The U.S. Naval Academy is a special place - and a bit of a hybrid. It’s certainly not your typical college, though it has a vibrant academic curriculum, bustling dining hall, busy quadrangle, and cadre of devoted faculty and students. It’s also not quite the U.S Naval Fleet or the U.S. Marine Corps, but it does require rigorous military training and exercises, uniforms, and an oath of office. So it’s an amalgamation of both, with a unique and proud culture and a passionate group of people who make it both demanding and welcoming at the same time.
Meet Miss Mae!
Miss Mae Blue is one such cherished employee. She has worked for the NABSD (Naval Academy Business Services Division) since February 8, 2016. Blue began working in the Midshipmen Store and has continued to this day as cashier (and as she says, “grandma to all midshipmen.”) She notes her title as “Midshipmen grandma, mom and chief all in one!” The midshipmen just love her! She’s amassed over 7,000 likes on the Instagram Navy Barstool account, enough to launch her to social media stardom.
Along the way, Miss Mae has seen many changes at the store. “It’s expanded greatly, and we carry so much more than when we started out,” she explains. She loves so many things about working there, but most of all, she says, “I love the people, especially the midshipmen. They make my day and I love them all dearly. I enjoy working here and being part of midshipmen’s lives here at the Academy.”
Not shy about her affections, they respond in kind. Most days you can find them joking around with her as she rings up their items. She adds a fun and warm environment to what many might ordinarily consider a regular transaction. “They treat me like family and they respect me greatly. Midshipmen always say hello and that they love me when they're on their way out,” she says. These small interactions can make the difference in people’s days at the Academy, which are rigorous. Midshipmen have very little free time, as their academic, military, athletic, club, and other responsibilities often fill a busy day. Taking a moment to acknowledge Miss Mae is a bright spot in a blur of activity.
What’s at the MidStore?
It’s no surprise the best part of her job is the midshipmen. “My favorite part is working with midshipmen. They give me a lot of love and care for me!” Blue says. She’s also a fan of the items they stock. “I love the football jerseys the most!” she notes. There are a variety to like, from the Army-Navy game jersey, to the regular season team jersey. They can be purchased at the Midstore, as well as on Navyonline.com.
Related: History of the MidStore: From Lone Storekeeper to Stunning New Shop.
Instagram Famous
Blue started her Instagram page, @maeb1659, 2 years ago, and it has taken off. “The midshipmen love being friends with me online and being able to keep in touch,” she says. The page features many “day-in-the-life-of-a-midshipman” images and captions, along with snapshots from her life. It is a joyous representation of Academy living, focusing on the relationships the midshipmen forge with her and each other.
A Former Life
Prior to joining the NABSD, Blue worked at the Annapolis Navy Exchange (NEX) across the river. She’s an experienced clerk, having worked as the Cashier Supervisor from 1972-2003 at the Army and Air Force Exchange prior to that. She is a military grandma through and through. Although her loyalties are with all branches, she jokes, “My husband, son, and grandson all were in the Army and yet I still love the Navy!”
And the Navy loves her! Thank you for your service, Miss Mae. We look forward to seeing your smiling face at the Midshipmen Store and on Instagram, a bright spot in the days of the midshipmen.
Celebrate Our Midshipmen!
If you’re eligible to shop at the Midshipmen Store, stop by to say hello to Miss Mae and check out what the store has to offer. They are constantly stocking fresh new REAL Navy apparel and gear, so you can show your Navy pride wherever you go. Celebrate Navy and the people that serve our country every day. When you shop at the Midshipmen Store, the USNA Gift Shop and Navyonline.com, proceeds go directly to the Brigade to fund extracurricular activities like cultural arts, music, theater, club sports, and more. Be a part of the Academy and support the midshipmen who support our freedom.
