Greetings to everyone.  This has been a fairly eventful month, with the relaxing of outdoor CDC guidelines and indicators that we might be headed in the direction of normalcy.  We had a Zoom Council Meeting in April, and talked a lot about the possibilities and roadblocks associated with resuming our luncheons.  Oregon is one of the few states that is seeing an increase in COVID activity, to the extent that it looks like restrictions to activities might be reimposed in order to control outbreaks.  Janette Sandberg said that it would be a wasted effort to talk to restaurants until after things settle down, and Doug Bomarito said there might be an opportunity to eventually use the Forrester Building at the zoo.  So that is all on the back burner.

PICNIC:

What is not on the back burner is a picnic to re-start our Alumni Association activities.  An August 21 date has been established with a reservation of the picnic grounds at the Port of Camas/Washougal for us to have our much-anticipated picnic.  I am looking for volunteers to help me with the event and its planning.  Within the next two weeks, I will arrange for a Zoom Meeting for those who volunteer and those who are interested.  I’ll get the notice out to the Council and to the distribution list.  Mike Carmichael and Mark Springer have already thrown their hats in, and I am hoping for help from some of those who have assisted with prior picnics.  If there are issues with the date, I need to know soonest.

HAPPY HOUR:

The Chapter continues to have its weekly happy hour Zoom meetings at 1800 hours every Wednesday.  The confusion associated with the renewal of our URL has been resolved, so use the information below to access the meeting.  We are having consistently 10 to 12 participants each week.  We would love to have all of you join in.  There is no driving required and it is a fun time to connect with local alumni.

I’m thinking of using the Happy Hour time on May 12 as the kick-off meeting for the picnic.  It shouldn’t take up the whole time, and it might create some participation from Happy Hour participants.  I created an agenda with issues that need to be addressed and have already gotten suggestions for fulfilling those and adding others.  Thank you to all who are interested.    

The new Happy Hour invitation is below, good until July 7.

The council meeting was held on April 24, and it seems like we are continuing to not only survive, but thrive.  We have a presenter ready for our November luncheon, and that will be our normal Marine Corps birthday luncheon.  By that time, hopefully Oregon will have COVID issues under control.  More on that later.  Existing officers are maintaining their posts, but we will be looking for a change in personnel as we move on.

Mike Carmichael is in charge of our Zoom subscription, and he asked that all of you are informed of its availability for your individual group needs.  It is a very nice option to have at our disposal, and he will accommodate you if at all possible.

Go Navy, Beat them all,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)

The main highlight for March was that more and more people are getting vaccinated, and the VA finally announced that it is providing the service to all Vets and their spouses.  I never did get the VA to help me out, but now it’s official.  Businesses are starting to head in the direction of somewhat normal operations, so there are indicators that we are going in the right way even with the warning that there might be a spike in infections if we become more careless.

I got a little guidance from the Happy Hour group, with the consensus being August or September might be the first good opportunity to once again have a luncheon.  We also talked about potential efforts to engage those folks in other parts of Oregon.  A few years ago, a road trip was made to Bend to do an Army-Navy event there, and the year before last, there were simultaneous events at Big Al’s, in Vancouver, in Bend and in Medford (at an Army venue, I believe).

HAPPY HOUR:

The Chapter continues to have its weekly happy hour Zoom meetings at 1800 hours every Wednesday.  We are having consistently 10 to 12 participants each week.  We would love to have all of you join in.  There is no driving required and it is a fun time to connect with local alumni.  Mike had to renew the subscription, so there is a change in the access URL.  He will be sending that out before the event each week, so don’t use one that is more than a couple of weeks old.  We had a little problem the last week of March, but we are beyond that now.  These continue to be enlightening and entertaining events, so I’m encouraging anyone who has the time and the interest to participate.

It is time for our next Council Meeting.  We will address unresolved topics from past meetings, and prepare to address anything new.  Please send matters of concern to the Chapter to me by email as you think of them.  I will prepare an agenda soon and we will likely arrange to meet at our normal, Saturday morning on the 3^rd or 4^th weekend of April.  More later.

Mike Carmichael is in charge of our Zoom subscription, and he asked that all of you are informed of its availability for your individual group needs.  It is a very nice option to have at our disposal, and he will accommodate you if at all possible.

Go Navy, Beat them all,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)

Besides the weather, February wasn’t earth shaking, that’s for sure, but there are signs of hope on the horizon.  I still have not been able to schedule a vaccine for Barbara and myself, but there is progress on that front, and it looks like restaurants are opening on a limited basis.  My hope is that most of us will get vaccinated in the near future and that the Spaghetti Factory will be able to accommodate us after that happens.

I’d like a little feedback on scheduling a luncheon.  My thoughts are that if they could put 20 people, appropriately distanced, in our room that we might be able to meet.  It would be wise to ensure that we don’t have more people show than are legally allowed, so we might have to take “reservations.”  And I know I would be hesitant to attend if I was not vaccinated, so I’m assuming you feel much the same way.

We met Jill Richards at the happy hour a few weeks ago, and she filled us in on her family, career, and some plans for the Blue and Gold.  All in all, it looks like the Oregon B&G will be in good hands.  I also sat in on a meeting of the Parent’s Club, enjoyed meeting all of those folks and feel that they are a vibrant, engaged support system for the Mids in (and around) the academy at this time.  USNA is certainly going through some trying times and adjustments regarding the pandemic, feelings of racial and ethnic equality and balance, athletics scheduling and ensuring that Midshipmen get the education and leadership opportunities they deserve.

Once again, coming up in April, it is time for our next Council Meeting.  We will address unresolved topics from past meetings, and prepare to address anything new.  Please send matters of concern to the Chapter to me by email as you think of them.  I will prepare an agenda in March and publish it.  Wouldn’t it be nice if this is our last, Zoom Council meeting for a long time?

Mike Carmichael is in charge of our Zoom subscription, and he asked that all of you are informed of its availability for your individual group needs.  It is a very nice option to have at our disposal, and he will accommodate you if at all possible.

Go Navy, Beat them all,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)

HAPPY HOUR:

The Chapter continues to have its weekly happy hour Zoom meetings at 1800 hours every Wednesday.  We are having consistently 10 to 12 participants each week.  We would love to have all of you join in.  There is no driving required and it is a fun time to connect with local alumni.

Well, there weren’t fireworks or an incredible poet laureate, but John Adams has now assumed the role of President (un-elect) of the Oregon and SWW Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association.  I’m honored to give Mike a well-deserved rest, and at some future date the members might choose to elect me and make it official.  We’ll continue to “do our thing” during the pandemic, maintaining our comradery and looking forward to the time when we can resume our monthly luncheons.

Instead of Mike being the new Oregon Blue and Gold Area Coordinator, the Candidate Guidance Office has selected CAPT Jill Richards, who lives in Bend, to assume the role.  The transition from Butch Bewick to Jill is planned to be completed by June, but we know Butch will always be available to assist, as Mike will be to help me.  It is our every intention to maintain the close relationship that has long existed among the B&G, the Parents Club and our Alumni Chapter.  Jill has said she plans to join us at happy hour when she can, so we will welcome her and get to know her.

Coming up in April, it is time for our next Council Meeting.  We will address unresolved topics from past meetings, and prepare to address anything new.  Please send matters of concern to the Chapter to me by email as you think of them.  I will prepare an agenda in March and publish it.  Wouldn’t it be nice if this is our last, Zoom Council meeting for a long time?

Meanwhile, we will be further investigating opportunities to bring people together electronically, at the very least, and we are always actively soliciting ideas to improve or add to the work that we are doing today.  Once again, thank you for being enthusiastic members of the Oregon/SWW Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association.

Additionally, we received notice that the VA is offering COVID vaccines to its members.  I’m sure you know how to contact them if you need to.

Go Navy, Beat them all,

John Adams ‘69, CDR, USN (Ret)

And finally, from Mike’s January message:  The Chapter continues to have its weekly happy hour zoom meetings at 1800 hours every Wednesday.  We are having consistently 10 to 12 participants each week.  We would love to have all of you join in.  There is no driving required and it is a fun time to connect with local alumni.  Contact the chapter for login information.

On behalf of the United States Naval Academy Oregon and SW Washington Chapter I would like to wish all of you a wonderful new year and hope that 2021 far exceeds 2020 (how can it not).

The Chapter continues to have its weekly happy hour zoom meetings at 1800 hours every Wednesday.  We are having consistently 10 to 12 participants each week.  We would love to have all of you join in.  There is no driving required and it is a fun time to connect with local alumni.  Contact the chapter for the invite.

The chapter is beginning a transition in leadership.  John Adams ’69 will be taking my position as chapter president effective 1 February.  I will take his position as vice president, but more importantly will begin a transition to relieve Butch Bewick of his duties as Oregon BGO Area Coordinator.  Butch’s shoes will be hard to fill as he has been such a dynamic force in ensuring Oregon has the highest quality of applicants to the Naval Academy each year.  The Academy Alumni Association leadership often tells me that the relationship between the Chapter, the BGO organization and the Parent’s Club is as strong as they have seen anywhere.  This is in great part due to the efforts of Butch over the many years he served as our area coordinator for the BGO organization.   While we are making this change now, once we start having meetings again, we will confirm it with a vote of the chapter.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Parent’s Club leadership, both current and future.  They have done a remarkable job and have strengthened both their and our organizations.

Outgoing officers:
Doug DiCola, Treasurer (Justin ’23),
Marie-Louise Vallancey-Martinson, Secretary (Alexandria ’21)
Jeneane Douglas, Social Media Administrator (Cameron ’21)
Kathy Barnes, Past President (Taylor ’20)
Transitioning:
Dawn Brucker, President to Past President (Evan ’21)
Shelley Liscom, VP to President (Kirk ’23)
Jennifer Scypinski , Web master to Secretary & Web Master (Jack ’22)
Remaining in Current Position:
Ilene Wells, Send Out Cards (James ’22)
Incoming:
Barb Rivoli, Treasurer (Jon ’24)
Jen Wiley, Social Media Administrator (Nick ’21)

Greetings.  Some good news at a time when it is in short supply.  The Oregon SW Washington Chapter of the US Naval Academy Alumni Association (our chapter) has been chosen for the second year in a row and the third in four years) as a Distinguished Chapter.  Of the 100 plus chapters the Board of Trustees selects 4 or 5 chapters each year as deserving of special recognition.  My deepest thanks to all the alumni who support the chapter and its activities.  You should all feel proud that in an area that is not recognized for its military facilities or strong support for the military, we are leaders of the alumni association.

While our only activities these days are weekly virtual happy hours each Wednesday, we are planning our first live in person meeting for April.  We are hoping that the virus situation will allow this to happen safely.  Our speaker is Capt. Don Walsh ’54. Capt. Walsh is an American oceanographer, explorer, and marine policy specialist. He and Jacques Piccard were aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste when it made a record maximum descent into the Challenger Deep on January 23, 1960, the deepest point of the world’s oceans.  We look forward to being able to get together again.  As I did last month, I am attaching below the Zoom invite for our happy hours.  If you get a chance join us some Wednesday.  We are having 6 to 10 participants weekly and have a good time for an hour or so.

On a sadder note, Jerry Rosette, nongrad alumni, ’51, lifelong resident of the Portland area died last weekend at age 91.  He left the Academy, married his late wife Virginia, graduated from U. of Wash. with an engineering degree, served onboard ships during the Korean and early VN War eras, was a long time engineer in the Portland area.  He  was a life member of USNAAA and attended most of our monthly luncheons until about ten years ago when his health started to fail.  He is survived by his three adult children and numerous grandchildren. His internment will be at Willamette National.

We wish you all a very merry and safe Christmas and look forward to a much saner 2021.

Beat Army.

Mike Carmichael CDR USN (ret) ‘69

Just a short message as there is not a lot of alumni activity these days or in the immediate future.  We are having weekly Zoom happy hours which are drawing from 4 to 10 alumni weekly.  This is a good way to stay connected and have a bit of diversion from the joys of living in 2020.  Please contact the chapter for the invite.  This is a recurring meeting through the end of the year, so it is good for any Wednesday (the happy hour starts at 1800 each Wednesday).  We would love to see you there.  I do send out a weekly reminder to all that have participated in any chapter activity.

The Chapter has a zoom account that is available for use.  We use it for the weekly happy hours, any chapter meetings, Blue/Gold interviews and in the future parent club activities.  If you have the need for a zoom meeting please contact the chapter with time/date and duration.

We currently do not have any zoom meetings planned, but if any of you have ideas, we would appreciate hearing from you.  Like many of you I am pretty much zoomed out, but if there is anything we can do we would appreciate your input.

At our September Chapter meeting we did elect two council members Ron Smith ’72 and Mark Springer’89.

Lastly I would like to recognize and say fair winds and following sea to Ray and Judy Kutch.  They are relocating to Idaho.  Ray was a past president of the chapter and has been instrumental in many initiatives such as expanding the Army/Navy football game to SW Washington as well as finding and arranging for our August Picnic.  We will miss you both.

We will be having our first Chapter meeting in quite a while this coming Wednesday September 9, 2020 at 1800 via zoom.  The agenda will include election of council members (Ron Smith, ’72 and Mark Springer ’89) as well as a presentation by SGM (Retired) Gavin McIlvenna President, Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS).  Gavin gives a truly inspirational account of the history and traditions associated with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  If I were to chose one activity to attend this year this would be it. We will zoom the meeting.  Do not miss this.  Sign in information will be provided on Monday.

There is another very interesting opportunity.  The Upper Midwest Chapter has been kind enough to open up the following event to all Chapters:

Who:  Admiral Mike Rogers, USN (Retired) Former Director, NSA; Former Director, U. S. Cyber Command
What:  Heartland Leadership Forum
When:  14 September 2020.  The event will be held from 6:45 – 8:15pm CST
Where:  Virtually
Why:  Because this event will now be on Zoom, the Upper Midwest Chapter wanted to extend an invitation to participate to the entire Naval Academy Alumni Association.

Please register at the below link:

https://events.bizzabo.com/HeartlandLeadership2020

NAVY vs BYU football Monday September 7, 2020 at 5pm PDT.  TV channel to be announced.

Lastly, we have  started having a virtual happy hour weekly for folks to be able to get together and chat on what is going on in their and alumni lives.  These are set up for Wednesday at 6pm on all Wednesdays that we do not have a Chapter meeting.  If you want to be on the invite list let me know.(mikec@1969.usna.com)

Please  safe and sane

Mike Carmichael CDR USN (ret) ’69

Our chapter activities for August, like the past several months, is virtual only.  We do not anticipate any large group activities till probably the end of the year.  With that being said, there are lots of opportunities for alumni to connect and keep abreast of Academy and Chapter activities.  In July we held a virtual council meeting with one of two new members present and all past presidents.  The new members of the Council are Ron Smith, ’72 and Mark Springer ’89.  We will elect them at the Sept 9^th meeting.

We would like to encourage everyone to join our Facebook page.  With the lack of meeting we will be using Facebook more and more to communicate happenings and event.  Currently there are two articles of interest on our Facebook page:

An update on the Commissioning of the USS Oregon SSN 793 which is scheduled to occur in the spring/summer of 2021 as well as a picture of the battle flag for the Oregon.  (anyone interested in purchasing a flag for about $50 contact Lenora Bay at lenora@ymail.com

An update on the events leading up to the 100^th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The president of the Society of Guards of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will be giving a virtual presentation to the Chapter on September 9^th at 6PM.

The All Academy Challenge, a fundraising challenge event for all 5 academies runs from August 16^th thru the 20^th.  Once the challenge kicks off online on 16 August, make your gift on the web page here.

Lastly, we will start having a virtual happy hour weekly for folks to be able to get together and chat on what is going on in their and alumni lives.  These will be set up for each Wednesday at 6pm starting August 19^th.  The link to join will be sent out later.

While the current situation we are in (as Ray Kutch calls it a “low budget B horror movie”) is far from optimal, it does offer an opportunity for those not in the immediate Portland area to participate in Chapter activities.  We hope you all will take advantage.

Lastly do not miss the Portland Shoebox Derby held Saturday August 15^th noon to 5pm.  My plebe year roommate Mike Jones and I have built two subs for the race. One is for the class of 69 and the other for the USS Oregon SSN 793.  The race will stream live at the following:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0r3G_0nF_PvzqFSyw9MyQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PDXsoapboxracer

Stay safe and sane

Mike Carmichael CDR USN (ret) ’69

Never Forget Garden and Memorial Day_051920

TUS100 Advocacy Packet_v4_051920

All, thank you again for supporting the Society as we work with the federal government on the national Commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (TUS100).  I wanted to share a few items with you, so that you can let your orginizations know how they can get involved now, and what to look for as we approach 2021.

We encourage everyone to consider making your 2021 annual convention/congress/meeting focused on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and what it means to millions of Americans.

Over the past year, despite COVIDs best attempts, we have continued to formalize bonds between many organizations, and working together we will be able to fulfill the vision of Congress laid out in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017.  A list of everyone who is stepping forward to lead, support, and sponsor can be found on our website:

https://tombguard.org/centennial-supporters/

https://tombguard.org/centennial-sponsors/

If we missed your organization please let us know and we will fix it ASAP!

As always you can keep up-to-date by visiting our social media platforms (listed at the bottom).

Never Forget Garden

Since its launch in 2019 the Never Forget Garden has taken off across the US, and the Society has partnered with the American Rose Society to educate and promote this special garden.  The garden marker (see attached photo and article) was introduced a few months ago, and people all across this nation have shared photos of small and large gardens in varying growing climates.  Supporting this within your organization will reap untold stories of service and sacrifice, and bring us all closer.

Information on the Never Forget Garden: https://tombguard.org/centennial/#garden

LInk to the garden marker: https://tombguard.org/store/never-forget-garden-marker/

As summer starts to close, many across the US and overseas are looking to plan their gardens for next year, and we look forward to seeing the designs, hearing the stories behind the garden, and sharing pictures on the Society Flickr page:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/146270331@N03/albums

National Salute

The National Salute, re-instituted in 2015, is a means to show our deep respect for our Unknown Soldiers buried in the plaza of the Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery and all veterans.   We are asking you to be the leader in your community and create a local and unique National Salute ceremony on the 11^th Hour, of the 11^th Day, of the 11^th Month.

A simple commemoration provides the opportunity to express individually and collectively, your sense of service and national unity; and give thanks for what this country has done for you and your family. This powerful concept and belief are witnessed every day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where, as Congressman Hamilton Fish intended, it is a place to serve as a focal point, where all of America can come together.  Information on what elements are involved with a National Salute program can be found at https://tombguard.org/centennial/#national_salute

As you plan a National Salute in your community, please share the information and photos/video with us at publicaffairs@tombguard.org

Arlington National Cemetery Education Program

One of the key elements to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017 that authorized the National Commemoration is education, and Arlington National Cemetery has been hard at work developing detailed programs for educators and those that love history.  Here is a short excerpt from their press release:

“Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is proud to announce its new Education Program (https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Education), developed for virtual and in-person learning. Audiences of all ages may now discover the diverse history of the United States through the unique lens of ANC.  Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place of nearly 400,000 individuals, including service members and their families from every American military conflict. With so many fascinating stories to tell, the cemetery is a microcosm of the American experience. Our Education Program offers unique opportunities to engage with the cemetery’s rich history and the experiences of people from the past.”

Please visit their new link and check out the three modules already available for educators, I know you will be impressed.

Presentations

The Society is still conducting educational presentations for those who request them, and with COVID19 impacting our nation we offer a virtual presentation as well.  These are always free to the public and will tie in a former Tomb Guard in your local area if available to talk about the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, each of the Unknown Soldiers buried on the east plaza of the Memorial Amphitheatre, the men and women who stand the eternal vigil, and TUS100.

To request a presentation simply visit our website: https://tombguard.org/society/programs/

Save the Date:

11 November 2020 – National Salute @ your local city/town/hamlet

24 October 2021 – 100th Anniversary of the selection of the World War I Unknown Soldier @ Chalons-en-Champagne, France

25 October 2021 – Special ceremony to mark the 100th Anniversary of when the World War I Unknown Soldier board the USS Olympia for his final voyage home @ Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia

9 November 2021 – Joint Naval Symposium bringing together historians and veterans to talk about our nation’s naval involvement in the transportation of each of the Unknown Soldiers to our homeland @ the Navy Yard in Washington DC.

9-10 November 2021 – Carnation/Flower Ceremony where the public will be presented an opportunity to pay their individual respects to the Unknown Soldier @ Arlington National Cemetery

11 November 2021 – National Salute @ your local city/town/hamlet

11 November 2021 – 100th Anniversary of the burial of the World War I Unknown Soldier  @ Arlington National Cemetery during the National Veterans Day Observance

Events Under Development

• Late 2020  – The TUS100 exhibits become open to the public at the visitors center and Memorial Display Room @ Arlington National Cemetery
• All throughout 2021 – Special tours of the USS Olympia surrounding the history of the ship and the World War I Unknown Soldier @ Independence Seaport Museum
• March 4, 2021 – Special resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of Joint Resolution 426 in 1920 to create the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier @ US Capitol
• Dedication of a Never Forget Garden at the US Capitol
• Dedication of a Never Forget Garden at the White House Rose Garden
• All throughout 2021 – Special tours at various American Battle Monument Commission cemeteries focusing on the Unknown Soldiers and their connection
• Early 2021 – Historical lecture featuring historians from the USS Olympia and the Washington State HIstorical Society
• May 2021 – Special ceremony commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the selection of the Korean War Unknown Soldier, designation of the Trans-Pacific Candidate for World War II, and the designation of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier @ National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
• All throughout 2021 – Special tours of the USCGC Ingham in Key West, Florida surrounding the history of the ship and her involvement with the special ceremony at sea in 1958 for the World War II and Korean War Unknown Soldiers
• Late summer/early fall of 2021 – Release of the official commemoration historical book by historians at Arlington National Cemetery
• All throughout 2021 – Unique lunchtime lectures at the United States Capitol Historical Society
• November 2021 – Special lectures by authors of books on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier @ Arlington

Thank you again for supporting this national effort, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time.

—

V/R

SGM (Retired) Gavin McIlvenna

President, Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS)

“Soldiers never die until they are forgotten, Tomb Guards never forget”

Follow us:

Never Forget Garden and Memorial Day_051920 TUS100 Advocacy Packet_v4_051920TUS100 Advocacy Packet_v4_051920(website) https://tombguard.org/

(facebook) https://www.facebook.com/societyofthehonorguard/

(twitter) https://twitter.com/SHGTUS

(youtube) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8kLEQcWIjiWqOS0XLENTw

(flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/146270331@N03/

(instagram) https://www.instagram.com/shgtus/