News & Events

News, Events & More

4 Nov Zoom on Basis For/Against Attacks on Drug Boats

Posted: 11/2/2025

Pete Hegseth posted on his X account that the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in the Caribbean 10/24/25

Rick Grant (20th Company) has offered to provide a presentation to the Class of 1966 regarding one of the current topics of interest: basis for/against attacks on drug boats in the Caribbean etc. Rick proposes to draw upon his prior experience with these issues from when he served as the head of the NCIS in his pre retirement years. … He would do this on the ZOOM session for Tuesday 4 Nov 1400. 

In addition, and if of interest, he would follow this up with some observations from his 20+ years as being part of the Florida Military Academy Selection Boards. Based upon this extensive time interviewing Florida High Schoolers Competing for Service Academy Appointments, he proposes to provide some possibly useful insights into the process, at least that in Florida. This offers not only a broad perspective on that process, Rick’s comments might provide assistance to those who have grandchildren ( great grandchildren) seeking appointments. 

If you are a 66-Classmate, wife or widow, new to the Class Zooms and would like to participate, Click HERE for details.

ZOOM session Tuesday 4 Nov 1400 EST

Ben Anderson, Arlington National Cemetery 12 Nov 2025

Posted: 10/31/2025

Col. Ben L. Anderson, Jr., U.S. Army, Retired, 82, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma passed away early Thursday morning, June 12, 2025, at Bartlesville Assisted Living.

Ben Lamar Anderson, Jr., was born April 2, 1943, in Bisbee, AZ to Ben, Sr. and Mary Jane (Newell) Anderson. Ben was raised Catholic and attended Jesuit School. As the son of a military man himself, Ben lived many places while growing up, including Germany, where he graduated high school. West Point would not accept his transcript, so he attended and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Ben also attained two master’s Degrees, including one from Georgetown University in Germanic Linguistics and he wound up teaching at West Point Military Academy. Colonel Anderson proudly represented his country as a member of the United States Army, serving in the Vietnam conflict. He was stationed in several locations, including Germany, state-side in Virginia and his last station at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. The former Army Ranger retired after more than 28 years of honorable service. Colonel Anderson moved to Bartlesville just ten months ago and was a resident of Bartlesville Assisted Living.

Ben was highly educated and loved learning. He was passionate about his politics and loved horses, especially the Arabian breed. Colonel Anderson had his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying. He once owned a buffalo named “Snuggles”.

Survivors include four children, Ben Anderson and his wife, Teresa of Denver, Colorado, Mary Anderson Duarte and her husband, Marcello of Del Mar, California, Chris Anderson and his wife, Katie of Bartlesville and Heather Anderson Willingham and her husband, Mitchell of Gainesville, Texas; two sisters also survive, as well as ten grandchildren.

To send an online condolence, visit https://www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com/obituaries/col-ben-anderson-jr.

’66 Classmates Requested to Escort Gold Star Families

Escorts help to enrich the experience for the family of our fallen heroes, and reinforce our bonds as Classmates and as USNA alumni. Last year, we had four Classmates honored in the event with families in attendance:

• Ben Tappan
• Mike Wunsch
• Doug Vaughan
• Pat Buckley

So far for this year, we have families and friends of Doug Vaughan and Pat Buckley signed up to come.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve.  

Any questions should be directed to:
Captain Wes Huey USN (Ret.) @ the USNA Alumni Association
Wesley.huey@usna.com (410) 295-4023

Wreaths Across America 2025

Posted: 10/15/2025

Dear Alumni, 

On Friday December 12, 2025 at 09:00 we will gather at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium to take part in the meaningful tradition- Wreaths Across America. This powerful event brings together volunteers from all walks of life to lay veterans’ wreaths on the graves of our nations heroes, a gesture of remembrance and gratitude for their selfless service.

This year’s theme is “Keep Moving Forward.” By connecting this theme to the Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach, we are recognizing those who continue to live with purpose every day and have chosen to keep moving forward by placing wreaths on the final resting places of our service veterans. We acknowledge that their sacrifices are not forgotten and that their stories live on through us.

Wreaths are $17@. For every 4 wreaths you buy, USNA will automatically get the 5th wreath for free. Every donation, no matter the size, directly honors the fallen at USNA. To Donate, select one of 3 options:

The Naval Academy ceremony, made possible through Wreaths Across America, holds a special place in the hearts of countless individuals touched by the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women. It is through our collective effort that we can ensure their memories live on and inspire future generations. Join us in the noble cause and let us demonstrate that the spirit of remembrance can heal hearts, forge connections, and honor the heroes who have shaped our nation’s history.

Thank you for your help, we cannot accomplish this without your donations.

Carol Turman
Coordinator, Wreaths Across America USNA
2430 Kemper Rd
Crofton, MD 21114
443-336-6541

NEW Photos: Tailgates/Awards

Posted: 10/1/2025

• August 30 against VMI. Click HERE for pictures!
• September 6 against Univ of Alabama-Birmingham. Click HERE for pictures!
• September 27 against Rice. Click HERE for pictures!
• October 4 against Air Force. Click HERE for pictures!

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Hoff Recognized as Top Realtor

Trudy, widow of Michael (Mick) Hoff (29th Company), was recently recognized for the second year in a row for her sales excellence.

With her strong work ethic, hospitality and excellence, Trudy is a true Navy wife!

ICYMI: Ring of Valor

Posted: 9/17/2025

Our thanks to Lori Scarbrough, widow of Bob Scarbrough (7th Company), for sharing the YouTube video “Ring of Valor” filmed in 1965 at the Academy.

The link is posted on the History and Memory Lane pages.

If you are a graduate of the GREAT Class of 1966, check out the film to see if you are in it!

Go Navy. Beat Army.

Memorial Service for Ed Futch 25 Oct

Posted: 9/13/2025

Edward (Ed) Ivey Futch (September 3, 1941 – August 8, 2025)

Edward Ivey Futch, age 84, died peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025.

He was born on September 3, 1941, in Miami Beach, FL. Ed was the son of Ivey Edward Futch and Muriel Helen Iverson and was predeceased by his wife, Glenda Futch, and daughter, Cynthia Lee Freeman.

Ed was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1966 (31st Company).

His service to the US Navy began serving aboard a naval destroyer as “Drone Antisubmarine Helicopter (DASH) Controller”, followed by service as a naval intelligence and liaison officer in Vietnam, where he received the Bronze Star with Valor for combat operations, and a Navy and Presidential Unit Commendation for superior job performance under combat conditions.

From there he became an antisubmarine warfare instructor at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Brunswick, GA. He was the Training, Executive, and Commanding Officer of Selective Service overseeing the armed forces preparedness for Southeast Virginia. He finished his naval career as the Commanding Officer of Minesweeping Division 123 out of the Naval Amphibious Base in Norfolk, VA, reaching the rank of Captain and earning the Legion of Merit for outstanding service to his country.

He also proudly served as the Blue and Gold officer for Eastern North Carolina, where he guided future naval officers to his beloved Naval Academy.

Ed was married to Glenda Dodson Futch for close to 45 years, sharing a life filled with love and companionship. He is survived by his children Christina Brandt, Tracey Davenport (Charles), Jeff Phillips (Terry), and he was a proud grandfather to Samantha McKendree (Kevin), Justin Davenport (Dianna), Joshua Davenport (Karen), Kelsey Jones (Bryce), Courtney Wilcox (Ian), Carter Phillips, Corbin Phillips, and Bobby Brandt. Additionally, he leaves behind eight cherished great-grandchildren. 

Celebration of Life for Rick Martin 18 Oct

Posted: 9/11/2025

Ricard “Rick” W Martin  (March 27, 1944 ~ August 14, 2025)

Rick died peacefully in home hospice on August 14th, 2025, surrounded and supported by loved ones in Hermiston, Oregon.

Rick grew up in La Grande, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1966 (10th Company) and first met his future wife Joyce (Joy) while he was home on leave as a commissioned Naval officer. The pair shared a pizza on a blind date, and Joy was struck by Rick’s intellect, gentle demeanor and impeccable manners. Rick and Joy married in 1967, and would move between San Diego and Texas while Rick piloted S-2’s from aircraft carriers and later, trained new pilots to do the same. Rick left the Navy in 1972, was hired by Delta Airlines, and he flew with them until he retired in 2002 as a Captain.  

Rick and Joy moved from Houston with their son, Roger to Rockford, Illinois, where their daughter Amanda was born. They moved to Eugene, Oregon, where they raised their two children, and would later live in Sisters, Prineville, and finally, Hermiston. Of his career as a pilot, Rick would enjoy the challenge, a chance for him to experience locations and cultures around the world, but did not appreciate the time it kept him away from his home and family.

For those closest to him, Rick was known for his steadfast care, concern, support, intelligence, and independent thinking. He was faithful to his loved ones and his duties as a provider, and fostered education and learning as priorities for himself and his family. He was generous with immediate and extended family with possessions and property, never failed to offer help when asked for it, and was always considering and implementing ways to help others move forward in their lives, especially when times were difficult. This was so natural to him that it was sometimes easy for those impacted by his generosity to forget just how special it was. 

Rick valued human connection and peace, and spread his influence humbly. You might have read one of Rick’s carefully-crafted letters to the editor, encountered him in your life when he held the door open for you or your entire party, or at work when someone looked you in the eye and offered thanks to you for something simple you did for him. You might have seen him sitting in a coffee shop with a good book and a maple bar, and he might have tried to begin a conversation with you about your perspective on life. As much as was humanly possible, Rick was sincere, respectful, and behaved and lived as a gentleman.

Rick is survived and missed by his wife of 58 years, Joy, his daughter Amanda (David) Melville, her children Hannah, Hailey, and Hope, and his son Roger (Kelly) Martin, and his children Connor, Evan, and Quinn.

He is also survived by his sister Barbara (Craig) Terjeson, nephew Sam (Nieves) Martin and his son Alex, and niece Karen (John) Hardaway and her son John Jr.    

Rick is predeceased by his father, Wendell, mother, Eleanor, brothers Dennis (Lerice) and Lee (Anjala). 

Two ’66ers Honored at New POW/MIA Exhibit

Posted: 9/1/2025

USNA66 Classmates Victor (Pat) Buckley (11th Company) and John (Jack) Consolvo (31st Company) will be honored at the grand opening of a new POW/MIA Exhibit in Richmond, VA on Friday, 19 Sep at 1000.

The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond will honor and remember those taken Prisoner of War (POW) and those still Missing in Action (MIA) with the official opening of its newest exhibit, Virginia’s MIA: The Search Continues. 

This powerful exhibit brings forward the names and stories of Virginia’s still missing in action and the ongoing efforts to bring them home. The crucial work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) will be highlighted, as well as other agencies, in their mission to locate, identify, and return our MIAs. Today, more than 80,000 Americans remain missing, including more than 1,300 Virginians – this exhibit is a tribute to them.

Our thanks to ’66 Classmate Pete Bernier (18th Company) for bringing this information to our attention.

• USNA Website
• NavySports.com

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