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Use the email link to Ray Christensen to send news items for the Kings Pointer class notes column. Longer stories can be included on this page. Photos encouraged. Let us know what's new or who you bumped into. Sea stories are a must.

White House Nominates Sean Connaughton to FMC

News Release 9/9/08:
The President intends to nominate Sean T. Connaughton, of Virginia, to be Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission and upon appointment designate Chairman, for the remainder of a five-year term expiring 06/30/12. Mr. Connaughton currently serves as Administrator of the Maritime Administration at the Department of Transportation. Prior to this, he served as Counsel at Troutman Sanders LLP and Chairman of the Prince William (VA) Board of County Supervisors. Earlier in his career, he served in the United States Coast Guard. Mr. Connaughton received his bachelor's degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, his master's degree from Georgetown University and his JD from George Mason University.

Source:   http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080909-5.html

Roger Foster Wins Award

On June 5, 2008, Roger Foster was one of three BIW engineers to were honored with "Engineering Excellence and Innovation" awards
Presentations were made at the annual GD Engineering and Technology Council conference in Washington, DC. View article with photo

Note from Bill Stafford: I should also mention that Roger's daughter Meaghan is finishing up an internship with us at Bath Iron Works prior to returning to KP for her final year.

News of former KP Chaplains (at KP with us)
Jim Perdew (Protestant) and Fr John Newton (Catholic)

1. Former KP Protestant Chaplain Jim Perdew and his wife Janie will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Missouri this summer. They have scheduled events for 28-29 June 2008 in the city of Gray Summit, MO.

The Perdews have fond memories of their tour of duty at KP and would like to have an informal KP reunion during the anniversary weekend. If you are interested in attending the festivities or want more information, contact one of their daughters:

Sheri Hart - sherihart(at)earthlink.net   636-257-6381
Amy Jo Purl - amypurl(at)yahoo.com   601-250-5526
Lori Jane Perdew   636-257-6381

2. Former KP Catholic Chaplain Father John Newton had surgery earlier this year to remove a blood clot from his leg. He is recuperating at home now but he is very weak (he still lives in Hawaii).

Father Newton has had quite a few health problems in the past few years (he is 84 now) including at least one heart attack.   I am sure that he would enjoy hearing from you if you have the time; his e-mail address is:   padrejon(at)webtv.net

If you care to send a card, his home address is:
Rev. John G. Newton
579-D Keolu Drive
Kailua HI 96734

Photos 2008

   
John & Cindy Prien new addition. "In my short experience at this I can honestly say that Cindy and I feel like there is a "leap" going from 3 to 4. Grayson and Mom are doing great! (Jan. 08)

Photos 2007

 
A.J. Murphy with Anne & Jim Quern (Spring 07)

 
Bill Sliker and Tom Heberle doing pilot training in Port Revel 5/07

Erin Gantt continues to sing

July 2007
This July 4th, I will be singing with the trio "Swing Shift" in our its first appearance in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, DC. Swing Shift specializes in WWII era music and will be riding on the "Liberty Bell" float. We are scheduled to stop and perform at the reviewing stand at 16th & Constitution Ave (across from the White House). Although this is our first year in the Independence Day Parade, Swing Shift has performed in 4 Memorial Day Parades here in downtown DC.

Photo of “Swing Shift” from the 2006 Memorial Day Parade (Kate Thiele, Joanne Wertz, & Erin Gantt): view photo

Those who want to see any of the July 4th festivities in DC should take the Metro; the closest stations to the National Mall are: Archives/Navy Memorial and Federal Triangle on the Blue & Orange Lines. Parade details at website

December 2006
Erin is a member of the Choral Arts Society of Washington, which sings at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. She alerted me of a TV appearance they had on 12/26/06 and I snapped a video clip. It was at the end of the Kennedy Center Honors, their performance part of a tribute to Steven Spielberg. Dolly Parton & Smokey Robinson were among other honorees.

President Bush heard that Erin would be there, so he worked the event into his schedule.

View Clip (broadband required)