As we welcomed the unofficial start of the summer season, the USNA Alumni Association Atlanta Chapter kicked-off the season with its 37th Annual Lobster Fest held Saturday, June 4, 2011, at Red Top State Park, in Cartersville, GA. The annual gathering brought together 202 alumni, family members and friends to feast on mussels, corn on the cob, sliders and hot dogs for the kids, and the featured entrée, Maine lobsters.
Despite the sweltering Georgian heat, the assembled diners spent the afternoon enjoying a fantastic meal, socializing with shipmates and reminiscing with sea stories of their many great naval feats. Additionally, we recognized the presence of two prospective Class of 2015 midshipmen and future alumni. In short, the lobsters were succulent, the beverages were chilled and the festivities were memorable. A tremendous round of thanks to the dedicated crew of volunteers who set-up the venue, prepared the sides dishes, and cooked and served the lobsters. Going forward, we strongly encourage all alumni residing in metro Atlanta and alumni passing through the area the first weekend in June to join us at the annual “Fellowship of the Lobster”.
Several days later, we convened once again for the June monthly luncheon and annual chapter general meeting at the Atlanta Sheraton Galleria. During the luncheon, attendees heard about the state of the chapter and approved the new 2011 – 2012 slate of officers and directors of the board. Ples Bruce ‘77, outgoing Chapter President, discussed the status and many accomplishments of the chapter over the past twelve months. Overall, the chapter was reported to be in excellent health with respect to membership, financial stability and meeting objectives. Regarding membership, the chapter entered calendar year 2011 with 239 members spanning nearly 60 year groups from class of 1947 to 2005. Furthermore, the chapter’s membership allowed it to retain its trustee position on the USNA Alumni Association board.
Alumni attending the June luncheon included: Bill Rentz ‘55, Bill Holmes ’64, Stew Caldwell ’65, Art Czerwonky ’65, Edward Sundberg ’68, Edward Webster ’68, Steve Frederick ’72, Ples Bruce, Pete Knoetgen ‘77, Mike Hill ’77, Ed Brownlee ‘81, Angus McLean ’84, Mario Maddox ’85, Mary McElroy ‘87, Scott Vance ’01, and guest Lisa Estrem (Atlanta USNA Parents’ Club).
During the luncheon, the incoming 2011 – 2012 chapter officers were introduced. They are: Ed Brownlee ’81, President; Pete Knoetgen ’77, Vice President; Mary McElroy ’87, Treasurer; and Scott Evans ’88, Secretary.
Next event on the calendar is the July monthly luncheon which will feature as speaker Phil Smith, Director, Southern Region, The Concord Coalition. Phil will discuss and answer questions on the US government debt and deficit. The August monthly luncheon will feature Buddy Wellborn ‘59, who spoke to the chapter the summer of 2010 and will share his view of the upcoming Navy football season.
We send our congratulations to the USNA Class of 2015 who reported for Induction Day (I-Day) on June 30, 3011. Approximately 1,229 men and women began their new lives as plebes and the initial steps to becoming commissioned officers. To read additional details abut the Class of 2015, go to: http://www.military.com/news/article/navy-news/class-of-2015-arrives-at-naval-academy.html?ESRC=navy-a.nl
A belated July birthday wish to Captain John Paul Jones born July 6, 1747. As a primer, Captain Jones’ eternal resting place is located on the U.S. Naval Academy grounds inside the Chapel. For those forgetting their Reef Points information, Captain Jones uttered the legendary reply when asked to surrender by the British Captain of the HMS Serapis, “I have not yet begun to fight!” during a sea engagement in 1779.
Upcoming Atlanta Chapter events include:
August Monthly Luncheon – August 19, 2011
Inside tailgater (Navy vs. Delaware) – September 3, 2011
Alumni Join-up & Social – September 8, 2011
September Monthly Luncheon – September 16, 2011
Connect, Support, Advocate…Navy Blue & Gold!
