April 2007 President's Corner

Steve Frederick '72, USNAAA Atlanta Chapter President

Spring has finally sprung, and with a vengeance. It is amazing what the pollen does here in Atlanta, but it’s a small price to pay for the rest of the weather. In any event, with spring our thoughts turn to several upcoming events. Several of our biggest annual events will take place over the next three months, starting with our Dark Ages Party on 28 April at The Galleria Centre

We are expecting a major crowd as we are fortunate enough to have the Naval Academy football team’s head coach, Paul Johnson, as our guest speaker. By the time you read this, you will already have received the invitation if you are a member, with the specifics in regard to the RSVP process. If you did not receive an invitation, we do not have a record of your membership. As the Dark Ages Party is a “members only” event, you need to sign up immediately to get an invitation. If you have received your invitation I suggest that you RSVP ASAP, as we have a limited number of places available. Follow the directions on the invitation, then plan to join us for a visit and dinner with Paul Johnson, the new dean of Academy coaches.

On 7 May we once again will meet the men of Army on the field of battle at the Fort McPherson Golf Course, to settle the question of golf dominance for the year. If you have ever played golf, or are even curious about it, come join us for a great day of competition and camaraderie, as we take on the Woops and try to win back the trophy that has been in our possession for eight of the ten years it has been in existence. We lost it last year for only the second time, and if we loose it both years of my presidency, I will immediately request to be impeached for cause. Join us and help me regain/maintain my dignity. As always, watch the website at www.usnaaaa.com for information regarding sign up, times etc.

And of course, on 9 June we will gather at Red Top Mountain for our world famous Lobster Fest. Planning has already started for this signature event, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. If you have never attended, you owe it to yourself to witness a truly great party, as we gather for an afternoon of libation, mussels and lobster with all the fixings, prepared under the guidance and expert direction of Carl McCallum ’60 and his bride Marilyn. They have been honchoing this event for 31 years (I believe this will be the 32^nd annual gathering) and Carl told me last year that he thinks they have the hang of it now - so this year should be a great one. If you have attended in the past, you know what a great way to spend a Saturday this event is. When you join us, you will see that this event is a major happening, and that it takes much effort and planning. We have a core group that seems to be there every year, but help is always needed and appreciated – it is also a lot of fun. If you could join us the day of the event, or would be willing to help with the planning or setup, please let one of the Board members know. We can put you to work. Once again, I would recommend that you go to our website for particulars about the event. Information will be posted as soon as it is available. For now, reserve 9 June on your social calendars for an afternoon of seafood.

In between all the high end festivities, we will continue to meet on the third Friday of each month. In March we met at the National Museum of Patriotism on Spring Street and listened to Dr. Lori Salierno of Celebrate Life Inc. Because of some out of town travel, I was unable to attend, but I heard that she was an excellent speaker. I have heard her speak before and felt that her message was one that our group would enjoy. Apparently she did not disappoint. Attendees included: Mike Rose '48, Walt Sheffield '51, Perry Stephens '51, Bill Rentz '55, Stew Caldwell '65, Joe Frazar '65, Paul Borer '70, Mitch Rowland '71, Michael Lores '74, Pete & Sue Knoetgen '77, Terry McElroy '81, Mario Maddox '85, Clay Smith '97, guest speaker Dr. Lori Salierno, and guests Jose Maldonado, Jay Willard.

In April we will meet again at the National Museum of Patriotism, and our speaker will be Janice M. Benario, Associate Professor Emerita, Foreign Languages (Latin and Greek) at Georgia State University. She was a LT(jg) during WWII who handled the decoded and translated German Naval ENIGMA messages, passing the material directly to CNO and COMINCH, Admiral Ernest J. King. Janice has spoken to the West Point Society of Atlanta and they report that she has a fascinating and inspiring story to tell. Attendance is most highly recommended. If you have never visited the National Museum of Patriotism, you owe it to yourself to attend simply to see the facility. It is an impressive tribute to men and women in uniform throughout recent history. The museum staff provides us space without charge, their benefit being the exposure for the museum. So please join us and enjoy what I know will be a great presentation in a great venue.

I hope to see most of you at the events that we have coming up in the near future. It’s a great group and there is much fun and camaraderie to be had. Make plans now to join us at one or all of our gatherings.

BEAT ARMY!

Steve Frederick ’72
Chapter President