The reason for us being in the Mystic/New London, CT, area, was for Dan to attend the 35th Reunion/Homecoming for his graduating class from the USCG Academy in 1974, held 08-11OCT. Military academies routinely hold reunions every year for the classes that previously graduated in five years increments. So in 2009 reunions are held during homecoming for the classes of 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, 1974, etc, etc. This was number 35 for the USCGA Class of 1974, and more than fifty of our 200 graduates showed up.
http://www.cga.edu/
At the Coast Guard Academy they used to change your roommates every three months or so. After six months at the institution Jim and Dan were stuck together as roommates. To say they did not hit it off right a way, would be an understatement! Eventually they became fast and life long friends; even being Best Man at each others weddings.
Friday night was the no host cocktail party at the hotel. The dress was supposed to be shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and sandals with no socks. Very few of the attendees observed the proper dress code; but Dan ever being the rebel wore sandals with socks!
Saturday morning was a moving Memorial Service for nine classmates that have departed and no longer can attend. The ceremony was conducted by one of our ordained classmates, Will Henrickson.
After the Memorial Service we than had “tailgate” luncheon in one of the Academy buildings, Leamy Hall. 
Then it was time to form-up to March On the football field for the football game. March On is when the five year classes attending Homecoming/Reunion march onto the field (starting with the youngest class first, 2004). While marching on, a humorous two minute “commercial” is read over the PA about your class and its accomplishments (or lack of accomplishments).
We had planned to hit the road Sunday morning, but we were too tired to drive after all this! So we stayed one more day to recharge our batteries.
http://www.cga.edu/
http://www.cgaalumni.org/s/1043/start.aspx
Thursday night was the award dinner and induction into the USCG Academy Athletic Hall of Fame for a good friend & classmate Steve Ciccalone. Steve was a phenomenal all-around kicker in football, as well as defensive player. Steve won many a game for USCGA kicking field goals, setting or breaking many small college records; even tying some NCAA records. Dan seems to remember that Steve even got a letter from one NFL team to come-on-down and tryout?
Friday morning we met up with Dan’s best friend, Rear Admiral (Retired) Jim Van Sice, at the hotel being used for our reunion activities to help George Detweiler stuff welcome bags for the attendees. George is the “man” for arranging all our activities every five years.
Thursday night was the award dinner and induction into the USCG Academy Athletic Hall of Fame for a good friend & classmate Steve Ciccalone. Steve was a phenomenal all-around kicker in football, as well as defensive player. Steve won many a game for USCGA kicking field goals, setting or breaking many small college records; even tying some NCAA records. Dan seems to remember that Steve even got a letter from one NFL team to come-on-down and tryout?
Friday morning we met up with Dan’s best friend, Rear Admiral (Retired) Jim Van Sice, at the hotel being used for our reunion activities to help George Detweiler stuff welcome bags for the attendees. George is the “man” for arranging all our activities every five years.
At the Coast Guard Academy they used to change your roommates every three months or so. After six months at the institution Jim and Dan were stuck together as roommates. To say they did not hit it off right a way, would be an understatement! Eventually they became fast and life long friends; even being Best Man at each others weddings.Friday night was the no host cocktail party at the hotel. The dress was supposed to be shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and sandals with no socks. Very few of the attendees observed the proper dress code; but Dan ever being the rebel wore sandals with socks!
Saturday morning was a moving Memorial Service for nine classmates that have departed and no longer can attend. The ceremony was conducted by one of our ordained classmates, Will Henrickson.
After the Memorial Service we than had “tailgate” luncheon in one of the Academy buildings, Leamy Hall. 
Then it was time to form-up to March On the football field for the football game. March On is when the five year classes attending Homecoming/Reunion march onto the field (starting with the youngest class first, 2004). While marching on, a humorous two minute “commercial” is read over the PA about your class and its accomplishments (or lack of accomplishments).
After the football game (we lost in overtime) all classes (even those not celebrating a five year reunion) gather in Leamy Hall for “All Classes” cocktail party.
After all this, it is back to the hotel for the dinner dance. As always the favorite dance number is YMCA by the Village People; but it appears to Dan that reaction times are slower for some people, they would just be making the sign for “Y” when they should be doing “C” or “A”! And as is the class tradition the night officially starts winding down when Steve Ciccalone sings Frank Sinatra’s Mack the Knife. When Steve sings this, you could close your eyes and swear “old blue eyes” was in the room.
After all this, it is back to the hotel for the dinner dance. As always the favorite dance number is YMCA by the Village People; but it appears to Dan that reaction times are slower for some people, they would just be making the sign for “Y” when they should be doing “C” or “A”! And as is the class tradition the night officially starts winding down when Steve Ciccalone sings Frank Sinatra’s Mack the Knife. When Steve sings this, you could close your eyes and swear “old blue eyes” was in the room.
We had planned to hit the road Sunday morning, but we were too tired to drive after all this! So we stayed one more day to recharge our batteries.
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