W. Spencer Johnson

1604 Trawler Lane

Annapolis, MD. 21409

410-626-7934

25 January 2011

Dear Classmates and Friends,

We have had a very successful "Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) Program", due to the enthusiasm of those of you who have been able to participate and the interest of those who could not attend the activities. Thank you for your effort and support.

The next event of our ALITC Program is a ring donation that the USNA Alumni Association calls the "Bonds of Gold," a part of its Ring and Crest Program. Our classmates, including widows and widowers, are being invited to donate class rings and/or miniatures to the class of 2013 to be melded with the gold which will be used to create their rings. This symbolizes an enduring link between our legacy class and the junior class of 2013.

Should you feel moved to donate a ring to this everlasting tie between 1963 and 2013 we would welcome your generosity and dedication to this symbolic and important program. Previous classes have donated seven to nine rings for this purpose. Each has a unique story of the person who wore the ring and why it was donated. For example, our class recently acquired a miniature '63 ring that was found in a Pensacola, FL, hospital lost and found department. Attempts to identify the owner were unsuccessful and the ring has been donated for use by the Class in the "Bonds of Gold” program.

Ron Klemick will serve as the class coordinator for this undertaking. If you think that you would like to donate a ring for this purpose, please let him know by email at rklemick@bellsouth.net or by phone at 910 270 9171 as soon as possible. Prior to April 1, 2011, please send the rings to our class custodian, Jeff Miles, 2723 Lury Lane, Annapolis, MD 21401. Jeff will keep them safe until they are presented to the Class of 2013.

We recommend sending the rings by UPS with insurance and a signature required. It is recommended that the donor have the stone(s) removed prior to mailing. The Naval Academy Foundation will provide the donors with a tax deductible donation receipt. With gold prices being very high and fluctuating, a local appraisal of the gold ring is suggested.

In addition to the ring, a brief write-up regarding the classmate/donor is requested for historical and presentational purposes: information such as why the person chose to attend the Naval Academy, what company he was in, his career path and career achievements, etc. would be appropriate. In the case of a widow, please tell us who your husband was and anything you think appropriate for relaying to the class of 2013 about your husband.

In mid April 2011, a Bonds of Gold ceremony will be held in Memorial Hall to which all classmates will be invited. The evening ceremony will include representatives of the Class of 2013, Naval Academy leadership, classmates, and donors who might wish to attend. The donors or their representatives, such as classmates or wives, will be asked to make a brief presentation to the Class of 2013, speaking about the individual whose ring will become an indelible part of the "link in the chain" between our two classes.

The rings will then be accepted by the officers of the class of 2013. Previous classes have found this to be a very profound and emotional ceremony for all. We believe the key to this program is maximum attendance at this event, the personal histories of our classmates and their loved ones who wore the rings, and thereby their memorialization. Our class has been a huge supporter of the ALITC program. In fact, the Class of 1963 has received the "12th man" title from the Class of 2013 because of our participation in ALITC events and our encouragement along the way.

The donation of a ring or miniature is obviously a big decision and can be a difficult one to make, especially for a surviving spouse or family member. We suggest any decision to donate a ring be a family one, with the input and advice of children and friends factored into the decision.

Ron Klemick or I will provide answers to your questions and concerns.

With every wish for a happy and healthy New Year, I hope to see you at the San Diego reunion March 31-April 3.

Quality ‘63

Spencer Johnson