We were privileged to have Captain Chris Cassidy ’93 as the keynote speaker for our 2021 Smith-McCool Sword presentation back in January.  Now it looks like Cassidy needs to update his resume again.  After careers as a Navy SEAL and a NASA Astronaut, Cassidy is starting a new job as President and CEO of the National Medal Museum Foundation.

Some of Cassidy’s first projects will be to build the National Medal of Honor Museum and Leadership Institute in Arlington TX and the National Medal of Honor Monument in Washington, D.C.

We’re sure he doesn’t need it, but we wish him luck in his new endeavor (and we selfishly hope he’ll make his way back to Houston to tell us all about it).

You can read the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation’s announcement here.

The Battleship Texas is a fixture of Houston’s naval heritage.  Unfortunately, the public hasn’t been able to visit it in quite a while as it has transitioned to different management and begun an extensive repair project.

This Labor Day Weekend, however, the Battleship will temporarily reopen to the public.  The Officers’ Wardroom and Main Deck up to the Navigation Bridge will be open.  The historic ship can be visited from 8 a.m. o 5:30 p.m. September 4-5.  Check out the video below for updates on the Battleship and the Battleship Texas Foundation website to find more details and purchase tickets.

The news from Afghanistan has been difficult to watch for many of us.  Whether you served in Afghanistan or not, it is hard not to react to the events as they unfolded.  It might be making you angry, upset, despondent, or depressed.  Feeling distressed because of something so negative that you were involved with personally is normal.  If you are struggling, please talk with friends and family or reach out to your fellow chapter members.

Our community spans generations while linked with a common dedication to service, so remember, you are not alone.  It is important now more than ever to stay connected.  Every member of this chapter would gladly answer your call or respond to your email if you needed it.

Taking care of your mental health is not a sign of weakness, it is self-preservation.  The VA recently distributed a list of recommended resources for those seeking help.  Please consider these if you are in distress or know someone else that is:

• Veterans Crisis Line– If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
  • For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
• Vet Centers– Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
• VA Mental Health Services Guide– This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
• net– information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
• RallyPoint– Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?
• Download VA’s self-help apps– Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)–  Request a Peer Mentor
• VA Women Veterans Call Center– Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 6:30PM ET)
• VA Caregiver Support Line– Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 5PM ET)
• Together We Served–Find your battle buddies through unit pages
• George W. Bush Institute – Need help or want to talk? Check Inor call:1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org
• Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes –Join the Community
• American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network– Peer Support and Mentoring
• Team Red, White & Blue– Hundreds of events weekly. Find a chapter in your area.
• Student Veterans of America– Find a campus chapter to connect with.
• Team Rubicon– Find a local support squad

We care about you and we’re here for you. Please take care of yourself, and if you can, someone else too.

Are you attending Homecoming events back in Annapolis this fall?  If so, you might want to bring your clubs.

After three years, the Homecoming Scramble is returning to the Naval Academy Golf Course.  The USNA Alumni Association and the Naval Academy Athletic Association are partnering for the alumni athletic competition to contribute to the Academy’s Fund for Athletic Excellence.

Here are some details:

Friday, 22 October 2021
Naval Academy Golf Course
Scramble format, 0900 shotgun start
Foursomes only:  $1,200
Singles: $300

You can register at the Alumni website.

If you attend, let us know how it goes, and make sure to check out the Willie McCool Memorial too. Don’t forget, there are those that consider it a cross country course that some people get to golf on.

Looking to change jobs or start a new career?  The Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) is hosting another virtual event August 16-20.  SACC events provide networking and engagement opportunities with industry-leading companies and academic institutions for graduates of the five service academies.  Sign up to meet with representatives from 80 companies, including 11 joining a SACC event for the first time.

Check out more details and registration information at the event website.

And if you attend, please let us know how it goes.