Chuck Beck sent in the following report on both the results and Class activities at the Crabpot Hockey Tournament held at USNA this past weekend.   The summary of the hockey tournament is compliments of LT Chris Forando, the assistant coach of the CGA Hockey Club.      "The CGA Bears hockey team returned from exciting hockey action this weekend at the 22nd Annual Crab Pot Tournament hosted by the US Naval Academy.  Towson University, SUNY Buffalo, and USNA were the other participating teams.   Before the first hockey game at 1230 on Saturday, the CGA wrestlers were participants in the All Services Wrestling Tournament at USNA.   We got to watch almost the entire first round of action before walking a block to the hockey rink.   Coach Eldridge had his grapplers in top form but they did not fair well.   Coach looks good and sends regards.      The Bears lost the opening game to the Midshipmen 6-2 before a capacity crowd, which included six members of the legendary 1942-44 Coast Guard Cutters semi pro hockey team.   The crowd also witnessed the unveiling of the Bears new uniform, which is a complete replication of the 1942 uniform.   The new jerseys were purchased by the CG Yard Centennial Celebration Funds, arranged by Commanding Officer, Al Gracewski.   The gloves and helmets were purchased using some of the money raised by the Class of 71.   After the USNA-CGA hockey game, we had a photo op with the team and the CG Cutters.   Then the collective CGA crowd went back to the wrestling venue to catch the finals and consolation rounds of the tournament.   Quite an action packed day.      On Sunday the Bears lost to the Thundering Herd of SUNY Buffalo.   Down 4-0 in the first period, CGA fought hard all the way and managed to keep it a close 6-3 game.   What the Coach is too polite to say is that part of the '71 cheering contingency were so boisterous (i.e. ragging on the referees) that we...oops, I mean they...were threatened to be removed from the rink by the MPs.   Without mentioning names of the offenders, for details call Jack Orchard or Mary Cornell.   Despite losing both games, it is important to note that CGA was the only Div II team to compete in the Div I ACHA tournament.   Towson came into the tournament ranked #5 nationally for Div I ACHA, while Buffalo was ranked #12 and USNA at #18.   Also not mentioned by the coach is that the referees sucked...I mean, seemed to be making a bunch of calls against the out gunned Cadets at critical times in each of the two games.   The CGA team held their own pretty well when playing 5 on 5.   However, their opponents were very good at scoring off of the power play and had numerous 5 on 4 opportunities and several 5 on 3s.   In the USNA-CGA game, the Cadets skated shorthanded almost the entire first period.   The Bears would like to express their deepest appreciation to all the friends, family, CG personnel from Activities Baltimore, the Yard, and USCG HQ, the Chesapeake Parents Association, the Academy, and the CGA Class of '71 for all the support.   Members of the Class of 71 in attendance for one or both games were Thadmiral and Pam Allen, Al and Suzanne Gracewski, Rich Harding, Wayne Verry, Charles Sibre, Dave Edwards, Tim Flanagan, Jack Orchard and his #1 son John Ist LT USAF, Steve and Mary Cornell and yours truly.   Not a bad turnout, but from my recollection there are about twice as many of the class living in the DC area that never responded to any of the e-mails and didn't show.   We had a group picture taken with the team with the Class Banner in prominent display.   Rich Harding has custody of the banner which was given to the class during our swab summer.   Others that were in attendance were RADM(ret) Bob Johansen, John Bastek (68), Ms Gayle Clow (68), John Tozzi (68), Jim and Judy Hull (69), Gary McGuffin (69), John Gaughn (70), Tom and Lynn Mills (70), Al and Donna Boetig (70), Tom and Marilynn Taylor (70), Tony Souza (70) and his wife, Bob Pray (70), Pat Stillman (72) and son Tyler and a bunch of others both older and younger whose names I either don't know or don't remember.   It was GREAT to see everybody and reminisce.   Due to the good graces of some in attendance, I collected another $500 to forward to our Class project, the CGA Hockey Club fund.   We have now collected and made available $3,800.00 with 7 e-mail pledges that have not yet arrived.   If you have been meaning to contribute, but haven't yet, now is the time!   Many of the CGA players took the time during the weekend to express their gratitude for our efforts."

Rich Harding sent in the following newspaper article on Phil Volk becoming the Director of the Port of Port Angeles Airport and Marina.   Takes a bit for this file to download, so go grab a beer and then come back and read about Phil!

Skip Prezlomski writes: "Carol and I still live in Pembroke Pines, Florida (SW of Ft. Lauderdale).   We love to go on Princess (Love Boat) cruises and are Florida Panthers fans & season ticket holders.   In August 1997, we saw Tom Gemmell & Mike Conway during a port call in Juneau during an Alaskan cruise.   This January we are going on a 7-day Caribbean cruise on the GRAND PRINCESS, one of the newest and largest cruise ships.   I still work as Operations Manager for the Clean Caribbean Cooperative, one of three International Tier 3 oil spill response cooperatives in the world.   Our son Alan is an internal auditor for Jan Bell Corporation, while our daughter-in-law Shannon is a first grade teacher.   The attached photo is me at my office before heading out to a Panthers hockey game.   Hope everyone get's behind supporting the Academy Hockey Club as a Class of 71 Project."

As I noted in the October Class Notes, Jon Waldron saw Paul & Ann Barlow in June at their daughter's Yvonne's wedding in Virginia. Well, Ann's sent in a picture of the big day with an update. Yvonne works as an executive assistant for Electronic Data Systems...Ross Perot's old company...in Herndon, VA along with new son-in-law, Don Moose, a computer security specialist. Paul & Ann are still living in Ohio where youngest daughter Kim is a senior in high school. Paul retired in June of '97 and has been working as a computer consultant for Keane, Inc. Paul says "Yes, I talk to computers...and sometimes they listen! I work for Keane who wanted bodies to fill their need to combat the millennium bug. In the meantime, I troubleshoot problems in the main frame computer system for a local wheelchair manufacturing company." Ann works for a local land developer and in their spare time they're checking out colleges for Kim. Ann finishes..."If you're ever in the Cleveland area to check out the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, or if you're lucky enough to have Indians' tickets, give us a call. We have a spare room and by September will have two!" Sounds like an invitation!

Had a short visit with Tom Gemmell who was visiting the lower 48 to check on his Bainbridge Island estate.   Tom took the ferry across the pond to check out my office view and get a legal opinion on his tonsorial and sartorial Alaskan image.   Tom - what's that gray stuff on your face?   I tried getting a SitRep from Brad Troth, but I'm getting the "unknown address" response, so I think he's changed his ISP.   I asked Tom to check on his recovery.   Tom got through to Bonnie and Brad's doing fine...at the time he was over helping a friend with a remodeling project!   If anyone know's Brad's current E-mail address...Brad, if you're reading this report around with your chiffonier and address...drop me a quick note!

It's a real small world!   Found out in an E-mail from Ray Coye that our sons are both students at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington.   Ray has just a bit longer travel time from Chicago.   What else does Ray have to offer?      "I'm still enjoying my work at DePaul University - our initial three year commitment to the Chicago area has now stretched past 15 years.   Patricia left the Academy of Pediatrics in '96 to spend more time becoming a horse trainer.   She also maintains a consulting practice in the areas of continuing medical education and enhancing team processes providing professional satisfaction as well as income for such essentials as hay, grain, horseshoes, and...oh yes, college tuition for son Travis (20).   Travis is beginning his Junior year at Western Washington University and is currently a double major in English Lit. and Economics (I haven't figured out that connection yet).   He is still pole vaulting - finished his high school career as the #1 vaulter in Illinois (also top 10 in high hurdles) then had a disappointing freshman year resulting from a mid-season mountain biking accident.   Sophomore year he qualified for and competed at the NAIA Nationals but was hampered by a hamstring pull.   He's hoping to put it all together this year as the competition is tougher - their program moves from NAIA to NCAA Div.II.      Patricia and I spend a lot of time on the road to Washington (6 trips in two years) as we hate leaving the two yellow labs home when we travel and we enjoy the freedom of being on the road (no phone - no FAX...just pay that gasoline tax).   Had short visits with Frank Kline in Mazama, Washington each of the last two summers while on the road through the North Cascades.   He and Patricia have mutual interests in natural horsemanship training methods.   Tom Marhevko and I get together once in awhile for lunch when he's in town and his schedule and my teaching schedule happen to coincide."

Mary Jane and I journeyed across the pond to attend Phil Volk's Change of Command Ceremony at Group/Air Station Port Angeles.   Rich Harding was able to boondo...oops, I mean coordinate a CG business trip to the west coast so he could attend and Bob Vail, another PA retiree, also joined the festivities.   Phil choose to have a private retirement ceremony with his crew a few days before the CofC.   Having served 3 tours in PA...absolutely no correlation with his previous detailer assignments...Phil and Ann have made PA their home and have moved into a magnificent new home they designed (OK, Phil's contribution was signing checks and agreeing with Ann!) which sits on the bluff west of PA overlooking the Straits of Juan de Fuca.   Their new address is 840 Milwaukee Drive, Port Angeles, WA    98363.  Spectacular view!  Daughter Beth is attending the University of Washington pursuing her BS in Nursing, so Phil and Ann have lots of room for visitors...you really must see their view!

Bert Kinghorn ran into Wayne Verry getting on the DC Metro one night.   He passed on my E-mail address and Wayne checked in with this update:      "I retired in Jul 91 I moved back to Grand Haven.   I found myself back in DC in the spring of '93, and Sandee and I were divorced a year later.   Rita and I have been married now for 4 years.   We now live in a relatively new 2 bedroom townhouse that is quite close to the Pentagon and downtown DC - great for commuting to work and for visitors to come and stay with us and see the sights.   We live here as empty nesters with all kids on their own, and have the place to ourselves.   Except for a cat, who really does run the joint.      I've been working for AmeriCorps for 4 years (started my job a week before getting married.)   I'm doing a project management job, which involves reviewing, approving, tracking, and receiving accomplishment data for over 500 separate service projects each year.   I'm much more of a computer geek than I planned on, but I seem to do a decent job of working with a database and other computer gee-whiz things.   I have numerous staff members who come to me regularly for assistance.  My job involves a bit of travel, but not much - I get to Charleston, Denver, and San Diego once or twice a year.      Rita has been involved in international training management for over 25 years.   She spent most of her time with the Navy, but just recently moved up in the world.   She now works for Dept.of Defense, helping to develop policy and write legislation to support US military training of other nations' armed forces.   It sounds kind of complicated, but it's pretty fascinating stuff.      A quick update on our kids: David - married 5/98, graduated 5/97 from Hope College in MI.   Now at Asbury Theological School in KY, studying to be a Methodist minister.   Jeff - married 6/97.   Graduated from Ball State and now at Eastern College in Philadelphia, PA, working on his MBA.  Chris - single, in his senior year at University of Michigan, majoring in Music Ed.   RITA's daughter Terry - married, living in Alabama, has a 4 year old daughter (makes me a grandpa!)   Terry works for Ericsson Communications.   RITA's son Sonny is single, a high school band director (Chris' career desire so they have a lot in common), living in Atlanta.        We bought 2 acres of land in Alabama, and will eventually retire there.   We spend time planning our dream house - some day we'll have to figure out if we can afford it!"

Tommy & Susi Clarke visited Casa de Swedberg in scenic Issaquah just after Memorial Day, as they toured the Pacific Northwest for a 25th Anniversary deja vu vacation.   Had a great visit recalling our days on NORTHWIND together over a few root beers and some lemonade.   Even visited the old Crestwood Apartments where we each had our 1st apartments after being married.   Tommy and Susi have retired to Greenville, SC where he is the Executive Director of the Pickens County Chapter of the American Red Cross.   Wendy's 21 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida State in 3 years with BAs in Anthropology and Creative Writing.   Wendy's engaged to Andrew Pfrenger of Miami and is planning a May '99 wedding in Greenville.   After attending 3 high schools in 4 years, 17 year old Dan's out of the house attending Clemson, majoring in Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Wildlife Biology.   That leaves 7 1/2 year old Katie, an enthusiastic 2nd grader, all alone at home, but with more than enough energy to keep Mom and Dad hopping!

Dan Shotwell checks in from Medina, Ohio. Dan is recuperating from a broken shoulder, punctured lung...I'll let him give you the particulars:    "The last classmate I've seen was Carl Swedberg a few years ago when he was CO of the Mackinaw.   He had invited me and my family to go for a ride on his (at that time) big white boat on Lake Erie while she was in Cleveland.   Also on board was Rod Schultz of '69 who said admiringly of Carl, "Boy, he sure is tall!!" or something like that.      Before that, it was Barney Turlo-- years ago.   My wife and kids and my parents and I ran into Barney and his wife at Sea World of Ohio.  I was so surprised by seeing him that "Barney" came out sounding more like "Bernie".   He probably thought I didn't know who he was.   Sorry, Barney!      Midge and I have been married almost 24 years now, though it seems shorter for me and longer for her.   We live in a log house we built back in 1979-80 on four acres near Medina.   She's the pricing manager at the local Medina Super K-Mart.   She's been with K-Mart almost 10 years.      Our son Matt (22) graduated last spring from Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio with an Associates Degree in Ranger Services.   He married his college sweetheart Rachel this past July 24th.   They're living with us while they both work locally until Rachel goes back to Hocking for the last quarter she needs for her degree in Interpretive Services.   Then they'll move to The Plains, Ohio, where they've been fixing up a house on weekends.      Our daughter Becky (19) starts her second year at Ohio Northern University this weekend.   She hopes to complete the Sports Medicine program in three or four more years.      I'm still working at Wellman Friction Products as a process engineer.   I've been here 15 years.   We manufacture aircraft brake disks and segments for commercial and military aircraft (737, DC-9, DC-10, C-130, to name a few) as well as parts for various industrial and automotive applications and some sintered powdered metal parts for heavy truck, earth mover and tractor manufacturers.      Over the past eight years I've become an avid (borderline fanatic) bicycle rider.   This season I have ridden 3179 miles, 385 of those miles since three weeks ago when I had an unlucky encounter with an uneven railroad crossing in the rain, at what I now realize was excessive speed.      The ensuing (and very graceful) fall (and especially the landing), left me with a broken left clavicle, four broken ribs and a punctured and partially collapsed lung.   The rescue squad that responded told me I just had a little road rash, that I would have some bruises and would probably be sore the next couple of days, but was otherwise OK, so I rode back to work (I ride during lunch time.), finished the day, then rode the eleven miles home.   Becky (Sports Medicine) convinced me to go to the emergency room at Medina General that evening.   They caught the broken clavicle and ribs, but missed the punctured lung.   We found out about the lung damage several days later through additional x-rays.      In our spare time Midge and I (Well, she does help.) are building an airplane in our basement.   It's a two place tandem, open cockpit, high wing monoplane designed around 1929 by a guy from Minnesota named Bernard H. Pietenpol.   Hence the name "Pietenpol Air Camper".   Should have it flying after the millennium.   If any classmates have a spare 65 horse Continental engine or 100 to 115 Lycoming or even an old Corvair engine with a good crank....I'm looking for an engine!      I've been thinking about my bike accident and my fall from what?..three feet?...and about those incredible athletes... I'm talking about professional wrestlers; those full body slams, etc. and I'd like to survey our classmates...The Question: Is professional "wraslin'" real?   And why or why not?   (I think it is real because those guys are in great shape and they're tough!)"      I've heard of boats in basements, but not too many air-o-planes?   Wonder if Dan's measured the stairs?   How 'bout it Classmates...anyone have a spare engine in the ready locker?   Wraslin' real?   Absolutely!   My son and I will be at the Key Arena in Seattle when Stone Cold, Kane, and the Undertaker fight each other!

I've archived older Scuttlebutt articles and photos as ARCHIVES. Go ahead...link to it and check out something you may have missed.

         

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