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Presidents Corner

Class of 1966 President: Jim Long

’66 CLASS PRESIDENT’S LETTER TO THE CLASS

Greetings 66!

As we all start another year, number 59 since our graduation, I felt the need to send this letter. We have a very special Class and I wanted to take a moment to thank all those who make it happen. Please see the listing below and I apologize to anyone who should have been included. Also a quick update on our effort to help Tracy Droz Tragos, daughter of our deceased Classmate, Don Droz, to recover from losing her home in the LA fire. Her GoFundMe page raised over $24,000 currently and our Class was a major reason. Well Done guys!  

Now to my thoughts:

  • First to our recent Class President, Scott Redd, for the help and advice already offered me as I assume the role. I needed it.
  • To our Executive Committee and in particular Clay Spikes, Chuck Grutzius, and Mike Baird for all the “behind the scenes” efforts on our behalf. If everyone knew, all would be impressed. During a recent exchange with Alumni Association staff, a key person complimented us for Mike’s constant deligence and attention to detail. BZ Mike!
  • To all our Batt and Company reps who continue to keep all of us informed and involved when needed.
  • To John/Desi Posoli and Charlie/Ginny Jones for all the years of organizing and managing our Navy Football tailgates. A huge effort by their crew and we greatly appreciate the commitment. In particular Ace Sarich and Don Jackson are always there helping. Our tailgates make our Fall football experience really fun and memorable.
  • To all involved in our annual Florida Comearounds, especially Wayne Lynn and Bob Zvacek, a huge BZ. The next one is April 7-9 and I hope to be there this year.
  • To Charlie/Ginny Jones for their weekly/biweekly zoom meetings which provide an outstanding way to get our Classmates and spouses together to discuss important topics and events. And to Linda McCook for her Sail On Solo (SOS) sessions to support our wonderful widows.
  • To Clay Spikes and daughter Courtney for their drive, love, and commitment to get the two memorial benches honoring Nunna installed temporarily near the USNA Columbarium before permanent installation there in 2026.
  • To Chuck Grutzius and Don Jackson for their constant efforts and work to get our reunions planned and executed including our upcoming 2026 Reunion. Truly an amazing number of decisions and actions.
  • To Phil Bozzelli’s efforts to keep us current on our Wellness programs and we all march into our eighties.
  • To our crew that manage and deliver our annual awards to the USS GONZALEZ (DDG-66) recipients including Chuck Grutzius, Charlie Votava, and John Sigler. A very special ceremony results on board the ship.
  • And lastly to our Web Master, Therese Long, for all her efforts to make our USNA66 Website a masterpiece. For those of you not using it much, I recommend you get your favorite drink, head to a comfortable chair, and review our site in great detail. Truly an incredible picture into all aspects of our Class.  Thank you Therese!

OK, enough for now. So let’s continue to support each other as we “mature” into our later years, to honor all our deceased Classmates and precious spouses. We will commit to do we can to keep our Class close for all our benefit, the Academy and our great Nation.

Take care and hope to see you again soon!

Jim              

CLASS UPDATES

ASSOCIATION OF THE CLASS OF 1966

Class of 1966 Executive Committee

Chairman: Clay Spikes
Secretary: Michael Baird
Treasurer: Chuck Grutzius
Members: Phil Bozzelli, Tom Eubanks, Don Jackson, Pierce Johnson, Tom Marfiak, Steve Niss, Robert Percival, John Scudi

Financials

Documents and Guidelines