USNA Gospel Choir in Atlanta for Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration

The U.S. Naval Academy Gospel Choir was in Atlanta for three days to visit local high schools and churches, and to participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebration by giving a concert at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

On Saturday, January 13^th, just before the concert, the Atlanta Chapter sponsored a lunch for the choir members and Chapter alumni in the basement of the church.

The choir's singing was energetic and uplifting as usual. They are a talented group of Mids and a great showcase for the Academy! (Kind of humbles those of us who can't carry a tune in a bucket, however.)

Many thanks to Stewart Caldwell '65, our Chapter Director for Brigade Support, who spent the many hours necessary to coordinate this event for us again. Many thanks to Bill Rentz '55, our Eastern Regional Trustee, and his wife Sue who took it upon herself to make the entire BBQ meal for the luncheon. Stew Caldwell reports that her brunswick stew got rave reviews! Sue cooked for over 100 and actually served about 80 including the choir members, the visiting Chapter alumni and parents club members, plus the Park Rangers that manage the facility. Others helping on the serving line were Jody Borer, wife of Paul '70, and Anne Caldwell, wife of Stew. Thanks also to the Georgia Parents Club and their members for helping serve and for providing the outstanding desserts including cookies, brownies, banana pudding, and chocolate cream pudding.

Bill Rentz received some feedback from the Head Park Ranger, who gave Chapter VP Mitch Rowland '71 and Stew Caldwell a supreme compliment. She said the reason she enjoys having us come to Ebenezer so much, compared to other groups, is that every year we show up when we say we'll show up, set up like we said we'd set up, get the stuff organized, get the job done, and get out with a minimum of worry and mess on their part. She said they also really enjoy the music, the Mids, and the food!

Bravo Zulu to all involved this year for another great event!

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Jody Borer, Anne Caldwell, and Sue Rentz make ready to serve.

Hungry Mid surveys the chow line.

First Mid exits the chow line.

More Mids start gathering for lunch.