And I blew the horn . . . and the walls came down! And through the breach poured mail from the 36 tribes of ‘81. And it was good mail. I trust Shipmate will forgive me in advance for exceeding the 6-page, double spaced limit ‘cause I’m gonna blow right through that sucker. First, a word from our President:
"Another Homecoming has come and gone and, with it, another year our Class has made special contributions to the Navy, Marine Corps, and communities in which we live. We have classmates assuming command, flying in space, taking on executive positions in companies, becoming Blue and Gold Officers, volunteering in our towns, getting involved in politics, and generally making a difference in our world. As a class, we have taken the opportunity to get together from the first annual Fourth of July party on Hospital Point which drew over 100, to the annual class golf outing, to home football games, to one-on-one reunions of old friends and shipmates. We have continued to shine as a class and set an example for others to emulate. Thanks for all your support over the years and let’s make 1998 the best year yet for our class. Bob."
Now, the dry stuff--Minutes from the Class of ‘81 Annual Meeting, 17 Oct 97 at Alumni Hall:
Class Officers Present: Bob Ravener, President, Dave Ciccarelli, Secretary, Tim Disher, At-Large, Noreen Leahy, At-Large. Class Officers Absent: Chuck French, Vice President, Mike Mahre, Treasurer, Dan Quattrini, At-Large
Bob called the meeting to order at 0815.
Class gestures to dependent survivors were discussed. The Class will present bibles to spouses/families at memorial services held at 5-year-multiple reunions.
Bob recommended that congratulatory letters be sent to classmates assuming command. Dave will go to BUPERS to find out how the Class can be notified of classmate command designations and/or assumptions. Dave will send the most recent classmate command information to Bob twice a year.
The Class will begin collecting memorabilia for a Class Memory Box. Dave will solicit memorabilia input in the January/February 1998 Shipmate column (Hey, Class, start looking for memorabilia. I’ll tell you where to send it later).
Appointment of a Class Historian was discussed. In the January/February 1998 column, Dave will invite interested classmates to submit their names for the position (Hey, interested classmates, send me your names if you want to be Class Historian).
The Class Picnic on July 4th was discussed. Feedback was positive. We will have another picnic in 1998. Noreen will coordinate preparations.
Bob stated that the Class account balance is $19,684 and the Class project account balance is $44,800 with $2,100 outstanding. Mike Mahre was tasked to look for options whereby the Class can realize higher rates of return. Suggestions included contacting investment professionals and the Alumni Association.
The Class Project was discussed. Plans are to have the Project installed by the 25th reunion. Dave will begin soliciting ideas in the Jan/Feb 1998 column with the goal of finalizing an idea by Homecoming 1998 (Hey, Class, now’s the time to begin thinking of how we can leave an eternal mark on USNA--something more than stained tiles and damaged furniture). Bob said that the Alumni Association has a list of desired projects. A suggestion was made that the Class consider having the Project "dovetail" with ADM Larson’s 5 Centers of Excellence initiative. Dave described a monument-type project with a long-term, "passage of time" theme The monument would be designed to prompt reflection on life’s transience and how leaders should take action. Mike Mahre was designated Project fund raising officer.
Future Homecoming logistics was discussed. Bob will write ADMs Marryott and Larson and Annapolis city reps about not scheduling Homecomings on boat show weekends. Noreen will identify sites for 5-year reunion Friday night social events. Class officers will poll area classmates about off-year Friday night social events.
The meeting was adjourned at 0930.
On to the tailgater. Whilst Navy gnaws on VMI inside, a few of us eat and drink outside. Doug Heimbach, Class South Beach Rep, is here, but he’s lost the "Baddest Sunglasses" title this year. Doug’s at 1900 Sunset Harbour Dr. #2407, Miami Beach, FL 33139 and still with IBM. Cecil Davis came up from Atlanta to wrest the title from Doug with a pair of lemon-drop-wrap-arounds that went two clicks beyond vogue. Cecil’s a lawyer and lives at 2913 North Hills Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-815-6116, email: cdavis@kilstock.com. Nice shades, Cecil. Cecil followed up with a nice note about "off-year" reunions (i.e., smaller crowds, more time to strengthen/build friendships). I know of what he speaks. Turns out that Cecil was Eli Khouri’s roomie before Eli punched Plebe ac year (another Kenyan lost forever, Al). Eli, are you out there? Dave Rickards came down from Philly where he’s with Boeing. John Barron’s up from AIRLANT to bend an elbow. John’s at 424 Broad Bend Cir., Chesapeake, VA 23320, email: cdr.barron.hc8@flightdeck.airlant.navy.mil. Can you guess what he does for a living? John Clay and wife, Cathy Bessant came out Route 50 from 2508 I St. NW, Washington, DC 20037 where they live with their 20-month old daughter, Meredith. John’s works in NRD Richmond. Say "Hello" to Audrey and Chris Snyder, late of 211 S. Fayette St. Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-683-4012. Audrey’s still in the Navy while Chris is getting his Masters in Physical Therapy from Howard U. Sandy and Willie Taylor took a short drive down from 751 Stacy Oak Ct., Millersville, MD 21108. Willie has his hands full (literally) with Grace, 3.5 years, and Liam, 20 months. Over by the grill, it’s Mr. Picnic, Brian Coval, posting the burger watch. Brian’s at 13 E. Nelson Ave., Alexandria, VA, 703-683-1957. Wait, who’s this wading through the ‘87 10-year next door, it’s Donna and Tony Barnes without 8-year-old Ashley in tow. The Barnes are at 36 Jackson Ct., Newport, RI 02840, 401-848-5240. Over by the chips and dip we find Cindy and Rowland Huss who live at 4731 Great Heron Cir., Fairfax, VA 22033, (H) 703-968-4871, (W) 703-602-9026. Rowland’s at PMS325J as NAVSPECWAR (that’s Navy Special Warfare for the NavSpeak challenged) Project Manager. Hey, look who’s here, it’s Bob Gast, another local from 632 Bayside Dr., Stevensville, MD 21666, (H) 410-604-1660, (W) 301-805-6000. Tim Burke made it, too, all the way from 1712 Woodhill Ln., Bedford, TX 76021, 817-283-8757, email: aaviaator@aol.com. Next to Tim is Tom Carney. Tom’s at 6450 2nd St., Alexandria, VA 22312, 703-354-0434. Next to Tom is Vince Stammetti up from 3602 Jody Ct., Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-730-3696. Ted Morse just grabbed me by the arm and berated me for losing his email from a few months ago. Don’t you hate it when the 1st mistake you ever make involves a classmate? I remember it had something to do with JT and the couch incident, young Kim, and Pennanting (Quatt’s, can you fill me in on that one?). Ted’s at 3117 Basin Ct., Virginia Beach, VA 23451, 757-496-0967, email: tmorse@compuserve.com. Driving down from the NRC is Tom Boyce. Tom’s at 19804 Sovereign Ct., Germantown, MD 20876, 301-428-3741, email: thb@nrc.gov. Missing the tailgater, but hanging with Tom at the NRC is Vic McCree, vmm@nrc.gov, Mike Webb, mkw@nrc.gov, and Tom Hiltz, tgh@nrc.gov. Back to the action. Over here by the keg we find Scott Waddle who’s at 6815 Indian Run Ct., Annandale, VA 22003, 703-941-4226 and, next to him is Mike McLaughlin from 29 W. 14 St., Deer Park, NY, 516-586-4228. Another Georgian, Tim Gavin, 1201 Primrose Ln., Woodstock, GA 30189, 770-516-2820. Mara and Mike Matthes stopped by for a sec, but then headed back to Mara’s 15th which, if you made it to ours, is understandable.
Apart from those mentioned above, there is one more presence at the ‘gater, a man (actually a man and a woman) behind the scenes, making ‘81 social events happen, ‘tis Pam and Otto Stutz. Deb and I had the good fortune of hanging at Hotel Stutz for much of the weekend. Otto’s known for many things, flying fast airplanes, taking in geo-bachelor Mids (Pam’s Mom #2 to practically the whole Brigade, it seems), and having a face worthy of Mt. Rushmore (I think you look a little like TR, Otto). Otto and Pam live on Weem’s Creek at 36 Williams Dr., Annapolis, MD 21401 with Jimmy, 2, and Lauren. Until he leaves DC, Otto is OIC of the ‘81 tent and you can find his green truck out past the Quonset hut along Cedar Park Road every home game.
Now, the rest of the stuff that’s fit to print. Melinda and Craig Baker had a boy, Joseph, in Sep (kid #3). You can still find them in Quantico.
Bob Ravener ran the Marine Corps Marathon and lived to tell about it.
Email, arriving, from Chuck Hardy who’s living in the heartland by the river with wife, Josie, and kids, Mark and Sarah. Chuck’s with Jefferson Smurfit (boxes, not little blue toons) and has a photo side business. Chuck left the Navy after a tour at Louisville MEPS and worked for (no particular order) the National Archives, a health care provider, an electric company, and a stock broker. Chuck was last in print circa ‘84 and can be reached at 7323 Elm Ave., Maplewood, MO 63143, 314-645-7428, email: josie1966@aol.com.
An email from Mike (Nasty) Manazir’s dad, LTCOL Charles Manazir, USMC (Ret) ‘58, notes that I failed to mention Mike’s assumption of command of VF-31 (Tomcatters) at Oceana in September (mistake #2). I probably also left out that Rick (Yoodog) Doran is Mike’s XO, but now yoo know. Thanks for the data, Kelly.
Turned on the PC one October AM and, lo and behold, a message from Patricia Murphy, so I says, "Self, who’s Patricia Murphy?" Turns out that Murphy was Crandlemire--another one back to the fold (Bud, you can’t hide forever). After getting out, Patty worked as a project/construction engineer for the City of VA Beach from 86-93 and got her P.E. license in the process. Then she headed north to Syracuse to direct the physical plant at a SUNY campus. In 1996, the same job opened at Bates College, Lewiston, ME which, if you refer to page 28 of National Geographic’s Atlas of the World, is about three hours from Machias, ME which, if you refer to page 73 of your Lucky Bag, well, you figure out the rest. Dang, another MechE! Why does everyone I know have a harder major than me? Patty is married with two kids, boy, 8, girl, 5 (those aren’t their real names), and can be reached at (H) 207-933-5433, (W) 207-786-6207, email: pmurphy@abacus.bates.edu. It is good to be back, isn’t it?
A note from Donna and Pat "Boog" Lorge (Actually, it’s from Donna--you guys need write more, it’s embarrassing). The Lorge’s are at Lemoore, CA. Pat was in Fallon in Oct doing work-ups for a May 98 trip on ABRAHAM LINCOLN as CO of VFA-25 (Fist of the Fleet). Continuing ‘81’s fertile tradition, Donna and Pat are expecting #4 in March to go with three boys, 10, 7, and 2 (once again, not their real names). Contact info: 1080 Oakdale Ln., Lemoore, CA 93245, email: swissfam@kingsnet.com.
Apparently, the Navy has a new ship, the Paul James Barnhill, launched at 2139, 8/28/97, at Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews AFB, MD. Displacement: 7 lbs, 1.2 oz. Length: 19.75 in. Fuel: Secret formula, enriched. Acoustic signature: Reduced. Builders, Vicki and John Barnhill, wish to express sincere thanks to all pre- and post-launch construction engineers and technical assistants (including J-8) who lent support through a sometimes difficult construction period. Wesley, who turned three on 10/25/97, writes that he likes little brother (always a good sign). John heads for PCO school next July, but, until then is at 6659 New Chandler Ct., Burke, VA 22015.
In case you slept, ‘81’s home page: http://members.aol.com/us81na/index.htm and Ron Hawkins (us81na@aol.com) runs it. Surf on down, the water’s fine.
Here’s one that almost got away. Paul Jaeger went to Newport in July and started Naval War College in August. Reach Paul at jaegercath@aol.com.
Cocking his cannons and firing all way from Oki is Mike Porter. Mike and family have been there for over a year and will rotate back summer 1999. By now, Deb will have run the Okinawa Marathon in December (and you thought Mike was fast). Progeny update: Mike Jr., 13, Christina, 12, Daniel, 8, and Thomas, 7, heavy into soccer, basketball, and baseball. Mike says they’ll try to get to mainland Japan for the Winter Games. Mike’s email is porterm@mwr.kic.or.jp and he’d love to get mail.
Dave Fuquea’s a grunt battalion XO at Lejeune and was selected for O-5 (USN readers, please feign interest, this is a USMC big deal). Most of the rest of our class was up for same at the November 12th board. Details when I get ‘em.
Ted Morse resent misplaced info (1st mistake, etc.). Yes, it’s true, he and Kim will tie the knot next spring. Ted says if you made Homecoming (ours and ‘82’s) you already got the news, but "the rest of you cheesehogs" need to get in touch. The big event will be in VA Beach on Memorial Day weekend so reserve racks and rides early. Ted says, "Sorry if you’ve got family plans that weekend . . . break ‘em. We’re gonna need a 3-day weekend to do this show justice." Reach Ted and Kim at 3117 Basin Ct., Virginia Beach, VA 23451, (H) 757-496-0967, email: Tmorse@compuserve.com.
A sad update concerning Mary Gunther. I mentioned in November that Mary was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma last summer while pregnant with their 7th child which they named Raphe meaning "God is my healer." She started chemo in September. While doctors projected no life threat to the baby, they did say the treatment would necessitate an early delivery. At an October checkup, they found that Raphe had died of a non-chemo or cancer related cause. He was buried shortly thereafter at the VA cemetary in Hawaii. Our prayers and hopes go out to the Gunthers during this ordeal. Class unity plays it’s biggest role at times like these.
Class luncheon at Ft. Myer, 12/11/97. COL Dave Vetter, USMC (Ret.) ‘67, Dean of Admissions, was guest speaker and a very interesting one at that. Attendees: Jim Ahlgrimm, jim.ahlgrimm@em.doe.gov, Jim Rodrock, jrodrock@atinc.com, Mike Kula, Buz Sorce, p211w@bupers.navy.mil, Tom Carney, ncarney@bellatlantic.net, Tony Kurta, p41a@bupers.navy.mil, John Barnhill, barnhijw@js.pentagon.mil, Dennis Sawyer, dennis.sawyer@faa.dot.gov, Tim Fleischer, tfleisch@radianinc.com, Dave Mutzabaugh, dave_mutzabaugh@siecor.com, Bill McGuinness, mcguinness.w.d@postal.essd.northgrum.com, Tom Jacob, jacob@wasc.egginc.com, Fred Reitzel, Jamie Foggo, periscope@msn.com, Kevin Cotherman, kevin.cotherman@gectms.ge.com, Chuck French, chuck.french@metagroup.com, Nelson Moe, nmoe@worldnet.alt.net, Henry Aszklar, haszklar@aesc.com, Brad Ward, bward@gis.saic.com, Tom Boyce, thb@nrc.gov, Mark Patton, markpusn@aol.com, Bubba Turman, turman.robert@hq.navy.mil, Paul Hankins, hankins_paul_f@hq.navsea.navy.mil, Pete Morgan, morganp@ny.opnav.navy.mil, Jon Wall, jswall@leggmason.com, Jim Wetzel, jwetzel@email.usps.com. Next DC-area lunch will be at the Ft. Myer O’Club, 1130, Friday, March 13, 1998. Be there, etc.
Annual update of Class Officer contact info; Bob and I are at the top of the column (NOTE: I’m now chicsan@aol.com vice dciccarelli@dtihq.com). V.P., Chuck French (Cara), 10809 Melanie Ct., Oakton, VA 22124, 703-242-8012, chuck.french@metagroup.com, Treasurer, Mike Mahre (Kelly), 1671 Miller Ave., Los Altos, CA 94024, 650-941-8876, mahre@cambriagroup.com, Tim Disher (Sharon ‘80), 403 Lexington Ct., Yorktown, VA 23693, 757-989-0688, dish5@aol.com, Noreen Leahy (Jim), 90 Jarvis Pl., Lynbrook, NY 11563, 516-596-1219, carthene@msn.com, Dan Quattrini (Mary), 5747 Long Brake Cir., Edina, MN 55439, 612-943-9878, dan@trmn.com.
All stop. Moored. Shift colors. OOD’s moved the bridge to the quarter deck. Liberty call. Liberty call. Liberty call to expire upon receipt of March issue. Now, liberty call. Later, .