Our much-anticipated picnic has come and gone.  I think we managed to attain the right balance between the expected attendance and what the event had to offer in return.  The cooler weather in the morning held people back, but by the early afternoon everyone was there and having a good time.  The unexpected contributions to the silent auction by Butch Bewick added a special flavor to the festivities.  As is usual, the amount and quality of the food brought by the attendees and the Chapter’s contribution of the main courses and drinks were excellent.  Many people took plates for an evening snack with them as they left.

We saw participation from USMA, USMMA and USAFA, and thank them so much for supporting the picnic.  Hopefully, we will be able to find a way to reciprocate.  Also, a few recent graduates from USNA attended, some saying that they receive regular notifications of the Chapter’s events, but this was the first time they chose to attend one.  Hopefully, they and others will begin to attend the luncheons.  A few prospective Midshipmen from the area high schools were there and the Blue & Gold managed to corner them as well.

We will be resuming our luncheons on the second Wednesday of August, the 10^th at 1130, which is the most favorable time of day for Portland traffic.  Come and stay as long as you can.  The lunch offerings are excellent, and a presentation will be made by Scott Fitzpatrick ’80.  The Old Spaghetti Factory near OHSU is centrally located and there is ample parking.  We are always trying to attract younger graduates to the active membership roles and are hoping that some of you might choose to serve in leadership positions.  As a younger graduate, if we can make things easier for you to participate, we welcome your suggestions and will try to accommodate your needs.

After an initial push, things are pretty quiet around myUSNA.com.  If you have a chance, log onto myUSNA.com, register with the chapter, fill out some personal information if you desire, and browse around the site.

The OR/SWW Chapter of our Alumni Association wishes each of you a delightful summer, and all the best for the rest of the year.

Go Navy,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)

Happy 4^th of July, Shipmates.  We are really looking forward to this month to set the stage for increased participation in our Naval Academy functions and improving the communication and comradery among all of our Service Academy alumni friends.  We are hoping for a large turnout at our picnic on July 23 and a subsequent increase in our numbers at the monthly luncheons.

Our May luncheon was somewhat subdued, but the preparation for the Parents Club Plebe Picnic and the June meeting introducing the new plebes was on everyone’s mind.  Both events went well and the new group of Oregon Midshipmen who have now been sworn in at USNA look very promising indeed.  The Blue and Gold event at the June luncheon was well attended and much appreciated by our Chapter members.  Thanks so much to Capt. Richards and to Shelley Liscom for their leadership in the BGO and the Parents Club respectively.

On Memorial Day, there were a few Alumni who attended the celebration at the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  There is some inertia building to try to make that an annual event in which our Chapter participates.  Doug Bomarito is the current CEO and President of the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and says, “Every Memorial Day from approximately 10 AM to 1 PM we have our ceremony honoring our Vietnam veterans.  It is at the 11-acre site just north of the World Forestry Center and close by the Zoo.  Our ceremony is open to the public and I invite everyone to attend.  Additionally, if at least five people want a private tour on a specific date and time I’d be happy to conduct it.”

JULY IS ALL ABOUT THE PICNIC.  There will be no luncheon this month as we concentrate our efforts to bring friends and families together to celebrate the end of what has been a relatively miserable two plus years from a social standpoint.  THE INVITATIONS ARE OUT, ALONG WITH AN ON-LINE REQUEST FOR A RESPONSE.  It is at the waterfront park at the Port of Washougal, which is the westernmost park in the facility, on July 23^rd.  Graduates of USMA and USMMA have expressed interest in attending, so we are hoping for great weather and a good time for all.  Bring your unwanted memorabilia to donate to a silent auction, and some kind of food to donate to the selection.  The Chapter will provide the main dish.

After an initial push, things are pretty quiet around myUSNA.com.  If you have a chance, log onto myUSNA.com, register with the chapter, fill out some personal information if you desire, and browse around the site.

Go Navy,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)