The San Diego Chapter continues to present outstanding meetings with truly exceptional speakers. Our March meeting was a great success and our primary speaker, former U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer, Jr. kept the audience spellbound with his spy story on the 1981 prosecution of Marion Zacharski, a deeply embedded Soviet spy, who obtained Top Secret documents pertaining to radar systems from Hughes Aircraft Company.
Mr. Brewer prosecuted the case and he discussed the investigation, arrest, trial and later interview with 60 Minutes. Zacharski was the “handler” for another spy, William Bell, who was arrested and wore a “wire” to gather evidence on Zacharski
as part of a plea deal. Zacharski was later traded for 23 Western spies and 26 years later the prosecutor and spy were reunited to discuss the trial. Mr. Brewer’s presentation will set a high bar for future meeting as he received a standing ovation at the end of his presentation. Right, the spy William Bell
We also inducted a new member, Ted Parsons. Those that have attended local Massing of Colors events will recall Ted as he is actively involved in the event. He told us that this year’s Massing will be at the Organ Pavilion, and they expect to have an overflow crowd on hand.
left to right- Michael Hirman, Peter Fagen, Ted Parsons and Duncan Campbell
Our past President, Michael Hirman, gave us an update on the planning for the America250 presentation in 2026 as well as a brief outline of the planned Boston Tea Party reenactment on Coronado Island in December. Jim McAdory gave a short PowerPoint presentation on the “Tory War” of 1781 in North Carolina as part of the SAR’s America250 program.
It has been a few years since we last met at the Admiral Baker Clubhouse in San Diego. The facility was excellent with easy access and plenty of parking and the food was plentiful and excellent. We will meet here again in May.