September 2005 President's Corner

Steve Frederick '72, USNAAA Atlanta Chapter President

Our August luncheon was held on the 19^th, the third Friday of the month, at the Jock’s and Jill’s Sports Bar in the Brookhaven area of Atlanta, and as usual, it was great to see the many alumni in attendance. There was not a scheduled guest speaker as attendance is historically low for our late summer luncheon, but Tom Ross, our June speaker joined us again, and shared some great additional anecdotes about his time in Viet Nam as an Army Special Forces Officer. Chapter members in attendance included: Jim Ravenel ’45, Jim Hatch ’47, Duane “Duff” Young ’46, John Stark ’51, Glenn Brewer ’51, Bill Rentz ’55, Dale Herndon ’56, Reggie Vachon ’58, Ed Hux ’61, Bill Holmes ’64, Bill Williams ’65, Joe Frazer ’65, Les Gable ’70, Mitch Rowland ’71, Bob Schultz ’71, Steve Frederick ’72, Mike Lores ’74, Cleve Cooper ’75, Gary Hoy ’84, and Andy Guth ’89. It was great to see everyone.

One of the “regulars” who was unable to join us was George O’Connell ’35, who had a prior engagement and was unable to attend. As I learned that day, George celebrated his 92^nd birthday the day following the luncheon. Reggie Vachon ’58, George’s nephew, assured us that all was well with George and that we could count on seeing him at our September luncheon. In fact, Reggie will act as our guest speaker at the September luncheon and will fill us in on the incredible career of his uncle. George is an interesting man who has served his country for many years and I look forward seeing George again and to listening to Reggie’s presentation. We are very fortunate to have George as a member of our Chapter.

On Saturday past I was fortunate enough to join with a group of fellow alumni to watch Navy open its football season with a well-contested game against Maryland. While we came out on the short end of the score I was impressed with the team and the game. I believe that I heard the announcers say that Navy had the “youngest” team in Division I football. If they mature and grow into their roles I think the team will do quite well in the coming months and years. It is really enjoyable to realize that Navy football can compete effectively at the upper levels of college football again, and it’s great to be able to watch the team play along with other enthusiastic fans (i.e. fellow alumni and families) at a local establishment. This opportunity will be available often throughout the football season.

For those of you who are unaware, check out our schedule of events at www.usnaaa.com, our local chapter website for the dates that Navy football games will be shown at Jock’s and Jill’s Sports Bar in Brookhaven on Peachtree Road. Navy signed a contract with the College Sports TV to televise all of its home games. Craig Martin, the manager of the Brookhaven Jock’s and Jill’s has agreed to show those games on a screen in the establishment, and to provide us with a semi private viewing area. The events are pay as you go and very informal, but a great way to see a lot of Navy football without using all of your frequent flier miles. I hope to see many of you at the games that I attend.

The Board of Directors has begun discussions about how to conduct an effective survey of our membership and local area alumni to determine what we can do as an organization to better support the local alumni. Our intent is to solicit input from as many folks as possible, gather as much data as possible, and do it all for the least amount of money. If any of you has an interest in assisting with this effort please contact a member of the Board and we will welcome your help.

We continue to sponsor events that contribute to the camaraderie available to USNA Alumni in the Atlanta area. Our schedule of events is available on our website and is extensive. Please take a moment to check us out at www.usnaaaa.com and then join us at one of our luncheons, or at a football game broadcast at some point during the season. If those “four years together by the bay” meant anything to you, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

BEAT ARMY!

Steve Frederick ’72