Another Link in the Chain (ALITC)

As stated in our Reef Points:
Now these are the laws of the Navy,
Unwritten and varied they be;
And he that is wise will observe them,
Going down in his ship to the sea;
On the strength of one link in the cable,
Dependeth the might of the chain.
Who knows when thou mayest be tested?
So live that thou bearest the strain!

Another Link in the Chain (ALITC) has been the newer tradition of linking the USNA Classes to the USNA Class 50 years their junior. Class of 1974 is therefore linked to the in-coming USNA Class of 2024. Coordinated by the USNA Alumni Association, there are a series of events and opportunities for the Class of 1974 to interact with the Class of 2024 throughout their 4-year journey. We will be forwarding notes concerning ways for you to participate and contribute. Because of the current state of affairs here in Annapolis, events of Graduation week have been cancelled and the actual I-Day remains under consideration. However, here is how you can participate NOW!

1) Many of the Parent/Alumni Chapters are scheduling "send-offs" for the Class of 2024, and are asking IF there are Class of 1974 Alumni available to be present. Some of these events are already planned as "virtual." ACTION: Make contact with your local USNA Chapters (Alumni or Parents Group) to see if there are scheduled events that you can support. If yes - please let the Class Officers (and me) know. (The USNA Parent Clubs do not report to the Alumni Assoc, so it might take a couple internet searches to get connected) We are preparing a Class of 1974 ppt that might help tell OUR story. We have already received requests for Class of 1974 to participate in events with: - USNA South Texas Parents Club - USNAA Alamo Chapter - USNA Arizona Parents Club - USNAA Puget Sound - USNAA San Diego

2) When/If I-Day happens this summer; and depending on what restrictions remain in place on that day .. we (Class of 1974) may be asked to participate in a reception for the parents and welcome to the MIDN. ACTION: Request positive RSVPs to attend I-Day reception when dates are confirmed (currently scheduled for Thursday 25 June 2020).

3) If the summer program proceeds to a point of having Parent's Weekend, we may be asked to participate in the event to distribute Honor Coins (shown above) to the Class of 2024. ACTION: Request positive RSVPs to attend Honor Day when dates are confirmed.  Being on staff at USNA, I am listening to the daily conversations concerning the options to get the Class of 2020 graduated, summer training into effect, and the Class of 2024 onboard. Most of these plans are still under consideration, and we will remain flexible and supportive of the mission, as it is laid out by the Superintendent. If you have particular questions, or response to the ACTIONs above, please feel free to contact me.

Thank You

Go Navy!

Doug Rau 747168

ALITC rep (rau@usna.edu)

Class Officers

President: John Yaeger

Vice President: Rusty Yeiser

Treasurer: Earle Babcock

Secretary: Roger McEvoy