What a terrific time we had at the Valentine’s Dinner! It was very well attended, honoring the dedication and friendship of our better halves. Jenny Nguyen talked to us about the activities of our Parents Club and some of us shared stories about meeting and marrying our partners. Guests were introduced, roses were distributed, and the Spaghetti Factory served an excellent meal.
Looking ahead to the next few months, we have scheduled some speakers, are beginning to make plans for our picnic, and we have an opportunity to recognize the new Midshipmen who will be off to start their journey at Bancroft Hall this summer.
At the April luncheon on April 12, Chris Owens, Major General USMC (Ret), will likely talk about China and Taiwan, and the implications for the US, Japan and others. We have been planning to schedule him for a long time and have finally been able to confirm it. On May 10, Peter Young, the President of the Association of Naval Aviation Chapter in Oregon and an A6 Bombardier-Navigator will talk about the history of the USS Oregon (BB-3), and in May or June we plan to have an Oregon Blue and Gold Officer with us to summarize the selection of new Midshipmen from Oregon who will be leaving shortly for Annapolis to join the Class of 2027, and hopefully we will have some of those students with us at the luncheon as well.
By the time we have our April Council Meeting, I will hopefully have reserved the site for our Annual All Academy Picnic at the port of Camas Washougal, on August 12. We will get serious about our picnic planning, and there will be more to come. Additionally, West Point is planning the rejuvenation of the All Academy Christmas Ball this year, and we want to support that as best we can. The last Ball was pre-pandemic, and was a grand event in McMinnville.
Once again, please try to make some time for your Alumni Association. I believe we set the standard for interest and participation in organizations comprised of graduates from colleges and universities, and we should be dedicated to maintaining that.
Go Navy,
John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)