News & Events

News, Events & More

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.

’66 Tailgates (and Football) Kick-off 30 August

Posted: 8/29/2025

Navy Football kicks-off on Saturday 30 August in Annapolis against VMI at noon. USNA66/USNA16 tailgate festivities commence at 1000. For tailgate and other stadium details Click HERE.

If you attend the tailgate, please consider sharing any pictures you may take for posting on the USNA66 website. Email jpeg photos to: usna66webmaster@gmail.com.

GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY! And VMI this Saturday!

Spring 2026 Comearound Plans Announced

Posted: 8/27/2025

Your host is Bob Zvacek (24th Company). The host hotel is the DOUBLETREE by Hilton and is situated on the south bank of the St John’s River in the city of Jacksonville.  

Planned events for this get together are a visit and tour of the Cummer Art Gallery via water taxi, dinner at the Chart House Restaurant, tour of the ORLECK (DD-886) otherwise known as the Grey Ghost of the Vietnam Coast, a water taxi tour of the city and a closing reception on the pool deck of the hotel. Also, we do play golf for those of us who still can.

Why this location? The views are wonderful, the river walkway is right outside the hotel and the water taxi is based at the hotel. Focus is on minimizing walking and maximizing fun. If you haven’t been to a Florida Comearound you are missing something special. Contact Bob Zvacek at email address rzvacek66@gmail.com or by cell (904)-652-7216 to get on the Zgram list for the details of cost, timing of events and also to ask any questions regarding reservations, etc. Hope to see you in April.

Band of Sisters Tests “Book Chat” on Oct. 15

Posted: 8/19/2025

The USNA66 Ladies are conducting a book chat for those ’66 “Band of Sisters” who enjoy reading or listing to books. Details:

• Brief discussion on books. “Pilot Test” – let’s see how the conversation goes!
• 2 books selected from USNA66 Ladies July 2025 book list – both address World War II but from very different perspectives.

• You are encouraged to read or listen to EITHER book – OR BOTH – but it is not required.
  • Strangers in Time by David Baldacci: set in London in 1944, it is a character-driven tale of three disparate souls whose paths unexpectedly intertwine during the last year of the Second World War.
    • Per author Jodi Picoult, “Baldacci’s foray into historical fiction is a meticulously precise account of what it was like to live through the Blitz in London—a visceral reminder that war not only levels social classes but creates the most unlikely and indefatigable bonds between unlikely souls.”
  • Annapolis Goes to War: The Naval Academy Class of 1940 and Its Trial by Fire in World War II by Craig Symonds*. In WWII, the Naval Academy Class of 1940 (the “Forties”) lost 76 graduates. Seven of them were aboard the Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941. The book begins with wide-eyed students converging on the banks of Maryland’s Severn River and describes the Academy experience that our husbands went through 22 years later. After graduation, the Forties were posted to nearly everything the Navy could offer, from big battleships and aircraft carriers to cramped submarines, on land with the Marines and in the air aboard fighters, dive bombers and helium blimps. And then Pearl Harbor happened… A great summary of the book by the Wall Street Journal is HERE.
    • As wives of USNA grads you will be able to appreciate a lot of the references to the Academy.
    • “Craig Symonds…skillfully weaves a tale both grand and human, of promising young men coming of age against a backdrop of darkening global portents, who find themselves unexpectedly fighting the largest, most crucial war in history. Captivating.” — Jonathan Parshall, Author of Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway
    • *Symonds is a professor of naval history at USNA.

NOTE: The book chat will be conducted during the last half of our regularly scheduled ladies zoom on October 15. We will send you a few questions to review one month before the Book Chat. The questions are intended to tease out some of the more interesting threads of connection and impact that you may wish to share. 

• USNA Website
• NavySports.com

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Class of 1966 - NON SIBI SED PATRIAE