NAPCI Fall 2006 Newsletter

FROM THE PRESIDENT:
A hearty hello to all who were not able to attend the September meeting in Des Moines. We are going to try and make a few changes to our club. Hopefully you will view them as positive changes. I will be asking for your help in this process. I also promised a newsletter at intervals throughout the year to help keep you informed and to share news and events that you may have missed by not attending the meeting or that has arisen since then. Kathy has solicited news from the membership and it is given here. Please share your ideas, pictures, stories and the trials and tribulations of your mid with the club.
At our last meeting I put forward a challenge to make the Parents Club of Iowa more meaningful and more purposeful. T o that event, I would ask all of you to take a moment and share with us your thoughts and ideas on what could make this club more meaningful for you.
This is your chance to challenge your leadership to make this a "better" organization. After receiving your input, I will convene a meeting of the Executive Board and we will attempt to develop a strategy to implement the ideas that are attainable. This will make "buy in" from our Officers and you the members. This may take some time to accomplish so future officers will have to carry on to complete the mission.
While I always have enough to do, while I am taking time to participate in an organization like ours, I plan to dedicate enough time to make a difference. If, after this year, the club is stronger, more purposeful and with a renewed sense of meaning, I will feel that I have made a positive contribution. I do not plan to spend time re-writing a mission statement. I plan to spend time applying the mission statement.
Kathy and I will not be in attendance at the Navy/Army game watch December 2nd. We have tickets and plan to attend the game in person. A required event if there is a mid-Mom involved) We want to thank Linda and Larry Bates for stepping in as Host and Hostess for this event. Watch for your official Navy/Army Invitation in the mail or your email. The date is Dec 2nd.
We plan to have another newsletter right after the first of the year, so jot down those stories from your mid when they are home for Christmas and plan to share them with us. Hopefully you will enjoy this newsletter and stories and be willing to share with us your stores in the future.

Jim Gocke, President.

2006-2007 OFFICERS:

 Jim/Kathy Gocke

    Co-Presidents

Jim/Patty Baltisberger

    Past Co-Presidents

Bill/Susan Bokhoven

   Co-Vice Presidents

Dan/Lottie Wilson

   Secretary/Treasurer

Jean/Karl Kohnen

   2007 Class Reps.

Thalya/Mark Hanson

   2008 Class Reps.

Cindy/Tom Fischer

   2009 Class Reps

Vern/Shirlene Wright

Terry/Carolyn Rhinehart

   2010 Co Class Reps.

Jeanne Glaser

   Webmaster

Cindy Fischer

   Membership/Director Ed.

Capt Dale Puhrmann (Ret)

   Blue & Gold Rep.

Larry/Linda Bates

   Navy/Army Game

OVER THE HILL GANG

Capt. Dick Eason, Class of 1984.  He has just completed a tour as Chief of Staff, Navy Region Southwest Asia (NRSWA) located in Bahrain .   NRSWA is responsible for providing Shore Installation Management for Naval forces stationed in and deployed to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility ( Middle East and Horn of Africa).  One of my most significant achievements during this tour in Bahrain was coordinating the stand-up of Camp Lemonier , Djibouti as the Navy's newest installation, and the Navy's first expeditionary facility in the Global War on Terror, taking over that responsibility from the Marine Corp.  On Oct 1., of this year, I was promoted to Captain, and after a little leave between duty stations, will return to the" Rocky Mountain Navy" reporting to North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Lt. Joshua Halfpap, Class of 2000.  He is currently in Pensacola , FL.   He is married to Lt. Jessica(Crawford) Halfpap, also from the USNA Class of 2000.  They are both navigation instructors on fixed wing.  Previously they were in Guam for 3 years and flew helicopters, and were also both deployed in the gulf.

Ensign Ben Glaser Class of 2005.  He is currently stationed at NAS Whiting Field, Milton , Fl., attached to HT-18 for advanced helicopter training.  He just completed his contact solo and is looking forward to finishing the program.  He should receive his wings in early spring and then will join the Fleet Replenishment Squadron in either San Diego or Jacksonville .

Ensign Ryan McAnnaly, Class of 2005. He flies on October 16th to Bahrain for his second deployment to the Persian Gulf .  This should complete his surface warfare training component of Special Ops., Explosives Ordinance Disposal.  He will move up to LTJG in May 2007. He was home for a short time so we had a weekend of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

BITS & PIECES

Michael Gocke, Class of 2007.  Bill the Goat, courtesy of Brigade Drill Captain, Michael Gocke.  On our recent visit for firsties weekend, we had the opportunity to go to the UMass game. Mid-Mom, Kathy was adamant that we be there plenty early enough to make sure we did not miss the march on.  Mike told us that as long as we were there by 13:13 we were OK because that was when the first step would be taken on the field. Needless to say, at 11:13 we were at the Navy-Marine Corp stadium.

As time drew near, the streets lined with parents to greet the mids with candy as they marched by.  We were in the SW corner of the stadium so we were able to see them coming up the street and approaching the stadium. Quite a site.  True to his word, Mike commenced the march on at 13:13.

Now understand, the football field ceases to be a football field & becomes a parade deck & certain decorum must be followed.  Bill the Goat, forgot that salient fact and was reminded later.

Mike was on the parade deck, directing each company to be in the right place and properly in line as is the Marine way.  While moving about on the field, Bill the Goat decided to follow him and mimic his actions.  Bill got right behind Mike and was walking in lock-step with him.  Mike's signal man looking on from above told us later that he knew Bill the Goat was in trouble.

About that time, Mike turned around and says a few words to Bill.  Bill did not hesitate, he did an about face and made a speedy retreat to the side-lines.  Kathy asked him later what he said to Bill.  Mike said, "I can't tell you what I said Mom", but suffice it to say, he was told to get off the parade deck, he could play all he wanted to on the football field once they were done.  I don't think Bill will forget his lesson soon.

On another note, it is so much fun to be on the yard and spend time with the mids.  These young people are so full of life and so inspiring to be around, it sends chills up and down your spine.  There is quality, top to bottom and it is a group of incredibly talented people who have chosen this career.

For example, Kathy and I went to  Mass in the chapel on Sunday morning 9:00.  There were at least 100 kids in the choir, in dress uniform and in fine voice.  The Scripture reader enunciated clearly, and read the reading grammatically correct, and had a voice that projected to everyone in attendance.  The song leader could make a fortune with his voice.  The pews were packed with mids and parents.  Not a one of these mids had to be there.  It was Sunday morning and they could relax a little, maybe even sleep in a little later.  No, they were there to share their talent and presence with us.  It was inspiring.

It seems like just a blink of an eye that were were on the yard for Herndon.  Now the next trip will be for commissioning week.  You can see the difference in all the mids in their personal growth and maturity.  The Academy has done a good job finishing what we started.  I can't wait to see where they go from here.

Daniel Kohnen, Class of 2007.  As parents we enjoyed reconnecting with our son Daniel, during FPW.  The pace of the weekend was more laid-back and relaxed than PPW, Herndon, and other USNA activities we've attended during Dan's tenure there.  We had some insightful discussions about his plans after the Academy (he's been accepted for post graduate Nuke School ) and had a wonderful time renewing our relished acquaintance with several of his friends and their families.  Also enjoyed bumping into other '07 Mids and their parents from Iowa and having dinner with his wonderful sponsor family. The Cosby concert on Saturday night was a real highlight for all three of us...ironic that Navy's Bill the Goat narrowly defeated his grad school alma mater that very afternoon.  UMASS 21 to 20...it became cynical fodder for Bill Cosby's hilarious ad-libbed smorgasbord!

Mick Walter, Class of 2008.  He is enjoying his new-found freedom as a second-class mid.  He and his friends like to visit other college campuses in their free time.  Earlier this year he accompanied the plebes on their trip to Antietam, the Civil War battleground in Maryland and found it educational.  During Thanksgiving week he hopes to again talk to high school students in Southwest Iowa schools about USNA.

John Fischer, Class of 2009.  He recently made the Navy golf team.  While his first match performance did not meet his expectations, he is getting his footing and looks forward to defending the Navy golf tradition in addition to his country.  He attended the N-Sar meet and played a practice round while cheering on his teammates in their victory over Army.

THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Michael Wright, Class of 2010.  Plebe weekend was for us like many parents a very anticipated visit.  Our Plebe was almost as glad to see us, as we were to see him.  The days went by so quickly it is almost hard to remember.  It was a very nice family reunion as our daughter and her husband whom both work for AFRL, in Dayton , OH drove out and we all got to see the sights together.  There is no doubt in our minds that although there were many wonderful sights and events to attend that the most moving and memorable experience was at the reaffirmation ceremony.  You remember it from your PPW at the moment when the Plebes in unison responded with that overwhelming, "I DO".  You know from your own midshipman's experience that the first time they took the oath that they probably did not really know what they were in for.  The summer had been grueling but here they were 1200, of them saying in two words; I did it, we did it.   I made it thought probably the toughest thing that I have done, and I am ready for more I am ready to tackle the rest of this year and I do so with enthusiasm.  It was a wonderful weekend and we look forward to having other such times when we can enter our son's life for a day or two in Annapolis to experience him for a brief moment a little like what it is to be a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy .

BLUE & GOLD

Capt. Dale Puhrman:

As of Sept. 28th, we have 1267 (235) more applications with 140 (33) more candidates than we had at this time last year.  We are also ahead of numbers reviewed by the board (226 vs 166), LOA's (57 vs 37), and FQO;s (3 vs 0).  Please encourage all BGO's to continue the great completion rate on interviews and push to get candidates to complete their packages.

 NEWS FROM ABROAD

LCDR Greg Albert.  Greetings from Kuwait .  We've been here 7 weeks now, arriving in country on 9/11, five years after the attacks on the US .  We had a turnover period of 10 days with the prior group. Then we had Transfer of Authority ceremony where the Commanding officer of my group took over from the prior group.  Now the Navy Customs Romeo Roughriders are in place, conducting customs pre-inspections on every vehicle, piece of equipment, person, and piece of luggage leaving the Iraq and Kuwait area.  We'll be doing this for the next 6-7 months, until our reliefs arrive.

I planned to send postcards home.  The postcards of Kuwait attractions that I can buy on base don't reflect our reality.  In general we don't get to leave the base much, due to security concerns.  When your job does take you off base, you need written permission from your Commanding Officer, and you have to check out your M9 pistol from the Army, and carry it with you every second.  Plus security checkpoints to leave and then get back on base add another 45 minutes.  It literally takes 4-5 hours to do 2 hours worth of work off base.  The veterans here in Kuwait say the easiest approach is to not go off base unless you have to, and when you do, bunch several tasks together.  Plus you can't go out alone,you always need your battle buddy. (like the buddy system in Boy Scouts)

I've been off base four times in three weeks.  That's more than a lot of people.  So, since I expect my Kuwaiti experience to consist mainly of Camp Arifjan , I'm going to make my own postcards that I'll send out.  Today's postcard is the working spaces.  There are two main places I work at.  I can't take cameras into one of them due to security.

There is gravel, sand, and dust everywhere. Lots of dust in the air.  After three weeks I'm pretty much used to breathing dust. I was sick the first 10 days or so here.  From the travel, and from what may new people get, the "Kuwaiti crud", a general cough/cold Life is better now. 

Will write again soon.

Greg.

Our Prayers and thoughts are with Greg and his family.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Remember your yearly membership dues are due by December 1. The annual membership dues application form can be found at /www.usna-napci.org/).  Please send your payment to

Cindy Fischer
3016 Denny Ct.
W. Des Moines , IA   50266  

If you have any questions please call her at 515-224-1949 or fischbowl@mchsi.com

NAPCI August Newsletter

 

As I write this Plebe Parent Weekend for the Class of '09 is just around the corner.  As the saying goes, the Class of '09 is one-third through the Academy Experience (1/3 Plebe Summer, 1/3 Plebe Academic Year, 1/3 the remaining three years).  All of us congratulate the Plebes for meeting one of the toughest challenges they will have at the Academy.  Cindy Fisher of West Des Moines (John)  has graciously agreed to be the '09 Parent Rep. 

 

Summer experiences for the upper  class continue to be the highlight of the Academy years for many.  Mark Hanson  reports that David ('08)  finished his training in San Diego and flew to Italy to see the sights.  David's original hopes of taking a military flight were dashed when he found that there are limited planes and seats available and a large number of summer flyers.  One of the highlights of the fall meeting for me has always been finding out what our Iowa Mids experienced over the summer.  It is truly impressive to hear of their world travel, summer cruises, jet flights, submarine experience,  mini-BUD's training, sky-diving, etc.  Our Mids certainly have unique experiences. 

 

Several NAPCI members have had weddings this summer, which probably required planning around the Mid's schedule when possible.  When our high schoolers first made their application to USNA it truly meant a commitment for the entire family.

 

Thank you to Jeanne Glaser for keeping the NAPCI website updated. 

 

NAPCI's  fall business meeting will be Sunday Sept. 25, at Jimmy's All American, 1238 8th St., West Des Moines. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW.  We'll have the general meeting from 1-4, with an organizational board meeting preceding at noon.  NAPCI membership, which runs from September to September, can be made at this meeting.  As a reminder, our active membership is $25 and Associate Membership is $20.  Also check the NAPCI website, http://www.usna-napci.org/ for membership information.  Care packages and an Iowa Chapter of USNA Alumni combined with NAPCI will be discussed.  If you have further agenda items  please send to Jim Baltisberger at slub228@mchsi.com   2005 - 2006 Board officers will be elected at this meeting.  Our 2004- 2005 board:

 

Presidents, Rick and Diane McAnally

Vice Presidents, Jim and Patty Baltisberger

Secretary-Treasurer, Jim and Kathy Gocke

 

Also on our board:

''05 Class Rep -- Karen Miller

'06 Class Rep --Kevin and Jane Funni

'07 Class Rep -- Karl and Jean Kohnen (also directory chair)

'08 Class Rep -- Mark and Thalya Hansen

'09 Class Rep -- Cindy Fisher

Alumni Rep -  Mark and Deb Peterson 

Past Presidents/ webmaster -- Jim and Jeanne Glaser

 

We hope to see everyone in September at Jimmy's All American Cafe.  Please remember to renew your NAPCI membership.  Best of luck to all the Mids as they reform in Annapolis and start their new academic year.

 

 

GO NAVY!

 

Rick and Diane

 

 

July Newsletter.

Greetings to Everyone!

 

The 25th Anniversary Celebration on June 25th was a huge success.  Many NAPCI members were present and able to renew friendships, a large group welcomed our '09's, and speaker George Watts enjoyed his trip out to Iowa and brings positive impressions of NAPCI and Iowa back to USNA.  A huge thank you to NAPCI's founders and  those who have supported NAPCI for the past 25 years.  Again, thanks to 25th Celebration Chairpersons Karl and Jean Kohnen and their volunteers for all their work. Perhaps the enthusiasm resulting from the celebration will result in a USNA Alumni Chapter in Iowa!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

  The Mother's Outing will be 12:00 noon, Saturday, July 16 at Cafe Sophia in Urbandale. Please RSVP to me by Wed., July 13 so I can make reservations.  It's always nice to see everyone and I know the moms of the '09's will appreciate the support of those of us who've been through the challenges of parenting a plebe.  Many of us have kept a scrapbook(s) of our Mid's Academy Days and Patty Baltisberger`will show you what she has done to give you some ideas. Should be a good time.

 

MID NEWS

Today is getting close to the middle of July which means first phone call home for the '09's. Hopefully the Iowa Plebes are very upbeat and the phone calls left everyone in good spirits. Those in attendance at the 25th Anniversary may remember the encouraging words of our Iowa Mids as they gave advice for getting through plebe year::

 

 

"Plebe year is more annoying  than difficult,"  Ens. Ben Glaser '05  

 

"Think of your academy time as 1/3 plebe summer, 1/3 plebe year, and 1/3 the rest of the time, so you're 2/3 done at the end of plebe year," Eric Bates, '08.

 

 

ALUMNI NEWS

This month we have been sadly reminded of the enormous commitment our Mids and officers have made to serve our country when we learned of the deaths in Afghanistan of USNA graduates  LCDR Erik Kristensen '95 and LT Michael McGreevy '97. Mary Ellen Clayton's son Michael '95 knew Erik and we extend our sympathies to them.

 

As I write this Hurricane Dennis is approaching Pensacola and Panama City where several Iowa Alums are stationed.  We're sure the Navy will take care of them.   It was our son Ryan's birthday on Thursday, but his  plans to celebrate on the weekend were changed as the members of his EOD unit attending dive school in Panama City were ordered to assist  the Red Cross  in a hurricane shelter both nights. Guess he'll remember this birthday.

 

We pray for their safety of all our Alums and Mids as they complete their summer assignments.  

 

I'll end with two of my favorite Commissioning Weeks photos.  Diane and Rick

 

The graduate's view:

Blue Angels over the Academy

April 2005 - President’s  Newsletter

NAPCI’s  25^th Anniversary Celebration is June 25^th at Iowa State University ’s Memorial Union and it’s official ---  George Watts will speak and bring the United States Naval Academy to Iowa !  Karl and Jean Kohnen, ’07 parents, have done a tremendous amount of work updating memberships from the past 25 years, documenting the club’s history, and organizing a memorable event that will showcase the Naval Academy to Iowa .  Please thoughtfully consider how you could contribute to this effort by forwarding names and addresses of those supporting and promoting the Naval Academy in our state.  Karl has requested that you send him addresses for invitations by April 15 at danno@mwci.net.  NAPCI will host a  “Welcome Aboard” for all our ’09 Iowa plebes  at 10:30 at the ISU Memorial Union on June 25^th immediately before the 25^th anniversary event.   This event will allow our plebes and their families to informally meet us as well as each other before they head off to I-Day in Annapolis . 

Iowa now officially has two members of the United States Naval Academy Class of 2009  -- Brad Egbers of Bettendorf and John Fischer of West Des Moines .  Thalya Hanson and the Class of ’08 are already in action welcoming them to the Academy family and NAPCI.  Dale Puhrman, BGO officer for Iowa , has been very helpful in keeping NAPCI updated, and we appreciate all he is doing for the club. 

Please reserve July 16^th   for the Mother’s Outing. This is a wonderful opportunity for all mothers to support each other and share their mid’s experiences. We hope you all will be able to be there to catch up with each other and provide the special support for the mothers of our new ‘09’s as they experience Plebe Summer. Patty Baltisberger will also show us her Academy scrapbooks.  If you haven’t seen her scrapbooks, you’ll be amazed!  Time and location details are still being worked out.