Lots of news this go-around, with reports from multiple sources.

The photo of Jim Robbins' retirement came from Charlie Jager who reported that the ceremony included some good sea and air stories from Jim. The list of '83ers in attendance included Paul Roden, Lisa Helffelfinger, Cub Schlatter, Matt & Kathy Bliven, Becky Dyche, and Mary & Charlie Jager. Congratulations and best wishes Jim.

Cub Schlatter, Matt Bliven, Jim Robbins, Becky Dyche,
Mary & Charlie Jager at Jim's retirement.

Gil Teal also retired this summer from the Judge Advocate Office. News and photos from the retirement will be in the next issue. Gil's plans for the future include a week or two fishing in Alaska, followed by some other travel. Once September hits, he'll settle down working with the Navy Office of General Counsel in Norfolk, VA, at the Fleet Industrial Supply Center. Best of luck fishing and with the new job.

Jennifer Lay retired from her position in the D8 Planning Office. Jean was able to represent the class at the ceremony and she was joined by Marc & Cathy Buller at the party. Jennifer's plans are to enjoy retirement life a bit before jumping back into the working world, something that sounds like a good idea. Jennifer & Scott are hoping to expand their family, by adopting a little girl from China later this year.

Jean Wilcyznski, Marc Buller, Jenniefr Lay
at Jennifer's retirement party.
Jennifer Lay and husband Scott Kitchen

Marc & Cathy Buller stopped in to visit with Jean & I following their return to the mainland after sailing from Bermuda. Marc is a Secret Service agent in Miami. Cathy, who is a mechanical engineer and works in diesel engine sales, was disappointed that the watchstander in Eagle (which was in Bermuda) didn't know what kind of engines were on diesel. I'm sure Chris Sinnett, who will be taking over as Eagle CO this summer, will correct that deficiency.

Marc and Cathy Buller

A few other command positions have been assigned to ' 83ers. There are more, I'm sure, but these are those that came in from classmates.

Karl Schultz took over as Sector Commander in Miami during a well attended and executed Change of Command. Best of luck to Karl & Dawn

Paul Roden had a great Change of Command at the Engineering Logistics Center where he took over as CO. As reported by Charlie, it was a formal affair with whites, gloves and swords for the official party and a Navy band for entertainment. Matt Bliven was kind enough to save and send me a program from the event. '83ers who made it were Sarah Shores, Rick Gromlich, Mike Leonard, Bob Pyle, Matt & Kathy Bliven, Jim & Nancy Robbins, Mary & Charlie Jager, and of course Paul & Hilda Roden. and their five children as they embark their new challenge and important job.

Rick Gromlich, Jim Robbins, Paul Roden, Mary & Charlie Jager,
Mike Leonard, Matt Bliven at Paul's Change of Command, ELC Baltimore.

I was able to visit with Matt & Kathy Bliven during a trip to DC earlier this summer. The visit included seeing Karl Bliven chip in a good hit to tie up the game for his Little League team and hearing Emily Bliven play a Bach piece on the piano before dinner. Like whenever '83ers get together, it was a great visit.

Matt later sent along the enclosed photo of him competing in the 2006 Tom's Run - a 200-mile team-event along the C&O Canal. Matt reported that he enjoys the endurance events especially when competing with/against fellow Coasties much younger than him! Paul Guinee ran for Team Deepwater. Paul, Sarah Shores and Matt ran together in 1995 on the first running of the C&O Canal Trail, and later went on to run their first marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon that year. Good to hear that 83ers are still out there making a name for the class.

Matt Bliven

Some other DC news is the assignment of Pat Philbin as the head of the director of public affairs for FEMA. In this position Pat will develop communications strategy and serve on the office's initiatives, including disaster response. In a press release FEMA Director R.David Paulison said, "Pat has more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications planning,crisis communications and public affairs in government and the private sector. I am confident that Pat has the experience and talent to lead our efforts in communicating about the important work that the men and women of FEMA carry out day-in and day-out." Best wishes to Pat as he takes on this exiting new position.

Dave Cinalli sent along the enclosed photo of Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson who came out to visit Valiant while off shore. According to Dave, "Jimmy joined us for lunch, a motivational speech on mess deck with the crew where he shared some Cowboys Superbowl stories and then some fishing." Dave's son David stayed on board for a bit longer, where he started breaking in on watch. The CO thinks that the new watch stander is looking like a great candidate for CGA Class of 2013.

Dave Cinalli with son David and former
Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmie Johnson

Speaking of new Coast Guard members, Pete Hoffman sent along a note announcing another second generation Coast Guard member, "Our oldest son, Tim, is at boot camp right now as part of recruit company T 174. He is a student in the Aviation Sciences program at Western Michigan University. He will graduate with a Commercial Pilot license and a Bachelor's Degree. He enlisted in the CG Reserve to help pay some of the tuition bills, but who knows, he may opt to go to OCS and Flight School after he graduates. Quite ironic, since I entered the CG specifically to be a pilot, but at that time they weren't giving waivers for visual acuity. We just might get a CG pilot in the family after all!" Congratulations to the Hoffman family!

DJ Smith was at CGA recently dropping off his son Chris who is a member of CGA's class of 2010. It looks like Chris has some catching up to do. Bravo Zulu to the Smith family as well.

DJ Smith with son Chris

The last note and an award winning set of photos came in from John Macaluso who reported, "I had a very rewarding experience recently. James Rader, a friend of the family whom I've known since he was 2 years old, just accepted an appointment to the CGA for the Class of 2010. I presented his appointment to him at his high-school senior awards ceremony on June 2. He reports July 3. By the time this makes The Bulletin, he'll be Cadet 4/c James Rader. The photos show me hoisting him overhead circa 1990 (when we were both much younger) and at his awards ceremony." It just goes to show you, it's never too early to start recruiting.

John Macaluso with now-Cadet Rader, '10
and earlier photo, circa 1990.

What a busy couple of months. Hopefully all are enjoying the summer. Cheers to all '83ers - Jean & Vince