Brian Bender ’93

Brian Bender ’93

Brian Bender ’93 has been a member of USNA Out since 2003. He is a strong proponent of reconnecting GLBT alumni with their Naval Academy heritage and building a strong network of allies through USNA Out. Brian is a member of the USNA Alumni Association and Foundation’s “President’s Circle.” From Brian: “Leading USNA Out and its over 350 Naval Academy alumni is a tremendous honor. I am proud of the contribution that each and every member has made to the Naval Academy, Navy and Marine Corps, and to our rapidly growing organization. As “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” fades into history, we are eager to lend our support to the Brigade of Midshipmen and one another to seize opportunities to selflessly serve with honor and integrity that gays and lesbians serving in the Navy and Marine Corps for the past two centuries could never have imagined.

Larry "Joe" Carpenter ’92

Larry “Joe” Carpenter ’92

Joe Carpenter ’92 has been a member of USNA Out since early 2010. Joe first served as a SWO after graduation and was then selected for redesignation as a Navy public affairs officer. His assignments have included USNA where he was the Academy PAO during 2008-2011. From Joe: “USNA Out has helped me finally realize that USNA alumni phrase ‘…When two or three shall meet…’ by connecting with alumni who have a shared perspective. USNA Out has subsequently given me a way to reconnect to USNA and renew my appreciation for our alma mater. I look forward to serving USNA Out’s membership and finding productive ways to support both our fellow alumni and the Brigade of Midshipmen – our next generation of naval officers and leaders.”

Bob Garcia ’86

Bob Garcia ’86

Bob Garcia joined USNA Out in 2005 while still serving as an active reservist. He helped to found SAGALA (the Service Academy Gay and Lesbian Alumni Association) and has been active in LGBT Alumni social networks since 1993. A retired Navy PAO, he lends his communications and organization effectiveness expertise to USNA Out as a board member since 2010. From Bob: “While I was a midshipman, I was always appreciative of grads who would come back to USNA and share their experiences. I want to continue that tradition, both virtually and in person, to lend whatever support I can.”

Shawn James ’89

Shawn James ’89

Shawn re-engaged with USNA Out in 2009. Shawn served on active duty for 12 years as an Intelligence Officer and stayed in the reserves for two additional years. Shawn has two teenage children and lives with his partner, Gene, in Annapolis, providing a local link between the Academy and our group.From Shawn: “The Academy developed the leadership skills that I employ every day. It’s important for me that others don’t view sexual orientation as what defines a person’s ability, or allow it to limit one’s drive to succeed. I want to be known as an Academy grad who happens to be gay man, and not a gay man who happens to be an Academy grad. Being a gay man doesn’t define me.”

Hunter Rogers '11

Hunter Rogers '11

Hunter Rogers '11 has been a member of USNA Out since 2011 and is the newest and youngest member of the USNA Out Board of Directors. He is originally from Nashville, Tennessee, and is currently stationed in San Diego on the USS GREEN BAY (LPD 20). He lives in downtown San Diego with his fiancee, Cody Allen.

Joe Soto ’83

Joe Soto ’83

Joe Soto ’83 has been a member of USNA Out since 2003. He brings his skills as the general manager of a global marketing and advertising agency to the board, and he has been very active in USNA Out. From Joe: “USNA Out has a real purpose, and I will work hard for USNA Out to ensure we can fulfill our mission to the best of our abilities.”

Barbara Wujciak ’84

Barbara Wujciak ’84

Barbara Wujciak ’84 has been a member of USNA Out since 2004.

Paul Culver ’74

Paul Culver ’74

Paul Culver ’74 has been a member of USNA Out since 2003. After serving his obligation he completed a career as a civil servant working for the Navy and subsequently DOD. From Paul: “USNA Out has been a way for me to reconnect to the Academy and the Alumni Association in a way that I never did before. While I enjoy the camaraderie, my primary goal is to be of help to and to be an inspiration for those who are currently serving.”

Mike Engler ’75

Mike Engler ’75

Mike Engler ’75 has been a member of USNA Out since 2003. Mike started his own firm, Community Pride Financial Advisors LLC in 1994 and continues to work as an independent financial advisor, primarily serving the gay and lesbian community.

Steve Clark Hall ’75

Steve Clark Hall ’75

Steve Clark Hall ’75 has been a member of USNA Out since 2003. He has fulfilled the role as USNA Out’s full time Executive Director since 2008 and is the Director of the “Out of Annapolis Project.” From Steve: “To say that ‘USNA Out is a big part of my life’ is an understatement. I bring my best communications and tech skills, talents and experience to the board of USNA Out so that we may excel at our mission.”

Randall Henderson ’69

Randall Henderson ’69

Randy Henderson ’69 has been a member of USNA Out since 2009

He brings the expertise of a strong legal background to the board.

Eric Shangle ’97

Eric Shangle ’97 – Board Secretary

Eric Shangle ’97 has been a very active member of USNA Out since 2003, joining while serving as an active duty Lieutenant stationed in Monterrey. Eric brings great energy and great visions to the USNA Out Board. From Eric: “We need to look at how we are perceived by the world. I feel that the dividends will be greater.”

Brian Weichowski ’97

Brian Weichowski ’97

Brian Weichowski ’97 has been a member of USNA Out since 2003. He was one of eleven USNA Out members featured in the documentary film OUT of ANNAPOLIS. “”