Frank Liantonio starts the party with a photo of Rick Boudiette, Jim Quern, himself and his oldest daughter Marissa at a couples baby shower at his home in April.
“She’s due in June, and Kim and I are excited to welcome our first grandchild. We also have the wedding of our daughter Gianna to look forward to in January of 2022. It is nice having Rick in New Orleans full time, now that he has finished serving his time in Angola. It’s also pretty impressive that the three of us at least got one part of the “uniform of the day” right — the reunion issued rain jacket!”

---

Brian Foy can always be counted on for a full report:
Ray…greetings from sunny St. Augustine my fellow USS “Tuna Boat” alum! After 13 months of being “stuck” in Florida, I made my first trip to DC the week of April 19. That trip coincided with the KPI OceanConnect Blue & Gray Washington, DC Golf Outing, held on April 21. That’s where I ran into Chris Thayer, Mark Smith and Bob Ross (see pic). While Mark and I worked the event, Chris and Bob “tore up” the course…literally. A cold front passed through and lowered temps to the low 50’s with steady 30 mph winds. It was a chilly day to say the least. I hope Mark weighs in to tell you how he has become an expert in the art of hitting a marshmallow off a golf tee! Mark is retired and loving life as a Grandpa; Bob and Chris can see retirement “just over the horizon.” It was great to see those guys.

On my drive south back to Florida, I stopped in Richmond to see Sean Connaughton, a fellow 5B plebe, and we toured his empire at the Virginia Health & Hospital Association, where he serves as CEO. By all accounts, Sean is kicking ass and taking names in Virginia Healthcare. He still lives in the DC area and commutes to Richmond every week. Joining us for dinner was Art Espey, who I had not seen since graduation. See pic. Art enlightened me with his travels the past 30+ years, including some meaningful years in the Marine Corps, which have served him well. He lives in the Richmond area. Lots of laughs and shared memories and Sean graciously picked up the tab.

Several weeks ago, Art Murphy texted me and said that he and his wife were going to make an east coast trip and he wanted to connect. So, while staying in the Jacksonville Beach area visiting friends, Art drove down and met Jim Goulden (coming from Orlando) and I at a seafood shack in Palm Coast. Great times and laughs. Art has finally retired from the daily grind but still lives in Houston and stays active with his real estate empire. Jim is crushing it with his company and has now been in Orlando nearly 20 years. See pic. The real story here is two engineers inviting a deckie to dinner and everyone getting along. Maybe Congress can learn from this…maybe. After Jim left for Disney, Art and I talked about the benefits of Navy Reserve Retirement for another good hour. “Such a deal!”

I hope to get back to my regular DC trips after labor Day. Let me know if you are ever in DC or St. Augustine area and we’ll get together.

---

Mark Smith sent a picture from the April DC golf outing that Brian mentioned above. Then in May, he attended the 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company reunion, posting photos to Facebook:
Great beer, food and reminiscing. Big thanks to Mark Faller for the hospitality. Great to see Mark Faller, Rex Gundle, Quentin Franklin, Bob Ross, Bill Dunbar and Ed Fairbairn. Ed had to leave before we got the pictures. Should also say thanks to Rex for getting this organized.

It was a beautiful afternoon and we sat outside and reminisced about KP and jobs and events since we graduated. Lots of laughs to go with the great beer and munchies provided by our host Mark Faller. Mark runs a very nice operation and the place was hopping that afternoon/evening. It was great to catch up with the people that were able to make it. Hopefully next time we can get a bigger crowd.

Mickey Cunningham never misses a party:
Jeff Coons’ oldest daughter Kaitlin married Rob Astorino in a garden wedding in suburban Louisville this past weekend. Jim Quern and I rocked the house and made 83 proud. It was great hanging out with Jeff and Sherrie Coons and Jim impressed the grooms family so much he’s now in the Father of the grooms will. Just in case anyone needs entertainment at their next wedding Jim is retired and makes himself available.
Jeff adds, “Turns out they’re making a movie about Mickey and Jim’s visit to Kentucky. It’s called Good Swill Hunting.”

Bruce Garrott announces “I have some great news to share, my daughter, ENS Mikaela Garrott earned her Navy “Wings of Gold” on May 7th @ NAS Corpus Christi. Our family was there to share in the occasion, which was the squadron’s first winging, since COVID restrictions began last year. She will fly the E-6B Mercury, in the fleet.”

Lisa Fields relates:
Gary (’82) and I just had a lovely trip to California vacationing with Brian Winget, Jeff Fout, John and Bob Grimaldi, and their significant others. It is true that the greatest thing to come from our time at KP is our lifelong friends!

Kevin Brofford provides the next generation of military leaders:
Greetings from graduation weekend at the Ohio State University! I am really happy to report that I had the honor and privilege to administer the Oath of Office to my son, Ensign Evan Brofford! I squeezed myself back into my blues and was able to keep it all together for the entire ceremony! (Which was better than I did six years ago when I swore my daughter into the Air Force!) It was a wonderful graduation weekend at OSU, albeit quite soggy on graduation day. Super excited that Evan’s next duty station is Pensacola, Florida for flight school! (Just like his old man!) Quite honestly, this was one of those events that makes me realize how old I really am! I can remember our commissioning day like it was yesterday! Back when we were this young and energetic! Boy does time fly!

Erin Gantt shared “I am scheduled to perform at the Welcome America festival at City Hall in Philadelphia on Sunday, June 27, 2021. I will be singing inspirational & patriotic music in two, 30 minute sets in the afternoon. It was supposed to be the 1940’s trio that I sing with (for 1 hour) but the other two ladies backed out of the commitment.”
Ray Christensen posted the info to Facebook, so maybe we’ll gather some classmates to hear her perform!

Kevin Brofford leads off with some impressive family accomplishments:
In late Fall, the Brofford family has received a several Good News items! Our oldest Kelsey, is a Captain in the Air Force and found out that she has been selected to transfer to the US Space Force! She will become a Captain in the US Space Force when it stands up in February! She applied for this quite a while ago and has been waiting for the board to convene. Also, Evan (our youngest) who is a Navy ROTC at Ohio State just learned that he has been selected for pilot training after graduation in the spring! This is something he’s been dreaming of, and working toward since early High School. Not to be left out, Claire (our middle one) is a pediatric Emergency Department nurse in Lexington, just received a “Stretcher Side Miracle” citation for her life saving efforts at work where she was able to think quick, act fast, and save a man’s life! So yes, I am officially living vicariously through my children!

Scott O’Connor reports:
As mentioned in the previous issue, Glenda and I snuck away to St. Augustine for a few days in late Fall just before elections and had the great opportunity to have dinner with Brian Foy and Karen at the St. Augustine Fish Camp. Brian has his work cut out for him but cuts a great swath in the halls of Congress. When those halls are running normally!

From John Rhatigan:
Still in charge of The Marine Machinery Association, get to see quite a few KP’ers in my travels with Kevin Fauvell being a regular.

Had two big events happen in the past year. My first was my youngest son Harry got married last summer. The wedding occurred in the Boston Public Garden(see picture) and due to COVID we could only have 24 in attendance(with approval from the Mayor of Boston). A rooftop reception followed and rumor had it more than 24 attended(just don’t tell the Mayor). Wedding was originally scheduled for the spring but everything was shut down in the Boston area at the time. Great time was had by all that could attend but I missed my Kings Point Posse as weddings have been a great mini reunion excuse for a large group of us.

Secondly I turned the big 60. My kids put together a tribute video with Friends and Family that roasted me with many KP83 grads contributing including Jim Quern, John Carbone, Mickey Cunningham, Jim Goulden, Mike Keane, Del Lewis, Bob Ross and my favorite paisano Rich Colonna. Lots of laughs all around. Congrats to all that have already and are about to turn 60.
I have also been lucky to get to Jupiter Florida to the Cunningham estate every couple of months. They might be able to claim me on their taxes if this keeps up. – Thank you John for reminding us how old we are!

Here’s a photo of Bob Bennett and Craig Ellixson snatched from a Facebook post, displaying some NFL pride.

Ray Christensen needed to stop running for a couple months after straining a calf muscle while running. Even got to wear a boot and use crutches. Healing nicely and putting in some miles a few days a week once again. Ray received a pleasant call from KP roommate Matt Bucherati, who’s starting to think about retirement while continuing to play a key role in getting Pepsi to the people in several states. If your old roommate hasn’t been mentioned in this column lately, encourage them to submit some news. Take care!

Dan Rohde starts us off with some great photos:
Thanks for keeping us all connected, it is much appreciated and grows in importance as each year goes by. Great to hear so many of our classmates talking about Grand kids and retirement.!!

Latest set of new cranes delivered to Savannah earlier this year. As has become tradition, I bring a 50’ x 100’ US flag out on the Pilot boat and “wrestle” it up on the ship and then up the forward crane for a great ride up the River (that’s me on top of the leg of the crane).! I also brought my 6’ x 12’ KP burgee, but if you look closely the US flag dwarfs the KP burgee flying below. This year we fun fund raiser and the GA Tech. Alum. outdid the GA alum, thus the 30’ x 50’ GA Tech flag flying from the aft crane below the US flag.

Carrie and I are doing well here in Savannah through this “COVID nonsense” and have managed to get out and spend a little time with the kids and grand kids once or twice (Miami, Maryland, Rhode Island and New York – please don’t tell Gov Cuomo).

If anybody is visiting or passing through Savannah please give us a call (912-667-0193), we have LOTS of room.

One Trump flag flys in our backyard and the second is for the boat. The mask is from a friend of mine for Carrie’s 90 year old Dad, who tried to wear it into vote earlier this week – Carrie was able to remind him that it is not appropriate at a polling location (I think he would have been ok here in South Georgia). The other pic got included by accident but is our youngest (Dana 24 in the USCG) with our oldest Grand daughter Annie from our oldest (Krysta 30 and Matt, both in the USCG).

---

Al Reeves sent a photo of his daughter getting engaged in late summer.

Brian Foy contributes:
Ray…Karen and I recently had dinner in St. Augustine with Scott O’Connor and Glenda O’Connor ’85. Scott is a St. Johns River (Jacksonville) pilot and he and Glenda were enjoying a few days of relaxation here at the beach. We had a great time catching up, discussing classmates, kids and grandkids (coming soon). Apparently Joe Walsh recently blew threw St. Augustine and never called…”C’mon Man!” We look forward to seeing Scott and Glenda again soon to enjoy St. Augustine’s “Festival of Lights.” The whole city lights up like a Christmas tree for two months – a must-see for those who have never been here.

As for me, I continue to work on my golf game when I am not working on legislative matters for the USMMA-AAF. I was runner-up in our Club Championship, losing only to a 24-year old former Flagler College golfer. Chalk one up for the old guys! While I am in regular contact with staffers on The Hill, I have been unable to travel to DC due to COVID restrictions. I look forward to getting back up there when the new Congress convenes in January.

I hope you are staying healthy. Next marathon? Thanks for all you do, Shipmate. Long live the Tuna Boat! — Brian

Pete Lafontaine shares:
I received the Fall edition of the Kings Pointer magazine the other day and read about many of our classmates who have recently retired. Well, add my name to that list too. I retired in September after 35 years in the marine insurance business. My wife and I are living on Cape Cod and enjoying the beaches, walking/biking trails and all the great restaurants.

Rex Gundle relates:
Last Friday (11/13) I had made arrangements to meet up with Mike Curtiss for lunch, and before you know it Mike (aka Dirty Curt, now Capt. Courteous) used his speed texting app to reach out to find other classmates in the area willing to come up to the Woodlands for a get together. I will say that I was thankful for a good turnout (outstanding 6B representation), a lot of laughs, good stories and not a single word on politics.

Mike brought his lawyer, Tom Lightsey to ensure we all played by the rules, and others present included Kurt Larsen, Mike Booth and yours truly. We missed out on George Toma attending, but I hope to see him on the next trip.
It is amazing that we seem too young to retire, but Mike B and Kurt spoke of its benefits, while Tom and Mike C have no plans to retire at this point (which may annoy Mike’s son who wants to join his beloved Pilots Association). I have enjoyed being back in the USA for the last 16 months after a 22 year overseas adventure, and still working but have put a date on the calendar for retirement.

I understand that Houston holds a large contingent of our classmates, and look forward to a few more trips in the future.

---

Mark Faller sends the following note …

Classmates – As many of you know, I partnered with five Coast Guard and one Navy colleague to form 6 Bears & a Goat Brewing Company about 4 years ago. The 15-barrel brewery and full restaurant are thriving in Fredericksburg, VA. We typically have about 18 styles of our beer on tap at the Brew House and distribute throughout the state of Virginia. We also have a full bar (and craft seltzer) for those who aren’t quite into the craft beer scene. As a tribute to all Kings Pointers, we will release KP-142, Classic American Pilsner in mid-June. Don’t miss out on this amazing Pre-Prohibition Lager. It will be available on tap and in 16 oz. 4-packs. Stay tuned on Facebook @6bearsandagoat for the actual release date. We expect to have this rotational style available through July, maybe August.

Here’s the romance language you’ll find on the label. Rex Gundle (Principal 6B&G Investor) and I had fun crafting this one:

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point is privileged among the nation’s five federal academies to be the only institution authorized to carry a battle standard as part of its color guard. The proud and colorful battle standard perpetuates the memory of the 142 Kings Point midshipmen who died in service to their country during World War II. Kings Pointers have served selflessly in every major conflict the country has been involved in since World War II. Like Kings Pointers, KP-142 Classic American Pilsner is distinguished in its field; it exhibits a bold character and robust flavor profile that speaks for itself. Acta Non Verba!

Consider making a trip this summer to the 6B&G Brew House. Flag me down, or if you happen to catch me off duty, let the manager know you’re KP83 and I’ll make it well worth the trip. Prost!
Hope to see you soon – Mark

---

I had a great conversation with Quentin Franklin, discussing the good old days, Navy, running, not running, and running injuries. Q breaks his longtime silence from this column:

Ray, During the lockdowns I’ve been making a bucket list of things I wished I had done and a class update was right behind spatchcocking (legal in Virginia) my Thanksgiving turkey and a colonoscopy. Both went well, thank you. I became a little nostalgic watching the Mariners trounce the Coasties (I refuse to call them the Bears) on ESPN-3 this past weekend. In 1982 our Senior class (Logan/Fauvell et al) was the first KP team to win the then Secretary’s Cup (now Secretaries’ Cup) which was instituted only the year before. Oddly, those are the only two KP football games I’ve ever seen, in both cases due to being on some type of “restriction.” Great games. My wife, Fran, is an ’86 USNA grad and the level of competition rivals Army-Navy without all the glitz and hoopla.

Anyway, I’m in Va Beach, VA and have an ophthalmology (did I spell that correctly?) practice in Norfolk and Elizabeth City, NC which keeps me out of trouble and three pretty self sufficient kids. When I retired out of the Navy 13 years ago after flying carrier onboard delivery (the lithesome C-2 Greyhound) then medical corps, I got a golden-doodle, Oscar. I never sailed on my license which is probably fortunate given my most recent pleasure boating misadventure. I never remember being specifically told that a 25 hp outboard motor not properly secured to the transom could launch you out of a Jon boat into the cold November bay water. Fortunately Oscar was the only witness. I’ve never seen a dog so embarrassed for his owner. Stay safe and be well! Q

My Sea Year shipmate Mickey Cunningham contributes:
2020 continues to be the year of the pandemic but we’ve seen classmates after escaping to our home in Jupiter Florida. On consecutive weekends we hosted John Rhatigan and Jim Goulden and then Sherry & Jeff Coons and Scott Metheny.
I’m getting all of them psyched for our 40th reunion which is right around the corner!

From Ray: My web design business remains strong and is immune to the pandemic. By the time this is in print, the vaccines should be starting to help more of us attain immunity. Stay healthy!