USNA 1959 Home Page
59th Reunion Survey Comments

This page faciliitates access to each 59th Reunion Comments from the 59th Reunion Survey. As time permits, all comments may be classified, as to Events, Cost, Hotels, etc. For now, only All Comments are shown. Both "Few Words" and "Final Comments" on the same row are from the same reviewer.

Survey Results

'59 Reunion Survey Comments (randamonized
'59 Reunion Comments - All Comments
(last update: 12/31/2018)
Few Words Comment
Final Comments
Good reunion. Expensive. Good to see many classmates. Disappointed that more company classmates could not/did not attend. Reunion committee did a great job. Thanks
We were limited in what a 60th reunion would have provided like a P-rade, meal with the Brigade, football game with march-on and fly-over and an opportunity to hear the Superintendent in person, etc.� Check the schedule of events for the Class of '58 60th. I would attend an actual 60th Class Reunion if offered next year, even if only a few came, because I like the opportunity for the Academy to acknowledge its senior classes by having a P-rade in our honor where the Class President is allowed to review the Brigade.� I checked what '58 did this year including a formal event, P-rade, sail, football game, meeting with the Sup and breakfast with the Mids and I realized by not conforming to the long established USNA norms that we gave up a beautiful opportunity.� I see no reason why we still cannot do it next year.� I am sure that some of us could help out (we do have phones and electronic devices).� Don't get me wrong, you all threw a fantastic party, but it sounds as if some of the stalwarts are tired of the work it takes (lots of talk about this one being the last one, etc.)� I am guessing that we could also stay in downtown Annapolis (that was part of our experience in 1955 to 1959).
Hotel much less than in town. Too bad competition in town sent us to the boondocks
Reunion was very well organized. Classmates seem to be eager to spend time together. Perhaps waiting 6 years for the next reunion at our ages is too long! |
An opportunity to catch up with many old friends.� I was very sorry I missed out on the virtual tour and the update presentation. I was disappointed that there wasn't a home ball game.� I was surprised so few went to the Sunday brunch. My wife's health is very poor and I doubt I will be able to make such a a trip in five years.
Would have preferred hotel much closer to central city and USNA� Tailgate was a bit expensive for beer/wine and �okay� food.
I was very pleased at the KIND WORDS of many classmates concerning the Memorial Service on Friday.I truly believe that the food at the Farewell Brunch was outstanding, especially the BEEF!!!!!! THanks to the CLUB should be OFFICIAL from the Reunion Committee.
Too many classmates did not attend.� Is there some incentive program to provide a swift kick (money, discount,priority in getting your (or company report) printed (plus maybe a photo?).� Subsidize a one time discount at Mid Store if one attends Reunion.� The� store seems to be one of the hilites for attendees. Thanks for all those who worked hard to make this a very good Reunion.� Let the early sign ups have first choice of providing a 5 min personal brief or submit one for a 59erFootnotes.� Get this done as part of the Leadership Brief.� This sharing helps to give all classmates some hilites.� That helps keep our class closer (and widows as well.
It was well planned and communication was excellent. It was very convenient and comfortable to get to all events. I think if we have a 65th it should also be on a non football weekend. Watching the game on TV and the comfortable facility was an excellent idea. It allowed us to enjoy the game and socialize(which is hard to do in the stadium). I thoroughly enjoyed that experience. In addition we didn�t have to fight the crowds as is the case on football weekends. Well done, Tom Lukish
Tom Lukish's speech at the Memorial Service was outstanding and very moving. Too bad we lost the football game.
Low pressure. Innovative (my view) arrangement for the Saturday buffet plenty to eat/ drink. company leader did a great job of informing classmates. Had a medical issue that reduced my participation so My views are limited. Very grateful for the work of the committee.
Good time was had by all-too bad its the last one
Appropriate events well scheduled and well executed. Please pass along our thanks to all who contributed to this very successful reunion. Pete, Thanks to you & all the committee members for all their hard work over all these years. Dave Dyke
For me, the reunion was so much fun.� The tailgate in the N StarRoom was so very well done - the food and service were outstanding. It was so pleasant to be able to visit with classmates in such a pleasant environment. The entire weekend exceeded my expectations. BZ!!
All outstanding. The committee deserves special thanks and kudos. They thought of every detail and achieved perfection. The individual highlight was the� address� given by Tom Lukish. Never heard better. Tears even thinking about it. So many thanks to each of you for the memories.
Jan & I both felt that the reunion was planned & executed in a fantastic manner.- Suggest: (1) Schedule the 1st. night as a Reunion �meet & greet� event to kick off the weekend. (2) Schedule the reunion over a football home game weekend....early in the fall(Sept).....with class seating in the first few rows for us old guys & gals. |
The Reunion Committee did a great job. If I did not have a good time ,it was my fault.
Hotel too far out of town. Hotel too far out. Not sure if I previously submitted a response
59th reunion was a good idea. Do not believe I would consider attending a 65th reunion, but might reconsider six years from now.
Good reunion. KUDOs to all that helped with details. Thank you to the reunion committee.
Very well organized with great transportation/access� to all events and the yard.� I heard rumors that this was our last.� We need another just like this one.� And several more.
Thanks to all who worked so hard to put it together!
Based on the pre-event information I got what was described. I WOULD LIKE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO INTERACT WITH OTHERS BESIDE MY COMPANY AND/OR BATTALION.
Did not know boat show was same weekend. Tail gate very pricey. Missed not having real football game. Good Hotel, but bar pricey. We should have a free beer or wine upon check in for our paid registration. Appreciate the work the committe did to host. Excellent bus service. Company parties should have been paid via registration. Whole event is too high a cost for many to attend. What ever happened to having a noon meal in Bancroft Hall. 4th company folks had trouble finding the company dinner location. Need ore mixers other than hotel loby. Thanks for good Wx.
Would have Annapolis Events handle major work on 65th if we have it. They were a big help with our registration this year.
This reunion was very nicely planned to fit the age group involved (over 80).We regret, my wife's health issues prevented our full participation in all the activities during the Reunion! 'Bravo Zulu' to the Stout's support for this delightful affair. Thanks.
I do not approve of scheduling the reunion�when there is no home football game. If you live any distance from Annapolis you can�t� get to Annapolis� just anytime. So for us� we can arrange a trip if scheduled far enough� in advance., but maybe not a second trip and then would miss seeing a home game if the reunion is on an off week. I don�t think we will consider attending another reunion scheduled� w/o a football game.
Perfect venue. Great food. Perfect timing. Good show all around!
Great in all respects.� Well done to all who planned and executed it.
My wife and I thought it was a great reunion. Our thanks to all who worked so hard to put together� such a great program
Good job
Great work by the Reunion Committee!!It would be great if the 65th could be on the same weekend as the USNA homecoming and we could all go to the football game.
Well organized� �Good turn out� Not at this time
Well planned and executed. To all of the planners - outstanding job. Family from Northern Virginia visited us during the reunion and caused us to miss the farewell brunch. If we make the 65th, and if 'vertical' we will, we'll visit nearby family after the reunion. My concealed weapons permit was just renewed and is good until 2026. To get my money's worth I'll have to be around in 2024! :) Willing to assist in the planning. |
Have some medical issues that limit mobility.
Unfortunately Marriott Courtyard had a couple visiting teams who simply assembled for lengthy periods around breakfast time which basically precluded USNA folks from getting timely breakfast.� �N* tailgate.� Speakers did not speak clearly into mic & were hard to hear.� Additionally participants in south end of room continued loud conversations which when combined with bad mic technique meant half their presentation was lost. |
We had a splendid company party.� Met a couple classmates I hadn't met.� The memorial sevice was special.Several of us in the company rented a house in Bay Ridge as we did between reunions.� The company party was catered there and was excellent. The Memorial Service was an important part of the reunion.� The tailgate is a good way to bring the class together rather than a formal event. Any consideration of designating company areas since that seems to be way we gathered there.
Planning was excelllent.� Favors were very nice.� Transportation was well planned and executed.� All events that we attended were outstanding. Commnittee members did an outstanding job. KUDOS to all. Memorial Service 4.0 Pete is welcomed to discuss with me if needed.� 8th Company Party was held at a private location. We had a wonderful time at all events of the Reunnion. Besides by wife we were joinded by two daughters; one son-in-law, one granddaughter and husband.� They were impressed with everyone they met and the activities they attended. Wonderful memories!! Again thanks to all on the committee and their wives.
Great opportunity for reuniting with classmates from� the 8th Company Kudos to the hard-working reunion committee.� All the planned events and arrangements were excellent.� Many thanks for a job well done indeed.
Excellent reunion except for the football game. BZ to all who put this together. Lots of work. Would look froward to 65th--God Willing. Beat Army!
1. It was great attending the 10th co dinner. I saw a lot of classmates that I do not recall seeing since graduation. 2. the N* food was great, but watching the game on TV in the N* room didn't equate to a real game. I was a little disappointed that we didn't wait and have the 60th instead of the 59th
Fewer number of people. Great company reunion.� MOre time to visit with other classmates.
Very well done and appreciated.� My two daughters who were with me had a great time.
Received only six "business" cards.� The remainder were for someone in 9th company. Was assured I would receive the remainder.� nO word to date
Lots� of� good work� �by� the� Committee and� special� thanks� to Pete and Elaine
Reunion met expectations by satisfaction of Class who attended.� Most recognized the effort that the Committee put in to it. Things ran smoothly and the Annapolis Boat Show had only minimal interference to Reunion.The cooperation of the Committee heads was necessary for the success of the Reunion.� The high points were the Memorial Service Speaker, the Tailgate (even though we lost) and the Memorial Coins by Jack London.� While many want a 65th Reunion. Recommend emphasis be placed on the Company level with cooperation among companies to hold concurrent reunions. While everyone appreciated the reunion, most suffer from the lack of knowledge of the effort it takes and the lack of capable willing people to execute a successful reunion. A critical catalyst to this Reunion was Jim Wilson and the excellent coordination of Gary Smith.
The best part ofthe Reunion was the 10th Company Party.� Great to have quality time with my classmates, I'd like to see more effort being put into informal homecoming events (such as our 60th) than trying to do a 65th Reunion. Those who can attend can just experience the joy of being together for an afternoon/evening.
Each reunion we have attended has been well organized and executed. This one met our expectations based on our history with the class reunions 10th Company party was outstanding. Location suited us well. Thanks to all those who planned the event.
Everything about the reunion program was thoughtfully planned. There was minimal strain on participant's mobility, maximum quality of food & services, and an adequate variety of activities to suit most preferences. It was, for Linda & I, a wonderful experience! Kudo's to all involved in "making it happen!"
Well organized, nice events� We should definitely do a company reunion in the next two years hosted at a hotel�hospitality room, dinner party, etc. Schedule in early fall or spring to coincide with some appealing USNA events. We may not have enough critical mass by the 65th.
Many thanks to those who planned and worked hard to make it an enjoyable event. You are appreciated.
It was not the time or work, it is the love and enjoyment that we hold for each other that made our reunion so much fun. I feel that we need to discuss what we might do for the 60th reunion, next year, and as a minimum, that we do an afternoon lunch/tailgate on a non-home game football weekend (because of late venue availability). And we can even consider doing this in the late spring.
The planning for this reunion was outstanding.� Keep it up for the next one
Would like to have seen more classmates attend the reunion.� Thanks to the organizers who did a great (and usually thankless) job. We will certainly attend the 65th.
My wife and I enjoyed the reunion and saw many of the people we were hoping to see.� We did enjoy the events in which we participated.� I felt the reunion was well organized. It was evident that the committee members put a lot of time, thought, and effort into its planning and execution. I am sorry that we did not attend the Memorial Service. Concerning a 65th reunion, my decision would depend on my surveying the people I wanted to see if they were able to attend. Thank you for not waiting till next year to do the reunion
Outstanding preparation produced outstanding results.� Best Farewell brunch I have attended. Trolley tour very enjoyable and time well spent. The company party provided an excellent social format but could be improved.� The memorial service was truly outstanding. Future reunions should focus on social interaction without the distraction of an athletic event.� We should consider moving reunion from Fall to Spring.
Whole time was enjoyable Definitely would not be able to attend 65th because of health reasons. Thanks to FRANK PIPKIN for combining with his Company for Company Party. CM cannot use email.
The weather was great, every event my wife and I attended was well done. My wife and I really enjoyed the 59th.� Wish we could have seen a parade.� An on-site football game would have been good
We thought that it was very well done.� For a 65th, just a few activities. We considered the tailgate, memorial service, company party and Supt�s briefing the most important. Not having to deal with stadium seating and weather was a plus. (Read away game is a good idea, or even a gathering not during football season)
Wish more of the company attended. Saw two first time since 1959 Organizers and staff did an outstanding job, incredible amount of work went in to preparation and execution.
Be with long time friends that are seldom seen. It is always good to get together.� Thanks again for all those who keep us in touch and who made the 59th a great event.
As always, very well organized.� Hotels clustered together (with parking and great shuttle service) really works.� Particularly enjoyed the trolley tour. Great to see old friends. Noise level at company party high - maybe not the best choice.
Thank you, Reunion Committee for your hard work and dedication in making the 59th Reunion a resounding and very pleasant success.� BRAVO ZULU to all. Although the company party was excellent, people , food, venue,etc.. there were 5 companies� (4 together) in the restaurant which made it like a mini tailgate. Suggest the committee try to locate (separate) companies to different venues for a more social connection with the company mates not seen in x number of years.
The noteworthy efforts of the entire planning committee achieved outstanding� reunion results.� Thanks for a job well done.� BZ
Personal cards were a great idea, and registration staff did a great job.� I was grateful for the effective reunion shuttle service, but surprised that the Hilton did not have any local shuttle available; had to take a cab just to pick up a rental car when checking out.� Although the football game provided a good gathering, I rather missed a group dinner or other event for all attendees.
Could not select 13th Company above (fixed)
Kindness of my beloved from his classmates were a great comfort. I shall have great memories of my beloved Frank�s classmates .
Good job -- lots of fun.
Company party was the highlight
Perfect setting, excellent catering, football viewing available, easy fellowship with multiple classmates. Excellent in all respects.� Very grateful for all the time, thought, and excellent preparations devoted by the committee. Bud
Memorial Service was excellent.� And so well prepared and presented.� Ball game food served for USAFA mixer was subpar.We ought to do something for 2019 our 60th. Do 65th. I think people liked the souvenir coins.
Exceeded my expectations. Nicely coordinated, too. Terrific lunch during the game, neatly topped off by the ice cream cones. If we have a 65th, duplicate the 59th, including the same three hotels. And have it again during an away game with the indoor tailgate; which, for me, was much more comfortable and enjoyable than standing in the stands (in deference to our creaking bodies). |
Well organized Be great to have something for the 65th
Meeting 15 Co. attendees was great. However, finding friends in other Co. was not so easy.
Great time! A hospitality room in one of the hotels would have been a nice adder. Some overlapping of activities could have been avoided. Overall a great experience--Bravo Zulu to the committee and thanks for all the hard work!
Something was missing without a parade or home game.� In the end it was just a couple of parties, which were nice to gather with classmates, but something lacking. Particularly disappointed with Sunday Chapel service, which has nothing to do with Committee who did a great job organizing.� But to see only a handful of� midshipmen attending with no choirs to sing the Navy hymn, as I did for four years in the choir, was truly disheartening.� And must admit I saw nothing military the entire time in the yard. Sad what they've done to the place. Gives every appearance of just another co-ed university with uniforms.� But the Memorial Service in the Chapel was truly memorable and very well done.�My compliments to the Committee also on overall organization that� flowed smoothly throughout for events and transportation.�I entered yes on the question about attending 65th; but, honestly, undecided at this point with the sour� taste of much of this one.� But never say never and Paddy's party alone is always enough for attendance.� As is the Memorial Service.� We'll see if I'm still vertical so far ahead.�
Got to see old friends and to see a little bit of how the USNA is adapting to the future.� My wife likes our classmates and their wives. The Reunion Committee did a great job.� Clearly, the preparations took a lot of work.
Well done to our reunion committee. I know how much time and effort this takes having been on the 20th committee effort. May I suggest that on an annual basis we receive a list of those of us who are still alive with email addresses if available.
The reunion came very shortly after Hurricane Florence. The timing of a chapter evening event was the same weekend as the Class of 59 reunion. So, I was only able to attend late on Saturday and enjoy the brunch on Sunday. My attendance was affected by events beyond everybody's control. The Yard was beautiful and quiet of Sunday. |
At our company party, there were only four of us, which was a disappointment, but allowed unusual opportunity to visit one-on-one.� The bus transportation and the trolley tour were outstanding, as was the memorial service presentation. the TV tailgater, at our age, was better than being in a stadium.� � �Thanks to the committee, for a great job. Stay healthy, and "Rise and Shine".
It generally met our expectations; but, it was unfortunate that very few of our classmates were there. Regarding the 65th anniversary, a lot would depend on how many of our classmates were able to attend.
It met my expectations:� a bunch of good ole boys having a good time.� The ladies were all beautiful, as always.
My hearty thanks to the Reunion Committee for the long, hard work to pull off an outstanding reunion!
Thanks to classmates on the committee/s for all you did!
Provided for the most part what was advertised. 65th Reunion might be fun.� What if we had two concurrent segments .... one on east coast (Annapolis) and one on west coast (San Diego)?� �Shorter travel, less total expense, etc.� use a digital hookup to share Tailgate and football game.
Great job!! Would have preferred a closer in hotel as in previous reunions Great job. Only negatives were the location of the hotels and the game outcome!!
I enjoyed see old friends.� Some of whom I had not seen since graduation.� You did an outstanding job of putting the reunion together. Thank you,� Carl
Bus transportation from hotel directly into the yard events without having to transfer to another buss bus once in the yard was excellent and should be a requirement for any future reunions.
Always happy to get to Annapolis to see old friends and enjoy the City of Annapolis and observe the changes and especially the improvements at USNA. All the memories of so many trials, tribulations,.successes, and friendships are rekindled. Thanks to everyone who� diligently endeavored to make the reunion successful. Thanks to everyone who diligently endeavored to make the reunion successful. None
How about holding a mini reunion on west coast. Air travel back East is no fun from Arizona!
I loved having a hotel out of town and with shuttle service.� I never had to drive into those narrow, cobblestone streets.� The talk about sea-level rise was very informative, and we are rethinking the oneburial� location of our urns.� Tom's talk about Mo, Jack, and Ernie took my breath away and made me weep.� If we have another reunion, see if some of our wealthier classmates could provide scholarships for those who cannot attend because of the expense. I helped one classmate, but he was sick at the last� minute and could not come.� I love our reunions, and the committee made it all possible. .� BZ BZ BZ
Had hoped to see more widows and more of 19th company but I'm sure that at our age there are multiple reasons for not attending. I think I forgot to send this back in a timely manner. Sorry if it is too late. Please forgive. Overall the committee did an excellent job and I appreciate all the attention to detail - and all the time spent making everything go smoothly.
Liked: Non-football weekend. More distant hotels - maybe better for get-togethers Memorial service at beginning was part of our missing this key event.
It was good to see a large number of classmates. It would appear that I was in better health than some. Perhaps that was not nice on my part but encouraged me to keep trying to watch my diet and keep playing golf.I think I was in pretty good shape for the 59th but things are beginning to turn to Bleep. Bad knee/chest pain. Getting old sucks. Hoping I survive.
The planning� committee did a fine job. Although there were only four of us from the 20th Company, I especially enjoyed spending time with them. The Memorial Service was special.It would be great if more of my classmates in the 20th Company will attend.� �Find out if enough people would like to have their 65th Reunion in a different place.� I am from California and I would lie interested in� having a 65th on the West Coast.� Perhaps, we could have two or three separate� reunions in different locations, e.g. West Coast, East Coast, South, Midwest, North.� People could be asked to specify their 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices.� Two or three separate reunions could happen if enough people are interested, or one could be in a location other then USNA.
Would have liked a weekend when the brigade was in residence, sort of missed the dress parade. I was leery about there not being a live football game weekend bur was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the venue selected. I had more time to catch up with and talk with classmates in the setting provided. My thanks to the committee for an outstanding job!�
I wish I had attended the Virtual tour. Mini bus in the yard was a problem. I waited at the Mid store for over an hour. Just the right number of events for our age group.
The reunion was well organized and made it a very enjoyable event. A home football game would be nice.
Thanks and hope I am healthy enough to make it to a 65th.
I suggest that items like �calling cards� be an optional items with the receiptant providing the info.
Time with company-mates
My roommate came
Company party was outstnading
Good turnout.� Company party was Great!� Tailgate was very successful.
Should be when home game
With the increasing number of funerals of our classmates it was a great opportunity to socialize with many of my classmates who I met there for the first time. Sorry that we could not entice more company mates to attend. Those who did had a great time... (my opinion). As for the 65th you may want to shorten the trip and events. An away football game turned out to be a great view but a loss. Than happens.
I attend class reunions to renew class friendship and to enjoy hearing about the successes and families of my friends.� �Excellent reunion! Bravo Zulu to all who helped put it together! Lets hope we are still here and able to attend the 65th and the 70th!
I expected more 59/24 classmates to attend. I understand this is not the committee's fault, but I was disappointed with the turnout.
Having the event on an off-weekend, with no football game, was a great advantage.� It reduced congestion on the streets & in the Yard, both a big plus. Pete: You really do not need to discuss this, but you may if you wish (my number is on file). We thought the event was well planned & executed; the memorial svc was quite moving, which may have to do with our advanced age, and also, for me, that Maurice Clark was the first black man I had ever met.� (He & I met getting our shoes shined at the Baltimore train station, after arriving from New York.), Given our age, if there is a 65th we might consider eliminating the bag of tchotchkes. The academy is not a religious institution, and I think that the two such services might be noted, but not be part of the reunion. We would have attended the 'fun' walk, but, alas, made the error of booking at the Westin.
WE had a good time. Events were not hurried.
Loved the pay for what you attended format. Wish we had done it this way for earlier reunions. Motel arrangements were super. Sunday brunch at club was best ever.
FYI, I did not attend more events because we were participating in our grandson's wedding
Total CM/Widow Comments: 124