Turning Back the Clock - Part Two

Carlsbad had definitely changed in 53 years. I remember only one main street in town and ANA was most prominent as one passed through ending south. Now, I could easily become lost. The town had grown. No longer a couple of hotels, a couple of restaurants...this had become a major tourist area with many shops and places to stay and eat. thanks in part to the influence of the game of golf, and the world famous La Costa Resort and Spa and the Four Seasons Resort. Ray and I checked into our small motel and I made a call to one of our classmates to let them know we arrived. We arranged to meet for dinner at a local restaurant in a couple of hours.

That dinner will be remembered for renewing the personal friendships that had waited so many years to come together face to face. I wondered if my "brothers" thought about me the way the same as I about them. The years had worked their magic on our bodies and weathered faces. Nevertheless, in their hearts, the energy and ethusiasm of true friendship was still there if indeed a little bit slower of a pace. It was a great start to a great weekend.

Friday morning the much anticipated Alumni Golf tournament was held. I will not dwell on this very disappointing performance. My teammates, Bill Rafferty, Byron Taylor and Jack Jackson, all from the Class of 1955 must have thought I really put one over on them in selling my golf skills. Truth of the matter was that I forgot everything I thought I knew about the game. I did realized much much later than I never kept my head down to watch the silly little ball. I will blame it on too much anticipation and being tired from a long trip. I apologize to my teammates although it would not matter. They played really well. Part of our problem as I look back was the fact that this very long playing course was tough on us. We as a team (I was the youngest at nearly 72 years of age) were required to play off the Blue Tees (all the way back) the same as the young bulls of the past three or four graduating classes who were all in the 20's. Just did not seem fair.

Friday evening a no host "Margaritas and Memories" Reception and Mexican food buffet was set up on the athletic field and for the first time, most of us were able to see all of our former classmates and other friends who had made the journey for this reunion. I was very proud that the Class of 1957 had the second highest total of returning alumni with I believe twelve former classmates by Sunday. There was even a young man from the Class of 1937...wow!! Can't even begin to tell you how great it was to see my classmates again.

Saturday morning I met with Jack Jackson in front of the Administration building where the representative from the school and alumni office were registering alumni and friends as they showed up. I had volunteered to be on hand to present and discuss the proposal for a ANA Veterans Memorial plaque to honor those alumni who had gave their lives in the service of their country during the 100 years of the Academy's existence. It was also an opportunity to meet and greet many others. One person in particular stood out. Kati Polhamus was the daughter of Captain Al Polhamus, my mentor and Band Director at the Academy during my years as a Cadet. I owed my career as a Musician in the United States Navy to the fact that "Capt Al" arranged for an audition with the Chief Musician at the Naval Training Center in San Diego in 1961 to become a Navy Musician instead of getting out after four years.