Our 1963 classmate Tim Harvey and his wife Tamara are having extreme health, financial, and housing difficulties.

Tim's son Ross has explained the situation. Click Here for the details in the PDF file.

1. If anyone has a solution for the housing crisis please contact Ross at harvey.technical@gmail.com or by phone at (757)237-3003.

2. Cash donations will be greatly appreciated. Ross has set up a GoFundMe account for this purpose at https://gofund.me/18bb9362.Ross can also accept money using Zelle or Paypal at harvey.technical@gmail.com. Or if you prefer old-fashioned checks, email Ross for directions.

Dear Alumni,

Every year, on a crisp December morning, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland comes alive with the spirit of remembrance. It's a day when thousands of fresh evergreen wreaths, each adorned with a scarlet bow, are lovingly placed on the graves of fallen heroes. This solemn event, known as Wreaths across America, carries immense significance, not only for our nation but also for individuals like myself. Allow me to share a personal story that highlights the profound impact of this cherished tradition, and why your support is crucial.

As a Navy wife I have known many lost in service to this country, their selflessness and commitment to defending our freedom left an indelible mark on my life. The Naval Academy ceremony is a powerful tribute to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Walking among rows of gravestones, adorned with wreaths, I experienced an overwhelming sense of gratitude and respect for the fallen heroes. Each wreath represented a life lived, dreams unfulfilled, and a legacy that would forever endure. It was during that poignant moment that I realized the immense importance of supporting Wreaths across America.

Wreaths across America is an organization dedicated to ensuring that no grave at the Naval Academy remains bare during the annual ceremony. Their mission is to remember, honor, and teach - keeping alive the memory of those who fought for our freedom and inspiring younger generations to appreciate the sacrifices made on their behalf.

By donating to wreaths Across America, you become an essential part of the extraordinary endeavor. Your contribution directly impacts the number of wreaths available for placement, ensuring that every hero resting at the Naval Academy receives the recognition they deserve. Each wreath represents a tangible symbol of appreciation, a heartfelt tribute to those who have served our nation with valor.

Your support can help carry forward this tradition of honor as we collectively stand united to remember our fallen heroes. Consider the impact your donation can make, not only on the families and friends of the fallen but also on the generations to come. Together we can preserve the integrity of the Naval Academy ceremony and pay homage to those who gave everything to our country.

The Naval Academy ceremony, made possible through Wreaths Across America, hold a special place in the hearts of countless individual touched by the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women. It is through our collective effort that we can ensure their memories live on and inspire future generations. Join us in the noble cause and let us demonstrate that the spirit of remembrance can heal hearts, forge connections, and honor the heroes who have shaped our nation's history.

To Donate go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/md0011
(cut and paste or you may have to hit the Ctrl key) By using the above link for every 2 wreaths purchased the cemetery will get a free one.

Many other options are available to send more, or less. If you have any issues, please contact me at the numbers listed below. Wreaths are $17 a wreath, when you purchase two the free one will be applied automatically by using the link above. You may not see this, but, I will, if you would like to confirm please contact me.

All are welcome to the wreath laying on Friday December 1, 2023 Time to be determined usually 08:30 or 09:00. You may sign up to volunteer for this event on that same link, by doing so you will get the latest information as to the time and parking.

Or mail check to: Wreaths Across America
PO Box 249
Columbia Falls, ME 04623
Place MD0011 on the memo line of your check for USNA to get credit.

Thank you for your help, we cannot accomplish this without your donations. If you are an organization that is looking to raise money for your organization this is a wonderful and easy fundraiser too. I would be glad to help you get started.

Carol Turman
Coordinator, Wreaths Across America USNA
2430 Kemper Rd
Crofton, MD 21114
c-443-336-6541
h-410-451-4490

Dear Classmates, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1963,

We are experiencing the last heat of the summer here in Annapolis. Every day this week is projected to be well more than 90 degrees. We will get through it.

Reunion Gouge: If you have not registered and paid for the reunion events you want to attend, chop to your computer as fast as you can and register at; SignUpNow.Events/USNA1963. This is very important. Within two weeks we must give hard numbers and money to caterers, transportation providers, and others that will service our reunion. There is a 20% surcharge on registration fees, so do it NOW. We will cut off any refunds by 10 October because we have committed the money and cannot afford last minute cancellations. This is an urgent requirement.

Please check out the Terwilliger and Class of 1963 CAE video posted on our website. Once again the '63 CAE has broken all records with over 1700 sign ups per week for the services offered. You will hear more about this in the days ahead, and at the reunion.

Doubletree. Lori Kate Pyle the widow of Gary Smith has a two queen bed bedroom at the discounted rate from Wed-Sun. If you need a room please contact her at :l lorikate29@gmail.com as soon as possible. Once released, the room will revert to open registration for anyone.

Class Dinner. Dress for the class dinner on Friday evening will be optional. You can wear a coat and tie, a coat and open collared shirt, shirt, and slacks with no coat. Please wear a collared shirt (no tee shirts), slacks (no jeans), and socks. Information as to rain gear will be put out later.

Company dinners on Thursday night. If your company does not have a place for a dinner get together on Thursday night, the Doubletree Hotel can accommodate company dinners. A table or tables will be provided and everyone orders off the menu as desired. If interested, please contact Wendy Ruhle at (410) 897 1012.

Lee Pekary You may want to get to Annapolis a day early .. Our classmate Lee Pekary will be laid to rest in the Columbarium at 1330 on Thursday the 18th of October.

Football:

This week we play Wagner at home on Saturday. Our class tailgate will be up in our usual spot and will be for all home games this season. However, this season will probably be our last in doing so. It costs well more than $3500.00 to put up and strike the tent for a season. Our collections from those attending do not meet the costs and there are fewer of us attending the tailgate and games. If you disagree with this intention, please let me know along with your ideas for raising more money.

Around the Yard: Rear Admiral Fred Kacher is the acting superintendent of the Naval Academy until he is promoted and assumes command of the Seventh Fleet. Hopefully, Rear Admiral Yvette Davids will soon be confirmed as a vice admiral and take up the reins as planned.

From the Crow's nest to the main deck, that's all the news.

See you at the reunion. Don't miss out, REGISTER NOW and pay your fees so there is a place for you.

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson

Abernathy United Methodist Church
960 Malcolm Blvd.
Connelly Springs, NC 28612

The service and inurnment will be in early Fall at the Naval Academy.

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The summer weather here in Annapolis has been great and continues to be so. The days are warm but not humid. The sun has been in evidence almost every day. This is all evidence to show that we had the last real Plebe summer.

Reunion Gouge: There are 68 days remaining until we gather here in Annapolis for our 60th reunion. If you have not done so already, please go to the website SignUpNow.Events/USNA 1963, sign up for the events you plan to attend and pay for them now. This will greatly facilitate reunion planning here in Annapolis. On the registration website you will find a complete listing of events planned, their times and locations. Use the instructions you should have received in the mail or the video help button included to navigate the website. It is not hard.

Reunion Gear: Anchor Enterprises has opened a Class of 63 store with short sleeve denim shirts, long sleeve oxford shirts, base ball caps and other items. The class crest will be featured on all items purchased from the class store. The class store can be accessed directly at: usnaclasstore.com/63store.html.

Navy Football: The 2023 Navy football season is fast upon us. The opening game is August 26 against Notre Dame to be played in Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. This game is dubbed the Aer Lingus Classic. Both teams will wear Gaelic jerseys designed by UnderArmor. Navy's white jersey will feature a Carrick bend knot used to join two lines of differing circumference. Notre Dame's blue jerseys will include a Celtic knot like the one that decorates the Golden Dome in South Bend. Navy was a young team last year and has matured significantly. There are a number of returning veterans. The coaching staff promises other than triple option offensive play featured in recent years. Look for more passing than we have seen. The offensive and defensive lines, including line backers, will see a majority of returning players. Three quarter backs are vying for the starting position. Practice so far promises a strong, experienced, savvy team. The Dublin game will be televised at 1430 EDT. Check your local listings for the appropriate channel in your area.

Class Tailgate: Our '63 tailgate will be up and running at site 12A (near the water tower end of the field) for all our home games except the Air Force game when we will have the '63 reunion catered tailgate inside the stadium proper. This will be the last year for our class tailgate. We have a diminishing number attending and costs of site rental, tent erection, taking down and storage are considerable. When you see the glass jar passed, please be generous in donating to meeting those costs.

Around The Yard: The class of 2027 is enjoying parent's weekend after a six weeks (43days) Plebe Summer. The new Plebes look smart in their dress white uniforms worn for the first time this weekend. The Brigade returns over the next several days and classes start on Thursday. Time flies.

Who Is In Charge, Or Who's On First: The current Superintendent, VADM Sean Buck is technically retired but retained until sometime in September. VAM Buck is on a short list to become president of Florida Atlantic University. The arrival of VADM Yvette Davids is at the whim of Senator Tom Tuberville of Alabama who has long put a hold on Senate confirmation or promotion of senior military officers causing a severe problem for the leadership for all the services. The current Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is currently acting as Commandant until he can be confirmed in the post. The same holds true for the Army and will for the Air Force where the current vice chiefs are nominated to step up. The position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff may also go vacant until the Senate bottle neck is cleared.

Big Navy: The Navy will soon inaugurate its first female Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Lisa Franchetti, who is currently serving as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. A surface warfare officer she has commanded a destroyer, a strike battle group and the Sixth Fleet where she supervised tomahawk missile strikes against Syrian poison gas facilities. She has also served as the J-5 (Plans, Policy, and Strategy) on the Joint Staff. Although not a Naval Academy graduate, she has all the right stuff to be our next CNO.

That's all the news from here in the Crow's Nest.

See you at the reunion!

Quality '63,

Spencer Johnson '63

July 5, 2023--Spencer Johnson Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

Reunion Information

Reunion registration instructions due to be mailed out have hit a snag but should be arriving soon. We are employing the US Postal Service, Welles Fargo Stage Coach lines, and the Pony Express but even so....... Registration information to register on line can be found on our class website, thanks to Steve Coester. You are encouraged to register on line as soon as possible to facilitate reunion planning.

1. To register on line: (1) go to USNA63.org,our class website homepage

(2) Go to Class Reunions

(3) Click on Class of 1963 60th Reunion October 19-23, 2023

(4) Click on Registration. There you will find detailed instructions on registration and signing up for the events you and your guests will want to attend.

Again, please take a few minutes and register now.

Reunion Gear. Another source of reunion gear is Anchor Enterprises. The proprietor is Steve Phillips. For more information go to steve@anchorenterprises.com

Around the Yard. Summer, with all the humidity and thunder storms we all remember so well, has returned to Annapolis. So have the new Plebe Class, the Class of 2027, which gathered 1185 strong and was sworn in on 29 June They all have new "haircuts", initial uniform issues including "white works", and a 300 plus page copy of Reef Points. Some things never change.

Thats all the news from Annapolis.

REGISTER NOW. See you at the reunion.

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson

July 3, 2023--Save the Date -Correction-- Next Class DC Area '63 Luncheons are July 18 and September 13. We are scheduling a summer luncheon for the first time. We'll see how it goes.

June 26, 2023--Rick Kleinfeldt will be Inured at the USNA Columbarium at 10:30am on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Please let Dave Bingemann (dmbr@aol.com) (Cell: 904-476-4534) know if you plan to attend.

June 16, 2023--Save the Date - Next Class DC Area '63 Luncheons are July 19 and September 20. We are scheduling a summer luncheon for the first time. We'll see how it goes.

June 7, 2023--Spencer Johnson Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

Looking Back It was sixty years ago yesterday that, after having spent our last night in Bancroft Hall, we mustered and marched over to Halsey Fieldhouse in our service dress whites to receive our diplomas and commissions as newly minted graduates of the US Naval Academy. We listened impatiently to the graduation address presented by Vice President Lyndon Johnson. Those graduating in the top ten percent as honor graduates proceeded to the stage to receive their diplomas from the Vice President. The rest of us received our diplomas and commissions from the bundle that our company representative brought back to our seating area. After that we gave three cheers and threw our midshipman covers into the air to the applause of all assembled to witness the culmination of four years hard work and dogged persistence. It was a bitter sweet moment. On the one hand, we were glowing with the pride that only graduation could bestow on each and every one of us, and, on the other hand, we would never be all together again. From Halsey Field House we emerged as ensigns and second lieutenants scattered to the seven seas to win the nation's wars and wage the peace that was the "Cold War". Since then we have experienced almost all that life has to offer in uniform or out. We each took with us the ethos that we learned by precept and example at the Naval Academy. We have provided leadership and service where ever we found ourselves. We still do. Well Done Classmates!!!

Around the Yard

New Supeintendant. The President has named the next Superintendent of the Naval Academy. She is Rear Admiral Yvette David. She is awaiting Senate confirmation to promotion to Vice Admiral (along with about two hundred other flag and general officers). She will be the first female Superintendent of the Naval Academy. Her husband is a Navy Seal and, as a Rear Admiral, commands Navy Special Operations Command from Coronado, California They have twin boys aged twelve years old. If confirmed, the change of command will take place in early July. VADM Sean Buck, the current Superintendent will retire when relieved.

Ogle Hall The headquarters of the Alumni Association, named for the colonial governor who occupied the house, was recently sold for over $6 million and will be vacated this summer when the new Alumni headquarters (Fleugel Hall.) is ready for occupancy. The new owners of OGLE Hall plan to convert the building and its adjacent buildings into a 20 room bed and breakfast. Their further plan to establish a private club on the site has been put on hold by the City Council who are concerned with zoning prohibitions on nocturnal noise and other concerns of adjacent neighbors. Hendon The Class of 2027 completed their "sea trials" fourteen hour physically demanding ordeal the second week in May and climbed Herndon the next morning with a time of 2 hours and 33 minutes. 'Taint no mo' Plebes".

Spring Sports The Navy rugby team, in their first year as a varsity sport, won the rugby national championship. The Navy baseball team lost three out of four games against Army and lost any bid for the league championship thereby. Both women's and men's outdoor track and fielld teams swept to victory in all events including the league champoinships. Navy's javelin thrower is on his way to the national championship in the event, having thrown the javelin over 248 feet for a new personal best and record throw.

Graduation The Class of 2023 graduated in the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium on 26 May, adding over a thousand new officers to the fleet. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin was their speaker and did not let them forget that he is a West Point graduate. It was a beautiful day for the traditional Blue Angels fly over and graduation.

Reunion Gouge. Several items of note for our upcoming October reunion:

Expect a letter in your mail box before the end of the month that will include all the information for registration for the reunion. It is hoped that everyone will be registered as soon as possible to facilitate final arrangements fo the reunion events.

Game time for the Air Force game has been set for noon. This is to accommodate national television coverage of the game.

If you need reunion gear (shirts, jackets, etc.) go to Zancan Men (Zancan apparel.com) for a wide range of choices and colors. They will embroidery our class crest if desired and deliver to your front door.

More to come soon. Watch your mail box and this space.

With best wishes to all,

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson '63

June 4, 2023--Tomorrow June 5 marks 60 years since we graduated!

April 27, 2023--Save the Date - Next Class '63 Luncheon is Tuesday May 23, 2023 at the ANCC.

March 17, 2023--Joel Warshaw Interment at Arlington will be on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 11 AM.

From Bob Forster: If you plan on attending Joel Warshaw's funeral at Arlington and the luncheon at Ft Meyer, please let Mikaela Clark mikaela_rossman@hotmail.com know you will be there.

The funeral is on April 3rd at 11am at Arlington National Cemetery. Weather in this area can be extra unpredictable that time of year--it could be 30* or 90*. The ceremony date is also during the Cherry Blossom Festival, so expect traffic and parking to be extra challenging. ANC is accessible via the Metro on the Blue Line, Arlington Cemetery Stop.

https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Attending-a-Funeral/Order-of-Events

The lunch reception will be following the ceremony, at approximately 12:30pm, at Ft. Myer, Patton Hall. This is about a 20 minute walk or 10 minute drive from the cemetery. You will need to obtain base access to attend the reception. It is recommended that you follow the process for base access prior to the day of the reception, however it can be accomplished on the day of the event, but will require a wait time before you are able to enter the base. Details about base access are below.

https://jbmhh.armymwr.com/programs/patton-hall-community-club-and-conference-center

JBM-HH VISITOR PASS REQUEST PROCESS

ONLINE PASS REQUEST-

For one day access requests for events, or general access you may complete an online request through JBM-HH online website: https://pass.aie.army.mil/jbmhh. All requests should be submitted with as much advance notice as possible to ensure adequate processing and vetting time. Processing times will vary pending the number of requests in the queue. If practicable, requests should be submitted a minimum of four business days in advance of intended entry. Requests submitted less than four business days should be submitted as a short notice request; however, requests annotated as a short notice request does not guarantee processing in time for requested installation access. You must have a valid Driver's License and Social Security number to utilize this system. You may also have to take a photo.

*If you receive a NEGATIVE VETTING Result or No photo is displayed on your pass you must come to the JBM-HH VCC (Bldg. S507) to receive your pass.

PRE-VET EVENT PASS ACCESS REQUEST-

To acquire installation pass onto Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH), for Event attendees, they must fill out the JBM-HH Installation Access Request Form 190-16x. Visitor applicants would need to complete questions 1-2-3-5-6a-6b-7-9-10-12 and 13 on the front page and numbers 1-2 and 3 on the reverse page. If any of your attendees possess DoD CAC ID or Military/Dependent ID cards, then as a result, they would not have to fill out the application. Also, if any of your attendees are under the age of 18, they would not have to fill out the application. All applications should be turned in to us 10 days prior to an event or emailed to usarmy.jbmhh.asa.mbx.visitor-control-center@mail.mil.

*This process is used to Pre-Vet applicants ONLY. This only clears applicants for entry and does not issue a pass. Individuals will still have to come inside the Visitor Control Center to receive their pass.

VISITOR PASS REQUEST-

Visitors to JBM-HH may report to the JBM-HH Visitor Control Center, Bldg. S507 located adjacent to Hatfield Gate or Bldg. 65 on Fort McNair. You will need to bring required Government Issued identification which will be presented to the VCC Staff for the Installation access vetting process. You will need to provide your Social Security Number onto a Keypad and (if required) you may need to have your photograph taken. If approved you will be given a temporary pass from 1 to 60 days. This process is very quick and can only take a couple of minutes (depending on number of events.

*If denied you will be provided a Memo and Waiver Packet. Reason for Denial is not authorized to be provided.

FOREIGN VISITOR PASS REQUEST

An individual who is a Non US Citizen requires additional checks. In Addition to the QH (Computerized Criminal History Check) and the QR (Individual Criminal Records Request).This additional check is the IAQ (Immigration Assessment Query). All individuals who request access to JBM-HH using a foreign Passport (without a VISA) will be required to fill out a JBM-HH Form 190-16x. It will be explained that they are not able to gain access onto the installation until results have been returned. This may take a while, as request is sent to other agency for response.

Fort Myer VCC Hours of Operation:

Monday through Friday, from 0600 to 1700
Saturday, from 1000 through 1500
(703) 696-0185

Fort McNair VCC Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday, from 0800 to 1600.
(202) 685-7762

If attending the luncheon you will need a military ID (retired or dependent) card to get on base. Otherwise see the instructions at the end of this email to obtain a visitor's pass for Ft Meyer.

March 15, 2023--Ron Klemick's Inurnment at USNA from Watt Miles

Ron Klemick's Inurnment has been rescheduled for 1400 on Tuesday, 9 May at the Columbarium. There will be a reception at the O'Club following the ceremony, which Spence has graciously helped Sandy and son Matt coordinate. Also , Ben has arranged a discounted block of rooms ($149) at the DoubleTree by Hilton (our 60th Reunion hotel) just off Riva Road for the 8th and 9th of May; they are cancellable until 2 days prior and must be made by 30 days prior. Please make them ASAFeasible at this link:

https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/anpdtdt-zmk-f8aea6bb-016f-4a34-9060-f780e58932ba/ or call 1-800-222-TREE and use Group Code ZMK

Please let Watt know if you plan to attend... perrymiles@cox.net

March 2, 2023--Spencer Johnson Irish Pennants and IMPORTANT reunion info

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

Reunion Gouge.

Bill Earner, our reunion chairman has just passed the following information for dissemination to the class:

" Dear Classmates,

We have just been informed by the Naval Academy Athletic Association that we must have all tickets for the reunion game with Air Force purchased by May 1st. I recognize that this is a short timeline but since the game is undoubtedly going to be a sellout the NAAA wants to know just how many tickets are sold as soon as possible so as to give everyone who wants one a fair shot at getting one.

You may order tickets from the NAAA at the Navy Sports web site Navysports.com (go to Tickets Tab>Ticket Promo Codes, then ENTER PROMO Code 1963

We will use PROMO code 1963. It is very important that you use the PROMO code when ordering so that NAAA recognizes the class order and your tickets are in the Class of 1963 section. That way we can ask for more tickets if our initial block request is filling up ahead of the May 1st deadline. If you want to sit as a company group it is recommended to have one person order all the tickets for the group/company and the others pay that person. Still - remember to use the PROMO code: 1963.

The tickets for the Air Force game are eighty dollars each (e$80).

If you are planning to attend the Tailgate party ahead of the game you must have a football game ticket to enter the Tailgate area. If you are not interested in watching the game from a seat in the Class section, you may order a Standing Room Only (SRO) ticket. SRO tickets cost fifty dollars ($50). You will not be permitted into the stadium seating area with an SRO ticket but may easily watch from the end zone wall area. It is the current plan to hold the Tailgate under the large tent adjacent to the Class of '53 pavilion.

I recognize this is a major change from our past reunions in Annapolis but at this point in our journey I think we can make it happen and have a wonderful reunion.

Thanks for your support,

Bill Earner,

Chair, 60th Reunion, Class of 1963 "

Herndon

Word has just been received that the traditional Herndon climb for the Class of 2026 will be rescheduled from the beginning of graduation week to the final event of the grueling 15 or 16 hour "Sea Trials" now imposed on each Plebe Class at the end of the year. Sea Trials are meant to test individual stamina and strength, ingenuity, team building, coordination, and spirit. Events are held on both sides of the Severn, including crossing the river in rubber boats. The Herndon climb will be the final event of Sea Trials, testing class ability to coordinate and achieve the replacing of the Dixie cup at the top with a combination cover. Having seen the mud and sweat covered midshipmen at the end of Sea Trials, there may be no need to grease the Herndon monument. I predict slower times for the climb given the exhausted condition of the Plebes at the outset.

On completion of the Herndon climb and the switching of the headgear, the Plebes are promoted to Third Class Midshipmen, and the chant will truly be "T'aint No Plebes No More"

That's all the news for now, folks.

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson '63

March 1, 2023--Joel Warshaw Interment at Arlington will be on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 11 AM.

February 28, 2023--Save the Date - Next Class '63 Luncheon is Thursday March 23, 2023 at the ANCC.

January 4, 2023--Save the Date: Next Class '63 Luncheon - January 26th at the Army/Navy Country CC

February 18, 2023--Joel Warshaw Visitation and Reception

Joel's local visitation will be held Thursday the 23rd at 1000 at Vale-Hoskins Funeral Home (513 W Pike St., Morrow, OH 45152), followed by an open house at Hamilton Township Police Department (7780 S St Rt 48, Maineville, OH 45039.

January 4, 2023--Save the Date: Next Class '63 Luncheon - January 26th at the Army/Navy Country CC

December 24, 2022--Spencer's Christmas Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

Exams are over. Bancroft Hall is all but deserted. The Brigade of Midshipmen is on Christmas leave. The weather is icy cold, with temperatures well below feezeing, and winds sufficient to halt all traffic on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Navy Football. The season came to an end on december 10th with a heartbreaking loss to Army (20-17) in double overtime. Immediately following the outcome of the game, long time (15 year ) head coach, Ken Niamatalolo, was unceremoniously fired from his position for failure to meet expectations to win the Commander-in- Chief"s trophy, complete a winning season (6 games in the win column), and receive a bowl bid, in four of the past five years. There are many who think that Coach Niamatalolo should have been allowed to finish the last year of his current contract. Next year should be a much better season for Navy with 17 of 22 starters returning and three of the top competitors in the league withdrawing from the conference (Houston, University of Central Florida, and Cincinnati). Others think a change in football leadership is badly needed. The sports columnist John Feinstein wrote in the Washington Post that Navy will be hard pressed to find another coach with Ken Niamatalolo's qualities of coaching, leadership, character, integrity and devotion to developing future leaders as well as football players.

Defensive coordinater Brian Newberry has been named as interim head coach. Newberry has been the defensive coordinator for the past four years and is largely responsible for the nationally ranked performance of Navy's defensive platoon. He is a known quantity and highly respected by the team and Navy fans. The line backers coach has been moved up to defensive coordinator. A nation wide search is ongoing for assistant coaches and an offensive coordinator.

Kudos. The Superintendent in addressing the December meeting of the Council of Class President's, said that the Naval Academy has been named by US News and World Report the best public college in the country; number 4 in undergraduate engineering; and number 6 in liberal arts education. The Navy graduation rate is 91.2 percent (one of the highest in the nation---USMA 84%, USAFA 82.1%) with only 1.2 percent of those who fail to graduate due to academic failure, again leading the nation. The Terwilliger, Class of 1963 Academic Center for Excellance was singled out as a major contributor to this awesome achievement. Well done to all hands. Also of note, Navy has a total of 35 varsity sports and eight club sports, behind only Stanford University and Ohio State University which have 37 varsity sports. Plans are to add two more varsity sports to the Navy roster in the near term.

My Favorite Christmas Story. I apologize for retelling this story, but it comes to mind every Christmas. I came to the Naval Academy from Charleston, South Carolina. Our Plebe year the governor of South Carolina, Fritz Hollings, arranged to have a South Carolina Air National Guard "Flying Boxcar" come to Andrews Air Force Base to bring us home to South Carolina. All we had to do was get to Andrews. The night before we were released for Christmas leave it began to snow in Annapolis. By noon on Saturday, there were eight or ten or more inches of snow on the ground. Nothing was moving. Four or five of us found a taxi driver willing to attempt the trip to Andrews. When we arrived we found that nothing was flying due to the snow. The Air Force put us up in the Visiting Officers Quarters overnight. The next morning at 0600, before the sun was up, there was a knock at the door. An Air Force airman had arrived to take us to the flight line. He took one look at me in my bridge coat with eight big brass buttons and my cap with a slim gold chin strap, and said "Can I take yout bag, Sir?" That was the best Christmas present I ever got.

See you at our 60th reunion here in Annapolis 19-22 October 2023.

From our house here in Annapolis to yours, best wishes for a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas in the warmth of family and friends, and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Quality '63
Spencer Johnson

December 12, 2022--Peter Browne inurnment at Arlington--from Bob Forster

There will be a reception after the ceremony at the Arlington Army Navy Country Club from about 2 to 4:00pm

December 9, 2022--Peter Browne inurnment at Arlington--from Bob Forster

Peter will be Inured in the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) Columbarium with his son Josh on Tuesday, December 13th at 1:00 pm.

I apologize for the late notification. I have confirmed the date and time on the ANC website.

I believe that there is a reception following the service but I do not have the details; nor do I have POC info for his wife, Jacki.

Notes: ANC requests visitors arrive 45min to ½ hour ahead of time WITH vehicles. Vehicles will be needed for the service. Proceed to the security guards and notify them you are there for a service. ANC has implemented 100% ID checks at all entrances and requires all visitors to go through physical screening

Original documentation is required. Paper copies or cell phone photos of identification are not accepted.

§ Visitors 18 years of age and older must present a valid U.S. state or federal government-issued photo identification for entry.
§ Visitors 16 and 17 years old who do not have a U.S. state or federal government-issued photo identification may present an official school-issued photo identification for entry.
§ Persons who are not U.S. citizens must present a valid passport or U.S. State Department-issued photo identification for entry.

November 7, 2022--Spencer's Irish Pennants 3 November 2022

Dear Classmates, family, and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The weather is crisp and cool here in Annapolis. Wood smoke is in the air. This Sunday we turn our chronometers back an hour; a welcome addition to our now all too familiar long winter's nap.

Football The football season is fast advancing toward the season closer against Army on December 10 in Philadelphia.

Last Saturday's game was exciting against Temple. Entering the game 20 1/2 point favorites, Navy lost its starting quarterback to a season ending leg injury in the first quarter. His replacement, Xavier "X" Arline, frittered away a 13 point Navy lead, failing to spark the Navy offense. The game ended in a 20-20 tie. Going into overtime. Arline scored a touchdown on a 23 yard run to make the score 27-20 Navy. The defense prevented Temple scoring with a fourth down interception in the end zone to end the game at 27-20. The victory deprived Brigade went wild with joy, leaving the stadium winners.

There are no more home games here in Annapolis. Our tailgate tent has been folded and is now in storage until next season.

Three games against well ranked teams precede the Army game:

On 5 November, Navy meets the University of Cincinnati Bearcats in Cincinnati.

On 12 November the Midshipmen face the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in Baltimore's Raven's Stadium. There are tickets still available:

--Al Sherman has two 45 yard line seats available (row 17 section 527). Price $80.00 apiece. Contact Al at 703-537-6089 if interested.

--Marion Alexander '64 has two 50 yard line tickets for $80.00 apiece. Contact Marion at 410-267-9241 if interested.

On 19 November Navy faces off against the University of Central Florida (UCF), another real powerhouse. For those classmates who will be in the Orlando area attending the game or otherwise, Ken Metviner and Bruce Webb have extended an invitation to join them at their club after the game. The Artisan Club is located at 1343 Celebration Avenue in Kissimmee, Florida. Please let Ken know if you are interested in coming. His e-mail is: kmetviner919@aol.com.

If you have recently moved or changed your e-mail address, please let me, Mike Shelley (nstar@comperium.net) or Steve Coester (Steve.Coester@1963.USNA.com) know so that we can update our class and alumni house rosters and keep you in the loop. Don't be one of the ten percent that never gets the word.

That's all the news that's fit to print.

Stay healthy and stay warm.

Quality '63 !

Spencer Johnson '63

October 15, 2022--Save the Date: Next Class '63 Luncheon - November 16th at the Army/Navy Country CC

October 11, 2022--Spencer's Irish Pennants 10 October 2022

Dear Classmates, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The weather has turned cool here in Annapolis. Fall has arrived. The Midshipmen, some for the first time, are in service dress blues. Football. After four lack luster games, the Navy offense took the field last Saturday to defeat the University of Tulsa 53 to 21. By all accounts, it was a "blow out" against a team that was favored by 6 points going into the game. Tulsa never had the lead at any point. The Navy defense sparkled throughout as in previous games. The offense did nothing but "click" in all four quarters. The season ahead looks a lot brighter begining with Southern Metodist University this Friday night at 1930 EST followed by Houston the following week here in Annapolis. While we narrowly lost to Air Force (23-20) at Colorado Springs, last weeks' win bodes well for a Navy win over Army on December 10th.

Ron Klemick. Wednesday's scheduled inurnment of Ron Klemick's remains in the Naval Academy Columbarium has been postponed until next Spring. Sandy Klemick was admitted to the hospital in North Carolina with blood clotting in both legs that required emergency surgery to alleviate. She is reported to be making a good recovery, including time in a rehab facility before going home. She has family in the immediate area.

Reunion Gauge. The Sixtieth Class Reunion is being planned for the weekend of 19-21 October 2023. Mark your calenders now. Navy will be playing Air Force at home.

We have blocked rooms at the Doubletree hotel off Riva Road in Annapolis. Rooms cannot be reserved before 24 October 2022 when a link will be sent for easy access to room reservations. The hotel has a big parking lot, easy access with few stairs and good elevators. We are planning a class dinner, class meeting , and casual get togethers at the Doubletree. We will begin the reunion with company events on Thursday evening.

On Friday October 20 there will be the traditional golf tournament chaired by Jim Lloyd. The Mid store will be open all day. We will hold a Class Memorial Service at 1100 in the Chapel. The Supe will speak to all alumni at about 1330 in Alumni Hall. There will be a P-rade at 1600 for which we will have a class block of seats. The day will conclude with a Class dinner at the Doubletreee.

Saturday will include a no host brunch and Class meeting followed by the stadium tailgate. Football kickoff time has yet to be determined. (TBD).

Post game events will be casual or as scheduled by companies.

A "no host" brunch will conclude the reunion on Sunday morning.

That's all the gauge for now. Sir, I am shoving off !!!

Beat SMU !

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson '63

September 24, 2022--The services for Ron Klemick, scheduled for October 12th, have been postponed until Spring 2023.

September 2, 2022--America’s Military Service Academies: An Outstanding Option For Undergraduate Education from Forbes

Click Here to read the article.

September 1, 2022--Spencer's September 2022 Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1963,

Plebe Summer for the Class of 2026 ended on 18 August. The Brigade had since "reformed" for the new academic year with the class of 2026 fully integrated.

Football. The new season kicks off on Saturday with a home game against the University of Delaware. The Navy team is young and relatively inexperienced, but Coach Niamatalolo is quick to point out that this is the first time in two years that the team has fully coalesced and trained together over Spring and Summer training periods prior to the season opening. All positions are filled by highly competetive Navy players eager to prove themselves and their team. Delaware, by contrast, has the majority of first string players in their fifth or even sixth years in college. No matter how you slice it, Saturday's game should prove closely contested and a great start to the new season. Kick off time is 12 noon. The game will be carried on CBS channels.

The second game of the season is against the University od Memphis on 10 September, again here in Annapolis. Kickoff against Memphis is scheduled for 1530.

Our class tailgate is once again located at site 12A. The tent is up. Use Gate three (3) to access parking. Gate Three is located at the corner of Farragut Road and Cedar Park Road. Please bring brunch type foods to share since the game begins at noon this week. Next week, luncheon items are more appropriate since kickoff is at 1530.

Once again, you will find a glass jar for donations to cover the not inconsiderable costs of erecting, striking, and storing our class tent, and for the rental of tables and chairs for our events. Please be as generous as you can. Our class funds are not inexhaustible and will soon be needed for reunion planning expenses.

See you at the game!

Beat Delaware!

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson

September 1, 2022--Save the Date: Next Class '63 Luncheon - September 28th at the Army/Navy Country CC

August 11, 2022--Harlan Ullman Opinion piece,"Is America’s Historical Amnesia Curable?"

Published in thehill.com. Click Here to read the article.

August 8, 2022--Steve Leisge has Delaware Football tickets

Two seats in upper blue ’63 section. Parking next to tailgate. All electronic ticketing – I can transfer tix and parking pass to you. $50/ticket + $30 parking. 703-820-5204

August 5, 2022--Spencer's Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The "dog days" of summer have arrived in Annapolis. Every day is well over 90 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms are welcomed as long as they bring cooler temperatures with them, Bancroft is air conditioned.

Around the Yard

The Class of 2026, 1175 strong, was sworn in at the end of June and embarked on their Plebe Summer. Parent's weekend is only a week away. as is the return of the Brigade for "reformation" immediately thereafter.

The football team began practice for the 2022 season yesterday afternoon. Navy was placed number nine out of ten (ahead only of Temple) in the AAC conference pre-season poll. Coach Niematalolo is unfazed. He said Navy would rather be the under dog. He is highly optimistic for a winning season. Although Navy is a young team with many vacancies to fill, Spring practice revealed great candidates to fill those vacancies. The season opens with the first of two home games against the University of Delaware on 3 September (1200 game time), followed by the University of Memphis on 10 September ( 1530 game time). September closes out with a game against the University of East Carolina on the 24th. Our class tailgate tent will be in our usual spot (12A) backing onto Farragut Road. Please bring refreshments for a potluck gathering as we have done in the past

Farewells:

Mel Bunnel went to his rest in Arlington cemetery on 11 July.

Tomorrow at 1030 we lay to rest our classmate Michael G. Colston in the Columbarium.

William Douglass Davidson will be inurned at the Columbarium at 1030 on 11 August. A young Marine captain from the Class of 2013 has volunteered to lead the Marine party rendering military honors and will present the flag to Charlsie, Doug's widow. A reception will follow at the Annapolis Yacht Club. If you have not already let me know if you plan to attend, please do so as soon as possible so we can get a good count of classmates attending.

Nancy Helsper, wife of Charlie Helsper will precede him in the Columbarium at 1030 on 16 September.

Ron Klemick will be laid to rest at 1400 on 12 October in the Columbarium. A reception will follow at the Officer's and Faculty Club. Again, please let me know if you plan to attend Ron's service and reception.

The Last Paladin. Peter Deuterman's latest novel of WWII in the Pacific is now published. In this book an Atlantic Fleet destroyer escort is transferred to the Pacific where it puts its ASW expertise gained on Atlantic convoy duty to good account against the Japanese. A stirring and realistic telling of war at sea as only Peter can tell it.

Beat everyone !!
Quality '63
Spencer Johnson

August 2, 2022--Mike Rubel has a YouTube channel

For those of you who have not seen my videos on YouTube channel "author rubel" please take a moment and visit the site. I posted another one to make it 4 letters from the edge and 4 about catharsis in writing. If you like them please forward to your friends and subscribe to the channel as well.

The latest is about a divorcée that retreats to a small town in the Sierra Nevada mountains to find peace. I have many more to post and will let you know when I do so. Some are funny some are sad but one or more will touch you in a way that will make you happy or sad but at least have some emotional impact.

The first 2 videos concern Catharsis in writing and a method used to relive people of deeply hidden traumas and enable them to deal with them in a conscious level. The first letter from the edge was based on Reed Farrington dying in Carmel CA. I have about 25 of them that I will post one every 10 days!

August 1, 2022--Bob Forster provided this summary of funeral services coming up soon

The following services for our Classmates are scheduled at the USNA Columbarium
Michael G. Colston Inurement at USNA Columbarium on Friday August 5th. No other info available

Doug Davidson Inurement at USNA Columbarium on August 11 at 10:30am followed by a reception at the Annapolis Yacht Club Sailing Center in Eastport on Severn Ave. On street parking. Notify Spencer Johnson if you plan to attend wsjohnson63@gmail.com

Nancy Helsper, wife of Charles Helsper, Inurement at USNA Columbarium on Friday, September 16th at 10:30am

Ron Klemick Inurement at USNA Columbarium on October12 at 2pm followed by a reception at the Officer’s/ Faculty Club. Contact Watt Miles by email (perrymiles@cox.net) or phone (757-423-7614) if you plan to attend the reception at the USNA O-Club following.

July 19, 2022--Military ID Cards

From Dave Emerson--Military Retirees and Dependents With ID Cards That Don’t Expire Need to Get Replacements Within 4 Years. See https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/07/14/military-retirees-and-dependents-id-cards-dont-expire-need-get-replacements-within-4-years.html

July 12, 2022--Donald Reeeves funeral

Don will be laid to rest at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth Florida on August 15th at 3:00 pm.

June 19, 2022--Inurnment for Ron Klemick at USNA

The inurnment for Ron will be at the Naval Academy Columbarium on 12 October 2022 at 1400. A reception will follow at the O'Club.

June 6, 2022--Details on Services for Jack Dranttel

Jack Dranttel’s inurement in the USNA Columbarium will be at 10:30am on Wednesday, June 22nd. There will be a reception at the Academy Club after the service.

If you plan to attend the reception please RSVP to Jim Ring at jep.ring@gmail.com . He will notify the family.

June 6, 2022--Details on Funeral Services for Bob LaGassa from David LaGassa

Date: Monday June 13th at 11 am ET

Place: Arlington National Cemetery

Notes: ANC requests visitors arrive 45min ahead of time WITH vehicles. Vehicles will be needed for the service. Proceed to the security guards and notify them you are there for a service. ANC has implemented 100% ID checks at all entrances and requires all visitors to go through physical screening. Visitors 18 years of age and older must present a valid U.S. state or federal government issued photo identification for entry.

After the Service we will be going to Sequoia at 3000 K Street NW in Washington, DC 20007 (202-944-4200). Reservations are for 12:30. IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON ATTENDING, PLEASE EMAIL dave.lagassa@yahoo.com so we can get an accurate count and adjust accordingly. All are welcome.

Right now we are expecting Zoe, myself, Deb, AJ (USAFA '22), Matt (my middle son), Diane (Dad's oldest sister), Derek Simmons, Jim Penrod, and Jim Shull. Sam (my youngest son) will be away at NROTC Boot Camp at Great Lakes.

Weather: 10-day forecast looks good - partly sunny with temps 65-80F. But it is summer in DC so that could change.

If there are questions, email me at: dave.lagassa@yahoo.com

June 6, 2022--Save the Date: Next Class '63 Luncheon - June 29th at the Army/Navy Country CC

June 1, 2022--Bob Forster and Jim Ring provided this summary of funeral services coming up soon

The following services for our Classmates are scheduled at Arlington or USNA Columbarium

Bob LaGassa will be buried at Arlington on Monday, June 13th at 11AM.
No other info at this time

Jack Dranttel Inurement at USNA Columbarium on June 22.
There will be a reception at the Academy Club after Jack Dranttel’s service

Mel Bunnell's funeral is set at Arlington for Monday, July 11th at 11 AM. Please arrive at the Admin Building by 10:15am.
Following the ceremony, Mel and Marilyn's daughter Susan Mercer will host a reception at the Women's Memorial adjacent to the cemetery. For planning purposes, please let Susan or Ray Hoag know if you wish to attend. frauddetection2006@gmail.com, ray.hoag@1963.usna.com)

Doug Davidson Inurement at USNA Columbarium on August 13 at 10:30am followed by a reception at the Annapolis Yacht Club.
Notify Spencer Johnson if you plan to attend wsjohnson63@gmail.com

May 25, 2022--Mel Bunnell Burial at Arlington-From Ray Hoag

Mel will be buried with full honors alongside his first wife Marilyn on July 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. ANC requests attendees to arrive by 10:15 AM.

https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Attending-a-Funeral

Following the ceremony, Mel and Marilyn's daughter Susan Mercer will host a reception at the Women's Memorial adjacent to the cemetery. For planning purposes, please let Susan or I know if you wish to attend.

ray.hoag@1963.usna.com

May 9, 2022--Doug Davidson Memorial Notice - 21 May 3pm in Rehobeth Beach DE

Class of ‘63

Due to the outpouring of love for our father we are moving his memorial to a larger location in Dewey Beach. It is two miles south of the previous Rehoboth location.

The new location address is 136 Dagsworthy street, Dewey beach, DE, the event space is called Ivy.

If any of you are considering attending and require a hotel room, we have a block of rooms available at Canalside Inn in Rehoboth.

The link below will take you to their reservation site. They do require a two night minimum. In addition to the 4 queen rooms still available, I have control over a suite with two king bed options (sitting room with murphy bed and separate room with king bed) and a standard king room. Please reach out to me directly for those.

https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/reservation/ENQmpU#promo=william

The room code for the block is William.

Lacey Davidson
(202) 841-5486
laceyhmd@yahoo.com

May 9, 2022--Spencer's Irish Pennants for May 2022

Dear Classmates, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1963, Greetings from Annapolis. Spring is trying hard to make its presence felt here in Annapolis. Although the trees are in bloom, flowers evident in variety and color, the grass is growing at a phenomenal rate, and the Brigade of Midshipmen are now in summer whites, temperatures still retain a nip and some nights dip to freezing temperatures. It will take a week or more to say that winter is entirely over.

William Douglas Davidson. Our classmate Doug Davidson passed away on 25 April, 2022. Doug was one of the "few good men" to enter the Marine Corps on graduation. He served multiple tours in Vietnam including one as aide to the senior commanding Marine general in country followed by a tour at Headquarters Marine Corps at Eight and Eye Streets.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life gathering is planned for 3PM, Saturday, May 21st at the new location address is 136 Dagsworthy street, Dewey beach, DE, the event space is called Ivy.

Doug's remains will be inurned in the Naval Academy Columbarium 10:30 to 11:00 on 11 August, with lunch afterward at the Annapolis Yacht Club. If you can make either event. please let me know by return e-mail (wsjohnson63@gmail.com) so we can get a good estimate of the number attending.

Around the Yard. The current Superintendent, VADM Sean Buck, USN, will be relieved sometime this summer His replacement has not as yet been announced. The present superintendent has superbly met every challenge head on including flooding in the yard, a cheating scandal, and the corona virus pandemic in all its forms. He deserves a hearty well done from us and all those associated with the Naval Academy.

In a recent talk to the Council of Class Presidents, VADM Buck noted the following:

Flooding at the Academy. There were 40 floods at the Academy between the 40's and the 70's. There were 40 floods in the 90's. In the past year alone there were another 40 floods. The Naval Academy is developing a plan in conjunction with the City of Annapolis to control and mitigate these floods. The Federal Government will be resposnible for necessary funding. The Columbarium will run out of space in the next two years or so and has experienced flooding on several occasions. The current joke is that only qualified submariners are now being placed on the bottom row of niches. The current plan intends to move the Columbarium onto higher ground in the cemetery and increase its size to allow use for another five to six years. There is also consideration being given to planning for a permanent location that will allow for an even larger facility.

Cheating. The 80 Midshipmen (almost all Youngsters) who were involved in the physics exam cheating scandal in September have completed an extensive remediation program and have experienced no further difficulties.

Name Changes. The Federal Commission set up to determine what to do about changing names on Federal property of Confederate soldiers and sailors have completed their work, but have not released their results. At the Naval Academy there are three such renaming requirements : Buchanan House (the Superintendent's quarters), Buchanan Road (named for the first superintendent), and Maury Hall. As previously announced, the Naval Academy does not teach Critical Race Theory (CRT) and they have experienced no problems related to that.

The varsity sports teams have had a 95% graduation rate which is very high among colleges and universities. The Naval Academy ranks third among colleges and universities in the number of varsity sports offered. The men's and women's rugby teams were just added to that mix. The women's rugby team won the National Club championship. The captain of the team , Midn. Sarah Skinner, was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship and is a finalist for Woman Rugby Player of the Year. Prior to last weekend, Navy teams had a 20 to 2 win margin over Army. This past weekend, the women's lacrosse team beat number two seed Army to advance to the Patriot League lacrosse championships only to lose to Loyola.

Commissioning Week will soon be upon us. President Biden will address this year's graduating class on 27 May, and hand out diplomas and commissions.

I remember going on Youngster cruise sixty-two years ago next month. Along with about 300 classmates I found my way up the side of the USS Macon (CA32) for the summer. One bright morning at 0600, I found myself barefoot and manning my holy stone on the foredeck of the cruiser. I had the sleeves of my dungaree shirt rolled up. A very tall, immaculate, first class boatswain's mate with a perfect dixie cup and a large black braided and knotted lanyard for his bosn's pipe, appeared before me. He said, "You got any tattoos, son?" When I responded in the negative, he replied, "Then roll down your sleeves!"

That's All Folks! Stay safe. Covid is still with us,

Quality '63
Spencer Johnson '63

March 22, 2022--The DC area luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, April 7th at the Army Navy Country Club at 11:30am.

March 17, 2022--Addendum 2 to Spencer's March 2022 Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

Reunion Up Date. Please amend my previous Irish Pennants as follows:

The block of rooms for our reunion 19-22 October 2023 will be open for reservations one year ( 365days) prior to our reunion date. You can reserve a room beginning 19 October 2022 , but not before. Attempts to reserve a block room before that date will not be successful. Room rates quoted may change in the months ahead so consider them notional for now.

More will be forthcoming as reunion plans shape up in the months ahead

Sports. All Spring sports are doing well. A first classman on the women's basketball team has been named to the Associated Press listing of All Americans. This is a first for Navy and only the third time a Patriot League player has been selected as an All American.

A very Happy St. Patrick's Day to one all whether, of Irish ancestry or not. Erin go Bragh.

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson '63

March 14, 2022--Mel Bunnell's funeral is set at Arlington for July 11 at 11 AM. Details to follow.

March 8, 2022--Addendum to Spencer's March 2022 Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

Additional Information. Below is some more information tied to Tuesday's Irish Pennants.

For those who have contributed to the Go Fund Me fund for Yvette Coester-Miller a thousand thanks for extending a life-line at this time of need. The site is https://gofund.me/601d578f.

Reunion Hotel Rooms. We have reserved a block of 100 rooms at the Doubletree Hotel here in Annapolis for our sixtieth reunion 19-22 October 2023.Rooms are not available to be booked until 350 days prior to the reunion. That is rooms may be reserved no earlier than November of 2022. Room rates are $249.00 per day. "Shoulder rooms" are available two days before the reunion and for the nights of the 22nd and 23rd for $169.00 per night. More information will follow as we get closer to our reunion dates.

Board of Visitors. Some have asked about the Board of Visitors. There are fifteen members of the Board which meets three times a year. Six members are appointed be the President, others by the Vice President, the Speaker of the House, the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The list of the six new members sent Tuesday are all new Presidential appointees. I know that Trump appointee Sean Spicer was asked to resign and when he didn't was removed. The members of the Board of Visitors report to the Secretary of Defense. They receive no compensation except costs of transportation to the meetings and per diem expenses.

Basketball. Navy lost the Patriot League Championship game against Colgate last night. The score wasn't even close. Navy has lost all three of its games with Colgate this year and Colgate remains the Patriot League champion team. Navy foregoes a trip to the NCAA March Madness tournament, but finishes a great season for the year.

Quality '63
Spencer Johnson '63

March 8, 2022--Spencer's March 2022 Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The weather here in Annapolis is most unpredictable. It has been 70 degrees one day and thirty the next. Bright and sunny one day and sleet the next. The uniform order is "carry everything." Spring, however, is in the air.

Steve Coester has rendered a great service to us all in maintaining our class website these many years. His daughter, Yvette Coester-Miller herself a mother, is currently in a rehab facility after a more than sixty-day hospitalization that included several comas, time on a respirator and intubation among other things. Needless to say, hospital expenses have overwhelmed the family. Steve has set up a "Go Fund Me" site to help defray these costs. The site is https://gofund.me/601d578f. I encourage you to donate as generously as you can to this urgent need.

John Middleton'63 will be laid to rest here in the Columbarium at 10:30 on Friday, 8 April. Please mark your calendar and join the crowd if you can to pay last respects to John.

US Naval Academy Board of Visitors has six new members appointed by President Biden. Two of them are former commandants, all are Naval Academy graduates. The new members are:

Gen John R Allen, USMC (Ret)
Paul J. Angelo
Robert E. Clark, USN (Ret)
ADM Michelle J. Howard, USN (Ret)
Cmdr. John S. McCain, USN
Col. Amy McGrath, USMC

The new members replace those appointed by President Trump who were asked to resign after a review of all service academy board members conducted by the Secretary of Defense.

Byron Marchant, for the past thirteen years the President and CEO of the US Naval Academy Alumni Association, will step down at the end of this month. A search committee co-chaired by Ron Terwilliger '63 and ADM Mark Ferguson '78 is seeking his replacement now. We owe a great debt of thanks to Byron for all that he and the Alumni Association have accomplished under his inspired leadership over the past thirteen years. Generations of midshipmen and alumni are beneficiaries of Byron's great and tireless work. Well Done, Byron. Fair winds and following seas in all that lies ahead.

Craig Thrasher' 63 was honored on the 26th of February at a crew banquet in the N Room where a new annual award to the outstanding member of the crew team was announced. Certainly no one better emulates all the qualities of leadership, perseverance and dedication to winning than Craig does. His memory is now enshrined in this Naval Academy Athletic Association annual award.

Sports have gone extremely well, despite the restrictions covid has imposed.

Navy swept all but one Star competition against Army (women's basketball). Navy teams are now 13-1 against Army in the annual Star competition and are assured of winning the annual series competition no matter the outcome of games yet to be played. Navy prevailed in Rifle, indoor track, swimming and diving, men's basketball, and gymnastics. Navy wrestlers tied Army in knots this year.

The Brigade boxing championships, for the first time since 1963 when the Spadafora brothers fought on the same card, had two brothers contending for championship status. As this goes to press, the Navy men's basketball team is in the Patriot League championship playoffs for the first time in twenty years. Navy faces Colgate tomorrow night (CBS Sports 1930 EST) for the championship after defeating Boston University 85 to 80 in overtime play last night.

Sixtieth Reunion planning is underway. We will have the reunion here in Annapolis from 19 to 22 October 2023. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Double Tree Hotel , and will hold our class dinner in the same hotel. The football game will be against Air Force, with a catered class tailgate. More on the reunion planning will be forthcoming soon, but mark your calendars now for what will be a great weekend of "old tales be retold' and renewed camaraderie.

A dream I had the other night relates to our time together. You will recall that the Naval Academy barbershops were and still are one of the few places in the world where you get into the barber chair and never have to say a word, emerging pretty much as you were when you sat down. Upper class in my company had wooden chits for standing appointments every two weeks. Plebes went to the barber shop with the hope they could be squeezed in between appointments. In my dream, I had crossed my last river and was seated before the awesome Pearly Gates waiting for my entrance interview. The Gates swung ajar, and a very commanding voice was heard to say, "Next man without a chit". I knew that was me.

Ukraine. I ask your thoughts and prayers for all those fighting for their country, and/or are otherwise in peril in Ukraine. Their courage reminds us that freedom isn't free. We won the First Cold War and are now engaged in the Second, another reminder of why we have service academies.

Quality '63.

Spencer Johnson '63

March 4, 2022--From the Middleton family: We will be having the final resting place for John at the USNA columbarium on Friday April 8 at10:30

March 2, 2022--Save the Date - Next DC Class '63 Luncheon is Thursday April 7, 2022

February 2, 2022--USNA Crew’s Craig Thrasher Award (from Jim Fontana)

On February 26th, at the annual Navy Crew Banquet held at the Banquet Facility at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the Academy will unveil a new perpetual award in honor of our deceased classmate Craig Thrasher. The plaque shown below with the image of Craig taken from a 1962 issue of Sports Illustrated will be permanently mounted in Hubbard Hall. Craig's wife Peggy and her immediate family will be hosted there by Navy Crew. I know that she would appreciate seeing some of Craig's classmates there. So it would be great if we had some "63 representation. Info on the Banquet and a link to buy tickets can be found by Clicking Here .

January 20, 2022--Upcoming Memorial Ceremony for USNA '63 alumni Erwin Templin

I'm reaching to you to share news of an upcoming ceremony honoring a fallen USNA Class of 1963 graduate which I believe might be of interest to your alumni group. The USS Hornet Sea Air Space Museum in Alameda, CA recently completed an extensive restoration of a Grumman US-2B Tracker aircraft in their collection. To commemorate the ship's service during the Vietnam War and honor the sacrifices made by Hornet crewmembers, the museum has fittingly restored their Tracker in the markings of a Grumman S-2D Tracker from Anti-Submarine Squadron 35 (VS-35) that went missing, presumably due to hostile fire, in the Gulf of Tonkin early in the morning of 22 January 1966 while flying a surface reconnaissance mission from USS Hornet (CVS-12). Among the lost crewmen was LT(jg) Erwin B. Templin Jr. from the Class of 1963.

The museum is planning to hold a memorial service and dedication ceremony for the restored aircraft to take place at 1300 on January 22, 2022, the 56th anniversary of the loss incident. I wanted to pass along this Facebook page listing the details of the event in hopes that classmates from Class of '63 in the Northern California area or beyond might wish to attend.

Click Here for the Facebook details. Best regards - and Go Navy, Beat Army!

Matt Robins
USNA Class of 2004

January 19, 2022--Steve Coester's Daughter

The daughter of our classmate Steve Coester has encountered a serious medical problem and does not have financial resources to support her treatment and recovery. Please read and consider the GoFundMe effort described at this link: https://gofund.me/316908b0. Even a small donation will help reach the fundraising goal. And if you can't make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser with others to help spread the word. Thank you!

January 18, 2022--Bob LaGassa Arlington Funeral

Bob was approved for an Arlington burial. It is set for Monday, June 13th at 11AM

January 11, 2022--Next DC Area Class Luncheon

The next luncheon has been pushed to February 10, 2022 as a precaution due to the current increase in COVID 19 cases.

December 30, 2021--Class of 1963 Death Statistics

With the passing of Bob LaGassa on December 29 The class of 1963 has now lost exactly one-third or 292 of our graduate classmates. Two-thirds remain. We are doing better than the national average for people born in 1941 where approximately half are still alive.

December 24, 2021--Robert Kottke's Wife's Obituary

Jan Thorpe Kottke (1945 - 2021) On October 26, 2021 Janet Thorpe Kottke passed away in her home on Maui surrounded by loved ones. Jan was born September 24, 1945 in Long Beach, CA. As the daughter of a Naval officer, she and her older brother Bill moved frequently throughout their childhood. Jan graduated from Punahou high school on Oahu in 1963 and from Stanford University in 1967. In 1969 she met and married Bob Kottke and the two have built a beautiful life and a loving family through 52 years of marriage.

Together Jan and Bob raised three sons and built the Manor schools in Southeast Virginia. Jan's purpose in life was to teach, and over nearly four decades her schools taught more than 5,000 young minds how to read with the books she wrote and published herself. Over time, her students grew up and sent their own children to her schools to ensure they also fell in love with learning. Part of her legacy is this enduring institution that nurtures children and prepares them for the world.

Jan loved her golden retrievers and spoiled them unabashedly. She was an absolute snob about beaches and forced her children and ten grandchildren to experience some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Her love of cooking brought her family together for too many fabulous meals to count.

Jan was a force of nature. She set an expectation for her sons to learn, to live, and to leave the world a better place. As she has. We cherish the beautiful memories we have of her and will miss her dearly.

Jan is survived by her loving husband Robert Arthur Kottke Jr; three children Karl William (Tina) Kottke, Peter Arthur (Maggie) Kottke, Ben Thorpe Kottke; and her ten grandchildren BaeJin Alexander Kottke, BaeYoung Robert Kottke, Jackson Reese Kottke, Calvin DePaulo Kottke, Violet Amanda Kottke, Pearl Wilson Kottke, Maximillian Hengelbrok Kottke, Skylar Marie Kottke, Makena Belle Kottke, and Grayson Kai Kottke. She is preceded in death by her parents, William Lupo Thorpe Jr. and Kathleen Glancy Thorpe and her brother William Lupo Thorpe III.

Jan's family will hold a small private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charitable organization of your choice or to the Children's Literacy Initiative (live-childrens-literacy-initiative.pantheonsite.io), a charity dedicated to early childhood reading. Furthermore, given the number of lives she touched, the family has made a memorial website available to collect stories, pictures, and reflections (www.kudoboard.com/boards/zyScbzvL).

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Oct. 31, 2021.

December 21, 2021--Spencer's Christmas 2021 Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The yule log is burning in the fireplace, the tree is up and the greenery hung. The air is cold, but the warmth of the Christmas season pervades everything, assisted by the glow following a great win over Army in the Meadowlands two weeks ago. Exams are over and the Brigade is now on leave at home with family and loved ones.

Christmas leave 1959. I remember how excited I was our Plebe year, after our win over Army, at the prospect of Christmas leave and going home for the first time since induction into the Brigade of Midshipmen and the Navy.. The Christmas tree in the Rotunda, the performance of the Messiah in the chapel, and Christmas dinner in the mess hall all served to deliver a warm anticipation of going home.

When I arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, I discovered that I was in great demand (really my uniform was in great demand) as an escort for the debutante season. "The Season" began a week before Christmas and ran until New Year's Day, with a break only for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I was to escort a different young lady each day of "the season". There were usually four events each day: the tea dance; the dinner; the ball; and the post- ball breakfast. The mothers of the debutantes spent a year planning the events and assuming responsibility for each of those events. Each mother bought three or so dresses for their daughter. During "The Season" they would congregate and trade dresses. This originated as a post Civil War economic measure that became a tradition, as well. I would call on Miss Suzie Q , whom I had never met before, as her escort for the evening only to discover when the door opened that the dress and I had been out together one or more times already. Only in Charleston!!

Christmas 2021. As we bask in the glow of family and friends, let us remember a horrifying pandemic year now drawing to a close with yet another wave of the pandemic upon us. Let us remember those who have left our ranks and now muster in a heavenly place They leave an empty place at the table and by the fire, but also leave great memories of their time with us as comrades- in- arms, husbands, fathers, and life long friends.

Let us also remember those at sea or in foreign climes who will not be home this Christmas. They stand the watch preserving freedom for us all.

From our house here in Annapolis, Andrea and I wish you and those in whose love you live a very happy holiday season and a joyous, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Stay safe. Stay well!

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson '63

December10, 2021--Spencer's Army-Navy Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1963,

ARMY-NAVY. It is clear and crisp here in Annapolis. Tomorrow promises to be unseasonably warm for the 122nd meeting between Army and Navy to be played in the Meadowlands in New Jersey (opposite New York). Navy's record this year is 3-8 and Army's is 8-3. That said, Navy's schedule has been significantly more difficult than Army's, and including good showings against nationally ranked teams like Cincinati, Houston, and Notre Dame. Navy lost to Air Force and Army beat Air Force, which means that no matter who wins tomorrow, the Commander-in-Chief's trophy will remain at West Point at least until next year.

Two weeks ago, Army attempted to steal Bill the Goat. As luck would have it, they stole the wrong goat. They got a long retired 18 year old Bill who now has only one horn. That engendered a flurry of reminders about the solemn pact arrived at in 1992 after Navy stole several Army mules that this would not happen again. For Army, the lesson is that Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaisance (ISR) is everything to mission success.

No matter their respective records this season, tomorrow's game can be expected to go down to the last whistle. Game time is 1500 and can be seen on CBS stations. Go Navy!! Beat Army!!!

AROUND THE YARD. Last week our class Vice President, Jim Ring, attended the semi-annual Council of Class Presidents meeting here in Annapolis. Several take aways from the Superintendent's remarks to the group assembled include:

There is a Commission set up to review all the items on Federal property that are dedicated to Confederate soldiers and sailors and decide what to do with them . We have three; West Point has over one hundred. Buchanan House, the Superintendent's quarters, and Buchanan Road were established in the 1970s. The other is Maury Hall. The Commission has visited the Academy already and will present its findings in October 2022. The Pentagon has until early 2024 to implement the recommendations made.

The Columbarium will run out of space for new additions in about two years. This, combined with the flooding problems here, are soon to be addressed. In a recent flooding, the Superintendent found the niche containing his parent's remains was under water. This problem has a high priority for him. Additional space will be added to the Columbarium, or it may be moved to another drier location.

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is not taught at the Naval Academy and there are no plans for it to be taught. The Superintendent is against teaching it.

In 2001, the Service Academies changed from being places of attrition as we experienced them, to ones in which every student is built as a leader and expected to complete the course. This was in response to the intensive selection process for each student. Our 63 Center for Academic Excellence fit perfectly into this scenario.

In September 2020, about 100 Youngsters were accused of cheating on a physics online exam. These Youngsters had just returned to the Academy after it had shut down in the Spring due to the pandemic. All went before Midshipman Honor Boards. Four were found "not guilty." Of the rest, eight or nine were expelled, primarily because this was their second honor offense and/or they had bad conduct records. The rest have been counseled and given demerits, restrictions and other punishments. All received an F in leadership which will affect their class standings. All of these have signed their 2 for 7 commitment, which means they will stay at the Academy for their remaining two years until graduation and then spend at least five years in their commissioning services.The other choice open to them was to leave before starting the second-class year with no cost to them for their education to date. Each Service Academy has similar policies and counseling routines with regard to first-time honor offenses. Each case is reviewed separately and a decision arrived at as to the best course of action to be taken.

The new Terwilliger Center for Student Athletes is really a beautiful place and should be high on your list of places to visit the next time you are in Annapolis.

Thoughts and Prayers. I ask your thoughts and prayers for our classmate Bob LaGassa who is hospiced, suffering from a cancer induced by ionizing radiation to which Bob was exposed in his long service in nuclear submarines.

Captain Joseph B. Clancy, USMC. On Wednesday 15 December at 1400, we will lay to rest the remains of Joe Clancy in the Naval Academy Columbarium. Please join us if you can to give Joe a good send off.

Army-Navy Games Past The most memorable Army-Navy game I remember, aside our 42-7 win over Army our Plebe year, occurred in 1961. We were in Philadelphia in the old Franklin Field stadium. Army marched on first then we did only to stand in the cold waiting for the game to start. About ten minutes before the coin toss starting game activities, the "word" went around the crowd that the new president and his first lady were going to attend the game. About that time you could hear the sirens coming. The gates at one end of the field opened and two Philadelphia motorcycle policemen, with lights flashing and sirens blaring, drove through. They were followed by a long, black, stretch limousine with flags on the fenders and four secret service members trotting alongside, followed by two more Philadelphia motorcycle police with lights flashing and sirens blaring. They drove right onto the field and stopped on the fifty yard line. At that moment you could hear a pin drop in the packed stadium. Everyone was leaning forward expecting to see Jack and Jackie Kennedy step out of the limousine. When the door opened, out stepped Bill the Goat. AND - we won the game!

Stay well and keep safe.
BEAT ARMY!!!!!
Quality '63
Spencer Johnson 63

November 20, 2021--Spencer's Thanksgiving Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

It is bridgecoat weather here in Annapolis. Today's high is in the 40's with clear skies and brisk winds. Winter is here.

Football Tomorrow is our last home game against East Carolina University. They are favored by six points so it ought to be a well fought game. Kick off is scheduled for 1530. Our tailgate tent is up. We are not catering this tailgate. Already the smells of simmering chili and baking cornbread are in the air in readiness for tomorrow's gathering. Our tent will be struck after this game and stored until next season.

We will gather in the back room of the West End Grill at the corner of West Street and Solomons Island Road to watch the Army-Navy Game on 11 December. We will gather at 1330 for lunch before the 1500 kick off. Army beat Air Force and will retain the Commander-in- Chief's trophy with a win over Navy. We can't let that happen. If you are in the area join us on game day. More about this later.

Milo P. Daughters. The Naval Academy Foundation recently received a gift of one million dollars from Ross and Michele Annable of North Carolina to establish a long term fund which will provide about 5% a year of the fund for the support of the 63 Center of Academic Excellence ( 63CAE) each year. The Annable's only connection to the Academy is through our late classmate Milo Daughters. Ross served on a submarine and reported to Milo for over a year. He thought very highly of Milo's leadership. The Annables are interested in making the world more equitable and believe providing access to education is the best way to do that. The 63CAE does that, and it seemed a fitting tribute to Milo Daughters whose leadership Ross so admired. The new fund is the Captain Milo P. Daughters '63 Fund for the 63Center for Academic Excellence. The Annables have requested that Milo's name be listed in the six striper position on our class striper plaque instead of theirs. I will see to that, and a letter expressing our thanks to the Annables for their great generosity.

Joseph B. Clancy, Captain, US Marine Corps. After several delays, schedulings and postponements, the ashes of our classmate Joseph B. Clancy will be laid to rest in the Naval Academy Columbarium at 1400 on Wednesday, 15 December. If you can make it, please attend to give Joe a good send off.

Thanksgiving. In 1980 I commanded USS Bigelow (DD 942). We were in our homeport of Mayport, Florida, for Thanksgiving. I received a phone call from the wife of a first class electrician who was very upset that her husband had the duty on Thanksgiving and would miss all the wonderful things she had planned for a Thanksgiving feast at home. Could I please excuse him from the duty on Thanksgiving day. I told her I couldn't do that, but invited her to join me and my family onboard the ship for Thanksgiving dinner. She came. As usual the ship's cooks outdid themselves in preparing a Thanksgiving dinner of turkey with all the trimmings, ham, roast beef and at least three differant choices of pie. Several days later I received a thank you note from the young wife full of praise for what she had experienced! She said that "the shipboard dinner was far better than what she could have done at home. Again many thanks for including her onboard! P.S. Could I also arrange for her husband to have the duty on Christmas Day?"

As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, please take a moment to remember all those who are at sea or far from home and loved ones. They stand the watch that once we stood. We are grateful that they do for all of us. Their sacrifices should not go unremembered. or unthanked.

Beat East Carolina University !!!! Beat Army !!!!
Quality 63
Spencer Johnson '63

November 12, 2021--Reminder--Mike Cronin Funeral at Arlington

From Bob Forster:If you are not aware, Mike Cronin's Burial Service is on December 6th at 3pm at Arlington National Cemetery (photo identification required). Arrive 45 minutes early to Administrative building. Currently, masks are required inside in Washington DC. Also, mailed invitation states vaccinations required.

This note from Jackie was posted several months ago - You can still reach out to her:

From Jackie: Letting everyone know the burial for Mike Cronin will be on December 6, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Arlington National Cemetery. The services are open to the public. I have a block of rooms reserved in Rockville for any out of town guests. The reception will be at DAR headquarters on 17th Street in Washington DC after the service. There will be valet parking. I will need to know who will be coming for nourishment.....that is cocktails and a buffet of food. Please email the mcronin.wheelsup@gmail.com so I can get the invitations out. If you would like to contact me, please use the email mcronin.wheelsup@gmail.com.

October 19, 2021--Spencer's October 19 Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The weather has turned crisp here in Annapolis. The day's high is in the 60s, dipping at night into the high 40s. The trees are slowly beginning to turn. Fall is here.

Football. This is homecoming weekend and Navy faces number two ranked Cincinnati. The University of Cincinnati is a 271/2-point favorite. They are unbeaten so far this season having won six games including a win over Notre Dame. Game time is noon and will be televised on CBS sports channels. We will have our tailgate as usual in stadium spot 12A. It will be catered. The food will be delivered at 1430 with our annual homecoming party held at the conclusion of the game until it gets dark. Price of the catered meal is $25.00. Please make checks to "The Class of 1963" and remember to throw in a few extra dollars to offset the costs of erecting and storing our tent. If you come before game time, please bring your own refreshments before going into the game around noon.

The Fifth Horseman and the New MAD: How Massive Attacks of Disruption Become the Looming Danger to a Divided Nation and the World at Large is the name of Harlan Ullman's latest book to be released on 14 December. Early rave reviews give the book very high praise for its content and its recommendations to better structure our response capabilities for future foreseen calamities.

One reviewer, ADM James Stavridis says:

"A must read that delivers both a dire warning and a range of remedial actions to face the looming existential danger of the new world MAD--Massive Attacks of Disruption. A pandemic, environmental disasters, cyber-attacks, economic shocks, and other major disruptions are no longer isolated events, but repetitive challenges. Dr. Harlan Ullman lays out both the problem and responses in crisp, understandable prose that will appeal to policy makers and citizens alike."

I have ordered my pre-publication copy through Amazon.com.

Homecoming Thoughts. While still a midshipman, I was introduced by a mutual friend to Mrs. Inez Kidd, the widow of Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who was a battleship division commander at Pearl Harbor and was killed on the bridge of his flagship, The USS Arizona, on 7 December 1941. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions that day. Mrs. Kidd and I became friends. In later years, if you returned to Annapolis, signed into the guest book in Alumni House and did not cross the street to see her at her town house residence, you might receive a post card reminding you to do so on all future visits. She and her grandson, Christopher, came to my wedding in the Chapel even years after graduation.

Mrs. Kidd remarked to me one day that she loved living in Annapolis. "Those midshipmen never look one day older and neither do I"

Although living in Annapolis these past twenty years, I have not been so lucky and the years are quickly catching up with me. But she was right in that we are not really getting older. We are still the midshipmen we were close to six decades ago. We haven't changed that much over the years. I am very grateful for that.

Whether you are in Annapolis for this homecoming weekend or at some distance, Welcome Home!

Beat Cincinnati, Beat Army !!!

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson '63

October 14, 2021--Next D.C Area Class Luncheon Nov.11 at 1130

October 8, 2021--Spencer's October 8 Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

We are enjoying an Indian Summer here in Annapolis. The days are in the 70s and the evenings cool in the lower 60s. The parade season is well underway.

The fourth of six home football games will be played tomorrow against Southern Methodist University (SMU), a fifteen point favorite to win. Last week we saw a different Navy team that upset the University of Central Florida. 34-30. UCF was a 15 1/2 point favorite at game time. That gives great hope that tomorrow's game will go the same way.

A reminder that on Thursday morning the 14th at 1030 LCOL. Joel Gardner USMA (Ret) and his wife Beth will inurned at the USNA Columbarium. Full military honors will be rendered. A reception follows at the Naval Academy Club. Please make every effort to attend. Let their daughter Ellen, USNA '89, know if you plan to attend the reception. She can be reached at: ellen89navy@gmail.com. I look forward to seeing you there.

The Link in the Chain Our classmate Butch Whitworth, a Marine, passed away on 17 August 2021 at Corpus Christi, Texas. The recipient of his Mameluke Sword in the Link in the Chain sword donations to the members of the class of 2013, Capt. (Major select) Tony Paruso, USMC '13 decided to attend his September 10th internment and presented the colors to his next of kin. Seventeen members of the 17th company underwrote all her expenses and commissioned her as their official emissary to Butch's Final Formation. She accomplished her mission in an exemplary fashion, as reported by one member of the 17th company. Thereafter, she recounted the event in writing and included pictures and an MP4 show. The result was a groundswell proposal in the ranks of the 17th company to make her an honorary member of their goup. This is an outstanding example of the bonds we forged and share with the Class of 2013, our Link in the Chain Class. In many respects, they are our legacy.

That's all for this edition of Irish Pennants. Stay well!

Beat SMU! Beat Army!!

Quality '63.

Spencer Johnson '63

September 27, 2021--Spencer's September 27 Irish Pennants

Ahoy Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963!

Fall weather has descended on Annapolis. The days are sunny and clear with temperatures in the low seventies, and the evenings are appropriately cool. Perfect football weather.

With a better showing against Houston on Saturday, hopes are running high for a win over Central Florida University (CFU). Class Tailgating. We will only cater this year’s homecoming game, 23 October. For all other home games, please bring your own provisions and perhaps some to share. The homecoming game starts at noon and runs to three PM. I will arrange to have the food delivered around 1430. The party will be after the game is over rather than before. We have four remaining home games before we fold our tent for the season. See you there.

Sixtieth Reunion. Please mark your calendars for 19-22 October 2023. That is our sixtieth reunion here in Annapolis. We will try to have as many events in our headquarters hotel to minimize travel for many of us that are more and more mobility challenged. We will attend the Navy-Air Force game that weekend. More in the coming months as plans develop.

Taps On 14 October at 1030 we will lay the remains of our former Class President, LtCol Joel Gardner, USMC (Ret), and his wife Beth to rest in the Naval Academy Columbarium. We would as large a class turnout as possible. A reception at the Officer’s and Faculty Club follows the ceremony. If you can make this event, please RSVP to their daughter Ellen, Class of 1989, at ellengardner89navy@gmail.com.

Who Are Those Ladies? When we were midshipmen, there was a group of older ladies who seemed to attend everything in the yard. They attended chapel as a group with their hats, gloves and handbags. They attended all the musical club shows, and other events like the Messiah. I asked one day who they were and was told that they were all widows who’s husbands were in the Class of 1907. When their husbands died, rather than live with their children, they decided to live together in a house a short walk from Gate Three. After all they spent their careers together in various naval stations and ports. They looked after each other. Where else could this have happened except at USNA?

Beat UCF!! Beat Army!!!! Quality ‘63

Spencer Johnson

September 17, 2021-Wreaths Across America

Dear Class Representatives and Friends of USNA

I humbly request you distribute the following information to your class members and chapters. Thank you for doing this in advance.

It’s that time of year I start asking for sponsorship for the Wreaths Across America (WAA) at the USNA cemetery.

Nine years ago we started WAA at USNA at the request of a gold star Mom and Dad. We started out slow the first two years, but for the last 7 years, thanks to your generosity, we have been able to lay a remembrance wreath for each head stone and the entire columbarium during the wreath laying ceremony in December.

The wreaths are donated by each of you and I truly appreciate your kindness. Every year I hear stories from roommates who want to honor that bond formed so many years ago, grandchildren that can’t be here but want to honor their grandparents, and gold star families who lost a loved one way too soon. They are so grateful that we can do this to honor and remember the special person they knew and loved.

The ceremony will be Friday December 10, 2021 TTD. ( probably about 0900) This is the day before the Army Navy game. At this point we are unsure of the complete details, due to Covid, and will wait until closer to the date to see what USNA will permit for attendance. We are hoping that things will be open and that we will be allowed to have as many as would like to attend to lay the wreaths.

Directions to donate are as follows: Go to:
-WreathsacrossAmerica.org/md0011
-Scroll down to “Sponsor Wreaths”
The site will then guide you to check out.
By going to this site for every two sold, the USNA cemetery will receive one wreath for free.

Please donate, we are looking for 2700 wreaths this year. The class of 1981 is once again sponsoring this effort and if you would like to check on the validity of this cause please feel free to contact the class of 81’s president, James “Otto” Stutz, CDR (Ret.) at otto@1981.usna.com or via cell at 757-618-4487.

You can always contact me with any questions.
Thank you for your support.
Carol Turman
Coordinator Wreaths Across America USNA
2430 Kemper Rd
Crofton, MD 21114
H-410-451-4490
C-443-336-6541

September 12, 2021--Navy-UCF tickets

Ian Sargent has tickets, 50 yard line Upper Blue. Parking pass also possible. Sell at cost (season ticket holder). If you have any interest in tickets for any games further down the road. I may be able to find some. ianhsargent@gmail.com

August 30, 2021--Wyatt Whitworth Internment Service

A graveside memorial service will be held September 10, 2021 at 11 am at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Tx with full Honors.

August 27, 2021--Spencer's August 27 Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The Brigade is reformed, Classes started on Monday. All midshipmen are once again housed in Bancroft Hall. The new academic year is under weigh.

It was announced this week that the December 2020 Physics exam cheating scandal has been brought to a close, with one case yet to be adjudicated. Over 100 youngsters were suspected of using unauthorized web sites and other outside assistance to complete their exam submissions. Due to Covid 19 provisions, the exam was administered on line. Six midshipmen have been dismissed. Six more have resigned. Eighty-one have been assigned to five months of an honor concept remediation program, as well as appropriate disciplinary measures. The Superintendent intends a further review of the honor concept to better facilitate understanding and compliance with its tenets.

Please let me know, if you have not already, whether you intend to attend the first home football game against Marshall University on 4 September. I have to get a count to our caterer on Monday of next week. The food will be delivered at 1230. The game begins at !500. The price for the catered food is $25.00 per head. Please make checks out to 'The Class of 1963" and add an additional $10 or$15 to help defray costs of putting up and striking our tent. The COVID rules require the wearing of masks by all unvaccinated persons. Six feet distancing is in effect. Masks must be worn in all enclosed spaces in the stadium, including restroom facilities, so bring a mask. See you at the game. Beat Marshall!

Beating Army. In February 1971 I was in graduate school at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University on the outskirts of Boston. My wife and I received an invitation to join the West Point Association of Graduates for West Point Night at the Boston Pops. The engraved RSVP card asked if there were any requests for the concert. I put down Richard Rogers symphony Victory at Sea. On the snowy evening of the concert, Arthur Fiedler opened the concert with Victory at Sea. I went home thinking that there was more than one way to Beat Army!

Beat Air Force and Beat Army!!!

August 23, 2021--D.C Area Class Luncheon

The luncheon is scheduled for 11:30am Wednesday, Sep 8th at the Army Navy Country Club. The cost will be $30.00 which includes tax, coffee and water. Drinks (wine, beer, sodas) are extra

Two Caveats: Wear a mask in entering the club and only 12 are allowed. That means we have to get a head count up front - first come first serve. Bob will publish an attendee list as we get close to 12 attendees. Priority will be the DTG on your email. "I think I can make it" and "Maybe" will not count.

Please RSVP to Bob. bforster5@verizon.net or Jim at jep.ring@gmail.com.

August 18, 2021--Mike Cronin Funeral at Arlington

From Jackie: Letting everyone know the burial for Mike Cronin will be on December 6, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Arlington National Cemetery. The services are open to the public. I have a block of rooms reserved in Rockville for any out of town guests. The reception will be at DAR headquarters on 17th Street in Washington DC after the service. There will be valet parking. I will need to know who will be coming for nourishment.....that is cocktails and a buffet of food. Please email the mcronin.wheelsup@gmail.com so I can get the invitations out. If you would like to contact me, please use the email mcronin.wheelsup@gmail.com.

August 14, 2021--Spencer's August 13 Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The "Dog Days of Summer" have descended on Annapolis. Ninety plus degree days punctuated by thunder storms are the order of the day. Plebe Summer is drawing to a close. The Brigade will reform shortly to begin academic year 2022. These days, Bancroft is air conditioned.

Football Season. The football team is hard at work practicing drills and plays for the upcoming season that opens on September 2 against Marshall University here at home. Initial reports are that the team is well manned with depth and talent at every position. It should be a great season.

Our tailgate tent will be up in our usual spot (12A). Bayside Bull will cater our tailgates with a price of $25.00 per person. Please make checks payable to the "USNA Class of 1963 " or use cash. Please let me know if you plan to attend a game and how many are in your party. I have to call in a head count to the caterer the Monday before each game.

Please put something extra in the glass jar on the table to help defray the costs of raising and striking our tent for the six home games we have on the schedule. This year that expense alone is $1600.00.

The Class of 2013 will join us with a barbeque grill of their own.

This year the NAAA distributed tickets and parking passes electronically. They do not print out. If you want to print out your tickets and parking passes, call NAAA at 1-800-874-6289. They will send you an email that enables printing. I did it and it works.

63CAE. The annual report on the 63CAE is posted on our Class website (USNA63.org). It was another record setting year for the 63CAE. Highlights include:

Total visits for the year were 50,838---an average of 1419 per week for academic year 2021. A new high.
There were 3,269 unique individual midshipman visits which is 73% of the Brigade. Ninety-nine percent of the Plebe Class used the 63CAE: Ninety-three percent of the Youngster Class.
Seventy-three percent of varsity athletes averaged 15.2 visits each this past year
Seventy-six percent of students with a 4.0 QPR averaged 15.6 visits each.
The Writing Center had 4655 individual one hour visits.
The reviews conducted prior to six weeks tests; twelve weeks tests; and final exams attracted 11,383 visits
The Speed and Reading Comprehension 4-6 week courses had 400 midshipmen engaged
The 63CAE staff swung easily from distance learning to in person tutorials and back as the COVID rules varied.

The academic attrition rate for academic year 2021 hovered around one percent. Well Done ,Classmates!!!

Bonds of Gold Pete Soverell has suggested that some classmates and widows may want to donate a class ring to be melted down for inclusion with the rings of the class of 2063. This can be done. The Alumni Association will keep the rings for us until ready for use. Each donation should be accompanied by a short narrative identifying the donor and describing his career choices and career highlights. If interested, please contact me and we can work out the details

Leadership . In 1980 I was in a Boston private shipyard overhauling my ship, USS Bigelow (DD942). I was invited to attend a monthly luncheon meeting of the Wardroom Club, a group of officers from all the sea services active, retired and separated. The luncheon was held in the Constitution Museum in the Boston Navy Yard.The focus was on tall tales and camaraderie. I was seated next to a retired WWII submarine commander who had been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. His name was Captain George Street, USN (Ret). About half way though the meal, Captain Street turned to me and said," You must be a very good Captain" I replied, " You have only known me for a matter of minutes, Sir. Why would you say that?" He answered "Because, you have a face the crew will trust!" It's all in the genes!

See you at the tailgates.

Beat Marshall! Beat Air Force! Beat Army !

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson '63

July 31, 2021--Spencer's July 31 Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

We have had some hot and rainy days in Annapolis this summer, but it hasn't been a bad summer so far.

The Plebe Cless of 2025 enterred the Academy on 29 and 30 June, underwent a quarentine period and emerged to all the delights of Plebe summer. Parent's weekend is only two weeks away after which the Brigade will reform for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Academy is back in full swing and the yard is fully open to all visitors. We will soon see if the Delta virus re-imposes restrictions of any sort.

CAE While the final report for the academic year just concluded is not out yet, I am told that all but six members of the last Plebe class used the facilities of the CAE this past year. CAE usage is at an all time high and is now an intrinsic part of a Naval Academy education. Well done, classmates!

Football Season There are twelve gams scheduled as follows:

Sat. Sep 4 1530 Marshall University at home
Sat Sep 11 1530 US Air Force Academy. at home
Sat Sep 25 1159. Houston University at Houston
Sat Oct 2. 1530. University of Central Florida. at home
Sat Oct 9 1530. Souther Methodist University at home
Thu Oct 14 1830. University of Memphis at Memphis
Sat Oct 23. 1200. University of Cincinnati at home
Fri Oct 29 1159. Tulsa University at Tulsa
Sat Nov 6 1159 University of Notre Dame at South Bend
Sat Nov 20. 1530 East Carolina University at home
Sat Nov 27 !!59 Temple University at Philadelphia
Sat Dec 11 1500. US Military Academy at Meadowlands, New Jersey

Our class tent at site 12A will be up for all home games . We will cater the home games at a cost of $25.00 per person. Please let me know if you are coming to a home game and how many are in your party, especially if your company is having a reunion at one of the games, so that I can get a fairly good counr for the caterer (Baysidebull ) . Please be generous in your contribution to the class fund to help defray the costs of erecting and storing our tent and the the rental of our space. I will pay the catering fee out of class funds after I have deposited your checks. Make all checks out to the Class of 1963. See you at the games.

A June Week Story. I have a brother in the class of 1966. At our final June Week parade, my parents were present in the stands along with many other parents. My father, a man with a very dry wit, was seated beside an enthusiastic father of one of our classmates. He regaled my Dad with stories of his son's time at the Naval Academy and his many accomplishments in those four years. He became more excited as we "passed in review" for the last time. On seeing his son, he shouted "there he is.!! There he is!! He then turned to me Dad and said, "Can you see your son? to which my Dad replied "Which one?"

That's all the news for this addition. Stay tuned for all the scuttlebutt I can acquire.

Stay safe!

Beat Army and Air Force!!

Quality '63

July 22, 2021--Joel Gardner Inurnment at USNA

NEW DATE and TIME
Thursday October 14, 1030
Naval Academy Columbarium
Reception to follow

June 22, 2021--Death of Betty Fitzgerald

Betty Fitzgerald, wife of Vietnam KIA classmate Bill Fitzgerald died on 6/22/21. Her funeral service will be held on Thursday July 1st at 11:00 at the Berlin Corners Cemetery in Berlin, Vermont. Their daughter Linda Scholtz can be contacted at lyndascholtz@gmail.com.

June 17, 2021--USNA63 Deaths

John McCabe of the Second company passed away yesterday. His death was the 276th for our class. That leaves us with exactly 600 alive of the 876 who started with us July 7, 1959. The only good news is 68 percent of us are still living compared to about 53% for all Americans in our age group. Death is inevitable and our time approaches so enjoy the time remaining. Here is a graph showing the rate of our deaths since 1963.

May 18, 2021--Craig Thrasher's Memorial Service

Craig Thrasher's Memorial Service, originally scheduled for May 29th, will be held Saturday, July 24th at 11:00am in East Aurora, NY.
Craig Thrasher’s Backyard
1021 Mill Road
East Aurora, NY 14052
Dress: Casual
If you plan to attend, please contact Peggy Thrasher at mrthras119@aol.com.

May 13, 2021--Next D.C. Area Luncheon Rescheduled

The luncheon is rescheduled for 11:30am Friday, May 21st at the Army Navy Country Club.

May 3, 2021--Next D.C. Area Luncheon

The luncheon is scheduled for 11:30am Tuesday, May 18th at the Army Navy Country Club. The cost will be $30.00 which includes tax, coffee and water. Drinks (wine, beer, sodas) are extra

Two Caveats: Wear a mask in entering the club and only 12 are allowed. That means we have to get a head count up front - first come first serve. I will publish an attendee as we get close to 12 attendees. Priority will be the DTG on your email. "I think I can make it" and "Maybe" will not count.

Respomd to Bob Forster bforster5@verizon.net

April 27, 2021--Joe Clancy Funeral Scheduled

Joe Clancy's funeral will be held September 21, 2021 at the Naval Academy Columbarium. Reception details in work. Joe passed away June 8, 2019.

April 14, 2021--Tom Buckley Visitation

Visitation will be Friday, April 16th at 9:30am at St. Mary of Sorrows Historic Catholic Church, 5612 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039-9702 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am.

Tom's final resting place will be Quantico National Cemetery.

April 8, 2021--Spencer's Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

Spring has arrived in Annapolis. The fruit trees are in bloom. The temperatures are approaching 70 everyday and the sun is shining brightly. The dark ages are over.

The Brigade. Things have eased up. Liberty was granted last weekend for the first time in over a month. While meals are picked up from King Hall they are still consumed in midshipman rooms in Bancroft. Food ordered from town can again be delivered. The restriction to rooms (ROM- restricted movement) except for two hours exercise a day is semi- lifted. Vaccinations have been administered. Classes have returned to a hybrid of virtual and in person instruction. Visitors are again allowed on the yard. Life is assuming a new normal.

Sports. Football Spring practice has been underway for over a week now. Xavier Arline, a plebe, is the top choice for quarterback with three others hard on his heels, two other plebes and a youngster. Tickets for next Fall's games are on sale now at tel: i-800-US4Navy. There are six home games scheduled. Our usual tailgate in spot 12A will be up and running for all home games, assuming the COVID 19 restrictions are behind us.

The football team has adopted as its slogan this year "Burn the Boats". This is a reference to the Spanish Conquistador Cortes order issued in 1519 during an attack on the Aztecs to prevent his soldiers from retreating to Cuba as had happened several times before. By burning the boats, there was no retreat possible. Everyone's focus had to be solely on achieving victory. The 2021 team will be equally focused on a winning season come September.

Basketball The Navy team captured the Patriot League championship. The Navy team was the number one seed going into the Patriot League tournament, only to lose its first game against Loyola Maryland, a team it had beaten three times during the season. The loss, 76-68, was largely due to the loss of two starters who were exposed to the COVID virus, including team captain and All-Patriot League pick, Cam Davis and forward Richard Njoku. Several other varsity team players may also have been effected. This knocked the Naval Academy out of an NCAA berth this year. All said, this is one of the finest basketball teams to take the court in recent years. There's a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to.

Baseball. The baseball team is off to another great start after 15 wins last season. Last weekend, navy played a three game series against Bucknell. They won two out of the three, scoring ten runs in the eighth inning of one game to win 15-10.

Track and Field Both mens', and women's teams are hot off the mark winning meets including the Nstar meet against Army.

Soccer and other varsity sports are also in play even though this may not be their regular season. This past weekend there were twenty varsity sports in the yard. All are doing well despite the interruptions in their season play.

Trust But Verify While on graduation leave at home in Charleston, S.C. in June 1963, I set out to participate in the military wedding of a high school classmate at Camp Lejeune, N.C. I carefully put all the buttons in my Service Dress White blouse, affixed my shiny new ensign shoulder marks, checked that I had my sword and belt, packed white shoes and socks, packed my new officer's cap in a plastic wrap, and put everything in my car for the drive to Camp Lejeune. About six hours later I arrived. I checked in with the mother of the bride to let her know that I was there. She smiled and told me that my mother had called. My white trousers would be up on the next Greyhound bus. Now I use the check list and venerate Mother's Day.

I hope everyone had a beautiful Passover/ Easter celebration. Please remember that the pandemic is still with us. Mask up and stay safe.

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson

March 26, 2021--Bob Easton Celebration of Life

Sue and Laura Easton have made arrangements to have Bob's Celebration of Life Service to be made available by Zoom as outlined below. The date of his service is this Saturday at 1300. A video of the service will be made available for anyone who might be interested. Information regarding the video will be made available at a future time. Time: Mar 27, 2021 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87693319820?pwd=TmhURWRmbEM5eEJOQld2bmtyZk9yZz09 Meeting ID: 876 9331 9820
Passcode: 779526Mee
+12532158782,,87693319820#,,,,*779526# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 876 9331 9820
Passcode: 779526
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbQmn9xA8Q

March 18, 2021--Update on Joel Gardner Memorial

Greetings to Joel's friends, classmates, and colleagues, with the COVID vaccine rollout slowly progressing, we have moved the April 15 memorial date to:

August 12th, 2021
11 am
Naval Academy Columbarium

The memorial will be for both Joel and Beth as their remains are placed together at the Naval Academy,

Specific details for arrival, parking and security will be sent out closer to the date as they are changing regularly as we emerge from the COVID restrictions.

Many thanks for all your support over the past few months,

Ellen and Emily

March 16, 2021--'63 Plaque Presented to Courtney Rosenthal

Courtney Rosenthal generously took over maintenance of our class website after the death of her mentor Bill Kennedy. Here is her response after receiving our class thank you for her service:

"I want to thank you for the beautiful plaque.

From time to time, I think about my dear friend Bill Kennedy -- a true trailblazer on the Internet. (Did you know his Internet domain was the 92nd ever registered?)

One thing that saddens me is that he contributed so much to the net, but it was in pre-Google days, and not much has been captured -- other than his terrible -- and extremely offensive -- jokes that have been archived as USENET messages. That portfolio is inadequate to his legacy.

That's why I'm so proud to be able to support you and keep the usna63.org website running. Although it's quite dated by current design standards, it captures an important piece of history.

There is a type of web application called a Content Management System (CMS). If you've heard about Wordpress or Blogger or Medium or the like, those are CMSes. I think Bill may have invented the CMS without realizing it. The Electronic Lucky Bag, which keeps its content in a database and auxiliary files, and dynamically generates web pages on demand, is pretty much the definition of a CMS.

So I feel that this website is of interest to both naval historians and internet historians.

Spence, thank you so much for the note. Thank you all for the plaque, and the opportunity to serve both you and Bill's memory."

March 2, 2021--Spencer's Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The sun is out today and temperatures are in the '50s after several weeks of snow, ice and mixed precipitation along with dark, gray and cloudy days.This may not be the end of the Dark Ages here in Annapolis, but it may be the beginning of the end.

The Naval Academy. The yard has been on lockdown since last Sunday following the announcement of a major outbreak of the COVID virus on campus. The number of cases doubled over the last weekend. Midshipmen are confined to their rooms except for two hours of exercise allowed a day in the company of one roommate. All varsity and intramural sports are in a state of limbo except for varsity basketball which has clinched the Patriot League championship title for the first time in 21 years. Because the basketball team has been isolated from the Brigade for the past week, they will participate as the number one seed in the Patriot League Tournament starting Saturday. Classes have all returned to virtual learning. All meals are eaten in rooms in Bancroft Hall.

Ninety-eight Midshipmen recovering from the COVID 19 virus have been moved to a hotel on West Street where they are restricted to their two man rooms and checked twice a day. This move was necessary to isolate these Midshipmen and yet leave sufficient room in the first wing of Bancroft for new cases to be quarantined, tested frequently, and initially treated. Those now quartered in the hotel are also in virtual learning classes as are the the 200 or so midshipmen living with family, sponsors, or friends within a thirty-five mile radius of the yard.

The yard is close to all visitors, including parents, reserve and retired personnel.

It is not known how many total COVID cases have developed so far. That information is considered classified.

The Brigade has not as yet been inoculated with the COVID 19 vaccine since the Naval Academy is in Phase Two of the Navy vaccine roll out plan.

Football. Navy is looking forward to a normal football season in the fall with six home games scheduled. Spring practice is scheduled to begin on 29 March, barring the virus interfering with that plan. Coach Niamatololo has remarked that this is one of the toughest schedules Navy has yet faced. Eight of the teams on the schedule qualified for bowl games last year. All things said, Coach Niamatololo expects a winning 2021 season. The schedule is:

Sept 4 Marshall at home
Sept 11 Air Force at home (20th anniversary of 9/11)
Sept 25 Univerity of Houston at Houston
Oct 2 University of Central Florida (UCF) at home
Oct 9 Sourthern Methodist University at home
Oct 14 (Thursday) Memphis at Memphis
Oct 23 Cincinnati at home
Oct 29 (Friday) Tulsa at Tulsa
Nov 6 Notre Dame at Notre Dame
Nov 20 East Carolina at home
Nov 27 Temple in Philadelphia
Dec 4 AAC Championship Game
Dec 11 Army in the Meadowlands, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Tickets are on sale now for season ticket holders.

Other Sports Women's basketball has had its season disrupted ending 5-7 overall and 5-3 in league play. The Navy wrestling team beat Army for the first time in five years and for the first time in eight years at West Point. Several wrestlers defended titles in AIWA events. Men's lacrosse is off to a good start with at least two wins before the shut down.

Barbara Strasser, the widow of our classmate RADM Joe Strasser, has been named by the outgoing Secretary of the Navy, Kenneth J. Braithwaite, as the sponsor for the yet to be built USS Chesapeake (FFG 64). The ship is second in the new frigate class authorized for construction this year. Even though the keel has yet to be laid, it is not too early to raise a glass of campaigne to Barbara in anticipation of the christening event. Congratulations, Barbara!

Midshipman Standage The case of First Class Midshipman Chase Standage contesting the decision of the Superintendant and the Secretary of the Navy for dismissal in federal court was heard on 19 February. The Navy sought Standage's expulsion for inappropriate and, in some cases, racist speech posted online, constituting conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. US District Court Judge Ellen Hollander denied a preliminary injunction for Midshipman Standage which would have barred the Navy from separating him while his lawsuit is still being heard. She also said she thought the arguments that Midn. Standage's first and fifth amendment rights had been abused held little merit. The case was immediately appealed to the US Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Soon thereafter, it was announced that a settlement had been reached between the Navy and Midn. Standage. The defense claimed a victory but no details of the settlement have been released other than that each side is responsible for its own court costs. More when known.

The Columbarium is increasingly popular as the final resting place for many of our classmates and wives. We now have more than thirty class mates in the Columbarium. You cannot make a reservation for a niche. They are assigned at the time of need. If you are thinking of being inurned in the columbarium, or, if a flag officer, being buried in the cemetery proper, you can place a copy of your DD214 on file so that is in the binder and spread sheet at the Memorial Affairs Office, ready when needed. Your DD214 unlocks access and military honors rendered. Just send your DD214 to Mr. Anthony C. Whalen, CFSP, Memorial Affairs Coordinator, 101 Cooper Road, Annapolis, Maryland, 21402-5027; tel 410-293-5027; e-mail: awhalen@usna.edu. and ask to be put on file.

A Dark Ages Story. It was February of our Youngster year. It was a dark, drizzly, cold overcast day. It was also a Four N day for me. The uniform was reefers, carry raingear. In the rush to get from my room to in ranks, I could not find my gray gloves. Thay were not in my reefer pocket. In my haste, I grabbed a pair of black socks from my locker and put them on my hands in place of gloves I was the section leader for a group headed to DAGO, in our case French. Half way down Stribling Walk, who should appear from behing a monument but LCDR "Black Jack" Scoville, accompanied by not one, but two mates, thair notebooks at the ready. He ordered me to stop the section, and after I saluted him with my black sock hand, ordered me to "open ranks". He then proceded to fry every second classmate for dirty cap cover or shoes unshined. He then ordered me to close ranks. I saluted him again with my sock covered hand. He had a crooked smile on his face when he ordered me to "proceed on duty assigned". I guess he gave me credit for initiative or imagination. I immediately bought two more pair of gray gloves in the MID store. I later found my others in my bridge coat pockets.

If you have some stories you would like to share, please send them to me for use in future Irish Pennants editions.

Please get your COVID vaccine shots if you haven't already. Stay safe and stay warm.

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson

February 19, 2020--Spencer's Irish Pennants (from January 30)

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

It is crisp and cold here in Annapolis. We await the first real snow here in two years. Beginning at first light tomorrow we are forecast to receive 6 or more inches of snow, some freezing rain and ice. This is all part of a major storm that is expected to raise sixty foot seas in the Atlantic. All that said, we are snug by the fire here at home by the bay.

The Brigade began returning in groups on 9 January. On return they were all tested for COVID 19 and entered a period of isolation, then tested again. Classes, both virtual and in person, began on 19 January and will continue apace until the end of the semester. No Spring break this year is planned.

St Johns College dorms are not available this semester for midshipmen residence. Since the first wing of Bancroft Hall is still reserved for COVID isolation use, About 190 midshipmen are living with sponsors and families within a thirty-five mile radius of the Yard. They drive in every day, becoming day students. Who said dreams don't come true?

In Sports, the men's basketball team was off to a fast start, winning eight games, including one against Army, only to be beaten by Army (87-78) in overtime in the second game of their two day double header. The second game counted as a Patriot League conference game. Army and Navy will play two more basketball games this season. The women's basketball team has a more checkered record so far. Attendance at games is very limited, but, hopefully, that will improve in time.

Two members of the football team have been named to the Hula Bowl in Hawaii. Peter Nestowitz, a guard, and corner back Cameron Kinley both played in the Tropical Bowl in Florida in mid-January. Both are considered NFL prospects.

Commandant of Midshipmen The present Commandant of Midshipmen, Capt. Thomas R. Buchanan, USN, will be relieved this summer by Col. James 'J.P.' McDonough III, USMC. Col McDonough is presently the executive assistant to the Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations at U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters. An artilleryman, Col McDonough has commanded at every level, most recently the 10th Marine Regiment. No follow on assignment for Capt. Buchanan has as yet been announced.

Midshipman's Lawsuit Reopened. The outgoing Secretary of the Navy, Kenneth Braithwaite, as a last act before leaving office, concurred with the Superintendent's recommendation that Midn. Chase Standidge be dismissed from the Naval Academy for posting forty tweets on-line that were deemed racist, violence prone, and unbecoming to an officer and a gentleman. All Navy procedures now complete, U.S. District Court Judge, Ellen Hollander has reinstated the lawsuit filed against Secretary Braithwaite and VADM Sean Buck. She has also ordered that Midn. Standridge cannot be summarily dismissed until the lawsuit is resolved. The court will hold a hearing in Standidge's case on February 12. If dismissed, Standridge will not receive a diploma, will not be commissioned, and will have to pay a reported $175,000 in tuition reimbursement.

Ogle Hall. Ogle Hall the 280 year old house on the corner of King George Street and College Avenue, the home to colonial governor's and the Headquarters of the Naval Academy Alumni Association for the past 53 years, was put on the market on Thursday. The asking price is $4 million dollars. There are already a number of parties reported as interested in acquiring the historic property. The Alumni Association expects to move into its new headquarters building across King George Street from the Terwilliger baseball stadium in the late summer or fall of 2022. The Alumni association would rent Ogle Hall from its new owners until that time. I don't know if the cottage and 49 House are part of this package or will go on the market separately.

COVID19 The virus is alive and well. Please get your vaccine shots as soon as you can from the first available source. Please check with your closest Veteran's Administration and military medical facility as well as state and local providers to get your shots ASAP. The VA id supposed to be administering the vaccines as soon as they have them. Military medical facilities are administering shots after their uniformed priorities are met. Don't wait, this virus is going to be with us for awhile. We are the most vulnerable. Roll up your sleeve at the first opportunity.

Inauguration 1961. The Inauguration ceremonies last week reminded me of the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy in whose parade we marched. It is still the coldest day of my life. We stood in the snow filled streets for hours before marching off and onto Pennsylvania Avenue. You will remember that in those days, if there was a flake of snow anywhere to be seen, the uniform was "with overshoes". When marching with overshoes, my eyes were always on the heels of the fellow in front of me. If I touched his heel his overshoe would peel off like a banana peel. Everything went well until we got in front of the reviewing stand in front of the White House. There we were ordered to render "eyes left". At that point, the street began to fill with overshoes. We have one classmate (Mickey Mays ? ) who claims to have started the parade wearing two overshoes and ended it wearing three. What memories we share!

That's all the news. Stay warm and stay safe.

Quality '63
Spencer Johnson '63

December 23, 2020, 2020--Spencer's Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and friends of the Class of 1963,

It is cold and crisp here in Annapolis. Days are short and dark.The nor'easter storm that passed through a few days ago brought snow and freezing rain to the east coast, but fortunately passed north of Baltimore for the most part. We dodged the first real snow of the season

The Yard is silent. Deserted. There was no Messiah performance this year. COVID has taken its' toll in many areas and lingers on.

The Brigade is on leave after a disappointing 15-0 loss to Army on a cold foggy day at West Point. Last Saturday, Army defeated Air Force in Michie Stadium at West Point to capture the Commander-in-Chief's trophy after defeating both of the other Service Academies.

Despite rumors to the contrary, Coach Ken Niamatalolo has announced that he is not leaving Navy for another school. Next year should be a lot better on the gridiron for a number of reasons, not the least of which is a return to what should be a post COVID normal season.

Sadly, tragically, a first class midshipman died a few days after going on leave. Midn. 1/c John Johnson from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was at a resort hotel in Utah with friends. He was practicing holding his breath underwater in the hotel pool. When he did not resurface after few minutes, his companions got him out of the water, but were unable to revive him. He was a mathematics major with a 3.9 GPA. This tragic death casts a pall over the holidays for the entire Naval Academy family.

Only in Charleston--A Christmas Story. I went to the Naval Academy from Charleston, South Carolina where my parents retired when my father left the Navy. Beginning my Plebe year, when I went home for Christmas leave, I found my services as an escort for the long standing debutante season in great demand. Charleston society may have heard of our dancing lessons and tea fights. Actually, they probably wanted my Naval Academy dress uniform to balance out others from West Point and the Citadel and all the tuxedos. The debutante season (the "Seezon") began a week before Christmas and ran through New Year's Eve. With the exception of Christmas eve and Christmas day, there were as many as four parties a day beginning with a tea dance, a dinner, the ball and the breakfast after the ball.

Mothers of the young ladies making their debute in Charleston society formed the Question Mark Club and planned all the events over the course of a year. An old post Civil War (referred to locally as THE WAWUH} tradition, designed to husband scarce resources, was for each mother to buy her daughter two or three dresses and gowns. Two or three times during the season, the mothers met and traded dresses and gowns. I had a list of young ladies that I was to escort to various of the parties or for the day. I might call on Miss Suzie Q, whom I had never met before, but when the door opened, I realized that the dress and I had already been out at least one or more times before. Some of those dresses may still be in circulation.

I was happily married seven years after graduation. My wife is from New Jersey.

We are entering the Dark Ages. Or from another perspective, with the vaccine in evidence, we are emerging from what seems a long dark age. There is light at the end of the tunnel. We still have a way to go, so stay safe and be careful.

Like us, you may be having a "Honeymoon Holiday", as Dave Puckett phrased it, celebrated with your spouse at home and distanced family on the telephone or by ZOOM.

Please take a moment to remember those no longer with us, those at sea or on distant shore for whom home and the holidays are far away. They are not forgotten. They have a place at the our table and in our hearts.

Our greetings to you and yours are especially warm this holiday season. From our house to yours, a very Merry Christmas, a happy extended Chanukah season, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Quality '63
Andrea and Spencer Johnson

November 28, 2020--Mike Blackledge's Book

Mike "Blackie" Blackledge's legacy publication "Blackledge Stories - and other BS" is now available to the public on Amazon.com. Begun as a tribute to his late wife Helen Margaret Faust Blackledge and his deceased son Douglas Faust Blackledge (USAFA '92), it grew over six years of writing and compiling into a tome of some 640 pages to include chapters by our classmates Steve Coester, Ken Sanger, Bill Pawlyk, John Kelly, and D.B.A. Moore, and positive blurbs by Steve Duncan and Jack Saux. John Kelly and his wife CiCi gave technical support. USNA Museum Historian Jim Cheevers provided his history on the Preparatory Schools and the Entrance Examinations, and credits our class with being the first for which the latter was not a requirement. The USNA 1922 Entrance Exam captured in the Appendix is a challenge. Classmate collections such as "PE for '63" and "Where Were You? (22 November 1963)" are captured as well. You can open this book anywhere and find a captivating story.

Mike's website: Click HERE

November 16, 2020--Cole Lindell Funeral Streamed

The funeral service for our classmate Cole Lindell was held on Saturday, 14 November. A video of the complete service is posted on the web site of the George Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Aiken, SC. Click HERE to see it

October 7, 2020--Proposed eligibility changes for National Cemetery

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has provided information about proposed eligibility changes to Arlington National Cemetery. MOAA has encouraged stakeholders to submit comments on the proposed changes, which may affect some members of the Class of 1963. The public comment period opened Sept. 15 and will close Nov. 16. For details about the proposals, visit CLICK HERE.

September 20, 2020--Irish Pennants from Spencer for October

Dear Classmates, Family, and friends of the Class of 1963,

The weather in Annapolis is crisp and cool---perfect Fall weather after a very wet August and September. Perfect football weather even if games can only be seen on your TV screen.

Football

Air Force Navy plays Air Force tomorrow (1800 EST CBSSN) in the first game of the contest for the Commander-in-Chief's trophy this year. The game will be played in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy. This will be the first game of the season for Air Force. Only Air Force Academy cadets will be in attendance at the game.

Earlier, the Mountain West Conference, of which the Air Force Academy is a member, announced that their season would be played in the Spring. That decision has now been revoked and Air Force conference games will be played this Fall. When it appeared that Air Force would only play Navy and Army this Fall, forty Air Force football players (underclassmen) took a semester leave of absence from the Air Force Academy in order to extend their athletic elegibility for another year. The impact is that the Air Force defense will be missing a number of key returning players. The offense will too, but not to the same extent., Additionally, `the Air Force two year veteran quarterback may or may not play. He is listed as a "cadet not in good standing". As such has been allowed to practice with the team, but is not listed on the team roster. Whether he will "suit up" and take the field will remain a mystery until tomorrow.

The Navy team is well prepared and confident after their record setting second half two weeks against Tulane scoring 27 unanswered points to win the game 27-24. If Navy wins tomorrow, Coach Niumatalolo will have achieved 100 victories in his thirteen years as Navy head coach. His Air Force counterpart has scored 98 victories in his fourteen years at Air Force. Navy is favored by seven points. Tune in tomorrow at 1800 EST on CBSSN for what will be an exciting, hard fought, game.

Temple On 10 October, Temple University will play Navy here in Annapolis. This is the game that was scheduled to be played on 26 September, but postponed by Temple due the the COVID virus. It ha been announced that there will be no fan attendance at the game.

Class of 1963 Memorial Service at the Vietnam Memorial "The Wall"

In 1995, 25 years ago, we found out that the National Park Service allowed services at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., as long as they didn't interfere with public access to the Memorial. The Class of 1963 Foundation decided that we should have a memorial service at the Wall. We organized a committee that soon became a group effort with many Classmates volunteering to help. We decided to hold the Memorial service on June 10; thirty years to the day that we lost our first Classmate in Vietnam, Carl Doughtie.

Only a few of our Classmates were still on active duty at the time. One, Larry Marsh, who was Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for Personal Readiness and Community Support, agreed to be the Master of Ceremonies. He provided some Navy personnel to sing and play taps. We asked those who had a close personal relationship with each of the Class KIA/MIA to speak about him. Finally, we called Carl's parents living in North Carolina to come to the event. They came wih Carl's brother and nephew. Carl's parents expressed how pleased and touched they were with the service, because they had not heard from the Class and thought that we had forgotten about him. Family members of Bill Fitzgerald, Don MacLaughlin, Chuck Marik, and Ken Buell joined us as well.

The video made of the ceremony has not been available for viewing until now. The first eight minutes show Classmates and spouses gathering. Several of those captured on the video have since passed away. All of us look differently today. Classmates gave a eulogy for each of the thirteen who had their names inscribed on the Wall. Mike Cronin spoke eloquently about their loss. Eleven of the thirteen KIA/MIA were aviators. At the end of the ceremony, after pictures of those lost and a wreath had been laid at the Wall, and a bugler had sounded taps, eerily a small flock of Canada geese flew over the Wall in what could easily be interpreted to be a Missing Man Formation. The flight of the geese was captured on the video. View it for yourself and see what you think. Thanks to Steve Coester and Mike Shelley, the Memorial Service video is now on our website for your viewing.

Since many of us are mostly homebound during the pandemic, we have time to remember our Classmates who gave their all for their country and whose lives were cut short by the war.

Stories Solicited

The Naval Academy Museum is in the process of collecting stories of midshipman life in our time. Any and all remembrances and stories, especially of high jinks, while we were members of the Brigade are solicited. Please send them to Holly Powers (Holly.Powers@usna.com) with a copy to Mike Shelley (nstar@comporium.net) and Steve Coester Steve.Coester@1963.usna.com)to share with the Class.

That's all the news from Crabtown.

Stay safe and Beat Air Force!!

Quality '63,

Spencer Johnson

September 29, 2020--Exploring Naval Shipbuilding webcast

Jack Colyer and his wife Kathleen invite you and any interested members of the USNA Alumni to join us for one or all of the upcoming virtual NYCNL events. The invitation and details from the New York Council Navy League Shipbuilding Three-Part Series which begins September 29 night at 6:00 p.m. prior to the start of the Presidential Debate are at: CLICK HERE for the link to the event. Your interest is welcome.

September 21, 2020--Apollo 11 webcast

John Rocco has written a wonderful book called "How We Got to the Moon". It is receiving rave reviews. The book is a "children's" book but children of all ages will learn a lot from it. I strongly recommend it for yourselves, children and grandchildren.

On Oct. 7 the author John, a design engineer, Harvey LeBlanc, from back then and I are having a webcast to discuss the book and share a few tales. Harvey and I both contributed to the content of the book.

If you are interested in what one of your classmates did after being medicaled out of the service early in our carrers, join us.

September 20, 2020--Irish Pennants from Spencer

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends of the Class of 1963,

The weather is finally turning Fall like here in Annapolis with temperatures in the sixties. It is sweater weather--football weather, even if the games are only to be seen on TV.

New Addition At the suggestion of our classmate Jim Metcalf, and with the unanimous approval of our class officers, I am delighted to announce the addition, sadly posthumously, of Captain Wendell "Ray" Alcorn, US Navy, as an honorary classmate. Many of you knew Ray from our time in service together and from his frequent attendance at many class gatherings over the years in company with his sister-in-law Lou Shelley and her husband, our classmate, Mike Shelley. Ray graduated from Penn State University and received his wings in June 1963. He then flew A-4s in Vietnam, was shot down in 1965 while on a low level mission over hostile territory. He spent the next 2609 days (seven years) as a prisoner-of-war in eleven of Hanoi's fourteen prison camps. On release and repatriation, Ray continued his Navy career. His last assignment was as Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada. There he is credited with th e expansion of Fallon and its becoming the home of advanced tactical training for naval air squadrons and air crews. Ray was awarded two Silver Stars, the Navy Air Medal, and two Bronze Stars all with Combat 'Vs" plus two Purple Hearts. On retirement, Ray served as the Nevada Director of Veteran's Affairs. Ray is one we can all be proud of as an honorary classmate. Ray passed away in March and will be buried at Arlington cemetery. Welcome aboard to Ray's widow, Karen, and their family.

Life in the Yard Moral in the yard has been reported as low. The Brigade is still reforming with some youngsters yet to return. The fourth battalion (375 midshipmen) is living in dorms at St. John's College. For the Plebe class and the summer detail there has only been yard liberty since the beginning of June. Classes are mostly virtual. Movement is limited. Meals are box lunches and of reported poor quality. Meals are eaten in rooms or at tables of no more than four in the mess hall or tents. Mental health is now an increasing concern. Feelings of isolation are wearing on all . The chaplains are extremely busy. A midshipman request to see a chaplain takes about five days to accomplish. (Schools with similar services report a six day waiting period.)

Seven hundred midshipmen a week are being tested for the COVID19 virus. Less than two pecent test positive. Those that do go into quarantine and those who have been traced as having been in contact go into isolation.The football team is tested twice a week. One varsity first team football player, one back up player, and one coaching staff member are reported as having tested positive. The football team has a psychologist on staff.

The yard remains closed to general visiting, including parents. One midshipmen was heard to remark "the football team can play Brigham Young University, but I can't hug my Mom".

With all this in mind, town liberty was granted for the first time last weekend. All midshipmen had to wear" tropical white long" summer uniforms, were forbidden to buy or consume any alcoholic beverages, could not congregate in groups larger than ten, and could not travel farther than twenty miles from the chapel dome. One regiment had liberty on Saturday and the other on Sunday. No one knows when leave may next be granted, or if granted, whether midshipmen will be allowed to return. Time will tell.

Football Navy plays Tulane on Saturday in New Orleans. Game time is 1200 (noon) Eastern Daylight Time. The game will be televised on ABC television. Following Navy's 55-3 loss to BYU last weekend and Tulane's win over Southern Alabama, Tulane is favored by 6 1/2 points. Coach Niumatalolo took complete blame for the BYU loss, saying that he had erred on the side of safety in not allowing contact scrimmages before the game. That has all changed. Practice has been full-bore and head-on since. Saturday's game should see a different Navy team take the field.

Temple University was scheduled for 26 September here in Annapolis. Temple has since asked to be rescheduled to 10 October because they, too, had been limited to non-contact practices by Philidelphia COVID virus prohibitions and would not be ready to play on the 26th.

On 3 October Navy plays Air Force in Colorado Springs at 6 PM Eastern Daylight Time. This will be the first contest for the Commander-in Chief's Trophy this year. Coach Niumatalolo voiced some concern about playing for the trophy this year since Air Force will play only a two game season--Navy and Army. Their conference, the Mountain West Conference, has opted to play their games in the Spring semester. Army has cobbled together a 12 game schedule and Navy an 11 game slate, if all games are played. To Niumatalolo that didn't look like an even playing field for the trophy. It would further demean the value of the trophy, the winning of which he characterized as the premier goal of any Navy season. Coach Niumatalolo blamed "the Pentagon" for deciding that the trophy would be contested, but later apologized for blaming the Pentagon. The three Superintendents are said to have decided to play for the trophy.

Beat Tulane!!

That's all folks! Please stay safe. This all may all get worse before it gets better.

Quality '63
Spencer Johnson

September 7, 2020--Maritime Heroes of 9/11: Hear Andrew McGovern's story

As members of the New York Council Navy League of the United States' Advisory Council, Jack Colyer and I extend an invitation to all "63 Classmates" to join us on Friday, September 11, at 6:00 p.m. (E.T./ New York) for this virtual event to hear stories of the sea evacuation of over 500,000 souls in lower Manhattan after the attack and fall of the Twin Towers.

There is no charge for the event; you need only Register. Click HERE for the link to the event.

God Bless America.

Carpe Diem.

With my best regards,
Kathleen

September 5, 2020--Spencer's Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Friends and Members of the Class of 1963 Family,

I hope this LABOR DAY Weekend finds you and yours safe and sound and enjoying the last days of summer. The weather here in annapolis is beautiful, even though we had a terrible day of fast moving thunder storms on Thursday, incuding a tornado that touched down just south of the Bay Bridge on the bay itself--a sea spout. That was a real rarity for Annapolis. While some damage resulted, including power outages, it could have been a lot worse.

The Brigade.

This week 375 midshipmen vacated Bancroft Hall and took up residence in eight dorms at St. Johns College. This action compensates for the 130rooms in Bancroft Hall that are set aside for those testing positive for the COVID19 virus and are quarantined or in isolation.The midshipmen at St.Johns are all from the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th companies (the fourth battalion). They are expected to remain at St. Johns through December unless their stay is extended. St Johns did not reconvene this semester, since all instruction is virtual in nature as it is currently for the midshipmen.

The same rules apply to those at St. Johns as to those in Bancroft Hall. Food is delivered in bags or boxes from the King Hall galley. No visitors are permitted. No town liberty is granted. Fourth Battalion Executive Department officers are also housed in the St Johns dorms.

We can say that haircuts have returned to the St. Johns campus in our life times. A real milestone at least until January.

Navy Football

Navy opens it's 2020 season against Brigham Young University (BYU) on Monday 7 September at 8 PM (2000) here in Annapolis. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. Please check your local listings for channel and time if not in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone. The midshipmen will be playing to an empty stadium. The Governor of Maryland denied a request from the NAAA to allow 1500 midshipmen to attend. There will be no tailgating. While some counties in Maryland increased their opening yesterday from phase B to phase C, Anne Arundel County elected not to do so, since the number of those testing positive are still on the rise in the county.

The next Navy home game currently scheduled is against Temple University on 26 September. On Thursday Temple announced that the university was cancelling all "in person" instruction due to an outbreak of 130 cases of the COVID19 virus amongst the returned student body. All Temple classes are now virtual. Thatcasts some doubt on the execution of the Temple football season as scheduled.

In anticipation of very limited attendance at home games in the future at best, and no tailgating in the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium grounds, I have told the NAAA to roll over our class funds reserving our tailgate spot from the 2020 to the 2021 season, when I think things will have returned to normal.

Please remember to get your flu shots when available, and stay safe.

Quality 63,
Spencer Johnson

August 28, 2020--A note from Jackie Cronin

I just attended the service for Tom and Fran Reemelin at the Naval Academy. They are now side by side in a niche in the columbarium.

I wanted to let the classmates know that as of today, Mike is still waiting to be in the cue to get his burial date at Arlington. It seems the wait for notice is about 5 months, and then I will get a date, which should be about 1 year from his death. In the meantime, I am putting together a video to honor his life, and will send it out once I am finished. I will keep everyone in the loop as to his Arlington burial.

August 24, 2020--Spencer's Irish Pennants

Dear Classmates, Family and Friends ofr the Class of 1963,

Greetings from Annapolis where summer is drawing to a close. It is almost Labor Day. Where does the time go? There is a lot happening here--and not happening too. Much has been cancelled due to the virus. The latest is the cancellation of the sail and power boat shows to be held the first and second weekends in October here in Annapolis. That will have a real negative economic impact on the city's hotels, restaurants and other commercial activities.

Naval Academy The Plebe Class (2024) has completed a modified plebe summer in good form and is now integrated with the returning Brigade. There were no Plebe parades due to the Corona virus, no Plebe parents weekend, although Plebes were allowed three hours on the Sunday afternoon of what would have been parent's weekend to call home, Zoom, or otherwise touch base with family and friends. The yard is still closed to general visiting. Midshipmen are not granted town liberty and must remain in the yard at present. The Second Class parent's weekend which was to have been held the second weekend in September has been postponed indefinitely.

The Brigade is reforming with first and second class midshipmen back in the yard. As the case with the new Plebe Class, all returning midshipmen are tested for the virus, go into a fourteen day isolation period and are then re-tested for the virus. It is unofficially estimated that as many as eighty cases of the virus have been reported so far.

Youngsters are coming back slowly. indeed the Youngster class may remain home until mid-September or even later. The new question for the ages may be, "Who had the last real Youngster year?"

To ensure social distancing in Bancroft Hall, there are no more than two to a room and as many as 500 midshipmen may be berthed in Annapolis rather than in Mother Bancroft. The Naval Academy is reported to be in negotiations with St. Johns College to use their otherwise unoccupied dorm rooms, since St Johns students are not returning to campus this semester. The mess hall (King Hall) has tents erected adjacent to it to expand seating space, meals are served in shifts and some meals are box lunches that are picked up or delivered to rooms.

Classes for all resumed last Wednesday. It is estimated that up to seventy percent of classes will be conducted virtually and about thirty percent in a classroom space where there will be no more than ten midshipmen in a recitation section or classroom. Youngsters still at home are attending class virtually, just as they did in the Spring when they did not return after Spring leave in March.

You will be proud to know that the 63 Center for Academic Excellence has not missed a beat, shifting to virtual tuition assistance in all subjects: calculus, chemistry, physics, cyber science, writing skills, and others. Over ninety per cent of Plebes have used the 63CAE last term and eighty-five percent of youngsters in the term last ended. You can see the complete report on 63CAE usage submitted by the Director, Bruce Bukowski on our 63 web site. Well Done to the 63CAE faculty crew for their agility in taking the COVID 19 situation in stride and BZ to the Class of 1963 for all your continued support to this important endeavor.

` In sports the Patriot League has cancelled all varsity sports competition. Naval Academy varsity teams almost all vie in the Patriot League so there is no Fall competition scheduled. There is talk of trying to reschedule these matches and competitions in the Winter and Spring beginning in January, but there is nothing definitive yet.

Football is a different story. The Notre Dame game scheduled to be played in Dublin on 29 August was moved to Annapolis on Labor Day weekend, until Notre Dame backed out, ending the longest continuous inter-sectional football rivalry in collegiate football history. With a space to fill and television contracts in place, the NAAA quickly scheduled Brigham Young University to play here in Annapolis on 7 September. But the stands will be empty and no tailgate activity allowed. The NAAA is trying to get an authorization from local officials to allow the Brigade to attend the game, but there is no answer on that yet. The American Athletic Conference, of which Navy is a part, has not as yet cancelled their football season as have others, so there is hope that a number of games will happen as scheduled. For the remaining four home games it is estimated that no more than thirty percent of the usual crowd will be allowed to attend. For Navy, that is about the size of the number of season ticket holders. It is estimated that there will be no general ticket sales if the games take place and tailgating will not be allowed in the stadium grounds. Season ticket holders are being given several options:1 retain your tickets in hopes that the home games will be played 2. take a refund for your tickets, 3 donate your tickets to the NAAA and receive a brass plate on a seat in the midshipmen section with your name on it. You will find Chet Gladchuck's letter to season ticket holders on our '63 website with all pertinent information. I have heard from several classmates who have donated their season tickets to help off-set what will be a major setback in football generated revenues that this season will bring to the detriment of all other Navy athletic endeavors which football revenue supports.

The football team has been in the yard since early July. They underwent a fourteen day quarantine period spent in weight training and conditioning as well as "skull" drills (aka chalk drills). Every precaution is being taken to keep the players healthy, including very limited contact (i.e., no scrimmages with first string offense and defense players against each other). Blocking and tackling against dummies. Walk through and run through drills are the order of he day. Showers are taken back in Bancroft, not communal facilities. Only the necessary players needed to conduct a game will dress out. The coaching staff has put what promises to be a great team together despite all the COVID restrictions.

Army and Air Force have indicated their desire to contest the Commander-in-Chief's trophy this year. But it remains to be seen what kind of season each will have in addition to meeting the other two service academies.

It is expected that whatever Navy football games are played will appear on television, either ESPN of CBS.

That's all the current news from Annapolis. Stay tuned for further developments as conditions change and new restrictions are imposed or lifted.

Please stay well. I know of only one classmate who has succumbed to the virus so far, and that is one too many.

Beat Army and Air Force!

Quality '63

Spencer Johnson

August 22, 2020--Spencer asked me to post this message from Chet Gladchuck, NAAA

Click HERE for this message To Friends of Navy Football.

August 19, 2020--Tom and Fran Reemelin Memorial Services

Because of the Corona virus there has been lots of confusion. Here is the latest from Tom and Fran's children.

"Hi there!

We wanted to reach out to you as there seems to be some misinformation going around about our parent's committal ceremony and reception. We have been limited to about 50 people to attend the committal ceremony at the Naval Academy and at this point we have that many people RSVP'd to attend. The reception to follow will be at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel for a luncheon. That luncheon will have seating indoors or out for guests to choose where they are most comfortable. The bond created through our dad's class of 1963 at the Naval Academy were so important to our parents, thus the choice to be interred at the Columbarium at the Naval Academy. We would like as many classmates who would like to attend the Luncheon to please join us. Due to Covid Restrictions and to create the safest environment we need firm RSVP's (by Friday, August 21, 2020 at noon). This will allow the hotel to effectively plan for proper social distancing.

Our hopes are that the reception is a place where people will be able to gather, share stories, and remember our parents. We hope that many of you will be able to attend. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Warm Regards,

Tyler Bruner (daughter) (404) 805-1704
tylerr25@aol.com
Mark Reemelin ( son)"

Here is a repeat of the committal details:

Friday, August 28th at 10:30 am Service of Committal United States Naval Academy Columbarium Annapolis, Maryland

July 22, 2020--Tom and Fran Reemelin Memorial Services

We have planned the following events to honor our parents Tom Reemelin & Fran Reemelin. We hope you will be able to join us. ❤️ Friday, August 7th at 11:00 am Celebration of Life First United Methodists Church of Palmetto 330 11th Ave. W. Palmetto, FL 34221

Friday, August 28th at 10:30 am Service of Committal United States Naval Academy Columbarium Annapolis, Maryland Reception to follow

Current health safety meadsures will be followed and we ask that all guests wear masks. Please feel free to reach out to me for more details.

July 9, 2020--Craig Thrasher's Death. I received the following from Hugh Schall, Craig's crew mate.

It is with a heavy heart that I want to inform you that Craig Thrasher passed away today, while under hospice care at home with family . He was a boat mate, sometime a coach, a classmate, and great friend. If it wasn't for Craig, there wouldn't be a "Navy Masters Rowing Program". In addition, Mike Pero, Dick Omohundro, and Craig, but especially Craig, were responsible for establishing the Navy Crew Fund. The fund was established to provide equipment and other items for the Navy crew, that wasn't forth coming from the NAAA funds. The three of them were instrumental in raising a lot of money, but without the initiative of the '63 plebes, under Craig's leadership and hard work, it's not likely the fund would exist today. Only three of Navy's oarsmen in history, Craig, Dick Omohundro, and Jim Fontana ever received a full page pictures in "Sport's Illustrated (SI)". In 1961, SI ran an article on crew, and all three of them had full page pictures. I have attached a copy of Craig's picture. He will be missed.

A small service is planned for the family at the end of the month, and a Celebration of Craig's Life is planned for the future at a time TBD.

June 19, 2020--Mike Cronin's Death

As we mourn Mike's death now would be a good time to re-read his comments at the memorial service at the 55th Reunion. Click HERE for his comments

June 7, 2020--Spencer asked me to post the following from ADM Samuel J. Locklear '77 III, USN (Ret.)

Class, Chapter and Shared Interest Group Leaders,

Today I was made aware of statements posted to a public forum attributed to an alumni volunteer of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees representing the Jacksonville, FL, chapter. These attributed statements do not represent the mission and values of the Alumni Association, the Naval Academy or the U.S. Navy.

As volunteer leaders in our communities, we must be inspirations and examples for all citizens. As Chairman of our Alumni Association, I have accepted the resignation of this alumnus effective today, and asked the Jacksonville, FL, chapter to take appropriate action to appoint a new Chapter Trustee.

The Naval Academy Alumni Association represents more than 65,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We support the Naval Academy mission. As alumni, we seek to uphold the Naval Academy core leadership values of honor, courage and commitment. As an alumni organization, we seek to be an inspiration for all young people who want to become future Navy and Marine Corps officers. We will continue to honor that inspirational role. We are all in this together. We must face the challenges of today and all future challenges of tomorrow...together.

ADM Samuel J. Locklear '77 III, USN (Ret.)
Chairman, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees

June 7, 2020--Irish Pennants 6 June 2020

Dear Classmates, Members of the Family of the Class of 1963, and friends,

Navy Football. On Tuesday, Chet Gladchuck, the Director of Athletics at the Naval Academy, announced that the Navy-Notre Dame game, scheduled to be played in Dublin, Ireland, on 29 August is now to be played here in Annapolis, Maryland. The 84th meeting of the two schools will take place in Navy-Marine Corps Stadium during Labor Day weekend. This is the first time the longest continuous inter-sectional football rivalry in collegiate fooball history will be played on the Navy home turf. Whether the game will be played on Saturday or Sunday is as yet undecided. Whether the stadium will be open to fans, a reduced number of seats available due to COVID19 concerns, or no onlookers at all is still to be decided. Whether or not there will be any tailgating permitted is also to be decided. What is being resolved is TV coverage of the game through the ESPN and ABC networks. Chet Gladchuck said that COVID19 guidance from the state of Maryland and local authorities would govern decisions to be made. What the remainder of the fall football season will look like has yet to be determined. I have no doubt that the Army game will be played as scheduled in mid-December.

Midshipman First Class David Forney,2020. This midshipman, who was found collapsed at his desk and pronounced dead on arrival at Anne Arundel Medical Center in late February, has been declared the victim of a heart attack. A first string football player--an offensive guard--David weighed in a 305 pounds during the season and had recently lost 17 pounds in preparation for NFL tryouts in March. The medical examiners stated that he suffered from several heart ailments that probably contributed to his fatal heart attack. He was commemorated at graduation ceremonies by his Army game helmet occupying one of the chairs in the front row of the graduating class.

Plebe Summer. The Class of 2024 will be inducted in groups of about 220 into the Naval Academy and the Navy over a five day period 29 June to 3 July. On arrival they will be tested for COVID 19 and isolated for a period of 14 days. A great deal of Plebe Summer instruction will be conducted via virtual means during this period and throughout the summer. With social distancing rules, upper class detailers will not be "in the face" of the new Plebes as we remember so well. Whether or not there will be a Parent's Weekend for the Class of 2024 is yet to be decided.The Brigade is scheduled to "reform" on 17 August and similar COVID19 testing and restriction of movement (ROM) is expected to be encountered on arrival. The Class of 2020 when it returned to West Point for graduation had 16 cadets test positive for the virus.

USS Fitzgerald. The DDG named for our class mate, Bill Fitzgerald, that suffered a collision off of Singapore and the loss of seven lives, is again at sea having completed repairs and upgrading in Pascagoula, Mississippi. To all who contributed to the Navy Relief fund set up for Fitzgerald shipmates and their families, again, many thanks for the more than $30,000 raised in short order to render assistance .

Summer has arrived here in Annapolis, but so far the temperature has topped 90 degrees on only one or two days and the humidity is mild by Annapolis standards so far. Stay safe.

Quality '63
Spencer Johnson '63

May 19, 2020--Even More from Spencer

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

May 1, 2020--More from Spencer

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

April 27, 2020--Irish Pennants from Spencer

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

April 25, 2020--Chapel Dome Heirlooms

https://usnachapeldome.com/pages/shop

April 11, 2020--Irish Pennants Easter/Passover 2020

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

April 10, 2020--An idea from Bill Anderson, the 2nd Co. Webmaster

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.

March 17, 2020--A How to Wash Your Hands song you can relate to!

March 17, 2020--Irish Pennants March 2020

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

March 13, 2020--Gene Dehnert Obituary Video Tribute

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Charles-Dehnert

March 1, 2020--Irish Pennants Winter 2020

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

February 29, 2020--Joe Clancy Funeral Service

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.

February 19, 2020--Norm Shackelton Funeral Service

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.

February 12, 2020--Next DC Area Luncheon

Next DC Class '63 Luncheon at ANCC is Tuesday March 10th, 2020 at 11:30am

February 8, 2020--Found '63 Dixie Cup

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

January 8, 2020--Book by Mike Rubel

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)

December 21, 2019--Irish Pennants Christmas 2019 from the Class President

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

December 8, 2019--Irish Pennants from the Class President

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

December 8, 2019--Navy Heisman winners

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.

December 8, 2019--Next Class '63 Luncheon at ANCC is Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 11:30am.

December 6, 2019--Army Navy football Tickets

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

December 3, 2019--The Ron Terwilliger Center for Student Athletes

For a first look at this fantastic new USNA facility endowed by classmate Ron Terwilliger Click Here.

December 3, 2019--Linn Bowman, wife of TEB Bowman (1st Co.) has passed.

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

November 29, 2019--Army-Navy Tickets Available

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.

November 21, 2019--Mike Rubel's New Book

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.

November 19, 2019--From Our Class President

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 Bottles

The 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

November 11, 2019--Robert Abate Preserves WWII Memories

Classmate Robert Abate has been dedicated to preserving the memories of WWII Vets.Click Here

October 23, 2019--More Irish Pennants October 23 2019

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

October 18, 2019--GoFundMe Fundraiser for Classmate Ken Buell-MIA Vietnam

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

October 17, 2019--2 Homecoming Tickets

Bob Forster has two tickets (from Jim Ring).

bforster5@verizon.net

October 15, 2019--Homecoming Football Tickets

Jim DeFrancia has four to donate.
jdefrancia@lowe-re.com

October 11, 2019--NAS Cecil Field Redevelopment

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

October 5, 2019--More Irish Pennants October 2019

Dear Classmates, Friends, and Family

Homecoming 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

October 3, 2019--Irish Pennants October 2019

Dear Classmates, Family andFriends of the Class of 1963

Football 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

October 2, 2019--Next Class '63 D.C. Luncheon at ANCC is Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 11:30am

October 1, 2019--USNA 1963 Alumni Annual NYC Christmas Luncheon

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

September 27, 2019--2 Tix + Parking - S Florida 19 October

Steve Leisge has two tickets. Parking is next to ’63 tailgate - $10. Tickets $60..

Regards,
Steve Leisge
703-820-5204
sleisge@comcast.net

September 9, 2019--Special announcement from the Class President

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

August 28, 2019--Memorial Service for Ben Cole (23rd Company) November 21, 2019 at Arlington

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

August 24, 2019--Irish Pennants

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

August 16, 2019--Michael Dunn's wife, Susan died July 25, 2019

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

August 16, 2019--George Singer Funeral

Services are scheduled for Friday, 8 November 2019 at the Naval Academy's St. Andrews Chapel at 10:30am.

August 10, 2019--Two tickets for Holy Cross game available

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.net

Ciao
Phil

July 7, 2019--Sixty Years Ago We Entered the Naval Academy

June 12, 2019, 2019--Irish Pennants from Spencer Johnson

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

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Items of Ongoing Interest

October 6, 2008- From Dick Whalen

A Great Opportunity for Classmates

Obtain high quality near original archival replica "giclee" of the USS Fitzgerald. These are printed on canvas and Dick is offering a maximum edition size of 100, signed and numbered by Dick for $600 plus shipping, for approximately 24x36 size. Can produce larger canvases on request by separate quotation.... probably up to a maximum of around 42" x 52". They are of a much higher fidelity and quality than a lithograph and are state of the art for high quality replica paintings. Giclees are superior to traditional lithography in several ways. The colors are brighter, last longer, and are so high-resolution that they are virtually continuous tone, rather than tiny dots. The range, or "gamut" of color for giclees is far beyond that of lithography, and details are crisper.

What an opportunity to honor our classmate Bill Fitzgerald and to own an heirloom print of our Class's only ship.

Contact Dick Whalen at seamanseye@cox.net or
757-496-0274 See Dick's whole collection on our Traditions page Tradition

September 27, 2008- USNA--63 Roster and personal information--from Steve Coester--Remember that it is up to you to keep your information accurate on the class roster, your company map and your current bio. Just send me an email at scoester@cfl.rr.com with any address changes or bio updates. I'll make sure they get added to the appropriate pages on USNA63.org. While you are at it, be sure to notify the Alumni Association of address changes at http://www.usna.com/. You'll have to log on and click on "Profile". Or just give them a call at 410-295-4000.

September 10, 2008- Mario Fiori's letter to the Class about Bill Pawlyk.

Click Here for the letter to the Class from Mario regarding Bill's situation and the status of his clemency effort. MS Word required.

December 9, 2007--Army-Navy Weekend and Poinsettia Bowl Photos taken by classmates.
Mike Krause and More Mike Krause
Steve Hoy
Phil Rooney
Mike Blackledge's Trip Report
Steve Leisge

January 7, 2008--Provided by David Puckett, Foundation President--CLASS TIES, SCARVES, AND CUMMERBUNDS AVAILABLE BY CLASS FOUNDATION
Recently we have had some questions about the ties offered by the Class Foundation, their design and symbolism.

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.

From Steve Coester--I have submitted memorials with photos and a link to our Last Call for all of our Vietnam fallen to The Virtual Wall Website. They've done a fine job and they recommend that you classmates add to their memorials. At the top of each memorial page is a button to press to add to the memorial.

A note concerning Last Call and obituaries:

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.

November 2, 2004--I received a message from the Alumni Association concerning available 1963 Lucky Bags. Read on:

I wanted 1963 to know that we have an extra FIVE 1963 LUCKY BAGS here at the Association. Would you see if anyone needs a replacement (lost one) or if a relative (son/daughter/grandchild, etc) would desire to have one? There's no reason for a LUCKY BAG to sit here unused when someone out there will cherish having it in their possession.

We always hold extras here in our LUCKY BAG Locker as a service to replace missing Lucky Bags of Lifetime members; but we have additional '63's onhand already for that purpose.

Just let me know. We will mail from here with our funds (using a reasonable book rate for postage).

Andrea Campbell
U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association
Classes / Chapters / Parents Clubs
Distinguished Graduate Award Program
(410) 263-4448, ext 214
andrea.campbell@usna.com

From Steve Coester--The Alumni Association page has expanded the "Alumni Lookup" section: You can now search for classmates based on city, state and zip code as well as class year. Handy for getting groups together. See USNAAA and click on Online Community in the left column.

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 >

USS Fitzgerald Memorabilia Price List and Ordering Information.

Alumni Association Current News Service
News items about USNA, USNA Alumni, and the Sea Services.  Newspaper and magazine articles, press releases, transcripts of broadcasts, etc.

June 20,2006-- From Steve Coester--I've created a new page on USNA63.org. It is a place to post your old photos from 1959-1963 and before and after. The page has subdivisions for each company and for plebe year, NAPS, our summers and after graduation. Right now the pages are empty except for an example under the 18th company guidon. Read the instructions on the page and send me your digital photos from yesteryear. See Old Photos

January 4, 2007-- I received this from Jim Ring. Contact Jim for further information at ringj@fhfb.gov : I spoke to LCOL. Worman, USMC, the liaison officer at Bethesda for the wounded and asked what we can do for them. His cell is (585) 752-5929.

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

March 29, 2007--From Mike Shelley--Our classmate Jeff Niss has supplied some information about Veterans Administration benefits for Vietnam veterans who contract diseases that may be connected to exposure to Agent Orange. Although this information comes from his own experience and cannot be considered authoritative, it may be useful should you consider making a claim.

Classmates Mike Cronin and Ken Sanger have supplied some additional information which appears after Jeff's letter below.
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Gents - I keep hearing about vets not aware of Agent Orange benefits. Here's an effort to get the word out.

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"

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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 without objection from the Class Secretary, they will be published on this site, invite rebuttal or response, and eventually [perhaps] fade away.

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Carry On!
Class of 1963 facts and lore, Cannonball recipe, satire, humor

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Humorous Thoughts for the 40th

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