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Subj: Feedback from the October A&S
Trustee Meeting
Refer to: Central Region Letter 30-03; October 21, 2003
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PLEASE DO NOT HIT REPLY TO E-MAIL ME. I WILL NOT GET IT. E-MAIL ME DIRECTLY
AT MY USNA ALUMNI CLASSMAIL ADDRESS, len.wass@1964.usna.com
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Chapter Officers - Please give this e-mail the widest possible distribution
among your members and other alumni in your area.
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I attended the USNA Foundation Trustee (Athletics & Scholarships)
meeting earlier this month. This group consists of about 250 Trustees
who contribute time and money generously to further the athletic and scholarship
programs of the Naval Academy. I wanted to convey some information and
perspectives I gained during the weekend.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
The new Superintendent, VADM Rodney Rempt '66, gave a talk on USNA. I
was particularly impressed with his commitment to produce "combat ready"
graduates. VADM Rempt cited the ongoing War on Terrorism and the accession
of new graduates right into war fighting units around the world. He has
initiated a review of what might be needed to improve the combat readiness
of our new graduates and plans to act on recommendations that will come
from the review. He also talked about the damage caused by Hurricane Isabel
which is extensive. Early cost estimates are around $50 million, but that
could grow. He indicated a Navy and Pentagon commitment to restoring all
the damaged areas including classrooms, labs, and infrastructure. USNA
will accelerate a few building rehab projects that were scheduled to begin
within the next year in light of the water damage. Finally, he indicated
the areas that "keep him up at night" to include honor, sexual harassment,
ethics, and alcohol/drug abuse. My assessment is that we have an excellent
and thoughtful leader at the helm of USNA, and he is deserving of our
support.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR & FOOTBALL COACH REMARKS
Coach Paul Johnson made some brief remarks indicating that the football
program is on track but there is a need to win more. Winning, particularly
difficult games, will begin to instill the confidence the team needs to
stay a winner. Asked whether he thought he "had a chance to beat Air Force"
the next day, his response was "if I didn't think so I wouldn't show up."
As we all know Navy upset 25th ranked Air Force in a splendidly fought
game the next day.
The AD, Chet Gladchuk, talked of the stadium renovation. Phase 2 is complete
and the stadium looks like it was rebuilt from the ground up. In fact,
much of it was. I urge all alumni to go by and look at the new stadium.
I believe you will be proud, and recognize that it is truly a memorial
to the Navy-Marine Corps Team who has fought so valiantly throughout our
nation's history. Phase 3 will redo the press boxes and the outside of
the stadium by this time next year. The AD cited the initial $5million
gift of the A&S Trustees as the catalyst that got the entire renovation
program going. He too indicated that the football team needed to win some
close games to increase its confidence.
Chet also talked about the other 29 varsity sports and 16 Club Sports
at USNA. Women's soccer won 34 in a row before being bested by #1 North
Carolina 1-0. Of note, is that 3000 midshipmen came out voluntarily to
witness that game at the new stadium. That is good evidence of a resurgence
of pride and spirit in the Brigade-and great news to hear. Another great
athletic story is that Navy continues to beat Army in rifle, having won
ten in a row.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES
I attended the Navy v. Air Force Game that Saturday and witnessed a rebirth
of Navy football. The team seemed to get better, on both sides of the
ball, as the game went on. About 15 Plebes were suited up for the game
and many played-and made a big difference.
Of equal interest to me was the behavior of the Brigade. During Friday's
Worden Field Parade I witnessed superb marching by all 36 companies. Everyone
was in step and the work of the USMC gunny sergeant on the Brigade was
evident. It was the best display of military precision that I've ever
seen at USNA. This military bearing and discipline continued at the march
on for the football game the next game. The most heartening thing was
the spirit of the Brigade in the stands. In the past I've seen mids leave
the stands or not pay much attention to the game. Not any more. The entire
Brigade was activated and cheering loudly for their team the entire game.
It was obvious that much improvement has occurred in Brigade spirit in
recent years. USNA leadership is to be commended for this improvement.
Once again, I would urge all alumni to go see the new stadium as well
as the renovated Memorial Hall and Rotunda. Bancroft Hall has been restored
to the original elegance of its architect, Ernest Flagg.
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