The Western New York Chapter held its Annual Candidate Recognition Dinner on June 14th, 2002. The turnout was good with members of the Parents Club, Navy League, ROTC, USNA alumni, and of course the midshipman candidates for the class of '06. The speaker was George Watt '73, President and CEO of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

George discussed the relevance of the Academy and the Navy after the September 11th attack. The loss of fourteen of USNA alumni at the Pentagon and World Trade Centers makes the event especially relevant. The Alumni Association's mission and the Academy's mission are those beacons that keep all of us on track in support of the Brigade and the Academy. George explained that there are several areas where the interest and mission of our chapters, our class organizations, and our parents clubs converge.

George also remarked that synergy between the Parents Club, the "Rising Plebes" and the Navy League work well in western New York. He stated that the chapter models the way "informed advocacy" should work.

Attendees at the event included:

• Kevin & Cheryl Albaugh and their son, Kurt Albaugh '06
• Pamela Barnard and her son, Chris Benard '06
• Susan Bielat
• Sharon Stiller & Nelson Blish '69, and his son, Jacob Blish, ROTC Carnegie Mellon University '06
• Debbie & Jamie Brugler and their son, Chris Brugler '06
• Larry Coan and his daughter, Mary Coan '07
• Norb Holderle, Navy League
• Kim & Jim Isaac and their son, Brian Isaac '06
• Suzanne & Richard Kievit '61
• Chris & Susan Konkol and their son, Matt Konkol '09
• Gavin Lowder, Commanding Officer ROTC University of Rochester
• D. J. & Cathreen Nelson '62
• Scott & Maureen Valentine '88
• George Watt '73
• Mary and Bob Whitehead '65 and
• Joe Vaccarella '92.