Chapter News

April 2024 Minutes for USNA AA KOR Chapter Famous Dave’s BBQ, Knoxville

Members present for the 3 April luncheon: Randy Belles ’79, Rich Cataldi ’69, Dan Elins ’75, Josh Gillespie ‘00, Mark Kohring ’73, Mike McCrabb ’78, Rick Merrill ’86, Maria Smith and Ralph Schindler ’74, Tom Sloan ’80, Shawn Tallant ’78, Donita and Jim Ward ’85.

1. Jim Ward provided a recap of the Navy Lightweight Rowing team’s visit to Oak Ridge in March. The event was successful and provided a memorable experience for the midshipmen. See the March 2024 minutes for more details on the week’s events. The event came close to plan. In 2023 we had 38 total attendees. This year we planned for 35,
but 26 attended. The difference was 7 fewer Chapter members attended than planned.
Thanks to everyone who participated or donated to this year’s event. It is our Chapter’s signature event and continues our tradition of supporting the Lightweight Rowing team.  The Chapter Officers would appreciate your feedback on this year’s event. Whether you attended the event or not, please complete the survey at this link.

Your feedback will help us improve this event and other events. We have received only one response so far.

2. The Chapter will host the Welcome Aboard Picnic for the Class of 2028 on Saturday, 1 June 2024, at the Longstreet Pavilion at Founder’s Park in Farragut (405 North Campbell Station Road). When you enter the park, the Longstreet Pavilion is on the left (Southeast corner), near the restrooms. Look for people wearing Navy gear!

3. Just a reminder chapter dues are $20 per calendar year or $55 for 3 years.  49 member are current through 2024 or beyond.

4.  Save the dates for upcoming events. The list includes the next three Chapter luncheons.

• Chapter Luncheon: Wednesday, 1 May 2024 at 1200. Famous Dave’s BBQ
• Welcome Aboard Picnic: Saturday 1 June 2024. Longstreet Pavilion, Founder’s Park, Farragut. POC is Rich Cataldi ’69.
• Chapter Luncheon: Wednesday, 5 June 2024 at 1200. Famous Dave’s BBQ
• Chapter Luncheon: Wednesday, 3 July 2024 at 1200. Famous Dave’s BBQ
• Founder’s Day: Friday, 11 October 2024. Details and POC TBD
• Army-Navy Football Watch Party: 14 December 2024. Details TBD. Army will host in 2024.

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March 2024 Minutes for USNA AA KOR Chapter monthly luncheon/meeting at Calhoun’s Oak Ridge

Members present for the 13 March luncheon in Oak Ridge: Susie and Rich Cataldi ’69, Tom Feaster ’74, Josh Gillespie ‘00, Ernie Gonzales ’81, Tim Hallihan ’72, Laura and Pat Jacobs ’76, Mark Kohring ’73, Carol and Bob Milhiser ‘64, Ralph Schindler ’74, Shawn Tallant ’78, Donita and Jim Ward ’85.
Lightweight Rowing Guests: Kelly Bye ’24, Karl Florida ’24, Stephen Frost ’24, Robby Klanac ’24, Luke McIntosh ’24, Colson Poillucci ’24, Sam Sheridan ’24, Chris Volpe ’24, Aaron Xing ’24, Coach Shawn Bagnall, Assistant Coach Dave Herrick.

1. The Navy Men’s Lightweight Rowing team returned to the Oak Ridge during 9-15 March for their annual spring break regatta.  Our Chapter hosted the 1/C midshipmen and coaches for lunch on Wednesday 13 March at Calhoun’s in Oak Ridge. This event also served as our Chapter meeting for March. Ralph Schindler and Tom Feaster represented the Class of 1974 as the Link in the Chain class for the Class of 2024 and presented the Chapter’s 2024 CAPT Bill Francy Memorial Award to Midshipman 1/C Kelly V. Bye ’24 for “exemplifying the drive, determination, and perseverance to better herself and the USNA Lightweight Crew program,” as selected by the coaches. MIDN Bye is a coxswain on the team. She is a Bowman Scholar and will begin nuclear power and submarine training after graduation.

The Lightweight Rowing team held its annual class races on Thursday 14 March. Donita and Jim Ward ’85 represented the Chapter for the presentation of the CAPT Jack Richard Award to the Class of 2026 for winning the class races.  Please check out the photos are available on my USNA Lightweight Rowing – Oak Ridge album on Flickr and the team’s
Instagram post.

Thank you to Geoff deBeauclair ’87 for coordinating the luncheon arrangements with Calhoun’s. Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets and/or made donations. Your support helped provide a positive and memorable experience for the midshipmen and continue the legacy of connection between the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Chapter and the Lightweight Rowing team. Your support also funds the Francy Award, which includes a plaque for the recipient and a plaque that displayed in Hubbard Hall.

2. The KOR Chapter has a long history with the Men’s Lightweight Rowing team in Oak Ridge, but Navy Women’s Rowing also visits Oak Ridge every year in March. WVLT-TV posted an article that mentions the Navy Women’s Rowing Team: Regatta Competition returning to Oak Ridge where they competed in the Cardinal Invitational.

3. Chapter Dues and Donations: Chapter dues are $20 per calendar year or $55 for 3 years.  48 member are current through 2024 or beyond. Dues have expired for 20 members.  Please contact Jim Ward if you wish to renew your Chapter membership.

4. The two closest Navy Football games in 2024 will be UAB in Birmingham, AL on 28 September and ECU in Greenville, NC on 30 November.

5. CAPT Walter H. Allman III USN ’97 has been selected as the 90th Commandant of Midshipmen. He will relieve Colonel James P. McDonough USMC ’89, who served three years as Commandant of Midshipmen.

6. Save the dates for upcoming events:

• Luncheon: Wednesday, 3 April 2024 at 1200. Famous Dave’s BBQ
• Luncheon: Wednesday, 1 May 2024 at 1200. Famous Dave’s BBQ
• Founder’s Day: 11 October 2024. Details and POC TBD.