from the President Byron F. Marchant ’78
The 87th Commandant of Midshipmen—Captain Robert “Robb” B. Chadwick ’91, USN— sat down with Shipmate to discuss his time at the Academy—as a high school student and as a midshipman— his family legacy and his hopes for the new job. 18
MIDWAY: TURNING THE TIDE
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Midshipman Yash Khatavkar ’19 won the 2016 Battle of Midway essay contest. Read the article and learn more about the Class of ’42 on the 75th anniversary of the battle. 26
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feedback All Hands Advertisers Index An ocean Away RADM Tom Druggan ’89, USN
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ACTION HAS A SILVER ANNIVERSARY By any measure, the Midshipman Action Group has changed Annapolis and every community they have visited. 2017 marks 25 years of preparing midshipmen for service through peer leadership, teamwork, character development, morale, selflessness and goodwill towards others.
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OTHER CHAPTERS Other Chapter representation on the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees adds valuable perspective to the Board and is critical to serving our mission. See page 117
Bravo Zulu Alumni Products/Services Class news Chapter news Last Call Classified Ads Staff and Assistance
Our Mission To serve and support the United States, the naval service, the Naval Academy and its alumni by furthering the highest standards at the Naval Academy; by seeking out, informing, encouraging and assisting outstanding, qualified young men and women to pursue careers as officers in the Navy and Marine Corps through the Naval Academy; and by initiating and sponsoring activities which will perpetuate the history, traditions, memories and growth of the Naval Academy and bind alumni together in support of the highest ideals of command, citizenship and government. SHIPMATE is the official alumni magazine of the United States Naval Academy. Distributed worldwide, the mission of the magazine is to keep alumni, midshipmen, parents, donors, legislators, faculty, administrators and friends informed, interested and excited about the Naval Academy and the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation.
On the Cover Spring on the Yard.
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U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY SGT. TIFFANY EDWARDS
fEEdBACk
On Instagram
On Facebook Two back-to-back victories got your attention. Women’s basketball defeated George Washington, the first post-season tournament win in Navy history and only the second by a Patriot League team. The Women’s hockey team took on their first national championship the same week in mid-March. BZ to all! ®
Our Insta-Grad pics on Instagram, mixed with on-the-scene shots from the Yard, have a great fan base, with pics like this of Colonel Maria McMillen ’93, USMC, volunteering in Thailand during Exercise Gold Cobra. Keep sending them to instagram@usna.com—we love sharing them!
On the Cover We received commentary about our March “Bill the Goat Kicks Off Ship Selection” cover as you spotted an Annapolis YP 703 as a choice. Points to all who noticed. It was indeed a joke— something for Bill to be able to select while he was on stage. Shipmate reader James Wright ’58 also wanted to know if there were amphibs behind him in that shot. The Little Creek, VA, ships hidden behind Bill are OAK HILL (LSD 51) (3) and CARTER HALL (LSD 50), as this photo shows.
Submissions have been lightly edited for length and/or clarity.
Thank you for your feedback. To comment, correct or to clarify, send your note and name to shipmate@usna.com.
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PHOTO CCOURTESY OF “ASK THIS OLD HOUSE”
ALL HAndS All Academy Challenge 2017: Revenge Will Be Ours Mark your calendars and get ready to make your gift: the fourth All Academy Challenge takes place 31 May – 6 June 2017. The Naval Academy’s fundraising track record in the Challenge, an annual contest 5 Teams. 7 Days. 1 Mission. pitting Navy against its rivals at Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and now Merchant Marine, is unparalleled. Naval Academy alumni have raised more than $4 million in the Challenge’s first three years, eclipsing our counterparts. Our participation rates, on the other hand, have lagged behind. That ends in 2017! Look out for additional information by email, online, through social media and from your friends and classmates. Your gift could be the one that pushes Navy over the top! ® TM
Anchor to the Past
Honoring O’Hare On 17 February 2017, representatives from the U.S. Navy and the City of Chicago joined family members and well-wishers of the late Lieutenant Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare ’37, USN (Ret.), for a ceremony honoring the 75th anniversary of O’Hare’s heroic actions during World War II. On 20 February 1942, O’Hare single-handedly took on nine Imperial Japanese bombers barreling inbound toward LEXINGTON. His Medal of Honor citation reads: “Without hesitation, alone and unaided, he repeatedly attacked this enemy formation, at close range in the face of intense combined machine gun and cannon fire ... one of the most daring, if not the most daring, single action in the history of combat aviation.” O’Hare ’37 Vice Admiral Philip H. Cullom ’79, USN, deputy chief of naval operations for fleet readiness and logistics, joined Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, 14th Ward Alderman Edward Burke, Aviation Commissioner Ginger Evans and 36 members of the O’Hare family at O’Hare International Airport to commemorate O’Hare’s legendary achievement. While standing in front of the Butch O’Hare exhibit in the airport’s Terminal Two, Cullom reflected on O’Hare’s legacy and the importance of honoring his memory. “That is why we are here today,” said Cullom. “To remember and never forget a man who demonstrated the qualities of courage and selflessness when his shipmates and nation needed him most. It was those collective qualities that made Butch O’Hare a hero—these are the qualities that made Butch O’Hare a legend. Butch O’Hare’s remarkable story is one that our sailors, as well as the youth of our nation, need to learn, appreciate and to be inspired by.” ® 8 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
CAPT Foreman ’79 describes tools on board the International Space Station to host Kevin O’Connor.
Naval Academy Grad featured on “Ask This Old House” TV’s “Ask This Old House” featured NASA astronaut Captain Mike Foreman ’79, USN (Ret.), in a February 2017 episode in which host Kevin O’Connor spoke with Foreman about the use of tools on the International Space Station and inspiring the next generation of skilled laborers. To watch the episode, visit www.thisoldhouse.com. ®
Navy Baseball Scores Three Patriot League Awards The Naval Academy baseball team was recognized in February 2017 with three Patriot League Corvias Player of the Week Awards. Midshipmen Stephen Born ’18, Noah Song ’19 and Jacob Williamson ’20 were honored for their outstanding individual performances against Air Force in the Freedom Classic. Born was selected as the Patriot League Player of the Week and recognized for hitting .600 (6-10) with a double, home run, two RBIs and five runs scored against the Falcons. With an additional four bases earned via walks or hit-by-pitch, Born turned in an on-base percentage of .714 for the three-game series. He currently leads Navy with a .450 batting average, .700 slugging percentage and .586 on-base mark. Song was selected as Pitcher of the Week for his performance in the first game of the series, during which he hurled seven innings of scoreless action against the Falcons and struck out a career-high 13. He finished with a line of 7.0 innings, five hits, zero runs, two walks, 13 strikeouts and 110 pitches thrown. The Patriot League Rookie of the Week award went to Williamson, who batted .375 (3-8) with a home run, three runs scored and four RBIs. He reached base in all three games of the series as he walked a total of five times versus Falcon pitching. For the three-game set, his on-base percentage was .615, while his slugging percentage was .750. ®
ALL HAndS
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES
Professor James D’Archangelo taught mathematics at the Academy for 43 years before his retirement in 2016. He passed away in February 2017, and has since been nominated posthumously for inclusion in the Hall of Fame at his high school, Monsignor Bonner in Drexel Hill, PA. Naval Academy alumni who remember D’Archangelo’s dedication, Prof. D’Archangelo commitment, accomplishments and contributions to education are encouraged to submit their recollections to Colonel Kevin M. Kennedy, USMC (Ret.), a high school classmate of D’Archangelo and former Naval Academy company officer, at kkennedy@un.org. ®
PHOTO COURTESY OF WNCT-TV 9 ON YOUR SIDE
Share Your Memories of Professor D’Archangelo
Naval Academy Grad Named to Cambridge Boat Club Squad Ensign Tim Tracey ’16, USN, rowed as the four seat in the blue boat in the prestigious Cambridge University Boat Club’s squad listing for the 2017 Boat Race. Held since 1829, the Boat Race is a competition between the Oxford University Boat Club and the Cambridge University Boat Club. A four-year member of the Navy heavyweight crew program, Tracey raced with the Mids’ first varsity eight team in every regular season and post-season competition beginning in 2014 and continuing through his senior season in 2016. His excellence on the water was twice rewarded with invitations to U.S. Rowing's U-23 Selection Camp in 2015 and 2016. During the summer of 2015, Tracey was chosen to represent the United States in the 4-boat at the World Rowing Under-23 Championships. The American boat finished fourth overall in the world. Tracey is the second Academy graduate to compete in the Boat Race, which took place on the Thames River on 2 April 2017. ®
The U.S. Naval Academy baseball team took a break from practice to visit a children’s hospital in Greenville, NC.
Navy Baseball Brings Cheer to Children’s Hospital The U.S. Naval Academy baseball team visited the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at Vidant Medial Center in Greenville, NC, in March while in eastern North Carolina for the Freedom Classic Tournament against the Air Force Academy. During their visit, members of the team spent time with patients and handed out Navy baseball shirts and hats. “It’s honestly a blessing just to come in here, provide a little inspiration and just see how they’re doing [and] try to make their day a little better,” said catcher Midshipman Adrian Chinnery ’17. Pitcher Midshipman Jet Meenach ’17 added, “We get banged up here and there, but it’s absolutely nothing compared to what these kids have to deal with. I hope it’s special for them because it means a lot to us, and so we just hope we can make a difference.” This is the second year the team has volunteered at Vidant. ®
PHOTO COURTESY OF AAP
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Oxford beat Cambridge by more than a length in the 163rd Boat Race.
Academy Leadership..................................28 All Academy Challenge ..............Back Cover Alpaca International ..................................21 Cobham ........................................................25 Gulfstream....................................................23 Herff Jones ....................................................11 Indian Motorcycle ........................................3 Institute for Defense Analysis ..................30 Jostens ..........................................................20 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society ............11 Navy Mutual Aid..............Inside Back Cover Nicely Done Kitchens ..................................15 Rockwell Collins ............................................7 The Economist (insert) ..............................16
USAA Car Buying Service ............Inside Front Cover USAA P&C Insurance..................................17 USNA Foundation ......................................24 Alumni Products and Services Alumni House Rental ............................31 Alumni Mentoring Program ................33 Alumni Merchandise ............................32 Anchors Away Alumni Travel 2018 ..........................31 NOLS........................................................33 Service Academy Career Conference ..........................32
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ALL HAndS
From left: West Point Superintendent LtGen Robert Caslen, USA, USMA ’75; Lt Gen William Bender, USAF, chief, information dominance and chief information officer in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force; Naval Academy Superintendent VADM Ted Carter ’81, USN; and moderator Terry Roberts, former director of Naval Intelligence.
Naval Academy Hosts Cyber Summit The Naval Academy and Naval Academy Foundation hosted the third annual Joint Service Academy Cyber Security Summit on 23-24 March. The event drew more than 200 guests from four service academies, the Department of Defense, civilian industry and academia. Participants enjoyed a range of panel discussions and keynote addresses including a discussion of the evolution of cyber operations from former directors of the National Security Agency, the future of cyber security regulation, and innovations in the private sector. The Superintendents of the Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy also joined with Lieutenant General William Bender, USAF, chief, information dominance and chief information officer in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, to discuss program updates at the academies designed to develop the next generation of cyber warriors. “A few years ago when I was president of the Naval War College, when then-CNO Admiral Jonathan Greenert ’75, USN (Ret.), asked me to write about the future of warfare, I didn’t write about the efficacy of our fighter jets or our carriers,” said Vice Admiral Walter E. “Ted” Carter Jr. ’81, USN, holding up his smartphone. “This phone has two to three times the computing power I had in the F-14 in the 1990s. I wrote about cyber operations and the electromagnetic spectrum. By 2020, we’ll have over 100 billion devices connected around the world through the internet of things. Our midshipmen come in as users of the internet, but they may not understand the vulnerabilities. I think the launch of our cyber major is one of the watershed events of all of our major programs.” West Point hosted the 2015 and 2016 summits, while the 2018 summit is set to return to the Naval Academy, again with the support of sponsor Palo Alto Networks. ®
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More than 75 years are available online to all Alumni Association members. Visit usna.com/shipmate.
The Navy women’s basketball team won its first post-season tournament game in program history in March and ended its season 24-10, tying the school record for the most victories in a single campaign. Selected sixth in this year’s Patriot League pre-season poll, the Mids placed second with a 14-4 conference record. “I think it (the last few weeks) summed up the entire season in terms of being competitive and trying to rise to every occasion that is brought our way,” said guard Midshipman Sarita Condie ’17 MIDN Condie ’17 scored a team-high 26 points in Navy’s season-ending game at Virginia Tech. after the team’s WNIT first round victory over George Washington. “I wasn’t surprised we battled and competed in all of the games. I think it is cool we came together this way at the end of the season because that’s what we have been working for.” Virginia Tech outscored Navy 9-2 in the final minutes of the Hokies’ 75-64 WNIT second round victory on 19 March. “[I’m] just so incredibly proud of our team,” said Navy head coach Stefanie Pemper. “They fought to the end, and I knew they would. We understood the magnitude and everything about this game. Just a really tough loss, but our kids battled to the end.” ®
“Going into this year we wanted to leave a legacy of a program that does things the right way—work hard and overcome adversity—and I think that’s exactly what we did and then some. I think we shocked a lot of people, but we always had a lot of confidence we could go far if we stuck together. I am really happy I was a part of this team, especially with my two classmates, that we came all of the way to the second round of the WNIT.” —MIDN Sarita Condie ’17 on the Navy women’s basketball team’s historic 2017 season
PHOTO CCOURTESY OF THE CAPITAL GAZETTE
Women’s Basketball Posts First Post-Season Win
Midshipman Ryan Speir ’17 Named one of “Tomorrow’s Leaders” Aviation Week and Space Technology named Midshipman Ryan Speir ’17 one of its 2017 MIDN Speir ’17 “Tomorrow’s Leaders” on 3 March. The awards recognize one outstanding student pursuing a career in aerospace from each of the four U.S. service academies. Speir’s fellow honorees are: Cadet Lieutenant Michael Cremins USMA ’17, Cadet David Creswell USCGA ’17, and Cadet Colonel Young Yuyang Wu USAFA ’17. At the Naval Academy, Speir participated in an internship at NAS Patuxent River, MD, working with the Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Directorate and the MQ-8B Fire Scout program. He also completed the flight-test engineering course at the Academy where he evaluated the SR22 Cirrus and assisted in the presentation of “Can We Trust the Magic Behind the Glass?” at the 2016 Society of Experimental Test Pilots East Coast Symposium. As a member of the Mangrove Surveillance Coastal Approach Path Evaluation team, Speir, whose service selection is Navy pilot, was the lead structures engineer for a quadcopter designed to use multispectral imaging to map mangroves in order to discover potential drug-trafficking routes. ®
The Naval Academy’s Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium hosted the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals on 1 April 2017 for the Naval Academy Baseball Classic exhibition game. Within the walls Nationals and Red Sox settle for 4-4 tie in the Naval Academy of Navy’s home Baseball Classic. diamond, Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean J. Stackley ’79 threw out the first pitch and the Nationals and Red Sox played to a 4-4 tie with 1,030 fans surrounding them. Before the game, players and coaches of both teams took a tour of the Academy, which included a stop at Memorial Hall to honor the Academy graduates who have died in military operations. Nationals center fielder Adam Eaton said he was struck by “the seriousness of it all,” noting, “We don’t understand the focus that it takes, the structure, the dedication to train and survive with one another and protect the country.” Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts added, “It’s amazing just to see what they have to go through to protect our country. Some of us take those things for granted, but to actually get to see it first hand, it makes you appreciate it a lot more.” The nine-inning game marked the end of spring training for both teams. ®
PHOTO COURTESY OF FEDERAL BASEBALL
Nationals and Red Sox at Navy
FEATURE
ACTION HAS A
SILVER ANNIVERSARY or 25 years, the Midshipman Action Group has been lending many hands to communities across the country with the greatest intentions and outstanding results.
PHOTO COURTESY OF USNA
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Mids for Kids, a community outreach program for elementary and middle school students, held at a local YMCA.
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80,000 pounds of food to the local food bank. More than 600 moving boxes filled with donated clothing for Baltimore shelters. More than 500 pairs of shoes collected for a DC men’s shelter. If you are not familiar with the Midshipman Action Group (MAG), these are numbers associated with their stellar community outreach. Almost every year, they break their own records, too. The midshipmen of MAG create and maintain educational, environmental and social-impact volunteer projects not only in Annapolis, but across the country. Their Spring Break trips this year went in three different directions: North Carolina, Washington and Wisconsin. They tutor, collect food, read to elementary school students, participate in Special Olympics, clean trails and parks, visit retirees, build playgrounds, get girls going with Girls on the Run … the list is long and growing. They have received the Navy’s Thompson-Ravitz Award for outstanding community relations twice, and 19 May is official Annapolis-Honors-Midshipmen Day because Annapolitans love their MAG mids. They are the epitome of non sibi sed patriae. It all began with the Class of 1992 and the Midshipmen Community Service Correlation Board, the “directing device that pairs interested midshipmen with projects throughout the community” for a “smoother flow of information between the community and the brigade.” It worked— right out of the gate they worked with Habitat for Humanity, Greenscape,
“MAG would not have the reach, the impact or level of oversight that it has without Miriam [Stanicic] taking an active, daily and selfless role that goes way beyond a 40-hour work week. It’s a part of her being.” —CDR David McKinney ’98, USN, USNA Public Affairs Officer
Miriam Stanicic, the community relations director and biggest MAG fan, getting a hug at the Community Service Awards during Commissioning Week 2016.
Special Olympics and Mids for Kids. “It was very small at the time,” said Commander Dave Lillefloren ’92, USN (Ret.), one of the original 10 MAG members. They sought to organize how the midshipmen could volunteer by looking at the obvious. “Let’s go out on that Saturday or Sunday, let’s go help put people to work for the community,” said Lillefloren. “Starting out, we thought, ‘what’s the need out there?’ versus ‘let’s just create something and you come to it.’ No, what’s out there that we can help with and attach with. So, we just took the ones that were right there in front of us.” But what would happen after they graduated? Would it continue? It did, and a funny thing happened around the five-year mark—1992 came back to the Yard. “We all got stationed back here as lieutenants,” said Lillefloren. “It was also our five-year anniversary. We wanted to give the gift that keeps on giving and wanted to support our teams.” They began fundraising within their 1992 classmates, then decided to endow MAG, which initially had a very meager budget that could only help with small projects. MAG is now officially the 1992 class project. They keep the endowment alive, attend
the annual luncheon to honor the midshipmen and have been known to give out Community Service Awards during Commissioning Week (15 MAG firsties received Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals last year). There are about 70 classmates near enough to show their support in person. Alumni are involved in other ways, most recently during one of MAG’s Spring Break trips this year. In Everett, WA, Rear Admiral Troy McClelland ’90, USN, hosted MAG as they revitalized the Everett Boys and Girls Club, an afterschool sanctuary for at-risk youth. He also toured the club with them and held a meet-and-greet and a discussion on community responsibility and service to others before self. Mark Hakun ’88, Annapolis Chapter president, connected a huge number of local alumni last year to volunteer with Mids for Kids, serving as tutors and mentors at 15 local schools and assisting with 9/11 Day of Service clean-up projects. Commander Jason Singleton ’92, USN, is one of the cocreators of the Honor Salute program where midshipmen visit veterans in hospice care. And, of course, there are the Commandant and Superintendent who, with
their spouses, are present and active for many of the MAG programs on the Yard. While MAG’s national reach grows every year, their other Spring Break trips have included helping a community devastated by Hurricane Matthew flooding in North Carolina and fixing up the home of a double-amputee veteran and mentoring Sea Scouts in Wisconsin— what they have done for Annapolis, their college town of only four years, is quite possibly the most successful form of outreach and community bonding the Academy has ever seen. MAG’s annual USNA-hosted Special Olympics on the Yard in April was expected to be the largest qualifier of its kind in Naval Academy Special Olympics history, and the amount of food collected by midshipmen for the local food bank at Thanksgiving grows every year. Tack on the other local projects as small as shoveling snow for their neighbors outside of Gate 3 (which was not so simple during a blizzard in 2016—their shoveling with the Dant made The New York Times), and you have a full-blown Annapolis fan club for MAG, including the mayor, Michael Pantelides. “Along with mentoring local youth, organizing food drives, working with MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 13
FEATURE
MIDN Megan Rosenberger ’17, left, MAG chief of staff, and the Commandant at the latest Harvest for the Hungry food collection.
environmental groups and tutoring children living in several Annapolis Housing Authority Communities,” he said, “these young men and women still have to study and go to class. I have come to understand that their incredibly demanding daily schedule seems to mirror their ability to offer love and support to those in need. They choose to be a positive influence on other lives … these are the men and women who perform extraordinary deeds of kindness all year long, without ever expecting a pat on the back or any acknowledgment for their efforts.” One MAG midshipman partnered with the city for her environmental initiative, Barrels by the Bay, and left quite an impact on the mayor’s office and staff: Midshipman Megan Rosenberger ’17. “I am so grateful,” said the mayor. “She worked with students at several local elementary schools teaching them the importance of rain barrels while creating and installing the barrels throughout the city. Her enthusiasm to help others and ability to make everyday moments ‘teaching moments’ is a rare and endearing quality of Midshipman Rosenberger.” 14 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Rosenberger, MAG chief of staff, also received the 2017 Drum Major Award for her distinguished service at the 29th Annual Anne Arundel County Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Dinner this past January. She is the first midshipman to ever receive this award and the youngest recipient ever, which she found very humbling. “Those are big shoes to fill,” Rosenberger said. “Even though they think I’ve filled the shoes, I don’t think I
Luke’s Church Clean-up and Special Olympics. With her non-abundant free time, she also started her own non-profit called Barrels by the Bay, which has spread throughout Maryland classrooms and expanded to Orlando, FL. This past Thanksgiving, she oversaw Harvest for the Hungry, and while breaking the previous donation record was on her mind, she was still surprised when the final numbers came in. “It was just a nail biter,” she said. When the trucks arrive outside of the Mid Store, “we have no idea what’s going to come out of Bancroft. We fit a lot more in the truck than we thought was possible.” It was indeed a recordbeater—80,000 pounds. Rosenberger’s connection to service comes from her family—her mother, uncle and grandfather were funeral directors, a field which requires the utmost compassion. She and her sister were also reminded how blessed they were to come from a loving family and to do all that they can to help others. Her involvement with MAG began her plebe year. “I’ve been involved in MAG just because I love it,” she said. “It’s a good thing to get out into the community, and it makes me happy. It makes me feel that I have more than one purpose beyond being a midshipman and becoming a good leader. This is another way to get out there and engage with the community.” Her commitment to community service will not stop after she leaves Annapolis either. “Just because
“I have come to understand that their incredibly demanding daily schedule seems to mirror their ability to offer love and support to those in need.” —Annapolis Mayor Michael Pantelides can ever do enough.” Her local projects have included the Harvest for the Hungry food drive, Arbor Day Park Clean-up, 9/11 Day of Service, Toys for Tots, Asbury Methodist Church Food Pantry, Saint
I received an award or just because I’m graduating doesn’t mean that I stop helping this community as well as others that I end up in, wherever I’m stationed.”
Sharon Disher ’80 has volunteered at Annapolis Elementary School with her STEM outreach program for nine years, seven of which have included MAG midshipmen. “I just set them loose,” she said. “I say, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do today,’ and they take charge and run the program. They jump right in … they are kind and gentle. The kids just love them. The teachers love them too.” One of the only challenges MAG midshipmen face is knowing their job is to encourage and facilitate, not do the work for students. “They so want to help them,” Disher said. “It’s hard for them to stand back and not do things for people. But it’s a good opportunity for them—you wouldn’t think this would be leadership training, but it is. It’s a different style of managing people.” Disher added that it is also a great opportunity for local kids to find out more about what’s in their backyard—
“one of the best institutions in the nation … they could go there, and here’s what they have to do to get there.” The midshipmen take time to talk with students about everything to do with their lives, uniforms and the Academy. Disher’s son, Ensign Matt Disher ’13, USN, was MAG president in 2012, so the service apple does not fall far from the tree. As president, Matt started MAG’s involvement with Honor Flight Network, which began with just a few mids heading to Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to greet World War II Veterans and quickly turned into busloads. Both sides of his family have a long history of military service, so honoring veterans was the perfect fit. “MAG is beyond inspiring because it is so organic,” said Miriam Stanicic, the community relations director on the Academy’s Public Affairs staff who advises
MAG. She is essentially the very lowprofile brains to the big MAG heart, making sure that every “t” is crossed, every donated tree finds its plot, every sneaker collected after the Herndon Climb finds its way to a shelter and every MAG midshipman has a ride to every event. Stanicic sees how their communityminded work here sticks with them in the fleet after they graduate. “The role of building strong community relationships becomes the role of civilianmilitary operations upon deployment,” Stanicic said. “Much as MAG community relations activities shape those Naval Academy ‘ambassadors’ in uniform throughout Annapolis neighborhoods, so, too, do our newly-commissioned officers look at the global community with an eye towards proliferating positive change wherever possible. I have received many a call, a text, an email from recent grads
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over this past decade with much the same message: ‘what I did with MAG all four years at the Naval Academy is even more relevant to me now in a different community. Because of MAG, I am: • collecting books from fellow sailors to donate to a local school • collecting clothing from my shipmates to donate to a local community center • volunteering in an orphanage … ’ You get to see the future in them … the seeds that are planted here. It is compassionate leadership in its highest form.” The Academy is very aware of how crucial Stanicic is to the MAG mission. Public Affairs Officer Commander David McKinney ’98, USN, said, “MAG would not have the reach, the impact or level of oversight that it has without Miriam taking an active, daily and selfless role that goes way beyond a 40-hour work week. It’s a part of her being.” A recent example: the 13th Company and the men’s hockey team wanted to memorialize
their company mate and teammate, Midshipman Jason Jablonski ’17, who passed away from leukemia last year. They decided a tree would be planted in his name by the Brigade Sports Complex near their rink. Stanicic smoothed the way on so many levels and made sure all details were taken care of “so that this good deed that someone wants to go do is done in a manner that does not circumvent rules, policies, movement orders … she’s already thought about all of it and taken care of it,” said McKinney, so that these great deeds can be done without worry. “She’s the fixer.” “Miriam is effective at accomplishing the mission,” McKinney continued. “She makes it instructional so these midshipmen learn from the process too, so that when they are leaders, they have the lightbulb go off about involving leadership and do things the correct way.” Stanicic was formerly at the State Department in public diplomacy, so working in public affairs doing outreach comes naturally. She is always out to
MAG has partnered with Maryland Special Olympics for many years, and every year the volunteer numbers grow.
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find the “yes” answer. There is no job description that could encompass everything that she does. “It’s her level of dedication … it’s the lunchtime gatherings, the evening meetings to provide council to their ideas, the weekends. They have great ideas and she’s the one who corrals them and focuses it into something actionable and achievable,” McKinney added. From the mayor’s office to community partners across the Baltimore-DC corridor to midshipmen, a familiar refrain is heard when you mention Stanicic’s name: “We love her.” All the support, initiative, momentum, mission-minded midshipmen with neverending good ideas and the simple need for a little help from fellow humans means that the Midshipman Action Group will be needed and wanted for many years to come. There is no plan to slow down. “Oh, my gosh, MAG is huge,” Rosenberg said. “Over 50 projects and 50 project leaders. We have 30 company reps, six battalion reps, three staff and we send hundreds of midshipmen out each week into the community.” Three hundred each week, to be precise. “I know how important it is for these midshipmen to have their own connection to the community,” she continued. “I think within the next five years, MAG is just going to continue to grow exponentially, and I’ll come back as an alumnus and be dumbfounded by the fact that I was even so excited about over 50 projects.” She said that midshipmen know they can always be of service to someone, whether it’s a large effort or a small act; it’s instilled in who they are. “The first five years of what MAG was is not what MAG is today, but the mission is still the same, it just has grown and it’s been so rewarding,” added Lillefloren. He won’t forget the moment when he saw the MAG mids arrive at the Annapolis school his children attended to read to the students. “It was full circle … it was amazing.” a
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BACK AT
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n February, Captain Robert “Robb” B. Chadwick ’91, USN, was announced as the 87th Commandant of Midshipmen for the U.S. Naval Academy. He follows in the footsteps of many distinguished sailors and Marines, including his father Rear Admiral Steve Chadwick ’62, USN (Ret.).
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14 PORTER ROAD NAVAL ACADEMY NAMES NEW COMMANDANT “It has been some 15 commandants and about 30 years since I’ve been in the position,” said Admiral Chadwick. “We like to think the values, standards and the basic mission of the Academy haven’t changed, but I think it is fair to say—because of where the Navy and Marine Corps is today—that a lot has changed in the last 30 years. Other than encouragement, I’m not really qualified to offer advice other than what he already knows.” Admiral Chadwick said his son had an interesting view of the Academy and the Commandant’s role from the third floor of 14 Porter Road. Moving to the Academy during high school was quite a change for Chadwick. “In hindsight, maybe I should’ve paid a little more attention to what he was doing when we were here, but I will tell you that the two things that I took away from observing him in the job,” said Chadwick. “One, how rewarding it was to him and, secondly, even with my untrained eyes, I got the sense of the impact he was having on the midshipmen.” Chadwick headed to the Naval Academy Prep School (NAPS) in 1987 when his father was still Commandant.
The midshipmen who were in charge of indoctrination that summer at the prep school nicknamed him “Baby ’Dant.” It was a nickname that followed him to the Academy. At the Academy, he rowed crew plebe year and then played intramural lacrosse, a sport he picked up at NAPS. He recalled his own ship selection after being on hand to see the Class of 2017 choose their ships. They were called by group down to Smoke Hall back then. “I like to say that I graduated at the top of the bottom half of my class, so I wasn’t one of the first people to select a ship,” said Chadwick. He didn’t think his odds were very good to get on a new ship, but he ended up on one of those ships— BARRY (DDG 52)—picking 91st in the Class of ’91. After graduating from the Naval Academy, then-Ensign Robb Chadwick spent four years on BARRY as gunnery officer and then navigator with Admiral Gary Roughead ’73, USN (Ret.), the first commanding officer, and the second, Admiral Jim Stavridis ’76, USN (Ret.). He said, “To have that kind of experience and to learn from those two leaders at the beginning MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 19
FEATURE
and was awarded the Battle “E” for 2010 and 2011. Most recently, he commanded Destroyer Squadron 21, completing a deployment to Seventh Fleet with JOHN C. STENNIS Strike Group. As the sea combat commander for the JOHN C. STENNIS Strike Group, he served with classmates Captain Rich Brophy ’91, USN, air wing commander; Captain Hank Adams ’91, USN, deputy commodore; and Captain Sean McClaren ’91, “I have been given this distinct honor to play this important role USN, air defense commander. “The bond I had with my in the professional development of the midshipman, but I represent classmates just made it such all alumni. I am a proud alumnus and one of the greatest aspects an amazing experience,” of the last 26 years has been the interaction with so many classes. said Chadwick. “Every deployment is interesting, The interaction and bond that we have is unique and special.” every deployment you learn a lot, but certainly the last one —CAPT Robb Chadwick ’91, USN, 87th Commandant of Midshipmen was most rewarding.” Ashore assignments have included duty as flag Chadwick assumed command of ROOSEVELT (DDG 80) aide to director, surface warfare division, Office of the Chief in November 2009. During his command tour, ROOSEVELT of Naval Operations and flag aide to commander, Naval deployed in support of operations off the east coast of Africa Sea Systems Command, strategic planner at U.S. Southern of my career set the tone,” he said. “The impact that first tour had on my life and career has been amazing.” Follow-on sea tours included duty as weapons officer and combat systems officer on VICKBURG (CG 69), executive officer on PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58) and chief staff officer, Destroyer Squadron 24 in Mayport, FL.
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PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS SHANNON BURNS
Command, deputy executive assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and National War College in Washington, DC. Chadwick earned a master’s degree in National Security Affairs, Middle Eastern Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School and a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College. He holds various decorations and awards, including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, six awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, four awards of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. His experience to date has prepared him for this next duty as Commandant of Midshipmen. “My experience over the last 26 years has only made my love for this institution grow,” said Chadwick. “I’m going to be completely committed to preparing them [midshipmen] to be as successful as they can be … However long I am here, I am totally committed to their success.” He’s had a chance to think about his father’s legacy and what his own may be as Commandant of Midshipmen. “My goal is that the fleet continues to be satisfied with what they are getting from the United States Naval Academy,” said Chadwick. “If there is a personal legacy, it’s that I took great strides in developing leaders of character that come out of the United States Naval Academy. If I do that, I’m not doing anything different than my predecessors have done. If my legacy can line up with the 86 commandants that have preceded me, that would be just fine with me.” a
Then-Chief of Naval Operations ADM Jonathan Greenert ’75, USN, presents then-CDR Chadwick, USN, with the Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award during a ceremony at the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon on 2 January 2012. About the award, CAPT Chadwick said, “I truly view the Stockdale Award as a unit award. I’d like to think that as the commanding officer I was setting the environment that they could succeed in, but it was that crew. If it was possible to break that award in to pieces it would be distributed among them. They are the reason I won the award.”
AN OCEAN AWAY
AT THE READY By Rear Admiral Paul T. Druggan ’89, USN oday’s naval forces stand guard across the globe, providing critical geopolitical options for our nation. Sea power from sovereign warships sailing on the international high seas provides our leaders unprecedented freedom of action and critical options, at times the only options. our Navy officers, including many U.S. Naval Academy graduates, and crews are standing watch, operating the most technologically advanced navy in the world, about a third of whom are deployed overseas on any given day. our Navy is quickly becoming even more advanced as new technologies are developed and fielded, including a generational change from military specifications-analog systems to digital, solid-state systems. Fortunately, recruiting and the quality of the officers and crews are at a high-water mark, providing that critical margin of operational excellence and dedication to win in combat operations. our frontline warships and their crews are kept ship shape and combat ready not only through their own efforts, but also through the efforts of private industry running private shipyards and our navy civilian sailors that deliver readiness every day in public shipyards and warfare centers. our civilian sailors are specifically part of the Navy’s Gold line of Effort and are key to our success. Civilian sailors directly assist program offices in acquiring new warships, aircraft and associated tactical systems, effectively maintaining them and delivering rapid expert technical assistance across the globe when needed. Today, ships and squadrons across the globe can easily access these experts, often on a 24/7/365 basis for major systems. when ships are conducting
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PHOTO COURTESY OF GENERAL DYNAMICS BATH IRON WORKS
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The Navy’s newest warship ZUMWALT (DDG 1000) is the largest and most technologically advanced surface combatant in the world. The multi-mission ship will provide independent forward presence and deterrence, support special operations forces, and operate as an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces.
“prompt and sustained combat incident to operations at sea” like RoSS (DDG 71), PoRTER (DDG 78), MASoN (DDG 85) and NiTzE (DDG 94) and every aircraft carrier recently deployed did, civilian sailors are online and in communication to ensure technical support is immediately available. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is the largest systems command responsible for acquiring and maintaining our ships, warships, submarines and almost all the systems onboard these national assets. NAVSEA’s civilian sailors are expanding our navy’s advantage by executing the fleet introduction of the zUMwAlT-class destroyer and FoRD-class aircraft carrier, operating public shipyards on both coasts and in Hawaii, executing dozens
of intensive maintenance availabilities for all classes of ships in fleet homeports, directly overseeing the construction of ships at building yards and acquiring the new, advanced combat systems required for our forces to fight and win. The challenges are many and the priorities an imperative, including delivering ships and submarines on time from maintenance, to affordability across the board and cyber security. NAVSEA delivers ships that are “Fit to Fight” and they do. And with ready systems and crews, our fleet continues to uphold the highest traditions of the United States Navy, all day, every day, whenever the nation calls and “wherever the ground was a little damp.” a RADM Tom Druggan ’89, USN, is the commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center.
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FEATURE
2017 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway (4-7 June 1942). The Midway Monument was sponsored and funded by the Class of ’42, spurred on by the leadership of the late Vice Admiral william D. Houser ’42, USN (Ret.), and dedicated at the class reunion in 1997. in 1999, the class established the Battle of Midway Essay contest and presented the first award to Midshipman Mark Fenwick ’01 in April 2000. The class continued awarding the essay annually, and turned the responsibility over to the Class of 1992, who will pass the baton to the Class of 2042. Therefore, the Battle of Midway will continue to be recognized as a great naval battle and a lesson for midshipmen for years to come. in 2016, Midshipman Yash Khatavkar ’19 received recognition for his essay and it is printed in this issue.
MIDWAY
TURNING THE TIDE IN THE WAR WITH JAPAN by Midshipman Yash Khatavkar ’19 n every military conflict, the principles of war must be followed. Successful tactics involve simple plans, massing forces at one point, seizing the offensive, and other guidelines. The effects of following these principles were particularly apparent in a crucial naval battle during world war ii. in the Battle of Midway, the Japanese failure to adhere to the principles of mass, surprise, and simplicity, in combination with the Americans’ use of mass, surprise, and taking the offensive, led to a decisive American victory contributing to America’s growth as a world power. The chain of events leading up to the Battle of Midway began decades before the actual engagement. in the Sino-Japanese war of 1894-95, in which Japan began expansion into China, the United States was angered by Japanese violation of the “open Door” policy which opposed individual countries
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gaining favored access to China.1 Relations slowly deteriorated until the U.S., alongside the Dutch and the British, declared an embargo against Japan, who depended on U.S. trade, in 1941.2 Convinced of the importance of seizing raw materials from the United States, the Japanese decided to strike the U.S. Fleet at Pearl Harbor in a surprise attack which sparked the U.S. involvement in world war ii.3 Following their victory at Pearl Harbor, Japanese strategists decided to continue to seize the offensive, a crucial principle of war, in the Pacific. Continuing their offensive would allow the Japanese to act while they still possessed an advantage in pure naval power, prevent allied forces from coming to the U.S.’s aid, and continue the war before Japanese resources could be depleted.4 Part of the Japanese offensive involved seizing Midway, a base that could be used in a
campaign towards the eventual capture of Hawaii.5 Following the Doolittle Raid, in which carrier-based American bombers attacked the Japanese mainland in broad daylight, the Japanese military was anxious to engage the American fleet in a decisive battle at Midway.6 Unlike the battle of Pearl Harbor, however, the Japanese would not be able to rely on the principle of surprise at Midway. The crucial factor in negating the factor of surprise was that the Japanese Navy’s operational code, JN25, had been broken, which was also an example of the Japanese Navy’s failure to ensure security.7 Through partially understood phrases in JN25, the Americans suspected that the Japanese were planning an operation against a target known as “AF,” which was suspected to be Midway.8 To confirm this, the Americans sent an unencrypted message reporting a water shortage at Midway, which led the
Japanese to send messages that “AF” was The Japanese commander, Admiral overall, by failing to obey the principle of short on water, removing almost all doubt Chūichi Nagumo, only pitted his Mobile mass, the Japanese lost their numerical that the planned Japanese attack on “AF” Force of four carriers against the Americans, advantage over the Americans. Their was an offensive on Midway.9 with this forces were too spread out to effectively who had three carriers and additional knowledge, the Americans began their engage the concentrated American fleet airpower based on Midway.14 with the majority of Japanese forces staying out preparations. A damaged aircraft carrier, at Midway, leading to their destruction. the YoRKTowN, was ordered to be repaired of the battle, the American aerial forces Furthermore, the Japanese continued around-the-clock in order to ensure the actually outnumbered the Japanese, with to pay no heed to the principles of war by U.S. would have three aircraft carriers the U.S. fielding 332 aircraft against 245 creating a complex battle plan, violating ready to face the Japanese.10 The U.S. Japanese aircraft.15 The Japanese further the principle of simplicity. in order for commander, Admiral Chester w. Nimitz, spread their forces due to internal the Japanese battle plan to succeed, they USN, of the Class of 1905, was able to military politics. in an effort to give many had to involve multiple fleet elements place his carriers in an ambush and senior officers their own commands, which had to work together on a very surprise the Japanese rather than face the Japanese fleet was broken up into constrained timetable.17 This already put 11 the Japanese fleet at risk because plans an unexpected attack on Midway. The multiple groups, and some of these new that require multiple elements to work Americans were able to prepare for the commands would be deployed too far together in synchronization open up the defense of Midway, and the Japanese away from Midway to be able to join the possibility of failure if one or more failed to follow the principle of surprise. battle against the Americans.16 in doing this, the Japanese also ignored another elements fail to come together. Furthermore, The Japanese also ignored the principle of war, unity of command. the complexity of maneuvering a large principles of mass by excessively number of ships dispersing their while attempting to forces and unity surprise the enemy of command by led to an increased allowing political spread of Japanese strife between officers battle forces, further to hamper their contributing to the command and reduction in the control abilities. Japanese ability to The Japanese mass their forces.18 commander-in-chief, This complex plan Admiral isoroku imposed a restrictive Yamamoto, faced timetable on political pressure to Nagumo’s forces, attack the Aleutian which drastically islands because reduced the freedom many military leaders of movement feared a potential Guests gathered for the Midway dedication as part of the Class of ’42’s 75th reunion activities. necessary to both American invasion destroy the U.S. from the Aleutians.12 CLASS OF ’42 REMEMBERS THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY Yamamoto eventually carriers and the air In September 2016, members of the Class of ’42, friends and family as well forces based on decided to conduct a as staff, faculty and leadership gathered to rededicate the Battle of Midway Midway.19 This lack diversionary attack in monument. On this 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, Captain John W. of simplicity worked the Aleutians despite Crawford Jr. ’42, USN (Ret.), asked Shipmate to mark the engagement his class against the Japanese fears that this would “had the duty and the honor of participating in.” when they were spread his fleet too Just a few months after Pearl Harbor, 75 of his classmates were graduated, forced to indefinitely thin.13 Although the commissioned and assigned to ships involved in the Battle of Midway. One postpone a planned Japanese naval forces Ensign Ralph Holton ’42, USN, was killed when HAMMANN was sunk. attack against Port had substantially Crawford, who made remarks at the rededication in place of his class Moresby in order larger numbers than president, Captain Max Duncan ’42, USN (Ret.),* said about the monument to maintain their the Americans, the and the battle: “May it serve to inspire midshipmen, staff, faculty and the public battle fleet’s strict U.S. would not have as a reminder of the greatest battle in U.S. naval history.” schedule.20 Another to engage the bulk of *CAPT Duncan passed away on 1 January 2017. part of the Japanese the Japanese fleet. MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 27
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES
FEATURE
HAMMANN (DD-412) disappears beneath the waves after being torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-168 in the afternoon of 6 June 1942. Photographed from the starboard forecastle deck of YORKTOWN (CV-5) by Photographer 2nd Class William G. Roy.
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plan went awry when two cordons of Japanese submarines were delayed by two days, causing them to miss the U.S. aircraft carriers that passed between Hawaii and Midway.21 in the end, the overly-complex Japanese battle strategy hindered their ability to respond to U.S. maneuvers and attack American forces with their full strength. The American fleet under Nimitz adhered to the principles of war, contributing to the U.S. victory at Midway. First, the U.S. respected the idea of mass by keeping the fleet together at Midway. when the Japanese sent part of their fleet to attack the Aleutians, Nimitz correctly deduced that it was a diversionary attack and sent only five cruisers and ten destroyers to defend the islands, which was the minimum number of ships he was willing to split from his main battle fleet.22 This ensured that Nimitz had as many ships as possible to fight the Japanese at Midway. Additionally, Nimitz followed the principle of offensive by
to be used effectively. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence successes allowed them to receive advance warning of the attack, which led them to keep their fleet together and surprise the enemy with aggressive attacks on Japanese aircraft carriers. The U.S. victory then allowed the Americans to attack Japanese outposts throughout the Pacific and bring an end
to the war with Japan before the Soviets could acquire large amounts of former Japanese territory. with this vast success, the Battle of Midway remains one of the most legendary naval battles in U.S. history. MIDN Yash Khatavkar ’19 wrote this paper for his American Naval History class at the Naval Academy, winning the 2016 Midway essay contest. a OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTOGRAPH, NOW IN THE COLLECTIONS OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
attempting to attack the Japanese carriers before they could launch their aircraft.23 lastly, Nimitz made every effort to maintain the principle of surprise. Very few people in command were notified that Nimitz’s carriers stood ready to defend Midway.24 Pilots on Midway were told that the carriers were protecting Pearl Harbor, creating the illusion that they would not be at Midway.25 This element of surprise would be crucial to accomplishing Nimitz’s goal of attacking the Japanese carriers before they could make their aircraft ready.26 The American victory at Midway would turn the tide in the war against Japan, contributing greatly to the Allies’ victory in world war ii. The Japanese lost four aircraft carriers, which Japanese shipyards and industry could not work fast enough to replace, and Japan also lost scores of experienced pilots, whose replacements could not be trained quickly enough by the Japanese military.27 The U.S. now had the advantage in airpower, which meant Japan could no longer take the offensive in the Pacific and would have to defend against U.S. attacks.28 This new advantage also allowed the U.S. to face fewer casualties in its island-hopping campaign.29 This ensured that at the end of the war, when the Soviets began to seize territory from the Japanese, the U.S. was able to defeat Japan more quickly, preventing the Soviets from gaining additional strength at the onset of the Cold war.30 This shows that the Battle of Midway would have a strong influence on American history both during world war ii and in the developments which followed it by contributing the U.S.’s ability to take the offensive, in turn giving the Americans a stronger position at the outset of the Cold war. in conclusion, the Battle of Midway was an American victory due to the Japanese failure to use the principles of surprise, simplicity and mass and the Americans’ use of surprise, offensive and mass which led to the United States’ growth as a world power. The Japanese had a battle plan which was overly complex and spread their fleet too thin
Diorama by Norman Bel Geddes, depicting the air battle between Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221) F2A-3 Buffalo and F4F-3 Wildcat fighters and Japanese Navy Type 00 carrier fighters, as the Marines attempted to intercept the Japanese bomber formation en route to attack Midway in the morning of 4 June 1942.
1
Hugh Bicheno, Midway (London: Cassell, 2001), 22-23. Ibid., 23. 3 Ibid., 27. 4 Mitsuo Fuchida and Masatake Okumiya, Midway (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1992), 50-51. 5 Ibid., 53. 6 Dallas Woodbury Isom, Midway Inquest: Why the Japanese Lost the Battle of Midway (Bloomington: Indiana University Press 2007), 78-79. 7 Mark Healy, Midway 1942 (Oxford: Osprey 1993), 16. 8 Ibid., 16-17. 9 Ibid., 17. 10 Ibid., 18-19. 11 Isom, Midway Inquest, 99. 12 Ibid., 92. 13 Ibid. 14 Ibid., 100. 2
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Ibid. Bicheno, Midway, 73-75. Healy, Midway 1942, 20. 18 Ibid. 19 Ibid., 21-22. 20 Fuchida and Okumiya, Midway, 105-106. 21 Isom, Midway Inquest, 98. 22 Healy, Midway 1942, 23. 23 Ibid., 25. 24 Ibid., 26-27. 25 Ibid. 26 Ibid., 28. 27 Ibid., 89. 28 Ibid. 29 Isom, Midway Inquest, 292. 30 Ibid. 16
17
Bibliography Bicheno, Hugh. Midway. London: Cassell, 2001. Fuchida, Mitsuo, and Masatake Okumiya. Midway. Edited by Clarke H. Kawakami and Roger Pineau. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1992. Healy, Mark. Midway 1942. Oxford: Osprey, 1993. Isom, Dallas Woodbury. Midway Inquest: Why the Japanese Lost the Battle of Midway. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2007.
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BRAVO ZULU 1970s ’76: RADM Garry Hall, USN (Ret.), has been named special assistant to the President and senior director at the National Security Council, The White House. VADM Mike LeFever, USN (Ret.), has been named chief operating officer at IOMAXIS.
1980s ’86: RDML Gregory Fenton, USN, has been selected to take command of Naval Forces Japan and Navy Region Japan this summer. He will oversee all installations and shore-based sailors in Japan as well as planning and coordination with the Japan Self-Defense Forces. ’87: CDR Jeffrey R. Lukish, MC, USN, a pediatric surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, has had his research project; “The Safety and Efficacy of Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation in Young Females with Cancer,” accepted for presentation at the Annual American Pediatric Surgeons’ Association. ’89: Col John C. “Doc” Church Jr., USMCR, was joined by Naval Academy classmates and shipmates on 11 March 2017 at the Valley Forge Military Academy and College “Academy Day,” an event co-sponsored by Congressman Patrick Meehan and Ryan Costello. Church welcomed representatives from all of the Federal Service Academies as well as Valley Forge Military College cadets and cadets from West Point. Also present were the newest group of VFMC International Prepsters from Saudi Arabia who will vie for appointments to a service academy in the U.S. and/or in other nations or return to their own country. Do you know someone who deserves a Bravo Zulu? Send to Communications Division at comms@usna.com.
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MIDN Christopher Panuski ’17, USN, was recently named a 2017 Hertz Foundation Fellowship recipient. Panuski is an electrical engineering and physics double-major who has service selected Cryptologic Warfare. He plans to pursue a doctorate in electrical engineering and computer science at MIT and aspires to couple his passion for research and innovation with a career of technical leadership in service to both the United States and the broader global community. The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation provides financial and fellowship support to the nation’s most talented doctoral students studying in the applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics and engineering. Each Hertz Fellowship consists of up to five years of academic fiscal support valued at more than $250,000 and research freedom at a participating graduate institution in the United States. The number of Hertz Fellowships awarded each year varies from 10 to 15. Since 1963, the Hertz Foundation has provided postgraduate fellowships with the goal of supporting innovation-oriented development in the fields of science, math and engineering. ®
Col John C. “Doc” Church Jr., USMCR, President of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, retired in March 2017 after 35 years of service. BGen Austin “Sparky” Renforth ’88, USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, was the Retiring Officer and Brigadier General Michael Fahey, USMCR, Commanding General of Force Headquarters Group, passed the command to Col. Sean N. Day ’94, USMCR.
1990s ’90: Rita Moss has been named a senior executive in human resources at the Department of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate. She will serve as the chief human capital officer and lead the organization’s human resources strategic and operational functions. ’96: LtCol Robert A. Peal, USMCR, member at Neal & Harwell, PLC, has been named a member of the 2017 class of fellows participating in a landmark program created by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) to identify, train and advance the next generation of leaders in the legal profession. Marguerite Amy (Morrison) Gilliland has been named deputy for operations for General Dynamics Information Technology.
2010s ’17: MIDN Will Worth, USN, has been honored at the fifth annual 3M Awards Dinner held by the DC Touchdown Club. The event honors
the region’s top high school and college players and coaches. Proceeds from the dinner benefit Patriot Point, the DC Bowl Committee’s retreat for recovering service members.
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SACC • 247 King George Street • Annapolis, Maryland 21402 • SACC@usna.com • www.sacc-jobfair.com
32 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
ALUMNI MENTORING PROGRAM Open to all Naval Academy alumni, AMP is about alumni helping alumni achieve more in their career and life. Register with AMP today to be a mentor protégé or both.
Visit www.usna.com/amp
NOLS (NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP SCHOOL) is not just for midshipmen! Join us in August for one of two NOLS Expeditions. Consider this NOLS lite. 5-12 August 2017 — Pacific Northwest Sea Kayaking 19-26 August 2017 — Northeast Backpacking Family members and friends welcome. Visit www.nols.edu/en/courses/ custom-education/clients/ usna-alumni-association/ for course descriptions and costs. For more information, email: Lindsay Priefert at lindsay_priefert@nols.edu
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 33
CLASS NEWS ’34 Life Membership: 0% Pres: RADM Ed Keats, USN (Ret.) 207 Brightwood Club Rd., Lutherville, MD 21093 h: 410-235-3803; e: edkeats@comcast.net
’35 Life Membership: 25% Pres, Sec’y/Treas, and Corr Sec’y: RADM Ed Keats, USN (Ret.) 207 Brightwood Club Rd., Lutherville, MD 21093 h: 410-235-3803; e: edkeats@comcast.net
David Cordish national and international developer and owner of casinos, shopping centers, and hotels with his father-in-law while attending the Navy-Hopkins first lacrosse game of the ‘17 season
On my celebrating the reaching of the age of 102 on January 30, 2017 the question arose of how many other Academy graduates had lived to become 102 or older. I directed my inquiry to Timothy Woodbury the Alumni Association’s director of matters relating to aging and the end of life. Ms. Woodbury kindly furnished this information. I thank her for it: USNA Year of Age Name Class Death 102 Donald Curtis 1918 1998 102 Carlos Jenkins Badger 1922 2004 102 William Byron Bailey 1924 2004 102 Arthur Harrison Graubart 1925 2003 102 Donald Oscar Burling 1925 2003
102 Jack Pendleton Monroe 1927 2006 102 Edmund Burke Games 1931 2011 102 Frederick Owen Vaughan 1932 2010 102 Robert Burns Crowell 1934 2013 1935 —— 102 Edgar Keats 102 Charles Raymond Calhoun II 1938 2015 103 Llewellyn James Johns 1921 2002 103 Wesley Herbert Randig 1927 2006 103 John Sim Slaughter 1937 2017 103 Frank William Taylor 1937 2016 104 John Harold Smith 1910 1992 104 Carlos Augustus Bailey 1911 1911 104 Wallace Broughton Short 1924 2007 104 Aubrey Joseph Bourgeois 1930 2011 105 Richard Harrison Jackson 1887 1971 105 Richard Alexander Larkin 1925 2008 106 Henry Thomas Settle 1909 1992 107 David Harvey Byerly 1921 2007
’36 Life Membership: 0% Corr Sec’y: Gordy Carmichael Seaman Daughter of CAPT John H. Carmichael, USN (Ret.) e: gordy_seaman@bellsouth.net
Bob Humphrey informed the USNA AA that his mother Evalyn S. Humphrey, wife of CAPT Ernest W. Humphrey, ’36 USN (Ret.)
“But still when two or three shall meet, and old tales be retold...” passed away on Jan. 31, 2017. Ernest and Evalyn were married for 72 years.
On January 31, 2017, Evalyn Sears Humphrey, a 37- year resident of Sequim, passed away peacefully at the age of 105 with her son & daughter at her side. She leaves a loving family, and a wealth of wonderful memories. Evalyn was born February 26, 1911 in Vancouver BC, the daughter of Charles Harper Sears, and Ella Frances Cummins Sears. She was the eldest of 5 children, having 3 brothers and a sister. Most of her childhood was spent in Bellingham, Kent, and Centralia. Amongst her memories of those times, she recalled walking a 3 miles round trip journey to attend elementary classes in a one-room schoolhouse. Between school hours, she also helped her mother take care of her brothers and sister. Evalyn often recounted stories about her time as a teacher, where many of her experiences provided her with the foundation to become the wonderful mother she was. Also during her early years, Evalyn
became a skilled seamstress. She made many of her own clothes, and often made or repaired clothes for her siblings. This was a skill that she continued to apply throughout her life. While in Bremerton, Evalyn met her future husband Ernest W. Humphrey (Ernie), who was an ensign in the U.S. Navy. They were married in Kent on June 11, 1938, in a military wedding ceremony with six bridesmaids and six officers. At the end of the ceremony, the newlywed couple passed under the traditional arch of swords. Evalyn’s life for the next 26 years were a balance between that of a Naval officer’s wife, and that of a mom. Evalyn and her family lived in several locations during Ernie’s 13 tours of duty, including 20 houses, 7 states, and two overseas posts in Port Lyautey, Morocco, and London, England. Early in his career, Ernie was stationed in Boston, during which time Evalyn attended the Fanny Farmer Cooking School. From that point on, she was passionate about preparing excellent meals, both for her family and for the various social functions she organized as a Navy wife. After his full retirement in 1978, Evalyn and Ernie moved to Sequim the following year, returning to the beautiful Northwest that they had both enjoyed in earlier years. They attended many informational meetings & discussion groups in and around Sequim, and remained very involved in the world around them. Evalyn continued being active in her sewing, cooking, and flower arranging interests. She also enjoyed working in the gardens and landscaping surrounding her home. Ernie passed away in September 2010 after 72 years of marriage Evalyn was predeceased by her mother, father, brothers Jack Sears, Rex Sears, and Ted Sears, and sister Jeanette (Pokey) Kitt. She is
Opinions expressed in Shipmate are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, its officers or editorial staff. All pictures are official Department of Defense photographs unless otherwise credited. Member, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Shipmate (ISSN 0488-6720) is published monthly except for combined issues (January-February, June-July, September-October and November-December). Copyrighted 2017 by the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, Inc., 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402-1306. Membership dues (including Shipmate) are $70 per year. Subscription rate is $70; Canadian and foreign subscriptions are $75. Single copies are $7 each. Periodicals Postage Paid at Annapolis, MD, and at additional mailing offices. All editorial matter should be addressed to Kristen Pironis, p: 410-295-4072, kristen.pironis@usna.com. Inquiries concerning membership or subscriptions and notification of change of address of members and subscribers should be addressed to U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, 247 King George St., Annapolis, MD 21402-1306; p: 410-295-4027; alumni@usna.com. Donor participation numbers for 2017 as of 28 February 2017.
34 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
36/39 CLASS NEWS survived by her daughter Lynn Cain and her husband Jerry, her son Bob Humphrey and his wife Mary, and two grandchildren, Christopher Cain, and Meghan Humphrey.
’37 Life Membership: 75% Honorary Vice Pres and Sec’y: Meredith Minter Hinkle Daughter of Charlie Minter ’37 3603 Prince William Dr., Fairfax, VA 22031 e: mahink@cox.net
’38 Life Membership: 6% Sec’y: Donald E. Brown Son of CAPT C. Donald Brown, USN (Ret.) 4105 Elizabeth Ln., Fairfax, VA 22032-1453 p: 703-978-4571; e: donaldbrown@earthlink.net
’39
everything in bloom, thoughts of our grand ’39 Navy Wives come to mind…
Life Membership: 55% Donor Participation: 0% Pres: RADM Lloyd R. ”Joe” Vasey, USN (Ret.) Arcadia #908, 1434 Punahou St. Honolulu, HI 96827-4749 p: 808-953-2234; e: joevasey@hawaii.rr.com Vice Pres: CAPT Chip Seymour, USN (Ret.) Son of Harry A. Seymour 309 Melvin Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 c: 410-279-9195; e: seymour65@comcast.net Sec’y: Barbara Fidel Adams Also Sec’y for ’39 Navy Juniors Daughter of Jack and June Fidel 215 Ikerd Dr., Concord, NC 28025 p: 704-784-3876; e: adamsjimr@aol.com Thirty-Nine On Line: Barbara Fidel Adams e: adamsjimr@aol.com Webmaster: Roland Weybourn Schumann III Son of Bud Schumann 1011 Apollo Way, Incline Village, NV 89451 p: 775-298-2011; e: rolandws@gmail.com
Greetings ‘39ers. This issue comes out on or around May Day, and with
Zoe Largess with the Easter Bunny and Bill the Goat (both costumed Midshipmen!)
Zoe Largess (“Jiggs”) will celebrate her 96th birthday on 28 May- do send birthday greetings to her largitas@aol.com. Zoe, and her son, Bill, have sponsored Mids for many years (just as Jiggs and Zoe did) and often take them to Easter Brunch at the USNA Officer’s Club. Above is a photo taken of Zoe
at Easter on the Yard, in front of the Naval Academy Chapel. Toni Green (Bob) celebrated her 100th birthday on 19 March! As is our Class tradition for “Centenarian Congratulations” a Colossal Gram was sent from ‘39. (photo and write up in the next column). Mitzi Peterson (“Pete”) celebrated her birthday on 1 March. Mitzi has undergone three major surgeries to reduce elevated Glaucoma pressure in her right eye. It has been a lengthy recovery. Hoping Mitzi’s vision is much improved, and she was able to go on a long awaited trip to Europe. Madeline Hough (Jack) celebrated her birthday on 27 February. Ingrid Beach (Ned) celebrated her 9 February birthday on her return from a fabulous trip. M “I have recently returned from a six week stay with my daughter,
CL A SS O F 193 9
A Remarkable Centenarian Rear Admiral Lloyd R. “Joe” Vasey ’39, USN (Ret.) celebrated his 100th birthday on 31 January 2017. A World War II submariner and a visionary in Asian foreign relationships, RADM Vasey is still making a difference. He has been working to build a Pacific War Memorial at Pearl Harbor. He explained to the Honolulu Star Advertiser “There is no recognition of well over 150,000 brave Americans who were lost in the Pacific War … We need
to honor them and their families need a place to mourn.” (The full story is on the ’39 website and https://www.csis.org/analysis/ pacnet-10- happy-100th-birthday-admiral-vasey). He was also honored at the annual Board of Governors’ Dinner Pacific Forum CSIS in March. His birthday celebration included many family, friends and colleagues.
Joe Vasey and his granddaughter, Gracia
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 35
39/39 CLASS NEWS “Ingie”, and family in New Zealand. My daughter is married to a New Zealander and they have a house overlooking a bay, the sea and the mountains in the city of Nelson, which is on the tip of the southern New Zealand island. It is such a beautiful country.”
Ingrid Beach and Ingie
‘39 Classmates celebrated big birthdays in the first quarter of 2017 as well: Bob Borders celebrated his 99th birthday on 15 February, and with this birthday, he is the “youngster” in the group! Joining the ’39 Centenarians was Joe Vasey, celebrating his 100th birthday on 31 January with a very lively party at his home port in Honolulu- attended by family and friends, many traveling from around the world to celebrate this significant and memorable event. Joe’s nephew, Robert Vasey, ‘59, his wife Mitzi and son, Mike came in from California. Joe’s niece, Rene Thorley, traveled from Florida. Long time close friend and member of the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service, Lloyd Blake, made the trip from Australia. Past Pacific Forum fellow, Petra Dunne, came in from New York. From Hawaii- Ralph Cossa, President of Pacific Forum CSIS Honolulu and his wife, Louanne; Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr,’78, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; RADM Roegge, Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and his wife, Julie; Admiral Thomas B. Fargo,’70 USN (Ret.); Col. Bert Turner and his wife, Vonnie (Col. Turner worked under RADM Vasey at Camp Smith in the early 70’s); Capt. William Paty; and Joe’s daughters, Karla and Kari, and granddaughter, Gracia were also present.
36 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Karla writes: M “One of the special highlights was receiving a large Colossal Gram from the Class of 1939! Dad was delighted to be able to share this great surprise with his family and friends, who joined in wishing him a very, Happy 100th Birthday. Another highlight was the entertainment. We took a step back in time with the all-female trio, Liberty Belles singing such nostalgic tunes as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B”…..”When the Saints Go Marching In”….and ending the musical portion of the evening with Dad’s favorite…. “Anchors Away”. The trio, similar in harmony to the Andrews Sisters, were characteristic of the era, fashioned completely with military uniforms and an overall ambiance of the 1940’s... Their singing creativity added flavor to the festive atmosphere of the evening. Joe Vasey’s 100th birthday celebration was full of merriment and laughter, shared with family and so many close acquaintances- a great time shared by all in the land of Aloha. (Editor’s note: rumor has it there are more celebrations planned for Joe, so stay tuned!)
RADM and Mrs Roegge
Joe Vasey (seated) with Tom Fargo and the Liberty Belles
Admiral Tom Fargo,’70 (son Tut and Bill Fargo), also in attendance wrote: M “It was a fabulous evening. The way the tribute was set up, we read “telegrams” from famous people in tribute to Joe, providing our own comments before and after the readings. Admiral Harris read a “telegram” from President Truman, and I read one from President Trump. All very humorous, but regaled his contribution over the last 100 years. My preliminary comments related to the Class of 1939 and all of our parents service on Battleships upon graduation”. (Editor’s note: about a third of the Class were aboard the Battleships when they first steamed into Honolulu with the Pacific Fleet in 1940among them Joe Vasey, aboard MISSISSIPPI; Bill Fargo aboard ARIZONA and Jack Fidel aboard OKLAHOMA. Bill Fargo and my dad, Jack Fidel, were roommates at the Academy all four years and lifetime best friends- BFA). Nat James celebrated his 101st birthday on 2 March! The report on that is not in yet, (but for those of you not familiar with the famous Colossal Gram, we share this photo of Nat on his 100th birthday with his “Centenarian Congratulations”, or as his daughter, Arabella, put it“the most magnificent telegram from the Class of 1939!”).
CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to classnews@usna.com
ADM Harry Harris and Joe Vasey
ISSUE: Aug 2017 Sept-Oct 2017 Nov-Dec 2017
DUE DATE: 30 May 2017 24 July 2017 25 Sept 2017
Nat James with Colossal Gram
Calvin George, on 12 March, also celebrated his 101st birthday. His son, John, shared with us that his Dad was one the 31 Marylanders chosen to tell their stories in Michael H. Rogers’ Answering Their Country’s Call – Marylanders in World War II. The introduction to Calvin’s story reads “Calvin was a nationally recognized merit badge holder in the Boy Scouts, and was invited to participate in President Roosevelt’s Inauguration Parade. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy in 1939, he was stationed in the Philippines aboard destroyer USS Peary when the Japanese attacked on 8 December, 1941. Peary fled Manila to escape the Japanese, but Calvin was unable to join his crew because of the wounds he’d received during the Japanese air raid. His capture by the Japanese began a four-year journey of survival in Japanese prisoner of war camps and the infamous “hell ships” used by the Japanese to transport prisoners. He is a recipient of two purple hearts.” Calvin’s story: (Editor’s noteparaphrased for the column- do get the book, it is a good read) M “I wanted to be a Marine when I applied to the Naval Academy but did not get one of the thirteen slots reserved for Marines in each class. Ten of the thirteen Marines who graduated from the Class of 1939 were later captured by the Japanese in the Philippines and China and died in captivity. If I have learned anything from my experiences in life it is to never ask to be dealt a second hand. The second hand you
39/41 CLASS NEWS are dealt could be a lot worse than the hand you’re already holding. When the Japanese attacked Cavite Naval Base in the early morning hours of 10 December, Peary was tied up to the repair yard docks with all of her guns removed and dead in the water with no power. All the ship had for defense was our antisubmarine mines and a few Lewis machine guns I had swiped from some old WWI airplanes parked nearby. As gunnery officer, I felt my hands were tied when the Japanese bombers arrived overhead. The Lewis machine guns had very limited firing range, but it gave the guys some sense of trying to fight back. A bomb landed in the foremast of our ship, showering the men topside with pieces of shrapnel. The explosion drove pieces of shrapnel into my back and my head was split open near my left eye. I was carried to the Manila hospital, suffering from serious wounds, and not allowed to depart with PEARY when she was repaired and ready to leave port to join Allied Fleet in Australia. The Navy was not made aware of my inability to depart with Peary, so I was reported killed when all hands went down when Peary was sunk in Darwin Harbor 19 February, 1942. A plaque was placed in Darwin Harbor, honoring those who had died on Peary and my name is on it, making me a walking ghost. I subsequently survived four years in Japanese prison camps, and aboard three “hell ships” (attacked by American bombers, not knowing they held prisoners of war) during which time I had been reduced from 155 to 80 pounds. The single most important thing that kept me alive was hope. Hope is the most powerful thing in the world. During my entire imprisonment, all I could think of was returning home to see Margaret. Although thousands of miles away, she saved my life every day. Recalling the dark days of my captivity is most painful, but I have put that aside long enough to speak of them. This is just a brief outline of the events that happened to the brave men, not only me, who endured these horrors. I am no hero, just one who was fortunate enough to survive horrendous difficulties. I
would reserve the title of heroes of the Second World War for those who sat at home, not knowing what was happening to their loved ones far away. They must have endured an equal or greater pain than those who fought the war.”
’40
Margaret Knauer, Calvin’s childhood OAO, and Calvin- married at the Naval Academy Chapel on 5 November, 1945
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Fidel Adam ’39 Class secretary
they were both Naval Academy grads. Bill is from the Class of 1946. The two men have become friends. Foggy also enjoys chatting on the phone. If you have his number, please give him a call and wish him a Happy 100th Birthday! Happy Birthday Foggy! Best, Wendi Winters And, remember … Only ’40 is 4.0!
’40 Life Membership: 6% Donor Participation: 0% Honorary Pres, Sec’y/Treas, and Corr Sec’y: Wendi Winters Daughter of Leigh “Early” Cosart Winters 1734 Chesapeake Dr., Edgewater, MD 21037 c: 410-562-4189; e: WendiWinters1@gmail.com
Hello Everyone! Dorothy Newcomb Deacon, daughter of “Foggy” Newcomb sent along three photos taken during Foggy’s 100th Birthday Celebration. The party, she said, went great. And, luckily, the relatives from Massachusetts arrived safely though a horrible storm the day before the party caused them – and other air travelers – many hours of delay. Dorothy said the party had a patriotic them as Foggy was born on February 22, George Washington’s Birthday. The party itself was held over the long Presidents’ Day holiday weekend. He dressed up for the dinner party in his Naval Academy blazer and tie. The Valle Verde retirement home held a reception, too. In some photos, he is seated next to Bill Spangler, another Valle Verde resident. The two became fast friends when they discovered
’41 Life Membership: 53% Donor Participation: 0% Send News directly to Shipmate. Sec’y: Dr Jacques B. Hadler 3122 Gracefield Rd., Apt. 502 Silver Spring, MD 20904 p: 516 759 0842; c: 516 299 6346 e: jhadler@webb.edu Website: http://1941.usnaclasses.com
Belatedly, I am reporting on the death of Dana Schaefer Maddocks, 95, the widow of the late Captain
USN (Retired) William John Maddocks, died on July 29, 2016 at her home in Williamsburg VA. She was born on December 25, 1920 to the late Myrtle Fifer Schaefer and John Schaefer. Dana attended Seton high school in Baltimore. In her twenties, Dana married the charming Navy Ensign, the late Captain USN (Retired) William John Maddocks, and soon after started her family. Dana devoted much of her life to making a happy home for her military family as they traveled from duty station to duty station, coast to coast, within the United States and overseas throughout her husband’s 30 year Naval career. Dana was the glue that held it all together. As the ultimate military wife, mother, and entertainer, Dana relished welcoming family, friends, military and civilian dignitaries into her home. She was a talented, adventurous cook whose culinary talents were appreciated by all who had the pleasure of being included at her table. Dana was a volunteer par excellence. She happily dove into the activities of the Officer Wives Clubs and Navy Relief wherever she temporarily called home. In Williamsburg, Dana was a faithful volunteer at Community Hospital and a zealous member of the Green Springs Garden Club taking her turn as chairman of the annual Christmas Homes Tour. Dana had a caring heart and what seemed like endless energy. Predeceased by her parents, husband and a daughter, Pamela Ann Gurley, Dana is survived and cherished by her dear and devoted friend and companion, Bob Kirtley. Also left to hold her memory are her daughter, Kristina Maddocks Rowan, and son, MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 37
41/45 CLASS NEWS Michael Driscoll Maddocks, his wife, Debbie, four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Unfortunately our class president, “Rusty Crenshaw” died with his wife at his side at his home in Dryden, Maryland on February 4, 2017 at the age of 96. His obituary is contained in this or a future Last Call section. His death has created a vacancy in the class leadership. An email survey of the class determined that Jack Hadler should be the President and Treasurer as well as continue with the Secretarial duties, hence the masthead of our column will so note. On a lighter note: On February 21, 2017 Caryl and I celebrated our 75th wedding anniversary with members of our family and friends in our retirement community in Silver Springs, MD.
’42 Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 4.00% Acting Pres: CAPT John Crawford, USN (Ret.) 11405 Farmland Dr., Rockville, MD 20852 p: 301-881-4268; e: jcraw71544@aol.com Sec’y: Joan Curtis Widow of CDR Richard E. Curtis, USN (Ret.) 14518 Faraday Dr., Rockville, MD 20853 p: 301-989-8885; e: joan@jfcurtis.com
Hello to Class of ’42 Members, Family and Friends, IN MEMORIUM The services for our late Class President, Capt. Max C. Duncan, 95, who passed away on 1 January 2017 in Savannah, Georgia, will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017 in the United States Naval Academy Chapel. The service will be officiated by The Rt. Rev. Chilton R. Knudsen, daughter of Classmate William Richardson and inurnment will be at the U.S. Naval Columbarium in Annapolis. Katherine V. (Kay) Nickerson, 96, widow of Classmate Emery M. (Nick) Nickerson, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2017 in Piper Shores, Maine. The Class expresses sorrow for our ’42 losses, and pray for all ’42 classmates, widows and families.
38 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Please keep the Class posted on any exciting news or happenings in your lives. If your email, address or any contact information, family or otherwise has changed, please let Joan know. Love keeping in touch with everyone. Respectfully submitted, Joan Curtis ’42 Class Secretary
’43 Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 0% Acting Pres and Sec’y: Les Heselton e: heselton43@cs.com
Seventy five years ago “Salty Sam” ran a War Bond drive among the midshipmen. Early returns had each Academy Battalion buying about $200 each, while the Reserve Battalion, having a lot more ready money, made almost $400. Also at that time the Navy Department graduated the Reserves a short time before us so that they would be gone before June Week, forgetting that it made them all senior to us! In mid Feb I wrote to the entire Class requesting opinions about a 75th reunion. After about two weeks I had about 10 replies which were all negative. Thus there will be no official 75th reunion. One suggestion was that local areas could get together and celebrate with a luncheon or dinner which I think would be great! An other thought is that we might do something with our meager funds as a Seventy-fifth Memorial. Any ideas? Ernest White while commenting that he would be unable to attend due to several health problems mentioned that although he has lived alone since his wife, Anna Laura, died five years ago, after 67 years of marriage, life is not too bad since one of his daughters and her husband who live near bye, bring him dinner about three nights a week and spend some time so that he really does not “live alone”. Also there is always news of his ten grand children and 6 great grandchildren! Several of my letters were not deliverable because of wrong addresses. If anyone did not get my
letter please send me your correct address so that I can correct my files! In Memorium: Terrie diGangi reported that her father, Joseph O. diGangi had died over a year ago on 8 Nov. 2014 and was inurned in the Naval Academy Columbarium. Chad Sterrett reported that his mother, Mrs Whitney M. Sterrett, widow of CAPT. David S Sterritt, ’43 died of natural causes on 4 Feb 2017 in White Plains, New York. Ethel B. Cummings, wife for 73 years to CAPT. Edward J Cummings, died on her birthday, 27 January, 2017, at their home in San Francisco, CA. A Memorial Mass was held 6 Feb 2017 at St. Stephen’s Church, San Francisco with a private burial at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to Edward, Ethel is survived by daughter Candace Crean Cummings, granddaughter Cameron (Elliot) Binder, grandson Edward (Anne) McGavren and six great grandchildren.
Ethel Cummings
’44 Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 1.45% Send News directly to Shipmate. Temp Sec’y: CAPT Ernest Reynolds, USN (Ret.) 17598 Bocage Pt., San Diego, CA 92128-2080 e: reynolds8014@roadrunner.com p: 858-673-8122
A Service of Committal for CAPT Henry “Hank” Gorman is planned for 11:30 AM on 6 June at the Naval Academy Columbarium. Please call Mrs. Peggy Gorman for details: 561-686-1193.
’45
Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 0.83% Pres: RADM George F. Ellis, USN (Ret.) 1824 Milvale Rd., Annapolis, MD 21409-5923 p: 410-757-4423; e: ellisnav45@aol.com Corr Sec’y: CAPT Emil Saroch Jr., USN (Ret.) 237 Anchorage Ct., Annapolis, MD 21401-6301 p: 410-757-8758; e: emilsarem@verizon.net Website: www.usna.com/classes/1945
In Memoriam (Please note that, at the suggestion of Classmates, henceforth, we will just list deaths in this section. Extensive approved obituaries appear in the Last Call section of Shipmate. Since widows’ obituaries are not published elsewhere, they will appear here.) Walter Raymond ‘Lou’ Gerich, 96, died, surrounded by his loved ones, at Baywoods of Annapolis on 8 February 2017. His higher education began at the Citadel where he spent three years before being appointed to the United States Naval Academy. During World War II Lou served on LYMAN K. SWENSON (DD-729) in the Pacific Theater. Lou retired from the Naval Reserve as a LCDR and pursued an active career in the shipbuilding industry. He is survived by three sons; Michael David, Mark Raymond and Martin William; one daughter, Michele Doyel; and two granddaughters. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Mignon (Jenkins) Gerich. Funeral services were held on 16 February 16 at the St. Andrew’s Chapel, U.S. Naval Academy. Harold Arthur ‘Hal’ Webster, Jr., 93, died 22 February 2017. retired from the Navy in 1970 as a LCDR. He served in World War II on several cruisers, destroyers, and battle ships and retired from the Navy in 1970 as a LCDR. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Ulivo Webster. Hal is survived by two sons, Harold Arthur III and David Cameron Webster, one daughter, Susan Webster Bazemore, nine grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren. A Memorial Visitation was held on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. A Memorial Visitation and Military Honors were rendered in Savannah on 28 February 2017.
45/47 CLASS NEWS Joanne Ulivo Webster, 73, died at home on June 27, 2007 in Savannah. She was born on November 13, 1933. Joanne attended Catholic schools and graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy in 1951. She attended Armstrong State College and Savannah Vocational Institute. Joanne retired from Kemira after 30 years of service and was a former member of the International Management Council. Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed traveling and sewing. She was a communicant of St. James Catholic Church. She was survived by her husband, Harold (Hal) A. Webster; two daughters, and two sons by a previous marriage. As We Are Valentine’s Day found Classmates gathered at Fort Meyer for the monthly Class meeting. The weather was relatively mild and clear which may have encouraged classmates to venture out, because we had a great turnout. Class Treasurer Bob Sherman, who not only handles finances but also arrangements with Fort Meyer for our monthly meetings, provided us with a festive touch with decorations and Valentine’s Day chocolates. It was especially great to see Doe and Bill McCulloch, who have been absent for a few months and Fred Kelley who came with daughter Colleen up from the Richmond area. Also attending were Ted Cochrane with daughter Bonnie, Bobbie Davidson, Bob Sherman, Dick VanOrden, Rosemary Hsu-Brooks and Don Brooks, Blanche and Bill Cosgrove, who conducted the meeting, Bill Geiger with neighbor and Emil Saroch with daughter. Dick Van Orden has started a new tradition for our monthly Class lunches; he will review a book which he has read, so we look forward to taking better notes and reporting his review for your perusal.
LUCKY BAG OF BOOKS To check out all the options for your reading pleasure, visit usna.com/LBB
Doe and Bill McCulloch
Join us for lunch with your Classmates and their wives or widows on the second Tuesday of the month at the Fort Meyer Arlington VA at 11:30. We end about 1330 after a tasty lunch and great fellowship. Let Bob Sherman (703) 6440907 know if you plan to attend. If you are in town for the day or week or month, please come! Please help the Class by updating or writing your obit. We need news; please let us know what you have been doing. Please help the column by sending your news, story, or by giving us a call or just sending a picture. Look (and Stay) Alive with 45!
Rosemary and Don Brooks
’46 Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 2.16% Pres: CAPT Ernest E. Lowen, USN (Ret.) 9201 St. Marks Pl., Fairfax, VA 22031-3045 p: 703-691-0437; e: navyern@hotmail.com Sec’y/Tres: CDR A.C. Hansmann, USNR (Ret.) 14009 Oakvale St., Rockville, MD 20853 p: 301-871-3496; e: hansmann@1946.usna.com DEFENDI RESPUBLICAM ADOLESCENS, NON DESERAM SENEX
Ted Cochrane and Fred Kelley
’47 Life Membership: 78% Donor Participation: 1.99% Pres: CAPT Jack M. Stevens, USN (Ret) 200 Ankersa Way, Hunt, TX 78204-3400 Pp: 830-238-4355; e: captjack47@hctc.net
Bob Sherman and Bobbie Davidson
Vice Pres & Interim Sec’y: CDR H. G. “Bo” Heininger, USN (Ret) 813 Freedom Plaza Circle #207 Sun City Center, FL 33573 p: 813-634-4236; e:boheining@gmail.com Treas: Edward J. Myerson
Class Business The Class will be voting for Class officers in June. Current Class officers have agreed to serve another term. Bill Cosgrove has arranged for the Class to have its Tailgating tent at the Navy Football games. If you are in town on a Football game day be sure to let us know and we will give you directions to the tent. We all sit close together (Cosgroves behind Sarochs in Section 5 row24) the others a few rows up. So be sure to join us before or during the game.
Emiel Meisel sent the following M Bo, I’m your classmate — still alive and kickin’!! I became an avid blogger last April and on occasion, I take that opportunity to blog about life and classmates at the academy — 1943ish style — plebe year and stuff. In addition, I have blogged about my navy experiences and life therein. I’m sendin’ this email to tell you about a recent blog I have published about Jim Stockdale. As it happened, my wife and I became close with both Jim and
Sybil — close enough to call them our BFF’s. My recent blog was about the average person knowing only the Jim Stockdale that was Ross Perot’s VP or runnin’ mate. And I challenge that perception strongly in the blog. I am not seeking exposure — but as an ole guy, I thought some of the other ole guy’s in ‘47 might get a kick out of my defense of James Bond Stockdale’s reputation. Let me know if you are interested and I’ll dispatch it to you by email. Emiel Meisel aka Meis aka Emiliano aka “ole guy” (blog’s title is “Ole Guy’s Ramblins”) (Emiel and I have lots in common, ie. working for IBM, however our paths never crossed during those many years.) Jerry Nuss writes that he is living in a historical section of Charleston, SC. He had three tours of submarine duty there, and he and his wife grew to love the people and atmosphere there. So it was easy to make the decision to retire there. His wife passed away three years ago, but his bachelor son lives with him and is a tremendous help. Jerry has been reviewing old photos and other papers of his NAVY life to organize, review, shred, or keep. He sent an article from the New York Times about Bill Crowe dated July 14, 1996. He and Bill were roommates living in Portsmouth, NH as bachelors while their subs were undergoing overhaul. I cannot print the whole article for this column, but I will print one part. While Bill was ambassador he was speaking to a group of business leaders in London. A man rose to berate the Clinton Administration for not wholeheartedly supporting Northern Ireland’s inclusion in Great Britain. Hammering home his point, the man finally sputtered, “How would you feel if Mexico took back Texas?” At that point, Bill drew up to his height of 6 feet 2 inches, and replied: “You’ve asked the wrong man that question. I’m from Oklahoma! We’ve been trying to give Texas back to Mexico for a hundred years!” I missed getting in my last column the World Record setting event that John Corse participated in on 17 December 2016. It was in MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 39
47/48 CLASS NEWS the Mixed 300m Freestyle at the Rowdey Gaines Master Classic Event in Orlando, FL. Final Honors I was notified that Art Holfield died October 26, 2016. Art was one of my best friends while we were midshipmen. Also, Roth S. Mike Leddick’s wife passed away at her home in Lacey, WA on June 24, 2010.
’48 Life Membership: 60% Donor Participation: 1.79% Sec’y: CAPT David C. Carruth, USN (Ret.) 7206 Danford Ln., Springfield, VA 22152 p: 703-569-1354; e: slipstk@aol.com Treas: CDR Charles Mertz 1733 Kirby Rd., Apt. 1303, McClean, VA 22101 e: CM7200@aol.com Webmaster: John Tsiknas 15644 Caldas De Reyes San Diego, CA 92128-4414 e: johntsiknas@att.net Website: http://1948.usnaclasses.com
All of us are aware that at our age one of the biggest threats to our well-being is a fall. My correspondence is full of stories of falls and Betty has had two, which resulted in a broken pelvis and hip both of which she fully recovered from. Earlier this month I had a snail mail from Angus McDonald, 7th Co. which I think you will find of interest and may want to retain his list. Scribe’s note: Angus, you might give some thought to sending your “manifesto” to AARP. Angus’ letter says: M I had a bad fall on Thanksgiving 2015. It was a real doozie. Since it had happened before I decided that I needed a plan going forward. I sat down and composed a 22-point manifesto giving some of my rules for avoiding another fall. I try to follow the manifesto rigorously, and so far I am pleased. I have not had a fall for 14 months now. Hints for the Balance-Impaired 1. Look at the placed you will place your foot when you take your next step. This is particularly important when the terrain is either unfamiliar or uneven or both. If you wish to look around stop walking.
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2. As a corollary to the above never walk backwards. 3. Always be on the lookout for a third point of support just as you are encouraged to do when walking to the lavatory on an airplane. 4. Keep one hand free at all times. Keep our hands out of your pockets. 5. Always lean uphill. You will never fall uphill. 6. If you need to change direction rotate the body slowly. 7. If you do start to fall rotate your body like athletes do. This may protect your, face and eyes. Try to take the hit with your shoulders and hands – not your head. 8. If you come to a stairs and there is no banister or railing don’t take it. Find another route. 9. Sometimes it is preferable to walk sideways. 10.If the visibility is poor take a walking stick or cane. 11.If you have some instability spread your legs and take shorter steps. 12. When approaching a curb place one foot very near the curb before taking the step up or down. 13. Upon entering a store always take a shopping cart even if you have no intentions of buying anything. Carts are very supportive. 14. Try to keep the watering hose between you and the hose bib. 15. A prestigious study has concluded that the primary cause of falls is the failure to keep the body over the legs. 16. Of course, always pick up your feet and tie your shoelaces— always! 17. When you walk lean forward a little bit. It is a little harder to recover your balance if you start to fall backward. 18. If you desire a sleeping pill, don’t take one. There is too much carry-forward the nest morning. Rather take a Motrin instead. 19. When you come to an escalator, pause, grab and then take a follow-on step. 20. When you get out of bed, after you sit up pause briefly, then maintain contact by the backs of your legs with the side of the bed until you are fully standing. 21. When putting on or taking off a hoodie sit down.
’48
22. Practice the exercises provided by the PT instructor daily. Betty suggests an additional-do not reach for items on high shelves above your head. She was trying to get something off a high self in her closet when down she went, backwards. Judy and Bob Flood 18th Co., are in Fl and were joined by Helga and Bob Smith 18th Co. The four of them then got together with Betty and Frank Boushee 8th Co. for lunch at the Timuquana Country Club for lunch. Helga took this picture. A while back when Tom Woods 9th Co. passed away his family was looking for info to put into his obit for SHIPMATE. They knew he had been aboard the FLYING FISH AGSS-229 and wondered if he was aboard for the 5000th dive. I asked via email if anyone in the Class knew but the only answer I received was from Jack Lastova 9th Co. who did some research and came up with the following from the sub base New London club news. I believe you will enjoy it. SUBMARINE HISTORY- 5,000th Dive for SubmarineOn 29 February 1952 Secretary of the Navy, Dan A. Kimball recorded a “first” in the history of the Navy’s submarine service when USS FLYING FISH (AGSS-229) made her record-breaking 5,000th dive. For the first time in naval history the squawk box of a Navy craft carried a direct order from the commanding officer to the
Secretary of the Navy. “Now hear this. The Secretary of the Navy will please relieve the bow planesman.” In performing this duty Secretary Kimball reported to Charles Maglis, GM1 (SS), USN, as his relief, and the bow plane operation was in the hands of Mr. Kimball after RLYING FISH made he dive. Then operating as an experimental unit of the Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory, New London, Conn., FLYING FISH stood out for Long Island Sound. The icy waters of the Sound closed over her slate-grey length of 311 feet, eight inches, as she marked the 10th year of her life by establishing the world’s record for the number of operational dives. She was the first submarine to be commissioned after the outbreak of World War II. With the Secretary of the Navy and high ranking observers and guests on board, Lieutenant Commander R.W Phipps, USN, commanding FLYING FISH’s line handlers cast off her bow and stern lines. Captain G.R. Donaho USN the first FLING FISH skipper when she was commissioned three days after Pearl Harbor, was a visitor during this record making cruise. He stood the diving officer watch. Rear Admiral R.F. Hickey USN, Chief of Information, served on the watch as the sub’s helmsman. Never before in the naval history was a United States submarine operated by a higher ranking crew.
48/49 CLASS NEWS With 12 war patrols to her credit and 16 Japanese vessels sunk for a total of 58,306 tons, FLYING FISH crisscrossed the 125,447 miles of Pacific patrol. Nearly nine months of her 10-year life had been spent under water. To all hands who were lucky enough to have been on board for the recording breaking 5,000th dive, the CO issued “Five Grander” certificates reading: “Be it known to all good sailors of the seven seas that (holder’s name, rank or rate), did this date actively participate in the submergence of the USS FLYING FISH (AGSS-229) on this operationally historic occasion of her 5,000th dive. Be it therefore proclaimed to all true and loyal Wearers of the Dolphin that he is hereby designated a Five Grander” Scribe’s note: reading Tom’s bio. in the 30 year book he could easily have been aboard. Sadly we have lost one Classmate and two wives since the last column. Classmate: 18th Co. Portner, E.M.; 2/13/17 Wives: Matia, Theresa 5/11/16, wife of Tom (deceased) 23rd Co. Theresa was an active member of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church where she was a Prayer Warrior and a volunteer of the Legion of Mary, an international association of the faithful of the Catholic Church who serve the Church on a voluntary basis. She was an accomplished tennis player, cook, and an expert pastry maker. Her pride and joy though was her family, the five sons she and Tom raised, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dyer, Glenys 2/17/17, wife of John, 19th Co. Glenys and John met on a blind date and were married on 6/24/50. They raised three daughters. She was a behind-the-scenes volunteer at the Smithsonian for about 17 years in Engineering and Industry, working for the clockmaker and others. She was a parttime secretary and science teacher at Washington-Lee High School for all the years until her daughters were off to college.
’49 Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 2.02% Pres: CAPT Robert Tolbert, USN (Ret.) 1031 Tottenham Ct., Lynchburg VA 24503 e: red49tolbert@verizon.net Vice Pres: CAPT Rick Claytor, USN (Ret.) 9915 Carter Rd., Bethesda MD 20817-1414 e: retxnavy@aol.com (comm. & add.changes) Asst Sec’y: CAPT Mort Neely, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: Paul Laric 299 W. 12th St., #8E, NYC, NY 10014 e: paullaric49@gmail.com Treas: CAPT William Bennett, USN (Ret.) Webmaster: CAPT Robert Tolbert, USN (Ret.) Website: www.usna-class49.org
From the President Those of you having access to the internet have received ALL49s I view as of interest to you. I provide an overview. In March, I paid my last respects to Jackie Bartholomew, as she joined Bart in Arlington National Cemetery columbarium, delivered Bill Read’s oral history to ’49 House, and attended the medal award ceremony for Harry Train and other Distinguished Graduate Award recipients. I will be attending the Council of Class Presidents meeting in Annapolis, May 1, and be back at Arlington Cemetery for “Bone” Hamilton’s final rites, May 4th. Improvement of communications amongst the class has been my major objective. Establishment of the class website, publication of a new Class Directory, and ALL49 messages have helped, and recently Rick Claytor and I compiled a listing of email addresses that adds about 50 classmates (grads and nongrads), wives and widows to those presently receiving ALL49s. Two of our Navy juniors asked that they receive them to deliver to their parent(s). I’d like you to note the heading at the top of the Shipmate column. Life Membership 65%, Donor Participation 21.53%. The first number is the number of surviving classmates, who bought life membership in the Alumni Assoc., divided by surviving class membership. The second number is donors to the Alumni Assoc. divided by surviving class membership.
Ace Boughton and Gene Shine obtained approval for establishment of the Class of 1949 as a WWII veterans’ association, a tax-free entity under IRS code 501(c)(19). IRS Pub 3386 describes veterans as members and their wives and widows as associate members. If the Association statistics were at the head of our Shipmate column, it would read Life Membership 100% and Donor Participation 3%. I am disappointed with the minimal response to my solicitation for $20,000 to meet future contingencies. I’m highly pleased with the gifts already received, but not by the low number of participants. Has anyone, besides me, considered that construction of an Alumni Center outside the Yard may result in movement of working spaces of Alumni Asso. personnel from Ogle Hall and ’49 House? What will happen to these properties? We should be prepared to react to such contingencies. Are you going to be a “participant” or just a “rider?” Our treasurer, Bill Bennett, receives checks for “Association of the Class of 1949” at his address: 3 Ashcroft Court, Arnold, MD 21012. Red By today’s standards, our years at the Academy were much more rigid. And mids caught in misdeeds and other infringements of what passed as protocol, suffered the consequences with punishments ranging from extra duty to Class A’s which could lead to expulsion. It is for this reason that some of the more daring classmates among us gained enviable reputations as daredevils, in that they defied the system and got away with it. For instance, who can forget Fred Grabowsky, who hauled an upright piano, that was stored in the basement of Bancroft Hall, to his room and scheduled concerts for his appreciative classmates. He did get “fried” eventually for “musical instrument not properly stowed on locker top.” But now, along came Tom Kastner, who reached way back to plebe year and unearthed a tale that absolutely needs telling. Here it is in his inimitable prose and under what better title than ...
... A Sea Story Almost every one of us during plebe year wound up with a spell of executive duty as messenger to one of the Command Duty Officers, as they made their rounds to insure that good order and discipline were maintained at acceptable standards. One evening, I was called upon to accompany the ACDO, a LT, as he toured the first wing of Bancroft Hall just before taps. Before entering one room the ACDO told me to be alert as he was going to show me something. It was an underclass room with three inhabitants, two bunked in the main room and the third in an adjacent b-hole. As we entered, the usual protocol was followed with a casual inspection of the main room, followed by entry into the b-hole. Here, the ACDO marched directly to the wash basin, reached up, seized the mirrored cabinet of the basin and pulled it from the wall, much to the amazement of all. He then reached in the gaping hole and hauled out a heavy string which, after some pulling, produced a half-empty bottle of scotch. He examined the bottle and then turned to the room’s inhabitants with a demand for an explanation. Only confusion was forthcoming. So, with just a short pause and a smile, the ACDO then remarked, “What do you know just the way I left it.” There were no more surprises on that watch tour which I finished holding both the messenger pad and the bottle as watch equipment. (Editor’s note: And surely the fine, “aged” scotch in the bottle was consumed in due course with much pleasure and fondest memories.) As the Academy’s annual graduation approaches, remember your first car, which you were finally permitted to drive? Here’s a wonderful recollection sent in by Bill Trueblood, ’53, brother of our classmate, Don Trueblood. Blue Goose Memories The Blue Goose, named for the eye catching powder blue color, was a 1932 luxury four door Buick touring sedan. It was a beautiful automobile, in cream puff condition, with a blue finish, black fenders, and had MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 41
49/50 CLASS NEWS curtains in the back area to screen inside extracurricular activities from the outside world. Cost was $200.00. It was purchased in defiance of strict Academy regulations early in first class year by a group of enterprising USNA ’49ers for transportation and other activities. They didn’t have much but managed to borrow the necessary amount from classmate, Roger Boh’s, father, with a stipulation that Roger would not be the registered owner. The four owners, possibly SeaRay Smith, Shakie Armstrong, Jerry Thomas, and Don, paid off the loan. Sam Snyder had a tailor shop on Maryland Avenue and let the 49’rs park the BG in his yard off West Street in Annapolis. Jerry Thomas, possibly lost a contest, and became the registered owner on the Maryland automobile registration. The Blue Goose crew included Roger Boh, Don Trueblood, Jerry Thomas, Steve Krause, SeaRay Smith, Dick Kint and Tom Blake. Don Trueblood didn’t know how to drive and didn’t have driver’s license. Jerry Thomas was the instructor and took Don into the back roads of Annapolis for lessons. Jerry Thomas remembers driving the car to DC with classmate Bernie Gewirz as his passenger. Bernie and Jerry attended a Redskins/LA Rams football game courtesy of Bernie’s father. Jerry was very nervous in a car that he knew very little about. Also, he had no driver’s license and very little driving experience. They did make it to and from the game without mishaps. How he got special permission to use the BG that Sunday afternoon he doesn’t remember. He recalls that they drove by some of the co-owners on the way out of Annapolis. They later remarked on how stiff and ridiculous Jerry looked behind the steering wheel. The longest trip for the Blue Goose was to the Army/Navy Game in 1948. Roger Boh has said the he and one other drove the BG to Philadelphia. On the trip the car performed like a soldier! The only crisis in Philly happened on the way to the game in heavy traffic. While they were stopped at a red light, the Superintendent, Lord Jim Holloway, 42 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
any memories or stories of the Blue Goose, please send them to the Class Secretary. We need to expand these memories. In Memoriam Robert J. “Bob” Kelly, (non-grad) died on December 31, 2016 in Maryville, TN. William “Bill” Collins died on February 1, 2017 in St. Helena, CA. CDR Edward Wheatley Page, USN (Ret.) died on October 26, 2016 in Jacksonville, FL. CAPT William E. “Bill” Wynne, CEC, USN (Ret.) died on February 12, 2017 in Short Hills, NJ.
‘49: To her crew, the 1932 Buick touring sedan was a classy flivver. Photo-montage: U.Vosseler
pulled up alongside in his chauffeurdriven car. The midshipmen were of course in uniform. They quickly removed their caps and slunk down in order to present a very low profile. They were not sure what rules they were breaking by driving to Philly, but were certain that this wasn’t good. After waiting at the light for what seemed to be an eternity, the Supt’s car pulled away on the green light while they hung back, apparently unseen by the Admiral. They never heard anything more about the encounter. According to Jerry’s wife, he once told her that the BG had been a hearse before they bought it. That is not his recollection of the history of the car. He does say that the purchase of the BG was a unique undertaking. He couldn’t resist making the awful pun. At Christmas time in 1948 the car was rented to Don Smith and his girlfriend, Dottie. He remembers that there was a leak in the radiator and they had to stop many times, alongside the road, to fill it up. Steve Krause and Roger Boh have told the sad story of the Blue Goose’s demise. The last trip of the Blue Goose was to a party on Adams Mill Road in the Mount Pleasant area of DC. Three of four of the Blue Goosers had dates with the girls who lived there. When the party broke up, quite late on this very cold night, the BG was frozen up and would not start. Fortunately,
it was at the top of a hill. They got it rolling, put it in gear and all hell broke loose. Crunching and grinding inside the engine, it coasted down the hill and onto Potomac Parkway bordering the National Zoological Park. And there they left it. The next couple of weekends some of the guys tried to fix it without success. Turns out that the timing chain had broken, causing some major parts to break into smaller pieces. The situation deteriorated when the DC police called the Main Office asking for Jerry Thomas, the registered owner of the blue abandoned hulk. The car was registered in Jerry’s name because he had lost the contest for naming an official owner. SeaRay had a real car by then so the next weekend he towed the Goose back to Annapolis where it was sold for $15 to an auto junkyard. Or maybe they paid the junkyard $15 to take it. Note: The Mary Worth comic strip ran a contest to find a model for a new female character. To obtain more publicity the 50 model contestants were shown in the Washington Post, with pictures and telephone numbers. The Blue Goosers used that as a date reference sheet during first class year. Their dates that fateful night when the Blue Goose died were contestants. I have tried to get my brother, Don, to tell this story, but he has repeatedly resisted. If anyone has
’50 Life Membership: 70% Donor Participation: 3.45% Pres: CAPT Thomas H. Ross, USN (Ret.) p: 410-757-3745; e: thasross@hotmail.com Vice Pres: CAPT John J. McNally, USN (Ret.) p: 703-765-8808; e: jmcnallyj@gmail.com Exec. Sec’y: CAPT J. J. McNally, USN (Ret.) Interim p: 703-765-8808; e: jmcnallyj@gmail.com Treas: Col William K. Rockey, USMC (Ret.) p: 703-842-3153; e:wkrockey@cox.net Shipmate Class contact: CAPT Charles L. Mull, USN (Ret.) 25 Thornton Way, Apt. 206, Brunswick, ME 04011 p: 207-729-0073; e: csmull@myfairpoint.net Email System Mgr: William H. Wulftange p: 860-633-5769; e: wwulf7@hotmail.com Webmaster: Col John C. Akin, USAF (Ret.) p: 603-526-6431; e: bojack@tds.net Website: http://usna50.mysite.com
Correction to the March Class of 1950 Column The photograph of the THOMAS HUDNER (DDG-116) was inadvertently omitted from the March issue of Shipmate during the class column review process. As noted in that column, in addition to the three ZUMWALT DDG-1000 class destroyer shipbuilding program, Bath Iron Works continues to build DDG-51 ARLEIGH BURKE destroyers as replacement for the abbreviated DDG-1000 class program, originally planned to be 32 ships, reduced to 7, and finally to 3 due to very high costs. The THOMAS HUDNER is the first of 10 in the upgraded continuation of the DDG-51 class destroyers, 5 of which are being built by BIW. She is shown in drydock last
50/50 CLASS NEWS October in the accompanying photo taken while on a Maine Maritime Museum boat cruise with a visiting friend. She is the 66th of the now 75 DDG-51 destroyers authorized, and is to be christened on April 1st with delivery to the Navy in 2018.
have now moved to a continuing care retirement community near Charleston, SC, called Somerby, where Ted and Donna Speaker are living. It is located in the town of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and we love it, both for the kinds of people we have met here and for the moderate climate. I have just caught up with email and can now settle down to website publication. If other classmates might be interested in this area, I will be glad to have a brochure sent to them from the Somerby Marketing Group.” (Italics added for emphasis.)
The THOMAS HUDNER
Jack’s email address is bojack@ tds.net. Thanks, Jack, for all you have done with our website. Having been stationed in Charleston from 1970-73 as CO Naval Electronics System Southeast, Sally and I and our three youngsters thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, even though we were just first generation Charlestonians. (They said it takes five generations to be accepted among the natives, but we found that was not true for us.) The San Francisco Bay area group met for their quarterly luncheon meeting at the Peninsula Regent in San Mateo on 19 December for a Christmas celebration according to coordinator Joe Pausner. “They bemoaned the loss of the Commander -in-Chief trophy” for 2016. (As an aside, Army’s winning streak will end at one in 2017!) In attendance were: Kathryn and Martin Hardy, Jeanne and Frank Holcomb, Caroline and Dick Landes, Ken Moll’s widow Barbara and son Martin (down from Oregon), and Anne Anderson and her husband Joe, the group’s faithful leader. Thanks, Joe, for your report. The annual Sweetheart luncheon of the Washington/Annapolis area classmates and widows was held on 2 February at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington. Twenty folks were in attendance, including: Jackie and Bill Diehl, Terry Kivlen, Gail and JJ McNally, Char and Bob Monroe, Fran Powell, Anna and Bill Rockey, Kippy and Tom Ross, Marion and Milt Schultz, Margy and Bob Shultz, Joyce and Bill Simons, and Ann and Roy Snyder. Bill Rockey continues with his coordinator’s report,
Happy Spring! This May issue column is being written while roaring outside on Sunday afternoon the 12th of February, a Nor’easter snowstorm that has Maine hunkered down with a forecast of dropping 18-24” through tomorrow evening!!! This follows a 4-5” storm that we had only yesterday. Our mild winter is now over! Signs of reaching our seasonal average of 77” appear much more likely than a few days ago when we measured about 10” below seasonal average for the current date. Skiers are overjoyed! Later, a post- blizzard report: the storm left 19“with up to 48“ downeast. We are now at 66“ for the season, 25” above normal for this date! Jack Akin, our dedicated webmaster, advises us that a new class website address is now in effect. Please use usna50.mysite.com to access a bundle of class information and late news. You are encouraged to check it out even if you have previously done so. Jack indicates he will be making more frequent updates. Jack also brings us up to date on his personal life. M “As many you know, Yvonne Wright and I were married at the time of our past reunion in April 2015. We spent a winter in New London, NH, at my old home. The snow and temperature were too much for me, and since Yvonne was born and raised in Florida, I said to her, ‘Show me a beach’. We spent an extended honeymoon in New Smyrna Beach, south of Daytona, and
“The Club served a delicious meal in delightful surroundings. President Tom Ross made a few announcements, thanking Margy for the gifts to the attendees – a lovely Valentine card and some small bags of candy, and additionally to the ladies, a ‘Sparkle Plenty’ party ring with multi-colored flashing lights. Tom was followed by the Class of 1950 Poet Emeritus, Milt Schultz, who gave an historic Benediction which had been given by General Dwight Eisenhower during WWII. Milt followed this with some appropriate thoughts on the subject of love and the significance of Valentine’s Day. What a wonderful occasion! A very late report from a family member, VADM Cecil Kempf, USN (Ret), (26th Co.) died on 18 February in Coronado, CA. From our Lucky Bag, “After graduating from Kilgore College, ‘Tex’ enlisted in the Navy as an aviation cadet, shortly decided to make the Navy a career and came to the Academy. His athletic ability was demonstrated by throwing the javelin in varsity track, company basketball and as a cheerleader. Flight pay and flying contributed to his return to the Air Corps.” After retirement, Tex’s second career was with McDonnell Douglas. He was predeceased by his wife Thea in 2011. Our sincere sympathy is extended to his surviving family. His obituary has not been received as of our column press deadline. Capt. Caryll Whipple, USN (Ret), (24th Co.) died on 7 February in Reading, PA. “Whip” was a civil engineering duty officer who had a BA at RPI in addition to MS and PHD at the University of Illinois. According to our LB, “Whip studied chemistry at Penn State before entering the NA, and being from Warren, PA, his loyalty never quite left the coal country. He found ample time for Crew and the Russian Club. Academics were mighty serious, and his well-earned stars testified to his proficiency. His cooperative spirit went far in knitting his classmates in concerted action.” Since Whip made his home in Reading, I can share an affection for that bustling city and its Pennsylvania Dutch culture since I was born there and visited grandparents and aunts
each Christmas as my brother and I were growing up. Santa Claus was always especially good to us wellbehaved boys! Carryl’s wife Jean predeceased him in 2014. Our sincere condolences are extended to their surviving families. LT Floyd Munson, USNR (Ret), (6th Co.) died on 10 February in Raleigh, NC. “After a term at Alfred University, Floyd enlisted in the Navy and attended the Naval Academy Prep School. Besides radio, his chief interest is his record collection of the classics”, according to our LB. This enthusiasm was later strongly demonstrated by playing his trumpet and leading his church musical group. In 1954 he joined IBM and served a very successful career in the computer world. Following Floyd’s funeral on 16 February, his daughter, Carol Green, sadly reported that his wife Jeanne died two days later, making it “a rough week” for the Munson family. Such a tragedy! Our most sincere wishes and condolences are forwarded to their two children and their extended families. COL Ross Mulford, USMC, (Ret), (17th Co.) died in McLean, VA. on 17 October 2016. Our LB says, “After two years at Bullis Prep, Ross entered the Academy, and with his warm winning personality he made lasting friendships. …Ross found that his sport was soccer. He became very proficient and one of the leading men on the squad.” (“Squad” means “varsity”.) Ross and I double-dated with other members of his battalion, a group who acquired the unaffectionate name of “Phonies”, which, of course, we were not! How this came about I choose to not recall! Maybe Diane coined it. Anyway, Ross went on to have a very distinguished 30-year career in the Marines, and subsequently 20 years with the National Geographic Society, becoming their Vice President. His dearest wife Diane of 64 years predeceased him in early 2015. You will also note in Ross’ obituary how close this couple was, and the many activities, especially charitable, in which they always participated together. Our deepest sympathies are sent
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 43
50/51 CLASS NEWS to their two children and their extended families. Emiline McCue, dearest friend of classmate Jim Oberholtzer, passed away on 25 January in Annapolis. She attended many functions with Jim, and is very much missed by him, her family and residents of Ginger Cove. Our sincere condolences are extended to Jim. A Memorial Service was held at Ginger Cove on 4 February. The passing of Margaret Young, widow of classmate Stephen Young (20th Co.) occurred on 27 December 2016 in Sacramento, CA. “Maggie’s” dad was RADM James Etheridge Grant, ’26, and while she lived in many places, she always considered Coronado, CA as her home. Maggie graduated from Stanford University in 1953. Steve resigned from the USAF in 1954 and began a very successful career in banking and securities in Redding, CA where he became reacquainted with Maggie who was working in the same bank! Maggie married him in 1957, and they enjoyed 59 years together until Steve’s death in May 2016. She loved taking their three children to historical sites and spending weekends at the nearby lakes. The highlight of her summers were the long family vacations in Coronado. Maggie had many social interests, especially with the Assistance League (provides services for local needs) in which she held leadership positions, including President from 1986-1987 after the family moved to Sacramento in 1973. United Way of California, couples bridge club, PTA and AAUW were some of the others. She was laid to rest with her husband at the Sacramento Valley Cemetery in Dixon, CA. We send our sincere sympathies to her son and two daughters and their extended families. Joyce Dunaway, widow of Gene Dunaway (9th Co.) died on 19 December 2016 in Charleston, SC. Their son, Rhett Dunaway, forwarded me her obituary and a copy of a heartfelt Christmas night letter he wrote shortly after her death to her friends. Sally and I visited the Dunaways 2007 when our cruise ship made a port call at Charleston. They helped us renew our memories 44 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
of the Charleston area. Joyce was a native Charlestonian who graduated from the College of Charleston, majoring in History. She married Gene in 1952 and claims to have moved 18 times during his 20 years’ service. When they were stationed at a small Naval Base in the village of Golcuk, Turkey, she taught elementary school to the children of American Navy personnel in a one-room Quonset hut. After Gene retired in 1970, they lived in New Canaan, CT for 27 years. After 9/11, they decided to visit each of the 50 states, recognizing their love of travel. Rhett writes in his Christmas letter, “When the Cathedral’s bells pealed at 10 AM announcing mom’s funeral Mass, I’m pretty certain an angel got her wings. Mom’s funeral Mass was held at her church, Charleston’s Catholic Cathedral, on Thursday, December 22nd , the 64th anniversary (to the day) of my parent’s wedding at the same Cathedral.” We appreciated Rhett’s sending us Joyce’s obituary, which was forwarded to the USNAAA, and his Christmas letter. Our most sincere sympathies are extended to her two sons and their families. Obituaries for our deceased classmates should appear in this or recent Shipmates. Sally and I were blessed with the arrival of the 7th of our great grandchildren and 3rd great granddaughter, Gwendolyn Louise Doughty on 18 February. Born in Portland, the family live in West Baldwin, Maine, only 65 miles from Brunswick. She is the 5th great-grand in the Doughty family. While we hope to cruise again soon, here are a couple of the Top 10 brilliant questions asked by guests on Royal Caribbean ships. What language do they speak in Alaska? What do you do with the ice carvings after they melt? And, Does the crew sleep on board? Can you believe these were really asked? I started this column with Spring and Winter, and we will end it as summer will be arriving soon after you receive this issue of Shipmate. Plan a trip to scenic Maine. Enjoy one or more lobsters, traverse our extensive shoreline, including the many peninsulas, take in our summer theaters (Brunswick in particular)
and symphonies, our historic sites, museums and extraordinary parks, have more lobsters and scallops, use the Boston to Brunswick trains, and the 40 or so Brunswick multistar area restaurants, and so on and on! ….With best regards, Chuck
’51 Life Membership: 70% Donor Participation: 2.71% Pres: RADM Leland S. Kollmorgen, USN (Ret.) 5 Park Pl. #619, Annapolis, MD 21401 p: 410-263-0216; e: tlk619@icloud.com Vice Pres: CAPT Thomas A. Boyce, USN (Ret.) 3717 Carrige House Ct., Alexandria, VA 22309-2709 p: 703-780-7525 Sec’y: CDR Richard Dean USN (Ret.) 4104 Harvard St., Silver Spring MD 20906 p: 301-942-1961, e: rvdean@name.com Shipmate Sec’y: CDR William F. Foster, USN (Ret.) 501 Glyndon St., Vienna VA 22180-3542 p: 703-938-7812; e: feeny1@icloud.com Treas: CAPT F. Trent Shaver USN (Ret.) 1177 Foxhound Ct., McLean, VA 22102 p: 703-356-5588; e: ftshaver@mindspring.com Class Fundraiser: RADM Guy Shaffer, USN (Ret.) 7101 Bay Front Dr., #125, Annapolis, MD 21403 h: 410-269-6609; e: ghbs51usna@comcast.net Museum Rep: CAPT Bob Small, USN (Ret.) p: 410-849-2149; e: rhsusna51@verizon.net Website: www.usna51.com
We have been relatively happy with the sports this winter - particularly the WBB (Women’s Basketball). They scored a first by making the initial round of the Basketball Season Ending Tournament. This feat, ahem! Ahead of the Men. We had the privilege of watching them as well as the Men come through innail biting Overtime games this season. Now it is Lacrosse and Baseball. Football Season tickets went on sale in March. The sports cup runneth over. Had an update with your Class Board last week and all is well. We are doing fine as a good donor class and on track to accomplish the goals we have set with regard to; finishing the Ship Dockyard model displays; and the necessary funding to refurbish the Chapel Organ. You should all give yourselves a Bravo Zulu - BZ- Well Done. Fortuitously, Teddi and I are heading west on the 27th of March to have a first look at our one and
only Great Granddaughter; thus far! This happy occasion afforded us the opportunity to be on the West Coast. Thus we will have the pleasure of meeting with the San Diego area 51er’s at a luncheon they have set-up. There will be pictures for the web site and notes to those that live east of the Mississippi. Looking ahead; I have asked Tom Boyce our Vice President, for all occasions, to seek a follow-on Class President for the Class. This will be for the final 3 year term for a President as the Class has elected to dissolve the structure that has been in place since Billy Lawrence took the gavel in 1957 at the time of our 70th reunion. If you look at your Shipmate Magazine Class Mastheads, for the classes that have gone before, you will find several alternative organizational structures. We will be asking you all to think about that in the months ahead. Look particularly at ’34/’35. Obviously, No One wants to just — go away. Calm seas and safe passages. Lee Lee Bolt We gathered at the San Diego Yacht Club again this year. Andy and Jean Kremm did a wonderful job. 17 attended (classmates, wives etc.). It was great food and great tribute to the General. Before the party, we were hunting for something new about the General, and I got out my (signed) copy of Richard Lederer’s book on Presidential Trivia. I found a lot of things, but one “stood Out”. When Benjamin Franklin attended a diplomatic dinner in France shortly after the end of our revolution, the French Foreign Minister offered a toast to his King. “To His Majesty, Louis the Sixteenth, who, like the moon, fills the earth with a soft benevolent glow”. The British Ambassador toasted “To George the Third, who like the sun at noonday, spreads his light and illumines the world”. Then, the aging Franklin exalted, “I cannot give you the sun or the moon, but I give you George Washington, General of the Armies of the United States, who, like Joshua of old commanded both the sun and the moon to stand still, and both obeyed”
51/52 CLASS NEWS Andy Kremm On 22 February our San Diego chapter sponsored a reception dinner saluting General Washington on his 285th birthday. Seventeen classmates, widows, families and friends attended. Our first GW dinner was in 1992, making this our 25th annual event. We toasted “the one who had the gift of silence,” said of the general by President John Adams. A splendid evening for classmates and old friends at the San Diego Yacht Club. Attending: Kremm, Bolt, Zoehrer, Seymour, Callahan, Haynsworth, Rough, Barbara Crawford, Marilyn Johns. John McGrew More news from the hyper active but somewhat more diminutive San Diego Clan reported that their April stag luncheon had become a couples meeting what with the presence of Class President Lee Kollmorgen and his wife Teddi. It is always a pleasure to host carpet baggers from the East Coast. Dick Smith from his prerevolutionary war Annapolis headquarters on Cornhill Street (a few blocks from the old Circle Theater across from the state house) insists he does not take shortcuts seeking information. Who needs Google when they have a rather large library of original sources? The subject was Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and his The Power of Positive Thinking. We both stumbled with How to Win Friends and Influence People, but later came to mind Dale Carnegie. One of these days a large pile of Smith’s books will probably topple upon him and create his demise. Meanwhile classmates are free to call him for a reference service. The Bob Millers will have emerged from their winter headquarters in Tavares, Florida returning to balmy Pennsylvania. Classmate Jack Kendrick and his wife now live in a high rise CCRC in San Antonio. One of his sons is in the foreign service and has been assigned to Montivideo, Uruguay. Don Nicksay’s granddaughter, doing well in the movie business as mentioned in a recent Shipmate, was featured
in an article in the LA Times. Perhaps by next year he can get all of his classmates in to the Academy Awards, which may be the greatest fight in town. Did they resolve the best picture award winner? Then there’s Phil Pahl. Because of his notoriety in this Shipmate Class Column, he has collected $11.31 in old debts and bought 37 classmates a lobster dinner—or something like that. He was something of a bi-company man. He was based in the 24th company but spent much time with the 12th company. He wondered whether the 24th or the mighty 12th was the hardiest with the most survivors to date. One of the great publications of the class was the 50th yearbook, now about 16 years old. It did list all the classmates by companies which has been very helpful in terms of the mightiest company. The new blue is the latest source of survivors. The 12th won (admittedly only over the 24th) with 9 of 30 while the 24th had 7 of 31. This proves the weather over the third battalion must have been much better than that over the sixth.
Lee Bolt, Jean Kremm, Jackie Bolt and Andy Kremm
’52 Life Membership: 69% Donor Participation: 2.26% Pres: John C. Young 20624 Highland Hall Dr. Montgomery Village, MD 20886-4021 p: 301-208-3550; e: jcy52@verizon.net Vice Pres: CAPT Jerome Rapkin, USN (Ret.) 801 Bridgeport Way, Annapolis, MD 21401-6852 p: 410-280-2698; e: jrapkin52@verizon.net Sec’y: CDR William J. Laux Jr., USN (Ret.) 2004 Whispering Ridge Dr. Great Falls, MT 59405 p: 703-209-0606; e: wjlaux@verizon.net Treas: Col Richard E. Denfeld, USAF (Ret.) 21065 Cardinal Pond Terr. Apt. 220HS Ashburn, VA 20147-6115 p: 540-895-9050; e: denf52@aol.com Webmaster: CAPT T.W. Lyons Jr., USN (Ret.) 125 Quaker Hill La., #226 Portsmouth, RI 02871-4074 p: 401-293-5483; e: tomlyons52@cox.net Website: www.toughshoes52.org/Welcome.html
On Sunday, 12 February 2017, the Sunday closest to Valentine’s Day, 22 of us met at the Officers’ Club at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall for our annual Class of 1952 Sweetheart Brunch. No speakers, no program; just a chance for some pleasant comradery. Jack Young brought us up to date with a few administrative announcements, but for the most part, it was just a nice social gathering. Attending were Garnett and Rita Bailey, Jake and June Brown, Bob and Joan Denbigh, Dick and Bobbie Denfeld, Bill and Pat Laux, Doug and Eloise Payne, Bob and Mimi Schulze, Bill and Jane Studabaker, Biscuit Wev and daughter Ann Boyles, Jim and Lillian Wilson, and Jack and Jane Young. One small-world connection came to light in a conversation between June Brown and Pat Laux. June
mentioned that her grandson, Eric Brown, was in the F/A-18 training squadron in NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va., and had just flown to NAS El Centro a couple of days before, for weapons training. Pat commented that so had her son, Scott Laux. A quick text message exchange with Scott verified that they were indeed together, and in fact, were acquainted. Not the same as Links in the Chain, but certainly something similar. Several photos taken at the Brunch follow. Two weeks later, on Sunday, 26 February 2017, the Midshipmen Black Studies Club presented the 2017 Black History Month Banquet in the Lawrence “N” Room in the Navy and Marine Corps Stadium. The announcement stated, “We are privileged and honored to have Rear Admiral Lawrence Chambers, USN (Ret), Class of 1952 as our guest speaker. He is the first African American to command a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and the first African American graduate from the Naval Academy to reach flag rank.” Larry gave a spell-binding account, supplemented with photographic slides, of his experiences as the skipper of the USS Midway (CV-41). He told of a couple of high-speed voyages through the San Bernardino Straits, which pass through the middle of the Philippine Islands, a difficult passage at any speed. The high point of his talk, however, was his account of Operation “Frequent Wind”, the evacuation of Saigon in April 1975, just a month after Larry had taken command of USS Midway. Refugees from Saigon escaped to the Midway and other ships by helicopter. (Another source
A few more attendees with Marilyn Johns, Lee Bolt & General Washington in the background
Barbara & Dick Seymour, Margaret & Herb Zoehrer and Don & Libby Haynsworth
’52: Jim and Lillian Wilson, Bobbie Denfeld, Rita and Garnett Bailey and Dick Denfeld
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 45
53/53 CLASS NEWS
’52: Pat Laux, Bill and Jane Studabaker, Jane and Jack Young, Mimi Schulze ’52: Bailey, Sagerholm, Young, Stark, Laux, Rapkin, Chambers, Avallone, Case, Denfeld
indicates that 1,373 Americans and 5,595 Vietnamese were evacuated by helicopter.) One of the slides shows the particularly poignant reunion, forty years after the evacuation, of Larry and a woman who had been five years old at the time of the evacuation. I was very impressed by Larry’s very personal account of the procedural and moral challenges that he faced time and time again, and how he decided and implemented his courses of action in each case. Many of them were urgent life-and-death situations, allowing no time to ponder or consult. It made me proud to be his classmate in the Class of 1952. Those of us privileged to be in attendance were Gene Avallone, Garnett and Rita Bailey, Phil Case, Dick Denfeld, Bill Larry Chambers and Pat Laux, Jerry Rapkin, Jim Sagerholm accompanied by daughter and sonin-law Rick and Lisa Hunter, Pete Stark, and Jack and Jane Young.
“LTGEN Tom Stafford (Ret USAF) was at The Citadel celebrating the attainment of the cherished ring with his son on the right, Stanislav (Stas), and Austin Bannister on the left, son of Michael E. Bannister, USNA ’82, and Grandson of William “Bull” Bannister, (CAPT, USN, Ret., since passed) of the famed Class of 1952. It was a beautiful day for their great tradition of excellence, integrity and respect. General Stafford was in high form commenting on all things in particular the Tom Stafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford, OK. I for one am looking forward to getting out that way one day and hope that his classmates will have that privilege as well. Michael E. Bannister, ‘82.”
Austin Bannister, Tom Stafford, Stas Stafford
Larry Chambers with photo of 40 year reunion
46 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Robert (Bob) Lee Barrett, May 19, 1927 – November 22, 2016. He was born in St. Paul, Nebraska, to parents Charles and May Barrett. At the time of his death he was living in Decatur, Georgia. He is survived by his widow; Betty L. Barrett; Daughter, Patricia L. Miller and her husband Larry; Sons, Robert M. Barrett and his wife Daryl, and Christopher S. Barrett and his wife
Lindsey. He served three years and one month as a Marine before he entered the United States Naval Academy as a Midshipman in the class of 1952. He resigned from the Academy to marry Betty in 1949. Bob is a graduate from The Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He retired from Alcatel-Lucent Corporation in 1987 as a Senior Engineer. Martha Elizabeth (Bettie) Amor departed peacefully from this life on December 12, 2016 at her home in Urbana, Maryland. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, CDR Raymond C Amor (USNA’52), four children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Bettie was a gentle spirit and the heart of the family. A lifelong Episcopalian, Bettie volunteered for several organizations and practiced philanthropy. She enjoyed needlework, collecting antiques and dolls. Although she traveled to many countries and across the United States, her fondest memories were of growing up in Annapolis. Bettie was born May 26, 1924 in Eastport, Maryland. Memorial services will be held at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel at a date to be determined with internment to follow at the U.S. Naval Academy columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Frederick County. (www.hospice offrederick.org) Diana Connie (Pascale) O’Grady, was born Nov 17, 1930 in Manhattan, New York. Diana returned to the Lord Jan 7, 2017 at Loma Linda University Hospital in Murrieta, CA.
After graduating high school she attended the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts for a short time before she went on to marry her high school sweetheart John F. O’Grady of Brooklyn and Long Island, NY upon his graduation from the US Naval Academy. Her husband Maj John F. O’Grady, a USAF pilot, was sent to Southeast Asia where he was shot down on the Laotian-Vietnamese border along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He was listed as MIA by the US government. A determined Diana O’Grady and her seven children traveled to Paris to learn the fate of her husband. She was the very first and one of the few people that was not a press person or government negotiator to obtain a face to face meeting with the communist negotiators from Vietnam. It was soon learned that John F. O’Grady who had been promoted to Colonel was in fact captured by the Vietnamese but he was never returned. While the US Government assumed he died in captivity his remains, almost 50 years later, have never been provided or returned by the Vietnamese government. Kristjana DIMON, wife of Hork DIMON, died on January 19, 2017 after a long illness. A Requiem Mass will be held at the Church of the Ascension, 13941 Braddock Rd., Centreville, Va., 20120, at 3.00 PM, February 11. Interment will be at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. No flowers are requested; donations may be made to the Kristjana DIMON Memorial Fund at the Church, or to her favorite charity: St. Jude Children’s Research
52/53 CLASS NEWS Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl., Memphis, TN, 38105. Jack Young received the following: “I am writing to let you know that my dad, Duane Anderson passed away January 26. I know that you were not only a classmate but a dear friend to him and my mom over the years and so I wanted to be sure you knew. We are making arrangements for burial at sea for both him and my mom. Thanks for being such a good friend to him; I know it meant a lot to him. Sincerely, Caroline” It was learned that his wife, Maxine Anderson was born on July 16, 1931 and passed away on Friday, December 4, 2015. Maxine was a resident of Del Mar, California at the time of her passing. John Kuncas reported the loss of his wife: Judith Cary Davis Kuncas died 17 February 2017. Burial Mass was held Thursday, 23 February 2017, in Mother of Sorrows Church in Murrysville, Pa. Burial was in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies (South of Pittsburgh Pa.) immediately following service in Mother of Sorrows Church. And that’s it for now!
Alix the attendees were: Nedra Bird, Art and Marcy Bivens, Vicky Doyle, Andrew Fellows (son) and wife Gaby, Art and Nell Gilmore with daughter Barbara Grasso and husband Gary, also with son Steve Gilmore and wife Nancy, Al and Jean Glazier, Earl and Mary Lou Griggs, Dottie Hoch, Judy Hubal, Joyce Jones, Sally Jones, Horace and Joan Leavitt with son Matt and wife Maria, Patricia Maher, Carl Trost and friend Greta Masson, Larry and Octa Watson with daughter Shannon, and Chris Zirps….Chris, as Class President, presented a beautiful clock engraved with; “Presented to Alvin S. Glazier in Appreciation for his Tireless Efforts in Behave of the USNA Class of 1953 as President from January 2014 to December 2016”….Thanks to Gaby Fellows; she graciously agreed to take photos when I forgot to bring my camera. The next day Gaby sent 21 photos.
Chuck, Maria, Alix;
Pres: CAPT Chris Zirps, USN (Ret.) 1902 Toll Bridge Ct.Alexandria, VA 22308-2447 p: 703-780-6124; E: CZirps53@aol.com Exec Vice Pres: CAPT Alvin S. Glazier, USN (Ret.) 7619 Leith Pl., Alexandria, VA 22307 p: 703-768-2762; e: glophin@aol.com Admin Vice Pres & Corres Sec’y: CAPT Arthur C. Bivens, USN (Ret.) 3724 Acosta Rd., Fairfax, VA 22031 p: 703-273-1392; e: acbivens@aol.com Webmaster: CAPT Paul Dudley, USN (Ret.) e: pdudley@1953.usna.com Website: www.usna53.org
Dark Ages Winter Brunch At the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA on Sunday February 12th we enjoyed a sumptuous buffet along with the joy of chatting with classmates, wives, widows, and a good number of sons and daughters. Many thanks to Chuck and Alix Fellows for again making this lovely venue possible and hosting the party. In addition to Chuck and
’53: Dark Ages Brunch: Greta, Sally, Carl, Alix and Matt
’53: Dark Ages Brunch: Sons & Daughters table, Matt, Maria, Steve, Nancy, Gary, Barbara, Andy and Gaby.
’53 Life Membership: 67% Donor Participation: 2.01%
’53: Shannon, waiter, Earl, Larry, Mary Lou, Marcy, Art B, Chris and Al
Dark Ages Brunch: Dottie, Patricia, Judy
Passings Daniel J. Hopkins died January 20, 2017 in Palm Coast, FL. Dan became a Naval Aviator, flew multiengine aircraft and later flying airships (blimps) from Lakehurst, NJ. He resigned from the Navy in 1959 as a LT. He then spent 32 years in the Bell System. Dan’s first wife, Grace, preceded him in death. Survivors include his second wife, Betty, 2 sons, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren….*
William A. Ryan CAPT, USN (Ret) died January 29, 2017 in Annapolis, Md. Bill served in several submarines achieving command of USS Dogfish (SS-350). He also served as Navigator in USS Patrick Henry (SSBN-599) in which nine of us classmates served during the 1950’s and 60’s. Shore tours included OPNAV and Chief Staff Officer CSS-16 in Rota, Spain. Awards included the Meritorious Service Medal (2). Following 30 years of service he purchased land on the South River, cleared the lot, laid the foundation and built his retirement home. He was a strong supporter of USNA and Navy football. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Rachele, and 4 sons. No further info on survivors….* Helen D. Harrison, wife of David K. (Deek) Harrison, died February 5, 2017 in Phoenix, AZ. Helen trained as a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City and practiced as an RN for 60 years. Survivors
include her husband of 63 years, Deek, 3 sons, 4 grandchildren, and 4 step-grandchildren….* Charles N. Diesel, CDR, USN (Ret) died February 15, 2017 in Great Falls, VA. Chuck entered the submarine service, and why not with a name like Diesel. He served in the diesel boats Perch, Blackfin, Tiru, Tunney, and the nuclear submarine Sam Houston (SSBN-609). After that stretch of sea duty (not in order) he and his family put down roots in Northern Virginia and served in several assignments in Washington, DC. Among his awards were the Distinguished Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. In civilian life he worked for several military contracting firms. Among his volunteer activities was with the Boy Scouts. He was very proud that his two sons became Eagle Scouts. Survivors include 4 children and 11 grandchildren. His wife of 46 years,
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 47
53/54 CLASS NEWS Stephanie, and 1 child preceded him in death. Don W. Thomas died February 18, 2017 in Newport News, VA. Don was a star wrestler at the Academy and was chosen to compete in the national competition and try outs for the 1952 Olympics. He became a submariner, served mostly in diesel boats, and resigned in 1964. As a civilian Don worked for the New Port News Ship Building and Dry Dock Company for many years. He was superintendent of nuclear test engineering when he retired. Don’s wife, Ellen, preceded him in death. Survivors include 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Robert D. Jones, LCOL, USAF (Ret) died February 18, 2017 in Universal City, TX. Bob was an Eagle Scout. No info on his Air Force career other than that he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He acted in the Masqueraders at the Academy and this carried over into his civilian life where he acted in musical theater. His musical talent included being a church organist, played several instruments, and sang in choirs. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Phyllis, 2 daughters, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. *See our Class of 1953 Legacy Book
experienced German army, costing more than 26,000 deaths and 100,000 wounded, yet they pushed back the German army in this massive offense ending with victory that forced the German government to plead for an armistice. [All U.S. military casualties were 53,402 KIA/MIA, and 116,708 wounded] General Pershing fired Corps and Division and other commanding Generals right and left if they were not aggressive enough or seemed weak. The book has photos and maps that provide details of the daily battles and describes the difficulty of taking out German strongholds on high ground that the French and British were unable to do in three years. The book also discusses Pershing’s demand that the US Army remain under U.S. command in their allotted Defense Sector. Interspersed in the book are stories about other heroic or historic people including fighter ace Eddie Rickenbacker, Corporal Alvin York, artillery captain Harry Truman, tank commander George Patton, and Douglas MacArthur. If you enjoy reading about historic battles this is a book for you…..ACB
Literary Corner - World War I An article in the Smithsonian Associates Feb 2017 newsletter titled “Honoring the World War I Centennial, The Battle of the Meuse-Argonne 47 Days to Victory” caught my interest. My father, Walter Arthur Bivens, a 23 year old corporal in the Florida National Guard, fought in that battle. I inherited his Victory Medal inscribed “The Great War for Civilization.” Pinned on the medal are three battle bars; Meuse-Argonne, Aisne-Marne, and Defensive Sector. The Smithsonian article mentioned the new book; FORTY-SEVEN DAYS, How Pershing’s Warriors Came of Age to Defeat the German Army in World War I, by Mitchell Yockelson. I ordered the book from Amazon and read how more than a million untested American soldiers went up against a better-trained and
Life Membership: 56% Donor Participation: 2.16%
48 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
’54 Pres: CAPT George V. Zeberlein, USN (Ret.) p: 410-267-7470; e: gvzeb1@verizon.net Exec VP: MGen William W. Hoover, USAF (Ret.) p: 757-221-0921; e: Hoovsf8@aol.com Sec’y: LtCol Edward C. Tipshus USMC (Ret.) 8315 Fairway Dr., Worthington Hills Columbus, OH 43235-1148 p: 614-846-7770; e: ed@tipshus.com Treas: CAPT Robert R. Briner, USN (Ret.) p: 757-464-4850; e: bobbriner@cox.net Webmaster: CDR Will H. Croom, USN (Ret.) e: willyaye@gmail.com Website: www.54net.org
Mark your calendars and PREPARE to come to the MOST enjoyable 65th reunion of the Great USNA Class of 1954. It will be a month before graduation for the Class of 2019, spring will have sprung, and the grass will have RIZ. Remember? It is the best time in Annapolis for nice sunny weather. Here is the latest dope on our 65th Reunion
from Chairman Bill Greenlaw (5) as of 11 January last: M “The steering committee (for lack of a better title) consists of George Zeberlein (9), Bill Hoover (11), Ted Walker (7), and Phil Livingstone (5) (who is also my Assistant Chairman). I have already used Ted to help in selecting and negotiating with Loews Hotel for our headquarters. The 65th will be held in Annapolis on Wednesday 24 April through Saturday 27 April 2019. What is new is that our headquarters will be at the Loews Hotel on West St. (where we had our 54th Reunion and many others). The cost of the rooms will be $179/day. Bill Hoover, Ted Walker, Phil Livingstone and myself are all on the Reunion Planning Committee and we need volunteers to help with the planning and operation of the reunion. No one will be turned away!” God willing, I and Sandy plan on arriving on Tuesday afternoon the 23rd of April 2019 so I might be able to do something the evening before. I will bring the photo albums of the 20th, 35th, 40th, 45th, and 50th Reunions. After that all the photos were digital and somehow I or Will Croom (2) will figure out how to display them in the Hospitality Room. The Crabtown Trolley (more properly named Annapolis Free Circulator Trolley Bus) runs from the Westin Hotel on West Street past Loews (stop) to the Annapolis Docks and back again with stops along the route. It is FREE, and its time schedule and stops will be in a handout at the reunion, so for those who don’t care to walk to the Crabtown Dock area can ride. I am sure transportation will be provided for any event away from Loews as before in our reunions. As was ALL the other class reunions, this one will be as good if not better. It is something exciting to look forward to!!! A Blue and Gold shot will do you wonders. The Class of ‘54 Marching and Chowder Society had a Luncheon at Madigan’s in Occoquan, Virginia last January 19th. (Occoquan is just a pistol shot south of D.C.) In addition to Will and Marty Croom
(2), there were Chowder Head Linda Sweet (1), Dora Bell (1), and Bill and Kitty Land (12). Food and wine was great, the view spectacular, and fellowship was superb. The next M&C Society meeting will be held in Occoquan on 11 May 2017. If you are not a member of the M&C Society and would like to join, plan to attend our 11 May meeting. If you have questions regarding eligibly, dues, or character references, contact our Chowder Head, Linda Sweet, at sweetlleh@msn.com A nice letter comes from John Pustay (3) who now resides at Falcons Landing in Potomac Falls, Virginia. He provided an update on what he is up to, and an explanation of why he has not made any local luncheons. The last time he attempted to make one he got as far as Seven Corners when he had a car accident. Do not know who’s fault it was, but John decided to stay out of the impact area. He claims “Acute bilateral hearing loss.” I don’t know how acute mine is, but I do know that most of our classmates now talk quite loud, and that does not have anything to do with background noise. I have had hearing aids now for over 15 years. However, my hearing loss is not acute. But 30% of sound comes to me “indistinct.” Too much of a noisy (but exciting and adventurous) military life for a lot of us, I guess. John mentions that he has kept himself pretty busy and is not about to “hang it up” yet. He writes: M “Last year, with the help of Ron Trossbach ’59, I established an alumni ‘chapter’ here at Falcons Landing (we are unchartered; perhaps ‘club’ would be legally more appropriate). At our periodic luncheons we have from 40 to 50 grads, spouses, and widows. Recently, Mary Lib Glovier (14), Jack & Jane Riester (19), and Dick & Mary Burns (24) joined our group. We conclude luncheons with “Navy Blue and Gold, and then mingle “Where two or three shall meet…”
HONOR CHAIRS Remember or Honor a loved one in Alumni Hall. Call 410-295-4100 for more information.
54/55 CLASS NEWS
Pustay and Riester
John also sent in a great “sea” story of a very rare experience he had: M “On 25 October 1966, after the completion of the Seven Nation Conference in Malacanang Palace in Manila, President Johnson set out to visit the capitals of all nations supporting our military efforts in Vietnam. He would then thank the people of those nations for their willingness to combat the Vietcong and North Vietnamese in support of the regime in Saigon. Secretary of State Dean Rusk accompanied the president to these capitals, though we traveled in separate aircraft. As a White House fellow (and a USAF Major) I had been assigned to serve as an observer of all of the secretary’s activities and to serve as a lower level military assistant. In that capacity I always traveled with the secretary to diplomatic events throughout the world. President Johnson’s first stop was in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and Secretary Rusk and I were present in the Blue House to witness the signing of a Treaty of Amity between the US and the ROK by the two presidents. During the reception preceding the signing of the documents it was noted that the English language “instrument” had not yet been delivered to the Blue House. Secretary Rusk directed me to take his limousine (we both arrived in the same car) and immediately go to the US Embassy to obtain the missing document and return in haste. In the Secretary’s limousine with an Army Master Sergeant from the embassy motor pool as the driver, we attempted to take short cuts to the embassy, but to no avail. All streets were blocked off for security purposes and the only available way to the embassy was the official parade route, which was which the
two presidents would take as a celebratory gesture after the signing of the treaty. I instructed the driver to take that route. Unbeknown to us was that as our car exited the Blue House grounds a ceremonial canon was fired to alert those along the parade route that the parade had begun. Hence military personnel lining the mile long avenue sprung to “present arms,” smiling school children began vigorously waving US and Korean flags, and the citizens of Seoul were waving and shouting greetings as we passed them. My first instinct (I was riding in the backseat) was to slink down so no one would see me. But the sergeant driver yelled back to me, “Sit up, Sir. You will never have a day like this in your life!” We got to the embassy, retrieved the “English language instrument,” and return to the Blue House. Shortly afterwards the signing ceremony began. I assume the very few people at the presidential mansion that day knew that I had successfully completed my mission and coincidentally had the greatest day of my life!” That is pretty good experience for a classmate that ended up a Lieutenant General USAF(Ret) and a PHD. OK, John (as a midshipman) Let’s see: “Parade, unauthorized usurpation, and Precedence, wrongful taking.” That has to be good for at least 20 and 4, and a weekend! (But I bet it would be worth it). Jess Owens (7) describes a unique method of frying eggs when you lack a kitchen and normal cooking equipment. This “barracks-type” skill was demonstrated to him by a good friend and our classmate, John Nagazyna (NG)(d.1982). John had been an enlisted Marine prior to joining our class. After he bilged out, he became a Marine Warrant Officer, and ultimately retired as a Marine Captain. Frying eggs “ala Nagazina:” The first step was to be “in cahoots” with a mess man or cook. This was necessary to procure the ingredients: butter, eggs, and a loaf of bread. You use your own pressing iron. When the iron gets very hot, a small pat of butter is spread around the inverted iron
with a slice of bread (to protect your fingers). Now came the hard part: crack the egg with one hand, and carefully drop it on the inverted iron. Make sure the iron is held level. If the iron is hot enough, the egg will set almost immediately. When it’s done, an accomplice is useful here. Slide the egg off onto a slice of bread, salt and pepper to taste, put another slice of bread on top, and enjoy! These eggs were always sunny-side-up; never overeasy. Jess enjoyed a couple of John’s sunny-side-up egg sandwiches, but he has never made one himself. Do not use an iron with steam holes. Remember to clean it before you use it to iron your field scarf! (Necktie in old Marine lingo). OLD SHIPMATE SNAPSHOTS NOVEMBER 1953: The Academy inaugurates the use of Television in the classroom. The EE Department installed TV sets in 19 classrooms with a theater projection system in Mahan Hall auditorium. The Academy has a completely equipped television studio for transmitting educational type programs. * An alumnus class of 1880 age 94 writes that he was sorry he couldn’t make homecoming weekend as he was detained in Brooklyn. DECEMBER ’53: Shipmate is published monthly at 50 cents a copy or $5.00 annually. *Mrs. D. D. Eisenhower will sponsor the launching of the first nuclear powered submarine the Nautilus at Groton, Connecticut. It will be the largest submarine built by the US. *There is an advertisement for the Lockheed Super Constellation (that beautiful triple tail fin four turboprop Super Connie used by 26 commercial airlines) in use as Advanced Early Warning Aircraft. It has a 360-degree radar dome projecting up on its top. JANUARY ’54: First Class Term Papers are due (did you make the deadline?) FEBRUARY ’54: Mrs. Eisenhower christened the first nuclear powered Submarine USS NAUTILUS on 21 January at Groton. Connecticut. *There are many engagements and wedding announcements for classmate weddings this coming June. *Late January exams are over and our very last term has
started. *The 1954 Lucky Bag will sell for $7.00 plus $1.00 postage. Delivery will be made about two months after graduation. Mitch Soltys (2) (d.1967) is Circulation Manager. (We all got two copies – one with a 45 RPM recording of part of our graduation exercises) *CAMID is no more. A more extensive summer training plan for West Point 2/C Cadets will be made this coming summer, to include naval air, surface, and submarine operations in addition to amphibious operations. MARCH ’54: *The Shipmate cover photo of a Navy – Franklin & Marshal basketball game has Doral Sandlin (18) (d.2009) with the ball, John Clune (12) (d.1992) directly behind him, while Ed Hogan (12) (d.2016), Navy captain, stands in the right background. *There are 343 officers on duty at the Naval Academy, and a total of 507 officers in the entire Severn River Naval Command.
’55 Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: .58% Pres: RADM Malcolm MacKinnon, III, USN (Ret.) Vice Pres: VADM J. Theodore Parker, USN (Ret.) Treas: CDR Robert P. Pirie Jr., USN (Ret.) Sec’y: CAPT Thomas F. Stallman, USN (Ret.) e: staltom@aol.com Corr Sec’y: Frederick Schoenberger e: fredseod@gmail.com
Robert Martin Mielich (19) passed away on February 1, 2017 in Long Valley, NJ. Richard (Dick) J. Cisewski (3) passed away on February 20, 2017 in New Hope, MN. The class mourns with Sally and Hartley Holte (13) who lost their 50-year-old son, Andy, to a heart attack in February, 2017 and with John Weaver (4) whose wife of 58 years, Joan, also passed away in February. John R. “Smoke” Wilson (17) recounts a few adventures from his storied career in naval aviation. M In August (1966), I had the questionable distinction of being the first in the Air Wing to be fired on by a SAM. I was escorting an
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 49
55/55 CLASS NEWS RF-8 Photo Recon on a run over Haiphong. We were with him up until he turned south (went in over the islands, turned west, then went south). We set up a CAP (Combat Air Patrol) between him and two major fields to the North and Northeast of Hanoi. We picked him up and “covered his six” as he came out of Haiphong. About the time we went “feet wet” over water, my wingman demonstrated his cool by reporting over the radio, “ J—- C— —, its### SAM at 2 o’clock. Break right!” We did have code words, but it was really unnecessary under the circumstances. I got the message. I don’t think I have seen anything move so fast. It was a real shocker. In another incident, we were all briefed up for a large ALPHA strike the afternoon of 13 September. I was eating lunch in the USS Roosevelt’s wardroom, which is l ocated way aft on the second deckalmost over the screws. Vibration and noise are high when the ship has a lot of turns on. All of a sudden, my soup bowl was about six inches off the plate. Water glasses were falling all over. We had lost a blade off one of the ship’s screws and part of one blade off another. To say that “Ole Rosie” vibrated is an understatement. With two shafts out of kilter, we couldn’t make enough wind to launch with effective ordnance. Coral Sea, one of its two sister ships, was about to enter port and was sent back on the line while we limped to Yokosuka for two new props. Several months later, the same thing happened to Coral Sea - turnabout is fair play! I flew the F4B during my first Vietnam deployment, the F4J during my second deployment, and flew several types of aircraft, including F-14, A7E, A-6E, E2B, SH3D and RA-5C during my third deployment off Enterprise in the final operations of the Vietnam War. Hal Pabst (17) provides insight into the origin of the Internet. M Not to discredit Al Gore, but............ After leaving the USAF and an 18-month stint at Bell Labs, in 1962 I went to work for a small subsidiary of IT&T in northern New Jersey on a top-secret program 50 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
(which I still feel obligated not to identify). But I can say that the requirement was to establish a communications link to key area of National Defense in the event of an atomic bomb attack were to occur. Players involved were: Pentagon, SAC, NORAD, plus MIT and RPI for tech support. We were using Remington-Rand computers (as I recall). Our contract required all seven of these computers to “talk” to each other simultaneously and process sensitive information in order to provide data to the Defense Dept, SAC and the White House to initiate retaliatory missile launching and B-47 strikes. For analysis, the raw data had to be processed and put into display format so SAC (LeMay) and the Defense Secretary could advise the President of an impending strike. Tying together these 7 computers (six above plus the one at our company) to me, formed the very first concept of the Internet outside the laboratory. As a side note.... one day I went to work and among the banks of equipment were three, 4-foot diameter discs spinning at a high RPM. The area was blocked off with numerous caution signs. I asked the lead engineer what it was. He told me it was an experimental data stowage system that had the capacity to store 75,000 bits of information!! WOW! (haven’t we come a long way!). I became the Planning Supervisor for the project and made numerous trips to the Pentagon and SAC Headquarters to detail monthly progress. Hal Pabst continues with a story from his time with Grumman. M Back in the early 70’s, an A-6 Intruder assigned to a Marine Squadron (I think VMA-242) was conducting bombing practice in Nevada. During a dive-bombing run, when the pilot pulled up, the starboard wing cracked and separated from the aircraft. The B/N punched out but the pilot never made it. Investigation by the Navy inspection team found that the wing had an improper repair that led to the failure (the outer panel was recovered). The widow entered into an unlawful death suit against Alcoa
Aluminum, Grumman and the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps declined the suit and Alcoa was exonerated as they only dealt in the raw material, leaving Grumman holding the bag. I was assigned to head up the investigation team to determine the cause. Going through the maintenance records prepared by our field service organization, we found that the A-6 had been struck by a SAM during a mission in Vietnam. Fortunately, the SAM failed to explode but punched a sizable hole through the wing. The pilot maintained flight of the aircraft and returned to base (DaNang, I believe) for repairs. The repair crew was told to “work around the clock” to repair the wing and get the aircraft ready ASAP. We had the record of the repair and the name of the sergeant-in-charge of the repair, in addition to the broken wing. It seems that in the heat of battle, the repair was substandard which led to the failure three years later in Nevada. I went to the Program Director with the results of the investigation, and told him we had clear evidence that it was the Marine repair that caused the failure. However, our in-country field service rep apparently was not on top of the repair so Grumman had “some” responsibility for the problem. That, coupled with the fact that pin-pointing the blame would not bring the pilot back. We would incriminate a young enlisted man who had an excellent record in the Corps. I felt we should try to resolve the case out of court. Fortunately, the program director that had to send the recommendation to corporate legal was a retired Marine colonel. An agreement was reached, and an award was provided to the widow, very quietly. Fred McLaren’s book “Silent and Unseen” received a rave review from another source, The Navy Magazine. “This book is about many things, but chiefly it is about engineering and technological leadership and seamanship of the first order in the most existential of environments – with a nuclear reactor at the back-end and an enemy beyondthe-depths, just to add some gist to
the mill. This is a humble and humbling book – which perhaps harks back to a lost age of technological exploration and endeavor, when everything seemed so big and so doable. Like putting men on the moon. There is therefore a sense of loss – of lost skills and peoples capable of crewing these vast machines of war – and deterring the Soviet Union from making a strategic miscalculation. There is also a sense that we will not see these types of men and women again, from the Great Generation. Stories such as these though may provide that inspiration for our youngsters and enable them to do other great things, such as commanding the North Pole expedition that completed the first survey of the entire Siberian Continental Shelf. Above all, the lessons for future engineering leaders – including during the Cuban Missile Crisis – are profound and worthy of digesting. McLaren’s story should not remain silent.” – the book review will appear in the April issue. The Navy Magazine Bruce Newell (19) sent in a scandalous photo from Key West! Bruce and Theresa Newell demonstrate that sailors still have more fun in front of the Navy Museum in Key West, FL. He was last in Key West in late 1955 in ASW School.
Bruce & Theresa showing emotion
Hartley Holte (14) finds humor and learning at the Plebe Summer Rifle Range.
54/57 CLASS NEWS M Do you remember this? Plebe summer was an opportunity to learn, including shooting the M1 at the rifle range at North Severn. While those on the firing line were shooting live rounds, we took turns being in the gun butts, raising and lowering the targets and plugging the bullet holes with paper and glue. You may recall that the earthen butts were loaded with flies that loved the stinky glue pots. I was fortunate to be paired with a classmate who actually knew what he was doing! This included dealing with those pesky fly critters. He taught me that flies jumped up in the air before actually flying. Also that they jumped when they sensed air motion. Thus, he said, if you were to clap your hands directly over the fly, it would jump straight into your hands, thus meeting its demise, a somewhat messy process. Likewise, one could simply cup one hand, swipe it over the same spot and catch it. It could then be released, with some dizziness, to survive another few hours - a much less messy process - and great enjoyment for us catchers. Another most useful education for a future naval officer. Old Salts
Fred & Nora Schoenberger (11) playing pirate in the Caribbean aboard the Dutch brig Mercedes out of St. Maartin
Looking aloft from deck of Mercedes
’56 Life Membership: 68% Donor Participation: 4.05% Class Executive Committee Chairman: Col George Mushalko, USAF (Ret.) (15) e: gmushalko@cox.net; p: 703-768-4543 Shipmate: Dan Garges, USAF (Ret.) (24) p: 301-340-8197; e: magdan_56@yahoo.com Sec’y: CAPT Doug Hayman, USN (Ret.) (11) p: 410-268-0740; e: dfhayman@comcast.net Webmaster: Bob Keller, USN (Ret.) (12) p: 781-329-5101; e: rmkeller34@verizon.net
’56: Milliken’s Reef luncheon attendees
Website: www.usna56.org
Martha THOMAS, and of course Jimmy and Anne HOGG. Needless to say, a grand time was had by all.
“Deo Fidelis et Patria”
Space Coast Classmates Luncheon: George Mushalko, our Class President and his wife, Barbara attended the luncheon on 16 February while they were on their vacation in Florida. It has become somewhat of an annual occasion and all the Space Coasters look forward to it. Ken Godstrey, also staying in Florida, arranged for the luncheon at Milliken’s Reef, Port Canaveral; an excellent restaurant near the water with delicious seafood cuisine. The hungry attendees in the attached photo (starting at the left) were: Ken Godstrey, Barbara Godstrey, Mary Moore, Hal Moore, Janet Neuhard, Hal Neuhard, Robyn Peterson, Pete Peterson, George Connolly, Beverly Connolly, George Mushalko, Barbara Mushalko, Merle Schwartz, and Tom Schwartz. Pacific Coast Classmates Luncheon: High spirits and animated conversation (in addition to food and libation) punctuated a happy gathering of classmates and girlfriends at the Silvergate Yacht Club in San Diego on the 18th of February. Hosts Jim and Liz MURTLAND arranged the affair in honor of special guests Jim and Anne HOGG, in town to kick around Jimmy’s old haunts in Coronado! Present — alphabetically by height — were Jennifer AUER, George BILES and Janet FRAME, Roger and Diana BOX, Kathy BRUYERE, Millie and Bill GALLAHER, Dave and Kay MINTON, the MURTLANDS, Carl and Dolores NELSON, Kyran O’DWYER, Jay and Dale RANSOM, Dick SHIGLEY, Bob SHINN and Merrie, Jim and
Mid-Atlantic Classmates Valentine’s Day Luncheon: A special recognition of love and appreciation for wives was celebrated at a Valentine’s Day Lunch at Ft. Meyer’s Officers Club. Jim Van Metre (04), our lunch moderator, had the room all decked out with “heart felt” decorations and candy as gifts. The ladies seemed well pleased! We also had Dr. Kathleen Kuebnast of the U.S. Institute of Peace as a guest speaker with expertise in the field of anthropology who spoke about the increasing importance of women’s ideas and opinions impacting peace and security in worldwide affairs. She has been a part of the international vanguard introducing the concept of engaging men in conflict countries in the championing of women’s rights and values in problem solving. She had numerous practical examples to present. The following announcements are made about the recent passing of classmates and classmate wives. Full obituaries for classmates will be presented in the Last Call Section of this or in a future issue of Shipmate. Ernie Scheyder (14) passed away on February 01, 2017. Ernie had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for quite a few years but he lived a great life overall and died peacefully. Ernie retired from the Navy in 1985 after 30 years of distinguished service including becoming Commander of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard. In civilian life, he was a director of construction and maintenance
service for three nuclear power generating stations. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann and four children and nine grandchildren. Claudia Kost Debus, widow of Dave Debus (24), died on January 19, 2017 at a nursing facility in Northern Virginia of Alzheimers. She was born in Chicago, Ill. in 1935, met Dave in 1956 and were married in 1957. Dave passed away in September 2016 while Claudia continued on in a continuing care facility. They were married for 59 years at the time of Dave’s passing. She was involved in many charitable endeavors during the Air Force and post AF days. She is survived by two sons and two daughters and five grandchildren. Herb Kuykendall (07) passed away on 5 December 2016. No obituary information has been published. Burial will be in Arlington when Herb reaches the head of the line, probably not sooner than July.
’57 Life Membership: 66% Donor Participation: 3.34% Pres: CAPT David S. Cooper, USN (Ret.) Vice Pres: CAPT William H. Peerenboom, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: LCDR P. O. Behrends, USN (Ret.) 143-A East Lake Dr., Annapolis, MD 21403 e: pobehrends@aol.com Corr Sec’y: CAPT F.N. Howe Jr., USN (Ret.) 1 Walter Cir., Fredericksburg, VA 22405-2363 e: fnhusna57@cox.net Treas: COL John D. Regenhardt, USAF (Ret.) Webmeister: CDR C. R. Hall, III, USN (Ret.) e: crhall@comcast.net Website: http//1957.usnaclasses.com/
Ronald Curtis Dressel (11) passed away on 22 December 2015 after MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 51
67/67 CLASS NEWS an eight year struggle with Alzheimer’s. Ron was survived by his widow Ronie and son Darrel. A brief word from the folks whose duty it is to keep us in touch with one another. The subject: email addresses. Even though there are some among us who do not have a means of communicating electronically, the majority do and that’s a very good thing. For one thing, a lot of useful class news flows to email addresses regularly from Jack O’Donnell - stuff you’d not want to miss. But even setting that benefit aside, while the need to make contact with each other quickly is rare, those occasions do occur and it is really useful when we’re able to do so. On these occasions it is disappointing to discover that the email address held in the Class Register does not work, having been changed or dropped without notification having been made to the guy who keeps the Register, the Class Secretary - one Paul Behrends, whose name, mailing address, and current, operating email address are displayed in the masthead above. If you’ve changed your email address in the last couple years and did so without notifying Paul or your Company Coordinator, please take a minute from your hectic, near-term schedule to pass the details to these guys. A lot of folks will appreciate your doing so. The same of course goes for addresses and phone numbers. Thanks. The First May batter is George (LFC) Lanman: M Whenever two or three shall meet: Linda and Bill Kronzer made one of their not-often-enough trips to California so the couple could visit some of their old friends from the wonderful Brian Head, Utah ski resort days that Burt Nichols developed. In the accompanying photo (r. to l) are Harry Gimber, the host for cocktails on Lincoln’s birthday (wineglass in hand), Dr. Kronzer (now retired from his radiology practice), Jim Beatty (recovering nicely from a hip replacement), and me. The Brian Head ski resort near Cedar City, UT was the destination
52 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
in the day for dozens of ’57 Classmates and their families. Burt provided free ski passes on Easter week each year for over a decade. He even went half price on the equipment and condo rentals! Many classmates purchased condos there, including Bill, Harry and Jim and great memories of family fun skiing are still being told! Following KTs Bill and Linda hosted a wonderful dinner at one of our favorite Coronado restaurants, the Boathouse across from the famous Hotel Del Coronado.
Some Old Sailors/Skiers
Over the last few months we’ve discussed the features of a few retirement communities that are popular with the folks among us who have already made the commitment and are enjoying their choices. One more place that has come to our attention is Falcon’s Landing in Potomac Falls, VA - just out Rte 7 from the Washington area and about five miles north of Sterling, VA. Even though, as the name suggests, the community is most famous among Air Force retirees, there are, remarkably, about 50 Naval Academy retirees and family members among the current residents. There are even three ’57 representatives present with a fourth about to move in. Current membership includes Norm Prosser’s widow Janice, Carol and Dick Gentz, and Dave Thomas’ widow Ann; and sometime in the next couple months, Bill Mickle expects to join the crew. Proximate as it is to the Washington area where there are a lot of NA retirees, Falcon’s Landing probably ought to be on the browsing list for any folks who are in the market for someone else to do the cooking.
Then we had some really good news from Bill Hamel: M On 20 January a few of us gathered in the wardroom of our 22nd Company Spartans for a brief ceremony, during which a legitimate hero of the U.S. Marine Corps welcomed a bright new band of brothers and sisters into our Corps. The Spartans’ company officer, Major Matt Lampert, has succeeded in recruiting 14 firsties into the Corps, including notable football quarterback Will Worth. Our guest of honor, BGen Bill Weise, USMC (Ret.), drove up from Virginia with autographed copies of his biography, One Magnificent Bastard, one for each new Marine. It is the story of his life and especially of the battle for Dao Do, Vietnam, during which he commanded Second Battalion, Fourth Marines in a desperate battle – and in which our classmate, Fritz Warren, was a major figure. The book was published by classmate Bob Rositzke. Also present were George Robillard and Bill Hamel. BGen Weise’s remarks were brief and pointed, focusing on his heartfelt urge to these new Marine leaders that they always respect and, especially, learn from those they lead. While the much-heralded, long-awaited and most successful 60th Class reunion is still large in our rear-view, a few words on an associated good deal that awaits all from our hugely devoted and talented photographic archivist, Bart Campbell. The latest on the subject directly from Bart: M Our 60th Reunion Scrapbook: The Scrapbook Staff is generating a 60th Reunion Scrapbook that will be provided to all hands by about July. The process began in mid 2016 when we converted all the old scrapbooks to PDF and then began mailing them via Jack O’Donnell’s Class List to all hands. For the 60th a call for volunteer photographers was published in February ’17 and resulted in the generous commitment of a representative from almost every company. The resulting group of
photographers along with our professional photographer, Mrs. Debbie Latta, provided photos covering all reunion events. Debbie provided the bulk of photos for the 50th and 55th Scrapbooks and has provided this year’s Chapel class photo and photos of our mates busy enjoying the banquet. You will, incidentally, see Debbie’s work on Shipmate covers and in the end zone taking photos of our guys making TDs! Jack’s email containing the scrapbook will be suitable for downloading and printing if you wish to do so. If you have any problem obtaining the scrapbook in the form you need don’t hesitate to contact me, Bart Campbell (bartccamp@ pacbell.net) and I’ll gladly get you on the right track. Our staff, each engaged in various phases of the project, is pictured nearby (from the NW quadrant CW: the scribe, Gerry Sedor, Bart Campbell, Ray Fazzio). We hope you’ll enjoy the results and we look forward to future reunions, and scrapbooks.
The Scrapbook Staff
We’ll close this edition with a fervent plea for some news of your spring (especially news with supporting photos) lest we have to resort to the only other option: fake news. Even if you only have an almost new story left over from the reunion, that would likely fit well here. Pass it along, please. Carpe diem. FNH
2017 HOMECOMING Thursday, 19 October through Saturday, 21 October
58/58 CLASS NEWS
’58 Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 3.34% Pres: Lt Col Gordon M. Gerson, USAF (Ret.) e: gordon.gerson@1958.usna.com Corr Sec’y: CAPT Bill Schramm, USN (Ret.) 17 Calera Canyon, Salinas, CA 93908 p: 831-484-9058; e: w_schramm@comcast.net Webmaster: CAPT Fred Victor, USN (Ret.) e: avictor@erols.com Website: www.usna.com/Classes/1958/
SKI REPORT Angela Tranquill is the daughter of Ralph Carestia, 20th Company. She sent me the picture of Ralph with a gaggle of USNA Midshipmen who were competing in collegiate ski races in Pennsylvania and who Ralph had invited to his ski chalet. Ralph is the guy in the center with the “Old Man” sweater in case you were wondering. (I’m not sure how much snow they had in Pennsylvania this year, but in California they had about 24 feet of snow in January alone at Squaw Valley in the Sierras. As I write this I think they have had about 47 feet this season which is about the height of a five story building.) DC LUNCHEON Jack Adams reported on the details of the February DC Chapter luncheon. He did not say where it was held, but I am going to go out on a limb and guess the Army-Navy Club. There were 16 Class of 58ers present. 15 from the USNA and 1 from the USMA. The Navy guys were Jack Adams, Dan Bellay, Gordon Gerson, Mike Giglio, Jene LeBer, George Jenkins, Bill Meisel, Jack Nicolas, Charlie Pinkham, Paul Polski, Tom Powell, John Rohrbough, Ted Smedberg, John Swope, and Bruce Wilcox. Representing West Point was Jack Gordon. The speaker was RADM Brian Antonio who is in charge of USN carrier construction, maintenance and overhaul which is a lot to be in charge of. He provided a very informative presentation regarding the upgrades and enhanced capabilities of the newest class of carriers (the Ford class).
’58: RALPH CARESTIA AND FELLOW MIDSHIPMEN
JACK ADAMS AND RADM BRIAN ANTONIO
THE CORDOVA CLAN Dick Cordova, 17th Company, made it to last fall’s Army-Navy football game. Three facts make that happening newsworthy. First, it was the first time Dick has been to an A-N game since graduation. Second, he arranged for 5 of his family from the west coast to join him plus his brother and 5 of his family for a total of 12 which counts as a family reunion. And third, Dick came from sunny San Diego to the very cold conditions back east. Dick’s brother did not attend the Academy, but did serve there in the 70’s with the Supply Corps and is a Navy fan. In the picture Dick is the guy with the beard and the number 12 on his jersey. Watching Navy lose wasn’t fun, but Dick took the family to the Academy the next day and that was fun.
member of the Annapolis Touchdown Club. Bob’s association with the Club began during our plebe year when he attended the inaugural banquet. Later he would return to the Academy as the Deputy Director of Athletics and renew his association with the Touchdown Club and that association has continued through the years since Bob and Becky retired in Annapolis. The family picture, taken at the banquet, shows (L-R) Grandson Luke, Daughter Susie, Wife Becky, Bob, son Bob jr. and son Matt.
BOB CALDWELL AND FAMILY
THE REST OF THE STORY In the April issue of Shipmate I asked Classmates to write and share their stories about what happened in their lives in the
yearsafter graduation. Ken Granzin, 6th Company, responded, so in the immortal words of Paul Harvey let’s hear “the rest of the story”. Ken left the Navy in 1962 and entered the MBA program at the University of Illinois. After earning his MBA he stayed to earn a PhD in Marketing and Quantitative Economics. He went on to teach at Illinois for 3 years and enjoyed that so much he made teaching his career. About 28 years of that career was at the University of Utah. He is now retired and he and his wife live in western North Carolina. When Ken sent me the information he mentioned that he did not think his career path would be of interest, but I disagree. Earning a PhD and having a career teaching at a major University seems like a distinguished career to me. Well done Ken. Ken also passed on information about three other Classmates who were in the 6th Company. All three played on the USNA football team that went to the Cotton Bowl, they roomed together at the Academy and all three left the Navy to pursue other careers following their obligated service. Ned Oldham was the Captain of the team and a 3rd team All American halfback. He later would become a prominent intellectual property attorney. Ned died in 2011. Pat Flood, was a quarterback. He also became a lawyer and for many years acted as a highly respected official in college football games including bowl games. Otto Helweg earned an MS in engineering from UCLA, an MS in higher education from Memphis State, an MBA from the University of
ANNAPOLIS TOUCHDOWN CLUB Bob Caldwell, 18th Company, was honored at the 2017 Annapolis Touchdown Club Banquet. He was awarded the “Jim and RaeAnn Morgan Award” as a distinguished ’58: THE CORDOVA CLAN AT THE A-N GAME
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 53
58/60 CLASS NEWS Memphis and a PhD in Engineering at Colorado State University. During his career he was on the faculty at the University of California Davis and Texas A&M and Chair of the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Memphis. Along the way he also found time to earn a Master in Divinity from the Fuller Theological Seminary. Otto spent most of 2007 in Rwanda helping to bring water and the Gospel to villages, schools and hospitals. He was Dean of the College of Engineering at North Dakota State University when he died in 2008. CLOSING RANKS Paul Miller, 2nd Company, passed away on January 16th 2017. Dick Freeman, 3rd Company, died on 11 February 2017. Paul Herner, 20th Company, died on 18 February 2017. Jeanette Gatje, wife of Pete Gatje, 24th Company, passed away on January 30th 2017. Mig Sturr, widow of Dixon Sturr, 20th Company, died on the 10th of January 2017. Evelyn Nalesnik, widow of Richard Nalesnik, 23rd Company, died on January 21st 2017.
’59 Life Membership: 64% Donor Participation: 3.19% Chairman Exec. Committee: Gerald G. Garbacz e: gggarbacz@aol.com Sec’y: CAPT Charles C. Pease, USN (Ret.) 20510 Falcons Landing Cir., Apt. 1404 Potomac Falls, VA 20165-7596 p: 703-549-4285; e: classsec1959@gmail.com Webmasters: Pete and Elaine Stout Website: www.USNA1959.com
Change of Email and Snail Mail Address for Class Correspondence If you have not provided your current Email address and Snail Mail Address to your Company Representative and to me please do so. If you do not have an email address for your Company Representative, please send an email message to classsec1959@gmail.com. Also, please update your Data on the Alumni Association Web Site.
54 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
’59: John Schultz and friends at Alumni RV Group
Good Times: Dorothy Edwards of the /Naples Daily News reports: M The Naples Museum of Military Memorabilia Near Naples Florida will soon have an old piece of aviation history to display. Retired Navy pilot Dave Dyke (3), of North Naples, is giving the museum a 7-foot-2-inch wooden propeller of a World War II transport plane. Thought you all would like to read about and see our classmate, Dave, hit the big time. It was on page three of the main section in the Naples Daily News. Only John Glenn had a bigger spread. Way to go Dave! John Schultz (21) reports that he was the lonely member at this year’s Alumni RV Group comearound at Key West. John stated that he has just joined the group and would like to see a return to the years when ‘59 dominated the attendance Charlie Dobbs (10) reports: M Gents the Class leadership has again purchased four (4) seats in the Class Section for the 2017 Home Football Season. We also have one (1) parking pass available. There are five home games this year. Sept. 9, Tulane, only one seat remains for this game; Sept 23, Cincinnati; Oct. 7, Air Force, only one seat remains for the game; Oct. 21, UCF; and Nov. 11, SMU. Kickoff is at 3:30 for all the games. There will be a Class Tailgate before each game, weather permitting. Contact: Charlie Dobbs for tickets,
Cell 443-994-2298, E-mail: C. Dobbs@comcast.net. Tom McReynolds (13) reports: M Classmates will once again meet in Williamsburg VA for three days of golf, fine dining and rousing comradeship. All golfers are welcome, regardless of skill level! So if interested, put May 2nd, 3rd and 4th on your busy calendar and sign up while you can. Accommodations will be arranged at Powhatan Plantation condos near the Historic District of Colonial Williams burg. Once again classmates will compete for the Doug Volgenau Trophy. Wives are always welcome - on the course, at Happy Hours, and at our dinner gatherings. Contact Dave Donovan at donovanvabeach@ aol.com. if interested. Rise and Shine!!!
’60 Life Membership: 69% Donor Participation: 6.85% Pres: John J. Michalski 2039 Homewood Rd., Annapolis, MD 20409 p: 410-757-6429; e: navygoat@comcast.net Sec’y: Bill Lewis 14312 Cove Ridge Pl., Midlothian, VA 23112-4337 p: 804-744-8808; e: bilewis@comcast.net Website: http://www.usna60.com/
From Doug Johnston (5): M “Bill, we had a great turnout of 22 classmates and wives/significant others to hear Hank Chiles (21) share his impressions and insights from a recent trip to Central Asia
(as part of the Capstone course for new Flag officers which he oversees at NDU). We heard a great presentation with numerous questions from our assorted Cold War warriors about what was formerly the heart of the Soviet Empire Following Hank’s presentation, Dick Pariseau (1) provided a bit of frosting for the afternoon cake by discussing the long-term impact of women at the Naval Academy. He concluded by noting that he wished they had been there during his time. No one really asked why, but he looked perfectly innocent when he said it. Among the revelers: Don Boecker (15), Don Broadfield (22), Hank Chiles (21), Gary Cogdell (7), George Dowell (19), Dennis Hickey (22), Barbara & Ward O’Brien (22), Becky & Dick Pariseau (1), Jeanne Rush & Tom Solak (2) Lou Schriefer (10), Grant Sharp (19), Linda & Cal Sutliff (20), Bob Traister (2), Dolly & Gene Tucker (9), Dareen and yours truly. I noticed that in one of the regrets for the recent event, Bud Pezet (13) replied from way far away. “D&D: We’re replying from China Beach (Vietnam). Unfortunately we won’t be back by the 19th as we have Cambodia and Thailand to go. Hope to see you for the dinner/ dance in February. Bud and Fae” From Herb Mossman (12): M “Hi Bill - I was in 3rd Co. during Plebe & Youngster Years, then became part of the “equalization program” & moved to the 12th Co. for Second & First Class Years. Bud Roemish & John Claman were my room-mates both years in 3rd Co. while Tom McCarthy, 2nd Class year roomy, & Hank Maguder (deceased), 1st Class year roomy. I went to the 12th Co. meeting during our 55th Reunion. We did not attend our 50th Reunion because Sue & I had been to the Academy during Class rings dedication in ‘08, Ring Dance in ‘09, & 2010 Graduation. We were the first couple to dedicate both our Class & Engagement Rings to “Link in the Chain” Program. Warmest regards, Sue & Herb Mossman.
60/60 CLASS NEWS From Butch Khoury (14): M “Nothing like a 5 k race on the beach eating my kids’ dust er sand near Solana Beach, Ca. And later (on Super bowl Sunday) I ran 5 K in the morning and little Billy Belichick’s team won in the pm it was a great day. Remember little Billy ?? My wife was looking at me, afraid I was going to Croak during the race but I didn’t. Butch
Khoury runners
Khoury & Spouse
From Tom Solak (2): M “Photo of Bob (Deke) Stevenson, Bob (Bobby Dale) Matulka, and Hank Rinnert, plus Main Squeezes Charlotte, Darlene, and Ann at Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant in Honolulu, January 2017. It was a great week of catching up and reminiscing with 2nd Company Classmates and their ladies. Tom
’60: 2nd Company group
From Ray Burkley (2): M “Bill; “Attached is a picture of our luncheon in January at Fontana’s in the Hilton Hotel in Santa Clara.
Around the table are Angelo Karampelas (22), Raymond Burkley (2), Patrick Sullivan (6), Daniel Affourtit (24), Dick Shawkey (24), Dennis Vied (24) and Spencer Cleveland (6). Unfortunately Chuck Peterson (18), Kevin Ryan (4) and Tom Teal (16) had work or travel obstacles that prevented them from attending as scheduled. It is noteworthy that Patrick (Carmel) and Angelo (Aptos) drove up from the Pacific Coast and Dick drove down from Arnold in the mountains and Dennis drove from Livermore to attend. Something to be said for lifelong friendships. Everyone is in relatively good health and keeping active in something that older people can still do. Raymond
’60: NorCal group
From Rod Friedmann (5): M “Bill, cupid was alive and well during our Annual Valentine’s Day luncheon honoring our sweethearts. The event was held at the Eurasia Cafe in Virginia Beach on Feb. 14th. We were limited to 15 couples due to the size of the private dining area. Actually, it was perfect for our gathering and added to the camaraderie. Sharing in the festivities were: Gloria & Bob Antonio (14), Muriel & Jack Greenhalgh (9), Merrilu & Al Ablowich (16), Catherine & Ed Clexton (10), Jane & Jim Eilertsen (21), Karen & Tom Inderlied (21), Gail & Bill Kee (9), Ruth & Frank Kay (8), Donna & Mike McCullough (14), Prissy & Wick Parcells (12), Mary & Henry von Kolnitz (22), Marti & Bert Johnson (10), Paul Cooper (5), Alice Meinicke and Paula & Rod Friedmann (5), Barbara & Al Bissell (8) unfortunately had to cancel at the last minute. Special hand-made “fortune cookies”, customized for the Class of 60 by Bob Antonio’s enterprising grandson, were presented by Paula & Rod Friedmann (5) to our distinguished classmates and their ladies, which greatly added to the enjoyment of the celebration. Rod Living on Kingsmill Golf Course in Williamsburg has made involvement in the LPGA tournament each year a regular thing. Hampton Roads Classmates have also visited
’60: Tidewater group
at least one of the days and met the pro golfer that Bob Osmon (17) hosted. In recent years Bob has hosted Kelly Tan from Malaysia From Bob Osmon (17): M “Well, Kelly Tan arrived with her boyfriend from Canada and her coach from Australia, so I have an international crowd at the house this week. We also learned that Kelly represented her country, Malaysia, in the Olympics in Rio last August. First time I have ever had an Olympian stay at my home. One more thing. The man on my right in the photo is apparently an electronics wizard. He has created a program which is being used in Australia now where a golfer wears a head band to send electrical signals to a computer. He doesn’t even have to look at her to tell what she is doing wrong. It insures her eyes are properly focused, her shoulders aren’t tensed, her stomach is loose, and even knows if her toes are digging in too tightly to the ground. Recently, after dinner for more than an hour he had her cue up to an
imaginary tee, look down the field, focus on the ball, and do her swing. He could tell if either her right brain or left brain was functioning. I was just blown away. He has an application to the FDA for approval for use of this system in the US. The goal is for Kelly to win a Major this year and then announce that this device has helped her improve her game. The results lie in the future. We’ll see. Any how it could change the future of golf. God bless. Oz Also from Doug Johnston (5): M “Dear Bill, rather than having a dark ages dinner as originally planned, the DC lunch bunch opted instead for a Valentine’s Day dinner dance at the Ft. Myer Officer’s Club. Eight couples dined and danced the night away, including Barbara and Ward O’Brien (22), Becky and Dick Pariseau (1), Martha and George Dowell (19), Linda and Cal Sutliff (20), Beverly and Grant Sharp (19), Betty and Ken Loveland (23), Fae and Bud Pezet (13), Dareen and yours truly.
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 55
60/61 CLASS NEWS Tripping the light fantastic to the tunes of the Rick Thompson band was truly a treat; and although it was an Army setting, Rick himself is ex-Navy, so we felt right at home. Some long-forgotten Carvell Hall moves had the Army bystanders in complete awe. Our best to all, Doug Rise and Shine!!!
’61 Life Membership: 70% Donor Participation: 3.85% Pres: RADM Jerome F. Smith Jr., USN (Ret.) Corr Sec’y: RADM E. S. (Skip) McGinley II, USN (Ret) 3016 Quint Dr., Viera, FL 32940 p: 321-622-4640; c: 202-549-2472 e: skip.mcginley@1961.USNA.com; skipmcginley@cfl.rr.com Webmaster: Howard Winfree e: winfree@1961.usna.com Website: www.USNA61.org
Hello again to all the 61rs. Up front, I’ll say that this will NOT be a repeat of the last issue, which was almost all photos from our reunion. It started out as what I thought was a good idea, until I had to juggle photos around, match photos to names, etc. I put in all I could stuff in, but still had about an equal amount that just wouldn’t fit in our space. Anyway, if anyone has one they just would LOVE to include in a future issue, just send it in, and I can try to include it…however, by the time it gets in (SHIPMATE processing isn’t lightning), it may be down the road somewhat, by then you may get divorced, etc. Onward…. This comes in to us from Al Dessayer (15), lurking out in the Bay Area in sunny California: M “For the eleventh time, the Class of ’61 is set to sail on a special cruise. Departing London on September 2nd and crossing the Atlantic via the Shetlands, with several stops in Iceland and hence to St John’s and Halifax we arrive in New York on the 17th. Cabins are still available to join classmates on this adventure. Please contact Michelle Bemis at McCabe World Travel, Inc. at (703) 762-5049 for further details and information.”
56 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
’61
Editor’s note: …These cruises are always fun; Connie & I are signed up, and the itinerary looks very nice, particularly the several stops in Iceland, where most cruises are limited to just one stop. The Shetlands are also a cruise stop seldom visited. If you bring a large suitcase with air holes, you can pick yourself up a very nice goat there.
Gary Seraly (03) sends:
This one drifts in from David Wright (03); it involves a trek down to Key West by David, Ginny Pusey, and on the left, Dan and Karen Schroeder (03). The second photo involves Dan, David, and Commodore Porter. You can probably figure out who is who. The Commodore appears to be a little green; perhaps he is feeling a little queezy on dry land.
M “Having all three services represented in my family, you must know the hype each football season leading up to the Commander-in Chiefs Trophy. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you two of my grandchildren who represent the best-of-the-best. Representing the Army National Guard in Pennsylvania as a forward observer is grandson and senior at IUP (Indiana University of PA), Gary James Seraly. Representing the Air Force Academy is granddaughter, Cadet Second Class Silvia Seraly. Many of you know that proud “Old Salt” sitting between those two young, enthusiastic and photogenic service members. My salute and sincere gratitude goes out to all that currently serve and to those who have served in defense of our freedom. Ned Kuhns (07) sends: M With our monthly Tidewater luncheon scheduled just prior to Valentine’s Day, we decided to
celebrate a bit early with our beautiful ladies. So, on Thursday, 9 February 2017, we met at the usual BRAISE restaurant in Virginia Beach. Regrettably, a number of our usual regular attendees were sick with the flu/colds going around or were traveling. The ten of us who were there had a great time as evidenced by the photo below. Mike Bradley (03) was there but had to depart early since he’s doing tax returns for AARP. The ladies seated left to right are: Sandy Craig, Karla Needham, Judy Laster, Fran Rohdenburg, Jan Bradley, Carole Decker, Breeze Stewart, Peg Graham and Bonnie Campbell-Kuhn. Standing left to right are: Kurt Rohdenburg (20), Buzz Needham (12), Ken Craig (07), Jim Laster (15), Roger - a guest of the Laster’s, Jay Decker (08), Charlie Stewart (06), Ned Kuhns (07), Bob Graham (18) and JoeKuhn (Honorary 03). The Graham’s will be departing on a trip to Israel next week. Our next luncheon will be held on Thursday, 7 March at the local Military Aviation Museum with a tour and lunch arranged by Ken Craig who is a docent there. Hopefully, we’ll have another input for you after that event. Editor’s note: nice picture!
Dick Gill (17) and I (13) are shown here about to enjoy a nice seafood lunch near my home in Melbourne, FL, with our wives. Dick traveled down to sunny Florida to get some beach and sun time. We both go back a LONG way, partly USNA but mostly in submarines, and later on as EDO “experts” on how to fix those tightly compacted little underwater dream homes. We were both Repair Officers on submarine tenders at the same time, Dick at
61/62 CLASS NEWS
‘61: Tidewater Luncheon
Holy Loch, and me at Rota, starting in 1976. So, we both missed the Bicentennial, but in those jobs, we were head down and tail up, so we wouldn’t have seen much of it anyway…notice, I had a small schedule stuffed in my pocket, so we knew where to go next.
A nice one to end on is sent in by Dave Stryker (10): M Many of us are experiencing physical ailments of one sort or another; in short, showing our age. I just had a total knee replacement last summer and have yet to try to
’61: World Series in Seniors Baseball
run on it. Joe Maiden (10), on the other hand, is playing and winning seniors baseball all over the world. I wonder how many other classmates are still involved in baseball. Recently Sharon and I were in Fort Myers, Florida at the same time as Joe. He was there for a World Series in Seniors Baseball. He coaches and plays on both a 70 and older and 75 and older team. Joe tells me he has played senior baseball since 1994, after more than 30 years of softball. Once he made the transition he hasn’t touched a softball since. He became a player/manager in 1999 with a 60 and over team, and has been involved with more than 40 national tournament teams in various age brackets. Since 1999 his teams have been fortunate to capture a number of national World Series titles with the Men’s Senior Baseball League and Roy Hobbs Baseball. He has also been involved with Baseball International, and has played in Europe, Asia and Africa. Two recent highlights were playing in Cooperstown, NY at Doubleday Field, home of the Baseball Hall of
Fame, and two years ago in Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Sharon and I saw his teams play in the Jet Blue stadium in Fort Myers, where the Boston Red Sox have their spring training. We watched him coach his 70 and older team that won the World Series, and we missed by a week his 75 and older team (which he plays on and coaches) win, as well. Hats off to Joe and his physical fitness. How many other classmates are playing competitive baseball?
’62 Life Membership: 73% Donor Participation: 2.50% Pres: CDR Walter F. Welham Jr., USN (Ret.) p: 703-323-6604; e: wwelham@aol.com Sec’y: CDR Howard S. Pinskey, USNR (Ret.) P.O. Box 3380, Annapolis, MD 21403-3326 p: 410-974-1962; e: PINSK62@aol.com Website: www.nampows.org/62.html
Greetings from Annapolis This is a great month in town. Weather is beautiful, the Blue Angels fly their show and the class of 2017 graduates. As we always say “TEMPUS FUGIT” – time flies. Now for our class news. Lucius Lamar Heiskell Jr., son of our hero classmate, LAMAR, called RAY MADONNA with this poignant story of his father’s last flight. Although it happened over 50 years ago, the events, heroism and devotion to duty are as memorable today as they we in 1967. Lamar Heiskell’s Last Flight 50 years ago today, 02/06/67, my father, Lamar Heiskell, took off from
Nakom Phenom Thailand, (KNP) in an 0-1 Bird dog, a small single engine Cessna, flying over to go do his job which was flying low over the Ho Chi Minh trail complex trying to spot NVA trucks bringing men and supplies south to fight the US. About an hour into the mission, he was hit by ground fire. He knew he couldn’t make it back to the base, so he climbed as high as he could and bailed out. It was the first time in several months that a Forward Air Controller or FAC pilot had been able to bail out of an 0-1 bird dog successfully. On the ground, he ditched his white fiberglass flight helmet, which would offer no protection and would only be a target in the green jungle. He was able to make contact with another pilot and soon the rescue helicopters were soon on station over him. But not long after they made contact with him, he whispered in the radio that he was surrounded by enemy soldiers and had to turn off his radio. After not hearing from him for a long while, the helicopters had to return to the base for fuel. The crews of the helicopters and the men of the 23rd TASS waiting back at NKP airbase, where he flew out of, were disappointed and sad that they weren’t able to get him. It would have been the first rescue of a Bird dog pilot in a while. Meanwhile all flights returning from North Vietnam missions were directed over the Mu Gia Pass area to listen for his distress signal just in case. At around 2:30 in the afternoon a F-4 phantom returning from a bombing mission, heard an emergency beacon and was soon in radio contact with Lamar. He was injured and had moved approximately 4-5 kilometers from the original rescue area. Immediately the same two Jolly Greens were scrambled to attempt a rescue again. The F-4 had been making several runs at an Anti-aircraft gun emplacement on one of the ridges surrounding the valley he was in but had not been able to take that gun out. The lead Jolly Green, 05 went in to get him. On board were Pat Wood,
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 57
62/62 CLASS NEWS Richard Kibbey, Donald Hall and Duane Hackney, the pararescueman or PJ. Pilot Wood brought the helo to hover over Lamar and lower PJ Hackney to the ground. He found Lamar wounded but alive and hooked him up for the hoist up to the helo. Once onboard, PJ Hackney started to put a parachute on the wounded Lamar as the helo started to move out of the valley. Wood and Kibbey radioed back to the base
’62: HEISKELL HELMET
’62: HELICOPTER
“We got him!” The euphoria in the radio shack was incredible. The new base Commander, Jimmie Butler, had just flown in and had never met Lamar, but got to see the other pilots waiting in the radio shack jumping and hugging each other. In less than 40 seconds the next radio call came in, “We are hit”. The helo took a hit from the gun on the ridge that the F-4 pilot had tried to take out. Next there was an
explosion and PJ Hackney was blown out the side door of the helo as it crashed into the side of the mountain. The 2nd helo, piloted by Oliver O’Meara, went in to rescue their friends and found the wreckage a burning pile. Next to it was a deployed parachute with Hackney attached. The 2nd helo lowered their PJ and he was able to retrieve Hackney but didn’t see where anybody else had made it out. Taking ground fire and worried about the gun which had hit Jolly 05, O’Meara flew out of the valley and back to the base. We remember these brave men who put their lives on the line to save another. Some of them lost their lives doing it. Duane Hackney became the most decorated airman in history. While those who went down with Jolly Green 05 are still listed as MIA, there has been some recent development in the case. The remains of Pat Woods were repatriated and identified last year. They will be interned at Arlington this year. While we might not think the Air Force is doing everything it can and certainly don’t think that Vietnam is being totally above board with the search for MIA’s, I’m really glad that this discovery of Woods remains can lead to more and hopefully on day all of them can come home. Here’s to the crew of Jolly 05 and the men who went down on 02/06/67! Drink a toast this evening fellas! Be at rest and peace, old friend and classmate. TIM and Karen LOCHER live in Hendersonville, NC. TIM is a retired Delta airlines pilot and says he has a big back yard. He keeps a pet goat down there and said if Bill the Goat gets tired, his goat is at the ready for a replacement. You can see he is also smart!!!
ALUMNI HOUSE Bring your event home! Ogle Hall is ready to host your special event. events@usna.com or 410-295-4018 ’62: PLANE 58 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
BILL THE GOAT
55th Reunion 7-10 September 2017 It’s only 4 months away!!! An information and reservation package was sent out to all classmates the first week in April. Please read it carefully. It has almost all the information you will need to enjoy this big event weekend. Just for a reminder, the schedule of events is listed below. USNA Class of 1962 55th Reunion Schedule of Events Sept 7-10, 2017 Thursday, Sept. 7 0800 -1600 Registration – Loews Hotel 1200 -1700 Golf Tournament 1000 -1600 Various Activities (mid store, Academy tour/USNA Museum, etc.) 1230 -1530 Luncheon Cruise, departs from City Dock (optional) 1730 -1900 No-host cocktail party Loews Hotel 1900 -2100 Group dinners (e.g., football, crew, air, submarines etc.)/free time Friday, Sept, 8 0800 - 1200 Registration – Loews Hotel 0930 -1030 Briefings by USNA personnel 1100 -1200 Memorial Service – Levy Center 1350 -1500 Superintendent/Alumni Association CEO briefing 1600 -1700 Dress Parade 1830 -2400 Company Dinners Saturday, Sept. 9 0730 -0930 Christian Prayer Breakfast – Loews Hotel
62/63 CLASS NEWS 1100 -1200 Class Meeting – Loews Hotel 1330 -1930 Tailgate -N* Room at Navy Marine Corps Stadium 1530 -1900 Football Game – Beat Tulane 1900 -2400 Open Evening/ Free Time Sunday, Sept. 10 0900 -1000 Catholic Mass 0900 -1200 Brunch – Loews Hotel 1100 -1200 Protestant Services In Memoriam It is my sad duty to inform the class of the passing of our friend and classmate, GERALD EATMAN. DR. GERALD E. EATMAN of Hampton, Va., went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2002. GERALD was born in Norwalk, Conn., on December 5, 1939. He served the Hampton community as a dental surgeon for over 30 years. He loved his work passionately and treated his patients like family. He knew the Lord and was a longtime member at St. Paul AME Church in Newport News, Va. GERALD attended Morgan State University; was the first Black from Connecticut appointed to the US Naval Academy and was a graduate of the Howard University School of Dentistry. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Norman Lassiter Dental Society, the Peninsula Dental Society, the New Port News Mules, The Hampton Connecting Links, a longtime member of the Beau Brummell Civic and Social Club, and a veteran of the US Navy. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 39 years, Dr. Elaine T. Eatman; his daughter Alexis N. Swann; his son Brandon C. Eatman; his granddaughter Mikaela D. Swann; his son-in- law Darren L. Swann; two brothers Eldridge Eatman of Colton, CA and Thomas Eatman of Tacoma, WA.; his sister Lynne C. Whalen of Shreveport, LA and numerous other relatives and friends. The class extends its sincere condolences to the Eatman family and friends. That’s our class news for this May 2017 issue of SHIPMATE. Don’t forget to make your hotel and travel reservations for our 55th
reunion weekend. And while you are at it please send your stories and photos in to SHIPMATE. Any means available. Greatly appreciated by all classmates. Thank you. Keep in touch. Until next time…
’63 Life Membership: 62% Donor Participation: 3.86% Pres: CAPT W. Spencer Johnson IV, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: Michael H. Shelley 164 Sweetwater Ln., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 p: 828-862-4245; e: nstar@citcom.net Website: www.USNA63.org
We have lost our classmate Robert G. Newton, who passed away on 27 January 2017. Condolences may be sent to his daughter, Jennifer Newton, at 1015 S. Cove Way, Denver, CO 80209; also his son, Rob Newton, at 10957 Stillwater Ct., Fishers, IN 46037. A second loss to our ’63 family was Pam McCrory, who died on 10 February. Her husband, our classmate Donn McCrory, can be contacted at 1217 Masters Row, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Demonstrating the continuing company-level energies of our classmates, Watt Miles filed this report about a convergence of 5th Company folks last fall. M At the end of September a bunch of 5th Company fellows and OAO’s gathered in Virginia Beach to get together, swap lies, scarf down seafood, consume adult beverages, and watch the Navy - Air Force game. For a while now we have been holding mini-reunions between the class reunions. We started after the 35th when we all stayed at the same motel in Annapolis. That changed the dynamics of our reunions because our OAOs became an integral part of the company. We have really enjoyed both the class reunions and our company mini-reunions much more ever since. This time we again had a blast (except for the game, of course). Our hotel was on the bay and our hospitality room had a balcony overlooking it. More to the point, it was big enough and had a
refrigerator. Jean Smith, Homer’s widow, also joined us. Jean and Bill Kaman’s wife, Bev, were roommates at University of Michigan. This picture shows almost everyone who attended. Present for the weekend were Gloria and Fred Beckham, Tom Selden, JoAnn and George Candelori, Betts and Jerry Potter, Kathleen and Bob Prangley, Joanne and Ben Redd, Bev and Bill Kaman, Sharon and Bob Lyons, Wilson Harris, Kate Malone and Dave Maples, Sandy and Ron Klemick, Jean Smith, Linda and Miles Schmidt, Peg and Craig Thrasher, Anne and Watt Miles. A good time was had by all. The only group activities, aside from the gatherings in the hospitality room, were the two dinners at local seafood restaurants Thursday night and Friday night, and the Air Force game Saturday afternoon at a local sports bar. About the latter, probably the less said the better given the “entertainment.” It was a good event only in terms of the food and beer and the reserved seating provided, courtesy of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Naval Academy Alumni Association. John-Rex Spivey and two others from our Linked class of 2013 joined us. Our next event is the 55th class reunion in San Diego. Our Classmates in that fair city showed us at the Mid-Term Reunion in 2011 that they can organize one heck of an event. The San Diego area is a great place with lots to do. We hope to have a big crowd there from the Fifth Company.
Jack Hood checked in to tell us about the conclusion of a second Navy career in his family. M Twenty-eight years ago, I wrote for our Shipmate column about swearing in my oldest son, John, as an Ensign. Six years ago, I wrote again about swearing him in again as a Captain in the Navy. On January 27th, I attended his change of command and retirement ceremony at the National Reconnaissance Office, where he set some sort of record for homesteading. He was relieved as director of the Space Systems Group, short for “We design and build spy satellites.“ Now for the first time since July 7th, 1959, neither of us is on active duty in the Navy (almost 58 continuous years). Actually, he is on terminal leave and will officially retire on May 1st. That is ironic, as it will also mark the 30th anniversary of my retirement. He starts his retired life, albeit with a second career, and I get a raise having paid-up survivor benefits. I will admit that the ceremony made me feel really old. The presiding two-star was commissioned a month after I retired. I prefer to think that makes him a very young admiral. The same with John’s relief, a senior Captain from the class of ’92. He enjoyed a picture of Ginger and me at the 1962 ring dance but wondered what the fountain was behind us. Alas, the reflection pool is not even a memory. However, Naval tradition remains. John was piped aboard, acknowledged that he stood relieved of command, requested permission to go ashore,
’63: Fifth Company mini-reunion in Virginia Beach MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 59
63/64 CLASS NEWS and he and his wife were duly piped over the side.
Ginger, John, and Jack Hood
Ginger and I are lucky to be living so close to John and are enjoying our life at Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, VA, to the fullest. If you want to live on continuous vacation, come here. M Steve Coester sent this photo and a brief note to say that he had seen Jackie and Peter Browne, who are spending the winter in Florida at Ponce Inlet. On February 12, the Brownes drove the forty miles south to Titusville and Steve and Yvonne drove the thirty miles north from their home in Rockledge. They met at the Dixie Crossroads restaurant on a beautiful Florida day for an afternoon of good food and lots of catching up. Several persons who have seen this photo commented on the unintentional, but deserved, halo around Yvonne’s head formed by the USNA wording on Steve’s shirt.
Shelley and Wright do a hands-on thermodynamics review
That’s a wrap for this month. Take a few minutes soon to send me an email about your recent activities; a photo or two will be most welcome. We need your participation to keep this news exchange full and lively. Thanks! SHIPMATE Editor’s Note: The April class news was mistakenly left out of the April 2017 issue. Please see www.USNA63.org QUALITY – ‘63
’64 Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 4.37% Pres: CAPT Joseph B. Green Jr., CEC, USN (Ret.) e: debjaygreen@gmail.com Corr Sec’y: Roland Marquis 26439 N. Ridge Ct., Mundelein IL 60060 p: 847-970-7562; e: bigroland1@comcast.net Website: www.usna64.org
Brownes and Coester meet in Florida
Here’s one more lunchtime picture to close out this column. When Lou and I were visiting our son in San Jose, CA, this February we enjoyed a delightful Valentine’s Day lunch with Maureen and Pat Wright. He surprised me by bringing a thermodynamics text and a Mollier diagram. Note in the photo that he and I reached two different solutions to the problem – just like the old days.
60 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Sad to say the Shipmate article input drought of material has not abated; were it not for Dick Nelson coming through once again granting us permission to include another of his “Exemplary Graduates” bios, this month’s column certainly would have qualified as the shortest ever. Following a short message from our class president and a couple of updates/corrections to previous columns we will conclude with excerpts from Dick’s bio of a most noteworthy classmate. We begin with Jay Green’s message: In accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1964, the
Class annual meeting was held on February 1, 2017 at the Arlington, VA Army-Navy Country Club for the purpose of electing officers (except for the President, Jay Green) and three at-large members of the Executive Committee. The ballot consisted of the names of class members who have served the class in various capacities during 2016, and have volunteered to serve again for 2017. No other classmates volunteered to be candidates for the listed positions. A total of 17 classmates were in attendance, therefore a quorum was present. I am pleased to announce that all candidates were unanimously elected as follows: Executive Vice President – Dick Curley; Administrative Vice President – Dave Ahern; Secretary – Bill Sargent; Treasurer – Dave Wagner; Members at Large – Andy Thompson, Rick Dau, and Sam Davies. I look forward to working with all members of the Executive Committee in the coming year. As you may be aware, the Class sponsors the Lanny King Leadership Award. The award is named for the late Commander Lanny King, USN, the first prospective Commanding Officer of the USS CARNEY, DDG64. Regrettably, Commander King passed away suddenly before the ship was commissioned. The award of $1064 is presented annually to the outstanding junior officer aboard CARNEY as selected by the ship’s wardroom and chief’s mess. The CARNEY is currently homeported in Rota, Spain. This year’s award was presented by Jim Ounsworth, 12th Co. on February 24th to ENS Logan M. O’Shea, USN. Jim and his wife, Lizzy spend a portion of each year living in Paris, and this is the second year that they have travelled from Paris to Rota to make the award presentation on behalf of the Class. BZ and thanks Jim. Best wishes to all, Jay Ed Conant called our attention to two inaccuracies in our write up on golfer Jim Seely which appeared in the January issue. First while Jim’s exploits on the Navy golf team were certainly noteworthy, he was not an All-American as indicated. Ed was sure Jim would not want to
be accused of making false claims as he’s a humble guy despite all his achievements. A typo also occurred in the number of golf courses Jim oversaw when he first went to Kemper Sports. Even as capable as Jim is, it would have been a stretch for him to oversee the management of 5,016 golf courses! The correct number was initially sixteen, and when he retired it had grown to more than 100 courses as the column accurately stated. Frank Feltham sent in an update to another article in the January issue. He writes “Just got the January Shipmate and need to correct some information about the 2nd company reunion in San Diego. Our grandson’s name is Kevin Ginn ‘14 [Ed note: his class was initially listed as 2015] he is a Navy SEAL and just returned from his first operational assignment in the Middle-East. We thank God for his safe return. Most if not all of our classmates in the Washington /Annapolis area met Kevin during his four years at the Academy and all spoke highly of him.” Frank continues “Also, a little further information regarding Ed MacKenzie‘s son Ed Jr. who attended the reunion to meet his deceased dad’s company mates and hear stories about him. Ed Sr. was my roommate for all four years and attended our 25th reunion with his second wife, after which I lost track of him until hearing of his passing about five years ago.” “Last summer Ed Jr.’s wife Cathy reached out to me seeking information about her father-in-law since his 2nd wife had passed without providing much information about Ed’s Naval Career. I invited them to the 50th reunion and had pictures of Ed and me taken during spring break ‘64 enlarged and presented them with copies for Ed Jr and his brother as well as an extra Lucky Bag copy.” Dick’s excellent write up adapted primarily from a Washington Post article follows: Heroes sometimes appear unexpectedly and inspire us in many ways. This Exemplary Graduate showed us in poignant detail the personal cost of war, and through
64/64 CLASS NEWS his books, the cost to our nation. He was certainly a giant figure in the Naval Academy Class of 1964, which has produced admirals, generals, a Secretary of the Navy, a Commandant of the Marine Corps, and an ambassador to China, among many other high-achievers. He always will be revered and missed as one of the foremost heroes of our class, but at least he left us the gift of his writings, which will last forever: 1stLt Robert Timberg USMC, USNA Class of 1964.
Bob as a Mid
Bob elected to be commissioned in the Marine Corps upon graduation—-a selection reserved for only the most committed, the most “gung-ho.” He went through the Officers Basic School at Quantico, VA and then again took the hard road: infantry. That guaranteed him an assignment to become a platoon leader in Vietnam, which carried a problematic life expectancy. Only days from an extended home leave during the Vietnam War, 26-year-old Marine, 1st Lt. Robert Timberg, was ordered on a routine mission that would upend his life, leaving him grievously disfigured and setting him on a sometimes arduous path toward journalism and literary acclaim.
He set out from his base on Jan. 18, 1967, sitting atop an amphibious tractor and searching the tree line for enemy snipers as the vehicle rumbled through the rice paddies of South Vietnam near Da Nang. He wrote that the Amtrac carried hundreds of gallons of gasoline between the hull and deck plates — making it liable, if it rolled over a land mine, to trigger an inferno that would leave “anyone inside instantly fricasseed.” When it struck the mine, he recounted in his 2014 memoir “Blue-Eyed Boy,” “I felt myself lifted as if in the eye of a hurricane, except in place of wind and rain I was being carried aloft by flames.” (The other men onboard were not seriously injured.) Bob Timberg, who died at 76, endured more than 30 surgeries to repair the damage done by the third-degree burns that had nearly melted his face and scarred much of his body. During a surgery on his lower eyelids, a critical procedure that was performed without anesthesia because his body would not absorb the drug, he screamed so intensely and so long that the operation was also traumatic for the surgeon. He foresaw a future defined by an endless cycle of surgeries and self-pity. He drank heavily, chainsmoked, fought suicidal impulses and scowled at his wife’s encouragement to find a new career after his discharge on medical disability. On a whim, she suggested journalism because she had admired the quality of his writing in his letters from Vietnam. Amid his recovery, he faced casually cruel reminders of his deformities. One Marine report spoke of his “highly repugnant” wounds. He overheard a nurse reduce his identity to his charred face, referring to him in shorthand as “The Burn.”
SEA STORIES Platoon Commander Timberg on patrol in Viet Nam in the 1960’s
Are you on active duty? Send your Sea Stories to seastories@usna.com
Bob during his journalist years, after many surgeries
Robert Richard Timberg was born in Miami Beach, on June 16, 1940. His mother, Rosemarie Sinnott, was an Irish Catholic beauty who became a Ziegfeld girl. His father, Sammy Timberg, was Jewish and followed his siblings into vaudeville. He worked with the Marx Brothers and later composed background music for “Betty Boop” and other cartoons inked by Fleischer Studios. It followed that after graduating from the Naval Academy in 1964, he chose service in the Marines “because it was tougher” than the Navy and became an infantry officer “because I couldn’t imagine anything tougher than that.” After his discharge, he studied journalism at Stanford University, receiving a Master’s degree in journalism and began his new career as a cub reporter at the Annapolis Evening Capital. He enjoyed the intense pressure of deadlines, in part because it took his mind off his appearance — he said children often ran from him. (His face became less shocking as he aged and the scars softened.) In 1973, Mr. Timberg was recruited to the Baltimore Evening Sun, an afternoon paper where he covered the flamboyant and irascible Mayor William Donald Schaefer and eventually worked his way to the Washington bureau. He spent a year at Harvard University on a prestigious Nieman Fellowship in 1979-1980 before landing an assignment covering Congress at the flagship sister paper, the Sun. Bob Timberg left the Sun in 2005 as the deputy Washington bureau chief and for three years was editor in chief of Proceedings, the magazine of the U.S. Naval Institute. In addition to “The Nightingale’s Song,” he wrote a biography of
McCain in 1999 and “State of Grace” (2004), focused on Mr. Timberg’s formative years playing for the neighborhood football team. “Blue-Eyed Boy,” whose title derived from an E.E. Cummings poem, was viewed by critics as a self-lacerating catharsis. It canvassed his fragmented childhood, the war, his rise in journalism and his destruction of his first marriage. His marriages to Jane Benson and Kelley Andrews ended in divorce. He is survived by three children from his first marriage: Scott Timberg of Los Angeles, Craig Timberg of Washington, and Amanda Timberg of London; a son from his second marriage, Samuel Timberg of Manhattan; two sisters; and four grandchildren. Bob died in September 2016 at a hospital in Annapolis. He had congestive heart failure, said his son Craig, a journalist at The Washington Post. Bob’s other son (Scott) also became a journalist. In writing “Blue-Eyed Boy,” Bob Timberg presented an often-embattled life. It was not his intent to foist another tome about courage and heroism on the world. He was wounded, found professional success and occasionally succumbed to weakness, like the rest of us. Most important, he endured when he thought he would not. “I suspect there’s something essentially human about what I fought my way through,” Mr. Timberg wrote. “Somewhere buried in my memory, hidden beneath this terrible mask of scar tissue. I want to remember how I decided not to die. To not let my future die.” Rest assured, classmate. Through your books, it will never die. (Sources: Washingtonpost.com; Wikipedia.org; nytimes.com.) Our thanks to Dick. A reminder in closing; we try to acknowledge all classmate submissions via return e-mail. Anyone who sent in material and have not seen it in print yet or haven’t received our response are encouraged to resend ASAP. Looking forward to a deluge of inputs – hopefully! Fair winds and a following sea, classmates MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 61
65/65 CLASS NEWS From Bob Snelling, 03 Feb
’65 Life Membership: 65% Donor Participation: 3.86% Pres: CAPT Jim Minderlein, USN (Ret.) e: jimm65@verizon.net Corr Sec’y: CDR Dave Anderson, USN (Ret.) 1600 Ala Moana Blvd. #2208, Honolulu, HI 96815 c: 816-621-0878; e: daveand65@me.com; daveand65@earthlink.net Class of 1965 Home Page: http://www.daveand65.com/USNA65/
On 20 Feb we learned of Tony Notari’s passing. Jim Minderlien was notified by Pete Siebert as well as by the Alumni Association. Pete was Tony’s roommate for three years and has visited him a number of times in the past several years. Tony had COPD and was in declining health for the past couple of years, but he did manage to make our 50th reunion! Tony was the Company Commander during the Winter Set for the 16th Company. His funeral was held on 26 Feb in Lancaster, New Hampshire. Please keep Lynne and her children in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time. And look for Tony’s obit in Last Call. Onto some news: Thomas and Jane Howell have moved. They’re now at 8342 Southmeadow Circle, Dallas, TX 75231. Phil Ferrara, in February, had just come into possession of a 1962 Army-Navy football game program. He provided some photos from it on our class yahoogroup email posting service, If interested to see these, contact Phil at: pferrara65@comcast.net. On 20 Feb, Sonny Harrison checked in. Sonny and Judy represented ‘65 at the USNA Alumni RV Chapter’s “Come Around” in Key West, 06-13 Feb. The RV “come around” was held on an exclusive portion of the Truman Annex beach with 20+ RVs. To find out about future “Come arounds” held around the country, check out this site: http://usnarv. usnachapters.net/
The Harrisons
Lee Mager informed us that our ’65 Lucky Bag is downloadable in many different formats, including versions readable on a Kindle and in Apple iBooks. Check this out at here: https://archive.org/details/ luckybag1965unse. From Jim Roorbach, 12 Feb M Attached is a couple of photos of 65ers and spouses gathered at my home for dessert after a dinner at the Nancy Lopez Legacy Restaurant here in The Villages, to celebrate Elliot DeMatta’s birthday and the visit of Dick and Linda Olds who spent a few days with us on the way to a cruise to the Caribbean. Shown in the two pics are Dick and Linda Olds, Roger and Annamelia Smith, Elliot and Michele DeMatta, Bob and Susan Stevens, Bill and Gayle Hancock, Jack and Caryll Moore, Gordy and Barbara White and Jim and Jo Roorbach.
The Villages Men
From Phil Ferrara, 01 Feb The Villages Women
62 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
M I was elected Moderator of the Presbytery of the South (POS) in the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO) late in January. POS includes the states of Alabama, my home state of Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Within those boundaries are 38 ECO member churches. My volunteer position has me making sure that all functions of Presbytery are carried out on time and in order and allows some flexibility in leadership about how we do church business together. I’m a bit challenged as a lay person, ECO Elder, but am excited at the opportunity as well. Then I came home from the meeting and suffered a pretty significant heart attack the following Saturday, 1/28, resulting from a 100% blockage of the right coronary artery. I was protected and blessed and had a new body part called a stent less than two hours after the event began and am healing well. I had outstanding care from start to finish. Everything else is as it has been. I still enjoy singing Barbershop Harmony, time with my grandchildren, one of whom is a junior at West Point, mentoring some selected young, serious-minded church folks, and teaching Delta pilots. My Grammy Award-winning wife, Paula, is still enjoying singing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. In fact I will be there with her when she performs on April 1st at the Kennedy Center in DC. The ASOC is truly the premier classical chorus in the country. Maybe I could see a couple classmates while in the DC area. The performance will be great. I hope all is well with you and family. All for now. Blessings, Bob Snelling Moderator / Presbytery of the South – ECO 770-833-1472
M Twenty-two ’65ers assembled at McGarvey’s Saloon for the February 1st lunch. Attending were Jim Minderlein, Ed Linz, Art Wittig,
Bob Green, Jay Cheney, Phil Ferrara, Sam Dutrow, Bob Sullivan, Fred Vogel, Frank Peterson, Skip MacMichael, Mike Luecke, Bob Andretta, Jim Stark, Skip Orr, Conrad Best, Pat Philbin, John Collins, Dan Flanagan, Paul Mickelson, Denny Wedekind, and Skip Shealy. We learned that Paul Reason’s son, Joe, has just reported for duty at USNA as the Head of the Engineering Dept. And Paul Mickelson returned to lunch after several months and looks great and fit. We are so happy to have him back. Bob Green walked away with the cash lottery prize this month. Jay Cheney and Sam Dutrow won the prizes for calling in the fastest correct riddle answers. Frank Peterson, Mike Luecke, and Jim Stark also had the answers correctly. ’65 is sharp and alive !! From Ted Nanz, 21 Jan M Attached is a photo taken at a Girls on the Run 5K race with one of my daughters. As you might note from the photo it was cold, cold, cold with a temperature around the mid 20s F. There were around 3,000 runners including girls and their parent. Ted Nanz
Ted Nanz with his daughter
Got a little room, so here’s one from a while ago I couldn’t fit in a previous column. From Larry Swenson, 02 Dec M A small but enthusiastic group of ‘65’ers gathered in Tampa to cheer on the Blue and Gold in their gridiron battle with USF. Joining our hosts, Mike and Marie Riley, were Pat and Missy Donnelly, Courtland and Pat Gray, Bob and Mary Whitehead, Dave and Gerri Vigrass, John Wroten and Larry and Laurie Swenson. Even though the game did not turn out the way we would have preferred, a great
65/67 CLASS NEWS Phil Bozzelli. Recall that she is the daughter of our honorary Classmate, and past USNA Superintendant, RADM Draper L. Kauffman. Clay Spikes provided the following synopsis of Kelsey’s presentation on the women’s prison system in the United States.
’65: Dave Vigrass, Courtland and Pat Gray, Laurie and Larry Swenson, John Wroten, Pat and Missy Donnelly, Marie and Mike Riley, (seated) Bob and Mary Whitehead, Gerri Vigrass
time was had by all, thanks to Mike and Marie. The weekend began Thursday evening with USAA Navy Welcome Reception onboard the SS American Victory, American Victoryship Mariners Memorial Museum in Tampa harbor. The Friday afternoon comearound at the alumni-host hotel, the Doubletree, got us all in the mood for the tailgate. The next day, Mike and Marie hosted us to a luncheon at the Isla del Sol Yacht and Country Club, followed by a tour of St. Pete area beaches and historic sites. After our tour of their hometown, Mike and Marie invited us to cap off our wonderful weekend with an informal gathering at their home. The mini-reunions at away football games have proven to be special times with former classmates and an opportunity to enjoy the fellowship and companionship of spouses and family members.
Larry Swenson, Mike Riley, Pat Donnelly and Bob Whitehead
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2017 Fair Winds and Following Seas from your Alumni Association and Foundation.
Pete and Melanie Gness
Thazzit, guys! Aloha, — Dave
’66 Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 3.56% Pres: Gen Carlton W. Fulford, USMC (Ret.) Sec’y: CDR Mike Baird, USN (Ret.) 15738 Bison Run, Broomfield, CO 80023 e: mike.baird@1966.usna.com West Coast Sec’y: Robert G. Johnson Jr., Esq. 41391 Kalmia Street, Ste. 210 Murrieta, CA 92562 Website: www.usna66.org
The beginning of the summer season is approaching. I hope it’s a great one for everyone; not too hot or humid. Please note that my address has changed. It was in the April Shipmate header, but some may not have noticed. 15738 Bison Run, Broomfield, CO 80023 is my new address. You can annotate your 50th Reunion Directory. If you use my mike.baird@ 1966.usna66. com email, it still bounces to: pmbaird@verizon.net, so either can be used. On 8 February, the first Class luncheon for 2017 was held at the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA. The guest speaker, Kelsey Kauffman, was found by
M “On Wednesday, 8 February 2017, 15 Classmates gathered at the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA for the first quarterly Class Luncheon. The guest speaker, Kelsey Kauffman, initiated her talk by regaling the audience with a discussion of her living with a tribe of cannibals for six months in the Philippines in the earlier part of her career. Currently, Kelsey is the volunteer director of the Higher Education Program at the Indiana Women’s Prison, and teaches in the program. She has worked as a prison officer and has taught in three prisons. Her research, which has taken her to more than 80 prisons on four continents, focuses primarily on the effect prison employment has on officers, problems of white supremacy among prison employees, and mothers in prison. It is safe to say that everyone in the audience entered a new and unknown universe as Kelsey talked of her work in the prisons and the related environmental issues.” Many thanks to Kelsey, Phil, and Clay. The Class web site has all the info for the remaining Class luncheons. Specifically, the May luncheon will be held on 10 May, in Annapolis at the Annapolis Yacht Club. The guest speaker is CAPT Paul Tortora (’89), USN (Ret.), Director of the Center for Cyber Security Studies at USNA. It should be a very informative talk. Contact Robert Percival, rcpercival@ comcast.net for more details. I’m sad to report that my Companymate from Old 12, New 17, Ron Witt, died, 2 February, due to complications from surgery for Melanoma. Scott Baum passed me the info. Ron’s Last Call could be in this issue or the next, depending on the publication schedule. Please keep his wife, Nancy, and son, Ron in your prayers.
It’s a short column this month so I’ll sign off. Remember to keep visiting the Class web site at usna66.org to keep abreast of Class news. Until July—All the best—Mike!!!
’67 Life Membership: 72% Donor Participation: 6.46% Pres: CDR David E. Church, USN (Ret.) Sec’y: LtCol Jim McNeece, USMC (Ret.) 1603 John Worthington Way, Crownsville, MD 21032 p: 410-849-3423; e: scribe67@gmail.com
Good news – Bad news this time. Bad news: I’m short of words. Good news: that leaves room for more photos. Let’s get to it! ‘Nita and Jack Parry have been doing their annual “Head South and Avoid the Cold Weather” tour. They met up with Jo and Willie Williamson in Marco Island, FL. Parrys, Big Al (their motor home), and the dogs were camped at Collier-Seminole State Park; Williamsons’ boat was docked in Naples.
Parry–Williamson rendezvous
Further south in Florida, Jack and ‘Nita made it to the USNAAA RV Chapter’s annual Key West Come Around. As usual, ‘67 had a commanding presence. Even the locals showed up to help out: Pete Nanos was able to attend one happy hour and Elizabeth and Michael Currie hosted a dinner in their home. In the picture are the itinerants: Kitty & Mike Bolier, ‘Nita & Jack, Stevie & Hank Giffin, and Patti & Jay Williams. Pat and I didn’t make it to Key West this year, but we faced north and waved to them from 90 miles away on the Malecón in Havana where we were finishing up a week’s tour of Cuba.
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 63
67/67 CLASS NEWS
’67: ‘67 wives at the Mini-Reunion at Coronado
’67: ‘67 in Key West
(The other couple with us in the picture was part of our tour group.)
Vintage ride in Havana
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, what started out as an effort by Mike Sherer to get together with his roommates Ray Smith, Don Downing, and Dave Tate wound up being a pretty good sized gathering there in San Diego. I counted 19 in the picture plus Mary Pat & Shannon McCrary and Bob (Soup) Campbell, who missed
the photo shoot. Everybody enjoyed a social hour and dinner at the Coronado golf course, and Bob Ryan hosted a tour of the USS Midway Museum. In the pictures are: • Guys (Top Row) – Steve Andres, Pete Phelps, Steve Fisk, Dave Tate, Warren Millard, Bruce Wright, Pete Burggren, Ed Hepp, Buddy Barnes, Don Downing, Bob Lang; (Bottom Row) – Mike Sherer, Bill Sorenson, Ray Smith, Jim Gilbert, Rick Brydges, Norm Hapke, Jack Feehan, Bob Ryan • Wives – Carol Gilbert, Kathy Smith, Ronnie Feehan, Vicky Fisk, Fran Hepp, Helene Millard, Emily Lang, Louise Andres, Margie Ryan • Three sports team captains: Bill Sorensen (Baseball), Don Downing (Football), and Ray Smith (Track)
’67: 3 sport team captains in San Diego
If you recall, John Millen passed away in Hawaii in 2007. I received a nice note and a photo from his widow, Priscilla, that I thought those of you who were close to John would enjoy. M “Just wanted to share this photo of special twin grandsons that John never got to see himself. They were born on Halloween in 2016 to our younger daughter, Kate Matavao. Kate is a veterinarian in Honolulu and her husband works for a tech contractor. My husband Ron is holding them. We babysit them four afternoons a week. Their
names are Clayton and Theodore, and they have middle names in Samoan which I am still learning. One name is John in Samoan and the other is named for his also deceased grandfather. They are not identical but hard for us to tell apart right now.”
John’s grandsons Clayton & Theodore
’67: Guys at the ‘67 Mini-Reunion at Coronado
64 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Remember that Dante Marzetta suffered a serious stroke in March of last year. Bob Havasy took the liberty of forwarding a note from Dante, and I’m taking the liberty of using it here! Dante’s been doing rehab so he can get back out on
67/68 CLASS NEWS the golf course. Where’s Heinz Lenz when you need him! This from Dante:
’68
M “Hello to everyone and I wanted to tell you how much I have appreciated all your love and support over the last year!!! I have much of my recovery due to your encouragement, support and personal best wishes. I have made great progress and hope that I can work on playing golf with you in the near future! I am planning to come to at least a few festivities and visit with all you great life time friends!!! Cretia is also starting new job now and sends her best wishes to all of you as well. Again, I thank you all so much for your friendship and sincere support over the years and specially the last year...thank all of you...God Bless and hope to see all of you soon...!!!”
Life Membership: 58% Donor Participation: 8.39%
Spent a few hours this afternoon with local area Classmates at the Severn Inn across the river from USNA at our annual Annapolis area Dark Ages Brunch. I did not get a head count, but there were a lot of folks there, and it was a beautiful day with blue skies and white sails on the bay. Lots of conversation and catching up going on. It was really good to see everybody. One final item: Several alumni, among them Georgia & Carl Dobson recently took part in a cruise to the Galapagos Islands. I’m really short of details, but if you jump over to the column of the Great Class of 1968 written by Gordo Peterson ‘68, you should find an account and a picture that includes Carl & Georgia. OK...the mail bag is officially empty so the ball’s in your court. Send stuff!…That’s it… Goodnight!…Jim
Pres: CAPT Gary A. Storm, USN (Ret.) 66 Franklin St., Unit 509, Annapolis, MD 21401 p: 410-757-7156; c: 443-924-1130 e: gastorm@verizon.net Corr Sec’y: CAPT Gordon I. Peterson, USN (Ret.) 7994 Hidden Bridge Dr., Springfield, VA 22153 p: 703-913-5404; e: gpeters621@aol.com Website: www.usna68.com
The full-length version of this column is posted on our Class website. Two weeks had barely elapsed since Charlie Bolden stepped down as NASA’s administrator following a distinctive, eight-year tenure than he and Jackie visited the Naval Academy 9 February for the annual Astronauts Convocation. Charlie moderated a panel discussion on the space program for an audience of midshipmen. Gary Storm and I were on hand for the discussion of NASA’s past, present, and future space activities. “You will be wearing the uniform of the most powerful military in the world,” Charlie said in his opening remarks. “You’re training to lead it. You’re training to lead young men and women who have to believe in you. You learn something here in your core-values training that is not just words; it is really important.” With more than 6,000 flight hours, 100-plus combat missions during the Vietnam War as a Marine A-6 Intruder pilot, and 28 days in space on four different space shuttle missions,
Charlie’s enthusiasm, humor, and long career of service to the nation clearly resonated with the midshipmen. The 29th Company’s Jack Cosgrove dropped me a welcomed note in February after he and Marcia returned to their home in San Antonio following a Florida trip that included a nostalgia stop in Pensacola before continuing on to Orlando. “I highly recommend McGuire’s Irish Pub in Pensacola, and if you’re doing Disney or Universal in Orlando, The Shades of Green for military guys. It’s a great hotel operation,” Jack said.”
Veteran naval aviator Jack Cosgrove and youngest granddaughter Wendy at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola.
Jack flew for United Airlines until 2006. He kept working in the rental apartment property business until finally dropping the hook, selling off his rentals, and retiring in Spring Branch, just north of San Antonio. “Marcia and I built our retirement home on 3.16 acres in the Texas hill country in a golf
STAY CONNECTED Find a Chapter. usna.com/FindAChapter
’68: Participants for February’s NASA Space Convocation included, from left, CAPT Chris Cassidy ‘93, CAPT Michael Lopez-Alegria ‘80, CAPT Bruce McCandless ‘58, and former NASA Administrator and astronaut Maj Gen Charlie Bolden ’68.
course development, although I’m not old enough to golf yet,” Jack related. “We have two sons and three great grandkids.” In addition to driving cars for fun, Jack said he walks and bike rides for exercise. Tom Palkie and his wife, Lyndee (who he met during flight school) normally split their time between their home near Carlton, MN, and Pensacola although they have spent most of the last two winters caring for Tom’s 93-yearold mother in Vero Beach, FL. Tom served in the Navy for 11 years as an F-4J pilot before returning to his home state of Minnesota. He worked in a succession of senior managerial positions in the papermill industry and also served in the Air National Guard for 19 years, retiring as the commander of the 179th Fighter Wing. “Both retirements occurred a couple years before I was diagnosed with MS,” Tom related. “I had a couple of bad years—no feeling anywhere—but have been symptom-free with no signs of progression for many years now. The Mayo Clinic actually took me off meds about three years ago. I was doing a lot of biking, walking, and even some running. That came to an abrupt halt when I severely popped a hamstring (don’t ask) about three months ago. I just started walking pain-free a couple weeks ago!” Tom and Lyndee have two sons, a daughter, and two grandchildren. They hope to attend the 50th reunion next year. “I would love to see everyone again,” he said. Joe Sfara honored the late Kevin Delaney’s steadfast support for wounded warriors by sponsoring a service dog named “Delaney” for the K9s for Warriors program in Kevin’s memory. After his K9 training, Delaney was placed with Kevin (only the first names of recipients are publicized), a Marine veteran. They graduated together from the program in February. Pat and Kelly Delaney joined Joe for the ceremony. Joe also arranged for a painting to be made of Delaney for the couple who raised him. Learn
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 65
68/69 CLASS NEWS more about how this program empowers wounded warriors to return to civilian life with dignity and independence here: www.k9sforwarriors.org.
Steve and Mary Daniel, Marine veteran Kevin, Delaney, Pat Delaney, Kelly Delaney, and Joe Sfara at the K9s for Warriors graduation.
“Mary and Dick Evert are almost always on the road. They were recently at Lake Tahoe for skiing and Livermore, CA for wine tastings. They next travel to Pittsburgh, Philly, and West Virginia. Following that Marty is off to Minneapolis for another award ceremony. Then, later, it will be on, to Ireland, Minnesota, Canada and finally Italy. Finally, Cathy and Bill Dixon just returned from a monthlong trip to Italy followed by travel through the former Soviet bloc countries. They live in Durango, CO, and are enjoying the retired life. He’s hobbling around right now due to a recent ski accident (ACL fracture).”
’68: Shown here during the tour to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu are, from left: Air Force veteran Mike and Patty McMahan, Fran and Carol Holian, and Melissa and Eric Taylor ’94.
From the West Coast, Denny Young recounted a number of mini-reunions: M “Carole and Fran Holian headed south for a vacation to check out the Galapagos and then a trek to Machu Picchu, Peru, recently, as part of an Alumni Association tour group. I hooked him up with Jack Smith who still resides in Lima. Had a very nice lunch with Shari and Phil Gallery 7 February in San Diego at the Kansas City BBQ (site of the sleazy bar scene in Top Gun movie). Ed Mulhern, Phil’s four-year roomie was invited, but couldn’t make it due to other obligations. Later that evening, my daughter Brittany ’09 and I had dinner with Jim Treadwell, along with Laurie and Todd Hyde on Coronado Island. Both are doing well. Todd is still active as a docent on the USS MIDWAY (CV-41). “Wayne Nonoshita lives up in Mt. Vernon, WA. I chatted him up by phone recently. We tried to hook up when I was up in that area last month, but had conflicting times. Lynne and Chip Lawler are still in Park City, UT. Chip decided to hang up his skis and has essentially retired from doing the ski lift thing there. Ed Riley decided to leave the snow up in Brockport, NY, for a month of golf and sunshine in Florida.
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Jack Smith and Fran Holian enjoyed sharing some “cold ones” in Lima, Peru.
Fran had this to say about the Association’s tour and his meeting Jack Smith in Lima: M “Jack and I and were able to get together during my last night in Lima. Jack has lived there since 2004 (I think). It was great just to get together and to share a few stories about our trip to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu. The overall trip was sponsored by the USNA Alumni Association. It was easily an experience of a lifetime and extremely well run. The guides and two sites were fabulous. The tortoise, iguana, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies on the Galapagos were even better than the travel brochures advertise. However, Machu Picchu literally takes your breath away. There were four Academy graduates with wives in addition to life-long Air Force friends of ours. I heartedly recommend this adventure. The trip was everything we had hoped for, and the opportunity to get together with Jack Smith was a perfect added bonus.
’68: Terry Atkins and his family are pictured in the wine country he loved at Lake Chelan in eastern Washington. From left, daughter Alexa, Susan, brother in law Craig Thompson, Terry, daughter Molly, sister in law Jane Scott, brother in law Steve Scott, and daughter Carly.
In conclusion, January ended with the sad news that the 23rd Company’s Terry Atkins passed away in Bellevue, WA, after being diagnosed with service-related ALS. A mechanical engineering major, he was a stalwart on his battalion track and cross country teams. Our classmates recall his true zest for life, sense of humor, wit, and an infectious smile that endeared him to all who knew him. After commissioning, Terry attended nuclear power school and submarine training, subsequently making several deployments in NAUTILUS (SSN-571). Butch Meier recalled that he and Terry were shipmates and roommates at the time the submarine underwent a very demanding overhaul. “We formed a pretty strong bond,” he reflected. At the time of his retirement in 2016, Terry was a partner and chief compliance officer at Benefit Administration Company in Seattle,
WA. In addition to his wife, Susan, Terry is survived by four children, two grandchildren, and two sisters. All the best, Gordo
’69 Life Membership: 55% Donor Participation: 5.60% Pres: F. H. “Mike” Michaelis p: 703-998-9209; e: mikeusna69@gmail.com Vice Pres: Pat Stroop e: pstroop@hotmail.com Sec’y: Dr. Steve Hudock p: 703-989-4606; e: shudock@1969.USNA.com Treas: Ron Gumbert e: rongumbert@icloud.com e: ron.gumbert@gartner.com Website: www.usna69.org
Well, as we turn to welcoming 2017 into the Fleet/Corps we picked up signals from a few Classmates. Todd Creekman of 25th Co fame wrote in to share that Mike Michaelis and I attended the
69/70 CLASS NEWS decommissioning ceremony for USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in Newport News Shipbuilding’s yard on Friday, 3 February.
Todd and Debbie Creekman, Ray Godfrey, Polly Capansky and Mike Michaelis
Here from left to right on Enterprise’s hangar deck are my wife Debbie and I with friend Ray Godfrey, Mike’s sister Polly Capansky and then Mike. Mike and Polly’s father, then-Capt. Michaelis, was the second commanding officer of Enterprise, 1963-1965, and incidentally my father’s CO, as my Dad was Enterprise’s Supply Officer 1964-1966. The gent in the middle is 77-year old Ray Godfrey, a former volunteer curator for the Naval Historical Foundation for several years. Ray was a nuclear machinist’s mate and a “plank owner” in Enterprise who served 1961-1966 in the ship—so he was a shipmate of my father and Mike and Polly’s father. Ray flew in from Montana to attend the historic event The ship was decommissioned after 51 years of operations including 25 deployments; 55 total years of commissioned service (the last four of which she has spent in the shipyard here in Newport News having the nuclear fuel rods removed from her eight reactors prior to scrapping operations). The day after the decommissioning, 4 February, was 59 years to the day when her keel was laid in the very same dry dock where she rests today. A sad but proud event! And though I had a 30-year career as a surface warfare officer with my share of sea time, the “Big E” was actually the first Navy ship I got underway on, when, as a high school senior, I was aboard for the ship’s first ever friends and family (back then called a dependents’) cruise on the last day in October 1964 off the coast of Virginia!
Emerson “Lazurus” Carr did a brief stay in the hospital again
in late Feb, but is home without major damage. Our Class AMP Project, led by Stephen Leaman continues to shine, as he led a group of ’69rs in welcoming the upcoming crop of Alumni from 2017 with an “in-Bancroft” overview of AMP and encouragement from the Supe/ Dant to get involved. We ran a ‘’pilot” presentation with 9th Company on 28 Feb to iron out any kinks with connecting from the Hall. Our Classmates met in the Company Wardrooms with Firsties from different groups of 15 Companies on two separate nights for about 45 minutes. They walked the Mids through a brief history of AMP, and then proceeded to have them log on and sign up as participants. The event included a newly produced video introduction with sound orchestrated and prepared under the watchful eye of Bert Bennett. A successful event which pushed us over the 3000 mark for AMP participants. One of our several Legacies will easily survive us!! Speaking of Legacies, the 50th Memory Book Committee led by Keith Maynard and Tom Halwachs, has morphed into a digital “Legacy of the Class of ’69” – or LOC69 for short. John
Ohlinger, Pat Stroop, Todd Creekman, Mike Connellan, and I are supporting Tom and Keith in this effort initially. However, every Company Rep and multiple volunteer “Batt editors” will be participating in the dragnet for Classmate inputs. The Committee is in the process of defining the formats and input requirements from individuals desiring to participate in this web-based, living document. We are seeking a contractor to support the effort. It will contain our Lucky Bag photos and statements, as a starting point, and Classmates will be requested to provide a couple of additional pictures accompanied by a short (400 words) biographical sketch of their live since graduation. There will be a section for Memorials to the fallen and those who have departed. (surviving family members will be solicited for input). More word about
content and collection procedures will be promulgated by Keith & Tom via our Company Rep email chain, so stay tuned. Short column this month guys, thanks for taking the time to remember our Classmates and sharing your adventures. Check out our Class website (www.usna69.org) for BOD minutes and announcements. Beat Army – often!! — Doc.
’70 Life Membership: 59% Donor Participation: 7.14% Pres: CDR Michael J. Novak, USN (Ret.) 4701 Hopkins Dr., Dumfries, VA 22025 e: mike706160@aol.com Sec’y: CDR Royal Connell, USN (Ret.) 10080 Rookery Rd., Pensacola, FL 32507 e: royal70@1970.usna.com Webmaster: Ed Moore e: edmund.moore@gmail.com Website: http://1970.usnaclasses.com
Greetings all, and welcome to Almost the end of Plebe year, 50 years ago! I can remember that time, the Brigade signals competition and it determining our June Week watches; Finals and looking forward to leave… or rather the day after Commissioning boarding the Chilton Hilton and heading to Norfolk for Youngster Cruise, getting Dear-Johned with less than two weeks to go before June Week. Good Times! But enough reminiscing, as Paul Harvey used to say: “It’s time for NEWS!” Barry Steelman has been busy with the American Veterans Center Conference which the class helps sponsor. He writes: M “I want to thank the Class of ’70 once again for sponsoring the Brigade leadership who, because of our Classmates’ generosity, were able to attend the Annual (3 day) American Veterans Center Conference and Honors this past November in Washington DC. Twenty 2017 Class leaders attended and thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful experience. Many of the Mids wrote me and thanked the Class of 1970 for our generosity and told me that it was one of the best experiences during their years
at the Academy. Recently, at the Capstone Seminar, two of the Mids who attended the conference came over to again thank me and I took them over to Gary Knight so they could personally thank him for his help and support in getting them there. “There are two Class of 1970 members on the American Veterans Center Advisory Board: Ed Giambastiani and myself. Our Board is Chaired by GEN. Richard Myers (USAF ret), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.” “I am forwarding several photos from the 2016 AVC Conference to share with the Class. Besides the ones with Ed and me there is one with Ed, Jim Roberts, President of AVC and Kevin Spacey, the actor who helped Ed present the Honors to some very incredible recipients. The final photo is this year’s AVC Audie Murphy Award winner: Col. Charles McGee. The photo captures him, as he graciously saluted the large audience. As a Tuskegee Airmen he flew various crafts in support of the European battles. Col. McGee to this day still holds the Air Force record of 409 combat missions. These are the types of heroes the many Midshipmen and Cadets from all service academies and ROTC and NROTC programs from around the country get to hear from and meet during this incredible conference. For a small taste Classmates, please watch and enjoy this 3 minute trailer on American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes: https://vimeo.com/ 193427669. “Hi Classmates, I am pleased to share an email and video I received from the senior Brigade leadership Midshipman in attendance at this year’s American Veterans Conference. I understand that for the last 100 days, selected Mids from the Class of 2017 are being asked, by the USNA PR office, to state their finest experience during their 4 years at the Academy. On day 91, the selected Mid (who was only 1 of 20 Mids from ’17 there) shared that hers was attending the AVC Conference, which as you know is sponsored by our Class.
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70/70 CLASS NEWS Please watch and enjoy her words, which are reflective of all the emails I get each year after the conference. Best to all, Barry “I just saw this video online and wanted to share it with you — the Academy’s Public Affairs office is currently doing a video series with a different Firstie each day for the last 100 days of school speaking about his or her favorite USNA experience. Below is the link for the video for Day 91! https://www. facebook.com/USNavalAcademy/ videos/10154315151808091/”
Gary Knight.
’70: Col. Charles McGee
Barry and Ed
’70: Barry, Ed & Mids
Ed, Jim Roberts with Kevin Spacey
Many moons ago when the Alumni RV Chapter was first formed I was asked to be a part of the initial board… mostly because they needed someone in Annapolis and I had an RV at the time. I’ve since sold the RV (although the goal is for us to get another for when I actually stop working for a living in a couple of years), but retain a warm place in my heart for the RV Chapter. Turns out that we still have classmates who are bearing the torch. Dale Gange sent me the following: M “We were recently at the RV Chapter “come around”, as our outings are called, in Key West FL. This year we had about 16 RV’s, from pop-up campers to large Class A motorhomes. In attendance from our class were,
68 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Dale Gange and wife Su, (on left), and joining us for the first time were Tom Wolfe and his wife Rose.” “In addition to the picture from Key West, there is a picture of the back of our RV with “USNA Alumni”, and the 70 Class crest. It is a good conversation starter at RV Parks all over the USA. We leave in June for a four month trip to Alaska. My main comment is that Alaska is a long way away, and many miles of driving, from our house in South Florida. “There must be more RV’ers out there from 70. Please join us for lots of great fun. Just look at the RV Chapter section in the back of Shipmate”
Dale in Key West
Dale’s RV
Finally, Mike Novak put out this notice to the class, so this is by way of a reminder: M This is a notice that Honor Coins and Honor Coins embedded in Lucite stands are now available for sale. These coins are in our class inventory from those purchased to support the AnotherLink-In-The-Chain program led by
As you know, we have been involved with the Class of 2020 since before they became Plebes and were sworn in on I-Day last summer. More details on our ALITC involvement and accomplishments can be found on the class website, http://1970. usnaclasses.com. Kudos to Gary and his team for all they have accomplished to date. Effective immediately, single coins and Lucites are available for sale to all members of the class of 1970 on a first-come-first-served basis. Sales will be made on a cash/check basis until the inventory is depleted. Currently, there are 172 coins and 81 Lucite onhand for sale. There is no limit on the number of coins or Lucites a class member may purchase. We do not anticipate coins or Lucites being available for purchase after the current inventory is sold. For those interested, purchasing instructions are as follows: Place orders with either Gino Marchetti or Ed Moore. This can be done by phone or email, as follows. Gino can be reached at gino@ginomarchetti.com, or at 703-328-7090. Ed can be reached at edmund. moore@gmail.com, or 703-472-0331. Coins may be picked up in person from Gino or Ed, who both live in northern VA, or they will be mailed to a US address of your choosing. Coin costs, including postage, are as follows: Personal US Mail Pick-up Honor Coin $7.00 $10.00 Lucite $40.00 $44.00 All forms of payment are to be sent to Ed Moore at 10045 Marshall Pond Burke, VA, 22015. Non-cash payments should be made out to USNA Class 1970. Orders will processed/delivered within one week of placement. Ring-A-Ding-Ding! Our Vision is 2020!
JOINT MEMBERSHIP For spouses of Alumni Life Members. For more information, visit usna.com.
71/71 CLASS NEWS
’71 Life Membership: 60% Donor Participation: 2.86% Pres: CAPT Perry Martini, USN (Ret.) e: pjmartini@comcast.net Sec’y: CAPT Mike Longworth, USN (Ret.) 1145 Birks Ln., Virginia Beach, VA 23464-5826 e: duke.longworth@1971.usna.com Website: http//1971.usnaclasses.com/
Spring in Annapolis is a beautiful time to walk the Yard. There’s always excitement in the air as the Firsties prepare for the beginning of an adventure which may result in a career; the Segundo’s are eager to take the helm and lead; the Youngsters are looking to make the big decision to stay Navy; and, the Plebes are happy have the year in the rear view mirror. Spring and the adventures that waited were always “out there” and the days were counting down. I thoroughly enjoyed walking to and from Hubbard Hall for crew practice along Stribling Walk. Those moments are among my fondest memories. I’m sure you have your favorite spring memories, too! Please send those memories to me so we can share with our classmates! First up is a note from Pete Jouannet: M “Duke, Betsy and I met up with Emily and Ron Hewett in Chapel Hill for lunch today and had a good time reminiscing. We both said we had not sent anything into the class for inclusion in Shipmate, but we managed to get the attached picture. We are in NC taking care of grandkids for 10 days, and have used the opportunity to meet up with Ron and Emily both last year and this. Take care, Pete Jouannet.: Thank you for the note! I’m confident our world traveling classmate, Ron, showed you all the best in NC!
USNA CANDIDATES Start the youngster you know on the road to USNA. To request infor or apply online, visit usna.edu/Admissions
Left side – Betsy and Pete Jouannet; right side Emily and Ron Hewett.
Next is an update from the 36th Company “Fraternal Order of the Disorder (FOOD)” 11th annual meeting in Lake Placid in late February: We enjoyed a great three days of collegiality, group meals and snowshoeing in the Adirondacks. The last evening featured an improvised surf and turf dinner (delicious whole lobster, tenderloin, lobster bisque, and quahogs!) in a driving snowstorm and complete electrical power blackout. The photo below was taken in the dark with a flash camera! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the delicious meals provided by Carter Welling and Barb Naple. The assembled FOOD thanks you for your contribution in making this a most enjoyable weekend! Jan Milligan was unable to attend so he sent this note to the FOOD: M “Hey Guys, I hope you are having a great time. I’m sitting here in 70 degree weather recovering from sinus surgery, but would surely rather be freezing with y’all in Lake Placid. As Steve Martin said, ‘I’d rather be with you than the finest people in the world.’ Enjoy the steak and lobster, and whatever else you might happen to ingest tonight. I’ll see y’all next year. God bless, Jan.” I can assure the readers that Jan was sorely missed as the breakfast cooking chores fell to yours truly! Bruce Gallemore replied: M “We’re having a balmy year, temps in the 40-50’s. Had a nice snowshoe trek through an old orchard yesterday (no casualties),
’71: Front row: Craig Welling, Bruce Gallemore, Duke Longworth. Second row: Robbie Roberson, Mark Horgan, Garry Holmstrom, Don Beaudette, Lee Burgess. Back row: Jim Barron, Sonny Naple
’71: Front row: Garry Holmstrom, Robbie Roberson. Second row: Duke Longworth, Mark Horgan, Craig Welling, Bruce Gallemore, Don Beaudette, Lee Burgess. Back row: Sonny Naple, Jim Barron.
and a good walk around Mirror Lake today. People are in the hot tub or napping (or both) now. The surf & turf supplies have been purchased and evening meal prep will begin shortly. Naturally, we are all fondly remembering Ron and feeling his absence at the table. Mike Trice sent us a case of marvelous premium wine, most of which is now a pleasant memory. Thanks Mike! It really is good wine. We had a change of command last night. Mark Horgan is our new event coordinator, having relieved me. We made a consensus decision to move the annual weekend to September, since most of us are out of the ski business and dry trails make the hikes a little easier on our aging joints. Mark Horgan and Sonny Naple will scout some possible new lodging options in LP this Spring, and we will reconvene here in the Fall. See you soon, Bruce.”
Here’s a photo of the august snow shoe crew! Here’s what the 36th Company attendees are doing: An update on the 36th Company attendees: Jim Barron lives in Midland VA and works part time providing training to Navy acquisition managers. Mark Horgan has retired and resides in the Boston area. Don Beaudette is retiring as director of the educational leadership program at Boston University. Don is retiring from directing the educational leadership program at Boston University this spring, but he will continue being affiliated with BU teaching a course from time to time. He divides his time between Vero Beach, FL and the Boston area. Bruce Gallemore is nearing full retirement and living in Vero Beach, FL and Fairfax, VA. Bruce and Don frequently get together while in FL.
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 69
71/72 CLASS NEWS Garry Holmstrom is retired and living in Bristol, RI. Lee Burgess resides in the Chicago area, caring for grandchildren and managing his successful “Highway 18” drive-in movie theater and brew pub in Wisconsin. He is a certified brew master who has replicated several 18th century English ales, IPAs, stouts, and porters with imported European ingredients. Robbie Roberson retired recently from Redstone Arsenal and lives in Huntsville AL, where on clear dry days he drives his 1998 Mustang Cobra. Sonny Naple is happily residing in Saratoga Springs, NY where he serves in his church. Sonny and Barb conduct bicycle and hiking tours in upstate NY, and Sonny teaches sailing in the summer. Craig Welling continues his work as the Director of Reactor Safety at the Dept of Energy. Our weekend included many fond memories of our company-mate, Ron Spratt who died in October, and had always been a lively presence among us. As many of you have seen recently in a class email blast we received an important note from the Class of ‘73 President, Kevin Callahan. The note pertains to classmates who were did First Class Cruise on the USS CLEVELAND or USS VANCOUVER. These two ships are on the official “exposed to Agent Orange list.” The link below provides a list of various medical conditions which the US Government recognizes that are assumed, may have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange. (http://www.publichealth.va. gov/exposures/agentorange/ conditions/ If you were on board either of those two ships for First Class Cruise and have any of the health issues associated with any of those conditions, you rate seeking immediate health care assistance and compensation from the V.A. The best course of action is for you to contact the closest V.A. Medical Center or satellite health care office and/or a US Military Service advocacy representative for advice. We are also familiar with, and have on
70 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
hand, the documents you will need to file a claim and how the process works. You can email billshort@ earthlink.net for assistance with the following: (1) send you the documents; and (2) guide you on a course of action to take. Copies of the deck log and the ship’s manifest for VANCOUVER sailors are also available at the ‘73 class website (http://www.usna1973.com/). This may be of particular importance for those 71ers who did not accomplish a USN or USMC career and do not have access to Tricare and/or V.A. health care. As long as you were on board either of those two ships when they were in port in Danang, Vietnam and you have the symptoms associated with the designated Agent Orange related conditions, you rate submitting a claim for health care and possible compensation. Too soon it’s time to close. Please keep our classmates and their families in your prayers for good health, healing when needed, and safety in their travels. Our classmates in business and government leadership continue to need our thoughts and prayers, too. For everything there is a season and a purpose. Life is precious and too short –love passionately, give and share your blessings generously with others – we are richly blessed – may we richly bless others. Give thanks for your many blessings, especially for the gifts of family and of citizenship in our great nation. As much as ever, this is the time for us to be actively shaping the future of our great nation. There is plenty of work remaining as we increase our wisdom! Time, tide and column due dates wait for no man! Duces Virum, Duke
CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to classnews@usna.com
ISSUE: Aug 2017 Sept-Oct 2017 Nov-Dec 2017
DUE DATE: 30 May 2017 24 July 2017 25 Sept 2017
’72 Life Membership: 56% Donor Participation: 3.82% Pres: CAPT Jim Grover, USN (Ret.) e: jcgrover72@gmail.com Sec’y: CDR Rich Robison, USN (Ret.) 3126 North Greystone Dr., Morgantown, WV 26508 e: Scribe72@comcast.net Website: http://1972.usnaclasses.net Class Listserv: TheGouge-USNA72@googlegroups.com Facebook: USNA Class of 1972
Save the Date: Class of ’72—The 45th Reunion—19-22 October 2017 Greetings and Happy Spring, Classmates! For those of you that may not received The Gouge regarding our 45th Reunion (or have misplaced it somewhere in your junk mail or one of your vertical files), then may I be of service to present it here. The following is current as of 17 February 2017. OVERVIEW OF REUNION WEEKEND: Our 45th reunion will be Thursday, 19 October – Sunday 22 October 2017. The Big Blue plays the University of Central Florida starting at 1530 on Saturday, 21 October. The events for the weekend look like this: Thursday 19 October 0730-1600 Midshipmen Store Hours 0900-1700 Visitor Center Hours (see Things to Do in Annapolis – below) 0900-1700 Museum Hours 1200-1215 Noon Meal Formation 1600-2000 Welcome Reception at DoubleTree Hotel (and 1st Reunion Check-In at DoubleTree only) Friday 20 October 0730-1600 Midshipmen Store Hours 0900-1530 Reunion CheckIn (Dahlgren Hall only) 0900-1100 Tennis Tournament – details at Check-In
(POC Don Carlson) 0900-1700 Visitor Center Hours (See things to Do in Annapolis – below) 0900-1700 Museum Hours 1100-1200 Class Meeting on the Yard – location TBD Noon Meal 1200-1215 Formation 1350-1500 Superintendent’s Briefing and Welcome to all classes – location TBD 1600-1715 Dress Parade on Historic Worden Field 1915-2030 Jewish Service in Levy Center 1845-2000 Final Reunion Check-In (Loews Hotel only) 1900-2330 Reception/ Dinner at the Loews Hotel Saturday 21 October 0730-1200 Midshipmen Store Hours 0900-1700 Visitor Center Hours 0900-1700 Museum Hours 1330-1900 Tailgate: N-Room at Stadium (closes 15 mins after Blue and Gold) 1530-1900 Navy Football vs. UCF 1930- TBD Company Parties Sunday 22 October 0800-1000 Brunch in King Hall 0900-1700 USNA Visitor Center Hours 0900-1000 Catholic Service (Main Chapel) 1015-1045 Class ’72 Memorial Service at the Levy Center 1100-1200 Protestant Service (Main Chapel) 1100-1700 Museum Hours 2. REGISTRATION: Registration is open. The URL for the registration site is: https://signupnow.events/usna 1972/Default.aspx When you register for the first time, you create your own password. (Remember it!) We have a single weekend price that includes: • Thursday Night Welcome Reception (food and beverage)
72/72 CLASS NEWS • Friday Night Dinner Reception (food and beverage) • Saturday Tailgate (food and beverage) • Football Game Ticket (need ticket and 45th Reunion Nametag to get into Tailgate) • Sunday Brunch in King Hall • Transportation to/ from Reunion events • Class meeting and Memorial Service
(NOT Promotional Code! Ignore the other blocks, i.e. AARP, Senior, AAA, etc.), click “FIND IT” button, click the “Book a room” button under the Annapolis location. • Rates: THU/FRI/SAT $239, MON/TUE/WED $155, SUN $139. Includes breakfast for up to two people per room. A 2-night (FRISAT) minimum applies. Cutoff date: 8/19/17. • Free parking.
Note 1: Season Ticket holders – Your Reunion package will be discounted by $30 per ticket. When you register, check the box(es) for you and the people attending with you under the Ticket Holder section on the Event Sign-up page. Prices for Reunion package (Save by registering EARLY!): EARLY 1 FEB-7 JUN 17 COUPLES $572.00; SINGLES $372.00 REGULAR 8 JUN-15 AUG 17 COUPLES $629.00; SINGLES $440.00 FULL 16 AUG-20 OCT 17 COUPLES $672.00; SINGLES $472.00 CHILDREN < 15 (Weekend): $120.00 CLASSMATE WIDOW: $172.00 ADULTS (Note 2) $100.00 CHILDREN (Note 2) $60.00 Note 2: Please register for reunion weekend to be able to get tailgate GUEST price.
LOEWS HOTEL 126 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: (410) 263-7777 • For THU/FRI/SAT reservations only, go to: www.loewshotels.com • Select Annapolis location, enter arrival and departure dates, click “Best Available Rate” box and select “Group Rates”, enter our Group Code USNO19 (4 letters—“O” is the letter “O”– and 2 numbers), click on “BOOK NOW” for a room OR click on “suites” to select a suite. • You may also book a reservation over the phone by calling Loews Reservation Center @ 800-5262593. Identify yourself as a member of our group (USNO19: 4 letters— “O” is the letter “O”– and 2 numbers) • Rates: THU/FRI/SAT $309 (room) or $409 (suite). Includes SAT breakfast and two Friday event drink tickets for in-house guests. A 2-night (FRI-SAT) minimum applies. Cutoff date: 9/4/17. • Discounted parking: $12/night (valet), $10/night (self-parking), $8 (FRI event parking only.) • Note: The above rate for Loews is only contracted for THU/FRI/SAT (19/20/21 October 2017). If you plan to extend your stay over a shoulder date (i.e., any date before or after our THU/FRI/SAT contracted dates), then call the Loews Reservation Center directly at (800) 526-2593 and identify yourself as part of our Group by giving them our Group Code USNO19 (4 letters—“O” is the letter “O”– and 2 numbers) to get the best rate.
3. HOTEL RESERVATIONS Our hotel room blocks are reserved at the Annapolis DoubleTree (Parole) and Loews (West Street) hotels. As always, the Class will provide bus service at both hotels for scheduled events. Note that the DoubleTree will host our Thursday evening reception (1600-2000), and Loews will host our Friday night event. To reserve your rooms: DOUBLE TREE 210 Holiday Court, Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: (410) 224-3150 • Go to www.doubletree.com • Select Annapolis location, enter arrival and departure dates, enter desired room info, click “Add special rate codes” button and enter N72 as the Group Code
4. MEMORABILIA There will be no “Goodie Bags” for our 45th reunion. Instead, you can build your own USNA ’72
memorabilia bag and shop for other great merchandise in our on-line Reunion Store hosted by Anchor Enterprises. All items purchased will be sent directly to your home. The store is open now, and can be accessed at: http://www.usnaclasstore.com /72store.html The link is also on the Registration page. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Grover at: jcgrover72@gmail.com. 5. BUSES We will run buses from both hotels to the Yard and then the game on Saturday. A more detailed schedule will be available soon. 6. THINGS TO DO IN ANNAPOLIS ON THURSDAY/ FRIDAY. We have provided information links on the Class and Reunion Registration sites to set up your own “things to do” in Annapolis (tours, boat trips, museum times, etc.) (These will be useful year-round.) • Watermark Walking Tours & Cruises of Downtown Historic Annapolis (410) 263-5401 • Historic Annapolis tour by bus (410) 626-6000 • Visit Annapolis • Things to do Annapolis 64 tours • Cruise on the bay • Tour the Yard - http://www. usnabsd.com/for-visitors/ public-tours/ 7. WANT TO HELP? As always, the Reunion Planning Committee is made up of classmates who have volunteered their time to set up a great weekend for everyone. We always need volunteers to help, particularly with registration at the check-in tables. So if you are interested, please contact Rick Rubel (rubel@usna.edu). Take a moment to thank the Committee members when you get a chance for their work: • Hotels, Thursday and Friday Receptions – DAVE AND BARB HOGEN • Name Tags – BOB HAHN
• Memorabilia – JIM AND MARY PAT GROVER • Memorial Service – BILL AND SHARON MOFFATT • Tailgate and Football Tickets – ALAN KRAFT • Registration – PAUL AND ALISOUN BIENHOFF • Communications – RICH ROBISON • Fund Raising – JEFF BEARD • Class Webmaster – MIKE LUNDBLAD • Decorations – GARY AND CINDY COYLE • Tennis Tournament and “Things to do” – DON CARLSON • Transportation – SKIP KOHLER • Class Ring and Crest – GINNA RUBEL • Chairman – RICK RUBEL As a reminder, the most recent Reunion Announcements are regularly promulgated in The Gouge, and are posted on the Class website and the Class Facebook page. (See the header at the top of this column.) Speaking of the upcoming reunion, the West Coast contingent of the 28th Company had a warmup drill for the 45th a few months ago. Dion Clancy passes along the following: M “Greg Peairs, Ray MacKown… and George Devore joined Kim and me in our new home in Reno for an evening of cocktails and lies. Among the four of us we remembered most everything. Greg, Ray and I had just been up at Lake Tahoe competing at the Airline Ski Week at Heavenly Mountain Resort. On a sad note, our classmate, George Komelasky, passed away last July. He had been in the 28th Company for two years. Look forward to seeing lots of you in October. Beat Army!”
Peairs, MacKown, Clancy, and Devore
Eva and Andy Wehrle joined 40 other alumni and their brides from the RV Chapter at their annual week-long Key West Come-Around. MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 71
72/74 CLASS NEWS M “There were about twenty rigs and a great time was had by all. Happy hour every afternoon, multiple shopping forays into Key West, a kayak tour, a sunset cruise, and great camaraderie. Even though we were newbies we were welcomed with open arms and enjoyed ourselves immensely. If you own an RV you owe it to yourself to leave winter hibernation for a week and join us next year - 5-12 February 2018 - put it on your calendar now! There’s an RV Chapter Web page (usnarv.usnachapters.net) and a Facebook page (USNA RV Chapter) - check it out.”
The Key West Come-Around…RV Style
On a sad note, we learned that James Howell passed away in February. James was born June 22, 1949 in Morristown, TN and graduated from Oak Ridge High School. He briefly attended USNA as a member of our Class, and subsequently graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Following graduation he served in the Peace Corps in Swaziland, Africa. He is survived by his mother, stepfather, son, daughter, brother, sister, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. The Class extends its sincerest sympathy to his family. That’s about it for this month, folks. Enjoy the beautiful season and drop me a line when you get a chance. More to come. D. O. Tried and True With ’72.
’73 Life Membership: 63% Donor Participation: 4.58% Pres: Kevin Callahan Sec’y: CAPT James H. Chapman, USN (Ret.) 769 Largo Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23464-2417 p: 757-869-6889; e: chap769@yahoo.com
Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I am glad winter is over although it was a pretty mild one in 72 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Virginia Beach. I have some exciting news about one of our classmates so let’s get to it. Congratulations to Eric Olson for selection as a Distinguished Graduate by the Alumni Association! Eric is the Class’s first DG and I’ll paraphrase from the alumni association announcement; “Each year, the Alumni Association honors distinguished graduates because of their demonstrated and unselfish commitment to a lifetime of service, their personal character and the significant contributions they have made to the Navy and Marine Corps or as leaders in industry or government.” Eric, On behalf of the Class, Thank you for your service and dedication to the Nation. BZ! and our heartiest congratulations! The recognition ceremony was 31 March. Hopefully I will get some pictures to pass on. Over the years there have been questions about exposure to Agent Orange. Some classmates have had symptoms and tried to file claims with the Veterans Administration. Here is a letter from Kevin Callahan on this very important issue; M USNA 73er Classmates, In the past couple of years through the present, the following has been brought to my attention: The two West Coast ships on board which approximately half of us were assigned for Youngster Cruise, the USS Cleveland and USS Vancouver are on the official “exposed to Agent Orange list.” There is a list of various medical conditions which the US Government recognizes that are assumed, may have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange. (http://www.publichealth.va. gov/exposures/agentorange/ conditions/ ) A yet unknown number of our Classmates are displaying the symptoms associated with those health issues and have sought health care benefits and compensation from the V.A. If you were on board either of those two ships for Youngster Cruise and have any of the health issues associated with any of those conditions, you rate seeking
immediate health care assistance and compensation from the V.A. The best course of action is for you to contact the closest V.A. Medical Center or satellite health care office and/or a US Military Service advocacy representative for advice. We are also familiar with, and have on hand, the documents you will need to file a claim and how the process works. You can email me and I will: (1) send you the documents; and (2) guide you on a course of action to take and/or put you in direct contact with a Classmate (Bill Short, billshort@ earthlink.net) who can accomplish that. Copies of the deck log and the ship’s manifest for VANCOUVER sailors are also available at our class website (http://www.usna1973. com/). This may be of particular importance for those 73ers who did not accomplish a USN or USMC career and do not have access to Tricare and/or V.A. health care. Why? Because as long as you were on board either of those two ships for Youngster Cruise when they were in port in Danang, Vietnam and you have the symptoms associated with the designated Agent Orange related conditions, you rate submitting a claim for health care and possible compensation. I would like to give a special thank you to Bill Short who has worked this very hard and put in a lot of time to bring us this information. That’s all the news. The “inbox” is empty. I hope you have a good summer and as always, Go Navy and Semper Fi! General
’74 Life Membership: 56% Donor Participation: 3.39% Pres: John Yaeger Corr Sec’y: Roger McEvoy 745677 p: 559-905-7362; e: usna745677@hotmail.com
It’s been just four weeks since the last column was submitted, and there is very little news to report. For better or for worse, I suspect most of you are still in shock with the result of last November’s election.
David and Deborah Oyster (8th Co.) have spent the last several weeks touring Australia and New Zealand. David was good enough to forward some photos, but directly from his cell phone, and the format is not transferable here. So use your imagination. In the last several days I have been the recipient of, or been copied on, several e-mails from Fred Stuvek, John Brown and Mike Donovan (all of 26th Co.). In an all too common vein, the reason for the many e-mails is the passing of a classmate, David (Bear) Marra, also of 26th Co. Bear was a unique and colorful guy. You only needed to hear him laugh once to know how much he enjoyed life. Fred has taken the time to put together a letter to our class in remembrance of Bear, and I’d like to share it in total here: M I first met David “Bear” Marra at the Pittsburgh Airport in June of 1969 when we boarded a Mohawk Airlines flight in Pittsburgh. We were both on our way to Chicago to attend boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois with our eventual duty station being the Naval Academy Prep School in Bainbridge, Maryland. On this flight was a fairly large contingent from Western Pennsylvania, many of whom were recruited for athletics. NAPS was a means to improve our board scores and learn about military life while improving our athletic and physical skills playing collegiate level. It was not a coincidence that about 75% of us were destined to play a varsity sport at Navy. As we were standing in the gate area getting ready to board the flight a large figure came up to me and introduced himself. He said his name was David Marra but all of his friends called him Bear. To the best of my recollection I have never referred to him as David. He was always Bear, or The Bear. Bear was a highly accomplished athlete and widely recruited football player coming out of Belle Vernon High School in Western Pennsylvania. He was selected to play in the Big 33 All Star Game in Pennsylvania, an annual event which pitted the top high school athletes from West-
74/74 CLASS NEWS ern Pennsylvania against the rest of the State. Unfortunately for Bear, boot camp conflicted with the game, but it was an honor to be selected. Boot camp was a new experience for those of us in Company 999. It was an extremely hot summer and we were very irritated at the fact that they would wake us up very early each morning. We tried sleeping in, but that didn’t go over too well. We even tried barricading the door so they couldn’t get in and wake us up. Eight weeks later, and about 20 pounds lighter, we graduated from boot camp and received our orders to NAPS. Bear and I but played football together, where he anchored the line, was a menace to the opposition, and our friendship was forged into a lifelong connection. Out of the approximate 250 NAPSters, about 120 of us received an appointment to the Naval Academy. In what seems more like fate than an uncanny coincidence, Bear and I ended up in the same company. Due to our background and experience we were logical choices as roommates. We really didn’t even discuss it because it was such a natural fit. He was my roommate all four years at Navy. To say that The Bear was a larger than life figure is not an overstatement. He was an unforgettable character, and the twinkle in his eye, his infectious laugh, his remarkable sense of humor and his proclivity for telling stories was well known within the class. He also had a very mischievous side to him. To this day, it amazes me that such a large figure could operate in consummate stealth frequently. He’d go to great pains to plan his capers, with little or nothing connecting him to the actual event. His reputation spread, and before long he was frequently given credit for pranks with which he had no connection. The legend grew! Bear was an avid reader. When not playing cards or watching Elvis Presley movies, he would more often than not be reading a Mack Bolan, (aka “The Executioner”) book, or a Louis L’amour novel (usually with a tin of Copenhagen
snuff beside him). Bear loved books profiling one man heroically exacting revenge and serving his own brand of justice, against all odds, and always succeeding. He got me into reading these books also, and we’d pass our time dipping snuff and reading the latest heroics of Mack “The Bastard” Bolan in his continuing war against organized crime and international terrorism, something we both found preferable to studying. Bear’s other pastime was playing cards. And he was very good! He’d frequently leave the room right after taps and return in the early hours of the morning with an abundance of cash. This is how he funded the purchase of his car 2nd Class Year. His network extended beyond the hallowed halls of Bancroft. His success created a list of indebted fellow players, always willing to find ways to reduce their debt. If Bear needed a ride somewhere he could make a call, and someone would pick him up, take him there and bring him. If he was hungry, regardless of the hour, he’d call out for a pizza or a sub. There was always someone ready and willing to deliver it to the stairwell on the ground floor. Bear was one of the most up-beat guys I ever met, frequently lifting the spirits of those around him. Until final exams approached. Exams were an inconvenient intrusion to his routine. More often than not the first time he opened a text book was the week preceding the final. Bear expended a great deal of energy in not only maintaining but also expanding his vast reservoir of gouge, which was world class. If there was a Rhodes scholarship for gouge, Bear would have been selected. Remarkably, Bear never failed a final, and always stayed a step or two ahead of the AC Board. I sincerely believe Bear had a great football career ahead of him at Navy, but unfortunately a severe ankle injury put an end to his varsity sports participation. Due to that injury he was given an exemption or waiver each semester on some of the physical tests we had to pass, most notable being the dreaded mile run which had to be completed in 6:30 minutes or less. Sooner or
later, everyone had to pass this test, or they would not graduate. Bear viewed this run with a great deal of trepidation, (for obvious reasons), and the closer we got to graduation the more anxious he became. Two months prior to graduation I got him to commit to a serious training regimen with me, and we started working out. With graduation only two weeks away, and his marriage to Pamela Lago to follow shortly thereafter, Bear made the effort of his life to pass the test. In the end, he cruised across the finish line with time to spare. He recorded an official time of 6:28. Following graduation Bear and Pam were married in Annandale, Virginia. I was honored to be his best man. The ceremony was well attended by his classmates, including Rod Garfield, who had introduced Pam to The Bear. The party lasted well into the wee hours of the morning we all went our separate ways to start our Naval Careers. Bear went on to have a distinguished career as a surface warfare officer, where he easily earned the respect and loyalty of his wardrooms and crews. During a nearly forty-three year marriage, Pam and Bear traveled or lived in areas foreign and domestic, all the while each remaining “the other’s world entire.” Though he would never have told you himself, among his many awards and recognitions were the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, two Navy Achievement Medals, a Navy Commendation Medal, a Defense Service Ribbon, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, the Expert Pistol Shot Medal with Silver “E,” and the Expert Rifleman Medal with Silver “E.” On June 1, 1996, he retired selflessly from his beloved Navy as a Commander so that he would not have to leave his family again for deployment at sea. It would be impossible to definitively state who needed the other more. To stay close to home he transitioned into civilian life as the Director of Engineering at Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he also served with pride and
distinction and was greatly admired by his men. In 2012 he quietly retired from that post so he could simply live his life taking one day at a time and spend time with his tight knit family, all of whom lived within six miles of each other. He is survived by his wife Pam, his son David Jr., daughter Kelly and three grandchildren.
Bear’s Wedding
Thanx for this labor of love, Fred. We’ll all miss Bear eternally. I also received a note from the Alumni Association this past week informing me of the passing of Joe Klingensmith. I don’t remember what company Joe was in. He left school before the start of Second class year. But I had the experience of boxing Joe in PT Plebe year. He was left handed, and he made good use of that fact with a vicious left hook in place of the more typical leading right jab that I was looking for. I think my head stopped ringing before the end of second class summer. We also were on Youngster cruise together and He, I and a couple of other classmates enjoyed exploring Sydney together one night. Joe was a serious guy and a good man, and I know his company mates would want to know of his passing. As I said, very little information to pass along this month. By the time you read this, we will be half way between the 40th and 45th reunions. John Yaeger told me that many classes are having difficulty getting the arrangements they want for their reunions because they waited until football schedules were printed before selecting the weekend for their gathering. MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 73
74/75 CLASS NEWS John’s decision to commit the class to the weekend of the Air Force game in 2019, before the actual football schedule was published, and reserve the “N” Room for out tailgate party is proving to be a wise move. It hardly seems like 2 ½ years since the 40th, and I’m sure the next 2 ½ years before the 45th will go by even quicker. Your class officers will be meeting in June to discuss the plan. Stay tuned to this space to read the latest info as we approach our 45th reunion. Remember that some things should not be procrastinated. Call a classmate today. Go Navy, Roger
the bet. In May, right before you graduated, he paid off the bet. He smuggled the three of us out of the yard in the trunk of his car and fed us some beers at a hotel room. A few years later, my classmate Larry Easton and I returned the favor and bought him some drinks in Coronado while we were SWOS students. Bob will be missed by many of us in 30th Company and we will be raising a glass to ‘Grote.’”
’75: Cihlars and Grays at the Beat Notre Dame Pep Rally
’75 Life Membership: 57% Donor Participation: 3.17% Pres: Chris Cikanovich e: chickc975@gmail.com
Gary Reed skis the Matterhorn
leave. The mountain was closed to Italia due to high winds, so they had to shlep their ski gear on the train around through Milan and then back to Parella. After digging the car out of the snow, they had a day to visit some sights in Torino. Thanks to Skip for the great pictures!
book is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and also for your Kindle. Our anchorman extraordinaire, Mark Lunny, has the perfect Texas license plate.
Sec’y: CAPT Larry Warrenfeltz, USN (Ret.) 5732 Tamarack Dr., Pace, FL 32571 p: 850-995-0051; e: usna75scribe@hotmail.com Website: http//1975.usnaclasses.net/
Dear ’mates, “When I get older, losing my hair, many years from now … Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?” NAPSters and many others got a head start, but for those Flower Children who were born in 1953, this is our Beatles year. When Paul McCartney wrote that song (at age 16!), he was imagining really, really old people in the far distant future. I’m sure that Sir Paul agrees with me now—that 64 is the prime of life! We received a very nice note from Bruce Gearey ’78: M “I just got Shipmate and read about the tragic news of Bob Hyer’s passing. Bob was one of my plebe summer squad leaders. He had a reputation as being tough and he was. But, he had our utmost respect. Towards the end of plebe summer, he made a bet with three of us in the squad on the outcome of the Baltimore Oriole baseball game we went to late that summer. The bet was for a case of beer at the end of plebe year. We won 74 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Anchorman!
Gary and Skip in Torino
Since Gary Reed lost his wife Michelle shortly after our 40th reunion, he has tried to keep busy. Skip Lind tried to help by inviting him to the Lind home in Parella Italia. Fortunately, Gary took Skip up on the offer. He went to Europe for ten days and Skip and Gary skied at Courmeyeur, Matterhorn/Cervino, and Monte Rosa. Skip reports that Gary is a very good skier! Gary arranged a hotel for them in Zermatt for two nights. It was a lot of fun—except when they tried to
Pat Gooley’s just published novel
Pat Gooley just had his first novel published. Set in the indefinite future, Mystic Arena is a story about Father Robert Breslin, a Redemptorist missionary recalled to Rome from Africa when he discovers that he can see and interact with things happening continents away. With the help of three friends, Fr. Robert must take on a growing Muslim terrorist caliphate that is trying to take over the African continent. The
Speaking of Mark, Mary and Dave Gray saw him in Jacksonville at last year’s victory over Notre Dame. They also saw JJ Cuff and Nancy and Steve Laabs. The Grays spent the great weekend with Denise and Tom Cihlar. Although it puts some pressure on those of us who serve as class scribes, I am very glad USNAAA persists in publishing Shipmate eight times each year. As I understand, we put out more issues of our alumni magazine than any other college or university in the country. Navy grads of all classes can be proud of the high quality magazine that we get to enjoy so often. I now yield the page to my distinguished colleague from the great class of 1976. ’75 Sir! Larry
USNA.COM Bringing the Alumni Association to you.
76/76 CLASS NEWS
’76 Life Membership: 56% Donor Participation: 2.52% Pres: Kevin Stone 928 Lynch Dr., Arnold, MD 21012 p: 410-974-4313; e: kevin.stone@1976.usna.com Sec’y: Mark Hubbard 5632 Tessie Ct., New Market, MD 21774-2918 p: 301-865-4472 e: Mark.Hubbard@1976.usna.com Website: http//1976.usnaclasses.com/
Well, time continues to fly by and here I am writing another Class Column. Is there any way we can slow this pace down just a little?! I guess not…anyway, here’s the news! Update from Gary Greenfield: M Earlier this week I had a chance to catch up with Allie Mysliwy and his wife Debbie in Dallas where I was visiting on business. Allie retired as a senior executive at Safeco several years and spends his time between Dallas and Hawaii– though weighted to Dallas. They are enjoying life and it was great to catch-up. Over the holidays they had joined a close friend and his 9 children and grandchildren on a visit to Orlando and Allie described it as tougher than any military duty he had ever confronted. Though they could not make the reunion, they will be joining in Philadelphia for Army/Navy. From Dallas, I head to Aspen where I wanted to try out my new knee which I received last summer that originated from an injury at USNA. Snow conditions were great, albeit a bit cold. The replacement held up well, with the biggest challenge being a bit of over use. I had put it to a test on golf earlier in the month in Naples, Florida. It upheld well and think I can declare it a success.
M Barb and I were recently watching the two youngest grandchildren, Madeline (2) and John (4 months old) because thier parents, Sara & John McCain (again, not to be confused with our famous alum), were on a trip to Portland, Oregon. We decided to take them along down to Annapolis. Read about our time at the Academy museum on the next page. I, along with several alumni from USNA ’74, attended the Memorial Service at the Fairfax (VA) Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, 28 FEB 17, for Dave Marra ’74 who was affectionately known as Bear Marra to those of us who knew him at the Academy. He passed away suddenly on 20 FEB. Bear was in my company (26th Co.) our Youngster year. I actually met Bear and some of his Classmates at the end of their Plebe year when I was a junior in high school and had flown east from Oakland, CA, with my family to attend my older brother’s (John Hubbard ’71) graduation from USNA. Home base for 15th Co. during June Week that year was Roy & Fran Gregory’s house at Turkey Point. The Gregory’s were sponsors for my brother and several of his Classmates (the Gregory’s adopted many of John’s Plebes as well). So, there I was as a 16-yearold hanging out with all these Midshipmen and their girlfriends. That’s where I first met Bear, Fred Stuvek ‘74, and others as well. A year later, having survived Plebe Summer at USNA and with the return of the Brigade for the fall semester, I chopped down the middle of the passageway from 6th wing to 8th wing to visit these upperclassmen I
knew in when they were in 15th Co., now moved to 35th Co. I recall that Bear and Fred Stuvek were the first upperclassmen that I shook hands with (“spooned” as it was known back then – no comments from the peanut gallery, please). I remember strolling back from 8-1 back to 6-1 with a grin on my face having succeeded in getting on a first-name basis with Bear & Fred and given “carry-on” privileges on my trip back to my company area, when suddenly a random upper classman appears from one of the rooms and yells, “Hippity hop, PLEBE STOP!” He asked me why I wasn’t chopping down the passageway and I said that Fred and Bear gave me carryon. He asked, incredulously, “Fred and Bear who?!”. I told him their last names and that I knew them before I was a Midshipman. He then shook his head ruefully and sent me on my way (whew!). Anyway, these guys were moved to 26th Co. their First Class year and it was great having familiar faces in the same company. John Brown ’74 first informed me of Bear’s passing and we were all shocked by the news. He was larger than life and was such a wonderful person. I learned from his two children, Kelly and David, Jr., just how much he was loved by his family, friends, coworkers, and what a great husband he was to his wife, Pam. Bear always put his family first. Their touching and sometimes humorous stories related in their eulogies elicited a mixture of tears and laughter from those in attendance. He will be missed but we will always remember Bear fondly, especially that big smile with his pearly whites in full display
Allie and Debbie Mysliwy and Gary Greenfield catching up in Dallas
Here’s some news from Mark Hubbard (yes, me).
Dave “Bear” Marra and his grandson, Dave Marra III – the spittin’ image (or a clone)! There’s that heartwarming smile Bear was known for!
I got a brief but newsworthy update from fellow 26th Co. Classmate, Mark Metcalf: M Well, it took a while to get things published, but 2017 was the year: - A chapter that I wrote on PRC warship technical standardization was published in a USNI book in January: http://www.usni.org/ store/books/spring-2017-catalog /chinese-naval-shipbuilding - An article about contemporary PRC perspectives on applying deception to modern warfare (as described in the Sunzi) was published in the February 2017 Proceedings. Currently teaching a weekly undergraduate seminar (the third time) on Sunzi’s Art of War at the University of Virginia. Also, had the privilege of giving a talk to the UVA NROTC Battalion on how the PRC PLA applies Sunzi’s Art of War to modern warfare and got a coin for me effort. Did I mention that I enjoy being semi-retired? Rumor has it that Chris Ames lives in Carlsbad, CA, but he really is a world traveler selling unmanned air systems for a world-class manufacturer. Don’t understand why a former P-3 pilot would be selling unmanned aircraft, but that’s just me (and someone else who knows him like a brother…). He has two children currently in prestigious colleges. Hey, Chris, how about dropping by when you are in the Annapolis area and come to one of our reunions/ football tailgaters?! Just sayin’!
’76: USNA alumni, Mark Hubbard, Mike Holton, John Brown, Morgan Ames, Ray Donahue, Bob Hogan, and Don Loren after Bear Marra’s Memorial Service
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 75
76/76 CLASS NEWS C Lass o f 1976
U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY MUSEUM
A Gift to Share By Mark Hubbard ’76 On a rainy Saturday in late February, I, with my family, went to drop off a painting at the Naval Academy Museum in Preble Hall. Late last year the curator for the museum, Jim Cheevers, accepted my offer to accept the donation of a painting I commissioned space artist and retired astronaut suit technician for NASA, Ron Woods, to paint for me last year. Ron was the suit tech who worked with Buzz Aldrin, USMA ’51, getting him suited up before the famous APOLLO 11 lunar landing mission. The painting depicts a picture taken from the flight deck of the space shuttle DISCOVERY Mission Specialist Astronauts John Grunsfeld and Steve Smith during an extravehicular activity (EVA) for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Servicing Mission 3A in December 1999 (they were replacing the gyros). The canvas used in the painting is a portion of payload bay liner flown on COLUMBIA in February 2002 aboard COLUMBIA for HST SM3B. Assistant Curator Grant Walker, USMA ’73, was there to take delivery of the painting. (Of course I had to mention to Grant, GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY!) If anyone would like to buy a giclée Space artist and suit tech Ron Woods print copy of the painting, please getting Buzz Aldrin ready to fly to the contact me for details. By the way, moon on 16 July 1969. (Photo courtesy of NASA) I met Ron Woods for the first time through my association with APOLLO 10 Commander General Tom Stafford ’52 and helping Tom with Hubble flown hardware story boards at the Thomas P. Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford, OK. ®
We are led to believe that this is what Chris Ames looks like now (can someone confirm?)
Here’s a last minute bulletin from Jim Doherty! M I was down in Florida last week, in the Tarpon Springs area, for the 3rd annual get-together with some old Navy buds, Jerry Willett being one of them. Here we are: From the left is Dave Rogers ‘79, one of our
Grandparents Mark (holding a sad Madeline) & Barb Hubbard (holding John) deliver Hubble painting to Grant Walker at the USNA Museum on 25 February 2017.
Tom Stafford poses with Ron Woods in front of Ron’s oil painting of an ApoLLo suit.
Plebes, (every other picture in the past we made him stand in the back...), Chris Staszak, good friend commissioned out of Boston University and served with Jerry on the USS Glover—at one point in the 80’s, when Jerry, Chris and I were roaming free on the streets of Boston, Chris was the XO of the USS Constitution. The Boston Globe anointed him one of “Boston’s Most Eligible Bachelors”! That’s me and then Jerry. Yes, that’s “TK” (Tom Kennedy) on the left, his wife, Barb, me, Jerry, Ed Harper and his wife Kathy. So many laughs that night... That’s all, folks! Now, carry on… ’76: The Tarpon Springs area USNA ’76 mini reunion with Doc & Company
76 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
77/78 CLASS NEWS
’77 Life Membership: 73% Donor Participation: 4.64% Pres: Lee Geanuleas 1819 S. Arlington Ridge Rd., Arlington, VA 22202 Sec’y: Thom McKee 1202 Shady Creek Rd., Marriottsville, MD 21104 p: 410-489-5080; f: 410-489-5071 c: 202-438-1541; e: magoo1310@verizon.net
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain Yo ho, me hearties, yo ho! Before we begin, a quick administrative issue: here are the links for registration https:// www.signupnow.events/usna1977/ and the on-line class store http:// www.usnaclasstore.com/77store.ht ml in connection with our upcoming 40th Reunion. Keep in mind by the time this column is published, the greatest reunion in ‘77’s august history will be a mere six months away; so please, if you haven’t yet registered, time, tide and formation aren’t the only things which wait for no man. Now, on with the show. First up, Benny Garcia (24th Co.) informs us he hosted Elsa and Jim Eberle (24th Co.) at the Downtown Crown Wine and Beer in Gaithersburg, MD this past January 21st.
served at Casa Garcia with copious amounts of Dominican cuisine and spirits, including shots of Benny’s home-brewed Manajuana, a potent rum-based Dominican concoction both Jimmy and Benny assure us we’d all enjoy. Perhaps if Benny provided a sample for each of us at the 40th tailgate…?!? In a second submission, Benny sent the following photo of the Garcias enjoying the hospitality of Laura and Jerry Miller (19th Co.) at the Navy-Houston game this past October 8th. Shown below, left to right are: Lee Geanuleas (11th Co.), Bob Kautter (32nd Co.) and his wife Lin, and Colette and Benny.
celebrate his life, service and devotion to his shipmates by taking the time to reach out and staying in touch with those he left behind. Magoo
’78 Life Membership: 79% Donor Participation: 5.82%
Lee, Bob and Benny
Benny had a great time catching up with Jerry, Bob, Lee and rest of the ’77 contingent in attendance, which we understand also included Sam Locklear (7th Co.). We only hope Benny had time to watch the game, which you’ll recall was one of Navy’s finest football performances in recent memory…outside of course the 46-44 triumph over the Irish, recorded by Jerry Miller…
Benny, Jim & Elsa Eberle
Pictured above are former roommates Jim, Benny and Elsa enjoying the day after the presidential inauguration. The Eberles came up from Myrtle Beach so Jimmy, a native Tennessean, could attend the festivities courtesy of Senator Bob Corker. Benny’s wife Colette was not in attendance due a prior commitment, but she otherwise kept the group well-fed and amply
’77: Jeff Weddle’s Memorial Service
Notre Dame game
…as it happened. Speaking of Sam Locklear, Fluor Corporation recently elected the r etired 4-star and former top Sea Dog (though Aero, Head and Zeppo would argue they deserved the title!) one of its directors, effective Feb. 1, 2017.
Pres: Glen Woods Sam Locklear
BZ to Sam on his appointment…and for bringing new meaning to the term “Flour board”. Finally, we end yet another offering on a solemn note. Brad McDonald (28th Co.) forwarded the following from the February 11th funeral of Jeff Weddle (12th Co.) in Virginia Beach. In attendance were, from left to right below: Brad, Bob Sinibaldi (9th Co.), Doug “Snuffy” Smith (19the Co.), Bob Kautter (32nd Co.), Dave Skocik (12th Co.), Ron Brinkley (12th Co.), Scott Thomas (12th Co.), Steve Giesen (12th Co.), Denny Simon (12th Co.), Fre Kinkin (12th Co.), Johnny Vuolo (12th Co.), Jeff patterson (12th Co.), Steve Weingart (12th Co.), Scott Jameson (12th Co.), peter Engel (20th Co.) and Dave paddock (11th Co.). As Brad noted, it seems, particularly of late, we gather far too often to bid our classmates farewell. And although at our age it increasingly, and understandably, comes with the territory, such acknowledgement doesn’t make writing about the subject any easier. So as we honor Jeff’s passing, let’s
Sec’y: Vince Balderrama 1320 Homewood Ln., Annapolis, MD 21401 e: canoeu78@aol.com Website: usna1978.org
Can you believe how fast this year has been zipping along? For the Class of 2017 it appears that four years have flown by as this month is their graduation and commissioning. Remember how that felt? Well if you do, you can talk about it next year (as well as tell other sea stories and tall tales) when we celebrate our 40th Reunion. Wow, never thought I would say it. But here were on the edge of our 40th; eight years away from welcoming our link in the chain class (2028); and into our 6th decade on the face of the earth. While those numbers may seem daunting, they are just numbers. We still look pretty good; many are staying very active; and 60 is the new 40. Speaking of the 40th Reunion, we are doing pretty well on the Class Gift that we will present to the Academy. You may recall that our goal is $1.5M with 60% split equally to support programs that our Classmates oversee, Art Athens (Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership (CEL) and Bruce Latta (Admissions- STEM support).
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 77
78/78 CLASS NEWS The balance is divided between Athletic Excellence and the Annual Fund. While we tracking well toward our total gift goal at 76% of the total, we are short of the goals to help out Art and Bruce at 67% and 54% respectively. While we are kicking butt on the Annual Fund we are also shy of the Athletic Excellence goal with only 61% of the target. We still have another year plus to go. (Check writing pens-down is Dec 31st of 2018.). While I am confident we will meet- and exceed – our targets donations the one I want to see go up significantly is the amount of donors. As this column goes to submittal (circa end of Feb (on or about)), only 325 out of 934 of us who graduated in June 78 have thus far contributed. That’s just about 35% of the class. We have always shown our strength and singleness of purpose as a Class and we should demonstrate that as well in our Class Project. If you haven’t given yet please do so. (Perhaps pledge some variation on our class year like $78 a month until the end of 2018 or $197.80 every two months, or just $1,978.). Easy instructions are located on our Class Website www.usna1978.org. Click the 40th Reunion tab and connect to the 40th Gift Instructions. If you have any questions drop me a line. I’ll get off the soapbox now and pass on some news. Herb Nyberg (34th Co) is still globetrotting touting his company’s products and technologies to fight mosquito transmitted diseases. In February he was invited to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend a World Health Organization (WHO) meeting to discuss his company’s already proven success against Zika. His New Mountain Innovation company’s equipment was used last summer in Rio de Janeiro as part of the integrated approach to control Aedes (Aedes is the mosquito that transmits Zika.). While in Switzerland, he rendezvoused with my Navy Lightweight Crew teammate, Steve Kinney (3rd Co), for a little skiing around the Matterhorn.
78 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Steve Kinney and Herb Nyberg
February 6-13, pam (’80) and Scott Rodgers (11th Co) were attending the Naval Academy Alumni Association RV Chapter’s Annual Key West “come-around”. They were in charge of 16 RV’s from the classes ‘59-‘81 who participated. Yup, Pam and Scott are RV owners. Scott mentioned he is looking to try and recruit some classmates with RV’s to join the Chapter. He said you actually don’t need a RV to join (double check with Dave Church ’67 at the Alumni Association). I am sure there are more than a few of you out there with an RV. I know Mur and Roy Bookmiller (32nd Co) have one. They use it to travel down from their home in Ohio to attend Navy home games. This month Scott’s eldest daughter, Kelsey, gets married in Pensacola.
had been in sunny Orlando. He said “Martin and I don’t often appear in magazines, but when we do we prefer the 1978 section of Shipmate!” Well, you got it now, Andy and Marty. They had been in Orlando for the IITSEC 2016. That’s the annual Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) - the largest modeling, simulation, and training event in the world. I used to go there in the late 80’s when I was the Non-Standard Aviation Training Device Officer and a plankholder at what became the Marine Corps Systems Command. Andy is the business development and capture lead for Navy and Marine Corps Simulation and Training in Orlando for Booz Allen. Martin attended in his capacity as Product Manager, Live Virtual and Constructive Training Environments for the Marine Corps in Orlando. During the Conference they got to catch up with a number of classmates, including Dave Buss (34thCo). Andy sent proof in a picture of him and Martin from a capability demonstration on unmanned aerial systems training that Andy’s company had presented at IITSEC 2016.
Scott and pam Rodgers
Ninth Company’s, Loren “Muff” Divers’ daughter Soho visited the Academy in February for a prospective candidate weekend. She was also applying to go to summer session (a week-long taste of the life of a Plebe). With any luck she’ll be here during one of those training sessions. Soho hopes to apply for the Class of 2022. Muff said she is also a novice wrestler in school. We wish her luck in the Summer Session application and then the later application process. Back in January, Andy Mohler (18th Co) sent a note that showed he and Martin Bushika (35th Co)
Andy Mohler and Martin Bushika
The end of February brought the annual Classmate contingent to the Brigade Boxing Smoker. Among those I saw were: Karen and Brett Ayotte (29th Co), Gretchen and Tom Crowley (11th Co), Mary Jane and Steven “Jock” Maloney ( 16th Co), their son Chris Maloney (‘04), Ben Richter (14th Co), Fred Webster (14th Co), Rusty Cone (11th Co), Doug Diehl (25th Co) and his brother Curt, Carlos Sotomayor (16th Co), Ray Kwong (32nd Co), Rich Jesmonth (35th Co), Denise and Mike Fralen (29th Co),
Michael Sears (36th Co), Bob Engel (36th Co), Tim Golden (35th Co), Jeff Knauer (35th Co), Marla and Al “Blues” Baker (10th Co), Tom Martinez (19th Co), Jim Fiorelli (2nd Co), and paul Wiedorn (27th Co). After the Smoker, Elizabeth and I were joined for some post-boxing refreshments (drinks and nachos) at El Toro Bravo by Gretchen and Tom Crowley, Karen and Brett Ayotte and the friend Dale pupillo (‘76) and Terri and Sean Stackley (‘79). As a matter of fact we can say we actually closed the bar; having had to be asked to leave so they could close. Well, okay it was only 11 PM – but we did close the place down! The next morning some folks laughed at Father Time to play some games of pickup basketball. (No, I was not among them.)I heard the hoopsters were Jock Maloney, Greg Reuss (’77), Rusty Cone, Doug Diehl and his brother and fellow Marine, Curt Diehl, and Tim Golden. Later that evening, Rusty and Doug joined Elizabeth and me for the Navy Women’s basketball game against Bucknell. It was for sole position of first place in the Patriot League and the regular season championship. Unfortunately, our women lost but it was great treating Rusty and Doug to their first women’s game. Rusty gets to the area more often as he absorbed some responsibilities for one of his company’s business sectors out in (I think) the Tysons Corner/McLean VA area. Doug said he had recently sworn in one of his sons, Jason (?), as a 2/Lt in the Marine Corps. His son was TAD working Marine Corps recruiting while waiting to report to the Basic School this summer. Looks like the tradition continues, Doug.
Elizabeth with Doug and Rusty
78/80 CLASS NEWS Been hitting the road quite a bit lately, trying to make my “visit targets”. Once in a while on those trips I have the good fortune of running into classmates. I recently had just that experience while waiting at the Tampa Airport for a return flight home. Glancing up from my laptop I spied across two rows of seats, my classmate and 11th Companymate, Marty Drake. Marty and his lovely wife, Leigh, were waiting a delayed flight to Birmingham, AL. They were going to attend a wedding of (I think) a niece of Leigh’s. From there they would be off to Hawaii where Marty was linking up for a little work at PACOM. This was an official boondoggle - I mean trip for Marty in his capacity as Chief of Science and Technology Division and Command Science Advisor to U.S. Central Command located in Tampa, Florida. He gets to travel around the country and world to assess “toys” for our operators. For Leigh, she was going to do a little remote work as she waited for Marty to finish his work days and enjoy Hawaii. She had plans to do so with her laptop and a cold drink by a pool or on the beach. Sounded like a great plan to me!
Leigh and Marty Drake
Well that’s it for now. Best of luck and success to the Class of 2017. Have a great run and take good care of our sailors and Marines. Launchin’ spot four.
’79 Life Membership: 91% Donor Participation: 5.57% Pres:LCDR Sean Cate, USN (Ret.) e: Sean.Cate@1979.usna.com Sec’y: LCDR John “Wiz” Withers, USN (Ret.) 42498 Regal Wood Dr., Ashburn, VA 20148 p: 240-556-0637; e: JDWithers@1979.usna.com Social Network Links: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wizwithers Facebook Group: USNA Class of 1979 Website: www.usna79.com
Greetings, 79ers! This is one of those rare months when I don’t have anything to print. Rather than just leave you with a blank space (or home movies from my last vacation), I’ll take this opportunity to beg for emails, photos, postcards, letters, crayon drawings, Instagram pictures, text messages, Facebook posts, Skype calls or just about any other form of communication. (Letters from the IRS are NOT requested and will be burned before reading.) So as you head out on your Memorial Day holiday weekends, do something fun and tell us about it. See you next month! omnes Viri, Wiz…
’80 Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 4.00% Pres: Tim Kobosko Sec’y: CApT Joseph A. Grace Jr., USNR 15 Allard Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 p: 504-915-6711; e: joe.grace@1980.usna.com Website: www.USNA1980.org
MATCHING GIFTS Call 410-295-4178 to find out how you can match your recent contribution.
Orleans? I think not!). We were fortunate enough to have Griffin and John Fry come in again for the festivities. Griffin and Sherri ride together in Iris, an all woman’s parade along with our daughters. Lots of fun. The boy’s role is to load the float and make sure that they are all set for a great ride! Mission accomplished.
Greetings Classmates! Happy Mardi Gras! I know that you will be reading this long after the last bead has been thrown and the last libation has been consumed (is there such a thing in New
Lee Korzan leekorzan@ gmail.com was another one of the Classmates who answered the call for input! He is a patriot working for the VA: M Joe, I had a nice visit with Greg Mislick, one of our classmates and a former running buddy of mine at USNA. He was passing through Nashville on a business trip recently so we met for dinner and some adult beverages.
JoHN FRY AN HIS FAMILY
The Alumni Association is in the middle of a tech upgrade and rework of their website. I wasn’t able to send out a Class request for input so I have relied on Company Reps and some direct calls for input. Had some great reaction from several Classmates! Thank you! Will be sure to have it back on track next Column. Jamie and Jim Jamison jamison5usmc@gmail.com checked in from Virginia Beach where he still works on the Joint Staff J6 and Jamie volunteers at NMCRS Oceana. They became first time grandparents 9 months ago thanks to their daughter Joy (Citadel ’13) and her husband, Andrew Stanley ’13. “Happily, we see them all often as they live in MCAS New River where he flies Marine CH-53Es. Semper FI, Jim.” Speaking of Grandparents, Mike Ales, AlesM@ USMMA.EDU, reports that “Christy and Dan secor (08th Co.) are now grandparents. Their grandson, Roy Jacob Secor, was born on November 29th. There is no truth to the rumor that Dan has already taught him how to wax a deck properly.”
Beth and I are anxiously awaiting our move-in back into our home which was destroyed by a fire in October 2015. Our builder says 30 more days but that has been a moving target. Our five children live in Indiana, Brooklyn, and South Florida. We have two grandsons in Indiana. I’m still working for the VA as local in-house counsel mainly for our Tennessee medical centers. There is never a dull or slow day which makes the months and years seem to fly by. Kathy Pohlid (Henderson) USNA ‘80 joined our office last year and is an awesome colleague. We never knew each other at the Boat School as we were at opposite ends of Mother B. MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 79
80/80 CLASS NEWS It’s great to have her on board now in our office. Have to get back to work so I’ll sign off for now. As we know, time, tide, and formation wait for one. Lee Wit Davis, witdavis1980@gmail.com, Company Rep for 14th Company answered the emergency call for gouge with some great updates: M As for my news, I had lunch with Tip skidmore last month in a town roughly mid-way between the Green Bay area (where Tip and Maura live) and the Madison, WI area (where Shawn, our three girls and I now live). A photo of these two stalwart Marines is attached.
The breaking news I picked up is that Maura and Tip are considering a move to the Raleigh, NC area to be closer to their Army captain son, their Army captain daughter-in-law, and their one and a half grandkids. Fortunately for us all, Tip, his son and I all had the good sense to marry far more attractive woman than ourselves. We’re loving being closer to Shawn’s family and I’m “living the dream” of living in a Big 10 college town. Fits me like a glove! Other than those high points, it has been an oddly snow-free winter here in the north land. But Fall/Winter was good for the Davis family rooting interests (other than the Army-Navy game, of course) as the Cubs won the World Series (finally), the Packers made the Final Four and, much to the delight of my 13 year old Vermonster, Tom Brady got “one for the thumb.” Semper Fi and Beat Army! Wit
80 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Rich Seiler richseiler@comcast.net also weighed in on the 14th Company update: M Joe, I just flew a trip with Mike Loretangeli and another with Brian Laird, both classmates of ours; Talked old times and kids. We also did a little flying, actually lots....West Coast to Sydney and Shanghai and back. I talked to Brinks yesterday and arnold on Friday. Glad to report both are doing well! We discussed the weather and our aches and pains....rather disgusting conversation, something about being inflamed and stiff all the time, and not like it was when we were 20.... We also talked about getting together in the near future. It has to be at least every other year and yearly when we are all finally retired. I will be selling my shack this spring, renting and then building the retirement shed later this year. Just got my development recorded last Friday after two years of red/blue tape (not politically aligned here). Full left and right rudder ahead. Checking out Phoenix real estate this weekend....in a retirement community! (Sounds weird to even spell that) I am throwing this out there for anyone interested: climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania Sept. 23rd. Possible Safari and definitely Victoria Falls included. Any takers? — Rich As I mentioned above, I reached to our Company Reps. Here is Tom Ryan tryan80@sbcglobal.net with a little 36th Company News: M Joe, I recently heard from Rob Catalano. He and Helaine have relocated to Rehoboth Beach. Helaine retired from Johnson & Johnson after 32 years. Cat will be retiring from Chubb Insurance later this year. He reports that it was a major downsize selling their NJ home and moving into a townhouse that they had bought a few years ago.
Dennis Kilian has switched coasts moving from CA to NJ. He recently took a marketing job with ASME. Very little change for me. I’m still a Safety & Reliability Engineer for Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis. Cathy and I have two kids. Megan lives in Chicago and Joe in Indy. Neither is married and no grand kids. I’ll probably be working at least three more years. TR Mark Bathrick (32nd Company) continues upward on onward in this role as Director of the Office of Aviation Services for the Department of the Interior. Mark and Marybeth still reside in Boise, ID. Mark is now capitalizing on his former active duty experience as a test pilot, and is now a recognized government expert in the development and role of UAV/drones. We are all proud of Mark’s continued public service. Check out his recent interview with NEXTGOV on where Interior is going in the use of drones. Kim and Emory Zimmer checked in from their “Sailing Adventure” with some great photos and envious lifestyle! Congrats and keep the cards and letters coming: Joe, we were down for Mardi Gras but very busy!!
2017 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Follow Navy Football at navysports.com
1 Sept 2017 @ Florida Atlantic 9 Sept 2017 vs Tulane 23 Sept 2017 vs Cincinnati 30 Sept 2017 @ Tulsa 7 Oct 2017 vs Air Force 14 Oct 2017 @ Memphis 21 Oct 2017 vs UCF–Homecoming 3 Nov 2017 @ Temple 11 Nov 2017 vs SMU 18 Nov 2017 @ Notre Dame 24 Nov 2017 @ Houston 2 Dec 2017 AAC Championship 9 Dec 2017 vs ARMY 1-800-US4-NAVY
M Joe, Kim and have been sailing the Caribbean for the past year hitting most of the islands in the Virgins, Leewards and Windwards! We spent last Hurricane season in Grenada, Bonaire and Curaçao! We are enjoying our journeys and adventure! We set sail again from Puerto Rico on 18 March and will again sail down island toward Grenada arriving there in early June. Will spend Hurricane season again this year in Grenada, Bonaire and Curaçao! We have signed up for the World Arc and will sail around the world starting on January 6, 2018. We will sail the 27,000 miles over a 2.5 year period. The sail begins and ends in St Lucia!! We continue to prepare ourselves and our sailboat “Someday” for this adventure. Will keep in touch... In closing, I hope that this finds each of you healthy, happy and wiser today than yesterday. Please take a few minutes to renew a friendship, call a Classmate and take care of each other. You never know what a difference you can make. It’s very encouraging to see the tone of the notes that are coming in to the Column. There are Classmates enjoying retirement, adventure, getting together and just making time to make the most out of life! There is a real lesson here – hope we are all smart enough to take note! As always, BEAT ARMY, Joe
81/81 CLASS NEWS
’81 Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 2.81% Pres: CDR otto Stutz, USN (Ret.) 1529 Odman Dr., Chesapeake, VA 23321-1852 c: 757-348-2171; e: otto@1981.usna.com Vice Pres: CDR Tim Disher, USN (Ret.) 314 Locust Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401 c: 410-507-9040 e: timothy.disher@1981.usna.com Corr Sec’y: Ken Aiman p: 252-246-2393 Webmaster: patty Crandlemire Whitney Website: www.usna1981.org Classwide messages: usna1981@yahoogroups.com
Greetings classmates! Happy 36th anniversary to us all. Unfortunately, I do have some sad news to share and want to get it out so that I can end on a happier note. As many of you have already been notified by email, our classmate, Melissa Matthews (23rd Co.), passed away after a 6-month battle with cancer. From the email I received from our prez, Otto, who was forwarding for Melissa’s brother in-law and sister: M Sue, 81ers, and others, It is with great sadness that I tell you that your classmate, Melissa Matthews, died peacefully this afternoon, after a courageous 6-month battle with cancer. I know this a shock and surprise to most of you, but she was adamant about keeping it private. Only her sister and I knew how serious it was. We traveled the world together. We ran marathons together. We watched Navy beat Georgia Tech (and vice-versa). We pledged allegiance to the flag at Chick and Ruth’s Deli. We were together for only 25 years, but I will miss her forever. If anyone wishes to memorialize her with a charitable contribution, please consider Holt International Adoptions, the Atlanta Humane Society, or any of the Naval Academy-related or US Naval Institute foundations. Her sister and I hope to have an interment and memorial event at the USNA Columbarium sometime in the spring.
Larry Taylor, retired Marine And from our Facebook page, from Melinda Matthews, Melissa’s sister: M Hi — this is Melissa Matthews’ sister. I joined this group so I could keep everyone updated about her services, which will be April 28 at 3 p.m. at the USNA Columbarium. We’ll have a celebration of her life afterwards. Please pass this on to anyone who might be interested. And thanks to everyone for the good thoughts and memories. I’m learning about another her many facets through all of you. -Melinda Melinda and Larry, thank you for those words and know that her many classmates, like I did, took a moment to remember her smile and memory. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Other Facebook input: RADM Peg Klein retired 24 February in Memorial Hall after ’35 short years’ as she put it… well done Peg and congrats on a fine career. Rod Adams shared the following on our page: Central Virginia has some terrific tasting rooms. It’s also home to a few 16th company classmates. Skip and Deb Galt, John and Carol Ann Keenan and a couple of other friends joined Jan and I for a tour of them last weekend. When I scheduled the event, I advertised it as a cure for the “Dark Ages”. As you might see from the photos, it wasn’t a dark or wintery day. Great fun had by all. Pictures of Mark Hyman and an ’81 flag taking a break from inspecting the border fence to stroll among the shops in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico and a second showing ‘them’ visiting The Armadillo Palace in downtown Houston, Texas. (Mark, a longhorn armadillo???) (Unfortunately, I (Ken) could not get a good copy of the pictures to share here in the article, but I am working on it for the future). From the email stack, Fuzz Harrison submitted the following to help save the article with some nice photos: M Ken, The first of multiple Shipmate moments from recent weeks, months. Shot here of me and
Woodstock Burke back on 27 Jan at the Larchmont (NY) Yacht Club for the 29th annual Mess Night of the ENS James F. Burke Jr Chapter of AUSN - named for Timmy’s brother, Navy helo pilot, killed in action in 1967 near Vin Long, Vietnam, while returning from his 35th combat mission. Great evening of remembrance and comradery. Few more to follow. Cheers / Fuzz
Woodstock Burke & Fuzz Harrison
And another nice piece of update from Fuzz: M Ken, Attached photo is the 25th Co contingent at the 117th annual Wallow of the Carabao, conducted last weekend, 4 Feb, in Washington DC. L-R, Bonnie & Jim Nault, Nancy
& Fuzz Harrison, Debbie & Dave Woods. Great time had by all. To quote Woody: “The Patriots winning the Superbowl the next night made the weekend a complete and utter success!” Cheers / Fuzz Glad to some of us still know how to ‘rock’ the ol’ cummerbund outfits! Congrats to all for looking so wonderful in the picture. And Fuzz continues being a wealth of information…. M Ken, Last month, my younger son, Jack (USMMA ‘18), and I attended a powerlifting seminar hosted by perhaps the strongest man in the class of ‘81, Dave Ricks. Rickso is a 25x national champ and 8x world champion. Last Fall, Dave competed in the USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals and in the open competition placed 2nd to a 22-year-old by 17lbs (1846 lbs total vs 1829lbs). Dave squatted 705, benched 446, and deadlifted 678. Not bad for 57! Pictured is me, Dave, Dave’s wonderful bride Julia, and my boy, Jack. Cheers / Fuzz
’81: L-R, Bonnie & Jim Nault, Nancy & Fuzz Harrison and Debbie & Dave Woods
’81: ‘Fuzz’ Harrison, Dave Ricks, Julia Ricks and Jack Harrison
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 81
81/82 CLASS NEWS I am going to end with an apology for the first article which appeared in the March issue of Shipmate. I learned that the layout I submitted on my page is not necessarily what will work for the fine staff at the alumni association. No journalistic career in the future for me. I never properly introduced myself in the article nor did I end it with my name as I assumed, which as we all know the ol’ saying, so I should not have. I set up the email account of classof81scribe@gmail.com for myself and all future classmates that assume the class secretary role so all information can be seamlessly passed down. I am Ken Aiman, from 22nd company and currently reside in Cary, North Carolina with my wife, Erin, and our now 8-year-old daughter, Katherine Marie (Katie Marie). Erin and I were married on Veteran’s day in ’06, and, in keeping with easy to remember dates, Katie Marie was born on our graduation day, 27 May in ’08. I entered the information technology field and have worked in various capacities as an independent contractor though my small company for companies such as the American Red Cross, the Smithsonian, and the Veterans Administration. I was a full-time employee with Microsoft and am currently a FTE in the financial sector as an I.T. Infrastructure Architect with BB&T financial corporation. With that part now completed, comes the request to all of you to feed your company reps the latest ‘gouge’. I will ask that if you are posting on Facebook or LinkedIn, please cc the pics and info to the class secretary email account so we can post here as well. It may be outdated by delivery time, but it will be forever in print! With that, I shove off for now… Ken Go NAVY! BEAT ARMY! ’81 Second to None!
2017 HOMECOMING Thursday, 19 October through Saturday, 21 October
82 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
’82 Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 1.82% Pres: Janeann Treadway Conley p: 410-251-7893; w: 301-342-2363 e: Jtcnaples@yahoo.com Vice Pres: Matt Moury p: 410-263-7640; e: vicepresident@usna82.org Treas: VADM Terry Benedict, USN p: 703-913-7183; w: 703-607-1036 e: treasurer@usna82.org Corr Sec’y: Rett Rasmussen 1710 Dana Pl., Fullerton, CA 92831 p: 714-871-1860; w: 562-696-8718 c: 562-822-0755; e: rett@rasmussen.biz Website: http://1982.usnaclasses.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/USNA82
Good Morning, ‘82! Our 35th Reunion is set for September 7-10, 2017. Reunion Committee Chair Rich Clybourne (1) provides the following update on preps for getting the Reunion underway (as of March 10): M “Your Reunion Committee is hard at work trying to finalize all of the arrangements for the items on our schedule of events. I at least wanted to give you some of the confirmed information as I know a lot of you are anxious to finalize your plans. Please send any reunion questions you may have to me at: rbclyborne@gmail.com. Registration Website We are looking to finalize all pricing and reunion information by the end of March. Once all event information has been finalized we will stand up the registration website. We will be using the Alumni Association’s website as the host for the registration page. We will once again have an ala carte style for choosing and paying for events. I strongly recommend that everyone visit the Alumni Association website and update their contact information particularly their email addresses. You will have to log in to the Alumni Association website in order to register! We will continue to post lodging information as it is finalized (first update below) between now and when the registration website is up and running.
Lodging We are initially contracting with 4 hotels. I am still working out contract details with three of those hotels but should have them wrapped up this week (next week at latest). The only hotel that we have a completed contract with is the Doubletree Annapolis. Here’s the information for registering: Doubletree Annapolis (off Riva Rd out by Annapolis Mall) Room Block - 40 rooms for Thursday (07 Sep), Friday (08 Sep) and Saturday (09 Sep) Room Rate - $249 per night; non-refundable one night + tax deposit due at time of reservation Room Rate available until 08 July 2017; after that regular room rate will prevail Phone Number: 410.224.3150 The other three hotels room rates are equal or less than the Doubletree; I will supply their info once I have finalized the contracts. Tailgater We will be holding the tailgater inside the stadium this reunion. We have reserved the Class of ‘53 Pavilion and one of the two Class Ring areas. Having the tailgater inside the stadium will require everyone attending to buy a football game ticket; no exceptions. NAAA has blocked out tickets for us (420 reserved seats in Section D and 200 SRO/Lawn tickets; costs are $40 and $25 respectively). When purchasing tickets through NAAA’s website ( http://ev12.evenue.ne t/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ EVExecMacro?linkID=navy&evm=p rmo&RSRC=& RDAT=&caller=PR) classmates should use the promo code:1982 in order to reserve tickets with the class. Tentative schedule of Events Thursday, 07 september Golf Outing - Thurs PM (start time TBD); waiting on USNA Golf Course approval for outing; if approved cost will be $100 (majority of this fee supports the Navy Golf teams - Men/Women). Crab Feast - Thurs Evening (start time TBD); Mike’s Restaurant & Crab House, Riva, MD. Cost = $70 per person
friday, 08 september Memorial Service - 10:00 AM USNA Chapel; more information to follow. Class Meeting - 11:00 AM; Site TBD Formal Parade - 4:00 PM; Worden Field; Senior Class Flag Officer present to review parade Class Cocktail Reception/ Happy Hour - tentatively 5:00 PM 7:30 PM; Site - TBD Company Gatherings - individual companies encouraged to organize for Friday evening saturday, 09 september Old Goat Run - unofficial gathering; Time - TBD; Site - TBD; more information to follow Alumni Action Group Project (tentative) - opportunity for classmates to participate in an Annapolis community related project; Time - TBD; Site - TBD Tailgater - Class of ‘53 Pavilion at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium; start time 1:00 PM (kickoff scheduled for 3:30 PM), end time 90 minutes after Blue & Gold. More information to follow.” The latest updates will be sent via USNAAA email blasts. To ensure that you are receiving these from Goat One Jane and the Reunion Committee, please be sure that your profile is current at www.USNA.com. Login and go to My Account to update. Also, check out the class Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com /groups/usna82/ and our class website at http://1982.usnaclasses .net/ for current Reunion gouge. Thanks, Rich and team, for your efforts on behalf of our class. Tom parry (14) sent in the following photo of the ’82 attendees at the San Diego Alumni Association Army/Navy game gathering. Tom says that it was a great party (ed. note: except for the final score). Tom also sent in this photo of him with his son Michael, an EA-18 NFO onboard Stennis, in Pearl Harbor at the start of a TIGER Cruise in August.
82/83 CLASS NEWS
’83 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.81% Pres: Neal W. Davidson 4345 Little Falls Rd., Huntingtown, MD 20639 p: 410-610-0295; e: nwdavidson@comcast.net Vice Pres: Tom “Katz” McKavitt e: thomas.mckavitt@1983.usna.com Treas: Frank Vernet e: fgvernet@gmail.com
’82 cheering on Navy in San Diego: Kneeling: Art Salindong (24), Lauren Reinhardt (10), Todd Brown (36). Standing: paul Shigley (10), Keith Ayres (27), Tom parry (14), Mike Teate (28), John Vance (2), Craig Smith (21), Bob Rubin (23) and Ralph Merg (36)
Joe Cardona, ’15, patriots long snapper, and Bobby Rountree in Houston for Super Bowl LI. Go Navy!
Sec’y: CApT Chris pietras, USN (Ret.) 9404 Jackson St., Burke, VA 22015 c: 860-885-9009; e: 83shipmate@gmail.com Facebook: USNA 1983 LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/83
John Vargo (4) sends an aloha:
Michael and Tom parry onboard Stennis in pearl Harbor
Bobby Rountree (25) checks in: M “In 2014 both Kathy and I retired and moved to Florida. My last 12 years working (post Navy retirement in 2002) were working civil service at NAS Oceana for Navy Region Mid Atlantic as the Air Operations Program Director. Kathy was the Virginia Beach Public Safety Attorney for the city. Now we reside in Debary, FL, about halfway between Orlando and Daytona Beach, right on I-4. Besides the wonderful winter weather, we get lots of visitors to the Orlando area. So, if anyone is heading this way, let us know and bring your golf clubs! Since we retired, we’ve been traveling a lot. Sure beats working! “Our big news was the birth of our first grandchild, Emma Anne in December 2015. Courtney and Matt live outside Boston but direct flights keep us less than 3 hours away. “Other happenings include going to Navy - Notre Dame in Jacksonville with Keith and Pam Boring (25). What a great weekend. Very recently, we checked off a bucket list item and went to Super Bowl LI
in Houston. Fortunately for us, we had an insider. Our son-in-law Matt is a college scout in the New England Patriots Player Personnel Department. Riding his coat tails, we had one incredible experience. We got to see the kids as well as Emma and we had babysitting duties a few nights while they had official team functions. We stayed in the team family hotel and got to attend team picture day on the day before the game. Picture day was held at the stadium and once the official team photo was done, family was allowed on the field to mingle with the players. I’ve attached a photo with Joe Cardona, Class of ‘15, who just completed his second year as the Patriots long snapper. We’re so happy for Joe. Two years ago he was beating Army and now he just won the Super Bowl! Once the game was over, we went to the team afterparty. What a crazy event that was due to how the game unfolded. That was a long night. Kathy got to babysit Emma during the game and watch the end once the little one went to sleep. “Our 35th reunion dates were just set and we hope to be able to make it and see everyone. Remember we’re near Orlando if travels bring folks this way and Go Navy, Beat Army! Bobby & Kathy Rountree”
SHOP. CONNECT. ENJOY! Shop through our Amazon Partnership portal. usna.com/amazon
M Thought I would check in after 30+ years.....went to Hawaii a few months ago and hooked up with the Fryin’ Hawaiian Don Loa (3). We spent a lot of time talking Bravo Company Stories (he was 3rd, I was 4th). Don recently relocated to Oahu after living many years in Washington. I still live in Jacksonville Florida and we both are looking forward to our 35th.”
Hang Loose, ’82! John Vargo and Don Loa meet in Hawaii
Drink to the foam, ’82! John Vargo and Don Loa get their shaka on
That’s it for this Shipmate. Stay tuned for more 35th Reunion updates. Please send in your picture and paragraph to share with your classmates. How about some photos from Reunions past, such as our 10, 15, and 20? Looking good, ‘82! – Razz
The mailbag is light – well not the mailbag, as I’ve yet to actually receive any mail for Shipmate (besides the annual Christmas letters from a few folks). But the email bag is light, and Facebook has been light also. I guess it is because everyone is al posted out about the election – no matter which side you were on (or if you were on the no side side), there was a lot of angst, accusations, and unfortunately downright nasty comments posted by many people. I hope that we can remember that we started together and finished together and remain brothers and sisters for life, no matter our hopes, fears and desires. So start sending me some newz, so I don’t have to fill a column with drivel. What would make my column writing easier? Some newz (send it to 83shipmate@gmail.com). Professional football is over, and I have to say, it was an exciting game. It looked like a blowout in the first half, only to see the Pats come back, tie it and then win it in overtime. It will be hard to top that game for excitement to the bitter end. Baseball spring training is in session. I am excited to see my teams (Mets and Nats) start swinging the bats once again. What does that all mean, well it means college football isn’t too far off. By the time this issue lands in your mailbox it will be May, with graduation around the corner, then I-day, Parents weekend, and football! So, buy your football tickets, come to the tailgaters. See our new tent, new trailer, and who knows what else;
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 83
83/83 CLASS NEWS most importantly see your classmates and socialize (and watch Navy kick some butt on the field). Da newz! 35th reunion – details to follow, but October 2018 is right around the corner as far as reunion planning goes. Want to be involved? Reach out to Neal Davidson – he wants some help ! Yo s Hoffner (yosuzukihoffner @gmail.com) on 2/3/17 Here’s a pic for ya! M About a month ago, during my first trip of the year, I was leaving my Airbus A320 at gate C30 at O’Hare International Airport, when who was standing in the jet bridge ready to take the jet out? None other than frank shaffer! A five minute ‘83 reunion ensued, and we had a flight attendant snap this pic before the onslaught of passengers. There are several classmates at United, where Frank and I fly, but not as many as at Delta. I think in the mid-90s, there were more ‘83 aviators flying for Delta than the US Navy. Thanks for pic and note Yo – Hey Frank, I haven’t seen you in over a decade, how about a Shipmate update ?
Sky Kings
Dress Riiigghht, Dress ! I don’t know who made them line up but I guess it must have been a really senior flag officer, like the CNO, or more likely it was one of the lovely spouses who said, hey I bet we could get in Shipmate with a group picture (hint to everyone else). In any event, here is a snap of the real bosses and the flag officers that were lucky enough to marry them. L2R: Dixon smith, Jon Yuen, Sandra Yuen, Kiki Connerton Smith, Kathy Klingerman Rixey, and Joe Rixey
84 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Flag Comearound
Classmates! Go NAVY! - John Hults and Pete stitt at Stevens Pass Mountain Resort.
address). One of the things the BOD has been working on is an Honorary Classmate Policy (procedure and process). It should be coming out for comments soon. One of our honorary classmates was in the newz recently – see stu Hedley ‘83 honorary classmate at the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Our oldest classmate at 95 years young ! http://abcnews.go.com/US/ remember-pearl-harborsurvivors-return-75th-anniversaryattack/story?id=44043107
Ski Bums
New classmail: The Alumni Association and Foundation are making classmail better! Classmail is now a full email service, not just a forwarding service (It can still forward as well). It’s powered by Google G Suites, just like Gmail is. Your classmail email address will remain the same but now you can log into it and use it just like you use Gmail. You’ll also have access to all the other Google services like Google Docs and Google Sheets. In late February/early march you should have received an email from admin@classmail.usna.com that will require you to confirm your forwarding address. All members who want to use classmail will need to take action. Even if you want to continue to forwarding email to the same address, you’ll need to approve the forwarding request that was sent to this address and follow the instructions in that email. A separate email will be sent with login credentials to use the new service as full service email. Your Board of Directors has been busy (I’m delinquent in posting minutes but I will get on that soon and send them out via classmail – so another hint to update your classmail with a good email
Trujillo, Honduras 2/23/17, RADM sean Buck, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT), arrives at the Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) campsite to conduct a tour of operation sites in Trujillo. CP-17 is a deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy/Released)
SopA
The sixth annual DC area evening reception will have come and gone by the time you read this – hopefully there will be pictures in a forthcoming issue of the 100 plus classmates and spouses who invaded Kiki and Dixon smith’s home at the Washington Navy Yard on 4/22. Hopefully it won’t be too rowdy of a crowd or we will never have another green light at one of our flag officer’s homes. A reminder to please update your contact information on usna.com (the only way you get classmail is with an updated email address, and only you can update it) and get a Facebook account / join our closed class group page,
USNA 1983, so you receive timely information. Our Facebook group has 550 members and counting – new members include Paul Boyne, David Dober and steve ockerman. Dennis Yeatman shared an email from more than 13 years ago from our late classmate Willie McCool. The email was sent to several people – classmates, old squadron mates, and Willie’s many many friends. Since another anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia just passed and Dennis shared Willie’s perspective, I thought it was appropriate to share with everyone. M Sat 1/25/2003 2:20 PM Greetings from 150 miles above the Earth! My apologies up-front for not writing each of you personally. The tempo is very high, and what few precious free moments I do have, I try to use absorbing the overwhelming smorgasbord of new experiences. There is so much to share with you! Too much to write ... so hang tight until post-flight when I can bring photos and videos to accompany the stories. This has been an unbelievable adventure! I hope you enjoyed watching the launch, and thanks for hanging tough through the many delays. More later when we return ... Willie PS - As I write, we just experienced a sunset over the Pacific, just East of Chile. I’m sitting on the flight deck in the CDR seat (front right) with a view of the Earth moving gracefully by. Sunsets and sunrises from space come every 45 minutes, and last only about 30 seconds, but the colors are stunning. In a single view I see looking out at the edge of the Earth - red at the horizon line, blending to orange, then yellow; followed by a thin white line, then light blue, gradually turning to dark blue, then various gradually darker shades of gray, then black with a million stars above. It’s breath-taking!
LUCKY BAG OF BOOKS To check out all the options for your reading pleasure, visit usna.com/LBB
83/85 CLASS NEWS
Willie McCool
Please keep our Classmates and family members in mind. Pick up the phone, send an email or knock on a door – Life is fragile. Please be sure to reach out and touch your loved ones, reconnect with an old friend or roommate, whether in person or on the phone. Just do it today, as we can never count on the opportunity to be able to do so tomorrow. 15 classmates mentioned in the column – but we have many more – let’s get your name in print! Chris Captain, United States Navy – Retired Got Newz ? send to: 83shipmate@gmail.com Once a classmate, always a classmate.
M “I retired from the Navy in 2006 (Doug was a RIO in F-14’s and and F-18D’s, and commanded a fighter squadron in combat. It didn’t seem important for him to mention that but I needed to fill some space and I saw Doug on TV years ago talking about opening night airstrikes in Iraq) and worked as an executive for two large aerospace and defense companies where I specialized in Business Development, Lobbying and Communications. I still have my flight gear in my basement but surprisingly the Air Boss hasn’t called yet. I ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2008, learning a lot along the way. I started my own company while getting my MBA at Virginia on the post 9-11 GI Bill. I went full time with my company CoAspire in 2015. We are a prime contractor and subcontractor providing cyber services to the government. I enjoy both lobbying and Business Development consulting for defense companies, IT companies and the Sea Cadets. Stacey and I have been married for 27
years and we live in Fairfax, VA. Our two kids are both in college in Virginia and, with one on her way to med school, I expect to be working for many, many more years!” Thirteen members of 30th Company from VA, MD and NJ got together for “Dark Ages Dinner” with their spouses and significant others in Alexandria. Dirty Thirty has remained very close since graduation, and thanks to Tom Beck, Rusty White and Mike Burgess’ organizational skills, the companymates in the Annapolis/DC area get together several times a year for dinners, sailing trips and golf. Doug sends the group photo from January, as well as a photo from their last golf outing in October at the Academy course. 30th Company, USNA 84 Reunion Dinner January, 2017 in Alexandria, VA. 1st Row (L-R): Rich Inman, Doug Denneny, Mike Burgess, Gail Inman, and Monica Gallagher. 2nd Row (L-R): Tom Gallagher, Blaise scioli, Tricia Morris,
State Trooper Mike pease and Greg in Washington
’83- a Class act!
’84 Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 2.26% Pres: CApT Toni Kasprzak, SC, USN (Ret.) e: tonitalks14@gmail.com
Chuck Hollingsworth, Jo Burgess, and Kathy Mohs. 3rd Row (L-R): Tom Beck, Tim Birdsong, Rusty White, al Lamson, fred adams, Patty Famiglietti, steve Wright, sam Mohs, Stacey Denneny, Karen Beck, Carolyn Lamson, and Janet Hollingsworth (not pictured Lisa White) Then, Greg Pease checked in from Davenport, WA where he’s nearly retired. Peaser and wife Annette Sandberg moved to Davenport from Alexandria VA in 2009 and enjoy fishing, golfing and the peaceful Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Son Mike is a Washington State Trooper and he and his wife are expecting Peaser’s Grandson in July.
’84: 30th Company and wives - 30th Company, USNA 84 Homecoming Golf outing, october, 2016 in Annapolis. (L-R): Rusty White, Al Lamson, Mike Burgess, Sam Mohs, Doug Denneny, Tom Beck and Rich Inman
Greg ran into Bill ‘oak’ o’Connell at Spokane Airport as Oak was deadheading back to Memphis. I spoke with Oak this morning and, after an always illuminating conversation, he mentioned seeing Mark Newman on the FEDEX ramp in Memphis. Oak noted Mark was still Plebe-year trim and asked if he was picking up his plebe uniform from the dry cleaners. Go gracefully into Spring and Summer. —Kevin
’85
Vice Pres: Blake Ratcliff e: blakedratcliff@gmail.com Treas: Melanie V. Doherty e: lambchop_nh3@yahoo.com
Life Membership: 95% Donor Participation: 1.51%
Sec’y: Kevin Monahan 428 Santa Mesa Dr., San Jose, CA 95123 p: 408-624-0773 e: kevin_monahan@comcast.net
Pres: Bob Smith 1009 Caiman Ct., Sellersburg, IN 47172 p: 502-432-6185; e: robertsmith5@att.net
Website: www.usna84.org
Corr Sec’y: Vic otero e: vic@otero-pearl.com
Staring at a blank page with 3 days until my deadline to the Alumni House, I got a note from Doug Denneny: ’84: 30th Company golfing in Annapolis
With a heavy heart I pass the news that our classmate Ron Zaleski (34th co) passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. Big Z played Football at the Academy and MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 85
85/86 CLASS NEWS spent his time on the fleet as a Marine. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Lisa and their kids Ron, Olivia and Madalyne. My second note comes from me. I had the fortune to attend Super Bowl 51 and watch the greatest quarterback of all time pull off a heroic comeback, anybody watch it? But enough about that, call me if you want to no more. While in Houston I had the opportunity to meet up with Lisa Caputo (14th), she is doing great and reports that her children are outstanding but growing fast. Lisa has become quite an accomplished long distance bicycle rider, so if you decide to ride with her you may want to use an electric bike. I have included a few pictures.
’86 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 3.09% Pres: CApT W. Scott Gureck, USN (Ret.) 514 Emory River Rd., Harriman, TN 37748 p: 808-227-2576; e: scott.gureck@gmail.com Vice Pres: Jeff Hornberger Treas: A.C. Raines Sec’y: CDR K.J. Delamer, USN (Ret.) ’85: At the Fallen Heroes Dedication-Tim & Marci Szymanski, Andy & Mary Lewis, Dave Loesch, Frank proctor, Joey Valentine, Dave Marquis, Greg Miller, Dan Ballard, Jim Stemple and me.
Again, one more quick reminder to (1) update your email and address on USNA.com, (2) join the Class of 1986 Facebook and/or LinkedIn pages (both classmate and spouse can request to join these closed pages) if you are on social media, and (3) send an update to be included in Shipmate. Thanks!! On to the news… Dan Ballister sends a quick update from Smoke Hall Foods world headquarters in beautiful Columbia, SC:
’85: 26th Company
Lisa Caputo
My next note comes from Ashley Yetman who had the chance to catch up with Charlie and Jennifer Giles on their last visit to USNA. They spent a large part of 3 hours laughing, which is easy to do when Charlie is not stage. I have attached a great photo of Charlie at Restriction muster, only thing missing was Captain Connoly USMC to inspect him.
STAY CONNECTED Find a Chapter. usna.com/FindAChapter
86 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Charlie Giles
I have also attached a picture of the group that attended the Fallen Heroes Dedication last fall. This group had the chance to get together at the Chesapeake Brewing Company where Dave Marquis is the owner. Any classmate that goes to Annapolis should go by and see Dave they really have a nice place and take care of us 85er’s. The night was awesome except for the part when Kegger Miller got some bad qouge from Sean Logan on where to park prior to entering the Chesapeake Brewing Co, at the end of the night we thought we had misplaced the
Corr Sec’y: CApT Anne G. Hammond, USN (Ret.) e: annegham@aol.com; p: 410-980-6460
vehicle as it turned out it was towed by the authorities. Lesson learned Sean has no connections with local police in Annapolis. I have also included a Throwback picture of 26th co classmates. Try to see how many you recognize. Since a few are on witness protection I will not post the names. BTW if anyone is looking for Mario Maddox stop looking, he reconed Tom Brady’s Jersey and is on the lamb. Just couldn’t recover after his Falcon’s turned into pigeons. Nothing changes please send me notes to: 85shipmate@gmail.com. GO NAVY VO
CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to classnews@usna.com
ISSUE: Aug 2017 Sept-Oct 2017 Nov-Dec 2017
DUE DATE: 30 May 2017 24 July 2017 25 Sept 2017
M “As many know, we’re about three years into this project now with The General’s Hot Sauce (www.GeneralsHotSauce.com); the business is funded by about a dozen USNA grads from ’86-87, along with several other friends of ours. We had a very simple rule—nobody gets to invest more than they’d lose on a bad weekend in Vegas. Yes, we came up with the idea for the business at the 2012 Army-Navy tailgater after being substantially overserved. Yes, our company name comes from a certain location that restriction muster attendees know well. And yes, our hot sauce is inspired by a classmate who hails from Buffalo, is a general officer, has made 10,000 pounds of wings for us over the years, and whose identity will never be divulged. Ever. From the outset, we’ve always had a simple mission: Make high-quality products that people love; Create jobs for veterans; Donate as much of our profit as possible to help military and veteran families; Create a great story of USNA alums doing good in the world; Don’t waste time working with $%holes; and Have as much fun as the law will allow!
86/86 CLASS NEWS I am pleased to report that we are making great progress on all fronts! We’ll cross the 100-ton mark this year on peppers grown down in Louisiana; we’re also getting good coverage from ABC, CBS, and a few other media outlets, and there’s more coming. We’re forming new distribution partnerships as we speak, we’re seeing a steady rise in online orders, and we’re partnering with major players in the ecommerce world, including a small company in Seattle that started by selling books on the Internet in the late 90s. We are also sharing proceeds with great organizations like paws4vets.org, and BootCampaign.org. These folks are working hard to improve the lives of our troops, veterans, and their families, and it’s an honor to help them with their expenses (and not their overhead). We’re really lucky to have some great people involved as investors and advisors—Erich Sauerbrey, Dan Beldy, Mike Taylor, Jeff Hornberger, Jim McNeal, Lou Jonske, Rob Kuzy, Jim “Fort” Fisher ’87, and Jeff Shirk ’87, among others. It has been fun to build a business together that has ’86 fingerprints all over it, and will hopefully give us something that we as a class can feel proud of. If you know folks looking for the ultimate side hustle repping us at local events/retail, or you have any interest in getting a piece of ownership in the business before we close the books in July, hit me up at dan@otwventures.com, and we’ll get it all sorted out. In the meantime, we’ll be hard at work growing peppers, making great hot sauce, and showing the world that the Class of ’86, and USNA in general, are working hard to make the world a better place. And, if you ever roll through Columbia, SC, please stop by our world headquarters for the royal tour, and a visit to the Tito’s Vodka Hot Sauce Tasting Lounge.” Next, an input from Nan Russell: M “I think this is the first time I have officially submitted something for Shipmate. New Zealand has a series of nine “Great Walks” that take anywhere from one day to a week. Susan and I are trying to do one each year at Christmas until we get them
all completed. This year we did Lake Waikeremoana – a four day three night 30 mile hike around part of the lake. The NZ Department of Conservation Maintains Huts along the way and you can book your stay. You have to carry all your gear, including your cooking equipment, food, etc. The area is spectacular – if anyone has seen the movie “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” they will know as that was filmed around the area of this hike (or tramp as it is called in New Zealand). We have done the Routeburn, and the Milford Tracks as well, and next Christmas we plan to do the longest walk, the Heaphy in the top of the South Island. As you can see I was all decked out in my USNA 86 hat and the watch from the 30th reunion – and had to laugh because the watch stopped on the first day! So much for Timex “takes a licking and keeps on ticking!”
Chris Allen sent a picture of 8 members of 4th company gathered in Las Vegas to celebrate 30 years . ( l-r : Jim Wilson, Robert Tabb, Chris Allen , pete Butler , Steve Mixson , Norm Cruz , and Mike Boyd ( not pictured Chris Ramos)) . Brett Sturken writes: M A couple of “Niners” got together for dinner last week. What a great night! Niners in the DC Metro area -
’86: Fourth Company gathers
Bill & Marti Merz, Chris & Andrea Castelli, Jesse Wilson, and Brett Sturken – were joined by visiting Jim McNeal at the Carlyle Grand in Shirlington for a fun evening of telling stories and catching up on life. Gotta say…it was very cool to have three admirals from the same company at the table. Whodathought? It was great to see everyone and hear about their adventures, and even better to hear about the success that our kids have achieved. We’re planning on another dinner soon and hope to have even more folks join us. Also, we’re looking forward to a few rounds of golf before Jesse heads to his next dutysta in Norfolk this summer. Class Challenge…four of us have signed on to run the USMC Historic Half in Fredericksburg, VA on 21 May 17. Come and join us!
And last and certainly not least, an input from my most frequent pen pal… Dave Hostetler writes: M Thoughout the winter, the weather in most of the country is reminiscent of the Dark Ages we experienced during our years at Canoe U. That said: I have no complaints here in Daytona Beach. Only a few days in the 30s and 40s. I have worn a jacket a few times. But that is enough gloating. Here is the latest from the 22nd Co. crowd:
Dave opatz started with the Department of Veterans Affairs January 2016 as a program analyst. He has since moved on to be the Chief of Staff for the Enterprise Program Management Office (EPMO) within the Office of Information and Technology in December 2016. EPMO is about 1400 staff and supports the technology software in the Veterans’ Administration (VA). He works in DC a few blocks from the White House and quote: “Yes, we didn’t go to work on Inauguration Friday.... Opy”. Chris Hickey (now working for Director of National Intelligence) and James Reed met for breakfast in late December in DC. James was visiting his sister in Bowie and Chris played hooky from work. (I’m sure his bosses were ‘aware.’) The big news from James was that he has started an Executive MBA Program at William & Mary. Good Luck, James!! Chris also coordinated the first 22nd Company Lunch held on January 11th in DC at Gordon Biersch. Attendees included James Addison (now working at Marriott), Tracy Howard (now working for General Dynamics), Chip McClelland (now working for IBM) and of course, Chris. They all shared a lunch full of laughs. Chip was in DC on a business trip while Tracy was suffering through the Surface Navy Conference (too many skimmers for him). “Hundred’s Day” is just passed for the Classes of 2017 and 2020. I have included a mugshot from our 100’s day “flashback” circa Feb ‘86 in my Flashback Photo input. For me in Florida, the Daytona 500 is completed and next up is Bike Week followed by Spring Break. Things are going well for me MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 87
86/87 CLASS NEWS Tom Kolongowski was not only booked, but DOUBLE-booked. Dave opatz positively chimed in with “Here’s to March!” Chip, Tom, Bill, James Addison and Mark Magee all indicated positive thoughts for March. We have you on record, gents. I have no doubt that this event will take off and continue the already great camaraderie in 22. Until next time, “Still on the loose!” Dave “Hoss” Hostetler, ‘86-22nd Company Scribe, DHostetler033@gmail.com
MIDN 1/c Dave Hostetler flashes back to his plebe days with a stellar salute during Hundred’s Night in February 1986
’86: Does anyone else remember this poster? Shout out to Vernon and Mary (Blair) Butler and their daughter Natalie of the amazing UCoNN women’s Hoop team
in Daytona Beach. I have been doing some local theatre and most recently have been performing in an interactive murder mystery dinner theatre. Two more show dates. No Spoilers!! I enjoyed watching the class of 2020’s Gary Tse in the Jeopardy College Championship. A calm composed young man that had some fun with bets of $12345 and $4 (maybe a shout out to his class or company—not sure). He represented all Navy alumni well and walked off with $50K in winnings. Can you say “Mega-Storm Brothers Ice Cream” Run? The Men of 22 and their family and friends have been quite busy leaving little time to provide written inputs. But, I did receive this update from “Don’t Call Me Steve, Call Me Wendell” Crouch: “Got the current edition of the Shipmate magazine today. That was a very nice article you wrote and the picture was perfect (do Greg Cruz and Terry McElroy actually age?). For work I spent
88 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
last week in Mexico and this week in New York. Debbie (wife) and I spend a couple of weeks per year in Florida and would love to look you up the next time we are down. Just wanted to say “Hi.” Thanks for the input, Wendell. Other news: Bill Finn started a new job with SODEXO in February. (Good luck!!) And Chris Hickey is still leading the charge for the monthly DC luncheons. February’s was cancelled due to all the important activities (excuses?) some of the locals and one Mountain Time-Zoner provided. Chris himself was involved in a training session. Chris orwoll came up with the lame excuse of “flying from New Mexico for a lunch is not an option.” Really Space Man?? Wendell Crouch was in Mexico and New York. Looks like he made it back across the border unscathed. Chip McClelland was at AFCEAWest at the San Diego Convention Center. (Tough luck having to go to San Diego in February!!)
“I’ll do anything to look taller” (L-R) Bill Wynn, Dave Hostetler, Tracy Howard at a certain dance in May of 1986
Thanks all for the great inputs! Keep sending them in… Best, Anne
’87 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 2.78% Pres: Jim Matheson e: jmatheson@1987.usna.com Shipmate columnist: Robert pinataro 7 Meadowood Ln., Binghamton, NY 13901 e: rob.pinataro@stny.rr.com; p: 770-722-6373 Website: www.usna87.org
Hello ’87, This information about our upcoming 30th reunion has hopefully reached you long before now via email, LinkedIn, Facebook or other means. However, because
we’d all like to see your 30 year older faces at the reunion, I’m providing this in the hope of encouraging the maximum possible number of classmates to join the festivities. M Monday, 20 February 2017 Hello Class of ’87, It’s getting real and planning for the 30th reunion is underway, making way now that we have a date for the event during the weekend of September 23, 2017 at USNA. Reunion events will start on Thursday (9/21) with a day of golf and an evening reception in The Yard. Friday will be a full day in The Yard followed by an evening reception at the LOEWs. Saturday will be tailgating all day long with the Navy v Cincinnati game at 3:30pm, and there is some potential for Sunday (9/24) breakfast at King Hall! IT IS NOW TIME FOR YOU TO MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS AND GET YOUR GAME TICKETS!!! Hotel for the reunion: LoEW’s Hotel annapolis We have a block of rooms at the LOEW’s Hotel Annapolis where our Reunion HQ will be based. Rooms are $309 per night, down from $359 normally. There is a 2-night minimum for this rate and to count against our Class block - be sure you mention you are with the Class of 1987 for the discount. To reserve, either call or go on-line: LOEW’s HOTEL 126 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-263-7777 Central Reservations: 877-870-9596 Or follow this link: https://www.loewshotels.com/ annapolis/usna-class-of-198730th-reunion football Ticket Info: We are having our Class Tailgater in The Class Ring Northeast and The Class of 1953 Memorial Space. This is a great location for the tailgater but it means everyone MUsT have a game ticket, either a seat or standing room (for the Hill, etc.) to get into the Tailgater. We have section D reserved entirely for The Class of 1987 (420
87/88 CLASS NEWS seats, this is the section closest to the Tailgater) and 300 standing room only seats. Reserved seats in section D will cost $40 while standing room tickets will cost $25. If you know that you will just be staying at the Tailgater for the whole game, just get a standing room tickets as this is a cheaper way into the game. Children ages 2 and under will NOT need a ticket to get in. our Class promo code is: 1987 This code MUST be entered here AT THE BEGINNING of the ticket purchase process on-line at this link: NAVY TICKET OFFICE: http://ev12.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ ncommerce3/EVExecMacro?linkID =navy&evm=prmo&RSRC=&RDAT =&caller=PR You can also call the Navy Ticket Office at: 800-US4-NAVY Again, you MUST have a ticket if you plan to attend the Class Tailgater. —————————Now, here’s what we need from YoU! Please make your hotel reservations and buy your game tickets asaP per above! 1. Please take 5 minutes right now to provide info for a Class survey which will help us start to gauge early attendance numbers at each of the events. 2. This is NoT binding and is NoT an official Registration – we will follow up several weeks later in the planning process with Registration info. 3. Take me to the USNA Class of 1987 Survey: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/D268Z28 4. Please take 5 more minutes to forward this email to AT LEAST 3 of your Classmates to keep the word moving about the Reunion. Just hit FORWARD and pick 3 of your USNA friends whom you need to say hello to anyhow and send them this email. More than 3 is better, but do this for at least 3 à come on Shipmate, make it happen! —————————If you have any questions or ideas, please send an email to: usna1987reunion@gmail.com It is going to be another great reunion so most importantly, block
the time on your calendar, rally your Family and get your plane tickets, hotel room and game tickets! Don’t miss a chance to be with your Classmates and friends – come be part of an amazing weekend and feel the ’87 Love! Go Navy, Beat Cincy! Your 30th Reunion Planning Team usna1987reunion@gmail.com PS If you want to join the Reunion Planning Team, please send us an email at: usna1987reunion@gmail.com Please send your news for Shipmate to: rob.pinataro@stny.rr.com.
’88 Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 2.60% Pres: Jim Schwab c: 972-489-4061 e: jschwab@crimstonepartners.com Vice Pres: Henry Stoever w: 202-572-2102; c: 301-787-9700 e: henry.stoever@gmail.com Sec’y: Sara Salas Wickard c: 757-589-0678; e: swickard88@gmail.com Website: www.usna88.com
Classmates, Our 30th reunion is fast approaching – years fly by, don’t they? I will be planning the Friday night reception and welcome any input and suggestions. Along with the reunion, 30 years also emphasizes the class legacy gift. If you are not aware of the class project, here is a breakdown. Private donations are extremely important to the Academy mission. Please give – “pay it forward” and honor the gift you were given 30 years ago. r/ Sara Dear Member of the Class of 1988, Three years ago your class embarked on an effort to raise $500,000 to support USNA. As you enter the fourth year of your project, we’d like to thank you for your great support of today’s Brigade of Midshipmen and tell you where the project stands. Component, Goal Raised, % of Goal and Donors Cyber Center Support; $200,000; $73,076; 37%; 99 Experiential Leadership Development $100,000; $30,513; 31%; 96
Athletic Excellence $125,000; $81,392; 65%; 93 USNA Annual Fund $75,000; $173,805; 232%; 188 Total: $500,000; $358,785; 72% All gifts received or pledges registered by 12/31/2018 will count toward this class project. Call 410-295-4117 or email rich.goldsby@usna.com for more information or to make a gift. Thank you, Rich Goldsby, Associate Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs Robert and Lea Ann Durand promotion Day
From Robert Durand (Austin, TX): M On October 1, 2016, I had the honor of being sworn in as rear admiral (lower half) at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy on the Washington Navy Yard by retired rear admiral Stephen Pietropaoli. I now serve as the Navy Vice Chief of Information, the senior public affairs officer in the Navy Reserve.
My wife Lea Ann (met in 88, married in 90) was aided by my brother Jim (‘86, 26th Company, Lt. Col. USMC, ret.) and his wife Leslie helped me into my new shoulderboards and cover. Between graduating as a proud Phy Sci major and promoting to flag, I went to SWOS, served on USS McCandless (FF 1084) out of Norfolk as DCA and EMO, lateral transferred to PAO in 92, served on the Navy News Desk at the Pentagon and then as PAO on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in Bremerton. We moved to Texas and into the Navy Reserve after Nimitz; Austin has been home base for 20 years. In the reserve, I’ve mobilized twice to be the director of public affairs at JTF Guantanamo Bay, and did a 3-year recall to be the PAO for the Chief of Navy Reserve. We are soon to be empty nesters - our daughter Claudia is a senior in HS and has been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin; son Chase is a sophomore at NC State and oldest son Logan is 25 and an IT manager living in Austin. I’ve managed to make all the 5-year reunions except for the 25th, when I was in Cuba, but hope to see everyone at the 30th!
From paul Muller (Rhode Island): M It seems that I manage to write in about every 7-8 years or so... less than some, more than others. The biggest news is that I got married this summer, and became a dad at the same time! Jacqui and I actually met in 7th grade, went on a single date during the college years, and just sort of stayed in touch when nothing developed. A few years ago, I was headed North for a clambake at another friend’s, we went out to dinner just to catch up, and well... now we’re married! Along with Jacqui, I get to be a dad to Keller (11) and Raegan (8) — it’s a heck of a lifestyle change, but I’m loving it!! It was a small ceremony here in Rhode Island, but my roommate, Jeff Margraf, and his wife Lisa still made it all the way from the Whidbey Island area to be here for us. Aside from that, I’ve (finally!) managed to escape D.C. for good, after 3 tours and 8 1/2 years of Pentagon time, and I’m doing my final active-duty tour as the Senior Marine at the Naval War College in Newport. It’s a great way to wrap up 30 years, I’m teaching in the National Security Affairs Department alongside classmate Erik Wright, and as a pair of Connecticut locals,
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 89
88/90 CLASS NEWS Jacqui and I are loving being together in New England as we move on forward together, post-Marine Corps in another year or so. (And, of course, we loved this year’s football season - Go Pats!) At the moment, I’m also the new President of the Rhode Island Chapter of our Alumni Association. No idea quite how that happened, or how long I’ll be in the position, but it’s a thing for now. We’re planning to stick around little Rhody post-retirement, so if you’re headed to Newport or the surrounding area, we’ll be here! Hope to see a bunch of you at the 30th! Semper fi, Paul Muller
paul, Jacqui, Keller and Raegan Muller
From Chris Synder (New Orleans, LA): M It’s been a busy year for Beth and I since leaving Okinawa in June. We moved back to the Big Easy and enroute dropped off Preston ’20 at I-day for the start of Plebe Summer. Beth and all the boys made it back to Parent’s Weekend which was the first time all of the “brothers” had been together in three plus years. Chris Jr. ‘12 and Andrew ’14 are both stationed at Camp Lejeune now so it makes visiting easier.
We were able to make it up for Second Class Parent’s Weekend in Oct to see Garrett ‘18 and watch the football team beat Houston – brought back some great memories of our Plebe Year victory over South Carolina. Although the weather was pretty miserable most of the day, the excitement around Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium was incredible. Also able to see Jim Schwab and Dennis Sullivan. When you get certain people together something never change…Good times! Was at Camp Pendleton during December for the Marine Corps Installations and Logistics Board. It was great catching up with Steve Sklenka, Dave Maxwell, and Dan Conley. Our class has set a high standard with three “loggie” generals. If you ever find yourself in the NOLA area, please drop me a line. We always have an extra bed or can link up down in the French Quarter. Cheers,Chris
1stLt Snyder, plebe Snyder, Hank Snyder, 2nd Class Snyder and Capt Snyder
Dean Valentine and Tom Smith
Margaret Brounk (Richmond, VA) and Michelle (Laurenzano) Boretti (Crofton, MD)
’89 BGen Maxwell, BGen Conley, BGen Sklenka, and Col Snyder
The Hope Open may be over when this article publishes, but what a testimony to the strength of family and friendship. Mark it on your calendar for next year! r/Sara M For the past three years our classmate pat Brown has hosted a golf tournament in Ashburn, VA in honor of my daughter Hope. Hope was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 7. She is now 10 and has beaten cancer but The HOPE OPEN continues, raising funds for pediatric cancer research. The HOPE OPEN will be held Monday, May 1st at the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, VA. Details to register, sponsor or donate are available at www.birdeasepro .com. The event includes a best ball format tourney on the Arnold Palmer designed course, great swag, lunch, unlimited beverages on the course, dinner, cash bar and an exciting live auction. You can reach Pat or I at: info@TheHopeOpen.org with any questions. With hope...Ted Veazey (Ashburn, VA)
Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 2.24% Pres: Ingar Grev 904 Barbury Pl., Annapolis, MD 21401-6485 p: 410-571-0105; w: 703-243-6613 f: 419-818-7319; e: igrev@1989.usna.com Corr Sec’y: Scott McFadden e: jscottmc89@yahoo.com Listserv: usna89@yahoogroups.org Listserv Subscription: send a blank email to usna89-subscribe@yahoogroups.com from the address you wish listserv traffic to be sent To Post a Message: write your messag and send it to usna89@yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe: send a blank message to usna89-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Webmaster: CDR Dave Klain, USN e: dave@klain.net
’90 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 2.15% Pres: Lawrence “Kai” Yeh e: kyeh@mpsgc.com Vice Pres: Frank Bendik e: fbendik90@yahoo.com Ops: Maj Carter Honesty, USMC (Ret.) e: carterhonesty@yahoo.com Treas: Tom Callender e: tmcallender4@verizon.net Sec’y: Trey Alexander e: shipmate1990@yahoo.com Website: www.usna90.com Facebook: USNA Class of 1990
SEA STORIES Are you on active duty? Send your Sea Stories to seastories@usna.com
90 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Hope Veazey
Congrats to Rick “Red Dog” McCormack, CO of USS GERALD R FORD (CVN 78), and his crew for hosting POTUS at Newport News Shipyard. A distinguished honor for any commanding officer, and
90/91 CLASS NEWS certainly one for the Class of ‘90! Here are a couple photos snagged from Facebook, including one of Rick with his lovely wife Peggy.
poTUS and Red Dog
peggy and Rick
Another career highlight to share, this one from Rita (fuller) Moss: M “I wanted to share a bit of news about my career movement. I have recently taken on a new role as a Senior Executive in Human Resources at the Department of Homeland Security’s National Protection and Programs Directorate. In my role, I serve as the Chief Human Capital Officer and will lead the organization’s human resources strategic and operational functions.”
… YOU! Send your updates about family, career, and other personal milestones to shipmate1990@gmail.com, and include photos. Also, don’t forget to update your contact information at USNA.com, especially email addresses and phone numbers. If you don’t remember your log-in ID and/or password, you can send an email to onlinecommunity @usna.com for assistance with resetting them. Right now, we only have valid email addresses for less than 75% — and our class Facebook group only has about 60% participation — so we strongly encourage everyone to update both of these. Help the process by connecting with your former roommates who are “laying low”, and encouraging them to get reconnected. The more accurate the contact information, the easier it is for us to share news, celebrations, and details about upcoming class events. Until next time … Go Navy! Go ’90!
’91 Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 1.74% Pres: Bradley Carlson p: 702-812-2783; e: bcarlson1991@gmail.com Sec’y: Jack Colletti p: 412-407-7852; e: shipmate91@gmail.com Website: www.usna91.info
Classmates: Over the Christmas Holiday, we heard the sad news that our classmate Rich Sinley (2) passed away on December 25.
I’m posting the obit from his hometown newspaper here: M James Richard Sinley, Jr. “Richard” was received into the loving arms of Jesus and welcomed home by his Heavenly Father on December 25th, 2016. He was born in Fort Collins, Colorado on March 3rd, 1967 to Jim and Lauretta Sinley. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1991 and commissioned into the United States Navy. He served in the U.S. Navy honorably for fourteen and a half years, earning the rank of Lieutenant. Richard married Anusha on June 27th, 1999 in Bahrain. Having returned later that year to the U.S., they then resided in Fort Collins, Colorado to raise their family. He was active with Naval Academy graduates, was a founding member of Grace Hill Church, enjoyed working on computers, and was always serving others. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Anusha, parents Jim and Lauretta Sinley of Fort Collins, his son Ethan, daughters Sandami and Sithumi, his brother Jason Sinley, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. A memorial service was held at Drake Road Christian Church on December 30th, 2016. Burial with full military honors was held at Fort Logan National Cemetery on January 3rd, 2017. A Memorial Fund for the Sinley children has been set up here: https://www.plumfund.com/ memorial-fund/richardsinley-memorial-fund
BZ, Rita! Very short column this month, so that means we need to hear from
USNA CANDIDATES Start the youngster you know on the road to USNA. To request infor or apply online, visit usna.edu/Admissions
’91: Rich Sinley and his wife Anusha, with their children son Ethan and daughters Sandami and Sithumi in 2013
The mailbag has been very light over the past year, but wanted to thank JAY DEBELLIS (21) for this excellent note, which really captures how many of us feel: M Classmates: Over the past 25 years, I’ve not stitched two words together to send to Shipmate. I don’t have anything close to a worthwhile explanation. Maybe I just didn’t think much of sharing or I was “busy” – between deployments, marriage, kids, and transitions… but over the years, I’ve often opened my issue of Shipmate somewhat disappointed to see nothing published for our class. Trust me, the irony in those statements is not lost on me. But now, I’d like to try to get a message out. A week prior to our reunion, I was down in Austin, Texas at a memorial for a flight school buddy, Ron Marullo, who was truly a brother to me. Ron was a GW grad and an indispensable friend. In between my first trips to Afghanistan and Iraq, he somehow managed to introduce me to my wife. Like several of our classmates, we lost him way too soon, and Ron’s year long battle really had great effect on me. Not a day goes by that I do not take a moment to remember him. If you think about where our class got dropped off in history, a number of us were fairly experienced military officers on the day 9/11 changed the world. All of us were deeply affected by that day, and many of us were in rather responsible positions – which were the entire reason we were at the U. S. Naval Academy in the first place. The defining insane event of our generation. Timing – exact. There are a lot of things in life that we don’t control – in reality, it is just about everything in the “extremely significant” department. Consequently, if you don’t take the time to reflect from time to time, you run the risk of time running straight over you. Your relationships are important, and you have relationships forged long ago that you don’t even realize are still there. We all need to honor those relationships, those friendships, and those who are now gone. MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 91
91/92 CLASS NEWS We were just kids in Annapolis, and we all grew up in a granite zoo that shaped us to stand together as a united class, as tenacious warriors, and as wise citizens. Such unbreakable bonds are only created by shared sacrifices and when you break it all the way down – love. We could do the things we did because we could always count on each other, regardless of circumstances. There was a lot of love at that reunion – at the Memorial Service, walking around the yard, under the big top at Dave Hauth’s hacienda (Thanks Dave!), running into guys at the Mid-“store” (more like a Mall now), and anytime you shared five minutes with someone not seen in decades. I cannot even begin to list the names of all the classmates it was such a joy to see again. It was truly amazing. Priceless events are rare in life, and the premium is what you pay if you pass them up. You’ll know how much it matters the first time you look into the eyes of an old friend. That stuff defines each of us. It’s all still there. But, you have to show up because each of us is only part of what made it so damn great. I want to thank every member of the Reunion Committee for their tireless efforts to pull this together. Like most events of this nature, no one can appreciate how much work was involved except the folks who were truly “in the arena.” I can only say, and many would second the sentiment… “Thank you for making this happen.” It was epic. Next time… Get there! Jay De Bellis North Bend, WA Thank YOU Jay and well said. We all appreciate the sentiments and hope that we can get an even better turnout for the BIG 30! Until next time, I remain your loyal scribe. ~Jack
ALUMNI STORE Your source for class, club and chapter logo apparel and gifts. usna.com/shop
92 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
’92 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 2.02% Pres: Creighton Armstrong Corr Sec’y: CDR Doug Barber, JAGC, USN (Ret.) Gentry Locke, 10 Franklin Rd. S.E. Suite 900, Roanoke, VA 24011 p: 540-983-9300; e: barber@gentrylocke.com Website: www.usna92.com ’92: 25TH COMPANY
This month features our classmates from the 25th Company! Participation was so good that I had to break this into two installments: From shawn Callahan: M “I retired from the Marine Corps in 2014, and my last assignment was at the Command and Staff College in Quantico. That translated
into a contract job teaching and developing courseware at Marine Corps University (that still doesn’t sound right to me). Rob fulford is there too, having taken over as Director of EWS last summer. Since I ultimately decided on a second career in education, I am also working to complete a PhD in history at the University of Maryland. Lisa and I have a 12 year old son, Thomas, and we live in Annapolis. I have been keeping busy supporting his Boy Scout troop, which has made for some great times together in the outdoors. We also get to see classmates periodically at the tailgater Phil Reed has running, and hope to see more this fall. The attached picture is of Lisa and I in the Serengeti in 2014, right after I retired.”
From Phil Reed: M “It has been a relatively unusual path for me since we graduated, and I certainly feel very blessed! After graduation, I was a SWO in Norfolk and Mayport before I jumped out at the 5-year point in ‘97. About a year later, I made the best decision of my life and married my amazing wife Shellie in Virginia Beach. Subsequently, we lived in a few regions over the next few years as I worked in a few different industries. After 9/11, I was extremely motivated to return to military duty, so I found a way to be recalled to Active Duty within the Navy Reserve in Baltimore. Over the next 5 years or so, I translated that initial impulse into a new Navy career path. Since then, I have worked
’92 25th Co.
92/93 CLASS NEWS primarily in the Pentagon in a host of Human Resources and Information Technology positions. I am retiring from my military career at the end of this year, finishing up as Cybersecurity Director for the Navy Reserve in Norfolk as a Geographic Bachelor. Shellie and I have remained Annapolis residents for the past 15 years, currently living very close to the stadium and downtown with our miniature schnauzers. Shellie has also been very active in Annapolis, culminating in her current role as a bridge between city government, downtown businesses, local residents, and other downtown stakeholders as the Executive Director of the Downtown Annapolis Partnership, a non-profit organization serving as the designated National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Program for the City of Annapolis. We have also really enjoyed helping to host the newly reconstituted ‘92 Class Tailgates during the football and lacrosse seasons and also leading or participating in other social events for alumni and friends in Annapolis. We are really looking forward to seeing y’all this fall! Please reach out to us directly at our Navy Gate Mavericks Facebook Page for tailgating fun!” From John Weber: M “25 years into a few paragraphs - 7 years active duty submarine service including a visit to the North Pole aboard WHALE. Reserve since then, submarine units for about 10 years and Pacific Fleet Staff for the past 5. Civilian life - 6 years with HVAC control systems for Carrier in Boston & the SF Bay Area. 7 years with GE’s Bently Nevada in Minden, NV. Deployment to Iraq in 2010 in the J5 working the turnover plan with the State Department. In 2014 moved to Brentwood (not O. J.’s Brentwood) to work for PG&E back in the SF Bay Area. I met my wife after moving to CA in 2005 - expect we’ll stay in the corridor between Reno & San Francisco - the climate
is great and Lake Tahoe is close by. Abby & Quinn are 6 and enjoy adventuring out - we make many trips to Tahoe. We’ve finally gotten snow this winter so we’re getting them up on skis.” From Katie (Patrick) Edwards, M “After graduation I spent 7 years on active duty in various sea and shore supply billets in the Mayport /Jacksonville area and in San Diego. I left active duty after my department head tour on USS John Young (DD 973) and spent almost 7 more years in the reserves assigned to billets in San Diego, Atlanta and Boston before becoming just a Navy dependent. scott Edwards (’91) and I got married in December 1992 and have two children. Laura (16) is a sophomore on the varsity dance team. Nick (14) is in 8th grade and has just traded in his soccer cleats for running and cycling shoes. Neither Scott nor I can keep up with him so he’s on his own. Scott retired from the Navy in 2012 and we have been living in O’Fallon, IL (metro St. Louis) since then. After so many short Navy tours taking us from coast to coast and from Newport to New Orleans it’s nice to be able to settle in one place for more than a year or two. We’ll probably end up living somewhere a little warmer though once our kids have graduated from high school. For now I teach group fitness classes at the YMCA and at Gold’s Gym so those keep me off the couch and out of the house.” From f. Bryone “oggie” ogden: M “After graduation I stuck around USNA to coach football. I got married after the season. My wife, Chris, and I have four beautiful children – Hannah (22; senior at UF – Go Gators!); Trey (18; soon to be USNA Class of 2021!); Lizzy & Nikki (15). I attended flight school and became a helicopter pilot. I did sea tours with HS-3 in Jacksonville, FL (both JO and DH); CVW-3 staff; and had command of HS-5 in Norfolk, VA. My shore tours were at VX-1 in Pax River, MD; student at NWC in Newport, RI; the Pentagon; and PERS-43 in Millington, TN. On 1 April 2016 I assumed command
of COMPHIBRON SIX (Little Creek, VA). The ceremony was held onboard the ARG Flagship - USS WASP (LHD 1). The Navy Football Brotherhood was well represented at my CoC – frank schenk (91), Don Jack (91), Mike Davis, Dave Britt, Duke Ingraham (93), Derek Peterson (99), shun White (09), and Ricky Dobbs (11) all honored me with their presence. (Picture included) So did many other USNA grads including my roommate Phil Reed. Jun-Dec 2016 I deployed as Commodore of the WSPARG and we made history through the vast ordnance expended in our liberation of Sirte, Libya, a previous stronghold of IS-Libya. It was a most rewarding combat deployment! I never imagined that I would still be wearing a uniform at this point in time – 30 years since it all started at NAPS in 1987. But the tours have been interesting, challenging, and enjoyable; and they keep letting this dumb football player stick around…so I have. Pretty soon I’ll have to hang up the uniform and figure out what I want to be when I “grow up”. Any suggestions? The majority of my “free time” is spent attending my kids’ myriad events – football, baseball, swimming, soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading, diving, etc. Life - it’s a wonderful ride! GoNavy!!” From Dave sarkin: M “I retired in December of 2014 after a career as a VP NFO. I spent my last tour in San Diego at the Reserve Region but most of my Navy years were split between both coasts at Aviation Commands. The first three photos are from my retirement ceremony in November 2014. Pictured with me in those photos are my mother, Kathleen, and my brother John sarkin ‘95. Kathleen unexpectedly passed in August, but will be remembered by my Classmates as a gracious host and someone who was “all in” with USNA. The last photo is of John and I at his O-6 pinning on the 9th of December 2016. I’ve settled in San Diego and am currently working with the LCS program.” Next month, 25th Company Part II! Thanks, —Doug
’93 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 2.69% Pres: Maj Joe Moreno, USMCR p: 760-444-4721; e: joe@usna93.com Vice Pres: CApT Colleen Salonga, USN Treas: Efren Mojica Corr Sec’y: Maj Shogo Cottrell, USMCR 20902 W 117th St., Olathe, KS 66061 h: 913-782-8149; e: shipmate@usna93.com Website: http://www.usna93.com
We have a pretty short column this month, but it’s better than nothing! Thanks to Melanie Butler who wrote: M Thought I would write in and talk a bit about the periodic get-togethers we’ve been having in the DC-metro area. This effort was started by Terry Hagen about three years ago (I think) before he retired, and I’ve taken over the administration of setting up the events and managing the email distro. We meet about every 2-3 months at Sine’s in Pentagon Row, and we’ve had some that have become “regulars,” and some that come sporadically. Over the last couple of years we’ve seen Colin Smith, Ed McNulty, Bob Moskal, Sal Contreras, Jim Wais, Margie (Legget) Westerbeck, Jeff and Lourdes (Vallaza) Krause, Cyndi (Viernes) Morgan, Tim Tenne, Dave and Melissa (Gerace) Ashby, John Barranco, Damon Drysdale Bizouka, Ted Burke, Todd Dudley (I think we’ve had Terry once, too), Jay Murphy, David Kiick, Wayne Gunther, Kris Griffin, Mark Holzrichter, Colleen Salonga, Lee Pearce, and Trent Wolfersberger. I may have missed a few that have managed to be in town when we’re getting together, but you can see we have a good number of classmates in and around the area. The list I currently manage has over 150 names on it (though some of them aren’t actually in the area anymore - but have asked to remain on distro to stay “in the know”). If you’re not getting my emails, and would like to go on the distro, please send me a note at melanie.c.butler.civ@mail.mil. I always post the event in the class page on Facebook, too, so that if people are passing through they at MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 93
93/95 CLASS NEWS
’93: This is the most recent DC-metro area get-together in February 2017. From left to right is Melanie Butler, Jay Murphy, David Kiick, Mark Hotzrichter, Lee pearce, Todd Dudley, Sal Contreras, Colleen Salonga, and Wayne Gunther.
least know about the opportunity to get together with classmates and enjoy reminiscing while having a beer. Thanks for keeping that social group going Melanie and we appreciate the photo! Please keep those updates coming! Carpe Diem – Shogo
’94 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.53% Pres: Jim Keck c: 904-477-2133; e: JKeck@usna94.com Vice Pres: Julie Spencer e: jspencer@1994.usna.com Treas: Brian Bruggeman e: btbruggeman@hotmail.com Sec’y and Corr Sec’y: Maria J. pallotta p: 410-440-7552; e: mariapallotta@yahoo.com
’95 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.15%
supported each other’s careers ever since. After a successful tour as the Commanding Officer of the USS Cole (DDG 67), Dennis is currently serving in the Pentagon as the Deputy Director, Investments, Navy Budget Office. Dennis is slated to serve as the Commanding Officer of the USS San Jacinto (CG 56). In addition to serving in the Navy Reserves, Liz serves her country in the Department of Homeland Security. Liz is a Notre Dame grad (nobody’s perfect), and Dennis had several signs made up for the wedding that were a homage to the famous “Play Like a Champion” sign from South Bend, including one that said “Marry Like a Champion.” I think it’s safe to say they both achieved that goal. It was great to see some old friends at the wedding as well. John Strickland lives in Portland, Oregon. John was a Nuke SWO (what everyone aspires to be), and now works as an engineer for Siemans. Brian McPheeters lives in Dallas, Texas
with his wife Shelley and their kids. Brian is the Vice President of Finance for John Paul II High School. After twenty years as a Naval Aviator, flying H-60s, Ronnie Finch is closing in on retirement. Ronnie’s looking to relocate to the Gulf Coast with his wife and four kids. Upon his departure from the Navy in 2005, Andy Gnau (24th Co.) and his wife Viviana followed each other from California to Massachusetts for 6 years while they each attended graduate school. Viviana is a practicing dentist. After wrapping up a dual MBA and Master of Public Administration at MIT Sloan and the Kennedy School, Andy spent several years in New York and D.C. in banking and consulting before joining the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he is part of a small office focused on revolutionizing and centralizing the Veterans Benefits Administration’s approach to nationwide workload management in order to continue reducing the claim inventory and wait time. More importantly, they doubled the size of their family with their daughter Catalina in 2011 and son Matthew in 2013. They currently live in Rockville, Maryland. I’m still practicing law in Philadelphia at Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, but we moved out to the suburbs a few years ago and now live in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. Suzy and I have two boys, Finn, age 6, and Patrick, age 4. After a few
Pres: Andre Coleman CDR, CEC, USN (Ret.) c: 571-344-0336 e: andre_coleman@hotmail.com
Tres: Maj James B. Burke, UMSMCR c: 808.228.3877; e: burkejbusmc@yahoo.com Comms Dir/Webmaster: Ed Galloway e: edward.galloway@1995.usna.com ’95: L to R, John Strickland, Andy Gnau, Liz and Dennis Farrell, Rick Coe, Ronnie Finch, and Brian Mcpheeters.
Hello ’95! I have some good updates here. First up is Rick Coe: M I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of two lovely people with distinguished careers in public service, CAPT Dennis Farrell (’95) and CDR Elizabeth Clifton. Dennis and Liz met in Newport while honing their surface warfare skills and have 94 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Rick Coe with his boys Finn and patrick
Great to hear from you, Rick! Glad you’re bringing your boys up right. Spencer Abbot sent in a great pic from a night out at the Kennedy Center with classmates. Here is what each is up to: M Spencer finished a squadron command tour with VFA-27 in Japan in 2015, and more recently a White House Fellowship at the State Department. He now works on the Joint Staff, and lives in Arlington with his wife Laura and two daughters, Eloise (4) and Grace (1). From Silas: I’m currently a fellow at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) in the DC area until the summer. From Mike Baker: I lead Defense Attaché Operations in the AsiaPacific region for DIA and I’m the Navy Senior Service Advisor to the Defense Attaché Service.
Vice Pres: CApT Robert “Bobby” Coogan, USN e: flynavy95@gmail.com
Sec’y: Kate Dooley c: 202-320-6776; e: ktdooley@hotmail.com
Navy football games and a lot of swag from the Midstore, they are both committed Navy fans. They talked me into putting on my uniform for the first time in more than 15 years for a Veterans’ Day event this year. If you’re ever in Philadelphia or down at the Jersey Shore, let us know!
Reuben Brigety is currently Dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University. Thank you, gentlemen! Great hearing from you and seeing you out with your lovely wives. Until next time… Non sibi, Kate
’95: Leelie Selassie, Mike Baker, Stacey Merritt-Baker, Reuben Brigety, Jacqueline Ahn, Silas Ahn, Laura Abbot, Spencer Abbot.
96/96 CLASS NEWS
’96 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.65% Pres: Nagel Sullivan Vice Pres: Bill Pennington Sec’y: Cara Albright e: caramalbright@1996.usna.com Treas: Nikki Battaglia
Greetings, ’96! Here in the mid-Atlantic, the Dark Ages seem to be thinking about ending as I write this… oh, wait. An early March snow just started falling outside. But actually. Well, here’s to the hope that I will be wearing flip flops by the time you read this. And that I will be a lot closer to a completed dissertation. So, class news came to me from both coasts and places in between this time around. I got a brief update from Mike Chenoweth, who just relocated from Pensacola to Mobile, AL. Since retirement last June, Mike has been working as a dive instructor in P-cola, but recently took a job managing a dive shop over in Mobile. Sounds like you’re living the Gulf Coast dream… and wearing flip flops 24-7-365. I’m just a little jealous! I also heard from Rhoan Boucher, who pretends to live in DC when he’s not travelling the world. He sent me a picture of himself with Miguel “Kiko” Eaton at an NBA game in the nation’s capital over the holidays.
from Rhode Island, with another photo of ‘96ers to share. She writes: M Here is a quick one. I am in NLEC (Leadership and Ethics) in Newport and found these two aviators in my class. Funny, I went through in 2011 with Rich Whitfield and have many memories of midshipman cruise in 1994 with Cindy Dieterly. So lucky to have been able to spend a few more weeks with them both here. 34 degrees and raining is not what this San Diego-based SWO was expecting, but it’s all good.
Rich, Teresa and Cindy hanging out in Newport, Rhode Island.
Thanks, Teresa! By now you’re back in sunny San Diego, with that raw Newport winter chill behind you. The last item comes from our class president, with a plug for the fastapproaching football season, our class tailgates (woot!) and a plan to commence planning some plans: M It’s about time for the football season to start and we look forward to seeing all of you in the Annapolis/DC area at a game (or several). Feel free to bring food or
drinks to share with the crowd, or you can just make an on-site donation. You don’t even need a ticket to the game to come hang out at the class tailgate - just stop by, have a beer and catch up! We are also hosting what will become an annual fall planning meeting to discuss various class activities and get input on how and what to focus our class efforts on. The meeting will be held at 1000 on September 23, before the Cincinnati game (3:30 kickoff). We will probably meet at a restaurant relatively close to the stadium for brunch or something along those lines. More details to follow, both here in the class column and on the class Facebook page. Thanks, Nagel! I’m going to close the column with a smattering of photos that have been sent to me from far and wide. They are all from our 20th class reunion last September. I know, I know… late news is not exactly the apex of good journalism. However, pictures are timeless news - and the columns were too jam-packed last fall to include every picture I received on the spot. So I’m putting several of them in now, just to remind you all of how insanely fun it was getting together and swapping stories. Wax nostalgic if you like. That’s all, folks! Have a wonderful summer, and please send news and cool shots from around the globe! —Cara
Kent Tranter, Mike Cooper and Cliff Allen at the ’96 20th reunion tailgate last September.
Companymates Harry Knight, Pat Hansen, Mike Hanson and Michele (Casey) Gish at the Friday night reunion reception.
Mike Higgins, John Costello, Bill Gilroy and Matt Tarabour keepin’ it awesomesauce at the Navy-UConn game. Big time.
Laura (Stout) Kommers and Jennie (Smith) McClellan catching up during a 9th Company gathering. Rhoan and Kiko meet up at a Knicks basketball game in DC.
Thanks, Rhoan! Love all these photos of classmates getting together. Makes me wish we had a reunion every year. Or that football season lasted all year long. Or both. Teresa Elders sent in a note to everyone
STAY CONNECTED ’96: Members of 16th Company during reunion weekend: Nate Schneider, Andy Liggett, Ray Schlauch, Jim Strauss, Bob DeWitt, Rich King, Alyce Fernebok, Erick Knezek, Kim (Mackenzie) Himmer, Tim Gill, Billy Bushman, Keith Himmer, Brian Bennett, Dan Branch. (Present but not pictured: Dan Morken, Andy Person and Tyler Bush.)
Find a Chapter. usna.com/FindAChapter
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 95
96/00 CLASS NEWS
’96: Members of 5th Company pre-gaming for the reunion reception: (back row) Garrett Smith, Jake Madore, Darin Twete, Steve Williams, Rob Flickinger, John Jackson, (front row) Brian Facquet, Steve Werner, Joe Ruzicka, Tom Heck, Phaedra (Haussler) Link and Curtis Craig.
victory of sorts, too, but I keep gravitating toward the whole “old” thing. Some of my students were born the year that we graduated, but a few were born in 1999. Awesome. On the bright side, we are all still fantastically good-looking, considering that we graduated almost 19 years ago! Maybe all of that grease from Herndon kept us young. I think that we soon will have a new Shipmate writer. And I bet that writer will be much funnier than I am. So until then – Take care, Jeannette
I urge you to google these titles and check them out. Erin’s is not released yet but it can’t be that bad since she is going on a book tour and they signed her for two more books. It is also being translated into several different languages. Send me stuff! Shipmate00@yahoo.com —Murph
’99 Life Membership: 93% Donor Participation: 1.11% Pres: Minh-tu Nguyen Greenberg 1123 Gaither Rd., Rockville, MD 20850 e: 1999USNA@gmail.com Vice Pres: Liesel (Danjczek) Schopler Sec’y: Sarah (Cline) Leming e: sarahleming@me.com Treas: David Burns
Erin’s Book
East Coast Rep: Steve Taylor West Coast Rep: Lauren (Withers) Ryan ’96: Ben Galendez, Melissa (Pratt) Kelley, Mike Langbehn, Dennis Santare, Mike Hanson, John Galdieri, Pat Hansen, Christine (Speedling) Perry, Harry Knight and Dave Wallace (seated) at the Dirty Thirty Underground Reception at the Wallace House.
’98 Life Membership: 100% Donor Participation: 2.46%
Christian McDowell, Nick Kristof and Matt Holman keeping the ’96 reunion tailgate alive after dark.
’97 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.96% Pres: Tom Wagner e: twagner1@san.rr.com Send news to: LtCol Aaron Shelley, USMCR 1148 Via Jose, San Jose, CA 95120 c: 619-980-8297; e: apshelley@hotmail.com
96 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Website: www.usna99.org
’00 Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 2.24% Pres: J.V. “Murph” McCarthy Vice Pres: Art Terry
Pres: David Forman c: 904-321-6459; e: DSForman@aol.com
Treas: Nick Lalota
Corr Sec’y: Mark Symmes 529 W. 29th St., Baltimore, MD 21211 e: shipmate98@yahoo.com
Sec’y: Tim O’Connor 317 N. Pleasant Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 e: Shipmate00@yahoo.com
Temp Corr Sec’y: Jeannette Gaudry Haynie e: jeannette.haynie@gmail.com
Shippies, Nothing in the Inbox this month. I do have some info to pass however. We have at least three authors in the class. See the photos. If you wrote a book and you want me to plug it here, then I have to be notified. If you know somebody that wrote a book in our class and they are too modest to send me the info, send it to me anyway.I have heard about a few projects in the works from a few of you but have never received anything.
Hi everyone – Nothing to report this time around. Empty inbox. I hope everyone is doing well, and that the lack of updates is because we are all stupid busy. Dave Forman put a bunch of 20th reunion info on the class Facebook page, so take a look if you haven’t seen it…and try not to throw up when you realize that if next fall is our 20th reunion, that means we are all older than we think we are. 20 years is also a
Matt Vernon’s Book
UPDATE YOUR PROFILE Log into Online Community at usna.com to update your profile.
2017 HOMECOMING Thursday, 19 October through Saturday, 21 October
00/03 CLASS NEWS
Gravseth’s Book
’01 Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 1.35% Pres: Jen (Bohr) Tyll p: 302-528-9306; e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com Vice Pres: Amy (Baxter) Laczek p: 240-393-9120; e: laczekaxter@gmail.com Treas: Adam Borcz e: adamhenryborcz@gmail.com Sec’y: Jen McCullough e: jennifer.mccollough@gmail.com
’02 Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: 1.55% Pres: CDR Joshua W. Welle, USNR e: welle@2002.usna.com Vice Pres: Patrick McConnell e: patrick.mcconnell@2002.usna.com Sec’y: Kate Kranz Jordan e: katherine.kranz@2002.usna.com Treas: Cari Murtagh e: murtagh@2002.usna.com Send Submissions to: katherine.kranz@2002.usna.com Website: www.usna2002.org
Greetings 2002! A few updates from around the class: From Nick Huber:
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2017 Fair Winds and Following Seas from your Alumni Association and Foundation.
M Megan and I wanted to take the opportunity to say hello and provide an update on our growing family and potentially make a pitch to the Class of 2002 for donations (...after the class hits its annual goals) to help pay for three weddings! Things are going very well here in Houston where we’ve been since 2009, when I left the SEAL Teams. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss the guys and the work, but the time we’ve been able to spend together and grow our family has been great. I’ve been working for ExxonMobil in a range of commercial roles across four of its business units over the past eight years. We have been able to connect with a many of our classmates over that time as many have spent time in Texas. As far as the family goes, I am severely outnumbered at home. Megan and I have three daughters, Riley (4), Hannah (3) and Ashley (1). They keep us very busy and are absolutely amazing! As you can tell from the photos they get their looks from the mother! We recite nightly, “no dating until 30.” Megan has recently started back working two days a week as a Physician Assistant at Texas Children’s Hospital. She has a great job and a lot of flexibility. She makes balancing the kids and work look easy, but it’s anything but that. For those who know Megan, you know I hit the jackpot! Over the summer, we traveled to the Amalfi Coast along with a number of classmates for Justin White’s wedding. The trip was amazing and was a great opportunity to connect with our closest friends (Josh and Angela Welle, Ben Ahn, Travis Bode, Matt and Caitlin Wright and many others). Most importantly we were able to
meet Justin’s wife Laurene Couesnon, who is awesome. We’ve booked out tickets and are working with Brian Steckroth, Mike O’Sullivan and Justin Fishburn to finalize plans for the 15 Year Reunion in October. We are trying to convince Ben Ahn and Justin White to make the trip from Singapore and Paris as well. Can’t wait to reconnect with everyone.
Be sure to continue to check usna2002.org/reunion for updates on the 15 year reunion, October 20-22, 2017. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Josh, Pat, Kate, Cari, Charlie, Chad, & John
’03 Life Membership: 97% Donor Participation: .38% Pres: LT Daniel Bailey Vice Pres: LT Dan Emmert Treas: Maili Neverosky Sec’y: Rick Mui e: navyclass2003@gmail.com
From Michael Vlachakis: M My wife Amy and I welcomed our second child, Baxter Nimitz Vlachakis in August. Although our oldest, Watson, had never witnessed an Army victory, Baxter was cursed out of the womb. We hope to see everyone at the reunion this year, and if anyone is in town for Navy/UH, we look forward to our local chapter hosting the Tailgater.
CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to classnews@usna.com
ISSUE: Jun-July 2017 Aug 2017 Sept-Oct 2017 Nov-Dec 2017
DUE DATE: 24 Apr 2017 30 May 2017 24 July 2017 25 Sept 2017
Greeting ’03, We’re having a pretty good run in Shipmate - keep the inputs coming! Recently, Daniel and I took a quick trip to Newport, RI to recount our days as midshipman candidates when we’d march to class in formation with black briefcases and windburned faces. The streets of Newport have changed a bit, but staples like The Red Parrot and Newport Creamery are still alive and well. Speaking of recounting memories, planning is underway for our 15-year reunion. If you’re interested in supporting any part of the effort, please email our class account at navyclass2003@gmail.com. Happy Spring to all. - Maili Submission 1: M Greetings from Mechanicsburg, PA. Since I have not sent in anything since I was married eleven years ago, I thought announcing the birth
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 97
03/07 CLASS NEWS the tradition so long as Myles McAllister ‘04 does not attend. Beat MAPS/Army, Austin Gullett
’06 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.98% Pres: LT Andrew Lukich e: andrew.m.lukich@gmail.com Vice Pres: LT Joshua Campbell Treas: LT Jeffrey Foulds Sec’y: LT Jamison Lupo e: jamisonlynn@gmail.com
’07 ’03: Pictured above left to right are Daniel Montgomery (NAPS98/USNA03), Craig Ruhs (NAPS98/USNA03), Jessie Millard (NAPS98/USCGA03), John Craighill (USNA03), Austin Gullett (NAPS98/USNA03), Joey Snyder (USNA03), Edson Greenwood (USNA03), Chandler Sims (USNA03), Daniel Neverosky (NAPS98/USNA03), Todd Ruhs (Distinguished graduate of NAPS98/USNA03), Bobby Cherneski (NAPS98/USNA03), Guy Budinscak (NAPS98/USNA03). In the second picture, professional photographer Sal Pasquarelli (USNA03) was relieved of his photographic duties and is seen leaning against the four-wheeler with his capri sun.
of my third kid would be a good occasion! Éamon Jones O’Connor was born on November 4. Shortly after his birth, he witnessed Navy beating Notre Dame. His life is off to a good start! His big sister, Ellen, and big brother, Ignatius want to hug him to pieces, so he has to be protected from them. Look me up if you are ever in central PA... I should be stationed at NAVSUP for a little while longer. -Chris O’Connor Submission 2:
M In April 2016, Craig Ruhs and Dan Montgomery hosted a 1998 NAPS/2003 USNA get together in the greater Dallas, TX area. Craig Ruhs’s in-laws, Joe Max & Charlotte Wilson, were kind enough to allow a collection of special individuals congregate at their ranch estate. The weekend was filled with camaraderie, drinks, grill time, poker, shooting, hunting (1 or 2 dead boars and a rabbit), and the telling of stories which I don’t think have become too embellished. The weekend was a blast as it is always healthy to catch up with Shipmates. The plan is to continue
Don Wilson showing off his 1942 Lucky Bag over more priceless stories. Don Nelson was larger than life and enjoyed sharing stories about the Naval Academy and the bravery he witnessed as a newly commissioned Ensign during WWII.
’04 Life Membership: 94% Donor Participation: 1.45% Pres: Lincoln Lukich e: Lincoln.Lukich@gmail.com Vice Pres: James Brobyn e: Brobs@2004.usna.com Treas: LT Joseph Zukowsky e: JMZukowsj@gmail.com Sec’y: Andrew Froistad e: froistad@hotmail.com
’05 Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: .79% Pres: Maj Thomas A. Kulisz, USMC Monterey, CA p: 210-445-9083; e: tkulisz@gmail.com Vice Pres: LCDR MatthewJ. Bernhardt, USN Annapolis, MD p: 619-889-1968; e: mjbernhardt@gmail.com Treas: Allen J. Murphy Cherry Hill, NJ p: 410-212-1082 e: allen.murphy.2005@gmail.com Sec’y: LCDR Reed A. Kitchen, USN Pacific Grove, CA p: 619-208-0770; e: reedkitchen@gmail.com Website: 2005.usnaclasses.net
SEA STORIES ’03: The group spending time with Don and Nell Wilson. Don, USNA 1942 and local resident, shared stories of his service during World War II and explained how his ship, USS NEW ORLEANS, was hit with a torpedo causing more than 100 KIA/casualties. The quick and brave firefighting efforts of the NEW ORLEANS sailors ultimately saved the ship.
98 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Are you on active duty? Send your Sea Stories to seastories@usna.com
Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 1.62% Pres: LT Brady Beauchamp Vice Pres: Capt Benjamin Tuck e: Benjamin.Tuck07@gmail.com Treas: Patrick Sullivan e: patrick.timothy.sullivan@gmail.com Sec’y: Dan Bellomo e: dbellomo@umich.edu Send Articles to: classofficersUSNA2007@gmail.com
Shipmate Editor Note: The following class news was mistakenly left out of the March 2017 issue. 2007 March Classnews Happy Winter ’07! We hope this finds you well and rested after the holiday season. While Army finally got the best of us in December, our Navy Football team definitely bounced back and delivered a great nail biter in Dallas. Find below some great information regarding our upcoming reunion and some great submissions from classmates far and near. -Your Class Officers. FAST APPROACHING – Our 10 Year Reunion! We hope you are getting excited for what is shaping up to be an exciting weekend in October! The dates are October 6 – 8, 2017 and happen to perfectly coincide with the Navy - Air Force football game. Your class officers are working on this being an event that both our kid-plentiful classmates and kid-less classmates can enjoy. Cornhole for the adults – Yes Ma’am! Bouncy houses for the kids – Yes Sir! (Okay – most likely, we are still working the permits!) What we need from you: Help us get the word out to the rest of
07/07 CLASS NEWS our class. At present, we have contact with ~60% of our class via information from Alumni Association profiles, classwide mail, and/or FB. Please help us get the word out! Please check/update your Alumni Association profile and contact info and tell your friends to do so as well. We currently have two Facebook pages: 1) Our generic class page and 2) Our 10 Year Reunion Page (search: USNA 2007 10 Year Reunion). These are great ways to stay connected with your classmates and to stay up-to-date on Reunion information! What else we need from you: Help us with Shipmate Submission material. Anything and everything counts – Career transitions, weddings, births, deployment photos, random shout-outs, stories of epic bowling games, vacations, stories about the junk you discovered during a holiday visit that you had stashed in your parents’ house after graduation – anything! Please send any submissions to Dan Bellomo. Future Midshipmen – A note from Lanaya (Martin) Bellomo (30th Company) M I had the privilege of sitting as a panel member for Congressman Brad Wenstrup’s Naval Academy Selection Panel for the Class of 2021. Congressman Wenstrup represents the First District in Southwestern Ohio. (I knew I was old, but it was not until I realized that these candidates were going to be Plebes the same year that we were celebrating our ten-year reunion that I felt super old.) I was amazed at the quality of the candidates and the life experiences they had to share. I wonder if 18-year-old me would even be able to compete with these students. The students had excellent ACT/SAT scores, seemed to each be involved in 20 different school activities, had countless hours of community service, and a few had amazing stories to tell. For background information, there is an awful heroin epidemic currently plaguing this part of the country. We saw several candidates who were coming from situations where they play the role of older brother,
surrogate father, homemaker, and even breadwinner all because one or both of their parents is in jail, or their parent had abandoned them when they were a baby. For two of the students in particular, when they did not complete their homework it was because they physically did not have a home to live in. One of the best questions asked during the day was by Leonard Green (’06). “Who do you admire and why?” received great and very varied responses. We heard answers that spanned from George Washington to Abraham Lincoln to even Dwayne Johnson – yes THAT Dwayne Johnson – aka “The Rock”. While at first we all chuckled to ourselves, the candidate’s explanation was amazingly frank, honest, and brilliant. If you get a chance, do some research into Dwayne Johnson – I did!
Maryland which allowed us to have our third son Jack baptized at the Naval Academy (picture of our family at the ceremony nearby). Somehow, we’ve managed to pass through Annapolis to have all three children baptized even though they were all born on different continents! I am headed to the USS Theodore Roosevelt as a Shooter and looking forward to catching up with fellow alums in San Diego!
Deployed Greetings Fellow 2007 classmates Rob Kreuz (4th Company) and Chris Meek (30th Company) send their greetings from deployment and share the below photo from the 6th Fleet AOR. From L to R are Chris, Rob, Seth Squyres (’06), and John Stockdill (’06). The four are stationed on the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, CVN 69 as Flight Deck Shooters. The picture was taken after the four completed the Ike Heritage 5K run on the flight deck as the ship was preparing to leave the Gulf of Suez prior to transiting through the Suez Canal on their way home after a 7 month deployment.
Sullivan Famiy Back at USNA
Baby! John Rashap (30th Company) and his wife Elan welcomed their newborn baby girl, Shira Brynn, into this world on October 14th. Little Shira checked in at 7lbs 2oz and 19.5 inches. The first name Shira is in honor of John’s late mother and middle name Brynn is in remembrance of Brian Kennedy (’07). Congrats John and Elan!!
Smiles on the Flight Deck
Greetings Aught Seven! A note from Patrick Sullivan (5th Company) M We are in the midst of our PCS back from Prague, Czech Republic where I was studying as an Olmsted Scholar at Charles University. We spent the holidays with family in
John, Elan, and baby Shira
Football! Lyon Ellison (23rd Company) and his wife Lindsey share the below photo from this December’s Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, TX. Tough loss – but a heck of an offensive game.
Lyon and wife Lindsey in Fort Worth
Baby #2! Carmen (Myers) Lewis (30th Company) and her husband Rex welcomed their newborn baby boy, Xavier Daniel, into this world on December 8th. Little Xavier made it just in time for some -20 degree Chicago weather. Congrats Carmen and Rex!!
Rex, Carmen, and Xavier – a Packer Fan in the Making
2007 May 2017 Submission Happy May 2007! We hope this finds you well and enjoying Spring. Find below great information regarding our upcoming reunion, some great classmate news, and some memories in photo form. -Your Class Officers. AROUND THE CORNER Our 10 Year Reunion! We hope you are getting excited to meet up with all your classmates and revisit Annapolis. This is shaping up to be an exciting weekend in October! The dates are October 6 – 8, 2017 and coincide with the Navy Air Force football game. We still need your help getting the word out to all 1000+ classmates. At present, we have contact with ~62% of our class via information from Alumni Association profiles, classwide mail, and/or FB. Please help us get the word out! Please check/update your Alumni Association profile and contact info and tell your friends to do so as well. We currently have two MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 99
07/07 CLASS NEWS Facebook pages: 1) Our generic class page and 2) Our 10 Year Reunion Page (search: USNA 2007 10 Year Reunion). These are great ways to stay connected with your classmates and to stay up-to-date on Reunion information! What else we need from you: Help us with Shipmate Submission material. Anything and everything counts – Career transitions, weddings, births, deployment photos, random shout-outs, stories of epic bowling games, vacations, stories about the junk you discovered during a holiday visit that you had stashed in your parents’ house after graduation – anything! Please send any submissions to Dan Bellomo. Blast from the past section As we prepare for our ten-year reunion, we wanted to share a few photos from our time in Annapolis to help you get nostalgic!! Looks like Tecumseh was transformed into 007 himself during our Plebe Parent’s Weekend back in August 2003 at the end of our Plebe Summer. For those of you who are hesitant to do that math – yes, that was FOURTEEN years ago.
other side of campus? Were you able to make it in the allotted 10 minutes? This photo was taken from Chauvenet looking at the parking lot near the Midshipmen Store. The next photo needs no explanation. Quick update section Well done ’07!! At the end of February you might have received an update from the Alumni Association regarding our class’s effort to support USNA and the Brigade with a financial commitment. At two years in of our three-year commitment we are at 101% of our original goal. Well done indeed! Baby News! Congratulations to Ben Mulloy and his wife Lauren as they welcomed their baby boy Tate into the world. Mom and baby are doing well and Tate is keeping life interesting. Ben shares the below two photos of him and his family. The first photo captures Tate’s first few hours in this world and the second photo is from a pre-deployment party as good ’07 friends wished Ben well prior to deploying with SEAL Team Ten. Pictured in the photo are Ben and Lauren Mulloy with baby Tate, Mike and Stephanie McDonald with Caden and Emma, Chris and Bridget Meek with Easton, Kendall, and McKinley, and Russ and Nikki Harris behind the couch.
’07: Can you spot yourself in the photo?
or know of a classmate that should be featured…let us know. It doesn’t matter what you have been up to, we want to know if you are coaching football at the high school you graduated from or if you became a real estate agent or if you are rounding ten years in the military well on your way to twenty or if you manage to successfully keep children alive as they terrorize your house and neighborhood. We want to know it all! This month’s edition highlights Mikaela Rodkin.
Secret Agent Man
How could we all forget that tiny, little storm that visited us in September 2003? What’s a little water – after all we did go to the Naval Academy. Do you remember calculus class in various company wardrooms? What about physics in trailers parked on tennis courts? Or even the sweat-inducing trek from class in the basement of Rickover to those very same trailers on the
100 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Ben and Lauren with daughters Tenley and Tate
Meet the Classmate Section This is the second edition of “Meet that Classmate” and so far, we think it is going well! The whole purpose of this section is so that after ten years of separation we can catch up on what people have been up to. If you are interested in being featured ’07: Can have no other name but Isabel’s wrath
Mikaela Rodkin (24th Company) lived the SWO life after graduation. Mikaela is the definition of adventure. After reporting to her first ship, USS PORT ROYAL (CG-73) with classmate Maria (Summe) Midzak, Mikaela lived her first 2.5 years post-graduation in sunny Hawaii catching that aloha spirit. During her PORT ROYAL tour she served as Combat Information Center Officer and Ordnance Officer, as well as aspiring to be a surfer on the weekends. For those of you who are history buffs, Mikaela
07/10 CLASS NEWS
’09 Life Membership: 98% Donor Participation: 45.29% Pres: LT Andrew Poulin, USN e: andrew.poulin09@gmail.com Vice Pres: LT Art Griffin, USN Treas: LT Cody Forsythe, USN ’07: Fair Winds and Following Seas Ben!
was indeed onboard PORT ROYAL during its grounding off of Pearl Harbor in February 2009. We’ll allow her to tell that story in its full detail in person, but trust us, it is a different take on your typical ‘sea story’. After PORT ROYAL, Mikaela moved to San Diego and served on board USS STOCKDALE with fellow 2007-er Chris (Lee) Slye. Here she served as the Training Officer and deployed one time, to her favorite sea, Sulu Sea. Her next Navy journey brought her back to Annapolis as a trusty LT in the Admissions Department. As part of her duties she was the Coordinator of Summer Seminar and spent 3 weeks trying to prevent 2,500 high school students from njuring themselves and each other. Faced with the question we will all have to answer at some point, Mikaela embarked on an 11 month around the world soul search. A few highlights of her trip: walking 500 miles of El Camino in Spain, gasping for air at Mt. Everest Base camp with fellow 2007-er Emily (Laraway) Salvia, and doing a walkabout in the Jordanian desert. The most unbelievable aspect of her adventure? climbing a volcano on the most remote inhabited island in the world (guess!) and almost losing her leg on the Ascension Island while on a tall ship sailing quest from Antarctica. Up next in Mikaela’s build your own adventure — graduate school. Mikaela enrolled in a dual graduate degree program at the University of
Michigan in Ann Arbor. She is set to receive her Master of Science in Hippie Studies (aka School of Natural Resources and Environment) and Master of Business Administration in May 2017. Mikaela has accepted a position with Deloitte as a Human Capital consultant and will be joining after (hopefully) hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
SHOP. CONNECT. ENJOY!
Bring your event home! Ogle Hall is ready to host your special event.
Sec’y: LT Micky Matus, USN e: michaelmatus09@yahoo.com Shipmate Submissions: e: usna2009@googlegroups.com
Class of 2009, As Spring kicks into high gear we have a few photos to share:
Braylon Howard
Keep the updates coming! The Class Officers have created a collaborative account so that we can better respond to your messages in a timely fashion. If you have any major (or minor) announcements, sea stories, or photos that you would like to share with the rest of our class, please use the below e-mail address and we’ll make sure your updates get published in our Shipmate Column: usna2009@googlegroups.com 2009 STRONG!
’10 Life Membership: 99% Donor Participation: 41.36% Pres: LTJG Robert Battle, USN e: rhbattle@2010.usna.com
Adventures Await
Brittney Maehl’s 4-yr-old son Braylon Howard spent his birthday in October at the USS ZUMWALT Commissioning and got to meet SECNAV Mabus! P.S. Note his mini SWO pin ;)
Vice Pres: LTJG Garth Thomas, USN Sec’y: LTJG Margaret Boyle, USN e: mcboyle@2010.usna.com Send Articles to: Shipmate2010@gmail.com
’08 Life Membership: 96% Donor Participation: 44.40% Pres: Donald H. Horner III Vice Pres: LT Gerald Brooks USN Treas: LT Daniel E. Foose USN Sec’y: Dianna Dietrich e: dianna.dietrich@gmail.com
ALUMNI HOUSE Shop through our Amazon Partnership portal. usna.com/amazon
events@usna.com or 410-295-4018
’09: ’09ers (left to right) LT Veronica Camiolo, LT Sam Graessle, and LT Megan McCulloch hiked to the top of Mt. Washington, NH with two fellow Department Head School classmates. Now they have since graduated and are off on their Department Head tours around the U.S. and Japan!
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 101
11/19 CLASS NEWS
’18 Pres: MIDN Dan Stitt, USN Vice Pres: MIDN Michael Pahissa, USN Treas: MIDN Gio Hernandez, USN Sec’y: MIDN Rachel LaBuda, USN
’19 Pres: MIDN Isaac Phillips III, USN Vice Pres: MIDN Tate Schumacher, USN Treas: MIDN Leor Golan, USN Sec’y: MIDN Gil Wright, USN ’09
’15 Donor Participation: 51.81% Pres: 2ndLt Ward “Bubba” Scott III, USMC p: 603-236-1011; e: wardscottiii@gmail.com Vice Pres: ENS Dylan Cawdery, USN p: 801-638-0724; e: dcawdery@gmail.com
’09: Congrats to SWOS DH Class 240 who graduated in February and all of our classmates who recently completed that career milestone!
’11 Donor Participation: 26.38% Pres: Michael E. Orzetti, CIV Vice Pres: LT Ricky Dobbs, USN Treas: LT Matthew Pierson, USN Sec’y: LT Natalie Woodward, USN e: NNWoodward@2011.usna.com
Treas: ENS Joshua David Elliott p: 772-643-4468 e: joshuaelliott2015@gmail.com Sec’y: 2ndLt Madeline Zell, USMC p: 410-370-3068; e: mad.zell.15@gmail.com
Donor Participation: 50.79% Pres: Capt Ian Cameron, USMC Vice Pres: LT Nicholas DeMasters, USN Treas: LT Nicolas Woods, USN
’16
Donor Participation: 75.03%
Donor Participation: 43.66%
2017 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Pres: LTJG John-Rex Spivey, USN e: johnrexspivey@gmail.com
Pres: 2ndLt Eric B. Kellogg, USMC
Follow Navy Football at navysports.com
Vice Pres: ENS Daniel Murphy, USN Treas: 2ndLt Ted Baumgardner, USMC Sec’y: ENS Hannah Yun, USN
’14 Donor Participation: 59.62% Pres: 1stLt William R. Roberts, USMC Vice Pres: 1stLt Conor J. Kearney, USMC
Sec’y: Capt Austin Madden, USMC
Treas: LTJG Emily L. Kreyenhagen, USN
Send Articles to: shipmate2012@gmail.com
Sec’y: LTJG Elizabeth J. Powers, USN Send Articles to: shipmate2014@gmail.com
Vice Pres: 2ndLt Matthew L. Chavez, USMC Treas: ENS Renata M. Bucher, USN Sec’y: 2ndLt Zachary L. Coffman, USMC Send Articles to: Shipmate2016@gmail.com
’17 Pres: MIDN Chosnel Raymond, USN Vice Pres: MIDN Robert Winning, USN Treas: MIDN Theodore Schopf, USN Sec’y: MIDN Molly McGuckin, USN
2017 HOMECOMING
102 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
1 Sept 2017 @ Florida Atlantic 9 Sept 2017 vs Tulane 23 Sept 2017 vs Cincinnati 30 Sept 2017 @ Tulsa 7 Oct 2017 vs Air Force 14 Oct 2017 @ Memphis 21 Oct 2017 vs UCF–Homecoming 3 Nov 2017 @ Temple 11 Nov 2017 vs SMU 18 Nov 2017 @ Notre Dame 24 Nov 2017 @ Houston 2 Dec 2017 AAC Championship 9 Dec 2017 vs ARMY 1-800-US4-NAVY
CLASS SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to classnews@usna.com
Thursday, 19 October through Saturday, 21 October
Fair Winds and Following Seas from your Alumni Association and Foundation.
’13 Send Articles to: shipmate2013@gmail.com
’12
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2017
ISSUE: Aug 2017 Sept-Oct 2017 Nov-Dec 2017
DUE DATE: 30 May 2017 24 July 2017 25 Sept 2017
ALUMNI HOUSE Bring your event home! Ogle Hall is ready to host your special event. events@usna.com or 410-295-4018
CHAPTER NEWS Alabama BGO Area Coordinator: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000 e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com
We were also treated to a description of his interview experience with Admiral Rickover for entrance into the nuclear program after serving four years on destroyers.
Pres: David Patton ’92 p: 831-917-7750; e: David.patton@live.com Vice Pres: Lt Greg Hess ’85 p: 205-307-9191; e: greghess8599@charter.net
Exec. Assist: Janet H. Norden Son, Nathan ’17 678 Talon Trace, Birmingham, AL 35242 p: 205-995-9539; e: usna.ala@gmail.com
South Alabama Chapter Pres: Brian Campbell ’94, USNR p: 251-776-4000 e: Brian.Campbell@1994.usna.com Sec’y: Ruth Lichtenfeld p: 251-343-6264; e: ruth29@bellsouth.net
Arizona BGO Area Coordinator: LtCol Julie Carpenter ’91, USMCR (Ret.) p: 602-793-9850 e: juliecarpenter@mindspring.com
Arizona Chapter Pres: Capt David M. English ’86, USMCR e: David.English@1986.usna.com www.usna.com/Chapter/us/arizona Sec’y: Steven W. Ranes ’02 e: StevenWRanes@gmail.com
Class of 1960 Attendees: Frank Hayes, Norm Mims (Speaker), John Rogers and Rich Richie
Among those attending were: Dick and Marylyn Augur ’63, Lindsey Balch widow of Allen ’49, Brad and Carolyn Beaver ’67, Ed and Paula Biggers ’57, Bart and Jann Dalla Mura ’54, Herb and Sue Fauth ’67, Don Flood ’56, Bud and Karen Gaston ’65, Frank and Susan Hayes ’60, Jim and Wendy Hillenmayer ’73, Andy and Diane Kish ’65, Jim Knox ’67, Tom and Sandra Long ’64, Marshall Magruder ’62 and guests Capt. Willard “Bill” and Carol Siepel, Norm and Liz Mims ’60, George Monthan ’46, Dennis and Margery Nemura ’65, Ed Palanek ’57, Rich Richey ’60, John Rogers ’60, Clark and Deane Rook ’57, John Truesdell ’63, and Howard Wells ’59.
Website: http://arizona.usnachapters.com
Arkansas
Southern Arizona Chapter
BGO Area Coordinator: CDR David Townley ’98 p: 501-786-6776; e: dbtownley@me.com
Pres: Art Weidner ’63 p: 520-838-0774; e: ahweidner63@gmail.com
Sacramento Chapter
Pres: RADM Armando L Guzman ’80, USN (Ret.) AGM for Administration Philippine Ports Authority Bonifacio Dr., Port Area, Manila m: +63-917-821-3615 e: armandolguzman@yahoo.com
Pres: Dennis P. Joyce ’61 p: 916-996-1333; e: djoyce1961@hotmail.com
Sec’y: Capt Alberto B. Carlos ’89, PN GSC ACofS, N-4, HPN 2335 Roxas Blvd., Manila p: +63-2-525-1003; M: +63-917-521-1637 e: carlosabet@yahoo.com
Alabama Chapter
Treas: Dennis Read ’59 p: 205-879-6617; e: dsread2010@gmail.com
Philippines Chapter
Arkansas Chapter
Sec’y: John Truesdell ’63 e: jmtruesdell@msn.com
Pres: Joel Larson ’07 e: joel.larson2007@gmail.com
Website: http://southernarizona.usna chapters.com
Vice Pres: Rebecca Aten ’98 e: beckya10@yahoo.com
Our February meeting was held at La Posada in Green Valley. Norm Mims ’60 a member of our chapter gave a presentation on the Navy’s Submarine Force including a description of the current composition the fleet, shore installations and much more. The chapter enjoyed Norm’s talk stemming from his thirty-year career which included two submarine commands – the USS Lewis and Clark (SSBN-644) BLUE and USS Haddo (SSN-604). Norm also commanded the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS-40).
Sec’y-Treas: Eric Biggers ’97 e: biggersje97@gmail.com
Asia
Vice Pres: Dr. Terry Brown ’67 p: 530-676-0327; e: twbrown@innercite.com Sec’y: Bob Bartron ’73 e: bobbartron@hotmail.com Treas: Jack Everett ’64 e: jeverett@quicknet.com Website: http://www.usnaaasac.org
Website: www.groups.yahoo.com/community usnaphil
BGO Area Coordinator: Bob Proano p: 530-274-9205; e: rproano730@gmail.com
BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Tim Fox ’97, USNR e: BGOArea501Coordinator@gmail.com
San Diego Chapter
Singapore Chapter Pres: LT Taylor Hamilton ’11, USN p: +65 9782-7591; e: Taylor.Hamilton@fe.navy.mil Vice Pres: CPT Sam Tan ’12, RSN e: Samtws@hotmail.com Sec’y: LTJG Nicole Uchida ’12, USN e: Nicole.Uchida@fe.navy.mil
Pres: Gilda Reeves ’98 e: President@usnaaasd.com Corr Sec’y: Barbette Lowndes ’80 p: 858-560-8045; w: 858-535-8515 e: CorrSec@usnaaasd.com Website: http://usnaaasd.com
Chapter Email: USNASG@gmail.com
BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Michael McVay ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 619-894-1920; e: skip.mcvay@1977.usna.com
BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Tim Fox ’97, USNR e: BGOArea501Coordinator@gmail.com
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Tokyo Bay Chapter Pres: Mori Nixon ‘81 1-15-19-301 Minami-Aoyama Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 Japan: 090-9402-1291 / US: 253-656-6992 e: mnixon@gns-inc.us BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Tim Fox ’97, USNR e: BGOArea501Coordinator@gmail.com
California Los Angeles Chapter Pres: Ernie Medina ’03 e: ernie.medina@nmfn.com Corr Sec’y: Tom Lavino ’03 e: trlavino@hotmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: (LA County) John Stammreich ’92 p: 310-547-1346; e: usnalosangeles@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: (Orange/East LA County) CDR Steve Shatynski '83 USNR (Ret.) p: 714-255-6108; e: Stephan.shatynski@wellsfargo advisors.com
Pres: Liam Lane ’02 e: usnaaasf.president@gmail.com Vice Pres: Eric Shangle ’97 e: usnaaasf.vp@gmail.com Sec’y: Cheriene Griffith ’02 e: usnaaasf.secretary@gmail.com Treas: Mark Lundstrom ’86 e: iblucky86@earthlink.net Website: http://sfbayarea.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Brian Murphy ’84, USN (Ret.) p: 408-776-3804; e: brian.murphy@harris.com
Greetings Bay Area!
What a wet year we have started out with. Spring is here and we will be having our annual Spring and Summer socials. The Alumni Association has upgraded the USNA.com Class E-mail system to be more user friendly and functional with Gmail. Please keep your information up to date on USNA.com.
BGO Area Coordinator: (Riverside/San Bernardino) CAPT Stephen Andres ’67, USNR p: 858-454-6755; e: StephenMAndres@gmail.com
Guam Chapter Pres: CAPT Noel M. Enriquez ’84, USNR PO Box 26849, GMF, Barrigada, GU 96921-6849 h: 671-472-9629; f: 671-472-1966 c: 671-777-9629; e: NME@1984.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator: LtCol John Turner ’93, USMC (Ret.) e: john.sebastian.turner@gmail.com
Monterey Bay Chapter Pres: LT Andy West ’08 e: aswest@nps.edu Corr Sec’y: Steve Tackett ’87 e: stackett99@yahoo.com Website: http://montereybay.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Brian Murphy ’84, USN (Ret.) p: 408-776-3804; e: brian.murphy@harris.com
Linda Diers (Daughter of Gay and Charles E Diers ’51), Liam Lane, ’02, Gay Diers (Wife of Charles E Diers ’51) and Cheriene Griffith ’02 enjoying the viewing of the 2017 Army Navy Game at North Star Cafe in San Francisco
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 103
CHAPTER NEWS
Costa Rica BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Tim Fox ’97, USNR e: BGOArea501Coordinator@gmail.com
Costa Rica Chapter Pres: Claudio A. Pacheco ’64 Apt. 4307-1000, San Jose, Costa Rica p: 506-2224-4325; w: 506-2225-4239 c: 506-8876-1394; e: cpacheco@1964.usna.com
were all smiles as “Go Navy!” support was evident from local alumni. Army participated in the tournament as well. Hopefully Coach Pat Owens and the team will come back to the area on a regular basis in the future.
Delaware San Francisco Chapter: Navy and West Point fans viewing of the 2017 Army Navy Game at North Star Cafe in San Francisco
This year we have some items to look forward to already on the schedule. Check the website for details. SAVE THE DATE! May 28th 2017 (Sunday) - All Service Giants Game at ATT Park and Mixer prior to the game at Tres restaurant July 15th 2017 - 5th Annual USNA Summer Social at Lagunitas Brewery. 1000 PST Please check your email junk folders for any notes from usnaaasf. president@gmail.com. You may also sign up or renew your membership from the website. Please “Like” us and follow us on Facebook @ https:// www.facebook.com/usnaaasf for up to date information. You may also email any of the Chapter leadership if you have any questions or suggestions for Bay Area Alumni future events. We look forward to hearing from you! Please be sure to update your email with the USNAAA and Foundation www.usna.com to keep your membership and profile current and get first information on all USNA Athletic Ticket Sales as well as special events. If anyone is interested in suggesting/ planning an event (social/business happy hours, networking, philanthropy/ volunteering ideas, etc) please feel free to reach out to the chapter leadership. GO NAVY BEAT ARMY! ~ Cheriene Griffith ’02, Sec’y
Santa Barbara Chapter Pres: Chet Seto ’78 p: 805-331-9046; e: ChetSeto@CJSeto.com Sec’y: Mr. Larry B. Coleman Jr. ’99 e: lbcme99@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Derek Roberts ’83, USN e:derek.roberts@1983.usna.com
Log into Online Community at usna.com to update your profile.
104 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Delaware Chapter Pres: Larry Henigan ’85 e: lfx85@aol.com Vice Pres-North: Chris Dierkes ’85 e: Christopher.F.Dierkes-1@usa.dupont.com Vice Pres-South: Jim Ring ’63 e: jep.ring@gmail.com Website: http://delaware.usnachapters.com
Colorado Colorado Chapter Pres: CDR Joseph “Joe” Procopio ’62, USN (Ret.) e: JoePro@aol.com Sec’y: CAPT S. Guy Higgins ’69, USN (Ret.) e: guyhiggins1234@gmail.com Website: http://colorado.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: (Denver) CAPT Dick Eason ’84, USN (Ret.) p: 720-747-4612; e: dick.eason@lycos.com
Colorado Springs Chapter Pres: John Sledgianowski ’87, USN (Ret.) 714 Pioneer LN., Colorado Springs, CO 80904 p: 719-287-2187; e: sledgesix@q.com
Florida Gainesville Chapter Pres: CAPT J. Michael Smith ’61, USNR (Ret.) p: 352-450-9758; e: mickey61USNA@yahoo.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com
Jacksonville Chapter Pres: CAPT Michael O. Borns ’70, USN (Ret.) e: moborns@gmail.com Vice Pres: CDR Peter Garfield ’60 USN (Ret.) Treas: CDR John C. Snyder ’83 USN (Ret.) Website: www.usnaaajax.com
BGO Area Coordinator: Ross Schmidt ’74 p: 303-789-5281; e: rossaschmidt@msn.com
BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com
Connecticut
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE: Our membership drive is in full swing. If you haven’t done so, please visit our website and become a full member today! Recent events include: *Navy Golf Comes To Jacksonville: The Navy Golf Team participated in the “The Hayt” golf tournament at the Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida 24 through 26 February 2017. This is the first time Navy has come to the tournament, considered by many to be the first collegiate major of the season, and which fields some of the nation’s top programs. Midshipmen Tom Fricke, Griffin Peters, Matthew Starobin, Connor Tallman, and Devin Terry
BGO Area Coordinator: Evan Barnet ’91 p: 203-453-9493 e: evan@barnetassociates.com
Connecticut Chapter Pres: Alan Weigel ’79 p: 860-376-5775; e: aweigel@blankrome.com Vice Pres: Tom Hodgson ’83 p: 203-318-8870; e: t.h.hodgson@comcast.net Treas: Tom Hogsten ’85 Sec’y: Eric Irwin ’86 p: 860-857-8748; e: irwiner@comcast.net Comms Dir: David Candler ’67 p: 860-823-0862; e: davcandler@aol.com
UPDATE YOUR PROFILE
BGO Area Coordinator: Maj Brady Boyd ’87 p: 302-377-4479 e: USNABlue_and_Gold@yahoo.com
Meeting Chairman: Vacant Website: http://connecticut.usnachapters.com/
The Navy Golf Team at The Hayt Tournament
*The University of North Florida (UNF) hosted a career fair with many colleges and universities in attendance, including USNA. The Navy booth attracted lots of interest from local students and their parents. Upcoming events include: *“Wall Climbers”: Wall Climbers is an opportunity to talk about your business and your experience of transitioning to the civilian life with those in the middle of it. Contact John Snyder at hntsnyder@comcast. net for further information. *USS Adams Museum: Stan Halter serves as the volunteer treasurer of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA). If you’re interested in helping bring the only warship museum in Florida to Jacksonville, contact Stan at stan@remilnet.com.
Greater Miami Chapter Pres: CDR Mel J. Meinhardt ’80, USNR (Ret.) 3075 Virgina St., Miami, FL 33133-4534 p: 212-470-4181; e: mel@melmeinhardt.com Sec’y: Sergei Kowalchik ’67 e: sergei@bellsouth.net Website: www.usnamiami.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ USNAMiami BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-807-9648 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com
CHAPTER NEWS Orlando Chapter
Southwest Florida Chapter
Pres: Turhan Hidalgo ’93 e: turhan_hidalgo@hotmail.com
Pres: Doug Backes ’70 e: dougbackes@aol.com
Sec’y: Mike Sobkowski ’93 e: usnaorlando@gmail.com
Sec’y: James Mintun ’59 e: mintun37@netsync.net
Webmaster: Stan Clark ’79 e: shredder110@gmail.com
BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-807-9648 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com
Website: http://orlando.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com
We’re happy to welcome two new members to the Orlando Chapter Board of Directors: Turhan Hidalgo ’93 and Heidi Bedell, ’93. After serving as a Navy Supply Officer including a deployments on the USS SAMUEL GOMPERS (AD 37), Heidi owns a local franchise and continues a successful career in real estate, picking up a Harvard MBA and Master Black Belt – Six Sigma along the way. Turhan retired in 2014 as a career Naval Surface Warfare Officer with multiple deployments including a tour as the XO of the USS PINCKNEY (DDG 91) and Chief Staff Officer for the Afloat Training Group Pacific. He has transitioned into the modeling and simulation industry as a PM and SME. Welcome aboard Turhan and Heidi!
Palm Beach Chapter Pres: Col Walter J. Breede III ’63, USMC (Ret.) p: 561-493-8470; e: wbreede@1963.usna.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Dennis R. Neutze ’65, JAGC USN (Ret.) p: 305-807-9648 e: dennis.navy65@googlemail.com
Pensacola Chapter Pres: Kathy McCartan ’85 e: usnaaapensacola@gmail.com Sec’y: Pete Perez ’82 e: eliezerp@aol.com Website: Pensacola.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Joan Platz ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 850-304-1626; e: joan.platz@1981.usna.com
ALUMNI HOUSE Bring your event home! Ogle Hall is ready to host your special event. events@usna.com or 410-295-4018
Website: southwestflorida.usnachapters.net
The chapter met on Valentine’s day at Audubon Country Club and honored our spouses with champagne, candy and a rose. We heard a rousing presentation from the chief of investigations in the Collier County Sheriff’s Dept. – Col USMC (Ret) Jim Williams about the issues facing the Sheriff. Alumni present were Peter Easton ’54, Dick Hartley ’54, Heyward Boyce ’57, Clive Goodwin ’58, Glen Lerum ’58, Bill Spane ’58, G.B Doane ’59, Dave Dyke ’59, Vince Obsitnik ’59, Bailey Geeslin USCGA ’60, Jim Neal ’60, George Marienthal ’62, Val Sharp ’62, Jack Geraghty ’64, Nick Paldino ’65, Jim Cowardwin ’66, Ned Sarno ’66, George Butvilas ’67, Tim Cohane ’67, David Finch ’67, Bruce Lakefield ’67, Paul McConnell ’67, Phil McKee ’68, Dick Naedel ’68, Doug Backes ’70, Frank Reifsnyder ’70, Jeff Cull ’74, Vince Balderrama ’78, Mike Pedersen ’79, Eric Armour ’81, and Scott Logan. The chapter met again on March 2 at Audubon for a presentation on Navy Athletics by Steve O’Brien, Deputy Athletic Director subbing for Chet Gladchuk who was ill. Alumni present were Bob Lucy ’48, Al Corwin ‘51 Bill Thomas ’51, Bill Vonier ’51, John Langenheim ’56, Glen Lerum ’58, Bill Spane ’58, Steve Burgess ’59, Norm Bednarek ’59, Dave Dyke ’59, Jim Mintun ’59, Vince Obsitnik ’59, Skip Yerkes ’59, Bailey Geeslin USCGA ’60, Bill Griffin ’60, Jim Neal ’60, Frank Cleary ’62, George Marienthal ’62, Jim Masella ’62, Paul Pendorf ’62, Nick Paldino ’65, Doug Bishop ’65, Jim Cowardin ’66, Ned Sarno ’66, Paul McConnell ’67, Dick Naedel ’68, Tom Daley ’69, Doug Backes ’70, Vince Balderrama ’78, Mike Pedersen ’79, Greg McKenney ’85, Chuck Davis, and Charlie Green, Jr. Mike Pedersen, the area Blue and Gold Coordinator, made a nice presentation on all the incoming candidates.
Summer Break –We have no formal events until November, but if anyone has an idea for an event this summer, please contact Dave Dyke, our VP at dwdyke@att.net. After the summer break, our official 2017-2018 season begins with our October “Welcome Back” letter from Doug Backes, our President. Our first luncheon will be November 14, 2017 at Audubon. The Army Navy tailgate falls on December 9, 2017. Doug Bakes is working with the USMAAA chapter President on doing a joint Army/ Navy Alumni tailgate at “Bokampers Sports Bar and Grill” in North Naples. This is a large venue that can handle all of us. Details on progress toward this goal to follow in the October Newsletter. Jim Mintun ’59, Secretary
Space Coast Chapter Pres: CAPT Pete Peterson ’56, USN (Ret.) p: 321-952-206; e: RETEP401@aol.com Sec: LtCol Tom Schwartz ’56, USAF p: 321-255-5452 e:retep401@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard O’Sullivan ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 407-687-6877; e: raaos@aol.com
Suncoast Chapter Pres: Paul Bradtmiller ’56 835 Heron Cove Cir., Venice, FL 34285-6155 e: nancyvenice@verizon.net BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com
Tampa Bay Chapter Pres: CAPT Don Aiken ’78, USN (Ret.) e: dwaiken@verizon.net Sec’y/Communications: Davidson Taveras '05 e: dempseypw@msn.com Website: https://usnatampabay.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/USNA-Alumni-TampaSt-Petersburg/ 120095454740213?sk=wall BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Steve Swift ’87, USNR e: sswift@1987.usna.com
Congratulations to Capt. Robert B. Chadwick, II, USNA Class of 1991, for his selection as the 87th Commandant of Midshipmen! BRAVO ZULU to all the recent midshipmen award recipients and Jeopardy contestants. In attendance at our monthly meeting at Tate’s Pizza were: Jerry O’Connell ’56, Gary Palansky ’69, Perry Dempsey ’72, Chris Heath ’72, Philip Davis ’74, Bud Sawyer ’74, Blaise Miller ’76, Stanley Gray ’77, John Kamen ’77, James Hamm ’84, Steve Swift ’87, Ty McCarthy ’88, Carl Newman ’89, James Castano ’91, Matt Poage ’94, Davidson Taveras ’05, Brett Dasher ’10 (New Member!). RECENT EVENTS – Lightning Hockey - The USNA Alumni Group had a great time on SAT FEB 4th. It was a hard fought game and the Lightning prevailed 3-2 with a shoot-out win! We must have brought good luck to the Lightning since they have won or gained at least one point in the 3 games since.’Need to continue that to make the playoffs - we’ll see! By the
Tampa Bay Chapter: Another great Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game! Pictured are Ty McCarthy ’88, James Hamm ’84 and Perry Dempsey ’72!
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CHAPTER NEWS time this is out - we’ll know for sure! 44 Navy folks (and their guests) and one Woop! In attendance: Bill Graham ’72, Steve Swift ’87, Blaise Miller ’76, Hunter Jones ’97, Ron Elly ’86, Lori and Michael Griffin ’93, James Hamm ’84, Ty McCarthy ’88, Karen Ward (widow of JL John Ward ’74), Rich Kuehne ’77, Ashley Newhaller - parent of ’14, Perry Dempsey ’72, Doug Leonard ’67, Mark Becker ’77, Warren Hahn ’60, Jeff Hahn ’88, Nate Denman ’97. Local College Recruiting – Steve Swift and our local BGO team continues to recruit the “best and brightest!” In March we had the opportunity to attend Plant City Academy and Christian Calvary college days. It is always great to get in front of such wonderful young men and women and we hope to support their ambitions of becoming another pivotal link in the chain! Information Day Picnic – Held on March 12th this recruiting event connected potential future USNA Candidates in the Tampa Bay area with current midshipmen, alumni, Blue & Gold Officers, and admissions officers. In addition to learning about the admissions process, candidates learned much more about life at the Academy and the tremendous opportunities upon graduation. UPCOMING EVENTS – Army-Navy Golf – For all the golfers out there, we need to start fielding a team to take on and “Beat Army!” The competition is tentatively scheduled for May so stay tuned for more details. Tampa Bay Rays Baseball – Tampa in the spring and the bats are in full swing. Join us in May for some fun and entertainment at Tropicana Field! Look for details on our Facebook page. Tampa Bay Navy League – The Tampa Navy League will be recognizing our local students chosen to represent USNA C/O 2021! We hope you can come out and support our future leaders. GENERAL (ADMIRAL) NOTES – Look for the Chapter on our Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/ pages/USNA-Alumni-Tampa St-Petersburg/120095454740213 ?sk=wall), 106 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
our website – https://usnatampabay. com/ and LinkedIn. Dues – Annual membership is $25 per year. Our Board also approved a one-time $50 charge to our lifetime members to help defray future costs. Dues may be mailed to our Treasurer, Jim Newsome ’90. Communications – Stay up-to-date with our alumni activities by making sure that our chapter secretary, Davidson Taveras ’05, has your email address. Contact Davidson at Davidson.Taveras@gmail.com. See you next month – first Wednesday, 6pm at Tate’s Pizza!
Georgia Atlanta Chapter Pres: Ed Brownlee ’81 e: Edward.brownlee@woodruffcenter.org Sec’y: Ron Surfield ’90 p: 678-523-6005; e: srsurfield@hotmail.com Website: http://WWW.USNAAAA.COM BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Anthony Evangelista e: tonysevangelista.usna@gmail.com
ATLANTA CHAPTER’S 2017 DARK AGES DINNER AT DER BIERGARTEN Forty-five (45) metro Atlanta area alumni, spouses and guests gathered for two-and-a-half (2 1/2) fun-filled hours on Saturday evening, February 11, 2017, in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, at Der Biergarten restaurant for camaraderie and breaking bread at the Atlanta Chapter’s Dark Ages Dinner. Throughout the evening of dining on traditional German cuisine and enjoying Naval Academy alumni fellowship, many sea stories were retold/embellished by grads, several classmates were reunited, and a significant quantity of savory food/ cold beverages were consumed.
Atlanta Chapter: 2017 Atlanta Chapter Dark Ages Dinner at Der Biergarten
USNA alumni classes in attendance ranged from 1958 (Reggie Vachon ’58) to 2010 (Lieutenant Sam Hollaway ’10). There was a West Point grad in attendance, Phil (son of Pete Knoetgen ’77) Knoetgen. Also attending the Chapter’s Dark Ages Dinner was Vince Balderrama ’78, Major Gift Officer, U.S. Naval Academy Foundation. Vince was visiting Atlanta on Foundation business and fortunately extended his stay to partake in Atlanta Chapter’s first signature event of the 2017 calendar year. The evening ended with a rendering of our alma mater “Navy Blue & Gold,” which is sung at the end of all Atlanta Chapter gatherings and events. The evening’s rendition was well received by non-USNA related guests dining at Der Biergarten restaurant. Overall, it was a rewarding and memorable time enjoyed by all alumni, spouses and guests attending the 2017 Atlanta Chapter’s Dark Ages Dinner. U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Atlanta (USNAAAA) Chapter’s Vision is to - Connect, Support, Advocate... Navy Blue & Gold
Hawaii Honolulu Chapter Pres: Tom Marzec ’87 e: tom.marzec@1987.usna.com Vice Pres: Vacant Sec’y: Vacant Shipmate Scribe: Vacant Treas: Doug Gainer ’98 e: douglas.e.gainer@sms.com Parent’s Club Pres: Karen Sabogi e: usna.hi.parents.club@gmail.com Hawaii B&G Officer: LtCol John Turner ’93, USMC (Ret.) e: john.sebastian.turner@gmail.com Website: http: honolulu.usnachapters.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ honolulu.usnachapter
Idaho BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Roy Ledesma ’87, USN (Ret.) p: 208-954-3379; e: roy.ledesma@gmail.com
Northwest Chapter Pres: Col Kenneth W. Moore ’66, USMC (Ret.) 31048 E. Hayden Lake Rd., PO Box 2020 Hayden, ID 83835-7059 p: 208-772-7494; e: eyehawk35@gmail.com
Southern Idaho Chapter Pres: Roy Ledesma ’87 e: roy.ledesma@gmail.com Vice Pres: Dennis Hanrahan ’68 Sec’y: Paul Campbell ’98 Treas: Vince Martino ’95 e: vinmartino@gmail.com
Illinois BGO Area Coordinator: (Southern) CDR Michael Carnes ’74, USN (Ret.) e: usna74@att.net Atlanta Dark Ages Attendees Vince Balderrama ’78, Reggie Vachon ’58 and Ed Brownlee ’81
CHAPTER NEWS
Michiana Chapter: At Ravens Stadium in Baltimore for the Army Navy Game; (l-r) Teresa & John Herman ’89; JoEllen & Bob Gamso ’80 Michiana Chapter: The Monthly Chapter Luncheon Meeting at Bar Louie; (l-r) Nancy & John Strauss ’69; Paul Bradfield ’53; Yvonne Furman
Michiana Chapter: At The Bend Restaurant; (l-r) Dale & Bill Carter ’71; Joanie Haizlip, Nancy Strauss, & Norma Todd Michiana Chapter: Good times at Bar Louie (L-R): John Strauss ‘69; Bill & Dale Carter ‘71; Debby & Pat Sloan ‘75; Paul Bradfield ‘53
Chicago Chapter CDR Fredrick W. Weber ’75, USNR (Ret.) 2134 Evert Ct., Northbrook, IL 60062-6612 h: 847-559-9381; w: 312-845-3444 e: Fred.Weber@2comm.com Website: http://chicago.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: (Northern, IL incl Chicago) Robert Falardeau p: 847-359-2990; e: raffamily@comcast.net
Indiana BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Timothy Naville ’76, USNR (Ret.) p: 812-944-4833; e: tnaville@twc.com
Indianapolis Chapter CDR Lynn Thomas ’83 p: 317-329-1773; e: lynntw@aol.com
The South Bend/Michiana Chapter is alive & well, but hunkered down for the Dark Ages...it’s warmed up to 20 deg which is a lot nicer than the 7 deg we’ve been having. Our group had the recent pleasure of getting together for the Army-Navy game watch at The Bend restaurant in the Waterford Estates Lodge. It was a good time...even though the outcome was not what we wanted. But everyone agreed it was time for Army to finally win a game after 14 years. We also had representives from our Niles Naval Militia at the game in Baltimore!
Michiana Chapter Pres: John Ross ’94 e: johnwmross@me.com Vice Pres/Sec’y: CDR John (Chris) Haizlip ’72, USN (Ret.) 15246 Longford Dr., Granger, IN 46530 p: 574-273-2939; e: CHaizlip@aol.com Treas: John Strauss ’69 e: e:jstrauss3373@att.net
Shipmate Editor Note: We apologize for overlooking April’s submission. The full column appears here.
At The Bend Restaurant Game Watch Social Event; (l-r) Jim Todd ’69; Paul Bradfield ’72; Celeste & John Ross ’94; John Strauss ’69
The South Bend/Michiana Chapter continues its monthly luncheon meetings at The Bar Louie Restaurant at University Park Mall. The chapter meets the 2nd Tuesday, at 12 noon, of
Michiana Chapter: (L-R): John Raster ‘55; Paul Bradfield ‘53; Bill Carter ‘71; Chris Haizlip ‘72; John Strauss ‘69
every month. The latest sea-stories revolve around the upcoming Navy/ Notre Dame game on Nov 18th here in South Bend. Tom Teach has once again graciously volunteered to sponsor the entire event. Tom is also a member of the National Marrow Donor Board. He will be out in Annapolis in a few months visiting USNA and conducting a sign-up program for the marrow registry. Their last visit produced over 2000 midshipmen that signed up for the marrow registry program. More details are available at: https://bethematch.org/
BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Gregory Reinhardt ’79, USN (Ret.) p: 502-244-7707; e: greinhardt@1979.usna.com
Louisiana Louisiana Chapter Pres: LCDR Andrew “Drew” Dodenhoff ’70, USN (Ret.) e: drewdode@yahoo.com Vice Pres: Bo Thornhill ’04 e: bo.thornhill@gmail.com Sec’y: Wayne Morgan ’98 e: wayne.morgan@1998.usna.com Treas: Michael Vesely '71 p: 504-616-6884; e: MikeVesely@msn.com Website: http://www.USNALouisiana.org
Louisville/ Southern Indiana Chapter Pres: CAPT Gregory Reinhardt ’79, USNR (Ret.) 712 Talon Pl., Louisville, KY 40223 p: 502-244-7707; e: greinhardt@1979.usna.com
BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Kirk R. Benson ’87, USN (Ret.) p: 985-710-3454; e: kirk.benson@bgo.usna.com
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 107
CHAPTER NEWS
Maine Portland Chapter Pres: Jeffrey Peters ’85 7 Sumac Dr., Brunswick, ME 04011 c: 207-650-1744; w: 207-442-4703 e: jeffpeters85@me.com BGO Area Coordinator: LT Jen Bohr Tyll ’01, USNR p: 207-829-8159; e: jenbohrtyll@gmail.com
Maryland Annapolis Chapter Pres: LCDR Mark Hakun ’88, USNR (Ret.) e: mxfour2@verizon.net Vice Pres: Steve Zotti ’83 Sec’y–Shipmate Contact: Liesel (Danjczek) Schopler ’99 e: lieseldanjczek@hotmail.com Treas: Frank Dembia ’88 Website: http://annapolis.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Barry Davis ’85, USNR (Ret.) p: 410-793-5590; e: barry.davis@1985.usna.com
Baltimore Chapter Pres: Jason Hardebeck ’87 p: 443-269-1599; e: jhardebeck@whoglue.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Barry Davis ’85, USNR (Ret.) p: 410-793-5590; e: barry.davis@1985.usna.com
Greater Southern Maryland Chapter Pres: Michael DeManss ’73 PO Box 277, Compton, MD 20627 p: 301-475-7028 Corr Sec’y: Michael Dougherty ’73 p: 240-925-7518; e: doughertymj8@aol.com Website: http://www.navyalumni.org BGO Area Coordinator: Patti Thumm p: 301-737-1629; e: thummmw@md.metrocast.net
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! Before Summer is upon us with its Good (Baseball & Backyard
Cookouts), its Bad (Heat & Humidity), and its Ugly (putting on a bathing suit for the first time), pull out your calendars (or smartphones, or whatever you use) and make note of these events: Friday, 12 May (1130) — MIDN Recognition Luncheon, River’s Edge Club, NAS Patuxent River — Best event of the year! Join us as we recognize the graduating Midshipmen from Southern Maryland. I guarantee at the end of that day you will: a) know the future of our Navy and Marine Corps is in good hands; and b) wonder “Were we ever that young?” Thursday, 22 June (1700) — Summer Social, Elements — Break out your Sea Stories, a new audience awaits! Saturday, Aug 26 (1600) — Crab Fest ’17, NRC Solomons Club 9 — Bring the family, Bring the Neighbors, Drag a Classmate, Drag another Old Goat! Fresh caught Maryland Crabs for Everybody! ALUMNI IN THE NEWS GSMC Returns to Annapolis! Mike DeManss ’73 and Rick Snyder ’75 trekked up the road to present a GSMC Banner signed by Chapter members to Dave ‘85 and Carolyn Marquis at the Chesapeake Brewing Company on West Street. Drop in, have a Beat Army Golden Lager, and let them know who sent you. COMING EVENTS 2nd Tuesday of Every Month (1700) — Chapter Meeting (open to all interested individuals), Elements or the Pax River Ale House.
Massachusetts Boston Chapter Pres: James Kras ’69 112 Beach St., Unit 4, Boston, MA 02111 p: 617-645-1032; e: jameskras@comcast.net Shipmate contact: CAPT Pete Seibert ’65 p: 781-235-5909; e: pkseibert@comcast.net Website: http://boston.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Reid Oslin p: 781-738-0777; e: reid.oslin@bc.edu
As Chapter President representing our Boston Chapter, I attended a meeting at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, home of the New England Patriots, as part of a committee to bring the Army/Navy football game to Gillette Stadium at least once during the 5-year span 2018-2022. The meeting was chaired by the Executive Director of Special Events, and members of his staff were present. Chet Gladchuk, USNA Director of Athletics as well as USMA Director of Athletics attended. The Kraft family is totally in support of this event (got to meet the man himself). A proposal has been submitted to the Academies, and a decision is expected in the Spring.
Michigan Detroit Chapter Pres: Arthur W. Bryant ’66 1811 Hollywood Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236-1311 h: 313-885-2174; c: 313-590-0301 e: arthurwbryant@gmail.com Website: http://detroit.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Michael Bennett p: 586-468-7490; e: mbbennett@comcast.net BGO Area Coordinator: Col Benjamin Richmond ’93, USMCR p: 616-292-3045; e: brichmond97@earthlink.ne
of a broken water main right in front of the restaurant in Ann Arbor. So for February we planned again for the same location and all went well. It was great to have Anthony Sclafani ’98 with us, a local member, who is running for Central Region Trustee of the USNA Alumni Association Board of Trustees in 2017. Tony gave us some words on his focus for continued communications and support for alumni and ways for alumni to support the Brigade. Good luck Tony. Don’t forget to vote when you receive your ballot in the mail or vote electronically. Art Bryant ’66
Minnesota Upper Midwest Chapter Pres: Jon Olson ’90 e: President@usnaaaumw.com Shipmate Contact: David Bruns ’88 6325 Oxford Rd. S, Shakopee, MN 55379 m: 516-972-6597; e: david@davidbruns.com Website: www.usnaaaumw.com Facebook: www.fb.com/USNAAAUpperMidwest BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Mark Salmen ’73, USN (Ret.) p: 651-271-6690; e: mark.salmen@1973.usna.com
Mississippi BGO Area Coordinator: David Price ’78 e: dep-78@sbcglobal.net
South Mississippi Chapter Pres: CDR E. Spencer Garrett IV ’88, USNR PO Box 1792, Gautier, MS 39553 p: 228-497-5050; e: esgarrett44@aol.com Sec’y: CAPT Harry J. Rucker ’73, USN (Ret.) e: navynomad50@caldeone.net
In January we had to cancel a meeting with a large group planned because
Greater Southern Maryland: Rick Snyder ’75, Carolyn Marquis, Dave Marquis ’85 and Mike DeManss ’73 at the Chesapeake Brewing Company on West Street, Annapolis
108 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Detroit Chapter: USNA ALUMNAI LUNCHEON ANN ARBOR - Back row from left, Anthony Sclafani ’98, Ron Barhite ’83, Mike Casey ’70; Front row, Art Bryant ’66, Mike Bennett and Mark Whitfield ’80
CHAPTER NEWS
Missouri Greater Kansas City Metro Chapter Pres: Bob Culler ‘74 p: 913-488-6319; e: bculler@sbcglobal.net Vice Pres: Victor Hurlbert ‘10 p: 816-665-1647; e:vhurlbert@wradvisors.com Treas: Jack Rush ‘73 e: jackrush7376@gmail.com Website: http://KansasCity.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: David Price ’78 e: dep-78@sbcglobal.net
Jane and Matt Hermstedt ’89, a Board member and former chapter Vice President, planned and robustly executed on February 11 a Dark Ages Wine Tasting Event at the “Stilwell Valley Winery” with scrumptious southwest cuisine. It was well attended by Ann and Jeff Kranz ’74, Elaine and Eric Carlson ’74, Jane and Mike Gochis ’90, Lori and Scott Porter ’84, Jeremy and Bryan Didier ’91, Bill Simmons ’89, and Bob Culler ’74. The group toasted Matt for his long active duty (nuclear power) and reserve service and recent retirement from the Navy Reserves as a CDR. Matt has been a BGO for more than a decade in Kansas City. After some worthy sea stories the event was concluded with a singing of Navy Blue & Gold. Upcoming activities for March through June 2017 include: March Happy Hour is at the Granfalloon Bar & Grill at the Plaza on March 15 from 4:00-6:00 PM including the Kansas City West Point Society and Air Force Society Association of Graduates. Spring Buffet Breakfast is at the Hereford House Restaurant at Town Center in Leawood, KS on April 27, from 7:30-9:00 AM with featured speaker recently retired RADM Jeffrey R. Penfield. An inter service academy golf outing is being planned for June 23 at St Andrews Golf Club in Overland Park, KS. More details will be posted on the web page soon. The Parents Club has planned a Class of 2021 sendoff picnic on Saturday June 10, from 11:00-2:00 at Roe Park Shelter 10400 Roe Avenue, Overland Park, KS. In May, six midshipmen from the Class of 2017 from the Kansas City area will graduate and be commissioned, and an
additional six from eastern Kansas, and two from western Missouri. Total 14. The chapter’s new web page hosted by the national association is live, thanks to VP Vic Hurlbert ’10. All future events are posted there. Please bookmark it. http:// kansascity.usnachapters.net We are still collecting chapter dues for 2017 of $25. Send checks to Jack Rush, Treasurer or hand it to him at the next event.
St. Louis Chapter
New Jersey BGO Area Coordinator: (South NJ) David Restrepo p: 609-217-7057; e: dwrestrepo@aol.com
New Jersey Chapter Pres: Patric Hurley ’87 Vice Pres: William Kramer ’78 e: wilkramer@hotmail.com Sec’y: Bob Moran ’83 p: 732-208-8644; e: bobmoran@1983.usna.com Website: www.usnanj.com BGO Area Coordinator: (North NJ) CDR William Squires ’75, USNR (Ret.) p: 201-951-2867; e: rs.ci@verizon.net
Pres: Dave Turnbaugh ’89 Website: http://stlouis.usnachapters.com Shipmate contact: Raese Simpson ’61 1138 Westmoor Pl., St. Louis, MO 63131-1320 c: 314-757-1221; e: raese1961@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Michael Carnes ’74, USN (Ret.) e: usna74@att.net
Montana BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Michael Kreyenhagen ’79, USN (Ret.) p: 406 626-5637; e: kreyten@YAHOO.com
Nebraska BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Jerry Hodge '86, USN (Ret.) e: gerald.hodge@med.ge.com
Omaha Chapter Pres: Ray Foran ’00 p: 402-312-4917; e: rayforan@2000.usna.com
Nevada BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Scott Shire ’88, USN e: scott.shire@dhs.gov
Southern Nevada Chapter Pres: Tessa Carlson ’91 p: 702-809-6827; e: TessaCarlson@1991.usna.com
New Mexico New Mexico Chapter Pres: Christine Hoaglund ’97 e: christinehoaglund@hotmail.com Sec’y: Joseph McGuire ’68 p: 505-857-9679; e sunnymack@msn.com NM Parents’ Club Pres: Ms. Jeanette Harris p: 505-710-6646; e: totalbodywellness@msn.com Website: http://newmexico.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Capt. Richard Dommers ’62 p: 575-434-8735; e: usnabgo@yahoo.com
NM Chapter President Christine Hoaglund ’97 is making plans to represent the Chapter by attending the annual International Chapter Officers Forum (ICOF), to be conducted in Annapolis on May 11, 2017. At this event, the most vital issues involving the USNA alumni and Board of Directors organization are reviewed and discussed. This forum is expected to include a review of the latest Triennial Count, which determines Chapter representation on the Board of Directors. The Triennial Count ranks Chapters in order of participation level by determining
the number of those alumni who are active dues-payers in good standing with their Chapters, and are also life members of the USNA Alumni Association. The New Mexico Chapter count this year was 20. The 8th annual NM Chapter family picnic is scheduled to be held at the Elena Gallegos Open Space Kiwanis picnic area on Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 1300 to 1700. The uniform of the day will be Navy Blue and Gold in any regalia you may own. Guests, children and grandchildren of NM Chapter members are welcome. This popular event will include a briefing on the annual Spring ICOF issues to be discussed in Annapolis. We will retain our successful format with chicken and drinks to be provided and each family bringing a side dish or dessert. A $5 contribution from each adult will cover the facility rental and parking. An honor bucket will collect $2 donations for adult beverages. Check the latest info to be posted on the NM Chapter’s online bulletin board. Members of the USNA Parents Club have also been invited, as this event provides an outstanding introduction to learning about transitioning to Navy/Marine Corps life. While most residents are aware that the official New Mexico state question, “Red or Green?” is known to be referring to one’s preference of the variety of chile that you like with your meal, we have recently learned of a group called the “Blue Chiles.” That is the nickname of the US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates (USAFA AOG). The Blue Chiles have recently contacted the USNA NM Chapter regarding
Website: http://southernnevada.usna chapters.com/
ALUMNI HOUSE Bring your event home! Ogle Hall is ready to host your special event. events@usna.com or 410-295-4018
2017 HOMECOMING Thursday, 19 October through Saturday, 21 October New Mexico Chapter: New Mexico Parents Club sent out 35 Dark Ages packages to Mids
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 109
CHAPTER NEWS their work toward forming a tri-service golf tournament, to include members of their West Point and Annapolis counterparts. The location, format, cost, date, and time are all being developed, but that means we have some time to dust off our clubs and be ready to engage in some bragging rights rivalry. The following article and photo from the New Mexico Naval Academy Parents Club was posted on our NM Chapter bulletin board by our webmaster, Mike Blackledge ’63: We are packing 35 Dark Ages Packages today [29 Jan 2017] to send to our New Mexico mids as well as electing new leadership and voting on By-Laws for our Chapter. Our new leadership: Our new President is Betsy Guertersloh, Vice-President is Vicki K. Young McGavran, Secretary is Matt and Gayle Torres and Treasurer is Brian McQuiston.Thanks everyone for taking on these leadership positions! Every year in January we send out care packages to our mids for the Dark Ages. For those of you who do not know, the “Dark Ages” is the time between Reform in January and Spring Break. We call that the Dark Ages because the weather is cold and dreary, there is not a lot of sports to go watch, it gets dark early and it is just not a happy time. There are probably other reasons that I am not aware of. We are mailing thirty packages to our mids, five more to the USNA chaplains to distribute as they see fit. Once all this is in place we can start planning the picnic. The parents club will definitely be hosting a BBQ in early summer 2017 to honor our mids and welcome the incoming members of the Class of 2021 from New Mexico. The date has not been set at this time.
New York New York Capital District Chapter Pres: Frank Hughes ’80 p: 518-432-9193; e: frankhughes2@yahoo.com Sec’y: Gordon Lattey 40 First St., Troy, NY 12180 p: 518-274-4989; e: ussslater@aol.com
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Vice Pres: Rick Kunkel ’67 p: 910-455-6280; e: rkunkel@ec.rr.com Sec’y: Tim Marvin ’59 PO Box 731, Kure Beach, NC 28449-0731 e: tmarvin738@charter.net
BGO Area Coordinator: CDR William deVries ’91 USN (Ret.) e: USNA.BGO.AlbanyNY@gmail.com
Treas: Dennis Doyle ’66 215 Ticino Ct., New Bern, NC 28562 p: 252-638-2377; e: dennisdoyle66@gmail.com Website: http://easternnc.usnachapters.com
Central New York Chapter Pres: Steve Erb ’68 e: steveerb@windstream.net Sec’y: Bob Fegan Jr. ’64 e: bobfegan64@gmail.com Website: CentralNY.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR William deVries ’91 USN (Ret.) e: USNA.BGO.AlbanyNY@gmail.com
Metro New York Chapter (NAANY) Pres: Tom Williams ’88 p: 212-255-3387; e: Tom_2500@msn.com HotLine: 1-800-234-USNA (8732) Website: http://www.NAANY.org BGO Area Coordinator: Greg Costello ’79 p: 917-544-9803; e: surprise.sv@gmail.com
Western New York Chapter Pres: Jeff Bartkoski ’84 h: 585-398-7790; o: 585-396-0584 e: jbartkoski@mercyflightcentral.org Website: http://westernny.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: Doug Peters ’73 e: douglastpeters@gmail.com
North Carolina BGO Area Coordinator: Mike Roberts p: 303-638-7560; e: ncbgo9376@gmail.com
Cape Fear Chapter Pres: CDR Geoffrey A. Losee ’85, USNR (Ret.) 3128 Lantern Way, Wilmington, NC 28409 p: 910-763-3404; E: gloose@1985.usna.com Sec’y: CAPT David G. Samtmann Jr. ’92, USNR 8871 New Forest Dr, Wilmington, NC 28411 m: 910-547-1138; e: david.samtmann@ge.com
Charlotte Chapter
Follow Navy Football online at: navysports.com 1-800-US4-NAVY
Pres: Rob Skrotsky ’67 PO Box 847, New Bern, NC 28563 p: 252-514-0299 e: robert.skrotsky@1967.usna.com
Website: http://capitaldistrictny.usna chapters.com
Shipmate contact: Mr. James Welch ’52 1160 Arboretum Dr., Wilmington, NC 28405 p: 910-256-5489; e: jimlyne28@msn.com
2017 NAVY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Eastern North Carolina Chapter
Pres: Guy Chamberlain ’73 p: 704-543-0720; e: gchamberlain@earthlink.net Sec’y: Jeff Searcy ’62 p: 704-341-2255; e: jeffsearcy@carolina.rr.com Website: Charlotte.usnachapters.com
The meeting convened at 1200 on 15 February at MCB Camp Lejeune, NC. Seven (7) members attended. Rob Skrotsky ’67, President, began the meeting with a moment of silence and prayer for those service personnel who are deployed and for their loved ones awaiting their safe return. Mr. Dennis Doyle ’64, Treasurer, reported our bank balance. Rob suggested that any member who can travel to Annapolis in early May can attend the Chapter Officers Forum to be held at Alumni Hall 11-12 May. He will notify the officials if a member of the chapter plans to attend. Jim Kraft ’64, the Blue/Gold officer for Carteret County, reported that his applicants are still awaiting final approval for the incoming class. He noted that a Havelock area high school student has received an appointment for the football team. Bob Dupuis, 79 said he too was available to interview potential candidates, as he is a Blue/ Gold officer in the Jacksonville, NC, area. We then had a lengthy discussion about the nomination and appointment process. Capt Skrotsky next showed video of the art work of Daven Anderson ’65. Mr. Anderson is an artist in St. Louis and specializes in maritime scenes, including the USNA chapel and a dead-on view of a Naval Academy yacht in full-sail. He also paints scenes in river setting as well as urban scenes which are now touring several art museums. His web site is www.Davenanderson.com. Another website is www.TheRivers Exhibition.com. Rob announced that the Founders Day celebration will be at the New Bern Country Club, but the date has not been set yet.
He reminded the members of the USNA versus USAFA baseball games at the stadium in Kinston on 24, 25, and 26 Feb. The meeting adjourned at 1330 to meet again in New Bern on 15 March. Tim Marvin ’59, Secretary
North Carolina Triangle Chapter Pres: Jeff Edgar ’81 p: 571-332-7638; e: jedgar703@gmail.com Sec’y: John F. Jones ’93 e: johnfjones@yahoo.com Website: www.usnatriangle.com
Dark Ages Dinner 24 Feb 17. Our guest of honor was retired Rear Admiral J.R. Haley USN 81 and Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. J.R. entertained the 48 of our audience with a a fun and compelling overview of his career from Plebe through Admiral. The charm of his remarks was its foundation of the recent film, A Dog’s Purpose.
RADM J.R. Haley ‘81 presenting at the NC Triangle NAAA Dark Ages Dinner on February 24th
The Angus Barn could hardly have been more accommodating hosts with our comfortable private room; bar and wine service; delicious menu including complimentary gifted bottle of wine for each guest; and the always interesting tour of their vast wine cellar. Grads in attendance included: JR & Char Haley 80 ; Jeff & Lynn Edgar 81; Carole & Don Scott 69; Mik & Julia Visgauss 08; Lauren & Pat Wilson 09; JD & Lisa Cunningham 84; Tim & Grace Dumbauld 79; Helmuts & Elizabeth Feifs 66; Doug & Marty Guthe 76; Nina & Nicholas Leshock 04; Girard & Annette Lew 60; George & Karyen 87; Dan & Jeannie Marusa 74.
CHAPTER NEWS Piedmont Chapter
Susquehanna Valley Chapter
Pres: CAPT Claude Lumpkin ’65, USNR (Ret.) e: clumpkin@1965.usna.com Vice Pres: Tom Cornejo ’00 e: thomas.cornejo@yahoo.com Sec’y: Josh Fogle ’03 e: foglejw@gmail.com
Pres: Chris Nigon ’74 p: 717-314-4653; e: captcsn@aol.com Vice Pres: Del Becker ’84 e: delbecker@gmail.com Sec’y: Gib Armstrong ’91 e: gibshar@gmail.com Treas: Charlie Perkins ’71 e: CharlesPerkins71@gmail.com
North Dakota Upper Midwest Chapter
Website: http://www.usnasvc.com
See Minnesota
BGO Area Coordinator: Janet Catina p: 570-350-7678
BGO Area Coordinator: Susan Canham p: 701-226-2204; e: scanham2@gmail.com
Ohio Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky Chapter Pres: CDR Vince Scott ’89 USN (Ret.) p: 405-334-7305; e: vhscott@att.net or vscott@secgrusolutions.com Sec’y/Chief of Chapter Comms: Ted Johnson ’02 p: 513-405-5243; e: teddijohnson@yahoo.com Website: http://www.usnacinci.org BGO Area Coordinator: LT Leonard Green ’06, USNR e: Leonard.Green@gmail.com
Cleveland Chapter Pres: CAPT Fred W. Bergman ’75, USNR (Ret.) p: 440-570-3564; e: FWayBergman@aol.com Sec’y: John Blackburn ’82 e: joblackburn@clevelandtrack.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Thomas Hartline ’81, USNR (Ret.) p: 216-433-5298; e: thomas.w.hartline@nasa.gov
Columbus and Central Ohio Chapter Pres: CDR James H. Cowardin ’66, USNR (Ret.) p: 614-488-3873; e: jimco66@gmail.com Website: http://www.usnacentralohio.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT D. Michael Crites ’70, USNR (Ret.) p: 614-327-1061; e: mcrites@dinsmore.com
Toledo Chapter Pres: David B. Puckett ’63 5051 Chatham Valley Rd., Toledo, OH 43615-1107 e: dpuckett@buckeye-express.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT David Chilson, USNR (Ret.) p: 419-308-6464; e: chilson@bgsu.edu
Oklahoma BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Harry Rouse ’77, USN (Ret.) e: HVRouse@aol.com
Oklahoma City Chapter Pres: CDR James M. Novak ’91, USN (Ret.) p: 405-524-1006; e: novak6@sbcglobal.net
Oregon and SW Wasington Chapter: Our Oregon – SW Washington USNA alumni and their “sweethearts” wish all a Happy Valentines’ Day!
Tulsa Chapter Pres: CDR Harry V. Rouse IV ’77, USN (Ret.) 2623 East 33 Pl., Tulsa, OK 74105-2334 p: 918.591.5325; e: hvrouse@aol.com
Oregon Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter Pres: CAPT Frank Swientek ’66 USN (Ret.) e: gatorlst@comcast.net Vice Pres: Doug Ballard ’74 e: cassandra.alpha61@comcast.net Sec’y: Pete Crystal ’70 e: pete.a.crystal@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT “Butch” Bewick ’62, USNR (Ret.) p: 503-319-4653; e: Jsbewick@aol.com
For the third year in the row, the Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter met in the evening on Wednesday, February 8th for our monthly get-together at Portland’s Old Spaghetti Factory. Following our Pledge of Allegiance and grace by Chaplain David Lutes ‘63, Chapter President Frank Swientek ’66 welcomed the membership & guests as we celebrated our annual “Valentine” observance with roses distributed to all “sweethearts”. We were honored to have our oldest active Chapter member John Frerichs ’50 and his daughter Stacey in attendance. All alumni introduced their guests and provided anecdotes as to how they first met their loved ones (with some added info provided by their better halves). USNA alumni (and guests) in attendance included: John Frerichs ’50 (& daughter Stacey); ‘Jake’
McMichael ’58 (& wife Dianne); Wayne Hildebrand ’59 (& guest Louise Jardine); John Morris ’61 (& wife Brenda); David Lutes ’63; Frank Swientek ’66 (& wife Diane); ‘Skip’ Cannady ‘67 (& wife Eileen), ‘Ike’ Eisenbach (& wife Sherry) and ‘Tex’ Harkins ’67 (& wife Cecily); Doug Bomarito ’68 (& wife Jean); Mike Carmichael ’69 (& wife Suzie) and John Plett ’69 (& wife Kathryn); Michael Seiwald ’73 (& wife Holly) and Bruce Thompson ’73 (& wife Margaret); and Susan Mead ’90 (& husband Brett Baumann) and Ted Scypinski ‘90 (& wife Jennifer). Additionally, Oregon-SW Washington USNA Parents Club members Rich & Shirley Walton (2010) celebrated with our group. We ended our festivities by singing ”Navy Blue & Gold”
Pennsylvania Philadelphia Chapter Pres: Kevin McCloskey ’93 e: kevin@mccloskeymail.net Sec’y: Nick Rygiel ’04 e: nick.ryg@gmail.com Website: http://philadelphia.usnachapters.net BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR James Lare ’77, USNR (Ret.) p: 610-222-4695; e: Jlare@comcast.net
Pittsburgh Chapter Pres: William E. Otto ’71 4105 Tartan Ct., Murrysville, PA 15668-1045 e: figaro4105@aol.com Website: Pittsburgh.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT David Gates ’77, USN (Ret.) p: 724-632-6621; e: LJreese357@aol.com
Recreational Vehicle American Chapter Pres: Jay Williams ’67 e: wjay@bellsouth.net Sec’y: Gary Polansky ’69 e: g.polansky@att.net Treas: Glenn Shindler ’64 4530 Lasheart Dr., La Canada, CA 91011 e: gshindler64@earthlink.net Shipmate inputs to: ‘Nita Parry e: mauryplace@aol.com Website: www.unarv.usnachapters.net
The 17th Annual Key West “Beach Party” Come-Around is now history creating lots more great memories! Yes indeed....Chapter members partied for 8-days like it was Spring Break in KW. Summary: 16 “homeson-wheels” with 17 visiting USNA grads plus two grads as resident experts, Michael Currie and Peter Nanos, both ’67. The chapter welcomed the largest number (5) of members coming to Key West for the first time, ranging from USNA ’59 to ’77. The big prize went to Marion Conery (widow of Frank Conery ’58) who has never ever missed this Key West event! Maryjane and Bob Metcalf ’61 took 2nd place for 16 consecutive years in KW, including being the Firsties in charge 6-times. 12 of 16 RV “homes” included pet families as documented in photos. Guests included: NAS Key West CO, Navy Capt. Bobby “Beetle” Baker, USMA ’93 along with LTJG John Northern, USNA ’13; Jac and John Smith ’13 joining his USNA sponsors, ’Nita and Jack Parry ’67; USMC Colonel Bill Nowadnik, a 95-year old true hero who flew 33 different types of aircraft in WW II, Korea and Viet Nam.
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 111
CHAPTER NEWS
RV Chapter: Key West 2017
Rhode Island
See all the fun for yourself in photos curtesy of Joan Platz ’81, Jack Parry ’67and Val Polansky (Gary Polansky ’69).
BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Stuart Craig ’86, USN e: sbcraig@1986.usna.com
Rhode Island Chapter
Tom Powell ’58, the only grad with two dates, his wife Kay and Marion Conery (widow of Frank Conery ’58 who was Tom’s USNA roommate) John Schultz ’59 keeping the RV Chapter USNA ’59 legacy alive and well
Happy Hour ends this way every night in Key West!
Corn hole competition Mike Bolier ’67 & Tom Wolfe ’70
Firsties Pam ’80 & Scott ’78 Rodgers
USNA Pet family members always welcome!
Key West 2018 dates are 5-12 February. Plan now to be there! Join a very sweet Hershey Come-Around, September 6th to 11th 2017. Contact Firstie Walt Baskin ’59 at wbaskin59@gmailcom for all details. RV spaces are going fast so take action right now! Watts Bar Come-Around is back on the chapter schedule after taking a year off. For all details contact Firstie Jim Connors ’74 at jimcberd@ aol.com. Dates are 24-28 October and will include a trip to the Cumberland Playhouse for an evening of culture. All Come-Around details are now available at www.usnarv.usna chapters.net and/or on the chapter Facebook page “USNA RV Chapter”. These are the best places to find the most up-to-date information to continue with your own planning to join all this fun! Safe travels y’all!
Jac and John Smith ’13 with USNA sponsors ’Nita and Jack Parry ’67
RV Stories
Colonel Bill Nowadnik, WWII, Korea & Vietnam vet with Dale Gange ’70 and Gary Polanski ’69
112 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
See Class Notes for ’65, ’67, ’70 and ’72 for reports from happy RV’ers!
were: Ted Speaker ’50, Jack Akin ’50, Fuzzy Knight ’53, Tom Mayberry ’53, Jim Flatley ’56, John Nuernberger ’64, Larry Elberfeld ’64, Mike Epprecht ’65, Jim Welsch ’67, Steve Fagan ’67, Bernie Magdelain ’67, Greg Wood ’68, George Wenchel ’69, Bill Bobo ’72, Bill Cook ’72, Ron Malec ’74, Dave Shimp ’76, Denny Simon ’77, Art Horn ’77, Bob Kennedy ’77, Bob Jordan ’80, Rick Stein ’82, Sam Kojm ’82, Greg Shore ’84, Andy Solgere ’85, Jim Miller ’89, Andrew McMarlin ’91, Lewis Cooper ’97, and Ricky Waters ’06. The Charleston Chapter meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12 Noon in Mount Pleasant. No reservation required.
Pres: Col Paul Muller ’88, USMC e: usmctanker@cox.net
Low Country Chapter
South Carolina
Pres: Keith Waldrop ’64 205 Odingsell Ct., Saint Helena Island, SC 29920 h: 843-838-3715; c: 404-434-2893 e: kawaldrop@earthlink.net
BGO Area Coordinator: Eve Dallas p: 843-457-8256; e: dallasbgo@gmail.com
Sec’y: Mr. Thomas M. Anderson ’60 p: 843-987-0121 e: tomandcarola@embarqmail.com
Central Savannah River Chapter
Website: LowCountry.usnachapters.com
(Aiken, SC; Augusta, GA; and surrounding areas) Pres: CAPT J. Frederick Dohse ’72, USN (Ret.) e: jfdohse@atlanticbb.net
Palmetto Chapter
Website: http://csra.usnachapters.com
Pres: Wes Boyce ’89 E: wesboyce@bellsouth.net
Charleston Chapter
Vice Pres: Mike Epprecht ’65 E: mike.epprecht65@gmail.com
Pres: CDR Rick Stein ’82, USNR (Ret.) 784 Preservation Pl., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 p: 843-856-6591; w: 843-557-7021 e: USNA_AA_Charleston@Comcast.net Website: www.RickSteinOnline.com
On Monday, January 16, The Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Luncheon. Our Speaker was Dawn Davis, National Park Service. In attendance were: Max Hill ’51, Jim Rodgers ’53, Fuzzy Knight ’53, Dick Wright ’53, Jim Flatley ’56, Curt Holcomb ’61, John Nuernberger ’64, Larry Elberfeld ’64, Ray Setser ’65, Jim Welsch ’67, Bernie Magdelain ’67, Wynn Harding ’68, Bill Nold ’71, Bill Bobo ’72, Bill Cook ’72, George Voelker ’72, Ron Malec ’74, Jim Lyons ’74, Dave Shimp ’76, Denny Simon ’77, Rick Stein ’82, Sam Kojm ’82, Greg Shore ’84, Andy Solgere ’85, Dennis White ’87, Andrew McMarlin ’91, and Paul Mallory ’10. On Monday, February 20, The Charleston Chapter held its Monthly Luncheon. Our Speaker was Heather Crosby, College of Charleston, Professor at Sea Participant. In attendance
Treas: Matt Felt ’88 E: matt.felt@baldor.abb.com Sec’y: Fred Rickabaugh ‘70 E: frickabaugh1@bellsouth.net BGO Area Coord: Eve Dallas E: dallasbgo@gmail.com
Our first All Hands Chapter event for 2017 was held at the Wild Wings Café in Greenville, SC. The Chapter welcomed Cdr. Mark MacNamara ’00 and his wife, Shannon, to our luncheon. Cdr. MacNamara is the outgoing CO for the local Naval Operations Support Center in Greenville (NOSC Greenville). He and his staff provide support for the reservists in the area for their mobilizations and demobilizations, as well as their training deployments. This includes providing assistance in getting their pay, travel arrangements, reimbursements and meeting their medical requirements. As Mark pointed out, these citizen warriors not only have to go through multiple transitions between civilian and military employment, they also are able to fill needed billets to allow
CHAPTER NEWS others to keep our ships better manned. They are critical to our readiness these days!
Spain Rota Chapter Pres: Todd Wagner ’86 e: todd.l.wagner8.mil@mail.mil Vice Pres: Michael Carsley ’88 e: michael.carsley@eu.navy.mil Sec’y: Cassidy Masey ’06 e: cassidy.a.massey@gmail.com Treas: Amanda Taylor ’09 e: amanda.taylor@eu.navy.mil
Tennessee Chattanooga Chapter Pres: Richard “Scott” Jones ’00 9935 Penneywood Ln., Ooltewah, TN 37363 p: 804-363-3589; e: rsjones23@hotmail.com Cdr. MacNamara ponders a question
A good time was had by all attendess! Those attending, in addition to the MacNamaras, were: Pat Howard ’67, Bob deHoll ’68, Mac and Regenia McClain ’69, John Shinovich ’69, Fred and Deborah Rickabaugh ’70, Lynn Walton ’71, Don Baldwin ’74, Mitch Rushing ’83, Tony Delgado ’85, Matt Felt ’88 and Wes Boyce ‘89.
BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) p: 865-966-4677; e: cdrcataldi@tds.net
Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter
Alamo Chapter: Some of the membership at Alamo Chapter Valentine’s Day social.
for our Chapter). This submission consists of the following pictures illustrating our comradery. (note the long stem roses.) Enjoy! We missed those of you that could not attend.
BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) p: 865-966-4677; e: cdrcataldi@tds.net
Website: Austin.usnachapters.com
L-R: Kay Colbourn, Jim Kiehle ’62, Ann Kiehle, Tom Colbourn ’68 at Alamo Chapter Valentine’s day social
BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Paul Schuhlein ’85, USN (Ret.) p: 901-751-2225; e: pschuhlein@yahoo.com All Hands event held at Wild Wings Cafe
Coming Events: On Friday, March 3rd there will be a chapter Happy Hour at 1800 at Up on the Roof, 250 Riverplace #800, Greenville, SC. Many thanks to Kristie Colpo ’04 for organizing this. Then, on March 10th, we are invited to attend Heroes Night with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey Team. On April 22nd, we’ll be having a Joint Services Picnic at a place TBD. The local West Point Society has been kind enough to invite us on a rafting trip with them on Wednesday, June 14th at the Wildwater Chattooga Adventure Center in Long Creek, SC. Fred Rickabaugh ‘70
Nashville Chapter Pres: CDR John F. Ohlinger ’69, USN (Ret.) 880 Lakemont Dr., Nashville, TN 37220-2124 h: 615-370-1441; w: 615-594-7628 e: john.ohlinger@usna.1969.com BGO Area Coordinator: Thomas Forsythe ’79 e: tom_forsythe@kyzen.com
Bill (’63) and Linda Marie Penn enjoy Alamo Chapter Valentine’s day social
Texas Alamo Chapter Pres: CAPT Ron A. Sandoval ’81, USN 18010 Keystone Blf., San Antonio, TX 78258-3436 Please send Shipmate Submissions and all correspondences to: Sec’y: Dave Driskell ’63 PO Box 461564, San Antonio, TX 78246-1564 e: info@alamogoats.org Website: http://www.alamo.usnachapters.com
Vice Pres: Dan Hanley ’10 p: 281 435 2523; e: dhanley10@gmail.com
Shipmate Contact: CDR Don McAlister ’63, USNR (Ret.) p: 512-365-7068; e: don.mcalister@austin.rr.com
Sec’y-Treas: CAPT Mark Kohring ’73, USNR (Ret.) e: mark_kohring@mac.com
Pres: Judd F. Osten ’64 p: 678-644-7755; e: juddosten@1964.usna.com
Pres: Brad Holbrook ’06 p: 410-718-8839; e: bradley.holbrook@gmail.com
Treas: Kevin Windbigler ’86 p: 512-923-5010; e: hans2886@austin.rr.com
Pres: CDR Richard Cataldi ’69, USN (Ret.) p: 865-966-4677; e: cdrcataldi@tds.net
Memphis Chapter
Austin Chapter
Blanca and Ron Sandoval ’81 at Alamo Chapter Valentine’s Day social
Respectfully Submitted, Dave Driskell ’63, Secretary
BGO Area Coordinator: Maj Bruce Davis ’85, USMCR p: 210-877-1612; e: bruce.davis@parsons.com
Austin chapter meetings are held at 11:30 am on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Currently we are meeting at varied locations. If you are new to the area or visiting from out of town, contact one of the listed officers to find out where the month’s meeting will be held. All USNA graduates and their spouses in the Austin area are invited to participate. Reservations are not required. Attending in January were: Pete Baker ’57 and Katie, Bob Granger ’59, Chuck Morris ’61, Ted Langworthy ’61, Don McAlister ’63, Bob Jones ’64, Robert Perch ’70, John Rogers ’70, Chuck Trahan ’73, Vernon Williams ’74, Gary Lundeen ’75, Joseph Hartigan ’79 and Betty, Brooks Ballou ’81, Mark Middleton ’81, Dan Nicosen ’84 and Beth, Kevin Windbigler ’86, Brad Holbrook ’06, and Hal Haskell ’09.
Facebook: Alamo Chapter NAAA
South Carolina Midlands Chapter Pres: CAPT Mike Kehoe ’71, USN (Ret.) 1270 Polo Rd., Apt 321, Columbia, SC 29223 p: 803-865-8664; e: mandnkehoe@hotmail.com Sec’y: Katie Hirsch e: mkh5325@aol.com Website: www.usnasc.org
BGO Area Coordinator: Maj Bruce Davis ’85, USMCR p: 210-877-1612; e: bruce.davis@parsons.com
Our February meeting was a no host cocktail meeting at Tilted Kilt featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres and flowers for the spouses (a tradition
SHIPMATE
More than 75 years are available online to all Alumni Association members. Visit usna.com/shipmate.
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 113
CHAPTER NEWS North Texas Chapter Pres: Greg Colandrea ’90 e: pres@usnaaa-ntx.com Sec’y: Carrie Busch Murdock ’99 e: secy@usnaaa-ntx.com Website: www.usnaaa-ntx.com BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT Thomas Kaprurch ’75, USN (Ret.) p: 972-317-6218; e: tom.kapurch@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Robert Mackey ’70 e: bobmackey70@verizon.net
On January17, we had the pleasure of hosting David Vobora as our monthly speaker at the La Cima Club. David comes from a long line of Marines, and has made it his mission to empower injured military veterans, amputees, paraplegics, quadriplegics, and those physically impaired, to return to a full life. To pursue this goal, David founded the Adaptive Training Foundation, which now has an extensive waiting list and selects 10 athletes for each amputee class through an application process. For nine weeks, the group of selected veterans train for free. Each athlete is assigned a volunteer trainer who helps design workouts specific to that athlete’s body, capability, and goals. David Vobora is no stranger to commitment, pain, and suffering as a former NFL Linebacker with the Saint Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks. To those who missed our January lunch, please look for updates on our website, or be sure to sign up to receive email updates for our Chapter activities in February, March, and April. Make sure and mark your calendars for our upcoming board meeting in April. Also, our chapter has actively been trying to get new grads to the area to become members of our local chapter. Please spread the word and continue to contact our chapter officers with ideas on new or reoccurring chapter events alumni would like to see. We are always looking for new speakers, so if you have any updates, please reach out. WE look forward to seeing new faces this Spring and summer. Our February guest was Jamie Cummings, USNA ‘93 and a Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry International. He gave us a review of what the state of Internet Security looks
like today, and the talent needed to address digital security in today’s cybersecurity environment. Around 28 members came out, thanks for the great showing. Please continue to check out the website for updated events and activities. As we come into spring, we have our annual board meeting in April, our elections, and Carry The Load over Memorial Day Weekend.
Board of Directors: Susanne Saalau Bethell ’85 e: suesaalau@hotmail.com
Texas Gulf Coast Chapter
Tony Cox ’89 e: tony.cox@optima3.com
Pres: Matt Guyton ’07 p: 281-222-2192; e: matthew.guyton@gmail.com
BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Tim Fox ’97, USNR e: BGOArea501Coordinator@gmail.com
Vice Pres: Daniel Hanley ’09 e: dhanley10@gmail.com Sec’y: Bret Leach ’08 e: bret.e.leach@gmail.com Website: www.usnaaa-ntx.com BGO Area Coordinator: Rick Mawdsley p: 832-326-1685; e: rmawdsley@gmail.com
Since our last update, our Chapter had an enthralling talk at our March monthly luncheon from Lt. Col. Eric Gilliard, USMC (Ret.) about the attack on Camp Bastion. We are now looking forward to our June Dining Out and Top Gun Veterans Fundraiserevents in which all are welcome, so please check our website or facebook page for more detail! CALL TO ACTION Top Gun Fundraiser: We need volunteers to both help run the events at the fundraiser as well as corporate and individual sponsors for the event. The event raises money for veterans non-profits, including our own foundation. Past non-profits that we have supported and worked with include, the USO, Team Red White and Blue, and the Lone Star Veterans Association. Contact Chris Black (chrblack07@gmail.com), Bret Leach (bret.e.leach@gmail. com), or Matt Guyton (matthew. guyton@gmail.com) to support. Navy - University of Houston Football Tailgate: We will need volunteers to help run the USNA tailgate currently scheduled for Friday, November 24th. Contact Dan Hanley (dhanley10@gmail. com), Chris Black (chrblack07@ gmail.com), or Matt Guyton (matthew.guyton@gmail.com) to help.
United Kingdom United Kingdom Chapter Pres: Tim Fox ’97 e: timfox97@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Paige Turbeville ’01 e: paigeturbeville@gmail.com Sec’y: Lisa Aszklar Wife, Henry ’81 e: lisa.aszklar@gmail.com
Spring is in full bloom here in London, and while it doesn’t quite compare with Spring in Naptown, it’s still a welcome change from the damp, cold winter months that U.K. residents know so well. On the docket in the coming months are several events that include U.K. chapter involvement. First, Tim Tracey ’16 will be rowing for Cambridge in early April in the annual Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race, held on the River Thames in London. This world- class event, which originated in 1829 (men’s) and 1927 (women’s), benefits Cancer Research UK, a well-known and very worthwhile British non-profit. Always held around Easter, the 2017 race promises to be another nail-biter, and a contingent of U.K. chapter members is planning to turn out to cheer Tim and his Cambridge teammates to victory. Later this spring, the U.K. chapter will host a group of visiting scholars (actually new firsties) who are contemplating graduate study at some of the finest universities in the British Isles. This yearly event is sponsored jointly by the Naval Academy and the
U.K. chapter and is always a highlight of the chapter’s late spring/early summer schedule. The U.K. chapter’s new landing page should be up and running in the very near term, and thanks are due to the Joe Fagan ’89, Assistant Director of Engagement Operations for the Naval Academy Alumni Association, for his help and encouragement in this effort. As always, visiting alumni are encouraged to contact chapter president Tim Fox ’97 if they find themselves passing through London. Go Navy!
Utah Intermountain Alumni Chapter Pres: Robert Allen ’67 e: ba@robertallen.org Treas: Nyles Christensen ’75 e: nylesc@hotmail.com Sec’y: Bill Whittlesey ’59 e:wswhittlesey@msn.com Website: http://utah.usnachapters.com BGO Area Coordinator: Steven Thatcher ’84 e: steventhatcher@ymail.com
“NETWORK BREAKFAST AT THE BLUE PLATE DINER” FEBRUARY 2, 2017 All academies’ friends gathered for the first ‘First Thursday’ breakfast of 2017. It was wall to wall alumni with much buzz and interchange. *USNA – Bill Whittlesey ’59, Bob Allen ’67, Mike Hester ’69, Ken Robinson ’70, Nyles Christensen ’75, Bob Aiken ’84, Steve Thatcher ’84, Mark Springer’ 89, Tabeetha ’91, and Mark Petersen (P-15) *USMA – Chuck Hodell ’61, Bill Bearden ’71, Steve Smith ’72,
Intermountain Chapter: Last breakfast at the Blue Plate Diner
114 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
CHAPTER NEWS Ned Hacker ’80, Ted Frederick ’87, Ted McAleer ’87, Lisa Wall ’87, and Bill Eger ’92, *USAFA – Jim Gallagher ’62, Rod Johnson ’63, Rick Bereit ’70, Bob Holt ’70, Jerry Parish ’85, and Rob Holt ’02 CHANGE IN VENUE A coordinated effort between the Academy leadership was made to investigate holding the monthly All Academy Network Breakfast at a location other than the Blue Plate Diner. This decision was based on increased average attendance, limitations of time and ability of Blue Plate to provide service for increased numbers in the time frame set by our members. A selection was made to try out Dee’s Family Restaurant, which is close in proximity, open 24/7, has six times the space and many more service staff available at all times. We began this venue in March, 2017 “NETWORK BREAKFAST AT DEE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT” MARCH 2, 2017 All academies’ friends gathered for the first ‘First Thursday’ breakfast Dee’s Family Restaurant, located at 2104 South 700 East Salt Lake City, Utah Breakfast was well attended at the new venue and much favorable commentary was exchanged. Alumni attending included: *USNA – Bill Whittlesey ’59, Bob Allen ’67, Mike Hester ’69, Kevin Dolan ’71, Steve Thatcher ’84, Barry
Gittleman ’89, Mark Springer ’89, Darrin Briggs ’03, and Bill Zamora (NAVAIR) *USMA – Chuck Hodell ’61, Bill Bearden ’71, Steve Smith ’72, Ned Hacker ’80, Randy Schwellie ’85, Ted Frederick ’87, Bill Eger ’92, *USAFA – Jim Gallagher ’62, Rick Bereit ’70, Jerry Parish ’85, and Eric Baugh ’01 ALL HANDS INVITED FIRST THURSDAY EVERY MONTH EXCEPT JANUARY Next month we will discuss the exciting Virginia Class SSN new construction that will have an effect on alumni in our chapter states of Utah, Idaho, and Montana.
Hampton Roads Chapter: John Arbuckle ’98, Phil Reed ’92 and CAPT Byron Ogden ’92 are having a good time at Benchtop Brewing in Norfolk
Virginia Central Virginia Chapter Pres: David McLellan ’73 Vice Pres: Jeff Holloway ’77 e: jeffrey.holloway@ngc.com Sec’y: Ed Borger ’80 ed.borger@honeywell.com BGO Area Coordinator: Don Aldridge e: n774pk@gmail.com
Hampton Roads Chapter: Over 100 alumni and friends enjoyed cold beverages and great con-
Hampton Roads Chapter Pres: CAPT Dick Enderly ’71, USN (Ret.) p: 757-467-5167; c: 757-647-5155 e: bsbalcdmn@cox.net Website: www.usnahamptonroads.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com
The social activity for the Hampton Roads Chapter continued as our February Happy Hour at Benchtop Hampton Roads Chapter: The Class of 1992 came out strong again at the 23 February Hampton Roads Happy Hour - Sean Gillespie, CAPT Byron Ogden, CAPT Derek Trinque, Phil Reed, Hank Viado and CAPT Dave Wickersham
Intermountain Chapter: First Breakfast at Dee’s Family Restaurant
Intermountain Chapter: First Breakfast at Dee’s Family Restaurant
Brewing in Norfolk drew a crowd of over 100 alumni and friends on a beautiful summer-like day. Sean Gillespie ’92 has taken on the task of orchestrating these popular monthly events and Benchtop not only included cold beverages but also some most excellent pizza. The 23 March and 27 April Happy Hours in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach respectively will be reported on in future issues of Shipmate as will a post-Shamrock Marathon “Run to Honor” Shindig at Hot Tuna in Virginia Beach on 18 March. For that
event Dave Paddock ’77 assisted in running an event that honored some family members as well as our fallen USNA shipmates commemorated in Memorial Hall. Other events coming up this summer include a tour and group get together on 6 May at the Gauthier Winery (owned by Mo Gauthier ’69) in Williamsburg, VA that will be conducted in conjunction with the Virginia Peninsula Chapter – Linda Eriksen ’84 will be coordinating that event for the Hampton Roads Chapter. On 18 May Louie Partida ’86
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 115
CHAPTER NEWS has worked behind the scenes to arrange for Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum of Art to host Chapter members and guests in a social event that will coincide with the opening of the Thomas Hart Benton and the Navy Exhibit and our 24th Annual Plebe Recognition Dinner (PRD) is slated to take place on 8 June. This will be the last hurrah for Bob Kautter ’77 as he relinquishes the PRD conn to Sean Gillespie ’92. Plans are well underway for our annual Spring Golf Outing on 25 May at NAS Oceana with Bill Coxe ’69 and Chip Niedhold ’87 running that event; and Dick Enderly ’71 will coordinate the annual baseball outing at Harbor Park in Norfolk on 28 June. And further down the road Chapter Events Coordinator Jennifer Lorio ’00 will be putting together a Brigade Reform Picnic on 19 August and plans are already underway for the 4th Annual Habitat for Heroes Golf Tournament 21 September. Additional information on upcoming events will be promulgated on our website, announced via “Chapter Blaster” emails, and posted on Facebook and other social media venues. Dick Enderly ’71
Quantico Area Chapter Pres: Geoff Pomroy ’69 e: g_w_pegasus@yahoo.com Vice Pres: Bob Taylor ’74 e: dogofgold@yahoo.com Sec’y: Dan Morio ’91 e: dan@gonavytravel.com
How it has changed, how the current crop of Midshipman are taught and trained to be ethical, to reinforce the paradigm that great leaders must also be ethical leaders. Admiral Mies spoke about how important our Navy’s strategic assets are critical now as they were during the cold war, if not more important as the world has become a more chaotic and unstable world. Probing questions were asked by the many in attendance. Attached are photos from our most recent breakfast meeting. The first is of (r. to l) Rich Mies (67), Michael Cathey (67); Ed Mills (67), and Dennis Liston (67).
Richmond Chapter Pres: Michael Metzger ’89 e: michael.metzger@1989.usna.com Sec’y: Mac Bullock ’95 e: mac.bullock@techport13.com Website: http://richmond.usnachapters.com
1967 Get together
Meetings are scheduled for the first Friday of each month, with an electronic invite going out to all those in the chapter region. That means you need to have a current and updated email address to receive the invite. We start the meetings with breakfast taking place and then going into some minor administrative housekeeping items, like the schedule for the upcoming months being presented by Bob Taylor.
BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT James H. Czerwonky ’63, USN (Ret.) p: 703-533-3566; e: jczerwonky@verizon.net Website: http://usnaalumniquantico.com
Hello fellow Chapter members and those in the region who may be interested! Since the last submission to Shipmate the Quantico Chapter has been busy with their monthly breakfast speaker series. We’ve been honored to have two great speakers, Colonel Art Athens, USMC (Ret) in February and ADM Richard Mies , USN (Ret) come to Stafford to speak during our monthly meetings. These great speakers generated a huge turnout of members, with upwards of 42 people coming out to listen and engage with each speaker. Col Athens spoke about the ethics program at the Academy. 116 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Then we kick off with the speaker discussing and fielding questions for about 30-45 minutes. It is a great way to kick off a Friday…nothing like a hearty breakfast with all the camaraderie that comes when “two or three shall meet”. Your chapter leadership wants to continue to invite and see you attend these Friday meetings. Please continue to join us and share in the camaraderie and networking that occurs. Thanks. Go Navy! Beat Army! Dan Morio, Secretary
Bob Taylor
Quantico Chapter breakfast group
Mr. Vice. Thanks for the last-minute save guys! In attendance were Rob and Cheryl Casey ’73, Vance and Debra Berry ’78, Tina Metzger, Mac and Laura Bullock ’95, Dave and Sandy Sanders ’90, Karl and Jocelyn Knox ’93, Mark and Connie James ’78, Bill and Linda Lewis ’60, Ed and Janet Lehre ’69, Tom and Debbie Donaldson ’75, Bill and Kimberly Ruch ’68, Ken and Diane Raup ’79, Tom and Linda Elmore ’77, Bruce and Ellen Woodruff ’64, Allen and Margena Worley ’64, Sean and Kathryn Williams (guests of the Sanders’), Gerry and Tiffany Sherman ’86, Lynn and Patricia Whitmer ‘75, Rob and Valerie Acosta ’86, and Jackson and Tomi Roeske ’76. This has become our signature event and is always a lot of fun. If you missed it this year, we hope you’ll consider joining us next year.
BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com
Our 2017 Dining Out at Flemings Prime Steakhouse was another resounding success due largely to the efforts of our Planning Committee: Dave Sanders ’90, Melanie Doherty ’84, Mike Metzger ’89 and Jackson Roeske ’76 – many thanks!! Our keynote speaker was CAPT Mike “Mike Mike” Michel ’89, Deputy Commandant for Leadership and Character Development at USNA. Mike Mike drew a profile of today’s Midshipmen and the remarkable programs underway in Annapolis. It was a pleasure having him and his lovely wife Suzy join us here in Richmond. Sadly, yours truly came down with a virus the day before the event and was unable to attend, but Dave Sanders ’90 stepped up as Mess President with a repeat performance by Mac Bullock ’95 as
Dave Sanders ’90 presents a token of appreciation to CAPT Mike Michel ‘89
By the way, our 2017 membership is at a record high! “Welcome Aboard” to all of our new and returning members, and we look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event. GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY! Mike Metzger ‘89
CHAPTER NEWS Shenandoah Valley Chapter Pres: David McLellan ’73 p: 540-722-2060; e: dcmclmd@earthlink.net Sec’y: LCDR Grayson Redford ’63, USN (Ret.) p: 540-662-6142 BGO Area Coordinator: CAPT James H. Czerwonky ’63, USN (Ret.) p: 703-533-3566; e: jczerwonky@verizon.net
Virginia Peninsula Chapter (formerly the Williamsburg Chapter) Pres: Ben Francisco ’73 p: 757-784-0786 e: roger.benton.francisco@gmail.com
Pictured are Don Harris. LaTienda owner and host, Dianna Logan, luncheon organizer & Diene LaChance friend of our Chapter. Molly Other pictures have the rest of our attendees along with Mollyour hostess.
Vice Pres: Steve Jasper ’74 e: stevejasper0@gmail.com BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR David Lannetti ’81, USN (Ret.) p: 757-423-8602; e: dlannetti81@gmail.com
Oz and friends Rich & Steve
Website: vapeninsula.usnachapters.net
On Sunday Feb 19th, we held a luncheon at LaTienda in Williamsburg. Don Harris talked about his career as a Navy Chaplain and how he gained an extensive knowledge of Spain, its culture and especially its fine food. Upon retirement from active duty Don found himself in the Spanish import business which soon evolved into his current Spanish Market and Tappas restaurant. https://www.tienda.com/ aboutus/about.html If you are interested in outstanding authentic Spanish food try LaTienda, of if you are thinking of travelling to Spain, stop in and ask Don for advice. You will enjoy the time you spend engaging Don in conversation.
’73ers
Don Harris Dianna and Diene
Gary & Sue
Jaabs
In early January, we conducted a membership drive and had 35 alumni sign up and pay dues for 2017. This has helped us focus on our core constituency based in James City County. Our members receive discounts at Chapter events, and also a free luncheon with Congressman Wittman at Patriots Colony at Williamsburg (PCAW).
Our 2017 calendar has a tour of Gauthier Vineyards followed by wine tasting on May 6th. Mo Gauthier ‘69 will show us his new wine cellars and host the wine tasting. It is rumored a few of his classmates and a room mate will drive up from Tidewater and join us. June 19th Patriots Colony will host a free luncheon for current members with Congressman Wittman as our Keynote Speaker. He has served as Chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy’s Board of Visitors since 2010. Congressman Wittman serves as the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. In addition, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, he is a staunch advocate for a robust Naval fleet and a healthy domestic shipbuilding industry. Late July / early Aug we are planning a cookout to include families. October will be our Founders’ Day Celebration at a local restaurant with PEO Carriers as our tentative Speaker. December we will gather at a local Williamsburg location for our annual Army / Navy party. If you have any suggestions or questions contact me anytime. Check here for the latest news: Website: http://vapeninsula. usnachapters.net/ Ben Francisco
Chapter Leaders: Apply for Representation on the Alumni Association Board of Trustees While the nine largest alumni chapters (currently Greater Washington DC, Hampton Roads, San Diego, Los Angeles, North Texas, Honolulu, Upper Midwest, Puget Sound, and, Texas Gulf Coast) automatically earn representation on the Alumni Association Board of Trustees, it is important to have representation from our engaged chapters that may not be in major military locales or in dense alumni population centers. Chapters can apply for representation through one of the three “Other Chapter” positions on the Board. Primary responsibilities are to serve on designated Alumni Association Board of Trustees Standing Committees (e.g. Admissions, Governance, Membership & Alumni Services, etc.) and to represent issues that are of particular concern to all chapters. Trustees serve for three years, and are encouraged to attend the two Trustee meetings that take place during May and December in Annapolis each year. • The Other Chapter Trustee selection process begins on 01 June 2017 with a 60-day open application period. Once applications have been submitted, selection will be based on the collective judgment of the Other Chapter Trustee Selection Standing Committee using a published format for evaluating Chapter proposals. Procedures for applying for an Other Chapter Trustee position can be found in APPENDIX A of the USNA Alumni Association Operating Manual located online under the Governance and Policies section of the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation website: www.usna.com/document.doc?id=1141 . Other Chapter Trustee selection applications and questions should be submitted to Joe Fagan ’89, assistant director of Engagement Operations, at joe.fagan@usna.com or 410-295-4035 by 30 July 2017.
Washington BGO Area Coordinator: LCDR Michael Beard ’00, USNR e: m-mikebe@microsoft.com
Hanford/Tri-Cities Chapter Pres: CAPT Edward Schwier ’69, USN (Ret.) 1196 Brentwood Ave., Richland, WA 99352-8540 h: 509-627-7288; w: 509-372-0176 e: Edward_G_Ed_Schwier@rl.gov; eschwier@charter.net; egschwier@aol.com Website: http://hanford.usnachapters.com
Puget Sound Chapter Pres: RADM Bill Center ’68, USN (Ret.) 24007 76th Ave. W, Edmonds, WA 98026 p: 206-719-2952; e: w.center@comcast.net Corr Sec’y: CDR Peter Stitt ’83, USN (Ret.) 7219 64th St. SE, Snohomish, WA 98290 Website: http://pugetsound.usnachapters.com
Washington, DC Area BGO Area Coordinator: (Northern VA) CAPT James Czerwonky ’63, USN (Ret.) p: 703-533-3566; e: jczerwonky@verizon.net
Greater Washington Chapter Pres: CAPT Dale Lumme ’80, USN (Ret.) e: president.usna.alumni.gwc@gmail.com Sec’y: Orin Clay ’89 e: obc089@gmail.com Website: www.usnaaagwc.org BGO Area Coordinator: Rob Breakiron ’02 e: rbreakiron@gmail.com
Wisconsin BGO Area Coordinator: CDR Craig Walker ’83, USNR (Ret.) p: 262-502-9124; e: craig.a.walker@ge.com
Wisconsin Chapter Pres: CDR Rob Grasse ’88, USN (Ret.) p: 262-424-9029; e: rgrasse1@wi.rr.com Sec’y: Todd Wiese ’93 p: 262-349-5671; e: todd.wiese@abstb.com At Large: Chris Adams ’75 p: 414-553-0982 Website: http://wisconsin.usnachapters.net WISNAPA Co Presidents: Jim and Penny Van Dellen p: 414-218-5551; e: vandellen@aol.com
CHAPTER SECRETARY COLUMN DEADLINES Send to chapternews@usna.com
ISSUE: Aug 2017 Sept-Oct 2017 Nov-Dec 2017
DUE DATE: 2 June 2017 28 July 2017 29 Sept 2017
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 117
LAST CALL
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun —Laurence Binyon, 1914 and in the morning, we will remember them.”
Harold Gustav Carlson ’40 CDR, USN (Ret.) 13 March 2017
Donald Jerome Kay ’51 Col, USAF (Ret.) 1 March 2017
Richard John Cisewski ’55 LtCol, USMC (Ret.) 20 February 2017
Ralph Richard Blaine ’44 CDR, USN (Ret.) 10 November 2016
James Barber Murphy ’51 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 5 March 2017
Hartley Oliver Holte ’55 4 March 2017
Randolph Winchester King ’44 u RADM, USN (Ret.) 26 February 2017
Wendell Ernest Cosner ’52 u Col, USAF (Ret.) 24 February 2017
Edward John Stock ’44 26 February 2017
Ross Edgar Sugg ’52 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 13 July 2016
William Roland Campbell Jr. ’45 CDR, USNR (Ret.) 14 March 2017 Walter Harvey Godshall ’45 CDR, USN (Ret.) 21 February 2017 Harold Arthur Webster Jr. ’45 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 22 February 2017 Frederic Franklin Wiedemann ’46 u 20 January 2017
James Herbert Carrington Jr. ’53 CDR, USN (Ret.) 25 February 2017 John Bonthron Davis ’53 u CAPT, USN (Ret.) 8 January 2017 Robert Donovan Jones ’53 u Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 18 February 2017 Robert McIntosh Lord ’53 23 February 2017
William Wallace Gay ‘47 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 6 March 2017
Don Warren Thomas ’53 18 February 2017
Francis Lovell Keith ’47 LCDR, USN (Ret.) 2 March 2017
William Eugene Trueblood ’53 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 6 March 2017
Kent Jules Weber ’47 CDR, USN (Ret.) 24 February 2017
John Bartlett Burcham Jr. ’54 26 February 2017
Eugene Mansor Portner ’48 u LCDR, CEC, USN (Ret.) 23 February 2017 Robert William Slater ’48 CAPT, USN (Ret.) 8 March 2017 Edwin Joseph Sutter ’48 1 March 2017 Robert Luther Smith ’49 13 March 2017 Alfred William Johnson Jr. ’51 6 March 2017 118 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Theodore Keith Graves ’54 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 24 February 2017 Olive John Hines ’54 u Col, USAF (Ret.) 12 February 2017 Charles Bryan Hunter ’54 RADM, USN (Ret.) 24 February 2017
Gene Francis Kishel ’60 7 March 2017 Robert John Manser ’60 28 February 2017
Robert Martin Mielich ’55 1 February 2017
Ira Eustace Parry ’60 u LCDR, USN (Ret.) 8 March 2017
Thomas Shine Jr. ’55 CDR, USN (Ret.) 17 March 2017
Richard Woodie Mister Sr. ’63 CDR, USN (Ret.) 5 March 2017
Victor John Baricev ’56 u 26 February 2017
Douglas Albert Young Jr. ’64 5 March 2017
H. Duane Barnhart ’56 12 March 2017 Murray Maddin Joseph Nicholson Jr. ’56 16 March 2017 Lawrence Edward McCullough ’57 u CDR, USN (Ret.) 4 March 2017 Robert Louis Saracco ’57 u 10 February 2017 Ernest Paul Herner Jr. ’58 u 18 February 2017 Carl J. Aglio ’60 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 9 March 2017 Joseph Anthony Eppolito ’60 25 February 2017
Scott Bruce Dudley ’66 CDR, USN (Ret.) 1 March 2017 John Scott Porter ’72 30 October 2016 David Louis Marra ’74 u 20 February 2017 Lester Elliott Carr III ’77 CDR, USN (Ret.) 1 March 2017 Melissa Jane Matthews ’81 LCDR, USNR 20 February 2017 Ronald Alexander Zaleski ’85 15 February 2017 John Paul McGrew ’89 u 4 March 2017 Hans Erik Jacobson ’94 27 February 2017 Thomas Douglas Welliver ’94 2 March 2017 Ryan Joseph Marko ’10 2ndLt, USMC 17 March 2017 u Obituary appears in this issue
Harold Eugene Pilcher ’54 Lt Col, USAF (Ret.) 30 March 2013 This list consists of alumni deaths we have learned of since our last issue. Full obituaries will appear in Last Call if/when families send them in.
LAST CALL
MAX CARSON DUNCAN ’42 Captain Max C. Duncan, USN (Ret), 95, died peacefully on 1 January 2017, surrounded by family. Max was born in Avondale, NC, on 17 June 1921, to Dr. and Mrs. Amos C. Duncan. He was raised in Forest City, NC, and was active in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Max attended The Citadel for one year until he was old enough to get a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy. He graduated on 19 December 1941, with the Class of 1942. Max married his kindergarten sweetheart, Trilby Hewitt, in December 1943, and they were married for 68 wonderful years until Trilby’s death in July 2012. In World War II, Max made four war patrols aboard the submarine BARB (SS-220) under the command of legendary Medal of Honor recipient, Commander Eugene Fluckey ’35. BARB achieved fame for sinking an aircraft carrier, penetrating China’s Nam Quan Harbor while sinking ships and disrupting Japan’s shipping routes, firing the first ballistic missiles from a submarine at an enemy target, and sending men ashore to blow up a train —the only U.S. combat troops to conduct operations on the main islands of Japan during the war. Max was awarded two Silver Stars and the Bronze Star with Combat V for his service on BARB. Max served 30 years in the Navy, retiring in 1972. During his career, he commanded two submarines, TORSK (SS-421) and CAVALLA (SS-244), and had four major commands, submarine tender FULTON, Submarine Squadron Four, Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, and Naval Support Activity, Saigon, Vietnam. Max and Trilby retired to Annapolis, MD, where they lived for the next 33 years. Max served as vice president of ARINC Research Corporation, retiring again in 1986. In Annapolis, Max served as president of the Friends of St. John’s College for six years. In 2005, Max and Trilby moved to Savannah, GA, to be closer to their daughter and her family. Max had always been active in Naval Academy class activities and was proud to have served as president of the Class of 1942 for the past several years. Max is survived by his daughter, Trilby “Tibby” Llewellyn; son-in-law, Jonathan Llewellyn; granddaughters, Cristy Lawrence and Cathy Llewellyn; grandson-in-law, Brian Lawrence; and great-grandchildren, Carson, Caroline and Charlotte. A memorial service will be held on 9 June 2017 in the Naval Academy Chapel at 9:30 a.m., followed by inurnment in the USNA Columbarium and a reception at Alumni Hall. H
RANDOLPH WINCHESTER KING ’44 Rear Admiral Randolph W. King, USN (Ret.), Class of 1944, died peacefully in his sleep on 26 February 2017 at Ginger Cove Assisted Living in Annapolis, MD. “Randy” was born in Wilmington, DE, on 12 May 1923, son of the late Captain Thomas Starr King (USNA 1911), USN (Ret.), and Mrs. Anne Gordon (Winchester) King. He attended Annapolis and Coronado high schools and after a year at Stanford University, he entered the United States Naval Academy in July 1940. He graduated and was commissioned as an ensign on 9 June 1943, received the degree of naval engineer from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in June 1949, and advanced to the rank of rear admiral on 1 October 1972.
Randy served during World War II in the Pacific on EATON (DD-510) and BOSTON (CA-69). He spent the rest of his career as an Engineering Duty Officer serving at multiple naval shipyards, in fleet maintenance jobs, at the Bureau of Ships; the Naval Radiological Defense Lab; as head of the Engineering Department at the Naval Academy; Commander Naval Ship Research and Development Center; and Commander of Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair. His last duty station was as Deputy Commander, Research and Technology at Naval Sea Systems Command. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. After retiring from the Navy in 1975, Randy served as executive director of the Maritime Transportation Safety Board, and as executive officer of the National Academy of Engineering. Subsequently, Randy was involved in volunteer public service activities, including professional technical societies, engineering education, support of the Naval Academy and charitable work. Randy married the former Margaret Blackburn Corn on 10 June 1943 and they enjoyed 60 years of blissful marriage before Margie’s death in 2003. Randy was also predeceased by two of their sons, Randolph W. King Jr. and Captain S. Starr King, USN. He is survived by son, Captain William A. King ’70, USNR (Ret.) and his wife, Marilyn of Concord, CA; daughter, Susan K. Roden and her husband, David of Annandale, VA; and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 7 June 2017, in the Friendship Hall at Ginger Cove in Annapolis, followed by a reception. Inurnment will be private at the Naval Academy Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association (www.usna.com) or to the Ginger Cove Foundation (www.gingercove.com/about-us/charitable-giving). H
RAYMOND CARL DAMM SR. ’46 Colonel Raymond C. Damm Sr., USMC (Ret.), joined his fallen comrades on 29 December 2016 after 93 years of an amazingly rich life. Born in Paterson, NJ, on 5 August 1923, “Ray” set an early goal to attend the United States Naval Academy and even turned down an acceptance letter to Harvard to join the Class of 1946 at Annapolis. He graduated in 1945 and was attending the Officers Basic Course at Quantico as a Marine when World War II ended. He had joined the Marines because he didn’t like ships so (of course), his initial assignment was to PORTSMOUTH. He left active duty when his initial assignment ended and took a job in Pittsburgh, PA, with Westinghouse. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sarah “Sally” Blaker Stuempfle. Realizing civilian life was not for him, he rejoined the Marine Corps as an engineer just before the Korean War. He also married Sally just before deploying to Korea. Through a 32-year career, Colonel Damm served three tours in Vietnam. In the first tour, he was the assistant naval attaché in Saigon, where he brought his wife and four young children with him. In his second tour in Vietnam, he served as one of the first advisers to the Vietnamese Marine Corps, earning a Purple Heart in the bombing of the U.S. Officer’s Quarters on Christmas Eve (the Brink). His final tour included retro-grading the division out of Vietnam and back to Okinawa. He was the senior aide to Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Wallace Greene, and attended and instructed at the Amphibious Warfare School and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 119
LAST CALL
Upon retirement, Colonel Damm left Virginia and moved to Pittsburgh, working at the University of Pittsburgh for most of his years there. He returned to Virginia in 2015. His final active duty job was as the G-4 at Quantico, VA. In that position, he was instrumental in turning over the land to the National Park Service for Quantico National Cemetery, so it is fitting that he now rests there. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sally; their children (and spouses), Karen Lee Stricklett (Patrick), Margot Sue Utterback (Kenny), Major David Carl Damm, USMC (Mary Paige), Colonel Raymond Carl Damm Jr. ’80, USMC (Julie) and Major Eric Michael Damm, USMC (Karen); 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. H
FREDERIC FRANKLIN WIEDEMANN ’46 Fred F. Wiedemann, 93, died on 20 January 2017, peacefully in his sleep, at home. Fred entered the Naval Academy six months after Pearl Harbor. There, he played goalkeeper on Navy’s Intercollegiate Soccer Championship squad, became a Japanese interpreter and received the Henry van Dyke Memorial Award for best graduating thesis. After World War II, Fred moved to Dallas, TX, to marry a fourth generation Texan, Florence Leachman. Their long, fruitful and happy marriage produced three sons, Frederic, Harden and Jonathan; nine grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. In 1947, Fred began a 50-year career in the life insurance business, forming his own company, Wiedemann & Johnson, which designed, installed and administered sophisticated, executive benefit plans. His greatest public passion was for the experiential education of young people. He was a founding trustee and chairman of the Southwest Outward Bound School in Santa Fe, NM, which pioneered ocean-kayaking in Mexico and high-altitude trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas. Fred hiked in Irian Jaya, Patagonia, Tasmania and Nepal; white-water rafted in Tasmania, Ethiopia, Chile, Papua New Guinea and Costa Rica; and kayaked in Baja California and Lake Baikal in Soviet Siberia. Fred and Flo also visited Japan many times, immersing themselves in pre-Meiji culture and the art of the Shogun-Samurai centuries. The family’s greatest adventure was when Fred planned a 15-month sabbatical in Europe, living in Zurich, Switzerland, to celebrate his and Flo’s 20th wedding anniversary. There, Fred and Flo continued pursuit of their life-long love of opera and Fred studied the philosophy of Carl Jung, skied, learned flamenco guitar and wrote, with the latter two endeavors being singularly unsuccessful (according to Fred). After selling Wiedemann & Johnson and retiring, Fred devoted his remaining life to his family, travel and to introspection and meditating, reading and studying various Asian and Eastern philosophies, particularly those of Zen Buddhism and the Way of the Tao from Confucian China. He was an avid husband, father, businessman, traveler and adventurer, skier, opera lover and gardener. Family togetherness and fun, often through travel, were distinctive hallmarks of Fred’s life. As he lived past 90, Fred said that he would change but a few things in his life, acknowledged that he had made his share of mistakes and had tried to learn from them, and that his life had vastly exceeded any expectations he might have had. He felt it had been “one helluva ride,” and he was so very grateful to have been aboard. H
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JEROME MEYER GRONFEIN ’47 Jerome M. Gronfein died on 25 February 2017. Born in Butte, MT, to Harry Gronfein and Helen Meyer Gronfein on 6 November 1923, “Jerry” graduated from Butte High School in 1941. Prior to entering the Naval Academy, he attended Montana Tech and the University of Washington. He entered USNA on 3 July 1943. His good friends, William Rae and D.B. “Blu” Middleton, also from Butte, MT, were classmates. He graduated from Annapolis on 5 June 1946 with the Class of 1947. He went on to serve in BOXER (CV-21), PC-1170 (Johnson Island Air Sea Rescue) and BREMERTON (CA-130), which participated in the Korean conflict (bombing and task force duty). His final Navy assignment was on the staff of Admiral George C. Dyer (ComTraComPac). Jerry worked for Boeing in Seattle, WA, on the Minuteman Project. After completion of that project, he turned down an opportunity, due to personal reasons, to work for the space program in Alabama. In 1964, he moved to Los Angeles, CA, and signed on with National Sanitary Supply Company. He was a branch manager and promoted new products, such as extraction carpet cleaning and substitutes for aerosols, which were destroying the ozone layer. He retired from National Sanitary Supply in 1995, after 32 years, having earned every sales award offered. In 1996, Jerry and his beloved wife of 52 years, Carol, moved back to the Pacific Northwest, after being shaken out of their San Fernando Valley home twice by historic earthquakes. They hoped Mt. Rainier would behave for another 10,000 years. Being with family was his greatest pleasure. His sport was tennis. He also enjoyed a friendly bridge game and of course, traveling with Carol on their many great trips. Jerry is survived by his beloved Carol; their five children; and seven grandchildren. He never forgot the Navy and his time at USNA. The friends and the Blue & Gold spirit were a great part of his life. H
ARTHUR WILLIAM HOLFIELD ’47 Captain Arthur W. Holfield, USN (Ret.), 94, passed away on 26 October 2016 at his home in Xenia, OH. “Art” was born in Mexia, TX, on 3 August 1922, but grew up in West Virginia, where his dad was the supervisor in the coal mines. Not wanting that lifestyle for himself, he enlisted in the Navy in 1940 just out of high school. He served on MISSISSIPPI (1941-1943), first in the Pacific Fleet and then in the Atlantic Fleet. While on MISSISSIPPI, an officer took an interest in him and worked with him to prepare him for the Naval Academy. While at Annapolis (Fifth Battalion), he became sports editor for The Log and was a member of the championship Company cross country team. At graduation in 1946 (early due to the war), he applied for a job in the Supply Corps and spent the next three months training for the job. After several years on ROWAN, which included two trips to Japan (and a wedding to Edythe Morrell of Philadelphia, PA, on 28 August 1948), he was transferred to the U.S. Naval Air Station in French Morocco, Africa, for two years. His next assignment was at the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts in Washington, DC, where he stayed a couple of years. SARATOGA followed in 1957, operating out of Jacksonville, FL, and included a NATO operation in the Norwegian
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Sea. During this assignment, he was involved in the acquisition and testing of the Polaris Missile System. From there, it was back to the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts. He attended the War College in Newport, RI, (1961-1962) then was stationed in Japan for two years and served on AJAX, his last shipboard assignment. He remained in procurement, serving in Newport News, VA, and Groton, CT, but mostly spending time in Washington, DC. He was actively involved in contract dispute resolution for shipbuilding change orders. He retired in 1973 after a long and enjoyable naval career. Art was predeceased by his wife in 2012. He is survived by their two daughters; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville, OH, on 23 December 2016. Shortly before he passed away, he said he had “a good life.” He is remembered for his love of family, his unique sense of humor and his generosity. Thanks to the Navy and to the Lord for making him the man he was. H
KEVIN HANLON ’48 Commander Kevin Hanlon, USN (Ret.), passed away the day after his 90th birthday. He was born on Christmas Day 1926, in Bethlehem, PA, to Admiral Byron Hall Hanlon ’21 and Lady Brown Hanlon. As a teenager, he witnessed the Japanese bombing at Pearl Harbor. In 1948, he became the third-generation of his family to graduate from the Naval Academy, following his father and his maternal grandfather, Commodore Guy Warner Brown (USNA 1879). His first assignment was aboard KEYES (DD-787) in the Pacific. In 1950, he attended Submarine School and subsequently served aboard GRAMPUS (SS-523) and TRUTTA (SS-421). He began a tour as Division Engineer 21 in New London in 1954, but was selected in 1955 to be the first-officer-incharge of the Navy’s only experimental midget submarine, X-1. Commander Hanlon was an instructor at the NROTC Unit at Columbia University, where he met and married Jo Anne Doyle. In 1958, he became XO of CARP (SS-338), and in 1961, he attended the Naval War College. This was followed by a tour at the office of the CNO in Washington, DC. His next assignment was as XO aboard SEMINOLE (AKA-104), following which he was assigned to the Joint Staff of the Commander-in-Chief Pacific in 1965. His final tour was as CO of the NROTC Unit at Yale University, during which he concurrently earned a MS degree in business management from RPI. He retired from the Navy in 1972. For the next 16 years, he was the dean of financial affairs at Suffolk Community College on Long Island, which, at the time, was the largest community college in the country. In 1988, Red retired again and relocated to Annapolis, MD. Commander Hanlon was beloved for his wonderful sense of humor. A lifelong dog enthusiast, he had a special love for terriers. Active even in the final years of his life, He was a lifelong gardener, a longtime member of the USNA Golf Club and a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Annapolis, MD. Predeceased by his parents and brother, Peter, is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jo Anne; and their children, Katharine Golden, Mary La Jeunesse, Captain Peter Hanlon ’85, USN (Ret.), Anne Marie Bartholet and Commander James Hanlon ’01, USN; and 17 grandchildren. H
EUGENE MANSOR PORTNER ’48 Lieutenant Commander Eugene M. Portner, CEC, USN (Ret.), died suddenly on 23 February 2017, one day before his 91st birthday, at his long time home in Long Beach, CA, where he lived with his wife, Kay. “Gene” received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy while attending Colorado Springs High School in 1944. He graduated from USNA in 1947 under the three-year wartime accelerated program and received his commission as an ensign in the Civil Engineer Corps. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, and received the degree of Bachelor of Civil Engineering in 1950. He was a registered Professional Engineer in California. Gene’s Navy assignments included a tour with the Seabees in the 103rd Naval Construction Battalion Guam; Public Works duty at MCAS El Toro, CA; 13th Naval District Seattle, WA; the Construction Equipment Depot, Davidville, RI; Naval Proving Ground, Dahlgren, VA; Naval Ammunition Depot, Seal Beach, CA; Long Beach Naval Shipyard, CA; and the Public Works Center San Diego, CA. From 1954 to 1957, he was on the naval construction project building Torrejon Air Force Base in Madrid, Spain. Gene retired from the Navy in 1967 and began his second career as a construction engineer during the expansion of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and completed 20 years with MWD as the aqueduct engineer in charge of the Colorado River Aqueduct, including nine pumping plants which use one third of the power generated by the Hoover Dam to deliver water to the Los Angeles and San Diego metropolitan areas. In retirement, Gene spent his time traveling with Kay, working home and building projects with his children and fashioning intricate wooden toys for his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene and Kay were married for 67 years and are the parents of eight sons and three daughters: Michael, Christopher, Paul, Mark, Mary, Jeanne, Katy, David, Jim, John and Jeff—graduates of CAL, UCLA, USC, Emory, CSULB and USNA. He is survived by his wife, Kay; ten of his 11 children; 37 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren. The Navy line continues with submariner son, Captain David Portner ’81, USN (Ret.); grandson, naval aviator Commander Daniel Keeler ’98, USN, commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 4; grandson, submariner Lieutenant Eugene Portner, USN, division officer aboard NEWPORT NEWS (SSN-750); and grandson, Midshipman 2/C David Portner ’18, Eighth Company, USNA. H
WENDELL ERNEST COSNER ’52 Colonel Wendell E. Cosner, USAF (Ret.), passed away peacefully at the age of 87 surrounded by his children on 24 February 2017, in his home in Fort Collins, CO. “Wendy” graduated from Laramie, High School and attended the University of Wyoming for a year prior to accepting an appointment to Annapolis. A 1952 graduate of the Naval Academy, he served in the Air Force with distinction for 28 years. He began his career as an instructor pilot at Sculthorpe RAFB, flying nukes and other assorted cargos around the Mediterranean. Wendy earned his MS in electrical engineering at AFIT, leading to many years spent working on the SR-71. After attending the Air Force Command and Staff College, he returned to the world of nukes in Albuquerque. Three years in Seoul, MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 121
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South Korea, in AFAG working with the SKAF, was his family’s favorite assignment. Vietnam, unaccompanied of course, found him with the 17th Special Ops group, training VAF pilots on the C-119 in Phan Rang. No more flying for Wendy, three years at the Pentagon working in the Air Force Inspector General’s office (his least favorite tour) left no time for staying flight certified. He ended his service to our country at Kirtland AFB as the director of the Directorate of Nuclear Safety. After a short retirement stint, Wendell served in the New Mexico Senate in the 1980s. Finally free from duties to others, he and his bride, Jane, traveled and golfed to their hearts’ content. They could have retired anywhere in the world, but Albuquerque, NM, was the only choice for them. They loved the climate and the people. Wendy is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jane Pole Cosner; three children, Sue Kizer (Rick), Jim Cosner (Denise) and Richard Cosner (Marilyn); nine grandchildren, Matt Swanson, Mike Swanson, Andy Swanson, Sam Jones, Kristi Kelly, Ryan Cosner, Coleen Cosner, Tyler Cosner and Megan Cosner; and six great-grandchildren. A family remembrance time was held in Fort Collins. Following Jane’s passing, they will be placed at rest in Annapolis, MD, back to the site of their first date. Memorial contributions made to any organization supporting research to cure Alzheimer’s disease would be appreciated by Wendy. His love for Jane was strong to the end, even though she hadn’t been able to interact with him for years. H
JOHN MAYO McKEOWN ’52 John M. McKeown passed away on 30 November 2016. Born in Tulsa, OK, on 4 February 1929, he was the son of Mayo Elder McKeown and Mary Grace McVey McKeown. He attended Cascia Hall Preparatory School, where he played football, basketball, was editor and graduated as valedictorian (1946). He attended the University of Tulsa for two years studying chemical engineering prior to entering the Naval Academy, where he played soccer. Upon graduation with the Class of 1952, John received an engineering degree and was commissioned as an ensign. He reported to San Diego, CA, as disbursement officer of FLOYD B. PARKS (DD-884) and had two tours off the coast of China and the Korean Peninsula. John then joined the crew of SANDOVAL (APA-194) (attack transport), with duty off the coast of Korea, supporting landings at Inchon and amphibious landings along the coast. Following temporary duty at NAAS Cabaniss Field, Corpus Christi, TX, (1956) he was released from active duty. He remained in the Naval Reserve until 1961 and received an honorable discharge as a lieutenant. His commendations include the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the China Service Medal. He was very proud of his service to his country and this showed in all his activities throughout his life, both in his business and personal life. A long-time resident of Laredo, TX, John received his U.S. Custom Broker license in 1974 and had a successful business, McKeown Customs Brokers Inc., for over 40 years. Very involved with the community, he belonged to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Knight Grand Cross); Laredo U.S. Customs Brokers Association (member/past president); St. Patrick Men’s Club
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(past president); Laredo Daybreak Rotary Club (past president/Paul Harris Fellow); Laredo 1959 Chapter of the Korean War Veteran Association (past president/chaplain); Laredo Animal Protective Society (past president); Los Caballeros of the Republic of the Rio Grande; and the Alamo Chapter, USNA Alumni Association. John was also a Eucharistic Minister and a cofounder/ referee of the St. Patrick’s youth soccer program. He enthusiastically portrayed George Washington in Laredo’s 2001 Washington’s Birthday Celebration. John was posthumously honored with a Congressional Recognition as one of Laredo’s most caring and dedicated citizens and for his accomplishments and sacrifice. Predeceased by his son, William, John is survived by his wife, Jeanette Moser McKeown; daughter, Carolyn; granddaughters, Carolyn and Ann (Ari); grandson, Eduardo; two great-grandchildren; and siblings, Patricia (Herbert) and Thomas (Ruth). H
JEAN VAL SMITH ’52 J. Val Smith left for his eternal home on 28 November 2015. He ran the good race. Born on 5 April 1929, in Evansville, IN, to Cleona Quigley and Elwood V. Smith, “Val” graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy in 1942, joined the Marine Corps in 1946 and went to boot camp at Parris Island, SC. In 1952, he graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned a second lieutenant, USMC. Val received basic training at Quantico, VA, and completed it at Camp Pendleton, CA, before his deployment to Korea. He fought as an infantry platoon commander, receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, along with several unit decorations before resigning his commission at the rank of captain in 1956. On his return to civilian life, Val graduated with a MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. Val’s heart and soul was serving his country and lending a helping hand, whenever and wherever he could. He considered his business clients to be personal friends. Val “never met a man he didn’t like” and did all he could to help anyone along the way. He truly was a Good Samaritan. One of Val’s other passions was education. Teaching the young and ensuring that they got off to a good start in life was important to Val. He donated hundreds of books on values and ethics. Val was an avid reader and wrote many book reviews for Amazon.com. Val was a lifelong athlete and Senior Games competitor, since its inception in 1987. “Bringing home the gold” was his aim and he did so, repeatedly, at the local, state, regional, national and master’s levels. He and his wife, Sylvia, were inducted into the Texas Senior Athlete’s Hall of Fame. At international events, he won three silver Track and Field medals. He organized basketball games, coached others and volunteered in the conduct of the games. For Val, helping a fellow athlete was more important to him than winning. Marine Corps Korean War veteran and lecturer, Donald Loraine, surmised in his memoirs: “Val was an excellent officer. He was a Naval Academy graduate whose only fault was trying to do too much.” Val is survived by his wife of 17 years, Sylvia Brooks-Smith; sister, Patricia Sales; favorite niece, Susan Duran; daughters, Holly Berkley and Heather Menderson; son, Adam Smith; grandchildren, Ivy, Cole, Conner and Zoe; stepsons, Fred and Stephen Brooks; and stepdaughters, Kelly Brooks and Susan Herrbold. H
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JOHN BONTHRON DAVIS ’53 Captain “Jack” Davis, USN (Ret.), died on 8 January 2017. Born on 18 June 1929, the second child of Pitt and Bonnie Davis, he was raised in Hermosa Beach, CA, and had many happy memories of living near the beach. Jack entered the Naval Academy in 1949. During his Second Class Year, he was a member of the four-man coxless crew that represented the United States in the 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. Immediately after graduation with the Class of 1953, Jack and Jane Heinbechner were married in the Naval Academy Chapel. His career in the Navy began with flight school, where his love of flying began. He was assigned to VF/VA-93 in 1955. From 1958 through mid-1960, he was aide and flag lieutenant to ComFairHawaii, then CinCPacFlt. In July 1960, he was assigned to VA-126 at NAS Miramar as a flight instructor. In 1963, he was assigned to VA-72, stationed out of Oceana, VA. During his Vietnam tour, he flew 101 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. From 1966 through 1968, Jack was on the ComOpTevFor staff in Norfolk, VA. In October 1968, he was assigned to VA-176, first as the executive officer and then commanding officer. After attending the Naval War College in 1971, he was assigned to CONSTELLATION (CV-64) as navigator. In 1973, he transferred to ComNavAirPac as Chief of Staff, Training. In 1974, he was assigned as the commanding officer for VRC-50 at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines. He returned to ComNavAirPac and worked in Training, Operations and Plans. He was assigned to NATO in Brussels from 1979 through 1982 as chief of the Situation Center. His last duty was in ComNavAirPac, where he retired on 30 June 1983. Jack then went to work at CSC, writing proposals for government contracts. He retired from CSC after ten years. In 1993, he was asked to join the staff of the Tailhook Association, and was part of a team that successfully rejuvenated the organization. He was an active member of the Optimist Club of Coronado, working on the Sports Fiesta and tutoring elementary school children in math and science. Jack is survived by his wife, Jane; sister, Bobbye; daughters, Kay Linden (David) and Caroline Beard (Steve); son, JB; and grandchildren, Jeff, Tricia, Maggie and David. H
ROBERT DONOVAN JONES ’53 Lieutenant Colonel Robert D. Jones, USAF (Ret.), died surrounded by family on 18 February 2017 in San Antonio, TX. Born on 20 September 1930 in Bennington, VT, “Bob” was an Eagle Scout and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1953. Serving as a procurement officer, he moved multiple times, including two memorable years at Lajes Field in the Azores. Bob retired in 1976 after 23 years of service. He later went on to become a math instructor for Northrop Aviation and a contract manager for Lockheed Martin. He played many instruments, sang with family and in choirs, and acted in musical theater. He was a church organist throughout his life, beginning at age 16 in Winchendon, MA, where he grew up, and published a hymn a year
later. Robert shared his love of all people everywhere, music, movies, theater, sailing and the twinkle in his eye. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Phyllis; daughters, Wendolyn Eudy (and her husband, Peter) and Victoria Jones (and her partner, Catherine Boswell); five grandchildren, Peter Eudy ’00, Matthew Eudy, Elena Portzand, Nika Portzand and Anjelika Portzand; and five great-grandchildren. His son, Donovan, preceded him in death. A memorial service was held on 26 February 2017 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Universal City, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fisher House (fisherhouse.org), which supports military families in need ; or the ASPCA (www.aspca.org). H
LAWRENCE BURKHARDT III ’54 Rear Admiral Lawrence Burkhardt III, USN (Ret.), passed away on 1 February 2017. He was 84 years old. Born in Camden, NJ, on 8 November 1932, his parents fondly called him “Burkie” since he, his father and grandfather shared the same name: Larry. As a child, Burkie loved his two dogs, Skip and then Joey. As an adult, he treasured his dog, Anna, and happily dog-sat for Maverick (daughter, Beth’s dog). Burkie’s Uncle Bud was a large animal veterinarian and Burkie would assist him. When making his career choice, Burkie might have become a vet himself, but instead chose the U.S. Navy. Larry graduated from Annapolis in June 1954 and married Barbara that same month. Barbara grew up with Larry in Woodbury, NJ. Larry had his eye on her earlier than she was ready to respond. But, after Larry’s Plebe Year at the Naval Academy, they officially started dating. They enjoyed a honeymoon in Ocean City, NJ—a place they returned to many summers with children, grand and great-grandchildren. Their first move as a couple was to San Diego, CA, where their first child, Laurie Jean, was born; her name was a combination of Larry and Barbara Jean. Bill was born in New London, CT, in 1958, and Beth, in Bethesda, MD, in 1965. Over Larry’s 32 years, mostly as Navy officer, he and Barbara were stationed in New London, CT; Kittery, ME; Idaho Falls, ID; Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC; Charleston, SC; Norfolk, VA; Honolulu, HI, Long Beach, CA; some locations two or three times. After retiring from naval service as a rear admiral, Larry and Barbara spent a couple of years at Niagara Mohawk Utility Company in Syracuse, NY, before returning to his beloved San Diego. Larry and Barbara’s large family includes three children (and their spouses), Laurie (“Chill”), Bill (Sandy) and Beth (David); seven grandchildren, Chris (Michelle), Mary (Jose), Jenny (Jesse), Betsy (Dave), Tim, Lauren and Chris; and five great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Allison, Jonathan, Hannah and Isabelle. Larry became a Christian in the 1970s. His faith that Jesus died for him, taking away his sins and providing him eternal life served him to his last hour. He was ready to meet his Savior and he has. H
COLUMBARIUM For more information, visit usna.edu/cemetery/
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OLIVE JOHN HINES ’54 Colonel Olive John Hines, USAF (Ret.), of Belleville, IL, passed away on 12 February 2017 at St. Louis University Hospital following a brain stem stroke. He was 84 years old. Born in Alma, IL, on 22 June 1932, Olive applied for and received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1954. Following his graduation, Olive was appointed a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He then attended flight school and graduated in 1955. In 1956, he was stationed in Munich, Germany, where he met and married his wife, Annemarie Hammerstingl. Fairly early on, Olive was selected by the Air Force to attend graduate school, where he received a master of science in industrial management. Over the course of his 43 years in the Air Force, Olive was stationed in eight different countries, four of which more than once. Olive served as a pilot for 18 years and over time, became a highly decorated officer. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star for extraordinary achievement and gallantry while piloting unarmed reconnaissance aircraft over North Vietnam. He elected to fly unarmed because he never wanted to kill another human being. In the words of one of his commanding officers, he was “a true warrior who never turned down a mission.” The remaining 25 years of service comprised five different posts within NATO, plus various academic assignments including department chair, professor and ROTC instructor at Purdue and the University of Maryland. Olive was also very creative and taught himself how to cross-stitch and crochet so that he’d having something to do with his hands while relaxing. Over the years, he crocheted hundreds of colorful blankets, most of which he gave away to friends, family members and his favorite health care providers. In addition to his professional and artistic accomplishments, Olive was a most loving, generous, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He is survived and dearly missed by his wife, Annemarie I. Hines; daughters, Christa L. Hines and Maria E. Hines; son, John V. Hines; grandchildren, Sarah I. Stromsdorfer, Oliver M. Codd and Jaimie M. Hartmann; sisters, Patricia Ann Miller and Louise Annette Humble; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Colonel Hines was buried on 16 February 2017 at Alma Cemetery in Alma, IL, with full military honors. H
VICTOR JOHN BARICEV ’56 Victor J. Baricev of Covington, LA, passed away peacefully at home on 26 February 2017. He was born in New Orleans, LA, to Joseph and Jessie Baricev on 2 May 1933 and was raised, primarily, in Biloxi, MS. After spending a year at Marion Institute, Vic entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952, where he was a proud member of the 10th Company. While a midshipman, eating was one of his main pastimes and it was a rare occasion to see him pass up food of any kind. In addition, he was a tower of strength on the volleyball team. After graduation with the Class of 1956, he attended the Navy Purchasing School in Athens, GA, and then was assigned to CORREGIDOR, which transported aircraft from Mobile, AL, to Germany. He next was sent to Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans as part of the pre-commissioning detail for DESOTO COUNTY. After sailing DESOTO COUNTY to Little Creek, VA, Vic later returned to New Orleans, where he served as disbursing officer for the Eighth Naval District. 124 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
After leaving the Navy, Vic first worked at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS, as assistant purchasing agent, where he was tasked with purchasing major equipment for nuclear attack subs as well as other Navy and commercial vessels. He subsequently returned to Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans, where he became purchasing agent and was reunited with many of the friends he’d made while stationed there as DESOTO COUNTY was being built. Vic was promoted to Vice President, Contracts & Procurement at Avondale in 1973 and retired from that company in 1986. Upon retiring, Vic and his wife, Gerry, moved to Mandeville, LA, where he actively pursued his love of sailing, golf, woodworking and spending time with his family. Later, they relocated a few miles north of Lake Pontchartrain to Covington, LA. Vic was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Joseph and Robert Baricev. He is survived by his wife of 58 Years, Gerry; daughters, Janet Adolphson (Fred) and Susan Donnelly (Sonny); son, Michael Baricev (Barbara); and six grandsons. A Funeral Mass was held on 2 March 2017 in Covington, LA, followed by interment at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, also in Covington. H
FORREST ROGER WILLIAMS ’56 Commander Forrest R. Williams, USN (Ret.), died on 12 December 2017 at his home in Carmel Valley, CA, at the age of 83. Born in Johnson County, KY, on 9 September 1933, Forrest graduated from Paintsville High School in 1952, then attended the Naval Academy, graduating with distinction with the Class of 1956. He served 26 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, serving on three ships by 1964. After serving on his last ship, he accidentally shot himself in the right leg while instructing his brother-in-law to fire an automatic pistol. Following nearly five months in a naval hospital and seven months of physical therapy, he spent one year on limited duty to demonstrate to the Navy that he could stand a 12-hour watch. He became a meteorological specialist in 1966. While in the Navy, he received master’s degrees in meteorology from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1962 and from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1972. He joined the faculty of NPS in June of 1974, serving as an assistant professor of meteorology until his retirement in June of 1982. He remained a member of the faculty until retiring from teaching in June of 1998. His 24 years at NPS included teaching meteorological analysis, thermodynamics, tropical and mid-latitude analysis and forecasting laboratories, as well as computer and satellite interpretation techniques to many officers who would forecast and command units of the Naval Meteorology Oceanography Command. He authored study guides on introductory meteorology, and co-authored study guides on meteorological thermodynamics. Collaborating with Dr. Robert Renard, Forrest was the principal author of Forecasters Handbooks. He was a member of the USNA Alumni Association and the American Meteorological Society. Forrest was always in demand for his great piano playing at various Navy functions and especially at Sanctuary Bible Church where he was a member for 40 years. As well as contributing to the music ministry, he also served as a deacon and an elder. Forrest is survived by his wife of 60 years, Madge Gambill Williams. He always said it was great being on Madge’s team and he lovingly referred to her as, “my Magic Madge.” Forrest and Madge have one daughter, Nina Ann Williams, whose artistic ability always made her father proud. A memorial service was held at Sanctuary Bible Church. A future burial will follow in the Gambill Cemetery in Thelma, KY. H
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LAWRENCE EDWARD McCULLOUGH ’57 Commander Lawrence E. McCullough, USN (Ret.), of Pinehurst, NC, passed away on Saturday, 4 March 2017, in Pinehurst, NC. He was 83 years old. “Mac” was born on 14 September 1933 in New Brighton, PA, to the late Lawrence Henry McCullough and Mary Elizabeth (Toben) McCullough. He attended Geneva College and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1957 (17th Company). He married Jan, the love of his life, in December 1957. He served on TARAWA (CV-40), WHITEHALL (PCE-856), WACCAMAW (AO-109) and ROBISON (DDG-12), where he served several deployments to Vietnam. Mac earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, in 1964. In 1970, he was assigned to and worked on many ground-breaking projects integrating naval ship-based weapons systems with ONR and NavOrd (NavSea). He was known to say he was a systems engineer before there were system engineers. In between these assignments, Mac served as an exchange professor to the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio, Philippines, from 1974 to 1976. Mac retired from the Navy in 1978 after 21 years of active duty and continued working in military research as a consultant. In 1996, Mac retired again and he and Jan moved to Pinehurst. A devoted husband, Mac loved to travel with Jan and share stories of their experiences with friends and family. He enjoyed watching Navy football and building his own computers. He had a passion for aviation history, especially World War I and was proud to be a plankowner of the American Air Museum in Britain. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Janice Eileen (Massey) McCullough and sister, Mary Ann Tweddell. He is survived by a son, Jeff McCullough (and his wife, Beth) of Pickerington, OH; three grandchildren, Madeleine McCullough, Andrew McCullough and Jeffrey McCullough (and his wife, Amanda); and three great-grandchildren, Evalina, Jareth and Kyrian McCullough. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. H
ROBERT LOUIS SARACCO ’57 Surrounded by his loving family, Commander Robert L. Saracco, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully in Pleasanton, CA, on 10 February 2017. Born on 28 October 1933 in New York, NY, “Bob” was a star athlete at Mount St. Michael Academy. He spent a year at Admiral Farragut Academy prior to admission to the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduation with the Class of 1957, Bob was commissioned an ensign and served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. He began his career on a surface ship, and then switched to the Silent Service. Bob went on to serve on BASHAW (SS-241) and MENHADEN (SS-337) with a tour in between at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. He received a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California. In 1966, Bob transitioned into Engineering Duty and was involved in the construction, repair and overhaul of various types of naval ships. In Bob’s final active duty assignment, he directed the ship overhaul and modernization programs for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He began his civilian career in the same office where he worked for the remainder of his professional life. Bob settled in Hawaii, where he spent over 40 years in his beloved town of Kailua. There, Bob could be found on the golf course, puttering in his pristine
yard or “throwing something on the grill.” Bob was active with St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. He participated regularly in local USNA alumni events and delivered Meals-on-Wheels. More than any other accomplishments, Bob was most proud of his 59-year marriage and their beautiful family. He will be remembered as a loving, devoted and patriotic man. Bob is survived by his wife, Jule; daughters, Julie Murphy (Dennis ’81), Amie Prendergast (Patrick) and Mollie McIntosh (Marshall); son, Robert (Valerie); and ten grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Bob’s life was held at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Pleasanton, CA. An inurnment service was held at the Naval Academy Columbarium on 11 April 2017. Memorial donations may be made to the Division of Pulmonary Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Please make checks out to “UCSF Foundation” and note that your donation is “in memory of Robert Saracco to support the Pulmonary Division Fund” UCSF Foundation, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339. H
RICHARD COLUMBUS FREEMAN III ’58 Richard C. Freeman III died on 11 February 2017, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, GA. He was 81 years old. Born in Washington, DC, “Dick” was raised in Mount Airy, NC. He graduated from Mount Airy High School (1954), completing his high school course work early to enlist in the United States Navy in 1953. He then received an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy, where he was a member of the Color Guard. He graduated with the Class of 1958 as a member of the Third Company. He then entered flight school in Pensacola, where he trained in multiple aircraft. After becoming a naval aviator, he served in Patrol Squadron 40 at Naval Station Sangley Point in the Philippines. He was an ordnance officer on a Martin P5M Marlin float plane, conducting air patrols during the Vietnam War. He was later a patrol plane commander. He also attended Military Justice training. Upon his medical retirement from the Navy, Dick attended law school at the University of North Carolina. After graduating in 1969, he was licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and Georgia, electing to move to Atlanta to join Haas, Holland, Levison & Gilbert. He started a successful sole proprietorship, Richard C. Freeman III, PC, where he practiced law for over 40 years, specializing in complex business litigation. During this time, he became well known in the area for his keen wit, compelling storytelling abilities, courtroom tenacity and dedication to his clients. He tried cases throughout local, state and federal courts. These included the Georgia Court of Appeals, Supreme Court of Georgia, United States Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. He was also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Dick was a devoted husband and father. He spent as much time as he could with his family, including his kids’ sporting events and activities, and numerous family trips, as well as annual family vacations to Sanibel Island, FL. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, the former Martha Anne Kemp of Atlanta, GA; brother, James Newton Freeman Jr.; sons, Richard Columbus Freeman IV, Stephen Kemp Freeman and Duncan Perry Freeman; and four grandchildren.
MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 125
LAST CALL
Funeral services were held on 24 February 2017 at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA, with interment at the Georgia National Military Cemetery in Canton, GA. H
ERNEST PAUL HERNER JR. ’58 Ernest Paul Herner Jr. passed away on 18 February 2017 in Portland, OR. “Paul” was born on 22 June 1936, in Pomona, CA, the son of Ernest Paul Herner Sr. and Francis Eugenia Adams. He graduated from Covina Union High School in 1954, and entered the Naval Academy by congressional appointment as a member of the Class of 1958, 20th Company. Upon graduation, Paul was commissioned as an ensign and served two years aboard EPPERSON (DDE-719) as communications officer and navigator. He then served on the staff of Destroyer Squadron Five as communications officer. In 1962, Paul was assigned to the staff of Joint Task Force 8 on Christmas Island in the Pacific, supporting nuclear testing in Operation Dominic, which studied the effects of atmospheric nuclear detonations as potential defense against ballistic missiles. He resigned his commission in 1962 as a lieutenant. Paul joined the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon as an engineer, designing logging roads and campgrounds in the Oregon Cascade Mountains for a year. He spent the next three years as an engineer for the Oregon State Highway Department, administering construction of highway routes, including Interstate 5. In 1968, Paul joined the U.S. Department of Energy Bonneville Power Administration, responsible for heavy equipment field services for the high voltage transmission grid covering Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Western Montana. He became a professional engineer and served on the board of directors for the local Government Engineers Chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers. Paul retired in 1994 after 35 years’ service in the Navy and federal government. The grandeur of the Northwest led him toward an avocation of backpacking and winter downhill skiing and eventually, mountain climbing and Nordic style cross-country skiing. For 15 years, he was a climb leader for the Portland Mountain Climbing Club, the Mazamas, and also served as club president. As occasions arose, Paul did volunteer trail building and maintenance in the national parks and forests and was recognized by the Portland Department of Public Works for his years of volunteer gardening at Peninsula Park Rose Gardens. Paul is survived by his partner of 34 years, Nancy Jane Shogren. Together, they enjoyed “following the sun” in their motorhome for many years. Paul continued to mountain climb as long as he was able because, in his words, “as long as us Mazamas are climbing, we’re not over the hill yet.” Pete Russell ’58, Dick Buss ’58 & Nancy Shogren H
IRA EUSTACE PARRY ’60 Lieutenant Commander Ira E. Parry, USN (Ret.), died after a brief illness at his home in North Berwick, ME. “Buz” graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1960 and two weeks later, married Jane Whitehurst. He enjoyed a naval career that saw service on the aircraft carrier RANDOLPH out of Norfolk, VA; U.S. Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT; deployment on GRAMPUS; Guided Missile School in Dam Neck, VA; and assignment as weapons officer aboard the Fleet Ballistic 126 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Missile submarine LEWIS AND CLARK. From 1968 until 1971, Buz was liaison for the U.S. Navy to the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense in Coulport, Scotland. He served with Strategic Systems Project in Washington, DC, and was the Navy’s representative to Draper Labs in Cambridge, MA. Upon retirement from the Navy in 1978, Buz joined the engineering department at Bath Iron Works and provided expertise to the AEGIS Program. Final retirement found Buz channeling time and energy into numerous community volunteer endeavors, which included starting and coaching a high school lacrosse team, working with Jane as they mentored youth groups and opening their B&B to visitors from all over the world. Recently, Buz and Jane moved from Bath to an in-law apartment in their daughter and son-in-law’s home in North Berwick. Buz leaves behind his wife, Jane, and four grown children, Julia O’Neil, Blane Parry, Keith Parry and Douglas Parry. H
THOMAS WILLIAM DIEKMANN ’61 Thomas W. Diekmann died at home in Jacksonville, FL, on 18 January 2017 following a two and a half year battle with lung cancer. He was 77 years old. Born 30 October 1939 in Weston, WV, “Tom,” a proud Eagle Scout, graduated from St. Patrick’s School (1957) with dual enrollment in Weston High School before entering the U.S. Naval Academy, 22nd Company. It was during this time that he developed a passion for sailing, which would become an important part of his retirement years with his wife, Sarah. Following graduation from USNA with the Class of 1961, Tom reported to Pensacola, FL, for flight school and earned his Wings in October 1962. In June 1963, he married Sarah Crowder, whom he met Aviation Summer in Jacksonville, FL. After a year as a flight instructor with VT-1, Tom went on to fly F-8s at Cecil Field. Medically grounded in 1965, he went on to serve aboard MACDONOUGH and NAVARRO. Tom waded ashore in Coronado, CA, in early 1967 to begin life as a civilian. He joined Pratt and Whitney Aircraft division of United Technologies as a test and then a flight engineer with commercial engines in East Hartford, CT. He was most gratified with his work on the JT9D engine utilized by early versions of the Boeing 747. In late 1976, having promised Sarah they would spend only five years “up North,” he accepted a transfer to the Government Products division of P&WA in West Palm Beach, FL. Over the 21 years, he held many management positions for military engines ending with the F-22 program. Tom took an early retirement in 1998 so he and Sarah could fulfill the dream they conceived in 1968 to live and enjoy life aboard their beloved sailboat, PRECEPT, their “fifth child” according to the first four. After enjoying the cruising lifestyle domestically and abroad, they returned to Jacksonville, FL, in 2006. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry August and Maude Eleanor Diekmann; and his sister, Mary Diekmann Kopp. Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sarah; sons, Thomas W. Diekmann Jr. (Kathleen) of Hollister, CA, Mark of West Palm Beach, FL, and Carl of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Amanda of New York, NY; grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew, Aidan and Connor; and extended family in West Virginia, Louisiana and Florida. A graveside committal service with military honors was held 24 January 2017 at Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL. H
LAST CALL
ROBERT DAVID MOORE ’69 Robert D. Moore passed away 28 January 2017, in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Hailing from Arbutus, MD, “Bob-o” returned to the Naval Academy by way of Western Maryland College. The son of a World War II Navy chaplain, he had come full circle, being the 1001st baby born at the Naval Academy Hospital. He was a member of the infamous 23rd Company’s “Black N” club. Larger than life, Bob was a laid back character well-liked by all who knew him and smart enough to challenge the Academic Department by working “steam” and other complex math and computer problems in his head. Something of a free spirit, he was also well known to the Executive Department, who deemed it necessary to give him his own special solitary graduation ceremony. He was an avid member of the sailing squadron and was on the Lucky Bag staff. Weekends would find him and other 23rd Company classmates enjoying his family’s summer retreat on the shores of the Magothy River. After graduation he was assigned to CHEVALIER (DD-805), then served on the DesRon 23 staff and at the Fleet Combat Direction Systems Training Center, Pacific, in San Diego. During this period, Bob earned a master’s degree from USC. Eventually, the urge to spend more time sailing caught up with him and in 1978, he and a 23rd Companymate set off to sail the South Pacific in a 29-foot sloop rigged sailboat. Stops along the way included numerous islands in French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora, etc.), Rarotonga, American and Western Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, eight months on the Coral Coast of Australia, Bali, Indonesia and finally, Singapore where financial constraints caused the sale of the boat and his return to the States in 1980. Bob went to work for a subsidiary of Braun Engineering in Duarte, CA, designing refineries and immediately began saving money for his next sailboat and trip to the South Pacific. Setting out in the late 1980s, he again found himself in Pago Pago. The attractiveness of high ground during hurricane season was too good to pass up. He took an instructor position teaching computer programs with the Interior Department’s College of American Samoa and has been there for the past 29 years, recently retiring. Bob is survived by his adopted children, daughter, Heta, and son, Robert James; and his eight brothers and sisters. Fair winds and following seas, good friend, father and brother. H
TIMOTHY MICHAEL AHERN ’70 Captain Timothy Ahern, USN (Ret.), passed away suddenly on 6 August 2016 while biking in a Multiple Sclerosis fundraising ride in Pennsylvania. Born on 3 March 1948 in Baltimore, MD, “Tim” was the son of the late Julia Kerr Ahern and Alfred Ahern. He grew up in Ridgewood, NJ, and graduated from Bergen Catholic High (1966), where he was active in many sports and remained close with his football team, who were New Jersey State champs his senior year. He graduated from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1970 and married Eileen O’Connell in September 1975. Tim served 30 years in the Navy with a variety of ship assignments and command of the minesweeper AFFRAY (MSO-511) and the SPRUANCE destroyer, PAUL F. FOSTER (DD-964) during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After attending the Naval War College, he was designated an acquisition professional and after earning Program Management certification, served as deputy program manager for
the Mine Warfare Shipbuilding Program (PMS-303) and as a major program manager of the Mine Warfare Systems Program (PMS-407) from 1997 until his Navy retirement in 2000. During his successful Navy career, he earned numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (with Combat V) and two Meritorious Service Medals. Tim joined Imagine One Technology and Management Ltd. in July 2000 and was instrumental in the expansion of the company in the Virginia area. As vice president for Washington Operations, he provided services to government entities in the areas of acquisition program management support, logistics, finance and engineering. Tim retired in July 2013. In addition to his BS degree from USNA, Tim also earned a master’s degree in marine affairs from the University of Rhode Island, and a master’s degree in international affairs from the Naval War College. Tim was very active in volunteer organizations. He was president of Alexandria’s North Ridge Citizens’ Association for two years; volunteered as a first grade reading tutor; and served as vice-chair of Agenda: Alexandria, an Alexandria civic affairs organization. Tim also served as a volunteer (1994-2008) and a board member (1998-2001) of Navy Federal Credit Union/Navy Federal Financial Group (2001-2008); as a board member of the Vinson Hall Retirement Community; and was an avid fundraiser for MS. Tim is survived by his wife, Eileen; children, Catherine Barrett (Jon) and Timothy Ahern; grandson, Timothy Barrett; brothers, James and Alfred; sisters, Julie Nelson and Patricia Arvidson; and brother and sisters-in-law, Peter, Edna and Kathleen. H
DAVID LOUIS MARRA SR. ’74 Commander David L. Marra Sr., USN (Ret.), died suddenly on 20 February 2017. He was 65 years old. David was born in Charleroi, PA, on 20 August 1951. At Belle Vernon Area High School, he was a football, baseball and track star, as well as a gifted swimmer and diver. He was widely recruited for football and played football at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Bainbridge, MD, and later at the Naval Academy, until a devastating ankle injury sidelined him. While at the Naval Academy, he was also known as “Bear” or simply “The Bear,” a moniker he carried with him throughout his career. Upon graduation with the Class of 1974, David went on to have a distinguished career as a naval surface warfare officer, where he easily earned the respect and loyalty of his wardrooms and crews. Among his many awards and recognitions were the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, two Navy Achievement Medals, a Navy Commendation Medal, a Defense Service Ribbon, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, the Expert Pistol Shot Medal with Silver “E” and the Expert Rifleman Medal with Silver “E.” On 1 June 1996, he retired selflessly from his beloved Navy so that he would not have to leave his family again for deployment at sea. To stay close to home, he transitioned into civilian life as the Director of Engineering at Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he also served with pride and distinction and was greatly admired by his men. He quietly retired from that post in 2012 to simply live his life and take one day at a time. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, the former Pamela Lago of Annandale, VA; son, David Jr.; daughter, Kelly; three grandchildren, David Louis Marra III, Marra Annelise and Colette Rose; brother, Thomas; and his mother, Anna Mary Marra. Bear was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. H MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 127
LAST CALL
RONALD EUGENE PRASS JR. ’87 Commander Ronald E. Prass Jr., USNR (Ret.), of Davidsonville, MD, died on 5 January 2017 after an extended illness. The son of Ronald E. Prass Sr. and Patricia A. Prass, “Ron” was born on 10 December 1963 in Dayton, OH. His family moved to Maryland in 1971, where he attended Severna Park High School. Following his high school graduation, Ron earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He was commissioned as an officer in May 1987. While completing flight training in Pensacola, FL, Ron earned a Master of Science degree from Troy University in 1989. He also served nine years on active duty as a naval officer and retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve as a commander after 20 years. Ron served as both a Naval Flight Officer and as Aviation Engineering Duty Officer during his tenure of service. While serving on active duty, he attended law school at night at American University and graduated with a juris doctor in 1995. It was that same year that his son, Matthew, was born. His daughter, Megan, followed a year later. Ron spent 20 years as an intellectual property attorney. Following his graduation from law school, he served as a patent examiner with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He entered private practice as an attorney at Oliff & Berridge, PLC in Alexandria, VA, and then served as an attorney with the law firm of Kenyon & Kenyon LLC in their Silicon Valley, CA, and Washington, DC, offices. As an established and respected patent lawyer, Ron eventually founded his own firm, Prass, LLP, which he operated until his death. He enjoyed playing golf, attending Navy football games, baseball and following the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ron had a formidable intellect and a genuine love of people that enabled him to make wonderful, lasting friendships wherever he went. Ron was even more notable for his generosity and his irrepressible (and sometimes irreverent) sense of fun. Most of all, Ron was a loving father who never failed to tell everyone he knew how proud he was of his children. His survivors include his son, Matthew Prass; daughter, Megan Prass; and sisters, Amy Poxson (and her husband, Paul) and Cynthia Prell. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Kimberly Ricciuti. Memorial services with full military honors were held at the U.S. Naval Academy on 13 January 2017. H
JOHN PAUL McGREW ’89 John P. McGrew of Jeromesville, OH, passed away on 4 March 2017 at University Hospital Samaritan Medical Center. He was 51 years old. John was born on 1 March 1966 in Sistersville, WV, to James Phillip McGrew and Sharon (Long) McGrew-Weekley. He graduated from Tyler County High School in 1984, where he proudly led his high school football team to win the State Championship. John received his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was recruited and played football from 1986-1988. He served in the United States Navy for 15 years as a naval aviator. Following his time in the military, John was employed with the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 565 as a pipe fitter and instrument tech. Anyone who knew John would certainly remember his polite demeanor. His tall stature could be intimidating to some, however he was the most dignified and respectful person. He had a gentle quality, which allowed him the ability to work with anyone. He was especially good at working with kids and inspiring them to achieve their best. John was an intelligent man and always strived for perfection. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, golfing and basketball. John also enjoyed woodworking, boating and sports in general. He was an avid fan of West Virginia University sports and the Pittsburgh Steelers. John is survived by his wife, Zoraida Lacey McGrew; three stepchildren, Phoebe Isaac of Los Angeles, CA, Mark Thomas Isaac Jr. of Denver, CO, and Ellen Isaac of Lexington; his mother, Sharon McGrew-Weekley of Waverly, WV; his siblings, Phil McGrew (Kerry Collias) of Landenberg, PA, Mark McGrew (Mary) of Altoona, IA, Keith Weekley of Charleston, WV, Melissa Parsons (Mike) of Waverly, WV, and Christian Weekley of Waverly, WV; two brothers-in-law, Joseph Lacey of Ontario and Richard Lacey (Mary) of Lexington; a sister-in-law, Michelle Snyder (Eddy) of Ontario; a mother-in-law, Maria Lacey of Ontario; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved pet cat, Pita. John was predeceased by his father, James P. McGrew; father-in-law, Richard Lacey; and nephew, Levi Lacey. A memorial gathering was held on 11 March 2017 at the Life Celebration Reception Center in Mansfield, OH. Words of comfort may be expressed at (www.wappner.com). H
OBITUARY GUIDELINES • • • • • • • • •
128 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
Obituaries for Shipmate must be submitted by, or approved by, the family of the deceased. If possible, email format is preferred. Please note that we have a firm 400-word limit. A photo is encouraged, but we ask that irreplaceable photos not be sent through the mail in case of loss or damage in transit. Emailed photos must be at least 300 dpi in resolution. We have Lucky Bag photos here (for graduates only) and they may be scanned in-house, but must be specifically requested. Our “how to” document, “A Fitting Tribute: How to Write an Obituary” is available online (search www.usna.com), or via USPS upon request. Although we encourage people to write their own obituary in advance, we DO NOT keep them here at Alumni House. We suggest that you keep a copy with your important papers for your family to update and send in when the time comes. You may also wish to contact your class secretary to see if he/she is keeping files. Direct submissions or inquiries to: Shipmate obituaries, 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402-5068; obits@usna.com; 410-295-4064.
CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • EAST VA Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake & Southeastern VA
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REAL ESTATE • EAST
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REAL ESTATE • EAST
dningraham1@gmail.com Cell: 401-640-5928
Jeannie Ingraham jsingraham@gmail.com Cell: 401-640-5929
THE DOLL REAL ESTATE TEAM Relocating Families and Their Dreams…
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MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 129
CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • EAST
REAL ESTATE • EAST
DESTINATION DC?
REAL ESTATE • SOUTH EAST
REAL ESTATE • SOUTH EAST
Karen Martins (Wife of John ’87)
(703) 568-6268 Serving VA, MD & DC
Here to help you navigate through the complex Metro Market!
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Military Relocation Specialist
Wife of Scott ’94 Associate Broker
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joyce.wadle@longandfoster.com Reputation for Excellence Making your move my priority!
(843) 557-7021 Rick.Stein@CBCarolinas.com 130 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • WEST
REAL ESTATE •WEST
REAL ESTATE •WEST
San Diego
Selects Eric Kalisky one of San Diego’s Best Realtors San Diego Magazine
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San Diego’s Best Buys Free Relocation Information Military Relocation Specialist
For Honest and Expert Real Estate Representation Call
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858-454-5677 EKALISKY@AOL.COM Visit: www.erickalisky.com
E-Mail:
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MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 131
CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • WEST
REAL ESTATE • WEST
REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS
Billy Fenton ’85
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REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS
CHARLOTTE CHURCH
(Wife of Dave ’67 and Mom of Kimberly ’91)
“Navy Wife Serving Annapolis and Anne Arundel County For More Than 35 Years”
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410-279-7512
* 410-266-0600
1997 Annapolis Exchange Parkway Suite 101, Annapolis, MD 21401 132 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE • ANNAPOLIS
FINANCIAL SERVICES
FINANCIAL SERVICES
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MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 133
CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES
State House Inn SERVICES
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our home away from home. Downtown, walk to gates 1 & 3. Call for Gov’t & Alumni Discounts LCDR Marc Lucas (’91) 25 State Circle • Annapolis, MD 21401
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www.StateHouseInn.com
This program is not affiliated with the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.
Patriot Scuba 305 Mill Street, B-1 Occoquan, VA 22125 703-490-1175
www.patriotscuba.com
jeff@patriotscuba.com Jeff Currer ’83
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ALUMNI STORE Your source for class, club and chapter logo apparel and gifts. usna.com/shop 134 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
MISCELLANY
CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANY
MISCELLANY
MISCELLANY
David Fischer ’74 Seeks Permission to Deer Hunt on Private Land Fauquier, Prince William, or Loudon County, VA
David_C_Fischer@yahoo.com
www.diamondsbyjpc.com jcolli74@msn.com
Imperial Half Bushel 813 N. Howard St., Baltimore, MD 21201
410 -462-1192 Silver, Furniture & Decorations on Antique Row Frederick’50, Nancy & Patrick Duggan
Wed-Sat 10:30 am - 5 pm Sun 1-5pm Aug By Appt. www. imperialhalfbushel.com ihb@imperialhalfbushel.com
Color Classified Ad Rates
SIZE
SIZE
1” 2” 3” 4” 5” 6” 7” 8”
$ 55.00 $110.00 $165.00 $220.00 $275.00 $330.00 $385.00 $440.00
$ 90.00 $180.00 $270.00 $360.00 $450.00 $540.00 $630.00 $720.00
1” 2” 3” 4” 5” 6” 7” 8”
$ 65.00 $130.00 $195.00 $260.00 $325.00 $390.00 $455.00 $520.00
25% LifeMember Discount Rates
$ 70.00 $140.00 $210.00 $280.00 $350.00 $420.00 $490.00 $497.00
Non-LifeMember Rates
Black and White Classified Ad Rates
25% LifeMember Discount Rates
Non-LifeMember Rates
2017 SHIPMATE Classified Ad Rates
2017 SHIPMATE Classified Information & Insertion Order Classified Advertising Policy
Advertisement
Classified ads are accepted on a space available basis as a service to USNA Alumni only. The Alum’s name and class year MUST appear in the ad. Spouse ads are accepted only with the Alum’s name and class year included in the ad. Ads are accepted camera-ready and electronically; jpg., tif. or PDF formats. (300 dpi) Any classified ad may occupy one column width (2.5 inches) by a maximum of up to 8 inches of column length.
Classified ad rates are $70 per inch for black and white and $90 per inch for color. A $50 set up fee is charged if ad is designed for advertiser. LifeMembers are eligible for a 25% discount—reducing the cost to $55 per inch for black and white and $65 per inch for color.
Advertiser Name ____________________________________________ Street ____________________________________________ City ______________________State ____Zip __________ Daytime Phone ___________________________________ Email ____________________________________________ Class Year ________________________________________
Billing
m Please charge my Discover/Visa/MasterCard/ American Express:
Total $_____________ per issue Credit Card No.____________________________________
Please select the issue(s) in which you wish to run or specify: “RFN” -Run Until Further Notice.
Expiration Date ___________________________________
Issue
Signature _________________________________________
Insertion/Ad Due
m Jan-Feb 2017 m March 2017 m April 2017 m May 2017 m June-July 2017 m August 2017 m September-October 2017 m November-December 2017
10/21/16 12/20/16 01/23/17 02/21/17 04/17/17 05/23/17 07/17/17 09/18/17
Payment information must accompany order. Send insertion order and ad file to: USNA Alumni Association Attn: Maria O’Shea 247 King George St. Annapolis, MD 21402 or email to: maria.oshea@usna.com fax: 410-295-4003; phone: 410-295-4074
Please contact Maria O’Shea via email or phone for space availability and any concern — if the due date has passed, I will be as flexible as possible. MAY 2017 • SHIPMATE 135
STAFF AND ASSISTANCE
EXECUTIVE OFFICE VOLUME 80 • NO. 4
Byron F. Marchant ’78 President Gwenn Dennis Executive Administrator for the President
Publisher Byron F. Marchant ’78 410-295-4090; byron.marchant@usna.com
ENGAGEMENT Bill Dawson ’82 Executive Vice President
Executive Editor Bill Dawson ‘82 410-295-4070 william.dawson@usna.com
410-295-4011 Cathy Wagner Executive Administrator 410-295-4000 Cynthia Belt Member Services Coordinator Shannon Coleman 410-295-4000 Member Services Coordinator
Editor-in-Chief Kristen Pironis 410-295-4072 kristen.pironis@usna.com Editorial Senior Editors Courtney Jolley 410-295-4075 courtney.jolley@usna.com Elizabeth Wrightson 410-295-4071 elizabeth.wrightson@usna.com Associate Editor Samantha Casamassima 410-295-4027 samantha.casamassima@usna.com Assistant Editors Anne Sharpe 410-295-4078 anne.sharpe@usna.com Tonya White 410-295-4066 tonya.white@usna.com Contributing Editor Captain David Poyer ’71, USNR (Ret.) Design and Production Art Director/Production Manager Jackie Furton 410-295-4073 jackie.furton@usna.com Assistant Production Manager/ Classes Editor Maria O’Shea 410-295-4074 maria.oshea@usna.com Chapter and Classes Editor Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro 410-295-4076 sandy.spadaro@usna.com Obituaries Editor Timothy Elizabeth Woodbury 410-295-4064 timothy.woodbury@usna.com Contributing Photographers Barbara Hendricks Debbie Latta
Contact Shipmate 410-295-4000 Main 410-295-4003 Fax 410-295-4074 Classified Advertising 410-295-4066 Display Advertising 410-295-4026 Alumni Registration and Corrections
Submissions Editorial shipmate@usna.com Address/Delivery alumni@usna.com Chapter ColumnsH chapternews@usna.com Class ColumnsH classnews@usna.com Obituaries obits@usna.com Register of Alumni registerofalumni@usna.com H For Secretary use only, please
136 SHIPMATE • MAY 2017
410-295-4082
Engagement Operations 410-295-4089 Craig Washington ’89 Director 410-295-4035 Joe Fagan ’89 Assistant Director, Alumni Chapters Holly Powers 410-295-4017 Class Reunion Manager Elizabeth Beedenbender Parent Clubs/Programs
410-295-4166
Events and Protocol 410-295-4094 Maria “MJ” Pallotta ’94 Director of Enterprise Marketing 410-295-4175 Shannon Spillane Director, Protocol and Events Wendy Owen Event Planner Nadine Smith Event Planner
410-295-4018 410-295-4020
Programs and Services Dave Church ’67 410-295-4013 Director Michelle Mazanec 410-295-4022 Assistant Director, Career Programs Noreen Frenaye 410-295-4016 Associate Director, Alumni Special Programs John Cooper 410-295-4031 Facilities Manager John Taylor 410-295-4029 Facilities Assistant COMMUNICATIONS Kristen Pironis 410-295-4072 Vice President, Enterprise Communications Jackie Furton 410-295-4073 Associate Director, Publications Courtney Jolley 410-295-4075 Director of Communications Elizabeth Wrightson 410-295-4071 Assistant Director, Communications Anne Sharpe 410-295-4078 Web Communications Manager Maria O’Shea 410-295-4074 Assistant Production Manager Sandra Stansbury-Spadaro 410-295-4076 Communications Specialist Samantha Casamassima 410-295-4027 Communications Specialist Tonya White 410-295-4066 Projects Administrator TREASURY/HUMAN RESOURCES/ INFORMATION SERVICES Hank Sanford 410-295-4040 CFO and Treasurer; Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration Joanne Rennie 410-295-4043 Executive Administrator to CFO Gerrie Farmer 410-295-4050 Comptroller Lisa Strobel 410-295-4051 Director, Treasury Operations Heather Scott 410-295-4048 Director, Human Resource Mike Mundt ’83 410-295-4041 Director, Investments
410-295-4090 410-295-4091
TREASURY/HUMAN RESOURCES/ INFORMATION SERVICES CONTINUED 410-295-4057 Janet Douglas Staff Accountant Angela Berteaux Staff Accountant Jenny Bolton Staff Accountant
410-295-4053 410-295-4055
DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED Kaitlyn Sands 410-295-4147 Associate Director, Annual Giving Programs 410-295-4188 Damian Sinclair Assistant Director, President’s Circle 410-295-4164 Tracey Cook Annual Giving Programs Coordinator Development Services Kelly Carter Rollison 410-295-4110 Director, Development Services 410-295-4111 Carolyn McCollum Assistant Director, Research & Stewardship
410-295-4056 Linda Reyes Accounts Payable Coordinator 410-295-4058 Joseph Bytella Accounts Payable Clerk Julie Boberg 410-295-4047 Payroll Administrator
410-295-4112 Amanda Shinholser Assistant Director, Research
Information and Technology Services 410-295-4080 James Wolff ’03 Director, Information Services
Gift Processing Dawn Beach Director, Gift Processing
410-295-4060 Jordan Bailey Computer Network Manager Larry Rogers 410-295-4084 Sr. Database Administrator 410-295-4079 Denise Clark Database Administrator Garrett Keating 410-295-4087 Senior Software Developer Paige Fuller 410-295-4026 Online Membership Services Coordinator
Elvira Reyes Coordinator, Gift Processing Vencka Peterson Gift Processor
Derrick Planz Application Developer Jerry Dorsey Network Administrator Brandon Decker IS Specialist DEVELOPMENT Bill O’Connor Executive Vice President Abby Repko Executive Administrator
410-295-4116 410-295-4119 410-295-4120 410-295-4126 410-295-4127
410-295-4067 410-295-4054 410-295-4088
410-295-4101 410-295-4103
Development John Rudder ’78 410-295-4189 Senior Director of Development John Maconi 410-295-4190 Corporate and Foundation Relations Coordinator Major Gifts Dena Patterson Principal Gift Officer Michael Hoffman Senior Major Gift Officer Charles J. Kupec Senior Major Gift Officer Vince Balderrama ’78 Major Gift Officer Randall Sawyer Major Gift Officer Megan Nichols ’07 Assistant Major Gift Officer Ashley Thobois Major Gift Coordinator
Tony Kayser Gift Processor Liz Root Gift Processor Janine Bailey ’97 Gift Processor
410-295-4115
410-295-4183 410-295-4184 410-295-4185 410-295-4182 410-295-4181 410-295-4159 410-295-4178
FOUNDATION ATHLETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS Ed Wallace ’72 410-295-4096 Vice President Chris Knott 410-295-4097 Office Manager and Administrative Assistant Melissa Melle 410-295-4098 Executive Secretary QUICK REFERENCE Death Notifications
obits@usna.com; 410-295-4064 Class Ring Information classrings@usna.com Register of Alumni registerofalumni@usna.com Address/Delivery alumni@usna.com Donate 410-295-4100 Alumni Registration/Corrections 410-295-4026 U.S. Naval Academy Main Phone 410-293-1000 U.S. Naval Academy Athletics 410-293-2700 CONTACT US United States Naval Academy Alumni Association 247 King George Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21402-1306 Main Phone 410-295-4000 Ogle Hall Fax 410-295-4001 49 House Fax 410-295-4004 Cottage Fax 410-295-4003
Planned Giving Patti Bender 410-295-4187 Director, Planned Giving Keisha Watkins 410-295-4186 Coordinator, Planned Giving
Foundation Development 291 Wood Road, Beach Hall, Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5001 Main Phone 410-295-4100 Fax 410-295-4107
Giving Programs Rusty Yeiser ’74 410-295-4174 Senior Director Annual Programs Rich Goldsby ’72 410-295-4167 Associate Director, Class Legacy Gift Programs Melissa Nelson 410-295-4117 Coordinator, Class Giving Program
Foundation Athletic and Scholarship Programs 25 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Main Phone 410-295-4095 Fax 410-280-5534 To send an email, please visit the “Contact Us” section at www.usna.com.
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