Capt. Mosi Smith ’05, USMC, who returned home safe from the Boston Marathon with the participating midshipmen already is back to work at Fleet Feet Sports in downtown Annapolis, less than 24 hours after the explosions. Smith, a triathlete, said he and his teammates with the Naval Academy Marathon Team had completed their runs by the time he heard about the explosion.

... and by “Get the Blues,” we mean understand the Navy. Henry Rollins has been many things in his lifetime (punk musician, writer, activist and more), but lately he has been on tour with the U.S. Navy, visited North Korea and toured the Pueblo (AGER-2). He recently visited the Yard and spoke with the Naval Institute about these experiences.

It is an annual event that attracts athletes, volunteers and fans from miles around—the Special Olympics. The largest number of volunteers is the midshipmen, lead by their Midshipman Action Group (supported by the Class of 1992), who put in thousands of hours of volunteer work into every year. View the photo album of the fantastic event here that one mid described as “transformative.”

Courage. Commitment. Honor. As anyone who has ever walked the halls of Bancroft knows, these terms are far more than simple platitudes. John Prehn ’72, owner of Signcraft, believes these traits comprise the core of every midshipman and are developed and honed by this Academy that holds a special place in his heart. Read more about his signage that can be seen all around the Academy and the stadium.

Capt. Zerbin Singleton ’08, USMC, was recently featured as one of Harvey’s Heroes on the daytime talk show “Steve Harvey.” He touched on his life story of overcoming unimaginable odds to get to graduation day at the Academy. Today is he’s a helicopter pilot (CH-46, the Mighty Battle Phrog) with aspirations of one day becoming an astronaut.

Midshipmen Danny Quinn ’13 and John Richey ’13 met during their prep year at Mercersburg Academy as roommates in 2008 and have remained tight friends all along the way as they now prep for graduation this year. Both became team captains and record setters, but still point to that Mercersburg year as the one that defined them as friends and teammates for life.

As one of the first females to report to the F-14 community in 1993 who spent the rest of her flying career as the sole female aviator in her squadrons, CDR Kristin Barnes ’92, USN, knows about feeling a bit different. She has taken her experiences and written “Haysoos the Honu” about a Hawaiian sea turtle who feels out of place. “Children will benefit from reading about Haysoos by seeing his perspective on life transform throughout the story.”

Walk-in candidates are ALWAYS welcome at the Service Academy Career Conference on Friday, 24 May in Washington, DC. Seminars on Thursday the 23rd address many topics: Franchises, MBAs, challenges of being a “senior” candidate, how to approach the job fair and your transition. We look forward to seeing you in DC!

Alan Lee came to the United States from Korean at nine years old. His mother met his stepfather when they arrived in the United States. Alan spoke no English when he arrived, but has not received lower than a B since 3rd grade and following a fitness regime with his eyes set on attending a service academy from a young age “I’ve received so much from this country and its people ... I wanted to pay it back, and I thought military service would be the most efficient way for me to do it.” Lee’s determination and hard work paid off. Welcome to the Class of 2017!

We think the Navy should have no problem recruiting for jobs labeled “Space War Fighter” as part of a “Space Cadre,” conjuring up astronaut warriors riding satellites around Mars like Slim Pickens ... sort of. More like (at the top end) CDR Christopher Cassidy ’93, USN (pictured), former SEAL and current Space Station resident. Earth-bound space enthusiasts, find out if the Navy needs you!

Frances Wentz Taber said she’s heard of people returning wedding rings many years after they were lost. But the Tallahassee resident said she never heard of anyone returning a sword. Until two weeks ago, when a businessman from Grand Cayman mailed her the military sword that belonged to her father, LT Ned James Wentz ’33, USN who died at sea 70 years ago.