The Class of 1966 Executive Committee has unanimously approved the dates for our 60th Reunion in Annapolis, MD. The dates are Thursday, Oct 1st through Sunday, Oct 4th, 2026.
During the weekend of Oct 1st thru 4th, we have the N* Room at the Stadium reserved for our Tailgate Party to WATCH Navy beat Air Force at Air Force. The game with Air Force is one of the very few dates that are locked in for the 2026 football season. Stay tuned for more information as we are working on other aspects of the Reunion.
Our quarterly Class Luncheons are an important part of the comradery for The Class of 1966. We have luncheons each quarter of the year except for the fourth quarter*. The luncheons are on Wednesdays scheduled from 1100 to about 1400.
Save the dates for 2024:
Wednesday, 14 Feb @ Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA
Wednesday, 8 May @ Fleet Reserve Club, Annapolis, MD
Wednesday, 14 Aug @ Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA
CAPT Frank FrankyPhotos from 2023 Class Luncheons
All Classmates and spouses are invited to attend. As we get closer to the luncheon dates, additional information will be promulgated with the Guest Speaker and sign-up information. The cost for the luncheons will remain the same as 2023 at $45 per person.
In the meantime, should anyone have any questions, please e-mail Chuck Grutzius at elexsys.cg@att.net.
*We do not hold a Class Luncheon in the fourth quarter due to football tailgates being held for Home games.
The Commanding Officer of USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66), CDR Erik Reynolds, USN, has cordially invited members of The Class of 1966 to attend his Change of Command ceremony on Thursday, 28 December 2023, at 1000. He is being relieved by CDR Kate Stegner, USN, who very recently was the XO on GONZALEZ and is now fleeting up to CO. Both CDR Reynolds and CDR Stegner are outstanding senior officers and are and have been extremely friendly and welcoming to The Class of 1966 during many Leadership Awards ceremonies. A reception will be held immediately after the ceremony.
Click HERE for a link to the digital invitation and RSVP.
It is with gratitude and love that the wives of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1966, honor the memory of all those who served their country. May we never forget their sacrifice and the selfless support of their spouses and families.
’66 Classmate Frank Day 25 presented a brief overview on Exercise Fitness and mortality risk. The risk is substantial when one compares the very unfit to the very fit. Frank describes an easy way of estimating your own current fitness level and where this puts you on the risk continuum. Plus, he shares strategies to improve your risk should you become motivated. Click HERE to access the presentation and Q&A with ’66 Classmates.
Thursday, 26 October, Classmate RADM John Sigler presented the USNA Class 1966 Leadership Awards to ET1 (SW) Dylan Wilkins and LT Riley Brosnan on board USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66) at Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. Classmates present at the ceremony were: Tony Franzitta, Chuck Grutzius, Rob Ploeger, Hank Strickland, and Charlie Votava.
The topic of the 31 October Classmate Zoom addressed a possible next move along life’s continuum into a continuing care facility. Click HERE to access the recording. Click HERE to obtain more background on the concept, a summary of the recording and related Q&A.
Roger Staubach was honored during the 21 October Navy-Air Force game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. His #12 was placed on the turf at the 12-yard line, on the opposite ends of Joe Bellino’s #27 that was placed on the turf in 2019. Bellino (1960) and Staubach (1963) are Navy’s only two Heisman Trophy winners.
“I don’t know if any season in my life was as good as 1963,” said Staubach, who won two Super Bowls, played in four and earned a Super Bowl MVP honor during his 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. “Every time we get together like this, it’s more special.”
On 18 October, Classmate Jim Galvin presented information on VA entitlements to a group of ’66 wives. Click HERE for a recording of the Zoom presentation.
Every year, on a crisp December morning, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland comes alive with the spirit of remembrance. It’s a day when thousands of fresh evergreen wreaths, each adorned with a scarlet bow, are lovingly placed on the graves of fallen heroes. This solemn event, known as Wreaths Across America, carries immense significance, not only for our nation but also for individuals like myself. Allow me to share a personal story that highlights the profound impact of this cherished tradition, and why your support is crucial.
As a Navy wife I have known many lost in service to this country, their selflessness and commitment to defending our freedom left an indelible mark on my life. The Naval Academy ceremony is a powerful tribute to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Walking among rows of gravestones, adorned with wreaths, I experienced an overwhelming sense of gratitude and respect for the fallen heroes. Each wreath represented a life lived, dreams unfulfilled, and a legacy that would forever endure. It was during that poignant moment that I realized the immense importance of supporting Wreaths Across America.
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.
By donating to Wreaths Across America, you become an essential part of the extraordinary endeavor. Your contribution directly impacts the number of wreaths available for placement, ensuring that every hero resting at the Naval Academy receives the recognition they deserve. Each wreath represents a tangible symbol of appreciation, a heartfelt tribute to those who have served our nation with valor.
Your support can help carry forward this tradition of honor as we collectively stand united to remember our fallen heroes. Consider the impact your donation can make, not only on the families and friends of the fallen but also on the generations to come. Together we can preserve the integrity of the Naval Academy ceremony and pay homage to those who gave everything to our country.
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.
By using the above link for every 2 wreaths purchased the cemetery will get a free one.
Many other options are available to send more, or less. If you have any issues, please contact me at the numbers listed below. Wreaths are $17 each, when you purchase two the free one will be applied automatically by using the link above. You may not see this, but, I will, if you would like to confirm please contact me.
All are welcome to the wreath laying on Friday December 1, 2023 Time to be determined usually 08:30 or 09:00. You may sign up to volunteer for this event on that same link, by doing so you will get the latest information as to the time and parking.
Or 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.
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 c-443-336-6541 h-410-451-4490
