It has been a great period for seeing and talking with classmates.
Congratulations to Bob Fogel for receiving the Alumni Association Achievement Award at Homecoming. Bob was recognized for his continual service to the Coast Guard and leadership at the Harvard Business School. Bob has continued to serve the nation as a reservist, and was recalled to active duty during the activities associated with 9-11. Bob has been a regular lecturer in CGA Department of Management classes and speaks often about the dynamics of innovation and leading change. At Harvard, Bob led the Harvard Business School Executive Development program and now serves as the CEO of Harvard Business School Interactive. In his new position, Bob is developing and leading the Harvard Business School's entry into what will be the area of greatest growth.
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| Vince
Wilczynski, Pat Galvin, Bob & Ellen
Fogel, Jack
Jennings, Pat Knowles at Alumni Association Awards Dinner in September
honoring Bob. |
At the Alumni Association Awards Dinner Bob spoke very strongly about his need to continue to serve in the CG Reserves as a means of showing his gratitude for the opportunities the Coast Guard provided for him. Bob relayed that the Dean of the Harvard Business School asked him why he continues to serve in the CG Reserve, to which Bob answered that it is his way of paying back in appreciation for all that he learned at the Academy as an a junior officer. Well done Bob - the 83ers in the audience. and all 83ers, are proud of you. Those of us in attendance were delighted to meet Bob's wife Ellen. It is clear to see that they make a great team.
At the Alumni Association Awards Dinner Bob spoke very strongly about his need to continue to serve in the CG Reserves as a means of showing his gratitude for the opportunities the Coast Guard provided for him. Bob relayed that the Dean of the Harvard Business School asked him why he continues to serve in the CG Reserve, to which Bob answered that it is his way of paying back in appreciation for all that he learned at the Academy as an a junior officer. Well done Bob - the 83ers in the audience. and all 83ers, are proud of you. Those of us in attendance were delighted to meet Bob's wife Ellen. It is clear to see that they make a great team.
Besides the 83-locals, Pat Galvin attended Bob's award dinner. It was great to see Pat and hear about his cornering of the Penn-Yan, NY, real estate and appraisal market. In a morning lecture to 1/c Mechanical Engineers, both BobPat spoke of the relevance and importance of their CGA experiences as a foundation for business practices. It was great for the cadets to hear that their appointments to CGA are a clear indication that each has the opportunity to be incredibly successful in life, and it is up to the individual to make that happen. Pat's wife, Marianne is making quite an impact in the specialty soap business in the Penn-Yan area, and Jean vouches that the handmade soaps are exquisite. Just in time for the holidays, and I suspect it wouldn't be too hard to place an order.
Sticking to the New England 83ers, Joe Fischetti has been a regular visitor during his return trips from active duty assignments in NYC. Each week, JoePat Knowles and John Odell. I am sure that every member of the class has seen some of Joe's work. Joe is providing a wonderful service to the nation in telling the Coast Guard's story with respect to the WTC efforts. His activities and energy are making a difference and make me proud to be an 83er.
Joe also relayed a story on honorary CGA '83 classmate Tony Basile. For those of you that don't remember, Tony was a USNA exchange cadet. JoeTony was the Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Since that initial announcement, an update was provided that announced Tony's departure from the USOC and new position as Senior Vice President for Bank One in Columbus, Ohio. So, can the idea for Olympic tickets, but give Tony a call if you need a million dollar loan to launch a new business.
A couple of beautiful pictures came in from Cub Schlatter- Cub relayed that the boys, Harry and younger brother Sam remain active. The wedding photo of Cub, Wini and daughter Marie is a precious gem. I can imagine the excitement in the Schlatter house this Christmas.
and would stop by the Academy, give cadets an update on the developments with the WTC efforts, and then proceed to give advanced briefings to the 83 running club that consists of myself, was excited to read that
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| The Schlatter wedding photo | The Schlatter twins |
Tom Vitullo forwarded a great story from the October 31 issue of the Anchorage Daily News. The story begins as "Context is everything, so the buff guy in the razor-creased uniform with his chest full of colored service ribbons and a commander's insignia doesn't instantly compute as a the television weather guy who does Elvis impressions." The story goes on to tell the story of former weatherman, now active duty Commander Bob Forgit. It is a great story that follows Bob's career from NYC to Alaska, from the Coast Guard to television, and now back to the Coast Guard. The news account details Bob's appearances in a number of major films and television shows. Quite exciting, Bob. Best wishes to break a leg when the blue suit is once again replaced with the acting wardrobe.
Liam & Audrey Slein sent greetings and news from Southern New Jersey. The Slein's announced the birth of their second child: Elizabeth came into this world at 10/10/01 at 11 pounds (seems like she is a binary baby) and 21 inches. Elizabeth joins her 2.5-year old sister Margaret to make the score W:3, M: 1 in the Slein house in Medford, NJ. Liam is at MSO/Group Philadelphia.
Bravo Zulu to Kristy Plourde and her troops at the National Strike Force. Kristy's team has been an essential component of our country's response to the WTC attacks and anthrax contamination. Members of the National Strike Force were engaged in determining the air safety in the buildings surrounding the WTC site. Coinciding with that work was their assistance at sites along the East Coast that were contaminated with anthrax. Semper Paratus, 83.
On a beautiful fall day, after raking leaves at his Maryland home, Rich BelisleRichRich piloted the Commandant and Secretary Mineta to the afternoon game. I ran into him and we had a great talk about Coast Guard aviation and classmates in the DC area. One drawback of being the Commandant's pilot, Rich had to leave at halftime to get the jet ready for the guests. Fortunately the Bears home games were covered on radio and the Internet, so Rich could follow the action from the airstrip.
Speaking of football, hat's off to Coach Knowles and Coach Odell. Coach Knowles has been an assistant coach since the early 1990's and he was joined by Coach Odell four years ago. Head Coach George values their contributions and mentioned that he is sorry to see John leave after this year. John and Pat have been a great team on and off the field, and the football carrying cadets will miss John's leadership next year. Well done Coach Odell and Coach Knowles.
Thank you to all the 83ers that sent along congratulations regarding my recognition in Washington this month. In the audience at the National Press Club were classmates Jean, John Odell, Pat Knowles and Paul Roden. PaulKarl Schultz and his staff guided that strong attendance. Jimmy Rendon, Karl's counterpart on the Senate side, also dropped by to say hello and offer congratulations. Assisting efforts on the home front were Jack Jennings and Kyle Moore as a fellow cadet-ask-master and master-thinker. Even Joe Fischetti was roped in to offer Public Affairs guidance. Consideration was given to even make Glenn Sulmasy, '88, an honorary member of the class for his efforts in supporting the DC events. The day was huge, memorable, and even more special since it would not have happened, nor would have happened with such a high level of Service dignity and awareness, without the team of classmates. The flood of phone calls and notes from classmates across the U.S. and overseas was yet one more reminder of the friends for life that were created on a hot June morning 22 years ago. Thank you all, and God Bless the Class of 1983.
This time of year is a special time for celebration, reflection, giving thanks, and looking to the future. And so, as we celebrate life, reflect on our relationships, offer praise and make plans for the future, let us do so do so while remembering how the Academy and the Class of '83 have impacted our lives. To you and your families, Jean & I wish the happiest holidays and New Year. Leaders for Change. decided it was time to watch some Coast Guard football. An hour later, was at Cadet Memorial Field cheering on the home team. Life is good when you have a C-3 to commute in. brought along a card signed by nearly everyone at CGHQ and I appreciate the well wishes. That evening, a reception was held on Capitol Hill where a couple of dozen members of Congress came by to visit and thank the Coast Guard for its service. Coast Guard Congressional Liaison


