Link Report

Background:

In the fall of 2005, VAdm Rodney Rempt, Superintendant USNA, hosted a luncheon for representatives from the Class of 59, the Alumni Association and his staff to discuss the program and its scope for the Class of 2009. Some attendees explained the background of the program as well the available guidance and planned activities. At the conclusion of the lunch, VADM Rempt requested the Class of 59 to provide a report of their activities during the four years of their association with the Class of 09, provide comments as appropriate and develop recomendations for future programs. This report is the response to VAdm Rempt’s request.

Prior to the meeting with VAdm Rempt, Captain Martin J. Finerty, Jr, USN (Ret), the Class of 59 Director for the Link in the Chain program, completed a survey of all prior classes that had participated in the program. Captain Finerty determined that all previous classes (1950 through 1958) found the effort rewarding and that each class had the opportunity to influence the junior class on the traditions and uniqueness of the Academy The Class of 59 decided to focus their effort on attempting to acquaint the junior class of the friendships they would develop among classmates as well as the camaraderie they would find among all graduates.

It was apparent that the program had expanded in scope each year from its beginning. At the time of the meeting with VAdm Rempt, basic guidance for the program was outlined in USNA Instruction 1531.48 of 25 October 2001. The instruction outlines the proposed activities that make up the program by year, the actions and responsibilities of various groups involved, and points of contact for the various events identified. The instruction emphasizes that participation in any activity is at the discretion of the senior class and that wives are invited to participate in most activities.

A budget of about $14,000 was developed to cover the various expected costs to the Class of 59 and funds were solicited from the class. Overall, the Class of 59 contributed more than $14,500 in support of the Link in the Chain program. In addition, 8 class rings and miniatures were donated to the Bonds of Gold program; the donation of the rings was a tax deductible event for these high value items. Two CD's of pictures for all Link Program activites, less graduation, were developed and given to the midhsipmen which were outside the scope of the program. Marine Corps officers from the Class of 59 presented a marmaluke sword to a member of the Class of 09 entering the Marine Corps following graduation during recognition ceremonies.

Plebe year activities:

Activities before I Day

· The first activity was the preparation of a history of the senior class to be included in the Reef Points of the junior class.

· The senior class was expected to contribute to the design of an Honor Coin that will be presented at the Oath Affirmation ceremony and to make a contribution of $1,000 toward the cost of the coin.

I Day

· The senior class participated in the I-day picnic and was expected to make a donation of $2000 toward the overall cost of the event and provide a speaker to make welcoming remarks.

· Class representatives attended and had preferred seating at the swearing in ceremony.

· The Superintendant held a reception to which the senior class was invited.

The activities on I Day provide almost no opportunity for participation with the incoming class but they are extremely worthwhile because the interactions with the parents, relatives and friends of the incoming class are very beneficial.

Plebe Summer

· For the initial parade by the junior class, the senior class was invited to attend and provided a reviewer.

· At the Plebe summer Reaffirmation ceremony, the senior class provided a speaker with special seating for senior class members at the ceremony. Additionally, the senior class passed out the honor coin to the members of the junior class - 15 members permitted one per Plebe summer company.

· As the final event of Plebe summer, a Regimental Dinner was held to which the senior class was invited and provided a speaker.

Plebe Recognition Week

· Senior class members attended Sea Trials and a picnic after Sea Trials with a cost of $4 per Senior Class attendee. Senior class members were escorted to the various sea trials venues by members of the upper classes conducting the trials. This interaction was appreciated by members of the senior class.

· Senior Class members had special seating during the Herndon Monument climb.

· At the recognition ceremony following the Herndon Climb, senior class members passed out the 3rd class anchor insignia to each midshipman - 30 members permitted one per company - as well as provided a speaker for the associated ceremony. A reception following the ceremony was held and attended by all.

Of all events for plebe year, only the Regimental Dinner, the picnic following sea trials and the reception following the recognition ceremony afforded real opportunity for dialog with the junior class. At the picnic, the midshipmen were exhausted and happy to see their parents which restricted interaction between the link classes. The ceremonial participation with the honor coins was much appreciated. The distribution of 3/c insignia at the recognition ceremony was problematic in that it was unclear until the last moment which companies were going to have senior officers at USNA distribute the insignia. Some members of the senior class attended the ceremony expecting to be participants but were not needed.

Between the Herndon climb and the Recognition Ceremony members of the senior class had lunch at the Officer’s and Faculty Club. The Deputy Commandant participated and spoke to us about the Naval Academy. This was greatly appreciated by all who attended,

Youngster year activities;

· A “Bonds of Gold” ceremony was held in Memorial Hall. This provided an opportunity for the donation of rings from Class of 59 members to be melted down and included in the development of rings for the Class of 09. Eight rings or miniatures were donated by the Class of 59. Each ring was given to a member of the Class of 09 by either the donor or a member of the Class of 59 who made appropriate remarks about the donor.

· Youngster Luau. A donation of $1000 was made to support this activity. It was a good opportunity to interact with the Class of 09.

A proposed event in the USNA instruction was not supported by the class. Specifically, attendance at the return from Youngster cruise was proposed. After consulting with prior classes, all advised the event was deemed a poor opportunity to interact with the midshipmen.

The Bonds of Gold ceremony was attended by the President/CEO of the Alumni Association, The Commandant/ Deputy Commandant, a representative from Josten’s and regrettably a very small number of the Class of 09. The event had not been well advertised among the Class of 09 and the Class officers of 09 had not been informed about the event until Captain Finerty contacted them. A list of recommendations for this ceremony was prepared by Captain Finerty and those were implemented for the Classes of 60/10.

One issue was observed at the Youngster Luau. A segregated area was established for this event which was held on Farragut Field for those midshipmen who were over 21 so that beer could be served. In our view, the purpose of these events is to promote class unity and segregation by age seems contrary to this purpose.

Second Class Year Activities:

· The Commitment Dinner in Alumni Hall was the first event of the year. The Class of 59 provided sufficient attendees to place someone in each company area. In addition, the Class of 59 Link Director and a speaker from the class were seated at the head table with the Superintendent, the Commandant, the Academic Dean and the Class of 09 Officers. A reception preceded the event in the Bo Coppage Room.

· The Class of 59 participated in the dinner at which the Class of 09 received their class rings. A reception preceded the dinner in Smoke Hall. Members of the Class of 59 were in most company areas and at the head table. A speaker was provided. Class of 59 members received a printed invitation from the Commandant.

· Seven couples from the Class of 59 participated in the Ring Dance and each received a printed invitation.

The two dinners disclosed some problems that interfered with the opportunity for the classes to engage each other. Receptions before these dinners are simply meeting points where midshipmen are linked up with senior class attendees to escort them to their designated seating areas for the dinner. Conversational opportunity is very limited. Similarly, seating provided in the company areas is generally at the ends of the table. Given the noise levels, conversation is only possible with a few midshipmen. Some members of the Class of 59 found that sitting on the long side of the table provided broader opportunity for conversation. In addition, dinners in the upper class years were followed by liberty for the Class of 09. At the ring distribution dinner many members of the Class of 09 left King Hall before the Class of 59 speaker was introduced. Similar problems were noted at the Assignment Dinner first class year.

First Class year activities:

· The Class of 59 was invited to the Assignment dinner held in King Hall. An email invitation was sent to all prospective attendees. A reception was held in Smoke Hall before the dinner. Seating was by warfare specialty and midshipman hosts met Class of 59 members and escorted them to various tables in the dining area. A speaker was provided by the senior class in addition to remarks by the Commandant.

· Three receptions (2 Battalions each) sponsored by the Alumni Association were held at the Alumni House in February. The purpose of these events was to acquaint the midshipmen with the benefits of being a member of the Association. An email invitation was sent to each midshipman in the name of the Alumni Association and the Class of 1959. At each reception, the Association President/CEO and the Class of 09 President spoke with an additional speaker provided by the Class of 1959. A cake cutting ceremony occurred at each event with the Class of 59 speaker and the Class of 09 President making the initial cut. Additionally, Alumni Association corporate sponsors donated gifts that were raffled off to the midshipmen. Officials of the Association along with representatives from USNA were invited to each reception. These receptions proved to be one of the better opportunities for interaction and conversation between the Classes.

· Color Parade. The Class of 59 was provided special seating at the parade. A email invitation was received by all prospective attendees.

· The Class of 2009 extended an invitation to the Class of 1959 to attend the Farewell Ball. Two couples represented the Class of 59 at the Ball.

· Graduation. Eight members of the Class of 59 presented raincoat bars to the graduates. Cost for the bars was $6420. A card expressing best wishes from the class of 59 to the Class of 09 was included in the box with the bars. Cost for the card was $195.

The Battalion receptions were the first instance of an apparent new outlook on the Link in the Chain program. After the Class of 59 solicited classmates to take part in the events based on tentative dates, Captain Finerty was informed that the opportunity for 59 attendance would be severely curtailed and limited to 5 couples. Although the restrictions were ultimately removed, it was to become clear that broad involvement by the Class of 59 in events with the Class of 09 were no longer going to be consistent with past practices.

The Class of 59 was limited to a maximum of 5 couples at the Color Parade. This is the first time to our knowledge that such a limitation had been imposed. While budgetary constraints might be assumed for the Battalion receptions, the restrictions imposed for the Color parade seemed a clear effort by the Alumni Association or the Naval Academy to discourage participation by the senior class in a Link in the Chain program activity.

The First Class picnic was cancelled. As has been noted picnics have been among the best opportunities for interaction and conversation between members of the two classes. Money ($2500) had been requested and raised for this event by the Class of 59.

The Alumni Association ordered 1050 raincoat bars for distribution at graduation. The devices were ordered and engraved rather than the collar devices that have been used in the begining. Additionally the Alumni Association ordered an insufficient quantity for the number of expected graduates in the Class of 09. After Captain Finerty pointed out the number of people in the Class of 2009 to the Alumni Association, an additional 20 sets of engraved devices were ordered. The alumni association also ordered the card that went with the bars.

The Class of 59 attendance at graduation was limited to the 8 members who presented the engraved raincoat bars to the graduating class with wives. A special thanks is extended to MGen. Terry Murray, USMC, (Ret), COO of the Alumni Association for making arrangements that permitted additional members of the class to attend the graduation ceremony. In 2006 the number of presenters was increased to 10, but for the Class of 59 it was reduced to 8. Previously, beyond the presenters, the senior class had been afforded special seating for up to 25 couples every year since the inception of the tradition including the years when the President was the speaker. Limiting participation was an embarrassment to the Class of 59 and an insult to the Class of 2009. Friendships developed over four years were strained because senior class members were denied attendance at the graduation and could not say farewell.

The sum of these restrictions imposed on the Class of 1959 in particular and on the Link in the Chain tradition in general is the basis for the conclusion that the Naval Academy and the Alumni Association have decreased emphasis in the program. The Classes of 60 and 61 were not invited to participate in the number of events that the Class of 59 enjoyed with 09. Aditionally, the Class of 63 will be limited in the number of attendees permitted to attend the I-day picnic. The enthusiasm demonstrated by both the Academy and the Association before the Class of 2009 reported appears to have diminished. The Class of 59 will complete its commitment to the program and more importantly show our respect for the Class of 2009 by the presentation of bars at the delayed graduations and with the issuance of this report. We believe that many members of the Class of 2009 have appreciated their involvement with us as much we have appreciated our involvement with them. However, considering the issues and limitations imposed during the Color parade and graduation, the delayed graduation presentation will be done with problematic apprehension considering the appalling disharmony created during these earlier events - the lack of courtesy and professionalism will be ignored, but will be reported to the follow-on link class Link Directors.

General Observations.

The program is a worthwhile endeavor. Personnel changes made keeping all informed and knowledgeable of activities difficult. During the four year period, three individuals at the Alumni Association held the job of Link Director; three Commandants were indoctrinated, two Superintendents brought their focus to the program, two CEO/President's of the Alumni Association were in place, and three officer representatives for the Class of 09 were assigned. And at the Alumni Association, several individuals other than the Link Director actually directed some activities. The only constants were the Class of 59 Link Director and after 3rd Class year, the President of the Class of 09.

The USNA instruction that describes the program is out of date and essentially worthless. Contact with the prior classes Link Directors indicated that a strong leader would be necessary to serve our class because of limited support from the Alumni Association. That recommendation proved to be true with three exceptions. MGen Terry Murray, USMC (Ret), was a problem solver and decision maker. Ms. Debbi Latta took pictures at most events and always insured that the senior link class was included. Ms. Eileen Proulx displayed enthusiasm and dedication for all activities. It is a pleasure to recogniz all and offer our commendation. The responsibilities assigned to be conducted by the Alumni Association are not being completed. Specifically, guidance concerning upcoming events is generally not provided as required and specified in the USNA instruction and notifications usually are made with limited time to organize support among the senior class. In some instances false information was actually provided by the Alumni Association representatives. Provision of correct and timely information to the senior class Link Director is poor and communication is lacking. A classic example of the communication problem can be found at appendix A. This list of activitives was the guide which the Class of 59 Link Director used to solicit support for planned events. When the issue over attendance at the graduation was raised, the Alumni Association informed Captain Finerty that the guide was superceded and no longer valid. No one ever told the senior class Link Directors this document was voided. The issues associated with the color parade and graduation indicated that acknowledged precedent and established procedures are ignored without any notification to the senior link class. Credibility of the program officials managing this effort is becoming a matter of concern among some senior class Link Directors.

Knowledge of upcoming activities was gained from the President of the Class of 09, the administration at USNA and the Alumni Association.

Who is charge of and running this program is unclear, althought it was initiated by the Alumni Association after being proposed by RAdm. Roy Snyder, USN (Ret), Class of 50. Attendance at various events seems to be arbitrarily determined by someone at the Alumni Association. In some instances, the number of attendees was increased after complaints were made to a senior Association official, indicating that the individual who makes the initial assignment seems to be a low-ranking person in the organization. It is an insult to the senior class members who have donated money and devoted time over the four year period to be excluded from supporting the program. Restrictions and inconsistencies in the number of senior class members who can attend various events are a problem. Members of the Class of 59 from all over the country contributed money, class rings and countless hours of time to this endeavor. Some members have indicated they would not have made contributions of money and time if they had known limitations would have been imposed for participation at some events. Without the dedicated support from the senior link class, this program will fail and some senior class Link Directors are becoming frustrated over the management. In short, the administration of the program is poor.

At the request of the Class of 60 Link Drector, after each activity, procedures on what went well and identified problem areas were passed on. When the Classes of 61 and 62 initiated their support, the reports were expanded to include them also - which they now request. The reports now include the Class of 63 at their Link Directors request. The Class of 64 Link Director has recently requested information also. Regrettably, a feed back concerning successes/problems has never been sought by anyone althought Captain Finerty has requested such an exchange be initiated and conducted by the Alumni Association.

Overall cost for the program to the senior class was budgeted at $13,155.00 However the first class picnic was not held which reduced the cost to $10,615.00 Additionally, two CD ROM's with pictures covering all activities less graduation were provided to the Class of 09. This was an extra activity developed by the Class of 59 and was outside the scope of the proposed activities of the program at a cost of $3500. The presentation of the marmaluke sword was also outside the scope of the program at a cost of $500. Those expenses increased the overall cost to a approximate total of more than $14,500 to the Class of 59.

Recommendations:

1. The program is worthwhile and should be continued.

2 Update the USNA instruction concerning this program; establish a purpose with specific objectives - currently there are none other than participation

in various events. Eliminate participation in the return from the Youngster cruise and the post Sea Trials picnic.

3. Develop a feedback procedure to identify successes/problems.

4. Initiate a "lessons learned" pass-down-the line report to be provided to each class Link Director maintained at the Alumni Association.

5. Designate someone at USNA as a primary point of contact. Captain Finerty worked with several folks but always kept the Commandants office

informed.

6. Identify who is in charge of the program.

7. Advise the class Link Director in a timely manner of upcoming events.

8. Clearly identify which activities will have an invitation sent as this activity requires the lists of attendees to be provided several weeks in advance.

9. Identify what information is needed on the list of potential attendees for any event; sometimes an email is needed and other times it is not.

10.Eliminate the serving of beer at the Youngster Luau.

11.Have the Alumni Association order the card that goes with the bars given at graduation the same time the bars are ordered.

12.Have unlimited senior class attendance at all activities, especially the graduation ceremony.

13.Establish a standard number of presenters to give out the bars at graduation - the more the better.

14.Return to the practice of giving collar device bars at graduation as originally proposed and done by the Class of 50..

15.Designate a senior class seating section someplace in the stadium during graduation.