October 2005 President's Corner

Steve Frederick '72, USNAAA Atlanta Chapter President

Where in the heck did September go? I can’t believe that it is already October, we’re well into the football season (although Navy has only played three games) and the social schedule is jam packed with events right through the holidays (I also can’t believe that I am already mentioning the “holidays”.)

Our September luncheon was well attended and was also one of the most enjoyable events that we have had in some time. Reggie Vachon ’58 spoke to us about his uncle George, or as he is better know to us, CAPT George O’Connell ‘35, USN (Ret), or SOPA. It seems that George has been holding out on us, as Reggie explained that his uncle was involved in several major battles during WWII while earning two silver stars. Bob Schulz ’71 has written a great synopsis of Reggie’s talk that appears later in this newsletter. Attendees included: George O’Connell ’35 as an honored guest, Jim Hatch ’45, Ed Flynn ’51, Bill Rentz ’55, Reggie Vachon ’58, Mary Vachon (Reggie’s wife), Donald Thompson ’59, Bill Holmes ’64, Stew Caldwell ’65, Jon Barton ’66, Will Wood ’66, Ted Webster ’68, Gary Grant ’68, Paul Borer ’70, Bob Schultz ’71, Lee Whitfield ’71, Steve Frederick ’72, Mark Sims ’82, Mario Maddox ’85, Kent Leka ’90, Perry Stephens ’91, and Tony Yonnone ’98.

From an activity standpoint, the month of October is overloaded. On 8 October, we have the Navy Air Force game, televised at Jock’s and Jill’s Restaurant and Sports Bar on Peachtree Road. Then, on 13 October, the West Point Society of Atlanta (WPSA) has invited us to join them for a tour of the Lockheed F-22 and C-130 production lines. Finally, on 21 October, we will have our monthly luncheon, also at Jock’s and Jill’s, with a special guest speaker, VADM Norb Ryan ’67, USN (Ret). VADM Ryan served as Chief of Naval Personnel and is currently the President of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA, formerly TROA.) Interestingly, he is the twin brother of VADM John Ryan USN (Ret), formerly Superintendent of the Naval Academy. Jim Hatch ’47 made the arrangements to get VADM Ryan here to speak, and we are all looking forward to hearing about the issues facing MOAA and how those issues can affect us.

As you are probably aware, Navy’s football schedule was retooled three weeks into the season as Navy was scheduled to play Rice University in Houston on the same weekend that hurricane Rita arrived. That game was rescheduled to 22 October, which had been an open date for the team. Because of that open date in the schedule, Paul Johnson had agreed to speak to the Atlanta Touchdown Club on 17 October. However, as he will now be enmeshed in game preparation that week, he has forwarded his regrets and will not be joining us that day. Currently, we are unaware of any plans for him to visit later in the season, but if such a plan evolves, we will let you know asap. Stay tuned to the website for updates.

In addition to the Lockheed tour, the WPSA has invited us to join them on a Saturday in early November for a Skeet and Trap Shooting event at the Tom Lowe Shooting Grounds (formerly the Wolf Creek Shooting Grounds, the 1996 Olympic shooting venue.) Competitive skeet and trap shooters will guide participants through two hours of shooting - no experience required! The Price of $55.00 for members and guests includes: 2 hours of shooting, professional instruction, all equipment (shotguns, earplugs, ammunition, clays, & eye protection) and a barbeque lunch. (Of course, USNAAAA attendees will be expected to uphold the traditions of the USNAAAA golf team which thoroughly and routinely trounces the Woops at the spring golf competition each year.) Many of the Woops will attend with spouses, so feel free to bring your spouse or significant other. Check the website for sign up instructions for this event as they become available.

As you can see, there are many events that enable you as members of the greatest fraternity in the world to network, tell sea stories and enjoy the camaraderie that made the “four years together by the bay” almost bearable. The members of the Board of Directors spend a great deal of time planning, coordinating and conducting these events. I invite each of you to participate whenever you are inclined to do so. The website, meticulously maintained and updated by Bob Schultz ’71, contains the latest and greatest info on all of our future events, and great reports on past events (including pictures of attendees.) Please join us for one or more events. If you have ideas or suggestions for the Board of Directors regarding events or venues please let us know via e-mail, phone call or simply tell one of us at one of the monthly luncheons. If you are not participating in this organization you are missing a great time with some great friends. I hope to see you at one of our events in the near future.

BEAT ARMY!

Steve Frederick ’72
Chapter President