1. The meeting began, as usual with a discussion among the 70’s presidents on a number of subjects.  Most of the topics are internal to the COCP (i.e., bringing new presidents up to speed, updating the Class Presidents’ Handbook, and improving networking among presidents).
   
   There were two exceptions:  Bill Zuma (’65) resurrected a proposal to have the entire membership vote on any changes to the Alumni Association’s Bylaws, vice having the Board of Trustees decide.  This is the third time this has been brought up, I think, since I first joined the COCP.  Both at our panel, and later in the plenary session with all presidents, this proposal was shot down nearly unanimously as unnecessary and unworkable. 
   
   The other issue that might be of interest to you is company wardroom sponsorship.  When Tom Storch was president, ’73 sponsored a wardroom (10th Co, I understand), but he can’t recall the reason why or for how long.  There are certainly classes who have had beneficial relationships with their wardrooms, but the experience for many others has been very frustrating, if not downright off-putting.  One of the major problems is that there is no USNA instruction outlining the responsibilities, relationships, or expectations on both sides.  Barring a group of classmate volunteers willing to serve as our reps, I cannot see committing ’73 to jumping in this black hole.
   
   
2. Art Athens (’78, Retired Col., USMC) is the Director of the Vice Admiral James Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership.  His goal is to be the ethical leadership for the Center of Excellence, not just for USNA and the Navy, but for the nation and even internationally!  You can check out some of his initiatives/successes at www.usna.edu/ethics.
   
   
3. Byron Marchant (’78), George Watt’s successor, spoke next. The high points include: 
   • He has decided to hold at 8 issues of SHIPMATE for the foreseeable future while maintaining as much web and electronic communication avenues as possible.
   • He sends out a President’s Sitrep 3X yearly and WaveTops monthly. Interestingly, he demonstrated the online version of SHIPMATE that includes imbedded videos and photo galleries!
   • The financial picture is improved, but we are still “near shoals”.  His priorities are to retire debt (two buildings had to be completed by taking on debt because of the loss of a single donor), continue to address the budget deficit, address the Alumni Survey results, and restore unrestricted support to USNA.  For more, check WaveTops, the e-newsletter.
   
   
   
4. VADM Jeffrey Fowler (’78 - starting to see a trend here???) talked about changes in the Yard.  In the next two years $50M will go into a refurbished Galley, and $14M into Hubbard Hall, as well as transforming Halsey Field House into an indoor track and rehabbing the front into the Naval Academy Quarterdeck.  He also pointed to the slight change to the mission statement, ”to provide leaders” has replaced with “to provide graduates” which seems more appropriate.  He pointed to the seven attributes the Academy is trying to develop in all mids.  (See LEADERS TO SERVE THE NATION - ATTRIBUTES OF USNA GRADUATES)  His priorities for private funding are: 
   • Unrestricted Funds (which are most flexible)
   • Admissions Initiatives
   • The Stockdale Center
   • Academics, especially International Programs
   • Athletic and Physical Programs 
     
   
   The Supe went on to say that there are 24k Sailors and 26k Marines in CENTCOM.  While all of the needs of the Navy were met in the Class of ’09, the largest number ever of Marines (274) were commissioned! Additionally, 85% of the incoming Class of ’09 graduated including 4 Marshal Scholars! 
   
   When asked about the “draft” of nukes, the Supe said, “It’s not Service Selection Night anymore . . . it’s Service Assignment Night!”  Coming from a recruiting background, he showed us the new commercials for USNA that highlight service and opportunity.  He said Admissions is specifically targeting areas of the country where we have been historically underrepresented.  Last year's record number of applications (15342) has already been surpassed by 200!  The Class of ’13 had only 15 dropouts for the entire Plebe Summer, and the class includes 4 plebes with 1600 SAT’s!!!
   
   
5. LT Josh Welle (’02) gave us an update brief on the counter-insurgency operations he worked in the Helmund Province of Afghanistan.  I have to say he is a most impressive graduate - knowledgeable, articulate, and self-confident in the face of the retired Flag Officers grilling him.
   
   
6. Reunion Panel  Three presidents who have recently completed their reunions then discussed their experiences.  There was little for us to glean, as Doug Rice and our “A Team” have done such a great job.  The only suggestion I took note of was to have company reps beat the bushes early and often to keep the contact info up to date.  This is especially important for us as we approach our 40th in ’13.   Remember, we want to see everyone who put his hand up on our induction day, grads and non-grads.  So…company reps, please take FORAC!
   
   
7. Chet Gladchuk (BC ‘73/ Honorary ’73) closed out our speakers.  He pointed out that 94% of the budget for NAAA is from non-appropriated funds.  Besides ticket prices and other revenue-generating sources,it is why he’s so dependent on private giving.  Army-Navy contracts are for Philly, except:
   • 2011 in DC, and
   • 2014 in Baltimore
   • 2016 in Baltimore
     
   He has contracts for bowl games for the next five years if Navy is eligible in Houston, San Diego, DC, San Francisco, and Dallas/Fort Worth. 
   
   Finally, he pointed out that 7500 mids, sailors and their families attended the Texas Bowl the first time.  He’d like to be able to cover that many again.  To do this, he asks we all consider donating $25 for a mid or sailor, or $100 for a family of four.  As soon as we win the 7th game to be eligible, his staff will have info up about the Bowl on www.Navysports.com

Well, that’s all the news that fit to print, classmates.  Enjoy a respectful Armistice Day and a joyous Thanksgiving!

BEAT NOTRE DAME!

Non sibi,