Fellow Shipmates,

A lot has been said already about the correct way to avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19 – thorough hand washing and significant social distancing – so I will leave that to the experts, but I do want you all to know that our Chapter members are here to support each other during difficult times.

Health Issues: If you are sick, or if you are at risk and trying to avoid becoming sick by isolating yourself, and you need assistance, reach out to us at the email below and we will work directly with you or work with Combined Arms to help you or find the right help. Additionally, if you use the VA for healthcare, call before you go to the local hospital and check their website for updates. Even if you do use the VA, I recommend registering with Combined Arms so they have you in their system and can help you get the help you need as soon as possible.

Health Resources and COVID-19 Updates

• Combined Arms: https://combinedarms.us/
• Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.va.gov/
• World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/
• Texas DSHS: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
• Houston Health Department: https://houstonemergency.org/covid19/
• Harris County Public Health: http://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Resources/2019-Novel-Coronavirus
• Texas Medical Center: https://www.tmc.edu/coronavirus-updates/
• Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Outbreak Mapping: https://systems.jhu.edu/research/public-health/2019-ncov-map-faqs/

Employment Issues: If you are suddenly out of work and need assistance finding a new job, reach out to us and we will work with Combined Arms, NextOp, Houston Veterans in Business, and others to fully utilize the veteran network in the Texas Gulf Coast region to help you find work. Registering with Combined Arms will help you in this process.

Job Resources:

• Combined Arms: https://combinedarms.us/
• NextOp: https://nextopvets.org/
• Houston Veterans in Business: Reach out to HVB through their LinkedIn group or contact via email at:txgulfcoast.usnachapters@gmail.com

Stay well,

Bret Leach USNA ’08
TxGC President

Fellow Shipmates,

A lot of businesses and people will struggle during this time. For those of us who are not struggling and want to find a way to help others in need, I strongly urge you to consider supporting business who have supported us:

1. The Marquis II: We have had a difficult time finding a bar that can host our football watch parties and truly wants us there. This fall, the owner of the Marquis II, Al Jara, enthusiastically welcomed us to his bar and made our football games a priority even during peak hours. On top of that, he provided a lot of free food and heavily discounted drinks to make sure we had the best possible experience and he is looking forward to hosting us again next season. During the forced closure on bars, with no food to offer as take out or delivery, he’ll have no income. A great way to show our appreciation of Al and the Marquis II is to purchase your beer for the fall now- purchase a gift card by emailing Al at al@marquis2.com. Let him know you are part of the Naval Academy family and that we are looking forward to seeing him again in the fall.
2. El Tiempo Cantina and Tony Mandolas: Thanks to the generosity of Lee Kelleher ’69, Tony Mandolas and El Tiempo Cantina have graciously hosted us for our luncheons and happy hours for years. On top of that, El Tiempo has provided the food for our University of Houston – Navy football tailgates at a steep discount. They have been incredibly supportive of our chapter and have continuously been flexible, accommodating, and provided incredible value to us. You can order food to-go online at their websites or have their food delivered through several food delivery apps. Additionally, El Tiempo on Washington Ave, in Webster, and in the Woodlands, will offer “Fajitas and Ritas” delivered or to-go by calling 713-681-3645.
3. Wakefield Crowbar: Wakefield Crowbar has hosted all of our Top Gun fundraisers for our local Foundation and has hosted our football viewings in the past. They are open for takeout from 1600 to 2300 daily and have some great specials. Call 713-485-4806 to order.
4. Eureka Heights: Eureka Heights enthusiastically, without question, offered to donate the beer for our University of Houston – Navy football tailgate. If you are looking for a beer to keep you company while you are stuck in the house, consider purchasing theirs- they even have a drive-thru set up from 1100-1800 every day at the brewery.

Check their websites, Facebook pages, and Instagram accounts for more information and updates.

Stay well,

Bret Leach USNA ’08
TxGC President

As part of the Alumni Association requirements, the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter submitted their qualifying membership roster for the triennial count.  Once again, the Chapter is a top “large” chapter and keeps a Board of Trustee seat for another three year term.

During the past three years, John Augusto ‘02 has represented the TxGC as the Trustee.  He will turn over the seat to Bret Leach ‘08 in May.

The Board of Trustees are the governing body of the Alumni Association, dedicated to ensuring the Association is supporting the mission of the Naval Academy, Association members, including Alumni. It’s important that the TxGC Chapter maintains its seat on the Board of Trustees, by remaining a large chapter, because this seat allows the TxGC to be directly represented in the decisions made by the Association.  Please consider joining the TxGC if you aren’t already a member.  Your membership matters.

Congratulations to you, our members. The Chapter has again been recognized as a Distinguished Chapter for 2019, and it was possible only because of our TxGC Alumni and members. Distinguished Chapter was created in 2017, by the Alumni Association, to recognize Chapters that have met specific guidelines in member services, participation, community outreach, communication, and recruiting.  The TxGC has been a Distinguished Chapter in 2018 and now, 2019.