More to Come.. Hey Army beat Air Force and Boston College this Year.
Navy has new uniforms for the 2012 game:
I'm thinking they look a little Sissyfied!
Since this is our 40th year anniversary game it appropriate to give a history of the Game:
The rivalry kicked off 122 years ago when Cadet Dennis Mahan Michie accepted a “challenge” from the Naval Academy and the two squads faced off on The Plain at West Point on November 29, 1890 (Navy had been playing organized football since 1879, and came out on top of the newly-established Army squad). Ever since, through those many years of intense cheers, unforgettable plays and climactic moments, the Army-Navy rivalry has been etched into the minds of countless fans and followers. All it takes is a visit to West Point or Annapolis, where everything (from the finely manicured hedges to the chant following grace-before-meals) proclaims “Beat Navy” or “Beat Army,” to understand how deeply ingrained this rivalry actually is.
I'm thinking a little Voodo may help this year!
Updated 12/6/12 - Army - New Uniforms
Now here is a UNIFORM:
Updated 12/9/12 - Lose Again - 11 in a ROW
Whoopy it was a close game - oh Army was driving down to win the game and the ball was fumbled. Oh well we had a good time and just because I was the big loser in dollars I was the big winner in able to see many friends (25) again for the 40th year in a row.
Here are some Pics - many thanks to Craig S. for the great shots!!
Can I see a little more of this next year? PLEASE!!
Updated 12/20/12 - RIP Mr. Donoghue
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Date: |
April 1, 1925 - December 18, 2012 |
Obituary: |
Donoghue,
Charles E., age 87, of Flat Rock. Beloved husband of Marie. Loving
father of Peggy (Jack) Arnest, Dennis (Marsha), Mike (Diane), Jeffrey
and Tim (Rachel) Donoghue. Dearest grandfather of 8 and great
grandfather of 12. Dearest brother of Richard “Pat” (Kathi) Donoghue and
Dolores Robert. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother
and 2 sisters. Charles proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy
during WWII. |
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Updated 3/1/13 - RIP Ken (BB)
We lost a best friend today. Ken was a lifelong friend who was always loyal and would do anything for a friend. He leaves behind a loving wife, family and friends who will never forget him. He was always with a smile and led us in singing of our high school fight song each year at the Army Navy Game. He wears a "S" for Sports to honor …
Updated 4/16/13 - RIP Big Ben)
This has been a terrible past few months for the Army/Navy gang. As you can read we lost another friend suddenly. Big Ben just started attending the past three years but he just loved our get together. He told all of our high school classmates about the annual party and anticipated the nex one throughout the year. Ben was a Navy Veteran.
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2011 ARMY/NAVY GAME
Saturday, December 10th at,
LOCATION - Donoghue House 39th Annual
FedExField is a state of the art football facility in the heart of the Capital Beltway in Washington DC and home to the NFL Redskins. With room for over 85,000 fans, the 2011 Army-Navy Game may host the biggest crowd in the game's history.
Kick-off 2:30 p.m.
The clock is ticking until a big time
navy butt whipping
Click on Pic to Enlarge
UPDATED 12/9/11- 14 hours to game time
I'm breaking out a new shirt and hat for this year to see if the losing streak will be broken.
Prediction Army 23 Navy 17
UPDATED: 12/11/11 - LOSE AGAIN - 10 in a stinkin ROW!!
Same results - everyone had a good time, food was great , I even won a square for the first time in 39 years.
Here are some highlights -
Thanks to Craig and Brad for the Pics
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2010 ARMY/NAVY GAME
Saturday, December 11th at Lincoln Financial Field,
Kick-off 2:40 p.m.
LOCATION - Campbell House 38th Annual
OK - here are a couple of On-Line Games - See Links Below
This year looks like it could be a good game. Navy Beats Notre Dame but loses to Duke! Army has a winning record but plays Air Force today who has already beat Navy.
UPDATE - 11/22/2010
LET'S NOT FORGET THE TRUE HEROES
Last weekend Navy beats Arkansas St and Army Loses to Notre Dame!
UPDATED - 12/6/10
Navy is 8-3 this year and Army is 6-5 and both are going to Bowl Games. The first for Army in a long long time. Air Force is also going to a Bowl which goes to show being a veteran and fan can bring out the attendance at these games.
I'm hosting the party this year and I have put my food order in and got the basement close to being ready for the game on Saturday. Everyone keeps saying Army has a chance this year. I'm just hoping for a close game and win it at the end.
UPDATED - 12/10/10
OK, no big boast just a sound prediction - Army 17 - Navy - 13
UPDATED 12/11/10 - Game Day!
The best way to sum up the game is the following article:
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - December 10, 2010 (WPVI) -- The eve of the 111th Army-Navy game means the Army-Navy gala at the national constitution center.
A beautiful night at the Army and Navy gala and everyone was in their evening best with many of them believing that their team is the best heading into Saturday's big game.
"It's a great rivalry even though we haven't won in a very long time. We're really pushing for it this year. We can feel it," said Ricky Garcia, a U.S. Military Academy senior.
"They're probably a little better this year, so they might score a touchdown this time, but we're still going to win," said Bryan Hamby, a U.S. Naval Academy junior.
There was a competitive spirit running strong at the National Constitution Center ahead of the 111th Army Navy game. The schools' pep bands dueled, the West Point cheerleaders swing-danced, while their rivals roared their own battle cries. Of course team mascots were on hand confidently swaggering through the crowds.
1,100 people celebrating another year of this storied match-up in a city centrally located between Annapolis and West Point. It brings more than 50,000 visitors to Philadelphia, generating a $35 million economic impact. But it's so much more.
"If you were around the city tonight, you have midshipman and cadets everywhere. There's just excitement. And I think this setting for this party couldn't be better," said Tom Muldoon, President of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
No doubt the rivalry is strong, but school leaders don't lose sight of the real message here.
"We're going to have a tough football game tomorrow. But the most important message is, after it's all over, we're going to be on the same team," said Lt. Gen. David Huntoon, Jr., U.S. Military Academy Supt.
"They are going to build friendships and a brotherhood that will last forever. So it's really a spectacular opportunity to celebrate what's good and right about our nation," said Vice Adm. Michael Miller, U.S. Naval Academy Supt.
UPDATED 12/12/10
In memory of Dandy Don Meredith (NFL and MNF Fame) who passed away this week because he was known for singing "Turn out the lights, the party's over" (a line from a Willie Nelson song, "The Party's Over") at the time the game was apparently decided.
Below are some short clips -
WARNING! Some Language not suitable for young viewers (Listen for Big Dan in background)!
Well this game was decided when Army's QB did something with the ball on the 1 yard line and Navy ran it back for a touchdown.
My prediction was right for Army - 17, but Navy scored 31. And, again I did not win a square and the card game was not much better.
That does not matter since 26 friends got together and had a good time! It really is a special day.
This year we welcomed Big Ben and Chuck the Marine to our fold.
Until next year ...
click on pic to enlarge
UPDATED (12/18/10)
In 2005 this story below took place during the Army/Navy Football Weekend.
I want to thank Dr. TD Moody for sending this to me!
By
Ronnie Polaneczky
Nov 27, 2007
And now, I bring you the best Christmas story you never heard.
It started last Christmas, when Bennett and Vivian Levin were overwhelmed by sadness while listening to radio reports of injured American troops.
"We have to let them know we care," Vivian told Bennett.
So they organized a trip to bring soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital to the annual Army-Navy football game in Philly, on Dec. 3.
The cool part is, they created their own train line to do it.
Yes, there are people in this country who actually own real trains. Bennett Levin - native Philly guy, self-made millionaire and irascible former L&I commish - is one of them.
He has three luxury rail cars. Think mahogany paneling, plush seating and white-linen dining areas. He also has two locomotives, which he stores at his Juniata Park train yard.
One car, the elegant Pennsylvania, carried John F. Kennedy to the Army-Navy game in 1961 and ’62. Later, it carried his brother Bobby’s body to D.C. for burial.
"That’s a lot of history for one car," says Bennett.
He and Vivian wanted to revive a tradition that endured from 1936 to 1975, during which trains carried Army-Navy spectators from around the country directly to the stadium where the annual game is played.
The Levins could think of no better passengers to reinstate the ceremonial ride than the wounded men and women recovering at Walter Reed in D.C. and Bethesda, in Maryland.
"We wanted to give them a first-class experience," says Bennett. "Gourmet meals on board, private transportation from the train to the stadium, perfect seats - real hero treatment."
Through the Army War College Foundation, of which he is a trustee, Bennett met with Walter Reed’s commanding general, who loved the idea.
But Bennett had some ground rules first, all designed to keep the focus on the troops alone:
No press on the trip, lest the soldiers’ day of pampering devolve into a media circus.
No politicians either, because, says Bennett, "I didn’t want some idiot making this trip into a campaign photo op."
And no Pentagon suits on board, otherwise the soldiers would be too busy saluting superiors to relax.
The general agreed to the conditions, and Bennett realized he had a problem on his hands.
"I had to actually make this thing happen," he laughs.
Over the next months, he recruited owners of 15 other sumptuous rail cars from around the country - these people tend to know each other - into lending their vehicles for the day. The name of their temporary train?
The Liberty Limited.
Amtrak volunteered to transport the cars to D.C. - where they’d be coupled together for the round-trip ride to Philly - then back to their owners later.
Conrail offered to service the Liberty while it was in Philly. And SEPTA drivers would bus the disabled soldiers 200 yards from the train to Lincoln Financial Field, for the game.
A benefactor from the War College ponied up 100 seats to the game - on the 50-yard line - and lunch in a hospitality suite.
And corporate donors filled, for free and without asking for publicity, goodie bags for attendees:
From Woolrich, stadium blankets. From Wal-Mart, digital cameras. From Nikon, field glasses. From GEAR, down jackets.
There was booty not just for the soldiers, but for their guests, too, since each was allowed to bring a friend or family member.
The Marines, though, declined the offer. "They voted not to take guests with them, so they could take more Marines," says Levin, choking up at the memory.
Bennett’s an emotional guy, so he was worried about how he’d react to meeting the 88 troops and guests at D.C.’s Union Station, where the trip originated. Some GIs were missing limbs. Others were wheelchair-bound or accompanied by medical personnel for the day.
"They made it easy to be with them," he says. "They were all smiles on the ride to Philly. Not an ounce of self-pity from any of them. They’re so full of life and determination."
At the stadium, the troops reveled in the game, recalls Bennett. Not even Army’s lopsided loss to Navy could deflate the group’s rollicking mood.
Afterward, it was back to the train and yet another gourmet meal - heroes get hungry, says Levin - before returning to Walter Reed and Bethesda.
"The day was spectacular," says Levin. "It was all about these kids. It was awesome to be part of it."
The most poignant moment for the Levins was when 11 Marines hugged them goodbye, then sang them the Marine Hymn on the platform at Union Station.
"One of the guys was blind, but he said, ’I can’t see you, but man, you must be f---ing beautiful!’ " says Bennett. "I got a lump so big in my throat, I couldn’t even answer him."
It’s been three weeks, but the Levins and their guests are still feeling the day’s love.
"My Christmas came early," says Levin, who is Jewish and who loves the Christmas season. "I can’t describe the feeling in the air."
Maybe it was hope.
As one guest wrote in a thank-you note to Bennett and Vivian, "The fond memories generated last Saturday will sustain us all - whatever the future may bring."
God bless the Levins.
And bless the troops, every one.
Editors Note: The following is reprinted from the Philadelphia Daily News, written by Ronnie Polaneczky (email: polaner@phillynews.com)
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2009 ARMY/NAVY GAME
Saturday, December 12th at Lincoln Financial Field, Kick-off 2:30 p.m.
Ok boys, it looks bleak for Army again this year. I was hoping that Army could beat Air Force this past weekend because Navy had done it earlier in the season. Air Force handled Army easily and Navy beat Notre Dame for the second time in three years both at Notre Dame.
Now don’t get worried I have not given up! Army has a chance to win the remainder of their games and finish 5 wins 6 losses. Hey that is an accomplishment compared to the past few years.
I am trying a new tactic this year (after 36 years) and that is I’m going in to this game with quiet covert like confidence. Just when all the abuse will be given to me at the start of the game Army will turn the tide with a big play in the second quarter and keep the lead for the remainder of the game!
What does this game mean – The Army/Navy Website says “When Army and Navy meet, there is no other game with deeper foundations or greater prestige.
The rivalry kicked off 117 years ago when Cadet Dennis Mahan Michie accepted a “challenge” from the Naval Academy and the two squads faced off on The Plain at West Point on November 29, 1890 (Navy had been playing organized football since 1879, and came out on top of the newly-established Army squad). Ever since, through those many years of intense cheers, unforgettable plays and climactic moments, the Army/Navy rivalry has been etched into the minds of countless fans and followers. All it takes is a visit to West Point or Annapolis, where everything (from the finely manicured hedges to the chant following grace-before-meals) proclaims “Beat Navy” or “Beat Army,” to understand how deeply ingrained this rivalry actually is.
What does it mean to me and Mike?
It means FRIENDS!!
Updated 11/28/09
Mike and I were talking tonight about the big game. Currently Navy is 8-3 with a chance to go 9-3 with a win over Hawaii tonight.
Army is 5-6 and I don't think they have won 5 games since the mid 1990s. It should be a competitive game.
I am so hopeful I went to the Naval Academy last week to JINX Them!
Updated 12/7/09
Hawaii beats Navy so Navy's record is 8-4.
Question - Why did the Navy accept their Bowl bid so soon when they had a chance to go to a much more prestigious bowl based on their record?
Current Record since 1972
Navy 21 wins
Army 14 wins
1 Tie
12/11/09 - Prediction
I have a few surprises for the Blue Navy Blue Boy this year. Navy's winning streak is about to end and so is my drought from winning a square (I have never won one).
Army - 23, Navy - 17 Oh Yeah!
Updated 12/14/09 - Lose Again
At least I had Navy's score correct at 17. The only problem was Army was only able to score 3 points. Army even had the half time lead 3-0 which provided me with some bragging in the first half.
The worst start of the game is when the TV flashed Army has not scored a touchdown on Navy since 2006!
The get together was one of the best with at least 28 friends showing up for the game and festivities. It really is a special day.
2009 Special Note: Later this week I will include a group picture and newspaper article that a local paper did on our annual get together.
Double Click on Pic to Enlarge.
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2008
Here we go again sports fans this is now the 36th year of a rivalry that gets better each year! Unfortunately for me and cadets from West Point it has been a rough number of years on the gridiron. However, this year the cycle is changing and Army is on the march to roll over Navy in Philadelphia.
Mike the squid retired earlier this year and I'm ashamed to say it he has gone soft staying at home hooked on TV shows like "Nash Bridges" and
OMG "Ellen." Where in contrast I watch reruns of "Combat" starring Vic Morrow as Sgt Saunders.
At least he should watch
McHales Navy!!
Updated 11/24/08
Army has not won since 2001!
Army-Navy Game Scores 1890-2007
Games played: 108 Army Wins: 49 Navy Wins: 52 Ties: 7
Mike/Greg Started Betting in 1972 while in service - 36 years!
1972 – 2007
NAVY – 21 – 14 - 1
ARMY – 14 – 21 – 1
Last Update Before the Game ( Update 11/30/08)
12/09/08
I tip my hat to another great day spent with childhood friends. To those who did not make it this year we missed you, to those who we have not seen for a few years it was great to get you back and to those who have not yet attended, there is always next year.
Another butt beating by Navy and the scars just keep getting bigger each year. This year was very painful as the Army cadets did NOTHING. They did not even try to score when they were well behind. In the 4th quarter they were more concerned about getting their fullback the rushing record than they were about the game.
There is speculation the game may be pushed back a week next year to generate more national focus on the game and get a prime time start instead of noon. I'm pushing for a midnight game played in Siberia where only a few poor souls have to endure the game.
Who cares anyway? It was great seeing the boys from Saberland again and Mike and I already look forward to next year. By the way I lost the game, did not win a square (again) but did regain some funds at the poker table.
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10/07/07
2007
35th Annual Army/ Navy Football Game Between
Greg and Mike
If you are visiting this post for the first time scroll to the bottom and work your way up so that you can read the history of this rivalry.
I'm starting to post earlier this year because the MEN from West Point are getting in position to stomp the baby squids from the Naval Academy.
Click on the link below for some excellent music
What will he do next?
Updated 10/29/07
Is the Picture on Display?
This post is a response to MP’s comment.
For a number of years now one of the penalties for losing the game is to display the picture (below) of the winner for one year until the next game.
Needless to say Navy boy’s picture has been a staple for much too long.
The kicker is if someone that attends the games happens to stop by your house during the year and the picture is not display you must pay a $ 25.00 fine to the winner.
11/05/07
I knew it, once the squid traded his naval uniform for the Irish kilt he would jinx Notre Dame
Navy beats Notre Dame for first time since 1963
It's over. After 44 years and three overtimes. Navy finally beat Notre Dame 46-44 in triple overtime on Saturday, ending the Fighting Irish's NCAA-record winning streak against the Midshipmen at 43 games. "It's a big win for our program. It's a big win for the academy," Navy coach Paul Johnson said. "I'm happy I don't have to answer anything else about the streak every time we play."
Stan Brock (Army Coach) - please take notice because you are on a losing streak! Army lost to Air Force 30 - 10. C'mon cadets quit looking past your opponents.
11/18/07
Army loses tough game - Tulsa 49, Army 3
The Black Knights (3-8) lost their fifth consecutive game and second in a row at home, despite totaling a season-high 491 yards of offense.
Navy beats Northern Illinois (?) - Navy 35, Northern Illinois 24
Giving up 24 points and 355 yards doesn't usually qualify as a solid defensive performance.
By Navy standards, it was a gem. After surrendering 45, 44, 59, 44 and 62 points in their last five games, the Midshipmen forced a season-high four punts and allowed only 10 points after halftime.
Tell me who had the tougher duty? Click to Enlarge Pic
11/22/07
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL
MIKE AND I KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE AWAY FROM HOME AND LOVED ONES DURING THE HOLIDAYS. WE ARE WITH YOU ARE ALL.
11/26/07 - Rivalry Week
Everyone looks forward to this week. Calls are made and food is prepared with a target of Saturday December 1st at Noon for kick-off.
Noon is not the best starting time for this classic. We prefer a 2:00 pm est starting time which allows a few extra hours for set-up and preperation, not to mention a few of the boys like to stop off and have a pop at their favorite watering hole.
I will have my Domas prediction later this week so you all will have time to make your bets.
oohmmmmm, ohmmmm...
11/30/07
Ok, Ok The tea leaves that fell on my old Army Fatigue Jacket says ---- Ohmmmmm,
ARMY 26, NAVY - 13!
12/02/07 - I PAY AGAIN!
Navy 38 - Army - 3
Some days it just doesn’t pay to get out of bed. For the last six years the Army/Navy Game has been a day of ridicule, put downs, smart ass remarks and the loss of money. However, No game or amount of money can bring the sounds of laughter, old stories, new stories and good times on game day. It was another attendance record for the third year in a row.
This year was lively and crowded with food, drink and a surprise guest (we try to have one each year) Wally. Wally has a son who is a Master Sergeant in the Army so he brings support. In fact Wally said it best this year “This is great I will never miss another game.” Two other surprise guests (TD and Bud) from past years also made a repeat appearance.
Navy again ran over and under Army all day during this festive occasion. I even felt the sting of some horns, not from the Navy goat but a ...
Another Surprise was when Leethal pulled up in his truck with a 10-point Buck (above photo) he shot earlier in the day just before half time. I really enjoy hearing the hunting stories from the boys.
The food was great with kudos to “Pheasant Ptak” and Rudy’s Smoked Salmon.”
Special thanks to Di who has “never” forgot my birthday with a Christmas tin of my favorite cookies.
I will leave this year’s game with the hope of a win next year but the real goal is the opportunity to see my friends again all on the same day.
P/S – sometimes I feel like Newman (Seinfeld) during the game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu9fo5QXDuc
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11/11/06
34th Annual Greg and Mike - 2006
Every year since 1972, the annual Army vs. Navy Football game is played and witnessed by myself, squid and numerous childhood friends and family. For Mike (squid) and myself it is a rivalry that we started while I was in the Army and he was in the Navy. We both had, I mean joined the service at the same time and got discharged a few weeks apart.
It is also a day to remind those who attend the game that if it wasn't for Mike and me serving our great country they might be watching some Soccer game instead.
This year's Army/Navy match-up marks the 107th meeting of the two teams and the 80th game to be played in Philadelphia. The Black Knights and Midshipmen meet on the gridiron at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 2nd at Lincoln Financial Field.
I have high hopes for an Army victory this year. I need a victory. Army has lost the last 4 games in a row and 7 out of the last 10. This is not good and it is worse on my pocketbook. The game will be watched at my house this year.
The current record since 1972
Navy – 19
Army 14
1 Tie
All Time Record
ARMY 49 wins; NAVY 50 wins
7 Ties
MORE TO COME IN WEEKS AHEAD...
11/14/06
I'm glad Army has a warm up game this week with Notre Dame
11/20/06
Last weekend Navy beat Temple and Army "barely" loss to Notre Dame.
click pic to enlarge
This sets up the game with Army bringing in a 3-8 record and Navy with a 8-3 record. Let's not forget that Army plays a very tough schedule while Navy looks to play the Merchant Marines.
11/30/06
Every year I get the same Question How many Points are you getting? Answer - NONE as in Zero.
We don't give points, this game would not be fun if we did because most of the Navy supporters can't count or add so they would accuse Army of cheating.
I'm just about ready for the game, need to shop for the food and draw up the squares.
Prediction by Domas (that's me) - Army 28 Navy 24 (if they show up)!
December 2, 2006 - Game Morning
I must admit this is very impressive - check out the US Navy Drill Team
http://www.whc.net/rjones/USN/USN_team.html
December 3, 2006 - The Day After
What a “Stinko” Game (Navy 26, Army 14). Not just because Army lost but the lack of excitement and play calling by both teams. However, the day was a success for all that attended. As usual it was great to see so many (Grade School --> High School) friends and family (3 generations) together in the same spot at the same time. Click on pics to Enlarge.
Watching the game was as painful as listening to Rocky Reno tell us about his Kidney Stone attack Thursday Night and then to wake up to water in his basement because the Sump Pump did not work. Alas at least Rocky and I made up for our losses at the Poker Table.
Yes, I lost the game and the squares but recouped by playing cards with some of the originals (those that come every year to the game) and second-generation originals that still get schooled when playing with their superiors.
The food and drink were great and special thanks to my wife, daughter, MP and brother-in-law for helping with the food (Smoked Salmon, BBQ Ribs, Egg Rolls, Grinders, Taco Salad, Meatballs, Cheese, Buffalo Wings, Pheasant Ptak, Shrimp and of course the Fruit and Chocolate Fountain.
Until next year when we move to the Navy house thanks to all that attended. The attendance for the game is growing each year. As we grow older it always a welcome day to spend time with childhood friends and to also recognize the great job our Military personnel do for us to keep us free and safe.
A couple of ex-Saber Linebackers who could really Stick! Fat Jack & Lethal, best get out of the middle RB!
I would also like to thank the Hundreds of Blog Hits I received from around the World, especially those serving in Harms Way.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2005 Recap
Since I know you all watched the big game you already know the outcome. For those who did not, Army lost its fourth game in a row 42-23. They have also lost six out of the last seven. This is getting both humiliating and expensive.
HOWEVER, we had a geat time as always! Some new faces (TD, JD, Womper, Fat Jack, and the rest of Donoghue Brothers). It was great to see the new guys from high school show up, it was like a class reunion with all the stories being told. Hopefully, they will now join the regular crew for the annual event.
Some of us now are Retired and we have all gone in many directions (Doctor, Lawyer, Auto Workers, Executives, Millionaire, Beer Distributors, Teachers, Welders, Plant Managers, Union Officials, etc) but we will always be friends and no amount of titles, money or hardships will ever change our bond.
Don't worry Greg, half of the Navy team are probably Marines, and Marines are really Army guys that decided they would rather hang around sailors than be with real soldiers.
click to enlarge 2005 pic
Attended but Missing (BB, RB, Lawyer Man & Some of the Donoghue Clan)
Received this Email Today. I think I know this guy! Last time I saw him was in Vegas and ...
Sgt. Joe Robl
1/61st Inf.
4th Infantry Division
(Retired)
ARMY vs NAVY WEEK - 2005
ARMY
Every year since 1972 the annual Army vs. Navy Football game is played. For Mike and myself it is a rivalry that we started while I was in the Army and he was in the Navy. We both had, I mean joined the service at the same time and got discharged a few weeks apart.
It started out as a simple $5.00 bet that has been raised to its present standard. The money is not important it’s the friendship that we have for each other as well as our childhood friends who look forward to the game as much as we do each 1st Saturday in December. We now even have sons of the core attendees attending the games.
click to enlarge 2004 pic
We alternate houses each year and each of us supplies the food and drink (others also bring side dishes that consist of the wild game recently shot and caught during hunting and previous fishing seasons). Each year we try to out do the previous year with banners, posters, pictures, slogans, music, and many good-natured threats. Cards and other games take place during the game especially if it’s a blowout. We post our squares board so that all can participate and check our numbers with each time out and score.
Over the years there has been about 14 of our best friends and family who attend annually. It’s one of the few times that “we” all get together at the same time to enjoy each other’s company. Other childhood and high school friends stop by on certain years.
It is considered blasphemy to miss the game or for someone to schedule any other event on game day. A wedding planned this year was about to put a crimp in the planning but the ghosts of West Point and the Naval Academy intervened. I also made a huge mistake a few years back when I thought it would be a good idea to invite some of the wives over in the evening to keep the party going. Let me just say there will be no more women stuff on Army/ Navy Day.
I hear about it every year and it almost equals Mike betting on Army on one of his Football Tickets a few years back. No Army guy would ever do that or at least admit that he did it!
Print by Joe Ruisi and the Army/Navy festivities will go on as planned for this year.
The current record since 1972
Navy – 18
Army 14
1 Tie
All Time Record
ARMY 49 wins; NAVY 49 wins,
Who will be the "First to 50?"
True rivalries make good teams great, and great games unforgettable. Army/Navy is such a rivalry, and after 105 games in its storied history the academies now stand deadlocked at 49 wins each (with seven ties). The battle for the "First to 50" will be held December 3 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Philadelphia will be a buzz throughout the weekend, with Army/Navy activities from ship visits to Patriot Games competitions between Cadets and Midshipmen.
For more on the game and up to date news go to
http://www.phillylovesarmynavy.com/default.asp< /em>
"Prediction - ARMY 27 Navy 20