Latest Letter from Sean 

Greetings Classmates, most of whom I hope to see in September at the reunion!!!

There is a LOT of news here, so read carefully and completely.

It is time now to turn your attention to Class Elections. As you should know, and according to our Class by-laws, we hold elections for Class office in conjunction with our ten-year-multiple reunions. The Nomination and Election Committee has set the ballot as follows;

For Class President – David Jackson (17^th Co)

For Vice President – Charles Dixon (19^th Co)

For Secretary/SHIPMATE – Wiz Withers (19^th Co)

For Treasurer – Jeff Johnson

For First Battalion Representative – Richard Phares (5^th Co)

For Second Battalion Representative – Your choice of (in alphabetical order) John “Fozzie” Miller (8^th Co), Carl Rehling (7^th Co), and Al Steel (12^th Co) (A Statement from each candidate is provided in this email.)

For Third Battalion Representative – Ralph Quarles (14^th Co)

For Fourth Battalion Representative – Kirk Michealson (22^nd Co)

For Fifth Battalion Representative – Stan Clark (29^th Co)

For Sixth Battalion Representative – Jeff McFadden (36^th Co)

Each Office will also have a Write-In option However, any candidate who receives a write-in vote MUST be eligible for the office and MUST be willing to serve.

After you have voted for the Class Officers, you may vote ONLY for your Battalion Rep. Your USNA Company determined what Battalion you were in. I was in 17^th Company so I was in Third Battalion. I may only vote for the Third Battalion Rep. If I try to vote for another Battalion Rep, that vote will not count.

Because we have three candidates for Second Battalion Representative, I have asked each to provide a statement for their candidacy. All Second Battalion classmates should read these statements before making your selection. Again, in alphabetical order:

From John “Fozzie” Miller:

When Sean Cate and the nominating committee put out the word for the upcoming election of class officers, I immediately saw an opportunity to “give back” to my classmates by volunteering to serve as the Second Battalion Class Representative. Fortunately, two other classmates had a similar thought and now the Second Battalion 79ers have a number of volunteers to chose from.

I’m absolutely confident that either Carl or Al will be great reps for us and feel assured that there is no wrong choice. While both are undoubtedly smarter and better looking than I am, I do offer the following:

- I’ve been a Naval Academy Foundation Trustee since 2008 and have been very active in the organization since my retirement from active duty in 2015

- Mary Pat and I live just outside the 50-mile radius from the Naval Academy Chapel (remember when that used to matter), so we often find ourselves at USNA for various events, including lectures (that are no longer mandatory!), sporting events, and USNA social activities

- I’m self employed, so I have good fidelity on my ability to contribute – I have both the motive and opportunity to serve

-  I feel an obligation to give back, having spent much of my time on active duty away from T-Court and unable to participate except very episodically – I feel fortunate to now have the time and opportunity to take a turn at the oar on behalf of our class and the Second Battalion

While I’d be pleased to be selected, I’ll be equally pleased if Carl or Al become the rep, and I look forward to assisting either one, as they desire. 

v/r Fozzie

From Carl Rehling:

79, I am ready, willing and able to support the class as Second Batt Rep.  However, I’m not going to waste our time in any effort to try to make a case for myself over Fozzie or Al.  I know that whoever gets elected will do a great job supporting Class Leadership as we ramp up to taking our place in the all-important “One Link in the Chain” process.

I will share though, that as time keeps passing and I’m prepping for “real retirement” which is near term, I find myself thinking more and more about not only how much in my life I owe to USNA, but more importantly, what a special group the Class of 79 remains in my life, and how tremendous it is to be able to call you all Classmates.  They always said that they broke the mold with us, and I think time has proven them right!

If elected, I will do my best to not let you down, but regardless of the results, I will always continue to help and support the Class in whatever way is needed.

Philo McGiffin remains my hero.

Omnes Viri

From Al Steel:

Two of my company mates approached me about running for Second battalion Representative for the upcoming term. Our company does a pretty good job of staying in contact, and I enjoy the interaction.

I see the position as an opportunity to expand my interactions to the broader Class. I had many friends in each of the other companies within Second Battalion during school and enjoy catching up whenever we meet.

I have the time, ability, and desire to discharge the duties of the office and to represent my Battalion mates at the Class level as we move into our years of time freedom and Link-in-the Chain stewardship. I will give the same level of support to whomever is elected should I come up short in the vote. Respectfully,

Al Steel 796931 12^th Company  O/V

VOTING IS NOW OPEN – See these instructions from Grant Thornton, the Chairman of the Nominations and Elections Committee:

USNA Class of 1979,

On behalf of the Reunion Election Committee, voting is now open for the election of Class Officers and Battalion Representatives in conjunction with the 40th Reunion.  Voting is open from now through September 2nd.  

Vote for your choice for President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, and for one Battalion Representative from your Battalion at the following web address: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KD79JJJ

All nominees have been determined to be graduates of the class and have indicated their willingness to serve. Thank you to all the nominees who have indicated their willingness to serve if elected. A copy of the ballot is also posted in the reunion information section on the class website: http://www.usna79.com

The website instructions are simple to follow. VERY IMPORTANT that each classmate voting include your Name and Company on the first page to ensure one shipmate one vote for class officers, and one vote for your Battalion Representative. The three members of the Nomination and Election Committee are sworn to secrecy about each and every ballot.

All Classmates who graduated are eligible to vote, even if you are not attending the reunion. ALL VOTING WILL BE CONDUCTED THROUGH THE WEBSITE. If you have trouble accessing the website, please send an e-mail to the committee: Grant Thornton - grant.thornton@1979.usna.com; Mike Foreman - mike.foreman@comcast.net; and Bob Klocek - bobk357@verizon.net for instructions.

O/V,

Grant Thornton, Chairman

Abe Ellis has two tickets available for Navy Home Games this season (except ECU). From Abe - our TWO seats are in (lower) section 29, Gold (visitors') side in the last row (#19) of the bottom half of that section, first two seats right on the aisle as one exits the tunnel from the concession area. There are no other seats behind them, just a railing and then the spectator walkway paralleling the sideline so there are never any knees whacking folks in the back of the head!!  Also, they are on the 48-yard line and in the sun the entire game, which is nice when the later fall weather may turn a bit chilly.

The Holy Cross tickets are $40 each, Air Force $55 and all the rest of the home games are $45 each, plus a $2.50 per ticket cost to cover shipping and credit card processing on our end through our business. We did not purchase a season parking pass and all of those prices are exactly what we paid, no scalper mark up! LOL??!!

If you are interested, contact Abe directly at Abe Ellis <abeellis26@gmail.com>

New Bag Policy at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Navy Clear Bag Policy - NEW FOR 2019

This year, Navy will be adopting A Clear Bag Policy already enacted by many schools around the nation. This policy was adopted to enhance public safety and make stadium access more efficient by limiting the size and style of bags carried into the stadium. The public deserves to be in a safe, secure environment. This is about both safety and improving the overall fan experience.

Permitted Items: Clear bags no larger than 12"X12"X6", small clutch purses no larger than 4.5"X6.5", blankets, seat cushions, diaper bags, umbrella strollers, and video cameras. All items will be inspected.

Prohibited Items: Backpacks, computer bags, purses, fanny packs, brief cases, binocular cases, camera cases, tote bags, firearms, nuclear weapons, Polaris Missiles, bottles (glass or plastic), cans, thermoses, coolers, alcoholic beverages, outside food or drink, large bags, folding chairs, umbrellas, profession cameras and tripods, noise makers, hanging banners/signs/sticks, chains, illegal substances, laser pointers, clothing containing vulgar language, large strollers, fireworks, aerosol cans, pets, pepper spray, and any item deemed by management to be dangerous or inappropriate.

More info should be available on the Nay Sports website.

Missing Classmates. The list of missing classmates has been updated on the class website, www.usna79.com. (Webmaster....give me a day or two...currently requailing to fly in Dallas after nasty bicycle accident).   Please help us find these lost classmates – grads, non-grads, and widows.

Beat Holy Cross!

Beat East Carolina!

BEAT AIR FORCE!!!

BEAT ARMY!!!!

Omnes Viri ‘79,

Sean

USNA Class of 1979.  

On behalf of the Reunion Election Committee, voting is now open for the election of Class Officers and Battalion Representatives in conjunction with the 40th Reunion.  Voting is open from August 19th through September 2nd.  

Vote for your choice for President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, and for one Battalion Representative from your Battalion at the following web address: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KD79JJJ

All nominees have been determined to be graduates of the class and have indicated their willingness to serve.  Thank you to all the nominees who have indicated their willingness to serve if elected.  A copy of the ballot is also posted in the reunion information section on the class website: http://www.usna79.com

The website instructions are simple to follow.  VERY IMPORTANT that each classmate voting include your Name and Company on the first page to ensure one shipmate one vote for class officers, and one vote for your Battalion Representative.

All Classmates who graduated are eligible to vote, even if you are not attending the reunion.  ALL VOTING WILL BE CONDUCTED THROUGH THE WEBSITE.  If you have trouble accessing the website, please send an e-mail to the committee: Grant Thornton - grant.thornton@1979.usna.com; Mike Foreman - mike.foreman@comcast.net; and Bob Klocek - bobk357@verizon.net for instructions.

O/V

Grant Thornton, Chairman