then adjourned to the Club links for 1776-1783. I sit in the position of my duty in the service of their country. some golf to round out a fine ’59 day. ancestor Captain Samuel Nicholson, an Semper Fidelis, — Tim From the Mail Buoy: “Original Member” of the Society who Ona and Dan Truax turned in a nice trip sailed with John Paul Jones, commanded ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP : 4% report of their excursion from Annapolis the frigate DEANE and was the first 60 LIFE MEMBERSHIP : 65% to Maine, where they stopped to see commanding officer of CONSTITUTION PRES: VADM Ed Clexton, USN (Ret.) Maureen and Cliff Estes (6) in York. in 1797. Nicholson was commanding 1000 Bobolink Dr.,Virginia Beach,VA 23451 Here’s the story of the old company mates: officer of Navy Yard in Charleston and H: 757-491-2141; E: [email protected] was Commodore, senior officer of the SEC’Y: Bill Lewis I “The town of York is typically New 14312 Cove Ridge Pl., Midlothian,VA 23112-4337 England and very picturesque.The Estes Navy,from 1803 until his decease 1811. H: 804-744-8808; E: [email protected] have a full life with Cliff’s lobstering, George Washington was also the first WEB SITE: http://www.usna60.com/ president of the Society.” I Maureen’s home design business, and Ten years ago a group of 60-year-old surrounded by kids and grandkids. Jack’s firm, CACI International Inc, classmates decide to get together for Doesn’t get much better! If Cliff isn’t out announced in May that he was also lunch to get reacquainted and swap old on his lobster boat or fishing off the pier, honored in November 2009 by being sea stories, so they agreed they would he is on the golf course, which is right chosen for induction as a laureate into the meet at the Lone Star Saloon on behind their house.Tough life, huh? Rise Washington Business Hall of Fame.This Virginia Beach Blvd because the wait- n’ Shine.” I recognition is for lifetime achievement as ress’s look good and they could throw an executive who has made a major their peanut shells on the dirt floor.After impact on the Greater Washington a few more years, they start to follow Region by demonstrating business excel- lunch with tours of interesting area facil- lence, visionary,innovative leadership, and ities, some with wives, so they look for community involvement through their other places for lunch where they can eat professional lives. Bravo Zulu, Jack! in peace and quiet and the restaurant is In Remembrance: smoke free.The group continues to meet Sadly,the Class lost CAPT David monthly over the years, changing the Lowell Osburn, USN (Ret) on 11 May, venue over time until they find a restau- 2010. Dave passed away peacefully at his rant that is wheel chair accessible and home in West Annapolis after a long Maureen and Cliff Estes with Lobster Boat they even have an elevator. illness.A member of the 10th Company, Similar events take place in San Bill Clautice (3) checked in following an he had steadfastly served the Class for 24 Diego,Annapolis and DC.The point is, it extended trip to Asia (Japan, China, Hong years as Class Treasurer and concurrently doesn’t take 20 or 30 classmates to get Kong, and Thailand), including a week on as a member of the Class Executive together and have a good time.You would the Yangtze River and dodging demon- Committee. He was recognized for his be surprised how easy it is to get together, strators in Bangkok. He also sent along significant contributions to the Class at share sea stories and good times every the accompanying photo of Ron our 50th Reunion, where he was month or quarter etc. Give me a shout if Trossbach (11) in his Plebe Year Full presented with a Distinguished Classmate you have questions of who might be in Dress and Bill in his “Hong Kong Award. Dave was an A-6 pilot who served your area. Special” (made in 1961). Bill suggests that a combat tour during the Vietnam War, From Bob Osmon (17) : flying from CORAL SEA (CV-43).A he and Ron may have been the only I “The ALITC program has had some memorial service was held on 4 June, Classmates in uniform at the 50th Reunion. interesting links throughout our four followed by inurnment in the Naval years. For example, Doug Johnston (5) Academy Columbarium. Dave is survived has a nephew in 2010. Others have told by his beloved wife, Linda, daughter Lin, me about following the progress of sons and son David (Chip). and daughters of neighbors or church Remembering Our Classmates on member s. I have been monitoring the Memorial Day 2010: development of a young mid from Zion, This column was written over the Illinois who has become an All American Memorial Day weekend, after viewing the rugby player. So now here is another inspiring PBS TV Special from the connection in which you all will be interested. Capitol steps in Washington on 30 May. Bill Davidson (19) graduated from ’59 remembers respectfully our seven the very prestigious Culver Military Bill Clautice and Ron Trossbach - Suited Up at Reunion Classmates who were Killed in Action Academy in Indiana in the spring of during the Vietnam War: Bill Brown, Jack London (15) sends word of his 1956, and then entered the Naval Gary Hopps, Glenn Morrison, election on 22 February,2010 into the Academy graduating four years later with Roland Obenland, Jack Phillips, Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati in the Class of 1960. 50 years later while Winfield Sisson, and Charlie Witt . Boston. More on this from Jack: attending a reunion at Culver he met Twenty-two more were Killed in I Keegan Kinkade, the regimental “The Society was founded in 1783 by Operations while serving on active duty. commander, who announced to all the George Washington and officers of the We cherish, honor, and forever remember grads that he too was going to enter the Continental Line and Navy who served these who have answered the last call to during the American Revolution;
July-August 2010 75 60•61 CLASS NEWS
Naval Academy that summer. Bill, aware of the Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) program in full swing at the Naval Academy run by our Alumni Association, immediately introduced himself as a member of the Class of 1960. He explained the program to Keegan and told him that he would be present at as many events as possible over the next four years to encourage and support him. “Obviously I did my job well,”Bill relates with a chuckle.‘He has become the I “Bill, in lieu of having a regular meaningful than words can express” six striper for the spring semester.The monthly April meeting in the Virginia reflects the entire groups’ appreciation of smartest thing I did over the past four Beach area, ten classmates and wives, the gift. The Parcells brought a case of years was not to give him any advice or rented a large beach house in the Kill their favorite wine to share (it didn’t last guidance. I knew he was going to be a Devil Hills section of the Outer Banks of long!), while others chipped in for salads winner from the start.” NC from the 10th to the 17th of April. and hors d’oeuvres.We also had an Mid’n Keegan Kinkade’10, believed We were joined by Janet & Dave impromptu “cook-your-own-steak” to be the first Culver graduate to be both Harden (23) , who live in the Southern night and a grand finale, down and dirty, the Regimental Commander at Culver Shores area.The classmates & wives who steamed shrimp and mussel night. On and the Brigade Commander at the signed up for the week included: Joy & our departure day morning, Ed Clexton Academy,is soon to graduate and become Dick Hamon (8) (Pinehurst, SC), (10), with a little assistance from a Marine Corps pilot.This goal was JoAnn & Carl Bruntlett (8) (Paw Paw, Catherine, whipped up a combination of something he desired from the moment WVA), Becky & Dick Pariseau (1) pancakes, bacon and eggs to ensure that he entered the Academy.Regarding the (Arlington,VA), Peggy & Jim Britell (13) we all depar ted on a full belly. ALITC he had nothing but good words (Annapolis), Jane & Jim Eilertsen(21) Obviously we ate and drank to say as far as both his personal and his (VAB), Catherine & Ed Clexton (VAB), exceptionally well, which generated a lot classmate’s experiences. Prissy & Parcells (12) (VAB), Nanette & of conversation - talk about getting to “Bill Davidson (19) has attended Bob Bell (12) (Warrington,VA), Hazel know your classmates and wives on a virtually every event we have had with & Clyde Lee Kizer (an Honorary Class of personal level.We did manage to eat out the Class of 1960 and his presence really 1960 OBX Reunion Gr oup one evening as a group at the Colington gave me a sense of purpose. I am truly Member) (Warrington,VA), and Paula & Cafe, a real sleeper in terms of a hidden grateful for his support,”he states with Rod Friedmann 5) (VAB). Dave location, great food, service and deep appreciation.“And my classmates Harden (23) commented that “the beau- ambiance. Dick Pariseau (1) intro- have loved learning about the heritage of tiful weather was only exceeded by the duced us to a card game called “Wizard”, the Class of 1960 and have embraced the fun and camaraderie.” which we faithfully played at the conclu- idea that we will be following in their Thanks to Dave, the golfers in the sion of each evening’s meal. Laughter was footsteps. In particular we were impressed group managed to squeeze in three the order of the week and we had plenty. with the number of ‘60 grads who were rounds of golf at three different and beau- The unanimous consensus of the g roup is with us all day during Sea98 Trails.” tifully designed courses, while some of the that we voted to do it again next year. I Bill became a very successful lawyer women, led by Becky Pariseau got and still actively teaches business law at creative at an Arts & Craft shop in the Bowie State University.Keegan will go to nearby town of Manteo, NC. Other the University of Michigan to earn a couples visited the Wright Brothers Master’s Degree in Engineering before Museum & other local places of interest, attending Marine Air flight school.The while some of the wives did some shop- Class of 1960 wishes both continued I ping and discovered some of the excellent success in their chosen careers. Bob” luncheon restaurants that the Outer Banks is known for. Each evening we collectively gathered for the “traditional” Happy Hour, and then were treated to some palate pleasing From Jim Knorr (20) : theme meals: Paula Friedmann featured a I “Beth & Jim Knorr (20) have Mexican Night;The Hamons & followed the progress of Margaret Bruntletts jointly presented a Fresh (Maggie) Morton, 30th Co, 2010 Grilled “Jack Daniels” Salmon Night, throughout the four years. Maggie and while Bobby Bell (12) cooked up his her parents (and sister Emily) are famous spaghetti sauce for a memorable members of our church here in Spaghetti Night. Prior to Bob’s dinner, he Culver grads Annapolis. In addition the “being there” presented the entire group, with ten beau- for her from the beginning, Jim sat at 30th From Rod Friedmann (5) : tifully hand-crafted wooden urns.Wick’s Company table on Selection Night and comment that “Bob’s gift is more
76 SHIPMATE presented 30th Company Wardroom with US Frigate Constitution (Old Ironsides) Class of 2011 Ring Dance: Class ’60 plaque. Tug I and thus are familiar with technologies of From our stalwart ALITC point person, From Bob Osmon (17) : the “Old Navy” and the “Newest Navy”. Jim Luper (11). I I “Recently,five 1960 Classmates, Frank On the evening of 22 May 2010, I ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP : 6% believe a total of 30 classmates and one Hayes (24) (Tucson), Vance Fry (24) 61 LIFE MEMBERSHIP : 64% (Chattanooga), Buck Bonifay (17) widow,for a total of 60 representatives of PRES: RADM Jerome F.Smith Jr., USN (Ret.) the Class of 1961, participated in the Class (Oklahoma), Jim Neal (24) (Naples, FL), CORR. SEC’Y: CAPT Bob Denis, USN (Ret.) of 2011 Ring Dance held in Dahlgren and I (Williamsburg) attended the 3124 Windy Branch Dr.,Toano,VA 23168 Chapter presidents meeting to be brought H: 757-250-3115 Hall. In a side room, there were large E: [email protected] or replicas of the 2011 ring, with binnacles up to speed on the latest developments [email protected] with the Alumni Association.We all will along side.We signed up for, and had our WEBMASTER: Howard Winfree pictures taken, dipping our rings in the serve as the Chapter president of our local E: [email protected] Chapter this coming year. WEB SITE: www.USNA61.org waters of the seven seas. Early on, we tried to gather (like herding cats) and do a At one point the AA had a panel of Greetings once again, classmates.When 2010 mids answering questions from the photograph first of the classmates and you read this in Shipmate summer will be then their ladies.The Class of 1961 audience. Later, since the Class of 1960 at least half over, the Class of 2014 will be was the ALITC class with them, we were commandeered a section of tables that striving to survive the rigors of Plebe were, it just so happened, very close to the all asked to come down to the stage for a Summer, we’ll have a new Superintendent, photo op. So here are the five of us along buffet tables and to a beverage station.The and the Great Class of 2011 will have their food was excellent and the beverages with the four mids who did a superb job hands firmly on the tiller.We’ll be looking of answering a wide range of inquiries. I plentiful and wet.They had mist blowing forward to August football practice and up to the ceiling with rock concert type the 1st game of the season against lighting, a DJ who played many songs we Maryland at M&T Bank Stadium in could bogie to…you know the YMCA Baltimore. I think this year’s mantra for thing. In the middle of the dance, the DJ the football team is “Drive for Eight” invited everyone out back of Dahlgren for which of course means an 8th straight a 15 minute firework display right there CinC trophy.We’ll just have to wait and on the Yard ….big bursting display. see how that works out. Throughout the dance, we were able to 50th Reunion: interact with many members of 2011 and Hopefully,you’re all keeping track of Jay their dates, which was thoroughly enjoy- (50th Reunion) Bower’s (14) updates able.They even sought us out for ’60 with Mids-From L-R: Frank Hayes, Jim Neal, Bob on our class website: http://www.usna61. conversations.They are really a sharp Osmon, Buck Bonifay, and Vance Fry. God bless org (wgnac/plebe). Soon it will be group of women and men. 2011 may just and thanks. Bob Osmon “Oz” time to begin electronic registration, meet the standards to be the next so keep following the website for the WGNAC.To my knowledge, these were appropriate links. the attendees on 22 May: Ning & Jack Now,on to the news: Barfield (6), Barbara & Jay Bower (14), Bonnie Campbell (3), Linda &
Besch & Papa
Oz also mentioned that Hank Papa (17) is a Chapter president. He just started up Ring Dance Guys the Southern Alabama Chapter and already has more than 90+ members. Looks like our class is certainly doing its part around the country.I’ve also included, thanks To Ed Besch (15) , a photo of Hank and Ed after the commis- sioning of the Littoral Combat Ship USS Independence (LCS-2).Their wives, Theresa and Donna as well as Ed’s daugh- ter Chris also attended and toured the ship. Ed and Hank ha ve been aboard the Ring Dance Gals
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