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Nunnas Caring Heart Lives On

Not for Self, But for Country

The Nunna’s Caring Heart Friends (NCHF) committee, led by Jim Long, and co-chaired by Courtney and Clay Spikes, is a charitable endeavor to assist surviving spouses of Classmates. Other committee members include Tom Marfiak, Sandra Hale, and Nancy Long with significant help from Scott Redd. The committee announced several updates on their progress in advancing an important initiative.

Nunna Spikes – Clay’s Wife – passed away suddenly on 18 November 2021. Nunna assisted USNA66 over the decades by coordinating numerous tailgates and events including 8 reunions. She made an enormous positive impact on The Class of 1966 and was voted to be an honorary Classmate.

NCHF was established in Nunna’s memory to assist surviving spouses of Classmates. The committee (see above) designed two memorial benches in Nunna’s honor. 

One driving force for this idea was our own SOS (Sail On Solo) group comprised of wonderful ’66 widows. Classmates and spouses have long noticed Columbarium visitors bringing portable chairs on which to sit as they honor their departed loved one. The benches will offer a fitting place to rest while visiting a niche.  

After much coordination with the Naval Academy Memorial Oversight Committee a final design was approved and the benches chiseled. The benches have the inscription “NOT FOR SELF, BUT FOR COUNTRY,” and feature a bronze plaque citing “In Appreciation of Nunna Gene Spikes, Honorary Member, Class of 1966.” 

The benches were installed on 3 October 2024 in the temporary Columbarium Service location opposite the Columbarium until repairs are completed in approximately 18 months.

Also on 3 October, Class Treasurer, Chuck Grutzius (33rd Company) announced that a Classmate recently donated $5000 to the Class of 1966 to be used for Nunna’s Caring Heart Friends. Chuck thanked him for his generosity and support of our Class causes.

Donations to support additional charitable projects for the support of surviving spouses may be made as follows:

Contributions should be sent to The Class Treasurer,
Chuck Grutzius, at 85 Covenant Way, Bumpass, VA 23024-4617.
Please make the checks out to The Class of 1966 with “Nunna’s Fund” written on the memo line.
Contributions are tax-deductible and fall under The Class’s 501.c.19 charter of
helping Veterans and/or their Surviving Spouses.