Class Notes - Part 20

Kings Pointer – Summer 2013

www.KP83.org continues to provide the latest reunion info & registration, along with links to our Facebook page, Class Notes columns for the past 4 years (use them to get updated on classmates!) and past reunion photos. Check list of those I’ve got no email for and ask them to contact me. My 8 year old web design business continues to grow. It serves the entire USA and I’m always seeking more work (hint). I look forward to seeing you in September!

Mickey C writes:
A large group of folks spent another spring in Myrtle Beach (pretending) to play golf. It’s funny but I started going on this trip 25 years ago with my father, brother and his 60 some buddies from the K of C in Cumberland, MD. Dad turned 80 this spring and continued to play golf each day and constantly
did his best to remind us to act like gentlemen. Global warming didn’t make it to Myrtle Beach as it was freezing in early April.

Del Lewis flew in from warm and beautiful San Diego to deal with the chill and Jim Quern and his posse of buddies made the trek from warm New Orleans. “Board of Director” members Mike Keane, John Rhatigan and Guy Wilson were once again in attendance and we proved we are a friendly bunch by once again allowing our “Deckie” Bob Ross to attend. Business issues kept Jeff Coons from making his presence while Kent Morton and Jim Goulden made it for a day of laughing and refreshments.

Honorary classmates Eliott (one L) Bloom and Jeff (Dude) Starcher were on hand for entertainment. After 20+ years of us telling the same stories that were largely untrue anyway, new and truly funny people were needed. Some of our siblings and buddies from our homes round out the group of 24 to make it an event each year. Rumor is some of our buddies may crash the upcoming reunion to get their honorary diploma. Watch out for “one L”!
I’m looking to seeing all at our reunion this fall ~ Mickey

Del Lewis adds:
At the beginning of April I made my annual pilgrimage to Myrtle Beach, SC for four days of golf, beverages, and laughs. I’m finding that as I get older the golf provides a few more aches and pains, the beverage consumption a little less, and the laughter even more often!

In true Kings Point fashion, even though some of us don’t see each other but once a year, it feels like we saw each other yesterday. A good time was had by all.

Maureen McKeever writes:
I am currently helping to take care of my Dad at home, and have been since being laid off from Dish Network in 2010. It’s tough not having an income but I am glad to help my Mom at home. The garden is starting to bloom and working outside is a nice change from the snow. I hope to see everyone at the Reunion this September!

Scott O’Connor writes:
Classmates, Typically, you should be filling in the third quarter of your calendar date book. The end of that quarter is your 30th HOMECOMING REUNION!! You may say, “I went last time” but this one will be even better. You need to be there, up close and personal. You should have it on your calendar – sign up TODAY (after you get your significant other’s permission..)

I’ve been happy to carry the ’83 number for three years as a member of the AAF Board. It has been a lot of work exerting our alumni point of view, maintaining some sort of productive relationship with the Academy and the regiment of M/N’s (the latter is always easy). Alumni support is very
important. If you don’t think so, find the line item in the MARAD budget request that counts on $1.2 million in Gifts. That is money from you and I, not the federal government. They know your support is important and look for it. Your Alumni Association and Foundation (by right of graduation, every alumnus is a member) is the best sanctioned organization for giving when you consider a gift to support the cadets on campus and to support programs that benefit all alumni.

By now I hope you have been able to take a call from one of our classmates asking for you to consider a donation to the Alumni Foundation. Your gift can be directed to any of the sports teams or extra curricular activities on campus or to the Foundation generally. Unrestricted gifts will be directed where there may be a shortfall in donations and restricted gifts will go entirely to the activity you specify.

Our goal is $83,000 with everyone participating. The tally is of donations through the rest of 2013 if the third quarter is a tough one for you. Our support of midshipmen on campus is vital and they are very grateful. Ask anyone of them when you’re at Homecoming with the rest of us! Look for my gang if you are on campus around the time of graduation. We’ll be “trailered up” down at the Waterfront for Kate’s graduation.

Thanks Scott, and congrats on your daughter joining your son as an alumnus! We received some fine suggestions for entertainment at our reunion dinner. While Jim Goulden came up with the wholesome idea of “beer pong or quarters…”, David Heinbockel suggested “A Beamer impersonator, a Needlenose or Cheapshot dunking booth, a plebe knowledge test with prize.” Nice!
—– Ray Christensen

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(L to R) John Rhatigan, Michael Keane, Mickey C, Jim Quern and John Keane (Mike’s brother) …….. John Rhatigan in his sexy pants and our hero Mike Keane

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Scott’s daughter Kate O’Connor ’13E (left), and Erika Lawson ’13E, both Shipyard Management majors

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A.J.Murphy on the Krewe of Caesar Mardi Gras float on 2/2/13 with Gretchen’s 2 brothers and her 2 cousins.

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Brian Foy (right) at The Final Four in Atlanta with brothers Donald & John and a friend.

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Final Four

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Brian Foy’s youngest son and “future Kings Pointer,” Connor, 16, with two members of the Class of 2013 at the Mid-Hudson Alumni Chapter Dinner on March 13.

Kings Pointer – Spring 2013

Starting off with some important business, Brian Foy writes:
Greetings Shipmates…our 30th Reunion is bearing down on us! Mark your calendars and plan to be at Kings Point for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, September 27-29, 2013. Here are the basics so far: our Reunion Hotel will be the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, NY (next to the Nassau Coliseum) and we have reserved a block of rooms. We are planning an “Icebreaker” Reception for Friday evening, September 27, in or near the Marriott. We are reserving Tailgate Space at the Academy on Saturday morning, September 28th, after which we will “march-on” and attend the football game. Later that evening we will celebrate our 30th Reunion with a Dinner Event back at the Marriott.

Watch for updates and register for activities at www.KP83.org. (Thanks, Ray!) You will also be receiving a letter from Scott O’Connor, Reunion Co-Chair, and Chair, Class Gift Campaign, encouraging you to give as generously as possible during this special year. Our thanks to those of you who have agreed to help us personally reach all of our ’83 Family in this Class Gift effort. My personal thanks to the members of the Reunion Committee for “stepping up” and helping Scott and I: Chris Thayer; “Webmaster” Ray Christensen; and Lisa Fields.

If you want to help us, please let us know. We hope to see EVERYONE in late September!

Acta Non Verba…
Brian Foy, Reunion Co-Chair.

Bob Bennett writes:
I am very proud to report that my youngest daughter, Meghan, has received her official acceptance paper work and she is now a member of the US Naval Academy’s incoming class of 2017. She committed to play lacrosse for the women’s lacrosse team almost 2 years ago so it seems like we’ve been waiting forever for it to become official. Needless to say we are very proud of her. Unlike me, I think she’s smart enough to stay off the restriction muster. If not, I’m hoping John Carbone’s son, who’s already there, will help her stay on the straight and narrow. Well, that’s all for now- I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at this years homecoming… what is it 30 years/can’t be…

Matthew Bucherati overcame a heart health challenge last year and now reports happier news:
I am pleased to announce the birth of my new Granddaughter, Molly Rose at 5:19 this morning (1/25/13). She is 9 lbs 14 oz with curly brown hair. Shannon and Molly are both well. See attached photos. Did I mention she is Beautiful? Her brother, Matthew and sister, Madison will be meeting their little
sister shortly. It is a blessed day.

Rick Boudiette writes:
Chevron has loaned me to SIGTTO (Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators) for 3 years, based out of London. My assignment started on what was Thanksgiving Day in the US, just another Thursday in the UK. In a nutshell, SIGTTO (www.SIGTTO.org) is an industry association promoting safe and reliable operation of gas tankers and terminals. Primary focus to date has been several issues under review by the IMO like the revised Gas Code, ship emissions, and LNG as Fuel. The office is on a historic street in London (in the direct shadow of the Gherkin, for those that are familiar with the skyline) and is comprised of a small staff, 2 of which are technical advisers loaned in from member companies. It’s been a good first 2 months, including a 2.5 week vacation over Christmas and New Year’s in Thailand and Cambodia with my cousin and her family. Now settling into the pace of London – I have a flat in Marylebone (think Sherlock Holmes), just south of Regent’s Park, which gives me a really easy commute to the office while placing me in London’s West End for non-work activities.

I was able to get together with some classmates during the year. Attended both weekends of JazzFest in New Orleans in an attempt to catch up on missed years; it was a good year to catch both weekends given both the lineups and the cooperative weather. Frank and Kim Liantonio were gracious hosts as I used their place as a base for some trips around the area, including my old stomping grounds in Mississippi. Spent some time with Jim and Anne Quern as well, and we all had dinner with Skip McAloon and his wife. Mickey C made a few trips to SF during the year, and brought Mary Kay once. Reno Mastrocola works for a crane/winch manufacturer, and we therefore get together from time to time. Despite all of my travels with Chevron these past few years, it was only in 2012 that I made my first, as well as my second, around-the-world trip. Both went via South Korea, which has been almost a second home for me these past 5 years (one immigration officer said to me, “you come here a lot…” This allowed me visit fairly frequently with Kerry O’Neill and, sometimes, his wife Miles. Kerry is building ships and offshore stuff out of Samsung shipyard. I was able to connect with John Wright while on holiday in Thailand; he’s living near Pattaya. Talked with Steve Nicholson and Dan Baerman a few times.
Steve is working at Bath Iron Works in Maine and Dan is with Sempra in Orange County. A few weekends ago I met up with AJ Murphy in Cambridge, England; he was over on a business trip so I took the train up for a day trip. Kurt Larsen and I cross paths every now and again, mostly in Europe it seems; in fact he was here last week, foregoing 70 deg, sunny Houston weather for freezing snow… Looking forward to our 30th in September.
Take care,
Rich (just to confuse Mickey and Quern)

A.J. Murphy writes:
Rick Boudiette & I were able to meet up in Cambridge, U.K. as it was on his list of places to see, and toured around that very interesting and historical spot where Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking among others attended university. One shot is of us outside of Kings College and the other is just outside Queens College on the river Cam. As engineers, the bridge is great as it is made without the use of any nails or metal reinforcement. A geometric and practical wonder. Plus the punting on the river is quite popular for tourists.

I am off to New Orleans to see Jim Quern and family to ride in a Mardi Gras parade this Saturday night, prior to the Super Bowl there on Sunday evening.

Again, please visit www.KP83.org for reunion info and to update your profile if you like. Check list of those I’ve got no email for and ask them to contact me.
Take care and I really hope to see you in September!

—– Ray Christensen

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Mattew Bucherati with granddaughter – Jan 2013

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Mattew Bucherati with family at his mountain cabin – Christmas 2012

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AJ Murphy & Rick Boudiette in Cambridge, UK

Kings Pointer – Winter 2012-13

I failed to put this in previous issue [sorry]…
A.J. Murphy writes:
Had a good time this past weekend [May], connecting up with my old roomie, Chris D’Angelo and his family in Stonington, CT. It had been a bit since we last visited, so with hectic schedules, we made time ot hang out a bit and have some fun as well. I had the pleasure of seeing Chris’ wife Lynn as well as their oldest daughter Samantha. We got to compare notes as Samantha had just graduated from UCONN the week before, and my daughter Cecilia had just graduated the same time from Texas A & M. Time is just flying by!

I included some photos of us hanging out on his boat, where we had a beautiful Spring day out on the water just off the Mystic coast. On the way out of the harbor, just after bunkering, we got boarded by our Coast Guard brethren. We got to chill for a bit, while they did a TRAINEX for a couple of their newbies, which meant complete paperwork and detailed review. Chris impressed them with his working knowledge of the vessel and it’s mechanical details
and from what I could hear from the flying bridge, they pretty much bought his schtick! Once we left the Coast Guard behind, we got back to tossing a few lines out and then cruising around.

It was great to catch up with Chris as well as the rest of the family. Sure enough, there were a few stories as well, even some we shared with his daughter. My how times are a changin’…

All is well here in Houston, just spent time with Gretchen in Lisbon, Portugal as well as a few towns surrounding Lisbon. Lots of history, castles and museums. Food was pretty good too. Nice to be able to get these in now that kids are older. My oldest, Sean just got promoted to LT, prior to his recent Navy trek to the mid-east. If we are very lucky, we may see him at Christmas time. Keep all the military folks “out & about” in your prayers, as there are
still lots of them out there.

A.J.’s October update: In Bahrain end October as I had a chance to visit my son for a week who is currently billeted here with the U.S. Navy. Interesting place, and the boat construction/repair yard drew me in to look around. The dhow is a very robust vessel. What they lack in technology, they make up for in heavy duty construction materials! Not as hot as I would have expected, and the people here have been incredibly hospitable.

Erin Gantt writes:
I sang at the 15th Annual American Veterans Conference Awards Gala here in DC in Oct. The gala was recorded and is to be broadcast on The Pentagon Channel on November 11 & 12. This will be a special program airing around the world for Veterans Day.

I am certain that my best moments will end up on the cutting room floor but I sang so much, that they couldn’t edit me out completely. I sang the National Anthem and all of the service songs (including Heave Ho!.) as well as two other numbers.

Bill Rupy writes:
Ciao from Italy! LeAnn and I moved here from Goshen, NY in the summer of 2010. We both work in Vicenza for the Army and in our spare time raise Havana cats. This past spring I made my acting debut in the USAG Vicenza community theater, playing ‘Greg’ in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia”. I’m looking forward to another season developing my snowboarding skills and speaking better Italian! We’re quite close to Venice, so come on out and we’ll wander around the canals,
drink great coffee and spritz’s, and incorporate overly dramatic hand gestures into our conversation!

Bruce Garrott says that he returned from his mobilization to Djibouti on the 5th of October.

Thanks to Scott O’Connor for continuing his involvement with the Alumni Assoc. and in particular, for keeping our class updated on the recent power struggle (especially via our Facebook page).

From an Alumni Assoc email:
The USMMA Alumni Association & Foundation (AAF) sponsored the Alumni/Midshipmen 5K Run on Saturday, July 28, 2012. A record 600 runners finished the race, including plebe candidates, upper class midshipmen, alumni, family, and friends, Academy faculty and staff also participated free of charge thanks to the generosity of AAF donors and the Mid-Hudson Alumni Chapter (Brian Foy, VP!). The top alumni finishers were Pete Lafontaine ’83 and Young Heinbockel ’83.

Ray Christensen update:
Speaking of Brian and Pete, I got to see each of them recently. Stayed at the Lafontaine’s house the night before running the Hartford Marathon on a cool, but sunny day in October. Pete continues to race 5K’s, while his wife coaches girls cross country. The room I slept in was lined with medals and trophies won by their 2 sons (see photo), one of whom is running XC in his first year at West Point. After my race, I stopped by to visit the Foy’s and enjoy pizza & beer. Their youngest son had just placed in a XC race that afternoon. See www.RunMarathonMan.com for recap. If you have not been receiving emails from me quarterly, please call or write. Stay safe everybody, and plan on our 30th reunion!
—– Ray Christensen

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AJ Murphy in CT – May 2012