Current News & Information

Senior Chapter Member Captain George S. O'Connell, (USN Ret.) Passes Away at Age 96

Sadly our senior Chapter member, Captain George O'Connell, Class of 1935, passed away on Sunday July 18th.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to George's family and friends, and in particular to his nephew Reggie Vachon, Class of 1958, who always affectionately referred to George as "Uncle George".

George could always be counted upon to be present at Chapter luncheons and events.  He never failed to attend the Chapter Dark Ages Party in black tie, and in true Navy tradition always arrived with "a date" as he so charmingly put it.

His classmate, and Chapter member, Bill Wideman passed away some time ago.  Somehow it just won't be the same without our two senior members from the Class of 1935.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 26th, at the Lenbrook Retirement Community in Buckhead.  The funeral will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, July 24th, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, in Anniston, Alabama.

Click the link below to read the entire obituary for George:

George O'Connell Obituary

Navy Takes Three in a Row with Victory in Annual Army-Navy Golf Classic

by Will Wood '66, Event Coordinator

On May 21, 2010, the Naval Academy Alumni Association of Atlanta (Navy) once again easily outdistanced the West Point Society of Atlanta (Army) in the 14th annual Army-Navy Golf Classic, an annual spring competition that was begun in 1997. Navy has won 11 of the 14 events to date. As before, the golf competition and awards dinner that followed took place at the Golfers Club at Fort McPherson. Proceeds from the event (nearly $1,500.00) went to provide tuition for needy youngsters in the Atlanta area to attend the SummerScape math, science, and computer camp at Georgia Tech this summer.

The golfers were blessed again this year as the usual spring showers stopped before play began and began again just as the last shots were being taken. Everyone enjoyed the golf and camaraderie as well as a very fine dinner with prizes. Prizes this year included a $200 dinner, a new three-wood golf club, and more.

Despite again missing some regulars this year, the event enjoyed the participation of a few new faces for the Blue and Gold. Using the modified Stableford scoring system, the final score was Navy at +106 to Army’s +51.

Participating in the 2010 Army-Navy Golf Classic were the following: Johns Jaudon ’55; Jack Clay ’56 and guests Alan Crowell, Clark Pickett, and Buddy Weir; Ken Strahm ’57; Carl McCallum ’60 and son Carl McCallum, Jr.; Harvey Cybul ’62; Tony Womble ’63; Marc Calhoun ’64; Lorie Moore ’64; Richard Wilson ’64; Stew Caldwell ’65; Rick Adams ’65; Bill Hunt ’65; Peter Peterson ’65; Joe Frazar ’65; Will Wood ’66; Larry Bergen ’66 and guests John Anderson, Bill McMancus, and Grace McManus; Win Rorabaugh ’70; Mitch Roland ’71; Tom Galloway ’72 and guests Alan Shaul, Ed Brewster, and Carlton Bruton; Steve Frederick ’72 and guests Harold Fernandez and John Harcharic; Ples Bruce ’77; Byron Marchant ’78; Eddie Meyers ’82; Doug Hintze ’83 and guest Ron Bartholomew; Doug Edwards ’86; J. P. Grant ’96; and Karlton Holston ‘02. Navy again brought many more players to the field of honor than Army.

In the Stableford competition, and winning increasingly bigger gift certificates, were Ples Bruce in 4th place; Byron Marchant in 3rd; and Doug Hintze in 2nd. Eddie Meyers took first place for Navy and won $100 worth of golf merchandise as well as a set of N-Starr engraved wine classes. Ed Brewster, guest of Tom Galloway, was closest to the pin on Par 3 7th hole and Johns Jaudon was closet to the pin of the Par 3 12th hole.

We look forward to the 15th renewal of the classic in May 2011. All golfing USNAAAA members in the Atlanta area are invited to join us for the competition and camaraderie. It’s always a fun time for all.

New Slate of Chapter Board of Directors Officers Voted Into Office

The following new slate of BOD officers was voted into office at the monthly meeting at the Army-Navy Golf Tournament on May 21st.

President:  Ples Bruce '77

Vice President:  Ed Brownlee '81

Treasurer:  Pete Knoetgen '77

Secretary:  Jim Slemenda '66

General Directors:  Stew Caldwell '65, Brian Jackson '81, Dan Branch '96, Scott Evans '88, Karlton Holston '02,

Appointed Positions:  Jon Barton '66 (Database Administrator), Bob Schultz '71 (Webmaster)

Congratulations to our new Board officers.  Please give them all the support that you can as they lead the Atlanta Chapter through the next year.

110th Army-Navy
Football Game!

Navy 17 - Army 3

Eighth straight win!

Navy wins Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and it stays in Annapolis for seventh straight year!

Naval Academy Alumni and friends gathered at the Fox Sports Grill in Atlantic Station on December 12th to out-cheer the attending West Pointers and watch Navy win the 110th meeting of Navy and Army on the gridiron.  Navy has now won ten out of the last eleven games, and a record eight in a row!  This win extends Navy's lead in the overall series record which now stands at Navy 54, Army 49, ties 7.  Many thanks to Ples Bruce '77 for organizing the event again this year and to his wife Kameelah for working check-in!

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates tossed the coin to start the game.  Navy won the toss and we were underway.

The first half of the game was a worry maker for Navy as Army seemed to have devised a defensive plan that worked pretty well at stopping our usually successful running game.  They came out with a 3-3-5 defensive lineup and used it throughout.  Army missed a field goal in the first quarter, but then intercepted a Ricky Dobbs pass and got into our red zone.  But the Navy defense held and they had to settle for a field goal.

The second quarter didn't start off much better for Navy with Army recovering a fumble.  Things looked like they would turn around quickly with a completed Ricky Dobbs 57-yard pass into Army's red zone, but a questionable holding call negated the play.  Later in the half another long pass was called back for holding as well.  Half time arrived with Army leading 3 to 0.

Starting the third quarter the Navy offense looked like a different team.  They took the opening kick-off and marched down the length of the field, finishing with a 25-yard touchdown pass.  Navy 7 - Army 3.  Later that quarter Navy added a field goal.  Navy 10 - Army 3.

In the fourth quarter Army missed a field goal opportunity.  Later Navy recovered a fumble on the Army 11 yard line.  A Ricky Dobbs run took it to the 1 yard line.  Two plays later Ricky Dobbs ran it in for a Navy touchdown, with coach Ken Niumatalolo kneeling on the sideline with hands over his eyes, unable to even watch.  Navy 17 - Army 3.  Army later marched down the field with successive passes to their 6 foot 10 inch receiver, but were unable to get into the end zone and missed a field goal attempt.

A shaky start for Navy, but another great win over Army, and a 9 win 4 loss season record for Navy.

Bill Sailing of Vets Help Vets Speaks at November Luncheon

At the November Chapter Luncheon, we had a presentation by Bill Sailing.  Bill is a member of Vets Help Vets, Inc., a non-profit that is helping war and service disabled veterans prepare for returning to their community.  The corporation was formed in 2007 by a group of Vietnam veterans to provide home renovations to veterans with a service-connected disability.  The program is locally based and works closely with the Shepherd Spinal and Rehabilitation Center to remodel veterans’ residences used in this rehabilitation process.  For more information see their web site at www.vetshelpvets.org.

The organization has some special needs and Bill made a sincere request for assistance from our Chapter. They need both financial support and physical support (manual labor) to remodel apartments to be used by disabled veterans during the rehab program.  After discussion between Chapter Board of Director members and Chapter members present at the luncheon, we quickly determined that the Chapter should be able to meet both requests.

Our goal as a Chapter is to raise $3,500 for the purchase of all the supplies necessary to remodel one apartment.  Therefore, we are asking members to consider making a donation of $35 each.  With just 100 contributors we will reach our goal.  You may, of course, contribute any amount that you are able.

Also, if you are interested in providing manual labor for the project, please contact Bill Sailing directly at (706) 579-1732 or billsailing@windstream.net.  This work is scheduled for very early next year.  Bill will have more info on the exact timing.

Contribution Instructions:
At the moment we are awaiting instructions on exactly how to make our contributions so that the funds are properly received and tax-deductible.  (Making payment directly to our Chapter will not work correctly, so don’t send us a check.)  Watch your USNAAAAMAIL group emails for specific instructions on how to make your contribution.

Everyone in attendance seemed genuinely touched by the work of this group and the mission they have organization themselves around.  We believe that we can all make a difference in a significant way by supporting Vets Help Vets.

Thank you in advance for your willingness to help us make a difference in veterans’ lives.

Mr. Miami Philips Speaks at October Luncheon

October’s monthly luncheon was well attended and our speaker Miami Philips, a recognized Internet guru, spoke about using the internet and social media, specifically Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to communicate, collaborate and create business and personal relationships locally or globally.

In attendance were: Ron Taylor ’81, Bill Holmes ’64, Jim Todd ’55, Jon Barton ’66, Pete Knoetgen ’77, Karl Schwelm ’71, Paul Borer ’70, Jeff Jones ’77, Chris Wheeler ’95, Jerry Mackey ’54, Bill Rentz ’55, Debbie Baus ’89, Robb Weteel ’89, Rick Haley ’72, Bob Ferrante ’90, Brian Pilger ’93, Dan Branch ’96, Mitch Rowland ’71, Jim Slemenda ’66, Brian Jackson ’81, Ned Hunter ‘ 81 and Ples Bruce ‘77.

Michael E. Moore Speaks at August Luncheon

Our guest speaker was Michael E. Moore. Michael is known as Mr. Atlanta and is a very busy speaker throughout the region. His topic was "Networking - What To Give and How To Get". His bio is below. We were honored to have him address our group.

Michael Moore is a successful entrepreneur, a seasoned businessman, a military officer a banker, a business consultant, a community and service organization "mover and shaker", one of Atlanta's most connected business people and a frequent speaker before community, civic, nonprofit and business service organizations.

When asked what her father did for a living, Michael's young daughter responded, "He drives around, drinks coffee and visits with friends." She was partially correct-however, he does much more. Michael understands the importance of connecting with people-and then connecting them to others with mutual interests, goals and synergistic needs and capabilities. He values ideas, has the vision to recognize an idea's potential, and possesses innate people skills to quickly assess someone's personality, abilities and capabilities. In 35+ years of "visiting friends", Michael has met more than 100,000 people-and offered free advice, a tip, introduction or lead to most, at least once.

Michael has spoken to or trained many community, civic, nonprofit, business service and networking groups, as well as private clubs. His humorous slant on business trends, hard-hitting insight, practical ideas and natural storytelling ability have motivated and entertained thousands. Popular programs include "Everyone Needs a Cheerleader" and "Getting Out of Your Boat" to take bold actions that foster opportunities. His speeches have influenced boards of directors to set new direction, the Chamber of Commerce to shape fundraising strategy, and social services agency program students (such as recovering drug addicts) to take their places in society.

A great believer in community service, Michael is active in the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Buckhead Business Association, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and countless other groups. He's a former board member and/or president of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the Buckhead Business Association, CURE, Heart of Atlanta Network and other nonprofits, as well as a former Rotary, Civitan and Optimist Club member.

After receiving his business administration/accounting and finance degree from Auburn University, Michael accepted a commission as a regular officer in the U.S. Army.

After active an duty tour he accepted a position with the Citizens & Southern National Bank, in operations and human resources before starting an entrepreneurial life in 1979 by funding his first business, a retail/wholesale gift industry company that designed, manufactured, distributed and retailed products sold to country stores and gift shops. In 1984, he opened a spin-off, a manufacturing and wholesale distributor of women's and children's clothing and accessories, and three years later, he became partner and marketing manager of PRISYM Technologies, a computer products reseller. His current ventures are an outgrowth of working to connect resources with active needs. Always a connector Michael spends most of his waking hours connecting people. His "day job" is coaching in, sales, marketing,operations, personal development and leadership. Additionally Michael currently serves as a Club President for CEO Space - a 20 year old "(20,000 member)" resource matching organization.

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Present at the luncheon were Clint Johnson ’60, Ronald Taylor ’81, Karl Schwelm ’71, Denny Desmond ’71, Harvey Cybil ’62, Ed Hux ’61, Kent Hamlin ’70, Buzz Galbraith ’61, Bill Rentz ’55, Jerry Mackey ’54, Ed Smith ’72, Jim Hatch ’47, Bill Holmes ’64, Bob Ferrante ’90, Kenn Bruley ’91, Steve Frederick ’72, Bill Nash ’93, Dick Borowiec ’68, Ed Brownlee ’81, Jim Slemenda ’66, Matt Kirby ’94, Mike Miller ’56, Tom Judd ’72, Brian Jackson ’81, Walt Coakley ’54, Paul Borer ’70, Bob Schultz ’71 and Lee Whitfield ’71. We also had seven guests in attendance, including Ian Phillips, who is a Sea Scout and just achieved Eagle Scout this past January. He also hopes to be a member of the Class of 2014.

Chapter Director Dan Branch '96, Speaks at June Luncheon

At our June Luncheon we had a special presentation by Dan Branch.  Dan has spent the past year working with local grads from the other Academies to organize and activate an online Networking Group in Linked-In named "Academy Connect Atlanta".  We believe “Academy Connect Atlanta” will be a great tool and resource for online interaction between local Academy grads, which should prove beneficial for offline professional and personal communications and collaboration.

To view Dan's presentation slides click the link below:

Dan Branch Academy Connect Atlanta Presentation

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Please read the following announcement from our Academy Connect Atlanta organizers regarding how to sign up!

Fellow Atlanta-area USNA Alumni,

In an effort to strengthen the bonds between Atlanta-area Service Academy alumni, a new "connection" has been created - Academy Connect Atlanta.  The goal of Academy Connect Atlanta is to create a platform for all Atlanta alumni to connect, reconnect, and network with fellow Service Academy alumni, with a focus toward the business world.

We are an all-volunteer organization of service academy alumni who share a common interest in championing the highest level of duty, honor, and loyalty in the business world.  An exclusive group of U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy alumni, we are dedicated to advancing Academy alumni in business.

In order to facilitate quick and easy connections between alumni, and simplify database management and communications, the Internet application LinkedIn was chosen.

First, register for a LinkedIn account.  If you don't already have a LinkedIn user account, register by clicking on the following text link:  http://www.linkedin.com/

Next, join Academy Connect Atlanta.  To join, click the following text link:  http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1793667

All Join Requests will be Verified:
If you are a member of the USNAAA Atlanta Chapter and subscribe to our email service USNAAAAMAIL, you may have already been pre-authorized to join.  (All requests for membership will be verified for Service Academy alumni status.  So, if your email address is not in the USNAAAAMAIL database yet, the administrator will review your request to join and grant access after alumni status has been verified.)

The immediate outcome of Academy Connect Atlanta is that hundreds of service academy Atlanta professionals will quickly be connected with fellow alumni who share the same passion for dedication, hard work, and integrity in their business dealings and relationships.

In the near future, you will be invited - through the LinkedIn platform - to participate in formal, business-related meetings with local and state business and political leaders as speakers.

Please email any of the group's administrators for more information:
 Jeff Plank USMA '85 jplank@grosscollins.com
 Arnold Galit USNA '92 arnoldgalit@gmail.com
 Brian Pilger USNA '93 blpilger@comcast.net
 Dan Branch USNA '96 dbranch@taylorconsultinggroup.com

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Luncheon attendees included: Mitch Rowland ’71, Bill Rentz ’55, John Stark ’57, Matt Coy ’01, Tom Galloway ’71, Karl Schwelm ’71, Ed Sunberg ’68, Rick Jacobs ’72, Ed Hux ’61, Le  Whitfield ’71, Bayly Taff ’84, Bob Schultz ’71, Mike Miller ’66, Pete Knoetgen ’77, Jim Slemenda ’66, Jon Barton ’66, Mario Maddox ’85, Michelle Maddox ’13, Brian Jackson ’81.

Ambassador Vincent Obsitnik, U.S. Ambassador to the to the Slovak Republic, Speaks at May Luncheon

Ambassador Obsitnik has had corporate executive careers with the IBM, Unisys and Litton Corporations.  At Unisys Corporation, as President of the Systems Development Division, he led a $600 million business with 3000 employees marketing and developing advanced electronic and computing systems.  At Litton Corporation, he was Vice President, International and directed business expansion into the European and Latin American markets.    In 27 years at the IBM Corporation, his responsibilities spanned the areas of Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Engineering and Program Management.  He spent 8 years with the IBM World Trade Corporation with manufacturing responsibilities in Europe, Latin America and Asia.  In Latin America, he had overall responsibility for the management of manufacturing plants in Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. In Asia, he was responsible for manufacturing logistics of all IBM operations. Following these careers, Ambassador Obsitnik started and became President of International Investments Inc., a consulting company, working in the areas of joint ventures, technology licensing and privatization projects between the U.S. and Central Europe.

Born in 1938 in Moravany, Slovakia, he immigrated with his parents that same year, prior to the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany.  His father worked as a coal miner in Pennsylvania after which the family moved to New Jersey where he grew up. Upon graduating from Linden High School, in Linden, NJ, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated with the Class of 1959.  He then served the next five years as an officer in the U.S. Navy, in destroyers and submarines.

Ambassador Obsitnik graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1959 with honors. He received his MBA in Finance from The American University in Washington, DC.  He has also attended the IBM Advanced Management School, Sands Point, Long Island, NY; the IBM International ManagementSchool in La Hulpe, Belgium; and the Unisys Executive Program at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.

Ambassador Obsitnik is fluent in the Slovak language and has an understanding of Russian. He is a marathon runner and plays tennis and squash.  He is married to the former Annemarie Harden.  They have four sons and twelve grandchildren.

Navy Takes Two In a Row with Victory in the 13th Annual Army-Navy Golf Classic

By event coordinator Will Wood '66

On May 1, 2009, the Naval Academy Alumni Association of Atlanta (Navy) easily outdistanced the West Point Society of Atlanta (Army) in the 13th annual Army-Navy Golf Classic, an annual spring competition that was begun in 1997.  Navy has won ten of the thirteen events to date.  As before, the golf competition and awards dinner that followed took place at the Golfers Club at Fort McPherson.  Proceeds from the event went to provide tuition for needy youngsters in the Atlanta area to attend the SummerScape math, science, and computer camp at Georgia Tech this summer.

The golfers were blessed as the usual late spring forecast of scattered showers resulted in a perfect Georgia spring day for golf (not too hot, just a little breeze) and the whole course was in great condition.  Everyone enjoyed the golf and camaraderie as well as a very fine dinner with prizes.  Prizes this year included a round of golf with a guest, a $160 dinner, bottles of wine, and more.

Despite again missing some regulars this year, the event enjoyed the participation of a few new faces for the Blue and Gold.  Using the modified Stableford scoring system, the final score was Navy at +52 to Army’s +11.  We hope that next year, with the number of new folks participating this year and our regulars rejoining the team, to have a really tremendous event with record attendance as well as record support for our charity (and Navy’s 11^th victory in the series).

Participating in the 2009 Army-Navy Golf Classic were the following: Johns Jaudon ’55; Jack Clay ’56 and guests Alan Crowell, John Fueling, and Buddy Weir; Tony Womble ’63; Marc Calhoun ’64; Lorie Moore ’64; Richard Wilson ’64; Stew Caldwell ’65; Joe Frazar ’65; Will Wood ’66; Reb Hester ’67 and guests Lynda Hester, Ray Bordelon, and Becky Bordelon; Win Rorabaugh ’70; Tom Galloway ’71 and guest Alan Shaul; Lee Whitfield ’71 and guest Cole Van Houten; Mark Poole ’82; Chris Bush ’83 and guest Rick Whitehead; Doug Hintze ’83; Brad Jones ’83; Bayly Taft ’84; Tim Goff ’84; Wendell Ross ’87; and Karlton Holston ‘02.  Also joining the Navy side as a guest was Mike Ryan, Director of Summer Programs for Georgia Tech’s Center for Education in Math, Science, and Computers (CEISMC).  Navy again brought many more players to the field of honor than Army.

In the Stableford competition, and winning increasingly bigger gift certificates, were Lynda Hester in 4^th place; Becky Bordelon in 3^rd; and Bayly Taff in 2^nd.  Buddy Weir, guest of Jack Clay, took first place for Navy and won a $100 worth of golf merchandise as well as a set N-Starr engraved classes.  Buddy Weir was closest to the pin on Par 3 7^th hole and Becky Bordelon had the longest drive on the Par 5 15^th hole.

Many thanks go to Dan Branch ’96 for his generous cash donation and to the USNA members of the Class of 1971 who were victorious against their West Point counterparts and donated their $100 in winnings to the Navy cause.

We look forward to the 14^th renewal of the classic in May 2010.  All golfing USNAAAA members in the Atlanta area are invited to join us for the competition and camaraderie.  It’s always a fun time for all.

Bill Donges '71 Speaks at April 2009 Luncheon

Bill Donges started his talk with some background information. He had planned to go to Annapolis and become a Naval Aviator. But, his eyesight kept him from attending flight school. So, he went to the USS Turner Joy. He reported aboard and was to meet the officers in the wardroom. The Captain was there and took his service record and began reviewing it. Suddenly, he shouted an obscenity and threw the folder. He then told him that he didn’t have any Academy graduates on board and don’t expect you ring to get you any special favors. What a start on your first day.

After his tour on the Turner Joy, Bill reported back to Annapolis as an instructor in the Seamanship and Navigation Department. He enjoyed his time back at USNA, but decided to leave active duty. He remained in the reserves.

When he was looking for his first job out of the Navy, he was offered any one of three cities in the deep south. Since he and his wife were not southerners, he asked where the worst performing unit was located. He was told Chicago. He asked to be assigned to Chicago and they sent him there. Within two years, the Chicago area had become a top performing unit. After that the company sent him to different areas in the company that were having trouble. His reputation as a turnaround specialist spread beyond his company and he began to get offers from other companies.

After a number of moves, he decided to start his own company that would help start up companies with their business plans and finances. He eventually came to Atlanta and took a position with the Lane Company, a real estate firm that needed some help. He helped the company expand from it’s base in Atlanta.

Even with the downturn in the business climate now, Bill is very optimistic with the overall outcome for the United States. He related that from 1976-1980, President Carter had a larger democratic majority than President Obama. It was also during those years that we had double digit inflation and unemployment. But, it was in those years that Microsoft and a number of our most successful companies started.

Bill told us about several new technologies that are looking for start up money. Some of the innovations are really unbelievable. With the drive and individual freedoms that we as Americans have, we will come out ahead!

We were very fortunate to have Bill as our speaker.

(Write-up by Mitch Rowland '71.)

Those in attendance were: Jim Ellis ‘69, Barry Gittleman ‘89, Jerry Mackey ‘54 and his bride Connie, Tony Womble ‘63, John Stark ‘51, Lee Gavel ‘78, Rick Jacobs ‘72, Ed Hux ‘61, Steve Weise ‘72, Steve Chesnut ‘74, Ross Burkhead ‘71, Jon Barton ‘66, Will Smith ‘97, Bill Barnes ‘82, Jennifer Barnes ‘82, Paul Borer ‘70, Lee Whitfield ‘71, Brian Huey ‘90, Dick Borowiec ‘68, Stew Caldwell ‘65, Bill Rentz ‘55, Don Patterson ‘74, and Bryan Lichtenstein ‘96. Our SOPA was John Stark ‘51 and the plebe for a day was Will Smith ‘97. That gave us a 46 year span of graduates.

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Chapter President Mitch Rowland '71 presents Bill with his personalized Atlanta Chapter apron!

Clint Johnson '60, Speaks at January 2009 Luncheon

Our guest speaker at the January Chapter luncheon was Chapter member Clint Johnson '60.  The following is a summary of Clint’s presentation at the January Chapter Luncheon.

Frustration and fatigue were starting to simultaneously set in on me on 20 June 1965. It was supposed to be a stand-down day, but by noon we were suiting up for an emergency RESCAP. An Air Force photo-recon pilot had been shot down very deep into the northwest corner of North Vietnam.

We manned up three times before we launched. By now we were fast becoming the leaders in the squadron sweat stain contest. The sweat stain contest was unique to Skyraider squadrons. The winner was the pilot who could merge the salty white left and right armpit stains in the center of his flight suit first. This contest was made possible by the USS MIDWAY (CVA-41) laundry and morale officer who would accept only one flight suit per week per pilot from us. At any rate we were hot, sweaty and beginning to worry that this man up was going to mean no dinner. This time, however, we started, were told that we were a go mission and began our taxi forward to the catapults. It was almost 1800. The cat shot killed my radio. I was able to get the number two radio working, but continued to fiddle with number one so that I could act as relay. I got it working and checked in on tactical frequency as we went feet dry. Then it failed again. Feet dry at 12,000 feet heading northwest we were passing north of Thanh Hoa. LCDR Ed Greathouse was in the lead. On his port wing was LTJG Jim LYNNE. I was on his starboard wing with Charlie Hartmann on my starboard. We all had the standard RESCAP load: two 150 gallon drop-tanks on the stub racks, four LAU-3 pods with 19 2.75 inch rockets apiece and 800 rounds of 20mm for the four wing cannons. We were flying steadily toward the downed pilot. Suddenly Ed Greathouse rolled inverted into a near vertical dive with Jim Lynne following. I rolled and followed him down. I was concerned that I had not heard anything and that we were only 70 miles inland, at least 80 miles from our RESCAP point. A quick radio check confirmed that my radio was dead. We had been jumped by two Mig-17's. Our only hope was to get down low and try to out turn the MiGs. Ed was doing just that. Our split-S got us some speed and reversed our course toward the ship. I figured that any time my nose was pointed at the ground my ordnance should be armed. I armed the guns and set up the rockets. About that time I saw a large unguided rocket go past downward. My first inclination was that it was a SAM, but SAMs generally go up. This was confirmed when a silver MiG-17 with red marking on wings and tail streaked by Charlie and me heading for Ed. Tracers from behind and a jet intake growing larger in my mirror were a signal to start pulling and turning. As I put g's on the Skyraider I could see the two distinct sizes of tracers falling away (The MiG-17 had two 23mm and one 37mm cannon in the nose.) He stayed with us throughout the turn firing all the way. Fortunately, he was unable to stay inside our turn and overshot. He climbed to a perch position and stayed there.

Our turning had separated us from Ed and Jim. Now that we were no longer under attack my main concern was to rejoin the flight. As we had been flying at treetop level in and out of small valleys, we had to fly around a small hill to get to them. Coming around the hill we saw Ed Greathouse and Jim LYNNE low with the MiG lined up behind them. I fired a short burst and missed, but got his attention. He turned hard into us to make a head-on pass. Charlie and I fired simultaneously as he passed so close that Charlie thought that I had hit his vertical stabilizer with the tip of my tail hook and Charlie flew through his wake. Both of us fired all four guns. I could see pieces falling off the Mig. After he passed us he rolled inverted and hit a small hill. We briefly considered trying to cut off the other MiG, but were dissuaded by the voice of Ed Greathouse asking what we thought we were doing staying in the area when STRAUSS was reporting numerous bogeys inbound to our position. We took the hint and headed out low level to the Tonkin Gulf were we rejoined with our flight leader.

After debriefs all around, the politics started. Charlie and I were informed that we would get no recognition or awards for our MiG kill. SECNAV had been aboard three days earlier when VF-21 F-4 pilots had bagged the first kills of the war. Their awards were being held until SECNAV could get to Washington, announce it to the President and present it to Congress with the plea for more funds for F-4 Phantoms to fight the air war.

Obviously, the success of primitive Skyraiders would undermine his plans. Unfortunately, someone had included our kill in the daily action report to MACV where it was read by COMSEVENFLT DET "C" who thought that it would be an excellent opportunity for Navy public relations. Indirectly Ngyuen Cao Ky, the new Premier of South Vietnam, and a Skyraider pilot, heard of it and recognized Ed Greathouse's name as one of the Skyraider instructors from the RAG. He then demanded our appearance for Vietnamese awards.

The next day we flew to Saigon for the Five O'clock Follies and were instant celebrities, since the news media did not yet know about the F-4 kills. They assumed that we were the first which made an even better story. We stayed at the Majestic Hotel in Saigon where we thoroughly enjoyed the lack of water hours and the availability of our favorite beverages. The next day we were guests of Premier Ky at the palace where we were awarded Air Gallantry Medals and honorary commissions in the South Vietnamese Air Force.

Upon arrival back at MIDWAY we were surprised to learn that there had been a change of heart and we would to be recognized at the same ceremony as the F-4 pilots. Since they had already been recommended for Silver Stars, Charlie and I go the same while Ed and Jim got Distinguished Flying Crosses.

Many thanks to Clint for sharing his great experience with us.

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Chapter President Mitch Rowland '71 presents Clint with his personalized Atlanta Chapter apron!

109th Army-Navy
Football Game!

Navy 34 - Army 0

Seventh straight win!
  First shut-out in 30 years!

Navy wins Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and it stays in Annapolis for sixth straight year!

Naval Academy Alumni and friends gathered at the Fox Sports Grill in Atlantic Station on December 6th to out-cheer the attending West Pointers and watch Navy win the 109th meeting of Navy and Army on the gridiron.  Navy has now won nine out of the last ten games, and a record seven in a row!  This win extends Navy's lead in the overall series record which now stands at Navy 53, Army 49, ties 7.

Many thanks to Ples Bruce '77 for organizing the event again this year and to his wife Kameelah for working check-in!

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Kameelah Bruce checks in Lorie Moore '64.	Class of '71 Table!
Jim Slemenda Table.	Lorie and Carl McCallum '60.
Chapter President Mitch Rowland '71, presents raffle winner Rick '74 with book celebrating 100 Army-Navy Games!	Helen & Jeff Lewis '70, with their Navy Cheerleader granddaugher!

Hunter Hill, USMA '01, Speaks at July Luncheon

Our speaker, Hunter Hill, was a 2001 USMA grad. So we invited the WOOP’s over and they gave us a nice large gathering.

Hunter had just won the Republican primary for the GA State Senate. After meeting him and hearing him speak, I think he would be a good person to have representing you in the State Senate. If you live in the sixth Senate district, consider voting for Hunter.

Hunter was with the 101^st Airborne when the Iraqi War started. He spoke of the mission and what they had accomplished. He was selected to be the Aide-de-camp to the Assistant Division Commander for Operations and traveled the northern portion of Iraq observing and learning the skills of diplomacy. Hunter left active duty, but stayed in the IRR. In 2006, he was recalled.

Hunter deployed to Afghanistan to mentor and train the Afghan National Police. He spoke on the total difference between police in Afghanistan and the US. There had not been a National Government in Afghanistan in many years. And the attitude was one of what can I get, not what can I do to help. Bribery was common and accepted. Hunter stressed that a change in the mind set of the police was necessary. He stressed that when the police became more professional, they were treated with more respect and the local population would then help root out the bad guys by giving information. Only a few months earlier they would with hold that information because they did not trust the police. Hunter was awarded his second Bronze Star Medal for his most recent service in Afghanistan.

Hunter stressed that there had been much improvement in the professionalism of the Afghan police, but that he felt that the improvements were still fragile. He felt that only with the continued presence of NATO Forces to monitor and continue to push would the changes become permanent. 

Those in attendance in July were: Duff Young ‘49, Bill Rentz ‘55, John Stark ‘51, Jerry Mackey ‘54 and his bride Connie, Jim Hatch ‘47, Reggie Vachon ‘58, Jim Slemenda ‘66, Paul Borer ‘70, Lee Whitfield ‘71, Ed Brownlee ‘81, Jon Barton ‘66, Steve Weise ‘72, Steve Frederick ‘72 Rick Haley ‘72, Scott Dillard ‘01, Mario Maddox ‘85, Greg Morrow ‘85, Brent Allen G, Buzz White G, Ranson Haverty G, and from our brothers on the Hudson: Pat Sleem ‘01 and guest Megan Stans, Alan Gould ‘49 and Neal Judd ‘49.

2008 Dark Ages Party - Founders Day Celebration a Great Time!

On Saturday evening, February 16, 2008 the eighth annual Atlanta Chapter Dark Ages/Founders Day Party was held at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia.   This year’s party was again in celebration of the founding of the United States Naval Academy on October 10, 1845, and in honor of the Brigade of Midshipmen.

On that date, through the efforts of then Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft, the “Naval School” was established on a 10-acre tract of land that was previously an Army base named Fort Severn.  Just seven professors and 50 Midshipmen comprised the entire faculty and student body.  Today the Brigade is over 4,000 strong with an academic staff of nearly 600.

The party was a formal, black tie optional, event for Atlanta Chapter members and Georgia Parents Club members only.  The majority of the men arrived dressed in tuxedos, with their escorted ladies in equally formal attire.  It was a great looking room full of alumni, spouses, and dates!

Alumni present at the event represented a six decade span of classes.  The junior alumnus in attendance was Kenneth Graves, class of 1994.  The senior alumnus in attendance was CAPT George O’Connell, USN (retired), class of 1935!  George was escorting Ms. Aline Cofield.  Both alumni received a bottle of Naval Academy signature wine in recognition.

Attendees included Jon & Jan Barton '66, Sterling & Mary Jane Bennett '66, Art & Dee Butler '61, Stew & Ann Caldwell '65, Harvey & Lois Cybul '62, Bill & Sue Donges '71, John & Lenae Duran '85, Joe & Marilyn Frazar '65, Steve & Karen Frederick '72, Kenneth & Angeline Graves '94, Paul & Nancy Hurst '62, Capt. Margaret Klein '81 & Frank Klein '79, Pete & Sue Knoetgen '77, Alan & Kathy Lane '69, Mark & Linda Lethbridge '80, Jerry & Connie Mackey '54, Mario & Michelle Maddox '85 & '13, Carl & Marilyn McCallum '60, Alan & June Miller '61, George O'Connell '35 & Aline Cofield, Don Patterson '74 & Jo Anne, Bill & Sue Rentz '55 and guest Fern Johnson, Win & Joan Rorabaugh '70, Mitch & Carole Rowland '71, Bob & Linda Schultz '71, Ted & Sandy Verdery '67, Nick & Jean Ward '74, Rich & Martha Wilson '64, Will & Catherine Wood '66, Michael & Donna Hill '77, Rick & Carolyn Wilson '74, Terry & Mary McElroy '86 & '87, and Mary Vachon.   Incoming plebes Jim Brigham '12 and parents Bill & Amber, Dan Perme '12 and father Chuck, Nick Tessmer '12 and father Tom.  Parent club members Karen & Daniel Benson, Joan & Bill Johnson, Patrick & Cindy Chauncey, Glenn & Betsy Rix, and guest Don Kentopp, Sheryl Richards.

After dinner Chapter President Mitch Rowland '71, addressed the crowd and reminded us of the purpose of our gathering.  He then introduced our guest of honor for the event, Captain Margaret Klein, USN, Commandant of Midshipman.

Captain Klein related how her early love of flying lead her to the Naval Academy and some tales of her travels and duty assignments, including a tour in the White House.  She then talked at length about the current Brigade of Midshipmen, and the changes she and the Superintendent have made over the recent past.  Seems things have been slackened up a bit since many of us attended "boat school", including liberty outside of the gates five nights a week!  What!?!  Also, surprising to many, was that the Mids were only required to eat together in King Hall as a Brigade a few times a week!  They are now required to do so fifteen times a week, which sounds more like the Academy that most of us knew.  A return to personal responsibility as well as responsibility for those in your charge, are the concepts that she and the Academy intend to instill in the Midshipmen, Brigade wide.  She spent some time debunking a few myths that have been floating around in on-line blogs recently, and then opened the floor to questions from the alumni in attendance.

Dancing followed dinner, with music provided by the Russ Starrett Trio.  The usual suspects appeared on the dance floor!

Many thanks to Carole and Mitch Rowland '71 and Karen and Steve Frederick ‘72 for organizing this event for us this year.  Great party, and a good time was had by all!

Click on a thumbnail image to see a full-sized picture

The Bill & Sue Rentz family with Steve & Karen Frederick.	Linda Schultz and the Cybuls.
Butlers, Mario Maddox, and two new Mids (including Mario's daughter).	T. McElroy, Hursts.
(Please help your webmaster ID these folks!  I need names.  Email me if you know.)	Woods, Jan Barton.
Parents Club members.	(l-to-r) Mary Vachon (wife of Reggie '58, George's nephew), senior Chapter member George O'Connell, Class of '35, and his date Ailene Cofield.
Wards, Pattersons, Wilsons.	McElroys & Marilyn McCallum.
Chowin' down.	More chowin' down.
Chapter President Mitch Rowland '71, makes his opening remarks.	Commandant Klein starts her presentation.
Mitch presents Capt Klein and her husband Frank with their personalized Atlanta Chapter aprons and associated invitation to the LobsterFest in June.	Posed shot for the record!
After dinner dancing begins.	The McCallums hit the floor.
Duty webmaster and photographer, Bob Schultz '71 and wife Linda finally get in a shot together!

The Atlanta Chapter has an Important New Communications Service

This new communications method is commonly called a "List Server".  A list server is basically an automated group e-mail list to which the list "members" subscribe to, and unsubscribe from, themselves.

Your Chapter Board of Directors hopes to keep all of our members better informed about Chapter events and activities by using this new service.

YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE to start getting Chapter communications through this service.  (We are not allowed to just sign you up.)

Click on USNAAAAMAIL List Server to go to the sign up page NOW!

Football Trivia Question of the Day:

Q. What was the first recorded use of the instant replay in football?

A. The 1936 Army-Navy Game!  Instant replay was used one time in that game.  When the replay was broadcast, the announcer reminded the TV audience repeatedly that what they were seeing was in fact a replay of a play that actually occurred several minutes ago!  Ain't technology grand!?

November 28, 1908 Army Navy Game Panoramic Picture!

The Library of Congress "American Memory" Digital Photo Archives contains historical pictures of all types.  For a panoramic photo of the November 28, 1908 Army-Navy game click HERE to go to the Library of Congress American Memory home page.

From the home page, go to Collection Finder, and then to Prints & Photographs.  On the Prints & Photographs page, enter the search string "Army Navy Game"  and click the Search button.  (The first match you get will be the 1908 Army Navy game.  Click on it to see the picture!  Once there, click on the picture to go to a full size image of the shot.)

Hey, isn't that Jim Ravenel in the bottom right-hand corner with the top hat on looking back at the camera man?  I thought he said he was class of '45!

Hint: Put in the search string "United States Naval Academy" and you'll get tons of old photos of the "boat school" and some really old Mids!)

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