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Thomas Ross Luncheon

Author and Veteran Thomas A. Ross Speaks at Chapter June 2005 Luncheon

The first order of business was to recognize our SOPA, CAPT George O’Connell, ’35, who continues to lead the way by example in Alumni spirit. He had recently returned from his 70^th Class Reunion in Annapolis and gave us a full report.

Second business was to seek the approval of the previously announced slate of Chapter Officers and Directors for 2005-2006. A request for additional nominations was made and since none were offered, the nominations were closed. Chapter members present then by voice vote unanimously approved the slate. Our thanks are extended to those willing to serve in the coming year and we pledge our support in your efforts on our behalf. Also our gratitude goes out to those who have previously served. We thank you for your service to our great Chapter. Click the Board of Directors link in the navigation bar to review the names of the new Officers and Directors.

Our speaker was Thomas A. Ross, an author, Atlanta businessman and jeweler, and a member of the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association. Tom is originally from northwest Florida, but moved to Atlanta 16 years ago. His visit was most timely because of the recent dedication of a memorial by the AVVBA on May 20, 2005, at Colony Square (Peachtree and 14^th Street) to CDR Bill Stoddard, USN ’49. Tom is a retired Major, U.S. Army Special Forces. He told us he volunteered for Special Forces because he wanted to be trained and armed to best ensure his survival. The book “Privileges of War” is dedicated “to the more than three million men who served with honor, and, especially, to each of the more than fifty-eight thousand who died or were declared missing in action in the Republic of South Vietnam. To his teammates on Special Forces Detachment A-502 and those encountered while there. To those who wear an American military uniform today. Thank you for your service. To the country, family, and friends, who give me the freedom and purpose to live and enjoy life.” I took these words verbatim out of the front of the book, since it cannot be said any better.

Tom talked about many of his experiences and why it was a privilege to serve with such honorable men who did not always get proper credit and respect when they returned home. That is what encouraged him to write this book. One of the most touching stories is about the attempted Medivac of First Lieutenant Dale Reich, who was an Atlantan and a hero. He is honored and remembered by an AVVBA memorial located at Peachtree and 10^th Street. I for one intend to visit that location the next time I visit Bill Stoddard’s memorial. And I also want to thank Tom and the AVVBA for reminding me that we should never forget those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. Tom Ross is a quiet, dignified real hero, who tells some great stories in his book. I strongly recommend it for a positive read about our armed forces. We were honored to have him with us. Thanks also to the Vachon family who introduced Tom to us.

We sold quite a few books, which Tom signed, and raffled a couple of bottles of USNA Signature wine. Steve Frederick ’72, new Atlanta Chapter President, presented outgoing President Bill Rentz ’55 with an embroidered Atlanta Chapter Lobster Fest apron which will be put to good use. We closed by singing Navy Blue and Gold.

(Article by Bill Rentz ‘55)

For more about Tom's book click on:

www.privilegesofwar.com

Those in attendance at the luncheon were: George O’Connell ’35; Jim Ravenel ’45; Jim Hatch ’47; John Stark ’51; Perry Stephens ’51; Mike Nassr ’54; Dick Yantis ’54; Bill Rentz ’55; Jim Todd ’55; Mike Miller ’56; Reggie Vachon ’58; Mary Ellen Vachon; Marie Vachon; Bill Holmes ’64; Jon Barton ’66; Jim Slemenda ’66; Paul Borer ’70; Richard Click ’70; Les Gable ’70; Mitch Rowland ’71; Lee Whitfield ’71; Steve Frederick ’72; George Foley ’72; Ed Smith ’72; Mario Maddox ’85; Christopher Thompson ’92; and our Guest Speaker, Thomas A. Ross.