June 2006 President's Corner

Steve Frederick '72, USNAAA Atlanta Chapter President

Finally, the warm weather is here in Georgia, and that means two things - Army Navy Golf, and Lobster Fest.

On 22 May we met the Army team at Fort McPherson in south Atlanta for what has become an annual mule flogging. Will Wood ’66 does a great job of putting this event together every year, and each year for the last ten, the event has gotten bigger and better. If memory serves me correctly, Navy won the first meeting, Army the second, and Navy the next seven. This year however, to give credence to the old adage that “even a blind pig finds an acorn occasionally”, the Woops won a closely contested battle. With 90 plus attendees, it was a great turnout, with vigorous competition between all the teams. The weather was perfect, and even though we did not bring home the trophy plaque this year, it was a great day of fun and camaraderie. If you did not attend, you missed a great round of golf, a great meal and some great prizes that Will and his team had rounded up. If you have ever hoisted a golf club, consider joining us in the future.

The warm weather, specifically early June, also brings with it our Chapter’s signature event – The Lobster Fest. This year was no exception, as Carl McCallum ’60 and his bride Marilyn, coordinated the festivities for our 32^nd annual Lobster Fest at Red Top Mountain. I had been to the preceding twelve Fests, and can say without hesitation that the weather this year was the best ever. Temp in the low 80’s, low humidity, five to ten knots of breeze, and clear skies. It really doesn’t get any better here. The food and venue were terrific, as usual, with many folks pitching in to make the event another grand time. I am going to list the helpers that I know were there, knowing full well that I may forget someone. Please forgive me if I do. As I mentioned, Carl McCallum ’60 and Marilyn are the drivers that make this thing happen every year. Mitch Rowland ’71 and his wife Carole are always front and center from the set up through the clean up, as are Stew Caldwell ’65 and his wife Ann, and Bob Schultz ’71 and his wife Linda. Paul Borer ’70 cooked lobsters all afternoon, and his wife Jody worked the mess decks throughout, and both helped with cleanup. Mike Donohoo ’65 did his usual duty at the grill, providing eats to the workers throughout the afternoon. Paul Hurst ’62 and Nancy worked at the check-in table along with Jim Ravenel ’45, Doug Cutter ‘64 and Eric Busko ’88. Terry McElroy ’86 and Mary McElroy ’87 coordinated the decorations and their son Darrin helped in several areas. Bill Rentz ’55 helped throughout the day, while his wife Sue and her friend Mary Lou Blair worked the mess decks. Jim Slemenda ’66 and his wife Susan made arrangements to acquire the significant bar stock, and Jack Clay ’56 and his wife Patricia tended bar and kept that area well organized throughout the afternoon. Since I am so often prone to taking her for granted, I want to especially thank my wife Karen for all the work she contributes to this event every year – from loading and unloading the equipment at my home, to slicing and dicing in the kitchen, she always makes me proud. To all of the workers (and to those whom I have forgotten to mention), thank you for making this event as special and enjoyable as it is. Without your efforts it couldn’t happen.

Now to let everyone in on a little secret - we actually have a great time putting this thing together. For anyone who has participated in the production over the years, the operation is really something to see. Carl and Marilyn have trained everyone so well, that while there is much to get accomplished, there is always someone who knows exactly what needs to be done in every area and phase of the event. Next year, Carl and Marilyn will be out of their player/coach roles into strictly managerial positions. If you have the inclination and want to spend some quality time with a great group of people, consider lending a hand next year. The team would love to have you.

The speaker at our monthly luncheon in May, was John Scanlon ’83, a former USMC F-4 RIO and current author. He introduced us to his book

Dink- GaDink, his fictional presentation of plebe year. His presentation brought back lots of great memories and elicited much laughter. Please read Bob Schultz’s excellent synopsis at our website, www.usnaaaa.com. Attendees at the luncheon were: Jim Ravenel ’45, Jim Hatch ’47, Perry Stephens ’52, Johns Jaudon ’55, Bill Rentz ’55, Clint Johnson ’60, Carl McCallum ’60, Paul Hurst ’62 and his wife Nancy, Jon Barton ’66, Bob Schultz ’71, Lee Whitfield ’71, Steve Frederick ’72, Ken Thomas ’73 and his wife Sharon, Lidden Pate ’82, Brad Jones ’83, John Scanlon ’83, Bayly Taff ’84, Mary McElroy ’87, Bob Ferrante ’90.

Our monthly luncheon in June is considered our annual meeting of members, and the new slate of officers will be voted on at that meeting. If you can make it to that meeting please make an effort to do so, as this is your organization. The officers want very much to hear from you about what kind of events you enjoy and how well you think the organization is currently serving its members. Mitch Rowland ’71, the current Vice President of the Chapter will preside over that meeting as I will be out of town. I sincerely hope you can make it though, as it is an important meeting for the Chapter officers and members.

Please visit the website at anytime for updates on upcoming events and information on how to sign up, when, where, etc. Bob Schultz ’71 does a truly outstanding job with our site, and it is as informative about future and past events as possible. (It’s where you can find the gouge.) With the Navy football season just around the corner, it’s a great time to start planning for fall activities, and who knows, maybe a bowl game within driving distance. If that happens, pay close attention to the website for information on activities associated with that event.

As you can see, we have a great group of people who participate regularly in many of the great events that we have here in Atlanta. If you are not active at this time, consider becoming so. We have a great time and the camaraderie is second to none. It’s great to spend time with people who have shared the unique experience of USNA. I hope to see you at one of our future events.

BEAT ARMY!

Steve Frederick ’72
Chapter President