August 2008

Dear Shipmates, 
 

In June I took over as the President of the Greater Washington Chapter from Jerry Farrell ’70.  Your support is needed to ensure our chapter can continue the great work described below.  Please make your tax free donations to our Chapter at our website (http://www.usnaaagwc.org/).  We don’t charge dues, but ask you to make a donation of at least $30.
 

Your donations primarily support the key mission of our chapter, which is the Naval Academy awareness outreach program.  Our Chapter is the largest Naval Academy Alumni Chapter and we use this advantage to support awareness of the Naval Academy to the many potential outstanding candidates in our area.   I have been a Blue & Gold Officer in Northern Virginia for 15 years and know how important this is.  The competition for the young men and women who can qualify for admission to USNA is extremely challenging.  These young people are courted by numerous prestigious educational institutions so it is vital make them aware of the tremendous education and other opportunities afforded by our alma mater. Chapter members are encouraged to attend these events and make donations to support them, which are summarized below. 

1. Our "USNA Open House" in the fall is designed to bring in a large number of potential candidates (total audience with parents ~ 400-500).  The target audience consists of high school sophomores and juniors.  We hold two weekend events at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. to maximize attendance.  It’s a comprehensive program including presentations by USNA Admissions, Blue and Gold Officers, the local parent’s club and Midshipmen.
    
2. A candidate’s luncheon in March is designed to "close the deal" for candidates to whom USNA has extended offers of admission (direct or conditional) to USNA, NAPS, or for a Foundation Scholarship. The timing in March is designed to capture the candidates after USNA send the offers.  The Superintendent or Commandant is the principal speaker for the event.  We host the candidates, one parent and selected high school counselors.
    
3. A candidate awareness briefing in mid-May is designed to reach a smaller audience (~200 parents and students) of high school sophomores and juniors to brief them on the latest information in the admissions process.  This event is typically a reception followed by a presentation from USNA admissions. 

We have some excellent speakers planned for the monthly luncheons that start in September.  General Jack Klimp ‘68, the newly elected USNAAA Board of Trustees Vice Chairman, has agreed to be our first speaker.  Our website (http://www.usnaaagwc.org/) gives you the information on the monthly luncheons and a secure site to make your donations.

Jim Bryant ‘71

President, USNAAA-GWC

We continue to look for ways that the chapter can support the Brigade, as well as looking for ways to include an even broader spectrum of alumni in the Greater Washington D.C. area.  We welcome your thoughts and suggestions and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible!