Black Tie Club International, Washington, D.C. Chapter

Black Tie Club International
Washington, D.C. Chapter

Out in Force: Do Ask Do Tell

October 22nd

The Historic Army and Navy Club

on Admiral Farragutt Square

Under a waning Indian Summer Sun that shined on the multi-storied fenestrated 17th Street NW entrance, Members and Guests entered the 150-year-old Army and Navy Club on Admiral Farragutt Square in the heart of the Old City of Washington, a block from The White House's Lafayette Square. The Host Committee chose the theme "Out in Force: Do Ask Do Tell" to celebrate the demise of the prohibition of gay and lesbian open participation in the United States Armed Forces: Hence the open gathering of the DC Chapter of the Black Tie Club International at the Army and Navy Club (ANC).

Black Tie Members and their Guests, entering through the ornate entrance lobby, ascended the Parade Staircase into the Parade Lounge overlooking the elegant Club Dining Room where they were greeted by the Host Comittee composed of Co-Chairs Allan Rexinger and Jack Varga, Jim Dice, Jim Hunter, David Johnson, Chi-Yi Lin, Doug Potash, Duward Sumner, and Keith Walmsley. Butlered ANC Rutherford Hill 2008 Sauvignon Blanc was circulated during the short registration period.

As cocktails commenced at 7:00 p.m., Hors D'oeurves such as Japanese Shrimp Tempura, Crispy Chicken Lillopops, Warm Grecian Goat Cheese in Phyllo Tartlet, and Spicy Chicken Spring Rolls with complementary sauces were butlered through the Parade Lounge while Members from other chapters and Guests mingled among DC Chapter Black Tie Members, many proudly displaying their military decorations.

Shortly before 8:00 p.m. Fifty-five Members and Guests adjourned to the George Washington Ballroom. Once assembled, DC Chapter President Robert Pullen welcomed all and introduced Member Andy Staton from the Rehoboth Beach/Lewes Chapter and Members William Matthews, Tony Valenzvela, and Kent do Johg of the New Mexico Chapter as well as five Guests who are expected to become Members in 2012.

Co-Chair Jack Varga then introduced Major Mike Almy, USAF, who provided the assembly with a short and concise brief on his experience with the Service Members' Legal Defense Network and its successful efforts to persuade the United States Congress to repeal the 1992 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' legal provisions contained in the Defense Authorization Act, as amended.

Major Almy provided unique and personal views of the tribulations and triumphs that affected gay and lesbian service-people prior to the formal certification of repeal on September 30, 2011. The electric atmosphere engendered by his remarks yielded loud cheers and a long, expressively warm standing ovation at the conclusion.

Under the expert guidance of James Beard Foundation Award Winning Executive Chef Richard Thompson, the evening's repast commenced with a Lobster Bisque Epice along with the Sauginon Blanc. Following a Spinach and Watercress Salad with Belgian Endive and Soy Ginger Vinaigrette, Chef Thompson provided a palate-cleansing Coconut Sorbet along with a continuing flow of the excellent wine.

Entrees included Pan Seared and Roasted Filet Mignon with Green Peppercorn Sauce, Maryland Crab Cakes Remoulade, or Chef's Vegetarian Cuisine accompanied with Roasted Herb Potatoes joined by a Fall Vegetable Medley and paired with the Sauvignon Blanc or ANC's Rutherford Hill 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The dining event concluded with Rasperry Toupete lacing Lemon Raspberry Tartlets as Members and Guests enjoyed the continuing flow of the excellent wines of the evening as well as a wide selection of exotic Coffess and Teas.

President Pullen announced that the Chair of the Spring Event will be Duane Hatfield Smith; he then encouraged Members to register early to attend the International's annual event schedueled for San Diego in April 2012. He requested that Members update and return, in a timely manner, the club renewal notices that will be arriving from the Toronto headquarters.

As Members and Guests availed themselves of the opportunity to personally speak with and applaud Major Mike Almy, other Members circulated around the George Washington Ballroom in lively conversation and exemplifying the Black Tie Club International's motto: Good Fellowship, Excellent Cuisine, and Superb Wine.

Washington, D.C. Black Tie Club International