Memorial/Celebration of Bert's Life
Naval Academy Columbarium
June 6, 2024 at 2pm.

Memorial Tribute to VAdm Bert Calland, United States Naval Academy Class of 1974

The achievements and accolades of this Class far exceed all expectations based on that 29th day of June 1970, when our heads were shaved, everyone was yelling at us and we feared getting tomato paste on a newly issued white uniforms as we struggled during that first lunch in that huge mess hall. 

Since then, Classmates have risen to the top in the military ranks, as well as the civilian ranks, with each graduate contributing to the greatness of this Nation.  Along the way, too many have died, and some died in the line of duty, but as we know, each of us shall one day stand before our Maker.

Recently, we lost a true warrior, a combat veteran and SEAL, a man who flew into the pit of tyranny to seek justice against an evil foe who attacked an unsuspecting sleeping Nation.  VAdm Bert Calland responded immediately to that attack, being the first Flag Officer in Afghanistan.  Life is full of twists and turns, for in answering the immediate call to duty, Bert was unable to attend the memorial service of his Classmate, Company mate and rugby teammate Ken McBrayer, killed that September 11th day in 2001.

Bert was a friend to all of us and over time, Bert sacrificed everything so that we might be free of the evil of radical thoughts and actions.  As have many, Bert chose service over himself, his family and his friends.  He truly understood the oath, which says, …” you solemnly swear that you will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…” 

There is little which we can do to thank Bert for his service, as well as thanking our fallen Classmates who also gave their all militarily and as civilians.  However, there is one thing that is absolute, we must always remember them and share our stories of them with our families and friends.

As many of you know, the Tunnels to Towers (T2T) Foundation builds customized homes for wounded veterans, providing all the latest techniques to create homes in which they can prosper.  In addition, T2T provides homes for families who have lost a parent in the line of duty, so that the surviving spouse can focus on raising the children and maintaining the memory of the fallen.

In discussions with Tunnels to Towers, they will assist in setting up a fundraiser in the name of VAdm Bert Calland, USNA 1974 with a monetary goal of $1,00,000.   T2T will provide charitable donation records for all participants.  Once the goal is achieved, T2T will construct a home in Florida in the name of VAdm Bert Calland, with a plaque placed in the foundation as a visible memorial to our classmate, our friend and our hero. 

I urge each and everyone of you to share this email and contribute to the VAdm Bert Calland USNA 74 foundation.  I urge each and everyone of you to persuade family and friends to contribute as well.

Bert will always be our friend.  We will always remember his smile and when we think of him, we will always be young.

Thank you VAdm Bert Calland, USNA 74….,

John W. Yaeger EdD
National Defense University

Click or scan the above to donate.

For those wishing to make a grant from a Donor Advised Fund or similar here is the T2T contact information:
Full Name: Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Address: 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306
EIN: 02-0554654 
Contact Name and Number: Kathleen Coleman - 347-756-4479