Old Dominion University - Troubador Yearbook (Norfolk, VA)

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 4 1' ’c «• ' r ■ A I r ■ f REUNIONS are one of the functions of the Alumni Association that most people know about. Here Big Blue joins his predecessor, the William and Mary Chief, for the Class of 62 reunion. CLOWNING around at the Step Show are Gordon McDougail. Director of Alumni Relations, and some friends. Involvement is the key to the Association's success. CELEBRITYAlumnus Tommy Newsoms(’48)of NBC's Tonight Show , recently met students at commencement ceremonies. Continued support marks outstanding alumni. STUDENT LIFE 25

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Military in Hampton Roads ENTERTAINMENT is one job of the military you don't usually consider. Photo by Caroline Oelacruz MILITARY presence is everywhere-even at Norfolk's Waterside marketplace. Photo by Julene Fisher VIEW from Hampton Roads Bridge looking past a coal collier towards the USS Roosevelt and Norfolk Naval Base on the horizon. Photo by John Ling The 1980 s have been the age of Iron Eagle. Rambo, Top Gun. Platoon and Bomb Iran! Everywhere we turn we see militaristic images. From the protests of the 60 s we have gone to celebrating the militant. Are you a hawk? Or a dove? No matter what your attitude is about the military, their presence undeniably gives this area a unique flavor. Unlike some towns with a few recruiters, uniforms of all branches are a common sight on the streets here. Some of us may not even realize how much the military colors our community until we stop and try to imagine them gone. Direct economic influences are recognized; of course with no military here, there would be less people buying houses, groceries and haircuts! But, we are also effected by attitudes they bring from around the world. “Foreign brides are not the only exotic import. Many military members have travelled to far away places. They bring awareness of cultural differences in food, dress and customs. Perhaps some of our best restaurants owe a tip of the hat to the broadening of Virginia s tastes by European. Oriental and Mediterranean influences. Let s not forget foreign influences from a little closer to home. In spite of the world travelled image we may have of Uncle Sam's soldiers, some of them never leave the good ol' U.S.A. But. you can bet those that come all the way from California or Maine to Hampton Roads, make an impact on us. Even the mainland military members help make this a more cosmopolitan area with an exciting variety of accents and lifestyles. It's a fact that buisnesses flock to where the markets are. As one of the largest ports on the east coast, we already enjoy civilian enterprise. The strategic importance of the Chesapeake Bay insures there will always be a focused military attention here. Support buisnesses such as shipbuilding and drydock facilities, petroleum imports and scientific research and deveplopment all will continue to add commerce to our thriving region, thanks to military encouragement. We are some what more aware of the historical aspects of our military neighbors. This region is especially rich in such patriotic sites as Yorktown Battlefield. Colonial Williamsburg and Fort Monroe. Only a few years ago Ft. Monroe was scheduled to be closed, but its historical importance was unique. It started as one wooden pier to help the early colonies receive supplies; it ended up the largest stone fortress built in the U.S.A. Now it still stands as a historical tour site, and also part of an active military facility. So you see — the military part of our community contributes more than just big boats to our horizons; they actually contribute to our future. by Julene Fisher 4 4- STUDENT tlFE 27