Class of ’69 Shipmate Column for March 2009 (Click Back Arrow on Browser to Return...)

Folks, this issue is all about the Class of ’09 and its successful completion of 4 years by the Severn. We sincerely wish all graduating members of the 9^th Company the best as they move on to their first assignments in what we hope will become distinguished Navy/Marine Corps careers. Well Done!!

Our 40^th Reunion Registration Page is open on the www.usna.com website. Instructions for access to the website were emailed to Classmates via our Company Rep email chain. If ANYONE DID NOT RECEIVE THE EMAIL, PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY and I will resend! If you are not using internet and wish to register, please call me (703-989-4606) or Geoff Pomroy (540) 659-9434. We will take your information ask for a check/money order to be mailed to us. Please, call us ONLY if you are NOT on internet. This is promising to be a Big gathering of Classmates and our Activity Bosses & wives have been working hard at making it special for all of us. See you there!!

Vicki and Rich Robbins visited with their son Rich, Jr. ‘99 and family and got to tour his ship, USS Halsey (DDG-97) home ported in San Diego. Rich Jr. and wife Erica have twin candidates for the Class of ’27! Congratulations Rich & Vicki!!

9^th Company held included the Class of ’69 in another wonderful Dining Out in Annapolis on 24 Feb. Mike Michaelis and Jake Jacobs & wife Kat represented the Class of ‘69. The evening included a comprehensive program, hilarious skits and smooth class slide shows done very professionally. Occurring so soon after Service Selection night added to the party & brought back a lot of memories.

Judge John Scully is one of the two newest associate judges in Lake County, IL. Chief Judge James Booras said the two were elected by a vote of the sitting circuit judges and have been recently confirmed by the state Supreme Court. John was an assistant U.S. attorney from 1982 until 2007 and part of the prosecution team in the "Family Secrets" organized crime trial. John, of 6^th Company fame, served in the Navy from 1965 until 1978 and retired from the Naval Reserves in 1999 at the rank of captain. He and his lovely wife Pat currently reside in Lindenhurst, IL. BZ Classmate!!

Joe Chopek tied the knot with Lucy after an extended engagement in Hollywood, FL. It was a beautiful wedding ceremony and very classy and large reception at the Marriott on the Beach attended by some distinguished ‘69rs, including Dean Harris, George Gordon, Chip Uhlemeyer, Bill McCauley, and Steve Hudock. Great weather, great camaraderie, terrific venue. Best wishes to Joe & Lucy!! .

Finally, a bit of business here. The USNA Class of 1969 Foundation Board of Directors has approved the following slate of candidates for election to the positions indicated.

Ballots will be emailed to Life Members and snail mailed to regular members in the Aug-Sep timeframe.

President (2010-2015): Steve Comiskey, Don Nash

Secretary (2010-2013) Larry Cavaiola, Steve Hudock

Director (2010-2013) Doug Bishop, John Ohlinger, Sam Wilson

Our thanks to Pat Stroop and his Nominating Committee (Stephen Leaman, Bill Conkle, Dave Rose, and Tom Cruser) who scoured the list of eligible classmates seeking great candidates for our Class Leadership Team.

That’s it for this issue – please note that the “hard copy” shipmate issues are being cut back by USNA AA Executive Order to only 8 this year, and 5 per year beginning in 2010. WaveTops, AA’s electronic newsletter, will be increased from every other month to monthly; a “President’s Blog” will be launched shortly; and they now have the capability to post videos on www.usna.com. Alas, Corresponding Secretaries are becoming dinosaurs! But, we’ll keep posting “Shipmate Columns” to the Class website at www.USNA69.org. Beat Army – often!! steve