story & photos
by Josie Kapral

While driving on I-95 through New London on your way to Mystic, you probably have noticed the sign with the submarine that says “Submarine Capital of the World.” And while driving over the bridge, you may even be lucky enough to see a submarine making its way home to the Navy Submarine Base in Groton. However, if you are really lucky, you also get the chance to watch the submarine pull into the pier where eager family members wait for their loved ones that they have not seen in six months. This is an opportunity that should not be missed if you ever get the chance to do so. September 11, 2014 was such a day for the sailors, friends and families of the USS Annapolis.

While the submarine was navigating around the world, life was continuing as usual at home. There were ball games, birthdays, holidays, weddings, anniversaries and even two births! LT Adam Bush and Petty Officer Second Class William “Wil” Wade were two of the dads that would have to wait until they pulled up to the pier to meet their children for the very first time. Families of the USS Annapolis kept themselves busy trying to pass the time until September 11th would roll around and they could be reunited again.

“For Jesse and I, it went by pretty quickly! We kept ourselves as busy as possible with school, sports and camping most weekends in the summer. We missed him every single day he was gone, but the busier you keep yourself, the faster it goes!” said Mercedes Johnmeyer, wife of Heath Johnmeyer, executive officer of the USS Annapolis.

When September 11th finally arrived, so did the USS Annapolis. Family members cheered as the band from the Westside Middle School played and people sang “Anchors Aweigh.” The worst part of waiting was the last hour while the submarine was in view, but the families were not allowed onto the pier until the submarine was safely docked. There was a mix of emotions for so many people.

“I missed him so much and it was taking forever for him to get off the boat and all I wanted to do was to hug him!” said McKenzie Breitkrwutz, a nine year old little girl, who was waiting with her mother, Samantha, for her dad, MM1 Jason Breitkreutz. Well, McKenzie finally got her chance for her long awaited hug as the sailors finally began to make their way off the boat and to their families.

Fathers of newborns finally met their children. LT Adam Bush was greeted with a huge smile by his wife, Melissa, and sons Simon and Owen. Across the pier, Jessica Wade made her way to her husband, Petty Officer Second Class Wil Wade and he held his six day old daughter, Melody for the very first time.

Watching these families and loved ones rush the pier with such a sea of emotions really makes you realize how much happens over the course of six months and how much sacrifice not only the sailors, but the families and especially the children make so that we can do the things we do every single day. As you look at the images from this homecoming and other homecomings like it, I hope it makes you smile. I hope that it makes you feel grateful for what you have and perhaps give you a better understanding of what that “Submarine Capital of the World” sign really means. It doesn’t just stand for the submarines that make their way down the Thames River. It stands for the people that give up having dad there at their birthday party and in the hospital while giving birth. It also stands for the submarine community and how thankful we are that you allow us to call this little corner of Connecticut our home. It’s your sign too.

story & photos
by Alexis Ann

The membership of the Waterford Education Foundation is composed of individuals who give their own time and efforts to ensure that the students of the Town of Waterford receive the finest of educations. To be commended by such a group of altruists is the highest of honors. On Friday, September 19th, Anne Ogden was given tribute by the WEF for a lifetime of service to others. Anne’s record of volunteerism and accomplishment is stunning in its breadth and scope!

Anne immersed herself in bettering the education of all children. A former President of the Cohanzie School Parent Teacher Association Knowing that children are as formed and inspired by leisure activities as they are by the classroom, Anne made sure that two such molders of character prospered. Her work for Waterford Girl Scouts and Waterford Little League North made possible the healthy participation of hundreds of kids in those organizations.

A true Patriot, Anne spearheaded fund raising efforts to assist the family of Staff Sergeant Edwin Rivera, a Waterford hero who gave his life for his Nation in Afghanistan. Anne was also a key mover and doer in the dedication of Arnie Holme Park.

The listing of Anne’s charity and benevolent work also includes ARC of Southeastern Connecticut, the Cactus Jack Foundation, the Buschetto Bash at the Beach, the Kelsey Harrington Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. Few have given so much of themselves for the betterment of others.

Somehow, Anne has also made the time to serve in elective office – she is presently in her 13th year as a member of the Waterford Board of Education! And as a past President and life member of the Waterford Rotary Club, she lives the Rotary Credo“Service Above Self.”

Recently retired from 35 years in Banking and a stint as a Chelsea Groton Branch Manager, Anne is now working at Specialty Advertising – she will never retire from working to make for a better world for others!

story & photos
by Christopher Annino

Johnny Kelley, the athlete, is one of the most decorated distance runners in the history of the United States of America. Kelley had several milestones in his running career including going to the Olympics twice and winning a Gold Medal at the Pan American Games. However Johnny Kelley’s most famous achievement was winning the Boston Marathon. Despite winning the Boston Marathon, Johnny Kelley, the person, was a very humble down to earth individual who cared about the environment, and helping those in need. Johnny never judged an individual and always kept a positive outlook on any challenges he had. Johnny had an infectious smile that was a constant reminder of how wonderful life truly is if you allow it. Kelley taught at Fitch Senior High School and coached track. Running was more than a hobby for him — it was a way of life.  The local Mystic/ Groton community received a devastating blow when Johnny passed away three years ago. Johnny co-owned and operated Kelley’s Pace with his wife Jessie. There was many times friends would stop in the famous shoe store to discuss anything ranging from economics to gardening, Johnny was the go to person for advice.

Longtime friends of Johnny Kelley, Jim Roy and Spyros Barres along with many others in the community and athletic world felt that there should be a statue erected in Mystic as a reminder of the goodness that was not only Johnny Kelley as an athlete, but more so as a person. Around $87,000 was raised to commission sculptor Brian Hanlon to create the sculpture of Johnny running with his dog Brutus.

Amby Burfoot was one of Kelley’s first famous protégées; Kelley helped train Amby to win the Boston Marathon in 1968. On the international day of peace September 21, 2014, Amby along with many of Kelley’s friends including four time Boston marathon champion Bill Rogers, 1972 Boston Marathon Champion Nina Kuscisk, three time Boston Marathon Champion Sara Mae Berman, two time Boston Marathon Champion Geoff Smith, 1976 Boston Marathon Champion Jack Fultz, Julia Chase Brand, Patti Catalano Dillon, and Gloria Ratti, Vice President, Boston Athletic Association, gathered to give tribute to this wonderful athlete, but most importantly this wonderful human being.

During the ceremony Amby spoke about Johnny’s kindness in his speech and how he would stop in the middle of traffic to help a turtle cross a street. He later added “But one of the most important things Johnny taught all of us was about the importance of respect and humility.” Bill had said “Johnny was one of the true kings of the sport. He ran those events when running was hard.”

Jim Roy, Chairman, Johnny J Kelley Memorial Fund, mentioned that Johnny wouldn’t have wanted a statue of himself but what he would have enjoyed is people working together as a community for a positive cause.

At the end of the ceremony, all three of Johnny’s daughters, Julia Kelley Washington, Kathleen Kelley Gabriel and Eileen Kelley Edwards, gave a heartfelt speech before unveiling their father’s statue.

After the ceremony, many individuals’ shared fond memories of John’s legacy of kindness. Marie Ann Gravell, New London said, “Johnny and Jessie were both amazing people. Both were very modest I remember when Johnny gave me his 2nd place Boston marathon trophy. Neither of them cared much for material items.”

To help donate to the Johnny Kelley Memorial Fund, go to www.johnkelley.org.

story by Alexis Ann
photos by Tom Bombria

Work Vessels for Vets (WVFV) rallied to serve the immediate and urgent needs of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan returning from theaters of war as they seek to establish their own business or further their education. And, last Saturday night’s annual event held at Groton Long Point casino was a perfect example of neighbors rallying to support Robert Mailhoit, a veteran of Afghanistan & Iraq who was given the keys to a 2009 Toyota Camry made available through Valenti Auto Group from a trade in by Vietnam Veteran Robert Macher. It certainly was a touching moment when Robert thanked WVFV for providing him transportation allowing him to start a new job.

Founded in 2008 by John Neikrash, “Krasher,” WVFV’s first donation was a commercial lobster boat to USMC Lance Corporal Richard Giguere. A veteran of multiple deployments, Corporal Giguere was wounded in Afghanistan and is now home, supporting his family as a commercial fisherman on Narragansett Bay, RI. “We provide the “vessel” that can start a career or enhance a life of our returning service men and women,” states Krasher.

The mission of WVFV is to serve as a conduit through which corporations and individuals can make donations. Already, WVFV has given over $1M worth of commercial boats, vans, trucks, trailers, farm equipment, construction and tools, tractors, farm buildings and refurbished laptops to veterans in 47 states since 2008.

Thank you for your service and if you’d like to apply go to www.workvesselsforvets.org.