Spring 2009 Issue Published Bi-annually by the United States Coast Guard Academy Parents Association Great Lakes Chapter—”GLPA” USCGA parents association is truly a 2009 Chapter Officers Editor’s Note family. So, as we bid farewell to the Donlons, we will continue to have Ann Corwell, President First, let me apologize for publishing great love and affection for Nancy, (Andrew Corwell 2011) the Spring Newsletter at the end of Dennis and their sons, and wish [email protected] Summer. Delays caused by personal them well as they embark on a new health issues, computer hard drive journey. As GLPA vice president, I OPEN, Vice-President failure and numerous changes in the have assumed the President's role. makeup of the GLPA were among Please feel free to contact me at any Donna O’Brien, Secretary the extenuating circumstances. time with questions or suggestions. (Kevin O’Brien 2012) The changes in GLPA personnel are You may reach me via: [email protected] addressed in the following section Phone-248-203-7164; by our new President, Ann Corwell. email- [email protected] or Deb Tatara, Treasurer Our best wishes go out to Nancy regular mail-2445 Polo Place, (Mark Tatara 2011) and Dennis Donlon and we hope Birmingham, MI 48009. I welcome [email protected] their son Nick is able to fulfill his hearing from you. destiny at the civilian college of his Mike Nolan, Webmaster A New School Year Dawns- choice. Your smiling faces will be (Erin Nolan 2012) 2009-2010 Year Brings Ex- missed. [email protected] Special Note: We need "Chapter citing Challenges newsletter reporters" from each The start of every Academy year is Chris & Mary Pappe state we represent in the Great always exciting and holds different Newsletter Lakes-MI, MN, WI, IL, IN, IA and meaning for families and cadets- (Chris Pappe 2010) parts of OH. usually depending on their year. [email protected] This is a wonderful way to get to For our first-class cadets, the rigors know USCGA families in your state of Academy life continue and leader- Rick & Joan Libner, Fundraising highlight USCGA and USCG news ship responsibilities increase with a (Eric Libner 2010) from your area and, most impor- view toward graduation and future [email protected] tantly, to help us all stay connected endeavors of service to the USCG as the USCGA in the Great Lakes. and to our country. For our second- Peggy and Bruce Talbot, Please call or email Ann Corwell with class cadets, life at the Academy is Ways & Means your intent to step forward as one of at the mid-point, ready to take more (Erin Talbot 2013) our news reporters! responsibility, be strong mentors [email protected] Chris & Mary Pappe—Editors and role models and begin looking [email protected] at their Coast Guard futures. Third- class cadets have the confidence and self-assurance of young people President’s Word who have learned the routine, ac- cept the challenges and are eager to A Change in our Leadership move forward to learn, excel and ATTENTION! It is with deep regret that we accept become trusted team members. the resignation of our GLPA Presi- And, our wonderful fourth-class ca- Do we have your current email ad- dets have stayed true to their dress? Much of our information is dent, Nancy Donlon. Those of you sent out by email to save postage. If who have met Nancy will always USCGA commitment, survived SWAB you have not received email notifica- remember her enthusiasm, her ini- summer and begin the exciting, tions from us, please take a minute tiative and her ability to bring a challenging and satisfying journey to send your email address to Chris smile to everyone's face. Of course, as a USCGA cadet. As your Great Pappe at [email protected] her co-president, husband Dennis, is Lakes Parents Association family, we Thank you! equally energetic and fun. Our hold all of our cadets in our hearts GLPA SPRING 2009 Newsletter President’s Word Cont…and proclaim deep admiration and respect for their service. We extend a very special welcome to our newest cadets and their families. We wish for you a wonderful experience. Know that your fel- low USCGA families are available at a moment’s notice via phone or email to answer questions, offer support and be encouraging. August Picnic First, we missed seeing you at our August Picnic in Michi- gan City, IN which had to be cancelled due to circum- stances beyond our control. That traditionally is a fun gathering since our newest parents have had the oppor- tunity to experience the Academy through their SWABs' eyes. There's always a great deal of discussion, lots of stories and photos, and even more questions. We'll catch up during the year through our newsletter, emails and in person at the June gathering where our 2013 par- ents can help mentor the 2014 newbies! Parents Weekend—September 25-27 Parents Weekend is a wonderful experience for every parent no matter how long their cadet has been at the Academy. It's a joy to see your cadet. It's an eye- opening experience to walk through the beautiful cam- pus, see the cutting edge resources available to our ca- dets, and observe what other parents associations are doing for the Academy. (Don't forget to stop by and sup- port our GLPA booth on Friday.) The Saturday national parents’ association meeting is extremely worthwhile. You have the opportunity to learn how we as parents throughout the United States help each one of our cadets through volunteer activities and financial donations. (Don't forget to join the National Parents Association The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle waits at anchorage outside while you're there…a small investment with huge rewards of Boston Harbor in anticipation of the Sail Boston 2009 for you and the Academy.) You'll meet the Superinten- tall ships event, Tuesday, July 7, 2009. The Eagle, a 295- dent of the Academy and his leadership team, the leaders foot barque, is home ported at the Coast Guard Academy of the national parents’ association board, and have the in New London, Conn., and used to train future Coast opportunity to ask questions. It's informative and ener- Guard officers. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 2nd gizing to make this trip. By the way, I’ll be at the Radis- Class Lauren Jorgensen) son Hotel in New London. If any of our GLPA families want to have an informal get-together, call me there. We’ll try to arrange something. Cadets from the Thanks to All of You. We Encourage Your In- Coast Guard Academy served volvement. as the honor Thanks to all of you in our GLPA. We are challenged by a guard and fold broad-based geographic area which makes personal con- the National tact with everyone impossible. But, please know that you Ensign during a are important to our parents association. Your com- burial at sea ments for activities and improvement are always encour- ceremony aged and welcome. We hope to initiate a number of aboard Coast email blasts in between newsletters to keep you informed Guard Cutter and supported. If you have special news, let me know or Eagle, Sunday, July 5, 2009. Rita Kelly's remains were contact our newsletter editor. We want to hear from laid to rest in about the same location that her husband you. Share your photos. Share your stories. Share your Coast Guard Capt. Kelly, the 15th commanding officer of thoughts. Share your ideas. We want to be an impor- the Eagle, were laid to rest in 2004. (U.S. Coast Guard tant and positive part of your USCGA experience. photo/Petty Officer 2nd Class Etta Smith) Ann Corwell, USCGA GLPA President Page 2 GLPA SPRING 2009 Newsletter GLPA Minutes GLPA PLANNING MEETING Financial overview April 21, 2009 Our checking account balance is $2020.48 (Meeting Notes added in Blue) Our investment account balance on March 19, 2009 is $1116.70 Teleconference Attendees: Nancy & Dennis Donlon 10’, Joan & Rick Libner 10’, Anne Dooley 08’, Ann Corwell Total dollars on hand is $ 3137.18 11’, Debbie Tatara 11’, Paul Gracey 11’, Mike Nolan 11’, Chris Pappe 11’, Bob Murray 09’ Our income July 1 - April 21 is $1894.00 I do not have a break down between dues and sale of things. Nominate Officers & Chairpersons for Year 2009: Our expenses July 1 - April 21 are $1518.70. In addition we made a $1500 donation to the academy. President – Nancy & Dennis Donlon On the expenses: Vice President – Ann Corwell $408.00 Cakes for cadets Treasurer – Debbie Tatara $120.25 Flags for seniors Secretary - To be filled, hopefully by 12’ or 13’ Parent. $11.30 postage for a necklace Committee Chairpersons: $30.66 postage for Michigan AA ball Webmaster – Mike Nolan (RDM will contact current Web- $948.49 necklaces and suncatchers master Alan Blount) I have not received a bill for website which has been Fundraising – Joan & Rick Libner $83.40 for the past few years. Newsletter – Chris & Mary Pappe Anne Wilson-Dooley Ways/Means/Support/Morale – Debbie Tatara & Ann Cor- well President's Note: Special thanks to Ann Wilson-Dooley All-Academy Balls – Chicago, Milwaukee, Michigan, Indi- for her commitment to the GLPA and continuing as Chap- anapolis, DesMoines (Please let us know the AAB repre- ter Treasurer after her son's graduation and until Deb sentatives in your area.) Tatara assumed those responsibilities this year. Ann has been an inspiration to all new parents. Thanks Anne. Are you interested in joining our leadership team? And thanks Deb for carrying on.