January 2006 President's Corner

Steve Frederick '72, USNAAA Atlanta Chapter President

As I recount the past year’s activities, we had many successful and enjoyable events, starting with our Founder’s Day Party in February. With the Superintendent as our guest speaker, it was a well attended and very enjoyable evening to lighten the Dark Ages. In June, we had our signature annual event, the Lobster Fest. Once again, we had great weather, a sizable crowd, and a great day of camaraderie and lobster. In the Fall, we enjoyed Navy home games via satellite at our monthly watering hole, Jock’s and Jill’s Sports Bar in Brookhaven. For the regular season finale against Army, we gathered with the West Point Society of Atlanta at TJ’s Sports Bar in Alpharetta.

Our final event for the year was the Chapter Christmas Party, which my wife and I hosted at our home in Kennesaw. We had a great turnout this year, and Karen outdid herself with the spread of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and decorations. Attendees included Jim and Lynn Hatch ’47, Duane and Barbara Young ’49, Bill and Sue Rentz ’55, Jack and Patricia Clay ’56, Carl and Marilyn McCallum ’60, Alan and June Miller’61, Harvey and Lois Cybul ’62, Bruce and Helene Abel ’64, Lorie and Barb Moore ’64, Keith and Karen Waldrop ’64, Stew and Ann Caldwell ’65, Jon and Jan Barton ’66, Paul and Jody Borer ’70, Mitch and Carol Rowland ’71, Bob and Linda Schultz ’71, Mike and Lauren Wilson ’71, Jerry and Barbara Schubert ’72, Nick and Jean Ward ’74, Pete and Susan Knoetgen ’77, Jack and Kay McCourt ’78.

Throughout the year we continued to meet for our monthly luncheons at Jock’s and Jill’s Sports Bar in Brookhaven here in Atlanta. In December, we had great attendance despite the holiday schedule competition and lack of a speaker (we normally go without a speaker for the December luncheon). Attendees that came strictly for the camaraderie were Charonton Barber ’42, Jim Ravenel ’45, Walt Sheffield ’51, John Stark ’51, Johns Jaudon ’55, Bill Rentz ’55, Paul Hurst ’62, Lorie Moore ’64, Stew Caldwell ’65, Joe Frazer ’65, Jim Slemenda ’66, Lee Whitfield ’71, Tom Galloway ’71, Steve Frederick ’72, John Fry ’80, Mario Maddox ’85, Mary McElroy ’87, Scott Murray ’90, Shannon Murray ’92, and Tony Yannone ’98. We had a great time discussing the results of the football season and plans for viewing the Poinsettia Bowl.

As we move into 2006 we again have big plans that are all spelled out on our website at www.usnaaaa.com. In the near term we are again helping out with the visit by the Naval Academy Gospel Choir and their participation in celebrations honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. In addition to a number of high school recruiting visits, the Choir will be performing at the Ebenezer Baptist Church at 407 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta on 14 January. This has been a truly inspiring event in past years, and we are looking forward to it with great anticipation again. Please consider joining us – go to the website to check out the particulars.

To again lighten the dark ages, we are hosting Chet Gladchuk, the Director of Athletics at the Naval Academy, as our guest speaker at our Founder’s Day party on 11 February. This “members only” event (only local chapter members will receive an invitation) will be held at the Cobb Galleria and has been very well attended in past years. With the AD as the guest speaker, we are anticipating increased attendance this year and are looking forward to a great time. If you are a member and do not receive an invitation by 15 January, please call me and we will find the problem. If you are not a member and wish to attend, please go to the website, sign up as a member, and then call to let me know you need an invitation. I hope to see you there.

Our 2006 schedule is filled with opportunities to renew old acquaintances and spend time with fellow alumni. Please, take the time to join us for any or all events. Take a look at our website and make plans to spend some time with other people who have been fortunate enough to have shared that truly defining experience at Navy. I look forward to seeing you soon, and of course, BEAT ARMY!

Steve Frederick ’72
Chapter President