The Bulletin - December 2020/January 2021

THE

BULLETIN the magazine of the United States Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, Inc. VOL. 82, NO. 6

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

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BULLETIN Volume 82, Number 6

December 2020/January 2021

Calendar of Coming Events..............4 From the Superintendent..................6 Your Letters.........................................8 Where Have you Been.....................12

Features

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In Every Issue

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Minding the Helm............................14 From the Chair..................................16 Development News.........................18 Alumni Engagement........................20 Chalk Talk......................................... 26

Association Affairs Tracklines & Waypoints............................................................................................22 The Investment Committee reflects on the last four years of growth and what’s on the horizon in 2021 for the USCGAAA’s endowment portfolio.

Authors’ Nook............................................................................................................28 This issue features alumni authors Sam Shriver ’78, Sandy Ogg ’76, Peter Bornstein ’61, and Allen Black ’79.

On a Path of Learning, Increased Awareness, and Action...................................30 An update on the efforts of the Equity Core Team along with some initial findings from the DEI survey

Around the Academy Old Traditions, New Horizons................................................................................36 On the 40th Anniversary of women at CGA, one graduate looks back at show she and her fellow trailblazers “survived” the Academy.

On the Importance of Being Inclusive, Adaptable, & Empathetic.....................40 The Academy welcomed General Martin Dempsey, the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to share leadership lessons with the Corps.

Ensuring Mission Critical Training Continued... Safely.....................................44 How the Coast Guard’s 2019 Clinic of the Year crafted new and creative solutions in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic at the Coast Guard Academy.

In the Service and Beyond Track Lines..................................................................................................................48 Bill Plage ’73 and VADM Harvey Johnson, Jr. ’75 share their career journeys and some useful lessons learned along the way.

Making the Career Leap from the Military............................................................52 Key factors to employment transition success from the perspective of the veteran job hunter and potential future employer On the Fruit of Affirmative Action..........................................................................56 CGA’s 19th black graduate reflects and reminisces on his Academy and CG experience and the importance of community.

Remembering a Coast Guard Hero.........................................................................60 Rear Admiral Marshall ‘Ed’ Gilbert, Class of 1958, Part I History Lesson: A Race with Death.........................................................................70 40 years later the former CO of the ESCANABA recalls a daring night rescue that saved 31 souls.

Last Word: Wonder Woman and Me.....................................................................128 That night LCDR Steve Carpenter ’77 “rescued” actress Lynda Carter on EAGLE.

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In Memoriam....................................74 Class Notes........................................75

Cover Front Cover: A cadet enjoys one of the many unseasonably warm days this fall with the Academy Chapel in the background, which was recently given a exterior paint and polish. Photo

by Brad Clift.

2020 marks 40 years since women joined the Corps of Cadets and we recognize this occasion with the article “Old Traditions, New Horizons”

by CDR Kathy Hamblett, USCG (ret), ’80 on page 36 and in this issue’s Chalk Talk column on page 26.

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Staff Editor Tara King Clark Class Notes Editor Melissa Yuhas Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy, or attitude of the Coast Guard, the Alumni Association, its officers, or the editorial staff. The Association strives to provide a forum within The Bulletin that welcomes free and open expression of opinions; however, the Association reserves the right to publish or omit submissions at its discretion. The inclusion of advertisements in The Bulletin should not be construed as an endorsement of the advertiser by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, or the U.S. Coast Guard.

Next mailing of The Bulletin: February 11, 2021 The Bulletin (ISSN 0191-9814) is published bimonthly by the United States Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, Inc., 47 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 063208111. Periodical postage paid at New London, CT, and at additional offices.

Postmaster: Please forward if address change is due to official orders. Domestic Mail Manual, Section 159.223. Send address changes to The Bulletin, U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, 47 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320-8111.

December 2020/January 2021

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We thank the Coast Guard for all they do to keep us safe.

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Connect With Us Virtually

Stay connected to the Academy, your fellow alumni, and the broader CGA community no matter where you are.

www.cgaalumni.org/VirtualEvents

Any livestreamed events will be shared in advance via email and on social media. Dates below subject to change.

January 3

Corps of Cadets Return to USCGA

January 11

USCGA Spring Semester Begins

January 27

Navigating the Transition Process: A Virtual Alumni Career Panel, ZOOM

February 25-26 Virtual Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) (www.sacc-jobfair.com) March 4

Class of 2021 Billet Night

March 26-27

Virtual USCGAAA Board Meeting

April 7

Navigating the Transition Process: A Virtual Alumni Career Panel, ZOOM

April 8

Class of 2021Dining In, USCGA

April 29

Undergraduate Research Symposium Day, USCGA

May 6-7

Virtual Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) (www.sacc-jobfair.com)

May 19

Class of 2021 Commencement

Homecoming/Reunion (0s and 5s) — Sept. 16-18 Parents Weekend — Sept. 24-26 Homecoming 2021 (1s and 6s)— Sept. 29 - Oct. 3 USCG Band: For a complete list of streaming concerts visit http://www.uscg.mil/band and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/uscoastguardband.

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The U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association is a non-profit corporation which exists exclusively for educational and charitable purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Mission Statement: The Association shall provide services to and promote fellowship among its members. The organization shall raise funds to provide “margin of excellence” support for the Corps of Cadets to preserve traditions and enhance the reputation of the Academy.

Membership: Academy graduates and those who have attended the Academy are eligible for Regular membership; all others interested in the Academy and its Corps of Cadets are eligible for Associate membership.

Annual Membership Fees: Regular members, $96; Associate members, $90.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR: VADM Manson Brown, USCG (ret), ’78 VICE CHAIR: LCDR Christine Igisomar, USCG, ’08 Mr. Timothy Atkin ’85 Mr. Sean Bennett ‘97 CAPT Charlene Downey, USCG (ret), ‘93 CDR Frank Genco, USCG (ret), ’88 CDR Mark Harris, USCG (ret), ’96 CDR Angelina Hidalgo ’00 CAPT Wayne Hollingsworth, USCG (ret), ’76 CDR Eric Hultmark, USCG (ret), ’83 Mr. Dion Nicely ’01 LCDR Emily Rose, USCG, ’08 Ms. Alanna Simpson ’09 Mr. Jamie Smith ’00 Mr. Kerry Watterson ’78 Mr. Christopher Woods ’09 USCGA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Ph: 860.442.2683 Fax: 860.442.2690 www.cgaalumni.org PRESIDENT CAPT Andrea Marcille (Ret), ’89, ext. 10 amarcille@cgaalumni.org VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT CAPT Robert McKenna (Ret), ’89, ext. 13 rmckenna@cgaalumni.org VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Tara King Clark, ext. 21 tking@cgaalumni.org DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS Karen Licitra, ext. 11 klicitra@cgaalumni.org DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT Emily Herbette, ext. 16 eherbette@cgaalumni.org ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT/ALUMNI CENTER MANAGER Sue Fage, ext. 14 sfage@cgaalumni.org DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT & MARKETING SPECIALIST Austin Gao, ext. 17 agao@cgaalumni.org DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS Susan Kenyon, ext. 12 skenyon@cgaalumni.org MANAGER OF ANNUAL AND PLANNED GIVING Abygale Lund, ext. 19 alund@cgaalumni.org ALUMNI VOLUNTEER & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER Lolly Owens, ext. 27 lowens@cgaalumni.org DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT & BRAND LICENSING Trueson Tarinelli, ext. 29 ttarinelli@cgaalumni.org MANAGER OF DATABASE OPERATIONS Michele Thompson, ext. 22 mthompson@cgaalumni.org ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Melissa Yuhas, ext. 23 myuhas@cgaalumni.org December 2020/January 2021

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From the Superintendent Rear Admiral William G. Kelly, ’87

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ear members of our Coast Guard Academy family, As I reflect this holiday season, I am reminded that while we shared many burdens this historic year, there is much to be thankful for. This year has been filled with many challenges that we faced with professionalism and unyielding determination that has been buoyed by the continuous support of our Alumni.

Your support has truly made a difference in the lives of the cadets and officer candidates who call our Academy “home.” The pandemic has impacted liberty and off-base recreation opportunities for our cadets and OCs. The Leamy Student Center, which was completed this summer thanks to the classes of ‘67 and ‘70, has been a phenomenal success! Cadets regularly visit the center to grab a unique drink and a quick bite to power them through their studies in the lounge or out on the Leamy patio which is now known as “Steel Beach.” Thanks to the Class of ’61, Steel Beach is now one of the most popular locations on campus for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Our Alumni support is also behind the new Emlen Tunnell Strength and Conditioning Center, which is coming along nicely.

I know you will be impressed when

The CGA Football team gathers around the Commandant, Admiral Schultz, and CGA Superintendent, Rear Admiral Kelly, after the Secretaries’ Cup Football Game. Photo by LCDR Christine Igisomar ’08

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you see the finished product. We look forward to cutting the ribbon in early 2021 and I know it will be a “game changer” in our recruiting efforts. As we wrap up that project, our focus will fully shift to the construction of the Maritime Center of Excellence (MCOE). We look forward too many good things in 2021 and breaking ground on the MCOE will be one of them.

In athletic contests, your Bears have continued to show resiliency and tenacity. Facing the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy (KP) and the U.S. Military Academy in a variety of sports, the Bears fought hard in a year rife with uncertainty. We competed against our Division One colleagues at West Point in Women’s Soccer, rifle and tennis. The Bears took on KP and defeated them in Men’s Soccer, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s Crew, Sailing, Volleyball, Pistol and in Men’s Rugby. The Bears exceptional performance helped to take the lead for the Superintendent’s trophy, which is awarded to the academy with most wins in head-to-head competition. This year’s Secretaries’ Cup football game was live streamed on ESPN3, and boosted morale throughout the Corps. The Bears battled with the Mariners in a close game and we are already looking ahead to a rematch in 21.

The Academy also suffered two significant losses since the last time I wrote. Within a matter of days we lost LTJG Morgan Garrett ’19 in a training accident as she pursued her dream to become a Coast Guard aviator and then days later we lost Coach Glenn Florio, Glenn was the head coach of our women’s crew team. Both were beloved members of our community and were great examples of the inspirational cadets we are surrounded by and the dedicated professionals who commit so much to the development of leaders of character across all domains at CGA. We continue to forge ahead amidst the fog of so much uncertainty. We held a virtual Parents Weekend that December 2020/January 2021

Partnering with the United States Coast Guard to secure our nation.

Flags laid by Cadets at the CGA Columbarium during Veterans Day. Photo by Paul Duddy.

by all accounts was a huge success, the cadets have taken part in multiple engagements with leaders across the fleet as they prepare for Billet Night and the underclass look forward to their summer training opportunities. The cadets headed home on 24 November to finish out the semester as planned from their homes and they will all return the first week of January as we forge ahead into the spring semester with our eyes set firmly on graduation on Cadet Memorial Field on 19 May 2021.

This has been quite a year for all of us and we have clearly been stronger together. I am so grateful this holiday season for all the support and encouragement our alumni, parents, and friends of CGA have provided.

My wife Angie and I wish you and yours all the best in 2021 and we look forward to the day when we can welcome you back “home” as we gather again on board our amazing 103 acres.

Have a great holiday, best wishes in the new year and as always - Go Bears!

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Letters to the Editor

Letters may be edited for accuracy, space, clarity, and civility. No personal attacks please. Please keep letters related to articles or letters from previous Bulletin issues. Occasionally, letters will be printed if the subject material relates to either the Academy or Alumni affairs. The Alumni Association reserves the right to publish or omit submissions at its discretion. To provide a range of views and voices, we encourage letter writers to limit themselves to 700 words or fewer.

Separating? Reach out to the Veterans Administration Re: “The Brass Tacks of Military Retirement” (October/November 2020, p. 48) and “Financial Planning for Your Coast Guard Transition” (October/November 2020, p. 52)

It is absolutely vital that every living, separating Coast Guard member, whether discharged or retired, file for a disability evaluation by the Veterans Administration (VA). As part of its “people” initiatives, the Coast Guard should require - not just recommend - this filing by all hands leaving the service.

Each person should go through their service and civilian health records and note every possible medical event, treatment and condition. The VA will evaluate each item and, assuming you are generally healthy, grant/not grant service connection, with most or all evaluated at 0% disabling (no payment). The goal at this point is establishing service connection that will follow you for life in the VA system (for any existing or later appearing condition -including any secondary conditions) that might result in compensation later on from the VA. This can be a major undertaking for those with long terms of service – trust me, make the effort. VA compensation is tax free, lasts for your lifetime, and sometimes for your relatives’ lifetimes after you are gone. It is also inflation protected (annual cost of living increases equal to Social Security COLAs).

No, I didn’t do this. I did it the hard way, establishing service connection after retirement – sometimes long after retirement.

I voluntarily retired in 1998, fit for full duty and apparently healthy. By way of example, many years after retirement, based on service health records documenting allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and sinus infections, the VA granted service connection and a 50% rating for sleep apnea. For this and other ratings, 22 years later in 2020, the VA direct deposits $3,760,

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every month, for life and inflation protected.

Again, make the effort.

CAPT Paul J. Prokop, USCG (ret), ’69 On the Importance of Definitions Re: “On a Journey of Change” (August/ September 2020, p. 14) and “Letters to the Editor” (October/November 2020, p.8)

The coverage of efforts to improve and support diversity as well as correct problems at the Academy raises concerns about the limited use of language and definitions. When I was a Swab(!) we had many more words to describe relationships than just “racism.”

We started with ignorance. Given the divided nature of America, I suspect it is still possible for whites not to have BAME (common British reference for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) friends and acquaintances. Understanding thus becomes difficult as there are not common references and experiences.

Humans rely on stereotypes to fill in the gaps. While some may find this offensive, I must admit, much to my chagrin, I have found that stereotypes frequently have a grain of truth in them. After 30 years of living in Britain, I have come to appreciate how stereotypes can help provide a common language or reference system to allow a relationship to progress. I no longer take offence or become frustrated when a stereotype pops up at a first meeting. I use it as an opening to do a bit of educating and take pleasure seeing others move beyond stereotypes.

Ignorance allows bias to flourish.

This is because humans build systems, processes and organizations based on their references and experiences. Being unaware of another’s references and experiences means the systems, processes and organizations created do not account for the requirements of others and

do not make them feel welcome. My experience of this occurred in my first job on a construction site. The Christmas Lunch was duly arranged at the American Steak House restaurant in central London.

They thought they were making an effort to include me in this British Tradition. Lots of embarrassment followed when I explained I was a vegetarian (for what felt like the 100th time) and was not a great lover of “American food” compared to the wonderful foods on offer in London.

However, they did learn this time and we had a great Thai dinner.

I am pleased to report that in my experience most people want to learn and correct any bias that results.

Gentle words on my part usually speeded up the process and made it enjoyable for all.

Failure to address bias leads to prejudice. People take a disliking to others for a variety of very good reasons. Skin color, religion, origin and sexual preference are not among them. Prejudice usually manifests itself by omission, such as not including someone in events or opportunities, allowing a process to remain even when shown that it disadvantages a group or holding derogatory opinions of others. Any manifestation is low key and is usually most successfully dealt with by rules, laws and organizational polices. My experience of this was getting notes through my door about talking too loudly in our back garden and about “being a guest in this country so we should behave accordingly.” As an aside, we thought our neighbor was antiSemitic. But when a German/Swiss couple moved in a couple of houses down, he was as unpleasant to them as to us. It was an odd relief to realize that he was merely xenophobic and not anti-Semitic. The issue was addressed through the housing trust that provides his residence. I am sure he still dislikes us and is vehemently prejudice against foreigners. But the important thing for us is that he no longer manifests his prejudice. What

December 2020/January 2021

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However, if prejudice is not dealt with then it becomes racism. This used to be when someone not only disliked someone based on their skin color, religion, origin, or sexual preference but actively undermined equality laws and acted, often violently, on their prejudice. So I have no problem saying it was a racist who painted a swastika on the building of a member of my synagogue after the results of the Brexit referendum were announced.

And I have no problem saying that the actions taken against them should not be the same as someone who is ignorant, biased, or prejudiced.

I have only read the reports and the letters in the Bulletin about the efforts to address issues around diversity at the Academy. All seem to lack the nuance needed when dealing with organizations and relationships involving humans. All seems to be couched in terms of “racism.” This borders on the old adage that “when you have a hammer everything looks like a nail.” So I am not surprised the Academy is still struggling with diversity issues.

Finally, using only one term or one approach becomes divisive. It creates an environment where everything is “their” fault, “they” must change” and “they have the real problem.”

I would encourage people to visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/ play/m000nm5m for an eloquent exploration of this problem. The link is Hashi Mohamed talking about his experience of being a black Muslim in Britain.

Jon Burden ’81 Recruiting Challenges and Racial Gaps Re: “On a Journey of Change” (August/ September 2020, p. 14)

We believe the nation is best served when the Cadet Corps is diverse, the education is rigorous, and the environment is inclusive and fair. We know many women and racially diverse graduates faced unique challenges and/or hostile incidents as cadets, and CGA data show persistent racial outcome differences, so we applaud

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continuous improvement efforts.

However, the current conversation ignores key issues that we feel must be resolved to reduce racial outcome gaps: Amidst huge national increases in minority and women college students, CGA has not drawn these applicants at proportional rates. Rather, we believe admissions preferences have driven CGA’s diversity increases and data suggest these preferences are a major cause of CGA’s racial outcome gaps.

Last December, we wrote “Where Have All the Applicants Gone” for The Bulletin discussing how annual applications have dropped from 4,500 to 2,000 per year, that CGA draws many fewer cadets who finished in the top 10% of their high school class, and that the number of cadets attending preparatory schools has more than doubled [you can view that article at www. cgaalumni.org/Dec20]. In that article, we withheld sensitive data that that we believe show racial admission preferences appear to be causing much of CGA’s racial outcome gaps.

However, these data were part of a more detailed report provided to CGA and Coast Guard leadership, which was later summarized for the Alumni Association board.

To give you some sense of the extent of CGA’s admission preferences, for applicants to the Classes of 2015‐2022 with SAT scores between 1110‐1200, women were admitted at more than double the rate of men and Blacks were admitted at more than five times the rates of whites.

These preferences skew qualifications by race, yet when controlled for SAT scores (especially Math scores) CGA’s racial GPA differences shrink considerably. In short, wellintended actions to increase diversity succeeded in that regard, but had the unintended (but foreseeable) result of increasing GPA gaps, and we believe enhanced recruiting is a far better approach. However, SAT scores do not explain all the outcome differences, and we endorse examining the causes of these residual differences.

Given that the Alumni Association had this information, it troubled us that they pointed to racial gaps as evidence of systemic racism without acknowledging that these gaps appear intensified by actions taken to improve diversity. In response,

we submitted an article for this issue to inform alumni of the impacts of CGA’s admission preferences and to persuade Coast Guard leadership to pursue diversity through enhanced recruiting, not admissions preferences. We also hoped to convince alumni that improving CGA’s recruiting of diverse applicants is critical as CGA can’t land the country’s best and brightest when we struggle to attract the 75+% of college students who are women and minorities.

However, the Alumni Association declined to print our article because we opined about admissions last year and asked us to write this Letter to the Editor instead. It is concerning that the Alumni Association won’t print data that we feel contributes to this important discussion, especially data that highlight gaps in their argument, but we appreciate them including this link to our new article [available at www.cgaalumni.org/ Dec20].

CGA’s challenges drawing women and minority applicants play a significant role in our broader applicant declines, and the applicant pool would almost double if CGA attracted women and minority applicants at the same rates as white men. Additionally, improved recruiting of racially diverse applicants would reduce CGA’s racial outcome gaps and better position CGA for the future as the country’s population becomes even more diverse.

We agree with the Alumni Association that the Academy must be welcoming for all cadets, providing each with an equal opportunity. However, we believe that this alone won’t eliminate racial performance gaps or address CGA’s other admissions challenges, so we call on the Academy, Coast Guard, and alumni to triple the number of women and racially diverse applicants (while also increasing white male applicants and reducing admissions preferences) over the next five years. Given the racial differences in our country, this will be challenging work, but it will lead to a more diverse and capable cadet corps. Turn to!

John Fox ’97 & Ian MacGregor ’97 Editor’s Note: We chose not to print Fox and

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Problematic Equity Education Re: “On a Journey of Change” (August/ September 2020, p. 14)

The Alumni Association e-mail inviting alumni to join the ongoing educational series was quite revealing. The recommended reading resources reflect a conclusion that our society and institutions (including CGA) are racist - and have been from the very beginning.

The “1619 Project” is among the suggested resources, but it has been criticized by some eminent historians of the period. Query: if our nation’s founding and ensuing history is so irredeemably racist, how does one defend the oath that we took upon entry into the Service?

Where have you been with your Bulletin?

We know that many of you aren’t likely traveling as much as you used to, however, we’d still like to see you with your Bulletin. As you travel the world for business or pleasure or perhaps during your next staycation, snap a photo of yourself with the latest Bulletin and it may land here in a future issue. Send digital photos to editor@cgaalumni. org. Please note who is in the picture and where it was taken.

CAPT Ronald Weston, USCG (ret), ’74 Letters to the Editor can be sent to editor@cgaalumni.org or mailed to Editor, The Bulletin, USCGA Alumni Association, 47 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320.

The Bulletin made it to a brewery in Wilmington, NC, with members of the Class of 1976, from L-R: Jack Olthuis, Gary Scheer, Jay Hess.

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To order any of these items, contact Sue Fage: 860.442.2683 ext. 14; SFage@CGAalumni.org

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A SSOCIATION A FFAIRS

Minding the Helm

by CAPT Andrea Marcille (Ret), ’89, President

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hat a challenging year this has been. I hope you and your family members are healthy and have found ways to persevere and make the most of this time during the pandemic. As we are approaching 2021, one word continues to resonate with me: hope. We can get through anything if we have hope. It comforts, inspires, supports, and motivates.

I have had a few leaders inform me in the past that “hope is not a strategy.” I agree; it is a state of mind.

I have hope that we will all be stronger and more connected at home, at work and with our alumni community. I have very much enjoyed connecting with many of you on one of our virtual sessions. I think Captain Jeffrey Hartman ’63 has the record for participating in the most sessions. Thank you, Jeffrey!

I have hope that we can continue to bring CGA to those of you near and far.

We have learned so much about how we can connect with you and appreciate all the feedback we received that will inform our programming in the future. If you missed some or have not yet tuned in to our Lunch and Learn series or All Present Impact series you can find recordings of all our sessions at www.cgaalumni.org/ lunchandlearn.

I have hope that we will have two amazing Homecoming weekends in 2021, September 17-19 for the 0 and 5 classes, and October 1-3 for the 1 and 6

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classes. Unfortunately, the pandemic has impacted the football schedule so the date for the 0 and 5 classes has been moved. We so very much appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding and look forward to working with class homecoming coordinators in January to optimize the planning.

I have hope that we will finish 2020 stronger than it started. The article by the Board’s Investment Committee, “Tracklines and Waypoints” on page 22, highlights how the management of the endowment has matured and grown.

Jennifer Yount ’81 shares some data from our recent equity survey and how that informs the work of the Association as we strive to become a more equitable organization in “On a Path of Learning, Increased Awareness, and Action” on page 30. Tim Tilghman’s (’75) article on his CGA experience as the 19th African American graduate of the Academy is a powerful read on page 56, along with Kathy Hamblett’s “Old Traditions, New Horizons” on page 36 that reflects on 40 years of women at the Academy.

Thank you to all the contributors to the Bulletin this year, and to the amazing and talented communications team here who make this magazine what it is a great read!

And finally, I have hope that there is a calm in our country and we can feel at peace with one another. Best wishes from the entire Alumni Association team for a happy and healthy holiday season and start to the new year.

December 2020/January 2021

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From the Chair

by VADM Manson Brown, USCG (Ret), ’78

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ur Association Board of Directors joins me in wishing all members of our Alumni Association family a safe, peaceful and joyous holiday season. We eagerly await the promise of 2021 and the opportunity to push this terrible pandemic into the annals of history!

Last month during a Lunch & Learn online session, we provided our membership with a brief summary from our November virtual Board of Directors meeting.

We provided a special focus on fiscal matters. And I took the opportunity to provide more insight about the board’s focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. As we prepare to enter 2021, know that your Association remains strong and vibrant!

One of the positive outcomes of the pandemic is that we’ve taken advantage of our increased online presence to provide greater visibility to our members about the business of our association. I also appreciate that these online events facilitate opportunities for increased interaction with our membership.

The end of the calendar year is when we transition one-quarter of the membership of the Board. I commend our Association members for voting in recent elections for new Board members.

During our last Board meeting, we were delighted to welcome: Fred Ames ’68, Kirt Martin ’88, Zack Bagdon ’97, and Phil Baxa ’06.

With the arrival of our new members, the Board also bid a fond farewell to our four departing members: Kerry Watterson ’78, Eric Hultmark ’83, Angie Hidalgo ’00 and Chris Woods ’09.

Collectively, I’ve described this cohort

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group as ultra-talented, incredibly smart, courageous, and graced with exceptional leadership skills. They leave a substantial, positive and enduring impact on our Association. We commend them for their selfless service.

At the invitation of the Superintendent, I had the special opportunity to visit the Academy in mid-November. I spoke with cadets about the importance of their enthusiastic participation in Academy recruiting while on holiday break. I stressed the crucial role they play in perpetuating the strength of the Long Blue Line. As many of you have experienced in your recent visits, I was inspired and uplifted by observing and interacting with today’s cadets—they truly are awesome! I also noted that the focus, passion and professionalism of the staff and faculty remains undaunted by this pandemic.

During my very brief visit, I toured the facility enhancements that the Association has funded thanks to the generosity of our membership: the completed Leamy Student Center including the large balcony now called Steel Beach, and the ongoing construction of the Emlen Tunnell Strength and Conditioning Center. These are impressive upgrades that greatly enhance the student experience and the attractiveness of Academy facilities to potential recruits.

Know that your philanthropy matters! We deeply appreciate those who have already committed to the Maritime Center of Excellence project and encourage others to sign on for this exciting campaign.

Stay safe, healthy, and connected! Full steam ahead to 2021! And go BEARS!

December 2020/January 2021

Photo: South Texas Gateway Terminal LLC, Corpus Christi, TX, a joint venture operated and 50% owned by Buckeye Partners, L.P.

Semper Paratus Buckeye Partners, L.P. proudly salutes the U.S. Coast Guard for being Always Ready. We are jointly committed to protecting the coastline and waterways.

Thank you for 230 years of service.

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www.buckeye.com

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Development News

by CAPT Robert McKenna (Ret), ’89, Vice President of Development

G

reetings and Happy Holidays!

It is hard to imagine this unbelievable year is already coming to its end. Our year-end messaging has focused on this theme of Stronger Together, and the proof literally surrounds us here on the campus of CGA. I have noted in prior columns the amazing transformation that took place during the All Present Campaign and the incredible impact our collective efforts made through the $32 million of programmatic and capital improvements (learn more online at www.cgaalumni. org/APImpact). We look forward to christening the Emlen Tunnell Strength and Conditioning Center early in 2021, which will close out the 15 projects funded during this historic campaign.

The overwhelming success of All Present, coupled with the success achieved during the Alumni Center and L44 campaigns, further demonstrates what Stronger Together truly means! We continue to build on this momentum and see growing support for the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence (MCOE). We completed the “leadership phase” of this campaign and thanks to key individuals, Dr. Jim Tyler ’58 and this year’s Distinguished Philanthropist Mr. Randy Hogan ’77, along with the classes listed on the following page, we have raised over $15 million of the anticipated $21 million budget. While an impressive start to this campaign, there have only been 20% of our classes committed to this transformative project so far and we have begun a more comprehensive outreach to all of our Class representatives to talk about becoming part of this historic project.

We continue to be excited by the opportunities that MCOE will bring to the Academy and see its full integration into the academic, leadership and athletic curriculum. The MCOE will complete a decades long effort to transform our waterfront that began with the $8 million L44 campaign and the Class of 1961 sponsored $400,000 R/V GREELEY. Following this, the Academy invested over $25 million in federal supplemental

18

The current and long-outdated Pine Hall (Photo by Paul Duddy)

appropriations after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy to update and rebuild the waterfront infrastructure leaving the aging and long-outdated Pine Hall as the last remaining need to fully transform our waterfront into one deserving of our Coast Guard Academy.

After the Academy-funded demolition of Pine Hall, the MCOE will be constructed on the same location and serve as a literal and figurative beacon for the entire Academy community to fully leverage our maritime connection along the Thames River. At our last Board meeting, RADM Kelly further underscored the value and importance of the MCOE, “As the Coast Guard expands and recapitalizes its fleet of cutters and its afloat missions become more and more imperative to our national security, there will be an increasing Service need for more women and men to serve at sea. For that reason, the Maritime Center of Excellence has never been more important. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a focal point in our mission to ‘instill a liking for the sea and its lore’ for the future leaders of the world’s best Coast Guard.”

Moreover, with the vision of the MCOE to serve as the “maritime front door” for the Academy, we see tremendous benefit to the surrounding communities as the state-of-the-art STEM and classroom facilities will help strengthen ongoing partnerships and welcome students and community leaders to our waterfront.

I hope this update further inspires individual and Class Leaders to learn more about getting involved in this next historic campaign, as the legacy of this project will last well into the next century and play a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of our Service for generations to come. Visit our updated website at www.cgaalumni.org/mcoe or contact me directly if you should have any questions.

Finally, in closing, thank you to all our valued members for helping demonstrate what Stronger Together truly means, our Association, Academy and membership continue to benefit from what we accomplish together.

December 2020/January 2021

“The Coast Guard Academy’s Maritime Front Door” Campaign Progress $20.8M

total

$15.1M

to goal

$5.7M

To be Raised

Committed Dollars and anticipated Government Furnished Equipment/ Support

Has your class committed to supporting the Maritime Center of Excellence?

The Maritime Center of Excellence (MCOE) will be the single largest project your Association has undertaken and will leave a impact on our Academy lasting generations.

We ask all our classes to join together to help make this project successful and to deliver a world-class facility living up to the mission of our Academy, “To graduate young men and women with sound bodies, stout hearts and alert minds, with a liking for the sea and its lore.”

% of Class Support to USCGAAA Campaigns Alumni Center

L-44

All Present

MCOE

47%

89%

55%

20% (Goal 75%)

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Many thanks to the following classes for pledging their support to this project!

1953 1955 1956 1958

1964 1972 1974 1975

1976 1977 1978 1980

1983 1989 1990 2014

Learn more at www.cgaalumni.org/MCOE 19

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From your Alumni Engagement Team

by Emily Herbette, Director of Alumni Engagement Community is an essential part of being human.

Ubuntu is an African philosophy that was shared with me about 15 years ago in the context of bringing a group of people together.

Translated as “I am because we are”, to me Ubuntu is understanding my relationships with others. Each person in a community adds to the overall experience of others. The Academy community is unique, loyal, and strong. Your shared experiences allow for a deep connection with one another and a greater opportunity to support each other when in need.

Each day we may face stress, traffic on the way to work or the dog slobbering on your work pants as we head out the door… late. These things seem small compared to the stress the pandemic has placed on our families and community.

Some of us are experiencing job loss or job insecurity. The addition of our Bears Supporting Bears program aims to help alleviate these pressures and allow for community support. A simple act of referring a job or posting an opportunity at your company could be the spark someone else needs. Similarly, a series of career-focused articles written by Academy graduates, are featured in this issue starting on page 48, our last issue and in the next one to provide support, lessons learned and guidance to our greater community. Sharing life experiences may encourage the other person and allows our whole community to grow.

The pandemic has also created a sense of isolation, physically and mentally.

Your Alumni Association has offered several virtual series to keep our community engaged and connected during these times. Visiting in person is always preferred, but these events have proven to be a good substitute!

In October we proudly partnered with PREVENTS (The President’s Roadmap

20

to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide) Office to serve as a force-multiplier in their goal of preventing suicide — among not just Veterans but all Americans. As a Strategic Partner, the Association will proactively engage and educate our members to reduce the occurrence of suicide by increasing awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Be on the lookout in 2021 for our participation in the REACH campaign to empower and educate our community. A simple outreach can be the support a friend or family member needs.

Creating a thriving community requires active engagement and participation. Together we can connect, listen, and support each other to make our community and ourselves even stronger.

Through the pandemic, we have learned to or tried to be more flexible.

We are making new traditions with family and learning new work habits.

COVID has impacted events big and small, including Homecoming. After some scheduling changes to the home football games and confirming with the Academy, we would like to share the dates for both of our Homecomings and Parents Weekend in 2021.

9/18: Homecoming (0s and 5s) 9/25: Parents Weekend 10/2: Homecoming (1s and 6s) Your Alumni Association looks forward to supporting the Long Blue Line as we navigate reunions, career transitions, life, and this pandemic. Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility. Please let us know how we can help, while our doors may not always be open, our hearts are!

December 2020/January 2021

He won’t forget his family when he deploys.

And neither will we.

Veterans who work at Dominion Energy are in good company: 1 in 5 new hires has served in the military. And should they be deployed while on the job, we’ll proudly continue their family’s benefits for up to five years and cover the difference between their current salary and military pay. Because family watches out for family, and they’ll always be a part of ours.

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Tracklines & Waypoints By the Investment Committee, USCGAAA

R

eflecting back on the last four years on the Investment Committee, one thing is clear – there is a real story of continued year-over-year maturity in the organization. Maturity manifests in several ways, however, that of organizational capabilities is probably the most important.

A Board-term in Review In 2016, the size of the endowment at year end was approximately $28 million. As we near year end for 2020, the endowment is close to $39 million.

This growth has been largely attributed to an aligned Investment Committee and Investment Advisor relationship – there is no day-trading, rather there is a long-term orientation and open line of communication about today and tomorrow. The tracklines we’ve been on and the waypoints we’ve been through have enabled the Alumni Association to execute its mission in a greater capacity.

Instead of an annual proffer of $1 million to $2 million, the Association can now proffer $3 million to $5 million per year. This level of support enables the Academy to pursue big projects to make continuous improvements to execute its mission.

Voyage-Planning Considerations To understand how the Association can provide this level of support year after year, it helps to understand how strategy is created and then executed.

The graphic here highlights the organizational strategic execution flow for the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association (and is generally applicable to any organization).

The vision and the mission of the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association are set by the foundational charter for the 501(c)3 and are monitored for relevance by the President and the Association Board of Directors. The Organizational goals are set by the President and staff; the most recent rendition of this is the “Achieving More Together” strategic plan for the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association 2020-2025. An important input that informed the strategic plan was the Coast Guard’s Strategic Vision for the Coast Guard Academy 2019-2023. Several objectives from each inform the Investment Committee’s actions in regard to the management of the endowment portfolio from the Academy’s goal to “Foster a Culture of Fiscal Sustainability” to the Association’s goal to “Maintain Financial Stability and Stewardship.”

[You can view both strategic plans at www.cgaalumni.org/ Dec20.] Overall, the strategy informs the execution of not only operation, program and project management, but also the management of our endowment portfolio ensuring alignment across the organization and with the Coast Guard Academy.

Setting Tracklines All of the above counts as it informs the cycle of committee work currently in-process.

Every five years, the Investment Committee revisits the Investment Policy Statement 22

December 2020/January 2021

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A SSOCIATION A FFAIRS in great detail to make relevant updates.

And in the year following, the committee goes through an Investment Advisor selection process whereby it reviews approximately 30 Advisors (firms) who respond to the request for proposal (RFP).

The IPS Waypoint The Investment Policy Statement is the document that reflects the vision, mission, and organizational goals of the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association and importantly set strategic guidance for the long-term growth of the endowment. The three keys to that are spend, inflation, and risk. Since the last deep review in 2015 where the committee set an annual spend of 4%, the market observed a 1.77% inflation, thus creating a hurdle rate of 5.77% to generate longterm growth – the endowment grew at an average rate of 7.7% over that time horizon.

This year, as the committee thinks about strategic alignment to the broader goal to become a more racial and gender equitable organization, the Investment Committee is updating its Investment Policy Statement to include a statement about Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration.

The committee will begin a multiyear process to evaluate and consider including investment managers in the Portfolio that actively incorporate ESG factors into their investment decision making.

ESG used to be synonymous with sacrificing returns for “feel good” investments – that is not the case anymore – it is not only possible to do good and do well, it is becoming the standard. In fact, a 2018 survey conducted by the U.S. Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investments found of “educational institutions surveyed, which included Harvard University, the University of Michigan and Northwestern University, held $317 billion in ESG assets at the start of 2018, 8.2% higher than in 2016.” This matters because our philosophical underpinnings for investing are modernizing to reflect aligned organizational (Association, Academy, and Service) beliefs. The Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association

24

will be a leader among sister institutions as it will be the first to have ESG language incorporated into its investment policy statement.

This will be a long process that will begin with training and education for the entire Board. It will also involve establishing measures to track our portfolio’s progress over time as we move toward greater ESG integration.

The committee will not immediately unwind positions that might show as unfavorable by one measurement standard bearer or another. Rather it will maintain a long-term view that the Investment Committee should not be a tactician to the Investment Advisor, but rather allow the portfolio to evolve over time thoughtfully and in alignment with our strategy and expectations.

The RFP Waypoint Next year the Committee launches the year-long review of our Investment Advisor, which happens every five years.

In 2010, Goldman Sachs was awarded the inaugural business when the endowment was approximately $18 million. In 2016, after a review of 30 Investment Advisors, Goldman Sachs was selected again. By year-end 2021, the Association will announce the outcome of the review.

Where We’re Headed Next While the Investment Committee, which enacts governance over the endowment, is only one part of the Alumni Association Board it is an important part as its maturity enables greater support to the Academy with a direct impact on mission effectiveness. The committee continues to professionalize year-over-year by adding a thoughtful mix of perspectives and expertise from both voting and non-voting (at-large) members. There is an evolving tone that is orienting on how and when the endowment reaches $100 million, what it will take to get there and what we can do once we’re there. And we’re near complete with setting the tracklines to that next waypoint.

The Association’s Investment Committee members include Board Members, CAPT Charlene Downey ‘93, CDR Francis Genco ‘88, CDR Mark Harris ‘96, CAPT Wayne Hollingsworth ‘76, Dion Nicely ’01, Kerry Watterson ’78, Chris Woods ’09 and At-large Members Lee Rosenbaum ’94, and Marc Benson ’07.

December 2020/January 2021

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Chalk Talk

by Trueson Tarinelli, Director of Athletics Development

D

uring the last few months of 2020, USCGASports.com ran several features “Celebrating 40 Years of Women Graduates at CGA.” Alumni athletes like Molly Riordan ’83, Jen (Revelle) Walther ’91, Hayley (Feindel) Gipson ’12, and more achieved outstanding success, and as cadets, these athletes over the last 40 years were crucial in setting the standard for much of the success that continues today [view their profiles at www. cgaalumni.org/Dec20].

While of course 2020 was full of unique challenges, the Bear Club National Competition award was still presented to several cadets for their performance throughout the 2019-20 season. Of these recipients, seven women cadets earned the award in 2020: Esther Choe ’21 – pistol, Drusilla Corbett ’21 – pistol, Isabella Firenzi ’22 – pistol, Josephine St. Ledger ’22 – pistol, Sarah Passilla ‘21 – swimming & diving, and Kaitlyn Mooney ’21 – cross country. All the women cadets who earned a Bear Club National Competition award in 2020 were supported by Bear Club funds for one or more of their coaches and support for team travel. Since the inception of the Bear Club National Competition Award in 2014, 136 cadets have earned the prestigious award, and of those 35% were women.

Emily Benson ‘21, Josefina McGuire ‘22, Sarah Passilla ’21, and Mary Westkott, Associate Head Coach Swimming & Diving show off their Bear Club National Competition award rings. (Photo by Brad Clift)

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One of the great aspects of the Bear Club is that it offers a high level of precision for donors to control the impact of their gift. Of the twenty-two Bear Club funds, more than half are designated to support women’s teams or co-ed teams at the Academy. For example, the Women’s Lacrosse Fund supports both the head and assistant coach positions while this program has seen exceptional growth since it began as a varsity program just a few years ago.

The Women’s Rugby Fund has helped support team travel to multiple national championship tournaments. All in all, six Bear Club funds are exclusively designated to women’s teams, while another seven support women’s and men’s teams or coed sports.

Like all Bear Club funds, these thirteen funds help provide the Corps of Cadets with the best possible athletics experience at the Academy. To take advantage of the limited athletics period that cadets have in comparison to their peers at other schools in the NEWMAC and throughout the country, it is crucial for athletics to provide a robust coaching staff throughout the Division. Like the way academic institutions highlight student to faculty ratio, the more coaches the Academy can provide to the cadets, helps ensure competitive success and the best possible athletic experience for the Corps of Cadets. It is for this reason that we frequently tout the fact that more than thirty coach and staff positions are at least in part supported by Bear Club funds. And pointing to the fact that as Bear Club support has grown considerably in the last five years, so too has the overall success of the Bears.

To learn more about how our Bear Club supports both women’s and men’s teams at the Academy, check out the “Supported Teams” page from www. cgaalumni.org/bearclub or email me at ttarinelli@cgaalumni.org. Go Bears!

December 2020/January 2021

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Authors’ Nook

Discover new and old titles by fellow CGA Alumni Lessons from Leaders: Practical Lessons for a Lifetime of Leadership – Volume I (2021) Coauthored by Sam Shriver ’78 with a foreword

by Sandy Ogg ’76 The authors of Lessons from Leaders distill decades of experience from fifteen remarkable leaders into a collection of entertaining stories that will inspire and guide readers to transform the way they lead. The candid and illuminating accounts of each leader’s vastly different personal leadership journey—the people and experiences that shaped their beliefs, practices, and priorities—reveal the essential skills and characteristics that define extraordinary leadership.

Lessons from Leaders is not steeped in theory or complexity but is grounded in personal truths that paint a consistent picture of who a leader is and what a leader does. Each chapter includes an actionable Leadership Lesson that outlines steps the reader can take to reflect and apply meaningful insights. Available for purchase on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

Sixty-one Never Outdone: Tales of the United States Coaset Guard Academy Class of 1961 (2020)

By Peter A. Bornstein ’61 A simple idea of keeping in touch with each other via a group e-mail during the ongoing pandemic blossomed into a daily exchange of stories and exploits covering the past 63 years of the Coast Guard Academy class of 1961. This flurry of e-mails formed the basis for a new book compiled and edited by Pete Bornstein of the class of ’61.

Wonderful and poignant stories, as well as adventures of the class of 1961, have been captured in this remarkable publication. It is a must read for 28

any academy graduate or anyone interested in the U.S. Coast Guard. Swab summers, academy life, sailing EAGLE, graduation, commissioning, first and subsequent assignments captured in heartwarming, adventurous, humorous and personal sagas have created an enduring legacy for classmates, families, and friends.

Writing and reading these stories have brought the class of 1961 even closer together by living up to the motto: “61 never outdone.” Available for purchase on Amazon.com.

The Maritime Law Answer Book (2020 edition) Coauthored by Allen Black ’79 The Maritime Law Answer Book provides a comprehensive guide to maritime law through straightforward answers to practical questions, organized by various focus areas – an overall introduction to maritime law, vessel owner and operator issues, vessel financing issues, marine transportation issues, and maritime litigation issues. The book was first written in 2014, and has recently been significantly updated to reflect the latest maritime law judicial decisions, legislation, and regulations. While focused on U.S. law, the book also references key U.K. law features that impact international maritime transactions.

As a courtesy to the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, the publisher has agreed to offer a discount to CGA alumni. Alumni can either order through a special url: www.pli.edu/CGAalumni or visit www.pli.edu, and enter the following discount code: BGC0 CGA30.

For consideration in an upcoming issue, please send an email to editor@cgaalumni.org with your book’s title, year of publication, a brief synopsis, a high resolution image of the cover, and information on where to purchase.

December 2020/January 2021

Thank you to the United States Coast Guard for keeping our shores safe. Your commitment to protecting our waters allows Cox Oil to operate in a secure workplace every day.

ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE AT COX OIL AND OUR FAMILIES, WE SALUTE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

DALLAS, TEXAS coxoil.com THE

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On a Path of Learning, Increased Awareness, and Action

An update on the efforts of the Association’s Equity Core Team along with some initial findings from the DEI survey.

By CDR Jennifer Yount, USCG (ret), ’81

O

ver a month ago, I received a call asking for my thoughts and ideas related to the August/September 2020 Bulletin. In that issue, the Alumni Association and Board acknowledged systemic racism exists at the Academy and cadets of color do not have the opportunity for an equitable experience.

As stated by Vice Admiral Manson Brown ’78 and Board Chair during a recent Lunch and Learn, “although this topic may be new for many of us as Alumni, the Board for more than three years has focused on enhancing their own level of cultural competence. Additionally, as a series of racially-centered incidents and reports regarding the Academy began to become public, the Board also asked the question, what can the Association do to help the Academy with its challenges involving diversity, equity, and inclusion?

The board’s assertion is this: even in 2020, if you are a member of an underrepresented group at the Academy, the institutional structures, policies, and practices may not yield equitable outcomes for you as compared to the majority. We focus on race because the statistical disparities are more pronounced for individuals of color.”

Throughout this article and in coming issues, I intend to share my path of initial learning and increased awareness and the Equity Core Team’s efforts and results. I am hopeful by sharing these experiences and information with you, you will move closer to my personal assessment and have a deeper understanding of the process and direction. I intend to provide a transparent, fact and data-based trail for you. First, I admit what I “thought I read” was “the Academy is racist.”

How did my mind go from systemic racism to racist? I also admit a degree of ignorance and lack of education on the topic and definitions. Secondly,

30

whether it’s the current influx of media coverage and emphasis on the topic, I incorrectly linked them as one in the same. Therefore, I began by deepening my understanding and distinguishing between the various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) definitions (www. cgaalumni.org/DEIFAQ).

Racism is more complicated, there are at least three definitions. The USCGA Office of Inclusion and Diversity prefer to use the one popularized by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. It states racism is any policy, practice, action, or inaction that serves to overtly or covertly inhibit one group based on their race. Therefore, a racist is one who supports a racist policy through their actions or inaction or by expressing ideas which are inherently racist.

Systemic racism (or institutional racism) occurs in an organization. These are discriminatory treatments, unfair policies, or biased practices based on race that result in inequitable outcomes and extend considerably beyond prejudice. These institutional policies often never mention any racial or gender group.

With this new clarity, I began diving into the data from the Association’s recent survey – Getting a Pulse on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I was pleased to see when Alumni were asked “how important are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts to “developing “Leaders of Character” at CGA enabling them to lead an increasingly diverse workforce” over 87% of Alumni respondents believed this was important. However, when asked to rate your belief on “Cadets of color have a more challenging experience at CGA than white cadets” over 46% of Alumni respondents disagreed with that statement.

I found this disparity particularly interesting after I took a deep dive into December 2020/January 2021

We are proud to support the U.S. Coast Guard.

At Excelerate Energy, we are committed to being a safe and responsible operator within the communities in which we serve. We thank the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard who are at the forefront of protecting our maritime environment and economy – Semper Paratus!

www.excelerateenergy.com

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A SSOCIATION A FFAIRS Rate the level of importance that DEI efforts have on developing “Leaders of Character” at CGA who can lead an increasingly diverse workforce.

Cadets of color have a more challenging experience at CGA than white cadets.

12%Unimportant to

46%

Somewhat Unimportant

88%

Very Important to Somewhat Important

Strongly or Somewhat Disagree to Not Sure Source: 2020 survey of USCGA Alumni titled “Getting a Pulse on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion”

the Office of General (OIG) Counsel report (The U.S. Coast Guard Academy Must Take Additional Steps to Better Address Allegations of Race-Based Harassment and Prevent Such Harassment on Campus; June 3, 2020; OIG-20-36). In my review, I found of particular interest the data on behaviors that may impact the Academy’s climate. As a former Commanding Officer, like many of you, I believe in changing attitudes by changing behaviors. Furthermore, concentrating on behavior also afforded me an opportunity for improvement and if required, correction. The cadets were asked “to select any behavior they were directly or indirectly aware of while attending the Academy, regardless of whether the communication or activity was directed to them personally.” The survey further explained “selecting a behavior means they have seen it happen or are aware of it happening to a cadet they knew personally.” When asked to acknowledge behaviors they have seen happen or are aware of happening 73% of the cadets acknowledged “jokes about a certain race/ethnicity” and 48% acknowledged “stereotyping based on race/ethnicity.” Furthermore, 40% of the cadets surveyed reported observing these behaviors three or more times a year.

This survey data validates with the continuing comments of VADM Brown, “in many of the discussions I am having, I encourage my colleagues to go deeper in their conversations with Alumni of color about how they really felt at the Academy. Alumni of color, including me, are reluctant to openly talk about how they felt outside of trusted circles. There’s a lot of emotional pain in speaking about such things. Individually and collectively, we had some very compelling difficult conversations. We found disappointing consistency in the stories expressed by Alumni of color from their time at the Academy spanning the decades.

Their narratives from the Academy about how they often were made to feel as if they didn’t belong fueled our passion to try to do something about it.” Although my experiences as an early woman graduate were different from those of Black/African American graduates, I echo their position of the emotional pain I feel nearly 40 years later when discussing such events. I also know this emotion has fueled my passion to be a part of this endeavor.

Whether we as Alumni acknowledge these behaviors happened in “our day,” the OIG report and our fellow Alumni are painting a different picture. A picture which is becoming increasingly clear with both objective and subjective data and information. However, even more 32

54% Strongly Agree to Somewhat Agree

distressing (yet not surprising to me as an early woman graduate), the OIG report states 81% of those experiencing discrimination “did not report” any of the incidents. The respondents’ reasons included: • “The likelihood my complaint would be taken seriously” (54%) • “I believed reporting would negatively affect my career in the Coast Guard” (46%) • “I did not believe leadership would support my decision” (46%) Shifting my rudder right, I transitioned from the OIG report to a review of the Academy’s Statistical Almanac. I was surprised to learn although the first African American graduated in 1966, the average graduation rate during the past five years among Black/African American cadets is 4%. Whereas and in comparison, women first graduated in 1980 and today the graduation rate among women for the past five years exceeds 30%.

Minoritized Graduate Percentages at USCGA

December 2020/January 2021

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A SSOCIATION A FFAIRS This data made me remember the moment in the Fall of 2014 when I was driving down Harriet Lane Drive toward the Alumni Center. At the stop sign by Billard Hall, I observed more women cadets than I ever imagined possible heading toward the gym and waterfront. Never in my dreams did I expect to see that many women in the Corps. However, I never paused to ask myself the question, I am asking myself today – “Where were the Black/African American cadets?”

I found the most resonant of VADM Brown’s comments were “the Association is undertaking this effort from a place of love for the Academy and the Coast Guard. Strategically, this is an important part of our mission to serve the Alumni, support the Academy, and strengthen the Association.” The Association believes this is a challenge to be addressed by both the Academy and Alumni Association. While both will have separate journeys to overcome systemic issues, without a doubt these journeys intersect. The Association intends to work side-by-side with the Academy to ensure our paths are in parallel. Working with Alumni will provide a unique insight to ensure the Association is learning from past errors and missed opportunities to improve. The Association believes the Alumni collectively can and should play a critical role in finding solutions to these challenges.

In this effort’s early stages, extensive time and energy will be focused on the determination of performance metrics, including the collection of Alumni objective and subjective information and data. Additionally, time and energy will also be expended in alliance building with Coast Guard and Academy affinity groups and the Superintendent’s Equity Advisory Council. Furthermore, the work of the Association’s Board committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Equity Core Team will be facilitated through a strategic planning process concluding with the development of a 2021 tactical action plan. The Goals of this effort are 1. Build the Alumni Association staff and Board of Directors to be representative of our society and membership. This goal includes, but is not limited to – • emphasizing minoritized representation equal to societal and membership norms; • continuing DEI education, awareness, and assessments; and • reviewing and revising all policies and procedures correcting unintended or intended systemic race, ethnic, gender, or sexual orientation bias.

2. Develop and execute a strategic plan for enriched engagement and participation by minoritized alumni.

This goal includes, but is not limited to – • acknowledging and understanding everyone’s experience is personal to them and all alumni deserve to be heard; • looking forward make the Alumni Association and thus by default the Academy and Coast Guard as a whole, more diverse, equal, and inclusive-focused;

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• using the Alumni Association as a conduit, merging the efforts and resources of the Coast Guard’s and Academy’s Affinity Groups to establish a role for alumni in promoting and advocating DEI in the Alumni Association, Academy, and Coast Guard; and • developing various programs and events to appreciate, recognize, and celebrate the achievements of minoritized alumni.

3. Strategically align the Alumni Association’s DEI efforts with the Academy’s work. This goal includes, but is not limited to – • embodying the best DEI practices of Alumni Associations from other military academies and similar institutions of higher learning; • establishing a partnership with all the Coast Guard’s and Academy’s affinity groups; and • providing support and alumni voices to the Superintendent’s Equity Advisory Council.

As the Association’s strategic consultant for DEI and after only a month reviewing a multitude of reports and data, I, like the others on this mission, are setting this course from a place of love for the Academy and the Coast Guard and not from a place of judgment or ridicule. I also believe it’s important to focus on what we can do from this point forward while learning from our past. These efforts are focused on strengthening the future for our Long Blue Line, I encourage you to follow our journey. You can learn more about this important work at www.cgaalumni.org/ DEI. Jennifer owns Leadership Coaching, Consulting, and Training business, Deep Blue Consultancy. She is a credentialed Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation and a Faculty member with the American Management Association® delivering content in Managerial Coaching and Strategy Thinking, Development, and Execution. Her past experience includes over 20 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, culminating in her assignment as a cutter’s Commanding Officer and over 16 years of higher education experience, as a faculty member and administrator.

December 2020/January 2021

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Old Traditions, New Horizons

On the 40th Anniversary of women at CGA, one graduate looks back at how she and her fellow trailblazers “survived” the Academy.

By CDR Kathy A. Hamblett, USCG (ret), ’80

Swearing-in cadets Linda Dolney and Mary L. Southwood during Swab Summer at the Academy. (U.S. Coast Guard)

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n recognition of 40 years of women graduating from the United States Coast Guard Academy, the following letter from the Class of 1980 women was read at the virtual graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 women: May 20, 2020 To the Women of the Class of 2020 Congratulations on your graduation!

We are Officers, Sisters, Wives, Mothers and Grandmothers who join you in commemorating the 40th anniversary of the graduation of women from the United States Coast Guard Academy. As members of the first class with women, we experienced diverse reactions to our presence, both in opposition and support as we broke ground for generations of women to follow. Since May 1980 over 1,850 women have graduated from the Academy, earned officer commissions, and proudly served our country.

We were referred to as pioneers and trailblazers. We fought and won the good fight alongside our classmates, earning unqualified acceptance and respect within the entire Academy community and in the officer corps. Ensure our legacy is passed along.

Warmest regards and fond wishes as you embark on your career.

The Women of the Class of 1980 Jean M. Butler

Linda Johansen

Monyee Smith

Susan K. Donner

Joanne McCaffrey

Mary-Lou Southwood

Mary Jane East

Christine Quedens

Jody Turner

Michele Fitzpatrick

Tami Rose

Karen Tweed

Kathy Hamblett

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Sharon Willis Fijalka

December 2020/January 2021

In addition to the letter, ceremony organizers asked the Class of 1980 women for words of wisdom for the Class of 2020 women. This request led me to consider how far away and long ago our graduation took place in Leamy Hall on a rainy day in May. By virtue of alphabetical order, the first woman to cross the stage was Jean Butler. She recalled the sounds of camera shutters clicking rapidly and simultaneously. She remembered, “It sounded like a cascading waterfall.” Not only was she the first woman in the Class of 1980 to graduate, she was the first woman to graduate from any armed forces service academy.

The Air Force, Army, and Navy held graduations in June. After graduation, the 14 of us fanned out across the cutter fleet, often being the first women to serve on board and the firsts in many assignments over our ensuing careers. Many of us retired as Captains and Commanders. Some of us found further success in academics, research, engineering, business and veterinary medicine with interests as diverse as the individuals we have always been.

The Coast Guard is credited with accepting women to the Academy before being forced to by legislation. Admiral Owen Siler, Commandant, is recognized as starting it all 45 years ago on August 11, 1975, when a Transportation Department press release noted that, “Admiral Siler said his decision to admit women to the Academy was based on the many contributions he expected women to make in the peace-time missions of the Coast Guard.” Siler went on to state that “current statutes do not bar the admission of women to the Coast Guard Academy and that action by Congress will not be required.

This decision is also in keeping with the strong commitment of the leadership of the Department of Transportation to assure equal rights for women.”

But it was another man who made the crucial difference. William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr., a distinguished attorney and judge, serving as the fourth Secretary of Transportation was the second African American to serve in the United States Cabinet. He served pivotal roles in significant civil rights cases as an attorney before becoming Transportation Secretary. While the Coast Guard had previously decided not to admit women THE

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to the Academy, Coleman asked the Commandant, “Admiral, are there any really valid reasons why women should be kept out of the Coast Guard Academy?” Siler replied in the negative. Coleman then asked, “Do we have to wait for Congress to act upon this?” Again, Admiral Siler responded in the negative. Coleman’s adept handling of the situation allowed the Commandant to shine.

This backstory was something I learned years later. As one of the women entering the Academy in 1976, I knew women were already in the Coast Guard. Beginning with female lighthouse keepers and World War II SPARS, followed by women graduating Officer Candidate School and being commissioned as Ensigns in 1973, it appeared women had been in the Coast Guard in some manner all along. Opening the Academy to women seemed a natural progression—how hard could it be? When I inquired about an application, I received a warm, encouraging letter. As an accepted candidate, I received another letter, professional and equally promising.

Given this positive start, it appeared the 38 women accepted into the Academy would be as welcome as the men. But that’s not what happened.

For a number of cadets and staff, having women at the Academy was an experiment—one they were determined to help fail. Thankfully, a few were more open, providing respite and encouragement. Support came from chaplains, to cadet activity leaders, to faculty. Most of all, we garnered support from classmates and tackled challenges together—beginning on the first day. We

Cadet Mary Jane East in dress uniform during rifle inspection on the Academy parade grounds. (U.S. Coast Guard)

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Cadets Robin Gallagher and Tricia Edman marching in formation on the parade grounds. (U.S. Coast Guard)

were issued dungarees that needed hemming and the cadre (cadets two years our senior tasked with our indoctrination) yelled it had to be done before the swearing-in ceremony.

This was meant to be a stress test, but most women of my generation possessed sewing skills courtesy of required home economics courses in high school. Much to the irritation of the cadre, my roommate and I easily hemmed our dungarees and those of several male classmates before the cadre rushed us outside to practice marching. That first day, unsewn dungarees were held up with tape and staples. But going forward, sewing skills were bartered for shoe shining or rifle cleaning. We learned teamwork, perhaps not in the way our cadre intended, but we learned it all the same.

Our class motto—Old Traditions, New Horizons—says it all.

We would honor traditions, but we would forge a new path as well. That new path included dealing with issues prior classes had not. As a class, we endured intense media scrutiny with press dogging our steps during Swab Summer. In more than one instance, cameramen jumped out from behind bushes to snap our photographs as we marched to and from Chase Hall.

Once the academic semester started, individual women were pulled out of class for interviews, often at the last minute.

We were not trained in conducting interviews so it was no surprise when several women were misrepresented. We learned the media could not be trusted with the nuances of our stories and even a hint that the women were not thriving sent repercussions rippling through the Corps of Cadets, to our detriment. Consequently, we became masters at hiding certain realities from others, and even from ourselves. Our class determined that both male and female cadets would attend scheduled interviews or none at all. There were many questions. The tangible and often humorous topics concerning bathroom facilities, uniforms, sports, and haircuts were easier to talk about. They were temporary obstacles solved over time. By far, the most stubborn obstacles remained deeply entrenched attitudes. Nevertheless, facing these hurdles made us stronger.

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From the time we entered to the time we graduated, we were engulfed in an expectation of failure, and discounted in ways both overt and subtle. At the same time, we were surrounded by the largest group of funny, creative, kind, and intelligent young people in one place.

The dynamic was an adventure and we walked both paths.

We each had to find our own toeholds out of that quagmire of low expectations and psychological warfare in all its forms. Father Norman Ricard, U.S. Navy chaplain, provided one early toehold for me. Humor. His laughter and perspective helped me see the humor in a lot of situations. Other toeholds followed. Framed as heroes, we are often labeled as courageous by others. To most of us, it felt like survival. And we persevered as only the young can—with verve and humor.

Looking back, I reflect on how quickly one’s life can become history. It was 20 years ago that the Women of 1980 were invited to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of women at the Coast Guard Academy. During that visit, we met cadets who believed women had always attended the Academy. Women at the Academy was normalized; no one gave it a second thought. I found it refreshing. Now, suddenly, we are celebrating 40 years of women at the Academy. And once again, we dust off the memories of our moment in history and celebrate with the newest members of the long blue line.

Cadet Kathy Hamblett drilling. (U.S. Coast Guard)

December 2020/January 2021

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On the Importance of Being Inclusive, Adaptable, & Empathetic By 1/c Eugene Bizer, 2/c Patrick Raymond, 3/c Alana Kickhoefer, 3/c Kurt Biedermann, 4/c Chase Sippola

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ecognizing a partnership of five years, the U.S. Naval Institute and Admiral James M. Loy Institute for Leadership welcomed General Martin Dempsey, USA (Ret.) and moderator Admiral Thad Allen, USCG (Ret.) for a virtual address to the Corps of Cadets and greater Coast Guard Academy community on November 9. General Dempsey, the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shared lessons from his distinguished military career and included anecdotes from his two books, Radical Inclusion: What the Post9/11 World Should Have Taught Us About Leadership and No Time for Spectators, which examines today’s leadership landscape and describes the change it demands of leaders as well as productive and meaningful relationships between leaders and followers.

General Martin Dempsey is a 41year service member in the Army who graduated from West Point in 1974 and married his high school sweetheart, Deanie Dempsey. He had a distinguished career which culminated in final assignment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2011 – 2015). His post military career includes a teaching position at Duke University. General

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Dempsey shared insights on many important leadership lessons he learned while serving in the Army with a keen focus on being inclusive, being adaptive and being an empathetic leader.

On the topic of adaptability, General Dempsey spoke on the importance of the digital echo. He explained that facts are not as concrete as they used to be with all the advancements in technology and science today. As information is passed through our digital world, it has greater potential to be misconstrued. Therefore, as leaders we must be more adaptable in our ability to think for ourselves.

He went on to explain that a prime example of this is the ever-changing circumstances of the coronavirus. It often seems like there is no right way to go about our daily routine, but it is our job as effective leaders to stay positive and support the people we are working with. As people, we “learn from failure more than success” and we have had many shortcomings in defeating this disease. This made our division reflect on how we as cadets have struggled to maintain unity while being physically distant from one another. However, our distancing has sparked many great conversations about approaching December 2020/January 2021

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This event is also an opportunity to recognize the winners of the U.S. Naval Institute’s Coast Guard Essay Contest. Congratulations to the following: st 1 Place: LT Andrew Ray ’13: “Gaining Competitive Advantage: Employing USCG LEDETs in the Indo-Pacific” nd 2 Place: LCDR Dan Wiltshire: “Send in the Coast Guard! (…and the Marines too): Coast Guard Patrol Boats will be Vital to supporting Marine Corps Operations in a Pacific War” 3rd Place: OS3 Merrill Magowan: “Create Patrol Forces Indo-Pacific?”

mental health. If we utilize what we have learned and allow ourselves to grow from these struggles, we will be much better off as future officers.

On the topic of inclusivity and empathy, General Dempsey gave us the visual of carrying rucksacks during our career. He stated there are three rucksacks: Knowledge, Experience, and Character.

He said to fill these rucksacks with information as we learn and adapt. We as leaders must always be learning and trying to fill our rucksacks by being open to adding new things. This involves learning and adapting to the changing needs of our people which ultimately leads to felt leadership. Being a felt leader means being empathetic to the people we are leading and working hard to create an inclusive environment. Being empathetic also involves taking the time to get to know your people and to fully embrace their life experiences and where

they come from. This could make all the difference in the working environment and is crucial to the overall success of the team. General Dempsey asserted that we must be inclusive though it is not always easy. This inclusivity is necessary to build a sense of trust within the team which is necessary for the effectiveness of any Coast Guard unit.

In summary, being inclusive creates a professional work environment that welcomes diversity. This diversity brings in many different views that help to solve difficult problems we will face as leaders. Being adaptive means continuing to learn and seek out knowledge. This enables you to grow as a leader and helps to keep your mind open to new ideas. General Dempsey also places importance on being a felt leader. A leader should be strong and stern, but also compassionate and empathetic with their people. Thank you to General Dempsey, Admiral Allen and the U.S. Naval Institute for these lessons in leadership!

To watch a recording of this event or to read the Coast Guard winning articles, please visit www.cgaalumni.org/Dec20.

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Ensuring Mission Critical Training Continued… Safely

How the Coast Guard’s 2019 Clinic of the Year crafted new and creative solutions in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic at the Coast Guard Academy

By LT Colleen McCue, USCG, PA-C; LT Patrick Rockwell, USCG; CAPT Esan Simon, USPHS, MD, MBA, FS

CGC EAGLE testing evolution. Right to left, Ms. Holly Fischer (lab technologist), Dawn Liddick RN, HS3 Sovine

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uring the 2020 Spring Break when cadets were at home and around the world enjoying rest and relaxation, the CGA Superintendent made the difficult but necessary decision to delay the student return to campus due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Despite numerous logistical complexities of medically managing this dispersed patient population, the Clinic developed new tools and protocols to remotely provide ongoing medical care, postoperative assessment and treatment, mental health care, delivery of essential medication, coordination of health benefits, etc. for several months throughout this tumultuous time.

For those who may not know, the Coast Guard Academy (CGA) Regional Clinic provides missionessential health care services to over

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2,200 personnel stationed at the CGA and surrounding units in a multi-state area of responsibility. Staffed by over 60 medical personnel comprised of numerous professional disciplines such as Physicians, Physical Therapists, a Psychiatrist, a Pharmacist, an Optometrist, etc., the Clinic provides comprehensive outpatient services including primary medical/dental care, preventive medicine, psychiatry, physical therapy, optometry, readiness management, pharmacy, laboratory testing, 24-hour EMS/clinical services, physical exams, health benefits, substance abuse prevention, sexual assault response coordination, comprehensive concussive services through the Concussion Assessment Research & Education Consortium (CARE), as well as sports-medicine for NCAA and club teams.

December 2020/January 2021

Reopening CGA With clear direction from leadership that mission essential education and military training for the cadet and Leadership Development Center (LDC) student populations came with a requirement for an in-person, on campus location of the students, the Clinic played a critical role in ensuring the health and wellness of the entire community throughout this unprecedented period in the history of the CGA. With Clinic staff strategizing to develop new protocols for remotely screening patients for COVID-19 infection, personnel were screened for COVID-19 symptoms utilizing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines which resulted in the successful collection and processing of over 1,250 medical questionnaires in a span of 3-days to gauge the health and safety of the students and faculty.

While screening prior to arrival on campus was critical, the development of new processes, procedures and management strategies to mitigate a campus outbreak were also vital. Prior to the cadets and LDC students returning to the CGA, the Clinic staff developed a medical restriction of movement (ROM) plan, acquired COVID-19 testing, completed multiple COVID-19 training seminars, ordered appropriate quantities of personal protective equipment (gowns, gloves, N95 masks), created instructional videos on quarantine and isolation as well as ROM education for the students (face covering guidance, social distancing, hand hygiene, etc.), modified medical and dental spaces, etc.

[You can watch the instructional videos at www.cgaalumni.org/Dec20] The ROM was designed on CDC and Coast Guard Health Safety and Work-life Service Center (HSWL SC) guidance regarding safe mitigation measures for preventing and reducing the spread of COVID-19. Based on the incubation period of the virus, the 14day ROM was a modified quarantine where the cadets/LDC students (1,374 total students managed from Jun – Nov ’20) were separated from other faculty and staff, interacted in smaller groups, self-monitored for COVID-19 symptoms, practiced social-distancing and were overall limited in movement

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around campus, etc. Upon completion of the ROM and when symptom-free and COVID tests were negative (two tests were completed on each patient throughout the ROM), students were deemed medically safe and ready for training.

A brand new concept to the CGA community, the change management of implementing a ROM was a demanding endeavor, but Clinic staff rose to the challenge, collaborated with Cadet Division, LDC staff and Mission support for logistics, provided daily medical and mental health monitoring in Chase Hall for the entire Corps of Cadets and LDC students, and re-envisioned health care and health care delivery in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the CGA community.

Leveraging External Partnerships Not only was internal collaboration and novel processes critical to the campus pandemic medical management strategy, but also external collaboration. Whether navigating the obstacles of non-existent testing capacity at the outset of the outbreak or developing de novo solution sets, engagement with numerous stakeholders and sharing best practices was another vital element to the CGA Clinic’s approach to COVID-19 containment and management.

From a teleconference session with the Yale University Vice Provost for Health Affairs/COVID-19 Coordinator as well as the Yale Chief of Staff, to engagement with the local Ledge Light Department of Health to enhanced interaction with local subject matter experts such as Infectious Disease Specialists at the nearby Yale New Haven Health Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, the CGA Clinic leveraged a variety of resources and partnerships to optimize medical pandemic management including other Coast Guard Clinics as well as the establishment of a first-ever weekly teleconference with Medical Directors of each Military Service Academy (Naval Academy, West Point, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy).

Novel and Ingenious Solutions Examples of some of the ingenuity designed and implemented include the conversion of the Hallie Gregory Field House to a testing center capable of administering hundreds of nasopharyngeal tests within a few short hours, testing aboard the deck of the CGC Eagle and drive-through outdoor testing.

During a period of time in our country when COVID-19 testing was not widely available, the CGA Regional Clinic was at the forefront in testing and implementing tangible solutions, and from June - Nov ’20 4,196 tests were completed.

Testing was not the only novel strategy as Clinic staff partnered with Mission Support to transition designated floors in Munro Hall from government lodging to a medical ward where patients were placed in isolation or quarantine (154 total cases Jun – Nov ’20) if either diagnosed with COVID-19 or potentially exposed to the virus. This base-wide effort ensured patients received meals during their stay, included daily checks

by Nurse staff and other Clinic crew, provision of care for acute medical needs during isolation/quarantine, etc.

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A ROUND A CADEMY Contact Tracing & Surveillance Testing Programs Established In addition to the testing and establishment of a quarantine/ isolation facility was the de novo research, design and implementation of an elaborate Contact Tracing Program LT McCue testing in the Hallie aboard the campus which Gregory Field House (Photo by Paul established a containment Duddy) mechanism and process for members who were at a higher risk of contracting the virus due to their recent proximity and exposure to a COVID-19 case. CGA Clinic medical staff completed the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Contact Tracing course prior to all students returning to campus, earning a certificate from this comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum. Although a labor-intensive process requiring hours to complete phone interviews with the multiple contacts of each COVID case (221 interviews Jun – Nov ’20 averaging 20min/interview), the program has been an absolutely essential component of pandemic risk mitigation.

Also vital to pandemic monitoring and containment is the collaborative effort Clinic staff engaged in with the CGA Science Department in the novel development and management of the evidence-based Surveillance Testing Program (STP). Following a rigorous approval process through numerous entities including the Director of the USCG Health, Safety & Work Life Directorate, the STP has provided effective mechanisms to identify COVID-19 cases in the CGA community and rapidly intervene to halt spread of the virus. With Science Department STP personnel regularly testing a mathematically-determined percentage of the campus population on a weekly basis via a pooled testing method which allows for large volumes of samples, when positive pools are identified, Clinic staff are able to quickly identify which patient is positive with the COVID-19 analyzer in the Clinic Lab and take appropriate steps to manage the case.

Increasing Demands

entire CGA community.

The United States Coast Guard Academy Regional Clinic went through extraordinary efforts to proactively and aggressively manage the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The clinic staff spent countless hours on weekends and holidays, strategizing, testing, and caring for LDC students, cadets and other beneficiaries with pandemic-specific adjustments in addition to the numerous regular duties for which Clinic personnel are responsible. Although COVID-19 has been challenging, the pandemic has created numerous opportunities for the clinic to collaborate not only internally, but also across the 103 acres on the campus, as well as externally to craft new and creative solutions to posture the entire community in as safe and healthy environment as possible during the exceedingly challenging COVID-19 global pandemic.

LT Colleen McCue- a ‘13 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, LT McCue is a Physician Assistant in the Outpatient Department at the Medical Clinic where she provides a variety of medical services and procedures for all eligible beneficiaries not only at the Academy but throughout the Clinic’s multi-state area of responsibility.

LT Patrick Rockwell- a prior Enlisted Corpsman with multiple assignments in various Coast Guard health care service settings including Independent Duty Health Service Technician experience, Clinic Supervisor roles as well as the President of the Informal Physical Evaluation Boards at Coast Guard Personnel Services Center, LT Rockwell is responsible for the operations, administration, and fiscal management of the Clinic.

CAPT Esan Simon- a U.S. Public Health Service Physician, prior U.S. Navy Physician and Medical Director as well as Regional Practice Director, CAPT Simon is a ’94 graduate of Harvard University, ’98 graduate of Emory University School of Medicine, ’00 graduate of the U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon School and ’10 graduate of the Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency program and is responsible for the overall provision of health care services at the CGA Regional Clinic.

Testing capabilities at the CGA Clinic continue to increase as demands for testing continue to rise and the Clinic is now positioned to process COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) saliva samples. With logistical efficiencies attained through saliva collection, the Clinic has been able to employ saliva testing for various athletic teams thereby meeting NCAA guidelines for COVID testing 72 hours prior to competition and allowing for several inter-collegiate athletic competitions this fall while numerous universities around the country had no competitions. With the vital role that athletic competition has in the CGA’s mission of developing leaders of character for service to the Coast Guard, the execution of these sport evolutions has not only been advantageous for the physical health of the athletes, but also the mental health and morale of the CGA Dental Clinic crew in COVID-19 risk-mitigating PAPRs (Powered Air-Purifying Respirators)

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December 2020/January 2021

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Career Corner

Alumni share their career journeys, as well as some useful lessons learned along the way. took up picture framing after I finished my graduate degree, apprenticing to a master framer in my off hours while stationed at USCGHQ. When my tour was done, I wanted to go back to sea as the Engineering Officer, but the Service had other plans for me. I decided to extend my tour at HQ while figuring things out. During this time, I started framing art for family and friends out of my workshop. Word spread and before we knew it, both my wife and I were spending all our free time working our little business. At some point, we realized that we had to either do this full time or “power down” on our side job to get our lives back. For me, the decision was made: turn a hobby into a business.

Within months, I separated from the Coast Guard and did just that.

Bill Plage ’73 Left Active Duty: 1979 Last Active Duty Job: Program manager for the AOSS (Aerial Observation Sensor System), the “Eye in the Sky” as it was sometimes referred to.

Academy Major: Management Advanced Degrees: MPA/MBA The American University, Washington, DC Current Job: Owner, Hartford Fine Art & Framing, Co., East Hartford, CT (HFA) Describe your job in 25 words or less. I oversee all operations of HFA from sales, inventory management and product assembly to installation, customer relations and business development. (A small business owner wears all hats!)

Briefly describe your post-CG career and what lead you on this path. I always wanted to work for myself and own my own business. I’ve always loved art and in school took every art class I could. I 48

Knowing what you know now, how would you approach your transition differently? I can tell you now I wouldn’t have done it the way I did! I pretty much took a leap of faith and on the way talked my wife into being my business partner. As it turned out, we were wildly successful that first year with our retail gallery. While I knew about the professional or craft end of the business, I knew very little about the business end. As many of you who have an advanced business degree know, you’re taught how the big corporations do things. A small business is real.

Owners do everything, or at least are intimately familiar with all aspects of their operation from sales and human resources, to production and managing cash flow. If I had to do it all again, I think I would initially have gotten a job in a larger gallery and learned the business from the inside out rather than the outside in like I did it. Or purchased a going business where the outgoing owner trained me and stayed on for a period of time; perhaps even bankrolling part of the purchase price over time.

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Top tip for alumni looking to start a small business. Whether or not you realize it, as a Coast Guard officer, you already possess some of the best training to become a small business owner. You possess the confidence that you can do almost anything you set your mind to. You already know how to be resourceful, you have ambition and you have the common sense to noodle out and solve problems. Most importantly, you don’t look at problems as roadblocks but challenges that just need to be solved. Be prepared for the worst and have a contingency plan just in case. The other important tip is to manage your cash flow. Having enough cash on hand or knowing places where you can get a loan or credit line to be able to take advantage of a business opportunity or survive a rough period is important. The Small Business Administration’s data on the number of small businesses that fail during the first 3 years is not encouraging. I knew that going in and anyone who decides to open a small business should know it also. Small business ownership is not for sissies or the faint of heart, but it is one of the most rewarding occupations knowing you built it brick by brick.

you’ll always be wondering what your life would have been like. CGA and the Coast Guard have given us the tools and the training to do almost anything. All you have to do is add your ambition and your desire to be your own boss and that will be your ticket to success!

In your current job, what keeps you up at night? Especially during these times, its being able to bring in work and hoping that our current workload stays healthy enough so I can retain all of my staff. Leading from the front builds employee loyalty and loyal, hardworking people are the lifeblood of all small businesses. I don’t want to let them down.

Professional accomplishment that you’re most proud of. What makes my day is a customer beaming from ear to ear after we visually transform their space by adding art. The right kind of artwork coordinated through an area adds color, texture and interest to otherwise bland spaces. It lifts people’s psyches, making them feel better about themselves, their work and their surroundings.

VADM Harvey Johnson, Jr. ’75

The one thing you learned while at the Academy that has set you up for success within the Coast Guard and beyond? The Academy trained me to be a leader, to be resourceful and to always be an example for others to respect.

Academy Major: Management

What was your most impactful CG assignment and why?

Being a crew member and assistant engineer of a 210. During my two years aboard Vigorous we conducted many SAR missions. As the DCA, it was usually me and my team who were sent over to help a sinking vessel remain afloat, many times in rough seas. Sometimes our assignment was to search for a crew of a fishing boat that went down or a pleasure boat caught in a storm. But the one thing I will never forget, are the faces of relief and gratitude from those you just pulled from the sea. Isn’t this one of the reasons we joined the Coast Guard in the first place?

Book or podcast that you can’t stop thinking about. Because I love business and the economy and how it affects us all, I enjoy listening to Marketplace on NPR and their podcasts. I think it’s because it looks at business and the economy from so many different angles. Over the years, I’ve gleaned some really useful information from the show.

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Thinking about striking out on your own? Do it, because if you don’t THE

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Left Active Duty: 2006 Last Active Duty Job: Commander, Pacific Area Advanced Degrees: MS, Naval Postgraduate School; MS Massachusetts Institute of Technology Current Job: President, Humanitarian Services; American Red Cross Describe your job in 25 words or less. Lead 3,500 employees and 80,000 volunteers across a field structure that delivers preparedness, response, and recovery services in the face of emergencies; supports active duty, veterans and their families, and provides similar services internationally Briefly describe your post-CG career and what lead you on this path.

I’ve been so fortunate to extend the humanitarian aspect of my Coast Guard service at an executive level 49

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both as Deputy Administrator at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and with the American Red Cross, one of our nation’s foremost humanitarian organizations.

In between these two opportunities, I took an excursion leading an IT services team with a beltway bandit, and for a short period as an independent consultant. All the while, I constantly relied upon, and put into practice, our Coast Guard values and principles.

Knowing what you know now, how would you approach your transition differently? The common thread in my transitions was a network of people – some I worked for, some worked for me – who opened a door and became my advocate. Even with an opened door, each had its stresses and uncertainties. A mentor encouraged me to be fearless in calling friends, objective in specifically assessing my skills and unflinching in asking for help. He was right, and I could have been less reticent in preparing for and making those calls.

Top tip for alumni looking to transition into the emergency management field? The leadership, decision making, teamwork and communications skills that make a successful Coast Guard officer can make one successful in emergency management – as long as you can readily adapt to a new culture, with its matrixed management, flexible chain of command, range of jurisdictional responsibilities and volunteer workforce.

In your current job, what keeps you up at night? The Weather Channel and CNN have become my constant companions as they alert me to disasters – natural and man-made – that affect families and communities and are a call to action for the Red Cross. It can be a challenge to deliver those services as quickly as they are needed, and in ways that meet the need, are culturally sensitive and give our members the compassionate experience that keeps them charged.

Professional accomplishment that you’re most proud of? I’m proud of the personal and professional relationships – the connections with people –those I worked for or with, or those who worked for me. Long after I forget the details of the many operations, projects or initiatives we may have completed, I remember the character of my teammates. When we connect today, the years fade away, they’re thankfully forgiving of

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my foibles, and we can laugh, tell tales and feel the connection that ties us together until the end of our days.

The one thing you learned while at the Academy that has set you up for success within the Coast Guard and beyond? Leadership training at the Academy today is strengthened by the Loy Institute for Leadership. In my day our training taught us to focus on Leadership

by Example, and we had great example like Jack Hayes ’47, Jim Loy ’64, Dick Ruhe ’65, Dave Arnold ’64, Mike Duvanney and many others.

I continued to be shaped – sometimes sand papered - by Jim Card ’64, Ed Gilbert ’58, Ken Thompson ’64, leaders in the private sector and at Red Cross. Along the way, my aim was to be one of those examples that would show up on a list generated by those who learned something from me.

What was your most impactful CG assignment and why? I flew HH-3Fs in Kodiak from 1983 to 1986 where harsh weather, rugged Alaskan terrain and long winter nights required the best of my aviation skills. It’s where I experienced my most meaningful SAR case, one where our flight crew made the difference between life and death. It’s where different commands worked as one and where aviator camaraderie was deepest.

We built strong family relationships with other Coasties, many that we still enjoy almost forty years later.

Book or podcast that you can’t stop thinking about? Not long after the killing of George Floyd, a black friend shared an article by Danielle Cadet, “Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They’re OK – Chances Are They’re Not” (updated May 28, 2020). The article jolted my sense for racial equality and still causes me to test and retest my unconscious biases. I’ve shared the article widely and am glad to share again.

The last sentence reads “On behalf of your Black colleagues: we’re not okay. And you shouldn’t be either.”

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers? With more days behind me than ahead, I am so deeply thankful for the Coast Guard as a Service with its values, principles, and traditions that provided a foundation for me, shaped my adventures in life and continues to be a source of pride and joy.

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Making the Career Leap from the Military

Career Corner

by Kurt Virkaitis ’94 and James Weigand These two contributions were written from the perspective of a recent retiree and a career Human Resources professional. Each was drafted independently, but echo many of the same key factors to employment transition success from the perspective of the veteran job hunter and potential future employer.

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s a recently retired Captain who made the transition to the ranks of the civilian workforce, I hope to provide some lessons learned and some key points of emphasis I learned along the way. I’ve seen the full range of success, with some landing their dream job before leaving the service, and others enduring 6-8 months of full-time job hunting.

Many factors influence this timeline, but my advice is to be prepared for the long haul and some difficult life decisions if you really want to land your dream job on the first go around.

Network, Network, Network Cold applications to a job you really want are rarely successful. You need a point of contact who can advocate for you regarding that position, provide an internal referral, and help get your resume past the computer screening software. Ideally your network connection has the ability to discuss your resume and outstanding career accomplishments with company leadership, a hiring manager, or recruiter. This person may be a former Coast Guard member who has paved the way, an established veteran from another service, or a parent from your kid’s soccer league. Never overlook the potential of a networking opportunity. It is deliberate and difficult work. Likewise, be ready to pay it forward or return the favor by making connections for others.

There are organizations to help you do this, and you should use them.

The USCGA Alumni Association is a great one. Others include the Military Officers Association of America 52

(MOAA), FourBlock, and local veterans networking groups. These organizations often provide review and coaching services of your resume, interview, and LinkedIn profile. They offer other skill building services as well.

Ideally, your strongest network contacts are local to the area you will be seeking employment. This can be challenging if you don’t live in that area during your final tour. I was fortunate to have a network connection that brought me into a newly formed veteran mentoring group near my home in New Hampshire. In addition to the benefits of having a dedicated mentor, I immediately entered a growing network of local professionals and business leaders whose primary goal was to help transitioning military members. Further, I started a monthly networking event which benefited everyone in the group.

By actively contributing, I was able to rapidly expand my local network and make new connections for others.

Do you need to be on LinkedIn? LinkedIn is a reality of the modern workforce, you need to embrace it. If you don’t have an account or a complete and polished profile with a photo of you in civilian attire, get started right away.

Your profile is a living social media document, and your activity can range from thoughtful daily or weekly posts, to commenting on the posts of others, to simply ensuring that you update your employment status and professional certifications. Your presence (and effectiveness) is up to you, but always remember to keep it professional, it’s your first impression for many network connections and potential employers.

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It’s also a valuable information source for employment searches, exploring career paths that you currently know nothing about, and interview preparation.

Interviewing You have probably done high level decision briefs, all hands presentations, or industry stakeholder events, but they are nothing like an interview and do not directly translate. You need to practice interviewing with a friend, family member, mentor, selfie video with critical self-review, or a service like Candorful. org. Candorful caters to veterans and provides a cadre of volunteers that provide practice interviews with candid feedback. These interviews also provide networking opportunities, so it pays to plan ahead and request volunteers that are in the career path, industry, or even company you are targeting for your new career.

My journey was longer than I had hoped and, at times, stressful and frustrating. Ultimately, the hard work paid off and it will for you too. If you would like to see where I landed, I recommend exercising your LinkedIn skills.

Captain (Ret) Kurt Virkaitis is a 1994 graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and recently retired after 26 years of service

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ransitions from military service to a role in private industry most certainly require some adjustment when it comes to job searches.

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As a human resources professional whose career spans over 20 years in recruiting, human resources, and business within companies of varying size and industries, I hope to share some thoughts on finding your next opportunity. I recruited for companies such as Aerotek, KBR, Deloitte Federal Practice, and Freddie Mac. My recent roles as head of HR have been with several startups helping them to build and refine the HR function while scaling the organization. In addition to this, I am a proud Coast Guard spouse.

My experiences include hiring and being the job applicant. Having been on both sides of the fence, I have found these steps useful to narrow your focus on determining your ensuing role:

New Role Determine what area(s) and types of roles you would like to pursue. Talk to your family, friends who are in the private sector to solicit input on your roles from within the military. They will help you draw out those transferable skills and relate them to current industry roles.

New Employer Focus on companies (or agencies) that are closely aligned with your areas of interest, skills, and experience. Many companies actively seek prior military service.

Network Network, Network, Network! With the exception of one, every position I held was found through a person in my network. My network included family 53

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IN SERVICE BEYOND members, friends, and current/past coworkers. Your professional and personal networks can play a vital role in getting your foot in the door to companies you desire. Do not pass up an opportunity of having a casual conversation to get someone’s input or advice as it can lead to potential opportunities.

LinkedIn If you haven’t created a LinkedIn profile, do it well in advance of your transition date. For those of you not utilizing it yet, LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows you to showcase your career, skills and educational accomplishments. Update your LinkedIn profile noting that you are transitioning Military within the “Headline” section followed by a short description of your experience and area of expertise.

“Transitioning USCG XXXX…” or “{BRANCH} Military Veteran…” or “Prior USCG Officer…”

Skills Once you have identified roles you want to pursue, focus on capturing those skills desired in job postings and correlate them to your experience from your service. Under the Competitive Analysis section of job postings on LinkedIn are the “How You Match” and also “Top Skills” data. When writing your resume, the key is to use these applicable key skills/phrases within your resume.

Also, if you are focused on roles in the federal sector, particularly within the intelligence community or government contractors, and you have clearances those tend to be highly sought after, so be sure to list them.

Translate Turn the military jargon into descriptions readable by the recruiters and folks in the private sector.

Adapt Be prepared for a different world.

Private sector companies can range from unstructured and chaotic (startups) to hierarchical and cumbersome (corporations). When recruiting for management and executive roles, there

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are several qualities and experiences I (along with leadership) sought on paper and during interviews: • Leadership • Pragmatism • Strategic view (Short- and Longterm) • Budget/Financial Expertise • Domain Expertise • Perseverance

Validate Engage your contacts that already made the transition from military service to civilian employment. Ask them to peer review your resume and cover letters for the roles you are targeting. Encourage them to be candid and ‘brutal’ in their review of your products.

Prepare Be prepared for your interviews.

Research the company history, its products and/or services, etc. Learn about the people you are interviewing with. Connecting with them on some personal level, whether it is a school, hometown, sport or other interest will help to establish rapport with them. Take this research effort seriously; you do not want to walk into an interview without a clear understanding of the job you are pursuing, the organization you might be working for, and the people you hope to work alongside. Last and most importantly, always follow up with your interviewers thanking them for their time.

Commit Take every interview, even if you are not sure it is a role you want. The practice will help for when the interview really counts.

The current employment situation here in the U.S. may make your job search a bit more challenging for a time. However, I truly believe that these perspectives that I (and Kurt) have highlighted are a solid foundation for a successful transition.

James Weigand is the spouse of Lieutenant Commander Krysia Pohl ‘97. They currently reside in Alameda, CA. If you have any questions, feel free to connect directly via LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/JamesWeigand27.

December 2020/January 2021

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On the Fruit of Affirmative Action

CGA’s 19th black graduate reflects and reminisces on his Academy and CG experience and the importance of community.

By CDR Timothy E. Tilghman, USCG (ret), ’75

The author seen here (second from the left) at the CGA Chapel with Elijah Flynn ’75 (far left), Patrick LeSesne ’75 (third from the left) and Earl Burns ’77 (far right) writes, “My class was the first in the history of the Academy to graduate every black cadet.”

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was elated to read that Marcus Canady ’00 was selected for captain, and in my enthusiasm, I dialed his number to extend congratulations, forgetting that he commanded Air Station Houston and was in the midst of the response to two hurricanes that came into the Gulf of Mexico. So, I called Marcus’ father, Alan Canady. We reminisced about gatherings of black folk at cookouts in and around Yorktown. That’s where I remember encountering a toddler named “Canady” in the early 1980s. This is a continuation of that reminiscing and reflecting.

In the 99th year of the US Coast Guard Academy, 1975, I became the 19th black graduate of what I believe to be the best of the five federal service academies. I was admitted to the Academy because of affirmative action, a fact of life that left an indelible imprint on me. In 1975, people at the Academy were constantly reminding me that I got to the Academy because of affirmative action. No one who reminded me bothered to check my record. Our Academy has a tradition of publishing a profile of the “typical

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Academy appointee.” As I recall from 1971, that typical freshman or Swab was in the top 10 percent of his high school graduating class, in the National Honor Society, recognized as a National Merit Scholar, averaged 1200 on the SATs with a math score 100 points higher than his verbal score, earned a letter in a varsity sport and was recognized for civic or community service.

I graduated from Joel Elias Spingarn High School in Washington, DC in June 1971. I was #10 in a class of nearly 300, a member of the National Honor Society, received honorable mention as a National Merit Scholar and scored 1200 on my SAT (670 Math, 530 Verbal), earned two varsity football letters and the Civitan Honor Key for exceptional community service. No one asked about my record and no one checked my credentials. Everyone who said, “You are at the Academy because of affirmative action,” implied that it was my color, not my credentials that got me in. The implication was that I did not meet the standard for admission. It often appeared that those who were not

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supportive of affirmative action often worked to make life at the Academy and in the Service more complicated for me and my black contemporaries because they believed that we were admitted because we were black and not because we were good.

The big question for the black cadet, at that time, was “How do I succeed in an environment that is not ready to receive me, and includes social structures that work against my success?” For me, the first effective coping mechanism at the Academy was the announcement: “there will be a meeting of all black cadets in room XXX;” this certainly heightened racial tension at the Academy in the 1970s. Black cadets were asked the question: “Why do you have to meet with black cadets?” It was not uncommon to hear the retort: “We are going to call a meeting of all “white” cadets,” not realizing that in fact, the Academy was a meeting of all white cadets from 1876 until the 1970s when blacks took deliberate action to meet.

This effort to establish and sustain a community within the larger community was successful; the hard data supporting this success? My class was the first in the history of the Academy to graduate every black cadet (Flynn, Lesesne, Gusman, Tilghman and Lawrence) that entered, and, it was the nucleus of cadets in the 1970s with faculty (Roger Guyas, Hallie Gregory and Harold Cheatham) that formed the Genesis Club. Of course, Genesis is now part of the Academy culture and a model support system to promote diversity; I have heard “let’s do it for the women” in some informal circles.

The community within the larger community is critical to assure the success of the minority cadet and the minority officer, and to enhance the mission effectiveness of the Academy and the Service. A key relationship in the establishment of Genesis was the arrival of a freshman coach and physical education teacher during Swab Summer 1971. Coach Hallie Gregory came to the Academy because Donald Pinhey thought he would be good for the Academy, and extended the invitation to a young, talented student athlete that he encountered prior to his long stint at the Academy. Pinhey’s invitation changed THE

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the face of the Academy. Just look at the list of cadets and faculty who graduated and contributed to the mission of the Academy and our Service because they encountered Coach Gregory. Coach Gregory is typical of talent from the minority communities, talent that we miss when we fail to invite those who are different to bring their gifts into the mix. As Coach Pinhey did for him, Dr. Gregory invited Coach Pinhey’s son to coach at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), and continued a Tilghman family tradition, walking with my daughter Angela from freshman orientation through graduation at UMES. Cross-cultural relationships are the foundation of mission success. I point to the highlight of my 23 years of active service, command of USCGC FORWARD (WMEC-911). From the day I showed up at the Academy, I counted the number of blacks who commanded big cutters before me (Healy in the 1870s; Samuels in the 1940s; Witherspoon and Jones in the 1980s). LT Merle J. Smith ’66 commanded a WPB in Viet Nam. He and LT London Steverson ’68 were current events. I knew John Witherspoon and Joseph Jones ’72, but never had the opportunity to serve with them. I am eternally grateful to my commanding officers (Robert Overton III ’55, Bill Pierson, David Parr ’60, Bill Wilkinson ’60, James McEntire ’72, Robert Young ’73 and Louis Orsini ’73) and others who encouraged and taught me how to be a sailor (Jim Loy ’64, Bob Thorne ’69, Bob Bates ’63, Carl Smith ’72, Rube Olsen ’69, Thad Allen ’71, Bud Buechler, Bob Glynn ’69, and Bill McGrath).

“The community within the larger community is critical to assure the success of the minority cadet and the minority officer,” writes Tilghman seen below at his graduation June 1975 and as a 2/c in the Fall of 1973 on the right.

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“I point to the highlight of my 23 years of active service, command of USCGC FORWARD (WMEC-911),” writes Tilghman, seen at his Change of Command ceremony above. “From the day I showed up at the Academy, I counted the number of blacks who commanded big cutters before me...”

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the contributions of my Academy contemporaries who were not classmates, especially those who came after me. Earl Burns ’77, Curt Odom ’77, Manson Brown ’78, from my hometown, Bennie Harrison ’78, Charles Rice ’79 and Robert Mobley ’79.

This is not everybody. Manson Brown ’78 and Bennie Harrison ’78 came with expectations that I would mentor and set a high standard for them so I upped my game as a cadet. The late Charles Rice ’79 and Robert Mobley ’79 thought they were coming into a “lily-white” environment, and were pleasantly surprised to see me as their summer ensign; it meant something for them to see an authority figure that looked like them in a position of authority and power in an institution that they thought was “lily-white.” In the years after my first wife died, suddenly and violently, Earl Burns ’77 was a constant companion to help me regain balance in my life; his classmate, Curt Odom ’77 called me every year from the early 1980s until I enrolled in grad school in 1992. Curt Odom ’77 was part of the Darlington, SC connection – Allen Thompson ’74, Elijah Flynn ’75, Curt Odom ’77 and Ted Gandy ’80 who treated me like I was from Darlington while at the Academy.

This story began with Marcus Canady’s selection for captain. I met 58

MK1 Alan Canady and his family in 1979 shortly after my assignment to the Reserve Training Center, Yorktown where MK1 Canady was an instructor at MK School while I taught at Officer Candidate School. We acquired a mutual friend when he left Yorktown for a 378 where LCDR Erroll Brown ’72 was his engineer, relationships continue to this day. While such a line existed for a young whites seeking to enter the Academy since 1876, because of affirmative action, CAPT (Select) Marcus Canady ’00 is part of the first generation of blacks that can look back and see a line of people that looked like him who were connected to the Service, and by extension, connected to him for his entire life. His Academy and Service experience was different and exponentially better.

Better, but not easy because vestiges of racism and unwillingness to fully embrace diversity still exist in the neighborhood, nation, the world, our Academy and our Service. This is not an attack on the Academy; it is an indisputable fact of our Coast Guard lives. The solution and key to continued success in promoting affirmative action and diversity is to do what Coach Gregory coached us to do: “If you know better, then do better; make it better for everybody!”

Timothy Tilghman enjoyed each of his 23 years of commissioned service, especially his time at sea which culminated in his assignment as CO, USCGC FORWARD (WMEC-911) in 1995, and in mission support as an instructor at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School 1979-82), at Atlantic Area (1987-90) when it assumed operational control of the cutter fleet, and at Headquarters (1992-95) devising readiness plans for expanded Coast Guard participation in defense readiness and all-hazards response operations.

He holds masters’ degrees in Public Administration from The George Washington University and in Theology from St. Mary’s Seminary & University Ecumenical Institute and was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Washington in June 2010.

He authored Going to the Well to Build Community, ACTA Publications in September 2016. He and his wife Jennifer have a real estate business in the DC Metro Area which supports their work in neighborhood ministry.

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Remembering a Coast Guard Hero Rear Admiral Marshall ‘Ed’ Gilbert, Class of 1958, Part I

By CAPT Ken Thompson, USCG (ret), ’64 “That keeps you in the back roads, by the rivers of my memory …

That keeps you ever gentle on my mind.”

- Glen Campbell, 1968

Prologue “A laser intellect wrapped in a soft-talking, self-effacing personality who taught leadership through metaphors, homilies, and anecdotes.” - Admiral Thad Allen ’71 “When God was creating Ed Gilbert, He told the angels: ‘This is a special model, we are only making one of these’.” - Ross Norsworthy, RTCM “I can’t think of one interaction with him that didn’t leave me feeling that I probably could get college credits.” - Captain Charlie Harris ’71

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ear Admiral Ed Gilbert and I were colleagues in a variety of endeavors over a period of more than 30 years, both while on active duty and as retirees engaged in Coast Guard and related matters. Our associations grew into a very close friendship as well. The morning following Ed’s death this past June, his wife Linda asked for my assistance with the various Coast Guard matters attendant to the situation. In doing so, I gained insight into the numerous testimonials and personal notes addressed to the family by scores of people, inside the Coast Guard and out.

As I hope to make abundantly clear in what follows, those of us who knew and served with Ed - many of whom have provided input here - know him to be a genuine Coast Guard hero whose substantial contributions to our service, and related organizations, merit acclaim and recognition beyond those who served beside him and saw for themselves. We who knew Ed well agree that his most significant contribution was the influence he had on those

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“We who knew [RADM Ed Gilbert ’58] well agree that his most significant contribution was the influence he had on those around him,” writes the author.

around him. His leadership, mentorship, guidance and friendship impacted hundreds of officers and others which, in turn, magnified Ed’s impact several-fold.

This first half of the article presents and memorializes the 35 years of Coast Guard Service that was RADM Ed Gilbert’s life while on active duty.

The second half (shared as an online exclusive at www.cgaalumni.org/Dec20) documents his life post-retirement along with some “sea stories” and testimonials.

Most importantly, both are a collection of remembrances of those with whom he served, influenced, led in sometimes difficult and complex situations, befriended and entertained.

Vietnam RADM Gilbert’s classmates and Vietnam Veterans, VADM Bob Nelson ’58 and CAPT Al Larzelere ’58 - through his book “The Coast Guard at War: Vietnam 1965-1975” provided input for the following…

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After Academy graduation in 1958, Ed Gilbert served on a High Endurance Cutter, then was Skipper of a 95-foot Patrol Boat, followed by a year as Commanding Officer of a Loran Station. He then attended the USN Postgraduate School for 2 years, obtaining a degree in Telecommunications Management.

When the Coast Guard was suddenly needed in South Vietnam, Ed’s operational experiences and communications specialty made him an ideal candidate. Then-Lieutenant Gilbert and several of his classmates were among the initial contingent of Coast Guard Squadron One which deployed to Vietnam in mid-1965.

Things had happened fast after a midApril request from the Navy for Coast Guard patrol boats to counter largely unchecked North Vietnamese seaborne smuggling of arms and supplies to their Viet Cong allies in the south. Navy coastal patrols had been ineffective because the vessels employed had too much draft to operate sufficiently inshore to disrupt the flow.

In a matter of weeks, the Coast Guard had identified seventeen 82-foot Patrol Boats, their crews and support personnel, who assembled at Alameda in midMay to begin training. By mid-June, the first of the boats arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, having been transported there aboard freighters. Training and other preparations continued at Subic for about a month. The Squadron was split into two divisions, and in mid-July, the eight boats of Division 12 sailed with a Navy LST escort/gas station for their new homeport of Da Nang in the north, just below the DMZ. The remaining boats, constituting Division 11, sailed two weeks later for the southern portion, the island village of An Thoi in the Gulf of Thailand. Ed Gilbert was assigned to Division 11.

VADM Nelson: “We received orders for Vietnam and joined the Squadron crews in Alameda to begin intensive training. Ed was quickly selected by the Squadron Commander as the lead person to develop training plans and deliver the training to crews, initially in Alameda, then in the Philippines. Once in Vietnam, Ed continued to develop tactics and provided especially valuable THE

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briefings. When a third cutter Division was formed six months later, Ed oversaw their training as well.”

A unique perspective on young Ed Gilbert in Vietnam was provided by retired Mustang Commander Bob Douville: “RADM Gilbert and I were plank owners when Squadron One was commissioned. I was a junior petty officer then, one of three enlisted men on the admin staff. As we made our way from Alameda to the Philippines, then on to An Thoi, it was obvious to me that LT Gilbert had become a highly valued confidante of the Squadron Commander.

There was tremendous pressure on the Commodore to get the Squadron out of Subic and on to Vietnam and, once there, quickly out on patrol. He relied greatly on LT Gilbert and had the utmost confidence in his council.

“LT Gilbert was a former 95 skipper, as were all the first wave of O-3’s. I can imagine his initial disappointment as his classmates were assigned their boats as CO, while he was retained as a staff officer ashore, although he was designated as a relief CO when crew rest periods were introduced. But the Commodore saw qualities of character, intellect and leadership in LT Gilbert, and wanted to keep him close by. LT Gilbert hid whatever his own feelings were, understanding clearly, I think, why he was assigned as he was. He demonstrated the utmost loyalty and devotion to duty in helping the Commodore carry the burden.”

“Looking back now after 55 years, I realize I was observing a young officer exhibiting all those qualities the Coast Guard seeks in choosing its leaders.”

LT Gilbert was awarded the BRONZE STAR for his Vietnam service.

After Ed returned stateside in 1966, he went on to serve in a variety of District staff and field unit jobs, usually in his telecommunications specialty. In 1977-78, he attended the Army War College, then was assigned Command of Coast Group St. Petersburg, Florida.

Lieutenant Gilbert is Awarded the Bronze Star for his Vietnam service

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IN SERVICE BEYOND Group St. Petersburg CAPT Steve Venckus ’74 provided significant input for this segment...

USCGC BLACKTHORN, a 180 ‘ buoy tender, was standing out of Tampa Bay on Monday evening, 28 January 1980, enroute her homeport of Galveston following an extensive shipyard overhaul in Tampa. The night was clear, visibility good, seas calm, as she passed under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. At this same time, the 580-foot tanker CAPRICORN, carrying 150,000 barrels of bunker oil, was approaching the bridge inbound to Tampa Bay. At 2023 local time (actual transmissions compressed): “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, COAST GUARD GROUP ST. PETERSBURG, COAST GUARD CUTTER BLACKTHORN, BE ADVISED WE HAD A COLLISION TO THE SEAWARD SIDE OF THE SKYWAY BRIDGE, OVER.” GROUP ST PETE: “ROGER. ARE YOU TAKING ON ANY WATER AND HOW BAD IS THE DAMAGE, OVER?” “THIS IS BLACKTHORN, STANDBY, STANDBY THIS CHANNEL ....” (This was BLACKTHORN’s last transmission.)

In less than two minutes the Group St. Petersburg Operations Center had learned of the Coast Guard’s worst peacetime disaster, and started reacting.

BLACKTHORN, with a crew of 50, sank in a matter of minutes and a major port was almost paralyzed for three weeks.

The Group CO, Commander Ed Gilbert, was notified immediately and arrived at the Operations Center a few minutes later. He and his Command Cadre immediately began identifying and prioritizing essential action items. In the meantime …

“THIS IS THE TUG CHARLES BAYOU, I’M RIGHT HERE AT IT. I’M TRYING TO GET UP TO SOME OF THE MEN RIGHT NOW.” ST. PETE: “HAS THE VESSEL SUNK COM PLETELY?” “ROGER, JUST A SMALL PART OF IT STICKING UP.” A Station St. Pete 41 ‘ patrol boat had now joined CAPRICORN, the CHARLES BAYOU and others at the scene: CGC - 41452: “ROGER, I HAVE MY SPOTLIGHT ON A GROUP AHEAD OF ME, I CAN PICK THEM UP.” (Cries of

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“Help! Help!” heard in the background.)

By the late evening of 28 January, the count stood at 27 survivors, 1 known dead, 22 missing. Hope for additional survivors was rapidly fading, but there was no slacking of the search efforts. In the early dawn of the following day, five more bodies were recovered from the scene.

In the ensuing days, Commander Gilbert expertly guided his command and scores of other personnel and hardware from State agencies, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the private sector. Searches continued and divers were dispatched to sound the hull for survivors; a Navy Special Psychiatric Rapid Intervention Team (SPRINT) and chaplains were called in to support survivors and next of kin; the press was accommodated and provided briefings; alternate channels in and out of the port were identified and marked so some traffic could resume.

Underwater surveys indicated the vessels had collided port bow to port bow, then slid down each other’s port side. CAPRICON’s port anchor had become imbedded in BLACKTHORN’S hull, ripping open a long gash, then, as the anchor and chain payed out, rolling BLACKTHORN over, causing her to sink in just minutes. With Navy salvage support, BLACKTHORN was eventually raised after significant delays due to proceedings of the Marine Investigating Board and weather. When she was finally lifted clear on February 19, the bodies of the remaining 17 crew members were recovered.

In an article Captain Gilbert subsequently wrote about the incident, he cited several lessons learned, and offered outstanding guidance in Crisis Management. His leadership and performance of duty during the episode were universally applauded, and he became a go-to guy in crisis response.

Then-Lieutenant Steve Venckus was Ed’s Operations Officer at the time: “I never saw him flustered. He kept me focused on the rescue while seeing the bigger picture. He always kept his people first. He immediately brought in a Navy SPRINT team to care for survivors, families and command personnel. He also dealt most effectively with the closure of the port as BLACKTHORN lay December 2020/January 2021

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we thank you for your dedication to protecting our waters

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IN SERVICE BEYOND broken at the bottom of the main ship channel.”

Barely more than 3 months later, there was a second calamity when, in heavy weather and near-zero visibility, a 600foot freighter struck one of the two main spans of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at the entrance to Tampa Bay. The entire span collapsed into the bay 150 feet below, taking with it a truck, five autos and a bus. 35 people perished. Once again, Group St Pete and augmenting resources under Commander Gilbert’s command performed in an exceptional manner.

CAPT Steve Venckus again: “We learned a lot from the BLACKTHORN incident and we soon needed to apply those lessons again when the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapsed. RADM Gilbert again led us through that tragic event with the same unruffled, unflappable composure and style of his.”

Ed next went to Coast Guard Headquarters where he served in a succession of senior positions in the Office of Telecommunications, up to Deputy Office Chief, until he was transferred to the 12th District Staff as Chief of Operations, then Chief of Staff.

He was selected for Flag Rank in 1986 and returned to Headquarters as Chief of R&D.

Gilbert I ADM Thad Allen ’71 and RADMs Rudy Peschel ’63, Paul Busick ’66 and Bert Kinghorn ’71 – all G-I team members – provided major input for the following…

When Admiral Paul Yost ’51 became Commandant in 1986, a number of converging forces created pressure on the Coast Guard to review its organizational structure, better its operations-to-support ratio, and improve mission effectiveness. There was specific direction from Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole to consolidate Districts and regionalize support functions. Operational demands were building. The war on drugs and the prospect of hostilities in the Persian Gulf drove supplemental appropriations to construct additional 110-foot patrol

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RADM Gilbert, while 11th District Commander, throws out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium.

boats. New 270-foot cutters were coming online, post-FRAM 378-foot cutters required a 10% crew increase, and Law Enforcement Detachments were being established. Finally, there was pressure from the Reagan administration to review what functions might be contracted out.

The Commandant directed that a study team be established to address these inter-related forces. In his guidance to the team, Admiral Yost stated: “I have given conceptual approval to consolidating at a higher level those various support functions that are common to all our districts.” He wanted a detailed implementation plan with a staffing reduction of 25%. The unenviable task of Project Director fell to a new onestar, RDML Ed Gilbert. In a career that spanned four decades, this assignment would distinguish Ed Gilbert as a strategic, forward thinking leader, and the architect of the greatest organizational change in the Service since World War II. With input from the Chief of Staff’s Office, Ed put together a crossfunctional team that began their work in September 1986. The team included civilian and military personnel of various specialties and disciplines from Headquarters and District staffs and field commands. Five months later, in February 1987, Admiral Yost approved the team’s report: “Realignment of Management and Support Functions of the Coast Guard.” In short order however, the study became part of Coast Guard history, known simply as the “Gilbert Study” – later “Gilbert I” - solidly ensuring Ed’s place in service history.

The approved central elements of the plan were: (1) the disestablishment of the 3rd and 12th Coast Guard Districts; (2) the creation of two regional Maintenance and Logistics Commands, one supporting each Area; and (3) transfer of management of all cutters greater than 180 feet, communications stations, and long range fixed wing aircraft from District to Area Commanders. The study efforts freed up 500 billets for conversion from support to operations.

The path to completion of Gilbert I wasn’t always smooth. Many oxen were being gored, temples tumbled, and December 2020/January 2021

STRONGER We know that 2020 has been a hard year for many – from the COVID-19 pandemic, to racial injustice and social unrest, to West Coast wildfires and hurricanes in the Gulf. We believe it is more important than ever to reinforce our commitment to what we value most. Knowing the amazing transformations we have accomplished together thus far, we hope you continue to help us on this journey, ensuring the Academy continues to develop the future of THE

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together

the Long Blue Line ready to meet the very serious challenges facing our nation.

Join us in furthering our collective impact in 2020 and beyond, whether that’s through a pledge to the Maritime Center of Excellence along with your fellow classmates, a gift to one of our funds in support of your passions like the Bear Club, following through on your All Present commitment, or by starting a recurring gift to the

CGA Today! Fund that benefits all areas of cadet life. We appreciate your support no matter the size and know that it will ensure the Academy remains strong and relevant in these uncertain times.

Support your Academy and make your gift today at www.cgaalumni.org/YearEnd2020 (or complete the envelope found here to send in your check)

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IN SERVICE BEYOND people, hardware, control and autonomy were being taken from long-established commands and programs. In Ed’s words, the reception to the team’s efforts was frequently “less than wonderful!” Ed was highly adept at managing this turmoil.

Internally, he kept the team apprised of issues that came to him in a very effective, low-key manner, and externally he conducted dozens of consultative meetings, primarily with field flags. He encouraged team members to consult with Headquarters Division Chiefs and others on issues the team was facing.

He spent significant time preparing for meetings with other flags, considering what they might object to, and what might be said to either draw them out more, or counter their point. He made it abundantly clear that the task was never ‘should we do this’, but rather ‘how should we do it’?

The team had proposed additional changes that were considered by field commanders as a bridge too far … a single support command instead of two, and closure of Governor’s Island being among the more significant. This groundbreaking work, while constrained by resistance to some changes by field commanders, also set the stage for future change. The Finance Center was created two years later and Governor’s Island closed in 1998. The consolidation of the two regional MLC functions into a single unified mission support organization, the removal of intermediate level maintenance and support, and the creation of centers of excellence for all support functions occurred several years later during Admiral Thad Allen’s tenure as Commandant. The Admiral credits his service on the Gilbert I Study Team as the basis for his actions as Commandant to modernize and transform the Service.

RADM Paul Busick, study team member: “He was the best listener I ever worked for, and had an incredible way of patiently asking you questions that eventually led to you understanding not only what needed doing, but how to get there.”

RADM Rudy Peschel, study team member: “It all worked thanks to Ed’s patience with us and his silent strength.

We didn’t really know, as it was happening, that he was such a positive force.”

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Gilbert II CAPT Russ Cherry, USCGR, and RADMs Gordon Piche ’64 and Doug Teeson ’65, all team members, provided input for the following segment...

A second study began later in 1987. Having succeeded in Gilbert I with a major field restructuring and consolidation, RADM Gilbert was now charged by the Commandant with conducting a review to streamline Headquarters with its 2300 billets and positions. What subsequently came to be known simply as “Gilbert II” evolved in part from field pushback on Gilbert I, i.e. “How about taking a look at HQ for bloat, consolidations, and billet savings?

HQ needs to bleed like the rest of us.”

Charter elements included: examine what are the true functions of Headquarters; streamline administrative processes; focus top management on broad issues; balance senior management responsibility; enhance resource acquisition and allocation; save billets/ positions and make HQ smaller, among others.

Ed encouraged the free flow of ideas and creativity within the team. He was especially quick to identify key opportunities and problem areas, then direct the team in formulating effective solutions. And the opportunities for savings and efficiencies - the low hanging fruit - abounded. What was the true function of HQ? What was policy?

How much was needed? Duplication and parallel centers of expertise were found and categorized across offices.

Headquarters and field redundancies were identified and questioned. Similar functions and their required expertise were categorized. The Directorate concept emerged.

The team’s focus naturally flowed into the functions and structure of the Chief of Staff’s organization, at which point the team hit a wall. Although not initially obvious – not stipulated in the charter nor in subsequent guidance – the Chief of Staff’s organization was off limits in the team’s efforts. About the same time, the Commandant apparently decided not to put the organization through another significant upheaval in such short order.

Change takes time and the service was still absorbing Gilbert I. For now at least, December 2020/January 2021

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We couldn’t do it without the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. Thank you!

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IN SERVICE BEYOND there would not be a second major restructuring.

Word spread and soon Offices that were previously helpful became less so. While most mid-grade officers and civilians agreed with the team’s focus and the recommendations under consideration, most senior leaders resisted, arguing for the status quo, and usually citing the need for Headquarters’ policy development and guidance, RADM Gilbert, seen here at his D11 Change of Command and Retirement in 1993, often though the whys, whats and used humor as a valuable tool in his unending hows remained in question. quest to inspire, guide and teach others about Through it all, Ed was excellence and leadership. Learn how in Part II supportive and encouraging, of this article at www.cgaalumni.org/Dec20. and always attentive to his team member’s well-being and best interests. He returned from a meeting one day and told the team: “It looks like we’ll be writing for history. If anyone wants off the team now, I’ll understand.” No one walked, the team was given a revised completion date, and they finished the study a month or two later. There was no fanfare when the study terminated; no dramatic changes were implemented … not even aired. Still the team had planted seeds and ideas that stuck and would see the light of day down the road a good piece. The study sat dormant for several years until Admiral Allen implemented some variants of it when he was Commandant.

CAPT Russ Cherry, study team member: “Ed was an extraordinary teacher. He taught me to better manage contention and resistance, particularly upward. He was a master communicator personally as well as technically.”

RADM Gilbert stayed on at Headquarters until summer 1990, serving as Chief of Boating Safety, then for two years as the Coast Guard’s first “Resource Director”, a new Flag position established under the Chief of Staff to manage the Coast Guard’s PPB … Planning, Programming and Budgeting. In that capacity, he oversaw the planning, development, defense and execution of the Coast Guard’s annual budget. In 1990 he was assigned as Commander of the 11th Coast Guard District which, by then, encompassed the entire state of California. He remained in that position until he retired from active duty in June 1993.

In retirement, RADM Gilbert stayed very active in Coast Guard matters. His consulting organization, “Gilbert and Associates” worked primarily on Coast Guard contracts, particularly in maritime communications. He also joined and played key roles in Coast Guard-related organizations, the most significant being the Coast Guard Foundation and Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services.

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Read Part II at www.cgaalumni.org/Dec20 In this online exclusive, learn about RADM Gilbert’s contributions to the Coast Guard Foundation and the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services, read additional “sea stories” and testimonials, and understand how he used humor to not only entertain others, but often as a valuable tool in his unending quest to inspire, guide and teach others about excellence and leadership.

Epilogue I recently learned that a group of active duty and retired Coast Guard Officers in the “T” community have begun a grass roots effort to name one of the buildings at TISCOM after RADM Gilbert. I not only endorse their effort, but suggest they aim higher: name the entire complex for Ed. It is unquestionably deserved in recognition of the substantial contributions Ed Gilbert has made to the Coast Guard through his own direct efforts over 62 years, and the contributions of countless others he has mentored and inspired – so much of which continues to resonate in the Coast Guard of today. This recognition should not be subject to tedious approval processes, but needs to be expedited and approved soon so his family and we, his peers, can enjoy the satisfaction of seeing the right thing done in our time.

“He was a great gardener. He planted me, pruned me, and let me flourish.” - CAPT Steve Venckus ’74 “A savant in hick’s clothing and architect of the Coast Guard we have today and the one we will build tomorrow.” - ADM Thad Allen ’71 “Godspeed, my dear Ed Gilbert, see you on the other side!” - Ross Norsworthy, RTCM Captain Thompson served on active duty for 30 years.

He served in 6 cutters, commanding three including a patrol boat in Vietnam. In retirement, Captain Thompson worked for Northrop Grumman. Captain Thompson was inducted into the Coast Guard Academy Hall of Heroes in 2014.

December 2020/January 2021

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HISTORY LESSON

A Race with Death

40 years later the former CO of the ESCANABA recalls a daring night rescue that saved 31 souls

By CAPT Alban Landry, USCG (ret), ’55

“What with the raging seas; the wind whistling across the ocean surface, it would, however, only be a matter of time before either (or both) sections sank.

This had become a race with death. . . .”

- Excerpted from J.C. Carney’s “Howling Winds; Turbulent Waters.” [Read Carney’s full recount of the rescue at www.jacksjoint.com/ragny.htm]

D

uring the morning of Dec. 26, 1970, the 255-foot Cutter ESCANABA II unmoored at State Pier in New Bedford, MA, on its way to weather patrol duties at Ocean Station Echo, 1,000 miles southeast of Boston. A nor’easter was howling with driving snow that never touched the ground because of the high winds. We went through the harbor seawall cut and passed through Buzzards Bay before turning eastward. Just before we put Nantucket on our port beam, a faint SOS was heard from the Finnish Tanker, SS RAGNY. We confirmed the distress call with CG Radio Station New York. Then it was all engines ahead full, with the storm taking a heavy toll on the ships gear as it plowed through 40 -foot

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seas. The RAGNY had broken in half in heavy seas southeast of Cape May, NJ, and about 170 miles from us; there were 36 souls on board. In the meantime, the SS PLATTE arrived on the scene early that evening.

Attempting to rescue the 31 crewmen on the RAGNY’s stem section, the PLATTE launched a small boat manned by three men. Heavy seas capsized the PLATTE’s boat and one of the crewmen could not be retrieved from the frigid water.

“Commander Landry was livid. He had initially ordered the Platt’s captain via radio to not attempt a rescue unless deemed absolutely necessary. Yet, for one reason or another, CG Radio-New York may not have relayed his message. Now Escanaba had one more person to try and find in that tempestuous sea. A job Landry did not relish. The winds being as high as they were, coupled with the towering seas and poor visibility, caused this rescue to turn into a virtual nightmare.” -J.C. Carney

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HISTORY LESSON

When the ESCANABA arrived on scene about midnight, she began a search for the missing crewman, but without success. Turning to the plight of the RAGNY, the ESCANABA looked in vain for signs of life when it came on the scene of the ship’s bow.

“There was no distinguishable evidence of human kind . . . no rafts . . . no bodies floating . . . only the moanful sound of the driving wind---like echoing cries of the doomed---slamming against what was left of the bow’s freeboard. Captain Landry ordered the Escanaba to sail the four miles to the stern section.” -J.C. Carney Then it turned to where the stern was floating, with 31 men aboard. A shot line was used to transport a mobile radio from the Cutter to the men.

Due to the heavy seas and darkness, I decided to wait until daybreak for any rescue attempt. However, all plans were completed for rescue procedures before standing by to assist in case an emergency arose before sunrise.

At about 0330, the second mate of the RAGNY informed ESCANABA that the stern section of the stricken vessel would remain afloat for only a short time. In addition, weather reports indicated a worsening of the storm towards daylight.

I decided to start rescue operations immediately. First, we passed about 600 feet of line to the RAGNY, to be used to tether her survivors to one another during the rescue. The frigid waters and howling gale would probably send the men into a state of paralysis as they jumped from the stern. However, we planned that our small boat crewman would have a hold of one end of the line, heaved to them from the stem section, and could pull the survivor on board. We then launched two small boats to pick up the survivors. In a little over two hours, with a total of three boat trips, the 31 men on the RAGNY’s stern section were rescued, with no injuries to the crews of either vessel.

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“The remainder of the night was spent in search of the other 6 men. Yet all that was found was a prone body lashed to a raft; frozen stiff. The bow section had long disappeared, leaving an oil slick to note it was ever there. Landry, not wanting to again risk the exhausted crews lives in that heaving sea over the departed, left the body where it was, as nothing could be done for him.” -J.C. Carney The ESCANABA was directed by Commander Eastern Area to proceed to Bermuda, the nearest port, to offload survivors. But once again, the ESCANABA was to be diverted from her task at hand. Enroute to Bermuda, she changed her course to rendezvous with the German ship HASSELBURG, which had reported that one of her cooks had been seriously injured (fractured skull) in a fall aboard ship. The rendezvous was effected and the U.S. Public Health Service doctor aboard the ESCANABA was transferred by small boat to the HASSELBURG. Due to the serious condition of the crew member, the doctor remained on board the German vessel, which was escorted to Bermuda. Both ships arrived in Port Royal Bay the following morning.

It was later learned that the ship’s cook survived. After discharging survivors and retrieving the ships doctor, the ESCANABA refueled and left Bermuda later that day to continue her much delayed journey to Ocean Station Echo.

“And, after some long good-byes and heartfelt “thank you’s”… the lucky survivors disembarked. Just another ‘routine’ week for the crew of the USCGC Escanaba. . . .” -J.C. Carney CAPT Landry entered CGA as an enlisted man from the Air Force and graduated in 1955. He gained a Masters Degree in Financial Management from the US Naval Postgraduate School and served as Deputy Comptroller before retiring on September 1, 1976. He then served as Deputy Director, Massachusetts Environmental Police for 20 years. CAPT Landry was urged by fellow officers to submit this story for publication.

December 2020/January 2021

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The Coast Guard Hymn by John Dykes & George Jenks

I N M EMORIAM

Mrs. Irita C. Angelico, Wife of CDR Joseph F. Angelico, USCG (Ret), Class of 1967 October 26, 2020 Mrs. Dorothy “Jean” Austin, Widow of CAPT John M. Austin, USCG (Ret), Class of 1945 October 10, 2020 Mr. William N. Bichel, Class of 1957 March 29, 2020 CDR William E. Boland, USCGR (Ret) September 6, 2020 LT Terrance J. Brennan, USCG (Ret) October 23, 2020 CWO4 wilbur A. Coe, USCG (Ret) October 18, 2020 CAPT Richard A. DeCorps, Jr., USCG (Ret) September 28, 2020 CWO4 Adren J. Devane, Jr., USCG (Ret) October 29, 2020 CAPT James A. Dillian, USCG (Ret), Class of 1946 September 18, 2020 LCDR Mark S. Fretwell, USCG (Ret) September 19, 2020 LTJG Morgan L. Garrett, USCG, Class of 2019 October 23, 2020 Mrs. Nancy Gary, Widow of Mr. Daniel A. Gary, Class of 1968 October 13, 2020 CDR Eugene P. George, USCGR (Ret) July 9, 2020

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Eternal Father, Lord of Hosts, Watch o’er all those who guard our coasts.

Protect them from the raging seas, And give them light and life and peace.

Grant them from thy great throne above, The shield and shelter of thy love.

CWO2 James D. Gillespie, USCG (Ret) September 22, 2020

CAPT Arne J. Soreng, USCG (Ret), Class of 1949 October 12, 2020

CDR Richard G. Henderickson, USCG (Ret) August 28, 2020

CWO4 Bobby R. Stone, USCGR (Ret) October 17, 2020

Mr. Richard S. Holland, Class of 1955 September 23, 2020

LCDR Dick G.Taylor, USCG (Ret) October 24, 2020

CAPT Kenneth C. Hollemon, USCG (Ret), Class of 1966 November 2, 2020

CWO4 Irwin J.Treadway, USCG (Ret) October 6, 2020

CWO3 Edwin J. Jonas, USCG (Ret) October 8, 2020

CDR Ronald K. Wagner, USCGR (Ret) October 5, 2020

CDR Ralph B. Larsen, USCGR (Ret) September 13, 2020 CDR Michael A. Leeson, USCGR (Ret) October 6, 2020

CWO4 Richard A. Wawzrenial, USCGR (Ret) October 31, 2020

LT John N. Malsom, Jr., USCG (Ret) October 20, 2020

Mrs. Winona Webb, Widow of CAPT David A. Webb, USCG (Ret), Class of 1945 October 22, 2020

CAPT John C. Miller, USCG (Ret), Class of 1976 October 14, 2020

CAPT William E. Whaley, Jr., USCG (Ret) September 11, 2020

CDR Ronald A. Nilsen, USCG (Ret), Class of 1974 November 6, 2020 CDR Robert N. Pierce, USCGR (Ret), Class of 1951 October 4, 2020 LCDR Carlo E. Porazzi, USCG (Ret) October 17, 2020 CDR Barrett R. Richardson, USCGR (Ret) October 23, 2020 CAPT Stephen R. Schmit, USCG (Ret) September 10, 2020

October/November August 2017 2018

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Class of 1946

of bay leaves on board, and would not take them back. So started the era of bay leaves: bay leaf soup, bay leaf sauce, grilled bay leaves, everything from the galley had bay leaves in it. It had to end, so out on station in the middle of the ocean there was held the Station Delta Bay Leaf Party (aka Boston Tea Party). It all went overboard.

Even the sharks disappeared. From that time on bay leaves were a thing of the past.

I wonder where the supermarket got them?

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No Class News has been received this period, so it looks like we will have to come up with some class history.

Walking through the supermarket recently my gaze fell on a shelf that had bay leaves on sale.This took me back to my first ship following graduation from the Academy in 1946. Like all new junior officers I was made Commissary Officer, a role I knew nothing about, but never- theless was in charge of ordering stores for the galley. Among other items the cook said he needed a few pounds of bay leaves.

I had no idea what bay leaves were, but figured ten pounds would do.The storekeeper preparing the order to the Naval Commissary heard the term “ten” and multiplied my sheet by ten.

Then shortly afterward a truck backed up to the ship and started loading cartons

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In Memoriam Arne Soreng October 12, 2020 The following was shared by the CG Aviation Association (CGAA) and shared within these notes by the Class of 1969.

The CGAA Board of Directors regrets

to convey that Captain Arne J. Soreng made his final take-off on October 12, 2020 in Vancouver,WA. Arne was born on April 23, 1927 in Sheboygan,WI, the only child of Knut and Mathilde Soreng.

Arne was a member of Coast Guard Academy Class of 1949. After completing a tour on CGC WINONA, he was accepted for flight training at Pensacola and earned his wings in 1953. He served in a succession of aviation duty and command cadre assignments at Air Stations Annette Island, San Diego, Port Angeles, and ATC Mobile. Arne flew the JRF, UF1-G/HU16E, HO4S/HH-19A, and the HH-52. His many notable missions included the life-saving medevac of an Alaskan youth who suffered a harpoon wound on a distant island.

Captain Soreng’s staff assignments included senior positions at D11 and D12/ PACAREA, where he served as Pacific Area Chief of Staff before retiring in 1979 after 30 years of service.

Arne enjoyed time with his family during his retirement years and valued his connections and frequent contact with Coast Guard friends and colleagues through CGA reunions, Pterodactyl gatherings and other events.

Arne’s wife of 45 years, Doris, preceded him in death in 1996. He is survived by daughter Joanne of Portland, Oregon; son Keith of Petaluma, California; daughter Linda of Santa Rosa, California; and three grandchildren.

Captain Soreng’s private memorial and burial will occur at a later date. His family asks that remembrance donations be made to the American Red Cross or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Class of 1950 70%

members

$50K

pledged

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CAPT Gilbert L. Kraine: 1930 Hunters Trail, Norfolk,VA 23518 / 757.857.3801 / gilkraine@cox.net

49: Arne Soreng

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Your Homecoming Committee enjoyed being part of our nationwide virtual gathering.We hope everyone else did, also.We thought we could hear the

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cheering from coast-to-coast as we did our individual mental March-Ons before the game, hopefully with a beverage at hand. In addition, after the game, we held a virtual Post Game Cocktail Party as a Zoom meeting. Despite some difficulties, we had a good time and will try another class meeting.We hope that more of you will join us.

Bill Baldau wrote “Hello, Classmates, and greetings from the West Coast! I just had my 93rd Birthday, and it’s hard to believe I’ve lived so long. All is well here in Malibu, but I don’t get around easily anymore. I remember my days with you more clearly than I remember yesterday, and I hope you are all doing as well as can be expected. It ain’t easy getting old!!! Best Wishes and Semper Paratus!”

Bill’s daughter, Mary Lowe, wrote, “Despite his Alzheimer’s, my dad has moments of clarity when he enjoys talking about his time at the USCGA. I show him the latest Facebook posts from USCG EAGLE, which he gets a big kick out of. If you remember, I joined you for your Class reunions in 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010 and enjoyed them all.What a great class you are!! I very much felt like an honorary member!!”

Mary, after all those reunions, you are more than an honorary member of the class of 1950! You are a very special member.

Bob Fletcher reported “While being isolated by COVID-19, Connie and I spent some time reminiscing about some travelling we did in the early 1950’s.

Much of this travel was solo. I went from California to Honolulu (Army transport), then flew MATS to Guam. Connie flew from Baltimore to SF, then Army transport to Guam.

“We lived on Guam for about 2 years.

Then, PLANETREE’s home port was changed to Honolulu. Connie flew in a CG plane and I, of course, travelled aboard PLANETREE.We had our family car

securely lashed down on the O-1 deck.We lived in Honolulu for about 6 months.

“We flew back to the States aboard a Navy passenger seaplane to Oakland, California.

Just before the trip back to the States, I had to fly from Guam to Okinawa to reset a channel buoy that had broken its mooring. A petty officer from the Okinawa CG Loran Station provided transportation and assistance.We scrounged an Army LCU, anchor, chain, etc., and placed the buoy back on the required location. In the meantime, I happened to meet a former CG Cadet from the Class of 1952. His name was Marshall Fletcher. He was in the Air Force flying F-86 planes.

“It was a good thing that I ran into Marshall then, because I had to wait several days for a hop back to Guam. I ended up celebrating New Year’s with Marshall and his squadron. They were a pretty lively group, as I recall.

Bob, I’ll bet they were! Aviators are known for great parties!

Hubie Russell wrote, “We had our first rainless October since 1944. Bill McKibben’s new book, Falter by McMillian, gives a frightening picture of the effects of Climate Change. It may be too late to recover. It will not affect you or me, but I am concerned about my two grandchildren due this year.They may have problems.

“He also discusses Ayn Rand and her ‘money is everything’ philosophy.’ ” Hubie, who is Bill McKibben? Is he related to our deceased classmate Ferney McKibben?

And last but not least, Eileen Delaney received her high school diploma for her 93rd Birthday! She was interviewed on television and did a great job. Ei, with or without a diploma, we love you and are happy that you are now our TV star!

That’s it for this issue. Let’s see if we can do better for the next issue.We may be few in number, but we are still here!

50: Bill Baldau and daughter Mary Lowe

50: Eileen’s Diploma

Class of 1951 77%

members

$75K

pledged

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CAPT Robert A. Moss: 902 Camden Ct, Sequim,WA 98382 / 360.504.2492 / Liznbob53@gmail.com ......................................................................

I told you last time about that storeroom I was trying to get rid of.Well, I got rid of the junk and I even got rid of the storeroom. No place to put STUFF anymore so I have quit collecting STUFF. If I can hear from Dick Knapp, or Phil Moberg or Bill and Mary Lou Bleakley and John Phillips I shall add their input to this deathless prose.

Larry White sends this: “You want fact or fancy? Fact is, we’re all fine here, in our own way (details upon request). Isabel Pine’s School for Wayward Boys has moved on and so must we ---adapt, recalibrate--with patience and a sense of humor. Fancy, fill in your own blanks!”

Anyone else from the Class of 51 is encouraged to be heard, so you don’t have to settle for my stuff. And what I really need are pictures. Like me sipping on my Two Olive Martini.

Mind the Standing Night Orders. Call me if in doubt. Call me if in doubt about calling me.

Moving?

Don’t miss out on the next issue of The Bulletin. Please notify us of your new address.

Phone: 860.442.2683 x22

50: Hubie in Disguise

December 2020/January 2021

Class of 1952

............................................

VADM D.C.Thompson: 2213 Tattersalls Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 /910.251.1237 / members deeset@earthlink.net CAPT Daniel M. Conway: 21320 N. 56th St. Unit 1082, Phoenix,AZ 85054 480. 686.9256 / arizconway@msn.com .....................................................................

72%

In Memoriam Rosalie E. Carlston August 2, 2018

social events, like enjoying food trucks and sidewalk chalk art contests! Hope all of my Coast Guard friends are staying happy and healthy! God bless all of you”.

All is well with the Gilletts out in the Northwest. Faye reports Dick is using this time to organize papers.We can see the desk again! Got his hearing aid repaired at VA yesterday so TV back to normal volume.Take care as we wait out this most difficult time.” Great advice Faye as we see the COVID-19 stats rising most everywhere.

Dan Conway had a nice chat with Russ Fink. He has lived in the same house for 37 years but recently moved down to the first floor so no more stairs to climb.

He and Bina are doing fine.Well, the Fink’s did not have to downsize, they merely “down-staired.”

Dan also spoke again with Vinny Keyes in San Francisco, nothing new out there.

Bob “Ploot” Platt says “although he no longer drives, “I have multiple friends, one who makes the commissary run to stock up on my supplies. Friends who take me for Dr appointments, etc. I’m still involved with the new USCG Auxiliary’s database, helping other members and training them on its use. Keeping up with the bills and keeping the house from falling apart fills most of the time.There is still time left over for pleasure reading of my favorite author Nora Roberts.”

Chuck Conley and your two correspondents conducted the first mini Class Zoom in mid- November and we found it refreshing to “see” some classmates for a change.The next class Zoom info will be sent out by a class email with all you need to know to join in.We encourage you all to try it, you likely will enjoy seeing classmates and spouses on your phone, iPad or PC. All

Your correspondents are trying to keep the Class Directory up to date and noticed we hadn’t been able to reach Bob Carlston’s widow Rosalie Carlston for quite a while. So “Digger” Deese of the team “Dan & Deese Sleuths of ‘52” found her two-year-old obituary listed in a Fredericksburg VA funeral home. “Rosalie 90, of Fredericksburg passed away August 2, 2018. Rosalie was born in Kansas City, Missouri and came from a large and loving Italian family. She met the love of her life, Bob, on a train coming home from college for Christmas break. (Married prior to graduation!), they went on to have six children and lived all over the country as Bob pursued his military career. In 2017 they celebrated 66 years of marriage and were blessed to have had a true love story.

Rosalie was a devout Catholic and went on to become a Consecrated Daughter of Saint Francis de Sales. Survivors include five of her children, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob and one daughter. Rosalie was buried alongside Bob at Quantico National Cemetery” R.I.P. both.

From the Golf Capital of the World!

Joan Barrett reports that the United States Golf Association is moving their “Golf House” to Pinehurst.The project will be a $25 million investment by the organization that will include constructing new buildings near Pinehurst Resort. “While I don’t play golf anymore, I do enjoy being able to drive through the area and see golfers of all ages enjoying the courses. My daughter Christine continues to do well selling real estate here and checking in on me!

Due to the virus, I’m not able to volunteer at schools or nursing homes anymore. Fortunately, Christine and her neighbors 53: 1953 presidential inauguration ticket include me in various outdoor THE

BULLETIN

are welcome and we’ll keep it well under 40 minutes in length and you can bail out at any time. A prize will be sent to the wildest blouse or shirt wearer.

No pictures arrived in our mailboxes, wishing some would appear for next Bulletin, maybe some holiday photos? In the meantime, we want to wish all a Merry Xmas, Happy New Year and all the best of health & good times in 2021.Deese & Dan G’nite Irene!

Class of 1953 63%

members

$25K

pledged

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Kathryn D. Smith: 25 Rob Roy Road, Worcester, MA 01602 / 774.239.8563 / kdornansmith@aol.com ......................................................................

The class of ’53 currently has 19 nonagenarians among its living alumni.They are led by 92-year-old Dick Kott (Fort Washington, MD) who turned 90 in 2018.

Since then, 18 additional classmates have reached their ninth decade ~ and 2021 will see 19 more age into their 90s. Wendell Driggers (Reston,VA), the youngest classmate at age 88, will have to wait another year until January 2022 to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Tom and Gerrie Sing have traded their condo in Jensen Beach, FL, where they lived for 25 years, for a small house in

53: Passing by President Eisenhower’s reviewing stand

53: Leading the CGA battalion

77

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

Palm Bay. Moving an hour north up the Sunshine State’s east coast, their newly-built home is in the woods, right behind son Marc’s family.The Sings’ three grandchildren (10-yeartwins and a 6-year-old) run back and forth between homes, much to the delight of their grandparents.Tom reports that their new home is surrounded by flowers, trees, and wildlife, including a mother deer and her two fawns.

“We are in good shape, thank God, and have avoided the corona virus.” Sounds like a wonderful, peaceful retreat!!

We sadly report the recent death of Jeffrey Scott Cornelius Hoyland, son of Bernie and Peggy Hoyland (Suwanee, GA). At age 59, Jeff passed away peacefully after an 11-year battle with throat cancer. He was active in a wide array of organizations where he lived in Bedford, MA. A well-known photographer in the community, his pictures of youth athletes, musicians, and artists were often featured in the local media. Jeff was lauded as the town’s 2019 Citizen of the Year for his selfless dedication to making Bedford stronger.

While sorting through the many archives of Wee Smith (my father), I have uncovered numerous treasures dating back to his cadet days. In honor of the 2021 presidential inauguration, I share an original ticket from the 1953 Eisenhower/Nixon inauguration along with photos of CGA ’53 marching in the inauguration parade of our 34th president.

These photos were also featured in the 1953 Tide Rips with the following description of inauguration: “The whole battalion made the Pullman trip to Washington, D.C. to march in the parade honoring the inaugural of a new Commander-in-Chief. From point of departure near the Capitol, the Cadet Battalion led Division Three of the parade in the long march down flag-bedecked Pennsylvania Avenue.

Marching as a single unit proved difficult at times, but as we approached the reviewing

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

stand, tired backs stiffened to ramrods and ranks became arrow straight.There he was:The President of the United States.”

Class of 1954 63%

members

$100K pledged

............................................................................

CAPT Art Ladley: 2805 Galleon CT NE,Tacoma, WA 98422 / 253 952-2895 / aladley@harbornet.com .............................................................................

Ray Copin has submitted a book review of Jeff Hartman’s ‘63 latest book on CGA history to The Bulletin.The book traces the history of the Academy programs, activities, growth and sites spanning an evolution of nearly a century and a half beginning as a two-year program at sea on the Revenue Cutter Dobbin.There are nearly two hundred illustrations.The book lays out expansions of not only numbers of cadets and Academy acreage but uniforms, academic opportunity, diversity and activities. Ray concludes that it is a great gift for families with graduates or those with youngsters aspiring to Coast Guard careers, High School counselors, and others.

Larry Levine reports that he and Beth are sitting out the “pandemic” at home – same 4-bedroom house in Northbrook since 1970 – finally have enough closet space and hot water since all the offspring have married and left the abode. Fortunately, they have a nearby senior center that offers an extensive program from which Larry chooses and offers many online. Coupled with local weekly rotary club meetings also online, he’s keeping busy. Beth recently retired from the travel agency business so they have a lot of eyeball time.

Marilyn Ramsay wanted to wish everyone a peaceful and healthy holiday season and New Year. She also wants to thank everyone for the messages and support she has received from members of ’54 after Dwight’s passing. Marilyn was reminded of when she saw a newspaper article about the anniversary of the great east coast blackout when the power went out from Canada to NJ. It was the Ramsays’ first year at Governors Island while still under the Army.Their quarters were a third-floor apartment on the north end of the

54: Art Ladley, Pat Murphy and Ray Boyd - Oslo, Norway -July 1953

53: Marching from the Capitol down Pennsylvania

78

55: Howie Thorsen and his latest award

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

island facing lower Manhattan. Looking out their window all of NY was dark, a little scary.

This was back during the Cold War.The island had two power lines under the channel from Brooklyn and one was down for repairs.When power was lost Dwight said “well there goes the other line” plus some other things that don’t need to be repeated. After a while he went to the car to listen to the radio to find out that was going on. All evening Marilyn wondered if they should be in the air raid shelter that was in the basement of their building and how was she going to iron a shirt for Dwight to wear to work the next day.

Mark and Esther Millea are doing fine in the pandemic; neither having any of it.Various activities have “lessened,” but Mark still takes a daily walk (about 3/4 mile) to a big statue of a breaching humpback whale, that is surely in the Juneau “Travel Stuff.” Esther and Mark deliver “Meals on Wheels” on Thursdays. (Esther does the work, the driving, the fussing---Mark makes the little “x’s” on the clipboard and occasionally does some navigating!) Mark says they have an easy time of things compared with a lot of folks! Aviators in our class were saddened at the recent passing of Frank Shelley ’49. Many had flown with him at various times over the years. During his career, Frank made significant contributions to Coast Guard flight operations and planning.The class of ’49 lost another of our PacNW friends, Arne Soreng who also flew, commanded ATC Mobile, headed CGA Seamanship and sailed with several of us northwesterners during his and our retirement years.We’ll miss both Pop and Arne. And as this goes to press maybe the distractions of the election and the pandemic will have lessened.

Class of 1955 83%

members

$208K pledged

$1M

pledged

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CAPT Al Landry: 22 Berkshire Drive, Winchester, MA 01890 / alcacg55@gmail.com ................................................................................................

Howie Thorsen CG Aviator No. 776, CG Helicopter Pilot No. 442, and Ancient Albatross No. 13, has been cited by the Executive Board of the CG Aviation Association and selected for the Association’s Hall of Honor.The citation is for outstanding contributions to CG aviation through his superior performance having a lasting positive impact in the technical development of CG aviation. Howie responded, “I thank you for your kind thoughts. An honor totally unexpected, most assuredly unearned… but delicious to accept.” We cannot agree with your word ‘unearned,’ good friend.We know that no one worked harder at his job on active duty than you.The whole Class of 1955 is proud of you.

We understand that you and Marlyn visited Ashville, NC, for a couple of weeks.

Touring the Biltmore was special. It started with the purchase of 120,000 acres of land, then six years later, using 1,000 workers – many locals.

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Now, it includes a winery, hotel, small business area (and, for now, a great exhibition of photos and scenes from the tv series, “Downton Abbey”). It is extremely well maintained, clean and friendly. Awful glad to hear that the both of you had such a good time.

John Burhoe remembers working for Howie (District Seven Commander) as an impetuous and smart-alecky Lieutenant in command of Station Fort Lauderdale, FL. John and Betsy feel blessed with strong relationships with so many class members.They love living in VA only steps away from the home where Betsy lived until they were married in Round Hill,VA.They now worship in the same church and he serves as the Church Council Chair and Scouting Coordinator. John has had his fair share of conversations with Class President, Fred Herzberg, and is caretaking a bottle of some of the world’s finest scotch for an eventual “toast” to the Class of 1955. A variety of issues including the Coast Guard Museum, current issues at CGA and his association with the Class are the primary reasons he continues to contribute and remain a member of the Alumni Association. He still wears his Class of ’55 reunion gear and once got a compliment “Wow, Sir, you look great for a man who must be at least 85!” It’s so good to hear from the both of you again; let’s stay connected.

A nice note from Jeanne Strode advises that everything went well during Roger’s interment at Arlington Cemetery.The family gathered there on a beautiful, sunny day in July, including all four children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jeanne and Roger’s sixty-six years together was a great blessing.

Thank you for keeping us advised, Jeanne, and please stay in touch.

Dave and Carolyn Flanagan have been keeping busy despite COVID-19. He visits their church in Brookline MA frequently, fixing stuff while filling in for the facility manager or helping when two or more people are needed.

Improving property at home is also high on the priority list. A more recent task included tilling, weed removing, seeding, top soiling, and installing an auto sprinkling system for the front yard.They sing in the choir and now that is done on Zoom. It works pretty well, and having to listen to their own voices recorded, has done wonders by really improving voice contribution.Their daughter gave Dave a Father’s Day gift of professional voice lessons which led to his performing solos for the first time ever.This is the first year that he has not taken the entire family for a trip. He rented a 56-foot canal boat in southern France with plans to cruise the canal up stream toward Toulouse from a start at the French border with Italy.That was canceled and rescheduled for 2021.That would have been their twelfth trip. Recently he was installing an electric fence around their vegetable garden to repel rabbits and fell backwards down a very steep drop incline. He landed on a protruding rock and broke a rib. It hurt for about a week but healed just fine.The current task is reducing stuff in anticipation of moving to assisted living when COVID-19 is better managed. ’Tis good to hear THE

BULLETIN

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

about your activities and to know that all is well in Jamaica Plain.

With the Holiday Season upon us, we wish peace and joy for all classmates and families, friends and all the ships at sea.

Keep the Faith, Al

Class of 1956 60%

members

$450K pledged

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CAPT. Dick Sardeson: 1629 Queen Anne Ave N, #201, Seattle, WA. 98109 / 206.283.2022 / 206.498.2909(c) / grannys56@aol.com .............................................................................

Barbara Ketchel writes: On a lovely New England fall afternoon, Bob (Ketchel) was recognized by the town of Mattapoisett for his 25 years of service as Assistant Harbormaster.

The ceremony was at Town Hall steps and face masks were the dress code. It was a pleasure that the four Harbormasters that Bob served with were present. Also, four of his five great grandchildren were in attendance and their parents, our grandchildren Nathan and Morgan.

Friends and family also attended. It was a fitting acknowledgement of his service and appropriate for these times.

I received a very nice note from Wes and Judy Goodwin in late September. I think it is worth your time to read it and understand how private and family this was. Certainly, made me think about my family and my past years.

Here it is: “We received a 3 by 5 US Coast Guard flag from my son’s wife yesterday. It had flown, along with the Stars and Stripes and other flags, from three poles in the front field of their home in Cabot,VT for many years.

Summers and winters the flag always flew. Our son Rob was born in 1957 and was a member of our small Coast Guard family as Wes served on cutters out of Portland, Maine and Kodiak, Alaska. Rob was a joy to us in Portland and Kodiak and made the long trip with us to Alaska, and back with his younger brother Jeff, who was born in Kodiak. Even though Wes left the service for an engineering career, somehow Rob never lost our sense of loyalty inspired by the Coast Guard. The flag finally had to come down after Rob passed on last March and the home was sold, as it was too much for his wife to maintain in the Vermont winters. We trust

56: Jim Rooney and family together.

that the Coast Guard will continue its fine record and provide inspiration to all who serve and served.

In October I asked Art Wagner how they were doing as we entered the 8th month of restricted living. Here is his answer somewhat abbreviated: We are doing as well as can be expected - issues we have, but none to put us underground yet.The Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma I was laboring under for many years turned out to be a wrong diagnosis - Med Univ Hosp in Charleston cleared things up. Sun City is almost fully active - golf, pickle ball, tennis, softball, horseshoes and our favorite Bocce Ball (1,800 members) are all thriving.We have Music under the Stars, Open Air Dining (Inside available, but we don’t trust that yet.) Our dog Tucker gets his morning hour chasing balls at the Dog Park. I am Secretary/Treasurer of the Sunscribers Club and we hold all our meetings on ZOOM - So too for our church services with Christ Church Anglican in Savannah where Lallie and I were married. Almost all of the things we need outside of Sun City are within golf cart range - shopping centers, groceries, doctors, dentists, etc. Seldom see anyone unmasked. As long as the hurricanes stay away, we are good - first year we have not been hit - did get some fringes from Isaiah but pretty tame. All in all, life has been good,Thank God, Art Jim Rooney reports on a family outing: The Rooney adulthood gathered in Duck NC recently for a week of “Make a Memory.” The portion of family present was limited to myself plus all four adult offspring. Our USCG buddies and friends from years past can see how we have weathered the years from the included photo. (left to right: Murphy the adult labradoodle, held by Jim Jr., then Jim Sr, Colleen, Sheila and Kevin who broke the ten second record after setting up his camera on top of a car and racing up a flight of stairs to insure his presence in the photo.) We finished off the week with a great waterside restaurant family meal followed by a sunset catamaran cruise.

Was a rare and wonderful opportunity to gather, palaver, sing, enjoy and be thankful.

Everyone tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19 the day before arrival in Duck NC. Ceil directed all the music from on High.

56: Bob and Barbara Ketchel and family at award ceremony.

79

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

Bruce Gathy provided early news about our 65th in 11 months. As the “man in charge,” I can say that we are on our way. I signed a contract with the Holiday Inn of New London, for 20 rooms for the nights of Fri., 1 Oct and Sat., 2 Oct. 2021, for the “Class of 1956. “My plan is to inform the classmates, of the FULL plan for the event, on April 1, 2021. That should give them plenty of time to get organized, make arrangements and get in the mood.”

Class of 1957 77%

members

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Mr. A.K. Manthous: 5495 Club View Lane, North Port, FL 34287 941.429.1787 / papou3@aol.com http://cga1957.wiggio.com ...................................................

Opus# 200 [Nov 15 2020] THE EMAIL BUOY – I received a photo of the Flahertys and the Rotses who enjoyed a luncheon date in Ohio. I don’t know who hosted who, but they are now both residents in that state. Notice that everyone looks to be in good health.

The following message came in from Nick Penachinni Nichols- “My older daughter [she is 38] just had a baby girl on Saturday. Allison and CT had 2 boys - older boy is 3 years and 9 months - when the girl arrived.They are thrilled. I think I own the title of having the youngest grandkids in the class of 57.Yes? And so you do not have to look at your calendar, I will remember her birth date forever 10/10/2020 Elliot Sophia Charlton They will call her Ellie AND my son in law is 50 % Greek on his dad/s side.” First and foremost, congratulations on the new family member.

Secondly, claiming to have the youngest grandchild may be short lived, since there are other candidates still in the running.

From Pete Rots: “In times past I often wondered how one handled the boredom of staying at a 55+ Senior Residence facility. For me, early on I reread Zeb’s book concerning his Eagle experiences to pass the time.When Halloween rolled around, I found out more.

THEY HAVE A PARTY! Everyone had to dress up in a costume that would mimic someone.

Nothing else to do but join in. So Judy and I did.

There was a Charlie Chaplain, a Rita Hayworth, a ghost of Dracula, a man of the cloth and

57: Marcy Kaufmann’s painting of her husband Paul Kaufmann

80

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

others who just dressed in costume and wore masks.Very common these days.To pass the time the attendees had to guess who was being mimicked. In spite of my careful dress, no one guessed I was Ben Hogan, (I should have demonstrated my swing) attended by my caddie (Judy). The gathering was fun with a lot of laughs thanks to the good nature of the staff who ran the show. I can’t say that every day here goes that fast and the quarantine of COVID-19 makes the time go that much slower.

The quarantine does allow Judy to rest which is a must in her rehab program. For me, thank goodness for Netflix and football on the weekends. I fortunately have been able to squeeze in tennis with a group of guys that I had played with when I first retired here some 20+ years ago.There are some added newcomers most of whom work so we start our matches at 0630. It is tougher to find golfing partners, however I did just recently play in a local fundraiser golf tourney with son David and a couple of friends to fill out the foursome.

Format was best ball and the guys graciously let me go first on the green. Got lucky and sunk 6 birdie puts. None of the lies were off my ball.

We were just good enough to finish 6th in a field of 48.This, plus extracurricular activity of working at my daughter Sue’s horse barn, fills my days. Clearly, I must give the medical system here a four-star rating. Judy’s pulmonary doctor treated her as a patient when we lived here and because of the virus makes house calls to check progress and go over test results. On par with that, she has the services of a neurology department with a neurologist who is thorough way beyond my comprehension. It is all slowly coming together making us both very happy that we made the choice to move.” Sounds like they’ve adjusted well.

REPORTS – Frankie, Friedman and Gloege. Marty, do you think it’s about time to say hello? Marcine, you are new to the group, so, this will be your official welcome on board, and an opportunity to give us your pitch.

Terry, how’s the pooch doing?

CAVEAT – Beware of Greeks bearing gifts

57: Flahertys & Rotses that was taken in Ohio

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Class of 1958 86%

members

$160K pledged

.............................................................................

CAPT Alex Larzelere: 134 Lakeshore Dr. #G25 , North Palm Beach, FL 33408 561.964.1691/ 703.945.6692 (c) / larzeleresr@yahoo.com .............................................................................

Jim Sullivan reached out and got in touch with classmates to see how they were doing.

He said, “I was hoping to hear from many classmates, since we’re all locked down during the pandemic. Unfortunately, most of them were too busy being socially distant to get in touch with me. It has been a very, very quiet time! Jim did hear from Pete and Pam Cronk who started off their note claiming that they had been traveling extensively for the last six months.Then they confessed that they were trapped at home, just like the rest of us. Pete said, “We have been doing a lot of walking in the local parks and doing other things to get through the pandemic. Pam’s sister and her husband sailed from New York in January on an around-the-world cruise on the Queen Mary II. They got as far as Australia, before Cunard lines shut down the cruise.They missed out on thirty-seven port calls.They said they still had a great trip, but were grateful to be home safe and well.

Pete said that the hurricanes came fast and furious this season. Fortunately, they did not sustain any major damage.The Cronks are now trying to figure out the best way to spend Christmas in Tucson with their grandchildren.

The family has been very careful about exposure during the pandemic. Pete said, “We will probably fly there and quarantine for two weeks, before Christmas.”

Jim said Max Whitmore contacted him and waxed poetically about his time at the Academy. During swab summer, he was on the EAGLE for both legs of our Bermuda cruise.

He had vivid memories of being hit by hurricane Carol, on the way back to New London. Jim said, “At one point during the storm, Max and I must have been on the helm at the same time.We both clearly remember the same incident. Six of us were manning the helm on EAGLE. A rogue wave hit us on the port side, causing a heavy roll to starboard.

White water crashed across the deck and over the helm platform. One of our classmates was washed off the lee side of the helm and went cascading across the deck towards the starboard rail. Lt. Charles Blaha, ‘49, the commissioned OOD, saw what happened and took quick action. He blocked the cadet, preventing him from going overboard. Neither Max nor I can remember which of our classmates it was that nearly went over the side. Perhaps someone reading this article can remember and let us know?”

Due to the corona virus, Jim and Carolyn kept themselves fairly isolated in their casa in Ajijic, Mexico. Before the pandemic, they did managed to spend a wonderful week in Oxaca,

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

at the beginning of March. Oxaca has more people who speak indigenous languages than any other state in Mexico. Chiapas, the neighboring state, has many more indigenous languages, but fewer people speak them. Oxaca is renowned for its arts and crafts, especially pottery and the dying of cloth with natural dyes. It has a long history of independence. Jim said, “By the time we returned from Oxaca, the world had shut down. Since then, we have pretty much sheltered in place. Fortunately, that is much easier to do in our ideal climate than in many other areas.The Governor of the state of Jalisco shut things down early and restricted the residents of Guadalajara from traveling into the lakeside area, where we live.That reduced the spread of the virus and lowered the caseload in comparison to most Mexican states.

Unfortunately, testing is extremely limited, unless one is very sick,. Our hearts go out to everyone who had family or friends infected by the virus. Stay safe.”

When Alex talked to Bob Nelson, he was hunkered down at his home at Fairfax Station, VA. Bob said, “My daughter Katherine lives at Silver Spring, MD. She comes here and stays a few days with me every week. She works for Montgomery County Parks and Planning and brings her computer with her so she can work from my house.” Katherine’s visits give them the opportunity to go shopping and spend time together. Bob’s son Rob, his wife, and their four children live about a half a mile from Bob’s house. His granddaughter Devon graduated from George Mason University three years ago

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Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

and has a good job. Grandson Christopher graduated from high school three years ago and works at a mall, nearby. Cameron and James are both in high school.They frequently come to Bob’s house to do their schoolwork.

Bob said, “I’m doing well. I’m still living in the big house. I thought about selling it, but I’m glad I didn’t. It seems the kids are always around.” Bob still enjoys walking around the neighborhood. He uses a staff to walk now, and his walks are getting a little shorter. Bob’s daughter Karen lives in Yellow Springs, OH, near Dayton. She is a marriage counselor.With the onset of the virus, she changed the way she conducted her practice. She seldom goes into the office, anymore. She does her counseling electronically, or on the telephone.When she recently came to visit Bob for a week, she was able to continue working remotely. It’s a different world, out there! Even after the virus is gone, many of the changes that have taken place will still be with us.

Steve and Dot Smith are sheltering at home in Boca Raton, FL, during the pandemic, Steve has a massive collection of movies on disks and video tapes. He said, “I’m glad I’ve got them.We have watched a lot of movies since this all began! As far as going out of the house, I went to the grocery store two weeks ago and I went to see a doctor last week.” For you Classmates stuck at home, bored with nothing to do, I’ve got a suggestion. How about sending in some information for the notes to Phil, Jerry, Jim or Alex.

LONG BREAK. OUT.

Class of 1959

61%

members

....................................................

RADM Ron Polant: 3805 Gulf Blvd. #201, St Pete Beach, FL 33706 / 301.873.0798 / rpolant1@verizon.net ....................................................

Class of 1960 64%

members

$150K pledged

.............................................................................

CDR Bob Ginn: 105 Erler Street, Sitka, AK 99835 907.747.6775 / 907.738.6775 (c) / retCGav8r@gmail.com CAPT Don Naples: 143 Fairway Drive, New Britain, CT 06053 / 860.229.5000 / dnaples@msn.com .............................................................................

In Memoriam Margaret-Ellen Hill October 17, 2020 Plenty of sad news this cycle, and apparently none of it has anything to do with the viral pandemic we’re all enduring.

First, we regret to report the death of Margaret-Ellen Minson Hill (“Ellen”), 78, wife of Fred Hill, in Altoona, Florida, on 17 October. Ellen was active throughout her life, teaching, swimming, sailing and traveling with

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Fred until dementia took over during her later years. She and Fred devoted many hours to the Coast Guard Auxiliary after her retirement.

Besides Fred, she is survived by a son, a daughter, and a granddaughter. Our condolences to Fred and his family.

Paul Hinkley is also dealing with caring for his wife, Carol Ann, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago, and is wondering if others in the class who are experiencing similar problems might be interested in sharing their thoughts and solutions. His email is pkh1500@yahoo.com.

Our final sad news is from Dick Zins, reporting on Jack Lewis, “Jack has been seriously ill since the beginning of the year with a blood disorder that requires blood transfusions every 10 days and chemo infusions five days a month. [In October] he was diagnosed with lung cancer, which might be treatable with targeted radiation. He plans to continue with aggressive treatment and is content and comfortable with his current situation.” Jack would be pleased to hear from classmates. His email is lewisjackw@gmail.com and his postal address is 3180 Old Rail Road, Eagle Rock,VA 24085.

As promised, we have the third and final excerpt from Harry Obedin’s bio which he prepared for our 50th reunion.We pick up following Harry’s CG Headquarters tour and his marriage to Neale: “My subsequent duties involved alternating icebreaker cruises, graduate education at American University, staff duty at Headquarters in Search and Rescue and then Boating Safety. My academic work at American University resulted in proposing to build a public park over interstate highways.The first such was built in Seattle,WA. Another idea I presented was to create a program to train ex-military corpsmen to be licensed doctors.

When I presented this idea to the AMA, they felt threatened and seemed to reject it. Now, though, five Universities, including Duke U., have implemented this program.

“The Coast Guard assigned me to icebreaker duty in Seattle in 1973. At that time Seattle was in a financial crisis.The famous billboard “Will the last person leaving Seattle please turn out the lights” appeared on national television. I found the housing there to be about one-third the price of similar housing in the Washington, DC, area. Neale and I purchased a five-bedroom house for $43,000.

After a trip to Antarctica, we subsequently also bought a rental house. Six months later, we purchased another.Then another, etc. Another Coast Guard officer wanted to keep his house in Seattle, when he was being transferred to another station. No real estate firm was willing to manage the rental and supervision of that.

So, I volunteered – and that was how my present business, Samaras Associates, Inc., began. Small at first, and still progressing.

“Along the way my wife Neale and I obtained our real estate licenses; eventually joining the real estate industry. Neale started selling for various real estate firms but has been with RE/MAX NW for some time. My firm, Samaras, exclusively manages properties for others.We also organize groups of

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Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

investors to buy apartment houses, which we then manage for them.When I had arrived in Seattle my intention was to spend 30 years in the Coast Guard, command an icebreaker, and retire. As I reached 20 years, the growth of our real estate activities made my staying in the Coast Guard into an expensive hobby. I retired after 20 years as a Commander and went full time into managing my business.

“Neale and I visit the East Coast about four times a year to visit our daughter, our son-in-law, and their four children.We also visit with my son David and his family. [He] works as a successful businessman in the Midwest. Our plans are to retire when we grow old and bored with what we do, but right now we are having too much fun to think about that.”

Once again, we bid adieu to Harry and, once again, our condolences to Neale and her family.We all have lost a unique character.

Marty Moynihan reports that all is well, or fairly so, “Still observing quarantine here in Virginia Beach to ensure Cynthia and I stay safe and healthy. Miss going out to dinner and church. Biggest loss this year, besides Homecoming, is no sailing this season. First the virus canceled the start of the Wednesday night series, then our fore-deck spinnaker handler needed shoulder surgery, then our main sheet trimmer blew out his knee; these were non-sailing injuries.The crowning blow was to find hull cracks on our 40-year-old boat where the chainplates were pulling out after too many flying jibes. My only venture on the water this year has been on the Cape May to Lewes, Delaware ferry coming home from a long family weekend at the beach in New Jersey.

Looking forward to sailing next year.

Remember:YOU DON’T STOP SAILING WHEN YOU GET OLD - YOU GET OLD WHEN YOU STOP SAILING !!” Thanks, Marty.

That old sailboat is half your age; treat it, and yourself, gently.

As we started drafting this final missive of 2020, it was the week that we should have been in New London for our 60th reunion but, alas, “60 for ‘60 in ‘20” was done in by the coronavirus.The Alumni Association now has us (and other –5 and –0 classes) penciled in for 6-10 October 2021 (classes ending in –1 and –6 will meet the week before). If one of you doesn’t come up with a new slogan, we’ll just have to make “61 for ‘60 in ‘21” work for us.

And the beat goes on...

61: Book Cover for “Sixty-One Never Outdone”

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Class of 1961 80%

members

$500K pledged

.............................................................................

CDR Tom Braithwaite: 48 Wildwood Drive, Palmyra,VA 22963 / 434.591.1121(h) / 434.825.1444 (c)tombraith61@earthlink.net .............................................................................

In Memoriam Mary Swain November 7, 2020 In Memoriam Kay Linfors August 21, 2020 I regret to inform all that Mary Swain wife of Rob Swain class of 61 had passed away on 7 November 2020. She fought cancer for about 5 years and Rob will advise if a memorial service is planned after the COVID virus pandemic.

Kay passed away on Aug 21st and will be buried with Nils at Arlington on Feb 5th.

Please note that I added a new email address. I have not shut off my old one but I get so much junk on that on that I spend a lot of time deleting.The new one just added 61 to the address.

Well, Pete Bornstein has finished the class book.

ATTENTION NEW PUBLICATION A simple idea of keeping in touch with each other via a group e-mail during the ongoing pandemic blossomed into a daily exchange of stories and exploits covering the past 63 years of the Coast Guard Academy Class of 1961.

This flurry of e-mails formed the basis for a new book compiled and edited by Pete Bornstein of the Class of ’61.The recently published book, currently available through Amazon Books, is entitled SIXTY-ONE NEVER OUTDONE tales of the United States Coast Guard Academy Class of 1961.

Wonderful and poignant stories, as well as adventures of the Class of 1961, have been captured in this remarkable publication. It is a must read for any academy graduate or anyone interested in the U.S. Coast Guard. Swab summers, academy life, sailing EAGLE,

61: Sandells visit Carillis

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

graduation, commissioning, first and subsequent assignments captured in heartwarming, adventurous, humorous and personal sagas have created an enduring legacy for classmates, families, and friends.Writing and reading these stories have brought the class of 1961 even closer together by living up to the motto: “61 never outdone.”

And Pete adds this: I am pleased to announce that Edition 3 of Sixty-one Never Outdone is now available as a paperback and an eBook.The contents of our book remain the same as in previous editions except that I have added one tribute to the Reflections chapter.

If you purchased the paperback before October 20th, you may have noticed that page number references in the “Content of Tales” (COT) were incorrect. I have attached the corrected COT which you can paste into your book if you wish.

To make amends for the inconvenience of incorrect page number references, I have done the following: I have permanently reduced the price of the eBook from $9.61 to $4.61.I have temporarily reduced the price of the paperback from $19.61 to $12.70 (the minimum allowed by Kindle Direct Publishing). The $12.70 price will be in effect until Saturday, November 21st.

I am gifting two copies of the book to the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association to replace Edition 1. One copy will be in the board room, and the other copy will be on the Authors’ bookshelf.

This is your legacy, and I am honored and privileged to have represented you in compiling and entitling your stories. If you are pleased with the book, I hope you will post a review at Amazon Books www.amazon.com/amazonbooks/b?ie=UTF8&node=13270229011.

I look forward to seeing you at our 60th reunion. Hopefully, we will all have had our COVID-19 shots by then, will no longer be sheltering in place, and we can hug again. In the meantime, be safe.

I am very impressed with what Pete has accomplished with this publication. I have the original kindle edition but I am now buying 3 of the paper backs as gifts in the family. Shown here is the cover Despite little travel by classmates Joe Carilli did send me a picture of Dave and Kathy Sandell having lunch in NH with Joe

62: A very fit Bill Borchers in the front yard THE

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and Carol on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

I just finished reading Jeff Hartman’s ’63 book on the academy and I really liked it. It should be required reading for anyone considering CGA. It is a great recap of what went through and how it is now. A real trip down memory lane I asked my wife if I was the only one she had been with. She said yes, all the others were nines and tens.

Best regards,Tom

Class of 1962

76%

members

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CDR Carl H. Burkhart: 135 Kanasdatsi Drive, Brevard, NC 28712 ....................................................

Along with just about all of us, Bill Borchers celebrated his 80th last August with his wife Judy at his home since 1972 in Suffield, CT. He has been retired from Westinghouse Nuclear Power since 2001. Sadly, his son passed away four years ago, but his daughter is doing well as an APRN with a PhD in Nursing. Judy and Bill have four grandchildren and SIX great-grandchildren. Bill keeps busy amateur radio, walking/running, genealogy, and driving ambulance shifts.

Fellow Connecticut resident Chuck Morgan writes: “We continue to hunker down due to the virus. Still enjoying growing a good portion of our food on our hillside place in CT. Still playing fiddle music with friends on Zoom Wednesdays.Taken up art in winters now.”

Chuck included in his note to me several examples of his forays into painting.

Karen Archer reports that George is still working on his recovery. He is most appreciative of the many messages of encouragement that have been received from classmates, Dave Boyle is recovering from his second replacement of his right hip. He is also no doubt recovering from the shock that Borchers has twice as many great-grandchildren than Dave.

Since the subject of historical murals has been in the forefront lately, I want to repeat our continued thanks to the classes of ’45, ’50. ’55, ’56, ’60, ’63, and ’73 for their previous support of our historical murals project.Their support arose from the recollection of the

63: Artie and his minnow

positive effect upon cadets of our era as we contemplated our future as Coast Guard officers while surrounded by the inspirational murals of Aldis Browne in the old library.

Class of 1963 81%

members

$250K pledged

.............................................................................

CAPT Jeffrey Hartman: 135 Hogans Vista, Sequim, WA 98382 / 360.531.3026 / jhartman63@msn.com Mike Burdian: 4229 Alesbury Dr., Jacksonville FL 32224 / 904.223.4416 / mikeburdianhomes@gmail.com Dennis Brady: 1010 American Eagle Blvd #615, Sun City Center, FL 33573 / 603.770.3159 / shadow63cga@earthlink.net .............................................................................

Well, let’s start with Dave and Vicky Connolly who have had a rough time with the hurricane season that is not yet over.They experienced serious damage to their pub and the destruction of a pier, but with the help of friends quickly made repairs and got back into business.This was certainly not the first hurricane that has hit them, but clearly one of the most destructive.

My latest request for someone besides Jack Soltys and Artie Katz to furnish me a picture of their minnow received a response from Steve Ulmer who apparently visited a local bait shack to actually send me a picture of his (not shown here). Not to be outdone by Jack, Artie sent a picture of a sizeable Striper he recently caught. It’ll supply a meal, or two.

Dick DeVries, along with son, Jake, and grandson, Luke, went fishing on the Salmon River in New York.The day included Dick hooking a Coho which promptly took off, stood on its tail and threw off the hook. Later he hooked a small King then then the reel fell off his rod. He later landed it using his foot.

Great form.

We’ve had to postpone a formal offering of the 36-inch Alexander Hamilton statue and the pedestal crafted by Harvey Orr indefinitely due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, Ed DeMuzzio did visit the Alumni Center and sends along a photo of these attractive

63: Ed with Alex on crafted pedestal

63: Bob and Ella

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Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

creations. Harvey’s skills at craftsmanship are truly spectacular and really enhance the atmosphere in the Center.

Chuck Mosher announces he has married again. Congratulations to him and his new wife, Diana, a neighbor. He remarked it gives new meaning to “Love thy neighbor.”

Andy Durkee continues to be busy with the Rohnert Park Armed Forces Banner program he created in 2011. It honors and recognizes individuals on active duty in the military who reside in town, or have immediate family members who do. A great program that I’m certain is well received.

Bob Leggett recently visited with granddaughter, Ella, who graduated 7th grade with high honors and aspires to becoming a doctor. He’s giving her a hand preparing for honors algebra next fall and admits to it being a challenging assignment.

Finally, I chose to travel in late September and since my kids are against my driving alone and Maryanne can no longer travel being a resident of memory care, I took along two good friends, Angie and Diane. It gave them the opportunity to see parts of the country, much they had not ever seen.We traveled from St. Simon’s Island, to Charleston and there visited my daughter and friend who had just relocated there. Included in our visit was the Ghost Walk and carriage ride.Then to New Hampshire where we visited with friends, including Len and Jeanne Pichini ’62 finding both well. Len has retired from playing the drums which has been a lifelong activity. From there to Maine where Dave and Lorna Andrews were gracious hosts in their home for two nights.The hospitality, food and excursions were truly wonderful. Off to Bretton Woods, but no Mt. Washington which was totally shrouded in clouds.The Flume was totally booked so settled for The Basin. On our way through Manchester we visited briefly with Murray and Fran Towle. We arrived to find that Murray was at urgent care having a tick bite examined.

Fortunately the bite proved negative to triple E and Lyme’s disease.They live in the home in which Murray was raised, on a large municipal reservoir whose level is down dramatically due to drought conditions in New Hampshire.

(They may be leading the group with seven great grandkids.) Off to the Luray Caverns where we met up with our eldest son, Mike, and his wife Lynn. Our last stop was Atlanta visiting their incredible aquarium, the Coca

Cola Museum and Fernbank. If you visit Atlanta the former is a must! While in Atlanta we visited my granddaughter and her fiancée. It was a long trip, but with pleasant companions and wonderful experiences.

Mike Burdian has the next column so begin gathering up your news and photos.

When you’re reading this as 2021 nears, here’s hoping we’ve begun the road back to whatever “normal” will become. In the meantime, thanks for these inputs …

Bob Heid sent along a note, covering several topics: “Thanks for putting out the word regarding Joan’s burial at Arlington in August. DOD had just increased the size of funeral parties from 10 to 50 persons, which allowed for local classmates, family, and former neighbors to attend. For an August day in the DC area, the weather was beautiful – mid-70’s and blue sky.

“I had successful back surgery the end of June. Bone spurs were removed from two vertebrae and I was able to walk pain free the next day, and continue to do so. I spent September and October with my daughter and family in Richmond,VA. My granddaughter was starting her first year of high school via virtual learning on the computer. I volunteered to be her tutor to help adjust to the at-home routine, focusing on helping with geometry. First marking period results were six A’s - including geometry - and one B+. A great time spent with a smart young lady! Going back for the holidays.

“While in Virginia, I had lunch with Jim and Kay Loy in Williamsburg. It was a great time with some stories of the “old days”. An enjoyable visit, as always, with these great people! (Ed: enhanced photo attached.) Back here in Florida, I’ve had dinner with Jane, Gary and Melanie Nelson to celebrate a 55th wedding anniversary and Mel’s birthday. I’ve

seen the Underwood’s (Ann and Jerry ’66) several times for dinner and visits. Great friends that are close by. Sure does help!”

Dave Zawadzki submitted the following: “Nancy and I have been ‘hunkered down,’ often reminiscing about times past. One item that crossed our minds is the 9/11 anniversary that we are all familiar with. However, 9/11 has additional significance for us … our anniversary! Shortly before our wedding date in 1965, I was aboard CASTLE ROCK, returning to our homeport of Boston after a lengthy deployment. As luck would have it, we were diverted to an AMVER Medical Emergency on a ship located between Bermuda and the Azores. If we had had to meet the ship, Nancy and I would have been married “in absentia.” Fortunately, another ship was able to respond, and CASTLE ROCK again headed back to Boston. I made it in plenty of time for our wedding, along with shipmates and swordsmen Pete Valade and Rick Ralph.

George Watts, then assigned to the icebreaker EASTWIND in Boston, also served as a swordsman and met Nancy’s bridesmaid Mary at our wedding. For George and Mary, it was love at first sight and led to them getting married.

“Most of us probably remember what we were doing on that infamous 9/11. In our case, Nancy was in Baltimore on a business trip and I was doing crew training on a cruise ship enroute Barcelona to Boston. On September 10th, the ship departed the Azores, and when I finished training a mid-watch group, it was September 11 ship time, so I called Nancy in Baltimore. She said it was still the 10th there, so let’s chat again tomorrow. A few hours later, 9/11 happened and it was impossible to make any calls via satellite phone for several days.

After much uncertainty, the ship was allowed to proceed to Boston and entered the harbor under heavy Coast Guard escort.”

Chic Murray said his son Craig came out to the Great Northwest for a quick visit. “We played Chambers Bay Golf Course, site of the 2015 U.S. Open. I shot 43-52. Spent too much time in sand traps.You know you’re in trouble when there are steps leading down into the traps. Photo attached.”

Win Risinger sent along an equally brief report with photo. “Lorry and I enjoyed spending Coast Guard Day with Linda and Owen Clary at their new home in Charleston, South Carolina. During the afternoon, Owen

63: Chuck and Diana tie the knot

63: Dave with travelers Angie, Dennis and Diane

63: Fran and Murray at home on their lake

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Class of 1964 50%

members

Donor

$720K pledged

.............................................................................

CAPT Ken Thompson: 514 Wales Way, Ashland, VA 23005 / 804.496.6904/ kcthomp@cox.net .............................................................................

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

conducted one of his famous walking tours, which he offers twice a week to lucky tourists who cross his path.”

From time to time in previous columns, there has been mention by or about Ray and Carol Cunningham’s times living and working in the Philippines. Ray recently sent me an interesting summary.

“Our Philippines adventures started in late 1997 when we signed a contract to manage all development activities for the $1.3 billion San Roque Dam. Construction was to begin by March 1998 so that about $100 million in site development activities would be completed by June 30, when then-President Ramos’ term expired. Ramos wasn’t sure his pet project would be continued by the new administration, even though its benefits were sorely needed to address an on-going major power crisis.

“Interim financing was approved and construction began on March 6. Later that year, newly-elected President Estrada concluded that the project was necessary and should continue.

It was successfully completed and began commercial operations on May 1, 2003.

“In late 1999, corporate responsibility for the San Roque Project had been transferred from Manhattan to a Hong Kong subsidiary that had no previous involvement. None of its senior officers had ever heard of Carol and me.To say they were skeptical of a husbandwife team heading what was, by far, their largest project would be an understatement. Moreover, the project was under vicious attack by environmental groups.

“So Carol decided to resign at year’s end after having assisted the Philippine government acquire 11,000 acres of land for the project, relocate families that had been living on these lands, and restore their livelihoods. Carol then started a small enterprise near the project site

64: Jim and Bob

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to employ family members either displaced by the construction or living in otherwise affected communities. But government efforts to restore the livelihoods of these families were ineffective and mostly failed.

“By mid-2002 Carol had determined that fashion jewelry would be an excellent product to export from the Philippines, as it was largely unregulated, subject to minimal customs duties, and was compact and easy to ship.We formed a 60% Filipino-controlled corporation having the right to sell jewelry wholesale both domestically and internationally, with us owning the remaining 40%. Carol named the new company Dam Good Stuff, Inc. (DGSI), which was incorporated in October 2002.

“We converted DGSI to a wholly foreign-owned corporation in September 2016.

At the same time, a young couple who are both Philippine nationals and US citizens became our partners and assumed responsibility for day-to-day operations. Carol is still involved from afar, helping with various aspects of the business via Internet.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has posed major challenges for DGSI including loss of our domestic and international customers for the past six months.We’ve managed to retain most employees, and DGSI will survive through 2020, but thereafter is unclear. Most likely we and our Philippine partners will struggle on in 2021.

Time will tell.”

Jim Sherrard reported on the latest Connecticut lunch bunch event: “We were finally able to have a class luncheon. Six locals dined outdoors at the Hideaway. It was a most enjoyable event – great weather, excellent food, and outstanding company.” Jim sent along two photos of the group – one with masks and one without. At Jim’s suggestion, I’m including only the former here … for your guessing pleasure.

I’ll include the unmasked version in the next column.

Jim went on to say: “I am back in the classroom at the college - but a totally different environment now. I teach in my regular classroom with a camera and microphone, using the whiteboard - with all the students attending online. It looks like this will be the teaching mode for the entire academic year.

Certainly not the same teaching dynamic as face-to-face, but at least we are offering the engineering program.”

Jim added: “I usually travel the entire summer, but this year I never left the state. All

64: Win Risinger and Owen Clary

my conferences, workshops, consulting, etc., were either cancelled or postponed. But … I did have a lot of time to work on my golf game, playing 3 or 4 times a week. And although I now play from the senior tees, I met one of my life goals … I shot my age back in August.

Following the recent e-mail dialogs about the 56th anniversary of our CGA graduation in June, then recalling the 60th anniversary of our “First Day at CGA” in July, some classmates have suggested to me other “themes” that might generate similar responses … though I doubt any could surpass that marvelous “1st Day” exchange we had. Anyway, one suggestion - from Ed McGuire - was a theme of our first cars, which I think we could begin using (legally anyway) February of 1st Class Year. So, how did that go? Clunkers, funny stories, bad endings, more? A second theme, this from Leo Black, was unique tours of duty or assigned details some of us might have had that were out of the mainstream, unusual, calamitous, comical in some way, etc. Your stories on these or other relevant topics are always welcome.

Class of 1965 65%

members

$1M

pledged

.............................................................................

Gerry Kane: 83 Hilltop Drive, San Carlos, CA 94070 / 650.787.1276 / gerrykane@gmail.com https://sites.google.com/site/cgaclass1965 .............................................................................

From Gerry Kane. Greetings Earthlings & Classmates. It’s an honor and scary responsibility to take on this 5-year gig as Class Correspondent. I blame Bill Carr for tricking me into this.Thanks for the very excellent work that all the previous CCs have done keeping this amazing tradition going for 55+ years with Les being the glue.

My style will likely be different from that of previous CCs. Del advised me to do my own thing. So, here goes. BTW, I’m building a new website for the class and have also created a Google Group. Both are works in progress.

Stay tuned.

Been lots of fire and smoke on the west coast (see Jim Andrasick notes below). But there are silver linings to these clouds: when the air is safe, more people are out walking, running and biking everywhere just to get out of the house. I predict a fitness boom. Also, lots of happy dogs - they’re getting walks 4 or 5 times a day now. And, with everyone wearing masks everywhere, it’s a great time to be a 64: Masked CT Diners

85

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

bank robber. Just saying…

News from classmates.

Jim Andrasick writes: it has been another active wildfire season along the Central California coasts, mountains and valleys.This time the main cause was lightning strikes… reportedly 10,000+ of them…in a single early August morning, coupled with high temperatures and low humidity. It’s becoming an annual event that requires lots of preparation: in our case, maintaining a unique fuel management plan for our property that sits atop a 2,200 ft. high ridge in the Santa Lucia’s, and keeping go-bags at the ready during the now-extended fire season.This year we had fires on three sides of us, but never were forced to evacuate…just dealing with smoke which at times was apocalyptic. Everyone around here will remember the day of orange-green-brown smoke mixed with coastal fog that was Martian in feeling and appearance.

It’s the uncertainty of where you might be spending the next night that’s unnerving, now coupled with pandemic fears. Despite it all, we could not be more happy living in this Mediterranean climate, growing a lot of what we eat, yet still connected with the outside Zoom world to continue our many pursuits.

One of those is the Coast Guard Foundation… now going on 20+ years as a trustee, thanks to no term limits(!).We look forward to the rescheduled 55th reunion to share stories.

Bob Staton writes: Michele and I live 35 miles south and west of Portland, so we were not really impacted by the fires in Oregon.We did get six days of smoke covered sky. It was very hard on the eyes and the smell was bad.

The nearest fire was about 40 miles away.The only problem we had was that we are used to clear skies and very clear air.We are safe here in McMinnville. Our county is one of the lowest in COVID cases and death. I think the latest death count is 14.We stay in and miss seeing our friends at church, but Zoom services are OK.We mostly stay at home and only go out to the store when needed.We normally go to Las Vegas for the winter but this year we have not decided if we want to make the trip.We have 6 grandkids in LV who we would like to see for the holidays however we don’t want to put anyone at risk. So we are in a wait and see situation.

Bob Gray writes: Tess and I have enjoyed our retirement so far.We had many fun trips together and enjoyed golfing and sailing our

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

boat. For my part after I left the Coast Guard I hired on with American Airlines and flew 17 years for them. I flew both domestic and international and spent my last 8 years as a captain on the MD 80. On my off time I basically golfed (until I had my thumb joint fused) sailed, kayaked, went fishing and built and raced iceboats.The picture is from the 2018 World Championship which I didn’t come close to winning.We are hanging on and making the best of it since COVID-19, fortunately our kids and grandson have so far stayed COVID free. I wish you all well.

Larry Greif writes: After 22 summers on my island in Canada and 15 winters in Belize, I decided I was just too old to commute between the two places and sold both of them.

Since I have lived right on the water for so many years, I decided to buy a place on the water in the southeast area and bought a condo on Lake Marion (also called SanteeCooper) in South Carolina. It is a very rural area which is what I prefer and I am very happy with the place.

Mike Koloski writes: I’d be happy to tell you a story of my bravery and heroism in the face of searing flame. It would be a tall tale if I did. Fortunately, Linda and I have been spared all that agony except for a good dose of smoke.

It’s true we have moved to Colorado Springs to live near our oldest son, Andrew. In fact, we are in the process of building a small home/elder cottage on their lovely 5-acre property with excellent views of Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range of the Rockies.We hope to be settled in by late Spring of 2021; at which time we welcome your visits. If things go true to form, I expect that Bill Sigler will be our first guest.

Gerry Zanolli recounts an odd/interesting experience whilst flying in the mid-70s.

“In October of 1974, while on a search out of Corpus Christi,Texas, we were diverted to Punta Arenas, in the very southernmost tip of Chile – overlooking the Straits of Magellan.The mission was to pick up a Coast Guard Strike Team that had been sent at the request of the Chilean government to help clean up a major oil spill from a tanker that had gone aground.

The first stop was in Panama to refuel.

After an overnight stay, we continued to Santiago, Chile. At the time, Chile was in the middle of a civil war and martial law was in effect.We were met there by a Chilean Sergeant who described his responsibilities as being a “helper” for our crew, that consisted of two pilots, a navigator, a flight engineer, two lookouts, and a loadmaster. I asked where the crew could exchange US dollars for local currency to pay for the hotel and food.The Sergeant said a bank would not be a good place

Moving?

Add “Notify the Alumni Association of New Address” to your moving To Do List!

Online: www.cgaalumni.org Email: mthompson@cgaalumni.org Phone: 860.442.2683 x22 65: Bob Gray in iceboat U5S

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Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

for us to go and he said he would take care of the exchange. He left and returned with eight times more money than the exchange rate would have been!

Before going to the hotel, the Sergeant asked me if we could take some of ‘his’ guys to Punta Arenas with us. Since these ‘guys’ were going to be armed Chilean soldiers, I told the Sergeant I would have to call headquarters to get permission. “No problem” says the Sergeant. “Come with me.”

We drove to a nondescript building across the field where we were greeted by two obvious FBI or CIA types surrounded by multiple electronics. I am amazed when it only takes 5-10 minutes to get the person I need on the line and ask for permission to give 14/15 well-armed foreign soldiers a ride to Punta Arenas. I get a YES - as long as I take control of the weapons while in flight.

We head to the hotel for the evening.We could hear gunfire outside the hotel almost immediately after the 9pm curfew was in effect.

The next day we land in Punta Arenas, discharge our passengers and pick up 4 or 5 of the Strike Team along with some very dirty oil-covered equipment.We spend the night in Punta Arenas and the next day, Sunday, we return to Santiago.

The same Sergeant meets the plane again.

He asks if the crew would like to go shopping.

Since it is a Sunday and Chile is a very Catholic country, nothing is open.The Sergeant asks us to wait and he will see what he can do for us.

Shortly the Sergeant is back and he takes us to a store that is obviously closed, knocks on the door and someone is right there to open up.

And then we go to a second store, which is also closed, but opens when he knocks.We finish our shopping!

From Santiago we fly back to Panama, then to San Francisco where we offload the Strike Team.Then we fly to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas to spend the night. Our next stop is Gulfport, Mississippi to offload the rest of the messy equipment and then to Elizabeth City – HOME. Forty-eight hours of flight time for an unforgettable mission.”

Class of 1966 71%

members

$1M

pledged

.............................................................................

CAPT Jerry Underwood: 1103 Linford Court,Valrico, FL 33596 / 813.681.6732(h) / 813.391.2324(c) / glunderwood@gmail.com .............................................................................

In Memoriam Kenneth C. Hollemon November 2, 2020 I am sorry to inform you that our classmate Ken Hollemon passed away November 2, 2020. I received the following from Harvey Knuth - It is with a very heavy heart and profound sadness that I’m writing to

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

report that Ken Hollemon passed away last night, after his long battle with Parkinson’s. I’m very thankful we were able to have lunch together just a couple weeks ago. Ken has been struggling and in a great deal of discomfort of late, so this really is a blessing. And, although his spirits and attitude were remarkably positive right to the end, he was ready to go and looking forward to being with Linda.

From William May (9/28/2020): Due to COVID-19 we’ve been keeping a low profile.

However, Saturday September 26, 630-8 PM Gretchen and I enjoyed our first ‘date’ since March. Our Four Seasons at Historic Virginia (a 55+ community) Clubhouse had Bak N Da Day sing Doo-Wop songs in our Clubhouse parking lot! The singers were under a big, white tent.

People had to bring our own chairs, sit on a car parking lot space line so fellow residents would be 10” apart. Of course, everyone had to wear a face mask. It was cloudy and in the upper 60s.

We sat just behind Tom Pennington ‘65 and Fay Yentsch (Tom Yentsch was ‘65 and passed several years ago). All of us ‘Old Timers’ had a super-duper time.

From Denny Freezer (10/22/2020 and 11/2/2020): I took a short break from Sheltering in Place during the pandemic, to be neighborhood coordinator for my section of Half Moon Bay, CA, with about 130 homes, for an earthquake exercise on October 10th called the Great ShakeOut. I’m one of three CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) members in my community, but the only one who is also a HAM.We used Nextdoor and distributed flyers telling everyone how to access an online presentation by the Brigade Chief of our Coastside Fire Department, then I coordinated a neighborhood communications exercise using General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) walkie-talkies (a capability also built into my handheld HAM radio station), and called the results in to the Fire Department via HAM radio. It was a nice break to worry about something different from the virus for a while!

Communications are a major worry here because of the coastal mountain range just east of us, very limited highway access in and out, and the likelihood that we would lose cellular service and power in the event of an earthquake. I purposely reduced my biking this year to about 50 miles/week and have usually been doing it in four quick rides on a heavy mountain bike.There are no “destinations” in

66: Kenneth C. Hollemon Wonderful classmate and friend.

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BULLETIN

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

Class of 1967

Half Moon Bay CA that are worth riding to, so I’m riding strictly for exercise. Anyway, today I went over 2,165 miles for the year, which is noteworthy to me because it was the length of this year’s Tour de France. I left out the mountains and did it in 10 months instead of 3 79% $500K weeks, but otherwise comparable! In fact, it’s members pledged the 52nd straight year that I’ve ridden farther ............................................................................. than the Tour de France.This I believe is Joe Angelico: 1776 Continental Dr, Unit 1319 creative accounting and wishful thinking pushed Covington, LA 70433-7291 / Ph: 985.781.2450 (h); to the extreme!

504.296.7562(c) / JoeAngelico@msn.com From Jerry Sickafoose (10/25/2020): www.cga67.com Connie and I enjoyed a pleasant day by the ............................................................................. pool by “social distancing” with Dennis and Elenita Parker for most of the day. I thought In Memoriam of our class and took a couple of pictures Irita Angelico (attached) for inclusion in your next Bulletin October 26, 2020 missive ...We’re all still doing well here and really ready for the next phase (provided it’s a Greetings and salutations from the bayou “friendly” one!) in this pandemic to begin.We country. had a nice day by the pool, enjoyed lunch, and “Angie Wop” Chapter Eighty-eight. “gabbed” most of the afternoon!

Well this is probably the toughest article I From David Jones (10/26/2020): I am will ever have to write. always feeling a little guilty when I do not My beloved wife of 53 and a half years, provide any input for our class notes so maybe Irita H. Angelico, died on October 26, 2020. this is of some interest. I just finished up a job As many of you know, Irita was in a nursing as the Project Manager for a new building on home for the past two years. She had a run in the campus of Cochise College here in Sierra with COVID-19 back in April of this year. But Vista and will be starting a new job up in Las that’s not what she died from. Back in 1976, she Vegas (Henderson actually) next Monday. I have had brain surgery to remove an AVM which retired about six times now and get bored but was a birth defect. Because it had bled and the I think once this new position is over in about scar tissue adhered to parts of her brain, the 18 months I will retire for good. I started doctors had the remove her right frontal lobe playing pickleball about four years ago and love it. As a former tennis player, you would be good and half of her right parietal lobe, which left her totally paralyzed on the left side. Over the at pickleball. Jackie will be staying here in years since we learned to deal with the Hereford and come visit me at my apartment paralysis. But her lungs were getting worse. She up in Henderson on weekends and I will drive back down here on long holidays. Our health is good and no significant outbreaks of the virus here.Would love to host any classmates that may be hitting Vegas!

From Jerry Underwood (11/5/2020): Ann and I had a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant with good friends Bob Heid 64 and Gary and Jane Nelson ’64 on 11/5/2020.The Nelson’s daughter Melanie and two of her friends also attended.We have met a couple of other times over the last few months. All are still in good health.

Hoping things get back to normal one 67: Joe Angelico, Roger Brunell & Dave Lyon at Melissa’s of these days.

66: Jerry & Connie Sickafoose with Dennis & Elenita Parker

house after the Memorial Service for Irita.

66: Bob Heid ’64, Jane & Gary Nelson ’64, Ann & Jerry Underwood

67: Class of 1967 flower arrangement sent to Irita’s Memorial Service.

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Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

went on oxygen about three years ago. Her lungs finally gave out. But she was in no pain and she died a very calm and quiet death. As a matter of fact, her two daughters, Stefanie and Melissa, were each holding one of her hands when she breathed her last breath. I was right next to them on the side of the bed.

Many years ago, when we started to visit St. Thomas every year for our anniversary, we decided to take out a contract with Neptune Society. Upon our death, anywhere in the world, they agreed to pick up our body, have it cremated and return the ashes to the other party when they were finished. So on Monday afternoon, St. Catherine Hospice called Neptune Society and arranged for the pick up of Irita’s body.

On Tuesday Morning, I woke up with pains in my abdomen. After waiting several hours while my daughters, Stefanie and Melissa, met with Grace Funeral Home in Covington, I decided to go to the emergency room at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. I was admitted to the Coronary Care Unit with Congestive Heart Failure. I was in the CCU for 5 days and spent another four days in a regular room at the hospital.While in the CCU, they performed an angiogram which showed blockage of one of my heart arteries from my by-pass in 1993.

They inserted a stent to clear the blockage. I came home from the hospital with a Life Vest and an exterior defibrillator since I am a candidate for Sudden Cardiac Arrest. I have to wear this for three months and then be reevaluated by my cardiologist.

Meanwhile my daughters had scheduled a memorial service for Irita on Saturday, November 14th. Irita and I had agreed to be interred at the Columbarium at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy.The service for Irita will be sometime in the spring of 2021. I will keep everyone in the loop about the service.

My classmates have been outstanding during the entire situation. St. Catherine’s Hospice has been taking care of Irita since early spring of 2020.We decided that instead of flowers, we requested that friends and relatives consider making a donation to St. Catherine’s Hospice. My classmates got together without my knowledge and made a donation to St. Catherine’s Hospice of $1967.00 in Irita’s name.

They also sent a very large arrangement of red and white roses to the Memorial service.

Picture attached.They have sent me many sympathy cards for Irita’s passing as well as many get-well cards for my heart problems.

Then when we held the Memorial Service and Mass for Irita on Saturday, November 17, 2020, four of my classmates showed up at the service.

Attending the service were Bob Slate from Mobile, Al., Roger and Becca Brunell from Gulfport, MS, Lee Taylor from Texas, and Dave Lyon from Sonora, CA. I was totally blown away that they would travel all that way to say goodbye to Irita.

My daughter, Melissa, had a reception at her home for the attendees after the services.

Attached to the column there is a picture of Dave Lyon, Roger Brunell and I at Melissa’s home after the service.

I would like to take this opportunity to

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thank all the members of the Class of 1967 for their concern and deep level of consideration that they demonstrated for Irita and I in this trying time.

Well, that’s about all for now. Please keep those cards and letters, emails and phone calls coming cause as you know I refuse to make this stuff up. And remember “Laissez le bons temps roullez.”

Class of 1968 59%

members

$750K pledged

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Jay Creech: 716 Sonne Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 jay@creech.us .............................................................................

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

attic and saw some items hanging on a makeshift closet rod that I probably put up back in the early ‘80’s right after we moved into the house.There it was - a see-through plastic garment bag labeled “DIMMOCK 68!» Inside was my reefer and my A-jacket! They were a little ragged and a little tight around the middle but still wearable! A memento from the «good» old Chase Hall days at a time when Ray was “lightening his load” getting ready for the next step on his life journey! Brings back the memories.

Ned Kiley reports: I am staying active playing tennis 3, 4 or sometimes 5 times a week. Doing housework, yard work and some walking take time during the rest of the week. I do some FaceTime reading with my grandson and one of my sisters once a week and enjoyed a FaceTime Halloween costume demonstration from my grandson.With the end of daylight savings time the dark, wet and cool weather has set in here in the Northwest. I am trying to figure out how skiing might work with COVID surging.

Mike Storey sends: For me and Carolyn, the COVID-19 is just a distant memory.We took no medication.We’re totally recovered. Just in the last month I drove out to Illinois and back, mowed the lawn at home several times with a push lawn mower, prepared our garden for the fall crops, cut down several trees with an axe, and built a 30ft brick paver walk.

Our essay this month is from Larry Olson, as he reflected on Veteran’s Day and meeting with a special WWII Veteran: My dad served in the 104th Infantry Div. during WWII. He was in the 414th Inf. Regiment, Service Co. His uncle, Paul Dyer, was also in the 104th

Sad news from Paula Wilcox: She moved to Verona, NJ into her mom’s condo in June, as her mom’s primary caregiver. Paula’s sister lives in PA and assisted them often. Paula’s mom turned 100 last month. Sadly, her mom passed away on 14 November. Paula still has a home in the Florida panhandle, and she plans to return to Florida.

Greg Wilson sends: Christopher Newport University sent my daughter home on March 20, so I stayed home too. By August it seemed the situation wasn’t going to change anytime soon, so I contracted two projects in Europe for September and October. In September I had to quarantine for ten days in Europe before doing a nine-day project.Then quarantined for 14 days after returning home.

In October I received a quarantine waiver as a “critical infrastructure worker” and didn’t quarantine in Europe but had to do 14 days quarantine on return to the US. Airports were eerily empty, and the transatlantic flights had less than 50 people on board.

Wayne Young writes: I am back from winterizing our Lake Anna rental house.We’re currently at home riding out the pandemic. I used the home time to finish researching Chesapeake Bay wrecks and obstructions, and just published two new books in my Chesapeake Bay Fishing Reef series on Amazon.

My lower Chesapeake Bay wreck book is dedicated to the Coast Guardsmen lost aboard 68: Mark and Becky Costello in Santa Fe, NM plaza the Cuyahoga. The book features the Cuyahoga, which is an ocean artificial fishing reef off the Bay Entrance.Wayne reports he is scheduled for back surgery on the 17th to try to resolve lingering disc issues.

Arch sends: So, I was up in the attic, helping Diane put away the Halloween stuff and getting down the Thanksgiving stuff always a chore because I have to take orders - “not that one!”; “give me that one!”; “throw that one out”; and “don’t break it!”

On one of my respites, while she was deciding what to keep and 68: No lines for John Magiera’s 9/9 visit to National Aquarium, what to chuck, I wandered way Baltimore, with WHEC 37 in the background. over towards the far end of the

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

“Timberwolf” Div., 415 Inf. Reg., C Co. He was killed in Germany on Feb. 23, 1945, along with his buddy Alvin Strickland. My cousin’s son, Captain Travis Foley AUS, started trying to contact some of the other veterans who would have known our Uncle Paul around 2000. In 2001 he attended the Timberwolf Reunion in Atlanta and got to meet a couple of men who were in the same squad on that fateful day that their buddies were killed. One of them was also wounded by the same mortar round. His name was Duncan Fraser, and he wrote a detailed letter home about that day, from a hospital in England. In 2008 a Reunion was held in Washington, DC, and I attended. I did not find anyone from my dad’s Service Co., but was able to meet some veterans from 415 IR, C Co. The second table I went to, I asked a man if he had known Paul Dyer. Lavelle Beene quickly th

68: Greg Wilson at work in Europe

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BULLETIN

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

replied that he was with him when he died and tried to provide some comfort in his last moments. He told me about that day, which he said was one of his worst in WWII, like it was yesterday. On the next day of the Reunion, I attended the Memorial Service and then was privileged to take him and his wife to lunch. I didn’t keep in touch for a few years, but about five years ago, I was able to reach him again by phone. I’ve learned more about his life, but still feel limited because he cannot hear or see well anymore.This year he turned 98. His wife is 97 and at the beginning of 2020 they had been married 72 years. Unfortunately, both of their sons have passed, and they have no close family.

They have been living in a retirement home north of Atlanta for a number of years. I had trouble reaching him on Veteran’s Day, and was concerned, but I did reach him later in the day.

He recognized my call right away and is still remarkably sharp but was sad that his dear wife had fallen in October and was in hospice care. He was very frustrated that he couldn’t go visit her because of COVID restrictions.

Our thanks to Larry for this family story of our great WWII veterans.

68: Sandi and Dan McKinley’s 50th Anniversary photo I challenge all of

you to make Mrs. Hughie Devlin’s shrimp scampi and ‘Hughie’s Love Salad” during the stay-at-home pandemic. It is the perfect stay at home meal. Stay Safe and see you in 2023.

Class of 1969 68%

members

$200K pledged

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CAPT Bob Gravino: 2 Summer Street, Ipswich, MA 01938 / 978.356.0825 (h) / rcgravino@aol.com http://www.uscga69.org

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In Memoriam Captain Arne J. Soreng, USCGA 1949 October 12, 2020

Sad news has been received from Joanne Soreng, daughter of our class advisor Captain Arne Soreng, that Captain Soreng died in Vancouver,Washington on October 12, 2020 after a long illness. Captain Soreng was a 1949 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and a Coast Guard aviator. He joined us at many Class of 1969 reunions, most recently hosting a class of 1969 mini-reunion in Vancouver in 2017, and our class dedicated our Golden Tide Rips 50th reunion yearbook to Captain Soreng last fall. As Stu White wrote, “Arne Soreng was a splendid example of a Coast Guard officer for us to

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Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

emulate. Arne will be truly missed.”

Jim Robinson was recognized in the CGA AA e-Newsletter in September for his volunteer work supporting veterans in Williamson County,Texas. Jim chairs the Veterans Memorial Advisory Group in Williamsburg County: building community relationships, coordinating veterans’ affairs and organizing events on Memorial Day and Veterans Day on the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Sun City,Texas.The Veterans Memorial Advisory Group also makes recommendations regarding maintenance of the GeorgetownWilliamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza and raises funds through memorial brick sales.

Jerry and Kris Hale spent a week in Montana in early October visiting their daughter Kendra and her family. Kendra, who lives with cancer, is thankful and feeling very blessed with growing kids at home, renovations to their “forever” home close to being done, business and marriage good, and grown kids out there making a difference. Jerry and Kris appreciate our continued prayers for Kendra and her family.

Paul and Molly Prokop reported from Louisiana earlier this fall: “Hurricane Laura was a giant non-event (no rain, some wind) for New Orleans, despite all the meteorologists crying wolf for days and days.We got 5 inches of rain the day after from a trailing band, but we can handle that without issue. After 25 years here, I think we are better at predicting Louisiana storm paths than the recently arrived TV weather persons.We have enjoyed your daily updates from Maine and wished we were in Michigan doing the same.” They traveled to Michigan on vacation and saw campaign signs for former classmate Jack Bergman, who represents Michigan’s 1st Congressional District (northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jack handily won reelection in the November elections.

Bob Thorne and Steve Schember ’67 shared stories of a memorable basketball game against the University of Toledo when we were cadets. Steve had driven down to Toledo from Ann Arbor, Michigan to watch, and Bob played on the CGA team. As Steve remembered, CGA’s team was “not a bad D-III team. But Toledo was ranked in the top 10 in the nation!

They had a 7’ center. Steve Mix and John Brisker both went on to become NBA All Stars. It was a total mismatch….. I recall going to the locker

69: Jim Robinson unmasked

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Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

room after the game and all you guys were just smiling and shaking your heads. It had to have been an interesting experience to find out how the big boys play the game.” Bob Thorne added, “In the Toledo paper the next day, the sports headline was ‘SOS... Toledo sinks the Coast Guard 101-48.’ I had the pleasure of guarding Brisker. I remember him taking a jump shot at the foul line. All I saw was his shorts.

Steve Mix, 6’7”, had more than 1,600 points in his three-year career and he played for Philadelphia. I think Brisker led the scoring in the ABA. I have a photo with Mix that makes me looking like I was blocking the ball. He was actually bringing the ball in. Just before the game started, our team was waiting at our bench when the lights went out in the large gym. Suddenly, the Toledo team burst through a big ring of ‘fire’ (actually floodlights shining on each player) on to the floor. The crowd roared and we were stunned when we saw how big our opponents were. On that road trip, we beat Division-III Lake Forest in Chicago area by a few points. Our team had Larry Parkin ’68, Jim Hested ’68 who led the country in fouls (!), Doug Brown, Bill Bowen, Charlie Huber, Dave Dubois, and me, and a few others.”

George Bond is staying busy teaching Coast Guard Auxiliary classes. “I am doing 3 AUXLAMS. The first was done with West Coast members, the second two with East Coast largely in Virginia. These are the first ones done online, using Zoom. The final one will be in November after which I retire from the Auxiliary after over 23 years. We are mostly staying home other than for food and medical. Painting the trim, weeding, and other activities around the house help stave off boredom.”

Pablo Rodiguez writes from Texas that he is “just stayin’ alive, as the Bee Gees put it, and hoping all my classmates are doing likewise. You know, I bought a windward blue 1969 Pontiac Firebird my 1/c year. Mine was an overhead cam 6, not a monster, but I really liked it, although it almost killed me in 1970 - I spent 3 /1/2 months in the hospital, 1 month unconscious, but you know, 50 years later I still dream of it occasionally. I guess the only thing worse than being young and foolish is being old and foolish. My goodbye wish for classmates I may meet here (very few) is ‘May your name not be the subject line of a Bob Gravino email to the class anytime soon.’ Stay

69: Jerry & Kendra Hale

Safe and Go Bears.”

Bob Pokress recently read a New York Times article that brought back a memory: “As soon as I read Jerry Seinfeld calling out ‘some putz on LinkedIn’ in his article in today’s NY Times, I recalled when Dan Carney and I were lookouts on the mid watch one night on our Swab cruise to Bermuda on the Rockaway and we decided, just for the hell of it, to practice our Morse Code using the signal light to send some kind of put down comment to a couple of our classmates also on the mid watch on the Unimak steaming alongside us.

And when they replied to our New York vernacular asking us what we meant by our referring to someone as a schmuck, we replied, by signal light, ‘a schmuck is a putz.’ And then the CO of the Rockaway walked off the Rockaway’s bridge and up to us to remind us that he still remembered his Morse Code from HIS Swab year and had been following our signal light exchange with our buddies on the Unimak. How we avoided getting bounced for our New York vernacular-laced signal light exchange that night remains a mystery!”

John and Anne Curtis travelled in the Northwest in mid-September and sent the following: “Anne and I are hanging around the central Oregon coast now while the West Coast is burning. Smoke levels at home in western Washington are higher than in the Florence, OR area so for the sake of our lungs we are staying put here until conditions improve. We also stopped at the Coquille River Light and Heceta Head Light - Yacquina Bay Light is next on our way home. Oregon beaches are among the most spectacular in the

69: John & Anne Curtis

69: Jack Bergman’s Congressional Race

69: Doug Brown cutting the championship season cake

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

world, except now the extreme low visibility from the smoke and fog makes the experience disappointing.”

Steve Hungness sent a photo of Doug Brown, teammate and co-captain during the undefeated 1969 Academy Track and Field Season, on the occasion of cutting the championship season cake. The team tied with Boston College as New England Champions that year. Steve added, “Nice work by all recently to get Doug recognition for his record feat.”

Class of 1970 61%

members

$500K pledged

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Mark A. O’Hara: 3491 Keswick Road, Keswick,VA 22947 / 434.978.1104 (h); 434.806.5239 (c) maohara@embarqmail.com; uscg70@gmail.com ...............................................................................................

In Memoriam William “Bill” Thomas September 17, 2020 William “Bill” Thomas crossed the bar on September 17, 2020, laying down his burdens after a lifetime of service to his country, his community, and most of all, his family. Bill leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Barbara Thomas, daughters Rachel Thomas Parham and Rebecca Thomas, sister Jan Greenwell, son-in-law Read Parham, and

70: William “Bill”Thomas 1947-2020

THE

grandson Bennett Parham.

Born in Thermopolis,WY, Bill left his western roots to attend the Academy and spent the next 26 years in service to his country as a Coast Guard officer. He earned a JD from the University of Miami School of Law and an LLM (Masters in Maritime Law) from Tulane University School of Law. Over the course of his military career, Bill represented the Coast Guard in legal matters ranging from maritime regulation and drug interdiction to immigration and environmental protection.

After retiring from the Coast Guard in 1996, Bill was recruited by Disney Cruise Line (DCL) to join their launch team and write the company’s maritime and environmental compliance procedures ahead of the launch of its first ship. He went on to ensure DCL’s compliance with state, federal, and international maritime and environmental law over the next 5 years before joining Carnival Cruise Line as Director of Corporate Environmental Compliance.

Bill felt the call of public service once again after 9/11, joining the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) just after its founding in 2002 as TSA Supervisory Counsel for Orlando, FL. Over the past 18 years, he helped to mature both the agency and its practice of law.

In 2016, he was recognized by the TSA Chief Counsel for executing the first-ever multilocation cargo settlement agreement with over $1 million in corrective actions, which remains the foundation for all TSA cargo settlement agreements.

While his career kept Bill on the East Coast throughout most of his adult life, his love for the West never waned. Vacations spent in the view of Mount Rainier, the

70: Mike and Catherine Gentile and Rod Cook at the top of Bald Mountain Trail, Rockport, ME

70: The Minks with their daughter and the Kozaks at the Queen City Brewery in Staunton,VA

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Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

Columbia River, on his family’s ranch in Big Timber, Montana, or riding a train through the Canadian Rockies left the usually stalwart military man seeming more like a kid in a candy store.

Whether in his professional or personal capacities, Bill was selfless and steadfast. He was a trusted friend and confidant, and an enthusiastic supporter of those he loved. A man of few words, he shared his love by tending beautiful gardens for his family to enjoy, building a workbench in a loved one’s new home, or holding his wife and daughters tightly when they needed him most. In recognition of his long military service, Bill will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who would like to honor Bill please consider a donation to support the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in his memory.

Donations can be made through the US Coast Guard Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org.

Over Labor Day weekend, Tom and Bonnie Bernard and Terry and Susan Cross met in Hilton Head, SC, to celebrate 50 years of friendship, 50 years of marriage, and 50 years since graduation from the Academy.

Bonnie said: There was literally no one else on the beach so I could not ask someone else to take a picture of all 4 of us (see photo) – although that certainly might have comprised social distancing.

In August, a gathering was initiated by the Allen and Donna Boetig for a meeting with Richie and Susie Keig and Tom and Bonnie Bernard at the Boetig beach house on the Chesapeake Bay, north of the Potomac River. However, restrictions on travel entry into MD forced the reunion to be postponed to October. Even then, the Keigs were required to have a COVID-19 test before leaving TX and flying to MD. The first couple of

70: MD mini-reunion at the Boetigs’ with the Keigs and the Bernards

70: Tom Bernard, Susan and Terry Cross at Hilton Head, SC, with Bonnie Bernard taking the picture

70: Guy Goodwin with Shaleen Powell, the daughter of Myron Tethal, at Roanoke/Smith Mountain Lake,VA

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Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

days were spent at the beach house, enjoying some beautiful weather and plenty of water activities. A visit to Historic St. Mary’s City area included a tour of the Maryland Dove (see photo), a replica of a 1680s sailing ship that colonists used for trade. Maryland crabs and Donna’s shrimp and grits were definitely a highlight – Donna’s a great cook and there was food aplenty for 4 days. On Saturday, the party moved to the Boetigs’ primary home outside of Annapolis for more sea stories, sailboat racing memories, and a tour around the West River on Al’s boat. Departure on Sunday was bittersweet. Regrets that they would not be sharing an incredible 50 years of memories with the great “Class of 70” as planned mid-October, but grateful for the opportunity to enjoy a few days creating new ones and promises to continue in the future.

Guy “Goodie” Goodwin reported: On a recent weekend trip to Roanoke/Smith Mountain Lake,VA, to visit old friends, Eileen and I met up with Shaleen Powell, daughter of Myron Tethal (see photo), and her family for lunch and catching up. Celeste Tethal was fighting a cold, so couldn’t join us. It was a fun visit, including a short hike along the Roanoke River with Saba and Myron, Myron’s grandkids.

They are well and planning to join us for our 50th.

On October 20, Rod Cook and Mike Gentile made an 18-mile bicycle circuit around the old naval air base (now civilianized and called Brunswick Station, ME) and then the local rail trail along the Androscoggin River.

Each leg is about 9 miles long.

Terri and Tony Mink visited their daughter Sarah in Harrisonburg,VA, for her birthday in early November. She arranged a

71: Ed Murphy – 8 days post surgery.

71: The family Tsai.

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rendezvous with Bill and Kathy Kozak, who live in Lexington,VA, at the Queen City Brewery in Staunton,VA (see photo), that was convenient for all. Tony noted: It was a very pleasant afternoon that afforded a welcome respite from the mayhem that is 2020.

On Saturday, November 14, Mike and Catherine Gentile and Rod Cook hiked up Bald Mountain Trail, Rockport, ME – a mile and a half up. They lunched at the top at 1200 feet (see photo) with excellent views of the Camden, Rockport, and Rockland coast. It was even clear enough to see Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park 70 miles to the east.

Mike noted: Coming down was pretty gnarly (in the vernacular of the current generation).

Fortunately, all arrived safely and no worse for the wear.We were just trying to keep from going stir crazy and to get in some last-minute outdoor activities that don’t involve tons of clothes and skis, although we do that too. Next project is talking Rod into Polar Bear Swim for charity off East End Beach in Portland harbor on New Year’s Day 2021. Wearing a mask and social distancing, of course.

Dave Maloney and Ed Labuda are happy – and proud – to announce that the USCGA Class of 1970 50th Anniversary Yearbook is completed and ready for your individual purchase: Dave and I enjoyed every minute of putting the book together. Thanks to your provided biographies, 104 Classmates (a few former) are represented in the book. So as to include everyone, there is an In Memoriam section, as well as a section on Classmates not heard from. There are letters of congratulations from the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Commandant, the Academy Superintendent,

71: Who are these masked golfers?

71: Julie Elianna Tsai...#14!

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

and the President of the Alumni Association.

There are several other sections that all will appreciate. Please check out the site and make your purchase. Options include hardcover or softcover (thick vinyl), color interior pages or black and white. Prices as stated are at our cost, with no premiums added.Takes about 2 weeks for delivery. Visit: https://cga70.com/ buy-yearbook.

Class of 1971 68%

members

$525K pledged

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Carl A. Swedberg: 635 Kalmia Court NW, Issaquah, WA 98027 / 425.557.1069 / swedberg71@comcast.net / http://uscga71.tripod.com/homepage.html ...............................................................................................

What do you think? If Rudolph has to wear a mask covering his mouth and shining red nose, will Santa be able to find your house Christmas Eve? If you get this edition after the New Year you already know the answer. The Court will come to order!

Important updates from the Binnacle list!

Ed Murphy is home and recovering well from his aortic surgery: “I was blessed that the aortic valve could be repaired rather than replaced, and a new “ascending” piece was added in.

Thank you to all the classmates that emailed and sent cards. I was very honored and touched by the outpouring of love and prayers and ashamed I have stayed so isolated from such a special group of people. Mike Conway wrote me with the following, which sums up nicely the sentiment I feel deeply: “All of us as classmates, even with some of our differences, are closely aligned as not many groups of people are. I am grateful for our years together, even though they are not recently experienced.

It comes down to loving admiration for those we were together [with] during the summer of 1967 until June 9, 1971.” I am still weakened some, but once stronger, I hope to contact each of you that wrote, and learn more about your journeys- especially your faith journeys!”

Great photo of Ed a mere 8 days after his surgery!

Equally good news on the success of Peter Diehr’s kidney transplant.

“During the past few years, my health grew worse, bit by bit, month by month.

But now, I feel healthier, week by week.There will always be a few restrictions, as my immune system has been totally suppressed: I need to avoid 71: Lewises at Bryce Canyon. people, no

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

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handshakes or hugging, and avoid flying. I’m hoping that the immunosuppressants will be reduced over time, as fear of kidney rejection declines, so that I can live a more normal life.

There was a second round of surgery two weeks ago, to remove my peritoneal dialysis catheter.The incisions are healing nicely, and there’s little to no pain when I move, but I avoid twisting motions.The new kidney is working well; most of my mineral levels have returned to the normal range, but I’m still anemic, pale, and run out of breath at the least exertion.

I’ve been able to resume my exercise program; Della and I walk one to two miles daily around our semi-rural neighborhood and hope to regain my strength over the next few months.”

The latest Alumni Directory should be in your hands soon…if not already lost somewhere in the various piles around your desk…a great resource! Looking up an address the Court noted that Dave Wallace made a move from Maryland. “You caught me. Bailed out of MD last year and built a new home in FL. We had been splitting time between MD and NH for some years, plan to do similarly between FL and NH in the future. COVID has delayed that for this year, but looking forward to a better year next year for all of us!” Dave’s in Clearmont, only about 100 miles from Bob McKinstry in Indian Harbour Beach. Bob advised the Court that he’s had various homes on the beach down in Florida, but has mostly be living in CT. He owns a rebar fabrication company in Brooklyn and may be retired by the time you read this.

Stay tuned for a future status SitRep. Maybe there’s still that slim chance for those Packer season tickets. Broke the 20000 barrier on the waiting list…currently at 19776, so at an average of 685.5 per year the last 2 years, we’ll be sitting in Lambeau in 28.85 years!

News from Dan Shotwell, with a teaser of future significant news! “I left the Philippines June 25th and arrived at Dulles on the 26th, after being quarantined on Boracay Island with Amelia (Mel) a few days short of 4 months.

Quite a culture shock returning to the USA. COVID was taken very seriously in the Philippines and South Korea. Upon arriving in Dulles it appeared to me not many people cared. I have applied for a K-1 Fiancée Visa for Mel. Process time is unknown, but could take up to a year. So we wait.”

Did you see the astounding hole-in-one by Jon Rahm during a practice round at the 2020 Masters? Google it! Our Vespers group didn’t have the same weather conditions…braved the weather for 14 holes before throwing in the towel, but wearing those masks! Pete must have missed the memo on ball caps!

Tom Rummel reported on his aborted 2020 plans. “We started 2020 with great plans, going to Indiana to celebrate my mom’s 100th birthday, nearly three weeks in Yellowstone with about half our family for at least a week per group. Of course,Yellowstone was off.The VRBO owner of property was great to work with and we got full refunds.Were set for early June next for a second trial. My mom didn’t enter assisted living until about 95 and still had

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her mental faculties but her eyes and body were badly worn. Mom got locked down the middle of March, so the family gathering was over before it started. We were able to Facetime with her on her birthday. My sister and her family were on the patio at the facility and we were able ‘be’ together. She was tired and I really feel she wanted to go. She passed away a week later and it was the middle of June before we had our family remembrance.” One hundred…a full life and one undoubtedly well lived…sincere condolences on your loss.

Recognizing the passing of one grandmother, how about news on the arrival of another grandchild…#14 for the record holding extended Murphy clan! “My daughter Elisabeth is a nurse to a different heart surgeon on the team at U. of Michigan. She saw me each day- her office was about 30 ft. from my ICU room. About a week after my return home, she gave birth to Julie Elianna Tsai, our no. 14 grandchild and her first child born 30 Oct 2020, weighing in at 6 lbs. 12 oz. Her name honors each grandmother: Roger’s mom was named Elaine, so Elianna is a variety.Very treasured! So thankful the timing worked so well.”

Don Estes reports around from Crane Hill, Alabama. “We stayed in Huntsville working for the Army Aviation Office for 17 years. I mostly worked in the new Army Blackhawk (UH-60M) Program Office. I was on the ground floor of the development all the way through the first flight and beyond. I ran out of gas in 2015 and retired again.We owned a cabin on Smith Lake. So rather than rebuild and start over we just added on to the cabin and called it a lake house.The view was just too hard to replace.To make our life easier we replaced the 136 steps down to the dock with a motorized Tram. It now takes <3 minutes to go down to or up from the boat dock.We continue being part of our church family here in Crane Hill, Alabama. I help run the video equipment for recording and live streaming our Arley First Baptist Church services. Joan stays busy with the church choir, the local Women’s Club and the local grandkids (two boys). Our daughter Janel and family live about 75 miles away and remain in close contact. Our son Matt and family live in Aldi,Virginia, west of DC.They have two boys (one is a James Madison graduate working for the government, and the other a freshman at JMU) and a daughter (an exceptional Junior Olympic swimmer).

Ralph and Deb Lewis were planning a FL trip, with a visit to Bob and Dayamis Camuccio, but Deb’s sister tested positive so that trip is postponed to January…maybe. But that didn’t stop them from a short vacation to Vegas! “The first week in October, we flew to Las Vegas, spent a fabulous evening at the Bellagio, including a great dinner at one of the few restaurants that was open.We had planned to take in a David Copperfield Magic show, but unfortunately, ALL the shows in Vegas had been cancelled.We drove to Zion National Park.The scenery and weather were spectacular.We stayed a few nights at a ranch resort east of Zion NP. Our little rustic cabin was quite comfortable. It was awesome to step out the

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

front door in the morning and be greeted by a herd of wild bison only a few yards away.The place we stayed was a great location, enabling us to visit Cedar Breaks National Monument, Bryce Canyon NP, and to take a couple of great Jeep tours!

Short one photo but complied with the word count. MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR…we’re adjourned.

Class of 1972 50%

members

Donor

$720K pledged

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John Larned: 9 Everett Street, Newport, RI 02840 610.357.2900 / j.larned@globalrfidsys.com ................................................................................................

The first to check in was PC Smith: My brother got married in south Georgia the end of September and when my daughter found herself with lots of time on her hands due to an unexpected corporate reorganization, she suggested a road trip adventure to attend the wedding. She insisted on piloting both ways and I quickly realized she had no intention of relying on my navigation skills when we passed under instead of over the George Washington Bridge enroute to 42nd St and the Lincoln Tunnel as her WAZE directed her that way. I learned a lot on that 11-day adventure! We stopped over for two days in the Shenandoah Valley where we enjoyed spectacular views and horseback riding. On to GA for the wedding and visits to the old hometown. We spent 4 days visiting relatives on the coast near Darien and then to Hopeulikit (pronounced Hope You Like It) near Statesboro. We stopped for a visit and good times with classmate Gilbert and Willene Calhoun who live not far from my hometown, then it was back to Shenandoah Valley for another two-day layover and visits to Natural Bridge State Park, Ragged Branch Distillery and the Flying Fox Winery. From there we headed to Allentown PA via the spectacular Skyline Drive and stopped off for an overnight visit with classmate Bob (Stein) and Kathy Mueller and their daughter and our God daughter and her family. Arriving home exhausted after this 11-day 3,000 mile road trip we immediately headed out to our summer place off the coast of Salem MA for a week of isolation and rest, enjoying sunrises, sunsets, and for me good bourbon and good cigars. We closed up the summer place on Columbus Day and are now settling in to raking leaves and getting ready for winter just in time for 3 inches of snow on Halloween! It was a wonderful and therapeutic trip and a great time to reconnect with my daughter Kerry Ann, and visit classmates, friends and family back in GA. From Greg Johnson: The Class of 2022 invited our class to attend their 3/c Formal Dinner Dance and Golden Legacy Ceremony which would have been held on 28 March 2020.

Between the dinner and the dance, the Golden Legacy Ceremony would have been held in

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Leamy Hall whereby our classmates had the opportunity to donate their class rings, to be melted and mixed into the gold for 2022’s class rings.

Eight ’72 classmates donated their rings, one anonymously in memory of Jim Kehoe and Bob Schmoeger who crossed the bar while cadets. Ardel Williams donated her ring in memory of her husband Charlie. And as a class, we wanted to rededicate Bobby Vail’s ring donated by his wife Micky back in 2009, the first year of this tradition. Unfortunately, that original 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As good news however, the Alumni Association and our Class Committee pushed to reschedule the event this fall and we put together a Virtual Golden Legacy Ceremony released on Veterans Day Eight classmates donated their class ring or their miniature ring: Ben Abiles,Tim Healey, Jim McCarthy,Terry Newell, Brad Niesen, Tom Paar, and Penn Shade. A big BZ to all who helped make this a special and amazing event. Mark Noll posted additional information in the news section of our class web site.

Jim McCarthy: As I write this Christmas is fast approaching. I have been fast and furiously at work doing my 3rd consecutive year LITC Christmas ornament for my 6 cadets: Logan Tobias, Clare Brinkman, Jessica Thorne, Gwyneth Cantu and Liz Cheatham and 4 other LITC cadets. I do my best to gather pictures of each cadet which highlight their experiences this past year as a 2/c cadet and custom create a commemorative Christmas Ornament which I send to them and their families. One is pictured here.

Once again Penn Shade hosted a gathering of the Floridians and almost Floridians: We held the southern Florida Coast Guard ’72 aviators conference at my house and, as usual, we welcomed our token black shoe to the event.

Broadway and Ann Hallock drove down from Savannah to spend the weekend with us. On Saturday evening, Craig and Trisha along with Barb and Fred joined as for dinner. Craig, Fred and I got this crazy idea several months ago that we should start our own little gourmet club.

The inaugural dinner was at Craig’s place this past July. Craig wowed us with his smoked brisket along with some southern dish favorites.

In September Fred and Barb followed with a fabulous surf and turf dinner with all the trimmings. This weekend it was time for the Alison and Penn show, a Pacific Rim menu.

Luckily, we went last so we knew how high the bar was set; important information, because there is a lot of “one-upmanship” in this group.

Of course, everyone thinks theirs was the best.

I think there is more trash talking about the cooking than there is about the golf! It was a nice evening and it was good to see Bob and Ann. Bob, by the way is looking good following his surgery this spring. We are all thankful for his full recovery and grateful for all the blessings in our lives.

From Hank Blaney: I finally left the Coast Guard! Well officially I don’t retire until 31 December, but I started terminal leave last Friday. I’ve pretty much been with the CG in some capacity since we entered the Academy that fateful day in June 1968—as a cadet, an officer, a contractor, and a Civil Servant. Even during my four years of “broken service” as a civilian maritime instructor, I had CG

72: Link in the Chain seals by Tiger

72: Florida Boys THE

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Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

students in my classes and was able to maintain an association with our Service, but I missed being part of the organization and was thrilled to get back to Headquarters after 9/11, thanks to Norm Henslee.

Since 2002, I’ve been working on Maritime Security and Arctic policy issues, finishing my last 10 years in Coast Guard Intelligence, believe it or not. Had a very small ceremony in the admiral’s office. Debbi wasn’t even able to attend given COVID and security restrictions, but when I came home she had put out our US & Coast Guard flags at the front door to welcome me. We’ll spend our retirement in Annapolis, trying to spend more time with the family and on the boat, and getting involved in more volunteer activities.

I think Laird Hail is the last of us still drawing a CG paycheck. He heads up VTS Puget Sound and from all accounts is doing his typical great job. (JL’s Note: Bill Bannister still keeps the Nation’s Transportation safe!)

I’ll always cherish my time with the Coast Guard, and especially my involvement with the Class of ’72. It would have been impossible to dream of a better career and way of life. Thanks to all of you for being part of it. God bless & Go ’72!

Tim Healy’s golf report: Tiger and I attempted to play golf in a PGA-Sponsored Veterans Fund Raising event at TPC River Highlands recently. This is the private course where the Travelers Championship event is held.

Mother Nature had other plans. We got suckered in to play with only a ‘threat’ of showers. The showers did not let up. The downpours came on the 14th hole. We bailed

72: Tim and Tiger- Champions

72: PC and Gill in GA

72: PC and daughter at Natural Bridge

72: Alicia Wittmeyer and Ming Xi

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- figuratively and factually - at the 16th. Nearly swamped the cart in our return to the sanctuary of the new club house.

Despite the soaking, the company of a classmate and knowing that the funding was going to a good cause kept our spirits up.

A hot buttered rum when I got home also helped my spirits... My bag and grips took over two days to dry out.

And the last word is from Bill Wittmeyer who announces along with his wife Maggie Tham that they just recently welcomed the birth of their first grandchild, Ming Xi, a little girl, born 20 Nov 2020! Mother Alicia and daughter are doing well! Bill’s family is quite global with Alicia in London, his son Spencer in Tokyo…and wife Maggie temporarily stranded in Malaysia due to COVID travel issues.

Best Christmas and New Year wishes to all!

Class of 1973 56%

members

$500K pledged

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Lou Orsini: 25 Skyline Trail, Fairfield, PA 17320 717.457.0355 (h) / oh2batc73@comcast.net (h) ...............................................................................................

childhood development, will use this space to offer a preschool program. It all feels good. My job was to hold balloons.” And based on the photo, I would say you did your job extremely well. Congratulations Bob on opening your new facility.

Art French checked back in with the following update: “Since my last input in March, obviously a lot has changed for Paula and I and everyone due to the pandemic. Our summer trips and fall trips to Croatia and Hawaii were cancelled like everyone else’s. Fortunately, we have the Northwest Pacific outdoors to take advantage of locally.That was until Paula broke her foot while hiking on Labor Day and has been in a cast since with a screw in it. Ironically, while our social lives have been very limited, our professional lives have been very busy due to COVID. Paula’s long-term care facility had 23 COVID deaths resulting in admissions being stopped until recently, and the resident occupancy has remained low. However, the other occupational therapist quit right before the pandemic for other reasons leaving Paula as the only OT on staff; she has been busy. Like most other emergency departments, our Veterans Affairs Emergency Department has been less busy than normal, but I have had increased taskings teaching critical care uptraining courses in preparation for potential COVID patient surges.While my monthly travel to teach at the VA Simulation Center in Orlando has stopped, I’ve been heavily involved in development of online training and remote simulation.We are both happy that we are healthy and lucky to have skills needed during these challenging times. I have to say that I appreciate my Coast Guard experiences, classmates, and shipmates as I plow forward

Starting this time with a story that just missed the deadline last time from Bob Gamble: “On Sunday, September 6, we opened our office in Odessa.The staff made all the preparations, invited friends, and celebrated. It is the first time This Child Here has had a physical residence in Ukraine. For many years, I was reluctant to do this as I felt vulnerable to corruption. Now, it’s important.We cooperate with government agencies and other non-profits.

We need space for training families, social workers, and mentors, for consulting with families, and meeting anyone who comes our way. Two of our staff members who are interested in early 73: Yo Ho Ho with Willie & Pam

73: Keith, Donna Marie, Sue and Lou

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73: Bob the Balloon Man

73: Dr Raybo & Bro at Yellowstone

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

every day. I hope everyone is well and I would be negligent as an emergency physician and public health graduate if I didn’t ask that everyone wear your masks and stay safe!”

Thanks to both of you for your efforts to keep folks safe and hoping Paula’s recovery is quick and complete.

Keith Moll continues his travels hitting the open road again: “Late September proved to be the perfect window for another road trip; this time up to Big Sky country. Along with five other riders, including my older brother John, we cruised through eight states over 3300 miles in 10 days and never saw a drop of rain.

Highlights included the Sawtooth Mountains, as well as Zion, Capitol Reef, Craters of the Moon, and Yellowstone National Parks. I nearly got taken out by a deer along the Salmon River, but it stopped in its tracks just as I swerved!

Where’re we headed next, Billy Laws?” Your travels remind us that there are so many beautiful open-air areas in this great country just waiting to be seen, even during a pandemic.”

Willie Clark is doing his best to keep things normal during the pandemic: “Pam and I visited our daughter Mandy and her boyfriend Frank in Pittsburgh. It was our first visit to the city and we had a great time. We walked the bridge across the Monongahela River, which was a spectacular view. We ate at the Primanti Brothers Restaurant where I tried one of their famous sandwiches: corned beef, pastrami, swiss cheese, grilled coleslaw and French fries on marble rye; I’m still trying to work it off. Back home, we dressed up for Halloween as Captain Hook and his wench to witness some

73: Bob Citizen of the World

73: Dan & Janet to the Rescue

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

Celebrate Your USCGA Pride

www.mlahart.com | 1-888-928-9284 THE

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Class of 1975

essential facts by Janet: “It was a beautiful inventive trick or treating where the kids came Saturday on the water until Janet and I on golf carts driven by their parents. We put a answered a MAYDAY call from a boater who hit table at the end of the driveway with a candy something under water and was taking on bowl and sat in chairs with good social water.We tied them off, loaded the family on distancing. We started out with 100 pieces of our boat and took them in tow toward the candy and had just 10 pieces left; just enough 46% $500K $5K marina. Another boat arrived to help with a for us! It was a fun time.” Had to drop the members pledged pledged small pump, and the owner and his friend photo of Willie attempting to bite into one of ............................................................................. the biggest sandwiches you’ll ever see so I could pumped and bailed the whole time, but the RADM Joel “Corky” Whitehead: 308 engine room was filling with water faster than show Willie and Pam in costume. Maybe they’ll Autumn Creek Drive, Madisonville, LA 70477 / they could bail.We were concerned the boat do an encore for a future Class Notes.

985.792.7445 (h); (703) 389-1510 (c) In early October, Keith and Donna Marie would sink before we got to shore. Eventually, joel@jwhiteheadassociates.com Coddington were in our neck of the woods as both TowBoat US and the Coast Guard arrived; CDR Mike Smith: 215 South 7th Street, Grand now we were four vessels tied off abreast Keith works part time in the winter as a ski Haven, MI 49417 / 616.844.7543 (h); 616.847.4720 (w) completing our tow to the marina. Good news instructor at Liberty Mountain Ski Resort in cdrsmith001@yahoo.com is that everyone was safe but not sure if the Fairfield, Pennsylvania (literally three minutes ............................................................................................... boat can be repaired. Made for an exciting day!” from our place) and needed to fill out some Over thirty-three classmates attended our Once a Coastie, always a Coastie. paperwork.They live in Round Hill,Virginia, first Virtual Reunion, and it was a great success!

Wrapping up is Al Rice’s project: “I’m which is not all that far away. Sue and I were Most had drinks, and many had some fineable to get together to swap lies and sea stories compiling excerpts from our classmates who looking women with them, too! Corky and at the local Irish pub in Gettysburg. It was great sailed on Eagle through Hurricane Blanche our Marty appeared overlooking a bird’s eye view Swab Summer. I’ve gained the help of Tom to see Keith again after all these years and to of the Academy, Bob Papp was nestled Hathaway to reach out to the Academy meet Donna Marie. Keith is recovering from outside by his mountain retreat, and Steve Historian and the National Archives.We have lymphoma and is doing well. Once winter Conway seemed to be on his sailboat among received encouragement that it may become arrives with some snow, we expect to see a lot the Greek Islands! We had a moment to part of the museum. So far, I’ve received 35 more of them. If any other classmates are ever remember our classmates who have “crossed in the area, please let us know as we would love write-ups from classmates on that cruise the bar,” and we toasted to the class! The including CGA graduates and those who chose to get together.

“Sup”— Rear Admiral Bill Kelly ‘87 — came on another path. Every excerpt tells a story from a Bob McDaniel checked in from New and spoke for about 15 minutes about what is swab’s eye about that very impressionable day Hampshire with the following news: “My state happening at the Academy these days. Did you and night.We’d love to receive a page from all Bar Association is running a series of profiles of know that there are women there now?! He who were on that cruise and request their attorneys who, for whatever reason, they talked about the new class that entered this write-up via email to: alan.rice@comcast.net.” consider notable. This month I was the subject. summer and the challenges they face with This is living history folks; if you were there (and Please see the following link: www.nhbar.org/ COVID-19. And there was also a good can remember being there), please contribute. the-fine-art-of-litigation-and-french-cuisine/ discussion on the Maritime Center of Until next time. Lou They have given me the okay to have it Excellence, which will be built at the Academy reproduced “with permission of the New Hampshire Bar Association.” The article is quite interesting in how it weaves Bob’s professional accomplishments with his personal life, but unfortunately too long to reproduce here.

However, here is an excerpt to whet your appetite: “McDaniel went on to join Devine 43% $574K $119K Millimet in Manchester, New Hampshire, where members pledged pledged he led the firm’s white-collar practice.There he met fellow attorney George R. Moore, now .............................................................................

George Detweiler: 15173 Holleyside executive director of the New Hampshire Bar Drive, Dumfries,VA 22026 / 703.670.2313 (h); Association, and formed a friendship that 202.372.1566 (w) / George.H.Detweiler@uscg.mil; endures to this day. Both lived in Paris for a ghdetweiler@comcast.net / www.uscga1974.com time, and both took courses at the famed Le ...............................................................................................

Cordon Bleu culinary school there. McDaniel’s signature dish has become homard à 75: Larry Brooks at his retirement in September l’armoricaine, lobster in a light sauce with lemon receiving the Coast Guard Distinguished Career Service and a bit of saffron, the lobster removed from Award. the shell and served on a white plate with asparagus as the legs and chives as the antennae – accompanied, perhaps, by a French baguette and a good champagne or dry white burgundy.”

Enjoy!

For Dan Farrell, rescue operations remain in his blood.

Here is Dan’s recent SAR SITREP ably 75: Harvey Johnson popped in for the reunion 75: Steve Conway sailing among the Greek 75: Bob Papp at the reunion, or rather edited to just the too.

Islands to our virtual reunion! at his mountain retreat!

Class of 1974

98

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

NOAA, Navy, etc..) and Industry representatives. I also started and managed the Sector Commander and Sector Department Head courses until I was relieved by Mark Ogle ’86 in 2014. CAPT Tim Hammon presided at my retirement and I was presented the Distinguished Career Service Award. At my retirement it was noted that I had 48½ years of total service to the Coast Guard. What a wonderful career!” That, guys, is amazing!! Larry, you’re a credit to our Class and the Coast Guard!

Steve Newell checked in too: “Got the package on the Maritime Center of Excellence... we’re in. Interesting symmetry for me. The old boathouse, the one standing when we got there, was a firetrap and burned to the ground the winter of second-class year. Old, wood construction, flammables stored all over the place, guys doing hot work in the same vicinity, vehicles driving in and out and, of course, we stored the sails and support gear for the yachts there as well. Fire department kept the fire from spreading but there was no chance of saving it even if they wanted to...and I’m pretty sure they didn’t. I was on the crew of Touch’e...we replaced some of the gear, made do with what we had and worked out of temporary structures in 1974 and into 75.

After graduation I stuck around as a Summer Ensign assigned to the waterfront, working for LT Ed Coolbaugh. I headed to Miami right after graduation but cut my leave short to drive back and assist Ed with the dedication of the “new” boathouse, Pine Hall...pretty much my first tasking as a boot Ensign. And here we are funding the replacement of the now-inadequate facility. At least this one didn’t burn down...no surprise it was made of metal given the demise of its predecessor and the need to replace it quickly.We’re staying fairly close to home.

Made a trip to MD and got a week with the grandkids while their over-achieving parents took on additional duties for the Marines and the Coast Guard...worked out great for everybody.They’re sponsoring midshipmen from USNA, managed to get a couple from Hawaii and that’s been pretty interesting also... more “symmetry,” I guess. School started here in late August and I’ve been averaging about two days a week as a middle school math and 75: Marty and Corky hovering above the Academy at our virtual science substitute, mostly math...

45th Class Reunion.

in coming years.This is the project that our class Gift Committee has decided to focus on.

Bill Kosty and George Capacci gave an excellent overview of the project and how our class can help the Academy in this worthy endeavor. As you can imagine, there was a lot of joking and remembering some pretty silly stuff we did years ago, but it was great. Several guys wanted to do another in the future, so maybe I will tee that up.Thanks to all who could make it!

We have started our 50th Anniversary Yearbook/Class History project with gusto!

Harry Lee and Corky are the Co-editors, and others have stepped up big-time, including Dan Becker (Layout Editor) and Randy Fiebrandt (Photo Editor). Marv Pontiff will be —guess what?—the Artistic Director! Erik Funk is the “Bio Honcho – he will be gently harassing each classmate to provide a 1,000word current life story with pictures and he will be helped by Frank Williams and Steve Conway. Others helping us are George Capacci, Steve Cmar, Bill Johnson, Doug Martin, Bob Papp, and a few more. And, we have some more jobs to be filled if anyone is interested.We owe special thanks to Ed Labuda ’70 and Dave Maloney ’70, who did a magnificent job preparing their yearbook in one year and spent several hours over the last month giving us detailed help on how to go about this BIG project. In the meantime, start looking through the boxes at your house and pull out any good pictures that we might use in our yearbook.

I received a note from Larry Brooks recently: “I retired on 30 September from Training Center Yorktown as a Training Specialist. During my 16 years at Yorktown I managed the On-Scene Coordinator Crisis Management Course for senior CG response officer, other government agency reps (EPA,

76: Jack, Gary, and Jay enjoying retirement.

THE

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76: Olthiuses, Scheers, & Hesses breathing easy

would be interesting anyway but the COVID restrictions are making it even more so.

Pamela has made some contacts with the equestrian community, we’re working with a local ministry that provides affordable housing, bought a boat and I’m learning to fish in “shallow” water. Been in the house for over a year now, starting to feel like home. Grateful for the 20 years in Hawaii but this is where we belong now.” You’re both still pretty busy, Bud! Quite a few of us attended Paul Redmond’s Virtual Celebration of Life in November.The many tributes received from shipmates Paul has known over the years were terrific (but not unexpected) as he was so well regarded among friends, Coast Guard active, reserve and civilians. It was a great send-off and one that Paul would have appreciated.

Thanks to several of you for committing to giving something back to our Academy through our Class Gift to CGA. Steve Newell, Steve Conway, and Gene McDermott recently let our Class Gift Committee know that they have committed to our requested donation.With the previous commitments, we are about 10% toward our gift goal for the Maritime Center of Excellence at the Academy.Thanks, guys!

That’s all for now, Classmates Corky,The Clock Orderly

Class of 1976 44%

members

$50K

pledged

$1M

pledged

................................................................................................

CAPT Loren Tschohl: 303 Surf Scoter Loop, Moyock, NC 27958 / 252.435.2234 (h) ltschohl@cox.net ...............................................................................................

In Memoriam JC Miller October 14, 2020 Sadly in October, we had another classmate cross the bar. JC Miller retired in 2000 as a CAPT. His last years on active duty were as the facilities engineer, XO, and then CO of ISC Kodiak. Afterwards, John came back as a civilian engineer for the Coast Guard.

He retired again in March of this year.

Memorial contributions can be made to the

76: John C. Miller, Rugger

99

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

Captain John Miller Scholarship Fund, which will benefit students at Bradley Technology and Trade School in Milwaukee, WI who wish to pursue an engineering degree following graduation. Contributions may be made to “Captain John Miller S.F.” and forwarded to Strauda Miller, P.O. Box 882, Marysville, WA 98270. Rest in Peace JC. Jack Olthius dropped a note saying “Hope you are doing OK during this challenging time.

Yvonne and I have been hanging in there.

Since we’re both retired, we played a lot of golf in the spring and summer although my swing was worse than usual because of a sore back. I ended up having back fusion surgery at the end of August which will now curtail my golf until next Spring. Surgery went well and after I was cleared to travel Yvonne and I headed to Wilmington, NC to visit close friends that recently retired from Jersey and built a house there. They live pretty close to both Gary and Kelly Scheer and Jay and Debbie Hess so we took the opportunity to get together with them on Sunday, October 11th at, where else, Edward Teach’s, a local craft brewery!

Although the place had good COVID rules in place we had to violate social distancing protocols to get these pictures; a small Touch of the Rebel! All of us are doing well and enjoying retirement.”

Keep those cards and letter coming, Loren

Class of 1977 54%

members

$29K

pledged

$1M

pledged

.............................................................................

Jim Hall: 857 Maple Street, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 / 831.658.0301 / jbhall77@sbcglobal.net ................................................................................................

I am writing this from Brooklyn, NY, as we came east to be here for the birth of our first grandchild. Our daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and John, had an appointment to start inducing on Thursday, November 12th, and got to the hospital on time. They were there about 6 hours, but there were no beds available, so they sent them home. At that point, there was no room at the inn, so I thought he would be born in a manger. They

77: Marty Rajk and Dave Glenn locked and loaded for fence building.

100

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

went back Friday, actually got a bed (in room 77 no less), and Bennett William Merriman (all 6 pounds 8 ounces of him) was born November 14th. I figure he will be USCGA Class of ’42 – I know, an even year, but he will have the same reunion as us and Chip. Baby, mother and grandmother are all doing well.

Tim Quinton, Larry Vose, Dave Glenn, Tony Buancore, Pete Ganser, Pete Krouse, and Mark Thomas represented the Class at the USCG Mutual Assistance golf tournament in Myrtle Beach. Several more were planning to attend, but, when it moved from May to November due to COVID, some decided to pass this year. As you can tell by the photo, they all looked good and most played well. Tim won his flight, Pete Ganser and Tony finished third in their flights, Dave won a longest drive and a closest to the pin prize, Larry looked like he was forty, Pete Krouse told a lot of stories and Cuddles enjoyed the most pizza. We are hoping for a bigger turnout for the May 2021 tournament.

Hank Teuton has a new bride – her name is Brenda and they are living in Montgomery, AL. Brenda is a life-long resident of Montgomery and served as the executive director of the Kiwanis Club for 25 years, growing it to the third largest in the world.

Hank finished the renovation on his home/ train station/guitar shop and is in full swing with training the next generation of luthiers.

Hank didn’t have any association with Montgomery before, but he said: “The old train station was just too compelling as a guitar shop to pass up. Turns out that it was not only perfect for what I had in mind, but also for finding a life partner. My doors are open to anyone flying by on I-65 & I-85.”

Mike Carr stood guard over the ballot drop box located outside the Florida DMV office in Tradition, FL, for the recent election.

His responsibilities were to ensure only signed and properly executed ballots were placed in the box and that the box was not tampered with or abused. I think we can all have confidence that only legal ballots were deposited when Mike was on duty.

I was fortunate to get a COVID Cold Call from Pete Krouse a while ago. He was visiting his son, David, in North Carolina and uses the cold call technique to keep in touch when he is bored. He told me Mark Jones moved back to Texas and Paul Richardson moved to

77: The newly weds - Hank and Brenda Teuton.

Arkansas.

Russ Webster and Theresa Barbo were in Savannah for a few days and experienced a lot of rain from Eta, but he said the food is wonderful.

I didn’t get much input this time, so I checked out what was happening with some of you guys on Facebook. I am not going to mention the political postings, other than to say there are very good people – on both sides.

Jim Law and Greg Warth had an interesting discussion regarding the official names for the various bugle calls we used to know. Dave Glenn drove from Boston to DC to help Marty Rajk build a fence facade on the backside of his neighbor’s fence that shares one side of his backyard. Marty got a new cedar fence and wanted the neighbor’s fence to match. I heard it was about a two-hour project but took those two all day because they were having so much fun.

Don Ross posted a picture of his watch sweater, issued when we were cadets, before he retired it after 47 years. If not for COVID, we would have all been invited to the ceremony. I think Mark Jones posts more stuff to Facebook than anyone I know. Al Brown likes to post pictures of baby pandas. On Veterans Day, Bob Bernstein posted a picture of dad, Sergeant Bernstein, taken in Marseilles in 1946. The picture of Mike Crickard’s beard is something else, but the story by Katherine Hepburn is a good read. Mike Powers has a funny post about a senior trying to change his password, which kind of hit home and the more I read it, the more offended I got. Don and Diane Trone celebrated Diane’s mother’s 92 birthday, using party hats as masks for the photo. It is as little old, but Tom Leveille has a map of the states he has visited – he is only missing a few more to get all 50. Tom Wenzel has a picture of dinner on his page, with a note from a friend saying “Fabulous rack of lamb dinner tonight prepared by Tom Wenzel paired with ZD Wines’

Moving?

Add “Notify the Alumni Association of New Address” to your moving To Do List!

Online: www.cgaalumni.org Email: mthompson@cgaalumni.org Phone: 860.442.2683 x22

77: Tim Quinton, Larry Vose, Dave Glenn,Tony Buancore, Pete Ganser, Pete Krouse, Mark Thomas at the USCG Mutual Assistance golf tournament.

December 2020/January August 2017 2021

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THE

BULLETIN

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Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

2018 Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir.” I had no idea he was a chef and wine expert! John Young has a list of some of the charities he donates to on his page – good for him. Steve Whilhelm posted a lot of information about how to vote – hope you all followed it. If you want to see the Halloween Moon over Osaka, check out Randy Meints’ page. I know it is old, but the picture of Vic Mihal riding a horse in his riding attire is a classic.

Class of 1978 53%

members

$230K pledged

$250K pledged

.............................................................................

CAPT (ret) Bryon Ing: 65014 Stoneygate Court, Springfield,VA 22152 / 703.913.1043 Ingland78@gmail.com / www.uscga78.org ................................................................................................

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

Did I mention Manson Brown is now heading the CGAAA Board of Directors? With veteran board members Brooke Winter and Kerry Watterson, Class of ’78 is leading the way! Who wudda thunk it a four and a half decades ago!?

For those that are not aware, Sam Shriver is the Executive Vice President for Thought Leadership & Training Transfer at the Center for Leadership Studies. “Dr.” Shriver has multiple U-tube videos where he interviews on leadership topics. His first book “From Coach to Coach: Real World Wisdom from the Athletic Industry’s Finest” was released March 1, 1989.

His 2nd book is “The Four Moments of Truth.” He has just authored another book “Lessons from Leaders” and it is now available for your reading pleasure. I know you are wondering if I am confused and am writing about another distinguished classmate. But after Sam’s obligated service was complete he went on to earn his EdD and is now well respected in the world of Executive and Situational Leadership.

After seeing the Bob Maki “I’m still strokin’” photo in the recent Bulletin, Kerry Watterson was not to be out done!! Even though the many competitions he still participates in were canceled this year, he is still on the water this summer! Kerry reports, “While team rowing was curtailed this year, here’s a picture of me in stroke seat of a men’s Masters 4 getting ready for the start of last year’s Head of the Cuyahoga. And I did splurge and buy myself a new single sculling boat this summer!”

Jim Hoeft chimed in with notice that veterans are now able to obtain a free lifetime pass to all national parks on the Stars and

Greetings Classmates - Well another few months have passed but it’s still COVID season!! An unusual high amount of tropical systems have and continue to grace the East and Gulf Coasts. Meanwhile we were able to hold elections but with a 80M to 74M popular split, it’ll be interesting if as a nation we can move forward! Here are some class notes – news from the front!

If you recall a previous class note from Pat Cunnigham at the start of the pandemic, he was stuck in NJ as TX wasn’t letting him back in due to the high infection rate in the Northeast.

Well now that Texas is having their own spike and caught up to the rest of the states, Pat writes, “Susan and I finally made it back to Houston, last week (late Oct), after over seven months in NJ. Good to be back home. Expect to get back up to NJ by Christmas.” On the good side I believe Pat and Susan missed a few of the tropical weather systems that Texas experienced.

If you didn’t read the recent Alumni Bulletin, congrats to Bruce Ward for his recognition for the 2020 Academy Admissions Partners Award for volunteer working with the CGA admissions 78: Flashback: Iain Anderson, Eddie Mack, Mark Ashley, Brian office and their programs!

Ford, Mike Vincenty, Jim Stricker

78: Strokin’ II: Kerry Watterson

102

78: Oktoberfest: Kim Person, Bryon Ing, Jim Person

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Stripes website – shorted link: https://bit. ly/3lrv3m0 He actually sent it before 11 November but I’m just now passing it along!

Also retiree good news is a cost of living adjustment 1.3 percent increase in retired pay beginning with the pay for December 31, 2020.

After being hemmed up at home due to the COVID work environment, Iain Anderson chimed in with some news and also provided a flashback photo. From Iain, “Just read the class notes in the latest Bulletin.There was discussion of X2’s trip to New York. Prior to the Yankee’s game a group of us went to a nearby bar and this picture was taken. It was in a Cadet publication and I scanned in the picture a while ago. Leslie and I have had an extreme quite summer.This is the first summer in more than 50 years that I have not gone sailing. I sure do expect that to change next summer! The list of missed things is pretty long: grandson’s first birthday, trips to see my mother, and a cruise around the Mediterranean. Every year for the

78: Fitness Guru: Bob McCarthy, Dwight McGee

78: Cappello Estate: Mike Cappello, Jim Person, Bryon Ing, Mike Mangan

78: Duffers: Jim Watson, Bryon Ing

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

past 20 years we have shared Thanksgiving with another family here in town. As the kids got married and had children, the size of the group has grown.This year we’re doing a virtual gathering instead.We sure hope next year is a return to something closer to norm.

Take care and stay healthy, Iain” Early in the pandemic, the Cappellos hosted a small gathering following the social group size limits! (after determining a ‘safe’ pod, we took the below photo!) Mike and Peta Cappello put on their typical over the top food spread. Attending were Jim and Kim Person and their son Michael, Bryon Ing, and Mike Mangan. Shortly after this gathering the DC Metro area spiked so that ended future get-togethers we planned for the summer.

Earlier this summer I was able to reconnect with Willie Tamayo who is still living in the Philippines. After graduating he returned to the Philippine Coast Guard eventually working his way up to be their Coast Guard Commandant.

To catch up I am including his response to my e-mail exchanges with some editing! From Willie: “Hi Bryon! It’s really nice to hear from you after a very long haul, and I’m so grateful that we have crossed paths again. In my case, after my mandatory retirement with the PCG in 2011, I was invited by my cousin who owns the University of Perpetual Help System to join him. He has entrusted to me the administration of its international student affairs and maritime affairs which keeps me going.The university has

79: Bruce and Marla Viekman show off their new Delaware plates

79: Bill Wiedenhoeft, “Igor” Sikorsky (RIP), Dave Spillman, Frank Arland, supervisor Bob Loving, Rick O’Rourke, Doug Wisniewski on Attu, Island, AK, in 1978 THE

BULLETIN

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

its roots as a medical school but managed to expand to various programs. Service-wise, we’ve organized here in Manila what we call the CGA Pinoy Bears comprised of USCGA’s Filipino graduates, and likewise, the PHILAM Alumni Forum also made up of Filipino graduates from the 5 US Service Academies. I have visited the academy (with my wife) only once after attending a week-long activity at the Naval War College, and made a couple more of attempts which unfortunately didn’t materialize.

Best regards to you and your family, and to all our classmates/shipmates! Go Bears! – regards Willie.”

As the COVID restrictions began to ease up in early October, Kim and Jim Person arranged a long-awaited invite for Bryon Ing to join them at their local Arlington Bier Garten. Although we had missed he ‘unofficial’ Oktoberfest period due to COVID restrictions our meet up was close enough! It was a great sunny day and some of the country’s many issues were discussed but not resolved.

However, always nice to meet up and the cold drink selections made it easy to agree to disagree!

Bryon Ing has been on the CG Foundation Golf Scholarship Committee since early 2000’s. I was able to finally see Jim ‘Doc” Watson at this tournament as he is still leading ABS America. However since he is teleworking, he can do it in Maryland while he preps his retirement home on the Potomac Shores.Words from Jim, “It was great seeing you and playing in the CG Foundation golf tournament this week.Timing was perfect.

Anne and I just completed our move to Maryland from Texas arriving Sunday night with the last carload of stuff. As usual, we’ll miss our neighbors in the old Houston hood, but look forward to re-establishing ourselves back in the MD-VA-DC area. I’m still working for ABS (remotely) and Anne is retired from coordinating Occupational Therapists, but ready to do local volunteer work. Our kids are in all four time zones, so we’ll do a lot of traveling. Best regards, Jim” MCoE Class Commitment – hope you are all responding to the recent CGAAA mailing so we can meet our gift goal by the 45th!! Reminder that while we have a target amount we hope to raise, we are hoping to get 100% participation. Any questions check the class web site and contact our

79: Bob “Bo” Waltz and Steve Carter in 2017

Class Gift Committee.

Continued wishes for all to remain safe and healthy – wear your mask in social environs and wash those hands!! Send me some notes and social distancing photos! Feel free to send me a note about your special occasion and with COVID, how you celebrated anyways!!!

See you next issue!! Bryon

Class of 1979 56%

members

$400K pledged

...............................................................................................

CAPT Frank Sturm: 122 Eagles Landing Drive, Mooresville, NC, 28117 / 980.434.4415 (c) / franksturm@hotmail.com www.cgaalumni.org/class1979 ...............................................................................................

We’ll open up with a short note from Doug Daeffler: “My son, LCDR Michael Daeffler, was just sworn in on September 1st as a member of the Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff (PCTS) at the Academy. He is now 1 of 23 PCTS members of the Coast Guard. Of course, we were only allowed to attend virtually. It was my mother’s 86th birthday and Mike wished her a Happy Birthday in his address to the “assembled” crowd.”

Congratulations to Mike and Doug.

Bruce and Marla Viekman moved to a place with few CGA grads - Delaware. Bruce registered his car with a license plate announcing his class affiliation. “Nobody has asked about the license plate yet, although it brought a smile to a few Navy friends.The harbors, beaches, and summer season of Lewes are a lot like their Cape Cod roots. Pat and Rosemarie Nemeth came east for a weekend and we took in a Carole King tribute concert.”

Rich Preston checked in: “I thought I’d drop a line. It’s been a weird summer here in Juneau with Covid.The lack of any cruise ship traffic has drastically effected economics here... all the small tourist-oriented businesses are hurting and praying that next summer is better.

“Piloting has been limited to some yachts and the usual cargo ships, so I’ve had a lot of time to fish, crab, and shrimp (which I’m getting better at).

79: Pat and Rosemary Nemeth, Bruce and Marla Viekman take in a concert in Lewes, DE

103

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

of brown terrain.The green landscapes of Puget “I managed to catch 6 king salmon on the Sound never looked so good as when we fly and have attached a photo of the biggest returned to Seattle from a 5-month which was right at 28 pounds [Photo published deployment up north. Ahh, the good ole days. in the October 2020 Bulletin]. I’m sporting my Dave King reported in early November COVID beard - which I grew along with my that Peggy and he were in Beaufort, SC, for a hair until I could find an open barber. (My month.They plan to continue their southern daughter Kelsey said that I could have migration on SIMPLICITY.Their son will meet moonlighted as Santa this coming winter if I’d them for some fishing in the Keys and then, kept it).

COVID permitting, they’ll head to the Bahamas “I also sent a shot of some spot prawns for a couple of months. which Alaska vets may remember tasting when I’ll close on a sad note about Bob “Bo” they were here. A local delicacy. Having fun Waltz, our classmate who left CGA in 1978. trying to refine my tactics for catching them!!

Bo passed away sometime before June. Kurt “It seems a world away that we were all Heinz tried to find an obituary without any together at the reunion last fall - what a luck. Kurt did find his Facebook page which had difference COVID-19 has made. Hopefully the some posts from friends and family members vaccines are effective, and someone gets a plan that he was missed on his birthday, June 13th. So to get the immunizations out quickly.”

Congratulations to Nancy and Bill we surmised he passed away before then.

Grawe on the wedding of their daughter Emily.

Other than that, here are the few details I Here’s Bill’s note: “Married off daughter #2 on could piece together: After leaving CGA, Bob 9/26 in Pittsburgh (Emily)! Very interesting to returned home to Florida. He graduated from have a wedding during COVID. Happy couple USF in 1981. From 1982 to 2012, he worked as doing OK.” an emergency radio dispatcher near Seminole, Emily is a lawyer who, when I last checked, FL, where he lived. He retired from that job in works for the Pittsburgh DA’s office.

2012.

Jeff Pettitt sent an email in early October: As you will recall, Bob was a big guy. Steve “Despite numerous fires still burning in CO, Carter told me that he caught up with Bo in OR & CA -- we are doing fine. Many days of 2017. Steve sent along a photo of him and Bo visible smoke -- which is depressing but not that I’ll post with these notes. critical. Diffused sunlight many days and some May Bob rest in peace. with allergies not enjoying this... It should finally That’s a wrap. Keep sending your updates cool down next week -- into 60’s during days and photos.

-- waaaaay too many days in 80’s for OCT. “We are enjoying many days of golf as we live right on a fun, but long, course.You’d think our games would be MUCH better -- as we are getting in the time & practice.... ha, ha!”

Wiz sent a couple of emails, explaining he connected with Bill Wiedenhoeft at Bill’s 43% $280K $80K home in Beaver Dam WI. Bill and Kathi are members pledged pledged doing great. Bill’s son is stationed in Kodiak where he is a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. ..............................................................................................

CAPT Joe Rodriguez: 14412 SE 49th Street, Wiz and Lori also had lunch with Roy and Bellevue, WA 98006 / 425.747.1497 Deb Nash in mid-October before the Nash’s spogdog3@msn.com, spogdog@gmail.com moved from Northern VA to Maine. ..............................................................................................

Doug also provided a copy of a photo I sent out a call for notes and sadly I’m still taken on Attu Island in the summer of 1978 waiting for my classmates. when a group of our classmates were there for Aaron Levy announced the engagement a civil engineering internship. He relayed, “It was of his son, Quinn Levy ’20 to Abby Ferrara ’20. quite an experience as we sailed on first phase Quinn is in LIBERTY out of Auke Bay, AK and cruise to Europe, then flew back around the Abby is in JOHN MCCORMICK out of world to land on Attu.We installed a water line Ketchikan, AK. They are planning a Sep 2021 and helper repair the runway. And consumed wedding. Congratulations go out to the entire quite a lot of beer.”

My personal note: I never made it to Attu Island but I did go ashore on Adak Island during multiple port visits while on POLAR STAR trips to the Arctic.

You could not find a tree taller than 6 feet on the whole island due to the constant wind that blew through there. A whole lot 80: Aaron Levy’s son Quinn proposing 80: Quinn and Abby

Class of 1980

104

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Levy family.

Some news from me. Mike Aholt and I went out to Eastern WA and took his gun out for a walk. Technically we were hunting for Bucks but all that came into sight were some Does. Mike and I are certain that deer know how to read a calendar and then on top of that they know how to tell time. We did learn that Mike’s propane tanks don’t keep the furnace going when one runs out and the other one isn’t hooked up!

If you are on my e-mail distribution list you know that Mark Yost has been hosting weekly Friday afternoon Happy Hour Zoom events. I participated in one and I have to say it was pretty fun. Talking and seeing folks that I haven’t seen in a few years is a treat. It’s funny how some of us haven’t seen or talked with each other in a number of years but get us all on the same call and it’s like we just left the Academy.

Some folks are digging up old photos and sharing them which brings back some great memories. I know for me it’s a treat as I don’t have many pictures from our time at the Academy and seeing others sparks some memories.

If you are on Facebook and are not part of our Class Page you should get on it. I’m not sure who started it but someone asked what their path was to the Academy. Many folks have posted interesting stories on their path and it’s surprising how many had the Academy on their radar early on and on top of that in some very land locked locations.

That’s all I have for this issue. I hope all are doing well during these challenging times and that however you celebrate the holidays you stay safe and well.

Class of 1981

.......................................................................

CAPT Brian D. Perkins (ret.): 101 Main Street, Thomaston, ME 04861 / 207.354.0799 (w) / cutterman4life@gmail.com www.classcreator.com/Newmembers London-CT-U-S-Coast-GuardAcademy-1981/class_index.cfm .....................................................................

51%

80: Joe and Mike on the hunt

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Class of 1982

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CAPT Michael Cosenza: 8136 Bald Eagle Lane, Wilmington NC 28411 / 410.757.0340 (h) / mccosenza@gmail.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ members CGA82/ .................................................................

43%

I hope this finds you and yours, healthy and enduring through these trying times. COVID continues to limit the travel and gatherings so consequently not too much to report this issue. I am optimistic that by the time you are reading this worst will be behind us. Wash your hands often!

Proud parent alert: Joe Seebald’s son Patrick received his aviator wings at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in October. Following in his dad’s footsteps, Patrick will fly C-130s when he and wife, Danielle report to Air Station Elizabeth City. Congratulations Seebalds! (An aside, the attached photo was taken by none other than our own Frank McNiff) The class was uncannily prophetic when it chose Dan McClellan as our class president some 40 some odd years ago. Not only did Dan recently earn his PhD in Organizational Leadership from Benedictine University but he has been using his considerable talents and knowledge to support causes that both he and wife, Tina, care about. Dan is the vice chair for the Board of Director’s of the Ocean Discovery Institute, a non-profit supporting STEM education for 6000 kids in underrepresented communities of San Diego.

According to the Ocean Discovery Institute website; the Institute “… uses ocean science to empower young people from underserved urban communities of color to transform their lives, their community, and our world as science and conservation leaders.Working in the San Diego community of City Heights, we provide continuous science opportunities paired with mentoring and the tools to overcome challenges so that young people unlock their potential”. Dan reports that they are so successful that NOAA is looking to replicate the Institute’s success to other coastal cities such as Baltimore and Norfolk.

Splitting time between San Diego and NYC since COVID started, the McClellans somehow found the time to become part of

82: Dan McClellan and Joe Zuccaro relive the good ole days in Fell’s Point.

THE

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Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

the volunteer team of the Humane Society United States (HSUS) Animal Rescue Team. In mid-November Dan and Tina were finishing up an 8-day support mission at a recovery and rehabilitation center set up in western Maryland for more than 170 dogs that were flown in after being rescued from South Korea’s dog meat trade industry.

Always gracious, Dan and Tina stopped by and visited with the “mayor” of Fells Point Joe Zuccaro where the accompanying photo was snapped.

Class of 1983 48%

members

$250K pledged

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CAPT Matt Bliven: 2917 Marina Drive, Alameda, CA 94501 / 510.388.3045 / mbliven83@gmail.com ..............................................................................................

readers.

Jet Sturtz dug up an old photo from the Academy waterfront featuring 10 crazy Foxtrot cadets forming a (probably illegal) human pyramid on the T-boat pier. We had probable ID’s on some of the participants: Main yardarm - Brian Seal, Roderick Smith, who knows? Sharon Kiel?

Lower t’gallant – Mike Morales, unknown, Tom Vitullo Upper t’gallant - Kirk Hiles, then ball cap boy In the crow’s nest – Brad Kidwell Dave Almond reported that Stan Carson took a ride on his Triumph motorcycle to visit him while the Almond family was “school-cationing” in eastern Washington state in October. Stan has been doing a lot of fishing since selling his sporting equipment business.

Last we saw Stan and Marci was the reunion two years ago. Both Dave and Stan appear relaxed and happy to see each other.

Likewise, Jim Robbins and Brad Robinson got together in August at Spruce Creek, the fly-in community just south of Daytona Beach, FL, where Brad resides.

Imagine having your own semi-private airport in your backyard which you can use whenever you want? That’s Brad’s life.

Jim travelled to Spruce Creek to fly an aircraft like the one he is currently building in Pennsylvania (which is a pet project that has spanned several years of his adult life.) He says his plane will be airborne soon and promises to send us a photo. We remember visiting Jim and Nancy a while back and tooling around the rolling farmland in his little home-built helicopter (no doors.) What a treat!

I was remiss in failing to previously note that

This month, we offer a bouillabaisse of light news and photos, packed with shrimp, mussels, clams and monkfish. After our call for notes, Raul Mangalindan responded with a promise to deliver updates from Ernie Malapo (Arizona) and Jimmy Ylanan (Philipines), saying we could “flip” over whatever news he provided (was he making a joke?) Alas, Raul the tease left us hanging as the promised report never arrived.

Prolific Peter Bergeron is on a roll with his second novel “The Black and White Club: Illuminology” in the editor’s hands now for final review. This is the second in a series, following “Black and White Club: Genesis”, which is still available on Amazon in both hard copy and e-book formats.

Pete said he has started a third book called “Brothers.”

Jeez… talk about writer’s cramp.

Stay tuned for 82: Newly minted aviator Patrick Seebald and wife more, loyal Danielle.

83: Lurilla and Cate’s boondock rig

83: Newly minted 2LT Meghan Guinee, USAF

83: Smith family celebrate their son’s endurance feat

105

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

Paul and Kim Guinee celebrated their daughter Meghan’s graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and commissioning as a 2nd LT in the Air Force. The ceremony was held at the Academy in April, six weeks ahead of schedule, due to the pandemic.

Family and friends were not able to attend but joined over 50,000 people watching a live stream of the event. Meghan was selected to become an Air Force doctor and is currently attending a 4-year program with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), which is located on the campus of the University of Virginia in Blacksburg,VA. VCOM is a private medical school and the second largest in the nation with branch campuses in South Carolina, Alabama, and Louisiana.

DJ Smith writes – “Laura and I just returned from a trip east to see our son Chris.

We met him in Panama City, FL, to watch him compete in his first triathlon, an Ironman – a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike followed by a 26.2 mile marathon. With the goal of just finishing the race, he started swimming at 0615 and crossed the finish line 16 hours later. We were proud to see him grind it out, especially during the grueling marathon where he hit the wall and it would have been easy to call it a day.

He finished strong and crossed the Ironman event off his bucket list. We had a great time supporting Chris and watching the competition from the sidelines.” (CC note – Chris Smith, ’10, is a licensed officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine and currently serves as Chief Mate aboard U.S. Army Corp of Engineers oceangoing vessel.)

Lurilla Lee sent a snapshot of her camping setup in the woods, while visiting Dosewallops State Park on Hood Canal,WA, in late July.

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

Lurilla and Cate were able to camp and hike and generally relax, while keeping a good distance from other campers, bears, and the like.

She said the tent on the side of their camper provides much appreciated additional space.

The whole package is light, easy to pull, quick to set up, and is the off-road model so they can “boondock.” Well, we were not familiar with the term, which apparently also means to camp comfortably in remote areas despite no power, water, or other available services. Lurilla said they have solar panels, water tanks, propane, a stove, shower and toilet facilities in the camper, so what’s not to like? She didn’t mention internet, but that’s probably somewhere in there too. What a boondoggle.

Of course, who happened to be fishing nearby and wandered into Lurilla and Cate’s tidy camp? Sue Daignault, of course, who proceeded to show off a lovely freshly caught brown trout. Surely she released it to the babbling brook soon after and it will try again next season for another chance at one of her custom-tied nymphs. We should all be so lucky in 2021. We swear that’s the last fish photo of the year, from Sue or anyone else who may be skilled with a rod, reel, net, trap, pot, spear gun, or bare hands.

We hope everyone makes the best of the holidays and the conclusion of an interesting and unforgettable year of challenges. May you spend time with those you love and have the opportunity to comfort those who are alone.

Please take care – and take time to connect to others.

Class of 1984

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CAPT Rick Kenin: 97 Strawberry Hill Rd., Acton, MA 01720 / 954.385.5251(h)/ rick@keninfamily.com ............................................................. members

38%

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Class of 1985 45%

members

$500K pledged

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CAPT Bob Watts: 5209 Claridge Ct., Fairfax,VA 22032 / 571.969.8193 / rbwatts27@gmail.com ..............................................................................................

Greetings esteemed classmates. Big news this month is reporting on the wedding of Bob Wagner. Bob writes: “My Beautiful Bride is Rachel Bonner.We met two years ago (Oct 2018), and we were married Sept 26th on the lanai of our future retirement home in Weeki Wachee, FL... which is where the photo was taken. I can get used to having my morning coffees (plural) there.Weeki Wachee is famous for their live mermaid shows, but I found the best partner a sea Captain could ever hope for! It was a small COVID-free event (can say that since it’s been more than 2 weeks) with just Rachel’s parents, her son Jack who is in high school, my mom, and a cousin who is a retired Navy Chaplain, and his wife, who officiated the wedding.The rest of our kids and close friends had to unfortunately watch on Facebook.The honeymoon will be post-COVID, but Alaska may be involved.

Rachel is a Nurse Practitioner in Ashburn, VA, and she has been at the forefront of this mess since the pandemic hit. I’m amazed how much she does for her patients. I’ll also brag on her and say that she has twice been voted the Best Medical Provider in Loudoun County. She is absolutely amazing, and I have NO idea what she sees in me! I’m sure many of my classmates would wonder the same thing. But, luck is everything, and I’m one lucky guy!”

Yes, Bob, we agree! Congratulations!

That’s it for this issue. Have a safe holiday season and Stay Worthy. - Bob

85: Bob Wagner Wedding

83: T-boat shenanigans

106

83: A fly-in visit with Jim and Brian

83: Dave and Stan enjoy the afternoon desert air

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

Class of 1986

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Ray Schembri: 512 Christian Circle, Senoia, GA 30276 / 770.727.9062 (h); 614.783.1375 (c) rays1010@hotmail.com CAPT Mark Cawthorn: members Springfield,VA / 202.475.5091 / Mark.A.Cawthorn2@uscg.mil ..............................................................................................

36%

My Bold & Courageous Classmates – Dog here. By the time these notes were due, I was hoping to be able to say something about the recent Presidential Election, but even as I type, the results are not yet certain – par for 2020.

I have some unfortunate news to report (again, par for 2020), Gary Thomas tragically lost both of his parents within the span of a few days. Gary was kind enough to share some heartfelt words of wisdom, he wrote: “It can be hard staying in touch in these pandemic times, and we have many reasons (excuses) why we can’t make time for the important people in our lives, but just make the time. I was fortunate enough to be with both of them a large amount of time this year, but I know there had been times in my career when I could have (and probably did) come up with “too busy” excuses for not visiting more often. Had I not made the time over the last year, their deaths would have been much harder for me to cope with. And lastly, my sister and I were finally able to convince my parents to get their financial matters in order several years ago (updated wills, “Lady Bird Deed,” life insurance designees, etc). Because all of that was done, when they passed it didn’t make a difficult situation worse by having us deal with difficult estate matters.

So, be good to your survivors and get everything in order now. Like making time for the important people in your lives, you can come up with plenty of reasons to put it off, but don’t fall into that trap. Make the difficult situation a little less difficult for them by setting up your estate now.” We are sorry to learn of your tremendous loss, but thank you for taking the time to share some valuable advice.

Jay “Pig” Topper, our uber-Classmate, recently required additional heart surgery; his sixth procedure over the last 18 months. He sent me a text telling me he was going under the knife at 8 o’clock for a six-hour procedure.

In at 8 for 6 hours – a most fortunate omen.

Post-surgery, he texted me and Brandt “Rouss-Man” Rousseaux, but it is nothing that I can share in these notes here, other than to say that he is doing well in recovery, and is the same upbeat and cheerful man that he always has been! He texted me a photo of himself and his lovely wife. His large and colorful USCG Facemask could not hide his jocund disposition – hang tough, Classmate!

Paul Szwed has taken on the role of our “cub reporter” (as in Bear Cub – like Objee) - sending in little snippets and tidbits from his travels around the world. He recently emailed me an article (as reported by the Boston CBS Affiliate) that the winning gourd in annual Topsfield, CT Pumpkin Contest weighed-in at a perfect 1,986 lbs. As Charlie Brown noted, “It’s THE

BULLETIN

The Loch Harbour Group is a premier services provider and a trusted advisor to our clients. Our mission is to enable mission success for our clients.

Loch Harbour Group, Inc. | Anthony J. Braddock, President & CEO Nancy Massey, Senior Vice President 6121 Lincolnia Road, Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22312 Tel: (703) 642-2380 | Fax: (703) 642-2376 www.lochharbour.com

107

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

The Great Pumpkin.” No, you Blockhead – it’s not great, it’s perfect and one small piece of wonderful news in an overall disappointing year.

In the “What’s Going on at CGHQ” update, we are in the process of moving/relocating offices. Under the new floor plan, my office is exactly one deck below Jim “Animal” Martin’s. Because of this convenient arrangement, I submitted a work order to have a Quick-Acting Water Tight Scuttle (QAWTS – Circle X-Ray), along with an accompanying ladder, installed between these two spaces. It is a bit odd that Jim (the Engineer) would be one deck above me (the Deckie) – but, again – normal for 2020. If we are not able to secure funding for the QAWTS, then perhaps we will install a 21MC, which I imagine will look remarkably like two soup cans connected with twine, running out of the windows between our offices. Last I heard, the work order is sitting on the desk of our Last Man Standing - Michael McAllister – hey, classmate, how about moving that along?

By the time you are reading these,Veteran’s Day will have come and gone, as will have Thanksgiving. I hope each of you Veterans enjoyed the day and wanted to thank you for your service. I hope that each of you enjoyed a Thanksgiving gathering with family and friends – all seated at least 8.6 feet apart. I also hope that you have adopted what has become a tradition in the Cawthorn household at Thanksgiving. Right before pumpkin pie is served, I always stand up and read aloud the latest edition of the Class Notes to the assembled guests, which is unfailingly followed by raucous cheering, laughter, and guffaws.

Despite the dismal times and difficulties of the year, there is always plenty to be thankful for.

Being a member of the Class of ’86 – Greatest Of All Time – is something for which I am eternally thankful.

Additionally, the Christmas Holidays/ Hanukkah will also be upon us. I hope that each of you is excited to find the latest copy of The Bulletin as one of your gifts this holiday season – simply no better gift, regardless of how you chose to celebrate this time of year.

Yes, this year has been miserable. It is reminiscent of stepping into the Watch Office after marching tours and earning more demerits because the brass on your drill belt wasn’t polished. Or, when the Firsties running the Corps were an Odd Year Class. The end to this misery is in sight, better days are on the horizon. Keep the faith, a cure/vaccine is imminent, which should allow us to return to normal, or whatever the new normal will be.

Waiting for this year to end is like waiting for one of the only two showers in the berthing

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

area on EAGLE, after liberty had been piped.

– but, we were all able to make it out on liberty and enjoy some epic times.

The Boldness and Courage Award for this edition of our Class Notes belongs to none other than Paul Szwed. Mr. Zod has a sharp eye for all things “86” that exist out there in the world – thanks for sharing classmate.

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza and Happy New Year to each of you!

Class of 1987 48%

members

$200K pledged

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CDR Mark Berkeley, USCG (ret): 372 Trout Brook Road, Marion Bridge, NS B1K 2G4 Canada / markinmiami@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/40148781020/ ..............................................................................................

Well imagine me up at reveille sitting in front of the computer banging out a set of notes just to get in under the wire.Yeah it’s a recurring theme, but at least I am consistent!

Lots going on here leasing up to this set, but that is a story for another time.This will be short and sweet as I only had two respondents to the call. But there are pictures, and you know what I say when it comes to pictures…

Now that the requisite housekeeping banter is out of the way, I trust everyone managed to successfully navigate Thanksgiving. If you stuck around for that extra helping or three of “whatever” and didn’t execute that emergency underway from the dinner table you probably wish you were a 4th Class Cadet again, forced to keep your head and eyes in the boat, thus resulting in limited intake of food.

And before you ask that age old question… ”Do they celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada?”

The answer is yes, but…Not at the same time as traditionally observed in America. Here, Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October.Truth be told, it usually turns out to be a weekend of celebrating and eating resulting in a longer recovery period.

Eric Jones managed to squeak in a visit to Tallahassee at the end of September and got to see Gwen and Terance Keenan at their beautiful home in Miller’s Landing. Eric said the

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

menagerie is doing quite well, with several dogs, cats, goats and horses. Both are enjoying their work: Gwen is still doing emergency management for Florida and Tuffy remains busy conducting youth counseling.

Here’s some food for thought from Jerry Doherty: “Happy holidays, classmates. And then, depression set in. [Anyone who doesn’t get that reference needs to turn in their Dayroom access card] Holidays without family is no fun, and not having a patrol/deployment to blame it on makes it especially unsettling. I’m sure many are feeling the same way. I miss being with people… Teams and Facetime and Zoom and Meet, and GoToMeeting and Webex are just not adequate substitutes for being in a room with people, working together. But they are good barriers to airborne virus particles, so, until a vaccine is widely available, virtual meetings it will be. So, if our holidays can’t be as happy as we’d like, here’s trusting that all of us at least have a Healthy Holidays! :)” Interestingly enough, I did not even mention the pandemic in the opening credits.We are taking all the right precautions, but like many folks we are becoming “comfortably” numb to the fact that it is just something that isn’t going away any time soon. Just like all those pushups we did Swab Summer. Just a part of the day and there was no getting around it.

Still don’t have confirmation of the identity of the ever-elusive Cadet #3 mentioned in the last set of Notes. I know that somebody out there knows! Share the knowledge!!!

November 2020 will soon be in the history books.We have already had a taste of snow here in Canada (more than once). We are happy to remain at WINTCON 5 for a least couple more weeks. No worries, we are stocked up and ready for whatever winter may bring. I have already gotten in one garage ride on the motorcycle with the prospect of many, many more to come.

Wishing you all Happy & Healthy Holidays from Canada!

Moving?

Add “Notify the Alumni Association of New Address” to your moving To Do List!

Online: www.cgaalumni.org Email: mthompson@cgaalumni.org Phone: 860.442.2683 x22 108

87: Eric and Gwen.

87: Eric and the Keenans at Miller’s Landing.

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Class of 1988 39%

members

$88K

pledged

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Mrs. Brenda Wolter: 60L St. NE #1316, Washington, D.C. 20002 / 757.375.4386 (c) / brendawolter@gmail.com CAPT Eric Johnson, USCG (ret): 632 Treeside Ln, Avon Lake, OH 44012 / 727-417-2639 (c) / ejohnsoncg1@gmail.com ..............................................................................................

Hello from Ohio on a crisp fall day the week before Thanksgiving. As I write this the COVID cases have increased but hopefully when you read this we will be on the downside with the vaccine in full distribution.

Adell Servidio had a great idea to get some updates from our remaining active duty classmates. I’ll work on that and in the meantime, here are the names (hopefully I have everyone) and locations (if not DC area).

Congratulations to you all and thank you for continuing to serve.

Pat Dequattro, CG-DCO-D, Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities Dave Dermanelian, CG-6, Asst Comdt for C4IT Rob Hayes, Director, JIATF West, Honolulu, HI Kirt Martin, Commanding Officer National Maritime Center, Martinsburg,WV Mike Ryan, CG Cyber Commander

88: Jim Scheye as a Polling Officer

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

Jim Scheye sent in “Justin and I had a chance to catch up recently and celebrate anniversaries with Brenda and Willy before they headed south to Florida. Good to see our “best woman” and talk memories and plans.

They are even using the “retirement” word!

Also enjoyed the chance duty to serve as a polling officer. Got the best job at 0630 that I have had since being recycling orderly in Golf company picking up “soda” bottles from CGA ‘85 doorways!”

Jim Tabor updated his transition from teacher to student as he has begun his studies for the priesthood. “I am finishing up my first semester at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon. I have traded in Coast Guard blue for all black.

Being a full-time student again has been interesting especially with the pandemic.We have been living in a bubble since July.The dog (see picture) belongs to another seminarian in my cohort who is an amazing person. He is blind and is also discerning the priesthood. His dog obviously fits right in as well.”

Joe Hester provided the following update: “We remain in Fairfax,VA, riding out COVID like everyone else. Armed with Lysol and masks, eating only take-out, we managed a string of college visits last summer.We’re celebrating Katy’s acceptance to her top school, Jacksonville University, knowing that it’s possible she’ll graduate from her High School in 2021 without having stepped foot in the place for the last year and a half.”

Amy Grandelli is enjoying camping much more than Kirk Bartnik based on his submission in the last bulletin. Amy sent in, “Kris

Peterson and I have been section hiking the AT for three summers now. So far we have 72 days and about 885 miles under our feet. It’s been a ton of fun and we hope to get it finished in another few summer sections. In other news I have a fabulous new granddaughter! Julia was born last January and quickly won our hearts.

And lastly, we have accumulated a few classmates living down here in Sarasota county.

Chris and Beth Meade and Brenda and Willy Wolter have homes and once they stop that silly working thing will be down here permanently.The living is pretty good and we think a few more of y’all should come join us!”

Ian Liu ‘87 sent a very nice note to Brenda, “Yesterday (7 Nov), I participated in the local Flags Across America event at Arlington National Cemetery sponsored by the DC CPOA.This was the 21st year that they’ve been laying CG and standard ensigns at the gravesites of Coasties to recognize and remember those who have passed before in advance of Veterans Day. Someone else beat me to Tom Nelson’s site to place the ensigns but was happy it was done and took the attached snapshot to share. Hope you, Willie, and your loved ones are well in spite of the tumultuous times 2020 has given us.”

A few days later Vicki Nelson posted this note on FB after she and their daughter Adriana visited Tom on Veteren’s Day, “Rainy day in Arlington.Thanks to the person who placed the flags! Touched our hearts seeing them. Our thanks to those that served and continue to serve our country. God bless!”

While I was finalizing these notes I reached out to Vicki to make sure it was ok to use her FB post. My timing was great as I interrupted her having lunch with none other than Ivan Vikin.

Ivan sent me a few more pictures. I’ll have to save a couple for the next Bulletin.

Thank you for the notes and pictures and I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving and Christmas as we complete the countdown to get out of 2020!

88: Jim Tabor back in the classroom 88: Amy with granddaughter Julia

88: Vicki and Ivan at Mount Vernon THE

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88: Adriana visiting dad

88: Kris Peterson and Amy on the AT

109

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

Class of 1989

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

Class of 1990

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Happy Holidays classmates! The notes staff hopes you are able to find the opportunity to safely gather with family and friends as the year winds down. Like the rest of the world, 90ers are mainly bunkering down with immediate family but are finding ways to outmaneuver COVID and catch up with old friends. Squally has innovated his business trips between Florida,VA and the northeast to see the likes of Tom Allan, Andy McGurer and Perry Mackey. Pat’s oldest, Daniel, is a freshman at U of Florida. Randy Hartnett and Bernie Bartick have kids there too so they are able to get together at Hillsboro Inlet for brews every other month or so. Pat is enjoying life operating OpEdge Solutions LLC, providing IT/ cloud, Cyber and Logistics consulting services since 2015.

Tony and Marta Hahn have settled in Houston,Tony in his new post CG career as an aviation advisor for ConocoPhillips. He frequently travels to Alaska but was able to make a pit stop in South Dakota to hunt bucks with Lane Johnson in the Black Hills of SD. Lane will be in LA in Dec and Tony separately this January so two mini reunions

are brewing for those in the So Cal area.

I had a great phone call with Mark Hindle in November as Stinky was advising me on a minor zoning issue in NC. He and Lena are loving the post FBI world and Mark is quickly building his business in the real estate world.

They haven’t yet bought the RV that will take them around the country on their planned 1-year journey, but they are close.Their kids Malia (2019 CGA grad) and Keani (in college) are doing great. Mark still faithfully flies the EAGLE call sign from their front yard halyard (November-Romeo-Charlie-Bravo) which of course CAPT Cummings would remind you stands for “never refuse cold beer.” Mark’s always got cold ones in the fridge, so don’t hesitate to stop by.

Jon Frederick checked in from his long time abode in Jaffrey, NH where Jon is the town manager. He and Lyn are enjoying life, particularly when their grandkids come for a visit.Their son, Sean, is stationed at West Point and will be promoted to Major in February. He is a TAC officer and is also teaching American Politics to the cadets. Although COVID limits access to visit West Point, Jon has been enjoying the proximity of District Commander Tom Allan who lives just two hours down stream.

They have connected several times since the summer but Jon says despite relentless requests and an offer “Admiral Allen Day” won’t let him drive one of the cutters. Besides working, Jon say he and Lyn have gotten into riding their motorcycles in the mountains.They are gearing up for a potential haul to the 2021 Sturgis Rally and if they do they plan to tap into Lane’s local support network and exclusive visitation to his Tiki Totem Tavern which is still alive and kicking, see www.facebook.com/TikiTotemTavern.

89: Clinton Johnson and his son Thomas ready for trick or treating!

89: Andy and Kathy Tiongson dressed up and ready for Halloween Arrgh!

90: 1990 Section 5, the next, next generation!! Lyn and Jon Frederick with grandkids Liam and Eamon

90: Tony & Lane with a 4x4 whitetail

90: Tony and Lane’s Owen on day 1 of a 5 day hunting journey.

90: Squals to starboard!! Pat “Squally” Dibari with Michael, Gabby and Daniel.

46%

members

$25K

pledged

$289K pledged

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Mr. Charles D. Coiro: 3 Rainbow Court, Quaker Hill, CT 06375 / 860.439.0784 (h); 860.701.6692 (w) Charles.D.Coiro@uscg.mil Mr. Fred Mletzko, USCG Retired: 239 Bates Dr., Cheshire, CT 06410 / 808.638.1891 fmletzko99@gmail.com CAPT Susan Subocz / ssubocz@aol.com ...............................................................................................

Hello Classmates!!!

Facebook posts are included with the approval of the writers.

Congratulations to Greg Buxa’s daughter Lydia for being recognized by the 2021 National Merit Scholarship program! She is a semi-finalist representing less than 1% of U.S. High School Seniors!

110

46%

members

$100K pledged

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Eric Kowack: 3435 Lady Hill Road, San Diego, CA 92130 / 860.961.2000 / epkow@yahoo.com Twitter: @SBAFL ..............................................................................................

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

George Folta also checked in, mainly to see if anyone has heard from Dave “Browneye” Brown, but also to laud the safe-distance mini reunion at the Beverly Lighthouse (MA) this October.Travel restrictions thwarted the attempts of many to join, including Dave C who drove from California to Ohio to attend, before coming to his senses and turning around.The mandatory facemask-at-all times rule negated any usefulness of pictures, but a good time was had by all. By the way, if you have heard from Browny, please let us know.

Speaking of the reunion, our unremitting leader Perry wanted everyone to know that the 30th “2.0” is ready to go for 2021. All activities are simply shifted to next year and he will plan to reach out in late spring/early summer to get things moving again. Life in CT is going well for Perry and JeanMarie; their oldest is a senior at Loyola, MD and is carrying a GPA that Perry says is double what his was at CGA. Her next step is medical school, which guarantees the Mackey tenure at Stanley Black and Decker to last well into the 2030s.

Elizabeth (junior at Marist) just scored an internship at Goldman Sachs while daughter Annie (freshman at Fairfield) and son PJ (football/lacrosse player at Xavier high) are all doing very well too. If anyone finds themselves in CT, please, buy that man a beer.With all those college bills, he could really use it!

Stay safe and stay in touch,Wacker

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

Class of 1991 31%

members

$25K

pledged

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David L. Motherway, Jr.: 25 Dunns Court, Stonington, CT 06378 / coachmotherway@yahoo.com; dmotherway@athenahealth.com ..............................................................................................

91: 91 Flags photo taken by Joe Raymond

Dear Classmates – I hope this version of the notes finds you having had a safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I was tardy with my input to The Bulletin this time because I was fighting off the deluge of input I received – you all can imagine sorting through all the emails, texts, letters, photos, phone messages and telegrams – hours and hours of effort sifting through all the information and data to determine whose input makes the cut.

I know you are curious how I do it: I build a solution selection matrix names and inputs across the top and the adap ranking criteria down the left column (you remember those don’t you?) and rank the inputters (is that a word?).

Well for those of you I gave a bad adap ranking this issue I am not sorry – you deserved it!!!

There were two inputters(it is a word I checked) that received glowing adap rankings and it was NOT because they are both Admirals – it is because they were the ONLY inputters (I like this new word to me) – Thank you so much to the flag mess for a double tap input – Admiral Richard V.Timme (Doc) and Admiral John Mauger (Maugs) both provided updates – thank you SIRS!!!

Doc sent a text (for those that do not have it my cell # is 8603839317) sharing the exciting news that on 12Nov20 Bettina successfully delivered their second child; daughter Annika Timme is happy and healthy and chose her parents wisely! Such great news for Rich and Bettina – looking forward to meeting your beautiful ladies at the reunion. Please see the photo of

91: Annika Timme with Rich and Bettina

92: Brett & Leslie Millican and Kevin & Nikki Oditt at a Houston Texans game

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the gleaming parents and precious Annika – welcome to Class of 1991 Annika!!!!

Maugs sent an email (for those that do not have it my email is CoachMotherway@yahoo. com) sharing a recent meal in the actual Flag Mess – Maugs reported that the ’91 Flag Mess gathered for lunch in October.The attendees were RDML Rich Timme, RDML Mark Fedor, RDML Shannon Gilreath, RDML(sel) Melissa Rivera, RDML(sel) Teddy St Pierre, RDML Doug Schofield, RDML John Mauger, and RDML(sel) Joe Raymond Per the report from Maugs the discussion ranged from newborn prep for Doc to managing college kids coming home due to COVID and other topics. Apparently, Maugs lost the shake out and was dubbed to be the inputter (just can’t help myself) for this update.

Joe Raymond lost the shake out to see who took the ’91 Flag Mess photo and so he took the photo (classmates are depicted in the photo in the order they are listed above minus Joe)– maybe a selfie stick would be good for this crew next time.

Our classmates make up 1/5 of the entire Coast Guard Flag Mess and I for one and so proud to know all of them – so very glad I did not give any of these classmates bad adaps back in the day!!!

Next version of the notes will include information on the room block we have secured for the reunion among other information – if you want that information early to beat the rush and secure your room in the limited room block. . .be an inputter!!!

Stay safe, keep the take offs equal to the landings, and here’s to 2021 being better than ‘20 Til next time, D

Class of 1992 36%

members

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Mrs. LaRae Malinauskas: S74W15172 Applewood Lane, Muskego, WI 53150 jlzosmal@gmail.com/ www.cga92.com ..........................................................

Hi everyone! Somehow, I missed putting this picture of Brett Millican and Ed Gaynor in the last set of notes. Brett visited Ed at Sector/Air Station Corpus Chrisi Texas back in July. Brett was in the area camping and fishing with his son and they visited Ed and got a tour

92: Ed Gaynor & Brett Millican at Sector/Airsta Corpus Christi

111

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

of the Sector/Air Station. Brett also sent along a picture of Kevin and Nikki Oditt with Brett and his wife, Leslie, at a Houston Texans game in October. Kevin retired October 1st and is now the Senior Vice President of Compliance for a local company. This is a perfect job for him following his Sector command at Houston Galveston. Kevin gets together to play golf with Pat Smith often as he is in the area as well.

In another part of Texas, we have Alec Knight and Bill Parry. They both live close to DFW, if any classmates find themselves in the Dallas area. Mike Mullen was down there from Michigan for simulator training at Flight Safety in Dallas in the beginning of November.

He landed a cool job at Whirlpool managing the fleet of aircraft they own. The three of them got together while Mike was in town (see photos).

Leslie (Micki McCoy) Ryan RETIRED from Procter & Gamble at the end of August.

Her last position there was Vice President, Human Resources, Global Health Care. I don’t know many others our age who have been able to retire (except from the military, of course).

Congratulations Leslie! Big accomplishment!

She has started a consulting company where she will help out companies and their leaders who are looking to make an impact on their employees and their communities. I am sure she will have much success in her new endeavor! And she will also help out Joe with his business, Reliable Electric. Best wishes and congratulations again!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you enjoy the Holiday Season! Take care and stay safe everyone! ~ LaRae

93: David and Effie Choldin

92: Mike, Alec & Bill’s night out

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Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

Class of 1993 39%

members

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CAPT Joseph Kramek: 703.434.0559 / jkramek@law.gwu.edu This issue is written by Dan Choldin: dcholdin@gmail.com ...............................................................

Greetings ’93. Dan Choldin here pinch hitting for Joe K this month because he is no good facing left handers (baseball joke for Pete Lamore who, by the way, I could not track down for these notes). I am typing this on 11/11 and very aware that today is Veterans Day and that, also, we are a nation bitterly divided. Regarding the first issue, at this risk of being maudlin, I am grateful that I got to graduate (and serve) with young men and women (now old) who were willing to dedicate themselves to a cause greater than themselves. Regarding the second thing, it is time for everyone to get over it and move on — Tom Brady plays for Tampa Bay now.

Speaking of moving on, I used LinkedIn to find classmates for these notes and was surprised by how many people are now retired and how many of the retired folks are sporting very impressive COVID beards.

The leader of the beard pack is Michael Zamperini — he said he is aiming for a beard long enough to braid like Santa [and UBL].

Zamp is currently working at Liberty University where he is in charge of something to do with computers [according to my review of LinkedIn, many people do jobs that involve computers]. Liberty University is close to Zamp’s sister and parents so it has been a very good fit. Also, his oldest daughter is a freshman there which definitely seems convenient. Zamp is pursuing a doctorate in education. In the before times, pre-COVID, he and Josh Reynolds managed to catch up at a NCAA wrestling tourney [unclear whether or not they staged a pre-tournament exhibition like Rocky and Apollo Creed]. Josh is a CG civilian at a marine safety detachment in Nashville.

In keeping with beard theme, Matt Smith and his wife, Sue Blood ’91, are in Cape May. Matt is a civilian instructor at the Training Center, having retired in 2015, and Sue teaches high school and the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps, which neither Matt nor I had heard of before but is basically the precursor to having a Navy JROTC program. Their

92: Mike Mullen, Alec Knight and Bill Parry in Dallas

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

daughter, Abbie is attending Vasser College which, if not for COVID, would give them the opportunity for travel. Matt recently ran into Matt Perciak who runs the CG Morale Welfare and Recreation program.

Mike Simbulan retired in 2019 [but I didn’t see a beard]. He is now a CG civilian managing a Coast Guard maritime information data base from home. Simbo just turned 50 in October and to celebrate he went to Florida to play some golf and visit with a DILIGENCE shipmate, Seth VanEssendelft 91, who is doing great. He followed up by driving 1800 miles to deliver his son John (22) to Minot, ND. Simbo reported that Russ Holmes, Amy, and his girls are in Houston where Russ works for the Center for Offshore Safety, and that Lon Hamor, who is of course in Massachusetts, got married in October.

Will Cobb [who sources report, has a COVID beard] is still with the State Dept. He and his wife, who is also with State, are learning Mandarin in preparation for summer 2021 assignment to US Embassy Beijing.

According to Simbo, Will’s s daughter (12) and son (10) also like to surprise the wait staff at a Chinese restaurants with their language ability!

Will and family will join Greg Czerwonka who is currently serving in Beijing as the CG Attaché.

Cliff Neve is retired from the CG and also sports a COVID beard. He runs a cybersecurity company, and lives in Orlando on a lake about 40 minutes from Disney/ Universal. They are expecting their fifth grandchild in April – this will be granddaughter #3, breaking the 2-2 tie!

Chris Schubert is retired from the CG reserve. He is currently a FBI agent and pilot.

He and his family (wife, almost five year old son, and some undetermined number of cats) live in San Diego about one mile from the beach and spend their time on the water surfing and fishing. B.C. (before Covid), he and Kiley Ross went on a fishing/camping trip in Oregon.

Troy Vest retired from the CG in the summer of 2018 and now lives in southern IL where Teresa grew up. Troy works for Hudson-Analytix doing security consulting and, like everyone else, is navigating through the infamous 2020. He and Teresa wish everyone the best.

Greg Hughes, having caught the Boston Marathon bombers [my input not his], worked

93: Dan and son David

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

for the FBI in Brussels and Pretoria, and now runs the FBI’s office in Maine. Greg reports that Maine has weathered COVID better than many locations — his son Charlie managed to play town soccer and his daughter Katie managed still do sailing and ice hockey. Oldest daughter Kelly is attending the Naval Academy and his wife Elaine [O’Brian ’94] works from home running the graduate education program for the local university.

John Reed is still in the CG. He and Jenn are in New Orleans. His oldest (Jr) just swore in with Charleston Police Department and, also, just got married to his wife in August. His daughter, Katie, lives and works in the Keys, and is getting married in February. They also have twin daughters — one just finished at UF and the other will finish at College of Charleston in December!

Doctor Chris Johnson, is The Most Interesting Man in The World [my input not his].

Since the CG, Chris has worked in academia, various components of the government, the NBA, and the MLB. Chris reports, from Pittsburgh, as follows, “I’m 50 with 3 beautiful kids (Camille 17, Phillip 16, Emma 13), and Linda and I have been married 28 years this May...(we were married the day after graduation at the Academy chapel). I am a prostate cancer survivor, surgery last year and clean so far (guys, go get checked... and Rudy the Tailor doesn’t count). I was also one of hundreds of unfortunate COVID lay-offs in MLB, and am actively looking for work in corporate intelligence and consulting. I would love to reconnect with anyone from 93!

Scott J. Kelly [our classmate not the astronaut brother of the AZ senator] is retiring this summer. He is planning on staying in Maryland having been in the DC area for most of his career. He and Beth, who works as a special needs teacher, hope to travel some during Scott’s retirement – they have four grown children: Maggie, 25, works as a Vet tech; Tyler, 24, is a AF sergeant on F35s in AK; McKayla, 22 graduated from college and is applying to graduate school; and, Sean, 19, who is a sophomore at Salisbury University.

Steve Marston, after nearly two decades with the FBI in NYC, including an instrumental role in catching El Chapo [my input not Steve’s], transferred to JIATF in Key West. He is still with the FBI but says it feels like being in the CG again. He and Sue are having a great time in the Keys!

Ollie Zimmermann and Jenn are still in Austin, TX where Jenn runs about a dozen charter schools and Ollie works for a marketing company named Known. Jeff Kingsley also works for the same company.

Jeff works out of New York and Ollie works out of Texas. Ollie and Jenn have three high schoolers: Eva, Anne, and Luke. Eva, a junior, is looking at STEM-type universities — including CGA! Yours truly, is still with the FBI — knocking on twenty years. Not sure what comes next.

Karen, David (15), and Effie (12) are currently halfway through our assignment in – not sure what comes next but that’s not until 2022.

Once the world turns right side up again we are totally open for visitors!

94:Terry Vogler and Theresa Fasceski at the Yamaroku soy sauce factory that uses natural yeast and fermentation

94:Terry Vogler and Theresa Fasceski at the Kankakei gorge on Shodoshima eating maple soft serve ice cream

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Class of 1994

Last up, but definitely not least for this round of notes are our classmates residing in Japan.

Terry Vogler and Theresa Fasceski are currently residing in Okinawa, Japan. Amazingly enough Theresa works on the same military base where she was born! Full circle indeed.

So cool! I love some great soy sauce!

Well, that’s all the news that’s fit to print this time around.

I wish you all continued health and happiness!

Till 2021!

Class of 1995 46%

members

37%

members

$94K

pledged

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John W. Pruitt, III: 634 N. Citrus Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036 / 202.258.1307 / johnpruitt@pruittenterprises.net Tanya Schneider: 1907 North Nichols St.,Arlington, VA 22205 / schneider.doug.tanya@gmail.com ..............................................................................................

Greetings to the great class of 1994!

2020, is almost coming to a close, and 2021 is around the corner. They say hindsight is 20/20, I’ll be happy to put this 2020 in the books!

On to the news…

Well, we’ve got some great info from some folks both far and near - depending on your perspective I guess.

Jennifer Lucas Dugan writes…

I’m in Annapolis, Maryland, and hubby is still active duty at HQ. When my kids went to college in 2014, I went back to school and became a Physical Therapist Assistant. The photo is from a weekend of bike riding in the Poconos.

That’s a great location for a bike ride, maybe you guys can come out to California and we can hit the hills in the future!

Lara Allison sends a great multigenerational photo of a family committed to service.

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Bill Dwyer: 674 Spinnaker, Weston FL 33326 / wdwyer95@yahoo.com CAPT Mike Fazio: 1627 Brickell Ave, Apt 2304, Miami, FL 33129 / Michael.a.fazio@uscg.mil ..............................................................

Greetings classmates. I hope all of you are doing well. As you can surmise from previous entries, I write these notes approximately two months before you get to actually read them, so what appears important today, is old news by the time it hits the press. Take COVID, I’m sure it is out of the news by now! Given the election, I offer these words, paraphrased from the New York Times Politics OpEd on the day after the election: while the government has a role to play in creating an environment in

94: CDR Lara A Allison, USCG (ret.). / PFC Joel Anderson, USMC. / CAPT Cecil W Allison, USCG (ret. Class of ‘65)

94: Jennifer Lucas Dugan bike riding in the Poconos

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Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

which the core of our society can thrive, ultimately these institutions are beyond its reach. The election will not decide for me, whether or not I am a good father, officer, co-worker, neighbor. Only I can do that. This may seem simple or naïve, but that’s because it is so fundamental. The president can’t fix our problems, but we can. No election will change the role and impact we have as leaders from the great class of ’95. Please continue to do the great things you are doing every day.

From around the horn, Laura Moose offered, “I am officially retired (again). My retired recall contract ended on 9/30 and I have left the blue-suit wearing circus (I really haven’t decided about this whole growing up concept). I’m pretty sure this time around the Service departure will stick. I started a new job with the Department of Energy in Richland, WA. I am teleworking full time from Virginia for at least 6 months (along with everyone else) so there is still time to hold at least one or two more ‘95 bashes here at the Moose party pad before any expected moves. We are a full-time hockey family with 7 hockey bags (2 coaching bags/4 player bags/1 goalie bag), 4 teams (Chris Lagan’s bear league team/Kat’s travel team/both kids’ house teams), 3 players (Chris, Henry and Katherine), 1 coach (Chris is head coach for Kat’s girls travel team/assistant coach for the kids’ two house teams) and 1 team manager (me). Any and all social events must be cleared with and through hockey schedules prior to approval. That’s all our news that is fit to print. Looking forward to a re-scheduled reunion when we are all allowed to congregate again.”

On the retirement front, Marie Byrd dropped her letter so she will be exiting the service after a successful tour as Sector San Francisco, not to mention 26 years of service.

Congratulations Marie! Retirement is treating Mark Walsh well. After COVID put an indefinite end to Mark’s brief stint as a cruise ship captain, Mark accepted a position with the National Coast Guard Museum as the COO; congratulations, Sarah! Mark, as I am sure you are already aware by now, getting up for work and putting on real pants every day is over-rated. Chris Rotella also made a recent appearance. Tree ventured up to CT and joined Mark and Sarah Walsh for dinner in Mystic.

From the photo they sent me, it doesn’t look like they went to Margaritas (still there, btw).

Finally, please be on the lookout for

95: Mean Gene Anzano presenting virtually at his son’s school on Veteran’s Day.

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information regarding our 26th reunion and our class gift. I heard Mother Bucket might even be headlining on center stage. Go Bears and ciao for now! - Faz

Class of 1996 27%

members

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Kate Morse: Alexandria,VA k_morse02@comcast.net CDR Anthony Russell: cgrussell96@gmail.com ..............................................................

Class of 1997 39%

members

$97K

pledged

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CAPT Jennifer Sinclair: 2703 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE ,Washington, DC 20593 / Jennifer.L.Sinclair@uscg.mil / www.cgaalumni.org/class1997 LCDR Krysia Pohl: 3443 22nd Avenue W., Seattle, WA 98199 ..............................................................................................

Class of 1998

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Lisa VanBuskirk, CDR (ret): 1053 Carrs Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037 / 443.905.0043 LEKnopf@mindspring.com Katie Blanchard, CDR (ret): members 3116 Arrowhead Farms Rd., Gambrills, MD 21054 / 206.715.7067 / katieandmarkb@hotmail.com ..............................................................................................

43%

Happy Winter ‘98!

Belated Congratulations to Jeff Kuck who was selected for Captain in the Reserves!

Good Luck to Rob Salembier who is moving companies to ServiceNow, a cloud computing company, where he will be a Senior Principle Platform Expert. Congrats to Eric Popiel who is celebrating two years working for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management as a Strategic Workforce Analyst. Congratulations to Cheryl Berezny who has been a teacher for the past 20 years at Southold Union Free School District on the north folk of Long Island. Mike Sinclair is doing a Federal

95: Mike Fazio teaching a class at UM Law School on Fisheries Law

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Executive Fellowship at the Brookings Institute, where he is doing lots of strategic thinking about Space Force vs Coast Guard.

Congratulations to Eric Helgen who will join the 42nd class of Leadership Miami which “offers participants the opportunity to meet Miami’s leaders and to share an intensive learning experience that focuses on community issues and leadership skills through a planned process of lectures, seminars, small group discussions and leadership skills exercises. One of the key purposes of Leadership Miami® is to prepare the next generation of Miamians to address vital issues affecting Miami-Dade County and meet future challenges.” Sounds like a great way to become part of the community and transition out of the CG. Congratulations to Mike Kicklighter who having retired this summer from Commanding Officer of CEU Miami, will “In his position as senior lead consultant…be responsible for client relationship management, staff development, management and delivery of multifaceted marine and port projects” according to the press release from engineering firm WSP. Mike and Tina hosted Rick Detar, Mike Vance, and Mark Braxton in October to rehash some Academy stories.

For the long October weekend, Stan Sanchez and Damon Maldonado lived out every golfer’s dream, by playing Pebble Beach and Spyglass courses.

Congratulations to Sean Murphy for his new position as Logistics Manager at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Additionally, to Shad Thomas for completing his qualification as a Certified Financial Planner. Great to see so many

98: Rick, Mark, Mike, and Mike

98: Stan Sanchez and Damon Madonado at Pebble Beach

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

classmates moving into so many challenging and impactful roles.

According to Facebook, Kelly Denning Skiles is living the dream live in Louisiana with Matt and their three darling kids. They are busy enjoying the area again with fishing, exploring, having fun with hurricanes and oh yeah- continuing to do wonderful Coast Guard work! Corinna Fleischmann is doing an amazing job raising her young ladies to be productive, contributing members of society (as expected!!) And it was fully demonstrated

by Jayna’s clear understanding that in order to take care of her virtual schooling equipment, she should not throw the IPAD- LOL! Good job Corinna and Dana! As so many people navigate schooling online, hybrid, or in person, I hope you all are finding success and joy in the moment.

Jeremy Anderson and his family are continuing to enjoy a beautiful view and work in Puerto Rico, tearing up the golf courses and surfing while preparing for the next chapter in their adventures. The pictures look amazing and it sounds like a wonderful way to close out a fantastic Coast Guard career. They also got to celebrate their oldest voting in his first election - wow! How did we all get so young without aging a bit?

Continue to stay safe and send Lisa and Katie updates on your adventures!!

Class of 1999 36%

members

$40K

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

Class of 2001

39%

members

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Brooke Grant: 1402 Pine ST #2, Key West, FL 33030 brooke.e.grant@gmail.com ...............................................................

Class of 2002

44%

members

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CDR Christian Hernaez & CDR Dorothy Hernaez: 112 Richmond Way, Carrollton,VA 23314 hernaez37@hotmail.com; Dorothy.j.Hernaez@uscg.mil ...................................................

Classmates, we hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their holiday season.We don’t have a lot of news for this addition of The Bulletin, but we did hear from a couple of classmates. Jim Morrow is enjoying life (obviously) in Hawaii. He was recently visited

by Nick Worst and his wife Michelle.They spent time sailing around Kaneohe Bay, relaxing on the sand bar, and enjoyed watching some manta rays and turtles. Sounds awesome, Jim; next time maybe cast a wider net for the invite.

We also heard from Chris Davis. He reports that he, “Brenda, and their daughters Adelaide (6) and Emeline (5) are back in Florida (Cape Canaveral) after two years in Italy. Missed y’all and happy to be back; be well and please stop by!” Finally, we want to extend a big congrats to Dr. Anya (Hughes) Szigeti for the success of her new book “You Can’t Outrun Your Fork.” Until next issue, take care and we wish you a very happy holiday season!

pledged

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CDR Brian McSorley: 8943 Kenilworth Drive Burke,VA 22015 / brian.j.mcsorley@uscg.mil ..............................................................................................

Class of 2000 34%

members

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CDR Elizabeth Platt: Coast Guard Island Bldg 21 / Alameda, CA 94501 / Elizabeth.T.Platt@uscg.mil ...............................................................

02: Jim, Nick, Michelle, and a friend enjoying the HI life.

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Moving?

Add “Notify the Alumni Association of New Address” to your moving To Do List!

Online: www.cgaalumni.org Email: mthompson@cgaalumni.org Phone: 860.442.2683 x22

02: Dorothy and Olivia (2) enjoying some beach time during an inport.

Class of 2003 42%

members

$15K

pledged

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CDR Ace Castle: 4329 Golden Eagle Pt, Portsmouth,VA 23703 / acecastle@gmail.com CDR Keith Thomas: 141 Old Stage Rd, Centerville, MA 02632 / kothomas@gwu.edu ..............................................................................................

What did the big flower say to the little flower?

“Hi bud….”

Guess who’s backkkkk! After a very busy and rewarding two-years the White House is in the rear-view and your boy, K$, is back in the mix to make you laugh, cringe sometimes, and smile a bit. I am very proud to say that I left the football in the much more capable hands of Jayna McCarron ’07 and she’s wonderful.

Becca, H and I have made the move to Cape Cod where I’m the Air Station EO and we absolutely love it here. I couldn’t ask for a better gig as I get to spend three years flying and leading with H-Bomb as the Air Station OPS. I look forward to hosting the 20-year reunion afterparty at our place. Thanks to Ace for taking the controls and keeping the tradition alive. That being said, I think we’d all appreciate Ace sticking around and co-writing this thing with me.

From Clay: Ace, First off thank you for putting our class notes together, it’s cool to hear about the GREAT class of 2003’s accomplishments and see pictures of everyone’s growing families.

Pretty amazing! It looks like that Academy initiative to build characters as leaders worked great!...or was it leaders of character? I’m still not clear on that.

The McKinney family: Lara, Callie (13), Ellison (10) and Emmett (8) are living the dream in beautiful Hawaii. Our weekends are filled with soccer and basketball games and trips to the beach. Life is good! I’ve included a picture of my kids and I heading out to support the Bears men’s basketball team this past winter (per usual Lara is behind the camera).

Also, let’s keep the practice jersey on the down low from Bruce.Thanks.

03: Chris, Sou, K$ @ the Beach

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Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

going on in the world, there’s nothing that It’s always great to see classmates when brings us more comfort than hearing from they visit the islands and we were able to catch everyone. Please reach out if you’re struggling up with Dave (he apparently likes to go by or just want to catch up.

David) Middleton and his family a few BIG LOVE, months ago. His boys were awesome but made Ace15Ace and Zoohaa32 me realize I’m happy to be out of the diaper stage! We are especially excited for this summer and the arrival of the Brunaugh and Toczko families. Little known fact, Jarod and .................................................................

Jen were the first to meet our oldest and Lara LCDR Mario Teixeira: 102 and I were the first to meet their oldest so we Roberts Ct., Alexandria,VA 22314 / are pretty stoked to see the two girls together Mario.B.Teixeira@uscg.mil as 13-year old’s.

LCDR Mariette Ogg: 8 I think it goes without saying but if anyone 34% Goundry Dr., Waterford, CT 06385 members is visiting the islands, please give us a shout. mariettecamille@gmail.com We’d love to see you and share some aloha! ..............................................................

- Clay From Matt Derian Ace, Man, I apologize for such a delayed response. No excuse, sir! And I really appreciate you reaching out for an update. Let me know if there’s anything in particular you’re 40% $115K wanting to focus on. members pledged I updated my last name when he married another San Diego native, Elyse, in 2009. In ..............................................................................................

2010, I separated at Sector Hou-Gal, and Pete Lang: 12521 Cliff Edge Drive, Herndon,VA headed to Dallas for seminary (cashing in that 20170 / Peter.M.Lang@uscg.mil 9/11 GI Bill). After graduating in 2013, I joined ..............................................................................................

Dell where I’m currently responsible for selling customized solutions to the Coast Guard.We now live in Austin, with our 3-year-old daughter, Vera, 1-year-old twins, Cole and Cora, and a third daughter due in November. Drop me a line if ever in ATX for BBQ recommendations (mattderian@outlook.com). - Matt Derian I (K$) recently spent two months in Mobile learning to fly the HC-144 and linked up with Jimmy and Krystal Kenshalo. The Stiffler’s hosted me at their house and I had a blast with their three kiddos and catching up with J&K after the kids went to bed. I also got to link up with Jim and Jessica Gibson in Mobile. Jim is the H-60 Stan Branch Chief and he and Jess have their hands full with 4-year-old Gregor. I also ran into Ace as he travelled to Mobile in style with his boss (LANTAREA) for hurricane stuff.

We hope this finds everyone healthy and happy. With everything 03: The official “Handoff ” to Jayna (’07)

Class of 2004

Class of 2005

03: Clay, Callie, Ellison and Emmett McKinney

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Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

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03: Ace - From Jingle Bells to Gulfstream’s

Class of 2006 49%

members

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Kyle Ensley: Ensleyk@gmail.com Kristen Potter: KPotter831@gmail.com www.uscga2006.com .................................................................

I saw a smart car driving on the Pali Highway over the mountains today with a refrigerator on it’s roof. Bold move…I like his style….but not as much as all your Halloweening this year. Ok…bad segway… (just roll with it, Ensley!). Kristen Calwell sent in an update on her family of pirates: Blackbeard, Anne Bonney, Elizabeth Swan, Captain Hook and a Parrot. “Our pirate ship won our Cub Scout Pack trunk or treat!” Nice!

There was a cool trophy picture she sent in… but it didn’t make the cut for pics since The Bulletin limits our photo submissions. Sorry, not Sorry Kristen! More good Halloweening from Mark Bruno (its ok guys, I’m sure his boat is dressed up and in the spirit…) and Krystle Wallace looking awesome! In other news, Brendan Flynn sent in an update: he was recently promoted to the Homicide/Non-Fatal Shooting Unit with the Philadelphia DA’s Office.

I’ll let you decide if that was a Halloween or real-life update, he didn’t elaborate.

Received a good update from Phill Granati: “Hope everyone is doing well during this crazy year and remembers to take some time to enjoy friends and family, in a COVIDfriendly way of course. Luckily, I live close enough to Marty Berg to enjoy not only his hospitality, but also his impressive pandemic

06: Phil’s inaugural photoshopping attempt

06: Mark & Evelyn Bruno Sailing the Spooky Seas

06: The Wicked Krystle Wallace and …I’m honestly not sure, but I am spooked

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

hairstyling. Cal Robbins was also there in spirit, as represented by his Antigua wedding koozie and my Coastal Racing hat, which is the name of our horseracing stable; and by our stable, I mean one horse owned by Cal, me, and like 20 other dudes. Speaking of the Codfish, he’s the Commish of our fantasy football league, which is entering its 14th season.This year’s draft featured a Zoom call, and all of us (Alan Grosse, Brendan McKinnon, Christian McGhee, Gary Kim, Jeff Smolik, Justin Andrews, Marty Berg, Paul Windt, Steve Davies,Todd Batten, Jay Wargo, and Josh Williams ’05) were pleasantly surprised that making fun of each other virtually was almost as good as doing it in person.

Workwise, I could not be more impressed with the crew of MSST LA/LB’s performance during the pandemic.We had the honor of providing security for the USNS MERCY for 50 days, and deployed to Lake Powell, AZ for the month of August to provide some much-needed boating safety, law enforcement, and SAR

Westlake Chemical and its various facilities across the United States proudly salute the U.S. Coast Guard.

On behalf of our employees, including many who are veterans, we express our appreciation to the men and women who protect the safety and security of our nation.

Enhancing Your Life Every Day

06: The Caldwells & their Gold Medal Winning Trunk or Treat Minivan

Thank you

for your service.

E

LA

K

R T OF

S

PO

E C ARL H

PORTOF LAKE CHARLES LAKE CHARLES HARBOR & TERMINAL DISTRICT

Lake Charles, Louisiana

portlc.com

06: Cal Robbin’s Wedding Koozie… still worthy of use & abuse

GATEWAY TERMINAL Gateway to the Northeast

06: Two Granatis up for a promotion on Lake Powell THE

BULLETIN

Proudly supporting the United States Coast Guard and its alumni.

WWW.GATEWAYT.COM

Stevedoring • Intermodal Transport • Warehousing • FTZ Ports of New Haven and New London, CT 117

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

coverage. Locally here in SoCal, we are supporting both Sectors LA/LB and San Diego, where I get to work with Brian Sattler and Dewey Worker ’05, and also get to commiserate regularly with my fellow West Coast MSST CO’s, including Jason Berger, Leo Danaher ’04, and Celina Ladyga ’05.

That wraps it up for me, stay safe out there!”

Thanks Phil!

And lastly….I need to passive-aggressively shout out to Dianna Garfield….I never heard back from you after Brian Sattler shared that photo in The Bulletin of you from a 1992 Nat Geo magazine he found while packing up to PCS. Also…Brian, you never actually gave us an update in your Bulletin update on what’s going on with you and your PCS. Updates are supposed to update us on what’s happening with you! (ref Phil’s exemplar above…) And don’t tell me you don’t get the bulletin anymore because of an address change.The rest of us figured it out Brian and Dianna. Yes, my Bulletin updates go cross-edition! My October bulletin update will fill you in on the Editor’s Note cliffhangar. “Which one is it Dianna?”

PS, you’ll get a ‘get out of responding to me/ jail’ card if you alternatively submit a fresh Elliot Hollinberger meme. Backstory is in the Nov 2019. No, I don’t keep a collection of Bulletins going back to 1992!, who does that????

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

Class of 2007 41%

members

...............................................................................................

Margaret Brown: 860.367.3628 margaret.brown.1985@gmail.com ...............................................................................................

Here’s a great story from Kevin Edes: Tom Rader and I both moved to DC a little over two years ago where we became roommates for the second time since college.

This time, the wives were included! We had a great year in our DuPont Circle residence which worked well because Tom and I can share clothes… kidding… maybe.We eventually had to part ways when two other members were added to the family.We still meet up occasionally.The photo is from a random park in NW DC sometime this summer/ fall. Introducing Henry Dylan Rader and Blair Elizabeth Edes!

Brittany (Lashaway) Koroknay is stationed at the D5 Command Center where she works closely with Chris Pulliam who is on the D5 Staff and Sarah Pulliam ‘08 at the Sector Virginia Command Center. The Koroknays, including Ryan ’08, Emma (age 8), and Caleb (age 4), have had a camper for a number of years and a few weeks ago they met up with fellow camper owners the Pulliams in Cape Charles,VA for a family camping trip.

I hope you are all well!

07: Edes and Rader

07: Koroknay Camping Trip

08: Christine, Doug and Kay in Germany

08: Eric and Briana Laurel

118

$35K

pledged

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Class of 2008 46%

members

$100K pledged

...............................................................................................

Keith Blevins: Keith.a.blevins@gmail.com / www.facebook.com/USCGA2008 ...............................................................................................

Been an interesting Fall for all of you I presume, and what a tumultuous time with the pandemic and the election. the election. I won’t dig into politics, but will say it is incredible how divided and polarized we are as a nation. With my Google and Apple Newsfeeds seemingly talking of nothing besides politics and the pandemic, I’ve tried to make a bit of time for reading books, rather than the news. Just finished “Delivering Happiness” the story of Zappos and “Can’t Hurt Me” the life journey of former Navy Seal David Goggins. Different perspectives and stories of perseverance, I’d recommend both. (I do not recommend the insane workout routines of Goggins…)

With much of our working being done remote, I’ve been able to take sometime this fall and spend it in upstate NY with the parents and girlfriend. (It’s snowing as I write these notes!)

Been a great experience being able to do some remote work in combination with leave to maximize time with family. Hiking in some of the less traveled state parks has also been a great experience to still get out and do things, but not be in a big group.

Tenor and Rachel Galambush: We just got our first big snow dump of the year and are loving homeschool for the kids and work from home for me! Nothing like sledding and snow forts to take the edge off a power outage!

We’re expecting #4 in January so I’m trying to make the most of all the extra time we have with just three!

Christine Igisomar: Was on the road with the boss and was happy to spend a bit of time with Kay and Doug Fallon. How neat to run into each other in a square in the middle of

08: Galambush Family in Juneau, AK

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Stuttgart, Germany!

Eric and Briana Laurel: Hello from Portland, Oregon! I recently celebrated 5 years at Nike and currently work as an Analytics and Insights Manager supporting Footwear decision making. I’m still running and look forward to when races are no longer virtual. My wife and I rescued a second dog recently, a 9-month old Australian Cattle Dog mix named Chase. Chase and our first dog, a border collie mix named Sadie, are already best friends. During COVID my wife and I have explored a lot of Oregon and camped almost every weekend in June through August.When we can all travel again and anyone from 2008 is passing through Portland, lets grab a beer or glass of Pinot Noir and catch up!

Please send in life updates and pictures, and I’ll get them in our next set of notes. Be Positive, Test Negative and … Wash your Hands! Go Bears!

Class of 2009 42%

members

$75K

pledged

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Patty Olson: Kea’au, HI / Patty.L.Olson@gmail.com ...............................................................................................

Happy Holidays, 2009! I hope everyone is finding some joy this time of year. 2020 certainly proved to be difficult in many ways, but as our Notes showed every issue there were many causes for celebration as well. I get to help us end the year on a good note with

09: Dave and newest Radin, Frederick Reef

09: Aiden with brand new brother Thomas Christian Pierson THE

BULLETIN

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

these updates. I hope they bring a smile to all of your faces. Here we go!

If there was a contest for most 2009 babies in one picture, the winner would clearly be the pic that Sarah Rodiño sent in with the following text: “Today (11/8) Britt, Kell, and I got together for Kelly’s son Rhett’s second birthday! Also in attendance were Britt’s daughter Cecilia and my daughter Caroline as well as our newest additions! Phil and I welcomed our son Charlie Thibeault Rodino on September 7, Kelly and Martin welcomed Grace Sutton Berry on October 5, and Britt and Joe welcomed Joseph Benjamin Panetta on November 4! They may or may not be the result of a pregnancy pact we made during homecoming weekend last year. :-) All babies and moms are doing great and are enjoying time together in the DC area.” You guys are too much! Look at all of those babies and happy mamas… I love it! Congratulations to the Rodiños, Berrys and Panettas!

More baby news to share, this time from Niles: “I figured I’d share some pictures of our new family addition – Thomas Christian Pierson. He’s our third son, and he was born on September 12th. We named him after Cam and sent a birth announcement to his parents in Oregon. I decided to get back on active duty after my two-year tempsep, and we got stationed in Grand Haven, MI.” Congrats Niles and Katie! Three little boys, wow.What a special way to remember Thomas, too.

One more baby announcement for this Notes, this one from our very own Class President, Dave Radin: “Hello to all! Wanted to announce the next edition to the Radin family, Frederick Reef Radin, born 7.19.20 in New London, CT.That’s right folks, he was born at the gravitational center of the universe! He had a big adventure PCSing from NewLo to Pascagoula, MS in a travel trailer at the ripe old age of 3 weeks old visiting 7 states and checking out the Saturn V rocket the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. His older brother Ulysses is stoked to be a big brother and pumped to show him the ropes. Hope everyone’s doing well and Go Bears! P.S. shout out to Zach Hoekwater, my new officemate!

‘09-unite!” Congratulations, Radin family! One more reason to love NewLo, haha. And- thank you for the great segue to my next update for these Notes, because I also heard from Zach!

He writes: “I’m not much of a sharer, but

09: Brittany, Kelly and Sarah with their adorable crew

given the fact that our very own Billy Birch, the pride of Hamilton, NJ was selected for the Civil Engineering / MBA Dual Program last week, he’s currently in the process of looking at schools and open to recommendations from classmates who have colleges in their area and want to see more of Bill. Must have dog parks for Jack.” Thanks for helping a shipmate out, Zach, and congrats to Bill!

I received more pictures than I could include for these Notes, so I’ll include the extras when I email this out to you all. Enjoy these for now! Thank you to everyone for checking in and providing updates throughout 2020.You make my job so easy and so rewarding. I hope 2021 provides you all with much joy, peace, and many opportunities for 2009 mini reunions. Enjoy the holidays!

Class of 2010

42%

members

...............................................................

LCDR Matt Edes: Boston, MA / 603.493.3915 matthew.s.edes@uscg.mil ..............................................................

Happy Holidays 2010! I hope all is well; it must be since nobody wanted to send me anything for this month’s Bulletin. First, a big shout out to the 2010’ers who made O-4 this time around.The only other exciting news that I gleaned was that Jeremy Somplasky (Snack Pack) got married this fall. Congrats Jeremy!

Due to my tardiness on this month’s submission I have decided to interview myself for “SEE ME, CAPT FITZ”. Here’s to the day that CAPT FITZ emails me and asks me to stop using his name as the main source of humor for our class notes. Have a safe and happy holiday everyone and send me some stuff!!!!

“SEE ME, CAPT FITZ” 1. Quick Life update I recently transferred up to Sector Boston as the Command Center Chief with my wife, Courtney, after a three year payback at CGHQ. HQ is a weird place if you’ve never been. It’s a mix between a bunch of people walking around with their carry-on luggage bags, friends, and former-cadre who try to be your friend. I was lucky to have a solid crew in DC, which included the elusive Ryan Hudson, who is looking more and more like Jack Ryan every time I see him.You can’t beat the HQ lifestyle though, which consists of talking to

09: Jack Birch is ready for Bill’s next adventure, no doubt

119

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

your friends on Skype, going to the gym with your friends, then finishing up the day listening to Justin Brooks complain on Skype about the flushing power at HQ. It honestly felt like the Academy with how many old friends you had around, except this time we all had money, families, and earlier bed times.We are happy to be up in Bahhston now, but we will miss the wine tasting events and getting our butts kicked at Dan Ippolito’s wife, Allison’s, Orange Theory Class.

2. Most memorable moment at the CGA Man, this is a tough one. For sports, it was either the first time Roger Nayden set me up with a buddy pass that broke my ribs, or the second time when Roger Nayden set me up with a buddy pass that broke my ribs. In all seriousness, the best memories were NOT being at the CGA and the numerous weekends with friends at the Cape, my parents’ lake house, Hawk’s Nest, or at the Constitution Inn/ looking for Cale Cooper in Boston…all financed by our “car” loans and Harriet Bro. I do have one distinct funny memory of Myles Richardson (ex-Sandhurst) running “PEP” platoon during our Firstie summer and watching him destroy a swab for not being able to do more pushups, knowing that neither him nor I could do half the pushups we were yelling at him to do…now that’s leadership.

3. Least memorable moment at the CGA So many worth mentioning. First, 3/c year was probably the worst year there between being put on Suitability for Service (thanks) and the 2009ers constantly trying to destroy Ryan Milligan and me (thanks). Another memorable moment was when Jake Brantley got us thrown out of a haunted house for pushing an actor. However, to keep with the spirit of the

10: Impromptu 2010 gathering in sunny San Diego, CA

10: Jeremy and Alyssa Somplasky’s Wedding

120

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

post, I would have to say the overall worst time(s) at the Academy were the numerous times coming back from a lab and seeing “SEE ME, CAPT FITZ” on my white board due to the condition of my room. I owe Dan Ippolito an Easter weekend since I got him restricted due to my messiness…newsflash, I am still messy.

4.What you know now, but wish you knew in May of 2010 Hmm, a couple things. First, that there is an actual Coast Guard outside of being a pilot or cutter(wo)man (No offense, Doug Piper). I had no idea what a Sector was until I showed up to one in 2012. Second, if the Coast Guard doesn’t work out for you, that’s okay.We have numerous classmates that are absolutely THRIVING in the private sector. Adam Stanek, is doing something crazy abroad, Tim Berry is killing it at Exxon, Bryce (Van Cleef) Burgwyn is at Harvard Law, Tom Kraemer was/is an avocado-guru, and Nick Donlon can get you the “Rogers” rate on your car insurance. I forget which CAPT at the Academy it was, but he told me “I have friends who never made LTJG and they make way more money than me”. So never fear 2010, the Coast Guard is a SWEET career, but it is ok if it doesn’t work out for you.

Class of 2011 38%

members

...............................................................

LT John Olbrys: John.J.Olbrys2@uscg.mil LT Paul Junghans: paul.r.junghans@gmail.com ...............................................................

C11assmates!

Greetings, ahoy, and happy holidays! The end of this tumultuous year is upon us. For one, I’m thankful that we’ve almost got 2020, a year that will likely forever live in infamy in our minds, if not in textbooks, in the rearview mirror. Despite it being *very* fashionable to bellyache about how terrible this year is, there is one thing that we can’t forget: our class is incredibly good at weathering ridiculous conditions (carry-on, running suits, EPME) and making the most out of any situation

10: Matt and Courtney Edes on top of “Beehive” in Acadia National Park

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

thrown at us.We’re industrious, resilient folks and we should absolutely be celebrating that!

Edwin and Desirae Valentin tied the knot on Pompano Beach, Florida on November 2nd. In a short video of the ceremony on the beach, they showed a brief shot of a sign reading “Nothing fancy, just love,” and emblematic motto of our times.

Michael and Ariane Carman had their wedding in Sarasota, FL on November 14th, the day after Hurricane Eta rolled through. Minimal damage and local establishments staying open meant that their intimate ceremony could go ahead, as planned (take that 2020!). Once COVID stops being such a thing, they’ll have a much larger ceremony with family and friends.

Zak and Jillian Dietz were married on the steps of the Supreme Court on October 3rd with immediate family present.Their big ceremony is still on, scheduled to happen next year after COVID calms down. Following their vows, the couple honeymooned to Charlottesville,VA, a very sensible drive away for a socially distanced, mask wearing honeymoon.While in central Virginia, they visited wineries and breweries and did some hiking.

Paul and Catherine Junghans welcomed Baby Catherine Wood Junghans into the world on 20 Sep at 3:42 pm. She was 7lb 10oz and 20in long.They feel very blessed that she’s been fully healthy so far.They had her two-month appt on 19 November (including three shots), she’s already almost 12 lbs, and she’s also grown quite a set of lungs!

I reached out to Dan Cristea to catch up with him.We had a nice conversation and he let me know that he’s currently serving in the Romanian Coast Guard on an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). He says that some of his most exciting and interesting work has been doing search and rescue missions and migrant interdictions while deployed to Greece. He’s expecting to start a new job in January of 2021 with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. He doesn’t know exactly what he’ll be doing or where he’ll be living: he could be working at headquarters in Poland or moving around with mobile teams for the next two years, but he’s excited for the new job regardless of what it’s going to be! He also wanted to give a shout out to the Great Class of 2011 as well as his former rugby teammates and members of The Program.

In a time honored change of watch

11: Michael and Ariane Carman

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

ceremony, LT Joshua Schwartz relieved LT John Jaskot in the hallowed halls of Chase to become 32,485th Chase Hall Duty Officer (milestone approximate). Under the watchful eye of the regimental orderly, the passdown was completed noting that all orders and standing orders remain in effect and that the UOD *might* have to be “with windbreakers” if it actually does start to rain, which wasn’t in the forecast, but it did look kind of gloomy out there.

John Jaskot also reports that he is settling in well at the Academy, and he and Jessica are living over in Waterford just off I-95 should anyone be passing through and want to visit (socially distanced on their porch, of course).

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

Proud to power the U.S. Coast Guard Alumni

Eversource.com

11: Zach and Jillian Dietz in front of the Supreme Court

Cheers & High Honors to All Who Served Semper Paratus 11: Paul, Catherine, and Catherine Junghans

Proudly Recruiting All Veterans Drew-Marine.com/careers Are you ready for the call?

2020 Drew Marine

©

11: Josh Schwartz and John Jaskot relieve the watch.

THE

BULLETIN

121

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

John also clarified that upon reporting to CGA he received the blessing of Zach McCune (voted “Most Likely to Come Back as a Company Officer” in the yearbook) to serve in this role, should anyone in the class be concerned.

Related to New England, Jake Hauser recently moved to East Hampton, CT. He picked up the Appalachian Trail from Bull’s Bridge, CT and walked 300 miles in search of socially-distanced adventure all the way to Mount Moosilauke, NH. He grew a beard, got a trail name (I’m sworn to secrecy on that), and is now officially a scruffy veteran. He says he looks forward to many more such marching tours in the future!

Also BIG congratulations are in order to all of our classmates who were picked up for O4!

The list of all of you who promoted is *way* too long to include here, but I’m proud of all of you and equally proud of the hard work and effort put in by those of you who didn’t make it this go ‘round.

Finally: big shout out to Bill Randall ’82 and the CGA Crew team for THOROUGHLY beating Kings Point. Brian Bonomi was in attendance as faculty support for MMA, but rest assured: he not so secretly cheered for the Bears and wore CGA gear as they won several races with open water over the Mariners (or whatever their mascot is… the National Defense Service Medal? Oh… wait).

Go books, go Bears. Beat the dean and BKP! With love, admiration, and support, Breezy and Paul

12: Aubrey Ann Cropley

122

Class of 2012

42%

members

..............................................................

Dan Trainor: Londonderry, NH / 603.493.4096 daniel.t.trainor@gmail.com ...........................................................

A couple more exciting baby announcements for the 2012 family! Chris Izurieta and his wife Lindsey welcomed their baby girl Rylan Grace on Coast Guard Day this past August. On October 20th, Alex Cropley and his wife Andrea welcomed their little girl Aubrey Ann. Congratulations to both families!

I hope everyone stays healthy and enjoys a great holiday season. To those deployed, stay safe!

Class of 2013 20%

members

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Ann Fecskovics: Alexandria,VA / akfecskovics@gmail.com LT Stephen Nolan: Stephen.T.Nolan@uscg.mil ................................................................

Hello 2013 and greetings from the north coast of Haiti (if I never see the Canal de Tortue again in my life, it’ll still be too soon). I was fortunate enough to have a brief conversation with Freddy Hofschneider while we passed off ownership of the Windward Pass earlier this month. Now as my final days in the area are waning, I’m enjoying the mountainous view while composing these

12: Rylan Grace Izurieta

13: The Batesons… seriously, this could just as easily be a catalog model photo

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

13: The Lane family grows!

12: Dan Trainor and family

notes. First and foremost, my sincerest thanks to Christopher Reimer, Alexa Ward and Jessica (VanHorn) Cooper who all graciously did the dirty work of Facebook stalking to get the information for these class notes: who knew that a good data network would be so hard to find in Haiti! Without any further ado, let’s dive in.

First things first, let’s take some time to welcome the newest members of the class of 2013 – yes we’re talking about babies! Parker and Jeanna Bateson welcomed Brooks William Bateson to the world on the 28th of September, and shortly thereafter graced Facebook with what can only be described as a photo worthy of a fall catalogue (pictured below). Brent and Amanda Lane had their first child, Joseph Micah Lane on the 5th of November. Remember Brent, even if he’s born in Annapolis, he has to support the Bears.

Jimmy Knudsen and lovely wife Elizabeth brought home Abigail “Abbie” Lorraine home earlier this year. Collin Schuster and wife Maria welcomed their third child back on the 27th of June – a son, Philip Schuster. Looking ahead Megan (Cook) Falco and her husband Vince (of 2010 Unicycle fame) are expecting their first child in February of 2021. Finally, a very belated notice here, Vanessa Sillman is mother to a two year old son, Lucas.

With Halloween having just passed there certainly were some cute photos of the littlest members of 2013 floating around. Aaron Lee and Caitlin (Force) Lee posted what may be the most epic Halloween family costume of all time (see below) while Joe Smith and family went for a more traditional look during trunk o’ treating this fall. Finally, despite a loss to Merchant Marine Academy Jessica Cooper and Riley Cooper both donned their BEARMANIA gear to cheer on the Alma Mater. It seems little Riley is destined to follow in her mama’s footsteps and one day be the new Regimental Planning Officer in 2039.

As we close out this underway edition of the class notes, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point to some underway successes – Kudos to Rachel Rychtanek who got her

13: The Lee family goes big for Halloween!

13: Trunk O’Treating with the Smiths!

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

first AUF drug bust while serving on the mighty warship SENECA during the EPAC patrol. With 2020 still raging on as I write this (of course it’d be an even year that screwed up the world) I hope that each of you stays healthy and safe during the upcoming holiday season. I am wishing you all the happiest of New Year’s (by the time you read this)… Go Books. Go Bears and Go 2021!

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

TEEKAY WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE US COAST GUARD ON 230 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE!

www.teekay.com

YOUR SHIPPING SOLUTION FOR THE AMERICAS Q u ya n a a

13: The Future Regimental Planning Officer

A TRUSTED PARTNER AND SUPPORTER OF THE USCG IN ALL OUR PORTS 13: Mike Lopez wins Halloween… again.

Moving?

Thank you USCG for serving our coastal communities in Alaska and across the Nation!

One St Louis Centre, Suite 5000 Mobile, AL 36602 251.219.3200 www.nortonlilly.com

Add “Notify the Alumni Association of New Address” to your moving To Do List!

Online: www.cgaalumni.org Email: mthompson@cgaalumni.org Phone: 860.442.2683 x22

Connect With Your New Neighbors!

Check out the Online Member Directory to connect with classmates and other alumni in your new city! www.cgaalumni.org/directory

THE

BULLETIN

K3 MARITIME AGENCY SALUTES THE U.S. COAST GUARD ON ITS 230TH BIRTHDAY K3 Maritime Agency, Inc. 1302 Waugh Drive - Suite 280 Houston, Texas 77019 www.k3maritime.com 123

Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

Class of 2014

Class of 2015

31%

50%

members

$2K

pledged

$7K

pledged

...............................................................................................

LT Nicholas Capuzzi: Juneau, AK npcapuzzi@gmail.com ...............................................................................................

Great Class of 2014, I hope all of you are continuing to stay happy and healthy. I know Jake Mueller and Joey Bodzewski are, since they both made an appearance in Ann Arbor to watch Michigan football absolutely implode against Michigan State.

In the life event category, the former Miss Kathryn Lamphere became Mrs. Josh Coonradt on the 10th of October at a small ceremony in Pennsylvania. Ali Stinner said yes when her boyfriend dropped to one knee by the castle in Central Park. Alex Sullivan and wife Katelyn welcomed twins Ben and Zellie on October 16th.

In closing, I noticed none of you reached out with offers to help me remember how to solve differential equations. I forgive you.With the exception, of course, of Kelsey Lyford, who hit me up only to make fun of me for not knowing how to do them. Ouch.

Until next time, Nick

17: Alex proposes to Lauren

16: Boston

124

members

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LT Matt Marchalonis: Corpus Christi, TX Matthew.B.Marchalonis@uscg.mil ...............................................................

Class of 2016

33%

members

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

.........................................................

LT Tara Larkin: Marine Safety Center, Washington, DC 20003 / Tara.E.Larkin@uscg.mil ..............................................................

Hello everyone, happy holidays! To begin, we have several new members of our class to introduce. Layne and Melissa (Keeley) Barrett had their daughter, Kayley Grace on August 17th. On August 18th, Kyle and Kaitlyn Wood welcomed their daughter, Emma Jean.

And, on September 11th, Josh and Sheila (Dutt) Edwards had their baby boy, Boston Matthew. I’ve included pictures of all three babies, so I’ll let you make your own opinion as to which is the cutest.We are also looking forward to even more classmates having kids!

Paul and Meredith (Figgatt) Puddington are expecting their first child, as are Alex and Jenn (Melendez) Dials, and Ben and Madison (Ahlers) Hannon. Congrats to you all!

In other news, many of our classmates were selected for graduate school programs.

Jeff Bors was chosen for the Fire Protection Engineering program. Ryan Ostrander, Ben Morseth, and Trent were selected for Naval Engineering, and Kyle Carosotto for Naval Engineering Industry Training. Kim, Alyssa, and Joe Rizzardi were chosen for Civil Engineering, and Wyatt for Civil Engineering

17: Abby and Drake are married!

16: Kyle and Emma

with an MBA. Sam Corcoran will be going to school for Public Affairs, Kent for Communications, Computers, and Electrical Engineering, and both Kevin Painten and Rob Renfrow for Strategic Intelligence. Good luck to you all! I hope by the time next football season rolls around, your schools will be back to normal, and that I’ll be kept in the loop on tailgating information.

With tailgating in mind, Mason’s worried people won’t attend our five-year reunion next year. So, start thinking ahead for Homecoming next year! That’s all I have. If anyone has any information not on Facebook or in the general messaging system that you would like included in future Bulletins, please send it my way.

Class of 2017 43%

members

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LTJG Clara Dahill-Baue: clara.e.dahill-baue@uscg.mil ......................................................

Happy holidays from the Class of 2017!

Some news from the class....Abby Culp married USNA graduate Drake Sadler, and they are living in the Seattle area. Alex LaBelle got engaged to Lauren Perry, an OCS grad, on the beach of the Outer Banks of NC. Miranda Fay had a rescue and a first life saved, awesome job Miranda!

17: Miranda is a life-saving pilot!

16: Layne, Melissa, and Kayley

December 2020/January 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Class of 2018

33%

members

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LTJG Rachel Burchill: Rachel. burchilL@live.com ................................................................

Morgan, I want to find the right words to say to friends, family, and everyone you’ve touched because we all are affected by your passing. But I really can’t. I really don’t think any amount of words can capture your bright smile, contagious laugh, loving friendships, and crazy spirit. So instead of words, I thought it would be better to remember all the great memories with some pictures.

Thank you for showing us all how to live life to the absolute fullest, love and miss you so much.

Fly high, Morgs.

Class of 2019

57%

members

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ENS Hailye Reynolds: 285 LCR 409, Mexia, TX 76667 / hailyereynolds@yahoo.com ..............................................................

In Memoriam Morgan Garrett October 23, 2020

19: Fly high, Morgan.

19: Great times with great friends; Elley Donnelly THE

BULLETIN

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

Greetings, all. I write this with a heavy heart, and I really cannot put into words the ache that I know each of us feel - even weeks after the loss of Morgan. It is a surreal feeling, because the nature of our work forces us to keep on going, and pushing forward, and moving; however, I’m still struggling with processing everything – and I know I’m not alone. Life is fleeting and it has been a painful reminder to live fully and hold nothing back. I strive to find something I’m passionate about as Morgan was aviation. She was doing what she loved, and that’s a huge takeaway from this tragedy – a life well-lived is a life where your passion and your day-to-day routine/job is virtually the same. She modeled that for each of us, and for her I am grateful. Another takeaway is that the support within our class, and through the Coast Guard community, is so strong. In times of great struggle and tragedy, we can rely on each other without hesitation. I’m sad about the circumstances that brought us closer, but I’m so thankful for our little tight-knit Coastie fam.

You’ll never be forgotten, Morgan. Fly high <3 “Morgan and I were in the same Swab Summer Company and Major and I have had the pleasure to get to work with her throughout my time at CGA. One of the coolest things was how starkly she was herself.

In a school where uniformity was a literal requirement, she stood out from the beginning.

From the very get go, she was going to be a pilot and you knew it. Obstacles did not exist in her mind, only opportunities. At CGA there is the stigma of showing any ounce of school pride.We were voted the “saddest school in

19: Teammates that became like family; Kyndall Scheffey, Rachel Burchill

19: BearFest with Alyssa Sato, Jenn Haley, Gretchen Krause.

America” in 2016 after all. Despite this, she had so much school spirit and did not let negativity get her down or showing what she loved. I wish her tailwinds and clear skies in heaven.” – ENS Deb King “I never thought you would get your wings like this, but I’m so proud of you.You were a beautiful person, a badass pilot, and most of all an amazing friend. Everyone misses you so much Morgan.” – ENS Mack Everett “Morgan was a light wherever she went. I can hear her constant and infectious giggle when I look at these pictures. I see so many stories and memories. She worked so hard at anything she felt driven to do, heck even the things she didn’t want to do she did well just to say she did. She was a person so entirely filled with life and she devoted herself to sharing it with others. She picked people up and kicked them to accomplish things when they had thrown in the towel. By no small claim she was one of a kind, full-hearted, hard-charging, tough-as-nails, smarter than she’d ever admit, and a devoted friend and daughter…I hope you know that you are loved and you are missed.”

– ENS Reid Wiegleb View more photos of Morgan in the digital version of The Bulletin online at www.cgaalumni.org/Bulletin.

19: Long track meets call for some goofiness with friends; Kirsten Carson, Olivia Suski, Adora Lawrence

19: Picture taken by classmate and friend, Reid Weigleb

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Indicates Class Alumni Number of Living Grads who are Members Association Membership Number of Living Graduates

Class of 2020 100% members

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ENS Jake Skimmons: Seattle,WA jake@skimmons.com ENS Abby Ferrara: Ketchikan,AK abbyferrara13@gmail.com .............................................................

Hello to the Great Class of 2020! As we all work towards getting qualified, we are nearing the end of the initial six months of training that is redefining us all. Some of us have been recalled to respond to hurricanes, others of us moved to dry docks. Some of us are gearing up for a cold weather in Alaska and the Northeast, others are still sipping drinks in the warmth of Florida. Many tears have been shed and good laugh sessions held as we learn to not take ourselves too seriously. Excitement is on the horizon: here come the holidays, when some of us are lucky enough to see our loved ones again. Overall, we are all still dealing with crazy schedules as COVID endures, and boards and being pushed back because of ROM-ing (restriction of movement). Most of all, the class of 2020 wishes to express our collective prayers and condolences to the Garrett family for Morgan Garrett, who was a good friend, teammate, and big sister to many of us at the Academy. Our thoughts and prayers especially go out to all of our shipmates in Pensacola and the Class of 2019 as they go through this difficult time.Till next time 2020!

Indicates Class Contribution to All Present Campaign

presentations, and mentor sessions. More than anything else, we as a class are looking forward to submitting our much-debated, highly polished “dream sheets,” and with even more excitement do we anticipate our assignments in the spring! In closing, I’d like to thank everyone who has supported our class thus far.The list is far too lengthy to include here, and I’m certain I wouldn’t be able to include everyone who’s touched the lives of my classmates, but I want everyone who reads this to know that none of us could have come this far without the amazing support network on and off campus.Thanks to everyone, “Nos futura facimus.”

Indicates Class Contribution to the Campaign for the Maritime Center of Excellence

Class of 2023

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Cadet Hannah Meisner: Hannah.B.Neisner@uscga.edu Cadet Lauren Daugherty: Lauren.E.Daugherty@uscga.edu ...............................................................................................

Class of 2021

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Cadet Jasmine Rodriguez: Jasmine.d.rodriguez@uscga.edu ...............................................................................................

Chase Hall was a buzzing hive of activity in the weeks preceding Thanksgiving.Trunks filled the halls and lights stayed on well past taps as cadets rushed to pack out, finish evaluation reports and counseling, and complete or get ahead on assignments and finals before departure.The efforts of regimental staff and morale committee members paid off greatly; in the weeks of Bears’ Hibernation before winter leave departure, they organized numerous club-led movie showings, Consolidated Club Social Nights, and even free food truck appearances. CG Drama Club gave a showing of the all-too-relatable 2005 film “V for Vendetta,” ironically set in the year 2020, and the affinity club Asian-Pacific American Council rang in the holiday spirit with an Asian-culture themed Kahoot and a showing of the 2018 rendition of “The Grinch.” Other clubs like Spectrum Council, Genesis, and the Aviation Club held their own events as well, really helping to make the last few weeks on campus fly by (no pun intended!). Now, the Class of 2021 settles in behind their computers to charge through the last couple weeks of virtual classes and finals.

Better prepared with our practice from spring semester, the only distraction pinned to the top of everyone’s e-mail inboxes is the billet list.

Most 1/c cadets have already had their phone meetings with OPM’s of various assignments, and many officers at the Academy have provided guidance through virtual meetings,

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Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 0 and 5): Sept. 15-19, 2021

Homecoming (For Class Years Ending in 1 and 6): Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2021

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BULLETIN

127

L AST W ORD

Wonder Woman and Me

By LCDR Steve Carpenter, USCG (ret), ’77

M

any young people today are enamored with Gal Gadot, the beautiful and talented Israeli actress and titular star of the 2017 film “Wonder Woman.” Release of the film’s much anticipated sequel, “Wonder Woman 1984,” has been repeatedly delayed, most recently by the COVID 19 pandemic.

However, it is now slated to premiere on Christmas Day in the U.S. In my younger days, I was a big fan of Lynda Carter, who starred in the Wonder Woman T.V. series in the late 1970s. I had the opportunity to meet her, and several other famous people, during my assignment as Executive Officer of the Coast Guard sail training ship EAGLE. Although primarily used to train cadets in leadership and seamanship, EAGLE is a great public relations tool for the C.G. and the nation. We often hosted receptions for the President and his cabinet.

During my two-year tour of duty, we sailed to Europe twice and participated in the 1989 Tall Ship parade commemorating the 200th anniversary of the French revolution, traversing the Seine River from Normandy to Rouen, France. During my tenure on EAGLE, I met many important people including then President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush. Legendary T.V. news anchor Walter Cronkite and his wife Betsy were passengers on board EAGLE for a week, traveling from London to St. Petersburg, then Leningrad. Cronkite, who died in 2009, was an avid sailing enthusiast and fan of EAGLE. At the time he was preparing a CBS special on the fastchanging relations between the US and the Soviet Union. A film crew met and worked alongside Cronkite in London and Leningrad.

However, my most memorable celebrity encounter occurred at a reception on board EAGLE in Washington, D.C, hosted by Samuel Skinner, then Secretary of Transportation under George H. W. Bush. Many of Washington’s elite were there including lawyer Robert Altman and his beautiful 128

Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman in 1976 from the television series of the same name. (Photo: ABC Television - Scan of publicity photograph)

wife, actress Lynda Carter, a.k.a.

Wonder Woman. EAGLE’s Captain, David V. Wood, and I were entertaining the Secretary’s guests under awnings shading the ship’s teak deck, when Ms. Carter approached me with a questioning expression. I wondered, would she be curious about how we maneuvered such a large ship up the narrow Potomac River? Or maybe she was about to ask me if we had encountered any storms at sea during our journeys? I waited in anticipation as she approached. “Could you direct me to the rest room?” she asked. It wasn’t the question I had anticipated, but I gladly escorted her aft through the wardroom to the “head.” I’ll never forget the night I rescued my super-hero from her distress.

Steve and his wife, Chris, are retired and live in Harrisonburg, VA. Steve spent 20 years in the CG, with three tours of duty afloat. He then worked for 22 years in the Mennonite Church, first in a local congregation in D.C., then as a business manager for a regional group of 68 Mennonite Churches, and finally as the binational Director of Development and Church Relations for MennoMedia, the publishing arm of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. They have one daughter and two granddaughters ages 5 and 3.

December 2020/January 2021

Safety doesn’t come in a box.

It’s not a banner that goes on a wall.

It’s not something you do now and then.

Or when it’s convenient.

It’s using state-of-the-art simulators to better prepare for any situation.

It’s giving offshore teams 24/7 support from onshore experts. And it’s empowering anyone to stop a job if something doesn’t seem right.

Safety is never being satisfied.

And always working to be better.

bp.com/safetyUSA BP Monitoring Center Houston,Texas © 2020 BP Products North America Inc. All rights reserved.

THE U.S. COAST GUARD SALUTES L3HARRIS’ BOB MONTGOMERY Congratulations to Bob Montgomery, who was honored with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Distinguished Public Service Award, in recognition of his focused energy and selfless dedication that have contributed significantly to the advancement of the missions and goals of the Coast Guard, its’ members and families. The Distinguished Public Service Award is the highest public recognition that the Coast Guard’s Commandant may award.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard. Use of this photo does not constitute endorsement by the USCG.