UNITED STATES NAVY LEAGUE EASTERN SHORE
247thDinner Meeting May 12, 2015
Talbot Country Club
Sharon Henley Disher
Author- First Class: Women Join the Ranks of the Naval Academy
Women in the Navy and Marine Corps
Sharon Hanley Disher graduated the United StatesNavalAcademy in the first class with women (1980) and served in the United States Navy for ten years as a civil engineer. Married to a career submariner and Academy graduate, Tim and Sharon Disher’s three children, twins Alison and Brettand younger brother Mathew, are the first family in history to graduate every member from the NavalAcademy.
A review of Ms Disher’s book,First Class: “From the punishing crucible of plebe summer to the triumph of graduation, Sharon Disher focuses on two female members of the Class of 1980, each with very different personalities and experiences. Teenagers faced with issues still unlabeled in the 1970s - sexual harassment, eating disorders, date rape - the two take separate routes in their search for ways to survive the mental and physical challenges of the regimen and the psychological isolation of being a woman in a man's world. Disher is unflinchingly frank in her descriptions of the prejudice and abuse that they frequently encountered and which went mostly unreported and unpunished. A loyal navy supporter nevertheless, Disher offers a balanced account of life behind the academy's storied walls for that first group of women who charted the way for future generations of female midshipmen.” These issues are as relevant today as in 1976 when Sharon entered the Academy. Resolving them is critical if our Navy and Marine Corps are to realize the full potential of both the men and women who serve in today’s Sea Services.
Sharon is the owner and principle designer of Annapolis Redesigns. Her goal is to give homes a fresh look with things already owned. In addition to operating Annapolis Redesigns, she volunteers with Anne Arundel County Meals on Wheels program, is a member of the Annapolis Junior League, serves as trustee for the United States Naval Academy Foundation Athletic and Scholarship Program and is the founder and director of Y.E.S. - Young Engineers and Scientists, an elementary school science enrichment program.
VENUE: Talbot Country Club with Social Hour at 1730, Dinner 1830.
MENU:Oven roasted chicken breast with rosemary mushroom gravy
Roasted garlic mashed and grilled spring vegetables
Iceberg wedge with bleu cheese dressing, smoked bacon gorgonzola crumbles
and grape tomatoes
Dessert: Shortcake with fresh berries and homemade whip cream
COST: $32 per person.
Please send checks to arrive not later than May 4. Checks should be made payable to "Navy League ESC", attached to the form below and mailed to:
Stuart Keiller, 714 Penny Drive, Stevensville, MD21666
QUESTIONS:Stu Keiller, Telephone: 410 703 8660 Email:
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*Donations to the Navy League are tax deductible as a 501 (C) 3 organization. We are a non-profitorganization supporting the Sea Services. Your contributions in support of our activities are greatly appreciated.