Archive of Chapter News
November 14, 2017
Bill Boniface ’72 and Matt Chabal ’77 in Hershey will be hosting the chapter’s 7th Annual Army-Navy Football Game Viewing Party on December 9th at the Lancaster Brewing Company in Harrisburg. The brewing company has a nice bar with ten of their own micro-brews and a good bar menu. They are enthusiastic about hosting chapter folks for an Army-Navy get-together (manager is a former Marine) and Bill and Matt have told them they’ll see if they can get a good Central Pennsylvania USNA alumni turnout.
Kickoff is at 3:00, so they’re planning to meet there at 2:00. It will be a cash bar and bar menu with a smattering of complimentary finger food at the start (they also serve dinners in their dining area). More about the brewery can be found at their web site lbcharrisburg.com or on Facebook.
The address is 469 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg 17111 near the Harrisburg Mall — very easy to get to from Routes 322 or I-283/83.
Please respond to Bill Boniface at boniface72@gmail.com or his home phone at 717-520-5953 (leave a message if no one is there).
They need a reasonably close count of alums, spouses and guests a few days prior to the event in case they need to lay on an additional bartender, so please RSVP to Bill by Tuesday, December 5th if at all possible.
September 27, 2017
Now is the time to reserve your tickets for our dinner on Saturday, 4 Nov! You won’t want to miss our guest of honor, the Commandant of Midshipmen, Captain Robert B. Chadwick II, USN.
Festivities start at 1800 at the Hamilton Club in Lancaster, PA.
Get your tickets at Eventbrite.
Dress: Business attire.
Cost: $50.00 per person goes toward the event and the USNA Foundation.
Convenient parking nearby.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Go Navy!,
Gib
Gibson Armstrong
Secretary
USNAAA, Susquehanna Valley Chapter
September 9, 2017
Shipmates and Friends,
Thanks to all who came out to watch Navy crush FAU in their season opener—especially to our first-time participants. Check out the photos on Facebook.
Speaking of Facebook, please join our chapter page. Other chapters use Facebook to communicate and we want to do the same. We have over 1,300 members but only 58 of us have joined our Facebook page. Why not be the next to join? It takes less than a minute (slightly longer for Marines).
While you’re at it, our LinkedIn page has only 16 members. So feel free to join our LinkedIn page also. We plan to use this more for professional and networking purposes.
Some of us wore our shirts to the viewing party last Friday night. Several more expressed interest. I’m working on sending out a survey to make ordering another round easier, so stand by for that.
Going to the game this Saturday? Chris Nigon will be flying the SVC USNAAA banner on the Gold side near the RVs. Look for the banner. Text Chris for terminal guidance if necessary ((717) 314-4653).
Gib
August 28, 2017
Now here this!
Please join us as we host
the Commandant of Midshipmen,
Captain Robert B. Chadwick II, USN (Class of 1991)
Capt. Chadwick will talk about leadership lessons learned at the Academy and in the Fleet and take questions following.
Hosted by David Teply and Chris Nigon
USNA alumni, SVC members and associates, friends and family, Blue and Gold Officers, and members of Parents Clubs, the Navy League, MOAA, Sea Cadets, NJROTC and Hamilton Club are welcome!
Faire: Light meal/heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, desserts and coffee/tea.
Dress: Business attire.
Cost: $50.00 per person. All funds go toward the event and the USNA Foundation.
Convenient parking nearby.
RSVP via Eventbrite or Chris Nigon (CAPTCSN@aol.com, (717) 314-4653) by 27 October.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Go Navy!
July 3, 2017
USNA Alumni Association Susquehanna Valley Chapter shirts are available. Get either a 100% cotton Gildan navy blue t-shirt with iron-on logo on the front and back for $15.00 or a Port Authority synthetic polo shirt with embroidered logo for $35.00. The cost includes all delivery. They are a great way to show chapter pride! Please see Polo Shirt Photo. Sizes available (unisex Men’s) – S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3X. One order has been placed, but another will be placed on July 21.
Please email Del Becker ’85 at delbecker@gmail.com and mail your check to him at: 119 Silver Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, payable to either Del or “USNAA Susquehanna Valley Chapter.” Electronic payments can be sent via PayPal (www.paypal.com) to delbecker@gmail.com.
June 6, 2017 5th annual meeting. Thanks to all who attended! You made all the event so meaningful and fun! We heard a wonder series of talks and contributed a tidy sum to our causes via a raffle! Mark your calendar for the same week next year, same venue!
Thanks again, Chris Nigon, Officers and Board.
MAY 11, 2017 Board meeting and social, Country Club of York. Host: Joe Person.
Sign up for our Annual Gala on Eventbrite!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/susquehanna-valley-usna-alumninavy-league-5th-annual-gala-tickets-34357224383
APRIl 15, 2017 Army-Navy LAX in Annapolis with some fun events at the stadium, like USMMA-USCGA Superintendent’s Cup LAX Classic.
APRIl 13, 2017 BOD and Social – Conestoga CC, Lancaster. Chris Nigon/Jeff Knauer co-host.
MARCH 23, 2017 Board of Directors Meeting (BOD) and Chapter Dinner with Spouses-Hershey. Cohosts: Matt Chabal and Bill Boniface.
MARCH 7, 2017 Navy LAX at UPENN.
JANUARY 13, 2017
Shipmates,
Happy New Year to one and all.
From Chris:
We’re hosting an All Academy Information Night organized by Rod Messick at the Lancaster Country Day School on 17 January at 1900, flyer attached. Blue & Gold Information Officers will be there and the other academies will be present as well. This event attempts to duplicate the Joe Pitts/Mary event we are used to having for our local candidates/parents to learn about the Service Academies and NROTC/ROTC. Special thanks go to Rod for overcoming serious obstacles to make it happen. SVC leads the way again!
Please come to our 2017 kick off Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting at 1800 on 19 Jan in the Berkshire Hathaway office (215S Centerville Road, Lancaster, 17603). Everyone is invited to the board meeting, so if spouses come along for the social they’re welcome of course! Thanks for the conference room, Rod. The meeting will end promptly at 1930 to be followed by the Dark Ages Social at Arooga’s, 125 S Centerville Road, Lancaster, just up the street. Laura Dogger and Rod will host. Please RSVP to Rod and Laura, CC’d above. Let’s lighten up the Dark Ages together!
The Army-Navy basketball double header is not far away: 18 Feb. Mark your calendars now. Get your tickets at Eventbrite. Only $5—what a bargain!
If you’re coming for the game, consider joining us for Happy Hour Friday night, 17 Feb, from 1800-2000 at Union Jacks in Annapolis Towne Center (where the Annapolis Chapter gathers). The closest hotel is the Holiday Inn Express on Riva Rd, walking distance away. The Crowne Plaza Annapolis is also close.
We have 25 tickets—we can get more if needed. The women play at 1100, the men at 1300.
Shuttles will run from the stadium to Alumni Hall. Given the construction in the Yard, it might be easier to park at the stadium.
Mark Hakum, the Annapolis Chapter president, is working to get us a block of seats. So if you plan to attend, please RSVP on Eventbrite right away!
Other Events:
· February 23rd- BOD and Social- Hershey/Hummelstown. Matt Chabal and Bill Boniface co-host.
· March 21st- Joint meeting Navy League Harrisburg/Susquehanna Valley Speaker Event. West Shore CC. Chris Nigon/Jim Nolan co-hosts on behalf of Navy League. Navy League has the lead to organize and support.
· March 23rd- BOD and Social- Reading. Charlie Perkins/Chris Nigon co-host.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Go Navy!
DECEMBER 21, 2016
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Watch this space for upcoming special event regarding joint chapter social with Annapolis Chapter and Army/Navy basketball on February 18!
DECEMBER 13, 2016
From Bill Boniface:
Army-Navy Game Party 2016
The Susquehanna Valley Chapter’s fifth annual Army-Navy football game party in Harrisburg was again hosted by Bill Boniface ’72 and Matt Chabal ‘77 at the Lancaster Brewing Company. With a good number of chapter members heading to Baltimore to watch the game in the cold, this local venue was another collegial and enjoyable (and warm!) one with a number of new faces this year. With the game’s close scoring, most eyes were glued to the TV monitors around the bar a little more than usual, but everyone still had a good chance to swap sea stories, get caught up with each other and even meet some new Boat School grads who have just recently heard about the chapter.
Enjoying the microbrews, pizza, and wings along with some great conversation this year were John Hydinger ’68 and his wife, Tullia from Mount Joy; Bill Boniface ’72 from Hershey; Bill Entweiler ’75 and his wife, Lisa from Carlisle; Matt Chabal ’77 and his wife, Beulah from Hershey; Scott Sutherland ’81 and his wife, Kim from Palmyra; Dave Yoder ’83 and his wife, Mary from Stewartstown; and Javaris Turner ’02 from Harrisburg. Congratulations to the winner of this year’s half-time drawing for a Lancaster Brewing Company dinner gift card, Lisa Entweiler! While the crowd didn’t get to celebrate a Navy victory this year, that outcome didn’t dilute the fun of getting together with and meeting new Navy people in the area.
DECEMBER 6, 2016
Recent Events:
Monday/Nov 7. Conestoga Valley High School College Night (Lancaster, PA). Chris Nigon talked to several interested students and their parents.
Wednesday/9 Nov. Jeff Knauer hosted a Happy Hour in the Reading area which was attended by local grads.
Saturday/Nov 12. Dave Major hosted alumni in Reading Hospital’s box at the Santander Arena on Saturday, Nov 12 for the annual the Army/Navy Hockey Game and Veterans Recognition Night.
Upcoming Events to put on your calendar:
Saturday/10 Dec. Army-Navy Football Game Festivities.
Baltimore. For those going to the game, join Chris Nigon for a tailgater in Lot G. Eventbrite Signup
Harrisburg. Viewing party at Lancaster Brewing Co (469 Eisenhower Blvd, Harrisburg, PA). Hosted by Matt Chabal and Bill Boniface. The establishment is run by a Navy veteran. Eventbrite Signup
Delaware. To watch the game with the DE chapter at Greene Turtle in Lewes, contact Jim Ring at jep.ring@gmail.com or (703) 201-4884.
Thursday/19 Jan. For Academy Night this year we’re working with Air Force and West Point representatives to host an event at Conestoga Valley High School in Lancaster. This is in lieu of the fall event Rep. Pitts used to host.
Saturday/18 Feb. Army-Navy Basketball Game Women’s and Men’s Double Header. The Annapolis chapter has invited us to join them for the game, which starts at 1330. We’ll gather at somewhere in Annapolis Towne Centre out West Street after the Navy victories. Rusty Yeiser from the Foundation will join us after the game. Stand by for details.
OCTOBER 15, 2016
A great turnout including 35 from SVC, Annapolis chapter, parents club and Navy League. The Chapter had a wonderful afternoon at the annual Founder’s Day Picnic hosted by Chris Nigon, Chapter President . While the BBQ was a hit, desserts ruled the day! This chapter tradition is really making the Fall the time for Navy community and family fun!
MAY 16, 2016
Great time had by all last week at Funck’s in Leola for the Social Happy Hour! Reminder to please sign up for the Annual Meeting – details below
MAY 1, 2016
Ladies and Gents, Please see the information below regarding our annual meeting event in June. You can sign up online using the event URL listed or by sending in your check to our treasurer, Bill Boniface. Shaping up to be quite an evening….hope you will be a part of it!! Go Navy!!! Jeff
The Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association is pleased to present its Annual Meeting of Members and welcome the newest “links in the chain!” – the Class of 2020! Join us for a special evening featuring our distinguished speaker from the VADM James Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership, Colonel Arthur J. Athens ’78.
When: Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 6 pm
Where: West Shore Country Club, 100 Brentwater Road, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011
Dress is Civilian Informal (coat and tie for gentlemen or dress or suit for ladies)
Cost: $40 per person if purchased before June 2nd, $45 after June 1st or $28 for students
Class of 2020 appointees are guests of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter
Please consider a sponsorship of our “new Plebes” and feel free to include that that donation in your payment. Your donation is tax deductible.
Please make your reservations by June 10th in order that we may provide an accurate head count. If paying by check please make payable to Susquehanna Valley Chapter USNAAA and send to SVCUSNAAA Treasurer, Bill Boniface, 645 Appenzell Drive, Hummelstown, PA 17036 (boniface72@gmail.com).
Your event URL is http://www.eventbrite.com/e/susquehanna-valley-chapter-usna-alumi-association-annual-meeting-and-plebe-recognition-ceremony-tickets-24270572937
APRIL 24, 2016
The next Chapter social will be on Wednesday,11 May, at Funck’s (Restaurant/Bar) in Leola, PA. Full address is 365 West Main Street, Leola, PA 17540. This is 4 to 5 miles north/east of Route 30 from the Route 23 (New Holland Pike) exit (on the left). If coming from the north/Route 222, take Route 772 east (Brownstown exit), then Route 23 south/west a couple of miles until you see it on the right. Both a restaurant and bar, with another location in Palmyra, this larger location is newly opened and has 115 beers on tap.
All Chapter members, spouses, and guests are encouraged to attend. The Board has strongly endorsed the idea of our theme – a “business card social”. In other words, all attendees are encouraged (but not required) to bring along a stack of business cards to share with others. This should be a great one-on-one opportunity to tell each other a little more about who we are, what we do, and how we might help each other—whether currently employed, looking for work, retired, running a side business, etc.
We will gather in the back bar starting at 1800, and there should be plenty of opportunities for smaller groups to stay for dinner if interested. While reservations are not required, if you know in advance you will be attending, please email or call Paul Kurisky with a head count (paul.j.kurisky@morganstanley.com, or 717-519-4961).
MARCH 7, 2016
Ladies and Gents, The inaugural happy hour chapter gathering for 2016 is scheduled for this coming Thursday, 6pm at McCleary’s Public House in Marietta. We will be gathering at the Tiki Bar deck for food,refreshments and sea stories. Hope to see as many of you there as possible. Del Becker and Lee Erdman will be hosting. Address is 130 W Front St. All the information you need to know about McCleary’s can be found at their website, www.mcclearyspub.com. Come on out and shake off the dark ages gloom and celebrate Spring’s early arrival. Jeff
MARCH 2, 2016
Our first Social Happy Hour of the year will be held at McCleary’s Public House in Marietta, PA, on March 10, 2016 at 1800. Please plan on going us and catching up!
More details to be provided.
FEBRUARY 29, 2016
Friends of the Sea Services,
Hershey Park is offering a 1 day discount for military—active, reserve, retired.
Details:
Who: active duty, reserves, retired military members
What: Hershey Park Military Day 2016
When: Sunday, April 17th 2016 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, gates open at 9:30
Where: Hershey Park, Hershey PA
Cost: Advance on-line ticket purchase, ages 3 and older: $25, Purchase tickets at: http://tinyurl.com/milday
Enter promo code: 15762
Walk-up ticket purchase, ages 3 and older: $30. Present military I.D. at Ticketing Service Building at Tram Circle
Event will be held rain or shine. No refunds
If you want to stay over, Hershey® Lodge is offering special military rates starting at $149 – Plus applicable taxes.
Receive 20% off sites and cabins at HersheyparkSM Camping Resort from April 15-17, 2016.
For more information and to make your reservation, please call 1-800-HERSHEY (437-7439) and refer to MILITARY DAY AT HERSHEYPARK ROOMS.
FEBRUARY 25, 2016
Electronic payments are now enabled for membership fees. Please see the MEMBERSHIP page for information.
Also, the calendar has been updated with planned event dates for this year. Further information will be provided.
FEBRUARY 8, 2016
Shipmates, Here is an upcoming events which may be of interest, brought to our attention by Gary LaBuda ’79. It involves heading to Annapolis for the Parents Club on their annual bus trip to the Academy on 2 April.
Thanks to Gary for bringing these item to our attention!
Go Navy!! Jeff
P.S. 20 February is also the day of the Army Navy men’s/women’s basketball doubleheader at Alumni Hall. The women tip off at 11 am with the men to follow.
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
PARENTS’ CLUB OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA
As a service project, the United States Naval Academy Parents’ Club of
Central Pennsylvania is sponsoring a bus trip to the Naval Academy in
Annapolis, Maryland on Saturday, April 2, 2016. The purpose of this trip is
to give interested students and their parents an opportunity to see the
Academy first hand, learn about the application/appointment process, and
meet with local area high school graduates who are presently midshipmen at
the Academy. The cost of $85.00 per person includes transportation to and
from the Academy, a presentation by a USNA Admissions Officer, a
question and answer session with midshipmen, parents, and guests, lunch in
Dahlgren Hall, a guided tour of the Academy yard and buildings to include
classrooms and typical living areas, and a stop at the gift shop. The bus will
be boarded in Harrisburg and York. Reservations are limited and must be
confirmed with payment. It is advisable to make reservations early.
Seating on the bus will be on a first come, first served basis. Please make
checks payable to the “USNA Parents’ Club of Central Pa.”. To confirm
your reservation, send your payment to: Joe Innerst, 377 Benyou Lane,
New Cumberland, Pa. 17070. Please include your phone number and
email address.
Call Joe Innerst at 717-938-4010 or email joseph.innerst@dallastown.net
for additional information and questions. We appreciate your help in
distributing this information to students in your school. This is the 23rd year
we have provided this service and the feedback received from participants
from past trips has been very favorable. Please encourage any of your
students who are interested in attending the Naval Academy to talk with
their parents and register for this trip. Parents are encouraged to attend also.
Thank you for your continued support of this project.
Joe Innerst (717) 938-4010
USNA Parents’ Club of Central Pennsylvania
DECEMBER 20, 2015
Well Navy took care of business and Beat Army! Again!
Many chapter members are attending the Military Bowl on December 28. If interested in activities during before the game, please contact Chris Nigon at captcsn@aol.com
NOVEMBER 30, 2015
There are now 12 days until Navy beats Army once again in Philadelphia. If you are not going to the game, come on up to Harrisburg and celebrate with the Chapter at the Lancaster Brewing Company, hosted by Bill and Matt. Details below:
Bill Boniface ’72 and Matt Chabal ’77 in Hershey have invited everyone not going to the Army-Navy football game on December 12th to join them to watch the game at the Lancaster Brewing Company in Harrisburg again this year. The brewing company has a nice bar with ten of their own micro-brews and a good bar menu. They are enthusiastic about hosting an Army-Navy game get-together (manager is a former Marine) and they’ve been told that we’ll try to get a good turnout of chapter alumni and friends for this fourth annual event.
Kickoff is at 3:00, so they’re planning to meet there at 2:00. It will be a cash bar and bar menu with a smattering of complimentary finger food at the start Lancaster Brewing Company also serve dinners in their dining area for those with heartier appetites. New this year… A third quarter “football pool” will be conducted, the winning prize will be dinner for two at the Brewery the evening of the game!
More about the brewery can be found at their web site lbcharrisburg.com or on Facebook. Their address is 469 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg 17111 not far from the Harrisburg Mall – very easy to get to from Routes 322 or I-283/83.
Please respond to Bill Boniface at boniface72@gmail.com or his cell phone at (301) 335-2585. They need a reasonably close count of attendees a few days prior to the event in case they need to lay on an additional bartender, so please RSVP to Bill by Tuesday, December 8th if at all possible.
NOVEMBER 2, 2015
Army-Navy Cup IV
TOMORROW Tuesday, Nov. 3 @ 7pm | PPL Park (Chester, PA)
After weather forced a one month postponement, Army & Navy will finally meet for what has become one of the most hotly contested rivalries in collegiate soccer! The last three match-ups were decided in double-overtime, and this year’s battle is expected to be just as close and exciting. Come join the fun and be a part of this spirited contest. Kickoff is tomorrow night at 7pm at PPL Park. General admission tickets can be purchased HERE.
Run to Honor Memorial Dinner
Friday, Nov. 13 @ 6:30pm | Navy-Marine Corps Stadium (Annapolis)
Run to Honor’s 9th Annual Memorial Dinner is to honor our shipmates who have fallen in military action – all of those graduates listed in Memorial Hall. Admiral Mike Mullen, USN (Ret.) ’68, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Chief of Naval Operations, will be on hand as guest speaker. Family members of our honored shipmates will be our VIPs and this night is designed to show them our love and support with our presence, hugs, laughs and good memories. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased HERE.
ALL ACADEMY HAPPY HOUR SPEAKER SERIES
Thursday, Nov. 19 @ 6pm-8pm | Center City Philadelphia
More than 40 USNA & USMA alumni helped kick-off our inaugural “All Academy ‘Happy Hour’ Speaker Series” in September. In this next installment, we welcome CDR Mike Bilzor ’92, Permanent Military Professor and Chairman of the Naval Academy’s Computer Science Department, who will share with us his perspectives from the front line of USNA’s strategic initiatives relating to cyber security and warfare. The location for this event remains the same – overlooking City Hall and William Penn on the 25th floor of The Graham Building (30 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102). Beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and it’s highly probably that the evening will spill out into one of the many nearby watering holes. Price of attendance is a mere $20 (cash or check at the door), but the ‘cost’ of missing out on the fun will be immeasurable!
October 22, 2015
Note from Sandra Turcotte, Central PA Parents’ Club president, about an upcoming hockey game against Army in Reading on Saturday 7 November.
September 25, 2015
Susquehanna Valley Chapter
USNA Alumni Association
Founders’ Day Celebration & Family Picnic
Where: Home of Gary & Cynthia LaBuda
1570 River Road Marietta PA 17547
When: Saturday 10 October 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Who: Susquehanna Valley Chapter USNAAA members and guests and Central PA Parents’ Club members and guests
What: Enjoy an afternoon of BBQ with friends to celebrate the Naval Academy’s founding 170 years ago on October 10th 1845 and watch Navy beat Notre Dame (Kickoff 3:30 PM)
Food and refreshments provided including pumpkin pie and cheesecake. Additional desserts or side items welcome but not necessary. BYOB.
RSVP: By 01 October (only if you plan to attend)
Email: gary.labuda@gmail.com or Phone: (717) 575-9207
September 20, 2015
From our sisters and brothers in the Philadelphia Chapter
Army-Navy Cup IV
Friday, Oct. 2 @ 7pm | PPL Park (Chester, PA)
The 2015 edition of what has become one of the most hotly contested match-ups in collegiate soccer will again kickoff at PPL Park on Friday, October 2nd at 7pm. More than 10,000 fans were on hand last year to witness Navy’s 1-0 double-overtime victory. This year’s battle is expected to be just as close and exciting. Come join the fun and be a part of all the pageantry and patriotism that goes along with this spirited rivalry. Tickets for seats in the USNA Alumni Suite are available at $50 each by contacting Skip Dittman ’67 (email or 610.525.8297). General admission tickets can be purchased HERE.
August 28, 2015
Busy fall ahead of us with many events. More details to follow.
June 12, 2015
We had a wonderful Annual Meeting at the Country Club of York this week. Please watch this site for photos.
The count down is on for our July 9th Happy Hour!
The Pizza Patio at John Wright Restaurant has been personally tested for 2015 and I can confirm that the beer is cold and the pizza fantastic.
Please visit this link to learn more about the John Wright Restaurant: http://jwrpa.com or http://jwrpa.com/the-pizza-patio/ .
Note the address: 234 North Front Street, Wrightsville. This is along the river between the Rt. 462 and Rt. 30 bridges.
We are set up for a prime spot on the southeast corner of the patio and will be able to order from both the patio menu and main dining room menu. In case of rain, we will fall back to the (covered) outdoor bar area and indoor seating. I have made initial plans for about 20 to 25 – If we see that number growing, John Wright has indicated flexibility.
Please note that in addition to bringing your significant other, this is a great place to bring the kids / grand kids on a nice day. There is a large grassy area with a few games and things to climb on. Keeps them busy and everyone entertained – I know I had at least one extra beer last night while observing and actively participating.
May 12, 2015
Additional Information regarding our Annual Meeting Speaker:
Brad Snyder Biography
Brad Snyder began his professional career as a newly commissioned Ensign in the US
Navy, having graduated from the US Naval Academy with a degree in Naval
Architecture in 2006. Through his distinction as the swim team captain during his final
year, he earned an assignment to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer
training pipeline. After completing Navy Dive School, EOD School, and the Army’s
Airborne school, Brad moved to Charleston, SC for his first duty assignment.
From Charleston Brad deployed to Iraq in the Fall of 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Upon his return in the Spring he was re-assigned to a new unit in Virginia
Beach, VA. Brad deployed again in the Spring of 2011, this time to Afghanistan in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After six months of assault operations, Brad
was severely injured while detonating an improvised explosive device (IED) that was
buried in the ground. Brad sustained complete vision loss as a result of his injury, but did
not suffer any other lasting wounds.
As a part of his rehabilitation process Brad returned to the pool, and after a few short
months of training was able to earn a spot on the US Paralympic National Team for
swimming. At the 2012 Paralympics he competed in seven events, earning two Gold
Medals, and one Silver Medal. He won Gold in the 100-meter freestyle after setting a
Paralympic record in the preliminary heat. The following day, he won a Silver Medal in
the Men’s 50m Freestyle while setting an American record. Later that week, Snyder won
Gold again in the Men’s 400m Freestyle exactly one year to the day after losing his
eyesight. The United States Olympic Committee selected Brad to serve as the United
States’ flag bearer for the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
A bronze star recipient, Brad medically retired from Naval Service in the Fall of 2013.
Brad has dedicated himself to the study and application of virtue in all aspects of life in
order to eliminate perceived limitations and to enable his community’s pursuit of
happiness. Currently, Brad is training hard with the hopes of representing Team USA
again in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janero, Brazil. Brad is also a motivational
speaker and life coach with a focus on inspiring others to embrace challenge, conquer
fears or inhibitions, and achieve happiness!
April 20, 2015
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The 4th annual All Hands meeting of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association will be held at, The Country Club of York, 1400 Country Club Rd, York, PA, 17403 on Wednesday, 10 June 2015, beginning at 1800. We will have social time with heavy appetizers and cash bar, followed by brief Chapter business, and then remarks by our featured speaker – LT Brad Snyder USN (Ret.) USNA Class of 2006
Directions to the Country Club of York: http://www.ccyork.org/about-ccy/map-and-directions-121.html
Cost will be $35 for current dues-paying Chapter members and their guests, and $45 for non-members and other guests. Guests (especially spouses, former military members, and other USNA graduates) are encouraged and welcome. If you are sending dues to join the Chapter, indicate that you are sending $20 to join and $35 for the event. PLEASE FORWARD PAYMENT NOW, along with the names of attendees to our Treasurer, Bill Boniface, at 645 Appenzell Drive, Hummelstown, Pa 17036. Checks are to be made out to “Susquehanna Valley Chapter USNA Alumni Association”. There will be limited opportunities to make a reservation after June 1st due to catering requirements.
Below is a preliminary meeting agenda:
1200 – Golf Outing (separate cost; contact Joe Person at jperson@mtb.com if interested)
1800 to 1930 – Social time/heavy appetizers/cash bar
1930 to 1945 – Chapter business and introduction of new officers
1945 to 2015 – Remarks, featured speaker – Brad Snyder
2015 to 2100 – Q&A, followed by more social time
We are looking forward to a great turnout at this annual event, to include Chapter members, Parents’ club members, local Blue & Gold Officers, key USNA Alumni Association employees, and special guests. Please plan on attending, and sending your check now. If you need additional information, contact Joe Person at jperson@mtb.com or Chris Nigon at captcsn@aol.com.
Go Navy!
April 14, 2015
LT Snyder will be speaking at our Annual Meeting on June 10, 2015.
Please see this inspirational video:
April 6, 2015
Join us for the April Social Event at Troegs Brewing in Derry Township, 15 APR 2015 from 1800 to 2000.
Share some sea stories, old and new. Cash bar and food available.
http://www.troegs.com/tasting_room_general_store.aspx
We’ll see you there!
February 12, 2015
It’s been a great year in the Chapter and we’re delighted that many of you were able to join us for events this past year; ranging from tailgating to informal get-togethers to watch games to sit-down dinners with great speakers and fun conversation. I’m happy to report that we’re growing at a very good rate (over a hundred members as I write this) and I want to thank so many of you for shooting us ideas for the coming year; both about how to maximize our member activities and how to provide support to the Academy’s mission.
We will switch to the calendar year for the annual dues period, starting this year (Jan. 1- Dec.31). It will be simple to remember and easier for the chapter to administer. We also increased the annual dues to $20, which is a nominal fee by any measure but nevertheless an increase over past years. So… Now is the time to SEND IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP checks to the Treasurer.
As we look at our mission to support the Academy, we need to provide some financial support to prospective USNA candidates from central Pennsylvania to take part in the school’s Summer Seminar Program. There are other good programs at USNA that need chapter financial support. Up to this point, we have not had any financial resources available to do our part in support of these worthy programs. For that reason, among others, it makes a lot of sense to be a Lifetime Member with a one-time $100 payment. Not only does it have advantages over sending dues in every year, but it will give us a solid financial foundation to support worthy programs like Summer Seminar for kids in our own regional schools who have the talent and desire to become Navy and Marine Corps officers. Please consider Lifetime Membership seriously!
At the end of this letter, there’s a tear-off section you can fill out and send in with your dues. Please provide any contact information updates, etc. Also enclosed are the directions for sending your dues in and who to write the check to. If you’re already a Lifetime Member, you don’t need to do anything!
We are working on a Pay Pal system that we plan to implement later this year to facilitate payments to the chapter for future events via credit card. An announcement will be forthcoming when we open it for business.
Email blasts will remind you each month of the events, thanks to Jeff Knauer our Secretary. Please log on to our SVC Chapter Facebook group by either liking us or by asking Joe Person (jperson@mtb.com) to add you to the group. The posts there are informative and fun.
Please let me know at any time if you have ideas (even constructive criticism – “We can take it, sir!). Please come to any or all events that you can work into your schedule.
Go Navy!
Chris Nigon ’74
