News, Events & More
– USNA ’89 Beat SMU Tailgater!
Posted: 11/9/2017
Join the Class of ’89 as Navy takes on SMU for our last home game of the season! No 25th Company this time, so we won’t be setting up the big tent, but we’ll be have everything else!
Kickoff is at 1530 on Saturday, November 11, so start coming by around 1230 or so to enjoy the day! We’ll be there an hour or so after the game as well!
We’ll bring the beer, wine, coffee, water, soft drinks, infrastructure, etc. (donations appreciated!!) If you would like to bring a dish to share, please sign up here to let others know what you’re bringing (for coordination purposes). You don’t need to sign up to bring up anything, and…You DO NOT need to bring a dish or anything to attend!!!!!
Stuff to know:
- No need to register like in previous years since we no longer need to plan for food (we’ll always have plenty of drinks)
- We will not be proactively asking for donations, but since the class fund never buys consumables (beer, napkins, gas, etc.) or equipment (apart from the tent and part of the trailer), nor does it pay for repairs/maintenance, we appreciate you offering a few bucks when you come to help us keep doing this.
- Our big grill, chafing trays, and 7000W of power are at your disposal! Crock pots, microwave, blender, hot plates, grilling a bunch of sausages, steaks – whatever! Just let us know in advance if you have some special preparation needs (we don’t bring crock pots, blenders, hot plates) so we can plan accordingly.
- If you have a bunch of food to drop off, but no parking pass, you can pull over behind our tailgater (most folks do it on Linden Ave.) and just drop things off – we’ll send people over to grab your stuff!
- BRINGING FOOD OR MONEY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE!!!! Just come – YOU being there is way more important than anything else. I can’t stress this strongly enough – please do not say. “We can’t go to the ‘89 tailgater because we didn’t bring anything and we don’t have any cash to help pay for the beer.” It’s not a party without you.
DETAILS:
WHO CAN COME: Everyone and anyone! The more the merrier! Invite co-workers, neighbors, clients, grads from other classes, even whoops! it doesn’t matter!
HOW IT WORKS: We’ll bring adult beverages, soft drinks, tents, tables, chairs, music – everything. Please bring some food to share, or just bring yourself!!!
LOCATION: This map shows where we are (Spot 31): http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/navy/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2016-17/misc_non_event/map-and-assignments.pdf. It also gives you the location of all the other tailgates! Use it to find friends from other classes!
PARKING: Click here to get to the fan / parking guide: http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/16-gameday-guide.html?_ga=2.239135043.1365778718.1504544461-1597329709.1504544461 . If you have a parking pass, you’ll need to come in Gate 3A if you want to park close to us. This guidance is not applicable for Admiral’s Row parking.
OTHER QUESTIONS: Call me/Text me at 443-744-1059 or e-mail me at igrev@1989.usna.com. During game day, it can be difficult for me to hear / feel the phone ringing, but keep trying! Texting is definitely most effective on game day.
Go Navy! Beat SMU!
Ingar
– Beat UCF Tailgater 2017
Posted: 10/20/2017
Join the Class of ’89 and 25th Company as Navy takes on undefeated UCF this Saturday!
Kickoff is at 1530 on Saturday, October 21, so start coming by around 1230 or so to enjoy the day! We’ll be there an hour or so after the game as well!
We’ll bring the beer, wine, coffee, water, soft drinks, infrastructure, etc. (donations appreciated!!) If you would like to bring a dish to share, please sign up here to let others know what you’re bringing (for coordination purposes). You don’t need to sign up to bring up anything, and…You DO NOT need to bring a dish or anything to attend!!!!!
Stuff to know:
- No need to register like in previous years since we no longer need to plan for food (we’ll always have plenty of drinks)
- We will not be proactively asking for donations, but since the class fund never buys consumables (beer, napkins, gas, etc.) or equipment (apart from the tent and part of the trailer), nor does it pay for repairs/maintenance, we appreciate you offering a few bucks when you come to help us keep doing this.
- Our big grill, chafing trays, and 7000W of power are at your disposal! Crock pots, microwave, blender, hot plates, grilling a bunch of sausages, steaks – whatever! Just let us know in advance if you have some special preparation needs (we don’t bring crock pots, blenders, hot plates) so we can plan accordingly.
- If you have a bunch of food to drop off, but no parking pass, you can pull over behind our tailgater (most folks do it on Linden Ave.) and just drop things off – we’ll send people over to grab your stuff!
- BRINGING FOOD OR MONEY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE!!!! Just come – YOU being there is way more important than anything else. I can’t stress this strongly enough – please do not say. “We can’t go to the ‘89 tailgater because we didn’t bring anything and we don’t have any cash to help pay for the beer.” It’s not a party without you.
WHO CAN COME: Everyone and anyone! The more the merrier! Invite co-workers, neighbors, clients, grads from other classes, even whoops! it doesn’t matter!
HOW IT WORKS: We’ll bring adult beverages, soft drinks, tents, tables, chairs, music – everything. Please bring some food to share, or just bring yourself!!!
LOCATION: This map shows where we are (Spot 31). It also gives you the location of all the other tailgates! Use it to find friends from other classes!
PARKING: Click here to get to the fan / parking guide. If you have a parking pass, you’ll need to come in Gate 3A if you want to park close to us. This guidance is not applicable for Admiral’s Row parking.
OTHER QUESTIONS: Call me/Text me at 443-744-1059 or e-mail me at igrev@1989.usna.com. During game day, it can be difficult for me to hear / feel the phone ringing, but keep trying! Texting is definitely most effective on game day.
Go Navy! Beat UCF!
Ingar
– USNA ’89 Beat Cincinnati Tailgater 2017
Posted: 9/21/2017
Join the Class of ’89 and 25th Company as Navy takes on the Cincinnati Bearcats for the first time in 61 years, in our second home game and our second American Athletic Conference matchup this season!
Kickoff is at 1530 on Saturday, September 23, so start coming by around 1230 or so to enjoy the day! We’ll be there an hour or so after the game as well!
We’ll bring the beer, wine, coffee, water, soft drinks, infrastructure, etc. (donations appreciated!!) If you would like to bring a dish to share, please sign up here to let others know what you’re bringing (for coordination purposes). You don’t need to sign up to bring up anything, and…YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING A DISH OR ANYTHING TO ATTEND!!!!!
Stuff to know:
- No need to register like in previous years since we no longer need to plan for food (we’ll always have plenty of drinks).
- Since the class fund never buys consumables (beer, napkins, gas, etc.) or equipment (apart from the tent and part of the trailer), nor does it pay for repairs/maintenance, we appreciate you offering a few bucks when you come to help us keep doing this.
- Our big grill, chafing trays, and 7000W of power are at your disposal! Crock pots, microwave, blender, hot plates, grilling a bunch of sausages, steaks – whatever! Just let us know in advance if you have some special preparation needs (we don’t bring crock pots, blenders, hot plates) so we can plan accordingly.
- If you have a bunch of food to drop off, but no parking pass, you can pull over behind our tailgater (most folks do it on Linden Ave.) and just drop things off – we’ll send people over to grab your stuff!
- BRINGING FOOD OR MONEY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE!!!!. Just come – YOU being there is way more important than anything else. I can’t stress this strongly enough – please do not say. “We can’t go to the 89 tailgater because we didn’t bring anything and we don’t have any cash to help pay for the beer.” It’s not a party without you.
Like throwing a party? Our tailgater menu has always been coordinated by someone other than me (spouses, classmates, CAPT Kevin Brown and Andy Caufield last season), so if throwing a big party is your passion and you’d like to coordinate our tailgaters, please just let me know! If you want to do the whole thing yourself, we can do a registration. If you want to coordinate what everyone brings, we’ll help you out!
DETAILS FOR CINCINNATI:
WHO CAN COME: Everyone and anyone! The more the merrier! Invite co-workers, neighbors, clients, grads from other classes, even whoops! it doesn’t matter!
HOW IT WORKS: We’ll bring adult beverages, softdrinks, tents, tables, chairs, music – everything. Please bring some food to share, or just bring yourself!!!
LOCATION: This map shows where we are (Spot 31). It also gives you the location of all the other tailgates! Use it to find friends from other classes!
PARKING: Click here to get to the fan / parking guide. If you have a parking pass, you’ll need to come in Gate 3A if you want to park close to us. This guidance is not applicable for Admiral’s Row parking.
OTHER QUESTIONS: Call me/Text me at 443-744-1059 or e-mail me at igrev@1989.usna.com. During game day, it can be difficult for me to hear / feel the phone ringing, but keep trying! Texting is definitely most effective on game day.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Let me know at igrev@1989.usna.com!
Go Navy! Beat Cincinnati!
Ingar
– Beat Tulane Tailgater!
Posted: 9/4/2017
Join the Class of ’89 and 25th Company as Navy takes on the Tulane Green Wave in our first home game and our first step towards winning the American Athletic Conference West Division!
Kickoff is at 1530 on Saturday, September 9, so start coming by around 1230 or so to enjoy the day! We’ll be there an hour or so after the game as well!
Minor Format Change (doesn’t apply to Army)
For the last 12 years or so – ever since the parking situation changed at Navy Football games (only season parking passes are sold, no more drive-ups for individual games), we have delivered both food and drink to make things easier for everyone to join us (just bring yourself!). To help us plan, we asked folks to register so that we could buy enough food, and we proactively asked for donations to pay for food, drink, propane, gas, upkeep, registration, insurance, etc
This season we are going to go back to the traditional “potluck” approach to tailgating, but we will still bring kegs, wine, water, soft drinks, and all the equipment. We will also be bringing along burgers and dogs just in case. The big differences will be:
- We will not be asking you to register since we no longer need to plan for food (we’ll always have plenty of drinks)
- We will not be proactively asking for donations, but since the class fund never buys consumables (beer, napkins, gas, etc.) or equipment (apart from the tent and part of the trailer), nor does it pay for repairs/maintenance, we appreciate you offering a few bucks when you come to help us keep doing this.
- Our big grill, chafing trays, and 7000W of power are at your disposal! Crock pots, microwave, blender, hot plates, grilling a bunch of sausages, steaks – whatever! Just let us know in advance if you have some special preparation needs (we don’t bring crock pots, blenders, hot plates) so we can plan accordingly.
- If you have a bunch of food to drop off, but no parking pass, you can pull over behind our tailgater (most folks do it on Linden Ave.) and just drop things off – we’ll send people over to grab your stuff!
- BRINGING FOOD OR MONEY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR ATTENDANCE!!!!. Just come – YOU being there is way more important than anything else. I can’t stress this strongly enough – please do not say. “We can’t go to the 89 tailgater because we didn’t bring anything and we don’t have any cash to help pay for the beer.” It’s not a party without you.
Like throwing a party? Our tailgater menu has always been coordinated by someone other than me (spouses, classmates, CAPT Kevin Brown and Andy Caufield last season), so if throwing a big party is your passion and you’d like to coordinate our tailgaters, please just let me know! If you want to do the whole thing yourself, we can do a registration. If you want to coordinate what everyone brings, we’ll help you out!
DETAILS FOR TULANE:
WHO CAN COME: Everyone and anyone! The more the merrier! Invite co-workers, neighbors, clients, grads from other classes, even whoops! it doesn’t matter!
HOW IT WORKS: We’ll bring adult beverages, softdrinks, tents, tables, chairs, music – everything. Please bring some food to share, or just bring yourself!!!
LOCATION: This map shows where we are (Spot 31) and gives you the location of all the other tailgates! Use it to find friends from other classes!
PARKING: Click here to get to the fan / parking guide. If you have a parking pass, you’ll need to come in Gate 3A if you want to park close to us. This guidance is not applicable for Admiral’s Row parking.
OTHER QUESTIONS: Call me/Text me at 443-744-1059 or e-mail me at igrev@1989.usna.com. During game day, it can be difficult for me to hear / feel the phone ringing, but keep trying! Texting is definitely most effective on game day.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Let me know at igrev@1989.usna.com!
Go Navy! Beat the Green Wave!
Ingar
– Summer ’17 Update
Posted: 8/27/2017
Stay informed – Keep in Touch!
Keep in Touch!
Make sure your information is up-to-date with the Alumni Association! Click here, login, and click on “MY ACCOUNT.” Then, scroll down to “Update Your Profile” and make sure everything is correct! The easiest way for us to keep in touch with you is through e-mail, and please make sure that “Do not e-mail” is set at “No.” For career / business networking, consider checking your iSABRD (Service Academy Business Resource Directory) account while you’re at it. If you don’t have an iSABRD account, consider setting one up for a small fee ($40/year at last check); it’s a great way to network with grads from all the other federal service academies, including the Royal Military College of Canada.
RADM Tim Gallaudet ’89 Nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere
From Science News, dated September 1, 2017 (click to read the original article)
Gallaudet, a 32-year Navy veteran, has also served as commander of the Navy’s Meteorology and Oceanography Command. According to his White House biography:
Gallaudet has had experience in weather and ocean forecasting, hydrographic surveying, developing policy and plans to counter illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, and assessing the national security impacts of climate change. Dr. Gallaudet has led teams of Navy Sailors and civilians performing such diverse functions as overseeing aircraft carrier combat operations, planning and conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts, assisting Navy SEAL Teams during high visibility counter-terrorism operations, and developing the Navy’s annual $52 billion information technology, cyber security, and intelligence budget. Dr. Gallaudet holds a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and masters and doctoral degrees from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, all in oceanography.
Class Gift:
Thank you to all of who have participated in our 30-year class gift so far. We are doing very well in the categories of Athletics and the Annual Fund, but could use more support in our primary objective of supporting the Cyber Center. 19% of our classmates have contributed so far, and It would be great to achieve 89% participation. Please consider a gift of $89.00, either per quarter, per year, or even just a one time gift. Click here for a recent update and to get information on how to donate!
30th Reunion (October 24-27, 2019):
Remember to save the date! The reunion committee has been formed and we have locked in Homecoming for our reunion. More information about the schedule of events will be published soon!
Tailgaters:
One of the best ways to see classmates is at our class tailgater! If you are in/near USNA for any home football games, please stop in and visit! Many classmates who come to our tailgaters don’t even go to the game! Just come hang out! Volunteers and ideas are always appreciated and needed! Keep up to date with tailgater gouge by signing up for our listserver, by joining our Facebook or Linkedin group, or following us on Twitter!
By-Laws Update:
Late last year, we asked for volunteers to help us update our by-laws in an effort to check how our bylaws stack up against best practices and suggest appropriate changes. Jay Bitting and Cathy Masar took the bull by the horns and devoted a great deal of time reviewing multiple classes’ by-laws, interviewing many grads (including current and former class officers from different classes), and consulting with the Alumni Association to assemble an outstanding draft. While the process is still ongoing, the following is a rough summary of the next steps;
- Class Officers will complete their review of the draft by-laws,
- A “Final” version will be presented to the class for discussion, corrections, proposed changes,
- The class will vote on approving the new by-laws.
One big change (if approved by the class) is a change in the terms and make-up of the Class Officers. The changes would require an election soon after approval, so please start thinking of serving your class as an officer. Our class organization benefits from having new and diverse volunteers: different services, communities, geographical locations, backgrounds, gender, industries, service lengths, etc.
Class Representation at Funerals/Memorial Services:
After the recent death of our classmate John McGrew, John’s family was very grateful for the ’89 attendance at his memorial service. We determined that it would be a great idea if we can coordinate class representation (anyone from our class) at every classmate’s funeral or memorial service – for as long as it is practical.
Last Person Serving:
We have initiated a program to honor those still serving. At each reunion, the class will recognize our classmates that continue to serve in our military. When the time comes, the last remaining serving classmate (continuous active duty service) will be honored with the “Last Person Serving” designation.
NAPS Reunion:
While several NAPSTERS were in Newport to attend Captain Derric Turner’s Change of Command, we discussed a NAPS85 reunion. If you have any thoughts about this, please let us know! Whatever we do, we will ensure that it does not interfere or compete with our 5 year reunion. We’re currently thinking of two different approaches:
- Hold the NAPS reunion in Newport of a non-5 year reunion year, or
- Have the NAPS reunion on the Thursday night prior to our 5 year reunion.
The most valuable input is knowing which you prefer and the likelihood of you attending. Monica (Holland) Ropiak and Brian Caldwell will receive your comments at NAPSreunion@USNA89.com.
Captain Derric Turner’s Change of Command:
On 23Jun2017, 6 teammates from the greatest NAPS basketball team ever, Derric’s parents, Stephanie’s parents, several other classmates, and many friends attended Derric’s CoC ceremony in Newport, RI. Derric completed his CO tour at the Center for Service and Support. Derric’s speech was insightful, meaningful, touching, and had all of the attendees rolling in laughter. We think Derric may someday have a second career as a stand-up comic. Stephanie and Derric are stationed in San Diego and are expecting their first child in early fall. Congratulations Derric –We love you!!!
Derric Turner’s Change of Command
Captain Derric Turner’s CoC
(Left to Right): Mike Ropiak (89-2),Brian Caldwell ’89, Captain Doug Noble ’89, Monica (Holland) Ropiak ’89, Jim Maxfield ’89, Chuck Bailey ’89, Stephanie Turner, Captain Derric Turner ’89, Lou Major NAPS ’85 and USMMA ’89, Dan Smalley ’89, Rich Brennan ’89, and Marie Bailey
Greatest NAPS basketball team ever
NAPS 85 Basketball Team
(Left to Right): Brian Caldwell ’89, Monica (Holland) Ropiak ’89, Captain Derric Turner ’89, Lou Major NAPS ’85 and USMMA ’89, Dan Smalley ’89, and Rich Brennan ’89
3rd Photo: Derric and Stephanie Turner relaxing after the CoC
Death of a classmate – Mark Takai ’89 (non-grad)
Posted: 7/14/2017
We just picked up on this news about a year late:
Mark Takai, Hawaii Democrat serving first term in Congress, dies at 49
By Emily Langer
July 20, 2016
The Washington Post
U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, a Hawaii Democrat who was a longtime member of his state’s legislature and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and who was serving his first term in the House of Representatives, died July 20 at his home in Honolulu. He was 49.
The cause was pancreatic cancer, said his chief of staff, Rod Tanonaka. Rep. Takai’s illness was diagnosed in October, and he announced in May, after learning the cancer had spread, that he would not seek reelection in 2016.
Rep. Takai served in the Hawaii state house for 20 years before his election in 2014 to Congress, where he represented a district that included Honolulu and the surrounding area. The seat had been vacated by Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who that year unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
Rep. Takai won with 52 percent of the vote to the 48 percent garnered by Republican Charles Djou, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan who served briefly in Congress after a special election in 2010. During the campaign, the candidates debated the role of the United States in the conflicts in Syria and elsewhere.
“The war in the Middle East from my perspective is really not our war,” said Rep. Takai, who served in the Hawaii Army National Guard and was deployed as a medical officer in the region in 2009. “This is centuries in the making; these conflicts began when time began.”
In the House, Rep. Takai served on the Armed Services and Small Business committees. Among his legislative efforts, according to the Almanac of American Politics, was a bill to help Filipino veterans of World War II reunite with their families.
Kyle Mark Takai was born in Honolulu on July 1, 1967. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1990 and a master of public health degree three years later, both from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he was a champion swimmer.
Rep. Takai ran an insurance brokerage and consultancy. He was elected in 1994 to the state house, where he rose to vice speaker, and had been a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard since 1999.
Survivors include his wife, the former Sami Kai of Honolulu; two children, Matthew Takai and Kaila Takai, also of Honolulu; his parents, Erik Takai and Naomi Takai, both of Waipahu, Hawaii; a brother; and two sisters.
In the News: President Trump nominates Paul Dabbar ’89 for DOE science undersecretary
Congratulations, Paul!
President Donald Trump has nominated Paul Dabbar ’89, an investment banker with J.P. Morgan Chase in New York City, to be the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) undersecretary for science.
If confirmed by the Senate, Dabbar would succeed Franklin “Lynn” Orr in the post. Orr left the post this past January.
According to a White House statement released today, “Dabbar is Managing Director for Mergers & Acquisitions for J.P. Morgan, and has over $400 billion in investment experience across all energy sectors including solar, wind, geothermal, distributed-generation, utility, LNG, pipeline, oil & gas, trading, energy technology, and has also led the majority of all nuclear transactions.”
Read the rest at the Science News
Mids Cyber Competition Victory!
Posted: 4/19/2017
CDX Trophy
Classmates:
Hope all are having a good Spring.
As you all know, our class project (where our fundraising is going well) in part funds the Cyber competitions for the mids to allow them gain a broader experience to Cyber outside the walls of the Yard
This last week, the mids competed in the NSA Cyber Defense Exercise, for students from the US service academies and from the Canadian Military College
Once again, under the strong leadership of our classmate Paul Tortora, our team won the competition!
Learn more at the following links.
https://www.nsa.gov/news-features/news-stories/2017/2017-cdx-summary.shtml
Paul Dabbar ’89, Class Gift Chairman
25th Company Dining Out
Posted: 4/9/2017
The registration for the 25th Company Dining Out is finally live! Well, sort-of. You have to wait for Monday, April 10th when it officially opens, but here are the details for the 25th Company Dining Out:
Price: $55 per person
Register: Call MWF during working hours (I’m guessing 0900-1600, M-F) at (410) 293-8497.
No change to the date, time or location:
Date/Time: April 21st, 1800-2200
Where: DoubleTree Hotel in Annapolis (where the Holiday Inn used to be).
Beat Army!
Ingar
Class Vote to Authorize 30th Reunion Funds
Posted: 3/28/2017
UPDATE (4/18/17): Thanks for voting! The measure passed 251-0 to authorize the spending of class funds for the 30th reunion as directed by the Class Officers, including those amounts over $1,000.
30th Reunion planning has officially kicked off! We have a newly formed reunion committee with Chris Owens as the acting chair. The committee will communicate tentative reunion plans in the next few months so you can “save the date.”
In accordance with our class bylaws, we need class authorization to spend monies in excess of $1,000. We need this authorization to pay deposits and pay our vendors. The vote details are below (and at the voting site); cast your VOTE HERE.
The vote closes at midnight PDT on April 11th.
VOTE:
This is a vote to authorize USNA 89 class funds to be spent for the Class of 1989 30th reunion as directed by the Class Officers, including those amounts over $1,000.
The reunion committee will present a budget to the Class Officers for approval prior to obligating any class funds. Once approved, the reunion committee will be authorized to make day to day decisions within the constraints of the latest approved budget.
Prior to the reunion, current class funds may be obligated for items to include, but not limited to: deposits, caterers, venue sites, SWAG, memorial services, photographers, DJ’s etc. These funds will come from the current balance but will eventually be paid back with reunion registration fees.
The goal is for the reunion to be financed entirely from event registration fees. It is not our intention to raise additional funds to be retained by the class fund. This approach should keep event costs as low as possible, however there is a slight risk that current class funds may be required to cover shortfalls caused by significantly lower than planned attendance. This risk is largely mitigated by careful budgeting, proactive communication, early registration, and late stage contract modifications. Additionally we have access to up to date historical reunion data provided by the Alumni Association.
All of the major reunion contracts will include a force majeure clause that may be invoked in the event that the reunion is cancelled by some major circumstances beyond our ability to control.
Please cast your vote here: VOTE HERE.
Beat Army!
Ingar Grev
