September 2023 Digital Haig Point Happenings

HAIG POINT ACROSS AMERICA

Alan Mangan, Colonel, US Marines (Retired), USNA Class of 1983, Haig Point member and full-time resident, is cycling across the country to raise funds to support veterans

On August 23, 2023, a group of classmates of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1983 embarked on an epic cross-country journey to bicycle 3,423 miles in 44 days from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Washington to Annapolis, Maryland for their 40th reunion.

Alan Mangan, Colonel, U.S. Marines (Retired), USNA Class of 1983, Haig Point member and full-time resident, is on the ride. You may have seen him bicycling with Scott Colby, also a Haig Point member and full-time resident, on just about every paved road on Daufuskie Island. "Scott keeps me on schedule.... he is a great training partner and we have fun riding together."

Over the past five years, Alan and a small group of classmates have ridden oneweek segments of the ride - in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. This year it all comes together. 12 classmates and three very dedicated wives will make the whole journey, alternately riding and driving the support vehicles. The team will average 80 miles/day for 43 days in the saddle, with one rest day in Dubois, Wyoming.

USNA ’83 Classmates Ray Herb, Scott Watson, and Alan Mangan and Haig Point member and pilot Scott Colby, at Anniston Alabama airport after a flight from Hilton Head and a 50-mile training ride.

The Class of ’83 bicyclists in Year 3 of the 5-Year work-up.

While 15 people are on the entire ride, the group flows and ebbs along the route. On the final day, from Arlington National Cemetery to the USNA Cemetery, there will be 50+ participants.

This group of classmates is proving that age is just a number. Our physical and mental capabilities are limited only by our willingness to stretch our own personal boundaries. Great things are possible - including help for those veterans who most deserve it - if we only try our best together.

- Dixon Smith, Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired), USNA Class of 1983 Navy '83 Ride Across America Team Leader

The ride will serve as a platform to increase awareness of the challenges faced by veterans and to inspire and encourage people along the way to show their gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding our freedoms. Alan is supporting the Travis Manion Foundation and his link to that cause is at http:// www.navy-cycling.com.

Travis Manion Foundation is a national veteran service organization that empowers Veterans and Families of Fallen Heroes to develop character in future generations.

In 2007, 1st Lt. Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis' legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, "If Not Me, Then Who..."

While Alan is on the ride, the Naval Academy N* flag will fly at 12 Plantation Homes Drive. You will know he is home when the flag of the United States Marines is hoisted in its place. The team will post updates during their journey on these sites: WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

In the Grand Tetons after a day’s ride in Year 3, 2021.

The U.S. Naval Academy N* flag flying at 12 Plantation Homes Drive.

SHH...IT'S A SURPRISE!