News & Events

News, Events & More

GONZALEZ Awards Update

Posted: 9/27/2023

The 2023 Class ’66 USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66) Leadership Awards will be presented on-board Wednesday, 26 October. For background and previous recipients of this prestigious award, Click HERE.

There will be two (2) events, both require RSVP by 8 October to Charlie Votava (CharlieVots17@gmail.com), the on-board awards ceremony, 1030 Wednesday 26 October, and, the 25 October evening reception.

USS GONZALEZ Awards Ceremony 26 Oct 2023

Posted: 9/20/2023

This year’s Leadership Awards Ceremony for USS GONZALEZ will be held on Thursday, 26 Oct 2023, at approximately 1130 hours on board USS GONZALEZ at Norfolk Naval Station. John Sigler will be representing The Class of 1966 and will present the awards.

The Officers and Crew of GONZALEZ are always very gracious hosts and welcome members of The Class of 1966. After the ceremony will be lunch in the Wardroom.

Additional details will be forthcoming as the SOE is firmed up by the Ship.

As before, Charlie Votava will be the POC in the Tidewater Area for Classmates. Questions? Contact Chuck Grutzius at elexsys.cg@att.net.

Letter to Classmates

Posted: 9/13/2023

Class President, Scott Redd, looks to the past and shares plans on new initiatives designed expressly for ’66 Classmates and their families. Click HERE to read Scott’s September 2023 letter.

Class Financial Report CY2022

Posted: 9/12/2023

Our Class Treasurer, Chuck Grutzius, has submitted the Class Financial Report for CY2022. Here is a summary:

The Class ended CY2022 with Total Assets of $56,709.76. Included in the Total Assets were Nunna’s Funds of $21,719.35. 

Thus, the monies included in the Total Assets above are as follows:

Class Funds: $34,990.41
Nunna’s Funds: $21,719.35
Total Assets: $56,709.76

The Class at the end of CY2022 was in very good financial condition and continues to be in 2023. The Class of 1966 is a current and valid IRS 501.c.19 Veterans Organization in good standing, and contributions to The Class are tax deductible as permitted by IRS Regulations.

Should any Classmate have any questions about this Financial Statement, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Fraternally Yours in Service, 

Chuck Grutzius
Treasurer // Class of 1966

2024 Comearound Plans Announced

Posted: 9/8/2023

Reserve 23-25 April for a Flip Flop Kickback in Jacksonville Beach, FL. More details are on the Events page or by clicking HERE.

Class Wellness Initiative Launched

The Class of 1966 launched an important new initiative during a classwide zoom on 17 August. This is a work in progress that will change and expand as appropriate to Classmates’ needs. The concept is to let our Classmate family use the experiences gained over the years to help others in the family. Rather than attempting to offer solutions, the site is intended to offer sailing directions to allow each of us to find his or her own solutions.

Click HERE to visit the Class Wellness webpages and to see the recording of the introductory zoom.

Navy Rugby and the Class of 1966

Posted: 8/16/2023

USNA 66 Classmates had a major impact on today’s winning USNA Rugby Team. The recent 9 August Class Lunch featured Rugby Head Coach Gavin Hickie and a surprise guest. Click HERE to read about the outcomes of this fascinating Class Lunch program.

17 August: Class-wide Meeting on ’66 Health Care Efforts

Posted: 8/7/2023

Classmates – On 17 August 2023, there will be a Class-wide Zoom meeting to discuss the ’66 Class Wellness effort. The time is 2:00 pm EDT, 1:00 pm CDT, Noon MDT, and 11:00 am PDT.

The Briefing will review our first steps in establishing a wellness site for the Class to address various life-related issues as we cross the 55+ anniversary bar. We have chosen the subject of VA benefits to kick off this project in the belief and understanding that this subject brings the greatest initial health and financial benefit to the Class and its families and involves the largest number of us directly and indirectly.  

Please take the time to join us for this presentation and discussion.  For those who cannot make this session, the presentation will be posted on the website.

Mike Baird sent the zoom link in an email on 27 July. If you did not receive the email, contact him at pmbaird@verizon.net.

Hickie Class Luncheon Speaker on 9 August

Posted: 7/20/2023

USNA66 Classmates are encouraged to attend the Wednesday 9 August luncheon at the Army Navy Country Club to hear Head Navy Rugby coach, Gavin Hickie. Click HERE for bio and other details. Lunch registration information will be posted soon.

Standing Room Only for Class Lunch on 10 May

Posted: 5/16/2023

“Standing Room Only” was the Word of the Day on May 10th at the Annapolis Yacht Club. The Class held its annual May luncheon in a meeting room that seated 26 people, and we had 26 Classmates who enjoyed the Deli Sandwich Buffet and the comradery among Classmates and friends.

Scott briefly spoke on the Class’s new initiative of developing a Classwide support program of “Helping Our Classmates Help Themselves”. You will hear more details on this program in the coming months.

The Guest Speaker was the new 40th Head Coach for Navy football – Brian Newberry – who spoke for 30 minutes on his vision of developing a cohesive football team based upon a “team culture” that embodies the highest attributes of individual character, a “Team” concept and not a “me” concept, and “teammates” that truly love the game of football and have a love for the other members of the team!

Coach Newberry has 25 years of coaching experience, including the last four seasons as Navy’s Defensive Coordinator. His words were right on target in that his desire to produce leaders and not just players rang true to the 66ers at the luncheon. His three objectives for Navy football this season are to win the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy, Beat Army, and have a winning season to play in a Bowl game. Based upon his comments, Navy has a good shot at achieving all three of his objectives.

Classmates in attendance were Scott Redd, Tom and Betty Eubanks, Scott and Dervilla Gordon, Tom Marfiak, Kathy Percival, Phil Bozzelli, Jim Long, Roger and Kacky Carter, Don Jackson, Pete Hesser, John Posoli, John and Gail Sigler, Pete Wright, Bev Daly, Chuck Grutzius, Jim Maynard, John and Pat Scudi, Chuck and Karen Tebrich, and Ace Sarich.

Be sure to mark your calendars now for our next luncheon on Wednesday, August 9th, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. Hope to see you there!

• USNA Website
• NavySports.com

©2013-2024 United States Naval Academy Alumni Association
Class of 1966 - NON SIBI SED PATRIAE