Shipmate: May/June 2024

by Mark Hubbard

As the gentle warmth of spring unfurls across the Naval Academy grounds, our hearts are lifted by the vibrant hues of azaleas and flowers in bloom, painting the Yard with their kaleidoscope of colors.  In this season of renewal, let us pause to reflect on the timeless wisdom of embracing each day as if it were our last.  As members of the distinguished USNA Class of ’76, we are reminded of the enduring bonds forged within these hallowed halls and the cherished memories that continue to unite us.  Let us continue to navigate life’s journey with a spirit of love, a melody of laughter, and a commitment to fully live each moment to its fullest.

Elmo Collins (30^th Co.) reports on a recent reunion:

Over the weekend of February 23-25 mates of 30^th Company had a mini reunion in Phoenix, AZ.  This location was chosen because Tom Smith has extremely limited capability to travel because of an unfortunate car accident in 1981.  So, we brought the mini reunion to him!  In attendance in addition to Tom Smith were George Wheeler, Don Parker, Jeff Kalkstein (and Megan), John Sarao (and Betsy) and Elmo Collins (and Karen).  There was a lot to catch up on and boy did we open the old sea chests and let it fly.  We easily rekindled our relationships because of the strength of the bonds we formed at Mother B and USNA.  We spent one afternoon at the home of Connie and Tom Verploegen. Tom Smith and Tom Verploegen were high school mates.  Tom and Connie are a loving and generous couple and keep a watchful eye on Tom Smith and his care.  Check out the pictures.  Tom Smith would love to hear from any ’76 classmates.  Here is how to contact him: 

Tom Smith c/o Tom Verploegen
2125 E New Bedford Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85234
tomvhome@aol.com
480.388.2991

30^th Company classmates join Tom Smith at Connie & Tom Verploegen’s home for a mini reunion in Phoenix

Deborah & Martin Brittingham (15^th Co.) were in Maryland to join our classmates at the funeral for Craig Scott, (9^th Co.)which was held on Friday, February 9th, 2024:

Deb and I drove up from Wilmington, NC, to attend the Celebration of Life for Craig Scott in Germantown, MD.   It was a trip down memory lane recalling time with Craig at the last nuclear power school at Mare Island, CA, circa 1977 also attended by Jim McKee, Steve Von Dollen, Craig Hanson and others. It was great to meet Craig’s wonderful family and meet up with many of his classmates who could attend.  Jim McKee reminisced about when I bought his 2-seat 914 Porsche from him at sub school when he was trading up for a family car.  Also great to see Kevin Stone and really appreciate his class engagement.  Although I had not seen Craig for many years, I still remember Craig Scott’s infectious smile and enthusiasm for life.  Our love and prayers  go out to his wonderful wife and family.  Craig, you will be sorely missed by us all!

Kevin Stone provided a list of classmates who attended the funeral.  Kevin also remarked, “I’m going to miss Craig at the tailgates and his tales of his and Judith Ann’s latest adventure”. 

Classmates who attended:  

Bill Ostendorff, Jim McKee, Kevin Stone, Ed Riehl, Fred Byus, Chuck Litz, John Drerup, John Maciejczyk, Lou Sposato, Chuck Renner, Mark Rupprecht, Tom Bakke, Steve Gray, Ralph Scherini, Gary Hentz, Martin Brittingham, and Greg Trietz

Classmates join Judith Ann Scott at Craig’s Celebration of Life

Greg Vaughn (36^th Co.) was present at the funeral of Frank Wysocki (36^th Co.)held on February 15, 2024, at the Quantico National Cemetery.  Greg provides a summary of the event:

The service was a very solemn and elegant ceremony with the centerpiece being the American flag that was opened, symbolically draped over Frank’s Urn, and then carefully refolded for presentation to Jeri following a gun salute and taps.  Three Marines fired three volleys from their rifles to make it a nine-gun salute. Taps was played by a Marine bugler following the gun salute and prior to the folding and presentation of the flag by a Marine Major to Frank’s widow, Jeri.

The Marines, in their dress blues, and a large crowd of retired Marines, classmates and family members honored Frank’s memory by their presence.  We had five fellow 36^th Company classmates  – Greg Vaughn, Craig Williams, Chris Earl, Mark Hoekstra, and Gary Yagiello.   Other classmates that attended the ceremony included Scott Moore, John McEwan, Ed Gilmore, Chuck O’Neill, and Stewart Navarre.  Here’s a link to the gallery of photos I put together:  https://gregvaughn.zenfolio.com/p764964549

Frank Wysocki’s widow, Jeri, presented with the flag

Frank Wysocki’s 36^th Company classmates Greg Vaughn, Chris Earl, Mark Hoekstra, and Gary Yagiello

From Scott Moore (24^th Co.): 

I was down in Stuart, Florida, last week to visit Marty Sloane.  Had dinner with Marty and Chris Grazel, who recently returned from several years working in Dubai and is living now near Stuart.

Seated – Chris Grazel and Scott Moore.  Standing – Marty Sloane, Debbie Grazel, Susan Sloane, and Lois Moore

Tim Farrell (27^th Co.)has an update:

My 27th Company roommate, Scott Jenkins, and I have met for dinner in a steakhouse every quarter from August 2002 until the pandemic lockdown.  We resumed after the lockdown ended.  We call it the boys’ night out.  Scott, my wife, daughter, and daughter’s boyfriend conspired to surprise me when my daughter, Shannon, showed up for dinner with Scott and me at Morton’s Kings of Prussia February 22. 

Tim Farrell, Shannon Ferrell, and Scott Jenkins at Morton’s The Steakhouse at the King of Prussia Mall

Tim also had the opportunity to meet up Scott Jenkins and Leroy Sparr on March 14^th.

Tim Farrell, Scott Jenkins, and Leroy Sparr at Harry’s Savoy Grill Wilmington, Delaware

Last Call:

As we close this edition of our class news, we do so with heavy hearts as we bid farewell to two more beloved members of our class.

Dan Kalili (30th Co.) passed away on 20NOV23https://www.mililanimemorial.com/obituary/Daniel-Kalili

Jim Bane(31^st Co.)  passed away on 26FEB24

https://obituaries.nationalcremation.com/obituaries/north-fort-myers-fl/james-bane-11685933

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones during this difficult time.

“Love doesn’t end with dying or leave with the last breath

For someone you’ve loved deeply love doesn’t end with death.”

• John Addey