The 6th of July was the opportunity for an impromptu reunion of the
"Thirsty Third," AKA "Da Mets," as we gathered to celebrate the
swearing of our illustrious classmate, comrade, and partner in crime, Tim McClain. He was
sworn in as General Counsel of the Department of Veteran Affairs in Memorial Hall at
Mother "B" in a truly Academy moment. Swearing him in was Anthony J. Principi,
’67, the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs, while his wife Lynn held the Bible. Also
sworn in at this ceremony were Leo S. MacKay ’83, as Deputy Scretary of Veterans
Affairs; Maureen Cragin ’85, as Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental
Affairs; and Robin L. Higgins as Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, wife of the late
Col William R. Higgins, USMC. Her husband was kidnapped and later murdered in Lebanon.
Memorial Hall was truly a fitting place to install these fine people, who can be counted
on to make sure that this nation’s veterans are truly cared for. Attending this
inauguration was a fine turn out of "Da Mets," shown mugging with Tim at the
reception. They included Larry Schear, Lew McIntyre, John Eckert, Tim himself, Steve
Parks, Scott "Nubber" Newberry, and Pete Roberts. All told, about a third of us!
We were particularly glad to see Steve, as he has been out of touch for decades. He was,
it seems, well hidden in Annapolis. Nobody thought to look there for him! After the
ceremony, the crowd, along with the wives, Vickie Newberry, Maryanne Eckert, Lynn McClain,
and Alice Schear, gathered in the O-Club for fine reception. Tim, it’s a long way
from Johnstown!
Tim McClain ’70 being sworn in as General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs by Anthony J. Principi ’67, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, while his wife Lynn holds the Bible.
"Da Mets" reunion at the Academy O Club for Tim’s reception... (L-R) Larry Schear, Lew McIntyre, John Eckert, Tim McClain, Steve Parks, Scott Newberry, and Pete Roberts.
