December 2005 President's Corner

Steve Frederick '72, USNAAA Atlanta Chapter President

My editor and publisher, Paul Borer ’70, was kind enough to give me until the last minute before the article submission deadline, so that I could wait until after the historic victory over Army last Saturday to write my newsletter article. We had a large crowd at TJ’s Sports Bar in Alpharetta on Saturday and a great time was had by the Navy fans. There was a particularly large contingent of Woops in attendance as they apparently had bought into the theory that Army had closed the talent/performance gap with Navy and that the game would be close. While it was apparent that Army had in fact improved since last year, so had Navy, and the result was another impressive victory. Matt Kirby ’94, along with is Army counterpart, did a great job of coordinating the event. The food was great, the camaraderie was excellent, and the game was highly enjoyable. If you did not watch the game in Philly and were not at TJ’s, you missed a great time.

Our November luncheon was well attended on the third Friday of the month. Unfortunately, our guest speaker had a death in the family and had to cancel at the last minute. Fortuitously, Bill Rentz ’55 and Carl McCallum ’60, our Regional and Chapter Trustees respectively, were in attendance and briefed the attendees on the issue of alumni representation on the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association. The issue is an important one and one that will affect us as individuals and as a Chapter in the future. Bill and Carl presented both sides of the issue in a factual and informative manner – we are extremely lucky to have such qualified and respected Trustees representing us on the Board of Directors. Attendees at the luncheon included: John Stark ’51, Fran Stark (John’s better half), Walt Sheffield ’51, Bill Rentz ’55, Peary Stephens ’57, Frank Roescher ’59, Carl McCallum ’60, Bill Holmes ’64, Lorie Moore ’64, Bill Williams ’65, Joe Frazer ’65, Stew Caldwell ’65, Jon Barton ’66, Dick Borowiec ’68, Steve Frederick ’72, Lidden Pate ’82, Mario Maddox ’85, Rob Burger ’86, Dennis Maloney ’88, Tony Yannone ’98, Vilma Yannone (Tony’s better half).

By the time you read this, we will have gathered for the Chapter Christmas Party at my home in Kennesaw. We have almost forty people signed up and are looking forward to an enjoyable get together. Shortly thereafter (December 22), we will meet at Jock’s and Jill’s Sports Bar in Brookhaven to watch the Navy football team participate in their third consecutive bowl game. While the timing (2230) may not be ideal, we hope to gather a sizable crowd to enjoy the capstone to another fantastic season with fellow alumni.

Planning continues for the Founder’s Day Party in February (or March.) Keep an eye on the website (www.usnaaaa.com) as information will be published as soon as it is firm – we are expecting an especially memorable event this year, but I don’t want to put anything in writing until we have nailed everything down. However, please pay attention to the website as I mentioned before.

Finally, please make plans to join the USNA Gospel Choir at the Ebeneezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on Martin Luther King’s birthday in January 2006. The Choir comes to town each year to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday, and as those who have attended in the past will attest, it is a truly inspiring event and performance. As with all other activities, keep an eye on the website for particulars and updates.

It has been another exciting year here in Atlanta. Our events continue to be well attended and expertly executed. The Chapter Board of Directors spends a great deal of time working on these events – let them know that their efforts are appreciated. The camaraderie at the events is second to none, and opportunities to gather with classmates, shipmates and fellow alumni are always special. Please join us whenever you can, and if you are inclined to lend a hand on any of the events conducted in the course of the year, please let us know.

As we all gather with friends and family at this special time of year, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices being made on our behalf by armed services men and women around the world. We are so incredibly fortunate to be citizens of the greatest nation in the history of mankind, and to be defended by some to the greatest men and women to ever wear uniforms. Occasionally, it is tempting to think that we live in terrible times in a sometimes cruel and evil world. But when we stop and look at the good that is being done by the men and women of the U.S. military around the world in our name, it can only make you proud and thankful. God bless you and your family, and please keep our peace keepers in you prayers and thoughts during this season.

Steve Frederick ’72
Chapter President