September 2003 President's Corner

Chapter President Bill Rentz '55, USNAAA Atlanta Chapter

Starting off our season’s activities with two very positive events; the August 15 luncheon with author Buzz Patterson’s interesting talk, and the Navy football victory over VMI, 37-10, on August 30, are most uplifting. However, we can’t lose sight of the fact that we still have troops engaging an enemy and we have ships, sailors, and marines in harms way in the Middle East and throughout the world. Our thoughts, prayers, and solid support are with them every day.

As for the August luncheon, as previously reported, we had 61 attendees, sold 40 books and could have sold more. Thanks to all who helped out and made it possible. Buzz told me several times how good he felt in his exchange with this informed group and how welcome you made him feel. I think he made a lot of friends. He came across as a very sincere, conscientious young man and it made me appreciate how difficult for him that tour of duty must have been. Before anyone accuses me of playing partisan politics, let me say right now that I don’t believe this was so much a matter of liberal vs. conservative or democrat vs. republican as it was an issue of character and integrity. There should be no question where we all stand on that.

In case you hadn’t heard, Navy coach Paul Johnson’s offense opened the season by racking up 598 yards total offense against VMI, 370 yards rushing, most by fullback Kyle Eckels (129 yds) and quarterback Craig Candeto (96 yds). The game was stopped for about 58 minutes in the third quarter by the referee due to lightning. TCU will be a little tougher next week, but look out ARMY! Here we come again!

Other news, USNA recently announced that the new Commandant of Midshipmen will be Captain Joseph C. Leidig, Jr., USN, Class of ’78, now serving as Deputy Commandant since June 2003. He is scheduled to relieve BGen (Sel) John R. Allen, USMC, ’76, on September 17, 2003. Captain Leidig is a nuclear submariner, having commanded USS CAVALLA (SSN 684) and Submarine Development Squadron Five.

Some more news, in August the Chapter Board of Directors considered a request for financial support from Midn 1/c Neil Bryan Fletcher, Class of ’04, from Roswell, GA, to help with his Habitat for Humanity project in Nicaragua this summer. Since there was not time to do a fundraiser in his behalf, the Board voted to use $1500 of the Chapter’s current budget surplus to assist him in this worthy project, to which he gave up his summer leave and much out of pocket money of his own.

Don’t miss BGen Joe Frazar’s talk at the September luncheon. You will find it most interesting in light of the recent controversy between Defense Secy Rumsfeld and the Army Brass. Joe served with almost all of the Generals who have been in the news lately and who have been in Command positions in the Middle East.

Keep checking our Website and look for the Events Calendar and the Monthly Luncheon schedule. I will try to fill in those present at the monthly luncheons on updates, but if you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to call me or any member of the Board of Directors.

Bill Rentz '55