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USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEW MEXICO CHAPTER
 
7 May 2008
 
Once Again, Hello to All,
 
    As opposed to Monday's email, this Newsletter is a little closer to home and a little bit lighter in nature.  We are planning another early Summer, Memorial Day Weekend Picnic.  Once again, Mike Blackledge has graciously opened up his yard to the celebration. 

When: Saturday, 24 May 2008, 3 PM to 7 PM
(social hour starts at 3 PM, food available at 4 PM)

Why: To celebrate with Alumni Members, Families, and Friends

How: With great food, great social mixer, great weather (guaranteed)   

Who: Members bring your classmates, families and guests - all welcome!

Where: Outdoor Area at 14321 Stalgren Ct NE (Mike Blackledge ’6 3)  (from Tramway and Copper, go East 5 streets (on the right) to Parkside, right on Parkside, immediate left onto Stalgren Court. Back yard is at end of cul-de-sac. Drop-off and park.)

BarBQue: Catering byThe Quarters. Menu to include:
    Barbecue Beef; Chicken (half breasts); Links; Thick BBQ sauce
    Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Grecian Salad, baked beans, green chile, rolls 
    Lemonade, Iced Tea, Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks
    Desserts (courtesy  Bonnie Nolan and Salley Schwartz)

Cost: $15 each for Adults, $5 for kids under 12
    We need an RSVP if you are coming to get a head count for the caterers!  Please contact me as early as possible, but no later than Sunday, 11 May with your estimated numbers at hwschwartz62@earthlink.net or call at 286-8934.

You can pay Treasurer Joe McGuire at the Picnic.

Bring: Your family, your guests,  lawn chairs and a healthy appetite

More Info?  See the Chapter web site http://www.usna.com/Chapters/US/NM/  .

USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEW MEXICO CHAPTER
 
8 April 2008
 
Hello to All,
 
    For those who couldn't make our dinner on the 1st of April, you missed a great evening get together.  The food was excellent and our speaker, Captain Nori Ann Reed, did an outstanding job in her presentation in regards to women in the Navy. 
 
    Our next event is a tour of the Eclipse Aviation Facility on Saturday, 19 April starting at 10:30 am.  The Eclipse Headquarters can be reached by proceeding south on University Blvd past the Sunport Airport Road, left on Spirit Drive, left on Clark Carr Blvd to the loop.  Eclipse is on the right hand side just after Seven Bar Aviation.
 
    The typical tour routine is to gather at the Headquarters parking lot, consolidate into as few vehicles as possible and then drive to the Assembly Building on the west side of I-40.  I'll have maps showing how to get there.  Then we come back up to the airport to the Assembly Building (the old round roof hangar) on the south side of the main runway.  Finally, we will end up at Eclipse Headquarters, where folks can see and get in mockups of the airplane and see the line of completed airplanes awaiting delivery.  That's where we'll have lunch.
 
    Our past President, Casey Jones has been instrumental in setting the tour up for us,  In addition, another past President, Mike Petrofes, will also serve as a guide.  The tour is aimed to be a family gathering, so please bring any of the children who are interested in airplanes.
 
    To keep it family oriented, we have decided to have everyone bring a brown-bag lunch with refreshments for a sit down picnic after the tour.  Coolers can be left in your cars at the Headquarters parking lot during the tour.  The picnic grounds are in the immediate vicinity of the parking lot.
 
    If you intend to come, please let Mike Blackledge know at his email site  mike@blackledge.com by Thursday, the 17th of April.  Please include your name, number of those coming and any children under 18 who will be in attendance.
 
    I think that this will  be an educational experience as well as a pleasant family gathering at the Picnic Area after the tour. 
 
    Finally, the Naval Academy Rugby Teams are coming to Albuquerque.  Both the USNA Men's and Women's Rugby Teams will be in Albuquerque, 18-20 April to play in the USA Rugby Collegiate Playoffs being hosted by the Albuquerque Convention & Visitor's Bureau & Rio Grande Rugby Football Union.  The National Guard is the primary sponsor of the collegiate rugby championships.  Matches will be played at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park.

    The Men's team is ranked 3rd overall in the Nation (depending on the poll).  The Women's team is the 2nd place team from the extremely competitive Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union.
 
    For those Alumni Rugby fans, please come out and support both teams.  Tickets are $10 for adults for one day ($25 for the entire tournament) and $5 for youth and military ($10 for the entire weekend).  More information is available at www.usarugby.org.
 
    Well folks, that's about it for now.  Hope to see you at both of the above listed events.
 
Hank Schwartz
President
USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEW MEXICO CHAPTER
 
19 March 2008
 
Hello to All,
 
    This Newsletter is forwarded to remind all of our Members of our first Spring bash at the Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen on Tuesday, 1 April starting at 7:00 PM.  Pappadeaux is located on the West Frontage Road to I-25 just south of Jefferson Blvd.
 
    Thus far, we have sixteen people signed up, and I am expecting a whole lot more.  So if you intend to come and haven't as yet responded, please let me know so I can give the restaurant a heads up as to the final head count.
 
    Besides a great location and wonderful food, we have an extraordinary speaker in the form of Captain Nori Ann Reed.  Her presentation alone should be reason enough to attend our evening gathering.  So please let me know if you are coming and I sure hope we get a great crowd.
 
    In addition to the evening event on the 1st, Casey Jones, our past Chapter President, has set us up with a tour of the Eclipse Aviation facility on Saturday, the 19th of April, starting at 1030 in the morning.  The tour, which will be about one and one-half hours in length, will be followed up with a box lunch and a Q & A secession in their outdoor picnic area.  This is a family event, so please bring the children for a great tour and an education concerning one of New Mexico's newest production capabilities.  More information in regards to location, parking, box lunches and so forth will follow in the next couple of weeks.   So mark your calendars for a great family outing.
 
    One final piece of information, I continue to receive a number of Alumni associated emails in regards to on-going discussions concerning Trustee and Management actions at the National Headquarters.  For those who are interested in reading these inputs, Mike Blackledge has graciously referenced these emails on our Web Site at www.usna.com/chapters/US/NM .
 
    So once again, it's Tuesday evening, 1 April starting at 7:00 PM at Pappadeaux.  Here's looking forward to a great evening.
 
Hank Schwartz
President
USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEW MEXICO CHAPTER
 
7 March 2008
 
Hello to All,
 
   Here's hoping everyone survived the Winter weather and is looking forward to Spring.  This Newsletter is forwarded to announce our first Spring bash.
 
    We, the Executive Board, decided in our Winter meeting that we ought to try an evening gathering as opposed to our normal noon-day luncheons.  Our intent was to see if we could attract more of the younger members who sometimes have a hard time getting away from their job commitments to attend a day-time luncheon.  So we are moving forward with an evening gathering on Tuesday, 1 April starting at 7:00 PM.  Yes I recognize that that is April's Fools Day, but looking at it from my end, it sure should be one of our very best outings.
 
    After shopping around for the right place, we decided on Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen.  They have a great private room, easy location with plenty of parking, a great menu, and from every time I have eaten there, great service.  The main menu includes salad, and a choice of either Crawfish étouffée, Fried Shrimp, Blackened Crawfish or Chicken Breasts. [note:  The main difference between a stew/gumbo and an étouffée is that an étouffée is made with a "blonde roux" of butter and flour. Butter burns more easily than oil but can be used in a blonde roux since the roux is cooked to a beige or light brown color, instead of a typical Creole or Cajun roux, which is dark brown and made with oil and flour.]  Also included is French Bread, Dessert and Iced Tea, Soda or Coffee.  A no-host bar will be available.  All will be served at the individual tables.
 
    Because evening menus are a little more costly than day-time buffets, we have decided on the following.  Dues paying members and their guests will be $25 per person.  For non-dues payers, it will be $30 per person.  Now, for you all that didn't sleep through the economics class at the Naval Academy, paying your dues for 2008, if you already haven't, is a really good deal.  And oh yes, Joe McGuire will be available to collect dues payments.
 
    Besides a great location and wonderful food, we have an extraordinary speaker.  After reading her Article in the US Naval Institute Proceedings several issues ago, I though she would be an ideal speaker.  Thus, we have gotten Captain Nori Ann Reed to provide her thoughts and experiences as a senior female Naval Officer as she moved up through the ranks and ship assignments.  Her presentation alone should be reason enough to attend our evening gathering.   [Here is a 1996 article on Capt Reed when she was a CDR and became the ninth woman to captain a USN ship, in her case the ammunition ship USS Kiska.]
 
    So once again, it's Tuesday evening, 1 April starting at 7:00 PM at Pappadeaux; which is located on the West Frontage Road for I-25, just south of Jefferson Blvd.  As in the past, I will need a head count, so please let me know if you intend to come by Thursday, 27 March.  And for all you younger graduates, we're hoping this can accommodate your attendance, so hopefully we will see you there.
 
    Here's looking forward to a great evening.
 
Hank Schwartz
President
Ticketed Performances for the USNA Men's Glee Club in Albuquerque:

[as of 4 March 2008, from Mark Schaefer]  Thank you for forwarding this request to the Alumni.  We had a good response, and all of the help needed is now provided!  Once again, a super showing of support for our Alma Mater.
 
I'd like to let the Alumni know that the Saturday 3/8 performance at Faith Lutheran Church is SOLD OUT.  There are no more tickets available that night since we are right at the fire code limit of 650 guests + 75 Mids.
 
Tickets are still available for the Sunday 3/9 performance at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.  Advertising for that event starts in multiple publications this week.  You might have heard some radio advertisements already this week as well.  To get your tickets for the Sunday performance, the best option is to go directly to the NHCC box office since there are no additional fees at the box office.  For convenience, you may purchase tickets at any Smith's food store, by calling ticketmaster at 883-7800, or by going on-line to www.ticketmaster.com and searching on the words "naval" and "academy".  The direct link to our performance is

U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club at National Hispanic Cultural Center March 9th 7:30 pm

Thank you all for your great support!  Mark
Faith Lutheran Church (public concert with Eldorado High School Chorus)  SOLD OUT!
Saturday, March 8th, 7:30 p.m. 
10000 Spain Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
 
To guarantee admission at this concert, we recommend reserving your tickets early.  Tickets may be reserved through the USNA Alumni Assn New Mexico Chapter by emailing usnanm@comcast.net (preferred method) or by calling (505) 828-1545 (if no email available).  Checks can be made to the USNA Alumni Assn New Mexico Chapter and should be mailed to:
 
CDR Mark Schaefer
USNA Alumni NM Chapter
12231 Academy Rd NE  #301-184
Albuquerque,  NM 87111
 
For checks received prior to March 1st, tickets will be mailed to the location you specify.  For checks received after March 1st, tickets will be held for you at Faith Lutheran church (will call table).  Some tickets may be available at the door, but we are expecting large attendance at this event, so we recommend getting your tickets early.  Ticket prices:  $10 adults / $5 students
 
 
National Hispanic Cultural Center
Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts
Albuquerque Journal Theatre
Sunday, March 9th, 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM
 
Tickets are available beginning 2/13/08 by contacting Ticketmaster at 505-883-7800, in all Smith’s Food Stores, or on line at www.ticketmaster.com beginning 2/13/08.
 
Tickets also available beginning 2/13/08 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center box office.  Purchasing directly from the box office (in person) will avoid the Ticketmaster fees which include $3.75 per ticket. 
Hours are Tues-Fri 10a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.  NHCC box office telephone us (505) 724-4771.  The box office will answer telephone calls, but will forward callers to the Ticketmaster number shown above unless the caller is a member of the NHCC.
 
Ticket prices will be $15 orchestra / $12 mezzanine / $10 balcony with a $2 discount for seniors/students.  Ticketmaster will add a handling fee.

Click below for the Ticketmaster web site: 

Tickets for U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club at National Hispanic Cultural Center March 9th 7:30 pm

USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEW MEXICO CHAPTER
 
7 February 2008
 
 
Hello to One and All,
 
    The UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY GLEE CLUB is coming to town.  They arrive on Friday, the 7th of March, and will be giving concerts starting on Saturday and ending up on Monday the 10th.  For those who may be interested in attending a concert, the following is their tentative schedule.  I'll keep all informed should it change.
 
-  Saturday, 8 March:  Faith Lutheran Church, located on Spain east of Eubank starting at 7:30 PM.  They will be joined by El Dorado High School.
 
-  Sunday, 9 March:  National Hispanic Cultural Center, 4th St south of Cesar Chavez, SW.  Ticket prices and URL for Ticketmaster is provided above for this performance.
    
    The Glee Club will also try to squeeze in two (not open to public) performances on Monday, the 10th at Highland and West Mesa high schools.
 
    The Glee Club is made up of about eighty members and have selected Albuquerque as one of their stops in a Nation wide tour.  So for those who are interested, it sounds like a pleasant outing.
 
Hank Schwartz
USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEW MEXICO CHAPTER
 
 
26 January 2008
 
 
Hello to One and All,
 
    On Wednesday Evening, the 23rd of January, the Executive Board comprised of myself,  Barry Howard (Vice President), Joe McGuire (Treasurer), Herb Richter (Secretary). Casey Jones (Past-President), Mark Byrd (Director), Mike Blackledge (Director) and Bill McMenamin (Director) met to discuss Chapter planning for 2008 and current issues of importance to our Chapter.  This Newsletter is  a little bit long but is forwarded to apprise all New Mexico Alumni of the results of that meeting.
 
SOCIAL SCHEDULE
 
    The Social Schedule discussion usually takes most of the meeting, and it did on Wednesday.  In deciding what should be on the schedule for 2008, we include feed back from you all, what was successful in previous years, and what news things we should try.  So here goes.
 
    -  Luncheons:  Luncheons have been fairly popular and we have usually had three or four each year.  But because not everyone can get away from the job during the day, we have decided on have our first "luncheon" in the evening.  Hopefully, this will attract both the normal luncheon gatherers as well as the younger Chapter members.  Currently we are planning such an event during the last week in February or the first week in March.  The date, time, location and guest speaker will be promulgated as we get closer to the meeting date.  Based on how this works out, will help to determine our luncheon planning.
    -  Picnic:  The picnic last Father's Day was well received.  Once again Mike Blackledge has volunteered his home for the occasion and we are planning on having it the Saturday before Memorial Day.  It was great fun last ye are, so please put it on your social calendars.
    -  Wine Tasting:  This is something new, but was suggest by a number of people.  Our thoughts are to find a good winery or two that would set us up for both a wine tasting as well as food serving.  Details are being worked out and we'll keep you informed.
    -  Eclipse Aviation Tour:  We are looking into taking a tour or the construction facility with our own personal guide, Casey Jones.  After the tour we are also considering an informal luncheon.  The tour would hopefully be a family affair and interesting to the children.  As in other planning, we are working on the details.
    - Football Games:  Location is still a  little bit up in the air, but Spectators seemed to be well received last season.  As for what games, well due to popular demand, we are throwing in the Notre Dame game along with Air Force, Army and hopefully, the Poinsettia Bowl game.
 
BUDGET/DUES/MEMBERSHIP
 
    Thus far, we have collected dues from 38 members.  At this time last year we had 46 and eventually ended up the year with 54.  So for those who haven't paid their dues and want to be included, $20 checks can be mailed to:
 
    Joe McGuire
    6438 Concordia, NE
    Albuquerque, NM 87111
 
    By way of interest, your dues goes for things like name tags, cost over runs at social events (for those who said they would but didn't show up), flowers or donations for recently deceased members, assisting the Blue and Gold Officers' Midshipman/Cadet social gathering during the Christmas break, door prizes and other minor funding requirements.  Oh yes, none of the above listed people get one red cent out of the whole process.  For more details on the current budget status, call up our Web Site at www.usna.com/chapters/us/nm.  The 2008 budget details will be listed in the next several weeks.
 
ICCP/AREA BREAKDOWN/CURRENT ALUMNI BOT ISSUES:
 
    Although the above may sound like Greek to a number of you, there is an on-going effort to establish a Chapter President organization to help in directing the Alumni Organization in Annapolis in some of their decision processes.  We are joined in an area that includes California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.  The largest Chapter, which currently is the San Diego Chapter, will be afforded the opportunity to have their member acting as president, represent the area.  Bottom line, the process is continuing and we are staying abreast of the situation.  As for other things that are transpiring in regards to the Board of Trustees, we are following the action.
 
CONCLUSIONS:
 
    As I said in the beginning, this Newsletter has been a little bit long, but I would like to let all of you know what is going on in your Alumni Chapter.  If you have concerns or suggestions in making our Chapter a better organization, please let me know.  One thing we all agreed to during the Board meeting; we want to get more of the younger graduates from the Naval Academy involved.  So if we are missing the boat somewhere, please let us know. 
 
    Each and everyone of us at the meeting is looking forward to a great 2008.
 
All my best,
Hank Schwartz
President
 
 
Hank Schwartz
USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEW MEXICO CHAPTER
 
12 December 2007
 
Hello to All,
 
      Just a reminder, the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego is on Thursday the 20th, and kick-off is at 7:00 our time.  The Chapter has set aside Spectators, which is located at 5850 Eubank Blvd, NE for our get together.  We have the same room we had for the Army game, and as before they would like a head count a couple of days before the game.  So for those who intend to go, and I hope we have a good crowd, please let me know by close of business on Friday, the 14th.  So far we have eight who have indicated they'll be there and I know there are a lot more Navy fans out there.  So let me know and...
 
 
GO NAVY, BEAT UTAH!
 
Hank Schwartz
USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEW MEXICO CHAPTER
 
6 December 2007
 
Hello to All,
 
    Wow, what a great turnout over at Spectators on Saturday to watch Navy beat Army for the sixth time in a row.  From what I could tell, everyone certainly enjoyed themselves, even as we plowed through a mandatory business meeting during half-time.
 
    As probably everyone knows, Navy's football season is not over.  It's now on to beat Utah in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego.  The game is on Thursday the 20th, and kick-off is at 7:00 our time.  Once again we have set aside Spectators, which is located at 5850 Eubank Blvd, NE for our get together.  We have the same room we had for the Army game, and as before they would like a head count a couple of days before the game.  So for those who intend to go, and I hope we have a good crowd, please let me know by close of business on the 14th.  I'll not be able to attend - taking the Grandchildren to Disney World - but I sure will be a real vocal at the ESPN broadcast at Disney World.
 
    A few things came out of the gathering for the Army Game that I think everyone should know about.  First and maybe foremost, we collected $455 for buying thirteen Midshipmen tickets for the Poinsettia Bowl.  I also would like to mention the fact that besides our collection, several of our members donated tickets through their Class representatives.  All-in-all a great job.
 
    Besides the ticket money, we collected 2008 dues from twenty-nine of those attending the Army Game.  We will continue to collect dues at the Bowl game gathering, and for those who can't attend and still want to pay their dues, checks can be sent to Joe McGuire at 6438 Concordia, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111.  The Chapter certainly appreciates all the dues paying members.  For general interest, the dues pays for flowers for deceased members, support of the Parents' Club Midshipmen gathering in December, cost over-runs for luncheons, and those great door prizes we hand out at out gatherings just to mention a few.
 
    Other good news resulting from the Army Game gathering is we have gotten a volunteer for the position of Vice President.  Barry Howard most graciously volunteered.  We now have a full roster of officers.  In addition, Bill McMenamin volunteered to become a Board Member replacing Casey Jones at the end of Casey's two-year 
term.  Thanks goes out to both Barry and Bill.
 
    Finally, we are closing in on our 2008 social schedule.  From what I heard on Saturday, most members enjoy the noon-time luncheons and we will continue with them.  Also there was agreement that an evening speaker-gathering would also be appreciated.  As for a wine tasting, there seemed to be a standing ovation in regards to having one, so we will pursue in setting one up.  In regards to an Isotopes Game get together, the jury was still some what out on that decision, so we'll hold off until the Spring for further discussion.  With other events, we are aiming for a lateSpring picnic as we had this year, and of course we will set up for the Air Force and Army football games.  As for other football games such as Notre Dame, we'll hold off to see what the interest is.  One other issue that was briefly discussed was luncheon speakers.  Once again if you have someone that you think would be a good speaker, please let me know.
 
    Well, that's about it for me this year.  I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the Bowl game gathering at Spectators, but I wish each and everyone of you a very Happy Holidays.
 
GO NAVY, BEAT UTAH!
 
Hank Schwartz
 

USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEW MEXICO CHAPTER
  6 September 2007
 
Hello to All,
 
    Here's hoping everyone had a great summer.  With Summer, 2007 at an unofficial end, I thought it only appropriate to send out a Newsletter informing everyone of our plans for the remainder of this year.
 
    Our first event is the Air Force-Navy Game gathering on the 29th of this month.  The game starts at 1100, and we have made arrangements for us at the Heroes and Legends Sports Bar.  Heroes and Legends used to be the old Skybox where we viewed a number of Navy games in the past.  It is located on Tramway and Indian School Road.  I'll send out more information a couple of weeks before the game and get an attendance head count so we can tell the Sports Bar how many to expect.
 
    Our second scheduled event is a Luncheon on the 8th of November.  Because we had a very favorable feed back from our last Luncheon as to location, we have decided to return to the Marriott Courtyard, 5151 Journal Center Blvd, NE.  As before, festivities will start at 11:30 AM with a half-hour cocktail period, followed by an excellent buffet.  Our speaker this round is Stephen Andres, Western Region Trustee for the Alumni Association.  With all that has happened over the last few months in regards to the Alumni Association and it's Board of Trustees, Steve's presentation will certainly be of interest.  Once again, I will send out more information several weeks before the Luncheon.
 
    Our final event is the Army-Navy game on the 1st of December,  We haven't settled on a location for the game as yet, but we'll let everyone know where and when by mid-November.  As in the past, we will have a short business meeting during half-time.  We, as the Executive Board, have decided we get the greatest turnout for the Army-Navy Game and that makes it seem most appropriate that we have the annual business meeting then in order to include a majority of our regular members.  I will include the meeting agenda with the November Newsletter.
 
    And oh yes, a final, final (maybe) year's event would be a Navy Bowl Game.  When, where, who, etc will be sent out when that all become available.  Let's keep our fingers crossed.
 
    One late breaking news from Mike Blackledge.  The Navy-Rutgers football game will be televised this Friday night the 7th on ESPN starting at 5:00 PM MDT.   Although we haven't set anything up, those interested might want to try out Heroes and Legends for the game.
 
    Here's hoping to see you all at our forthcoming events.
 
 
Hank Schwartz
President
USNA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NEW MEXICO CHAPTER
From: J R MCGUIRE [sunnymack@msn.com]
Date: 12/16/2006 12:31 PM
To: <tickets@usna.edu>
Cc: <mike@blackledge.com>, <caseyjonesabq@msn.com>, <sunnymack@msn.com>, <herbertrichter@msn.com>, <hwschwartz62@earthlink.net>
Subject: Meineke Car Care Bowl Donation
Dear USNA Ticket Office,

The New Mexico Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association collected a total of
$605 in donations during their annual Army Navy game event.  We are proud to
send a check in that amount to help fill the stands of the Meineke Car Care
Bowl at the Charlotte Bank of America Stadium on December 30th.

Please distribute these tickets to appropriate Navy/Marine Corps personnel
with our compliments.  Our check has been sent via U.S. mail to cover the
purchase.  It was addressed to:

     Navy Ticket Office
     566 Brownson Road
     Annapolis, MD 21402

If there are any questions, please feel free to contact me at 505-857-9679,
or by reply e-mail.

Sincerely,

Joseph McGuire '68
Treasurer
USNA Alumni Association
New Mexico Chapter
5 DECEMBER 2006
 
HELLO TO ALL,
 
    I HOPE EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED THE ARMY/NAVY FOOTBALL GAME GATHERING AT THE FOX AND HOUND ON SATURDAY HAD A GREAT TIME.  FOR EVERYONE'S INFORMATION, WE COLLECTED $605 (11 BOWL GAME TICKETS) TO HELP IN PAYING FOR THE MIDSHIPMEN TO ATTEND THE GAME.  ALSO, THIRTY-FIVE CHAPTER MEMBERS PAID THEIR 2007 DUES.  AS MIKE BLACKLEDGE SAID, "QUITE A HAUL."  ALMOST NEEDED AN ARMED GUARD TO GET THE MONEY TO THE CAR.   FOR THOSE WHO DIDN'T ATTEND, 2007 DUES CAN STILL BE MAILED TO JOE MCGUIRE,  6438 CONCORDIA, NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87111
 
    OUR NEXT EVENT, IS THE "RIVER OF LIGHTS" WALK ON TUESDAY THE 12TH OF DECEMBER.  WE'LL MEET AT THE BIO PARK GATE AND GET STARTED AT 7:00 PM.  TICKET SALES ($6.00 ADULTS/$2.00 CHILDREN) ARE AVAILABLE STARTING AROUND 6:00 PM.  AFTER THE WALK, DESSERT, COFFEE, WINE , COCKTAILS AND GOOD CONVERSATION WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE HIGH NOON RESTAURANT.  HIGH NOON IS EXPECTING US STARTING AROUND 8:30 PM, SO IF YOU SOMEHOW MISS THE GROUP AT THE BIO PARK, CATCH THE GROUP AT THE HIGH NOON.  WE HAVE A SPECIAL ROOM SET ASIDE FOR US.  HOPE TO SEE A GOOD TURNOUT, FOR THE WALK IS VERY PRETTY AND GETS ONE ALL SET FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
 
    FINALLY, WE'RE ALL SET UP AT THE FOX AND HOUND FOR NAVY'S BOWL GAME AGAINST BOSTON COLLEGE ON THE 30TH OF DECEMBER.  GAME TIME IS 11:00 AM.  THAT'S OUR LAST EVENT FOR 2006.  THINGS HAVE BEEN MOVING ALONG QUITE NICELY, AND I FOR ONE HAVE CERTAINLY ENJOYED IT.
 
    HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.
 
HANK SCHWARTZ
PRESIDENT
 
18 November 2006
 
Happy Thanksgiving to One and All,
  
    For those who are busy and can't get involved with all the details, this Newsletter is a follow-up to the October Newsletter and is directed at providing further information to all on the up-coming Chapter Officer elections and the remainder of the 2006 Chapter social calendar.  
 
OFFICER ELECTIONS:
 
    Over the recent past, Chapter officer elections have been held at the Army/Navy Football Game gathering and we will continue to do that on the 2nd of December game.  Regular members will have an opportunity to vote in a new slate of officers for a two year term at the Army/Navy Game gathering.  To reiterate:
 
    The current officer line-up is as follows:
 
President:                                Hank Schwartz
Vice President:                       Vacant
Secretary:                                Herb Richter
Treasurer:                                Joe McGuire
Directors:                                Casey Jones
                                                 Mike Blackledge
                                                 (One Vacant)
 
    As a result, the following positions will be open for nominations:
 
Vice President.  
    It is noted that per the Chapter By-laws, the Vice President automatically becomes President at the end of the current President's term.  That evolution transpired this past June, therefore the Vice President's office is vacant and the President's office is not be included in the voting.
 
Secretary.
    It is noted, the current Secretary, Herb Richter,  is willing to continue in that position for an additional two-year term.
 
Treasurer. 
    Once again it is noted that the current Treasurer, Joe McGuire, is willing to continue in that position for an additional two-year term.
 
Director(s).
    At least one Director position needs to be filled.  Should Mike Blackledge be selected for another position, a second Director would need to be selected as well.
 
    In past elections, ballots were not required in that nominations were made from the floor and were very much limited in number; i.e., we sometimes got up to one nominee.  Because no nominations have been forwarded to me as of today, we'll rely on names being presented from the floor like we have in the past.
 
    One last word, because we will have the USMA group enjoying the game with us, I'll remind all of our members that voting is limited to regular Chapter members during the short business meeting at half-time.
 
SOCIAL CALENDAR:
    
     There are three events on the remaining 2006 social calendar.  They are the Army/Navy game, the River of Lights walk and the Navy Bowl Game.
 
     Once again, the Army/Navy game gathering will be held at the Fox and Hound Pub and Grill, which is located at 4301 The 25 Way, NE (off I-25 at Jefferson) here in Albuquerque.  Game time is 1230 on Saturday, the 2nd of December.  Click here for a nice map for getting to the Fox and Hound and the web site also has a lot of other information on forthcoming events.  Oh yes, we have invited the USMAAA NM CHAPTER to join us.    They have promised to do push-ups each time Army scores - hopefully we won't wear them out.  And one final "oh yes", push-ups by our members are purely optional.
 
<>    The River of Lights walk will be held at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Avenue, starting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday the 12th of December.  Following the walk, we have set aside the Santo Room at the High Noon Restaurant, which is located at 425 San Felipe, NW in Old Town.  As I said in the October Newsletter, this is an occasion for both members, their families, Parents' Club, and Blue and Gold Officers.  It is a no-host event so you'll be paying as you go.  Tickets for the walk can be purchased the evening of the event at the gate ($6.00 for adults, $2.00 for children).  We'll all be gathering near the gate to start the walk at 7 o'clock.  As I have said, I've done this before, and it is great family entertainment.  The walk takes about an hour and a half, so I have made arrangements at the High Noon Restaurant for dessert, coffee wine, cocktails and of course good conversation starting at about 8:30.  Their room holds about 30 people.  
 
    For the Army/Navy game the Fox and Hound needs a head count by the 28th, so if you could let Herb Richter, herbertrichter@msn.com, know by that date of your intent,  it would be greatly appreciated. 
 
    As for the River of Lights Walk, I have had about twenty or so positive responses thus far, so if you haven't indicated your interest, please let me know over the next week or so.  Thanks.
 
    The final event for this year is Navy's  Bowl Game on the 30th of December.  Game time is 11:00AM, and we are once again planning to have the gathering at the Fox and Hound.  I'll put more information out as we get closer to the game.
 
    Finally,  a few other items:
 
    -   2007 dues ($20.00) can be paid to Joe McGuire at the Army/Navy game.  For those not  attending the game, dues can also be mailed to:
        Joseph McGuire
        6438 Concordia Rd, NE
        Albuquerque, NM 87111      
 
    -  For information, the USNAAA Web Site, www.usna.com.  has been newly redesign and contains a lot of information in regards to up-coming events and other general information.  Worth taking a look at once in a while.
 
    Well, that's about it from me.  Hope to see you all at the December events.
 
Hank Schwartz
President

21 July 2006

    As was announced in Casey Jones' 12 June 2006 email, the Chapter's Change of Command has taken place.  As per the Chapter Bylaws, I as Vice President, have assumed the title of President.  Hopefully, I can live up to all the expectations that go with this title as well as carry on with all the great leadership Casey has provided over the last two years.  So for the next two or so years, it's Hank Schwartz, retired nuclear submariner and Naval Engineer, at the helm of the New Mexico Alumni Chapter.

    Because a number of Chapter members have busy schedules, I'll include an executive summary in these Newsletters so they don't become a reading burden.

Executive Summary:

    Discussions below include, Isotopes game summary, Executive Board meeting results, International Meeting attendance, Chapter Change of Command, Air Force/Navy and Army/Navy football game gatherings, Petroleum Club luncheon, Chapter Bylaws, forthcoming elections, budget, and Chapter involvement with other Navy Organizations within New Mexico.   Lots to talk about.

Details:

    The Chapter's attendance at the Isotopes ballgame on May 20th was not as well supported as last year.  However, those who did come had a great evening of food, conversation, a first inning grand slam and an Isotopes victory under absolutely great weather conditions.  The Executive Board has discussed where or what we should do with this social event; i.e., keep it or not,  based on past attendance.  If anyone has ideas on where we should go from here as far as further Isotope ballgames, please give me your thoughts and feedback.  Thanks.

    The Chapter's Executive Board, made up Chapter Officers and Directors,  met on Wednesday, 21 June.  Areas that were discussed included the Bylaws revision, officer elections, summer picnic, dues status, Petroleum Club luncheon, social schedule for the remainder of the year, Treasurer's Report, and interactions with other local Navy Organizations.  A brief summary of each of the areas discussed follows:

    -  Bylaws: The last revision to the Chapter Bylaws was published on 12 June 1996.  Over the past ten years, some philosophical changes have accrued as to our Chapter's mission and goals, and the Alumni Association in Annapolis has also made some significant changes.  Bottom line - we have revised the Bylaws to reflect those philosophical changes and to incorporate language provided by the U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association  Bylaws General Guidelines.  Michael Blackledge, a New Mexico Chapter Director who has been instrumental in the revision development,  will forward the new Bylaws to all Chapter members by August. (Click for proposed By-Laws in:  PDF format, or Rich Text Format.)   A vote for approval will be taken at the Petroleum Club Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, 7 September starting at 1130.

    - Officer Elections:  Currently, the Vice President position is vacant with Casey's moving on.  The Board decided that we should once again hold elections at the Army/Navy football game gathering.  The logic being, this is when we get the largest turnout of regular members.  The current Secretary and Treasurer, Herb Richter and Joe McGuire respectively,  have agreed to remain in their respective positions until the elections. and are willing to serve another term if that is the desire of the membership.  Also included in this election will be the selection of Directors.  The Bylaws revision calls for three Directors with the past President serving as one of them.  Earlier this year, Michael Blackledge was asked to serve as a Director which he accepted.  More information as to how the elections will be conducted will be forwarded in a future Newsletter.   

    -  Summer Picnic:  For a number of reasons - support, timing, locations, etc., it was decided to forgo a Summer picnic this year.  The Board felt strongly that we should keep this on our social schedule, but plan one for next year.

    -  Dues Status:  We all felt that this can be a sticky subject, but we also felt we needed to bring it up in some detail, so here goes.  We currently have 35 members who have paid their 2006, $20 dues.  For National Chapter status, one needs to have 25 paying regular members, so we are in good shape from that stand point.
           But, with well over 180 New Mexicans eligible for  regular membership, we are looking forward to expanding that 35 number.   As a reminder, the Bylaws require regular members to be current in their dues status. Henceforth, to ease the confusion, dues will be collected at the Army/Navy football game gathering and as backup, dues can be forwarded to the Treasurer by 31 January for the following year.   If you have some question as to your current status, Joe McGuire will be happy to bring you up to date at the September luncheon.    

    -  Petroleum Club Luncheon:  A luncheon at the Petroleum Club in downtown Albuquerque was decided upon and has been scheduled for Thursday, 7 September.  Cocktails will start at 1130, with lunch at 1200.  A short business meeting will be held during dessert to discuss and vote on the Bylaws revision, review the Treasurer's report, briefly discuss other local Navy Organization involvement, and a short Q&A.  Our scheduled guest speaker is Dick Butterfield, LCDR, USN (Ret) who will discuss this year's Balloon Festivities.  Dick has been a Navy Balloon pilot and a former Balloon Meister for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.  This luncheon is our Fall kickoff, leading hopefully to a Bowl gathering in December to watch Navy beat whom ever.   An August Newsletter will provide more information and ask for RSVP's.  Note, the Petroleum Club requires numbers in attendance 48-hours before the scheduled event.

    -  Social Schedule:  Besides the luncheon as discussed above, it was decided that we would continue our gatherings for Air Force/Navy (if televised) and Army/Navy football games.  Where and what sports bar became an issue.  Past locations, although satisfactory, have some issues.  One closed and the other appears to have some scheduling conflicts.  As a result, Herb Richter has volunteered to investigate and resolve this issue prior to the first scheduled game.  If anyone has any favorites, please feed this back to Herb or me.  Thanks.
  
    -  Interaction with other Navy Organizations:  It was discussed as to whether we should become more actively involved with other local Navy Organizations like the Parents' Club, Navy Blue and Gold Officers, Navy League and others.  No consensus was reached, and it was decided that we would go to the membership for their thoughts and inputs.  So feedback as to where we proceed is appreciated.

    I attended the International Chapter Officers Forum on May 4th and 5th in Annapolis.  The meeting was very informative with a number of highly enthusiastic speakers.  From the Superintendent, VADM Rodney P. Rempt,  on down, I left with the distinct impression that the Naval Academy is in very good hands.  For information, the Alumni Association has 100 International Chapters, and has an extended membership of approximately 51,00 grads, 10,000 non-grads, 4,300 parents, 2,300 Blue and Gold Officers and affiliations with 73 other organizations.  As a spin off to this visit, I would like to schedule George P. Watt, President and CEO of the USNAAA as a guest speaker in the not too distant future.  If we can get sufficient support, I think we would have a possibility in making this happen.  George is a wonderful speaker and dynamic leader.

    As discussed earlier, Casey Jones stepped down in mid-June as President after approximately two years at the helm.  His efforts have invigorated the Chapter, and we will miss him in that role.  His decision was partially based on his moving into another endeavor, and we wish him all the best.

        In summary, I'll say briefly that the Executive Board and I are very much looking forward to a Autumn social schedule that will bring as many Chapter members together for camaraderie and pure social fun.  We are also asking for feedback in regards to where the Chapter should be heading in supporting our mission and goals.  You can use the "reply" or "reply all" to this email to make your thoughts known, and we look forward to your inputs.

    Hope to see you all at the Luncheon in September, and don't forget -

BEAT ARMY

Hank Schwartz
Class of 62

Change of Command

June 12, 2006

 

The bylaws of the New Mexico Chapter, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association call for officers to serve for two years.  The vice president, officially known as the President Elect, is to succeed the departing President and serve an additional two year tour.  Further, the bylaws specify that elections are to be held at a general membership meeting conducted in the June or July time frame.

 

Due to professional considerations, it is necessary that I step down as President of the New Mexico Chapter.  That action took place on June 7, and Hank Schwartz now has "the deck and the con."  It has been my pleasure to serve you as President for these past two years.  Together, we have enjoyed some good fellowship, told a few sea stories and cheered Navy on to a resurgence of football dominance over Air Force and Army.  I look forward to continued participation in the social activities of the Association as a regular member, and in accordance with the bylaws, will continue to serve on the Executive Committee as Past President.

 

The other officers of the Executive Committee will serve until elections are held.  I particularly want to thank Hank Schwartz, your new President; Herb Richter, Secretary; Joe McGuire, Treasurer; and Mike Blackledge, Webmaster and originator of the Chapter website, for their support, enthusiasm and innovative ideas that have reinvigorated this organization.  And I especially want to recognize Jennifer Hosking, who served the Chapter as Treasurer during my first year and for many years before that, for her extraordinary service.

 

In the long standing Navy tradition, I wish you all "fair winds and following seas."

 

But still when two or three shall meet,

And old tales be retold

From low to highest in the Fleet,

We'll pledge the Blue and Gold.

 

Beat Army!

Casey Jones

 

  Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball Game

 

Details have been set for our  second Chapter night at an Isotopes game.   The date is Saturday, 20 May 2006. The gate and food service will open at 6 PM. Game time is 7 PM. We have reserved the second level patio at Isotopes Stadium. The game is against Las Vegas, the top farm team of the Los Angeles Dodgers. As an added bonus, there will be entertainment from one of the baseball travelling mascot type  of showmen.

 

You will enjoy a picnic style dinner and a ball game in this private outdoor setting adjoining the luxury suites.  We are limited to 50 attendees and must confirm our final count in advance, so please make your reservations with payment no later than May 6th.  We suggest that you reserve your spot as soon as possible, as it is likely that we will have to turn people away, due to the limit on the number the facility can accommodate.

      

The basic cost of the event is $30 per person.  The price for dues paying Chapter members is $25.  Guests will be charged the base price, $30.  The cost for children age 10 and under is $27.

 

The menu will include:

                        Hot Dogs                                             Hamburgers

                        Grilled Chicken Breast                       Braised Brisket of Beef

                        Cole Slaw                                           Chips

                        Sliced Watermelon                              Assorted Soft Drinks

 

Food and drinks cannot be removed from the area, but you may also use the adjacent Stadium Club and bar area.  Bar purchases will be at your own expense.

 

We urge you to make your reservations at the earliest possible date by sending a check, made payable to NM Chapter, USNAAA to: 

                                                               Herb Richter

                                                               13301 Desert Flower NE

                                                               Albuquerque, NM 87111

 

Be sure to indicate the number of attendees and whether any are 10 or younger.  If we fill up before 5 May, we'll let you know.  All reservations need to be received by 6 May to finalize our count and payment, so that we can mail your tickets to you in a timely manner. The Isotopes require that the 6 May count be our final count.  

 

This should be a fun event!


 

Spring Newsletter

March 19, 2006

 

The Executive Committee of the New Mexico Chapter met in February to outline the schedule of events for the year and to address the "recently discovered" Chapter by-laws.  The by-laws were revised in 1996 by a committee of alumni who worked very hard to produce a professional document.  Unfortunately, in the "pass down" these by-laws weren't discovered until the current slate of officers had been in office for two years.  In the vernacular of today..."Our bad."

 

Social Activities

 

There will be more on the by-laws, but first let's look at what's in store for the coming year.  Our first Petroleum Club Luncheon will be held in April.  We are awaiting a response from Eclipse Aviation to let us know when one of their executives will speak to us about the Eclipse 500, the very light business jet that is revolutionizing corporate air travel.  A separate newsletter with details for the luncheon will follow shortly.

 

Our second event will be the very popular "night out at Isotopes Park."  This event was a big hit with those who attended last year, and it is scheduled for May 20.  We will have our own special seating area in the upper deck next to the luxury boxes and will have our own food service area.  The cost for dues paying Chapter members will be $25 and spouses/other guests $30.  Due to the size of the seating area, participation is limited to 50 people, so you'll want to make your reservations early.  Again, a special newsletter will provide the specifics such as time, location, who's playing, etc.

 

The "traditional summer event" has not been firmed up.  One thing that was discussed at the Executive Committee meeting was getting more alumni and their spouses involved in planning the social events.  So if there are any of you who have some ideas for a "new and exciting" summer social activity, and especially if you would like to organize it, let any of the Chapter officers know.  Last year Terri Sandlin and Lila Dickey put on a garden party/dinner that was a huge success.

 

This year the Air Force Navy game will be played in Colorado Springs, and we would like to put together a trip to the game.   It's no small task to arrange for the bus, hotel accommodations and get tickets.  Because of the financial commitment, we will need to have everything pre-paid well in advance to ensure that we have all expenses covered.  Again we want to enlist the help of alumni in organizing the event.  This would be a good project for the members of a specific class within our Chapter.

 

There will be another Petroleum Club Luncheon in the fall, and the Army/Navy Game and any bowl game will round out the social activities for the year.

 

Business Matters

 

We request that you review the New Mexico Chapter by-laws on our website at http://usna.com/chapters/us/nm.  The current by-laws prescribe that there be "regular" meetings of the Chapter be held at least quarterly and that an "annual" meeting be held in June or July of each year.  Further the by-laws direct that officers be elected at the annual meeting.

 

In practice the New Mexico Chapter has been more "loosely" run than the by-laws specify, and the current slate of officers would like to see the by-laws more closely reflect our historical "modus operandi."  The focus of our activity has been social, and given the demographics of our membership, we feel this is proper.  Consequently, your officers will propose a revision to the by-laws that will be presented for approval at an "annual" meeting.

 

We get the greatest attendance at any of our events at the Army/Navy game, so the current officers believe that the Army/Navy game should be the occasion of "annual" meeting.  It is true that the social aspects of the event detract from a business meeting climate, but we feel that by putting out a clear agenda and a ballot for officers well prior to the meeting, and conducting the business meeting before the game starts, we can accomplish our business and enjoy a fun filled Army/Navy game party.  Since, we have operated for a number of years not exactly conforming with the current by-laws, we are going to take the liberty to move the 2006 annual meeting to the date of this year's Army/Navy game, December 2, 2006.

 

Again, please review the current by-laws on the New Mexico Chapter website.  The by-laws address much more than is discussed here, and through other correspondence, you will be advised of the changes that we propose to make them look more like the way we historically have done business.  Also, as the time for the meeting/game approaches, nominations for new officers will be solicited and a slate for the next year will be announced to be voted on at the Army/Navy game meeting.

Informational Note

 

Occasionally members come across an outstanding prospect for the Naval Academy and don't know who to contact to "get the ball rolling" for that student.  One of our members, Commander Mark Schaefer, USNR is the Naval Academy Information Program (Blue and Gold), New Mexico Area Coordinator.  You may reach him by e-mail at mdega5@comcast.net or by telephone at (505) 828-1545.  Casey Jones also is a Blue and Gold officer, and he may contacted at caseyjonesabq@msn.com or by phone at (505)286-6353.

 

 

The Executive Committee

New Mexico Chapter

U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association

 

 

Poinsettia Bowl Contributions