The second annual summer gathering of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Pacific Northwest Citadel Club was held August 21, 2004, at the home of Ralph Eckles, '74, in Kirkland Washington. Club secretary, Howard Katz '53, did the organizing, while Eckles and Nick Pugh, '74, handled the logistics. The Cid's gathered to send Heath Dorn, '00, off to active duty in the Army.

In the photo, Left to right

Rear Rank: Ralph Eckles '74, Howard Katz '53, Tom Griffin '86, Steve Sponar '70, Bill Aubrey '70, Rob Dixon '61, Ken Williams '89, Heath Dorn '00, Nick Pugh '74, Front Rank: Craig Hill '70, James Williams '85, Kevin Harbol '81 , Greg Caras '79. Attending but not pictured, Norm Seabrooks '73.

Our spouses, children and signifigant others made up a pretty good bunch. We might try it again. It seems like the old stories never die.

The Pacific Northwest Citadel Club officially covers five of the largest states in the country. As practical matter, we have been able to organize a Puget Sound Chapter and pull off a couple of gatherings since August of 2003. As we collect more names and e-mail addresses we will be able to cast a wider net.

We've had a great time discovering each other and invite all area Citadel grads to join us. Our club has grown from 5 in August of 2003 to over 40 roster members at the end of 2004. Our 2005 goals include a real charter, election of officers, sponsoring an event in Portland, Oregon and at least three social events.

Monthly Officers call - Normally held on the last Friday of each month, these lunch meetings are more fun than business. They are open to all members. E-mail one of us for time and location.

March 12 - Corps Day Muster - Location to be announced.

Summer Beach Party - Date and location to be announced.

Fall Business Meeting - New Officers and Charter, Date and location to be anounced.

Christmas Open House - Date and location to be anounced.

Bellevue, WA - On June 8, 2003, five northwest alumni held an organizational meeting for the Northwest Citadel Club at he the Hyatt in Bellevue. The Gang of Five was able to organize a few brews and enough peanuts to really mess up the floor. The management complained, but a guy needs to feel comfortable.

The agenda included assigning duties and tasks with the intention of scheduling area wide activities during 2003 and 2004. Since the club is supposed to serve Washinginton, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, there are some interesting logistics problems.

From the left, the rogues in the picture are:

-Bill Aubrey, '70, Puyallup, WA. Bill has a lot of vices so he will serve as Vice President. He will also focus on members in the Puget Sound region. Bill Aubrey '70

-Steve Sponar, '70, Bellevue. Steve is a Charleston native so we put him in charge of parties. He is our Program Director. He is a great cheer leader while Howard and Ralph work. Steve Sponar '70<

-Howard Katz, '53, Bellevue, WA. Howard was really the motivating force behind this meeting. He is serving as secretary and First Sergeant. He is currently trying to collect accurate mailing and e-mail lists. If you have information on any other area alumni, contact Howard. Howard Katz '53

-Ralph Eckles, '74, Kirkland, WA. Ralph is the only one who can count past 10 without taking off his shoes, so he's the treasurer. Since we don't have any money, he is temporarily assinged to find some. Ralph Eckles '74

-Craig Hill, '70, Puyallup, WA. I stood up when I should have shut up so I got named President. I also think I'm the only Northwest native which means I'm the only one who knows how to write. Craig Hill '70