So here we are - the last reminder to sign up for Homecoming. The next issue of The Bulletin comes out Homecoming weekend, so this is it. If you are thinking about coming, call the hotel today to make a reservation: Mystic Marriot; Rate: $179 per night, 888-236-2427 or 860-326-0319 (direct to Mystic Marriot), Discount Code: CCGCCGA.

Charlie is keeping us updated via www.mindspring.com/~cjager/cga83/cga83.html. We've been relying on e-mail for sending information, so if you haven't listed your e-mail on Charlie's web page, please do so. Also, if you want to send a note to the entire class, you can do so via cga83news@yahoogroups.com.

A few '83 Change of Commands this summer as Gene Gray turned over his ship to a non-83er and Lincoln Stroh passed on the command torch for the MSO. Congratulations to both for successful tours.

The Coast Guard will never be the same with the retirement of Ed SeebaldThe Bulletin has full details. What the article doesn't mention is the impact Ed made in his last tour as director of the D1 Auxiliary. Many a time I saw Ed in this capacity leading a legion of Auxialiarists during get-togethers at CGA. They simply revered him. Best wishes, Ed, and well done.
and family. An article in this issue of
Petty Officer 1st Class Theresa Seebald, Commander Edward Seebald and Captain Raymond Seebald are congratulated on their retirement by Commander Lynn Henderson, the executive officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Chicago.

Joe Fischetti's retirement from the Reserves was a grand affair. It is believed that Joe's retirement was the first CG retirement broadcast on videoconference and webcast. Joe's associates at the MIT Lincoln Lab were able to tune in and join Joe's celebration. Congratulations, Joe.

Joe's retirement - Eric Hultmark, Scott Lentz, Joe Fischetti, Matt Cutts, and Rick Berard.

Here in New London, Jim Sweet, Pat Knowles and Jack Jennings retired this summer. The Coast Guard and the Academy in particular has been well served by their service and dedication over the last 24 years. It is good news that all are remaining in the New London area as I suspect the Academy will continue to benefit from their proximity. Bravo Zulu to Jim, Pat and Jack.

20 years at CGA - Karl Calvo, Jim Sweet, Jean & Vince, Pat Knowles.

This may be a first for the class, but probably not the last - Larry Fishler'sLarry gave his nephew a big send-off right before Swearing-In Day and he's looking forward to checking in with him during homecoming. Well done Larry - influencing the future! How soon before a '83er's son or daughter signs up?

A note came in from John Odell in Seattle. "On May 18th the Washington State contingent of the Class of '83 gathered to observe the passage of twenty years from that fateful day in May 1983 when we all got our walking papers from the elder George Bush. Jackie & Nick Stagliano hosted the event and put on a great barbecue at their beautiful home in North Tacoma. Classmates present were Jackie & Nick, Bob Berrigan, Bruce Toney, Lurilla Lee, Paul Ferguson, Dave Almond, Scott Robert and me (John Odell). It was a great day and even the kids had a blast. Jackie & Nick nephew entered CGA's Class of 2007 this summer. thought of everything, including renting one of those big inflatable bouncing things they have at the carnivals.

Seattle mini-reunion - Bob Berrigan, Nick Stagliano, Bruce Toney, Jackie Stagliano, Lurilla Lee, Paul Ferguson, Scott Robert, John Odell, and Dave Almond.

Bob Berrigan works from his home as a computer software consultant. He says the commute is tough, but the dress code is pretty easy to follow. LurillaJackie is the XO of the MSO and Nick is the 13th District Resource Director. In his real job, Dave Almond is an engineer with the city of Redmond, WA, but he too has spent more time in uniform than he expected lately. For over a year he has been recalled to active duty to fight the war on terrorism, serving as the D13 Homeland Security Guru.

Bruce Toney is loving his job as the XO of Building 10 at Todd Shipyard in West Seattle (a.k.a. CGC Polar Star WAGB 10). Scott Robert is CO of Group Seattle and is probably the busiest person in the Pacific Northwest. When he is not at work, he and his wife Zee pass the time chasing away the tourists that try to look in the windows of his quarters at the Alki Point Lighthouse. Paul Ferguson is a financial advisor with a company named `Money' in Bellevue, WA. Paul says the name should be `someone else's money' since that is what he gets to play with all day. I am the Parking and Complaints Officer (also known as the XO) at ISC Seattle, so if you need good parking for the Mariner's games at Safeco Field across the street from the base, I'm the guy to see. But if your car gets towed during the game, you'll need to talk to the next window. Many of the 83ers at the barbecue said they would be attending the 20th reunion in the Fall, so the turnout should be strong. All the best from Seattle."

Thanks for the update, John. is still an exec with a large seafood company in Seattle, but she has spent most of her time in uniform lately as a mobilized Reservist at MSO Puget Sound.

Looking forward to seeing you all in CT in October - Leaders for change.