I attended Flying Bridge Day this past Friday 26 April. There was also the Annual Chapter Presidents meeting on Saturday 27 April. Our local Chapter President has shared his notes with me.
In both of these events there was a Midshipmen Panel discussion in which numerous mids could be quizzed on their likes, and more importantly their dislikes. A common "dislike" mentioned in both meetings is mold in barracks, not working hot water (2nd Company routinely has to go to other buildings to shower), no heat in the winter (3rd company) and other related comments.
The two meetings have been timely and caused these comments to become a matter of significance. Quoting from
Highlights from the Hill
USMMA AAF Infrastructure Advocacy Continues to be Full Speed Ahead
In the House of Representatives, Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) has introduced legislative language to authorize a multi-year appropriation to effect a much needed and comprehensive modernization of the entire USMMA campus infrastructure and facilities. The language has been shared with the members of the USMMA Board of Visitors (BOV) as well as members of the House Armed Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over USMMA. Garbarino is currently seeking multiple co-sponsors and the goal is to get this language into the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In the Senate, Sen. Mark Kelly (AZ), Chair of the USMMA BOV and a 1986 USMMA graduate, is spearheading a similar effort. The independently authored and USMMA AAF endorsed infrastructure plan, the Full Speed Ahead plan, continues to be well received in Congress as a viable roadmap for rehabilitation of the USMMA campus. Of note, Congressman Garbarino was successful in having the Full Speed Ahead Plan introduced into the Congressional Record on Feb. 28, 2024.
Of importance is that Congressman Garbarino would like to have support by his colleagues by May 1st. So if you can, please take a moment to write you local congressman and encourage them to support Congressman Garbarino in his efforts to get multi-year funding to improve the Academy infrastructure.