Thanks to CAPT Chris Paddock

There were a number of people who contributed time and effort to the UR NROTC All Hands Reunion. One person, in particular, was crucial to the success of the event and I did not thank him profusely enough Saturday night. CAPT Chris Paddock, USN-Ret., Class of '80, as Master of Ceremonies for the reunion dinner, did a spectacular job of keeping the party fun and lively. I cannot thank him enough!

The Inaugural UR NROTC All Hands Reunion

I may be biased but I think it is fair to declare the inaugural UR NROTC All Hand Reunion a big success.  About 50 former UR midshipmen participated in one of three NROTC events this past weekend. In addition, approximately 30 guests joined in.  A total of 26 different class years were represented, ranging from 1956 to 2009.  Of those, former midshipmen from 9 classes celebrated a five-year reunion.  In a special ceremony for members of the Class of 1965, seven former NROTCs were presented with the Gold Medallion to honor their 50th anniversary of graduation from the University of Rochester.

More Fun and Games

Introduction to Geocaching

Geocaching is a high tech scavenger hunt.  Enthusiasts hide containers for other geocachers to find.  The coordinates are posted on line for members to download to a GPS.  Once found, open the container, sign the log and replace it for the next geocacher.  It is not always as easy as it sounds. Caches can be very small, artistically camouflaged and cleverly hidden.  Or they might be as big as an ammo can and out in the open.  Also, GPS has a margin of error that means you might need to be looking in a 30 ft radius.

If you would like to learn more about it go to geocaching.com.  If it interests you, create a user name for yourself (I recommend a short one because sometimes you have to print it on very small logs) and download the application.  It does not cost anything for an introductory level membership.  You will soon discover there are many geocaches around and near the UR campus! 

The weather forecast for Saturday looks like it will be a nice day to be outside!  If you don't have plans to attend the football game consider geocaching instead. I will be at MelioraFest from 11:30 to 2 p.m. and will be happy to get you started.  Others who are already experienced geocachers may be available at MelioraFest to create a team of geocachers . . . the more eyes searching, the better.

I am hoping to hide a few caches that go with the NROTC Reunion theme so stay tuned for more information.

Sara

Fun and Games

NROTC Bingo

 On Friday afternoon I will distribute NROTC-customized bingo cards that will jog your memories, spark sea stories and break the ice throughout the weekend.  Spouses and children are welcome to play.  Similar to Bingo, the game is played by finding someone who fits the description in the block and asking them to initial it off (just like PQS). A card is complete when 5 blocks in a row (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) have been initialed by a former UR NROTC or the spouse. (A sample card is pictured below.)

Each year the UR NROTC unit sends teams to Cornell and Villanova to participate in Military Excellence Competitions (MEC) that demonstrate performance in platoon drill, trick drill, color guard, swimming, 10K, ironman etc.  A registration fee is required to compete but cannot be paid from the Commanding Officer's budget.  The midshipmen normally raise funds through activities such as the Ship's Store (which you will see on Friday afternoon) and then cover any remaining fees out of pocket.

A donation of $20 is suggested for 3 NROTC Bingo cards.  Completed cards will be entered in a drawing for prizes to be held at the All Hands Dinner.

Shuttle Bus Schedule and Map

The map and schedule for bus service between hotels and campus has been finalized and posted. 

https://www.rochester.edu/melioraweekend/documents/MelioraWeekend2015_Map_Final.pdf

NROTC Unit Fundraiser

To raise a donation to make to the Midshipman Battalion we will offer an opportunity to play an NROTC customized Bingo game throughout the weekend. Instead of B5, for example, you might need to find someone who was a Submariner while on active duty.  For those who plan to attend the All Hands Reunion, I invite you to send me (BY SEPARATE MESSAGE to urnrotc@gmail.com) any unusual duty assignments you had, equipment you operated (e.g. first to break the sound barrier), operation you participated in, unique qualification, etc.

Only 48 Hours . . .

On-line registration for the UR NROTC All Hands Reunion events closes at noon on Friday, Oct 2.  If you haven't done so already, please register today! Looking forward to see you there!