U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association - Michigan Chapter

We’re pleased to host this years watch party at the Detroit Yacht Club again this year. Registration available soon

Earlier this summer, we kicked off our wonderful Michigan summer by gathering dockside for good company, great food, and even better sea stories. Our smaller crew decided to make our "Summer Muster" happy hour a proper maritime affair - arriving by boat for the ultimate dockside experience, soaking up that Lake St. Clair breeze and the camaraderie of fellow Academy grads.

Left to right: Art Bryant '66, Ryan Lally '04, Mike Droogleever '05 (& wife)

NEXT EVENT: Join us and the Parents Club of Michigan as they host their Navy vs. Air Force football game watch party on Saturday, October 4 (details in comments).

📣Calling all Michigan alumni! Join us for our second annual croquet outing on Saturday, April 19th, at the Hoch Yard (our VP's residence) near Lake Orion.

🏡🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Bring the whole family for an afternoon of friendly competition this Easter weekend, enjoy a delicious barbecue, and reconnect with fellow graduates. This family-friendly event has activities for all ages - yes, bring the kids!

🗓️When: 2 PM Saturday, April 19, 2025
📍Where: Lake Orion area
🎯What: Croquet, BBQ, refreshments, and camaraderie

📲Register in your myUSNA account or comment here for assistance. Go Navy! Beat the Johnnies!

👨🏻‍⚖️🍽️Mess Night is a time-honored military tradition, and our Chapter proudly supported the Marine Red Coats 54th Annual Mess Night, held at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Among its distinguished guests, we were honored to have BGen Thomas M. Armas, Deputy Commander of U.S. Marine Forces Command, as our guest of honor.

🗓️This prestigious event brings together both Navy and Marine Corps personnel in tradition and distinctly stands as the second longest-running mess night in the Marine Corps. Please watch for announcements for next year's gathering, typically held in early April, to participate in this remarkable evening, celebrating our shared service and values.

🌷 Spring Has Sprung! 🌷Michigan's fickle spring weather may have brought a quick return to winter, but it didn't dampen our Navy spirit. Our Spring Luncheon brought together familiar faces and new shipmates from across generations. We shared sea stories and career updates, and hearty laughter reminded us why we stay connected.

🗓️ Mark Your Calendars: Annual Croquet Match - Saturday, 19 April. Details and registration are available in your myUSNA account. Family friendly. See you on the field, shipmates!🫡⚓️

⏳❄️📜A few braved the snow storm last week and celebrated "100th Night" - a cherished tradition marking 100 days until graduation. While February's chill still grips Annapolis during these "Dark Ages," the warmth of fellowship filled our hearts as we shared sea stories and words of wisdom.

We gather next month for our Spring luncheon on the 12th. Check our events list for details in your myUSNA account!⚓️

🍲☃️Our Michigan winter couldn't dampen our Navy spirit! A few faithful members of our Michigan Chapter musterd at Bar Louie in Novi for our winter luncheon, where we shared stories and enjoyed fellowship around the table. A special thank you to those who braved the cold journey to be with us, especially those proudly wearing their Navy gear and representing their class years.🎓

👀We look forward to our next gathering on 12 February for 100th Night. This event coincides with a cherished Midshipmen tradition, marking the countdown to graduation. Go Navy!🫡⚓️

Grateful for our amazing officer board for bringing MI alumni together!

Vice President: Shawn Hoch
Secretary: Peggy Menzies
Treasurer: Sean Lloyd

And also for our past presidents, Art Bryant and Joe Zane, for their continued support and attendance at our activities. They make sure our efforts are both effective and enjoyable.

Cheers,

-Mike Droogleever (Chapter President)

This Week of Gratitude, our Alumni Association teams are pausing to thank our incredible alumni and volunteer leaders! 🎓

Your generosity provides midshipmen with essential career services, mentorship, and opportunities to build a lasting legacy. With your support, we equip them with the tools they need to succeed in the Navy, military, and beyond. Together, we’re shaping the future, one midshipman at a time.

Your ongoing involvement strengthens a network that supports and empowers both current and past midshipmen. Through your contributions, we bridge the past, present, and future of our Brigade.

Thank you for staying connected and for your continued support!

Don’t forget to submit your photo to our annual Photo Mosaic (to be revealed Friday) 📸

1. Visit usna.com/gratitude
2. Click “Add a Photo”
3. Complete the form with your photo and memory.

📰🚨MICHIGAN ALUMNI IN THE NEWS: Detroit Fox 2 News recently featured our very own Mike Johnson in their Tribute to Our Troops series!

⏩CAPT Johnson's dedication to inspiring the next generation of service members shines through as he shares his Naval Academy journey and encourages local youth to consider military service or even pursue a USNA appointment.

🫡Thank you, Mike, for continuing to exemplify the values of the Naval Academy and making a real difference in our community. Your mentorship helps shape tomorrow's leaders.
Watch his full interview in the commented link!⚓️

Our Chapter represented at this year's 2024 Michigan All Academy Ball, honoring Michigan's military academy cadets and midshipmen, hosted beautifully by the Naval Academy Parents Club of Michigan (PCOM). The parents' clubs rotate their hosting, so our representation was significant this year.

The gala takes place annually after Christmas, allowing cadets and midshipmen to connect with alumni, family, and friends during their holiday leave. It features a black-tie gala with a cocktail hour, plated dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction. Retired Major General Rolf Mammen, USAF, former Selfridge ANGB Commander, gave this year's keynote speech.

This cherished tradition honors the dedication and sacrifices of our future officers while fostering camaraderie among those who share similar paths in service to our Country. We invite your consideration to attend next year!

Featured are the participating cadets and midshipmen.

Go Navy!🏈Our loyal alumni during halftime at this year’s game-viewing hosted by West Point Society of Michigan. Might get a little rowdy if we don’t pull this one off!💪🏼

Quite the rally!