Bill Sliker shares this tribute to our late classmate Mark Lund:
Remembering Mark Lund (Chuckie)
Hello from the West Coast. It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the passing of our dear friend, Mark Lund. Affectionately known as Chuckie, Mark died peacefully at home from natural causes. A true and loyal companion, Mark was a loving brother, uncle, and above all, a dedicated and proud father to his sons, Alex and Evan. You can find his memorial on our website and at https://lewischapel.com/obituaries/mark-lund-2025

His service was attended by nearly 400 people, including many from Kings Point, from left to right in photo are Jim Storey, Joe Maggiora, John Kimmerlein, Mark’s sons Evan and Alex Lund, Steve Hamre (KP ’82), Steve Kimmel, Jon Kjaerulff, and Bill Sliker.

Additional photos from Steve Kimmel’s retirement party and Ellie Maggiora’s High School graduation party.

Mark played a significant role in my life and was a dear friend. After our time at Kings Point, we crossed paths again in Seattle. Mark was responsible for introducing me to my wife, and he stood as best man at our wedding. We were attendants in his wedding to Darcy, and our families were closely intertwined. He is our son’s Godfather. Mark often joined us at our Northern California ranch, lending a hand with projects and enjoying many games of cribbage. Our 45+ years of friendship are filled with countless memories.

Mark’s intelligence, his knack for fixing almost anything, and his boundless zest for life—especially skiing—are legendary. With a strong sense of camaraderie, he was someone you could always count on. Mark worked hard and played hard.

If you’re ever in the Seattle area, please reach out. I’d love to see you and raise a glass to Mark. Many KP ’83 classmates are nearby, and it’s always great to catch up. My email is .

Mark’s presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Fair winds and following seas, buddy.

Erin Gant recounts her participation in the Navy-Marine Corps 250 Parade in Philadelphia on Oct 13:
Swing Shift appears in this footage from a local Philly station,  ABC 6:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWOAa9zT_I0

*We were on the Eagle Float (#67) at this point in the broadcast:   1:18:40.  I am wearing my USMMA ’83 jacket due to the cold & drizzly weather.

British Chef Robert Irvine is the numbskull who mis-pronounced my name; he was supposed to ride the float but went to the broadcast booth.  Note that the speakers were on the back of the float, so you hear our voices when we pass by.  We shared the float with Miss Pennsylvania in less than perfect weather & sound system conditions & the sound guy only brought one microphone that we had to share.

*The Merchant Marine Vets are right behind my float with a WWII veteran.  I never saw the KP Color Guard; they either went to commercial or interviewed a vet when they passed by.

Bill Kraynik tells us that he “Ran into Kevin Fauvell at the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia in June this year.  It was hot but the beer was cold.  We’re both retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center and enjoying retirement.”

A.J. Murphy shares:
We’ve had a busy year in Houston, with a move end JAN. Time to get rid of those pesky stairs and save on the knees!

At the end of MAY, we headed to the great white north and spent almost 2 weeks in various AK towns like Seward, Whittier, Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali. Had a great trip, celebrating my oldest son, Sean, earning his Ph D from SMU here in TX.  My daughter, Cecilia also came along.  Have been to AK several times, but this one has shown us that the hiking trails are starting to win – whew!

Made it toNew Orleans end OCT for a Quern daughter wedding and enjoyed seeing Jim Goulden, Rick Boudiette, Frank & Kim Liantonio and Mickey & Mary Kay Cunningham. Jim Quern was in fine form and dressed to kill in his James Bond tuxedo. Anne looked great and was very happy at the celebration.

In NOV, Gretchen and I made our anniversary into a nice trip to AZ. The hiking was more tolerable and with Help from George Toma, he gave us several places to make sure to see while there.  We didn’t get to connect up as he was out of town while we were nearby.  Stayed in Sedona for great hiking, went up to Flagstaff and almost to Utah, where we saw Lower Antelope Canyon. They are incredibly beautiful and just east of the Grand Canyon, just below Lake Powell.  Will be heading back to New Orleans for Christmas and looking forward to seeing Jim and Anne again, more relaxed after all the wedding pressure is relieved.

Brian Foy recaps a couple events:
The USMMA-AAF Space Coast Chapter hosted its annual Christmas Brunch on December 7 at the Indian River Colony Club in Viera, FL. Willie Barrere, AMO President, and I were the keynote speakers. Willie updated everyone on latest happenings in the maritime industry, including the SHIPS Act, and I focused on my advocacy role for the Academy on the Hill. After the brunch, we gathered our ’83 classmates for a picture. L-R: Joe Bishop, USMMA-AAF Space Coast Chapter President; Chris Thayer; Brian Foy; Willie Barrere; and Bruce Garrott.

The Class of ’83 was omnipresent for the Secretaries Cup Football Game at Historic Fenway Park. It was a fantastic event and one of the best KP football games I have ever witnessed. Pictured below at the after-party event are Brian Foy; Kevin Brofford; Bill Higgins; Rex Gundle; and Scott O’Connor.

Rex Gundle reports from Fenway Park:
It was great to see so many friends and classmates at the Secretarys’ Cup at Fenway in November. Thankfully the weather held out for our group that included Leslie and Bill Higgins, Susan and Kevin Brofford as well as Kim and myself. We decided to join the rowdy GA crowd that did include both KPer’s and Coastie’s for this great game and rivalry. Between dinner’s, breakfast’s, the game and bar afterwards, our group was also able to catch up with Scott and Glenda O’Connor, Craig Ellixson, Jim Goulden, Brian Foy, and Craig Matteson. I applaud the organizers for picking a location that made the decision to attend so easy.

The game weekend capped a crazy two weeks of adventure for us which included a week in Iceland; and if you haven’t been there, it is certainly worth the price of admission! I am really getting used to this retirement gig.

Lee Forsgren was also at Fenway and explains “I was at the game at Fenway but because I was in Secretary Duffy’s box (and was there in my official Army Corps Capacity). I really didn’t get a chance to see any other KP83 classmates.”

Ronda Cobb notes:
Surprisingly, I had a busy KP year.  I spoke for the Congressman’s Academy Information Night, I attended the ceremony where the Nomination certificates were presented to the future plebes of all Academies, and I attended the NCAA women’s Basketball playoff game in Ohio.

And, my high school alma mater added my name to their Wall of Honor for those who have served the country with Academy or Military service.  That was a great ceremony which made the local press, and included a blurb about Kings Point.

Thanks all for the input! Have peaceful and joyous 2026!

25fenway8 – L-R: Brian Foy; Kevin Brofford; Bill Higgins; Rex Gundle; and Scott O’Connor.

25gundle2 – Jim Goulden, Rex Gundle, Kevin Brofford, Bill Higgins and spouses

25gundle4 – Scott O’Connor, Kevin Brofford, Rex Gundle, Brian Foy, Bill Higgins

25ellixson4 – Jim Goulden, Mike Logan, Mickey C, Craig Ellixson, Bob Bennett, Jim Quern

25gundle5 – Rex & Kim Gundle in Iceland

We mourn the loss of Paul Zubaly, who passed away 6/9/25. Send me any photo or remembrance you happen to have so I can add it to his page at KP83.org.

Mark Allen informed me that “I’m practicing being eccentric living here on San Juan Island in the Salish Sea. I wear Hawaiian shirts, carry a blue parrot on my shoulder and drive an ancient truck.”

In June, Matthew Bucherati reported:

Our area of western North Carolina is still recovering from Hurricane Helene but fortunately some amazing progress has been made in the last four months due to local efforts and the Army Core of Engineers.  Fortunately before the hurricane hit last year, I was able to make a couple of fun trips with a couple of dear friends to Alaska for deep sea fishing and then Coastal Brown Bear hunting. Retirement is a wonderful thing.  Bear hunting in Alaska is truly amazing. The little bear in the attached picture weighed 800 pounds.   My hunting buddies and I are already hoping to return to Alaska next year for a moose hunt and maybe Kamchatka, Russia for another bear hunt. 

Most of Sara and my travels in 2025 so far have been domestic to visit our kids and grandkids.  Speaking of my dearest bride, Sara, this October we will be celebrating our 40th anniversary.  It has been an amazing ride and I am truly blessed.  Four kids and now eight grandkids.  We will all be getting together again at our mountain cabin next month during the 4th of July holiday.  I have also attached a recent photo of the two of us.

Glenn Gardner and Erin Gantt represented our class in the national Independence Day Parade in Washington DC. Erin was also set to perform in the Navy-USMC 250th parade in Philly in October, singing with the 1940s trio Swing Shift.

Rex Gundle sends:
Since my last update, our family has had a bit of excitement, with the absolute best being the birth of our grandson in Feb of 2024, Jack! His entry into the world has brought newfound perspective to life, which was amplified by Helene blowing through our town of Lake Lure / Chimney Rock, creating a desire to be closer to family. So last December I retired from the ports / shipping industry and we made the decision to move! We closed on a new home 2 months ago in Woodbury, Minnesota to be within 6 miles of 4 generations of family.

So far, so great, and has allowed the recent opportunity for a good catch up with our classmate Mike Booth. Plus with Art Burns a few hours down the road, I expect more get togethers in the future.  Looking forward to seeing as many of our classmates as possible at Fenway in November. Until then, ANV. Rex

Phil Mueller sends us:
I was waiting in the Honolulu airport for my Turo rental car when Scott Douglas walked by in baggage claim. He was on the island to golf.  I was there to visit the grandsons.  It was a small world moment captured by this selfie!

Tom Heberle is keeping in touch:
I ran into Willie Barrere in NYC at the annual Marine Money conference in June.  Willie is a busy guy these days since his recent move up to president of AMO.  Scott McCauley visited me in Las Vegas for a couple days on his way back to the East Coast. Scott has a pretty full on Aussie accent now after living down under for so many years.

Brian Foy has all kinds of good news:
Greetings from St. Augustine!  All is well here with Karen and myself. Looking forward to some cooler weather, better football from the Jags, and more golf.

Speaking of golf, I recently had the opportunity to play in the USMMA-AAF Golf Outing in Baltimore. Team ’83 included Chris Thayer, me and Randy Johnson. We managed to “ham & egg” our way to the winner’s circle!  Although the weather was lousy, we stayed in good cheer with plenty of beverages, cigars and sea stories that never seem to get old. We also lamented about our favorite team, the Orioles, who we all share an unhealthy passion for, along with Mike Donnelly. Go O’s ’26!

In May, we married off the last of our four children.  James and his bride, Michelle are both police officers. A good time was had by all. I never felt safer with about 60% of the attendees being cops! here are a few pics from the day.

My work in DC on behalf of the AAF is picking up again after a quiet late summer. The USMMA Campus Modernization Plan has officially landed on the Hill, and we need Congress to fully fund it.  This plan will bring the USMMA campus into the 21st Century.  If you did not see the plan that was shared with all alumni via Signal Flags in late August, please reach out to me and I’ll share it with you.

Bruce Garrott is on the road again:
Debbie and I had an amazing vacation to the Baltics and Finland, this past June.  Our Backroads bike trip started in Vilnius and ended in Tallin. The weather was cool and the days very long. I had visited the Baltic during “BALTOPS 1993” and have always wanted to go back with Debbie.  At the conclusion of the trip, we spent several days in Tallinn, which is now one of my favorite cities.  We stayed inside the old walled city and enjoyed exploring it.  We then took the ferry to Helsinki and spent 5 days in Finland, and explored southern Finland by car. 

If you travel to Scandinavia or the Baltics over the summer solstice, be prepared to enjoy their two-day holiday, as the locals stay up all night the day prior to the solstice and recuperate on the solstice!

David Ferchau and Larry Migliozzi enjoyed Oktoberfest in Munich.

Meanwhile, Erin & Bob Bennett hosted a crab feast. Guests included Rich Colonna, Mark Suter, Mike Logan, Craig Ellixson and Kevin Fauvell.

Thanks everyone for sharing! In late September, I enjoyed the wedding of my brother Kenneth Christensen ’88. First marriage for both bride and groom! Pete Brennan’s brother Tim Brennan ’87 was among about 8 Kings Pointers to make the party extra fun.

Ace correspondent Brian Foy gets us underway with a picture of ‘83 classmates on March 12 from the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas. Joe Walsh, George Toma, Tom Heberle, Steve Dear ‘85 (started in ’83), and Brian.

In our last column, Ronda Cobb was headed for a KP Women’s BB playoff game near her home in Ohio. She shares “The women lost their game, but it was a good game and they played strong.  The host college was really nice and they did a pretty good job. I’m not an expert at BB, in any way, but it seemed like the referees were very friendly with the opposing team.  Maybe that just comes from me being super-observant. Here’s the post game picture of all who were there with the team.  What a pleasure to meet the young women!”

Scott Metheny sent this photo of his family the day after Jake (middle) got married November 22nd.

Brian Foy “Just had lunch with Joe Bishop in Merritt Island, FL, on my way to Ft. Lauderdale. ‘Salty Joe’ is the salt of the earth.” Brian gets around and later attended a Puget Sound USMMA-AAF Chapter dinner in Seattle along with John Kimmerlein and Mark Allen. Mark reports that he is in regular contact with the elusive Chris O’Connor!

Phil Mueller notes:
Becky and I met up with Young and David Heinbockel in Key West, FL on a quest to visit the Dry Tortugas National Park.  Unfortunately the weather was not cooperative with 30 KT winds and 8-10 foot seas which caused the Muellers to chicken out.  David and Young braved the elements and have checked off that National Park on their list.  We did meet up for a great evening and dinner.

Jon Kjaerulff gathered some good tidbits:
I’ve been lurking for a while depending on other people to occasionally send in pictures of me.  Here’s some random shots from the past year of me and some of my favorite classmates!

1. April of last year, Chris Hart, Bill Sliker and me in Gruene, Texas getting ready for the eclipse.

2. June of last year, Bill Sliker helping me move four storage lockers worth of stuff into our new storage building. You never know how much stuff you have until you go to move it! You know how good friends help you move, but great friends help you move bodies…  What Bill didn’t know was…..well let’s just say he’s a great friend.

3. August of last year, with Joe Walsh and Phil Lempriere ’84 at an open house celebrating Joe’s law firm’s new offices in Seattle’s Smith Tower. A very memorable bash! I try to avoid getting sued, but if I am, I’m pretty sure I want Joe and Phil on my defense team.

4. Maritime Day 2025 with Willie Barrere at the Maritime Day Propeller Club reception in Washington, DC. I hadn’t seen Willie since graduation, then was part of a panel discussion with him one day and saw him at a party the next. Amazing how neither one of us seems to have aged over the years.

John Prien reports:
Here are some pictures of Leslie and Bill Higgins as well as Cindy and I at the top of the Zugspitze in Bavaria, Germany back in April and May as well as Bill and I raising some 1 liter glasses of excellent German beer! We had a great time on our trip with them to Germany, Austria and Italy. Cindy and I even visited the lake resort of “Prien Am Cheimsee.”

Steve Keating contributes:

It was great to see the posts in the Spring 2025 Kings Pointer for the class of 1983.  So good to see fellow mariners, Art Burns, Paul Zubaly, Rex Gundle, Rhonda Whittaker, Mark Smith, Kirk Barrett, Scott Bruggeman, A.J. Murphy, Jim Quern, Yvette Pigott, Larry Migliozzi, and others. Really enjoyed the images Mark Smith provided of that awesome cruise from Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego) to Antarctica!

Post retirement has provided me with a bit of a reality check that time marches on: I needed to get hearing aids (years of exposure to shipboard machinery) and needed two surgeries.  Thankfully, I am on the mend and will get back to tennis, table tennis, and fly fishing soon.

In May 2025, I was invited by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to receive an Intelligence Community (IC) Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 21 years supporting the IC in areas of international law, the law of the sea, and marine safety of navigation.  It was an honor and a privilege to provide legal support to the IC at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, a place where many Kings Pointers have and continue to serve with distinction.  NGA General Counsel, Allison Stevens, and Deputy General Counsel, Paul Holden, kindly gave me an honorary Ping Pong Paddle, knowing how I love the sport.  Attached is an image from the event.

Wishing you and our Kings Point family a wonderful Summer. May all those who continue to sail in our merchant marine or serve in uniform at sea return safely from their voyages to their loved ones.  ANV, Steve

Bumper Kunkle checks in:
Maria and I have started out slow this summer, but our travel plans pick up in the middle of June.  We visited Burgess Falls State Park in May.  It’s 30 minutes from our house so it’s a nice place to go for a hike and enjoy the scenery.  We went to Boston a week later to catch a couple of games at Fenway with my son Jimmy.  The Mets were in town, so it was a perfect time to go.  Fenway is a must see if you’re a baseball fan.  We also did a little sightseeing and enjoyed some good food.

Maria and I met up with Sue and Tom Bodman in Chattanooga in early June.  The Bodmans are making their way to Montanna for the summer and decided to send a few days in Chattanooga.  We went to tour of the Raccoon Mountain Caverns and had lunch before Maria and I headed back home.

Thanks to all for the news! Stay cool through the warm season and enjoy additional photos at KP83.org