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Chapter Input for the May 08 Issue of Shipmate

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I begin this month's Chapter News with a reminder of our upcoming June dinner meeting. Unfortunately, the details, i.e. time, location, etc. are not yet available for publication in this article, however the pertinent information is available on our Chapter website at: www.usna.com/Chapters/US/Conn . As I have explained in past articles, there is a "built in" six week delay between the writing of a Chapter input and having it published in Shipmate. This only points out the importance of frequently checking the information available on our website. It is up-to-date in every respect, including an early peek at these Chapter Shipmate inputs. We do know that our speaker for the June meeting will be Dr. Shannon E. French, Associate Professor of Philosophy at USNA. She is the author of the book, "The Code of the Warrior." It addresses the requirement for members of the Armed Forces of the United States to have a firm foundation in ethics in order to be an effective warrior. She is an excellent speaker and this promises to be another of the "not to be missed" Chapter meetings. Election of a Chapter President, Secretary and Communications Director for the 2006 - 2008 term will also take place at this meeting.

While on the subject of our website, our webmaster, John Demlein '70, has done a magnificent job in putting together and maintaining our website. I have worked with John in the past and I can attest to the fact that he defines the term "computer guru." On behalf of the Officers and members of the Connecticut Chapter, thank you for your outstanding contributions to the effective functioning of the Chapter. Keep up the good work!

While on the subject of outstanding performance for the Connecticut Chapter, it is fitting that we recognize the performance of our Treasurer, Ted Lovely '56 and his wife Nancy. As a team, they have expended many hours in attending to the finances of the Chapter. This may sound like a somewhat mundane task, but when you examine what is really involved in receiving reservation funds, keeping track of dinner entrée choices and yes making the occasional refund for unavoidable absences, one realizes the true magnitude of the effort they have put forward for our many and varied events over the years. So to you both, I extend the heartfelt thanks of the Chapter Officers and members for your superb performance on our behalf.

Once again, I remind all of you about the "Monster Tailgate Party" being sponsored by the Chapter at the NAVY VS UCONN football game in East Hartford on September 30, 2006. Preliminary planning has already begun, including an effort to identify volunteers from within the Chapter to serve in various capacities. Please make your interest in assisting in this effort known by contacting our President, Dave Stryker '61. Contact information is available on our website. The Chapter is currently experiencing difficulties in getting a commitment for a large block of tickets (250) for this game. Dave Stryker is dealing with both UCONN and NAVY Athletic Departments in trying to get the requisite commitment, thus far without any luck. Assistance (knowing people in high places) in this area would be particularly appreciated. BEAT UCONN!

I recently received word from Mike McLane '58, about a new Docent Program started at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton. Many of our members are located in and around the Groton area and may be interested in becoming a Docent. The museum provides indoctrination training to provide a common level of knowledge with which to give tours and respond to questions from the myriad museum visitors. Being a submariner is not a requirement to participate in the program, however there is no doubt that the task is made easier with such a background. In fact, if one thinks about it, performing as a Docent in this program provides a ready made "audience" for retired submariners. Anyone with interest in becoming a Docent at the Submarine Force Museum should contact Mike McLane, [email protected] or Gary Schmid at [email protected]. Gary is the program coordinator at the museum.

Please insure that those of you who use e-mail, keep your web addresses up to date with USNA. Direct e-mail and our Chapter website are the primary communications tools used by the Chapter. For those individuals without computers, "snail mail" will be used to keep you informed of Chapter activities provided your dues are paid and you specifically request "snail mail."

Dave Boyd '59

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