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USNA Class of 1963 |
photos courtesy: USS WASP (LHD 1) |
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USNA Class of 1963 |
photos courtesy: USS WASP (LHD 1) |
Hot News
Dear Classmates Family and friends of the Class of 1963,It is still chilly here in Annapolis, even though it is graduation week. Here is what I know.
Graduation Four groups of approximately 210 midshipmen have returned to the Naval Academy for a two day period of administrative processing before commissioning on Friday, to clear their gear from Bancroft Hall, and to perform a taped "private"commissioning ceremony in Techumsah Court with chairs spaced at six foot intervals to maintain social distancing The fifth and last group is in process now and will perform their "private" commissioning ceremony on Thursday. No parents or other well wishers have been allowed to attend any of these "private"ceremonies. At the first commissioning ceremony Midn1/c David Forney, a first team football player who was found unresponsive at his desk and later pronounced dead, was remembered by his football helmet from the 2019 Army game placed on a chair in the front row. All new ensigns and second lieutenants will have the same date of rank, 22 May 2020.
On Friday, 22 May, the planned graduation day, a pre-recorded virtual graduation ceremony will be live streamed. The keynote address will be given by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. Other speakers include: Acting Secretary of the Navy James E McPherson; the Chief of Naval Operations., ADM Mike M. Gilday; the Commandant of the Marine Corps ,Gen David H. Berger; the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Robert P. Burke; the Superintendent of the Naval Academy, VADM Sean Buck; and the President of the Class of 2020, Midn 1/c Mike Smith. The virtual ceremonies begin at 1430 EST with a half hour tribute to the class of 2020. At 1500 EST the traditional graduation ceremonies will be streamed. Included will be videos of the five "private" group commissioning ceremonies performed earlier. You can view the graduation ceremonies at: www.watchstadium.com/live/us-naval-academy-graduation.
Plebe Summer. The Class of 2024 will be inducted over a five day period from 29 June to 2 July, a week later than originally planned. All candidates are to conduct a 14 day period of isolation prior to reporting and will undergo a shorter period of isolation on reporting to ensure freedom from the COVID19 virus. There will be no I-Day as we know it. Parents and other well wishers will not be allowed to attend any induction ceremonies. Social distancing will be in force for the Plebes as well as the Plebe detail. Lectures will be delivered virtualy in their rooms. The Blue Jacket's Manual and the USNA REG Book will be primary sources of instruction along with Reef Points. Whether or not there will be a Parent's Weekend as planned 7-9 August is still undecided. The question of which class had the last "real" Plebe year may soon be decided.
That's all the news from Annapolis. Stay tuned and stay safe.
Quality '63
Spencer Johnson '63
Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,Below are further developments at the Naval Academy since my earlier Irish Pennants e-mail to you:
Graduation Updates :
Naval Academy Graduation: The Superintendent announced yesterday that the graduating Class of 2020 will be invited to return to the Naval Academy in five groups of about 250 midshipmen beginning 11 May. Each group returning in the ten day period from 11 May will spend two days or so at the Academy. The first day will be devoted to administrative matters prior to commissioning and packing up their gear. The second day is devoted to "private commissioning" in uniform. Each group will be filmed graduating and being commissioned. On 22 May, the originally planned graduation day, USNA will live stream the films of the groups being commissioned. The decision to have the first class return to Annapolis allows the midshipmen to take the oath of office in uniform. Many may not have taken a uniform home with them for Spring break. There will be a 1/2 day break between one group's departure and the next group's arrival to allow separation and sanitizing procedures between groups. This is still a work in progress.
West Point. The plan for the Military Academy's graduation, as published, includes bringing the Class of 2020 back to West Point two to three weeks before a mid-June graduation ceremony. On arrival they will go into a 14 day isolation period at one of the camps on the reservation and be tested for the COVID19 virus. Once tested negative, they will be allowed to return to their barracks to pack out and get ready for graduation. The President will be their speaker.
Coast Guard: The Coast Guard Academy will graduate the 285 cadets of the Class of 2020 by virtual means.
Chapel Dome Copper Memorabilia. I spoke yesterday with a representative of Herff-Jones, the company that is making the memorabilia from the salvaged copper of the chapel dome. He said that in mid-September they will add earrings to their current offerings and perhaps a cross pendant or charm as well. I will let you know when I hear more. The link is: https://usnachapeldome.com/pages/shop.
Today in Annapolis is a wear rain gear day. I still have mine and can fit into it. Be well and stay safe.
Quality '63
Spencer Johnson '63
Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,I hope this finds you all well and doing whatever is necessary to keep yourself and your families safe during this ongoing pandemic. I am not aware of any of our classmates who have tested positive for the virus. Please let me or your company rep know of anyone who has, and let us know what we can do for you. We need to support each other as best we can, even if it is only a phone call, during this pandemic crisis.
Here in Annapolis it has been a cold and rainy Spring so far. Here in Maryland the number of coronavirus cases continues to mount. The Naval Academy website, www.usna.edu, is a good and timely update of information with regard to what's going on at the Academy. At the top of the web page there is a tab entitled "coronavirus update". Click on that tab and you will have the latest information. To date ten people at the Naval Academy (four faculty and six midshipmen) have tested positive for the virus. All but one midshipman has fully recovered.
The Brigade went on Spring Break on 6 March ,not aware that they would not be returning. There are about 40-50 midshipmen in Bancroft Hall today. Some are serving disciplinary restrictions, others had no where else to go during the break. There are other midshipmen staying with sponsors in the greater Annapolis area. That said, the Brigade is spread in all 50 states. The Commandant communicates daily with the Brigade via Instagram,and internal communications appear to be working well.. Midshipmen are in a duty status, report daily, and started on-line classes on 24 March. Some midshipmen and families petitioned for pass/fail grades this semester, but the faculty and Dean of academics are almost unanimous in their ability to provide letter grades. Exam week starts this week and goes into next week. The 63Center for Academic Excellence is also available to the Brigade on-line. An average of 750 midshipmen per week seeking assistance has been the norm for the last month with a surge to 850 during mid-term testing. Well done, Classmates!!
The most pressing issue is graduation. The Superintendent has announced that the Class of 2020 will experience a "virtual graduation ceremony" on May 22, the details of which are still being worked out. The Superintendent and administration are trying to make graduation as meaningful as possible under the circumstances. The Air Force Academy graduated their first classmen on 18 April without the presence of families or friends. Vice President Pence attended their ceremony in Colorado Springs complete with a Thunderbird flyover and cap toss. West Point is bringing their first class back for a graduation ceremony in early June. President Trump has long been announced as their speaker. Circumstances in Annapolis do not favor, even prohibit, a large graduation ceremony here. Hotels and restaurants are closed and are likely to remain so well into May. The course of the COVID19 virus here is uncharted and likely to remain so. At some point, the Class of 2020 will return in small groups to clear Bancroft Hall of their gear.
All summer training for midshipmen has been cancelled, with the exception of the four week Leatherneck training at Quantico, Virginia which is a prerequisite for those opting for a commission in the Marine Corps. Summer school on-line will be conducted. Use of the YPs is also being looked into for some training. The Brigade is scheduled to return to the yard on 17 August. That is still the plan.
The induction of the Class of 2024 is also high on the list of problems to be sorted out. Currently the Navy and Marine Corps are bringing in recruits to Great Lakes and Parris island, isolating them for 14 days and then beginning training. There are options for a three, six and eight weeks Plebe summer under consideration.
Athleticallly, plans are going forward for a football season as planned. The kick-off on 29 August in Dublin against Notre Dame is still on as of this writing. Coach Ken Niamatalolo plans to bring the football team back on 1 July to begin conditioning and practice. Spring practice consisted of "virtual" sessions. Anything can happen, however. There are season options being talked about that include an eight game conference season, starting the season in October or November and playing into 2021, or playing the entire season (12 games) in the Spring semester next year. NCAA and Conference decisions will all weigh heavily here. Decisions are expected by early June. All varsity sports in the current semester have been cancelled to the disappointment of many. The baseball team was off to a great 14-1 start when the season ended. The rifle team was as well. The Gym team was ranked as 5th in the country and their coach selected as the Collegiate Coach of the year. A new wrestling coach has been hired and applicants to be the new women's basketball coach are being interviewed.
In the yard, the new cyber building, Hopper Hall, will be turned over to the Academy in June, with classes beginning there in the Fall. The copper dome of the chapel has been replaced with bright shiny new copper. That will turn brown in a year and return to the beautiful green color that we all associate with the chapel in about thirty years. The old copper has been salvaged, however. The Alumni Association has contracted with Herff-Jones, the maker of class rings and class jewelry, to make commemorative jewelry, coins, picture frames and other memorabilia. You can view and purchase these items at https://usnachapeldome.com/pages/shop.
That's all the gouge for the moment. I will keep you informed of further developments. In the meantime, stay safe.
Quality '63
Spencer Johnson '63
https://usnachapeldome.com/pages/shop
Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,The Superintendent of the US Naval Academy, VADM Sean Buck, yesterday announced that all Commissioning Week (15-21 May) events have been cancelled due to the Covid19 virus. The academic term which midshipmen are completing on-line from their remote locations, ends 28 April. Exams follow. The goal is still to graduate and commission the class of 2020 in some form, perhaps virtual fashion. Details are to follow. Commissioning Week events such as the Herndon climb for the class of 2023 and the Ring Dance for the class of 2021 are postponed to a yet to be determined date. Parents and friends will not be coming to Annapolis for graduation ceremonies next month. Restaurants are closed and two hotels have closed their doors until the pandemic once again allows movement and public gatherings. Except for a handful of midshipmen still in the yard , the Brigade remains dispersed, but in a duty status, reporting in daily. Two midshipmen and one civilian employee have tested positive for the virus to date.
By contrast, the Air Force Academy brought the class of 2020 back from Spring leave to complete their last term at the Academy in Colorado Springs. The cadets were dispersed one to a room and took their meals while maintaining required separation distances. The personal separation requirements were strictly enforced. There have been two suicides in the Air Force class of 2020 which are still under investigation. As a consequence, the Air Force has decided to graduate the class of 2020 early in an appropriate ceremony on 18 April. Parents and friends reportedly will not be in attendance due to coronavirus restrictions.
It is still hoped that the opening game of the 2020 football season will take place on 29 August against Notre Dame in Dublin. The 51,000 seat stadium is sold out. When 6,000 tickets were recently released to the public in Dublin, they sold out in one hour. Navy and Notre Dame have sold 35,000 tourist packages which include attendance at the game. Navy Athletic Director Chuck Gladchuck believes it is foolish to even attempt to predict the future. He is taking it "one day at a time".
The weather here in Annapolis is cold but bright today. The trees have bloomed and are in new leaf. Spring and its flowers have arrived. Hope is in the air.
From our house to yours, every wish for a happy Passover and Easter season. Stay safe. This too shall pass.
Quality '63
Spencer Johnson
This might not be the first of its kind but the Second Company just had its first Zoom meeting : myself, Bob Lagassa, Jim Penrod, Derek Simmons, Jim Shull, Jerry Kreinik, Bob Little, Mick Mays, Shelby Alcott, Ray Theep, John McCabe, Paul Tobin and Ben Harris. I recommend it to everyone. Much better than e-mail or conference calls. We shared a lot of reminiscences as well as news about how we are all dealing with the pandemic. Everyone's well and it was great to see them in person.
Dear Classmates, Spouses and members of the Class of 1963 Family,Coronavirus 19 With the advent of the coronavirus all has fallen silent here in Annapolis and in the Yard. The Brigade of Midshipmen is currently on Spring leave and have had that leave extended to the weekend of 28 March. The Visitor's Center has been shut down and tourists are no longer accessing the Yard. Chapel services are suspended until further notice, including weddings and memorial services. All Spring sports have been cancelled and the Patriot League has cancelled all Spring sporting contests. The Superintendent and the faculty, as a first priority, are busy devising a way for all first classmen to finish all their academic requirements for graduation and commissioning in May.
Tonight at 2000 all bars, restaurants, and other places of public gathering in the Annapolis area are shutting down until the danger of exposure to the virus has passed.
I will keep you advised as conditions develop.
Midshipman Death As previously reported, Midn. 3/c Duke Carrillo collapsed while running the mile and a half segment of the semi-annual physical readiness test. His death is attributed in the local paper to a heart condition called "dilated cardiomyopathy" which is described as a weakened heart muscle and an enlarged heart chamber. This results in a weakened heart pumping function and congestive heart failure. A physical exam can pick up signs of congestive heart failure, but an echocardiagram-- an ultrasound of the heart-- is needed to diagnose the condition, according to the published account.
No cause of death has yet been disclosed in the case of Midn Forney. the first class football player who was found dead at his desk.
In the days ahead, please keep your self and your loved ones as safe as you can. We are the most vulnerable segment of the population to the coronavirus, given our age and any preexisting conditions we may have, including a weakened immune system.
With every good wish to you and yours,
Quality '63
Spencer Johnson
https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Charles-Dehnert
Dear Classmates , Friends and all Members of the Class of 1963 Family,It is clear, crisp and cold here in Annapolis, but it has been over a year since we have seen any snow. Miracles happen.
There is a pall over the Naval Academy with the deaths of two midshipmen within a matter of weeks. One, a member of the class of 2022 collapsed during the 1.5 mile run that is part of the twice yearly physical fitness test and the other, due to graduate in the Spring,` was found slumped over his desk in Bancroft Hall.
We said farewell in February to Roger E. Tetrault, one of our two Distinguished Graduates and a retired naval reserve Captain, at a celebration of his life in in Punta Gorda Florida.
On Friday 6 March Norman J Shackelton, Captain, US Navy (Ret), will be laid to rest here in Annapolis at the columbarium. There will be a memorial service in St Andrews Chapel at 1000, followed by inurnment and military honors at the columbarium. A reception will follow at the Naval Academy Club.
On Monday 27 April Joseph B. Clancy, Captain, USMC, will join many of our classmates in the columbarium with military honors and a commital service at 1000 at the columbarium followed by a reception at the Naval Academy Club. Joe died in Nijmagen, Holland.
Spring is coming, and with it sunnier weather.
With every good wish,
Quality '63
Spencer Johnson
There will be a Funeral Service on 10am Monday, 27 April at the Columbarium with a reception at the Officers and Faculty Club to follow.
There will be a Funeral Service in St. Andrew's Chapel on Friday, 06 March 2020 at 1000 for CAPT Norman John Shackelton, USN (Ret), Class of 1963 (DOB: 30 October 1939, DOD: 16 February 2020) followed by a service of committal at the Columbarium. Family plans a reception at the Naval Academy Club.
Next DC Class '63 Luncheon at ANCC is Tuesday March 10th, 2020 at 11:30am
Peter Savage was going through boxes and found a USNA dixie cup hat with the laundry number 7922. He would like to get it back to the original owner.If you are laundry number 7922 contact Pete at ppsavage@pacbell.net
Adventures of Charlie Chipmunk.It is 24 chapters and 36,000 words + chronicling a life of a young chipmunk who loses his parents at a very early age. He must learn to survive with food and shelter and make good friends and better choices in his new life alone. There are many adventures and readers will learn about farm gardens, milking cows, with many diverse animals that become part of Charlie's community. This book is applicable to life of a young child as well as chipmunk. Considering all the kids from broken homes or orphaned, this is a primer for their life.
If you go to my website at http://www.booksbyrubel.com and use mike63 as a discount code you get 20% off the price. You can also pick it up from me personally if in the area. There is a tab for that.
Your children or grandchildren will enjoy this book for a long time and it will be passed down for many future families. Thanks...and I any questions call me at 949-278-9341
Mike
Books By Rubel
2412 No 30th St, Ste 101
Tacoma, WA 98407
206-624-888
949-278-9341 (cell)
Dear Classmates, Spouses ,and Friends of the Class of 1963,The tree has been trimmed, exams are over, and the Messiah has been sung. The Brigade of Midshipmen is on leave.
The air is crisp and cold here in Annapolis, but there is a warm glow from the 31-7 blowout victory over Army on the 14th in Philadelphia. The Commander-in-Chief's trophy is back in the rotunda of Bancroft Hall. The Army winning streak is ended and a new Navy one begun. The Liberty Bowl looms against Kansas on New Year's eve (2:45 EST on CBS). Another win will see a remarkable 11-2 football season. Something we can all shout about.
The best Christmas present I ever received was sixty years ago (1959) when we were Plebes. The then governor of South Carolina, Fritz Hollings, sent an Air national Guard flying box car to Andrews Air Force Base to bring all of us from South Carolina home for Christmas. We were released to go on leave after noon meal inspection the Saturday before Christmas. It started to snow in Annapolis the day before and there were eight or more inches of snow accumulated and falling when we were finally dismissed and on leave. Nothing in Annapolis was moving, but with the help of a brave taxi driver somehow we got to Andrews Air Force Base only to find that nothing was flying. All the runways were buried in snow. The Air Force put us up overnight in the Visiting Officer's Quarters (VOQ). The next morning at 0600 while it was still dark, there was a knock on the door from a young Air Force airman who had come to take us down to the flight line. He took one look at me in my bridge coat with eight shiny brass buttons and a gold chin strap on my cover, and said,"Can I take your bag, SIR?" It was the most memorable Christmas present I have ever received. It was also the light at the end of the tunnel for Plebe year.
From our fireside here in Annapolis to yours, Andrea and I wish you the very happiest of holidays and only health and good fortune in the New Year.
Quality '63
Spencer Johnson
Dear Classmates, Spouses ,and Friends of the Class of 1963,The Army Game is one week away. Excitement is high. Even though this year's outstanding Navy team (9-2) is ranked in some polls as 23rd in the nation, we all know that any Army-Navy contest will go right down to the last whistle with the final outcome always "in doubt". To complicate things, next week is also exam week, when the entire Brigade "pays the rent". This puts a bit of a damper on Army Week antics. Football practices are delayed until 1730 and are closed to the press and public. The focus is on exams as well as on ending the string of Army victories over the past three years. I am confident that come what may, this Navy team will do it. "Bill will feed on Army mule" next Saturday.
The Class of 63 Center for Academic Excellence (63CAE). On Friday, I signed, with the advice of our class officers and class foundation leadership, a revised, updated agreement with the Naval Academy Foundation regarding our support for the 63CAE. The updated gift agreement provides for funding, in addition to our annual $500,000 infusion to the 63CAE, sufficient to cover half of any gap between federal funding available, our infusion and other funds available to support 63CAE operations at the current level. Our classmate, Ron Terwilliger has generously agreed to cover the other half of any funding gap, in addition to his most generous estate bequest of $27.5 million dollars which will support the needs of the 63CAE in perpetuity. "Gap" needs will be determined annually and funding will be requested in a formal document from the Naval Academy Superintendent and the Dean of Academics through the Naval Academy Foundation. I am confident that the class will have any extra funding needed due to earnings on our invested 63CAE support fund, your continued contributions and estate bequests to this most worthy cause that ensures the current record breaking graduation rate, and gift partnering with other classes (1973, 1984, 2002 and others yet to come). To fully recognize the tremendous generosity of Ron Terwilliger, a new name board at the entrance of the 63 CAE will read "Class of 1963 Center for Academic Excellence----Endowed by J. Ronald Terwilliger '63 and Classmates". As stipulated in the revised agreement, this name will remain on the door of the 63CAE in perpetuity. Our class legacy and memorial to our fallen classmates will continue for as long as there is a need for a Center for Academic Excellence and there is a Naval Academy. With most grateful thanks to Ron Terwilliger and all who have so generously contributed to this great endeavor I say, Well Done Classmates!!
Beat Army !!
Quality 63
Spencer Johnson
Mike Blackledge provided this interesting info:
The throwback uniforms Navy will wear on Saturday will honor its two Heisman winners. It occurs to me as we approach the 120th Army-Navy game that the Class of 1963 has another claim to uniqueness - check me out on this:The Class of 1963 along with '64 are the only classes to have the opportunity to watch both of Navy's Heisman Trophy winners on the field of play. As plebes, Joe Bellino secured carry-on for us on 28 November 1959 with a resounding 43-12 victory over Army. Many forget that in 1960 Bellino played both ways, and intercepted the Army pass near the end of the game to help secure that win 17-12. Some historic footage shows that interception and a nice run-back. [Army had some guy named Pete Dawkins - who was their last Heisman winner, in 1958] Our plebe year was also the first year as head coach for Wayne Hardin.
Our First Class year was Roger Staubach's youngster year; he got his first opportunity to play in the 3rd game of that Fall 1962 on the road against powerful Minnesota (Carl Eller led their defense) on Oct 6, 1962. Navy never scored and Roger was 0-2 in passes, but Coach Hardin saw enough to put him in the next week against Cornell. We marched to that game. Much better result. Navy ended that year 5-5, but in the winning five was Roger's first Army-Navy game: 34-14.
Steve Leisge has two tickets for sale. See the game from the comfort of club seats! Two for sale at discount: $125 each (retail $175). Sec C39, row 11, seats 5,6.
703-820-5204 sleisge@comcast.net
For a first look at this fantastic new USNA facility endowed by classmate Ron Terwilliger Click Here.
Linn Bowman, wife of our classmate TEB Bowman, Capt., USNR, ret., passed away Dec.1, 2019 in a retirement home following a lengthy illness. In addition to TEB she is survived by their two grown sons. A memorial service will be held at the Big Canoe Chapel on December 18th at 11am. An inurnment service will be conducted in the spring.
Condolences may be sent to TEB at 11506 Big Canoe, Jasper, GA 30243
Al Sherman as 2 Club Level tickets available to the Army/Navy game ion Saturday, December 14th, in Philadelphia. Cost is $175 per ticket.If you are interested, please contact Al (shermana@erols.com) or myself (bforster5@verizon.net).
Remember Navy plays at Houston at 7 pm EST Saturday. Game is on ESPN2.
Mike has published "Adventures of Charlie Chipmunk."The adventures of Charlie the Chipmunk begin with a violent storm that thrusts the young chipmunk from his home in the mountains into a raging stream, only to end his harrowing trip in the valley below. Never having to fend for himself, he must learn new ways to eat, hide from predators, and find a home of his own. He learns many lessons along the way with the help of his friends and from exciting adventures where he must use his wits and courage to survive. The underlying theme is for the young chipmunk to find a mate of his own and begin a family. The reader will understand the need to make good friends that assist each other in all facets of life."Click Here to read more or purchase.
Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,It is crisp and cold here in Annapolis. but we haven't snow yet.
Saturday is our last scheduled home football game of the season against Southern Methodist University (SMU). After bad day in South Bend, this will be another hard fought game. SMU is coming in with a 9-1 (5-1 conference ) record and Navy now has a 7-2 (5-1 conference ) record. This will be a game that will not be decided until the final whistle.
The class will have a catered tailgate (site 12A) on Saturday. Food service starts at 1300 Items include:
Open Pit Sliced Top Round of Beef
Open Pit Sliced Smoked Turkey Breast
Slow Smoked Pulled Pork Barbecue
Home Style Potato Salad
Crisp Creamy Cole Slaw
Western Style Baked Beans
Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad
Fresh Baked Kaiser Rolls
Assorted Cookies and Brownies
Soft Drinks and Water BottlesThe cost per person is $15.00. Beer and wine is whatever you bring. Please bring a check made out to the USNA Class of 1963 or cash to cover your share. Place your check/cash in the glass jars on the table along with a donation to help defray the cost of erecting and storing our tent for yet another season.
The 23rd Company will be having a mini-reunion at the game.
See you on Saturday. Dress warmly. Beat SMU!!
With best wishes for a very, happy and memorable Thanksgiving. We all certainly have a lot to be thankful for.
Quality '63
Spencer Johnson
Classmate Robert Abate has been dedicated to preserving the memories of WWII Vets.Click Here
Dear Classmates, Friends and Members of the Class of 1963 Family,Saturday is Homecoming. Navy plays Tulane in Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. With five wins and one loss for the season, if successful in beating Tulane, Navy will be eligible for a post season bowl game. It promises to be a well contested game, one you don't want to miss. If you do not have tickets, I have four tickets from Jim DeFrancia that he cannot use. I will have them with me at the tailgate if you need some. Following the game Mario and Susan Fiori are hosting the annual homecoming party as detailed in the last Irish Pennants. The party is catered so a contribution of $15.00 per head is requested. If you have not already done so, please RSVP to mariof3609@aol.com if you are coming.
Ken Buell Our classmate LCDR Ken Buell was the bombardeir/navigator on an A-6 night mission over North Vietnam in 1973 when he was shot down along with his pilot, Verne Donnelly. Ken's remains were never recovered, although Verne Donnelly's were from the crash site. There is some reason to believe that Ken's remains may be co-mingled with Verne's. Verne's children have agreed to opening the gravesite at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, Calif. and examining the remains therein in conjunction with the internment of Verne's widow, Maxine, on December 2nd. There are uncompensated costs involved for the DNA testing and a new casket for Verne's remains. Finding any of Ken's remains will at long last bring closure to his family. Ken's son, newly retired Navy Commander Richard "Rick "Buell, has opened a Go Fund Me account to raise funds for the reamains testing and a casket to rebury Verne's Donnelly's remains. If you would like to contribute, please go to www.gofundme.com/mia-lcdr-ken-buell-you-are-not-forgotten.
See you at homecoming on Saturday.
Beat Tulane on the way to Army!!
Quality '63
Spencer
CDR Ken Buell - A Chance to Help ID a Vietnam MIA.My father, LCDR Kenneth R Buell, USN, has been MIA since his A-6A Intruder was shot down on September 17, 1972 during a solo night time attack mission near Hai Duong, Vietnam. The pilot seated next to him, CDR Verne Donnelly, was also lost and declared MIA until remains repatriated.
To contribute go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/mia-lcdr-ken-buell-you-are-not-forgotten
Bob Forster has two tickets (from Jim Ring).
Jim DeFrancia has four to donate.
jdefrancia@lowe-re.com
Tom O'Brien sent me a brochure about how the Jacksonville Aviation Authority has redeveloped Cecil Field since the Navy shut it down in 1999. It's too long to publish here, but for you who flew there as Mids or Naval Aviators you can check out their website Click Here
Dear Classmates, Friends, and FamilyHomecoming Party. The e-mail address for Mario Fiori to RSVP attendance should read mariof3609@aol.com.
Army-Navy If you are not going to the game but are in or around Annapolis on game day, 14 December 2019 please consider joining classmates at the West-End Sports Bar and Grille to have lunch and watch Navy sink Army together. The WestEnd Sports Bar and Grille is at the junction of West Street and Solomons Island Road. Mark your calendar now.
Quality63,
Spencer Johnson
Dear Classmates, Family andFriends of the Class of 1963Football season is well underway. With two wins and one loss (Memphis) the Navy team faces Air Force on Saturday here in Annapolis. This will be the first contest that will decide who wins the Commander-in-Chief's trophy this year . The game is reportedly sold out. Al Sherman has two tickets and a parking pass that he cannot use. If anyone is interested, contact Al at SHERMANA@EROLS.COM as soon as possible.
Tailgating. Our class tailgate is seeing an average of fifty classmates and wives for home games and another dozen or so from the class of 2013. We will continue our practice of bringing something to share with other attendees--there is never a shortage of food, beer, wine or soft drinks. The one exception will be our last home game,23 November against Southern Methodist University (SMU). This tailgate will be catered at a cost of $15.00 per attendee, payable at the game or mailed to WS Johnson, 1604 Trawler Lane, Annapolis,MD 21409. Please make all checks to "the Class of 1963".
Homecoming. The homecoming game against Tulane is scheduled for 26 October. Mario and Susan Fiori will host our annual homecoming get-together and dinner after the game at their house at 1652 Trawler Lane, Annapolis, MD.21409. The dinner will be catered at a cost of $15.00 per person payable in advance to Mario or at the door. Drinks of beer, wine and other beverages will be supplied by the hosts. Mario and Susan live on a narrow cul-de-sac so it is suggested that you park before or after going around the small circle that defines their end of the street. They will need a count for the caterers by 20 October so please let them know if you are coming by emailing them at Mario3609@aol.com or Susbf@aol.com. We always have a great turnout. Please mark your calendar now.
Sad News Our classmate Richard C. Jones , Captain, USMC, will be laid to rest on Monday 7 October in the Columbarium here at the Naval Academy. He will join his wife Kay and their firstborn child Brian whom they lost in 1971. A service in the Chapel will be held at 1100 followed by a reception in the Naval Academy Club.
On 8 November at 1030 there will be a memorial service for George Singer in St. Andrews Chapel followed by inurnment in the columbarium.
Commander ChesterBen Cole will be laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery on Thursday 21 November. Company mates (23rd company) will gather here in Annapolis for a reunion dinner on the 22nd and will attend the SMU game on the 23rd.
Chet Gladchuck. I ran into Chet Gladchuck, the Director of Navy Athletics and the head of the Physical Education Department, last week at the Naval Academy. Among other things, he told me that there are now 1300 varsity athletes in the Brigade--currently not one of them is ineligible to play because of academic deficiency. Chet largely credits the 63CAE for the fact that no varsity athlete cannot suit up for a game because of academic problems. Well done, Classmates !!
ZAP the ZOOMIES
Quality '63,
Spencer Johnson
Fellow Warriors of USNA 1963,Thanks to the fine offices of Jack Colyer, we will hold our annual Christmas Luncheon at the Union League Club of New York on 10 December 2019. The festivities will begin at 12:00 noon. The Union League Club is located at 38 East 37th Street on the corner of Park Avenue. Note that Spencer Johnson will again join us as Andrea has coerced him into a NYC Christmas shopping excursion. I have also copied a couple of my correspondents in the DC area to see if they might take AMTRAK to the Big Apple for a visit. If you know of any other classmates of guests who might join us, please invite them and let me know.
Looking forward to another enjoyable get-together!
See you on the tenth.
Please RSVP at msk7736@optimum.net
Steve Leisge has two tickets. Parking is next to ’63 tailgate - $10. Tickets $60..Regards,
Steve Leisge
703-820-5204
sleisge@comcast.net
Dear Classmates, Friends and Members of the Class of 1963 Family,Special Announcement.
On the 5th of September dozen or so classmates gathered at the Sparks Steak House in New York City. Present was as Ron Terwilliger who used the occasion to announce his commitment to a $27.5 million dollar bequest from his estate to endow the 63CAE. In addition, any near term shortfalls in funding for 63CAE current and projected annual operations were agreed be shared equally by Ron and the class. Once the Terwilliger endowment is activated, any funding shortfalls should be a moot point. Ron has ensured the financial viability of the 63CAE in perpetuity. Our name on the door will ensure the memorialization of our class and classmates long after we are gone. Ron Terwilliger is truly a Distinguished Graduate and a most esteem ed classmate.I know I speak for the whole class when I say, "You have our salute, Ron. Well Done, Classmate !!"
Your continuing contributions, gifts, memorial funding, and estate bequests are all still needed and much appreciated as we continue touch the midshipmen of the Brigade each and every day through the services of the 63CAE. Well Done, Classmates!
See you at the football games. We are off to a good start with the opening victory over Holy Cross. Army lost to Michigan in double overtime on Saturday a portent of things tyo come.
Quality 63
Spencer Johnson
From Steve Leisge:Ben Cole will be interned at Arlington National Cemetery at 1100, 21 November, 2019. All who knew Ben are invited to attend. The 23rd Company will gather at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn on Wednesday/20th.
We will have a hospitality suite beginning 1200 Wed/20th until we depart on the bus for Arlington Cemetery at 0930 Thursday. You are welcome to join us in the hospitality suite and/or ride the bus with us to the cemetery and then to the Ft. Myer O' Club for a luncheon and then back to the Holiday Inn. If you go to the cemetery on your own, we all need to be at the admin building, next to the parking lot, NLT 1000; we will then drive/bus part of the way and walk the rest with the honor guard to the grave site. The 23rd is going to Annapolis Thursday afternoon for a mini reunion and attend the game vs. SMU.
Do not call the hotel or send money at this time. I will provide the name of the room block in a week or two to those interested. Below are the prices for the hotel room, hospitality suite and bus. Please call or write if you intend to attend, even if going to the cemetery on your own, and if you will attend the luncheon.
Regards,
Steve Leisge
703-820-5204
sleisge@comcast.net
Dear Classmates, Members and Friends of the Class of 1963,The weather here in Annapolis is fall like after a week of ninety plus temperatures The Brigade is back and "reformed" as the present lingo has it. The Plebe Class of 2023 is integrated into their companies.Classes started last Monday.
Next Saturday starts the 2019 twelve game football season with six home games this year. The first home game is against Holy Cross here in Navy-Marine Corps Stadium next Saturday the 31st. Our tented tailgate will be up and running at our usual spot( 12A) on the Blue side of the field close to the "porta=potties" and backing on Farragut Road. We hope to see members of the Class of 2013, our Link in the Chain Class. join us there. As usual, please bring something to share at the tailgate. The money jar will be on the table for donations to help defray the costs of stadium space rental, tent erection and storage between games and the tables and chairs. Please be generous as prices go up from year to year and we have six home games rather than the usual five this year.
See you at the game.
Quality--'63
Spencer Johnson
Susan Stoldt Dunn, 76, peacefully passed from this life on July 25, 2019, surrounded by her family. The cause was a cerebral hemorrhage. Susan was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, and spent the majority of her years as an active citizen of Washington, DC, and Potomac, Maryland. She had enthusiastic affection for her family of origin, the Stoldt family, with whom she always relished time spent on vacations or at other family events and gatherings. She is predeceased by her parents, Sydney and Evelyn; her brothers, Sydney and Bill; and her sister Ellen. She is survived by her husband Mike; her children, Mike Junior and Kathy Dunn Cornwell; her sister, Nancy Stoldt Walsh; and her grandchildren, Eleanor and Eamon (Dunn) and Hang and Lily (Nguyen Cornwell); as well as a legion of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In October 1960, Susan met her lifelong love and husband of 56 years, Mike Dunn, at an afternoon tea dance in the basement of St. Mary's Church in Annapolis, Maryland. At the time, Susan was an undergraduate at Trinity College and Mike was a midshipman at the US Naval Academy. They married in June 1963, and built a life filled with love, faith, family, and adventures big and small. Susan was a loving, compassionate mother, and she joyfully welcomed the additions of daughter-in-law April Wright Dunn and son-in-law David Cornwell, and delighted in her role as "Granny," hosting fun family dinners, making special birthday cakes for her grandchildren, and lavishing them with love and attention. Susan and Mike took care of Mike's nieces after their parents passed away in the 1980's. These three nieces (Dorris Dajani Cornwell, Barbara Dajani Gregg, and Susan Dajani Speckman) saw their dear Aunt Susan as a parent figure who provided love and guidance at a critical time and for many years to follow. Susan graduated from Academy of the Holy Angels high school in New Jersey. She received her undergraduate degree from George Washington University. She earned two master's degrees: a Master's in Library Science from the University of Maryland and a Master's of Theological Studies from Washington Theological Union. Susan also became certified by the Shalem Institute to practice as a spiritual director. Susan used her education and skills to do so many things: she was a primary school teacher; librarian at Gonzaga College High School; vice chair of the Hope Ball; team leader and sponsor for Holy Trinity parish's RCIA program; retreat leader (Ignatian spirituality, Susan's passion); Director of Lay Formation at Washington Theological Union; and a one-on-one spiritual director. Susan was kind, accepting of others, compassionate, and most of all, loving. She had an infectious laugh that would at times dissolve into a laugh-cry, which became all the more hilarious. She created community wherever she was, from each neighborhood she lived in, to her workout classes. In her manner of living and loving, Susan was a model for her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 1, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3513 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20007. There will be visitation in the church for one hour prior to the mass and a reception following the mass. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Susan may be made in support of the Ignatian Spirituality Program at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3513 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20007. Checks, payable to Holy Trinity, should include a reference to Susan Dunn and Ignatian Spirituality. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Susan may be made in support of the Ignatian Spirituality Program at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3513 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20007. Checks, payable to Holy Trinity, should include a reference to Susan Dunn and Ignatian Spirituality.Published in The Washington Post on Aug. 16, 2019
Services are scheduled for Friday, 8 November 2019 at the Naval Academy's St. Andrews Chapel at 10:30am.
Jan and I will be out of town for the the first home game, Holy Cross. I have two tickets, and a parking pass. Any classmate want them? pjrooney@cox.netCiao
Phil
Dear Classmates and Members of the Class of 1963 Family,Summer is arriving here in Annapolis, but, so far, without the blistering heat we all remember so well. Two weeks ago the Class of 2019 graduated on a beautiful day here. In a few weeks the Class of 2023 will be inducted as midshipmen, another Link in the Chain to be forged over the next four years.
The Superintendent, VADM Ted Carter pronounced the graduating class the "Best Class Ever" with 89.9% of those entering the Academy four years ago graduating. The Class of 2019 had the highest collective GPA ever. Eighty-one will go on immediately to graduate school.
The 63 Center for Academic Excellance (63CAE). We can all take some pride in the academic achievements of the Class of 2019 and the Brigade as a whole. Academic attrition is now just below one percent. The 63CAE scored a record 50,602 total visits during the past academic year, an increase of 5,502 over academic year (AY) 2018. The numbers of 63CAE usage for AY19 at are:
3147 unique students which is 70.6 % of the Brigade of Midshipman
1,488 visits per week
1150 4/C students which is 97% of the class
932 3/C students which is 81% of the class
657 2C students which is 63% of the class
408 1/C students which is 38% of the Class
79% of students with a 4.0 QPR visited on an average of 61 visits per week
2,370 visits Week 6 of AY19 Fall semester1851 visits during finals week
4,400 visits to the Writing Center (130 visits per week or an average of 26 visits per day
This is a 26% increase in 63CAE usage in two years time.
The 63 CAE is stretched to its limits and need several more professors and perhaps an administrator to handle demand. But, the results are worth the investment as the Class of 2019 has demonstrated.Perilous Times. Our class is now living in a perilous phase of our lives because of our advancing age which bring many infirmaties and eventual demise. Every day seems to bring more news of a classmate or spouse passing. Now is the time to put your affairs in order for efficient handling of last remains and your estate. Collect insurance policies, your DD 214 discharge paper and other relevant documents in one place for easy access to your survivors. Inurnment at the Naval Academy Columbarium for you and your spouse is one option to consider. Flag officers can request burial in the cemetery. We now have over 30 classmates in the Columbarium, which I understand the midshipmen refer to as "Alumni Hall". For me this option will be like coming home in many ways. Your DD 214 is the key to military honors. If you can't find yours a copy can be requested on line. For complete information on burial;/inurnment at the Naval Academy go to www.usna.edu/ccemetery/ or to the link at the bottom of the "Last Call" section of our class website. I am also available to help as needed tel 410-626-7934.
Continuing Support Our classmates continue to give generously to support the efforts of the 63CAE. Thanks to major gifts from Ken Metviner and Paul Revere our class has donated another $470,000 or so this past calender year. Making a gift from your estate is a great way to support the future of the Class of 2963 CAE, and for many of us offers the best opportunity to make our biggest gift. The USNA Foundation is making it easier to updateyour estate plans and benefit both your family and the Naval Academy by offering its Personal Estate Planning Course. One of the easiest and most tax wise methods of making an estate gift is to make the Foundation a beneficiary of your IRA--please be certain to use correct name United States Naval Academy Foundation {shorten to USNA Foundation if space is limited }. Once you've set plans for your future gift, contact Patti Bender, patti.bender#usna.com or 410-295-4187 to have your gift counted in Called to Serve, Daring to Lead: the Naval Academy Campaign which has a June 30, 2020 deadline.
Thanks to all who participated in the recent Service Academy Challenge. The Naval Academy Foundation raised over one million dollars in the short fund raising effort based on participation of its alumni.
In closing, we can all take great pride in what our class has accomplished and continues to do. More news soon. in the meantime I hope your summer is off to a good start.
Quality '63,
Spencer Johnson
Items of Ongoing
Interest
A Great Opportunity for Classmates
Click Here for the letter to the Class from Mario regarding Bill's situation and the status of his clemency effort. MS Word required.
The basic colors are blue and gold for the colors of the Naval Academy. We also added red for the Marine Corps, pale blue (sock-bag blue) for the Air Force and a small black stripe between the red and pale blue for the Army. This was done to recognize members of the Class of 1963 who upon commissioning served in the sister branches of the armed services. The main blue and gold stripes are six units wide and each of the three smaller stripes is one unit wide. That way you get a combination of 6 and 3, for the Class of 1963. There is then a 12-unit drop in Navy blue and the pattern repeats itself.
Class ties, both four-in-hand and bow, are available as well as scarves and cummerbunds. The price of each item is $63 or if you order any three items the discounted price is $163 and if you order all four the price is $200.
Orders can be placed with Ms. Jessi Crawford, % Lowe Enterprises, PO Box 12393, Aspen, CO 81812.
Here are photos of Cynthia DeFrancia and June and Chuck
modeling the items.
I added a brief note concerning the death of classmate Dick Bryant who died in an accident prior to graduation. Click here.
If you look at Last Call you'll note that we have no obituary or other remembrance for over half of our deceased classmates.
If you have any formal information for any of these classmates or just want to express your memories of them drop me a line at Steve C. and I'll publish a page for them.
It is a good time to check your entry for accuracy and to update it in the "My Profile" section. Also remember to keep Mike Shelley and Steve Coester informed of any changes >
- Put on a catered meal on weekday or weekend.. They will provide a room and tables. The rest is provided by the party putting on the catered meal including silverware. They would invite family members. Could be for 30 wounded and family members.
- Provide funds
Semper Fi Fund. Provides every family with money to help them while here. Designated for Marines and NavyCorpsman. http://www.SemperFiFund.org
Yellow Ribbon Fund - Provides family members free taxis, rental cars. http://www.yellowribbonfund.com/yellowribbonfund/
- USO - USO hires caterers to provide catered meals. http://www.uso.org/
- Armed Forces Foundation - Meets the family members when they arrive in town. http://www.armedforcesfoundation.org/
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society - Pay bills of family members while here. http://www.nmcrs.org/index.html
I have had two types of cancer presumed to have been caused by Agent Orange from my in-country service in Vietnam. It would appear that the VA is now honoring claims for compensation from veterans who also served at sea in the areas near Vietnam. For example, the claim is successfully being made that water sprayed with the poison made its way into the ship's purification systems and into the drinking water.
Based on clinical research, the following diseases are on VA's Agent Orange list of presumptive disabilities: chloracne, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, porphyria cutanea tarda, respiratory cancers (lung, bronchus, larynx and trachea), soft-tissue sarcoma, acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, and prostate cancer. A regulation is being developed to add diabetes mellitus.
In addition, monetary benefits, health care, and vocational rehabilitation services are provided to Vietnam veterans' offspring with spina bifida, a congenital birth defect of the spine. A new law authorizes health care and monetary benefits to children of female veterans who served in Vietnam for certain additional birth defects.
My advice, if you contract one of these diseases, is to work with an outside service organization, such as the American Legion. They will help with the paperwork and get you your compensation. Be patient - it takes forever. . The VA needs proof of service in Vietnam (DD214, etc) and proof that you have one of these diseases from your doctor or medical facility. My claim for the prostate cancer took six months. My claim for lung cancer was submitted in December and as of the end of March was just approved. I still have another hearing in June before it is considered permanent.
Be sure to also take advantage of the VA health care system. Although I have used my civilian doctors for the major procedures (more for convenience only), the VA doctors are real pro's and the benefit of zero co-pay for prescriptions is worth a lot. For example, after my latest surgery I was still losing weight. My doctor was concerned and told me to drink two cans of Ensure daily, costing about $2 per day. I called the VA and I now receive Ensure at no cost.
Regards,
From Mike Cronin:
Until recently it was true that VA compensation was used as an offset to military retired pay. A retired vet who later received VA disability compensation had his military retired pay reduced by the amount of the VA compensation. Since VA compensation is not taxed, the veteran did receive a tax benefit, but the dollar amount of monthly income before taxes did not change.
That has now changed. Several years ago Congress agreed to phase out that offset provision over ten years. Bottom line: if you have any disability that might be service connected you should apply to the VA and let them decide if you are entitled to compensation. If they decide you are at least partially disabled you will come out dollars ahead even before taxes are considered. Apply now. Compensation is dated from the day you apply even though the VA decision process can take years.
One final note. Military retirees can use VA medical facilities without risking their military retired health care (Tricare) benefits.
From Ken Sanger:
Some who receive disability compensation can double dip.
The following is from the VA website at http://www.dod.mil/prhome/mppcrsc.html
"The Department of Defense has two programs designed to reduce the reduction in retired pay due to receipt of Veteran Administration compensation, for certain disabled retirees.
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP) provides a 10-year phase-out of the offset to military retired pay due to receipt of VA disability compensation for members whose combined disability rating is 50% or greater . Members retired under disability provisions must have 20 years of service.
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) pays added benefits to retirees who receive VA disability compensation for combat-related disabilities and have 20 years of service ."
And this from a 2006 document found on the above site:
"The Department of Defense is currently receiving and processing applications for the Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) program. The CRSC program became effective May 31, 2003, for qualified retirees with combat-related disabilities. Payments are retroactive to June 1, 2003, for otherwise qualified members. The criteria of eligibility to receive CRSC payments have been expanded effective January 1, 2004, to include members with any percentage combat-related disability compensated by the VA.C"
Irish
Pennants
Irish Pennants are loose threads
that
invite attention, or may need to be tied up or cut off. For the
purpose
of this web site, they represent miscellaneous thoughts, threads
of discussion and points of view by classmates and colleagues. To
submit [or respond] to Irish Pennants, just send an e-mail to webmaster@usna63.org
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Carry
On!
Class of 1963 facts and lore, Cannonball
recipe, satire, humor
Humorous Thoughts for the 40th
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