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)

The December luncheon was an enjoyable event, with several guests which included our own members from the “almost Greatest Generation.” There was good representation from the 1950s classes and everyone had a good time, sharing war stories. Introductions were made and we sat down for private conversation.

On December 10, there was also a good turnout for the Army – Navy Game viewing at Big Al’s in Beaverton. I do believe the Army attendance exceeded ours, but we provided equal enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the result didn’t go our way, but it was worthwhile to sustain the relationship we have forged with the West Point community. The immediate dismissal of Coach Ken has caused much consternation since that time, and, in my opinion, it wasn’t how he should have been treated considering his devotion to our institution. But things have moved on and we have another year to which we can devote our energy.

Our January luncheon has no particular theme, but we will meet, as usual on Wednesday, the 11th, to kick off the new year. As of this writing we don’t have a presentation, so come join us for good food and comradery. The following Saturday, the 14th, will be a Council meeting to get a head start on our events for the year. Then in February the meeting will be our annual Valentine’s Day Dinner.

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season with family and friends and are anticipating good things to come for 2023. I kept my golf range finder for so long that the company no longer supports it, so I got a new one for Christmas. I only wish my game was as good as my equipment. Cheers, and …

It was reported by Frank Sweintek ’66, that the November Marine Corps birthday celebration luncheon was well attended by an enthusiastic crowd.  Once again, we managed to bring together a sizable crowd for a noteworthy event.  It seems like in my absence we are getting better attendance at our monthly functions.  I hope it continues even though I am back for a while.  The December luncheon, on December 14, will be our Christmas celebration along with a tribute to our Greatest Generation members.

On December 10 we will be meeting at Big Al’s in Beaverton for our annual Army – Navy Game party.  Please plan to attend and bring family or friends.  Hopefully we will be on the big screen, accompanied by an outstanding game.  Navy has been improving throughout the year, and despite losing the #1 quarterback to injury, #2 brought us to our last victory over a top 20 team in the nation.  I’m thinking we are ready for the Black Knights and am really looking forward to seeing you all again at Big Al’s.

The Council Meeting being planned for November did not happen, because of the availability of sites at which to have the gathering.  We were not able to resolve that issue for November or December, so we are planning to have that gathering in January.

So, let’s celebrate the end of the year with a big crowd at Big Al’s and a win over Army, and another large gathering for the December luncheon and our tribute.  It has been a very satisfying fourth quarter for your Alumni Association Chapter, and in addition we were able to renew our annual picnic in July.  I and the other members of our Council are hoping to see this renewed energy continue into 2023, and look forward to seeing you participate in our events.

Go Navy,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)

The Navy Birthday dinner turned out to be a special event akin to those we have had in the past.  Perhaps we are seeing our way out of the pandemic doldrums.  November is a celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday and it has also, in the past, enjoyed large and enthusiastic crowds.

November the 9^th, is the Marine Corps luncheon which is routinely attended by notable Marine Corps vets in the area.  We will certainly celebrate the Marine Corps with the same vigor and enthusiasm as we did the Navy and the Naval Academy, so try to join us for this tribute.

Those of us who tune in for the weekly Happy Hour continue to enjoy the discussions that we have and the friendship of our fellow alumni, so join us knowing that you are always welcome.  The information on the Happy Hour is below.

The Council Meeting being planned for November may or may not happen, because of the availability of members on the planned dates and/or the availability of sites at which to have the gathering.  More on that later as the situation evolves.

Navy is playing some good football, but lacking some desired results.  So, let’s just say we are prepping for the Big One.  The Army – Navy Game is on December 10^th, when we will gather at Big Al’s in Beaverton, so set the date aside to join us, and bring us the victory which will define a winning season.  I will be home for that and hope to see you there.

Go Navy,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)

We had an outstanding turnout for the September meeting with a warm and enthusiastic greeting for our speaker, Captain Walsh.  It is not often that we have such a well known and accomplished individual talk with us, so I am pleased that everything went so well.  Again, I would like to express our thanks to him for sharing his experiences and to our membership for joining us at the luncheon.

In October we return to our schedule of meeting on the second Wednesday, October 12, with the October meeting being an 1830 dinner in celebration of the Navy Birthday.  The longest serving Navy veteran present and the most junior will share the duties of cutting the cake.  In November, the 9^th, is the Marine Corps luncheon which is routinely attended by notable Marine Corps vets in the area.  We are hoping for large turnouts for both events.  December, of course, celebrates the holiday season and the end to another very challenging year.

I am planning for a Council Meeting at the end of November, and am looking at the 19^th or the 26^th.  If one of these dates is unworkable for you, please let me know.  By this time Janette Sandberg will be wrapping up her tenure as our communications specialist, and we want to thank her for all that she has done for us over the years.  Unfortunately for us, her everyday job is becoming too demanding to allow her to do both.  Mike Carmichael has said he will take this on along with the many other things he is doing for the Chapter, but am sure he would be willing to step aside for another person who might be interested in it.  Thinking outside the box a little, perhaps the son or daughter of a member, a high schooler who is a computer whiz might be interested in keeping these records and managing our member-wide communications efforts for a fee?  I’m not saying we will do that, but it is a possibility among others, I am sure.

So, with Navy going into this week’s football game against Eastern Carolina at underdogs, and pulling off a victory, perhaps we are in for some better performances.  Air Force is a serious test on October 1^st.  This will lead us up to the Army – Navy Game on December 10^th, when we will gather at Big Al’s, so set the date aside to join us and bring us the victory which will define a winning season.  I hope everyone is enjoying the unseasonably warm and dry weather this fall, and is taking advantage of those outdoor activity opportunities.  Take care of yourselves, and be safe.

Go Navy,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)

The summer of 2022 is coming to an end, and this would normally be the time that people settle into their work or retirement routines, plan out their monthly schedules and determining how much activity they can fit into their busy days.  But our lives are no longer “normal.”  Those of us who were raised in simpler times are often bewildered with what has happened.

We have a rather unique Chapter in the USNA Alumni Association.  We charge no dues, we do little in the way of recruiting participation, the summer picnic, which was cancelled for two years, and the Army Navy Game are our signature, off-site events, and our membership is determined by a count of those who have come to our luncheons in the preceding two years.  This has been a successful formula since the mid-80s, we have been repeatedly recognized for our efforts, and many of those who initiated our chapter are still the bulwarks of its sustenance.

I have been the Chapter President throughout the COVID pandemic and am concerned with our ability to survive, continuing to do what we do and expecting membership, enthusiasm, and leadership to rise above the lethargy and what seems to me to be a declining interest in Naval Academy graduate activities.  This is not just among the younger classes, because we have seen declining participation among many who regularly attended luncheons in the past.  I saw an article (not verified) this week that said that the total number of applicants to USAFA last year was around 8,300.  For as long as I can remember, the average number of yearly applicants to USNA has been over 17,000, with around 12,000 completing applications.  Are we even seeing a decline in interest in the military?

Our September luncheon is being changed to the third Wednesday, the 21st.  Then it will return to the second Wednesday in October.   It is 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 we are honored to have Captain Don Walsh, USNA ’54, as our guest speaker.  Captain Walsh and Jacques Piccard, were the two people to first descend to the Challenger Deep, the deepest point on earth, in the bathyscaphe Trieste in 1960.  At over 7 miles deep, they held the record for the deepest dive by humans for over 60 years.  He will discuss this, along with other adventures to the North and South pole as time permits.

So, in my view, the health of the OR/SWW Chapter of the Alumni Association is declining.  Those of us who have been around for a long time and those in positions of leadership will continue to do our best to make it a vital, welcoming organization for any Naval Academy graduate, and graduates from other military schools/academies who have chosen to affiliate with us.  In the not-too-distant future we will need relief.  If you have an interest in maintaining contact with fellow graduates, perhaps even your classmates in the area, come join us and become a regular member.

Go Navy,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)

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)

May is upon us and we are anticipating a very active summer.  New Plebes are accepting their appointments and there will be a Parents Club Picnic for them on June 5^th.  Attendance at luncheons is increasing, plans are moving forward for the elusive ORSWW Chapter, All Academy Picnic on 23 July, and we continue to look for new ways to engage alumni, midshipmen and their parents, and supporters of the Academy in our activities.

Captain Walsh was unable to make his presentation in April because of an injury, and he will be rescheduled, hopefully, in the fall.  In May, we currently do not have a presenter, so I will talk a bit about plans for the Chapter Picnic and what we have done so far.  July 23 will be here before we know it, so mark the date on your calendars.

At the June Luncheon, Captain Gillian Richards, USN, our Blue and Gold Area Coordinator, will speak to us about the Class of 2026, and we should have a few of those new Midshipmen attending.  Without stealing her thunder, here are a few of the statistics for Oregon:  58 quality candidates completed applications.  4 have been offered appointments and accepted, while 4 have yet to accept their offers.  Another 4 have offers to NAPS, and another 6 are on wait lists.  Since acceptance rates at USNA are traditionally less than 10%, this is a good result for Oregon.

Doug Bomarito and Doug Ballard wish to share pertinent items, if you or an organization to which you belong are interested.  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.”

And Doug Ballard is a member of the McMinnville, Oregon Band of Brothers where tours are sponsored at the Air Museum in McMinnville.  Monthly they have meetings which have various themes of interest to us in the Northwest and as members of the military.  We are considering the possibility of joining them for one of our luncheons, then going to a nearby restaurant to have a meal.

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.

Please be sure to respond on line to the invitation to our luncheon, or send me a text/email if you cannot get the system to respond.  Our restaurant appreciates an accurate estimate of attendees.  We hope to see you there May 11, and the second Wednesday of each month thereafter.  Exceptions will be made for July when we have the picnic and for times when we schedule special events.

Go Navy,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)

Well, the turnout for March was the best since the beginning of the pandemic, and Rich Walton’s presentation was everything we thought it would be – entertaining, informative and educational.  As a civilian contractor, he was able to see and do some amazing things.  I’ll plug his book once more here.  It has gotten some excellent reviews by our membership.  One Brick at a Time, Winning the Hearts and Minds of the Afghan People.

In April we have an equally impressive presenter.  We are privileged to have Captain Don Walsh, USN, Ret – PhD, Member, U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE); Member, Ocean Elders; President, International Maritime Inc; speaking to us at our April luncheon.  Captain Walsh, along with Jacques Piccard, was one of two people to first descend to the Challenger Deep, the deepest point on earth, in the bathyscaphe Trieste in 1960.  Having seen pieces of other presentations of his, I can assure you it will be worth your time.

In May, we currently do not have a presenter, so I just may fill some time talking with you about issues that the council is dealing with in order to get some ideas that we may not have considered.  A couple of the topics are 1.  How to improve attendance at our luncheons and how to involve younger alumni, and 2. What are we going to do about our picnic?  We would like to have your input on this and other things.

At the June Luncheon, Captain Gillian Richards, USN, our Blue and Gold Area Coordinator, will speak to us about the Class of 2026.  And we are getting ready to schedule the picnic in July or August.  It’s looking like we have all the pieces in place to have a very successful year.

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.  It appears to have great potential to be a valuable asset to the Alumni Association

Wednesday Zoom Happy Hours will continue for the foreseeable future and we would like to remind you that the use of our Zoom capabilities is open for anyone who has the need.  Please contact Mike Carmichael if you would like to use it.

Go Navy,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)