Taxes done or are you taking a break to read this Bulletin?  While you take that break and sharpen some new #2s before finding a few last minute deductions, the Court will come to order.

It was with the deepest regret that I E-mailed out the notice that MIKE SHIDLE ‘crossed the bar’ on 12 January.  TERRY NEWELL forwarded the information that MIKE died of a heart attack in Irvine, CA.  He retired as a LCDR and then became project's manager with the Disneyland Corporation for 10 years.  J.B. WILLIS sent in a great memory of MIKE: “I had the pleasure of serving at CGA with MIKE as Naut Sci instructors.  He was a great guy and one of a kind.  KIM and I remember him with much fondness.  He 'gave' us two Siamese kittens who lived a full lifetime with us and provided us immense joy as a family.  MIKE decided he was going to make some money breeding championship cats.  As a single guy he always had money to burn and some scheme to make money with his money.  This one backfired.  He bought two championship Siamese--nationally ranked in the 'cat' world.  He bred them and they had a big litter of kittens.  Then it fell apart.  The entire litter took up residence on his waterbed and when the time came to sell them, he couldn’t.  So he gave them to friends who promised to give them a good home.   We took one and one of the lawyers in Naut Sci took two.  Within a few weeks the lawyer 'returned' one.  The two kittens were too much for his family to handle.  So we adopted the second kitten and Missy and Loki (you can imagine which one was the troublemaker) spent over 16 years with us.  They traveled and lived in CT, FL, NJ, VA, FL-again, CA, and WV as our constant companions.   We always thought of MIKE as their 'daddy.'  I'm sorry I lost track of him as a classmate, but I assure you he will be missed in our hearts.  In addition to providing us with 'family,'  he told some of the best sea stories I've ever heard.”  May MIKE have fair winds, following seas, and open leads!

MARY CORNELL sent in a short note after getting the E-mail on MIKE’s death.  She reports that she and TOPPER are busy planning their oldest daughter Sarah’s wedding for this summer, while at the same time are in the process of building a log cabin on the water in North Carolina. They’re also trying to stay warm in the unusual cold spell being felt even in Williamsburg.  Get film for the camera...we’re looking forward to a CORNELL Clan Wedding photo!

Speaking of wedding photos, enjoy the one BOB and CHERI GONOR included with their Christmas card showing David, Emily, Christopher, Allison, Angelica, Brian, CHERI, & BOB.  BOB provides a few details: “Brian was married over Memorial Day weekend last year to Angelica LaFountain, who hails from many places (her Dad is a Missionary and she was born in Brazil).  Of course, they met at a "club" in NY where Brian was explaining the finer differences of designer beers (Bud and Michelob).  I think he mentioned that he was a Nobel prize winning Chemist. Anyway, whatever he said must have worked. CHERI and I cannot be happier with Angelica and her family (who live in Pittsburgh). The grand event took place in West Orange NJ just a few blocks from the scene of the Gonor-Palermo event 32 years ago at The Manor...you remember Carl.....the place where you lost your sword (and other things like sanity). CHERI and I hosted a raucous Rehearsal dinner (shocker) as well as a "pit stop" at High Lawn Pavilion overlooking Manhattan on the way to the reception.  It was a beautiful day with superb hosts in the LaFountain's. We had a great time introducing the sedate Gonor clan to Angelica's family and yes, we did behave. I think we did, but really can't remember!  Brian was just promoted to VP at Credit Suisse First Boston and Angelica works at Drew University as an Administrator.”

ED MURPHY sent in a little more family information to augment the photo in the February Bulletin.  Pull that issue down from the bookcase and follow along:  “Interesting story about Catherine and her husband Jason.  They were born about 12 hours apart, Jason in Portsmouth Naval and Catherine at Bethesda Medical in MD.  I was stationed in Norfolk att, and if things had been a little different, they would have been in the same hospital.  As it was, Julie was staying at folks house while I rode the ocean station Hotel waves.  They’re 29 today and the other kids are Nate (25), Elisabeth (23), Rebekah (21), Peter (19), David (15)...and Daisy is about 87 in dog years!”

JAY TAYLOR’s on the move again.  “Greetings to all from Lima, Peru where I had an opportunity to observe some New Years Eve traditions. Most forms of fireworks were prohibited this year due to 100s of locals losing their lives last year in massive fires due to fireworks.  However, I observed a larger display of what appeared to be professional type fireworks fired off by locals than I have ever seen before.  Fiestas for family members and friends of neighbors with typical Latin music existed well into the morning hours.  Wine glasses were prepared with 12 grapes each and topped off with wine.  At midnight, each person takes the glass and sits below the living room table.  Before consuming each grape, each person is supposed to silently make a wish for the new year.  I don't know what I feel about the tradition but the wine and grapes sure were sweet.  Before the new year, we traveled to Paracas which is south of Lima.  After visiting Paracas National Park which has many important archaeological excavations, we traveled via boat to the Ballestas Islands.  These unique islands of rock formations are home to many sea lions, penguins, and exotic birds.  The varied attractions of Peru including the coast, desert, jungle and snow peaked mountains with a mysterious history continue to be intriguing.  I shall return.”

Another of our “those who have gone before” Classmates reported around.  Thanks to MAD JACK, GORDON McCAULEY fills us in: “F=MA; White over red, pilot ahead; & Red right returning!  See!  I still remember the essentials from my short tenure at the Academy.  I'm glad JACK sent you my email address.  Here is my attempt at a short version of "what happened" after my time in the Infirmary "done me in" and I left the Academy prematurely.  After leaving New London in the Spring of '68, I spent about three years rudderless.  There were two years in a JUCO and another on the beach in Tampa, FL,  just going through the motions of being a student.  I enlisted in the Army in 1971 and finally completed my undergraduate degree in Biology in '75 after my Army enlistment.  When I did not get accepted in Medical or Veterinary school, I got married and landed in a Civil Service position with the Department of Defense in Human Resources.  That became my career and I served in various positions and locations including Corpus Christi Army Dept, Lexington-BlueGrass Army Depot, Defense Depot Memphis, and the Defense Logistics Training Center in Columbus, OH.  I have two children.  My daughter, Katrina, is graduating from Ohio State this Spring (Go Buckeyes) with a degree in Zoology.  Her first three years were spent at Long Island University, Southampton College, majoring in Marine Biology.  She hopes to return to the east coast and find a career opportunity in marine science.  My son, Jonathan, is a Junior at Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire, majoring in music and theater.  I guess he is going to follow in his daddy's footsteps and be a professional pretender.  Last year DoD offered me an incentive to retire early. I took the bait so that I could return home and care for my aging Mom.  I feel really fortunate to have the opportunity to help her out so that she can stay in familiar surroundings in the house that she and my dad built.  But I'm not ready to retire, so now I'm actively looking for a second career to keep me busy and productive for a few more years while I let my wife run the household.  Thanks for the opportunity to reflect on my days at the Academy and plug into the news about our classmates.”

And soon there will be just three.  Got a short note from BERT KINGHORN that he and SUSIE are planning on retiring this summer. Bert had surgery last Spring and will be going back for some warranty surgery within the next few months.  Barring some really exciting job offer, they plan to retire in Seattle this summer.  They need to live in their Seattle house for two years for capital gains tax purposes.  During that time, BERT hopes to finish their "discussion" on what he will do next to keep SUSIE’s spending habits where she would like them to be! The 2003 Flag Assignments are out, with THADMIRAL and RON staying put, but CHARLIE & GEORGEANN WURSTER will be packing boxes and heading to Oahu as 14th District Commander.  Rumor has it that guest reservations will soon be taken for Honolulu Flag Quarters visits!

HOOT GIBSON sent in a short update after getting his electronic birthday card.  After finishing a degree in Microbiology at UCONN, I accepted a position with Pfizer last January and have been kept constructively busy ever since.  Currently I am working on developing an inhaled insulin product along with a gazillion other folks.  I'm usually on the road about one week a month shuttling between San Carlos, CA and Terre Haute, IN where the final product will be packaged.  Hopefully when this product hits the market, I'll have more time to get involved in some basic research which was my goal.”

CNN and the political world watch out!  BARNEY’s thrown his hat in the ring: “I’m starting a run for Benton Town Clerk.  Who wants absentee ballots?  My motto: VOTE EARLY AND VOTE OFTEN!”  

PAUL LIBUDA celebrated his 11th anniversary of working at the Port of San Diego on his 54th birthday.  “I know I should have taken the day off, but duty called.  I'm looking at another four years before I'll be able to retire again.  JALING and I purchased a townhouse in Oahu in 2001 and have been vacationing there as often as possible.  Daughter Diana graduates from UCLA in June and is in the process of selecting a school for a PHD in cellular biology.  She's been accepted at several schools, with Harvard, Yale and Brown on the short list.   It looks like JALING and I will be doing more traveling in both east and west directions the next few years.  As you reminded me, my last note was nearly three years ago after our Paris trip and I still haven't forwarded photos.  I promise to send family photos of the graduation in June!” The Court will hold you to that promise!

Life is good in New England, which CHUCK BECK says is on the Right Coast (but not necessarily the Correct Coast!).  “Its amusing to hear the natives complain about all of the snow and cold weather we have had this winter.  They seem to have forgotten that the last 3-4 winters were abnormally warm and dry. I guess most people are like sailors; if they are not bitching about something then there is something truly wrong.  The VOLKs, BARRETTs, VANNs, BECKs and possibly the SYLVESTERs are scheduled to get together for dinner on 22 Feb. Scheduling the dinner has been difficult, with the delay falling on the BECKS as the result of a full UCONN women's ice hockey schedule. Number two child (number one daughter) is on the team.  God willing and the creek don't rise, CHERYL and I will get to attend every game this year.  Lisa enjoys being on the team and all of the Division 1 athlete perks. She brought some of her teammates and other "jock" friends over for dinner week before last. The other friends were four members of the UCONN Women's basketball team.  The basketball girls are real celebrities in the State.  Work has been VERY busy. I fell like I am still in the CG at times because the watch word seems to be do more with less (sound familiar).  At a time when there are additional grants to apply for and manage, plans to create and meetings to attend, the OEM HQ staff has been reduced from 23 to 16 due to a State budget deficit and battle to curb spending between the union, legislature and Governor. The work is interesting and the people I work with are great which helps ease the occasional frustration primarily caused by "politics."  But CHUCK, you could be in Benton and dealing with BARNEY!

TOM RUMMEL’s heading to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.  “My son, Erik, (25) graduated from Old Dominion University with a BS in Business in December has a Coast Guard OCS interview this week.   Middle daughter Gretchen (21) is a surgical technician at a local hospital. Her true love is Blackhawk crewman in Germany so we're a little worried about him.  Youngest daughter, Lauren (19) finishes at community college in June and has been selected to participate in a year long mission with a Christian 'rock group' - Captive Free.  She will be on one of eight teams and begin her year of service in August.  I'm still the Recreation Supervisor for Gloucester County and take care of community recreation, certified preschool and senior programs (Have Van and Elderly Ladies - Will Travel).  Going down to New Orleans for Mardi Gras prelims and a visit with Roy Casto (D8) - quarters are two blocks off the parade route so it will be a happening place.”  TOM, the Court expects graduation photos from you as well!

I guess JAY was serious...he did return!  “Greetings to all from Iquitos in the Peruvian jungle.  My 1021 km trip on river boats along the Ucayali and Amazon Rivers has certainly been an adventure.  The departure was delayed a day because the Peruvian CG determined that the boat was overloaded and cargo had to be moved to another boat. The Peruvian CG was not that concerned about overloading in the past until a launch sank about a month ago with everyone onboard lost except 5 folks.  Passengers sleep on the 2nd deck in hammocks while all types of cargo including pigs and chickens are on the 1st deck.  My retired USCG friend Dallas Block and I slept on the upper deck in hammocks out in the open to maintain better security of our bags. Fourteen hours after leaving Pucallpa, we arrived in Contamana and disembarked.  After spending the night in primitive rooms in Contamana for $3, we left for Orellana in a peke-peke.  A peke-peke is a small boat normally powered by a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine that can take up`to about 15 folks and can be overloaded with a large amount of cargo including platanos, fish, chickens, and pigs.  Our peke-peke only had about 8 folks max as passengers embarked and disembarked in small villages along the way.  The peke-peke was able to transit canals that the larger river boats can´t navigate so we arrived in Orellana after only about 7 hours.  Orellana was smaller than Contamana and only had electricity during the hours from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM.  After sleeping two nights in Orellana and hearing the arrival of the Ruiz and Marquito II early in the morning, we departed for Requena.  We were able to rent a 4 bed cabin on the Marquito II for about $10 and rigged hammocks on the tarpaulin covered upper deck where many of the crew slept.  The 2 day/1 night trip to Requena included stops on demand at many villages along the way to embark/disembark pax and cargo.  After an early morning arrival in Requena, we were able to obtain very nice rooms in a hotel for only $10/night.  Requena has electricity 24 hours/day.  I attended a church service the night of my arrival at an evangelistic church which had dirt floors, benches, and a thatched roof.  The visiting pastor was from Ecuador which I found interesting since Peru relatively recently signed an agreement with Ecuador ending years of military conflict concerning border disputes.  One of the church families took me to their house after the service.  They were poor as dirt but as amiable as I have ever encountered.  The next day they took me to various places of interest around the village.  The 12 year old daughter wants to learn more English and enjoyed practicing what little she knew with me.  The following day we boarded the M/F Don Jose, a smaller passenger/cargo launch which travels between Iquitos and Requena stopping at villages along the way.  We left at 3 PM, later transited the mouth of the Amazon River, and arrived in Iquitos at 5 AM the next morning. Iquitos is the largest Peruvian city in the jungle and has many interesting buildings left over from the old rubber tree boom days.  Paved roads only extend about 30 clicks outside the city.  The only way to arrive in the Iquitos area is via boat or aircraft.  We visited the Bora and Yagua indians on the Nanay River.  They maintain some old traditions but have seen too many tourists to provide a realistic view of their culture. I prefer the tribes deeper in the jungle who are not in the grab the bucks/soles program.  My jungle clothing smells profusely as my travel book said would be the case, so it´s time to go home.  Besides, my chief pilot in MCO would not be happy if I told him I was having too much fun in the jungle to consider flying my next rotation on 6 Feb. Hasta mas tarde.”  JAY, the Court will definitely entertain photo submissions!

I just returned from another Ice Pilot assignment aboard Holland America’s RYNDAM.  MARY JANE is currently acting as the interim Director of the Eastside Primary Care Clinic and while she may have been able to get the time off, she sacrificed her berth so that #1 son Carl could accompany me this year.  Carl & I had a GREAT 18 day adventure, joining RYNDAM in Valparaiso, Chile.  This cruise was almost identical in schedule and weather conditions with what MARY JANE and I experienced last year.  We made port stops in Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas, Chile, Ushuaia, Argentina, three days of scenic cruising the Antarctic Peninsula, and stopped in Port Stanley in the Falklands before flying back to Seattle from Buenos Aires.  We had two very comfortable Drake Passage crossings and good weather as we cruised the Antarctic Peninsula.  First couple of days were clear but with 1500’ ceilings obstructing the peninsula mountain peaks, although still beautiful scenery and lots of seals, whales, and just a penguin or two! We had beautiful sunny skies when we were in Antarctic Sound, commonly called Iceberg Alley, and it lived up to its name with literally hundreds of large, tabular bergs.  Fingers crossed that I’m hired again so daughter Kristin can enjoy an Antarctic adventure!  It is truly a magnificent continent and I was thrilled to be able to share the White Continent experience with Carl.  

KELLY CALLISON forwarded a note from another one of our “those who have gone before” Classmates...BRUCE SCHOOLING.  “We're doing well and enjoying San Diego.  I'm in the fifth year of teaching here -- next fall I become the department chair and relinquish my MBA responsibilities.  LINDA just moved a little further off the coast -- to get warmer and a little bigger.  Our girls, Amy (26), married, living in Cincinnati and Sara (24), single, basketball coach, living in SD -- are both doing fine and provide enough drama for us both.  I love teaching and being around the young people.  I like to think it keeps me young also -- but that is a lie.  Hope this finds you and yours doing well.  And thanks for including me -- the Academy is still a very large part of my life, in the thinking anyway.”  DOCTOR SCHOOLING is a Professor of Management at Point Loma Nazarene University.  Check out the good Doctor’s impressive CV at <http://www.ptloma.edu/business/Faculty/Schooling/Bio.htm>.

KELLY also passed along the following: “Swabo!  Don't fall out of your seat, but PAT WEISE and I actually met for lunch to discuss the class fund and what we need to do to reach the magic number of $150,000 by 2006.  Remember that was what you voted for in 2001!  No excuse claiming you were in a drunken fog!  We have some $43,000 in the class fund. If we are aiming at $150,000 by the next reunion, we need to gather over $100,000. With about 3.5 years to do so, we need to get the monthly contribution level up to about $2400 a month.  We currently get an average (including those who give once annually) of $480 per month.  So, we need to have 100 people give $20 more a month or 50 people who give $40 more a month, or 25 people who give $80 more a month, etc.  Who’s going to step up to the task?  Just increase that allotment or send in that big fat check!”  You can register and start or increase a donation on-line at <https://www.pay.onlinecommunity.com/uscga/contribute_unregistered.htm>.  Make sure you designate any Alumni Association donation to the Class of 1971 Fund.  Designate by contacting John Maxham at (860) 701-6771 or via e-mail at jmaxham@ctol.net.  Since you just found that last minute tax deduction, get the checkbook out for the Class Fund...we’re adjourned!