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************************************* USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland – Commissioning 101
The USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland hosted their third annual Commissioning 101 Seminar on Saturday, January 21, 2012. The event, designed to aid parents with the daunting task of preparing for their own mid's commissioning, drew a crowd of seventy Club members and guests, including several from surrounding states, who gathered in Chauvenet Hall, at the United States Naval Academy.
Participants received a Commissioning Preparation Packet, and were given the opportunity to query the parents of recently commissioned ensigns and second lieutenants, who, having driven a combined two hundred miles on an icy morning to participate as panelists, shared their best tips and strategies for a memorable Commissioning Week. Representatives from The Lucky Bag yearbook and the Naval Academy Club participated as well, presenting updates specifically apropos for Firstie parents.
We are grateful to those who contributed to the success of the program, including Naval Academy administration, the USNA Foundation, the volunteers involved with set up and clean up, and the alumni parents, each of whom so willingly gave of their time to create smooth sailing for those coming behind them.
Many of the documents distributed at the seminar are available for download below: ************************************* Commissioning 101 Documents - 2012
The following documents were handed out at the 2012 Commissioning 101 Seminar, and are only meant to be used as a prototype for Commissioning Week planning. Please note that the schedule of offerings, dates, days, and times will vary from year to year. The packet mailed from the Naval Academy will contain the official information for the Class of 2012 Commissioning Week. Click on each title to view.
************************************* 2011 Joint Service Academy Ball
More pictures on the picture page
The Sheraton National Hotel, in the shadow of the Pentagon, was the site of this year's Joint Service Academies Ball, held Thursday, December 29, 2011, to honor both current students and alumni from the United States Naval, Military, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine Academies. After being held last year during Thanksgiving Leave, the annual event, co-hosted by the USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland, along with five other Service Academy Parent Associations, reverted back to its traditional time frame between Christmas and the New Year, offering an opportunity for attendees to enjoy an elegant evening together, while also bidding on fifty silent auction items, raising several thousand dollars to be donated to the USO and Wounded Warrior Project.
Guests mingled during a reception hour, which was followed by a formal dinner and program, including toasts and tributes, as well as words of encouragement specific to each class level at the Academies, delivered by Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, Commander, Military Sealift Command. Following the program, midshipmen and cadets, parents and grandparents, siblings and escorts, many with heels left behind, thronged together as the dance floor became a merry blend of intergenerational fun and laughter.
************************************* Service Selection Night Celebration
After being notified of their Service Community assignments earlier in the day, the United States Naval Academy Class of 2012 celebrated Service Selection Night at Dahlgren Hall on Wednesday, November 30, as they were entertained by the Couillard Brothers Band, featuring USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland midshipmen, Ryan and Kyle Couillard. The evening signified the culmination of preparation and competition for each midshipman's chosen career selection, and served to welcome them into their Naval and Marine Corps Communities.
************************************* Navy -vs- TROY - 5 Nov 2011
Photo by Bill Angle
The holidays arrived early for midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy on November 5. In a game that featured three Bill the Goat mascots celebrating Senior Day, not only did the Navy football team close out the home season with a resounding 42-14 victory over the visiting Troy Trojans, their first win since mid September; but the uncharged overnight, subsequently granted to the Brigade after a grueling week of "passed" exams, brought about a spirit of celebration, as mids quickly filed out of the stadium, eager to enjoy their newly bestowed liberty.
As mids contacted their sponsors to make plans for the evening, the USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland contributed to the festive atmosphere, hosting the largest crowd of the fall at their final tailgate of the 2011 season, the annual Thanksgiving Feast. Platters and mids were filled with one hundred pounds of turkey and complementary side dishes, all lovingly prepared and served to the midshipmen, in an attempt to show genuine "thanks-for-giving" to those who are preparing to protect the freedoms for which we are all grateful.
Prior to the game, the Club hosted the Navy League Cadet Corps, the East Coast's top ranked unit, comprised of youngsters preparing for entry into naval service, introducing them and their leaders to the Navy tailgate experience, while they conversed with current midshipmen about Academy life.
Thank you to all those who contributed a gift of food, beverage, supplies, time, money, physical labor, or creativity, to create this annual expression of appreciation to those who will serve us.
************************************* Navy -vs- East Carolina - 22 Oct 2011
Photo by Bill Angle The bitter blow of a fifth consecutive Navy loss and the disappointment dealt to midshipmen who subsequently lost their anticipated overnight, was softened somewhat by the postgame tailgate hosted by the USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland last Saturday, October 22. The disheartened Brigade enjoyed grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and several varieties of comfort food, served by caring parents and sponsors, while the band, Mad Planet, entertained the Homecoming crowd, which included many families enjoying Second Class Parents' Weekend with their mid.
Providing added enrichment for the evening, the Royal Military College of Canada Band, visiting from Ontario, performed a stirring a cappella rendition of O Canada in French, as mids honored them, standing at attention. Others attending the affair included Brigade Commander and Maryland midshipman, Jonathan Monti, and the recently appointed Parent Programs Coordinator, Elizabeth Beedenbender, as well as leaders representing USNA Parent Clubs in areas such as Houston, Long Island, Florida, Washington State, and Alaska, who were in town to attend the Parent Club Officers' Conference held earlier in the week at the Academy.
Even as the East Carolina Pirates captured the game's treasure, thank you to all who contributed time, effort, food, and money to nourish the Naval Academy Brigade, America's valued treasure.
************************************* Navy -vs- Southern Mississippi University - 8 Oct 2011
Photo by Janis Goulette In a high energy game, NAVY took the field with Southern Mississippi. Though the loss dampened the spirits of many Navy fans, the warm weather and warm hearts of the multi-state Parent's clubs provided warm meals and relaxation to numerous mids and parents attending the event.
************************************* Navy -vs- Air Force - 1 Oct 2011
Photo by Janis Goulette Following the traditional march on, Midshipmen and Cadets on exchange for the semester participated in the transfer to their home camp for the duration of the game. Although the beginning of the game was not favorable to the Midshipmen, the conclusion was exciting. After singing of the "Blue & Gold" and the USAFA Alma Mater, Midshipmen and Cadets alike enjoyed the hospitality of the MD/SEPA/NYC/NJ tailgate. *************************************
Though recurring soaking showers drenched the thousands visiting the Naval Academy during Plebe Parent Weekend last Thursday through Sunday, August 11-14, they could not dampen the spirits of those anticipating the joyful embrace with their Plebe, for the first time since I- Day six weeks earlier.
The daily liberty afforded Plebes a chance to relax and sleep, as well as the opportunity to reengage with the "outside" world by eating, talking, texting, watching TV, and attending movies with their friends and loved ones, before returning nightly to Bancroft Hall's closing doors to prepare for the academic year and the Brigade's Reform.
The USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland, recognizing the privilege of being located in close proximity to the Academy, shared "I Survived Plebe Summer" buttons with those visiting the Yard, congratulating them on making it through the challenging time, while supporting their Plebe as well.
************************************* Sponsor Meet and Greet Sunday Aug. 7, 2011 Smiles brightened Alumni Hall as Plebes were introduced to their new "Families" at the Sponsor Meet and Greet held Sunday, August 7, 2011. The USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland hosted an information table for the 2000 attendees, to introduce them to programs offered by the organization.
In an attempt to connect Plebes, their parents, and sponsors, the Club provided the newest in a list of services, "step-sponsors-for-a-day", whereby Plebes whose sponsors were unable to attend, were visited by Club representatives who collected information and photographs, which were subsequently sent to the Plebe's parents and the officially assigned sponsor.
Plebe parents choosing to sponsor their own sons or daughters enjoyed a preview of the upcoming Plebe Parent Weekend, anticipating a well earned reunion after the grueling challenges of Plebe Summer.
************************************* Over the Hump Picnic 2011
Continuing a tradition of hosting events on the hottest weekend of the year, the USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland held their annual Over-the-Hump Picnic on Saturday, July 23, at the former Naval Academy Dairy Farm in Gambrills, Maryland. Gathering in triple digit heat, as they did in 2010, more than 125 attendees endured the sweltering conditions as they were addressed by USNA Superintendent Vice Admiral Michael H. Miller, who attended with his wife, Barbara, bringing words of encouragement and challenge to the Naval Academy family, before reports were delivered by representatives from the Plebe Summer Detail training the Class of 2015. Also delivering remarks that day were the founders of the thirty year old club, Joe and Lorrie Latchford, and USNA Foundation Vice President Steve Maconi.
Designed as a time of celebration and education for Plebe families reaching the midway point of Plebe Summer, the affair was enjoyed by members and guests, as they contributed their time, food, and help, working together to create a memorable afternoon for all those in attendance. Many thanks to everyone who had a part in the day's success.
************************************* "The Class of 2015 was the focus on I-Day."
The I-Day festivities began early on June 30th, as representatives from the Naval Academy Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland gathered to prepare the Club's display at the I-Day Expo, hosted by the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation. A change in the format of this year's event allowed all guests on the Yard, attending the I-Day luncheon or not, to visit with USNA affiliated programs, corporate sponsors, and parent clubs present, while also mingling with members of the Academy's Class of 1965, who were on hand to represent the fifty year "Another Link in the Chain" program. Club members focused their attention on hundreds of new Plebe parents, assisting them in various ways with information and encouragement as they progressed through their momentous day. The Club also provided each family a dated souvenir "Toosh Towel" for use by their Plebe after the Oath of Office Ceremony, as an aid to prevent spotting of their recently issued whiteworks. Several distinguished guests, including USNA Superintendent Vice Admiral and Mrs. Michael H. Miller, Naval Academy Academic Dean and Provost Dr. Andrew T. Phillips and his wife, as well as others from the Alumni Association also visited with Maryland Club members during the event.
The focus shifted later in the day, as the Maryland Parents and Sponsors Club assembled at the Mexican Monument on Stribling Walk to minister with members from the USNA Chaplain Center, to Plebes that did not have family present for their induction; providing phones, a place to sit, water, snacks, and encouragement for about seventy-five members of the Class of 2015. They called parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, girl and boyfriends, and any other phone number they could recall. This occurred during the time when most Plebes updated their moms and dads about the day's activities, visited with their family, and said their final goodbyes as they started Plebe Summer and separation from civilian life. ************************************* "The Welcome Aboard Picnic helps the Class of 2015 through Navy's maze, much like this one at Maryland Sunrise Farm."
The USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland hosted the annual Welcome Aboard Picnic for the incoming Class of 2015 on June 12, 2011, at the Maryland Sunrise Farm, former home of the Naval Academy Dairy Farm.
A record number of guests totalling 215, including 150 Plebe family members, attended the picnic held to help incoming families through the "maze" of assimilation into the Navy way of life. Though the gathering was held at his home, one noticeably absent from attendance was Navy's mascot, Bill the Goat, who like many midshipmen, was away on Summer Assignment.
Program highlights included informative presentations about the Sponsor Program, Navy League, and the fifty year "Another Link in the Chain" Program, as well as video highlights from prior I-Day and Club activities, before featured speaker, Captain Robert E. Clark II, Commandant of Midshipmen, addressed the group, followed by a Plebe orientation session hosted by Club midshipmen.
A huge thanks to all those who contributed their efforts to make this kick off to the Club year a phenomenal success! *************************************
United States Naval Academy Plebes, as well as their families and friends, celebrated the return of a traditional Herndon Climb this year, as the lard was ordered once again, and slathered over the twenty one foot obelisk erected to honor William Lewis Herndon, a nineteenth century Navy captain who chose to go down with his ship's crew, over being rescued alone.
The same "team before individual" concept demonstrated by Captain Herndon was on display as the USNA Class of 2014 managed to scale the edifice, ceremoniously replacing the plebe dixie cup with an officer's cover, shouting in unison, "Plebes No More!" after a 2:41.32 hour challenge.
In a break from tradition, Superintendent Vice Admiral Michael H. Miller chose not to award Admiral shoulder boards to the first mid who reached the top, rather emphasizing the spirit and camaraderie instilled by promoting the rite of passage as a team activity linking current midshipmen to those who've gone on before them.
The USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland had the privilege of joining in the celebration as they distributed mementos commemorating the day and offering congratulations to the Class of 2014's Plebe-Parents-No-More! *************************************
************************************* Elections were held on Saturday, May 7th, 2011, with all new members of the board winning in a landslide!! A huge thanks goes out to the members of the board who are stepping down. They all performed a great service to the members and will be sorely missed. Pictures and contact information of the new Board of Directors can be viewed on the Club Officers Page *************************************
David Connell Navy Pilot Thank you to the Firsties who took time out of their busy day to pose for a class picture. Congratulations to all of the graduating Firsties from Maryland.
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As midshipmen headed back to the Yard at the conclusion of Spring Break, the USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland gathered at Buddy's Crabs and Ribs in nearby downtown Annapolis to celebrate the first official day of Spring on March 20, affording members an opportunity to casually meet and eat while they enjoyed overlooking scenic City Dock.
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Picture perfect weather contributed to a record turn out as Navy took on St. John's College on Saturday, April 30, for the Twenty-Ninth Annual Croquet Match on the Johnnies' Front Lawn in Annapolis. Desirous of securing their twenty-fourth sure victory over the Mids, capturing the traditional Annapolis Cup, the Johnnies practiced just after dawn, as party goers began reserving the spots from which they would view or ignore the action. Though a newly enforced policy, restricting all personal tables and tents to be located together at one end of the lawn, required a change in the selection of a spot for the Club's table, more than forty parents, sponsors, and midshipmen stopped by to enjoy some refreshments provided by members of the USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland, and acquaint themselves with the Club and each other.
The festivities officially began with appearances by Naval Academy Superintendent, Vice Admiral Michael H. Miller, and a challenge by Commandant of Midshipmen, Captain Robert E. Clark II, followed by the introduction of the teams. The Johnnies, as always, revealed their secretive uniform design upon their introduction at the beginning of the match, surprising most in attendance with their decision to dress as the Navy Croquet Team, causing the most common conversation of the afternoon to center around discerning the difference between the two teams. Astute onlookers solved the dilemma by noticing that the sneakers being worn by St. John's differed from the spit polished white shoes worn by the Mids.
Against a backdrop of swing music provided by the USNA's Trident Brass Jazz Band, both Naval Academy and St. John's College alumni, families, and friends reverted to an earlier time in history as they promenaded, danced, and socialized their way through the afternoon, sporting seersucker, argyle, derby hats, boas, pearls, and elaborate head adornments only outdone by the Royal Wedding, while the Johnnies extended their winning streak to five straight, narrowly defeating the Mids by a score of 3-1 in one of the more closely contested matches in recent years.
Many thanks are in order to everyone who contributed to make the day memorable for all.
top of Page ************************************* Dark Ages Event 2011
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Grand merriment and goodwill abounded as Midshipmen and Cadets from the United States Naval, Military, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine Academies joined forces to kick off the holiday season at the Joint Service Academies Ball, held this year on Friday, November 26, 2010. Academy students were greeted with an unexpected reimbursement of their Ball reservation fee, while guests bidding at the Silent Auction raised an additional sum of money to be donated to the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Guests were serenaded by a harpist during the reception hour before gathering in the Ballroom for the formal program of toasts, dinner, and an address by United States Army General Peter W. Chiarelli. As the program concluded and the music began, the dance floor was flooded with midshipmen, cadets, parents, grandparents, sponsors, escorts, and siblings mingling amidst the jovial atmosphere.
The USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland, one of six sponsoring the affair, was pleased to contribute to this enjoyable cause.
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The USNA Parents and Sponsors Club of Maryland enjoyed the best weather for tailgates in recent memory last fall, compared to 2009's rain, which occurred during every event. We commemorated 9-11, the Navy and Marine Corps Birthdays, and Veterans Day. We also had visits from the USNA Superintendent, Commandant, their wives, officers from the Pentagon, and out-of-state parents from as far away as California, Texas, and Minnesota.
Through generous contributions, the multi state effort has added 100 new chairs on which the midshipmen are able to sit and relax after standing during the whole game. Mids enjoyed music each week as well as a band at our special evening birthday party. The Stadium staff even got in on the action with service announcements during the last game, encouraging midshipmen to attend the Saturday night event!
Weekly, we fed from 500 to almost 1000 at the Thanksgiving Feast, feeding a total of 3500 midshipmen and their families during the season. Food quantities served by the Maryland Club were staggering, including over 1800 hamburgers and hot dogs, 200 foil pans of hot food, 100 pounds of roast turkey and dressing, 60 cold selections, 75 trays of appetizers, 1800 bottles of water, and 2000 cans of soda. Keeping the cheerleaders, Drum and Bugle Corps, and the tailgate volunteers nourished, we also provided over 600 lunch servings! Understanding how much food was provided along with the effort to serve it, explains the reason why we call this the "Miracle on Asphalt". The real blessing is how all of you, in so many ways, be it from Maryland or another state, contributed to this effort and made such a successful service oriented environment in which to show our love and admiration for the Brigade. The generosity shown by all those who donated gifts of time, service, food, and money contributed to the phenomenal success of the entire Tailgate Season, something for which the Club and the midshipmen are extremely thankful.
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Click Below to buy a chair for the Club 
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Maryland Parents and Sponsors Club is proud to announce that we now have our own Logo with merchandise available through the Alumni Assoc. The Club gets 10% back on every purchase. See the list of Club logos to see our new Club Logo |
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Sponsor Program Information The Sponsor Program offers members of the Annapolis community an opportunity to meet Midshipmen and to learn more about the Naval Academy. It also provides Midshipmen an opportunity to develop and benefit from informal exchanges with civilian and military members in Annapolis and its adjacent communities.
Whether you are a first-time Sponsor or a veteran of the program, your time and efforts in providing a "home away from home" and support of Midshipmen are greatly appreciated.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE OFFICIAL USNA PLEBE SPONSOR PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT:
Rose Clark
Sponsor Coordinator
United States Naval Academy
Email: sponsor@usna.edu
Website: http://usna.edu/sponsor
FOR INFORMAL QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SPONSOR EXPERIENCE, A SPONSOR HELP DESK IS AVAILABLE TO CLUB MEMBERS AT:
************************************** From the Web Novice: A huge Thank you to Karen Grimm for all her help putting this new web site together. ************************************** Contact the web master at tlutton@aol.com |
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