Rear Admiral James G Prout III, 1st Company, USNA’66, died on active duty in 1995. At the time of his tragic death he was one of the most highly decorated Naval Officers in the Navy. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V for Valor for his heroism in Vietnam where he worked with Navy UDT and SEAL team One and the Distinguished Service Award among his other many medals.
Jay’s widow, Kathy, is built of the same “stuff”. While navigating through her grief she experienced systemic gaps in survivor benefits and vowed to help other surviving spouses avoid going through what she did.
Kathy helped start the Gold Star Spouses of America for the surviving wives and husbands of servicemembers who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury or disease.
“By working on trying to fix things that were obviously wrong, it honored my husband’s death, service, and sacrifice,” she said.
May we live in a way that honors their sacrifice. May we never forget the cost.
Gold Star Spouses of America is part of The Military Coalition and is also a support system that points surviving spouses in the right direction to obtain benefits for which they might not even know they’re entitled. Indeed, Prout has been active with ’66 widows sharing her lessons learned and pointing to resources she has helped develop. Click HERE and scroll down to “Survivor Benefits” for the MOAA Survivor Guide and Resources.
Kathy was selected as one of 5 national CHANGEMAKERS by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).Its magazine, Military Officer, featured Kathy in its cover story for the January 2026 publication. Click HERE for the article.
She also was asked to speak, representing Gold Star spouses and families, on December 13, 2025 at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego (Pt. Loma). She spoke about Jay and what happened to him, the notifications, and how Jay lived. Click HERE for a copy of her speech.
What’s next for Kathy Prout? She is advocating for a new bill that is funded but needs cosponsors. The “Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Benefits Expansion Act”, HR 6047, would increase the benefits for a forgotten group of veterans and their families for the first time in over 20 years. It also would raise the monthly benefits rate for catastrophically service-connected disabled veterans with a traumatic brain injury or other severe disabilities that require regular, round the clock, in-home medical care.
The Bill is named for Sharri Briley, surviving spouse of CW3 Donovan Lee “Bull” Briley, an Army Special Operations Blackhawk helicopter pilot who was killed in a mission in Somalia that inspired the movie “Blackhawk Down”, and Sgt Eric Edmundson, USA RET who, as a result of his service during deployment near the Iraq/Syria border in 2005, sustained life altering injuries including permanent damage from anoxic brain injury which ended his ability to speak or walk.
Kathy encourages people to call their Congressperson and ask them to cosponsor, not just support, the bill. She supplied information about the bill to Congress. Click HERE for a briefing on the bill. The bill language is on Congress.gov.
USNA-66 Classmates, wives and widows will gather 1-4 October 2026 by the bay where Severn joins the tide. The Executive Committee has planned an amazing weekend complete with a banquet, a football watch party in the N* Room at the stadium (everyone’s favorite “Taste of the Chesapeake” will be the fare of the day) and more. Details on all the Reunion Events and Reunion Registration will open soon.
Hotel Reservations are NOW AVAILABLE. Click HERE for the webpage describing the 3 hotels with special 60th Reunion Rates.
The Westin is the host hotel. Stay close to the action! Our official Host Hotel offers easy access to the Reunion receptions, banquets and breakfasts. Special Reunion Rate: $339/night. Click HERE to book!
The Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn in Annapolis are part of the same dual-branded hotel, sharing facilities, but offering different types of rooms (suites for Residence Inn, standard rooms for Fairfield). Special Reunion Rate: Residence Inn: $239/night (suite). Fairfield Inn: $229/night (standard room). Click HERE to book!
Please note:
It is important to use the special reunion weblinks to book your room online.
The links help ensure that you receive the discounted reunion rate.
Your support by staying in the block also helps the Class earn complimentary banquet space to help keep the event costs lower than they would otherwise be.
Book early! Our group block has limited rooms at the special conference price.
REUNION EVENTS AND REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON!
The Power of a Pause: When to Get a Second Medical Opinion and How to Do It
We compare options when we shop for everything from laptops to lawnmowers, skimming reviews and weighing our choices. Yet when a doctor recommends a surgery that will change our bodies forever, many of us say “yes” on the spot. We treat the most consequential choices of our lives with less scrutiny than a $150 purchase on Amazon.
Medicine isn’t math. Two specialists can read the same results and see different stories, shaped by training and philosophy. A cardiologist may lean toward a stent and a functional doctor might start with diet and medication. Both can be reasonable, but neither is absolute.
A second opinion can spare an unnecessary procedure or confirm the right one. Yet many patients hesitate, unsure how to ask or whether it will offend their doctor. Learning when to pause and seek another view may be one of the most valuable skills in modern medicine.
Why 2nd Opinions Matter More Than Ever…Click HERE to read more.
The Class of ’66 has posted this article regarding the utility of obtaining second medical opinions, because (1) the cited numbers/data lend merit to considering doing so under certain circumstances and (2) all of us “rate” VA medical services but not all have used that vehicle. Signing up for VA health care may be a convenient and low cost way of obtaining that second opinion. The article includes links to other recent articles related to helping us have a better understanding of the medical process (e.g., blood tests and what they mean).
For more information curated for Classmates, Wives and Widows, Click HERE for the Class Wellness Portal addressing:
Classmates from USNA Class of 1966 were on hand to sing second at the 13 December 2025 Army Navy Game in Baltimore. With a final score of 17-16, Navy got its second straight victory over Army (6-6), and the Midshipmen won the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy for a second straight season.
Following are photos submitted by Classmates of the incredible game. If you would like to share your photos of ’66 attendees at the game or any Army Navy Grame parties, please email them to USNA66webmaster@gmail.com.
Classmates – I would encourage all to review the information on the recent Council of Class Presidents (COCP) meeting held on November 17th in Fluegel Alumni Center. I was honored to represent our Class along with 72 years of other Presidents or representatives.
See below the detailed minutes along with an important update on the ongoing Alumni/Family Health and Well-Being Support Committee which includes our Don Jackson and Phil Bozzelli. There is a wealth of information included and I recommend all review them when possible.
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:
(1) Use QR code to access special USNA Wreaths Across America website. (2) Click on link: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/md0011 (3) Mail check to: Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623. Write MD0011 on the memo line of your check for USNA to get credit.
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
Wreaths Across America is an organization dedicated to ensuring that no grave at the Naval Academy remains bare during the annual ceremony. Their mission is to remember, honor, and teach – keeping alive the memory of those who fought for our freedom and inspiring younger generations to appreciate the sacrifices made on their behalf.
R. Bruce Bickel (9th Company) April 10, 1943 — November 24, 2025
All are welcome to attend his memorial service on Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11 AM at Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 255 Washington Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Interment private.
Dr. R. Bruce Bickel passed away peacefully in the morning on Monday, November 24, 2025. In his own words, his time here came to an end “not a moment too soon or a moment too late.”
One can’t talk about Bruce’s life without speaking of the Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1966 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and where he played quarterback for the Naval Academy football team. While there, he received the Midshipman of the Year Award from the Annapolis, Maryland Chamber of Commerce and also the Thompson Trophy, awarded to the graduating senior of the Naval Academy who had done the most to promote intercollegiate athletics. “Go Navy. Beat Army,” was a constant, lighthearted refrain.
After graduating, he served as a naval gunfire officer in the Vietnam war, an experience that he didn’t speak about much except perhaps to mention the orphanage he helped to build while there and that the injuries he sustained during a rescue mission sent his life on an alternative path. Instead of pursuing his dream job as a Navy Admiral, he obtained his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology from Luther Rice Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia and Oxford, England. He served as senior pastor in churches in Kansas and Illinois and in several capacities with the Fellowship of Christian Athletics.
His path changed again when he took a job at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh in order to be closer to his aging parents. There, he served as Managing Director of the Private Foundation Management Services Group of PNC Wealth Management, while also pastoring several local churches in the Pittsburgh area on an interim basis. Through his Christian faith and the Bible studies he created and led, he touched many lives. Bruce loved and lived the scriptures. He was a gifted teacher. He had a gift of taking difficult Biblical passages and then explaining them in short memorable phrases that made them understandable- known as “Bickelisms.” He was a fervent believer of the core beliefs of Protestant Reformation- scriptures alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.
Bruce is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Rebecca Bickel; two loving stepchildren, Bill Morris and Amelia Morris; a son-in-law, Matthew Bookman; two grandchildren, Teddy and Isaac; nephew, Bart Bickel; niece, Molly Pearce and her two children, Anna and Ben; and last but certainly not least, a large Bernedoodle named Pax.
All are welcome to attend his memorial service on Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11 AM at Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 255 Washington Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, www.t2t.org. Arrangements entrusted to WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, Scott Twp., 412-563-2800. A link to stream his memorial service will be on his obituary page on the funeral home website.
William Slater II Funeral Service 1650 Greentree Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15220 (412) 563-2800
I am reaching out on behalf of Run To Honor, a U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation shared interest group. As a longtime USNAAA&F partner responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and accuracy of Virtual Memorial Hall, we are best positioned to take on the duty of reconnecting the USNA family with those of our fallen who have lost contact with the association. Specifically, for the Class of 1966, we are trying to contact the families of:
Leroy Bates, Jr.
Walter C. Blekicki
Thomas J. Boyle, Jr.
Nicholas G. Brooks
Thomas E. Brunk
Larry V. Chmiel
Kevin D. Clancy
John W. Consolvo, Jr.
Raymond C. Daley
John W. Doherty
John P. Emmett, Jr.
Clinton J. Farmer
Bruce C. Fryar
Robert D. Huie, Jr.
Kenneth J. Kirby
George W. Lineburg
Dean Matzko
James B. McLendon
William A. Miller, Jr.
William T. Morris, III
Michael A. Odening
Orland J. Pender
Beverly T. Richardson
Leland C. C. Sage
Andrew L. Sekan
Arthur W. Staecker
Benjamin Tappan, III
Douglas Vaughan
Thomas L. Walls
Charles Warner
Marvin B. C. Wiles
Richard C. Williams
Michael C. Wunsch
The Lost Families Project’s primary driver is getting next of kin back to Annapolis for the Honor Our Fallen Heroes Weekend, held each year around Veterans Day, in which Gold Star Families are welcomed back to Annapolis for a Friday evening social, a Saturday morning memorial service, a catered tailgate reception, and recognition with a moment of silence during the home football game while their loved one’s name is displayed on both Jumbotrons in Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. Among the volunteer escorts privileged to host the families are dozens of midshipmen, Run To Honor board members, and class officers. The association recently released this video on YouTube covering the 2025 event.
While we have been successful on numerous occasions tracking down family members one-by-one, we believe class officers and intra-class connections are the key to recontacting families en masse. We would be thrilled if you would help us in our search, as your classmates will most likely be the key to getting a parent or sibling back to Annapolis. To support this effort, we have created a Google form to collect and catalog the requisite information at runtohonor.com/lostfamilies.
Click HERE for a one-page primer that describes the project’s background, scope, and goals. This project is fully endorsed by USNAAA&F, and can be validated through CAPT Wesley Huey ’87, USN (Ret.), Ph.D., Executive Director, Strategy and Legacy Programs (wesley.huey@usna.com).
For any other questions or comments on the project itself, please contact president@runtohonor.com and josh@runtohonor.com. I am always happy to take a call, and can be reached by phone or text at (410) 212-8255.
Class of 1966 President, Jim Long (14th Company), requested that Classmates take a moment to read and consider the following:
The United States Naval Academy Cemetery’s Wreaths Across America initiative is coming up short for wreaths this year. We are around 700 shy of the total of 2,900 needed. If you can spare the change please help out. Each wreath is $17 and by going to this site, Click HERE, for every three wreaths you buy USNA will get the 4th for free. You need not do anything extra to accomplish this, it is automatic.
You can also get to the website by using the QR Code to the left. Every donation, no matter the size, directly honors the fallen at USNA.
One can also write a check (place MD0011 in the Memo line) and mail to: Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623.
Please join us in making sure that no hero buried at the USNA Cemetery goes unremembered, your generosity helps keep this important tradition alive.
If you would like to participate in the ceremony and laying of the rememberance wreaths it will take place on FRIDAY, 12 December 2025. The ceremony and remarks start at 0900.
With Heartfelt thanks,
Carol and Bob “Bubba” Turman (USNA ’81) Coordinators Wreaths Across America USNA 2430 Kemper Rd Crofton, MD 21114 bc-443-336-7540 cc-443-336-6541
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.
