Forty-five (45) metro Atlanta area alumni, spouses and guests gathered for two-and-a-half (2 1/2) fun-filled hours on Saturday evening, February 11, 2017, in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, at Der Biergarten restaurant for camaraderie and breaking bread at the Atlanta Chapter’s Dark Ages Dinner.
Throughout the evening of dining on traditional German cuisine and enjoying Naval Academy alumni fellowship, many sea 
stories were retold/embellished by grads, several classmates were reunited, and a significant quantity of savory food/cold beverages were consumed.
USNA alumni classes in attendance ranged from 1958 (Reggie Vachon ’58) to 2010 (Lieutenant Sam Hollaway ’10). There was a West Point grad in attendance, Phil (son of Pete Knoetgen ’77) Knoetgen.
Also attending the Chapter’s Dark Ages Dinner was 
Vince Balderrama ‘78, Major Gift Officer, U.S. Naval Academy Foundation. Vince was visiting Atlanta on Foundation business and fortunately extended his stay to partake in Atlanta Chapter’s first signature event of the 2017 calendar year.
The evening ended with a rendering of our alma mater “Navy Blue & Gold’, which is sung at the end of all Atlanta Chapter gatherings and events. The evening’s rendition was well received by 
non-USNA related guests dining at Der Biergarten restaurant.
Overall, it was a rewarding and memorable time enjoyed by all alumni, spouses and guests attending the 2017 Atlanta Chapter’s Dark Ages Dinner.
U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Atlanta (USNAAAA) Chapter’s Vision is to – Connect, Support, Advocate… Navy Blue & Gold
Atlanta Network