Another Link in the Chain

Events to Date:
Introduction - June 2007
Update - August 2007
Update- February 2008
Update- May 2008

Introduction - June 2007

This past week was commissioning week at the Naval Academy and marked the graduation of the Class of 2007. It also cleared the way for the entrance into the Naval Academy of the Class of 2011. These young men and women will begin their journey through four challenging years at the Naval Academy and onward to careers of service in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps just fifty years after we embarked on our journeys. This marks another milestone for the Class of 1961as well: it means we step up to the plate as the sponsors of the Class of 2011 through the program of the Naval Academy Alumni Association dubbed “Another Link in the Chain.”

The first event in the “Another Link in the Chain” Program for us is “I-Day” or Induction Day for the Class of 2011. This will occur on Wednesday, 27 June 2007. There will be a "welcome aboard" picnic on Hospital Point for the parents and families of the new midshipmen as they undergo their first day (remember the haircuts, the uniform issue, the drill instruction and all that shouting?). This is an event to which we as the “Class 50 Years Senior” are invited; classmates and wives are invited to attend the picnic, share our stories and reassure the families that their sons and daughters are embarking on a marvelous adventure just as we did 50 year ago. That afternoon we are also invited to attend as honored guests the Swearing In Ceremony in Tecumseh Court for the new midshipmen of the Class of 2011. Afterwards we can meet and greet the new midshipmen, especially those whose families were not able to attend and would probably welcome a little support and encouragement. Then, as the new midshipmen march off to start their Plebe Summer, all ‘61-ers are invited to gather at Jerry and Jill Smith’s home on Mill Creek (near the Naval Station on the east side of the Severn River) for drinks, barbecue, and reminiscences.

Other events during Plebe Summer include presence at the fourth class parades (we get to provide a reviewing officer for one of them), Reaffirmation Day Parade and Ceremony on August 11 (at which the plebes reaffirm their commitment to their Oath of Office and to the Honor Concept) to witness the receipt of the “Honor Coin” which classmate Barry Gastrock, the designer of our own Class Crest, has helped to create, and the Fourth Class Regimental Dinner…the Class of 2011 first “dining in” for which we will provide the keynote speaker.

There will be many more events and many more opportunities for us to get to know and to influence in a positive way the Class of 2011during the next four years. More information will be forthcoming through our Company Representative communication chain and on our Class Website. What we need now is to TURN OUT for these events to show our support for the Class of 2011 and be witnesses to the heritage of the graduates of the Naval Academy since 1845. Captain Jim Luper, USN (ret) (jaluper@cox.net) former Class President, has stepped up to be our Coordinator for the “Another Link in the Chain” program. Please let Jim know if we can count on you to be there for Class of 2011 I-Day on Wednesday, 27 June 2007 at the Naval Academy. See you there! Warm regards, Jerry Smith, President, USNA Class of 1961.

Plebe Visit to Washington D.C. Memorials:Warren Hoppe put together a program to support the Summer Detail Midshipman Cadre for the plebes of 2011. The plebes started their morning at the Holocaust Museum and then came over to the area of the reflecting pool for visits to the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Korean Memorial and the Viet Nam Memorial. One-third of the plebe class came each day, 30 & 31 July and 1 August. There were two to three ‘61ers at each of the three war memorials each day, providing the plebes background on the memorial and about their potential role in a future conflict. These visits offered a great opportunity for the ’61 participants to interact with their links in the chain and answer all kinds of questions about academy life and service life after the academy. Class participants were: Bud Brunson, Jim Connell, Warren Hoppe, Jim Luper , Dick Morgan, Mike Roth, Bob Sherer, Jerry Smith and Ken Van Sickle.

Plebe Parents Weekend:

Reception for Jewish Plebes: On August 10 Debbie and Paul Lang cosponsored a reception for plebes and guests following Friday evening services at the Uriah Levy Chapel. We were very pleased that Ben Gerson was able to join us. There was a very nice crowd which included upperclassmen, officers and chaplains of all faiths. It was a real treat to see and speak with these wonderful young people. Our Navy and our country are in good hands.

Saturday Parade: The morning of 11 August, nine classmates, most with their babes on their arms, watched the plebes march for their parents / relatives. Actually, we thought they looked pretty good for a few weeks drilling. I don’t have Rod Bubeck ’s keen eye and ear, but I believe the plebe D&B Corps will give the upper class a run for their money. The new Superintendent, VADM Fowler (’78), stopped by and welcomed us 61ers to the parade. Afterward, we had a photo taken (probably available on the Alumni Association web site) that featured a banner created by Kim Hill for our ALITC program. There was warm conversation among Lin & Jack Barfield (whose son is in 2011), Jim Connell & Irina Barrikadova, Kim & Virgil Hill , Emma and Bob Hofford, Pat & Jim Luper , Jane & Tom McNicholas & grandson, Judy and Roger Onorati , Bob Sherer and Jill & Jerry Smith.

Awarding Honor Coins: Monday evening, 13 August, 13 classmates gathered in the rotunda of Mother Bancroft and, assisted by officers, enlistedmen and midshipmen of the summer detail, preceded to the Plebe Regiment in Tecumseh Court and handed out honor coins to all the members of our ALITC Class of 2011. The coin: On one side, the coin has “ United States Naval Academy ” surrounding a continuous chain, surrounding the Academy Crest. The other side, designed by our very own class crest designer. Barry Gastrock , has “HONOR” around the top edge and “COURAGE–COMMITMENT” around the bottom edge. In the middle is “Class of 2011”; under which is the rocket/missile from our class crest, with “61” and “11” on either side, under which is “Get it Done” around the bottom of the rocket/missile. As we passed among the plebes, we gave each of them a coin and said a few words of encouragement concerning the importance of honor and character. After the presentation of the honor coins, many of us joined the plebes at their evening meal tables. It was fun to get their thoughts on many topics and to answer their questions about service life. ‘61ers participating were: Jay Bower, Bonnie & Arlie Campbell , Jim Connell & Irina Barrikadova, Bill Deutermann, Tim Dugan , Emma & Bob Hofford, Pat & Jim Luper , Karen & Tom Murray, Roger Onorati , Bob Sherer, Jerry Smith, Mike Welch, and Howie Winfree . Barry Gastrock and Don Hislop had intended to attend, but were forced to cancel at the last minute.

At the present time, there are no other formal ALITC activities for us with 2011 until the end of their academic year, during Plebe Recognition Week, the week before 2008 graduates. More on that and any other activities later.

Update - February 2008

Jerry Smith held a phone meeting with George Watt, Chairman and CEO, USNA Alumni Association and Foundation, to discuss the status of the "Another Link in the Chain" Program and our opportunities to participate in it. George confirmed that the Superintendent had made some changes with respect to the Plebes' schedule for the end of their year, including Commissioning Week, and that some events that had included ALITC participation have been eliminated. Nevertheless, George emphasized that the Commandant's office, the Superintendent's office and the Alumni Association still strongly support the ALITC Program. There will be opportunities for more contact with the sponsored class, generally starting with Commitment Dinner (just as the Class of 2011 returns for the start of their Second Class year) and increasing toward Graduation.

Our primary ALITC point of contact with the Alumni Association has changed, but we will maintain active contact with Elaine Proulx and her boss, Dave Church to ensure we have the latest information on how we can participate in the ALITC program, and get that to you as early as possible for planning purposes. We expect an official up date from the Alumni Association in the very near future. In the meantime, Jerry has collected the following intelligence:

As of this date, there will be a Herndon Monument climb (probably by selected representatives from each company) and 1961 will get some invitations to join the Superintendent's party in observing the climb. There will be no bleachers for us to observe Sea Trials, which will be conducted as a test and not an exhibition. There will not be a Plebe Recognition Parade or ceremony. Plebes will remain plebes until Herndon has been climbed and will remain Midshipmen Fourth Class until after the graduating firsties have been commissioned. At that point the former fourth classmen will be free to don third class shoulder boards.

Please be assured that 1961’s participation in ALITC and sponsorship of the Class of 2011 are valued even if the parameters have been altered. More to come.

This date, 20 members of the Class of 1961, WGNAC, (34 total with spouses, family and sponsors) participated in the traditional event that declares “no more plebes!”. I say participated, because we cheered on the Class of 2011 and helped them celebrate when it was completed. We were blessed with great weather and good camaraderie. Those who participated were: Melanie & Joe Allegretti, Ning & Jack Barfield (his daughter Jennifer and their son, Jay’s [‘11] sponsors Kim and Joe Coble), Jay Bower, Bonnie & Arlie Campbell, Irina & Jim Connell, Barbara & Tom Corboy, Earl Diamond, Dana French, Paul Lang, Pat & Jim Luper, Dan March, Connie & Skip McGinley, Pam & Mark Moore, Dick Morgan, Tom Murray, Patricia & John Phillips, Bob Sherer, Jerry Smith, Judy & Mark Waggoner, Susan & Howie Winfree.

Following is a sample of reactions from our classmates. “It was a great time.” “It was a real treat to be there.” “It truly was a memorable event for WGNAC.” “I enjoyed being there immensely. It brought back so many memories.” “We had great seats. It was a fun spectacle that lasted about 2hrs 40 min.” ‘It was wonderful seeing so many classmates and spouses. The highlight for me was when some of the former plebes asked to pose with us. This leaves no doubt that the program has meaning for 2011 as well as for us.”

The most poignant comment was: “Following the climb I shook some 30 or 40 hands from 2011 and to a person, after a perfunctory first glance at each other's eyes in the process, there was a second prolonged look of understanding that an experience was being shared. It was very moving - a bonding that I have not experienced for many years. And I suppose something that we tough guys are not supposed to discuss.”

And, there was one anecdote, on me, as told by my classmates: “Another class legend is born -- Luper and the Flying Lard. Jim Luper made a great catch of a ball of lard, which otherwise would have hit the ladies. He certainly saved Pat from it with the best catch we've seen out of him since Dec 1960 in Army's end zone! [He’s] still got great hands.”

	Events to Date: Introduction - June 2007 Update - August 2007 Update- February 2008 Update- May 2008 Introduction - June 2007 This past week was commissioning week at the Naval Academy and marked the graduation of the Class of 2007. It also cleared the way for the entrance into the Naval Academy of the Class of 2011. These young men and women will begin their journey through four challenging years at the Naval Academy and onward to careers of service in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps just fifty years after we embarked on our journeys. This marks another milestone for the Class of 1961as well: it means we step up to the plate as the sponsors of the Class of 2011 through the program of the Naval Academy Alumni Association dubbed “Another Link in the Chain.” The first event in the “Another Link in the Chain” Program for us is “I-Day” or Induction Day for the Class of 2011. This will occur on Wednesday, 27 June 2007. There will be a "welcome aboard" picnic on Hospital Point for the parents and families of the new midshipmen as they undergo their first day (remember the haircuts, the uniform issue, the drill instruction and all that shouting?). This is an event to which we as the “Class 50 Years Senior” are invited; classmates and wives are invited to attend the picnic, share our stories and reassure the families that their sons and daughters are embarking on a marvelous adventure just as we did 50 year ago. That afternoon we are also invited to attend as honored guests the Swearing In Ceremony in Tecumseh Court for the new midshipmen of the Class of 2011. Afterwards we can meet and greet the new midshipmen, especially those whose families were not able to attend and would probably welcome a little support and encouragement. Then, as the new midshipmen march off to start their Plebe Summer, all ‘61-ers are invited to gather at Jerry and Jill Smith’s home on Mill Creek (near the Naval Station on the east side of the Severn River) for drinks, barbecue, and reminiscences. Other events during Plebe Summer include presence at the fourth class parades (we get to provide a reviewing officer for one of them), Reaffirmation Day Parade and Ceremony on August 11 (at which the plebes reaffirm their commitment to their Oath of Office and to the Honor Concept) to witness the receipt of the “Honor Coin” which classmate Barry Gastrock, the designer of our own Class Crest, has helped to create, and the Fourth Class Regimental Dinner…the Class of 2011 first “dining in” for which we will provide the keynote speaker. There will be many more events and many more opportunities for us to get to know and to influence in a positive way the Class of 2011during the next four years. More information will be forthcoming through our Company Representative communication chain and on our Class Website. What we need now is to TURN OUT for these events to show our support for the Class of 2011 and be witnesses to the heritage of the graduates of the Naval Academy since 1845. Captain Jim Luper, USN (ret) (jaluper@cox.net) former Class President, has stepped up to be our Coordinator for the “Another Link in the Chain” program. Please let Jim know if we can count on you to be there for Class of 2011 I-Day on Wednesday, 27 June 2007 at the Naval Academy. See you there! Warm regards, Jerry Smith, President, USNA Class of 1961. Update - August 2007 Plebe Visit to Washington D.C. Memorials:Warren Hoppe put together a program to support the Summer Detail Midshipman Cadre for the plebes of 2011. The plebes started their morning at the Holocaust Museum and then came over to the area of the reflecting pool for visits to the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Korean Memorial and the Viet Nam Memorial. One-third of the plebe class came each day, 30 & 31 July and 1 August. There were two to three ‘61ers at each of the three war memorials each day, providing the plebes background on the memorial and about their potential role in a future conflict. These visits offered a great opportunity for the ’61 participants to interact with their links in the chain and answer all kinds of questions about academy life and service life after the academy. Class participants were: Bud Brunson, Jim Connell, Warren Hoppe, Jim Luper , Dick Morgan, Mike Roth, Bob Sherer, Jerry Smith and Ken Van Sickle. Plebe Parents Weekend: Reception for Jewish Plebes: On August 10 Debbie and Paul Lang cosponsored a reception for plebes and guests following Friday evening services at the Uriah Levy Chapel. We were very pleased that Ben Gerson was able to join us. There was a very nice crowd which included upperclassmen, officers and chaplains of all faiths. It was a real treat to see and speak with these wonderful young people. Our Navy and our country are in good hands. Saturday Parade: The morning of 11 August, nine classmates, most with their babes on their arms, watched the plebes march for their parents / relatives. Actually, we thought they looked pretty good for a few weeks drilling. I don’t have Rod Bubeck ’s keen eye and ear, but I believe the plebe D&B Corps will give the upper class a run for their money. The new Superintendent, VADM Fowler (’78), stopped by and welcomed us 61ers to the parade. Afterward, we had a photo taken (probably available on the Alumni Association web site) that featured a banner created by Kim Hill for our ALITC program. There was warm conversation among Lin & Jack Barfield (whose son is in 2011), Jim Connell & Irina Barrikadova, Kim & Virgil Hill , Emma and Bob Hofford, Pat & Jim Luper , Jane & Tom McNicholas & grandson, Judy and Roger Onorati , Bob Sherer and Jill & Jerry Smith. Awarding Honor Coins: Monday evening, 13 August, 13 classmates gathered in the rotunda of Mother Bancroft and, assisted by officers, enlistedmen and midshipmen of the summer detail, preceded to the Plebe Regiment in Tecumseh Court and handed out honor coins to all the members of our ALITC Class of 2011. The coin: On one side, the coin has “ United States Naval Academy ” surrounding a continuous chain, surrounding the Academy Crest. The other side, designed by our very own class crest designer. Barry Gastrock , has “HONOR” around the top edge and “COURAGE–COMMITMENT” around the bottom edge. In the middle is “Class of 2011”; under which is the rocket/missile from our class crest, with “61” and “11” on either side, under which is “Get it Done” around the bottom of the rocket/missile. As we passed among the plebes, we gave each of them a coin and said a few words of encouragement concerning the importance of honor and character. After the presentation of the honor coins, many of us joined the plebes at their evening meal tables. It was fun to get their thoughts on many topics and to answer their questions about service life. ‘61ers participating were: Jay Bower, Bonnie & Arlie Campbell , Jim Connell & Irina Barrikadova, Bill Deutermann, Tim Dugan , Emma & Bob Hofford, Pat & Jim Luper , Karen & Tom Murray, Roger Onorati , Bob Sherer, Jerry Smith, Mike Welch, and Howie Winfree . Barry Gastrock and Don Hislop had intended to attend, but were forced to cancel at the last minute. At the present time, there are no other formal ALITC activities for us with 2011 until the end of their academic year, during Plebe Recognition Week, the week before 2008 graduates. More on that and any other activities later. Update - February 2008 Jerry Smith held a phone meeting with George Watt, Chairman and CEO, USNA Alumni Association and Foundation, to discuss the status of the "Another Link in the Chain" Program and our opportunities to participate in it. George confirmed that the Superintendent had made some changes with respect to the Plebes' schedule for the end of their year, including Commissioning Week, and that some events that had included ALITC participation have been eliminated. Nevertheless, George emphasized that the Commandant's office, the Superintendent's office and the Alumni Association still strongly support the ALITC Program. There will be opportunities for more contact with the sponsored class, generally starting with Commitment Dinner (just as the Class of 2011 returns for the start of their Second Class year) and increasing toward Graduation. Our primary ALITC point of contact with the Alumni Association has changed, but we will maintain active contact with Elaine Proulx and her boss, Dave Church to ensure we have the latest information on how we can participate in the ALITC program, and get that to you as early as possible for planning purposes. We expect an official up date from the Alumni Association in the very near future. In the meantime, Jerry has collected the following intelligence: As of this date, there will be a Herndon Monument climb (probably by selected representatives from each company) and 1961 will get some invitations to join the Superintendent's party in observing the climb. There will be no bleachers for us to observe Sea Trials, which will be conducted as a test and not an exhibition. There will not be a Plebe Recognition Parade or ceremony. Plebes will remain plebes until Herndon has been climbed and will remain Midshipmen Fourth Class until after the graduating firsties have been commissioned. At that point the former fourth classmen will be free to don third class shoulder boards. Please be assured that 1961’s participation in ALITC and sponsorship of the Class of 2011 are valued even if the parameters have been altered. More to come. Jim Luper Update - May 2008 Herndon Monument Climb 15 May 2008. This date, 20 members of the Class of 1961, WGNAC, (34 total with spouses, family and sponsors) participated in the traditional event that declares “no more plebes!”. I say participated, because we cheered on the Class of 2011 and helped them celebrate when it was completed. We were blessed with great weather and good camaraderie. Those who participated were: Melanie & Joe Allegretti, Ning & Jack Barfield (his daughter Jennifer and their son, Jay’s [‘11] sponsors Kim and Joe Coble), Jay Bower, Bonnie & Arlie Campbell, Irina & Jim Connell, Barbara & Tom Corboy, Earl Diamond, Dana French, Paul Lang, Pat & Jim Luper, Dan March, Connie & Skip McGinley, Pam & Mark Moore, Dick Morgan, Tom Murray, Patricia & John Phillips, Bob Sherer, Jerry Smith, Judy & Mark Waggoner, Susan & Howie Winfree. Following is a sample of reactions from our classmates. “It was a great time.” “It was a real treat to be there.” “It truly was a memorable event for WGNAC.” “I enjoyed being there immensely. It brought back so many memories.” “We had great seats. It was a fun spectacle that lasted about 2hrs 40 min.” ‘It was wonderful seeing so many classmates and spouses. The highlight for me was when some of the former plebes asked to pose with us. This leaves no doubt that the program has meaning for 2011 as well as for us.” The most poignant comment was: “Following the climb I shook some 30 or 40 hands from 2011 and to a person, after a perfunctory first glance at each other's eyes in the process, there was a second prolonged look of understanding that an experience was being shared. It was very moving - a bonding that I have not experienced for many years. And I suppose something that we tough guys are not supposed to discuss.” And, there was one anecdote, on me, as told by my classmates: “Another class legend is born -- Luper and the Flying Lard. Jim Luper made a great catch of a ball of lard, which otherwise would have hit the ladies. He certainly saved Pat from it with the best catch we've seen out of him since Dec 1960 in Army's end zone! [He’s] still got great hands.” PICTURES - Updated 6/3/08




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