Happy 4th 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 23rd. 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)