Alumni Review 2014 Issue 3

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2014-Issue 3

2 1

Scan the page

Contents

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE Alumni Review 2014-Issue 3

IN THIS ISSUE . . .

This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of Feb. 15 to May 15, 2014.

FEATURES 7 9 12 14 15 16 17 18 23

2014 Commissioning 2014 Graduation 150th Anniversary of New Market Gottwald ‘54 Receives New Market Medal Duncan ‘64 Establishes Scholarship Bacheller II and Hazera Scholarship Hollowell Jr. ‘64: Making it Good for Those Who Follow First Spring Reunion: March 24-25 Second Spring Reunion: April 25-26

20

161 DEPARTMENTS 2 158 168 174 179 190

Communications Editor: Margaret Weimer Managing Editor: Jordan Moore Graphic Artist: Adam McBryde ALUMNI REVIEW ONLINE www.vmialumi.org/alumnireview

PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia

Alumni in Theater: An Update Our Alumni Serving New Cadet Recruiting Association/Chapter News Class Notes Births, Marriages, Degrees Provisional Appointments Taps After Taps Alumni News

177

President’s Letter Association Directory The Institute VMI Athletics The Foundation The Keydet Club

2014-Issue 3

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

PUBLISHING OFFICE The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., Alumni Review Office VMI Moody Hall, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450; 540/464-7224 review@vmiaa.org

NEWS AND UPDATES 3 5 21 27 33 148 149 151 155 160

Volume 91, No. 2

The VMI Alumni Review (USPS 954-740) is published four times yearly in fall, winter, spring and summer by The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. It is sent to alumni and friends of the Institute without subscription.

ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA. PURPOSE OF THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION To organize the alumni, the better to keep alive the memories of Institute life and—by their united efforts—to aid in the promotion of the welfare of the Institute, and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes.

VMI ALUMNI AGENCIES TELEPHONE NUMBERS The VMI Alumni Association: The VMI Foundation:

The VMI Keydet Club:

540/464-7221 540/464-7287 540/464-7328

WEBSITE ADDRESSES Alumni Agencies: www.vmialumni.org VMI: www.vmi.edu ON OUR COVER Outside Front Cover: Tom Peyton ’44, class agent, and Cadet Weston Hitchcock, Class of 2014 president, leading the Old Yell for the Class of 1944 at Peyton’s 70th Reunion on March 25, 2014.

Scan this page with

1

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Fellow Alumni, I am deeply honored to be elected to serve as your president. As this is my first letter to you in that capacity, I’d like to recognize my predecessor, Bob Heely ’69, and his wife, Lush. I wish to extend my thanks to Bob for all he has done for the Alumni Association and the Institute. Bob and Lush leave a legacy that I, along with my wife, Holly, hope to continue during my tenure.

Perrow ’96 In this issue of the Review, we highlight graduation and commissioning – important events occurring in the lives of our future fellow alumni. The 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market was held May 15, and we commemorated the valor and service of the cadets who fought – perhaps most importantly, the 10 who died as a result. For the first time ever, the event was live-streamed on the Internet, providing countless viewers with the opportunity to join us on post for the ceremony.

In March, we were joined by the classes of 1944, 1949A-B-C, 1954 and 1959 to celebrate their reunions.

In May, the classes of 1964, 1974, 1984 and 1994 joined us for their reunions.

This issue also highlights the outstanding basketball and baseball seasons that we’ve had the pleasure to experience, as well as the excellent performance of cadet-athletes in all sports.

Other articles that you may find of interest include: • The profile of the Rev. Dr. Edgar Hollowell Jr. ’61, a military chaplain, who served for 24 years in the U.S. Army. Find out why he has consistently made giving to the Institute a priority.

• An announcement about the scholarship that Floyd H. Duncan’64 has established for the VMI Department of Economics and Business, where he was a professor from 1978 until 2013.

• The story of the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair, directed by Dan Joseph ’91, as part of a larger Institute initiative to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

• An article about Burton Bacheller II and his wife, Ramona Hazera, who have established the Burton Bacheller III 2011 Scholarship. Named for their son, Burton and Ramona were inspired by how VMI impacted him during his cadetship and were inspired to give back.

It’s a great time for our beloved Institute and for our alumni. If you have not returned to post, I encourage you to do so. You will no doubt feel a familiar sense of pride and will be reminded of the lessons and values the Institute bestowed upon you during your cadetship.

Thank you for your continued support. Simply put, I am proud to call myself an alumnus of the Virginia Military Institute. I welcome your suggestions and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 President, The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

2

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Alumni in Theater* Recognizing Alumni Serving in Afghanistan * Theater is defined here as the entirety of the air, land and sea area that is involved in declared war operations at this time.

In April 2014 at a Special Forces range in Kabul, Afghanistan, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Holmes ’99, right, ran into fellow BR and U.S. Army Maj. Eric East ’99. Holmes and East were in Kabul performing Village Stability Operations as Provincial/District Augmentation Team chiefs. At the time of this submission, Holmes stated that East was due to rotate home soon.

At International Security Assistance Force Joint Command in Kabul, Afghanistan, were, from left, U.S. Army Maj. Josh Shiley ’01, U.S. Army Maj. Ethan Weber ’01, U.S. Army Maj. Jeremy Guy ’01 and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Billy Edmonds ’97. The command is located at Kabul International Airport.

An Update We have received no new names of alumni serving in Afghanistan since the last issue of the Alumni Review (2014-Issue 2). Once the name of an alumnus has been listed in the Review, it will not appear again, even if the alumnus is redeployed at a later date. Your name and picture may have arrived past the May 1, 2014, input due date and therefore are not published in this issue; they will be published in the next issue.

Please send additions, corrections and photographs to the Alumni Review staff at: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA, 24450 (email: review@ vmiaa.org).

For a complete list of names that we have received, go to http://www.vmialumni.org and click on the link titled “Directories” and then the link “OEF/OIF,” or go directly to http://www.vmialumni. org/oifoef.

2014-Issue 3

From left, 1st Lt. Christopher Hall ’11, Maj. Jason Berg ’99, 1st Lt. James Hefner ’11, 1st Lt. Samuel Kang ’11 and Capt. Jacob Widrick ’08 on New Market Day 2014 at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

3

Alumni in Theater

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Max Z. Curry ’13 of the 151st Movement Control Team (the Pitbulls) is deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan, and has served there since January 2014.

Conor Powell ’99, left, and Jason Shatarsky ’98 recently ran into each other in Afghanistan. Shatarsky, who submitted this photo, is the assistant attaché and supervisory special agent for the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

Powell is a Fox News Channel foreign correspondent. Both are stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan.

About the photo at left, Capt. David Coleman ’04, judge advocate, Headquarters U.S. Afghanistan and 18th Airborne Corps, wrote: “I’m assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps and am currently deployed to the New Kabul Compound. Although this base is tiny, it turns out there are a handful of VMI folks here.

[This] is a photo we took together before redeployments and base transfers disperse us.” From left: Capt. Ben Woods (assistant rifle coach, 2010), Col. Martin Curry ’83, Coleman, Capt. Cody Grey ’05 and Capt. Austin Wakefield ’04.

Coleman explained that Curry is the surgeon for the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Grey works with the CENTCOM Joint Theater Support Contracting Command, and Woods and Wakefield are both assigned to the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan.

VMI Seeks Commissioning Information for Classes of 1990-2009 In order to more accurately reflect commissioning percentages at VMI, the Institute is seeking to uncover those alumni who have commissioned in any branch of service following their graduation through

4

an Officer Candidate Program or other commissioning avenue. VMI believes that there may be a sizeable number of alumni in this category. If you commissioned after graduation, by some

means other than direct commission through VMI ROTC, please contact Lt. Col. Gary Bissell ’89, assistant chief of staff, by e-mail at bissellga@vmi.edu or by phone at 540-464-7104.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

A group of alumni gathered at Fort Jackson in South Carolina for New Market Day April 30, 2014. From left: U.S. Army Maj. Will Alley ’01, a student in the U.S. Army Chaplain School; U.S. Navy Reserve Capt. Jake Spivey ’85, serving a one-year mobilization as the officer-in-charge of the Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training; U.S. Army Col. and Chaplain Pete Sniffin ’85, the deputy commandant at the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School and deputy director of the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Center; and U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Karl Painter ’96, serving a one-year mobilization as the executive officer of Task Force Marshall. According to Spivey, who submitted this photo, Task Force Marshall is composed of U.S. Army drill sergeants who provide combat skills training to sailors prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. The task force is named after Gen. George C. Marshall ’901, Spivey explained.

Our Alumni Serving Recognizing Those Who Serve Others in Their Communities, Country and the World In addition to recognizing those who have served in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom (as shown on the previous pages), the Alumni Association would like to pay tribute to other citizen-soliders, who are, as Col. J.T.L. Preston said and as printed on the parapet, “an honor to our country and our state, objects of honest pride to their instructors ... and ready in everytime of deepest peril ... .”

Those alumni whose photos and articles appear in this section of the Review could be members of the armed forces serving in non-combat capacities anywhere in the world, or they could be members of police and fire departments, doctors offering

their services to those less fortunate, alumni volunteering at food pantries or serving as Boy or Girl Scout leaders.

If you or someone you know is serving others, please submit a high resolution photo (3 or 4 megapixels, minimum) taken at the location you are serving or with the people whom you serve.

Along with the photo, please submit a caption that explains what your service is, where you perform it and for whom. Send these to the VMI Alumni Review staff at review@vmiaa.org or by mail to VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450, Attention: Editor. We will review your submission and consider it for publication.

Are you or someone you know serving the community, country or the world? Send in a photo and a description of what you’re doing, where and for whom. See instructions above.

2014-Issue 3

5

A sizable cohort of VMI alumni graduated from the Army Basic Airborne Course March 14, 2014. From left: Lt. Col. Donnie Hasseltine ’97, Maj. Elijah Ward ’01, 1st Lt. Andrea Waldrop ’11, Staff Sgt. Phil Norris ’99, 2nd Lt. Ryan Goodsell ’11 and 2nd Lt. Chris Hooks ’13. According to Ward, who submitted this photo, “Staff Sgt. Norris served as one of the Airborne Cadre for the course and officially certified as ‘Black Hat,’ while these fellow alumni completed all elements of the course, culminating in five successful exits from an Air Force aircraft with an Army parachute.”

U.S. Army Capt. Will Rocliffe ’10 and U.S. Army Capt.

Brian Connelly ’10 prepared to jump out of a C130 aircraft over Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in May 2014.

U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Coleman ’88, second from left, at the Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival in April with Commander, Naval Forces Japan staff members.

VMI Navy ROTC midshipmen visited Navy Expeditionary Combat Command at Joint Expeditionary Base in Little Creek, Virginia, April 7, 2014. Capt. Erich Diehl ’88, commodore of Coastal Riverine Group 2, center, stood with the 4th Class midshipmen in front of Coastal Riverine Force boats and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command warriors.

6

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

More than 140 Commission Rain Drives Pin-Ons Indoors Four years of hard work and dedication culminated on May 15, 2014, in Cameron Hall for more than 140 members of the Class of 2014 as they took their oaths to commission as officers in the U. S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force.

Flag officers representing each branch spoke to the commissioning classes, offering their reflections about the significance of the day.

Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Army was Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson ’77, director of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization. This year’s Army ROTC commissioning class was one of the largest in the country, with 76 taking the oath.

Due to rainy weather, pin-on ceremonies were held in Cameron Hall for the newly commissioned Navy, Marine and Air Force officers, while the Army ceremony was held in Marshall Hall.

“Today, these men and women of character set forth into a purposeful life of tough but worthy challenges, exciting opportunities and noble service – we salute them all,” Johnson told the audience, which included family, friends, professors and cadets.

For 2nd Lt. Jon Mattingly, commissioning in the Army allows him to continue a family tradition of service.

“Receiving a commission is not just an individual accomplishment but something to be celebrated collectively,” he said. “I am eternally grateful to [my family] for all they have done and all they will do in support of my dreams.”

Commissioning in the Army marks the fulfillment of a dream 2nd Lt. Cameron Gulczynski has had since he was 11 years old.

“Commissioning day is not just to recognize me as an officer but more importantly recognizing my family – especially my parents and sister – and friends who have supported me through VMI and will continue to support me through my Army career,” he said.

“Contracting with the Army has given me a sense of purpose, great goals and amazing opportunities that I would otherwise have 2014-Issue 3

never gotten,” said 2nd Lt. Heather Haag, who will be entering the Army Medical Service Corps.

Marine Corps Gen. John F. Kelly, commander of the U. S. Southern Command, challenged the 20 commissioning candidates set to take their place in the Marine Corps.

“If you think you are good enough to be a leader and officer in the Marines, if you are willing to dedicate your lives to taking care of what I think are the most precious tributes this country produces – enlisted Marines – … stand up,” he said.

Without hesitation, the new Marines resolutely answered Kelly’s call, standing up and taking their oaths with strong voices.

In preparation for a career as a Marine officer, 2nd Lt. Joey Bishop came to VMI to develop his leadership skills. Having served this year as regimental commander, he did just that.

“I am now a Marine officer – trained in the best military school in the country – and have the opportunity to lead America’s finest young men and women,” he said. “I am extremely humbled by this opportunity and also very excited.”

Making a return to post to address the 31 commissioning in the U.S. Navy was Rear Adm. Matthew J. Carter ’85, commander of the Navy Patrol and Reconnaissance Group/Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Pacific.

“Although you may not realize it yet, VMI has given you a solid foundation to be the citizen-soldier which is so valued in our society,” he said.

He urged the candidates to hold fast to the Navy’s values of honor, courage and commitment.

“I promise that as leaders, your service core values and those that VMI has instilled in each one of you will allow you to persevere in the face of great challenges.”

Ensign Nathan Couteret’s path to commissioning as a U.S. Navy officer was influenced by both of his grandfathers and his father, all of whom were in the military.

“My journey has just started, and I am

very excited to represent VMI in the fleet as an ensign in the greatest navy in the world, the United States Navy.”

Speaking to the audience from the U. S. Air Force was Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak, assistant chief of staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration.

7

“What you have in front of you is an incredible life filled with your devotion to duty to our great nation,” he said.

Harencak left the 17 commissioning in the U. S. Air Force, as well as the other branches, with words from Gen. Robert E. Lee. “‘You should do your duty in all things.

You cannot do more; you should never wish to do any less’ – and that is what today is all about,” he concluded.

2nd Lt. Paul Cicero, who will be serving in the Air Force Space Operations division, served as commander of the cadet wing during his last semester.

“The hours of work and sweat we all put into ROTC has all built up to this point,” he said. “It’s a large step, in that we are changing from the status of a cadet to that of a commissioned officer in the United States military.”

Editor’s Note: With the exception of the Zembles ’14 and Fortin ’53 photo, all other photos and the preceding article were provided by VMI Communications and Marketing.

Oath and pinning of Brandon Paul Zembles ’14 by his grandfather, Paul E. Fortin ’53.

8

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

317 Cadets Graduate Joint Chiefs Chair Reminds Graduates to Follow Their Moral Compass and Uphold VMI Values

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, gave the introductory remarks at the ceremony and presented the honors and awards.

On May 16, 2014, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, touched on the camaraderie and character of VMI as he addressed the Class of 2014 in commencement exercises in Cameron Hall.

“All of you will be challenged, some of you will probably lose your shoes, but you’ll always have VMI. You’ll have each other, and you’ll have your moral compass,” he told the 317 graduates.

With this remark, Dempsey subtly highlighted VMI’s rich history, evoking the rich imagery of VMI cadets losing their shoes in the mud on the battlefield at New Market in 1864.

He reminded the graduates of their obligation to follow their moral compass and uphold the values instilled at VMI – patriotism, discipline, courage, integrity, resilience and trust.

“You’re well armed for the future, come what may,” he assured the graduates, stressing the need for their leadership and service in today’s world.

Also speaking was valedictorian Cameron Armstrong, a physics and mathematics double major from Woodstock, Georgia. Armstrong inspired his fellow cadets with a simple statement: “Nobody ever asked a lieutenant to do just one thing,” advice he heard a professor sarcastically tell a cadet who was complaining

2014-Issue 3

about the workload at VMI. Armstrong took this statement to heart, applying it to his life at VMI. He told his fellow graduates that it is the challenges at VMI that make the experience so valuable.

“We’ve lived it. We’ve jumped in that fire, we’ve ignored our burns and powered through it. And by the end of it, we truly know that we’re capable of handling that stress. And you can’t really overvalue that confidence,” he said.

Regardless of what paths the cadets of the Class of 2014 choose to pursue from here, Armstrong said VMI has equipped each one of them with the skills they need to handle anything that comes their way, recognizing the intangible value of the VMI experience.

“I honestly think it’s very much a good thing that nobody ever asked a cadet to do just one thing,” he told his classmates.

“Because nobody ever asked a leader to do just one thing either.”

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, gave the introductory remarks at the ceremony, reminding this year’s class of the high expectations they will face as VMI graduates.

He praised VMI as “a forward-looking institution dedicated to producing intelligent and useful citizens.”

Scan this page with

He added, “But it is also shaped in history and steeped in history. We march [into] the future, but we’re ever mindful of our rich legacy and our past.”

Peay also presented the honors and awards. The First Jackson-Hope Medal for highest attainment in scholarship, accompanied by The Commander Harry Millard Mason Academic Proficiency (Continued on next page.)

9

Award, was presented to Jonathan Reardon who completed his VMI career with a cumulative grade-point average of 4.0. He graduated with Institute honors, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, with a concentration in aerospace engineering and a minor in mathematics.

Cabell Willis received the Second JacksonHope Medal for second highest attainment in scholarship, accompanied by the Colonel Sterling Murray Heflin 1916 Academic Proficiency Award. Willis is a distinguished graduate with Institute honors, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.979. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with minors in writing, French and philosophy.

Lastly, the Society of the Cincinnati Medal, accompanied by the Richard J. Marshall and Sumter L. Lowry Awards, was presented to Weston Stuart Hitchcock, who graduated with distinction, attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies. The medal is presented to a graduate who has displayed efficiency of service and excellence of character.

The Class of 2014 matriculated in August 2010 with 501 members and graduated with 291 – 146 of which will be commissioned in the armed forces by the end of summer 2014. Twenty-six cadets from other classes joined the Class of 2014, resulting in 317 total graduates. This graduation has a special distinction, as well, falling immediately after the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market, May 15th.

Valedictorian Cameron Armstrong, a physics and mathematics double major from Woodstock, Georgia, inspired fellow cadets with his address.

Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the Class of 2014 in commencement exercises in Cameron Hall.

Editor’s Note: The preceding article and related photos were provided by VMI Communications and Marketing.

10

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

2014-Issue 3

11

New Market Ceremony Honors 150th Anniversary

Heavy rains prevented the Institute from carrying out its usual New Market Day parade, but the ceremony was fully observed, mostly within J.M. Hall.

Heavy, all-day rain prevented the Institute from carrying out its usual New Market Day parade, but the ceremony was fully observed, mostly within J.M. Hall. This year held special significance, as 2014 marks 150 years since the New Market cadets, many still in their teens, charged across a farm field and helped to secure a key victory for Confederate Gen. John C. Breckinridge.

Floral tributes were placed at the statue “Virginia Mourning Her Dead” and at the graves of the six New Market cadets who are buried beneath the statue. In addition, there was the traditional calling out of names of the 10 cadets who died either during the battle or of their wounds afterward, with the same response each time: “Died on the field of honor, sir.”

Although there was no parade this year, Cadet Weston Hitchcock ’14, 1st Class president, noted the uniqueness of the New Market parade. “It’s the only parade during the year that’s marched on Letcher Avenue and where an eyes right is given to the New Market cadets,” he said. “We’re saluting their sacrifice, not only those who died on the field of honor but also those whose names are inscribed

12

on ‘Virginia Mourning Her Dead.’ It’s a respect toward them and what they did.”

During the New Market ceremony in J.M. Hall, the VMI Board of Visitors bestowed its highest honor, the New Market Medal, on Bruce C. Gottwald ’54.

Gottwald and his family have been strong supporters of the Institute for many decades. The medal, which was awarded for only the 14th time since its inception in 1962, recognizes individuals whose lives have displayed the virtues shown by the 1864 New Market cadets: duty, honor, devotion and leadership.

Overseeing the ceremony for the last time was Col. Tom Trumps ’79, commandant. Trumps steps down from that post in summer 2014, after eight years in the commandant’s position.

Trumps explained that the New Market parade is the only parade at VMI in which the commandant – not the superintendent – reviews the Corps. It’s done that way, he said, because it was the commandant, Scott Shipp, who led the cadets to New Market – rather than the superintendent, Francis H. Smith – because Smith was ill.

“It’s significant,” said Trumps. “It’s a

neat ceremony, and it’ll be my last one.

Next to Scott Shipp, I’ll be the longestserving commandant. ... There’s a little connection there.”

Also helping to build a connection between the Corps of 1864 and the Corps of today is Cadet Alyssa Ford ’14. Ford, who serves as S-5 captain in charge of public relations, is helping to compile items for a time capsule to be buried in November 2014 when VMI observes the 175th anniversary of its founding.

Ford began her work on the capsule by deciding to honor the 10 cadets who died as a result of the New Market Battle.

To do so, she contacted 10 entities on post – including the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th classes – along with the dean’s office, the athletic department and others and asked them to donate an item that would have been significant to a particular New Market cadet.

After doing some research, Ford was able to match up cadets and donors fairly easily. Samuel F. Atwill was a corporal, she explained, so he’s being sponsored by the 3rd Class, because corporal is a rank that today can only be held by a 3rd Class cadet.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Overseeing the ceremony for the last time was Col. Tom Trumps ’79, commandant, far left. Trumps steps down from that post in summer 2014, after eight years in the commandant’s position.

Likewise, the 1st Class is donating a belt buckle in memory of Joseph C. Wheelwright, a private and one of the six New Market cadets buried beneath “Virginia Mourning Her Dead” in front of Nichols Engineering Hall.

“It’s unique, because only [those in the] 1st Class can wear this particular belt buckle,” said Hitchcock.

For Hitchcock and his Brother Rats, the 1864 cadets’ bravery and sacrifice at New Market has been a constant presence throughout their years at VMI. “Our breakout was on the New Market battlefield,” Hitchcock explained. “Our rats’ breakout this year was basically a re-enactment of the Battle of New Market.

It’s an element of the class. It’s represented on our rings. … New Market has been something important to the class.”

During the ceremony, there was the traditional calling out of names of the 10 cadets who died as a result of the New Market Battle, with the response, “Died on the field of honor, Sir.”

2014-Issue 3

Editor’s Note: Most of the preceding article and all related photos were provided

by VMI Communications and Marketing.

Also, for those who were unable to attend the ceremony, VMI provided a live video stream of the entire event, which can be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/vmiweb.

This is the first time that the Institute has provided this kind of live event coverage.

13

Gottwald ’54 Receives New Market Medal

The VMI Board of Visitors presented its highest honor, the New Market Medal, to Bruce C. Gottwald ’54, on May 15, 2014, during the annual New Market Day ceremony.

The VMI Board of Visitors presented its highest honor, the New Market Medal, to Bruce C. Gottwald ’54, on May 15, 2014.

The presentation took place during the annual New Market Day ceremony that this year commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market.

Gottwald is currently chairman of NewMarket Corp., the parent company of Afton Chemical and Ethyl Corp. Through its subsidiaries, NewMarket engages in the development, manufacture and blending of automotive chemical additives.

He has been a leading figure in guiding the Institute for years. He is a past president of VMI’s Board of Visitors and a recipient of the VMI Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award. He has also received the Spirit of VMI Award, the highest honor bestowed by the VMI Keydet Club.

Major and long-time supporters of VMI, Gottwald and his wife, Nancy, have presented significant gifts to VMI that have helped establish and build Marshall Hall and the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics, which was dedicated in 2009, among other transformational gifts. He and his family have established numerous endowment funds at VMI, including the Gottwald Scholarships for Merit, the Gottwald Chemistry Enhancement Fund, the Gottwald Development Board Endowment Fund and the Jackson-Hope Fund.

A resident of Richmond, Virginia, Gottwald serves on many boards, including the American Civil War Museum and the Civil War Trust. In the past, he has 14

Presenting the award to Gottwald, center, were Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, left, and VMI Board of Visitors President George P. Ramsey III ’72, right.

served on the board of directors of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering, CSX Corp., Dominion Resources Inc., James River Corp. and St. Christopher’s School. In 1990, he received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Virginia Union University. He was inducted into the Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame in 2004.

The Gottwalds have three sons: Bruce Gottwald Jr. ’81, Mark Gottwald and Thomas Gottwald ’83.

Established by the Board of Visitors in 1962, the New Market Medal is given to individuals whose lives have displayed the virtues shown by the 1864 New Market cadets: duty, honor, devotion and leadership. Gottwald is the 14th recipient in the award’s long history. Past recipients include Gen. George C. Marshall ’901, U.S. Sen. Harry Flood Byrd Jr. ’35, and former Virginia Governors Colgate Darden Jr. and Mills E. Godwin Jr. Editor’s Note: The preceding article and related photos were provided by VMI Communications and Marketing.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Floyd H. Duncan ’64 Establishes Scholarship

by Scott Belliveau ’83, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation

Toward the end of his 3rd Class year, duty to include a tour in the Republic Often, when alumni and friends consider of Vietnam from 1965-66 as an infantry making a gift or commitment in support of Duncan, who majored in chemistry as a officer with the 1st Infantry Division. the Institute, they are faced with a vexing cadet, received an offer of a scholarship from the Smith Douglass Fertilizer ComAlthough his military service fulfilled his question: Where should I direct my gift? obligation as a state cadet, Duncan deLast year, as he approached his 50th pany. At almost the same time, the Slemp scribed it as “minimal, compared to what Reunion, Floyd H. Duncan’64, who was a Foundation also offered to extend their I had been given.” Furthermore, he professor in the Department said, “My return to VMI in 1978 was of Economics and Business motivated to a large extent by my befrom 1978 to his retirement lief that I owed more than I had repaid in 2013 and headed the by my two-year stint in the Army.” department from 2005-13, Two other reasons that helped a was faced with the very scholarship fund make even more same question. He decided sense to Duncan were the increasing on establishing a scholarcost of college and the positive effects ship during the course of of scholarships in the Department of a conversation with VMI Economics and Business. One scholFoundation Vice President arship stood out in particular. for Planned Giving Terrie “I had seen the good things my Conrad. He had in mind an department had done with the scholamount he wanted to give. arship established by Bob McDowell, However, as he recalls, “Until Terrie asked me how my After 35 years of dedicated service to VMI, Col. Floyd H. Class of ’68, which is awarded based Duncan ’64, center – seen here with his wife, Donna – reunion gift should be used, was awarded VMI’s Meritorious Service Medal by Gen. on a combination of academic merit I had been thinking in terms J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, right, at a 2013 and financial need,” Duncan said. of the Class of ’64 Reunion ceremony recognizing those retiring from the Institute. “One of the department’s top-ranking Campaign as a whole. Then, Duncan is continuing his legacy of service by establishing cadets, whose family circumstances she mentioned scholarships, a scholarship within the Department of Economics and were not unlike mine, received help from the McDowell Scholarship for and something clicked. I Business. VMI photo by Kevin Remington. most of his cadetship.” suddenly saw an opportunity scholarship support of Duncan. With the to repay a debt long overdue.”

Duncan cited another example. During When speaking of “a debt,” Duncan re- new scholarship support, Duncan had his last year as department head, he was lated how, when he was young, college was more than enough financial resources for told of a young man who would not be not “even a remote possibility.” Although his last two years as a cadet. Therefore, he able to return to VMI after his 4th Class no one in his immediate family – including declined the Slemp Foundation’s offer and year unless he received significant financial both parents and all of his siblings – had thanked them for their support. One thing assistance. finished high school, his parents encour- stuck with him, though. “In its letter, the “Since he was a very strong student,” aged him to do so from his earliest years. Slemp Foundation suggested that, one day, Duncan said, “I recommended him for the However, a lack of financial resources I might be able to provide the same opMcDowell Scholarship, and he was able to meant that his parents would not be able portunity for some other deserving young continue his education.” person,” Duncan said. to afford to send him to college.

It was these experiences that convinced Duncan’s state cadetship came with a Duncan’s direction changed when a high Duncan to model his scholarship along the school chemistry teacher took an interest formal obligation and, as far as Duncan lines of the McDowell Scholarship. in him and, for reasons he still doesn’t was concerned, with a no less compelling No matter the specific purposes for which know, encouraged him to consider VMI. informal one, too. Recipients of the state scholarships are established, they boil down During his junior year, his high school’s cadetship owed service to the commonto one salient fact for Duncan. principal began to encourage Duncan to wealth of Virginia (such as a teacher or “It’s simple,” he said. “Scholarship funds attend college. When Duncan said he wanted an engineer for the Department of Transprovide opportunities for young people who to attend VMI, the principal contacted the portation) or to the nation in time of namight not otherwise be able to attend VMI local state senator, J. Hubert Wheeler, who tional emergency. At the time of Duncan’s to do so.

Considering the many positive recommended Duncan for a state cadetship, graduation, a state of emergency existed effects of a VMI education, there are few which paid both tuition and board, as well (and would exist until the end of the Cold ways to have a more profound effect on the as recommended Duncan for a scholarship War). So, Duncan was commissioned in lives of young men and women than that.” the U.S. Army, serving two years on active from the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation.

2014-Issue 3

15

Parents Bacheller II and Hazera Place High Value on VMI Education

by Scott E. Belliveau ’83, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation

It is a truism associated with VMI that cadets’ parents often are the most ardent supporters of VMI and its way of educating young people, and they believe wholeheartedly in the goals of VMI. It is also true that parents often perceive the benefits of a VMI education well before their cadets do.

Burton Bacheller II and his wife, Ramona Hazera, definitely can be counted among that group of parents who value highly the education that their cadet, Burton Bacheller III ’11, received. They also are among that group of parents who appreciate the Institute enough to provide it generous private financial support. Specifically, in October 2012, they signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the Burton Bacheller III 2011 Scholarship.

As with most cadets, their family did not have any connection to the Institute before their son attended. Yet, they did know an alumnus who strongly influenced their son’s decision – John Duke Anthony ’62, Ph.D., a renowned scholar and recognized expert on the Near East and North Africa. In the late 1990s, Anthony invited Bacheller II and his son to accompany him to a foreign policy conference at VMI. Not long after the conference, Anthony presented the son with a VMI hat brass.

Although he and his family had lived in northern Virginia for many years, it was the first visit to VMI and its surrounding area for Bachellor II. He – and later, his wife – fell in love with the area. In 2003, Bacheller II retired and moved to Lexington, while his wife and son stayed in northern Virginia to complete the son’s secondary education.

“We admired the school, of course,” said Ms. Hazera, “and we suggested he apply to VMI, Washington and Lee, and other schools, which he did. However, we never pushed VMI.” So, it was something of a surprise when, in 2007, their son, then a high school senior, announced he would be applying to VMI as an early decision candidate.

“To us, it was an excellent choice,” said Bacheller II. “We knew it was strong academically, and the low student-to-faculty ratio was encouraging. Yet, even more than the academic program, we thought that our son would get a lot from the Rat

16

Burton Bacheller II, left, and Ramona Hazera, right, with their son, Burton Bacheller III ’11, at his graduation. Photo courtesy of Ramona Hazera.

Line and the Honor System.”

With a house in Lexington, Bacheller II and Hazera were able to see the development of their son and his brother rats during their time in barracks in a way that few parents do.

“We later adopted three rats,” recalled Hazera. “It was great to have the opportunity to mentor young men. It was quite rewarding.”

She continued, “In the earliest days of the Rat Line, our adopted rats were overwhelmed and just couldn’t think. A couple swore that they would leave after Christmas furlough, [but] … they returned and admitted to feeling a little bit better about VMI. They learned to laugh at all the disasters that befell them. All cadets, I think, learn to live through the challenges, and that means they learn character.”

Bacheller II also picked up on the changes that cadets go through.

“I distinctly remember General Peay telling parents on Matriculation Day, ‘You will not recognize your child when you next see him or her,’ Bacheller said. “He was right, of course, but the transformation doesn’t end with the cadre period or rat year. You just watch these young people continue to grow throughout their years in barracks.

It’s truly remarkable.”

While it takes some alumni many years to appreciate a VMI education’s benefits, for the younger Bacheller, they were made

apparent early in his career. Not long after he was hired to work at a prestigious financial institution, his supervisor, a graduate of Virginia Tech, explained his reasons for hiring him. Bacheller II related the explanation: “He told our son that there were 10 strong candidates for the position. Then he said, ‘I’m a Tech grad, and I understand how the Rat Line and VMI work. I also know all about the Honor Code. That means that I can be sure of your integrity.’”

Asked about their giving to VMI, they noted that they had started contributing to VMI while their son was a cadet. “We believed in the mission of VMI, and we were deeply committed to help it from the very beginning,” Hazera said.

When asked what they would say to a parent of an alumnus who asked why he or she should give to VMI, Hazera responded, “How could you not give to this school, considering the education your child has received?” She added, “There also are lots of opportunities to give, and you don’t have to be a big donor in order to have an impact.”

Initially, they gave to the Foundation Fund, the Friends of Preston Library and the rugby team, of which their son was a member. They now focus their philanthropy on the scholarship. Although the direction of their giving has changed, the basic reason underpinning it has not.

“VMI gave so much to our son,” explained Bacheller II, “that we wanted to give back.”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

M. Edgar Hollowell Jr. ’61: Consistently Making it Good for Those Who Follow

by Scott E. Belliveau ’83, Director, Communications, VMI Foundation

When he was a cadet at Fishburne chaplain, however, is always involved Military School in Waynesboro, Virginia, intimately with his charges. If your unit M. Edgar Hollowell Jr. ’61 received an ap- goes to war, you go to war. If your unit pointment to the U.S. Military Academy. jumps out of airplanes, you jump out of Disqualified for West Point because of a airplanes. You are at the center of where vision problem, he then set his sights on their lives are.”

Hollowell served a total of 24 years attending The Citadel. However, at the time, Fishburne’s faculty included five in the Army. His assignments included VMI alumni. Aware that Hollowell also being the chaplain for the 1st Battalion, had been admitted to VMI, one of them, 7th Cavalry during the battle in the Ia his English instructor, Col. E.B. Young Jr. Drang Valley, Vietman, in 1965. He also ’43, undertook to persuade him to attend was a liaison officer to the British Army the Institute. As Hollowell recounts, “He and the chaplain at the Army Engineer asked me, ‘Would you like to graduate?’ School. As chaplain to an aviation unit, I replied that I did. ‘Well, you’ll need to its pilots taught him to fly in pass my class, and to do that, I advise you their spare time.

After retiring from the to accept VMI’s appointment.’”

Despite the forceful persuasion needed Army in 1999, he returned to get him to VMI, Hollowell thrived at to Fishburne and served for the Institute. He majored in English, and 15 years as the head of its as his history in the Bomb describes it, English Department, as well “Throwing aside the slide rule, he cast as a coach. He also learned his lot with ‘the chosen people.’” He had to fly gliders and joined the planned to attend dental school after At the 2013 Institute Society Dinner, retired U.S. Army Col. M. Edgar Hollowell Jr. ’61 joined graduation at either others in singing “As the Army Goes Rolling the Medical College Along.” Photo by Lockwood McLaughlin. of Virginia or North Carolina State. However, during his 1st U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Class year, he heard “The Call” and decid- teaching subjects about aids ed to become a priest with the Episcopal to navigation and weather Church. In this, he was not alone in his and participating in patrol class. Two other Brother Rats, William activities.

As season ticket holders for VMI football Braithwaite and Jonathan Daniels, also and basketball, he and his wife, Phyllis, pursued the Episcopal priesthood.

Hollowell attended the Virginia Episco- often are seen on post. He also is a consispal Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, and tent donor in support of VMI. Hollowell later earned a Master of Arts degree in gives to the Foundation Fund, which church history from the University of the provides unrestricted money to VMI’s South (Sewanee) and a doctorate degree academic and co-curricular programs. from the Union Theological Seminary. In addition, he supports the Center for He entered his studies, however, with Leadership and Ethics, the Jackson-Hope a determination not to be a member of Fund – which is devoted to academics what he described as “parish clergy” but – and the Regimental Band. About the band, he said, “My friend, Dave Harbach to become a military chaplain.

“Too often, being a parish clergyman ’61, played a key role in recruiting [Col.] means being on the ‘frame’ of people’s John Brodie [(Hon)], who has done such lives, because for many people, religion great work [as band director].”

When asked why he has given to VMI is on the periphery of their lives, not at its center,” he explained. “A military for decades, he said, “We all have an 2014-Issue 3

obligation to pay back at least something of what VMI gave us. I understand that many alumni don’t share that sense of obligation – some because they paid to come to VMI and others because they still hold a grudge against VMI for some reason. To the former, I would tell them that none of us – no one – ever has paid ‘the full freight.’ VMI still receives state support from which everyone benefits, and then there are the scholarships and other financial support that so many cadets receive. As to the latter, well, no alumnus has ever had a completely lov-

ing relationship with VMI for all four years. But most of us have managed to get over it.”

Hollowell continued, “More important, however, alumni need to recognize what VMI has done for them and how strong of an institution it is. There is a Latin phrase that sums it up, ‘Ecce Quam Bonum,’ which translates into ‘Behold how good it is.’

“VMI is about honor,” he said. “It’s about integrity. It’s about life. You should want to help it and help all those who follow you to receive the same education and reap the same benefits you did.

You should want to make it as good for someone else as it was for you.”

17

First Spring Reunion

March 24-25, 2014 Classes of 1944, 1949A, 1949B, 1954 and 1959

18

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

2014-Issue 3

19

20

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

2014-Issue 3

21

22

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Second Spring Reunion

April 25-26, 2014 Classes of 1974, 1984, 1994 and the Honored Class of 1964

2014-Issue 3

23

24

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

2014-Issue 3

25

26

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS Pentagon Founders Day Ceremony

Alumni gathered at the Pentagon courtyard Nov. 12, 2013, to commemorate Founders Day. John Peidmont ’89, at left in the brown jacket, shared unique history about the Institute with the group, and they recognized the VMI alumni who died as a result of the War on Terror with a roll call. The event, which was led by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Chris Whittaker ’90, finished with an Old Yell for the “whole damn team.”

Potomac River and George C. Marshall Chapters Annual Founders Day Dinner

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay ’62, VMI superintendent, was the guest speaker for the annual Potomac River Chapter Founders Day Dinner Oct. 30, 2013. The dinner, which honored VMI alumni who died as a result of the War on Terror, featured a cake cutting by the oldest and youngest alumni in attendance, W. Franklin Gilmore ’57, Ph.D., left, and Samantha Amenn ’13, right, helped by Gen. Peay, center.

More than 100 alumni and their spouses attended the Potomac River and George C. Marshall Chapters Founders Day Dinner.

Potomac River Chapter Hosts Beer Tasting Event with Citadel Alumni The Potomac River Chapter invited VMI and Citadel graduates to a beer tasting event at Port City Brewery in Alexandria, Virginia. The tasting, which was organized by PRC President Chris Whittaker ’90, is the second joint event the VMI and Citadel alumni chapters have held. The first event, which was held in fall 2013, brought the two groups together for a breakfast. Gen. John Jumper ’66 was the guest speaker.

2014-Issue 3

27

ASSOCIATION NEWS Orange County/Los Angeles Happy Hour

VMI Veterans Transition Program

Members of the Orange County/Los Angeles Chapter met for happy hour in April 2014. Attendees included Brian Andrew ’03, Terrance Degray ’04, Corey Bafford ’07, Blade Thomas ’74, John B.C. Hill ’70 and John Knight ’65.

Are you retiring or planning to transition from active duty military service to another job or career? If so, The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. can help.

Please contact Placement and Career Networking Officer Eric Hunter ’08 at ehunter@vmiaa.org, and discover how you can find a rewarding career in the civilian workforce through networking with other alumni.

Tampa Chapter Members Visit Senior Alumnus On Feb. 25, 2014, Bob Bailey ’72 and Cal Lloyd ’62, the current and past Tampa Chapter presidents, visited Frank King ’45. For more than two hours, Frank shared his memories from his time at the Institute, serving in the Army during World War II and his civilian career.

King matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years before his Army Reserve unit was called to active duty for service in World War II. King recounted stories from his cadetship including the highlights of studying under a blanket after “Lights Out,” being in the cavalry and falling off his horse on two memorable occasions, making corporal, and getting in trouble for poor grades.

In World War II, King, who was a corporal, headed a four-man radio link team in the heavily-bombed city of Mannheim, Germany. He even crossed the Rhine River on a pontoon bridge while it was being bombed.

The bridge survived and so did King, who did not know how to swim.

At the conclusion of the war in Europe, King was sent to the Pacific Theater with subsequent occupation duty in Japan.

King had three roommates who were killed during World War II: from his 4th Class year, Bob Jones, who was killed in action in Luxembourg

King shared many memories from his years at the Institute. Bailey, right, listened, while Lloyd (not pictured), was busy recording.

From left, Cal Lloyd ’62, Frank King ’45 and Bob Bailey ’72 with a VMI Bomb.

Jan. 4, 1945, and Sidney Gittens, who was killed in action in Germany March 7, 1945, and from his 3rd Class year, roommate Jim MacLean, a B-24 navigator, who was shot down over Austria Jan. 20, 1945.

After he was discharged from active duty, King continued his education at Georgia Institute of Technology. He graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.

As a civilian, King held a variety of jobs including baggage handler, government contractor, real estate salesman and computer support for Florida Power from which he retired in 1988. King lives in Clearwater, Florida, and has two sons and a part-time assistant, Adele, who helped make the visit possible.

28

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS Gen. Peay ’62 Visits The Villages Chapter, Presents Marshall Print for Recreation Center On March 12, 2014, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, and his wife, Pamela, visited the VMI Alumni Association Chapter of The Villages, Florida. Approximately 90 members from the local chapter, as well as members from VMI chapters in Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa, attended the event.

Immediately following the cocktail hour, Gen. Peay presented a framed print of Gen. George C. Marshall ’901 for permanent display at the Eisenhower Recreation Center located in The Villages. The Marshall print will be placed in the Marshall room of the facility and was donated by the VMI Alumni Association. The recreation center was built to honor all veterans and serves as a tribute to the many veterans who live in The Villages.

After dinner, Gen. Peay made a presentation to the chapter about the current status of the Institute. Additionally, he showed a short film clip from the soon-to-be released movie, “The Field of Lost Shoes,” that tells the story of VMI cadets who fought in the Battle of New Market during the Civil War.

Eisenhower Recreation Center is near Brownwood Paddock Town Square. The military-themed activity facility is one of the latest of about two dozen in The Villages.

Gen. Peay with wife Pamela at the dinner.

2014-Issue 3

Gen. Peay ’62 presented a framed print of famed VMI alumnus Gen. George C. Marshall ’901 to Bill Kearns, representative of The Villages, Florida, during The Villages Chapter dinner. The event was held at the Eisenhower Recreation Center March 12, 2014. The print will be added to the collection of military artifacts, pictures, uniforms and other memorabilia on display at the center.

Interior lobby of the Eisenhower Recreation Center. All photos were provided by Sonny Craven.

Nearly 90 VMI alumni, spouses and guests attended the event.

Gen. Peay with classmate Nick Nicholson ’62.

29

ASSOCIATION NEWS Alumni Association Past Presidents Meeting

From left, back row: Doug Marechal ’62, Tom Slater ’66, Randy Blanks ’67, Rich Lykins ’73, Robert Newman ’73, Chip Beaman ’74 and Hugh Fain ’80. Front row: Harry Lee ’47, George Ramsey ’48B and Grover Outland ’49B. Past presidents not present at the meeting were Steve Fogleman ’71, Jim Spellman ’85, Vince Thomas ’43, Joshua Langhammer ’54, Glenn Michael ’66 and Sol Rawls ’40.

Several past presidents of the VMI Alumni Association gathered in Richmond, Virginia, March 26, 2014, as part of a requirement of the bylaws that states a report must be given by the executive vice president at that meeting.

The terms of the presidents who attended the meeting go back to 1973, when Harry Lee ’47 was elected to a two-year term. The most recent president to serve, the immediate past president, was Randy Blanks ’67, who the bylaws indicate posts the agenda and has responsibility for the meeting.

Past presidents are a relied-upon source of information for the association. They are included in regular board meetings well after their terms end and provide continuity and experience.

During the meeting held at the Commonwealth Club, Alumni Association Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Adam Volant ’88 reported to the group on matters pertaining to the operation of the association and service to alumni.

Young Alumni Committee Corner

5K Young Alumni Run SATURDAY SEPT. 27, 2014

• FREE

New England: Sept. 16, 2014 Charlotte: Oct. 7, 2014 Raleigh: Oct. 8, 2014 Northern California: Oct. 23, 2014 Southern California: Oct. 25, 2014 Maryland: May 21, 2015

• Open to Young Alumni* and Spouses * Young alumni defined as alumni who have celebrated 1-15 years since graduation Sponsored by:

Chapter Networking Breakfasts Potomac River: March 14, 2015 Richmond: March 14, 2015 Hampton Roads: March 14, 2015

VMI Alumni Association

More information/register: ehunter@vmiaa.org nkramer@vmiaa.org

30

Save the dates, and join other alumni for these networking events. More information and registration will be available on the Upcoming Events calendar at www.vmialumni.org.

Chapter Networking Dinners

LEXINGTON, VA

www.vmialumni.org/youngalumni5k

Networking Events for 2014-15

www.vmialumni.org

PRIZES

Haydown on Sunday YAC Schwag

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS Expansion of Networking Breakfasts

by Eric J. Hunter ’08, Career Networking Officer, VMI Alumni Association

In 2012, the Alumni Association Board’s Career Networking Committee set a vision to build upon the successful Potomac River Chapter Networking Breakfast by expanding it to other areas of Virginia.

On March 8, 2014, three chapters – Potomac River, Richmond and Hampton Roads – held networking breakfasts. The events allowed alumni to network with one another and assist cadets in their search for internships and entry-level positions. In all, there were more than 60 alumni and 45 cadets who attended.

The Career Networking Committee extends its thanks to alumni who took the time to attend and to Mike

Shupp ’81, Richard Luck ’12 and Andrew Stone ’05, who were the guest speakers.

In coming years, these three chapters will continue to hold a networking breakfast on the first Saturday of the cadets’ spring furlough, so that alumni and cadets have an opportunity to meet and network.

A Class of 1979 alumnus who attended the Hampton Roads Networking Breakfast said about one of the speakers, “I was moved by his talk and [how he shared] his own transition experiences and the lessons he’s learned about finding one’s passion in work. It resonated with many of us sitting in the audience.”

VMI Prospect Weekend Oct. 18, 2014

Bring a 9-12th grade future cadet for a great weekend at the Institute.

8:30 a.m.

Registration

9:00 a.m.

“Take a Look at VMI”

Marshall Hall

Gillis Theater

Andrew Stone ’05 spoke to a group of alumni and shared what he learned during his recent career transition.

Ken Herbert ’81, center, and Andre Thornton ’98 spoke with a cadet during the Potomac River Networking Breakfast.

Alumni and cadets at the Hampton Roads Networking Breakfast.

2014-Issue 3

10:30 a.m.

VMI Parade

11:45 a.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m.

VMI kick-off

Parade Field

Crozet Hall

Foster Stadium

Register now at www.vmialumni.org/prospect, or call 800-444-1839.

Alumni must register prior to Oct. 16.

Registration includes parking pass, lunch and football game attendance.

During the “Take a Look at VMI” presentation, VMI Admissions officers will highlight opportunities at VMI and talk about steps to prepare for college application.

This is a premier opportunity to welcome 9-12th grade students to post and share the VMI experience.

31

ASSOCIATION NEWS Alumni Association Says Farewell to Heely ’69 and Welcomes Perrow ’96

VMI Veterans Transition Program Are you retiring or planning to transition from active duty military service to another job or career? If so, The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. can help.

Please contact Career Networking Officer Eric Hunter ’08, at ehunter@ vmiaa.org, and discover how you can find a rewarding career in the civilian workforce through networking with other alumni.

Graduate School Partnerships

At the April 2014 Volunteer Leaders Conference Dinner, outgoing Alumni Association President Bob Heely ’69 was presented with a framed print of Don Troiani’s “Put the Boys In.” Pictured are, from left, Robert P. Louthan ’82, Alumni Association first vice president; Heely; and E.J. Turner Perrow Jr. ’96, incoming Alumni Association president.

Virginia Military Institute has forged relationships with some of the best graduate and professional schools in Virginia and across the United States. These agreements offer a range of opportunities, including admissions concessions, internships, guaranteed interviews and, in some cases, guaranteed admissions.

Partnership institutions include Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, College of William & Mary, Florida State University, Norwich University, Arizona State and the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Programs vary but include law, medicine, business, engineering, communications and other fields.

To learn more about the available partnerships, please contact Barry Cobb at cobbbr@vmi.edu.

Networking Boot Camps for Cadets

by Eric J. Hunter ’08, Career Networking Officer, VMI Alumni Association

Networking Boot Camps were held during the 2013-14 academic school year, exposing December 2013 and May 2014 graduates looking for jobs to the tools available for career searches.

LinkedIn generated the most interest, and cadets said the amount of time spent with a hands-on approach was very useful.

Those who attended the boot camp learned

32

how to enhance their profiles and how to locate alumni using various search options.

The boot camps help educate upcoming graduates about how to network with alumni who are in an industry or company of interest.

About the training experience, one December 2013 graduate said, “The insight gained is invaluable, and this event truly

made me recognize how fortunate I am to be part of the VMI network. I feel much more confident in my ability to use the network advantageously during my job search.” A May 2014 graduate said, “It was very useful to work through LinkedIn in a ‘hands-on’ manner. I also was not aware of the VMI Alumni Association website [vmialumni.org] and what [is] available online.”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASSNOTES NOTES CLASS

Hope L. Hennessey Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends of the Institute, As you may have read in the last issue of the Alumni Review, I am retiring from my position as editor effective July 15, 2014. Before leaving, I want to tell you how much I have enjoyed and appreciated my work here and those of you I’ve met. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve you, the VMI Alumni Agencies and the Institute. I will always treasure the friendships with which I’ve been blessed and the rich, rewarding experience of producing a magazine that aims to support the goals and success of VMI. The Institute’s alumni are fiercely loyal and rightfully so. Although I am not an alumnus, I feel a similar loyalty and am proud to have been among those who have called it “home.” I will miss being a part of the VMI family and will think of you often.

Co-editors Jordan Moore and Margaret Weimer are now in charge of creating and delivering the Alumni Review. They will do an outstanding job. I leave you in very good hands!

Sincerely,

Hope L. Hennessey Former Editor, VMI Alumni Review

Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70

’35

167 Charleston Park Nashville, TN 37205 615/385-0848 rhklwk@bellsouth.net

The Class of 1935 returned to barracks 80 years ago as 1st Class cadets. The Great Depression had reduced the Corps, but the Institute was in good hands.

Jim and Peggy Sherman celebrated Jim’s 100th birthday in grand style at the end of March.

A luncheon was held at Belle Meade (Southern Pines, North Carolina) and was attended by 60 friends and neighbors. One of the highlights of the event was a birthday serenade by the Golf Capital Chorus. When I called Jim to congratulate him, I asked him if he felt any different now that he was a centenarian. He replied that he was slightly slower than he was as a “young” man in his 80s. Here is a tip of the kepi to both of you, Jim and Peggy.

I received a nice letter from Jane Ferrell (Mrs. William B. Ferrell). She was planning to drive from Florida to Virginia, where she would spend the month of May. She was looking forward to visiting Sherwood Forest, the home of President John Tyler. Jane knew that Linda and I were leaving for Europe in early May, and she recalled the three times that they (Nip and Jane) flew to Paris on the Concorde. It only took three hours. They particularly enjoyed Europe’s many trains and river cruises. Thanks, Jane, and thanks, too, for

2014- Issue 3

remembering Jim Sherman and Eddie Arnold on their 100th birthdays.

Linda and I recently attended a dinner sponsored by the Nashville Branch of the EnglishSpeaking Union. Chloe Fort Lenderman and Julia Fort Lowe, the daughters of the late Garth E. Fort, M.D., were seated at our table. We have known Chloe and Julia for years, and we met Fort and his brothers, Rufus E. Fort Jr. ’31 and Dudley C. Fort ’34, when we moved to Nashville in 1980. They played significant roles in reviving the alumni chapter here. Rufus and I were close friends, and I had the honor of accompanying him to his 65th Reunion in 1996. So, it was quite a VMI table.

However, we spent most of the evening talking not about VMI, but about the Fort brothers’ little sister, Cornelia (1919-43). Cornelia Clark Fort graduated from Sarah Lawrence College, returned home for a few months and then moved to Hawaii, where she was a flight instructor.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Cornelia was one of the first people to witness the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. She and a student were in the air when a Japanese Zero bore down on their aircraft. Cornelia grabbed the controls as the Zero flew by them. She saw the “rising sun” on the plane’s wings. This encounter is briefly depicted in the 1970 movie “Tora! Tora! Tora!”

Cornelia returned to the mainland in early 1942, made a movie promoting war bonds and was the second woman to join the newly-established Women Airforce Service Pilots. For the

next year, she ferried military planes to bases within the United States. On March 21, 1943, while ferrying a plane over Texas, Cornelia’s left wing was struck by another aircraft. Cornelia was killed, the first fatality in the WASP. At the time, she was the most experienced WASP aviator. Much more information about Cornelia is available on the Internet.

Thirty years ago, an effort was made to have the United States Postal Service honor Cornelia by issuing a commemorative postage stamp in her honor. The effort was comprehensive but unsuccessful. Now, with the centennial of her birth just five years away, a second effort will be undertaken. Anyone interested in this project is encouraged to contact me.

I have just read an interesting book called “Know the Night.” It tells the story of a young mother who must stay awake all night to attend to her son who has Down syndrome and autism.

She maintains her vigil for two years, enduring isolation, anguish and exhaustion. During her long and courageous ordeal, she reads “Alone,” the account of Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd Jr. ’908 during his four-month existence living alone in Antarctica during the winter.

The young mother (the author, Maria Mutch) draws a number of parallels between Byrd’s experience and her own. Eventually, Byrd is rescued and the young mother’s son sleeps through the night.

“Know the Night” has earned high praise on public radio and television. I must say, it gave

33

CLASS NOTES me a better appreciation for what it is like to be the parent of a child with Down syndrome or autism (or both). It also gave me a better appreciation for Byrd and his extraordinary record.

In my several conversations with Harry F. Byrd Jr., we often spoke of his famous uncle, but until I read this book, I don’t think I fully appreciated what it was like to live in total darkness in temperatures that fell to minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dr. Tom Arnold, Eddie Arnold’s son, is helping me set up a visual telephone call between Eddie and Jim Sherman, thanks to technology (Skype or Google+). Eddie and Jim will be able to speak with and see each other. Since Eddie (New Mexico) and Jim (North Carolina) are separated by 2,000 miles, this is the next best thing to actually meeting in Lexington. By the time this issue of the Review has been published, these two old friends will have had at least one visual telephone call and maybe more.

It is a privilege to represent the great Class of 1935. Until next time, I remain Respectfully, Dick ’70

’36

There is no class agent for the Class of 1936. If you would like to be the class agent, contact John Wranek ’85 at 800/444-1839.

’37

John Forsyth’67

9705 Bay Hill Way Lone Tree, CO 80124 303/828-2783 johnf061167@msn.com

News is sparse. However, I received a nice note from Helen Church (Bill). Helen indicated that although she has really enjoyed and appreciated the Alumni Review these many years, she has asked the Alumni Association to no longer send her a copy. Helen went on to say her “heart will always feel warm for all VMI gave Bill and all he passed on to our family.” If anyone would care to write Helen, her address is 605 Universe Blvd.

T1017, Juno Beach, FL, 33408-7405.

Your class agent worked with other alumni across the U.S. to remember and honor the Battle of New Market participants. I live out west and have a previous attachment with the great state of Nebraska, so I focused my efforts on honoring two battle participants who eternally rest in that state.

William B. Crawford ’867 was born in Staunton, Virginia, in 1845 and was a cadet private in Company C. From “The V.M.I. New Market Cadets,” written in 1933 by Col. William Couper: “With the close of the Civil War, he moved to Quincy, Illinois, where he married Miss Clara Smith of that city. When the mercantile business in which he was engaged proved too confining, he moved to Nelson, Nebraska, where he engaged in farming.” He

passed away July 2, 1892, and is buried in Nelson, Nebraska. Mr. James Henry Crocken was a 16year U.S. Marine Corps veteran when he entered the service of VMI in 1854. A member of the VMI Band, he was a fifer during the battle. Crocken continued with VMI until 1885 when he retired to Nebraska to live out his remaining years with one of his sons, William Crocken ’877. In 1889, James Crocken was laid to rest in the Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska.

’38

Glenn Foust

7720 Allison Street #705 Arvada, CO 80005

I and two of our classmates – Henry B. Johnson and Robert N. Matthews – are listed in the Most Senior Alumni. (Editor’s Note: The Most Senior Alumni list follows the Class of 2013 class notes in this section of the Review.)

’39

Frank Parker III ’64 31602 Hanks Road Magnolia, TX 77355 (H) 281/259-8656 (W) 281/356-6038 fparker3@sbcglobal.net fparker3@calicheltd.com

I just returned from my 50th Class Reunion and realized that it was also the 75th anniversary of the class of ’39! While I understand why none

Class of 1935: Jim Sherman celebrated his 100th birthday in March 2014.

Clockwise, from top, left: – Sherman and his wife, Peggy.

– Sherman’s 100th birthday cake.

– Sherman celebrating at the head of the table during his birthday party.

– Sherman and the “memory table.”

34

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES of ’39s BRs were there, I miss our joint reunions nonetheless. It was after one of the reunions – I think ’39’s 50th and ’64’s 25th – that Paul Bigler twisted my arm to become ’39s class representative. Amazing how time flies when you’re having fun.

Ira Saxe is still going strong and sent the following email: “Frank, my left hip is in need of replacement, which I arranged with my doctor. However, my physical revealed that I have atrial fibrillation, which I’ve had since at least 1970, that causes my heart to stop for a brief time and then restart. This caused them to cancel my hip replacement. So, my hopes of returning to golf are shot to hell. Guess I’ll have to keep my walker and use it as long as I last.

That’s life! Regards, Ira.” John R. Savage ’74 notified us that his father, Joseph L. Savage Jr., died after a brief illness March 24, 2014, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was a roommate of Alex Morrison while at VMI. See the Taps section of this Alumni Review for his obituary. My BR Hank Cronin ’64 – whose father was Henry J. “Hank” Cronin ’39 – sent me the following story concerning his encounter with Judge Savage in the judge’s courtroom some years ago: “My Only Meeting with Joseph Savage” by Hank Cronin ’64 “In spring 1984, I was driving my mother, Mary Rolfe Cronin, to Lexington to attend my dad’s 45th Reunion and my 20th Reunion. I was given a speeding ticket near Orange, Virginia. I had the car checked and found that the speedometer registered an incorrect slower speed, so I decided to go to court to attempt to void the ticket. My attorney for the case was my brother rat, Doug Bergere.

On the day of the trial, my name was called, and Doug and I approached the bench where the judge was sitting. The judge, a thin, senior man with white hair, was muttering my name several times.

He said, ‘I once knew a Cronin.’ Perhaps it was because my BR Doug Bergere was with me, but I responded by saying, ‘Did you go to VMI?’ To this day, I’m not sure what prompted me to think of VMI (although my daughters say I’m somewhat obsessed with the place). Judge Savage said, ‘Yes,’ and I asked if he was in the Class of 1939. He said, ‘Yes,’ and I told him that my dad was his brother rat – Hank Cronin. He then mentioned that he had just seen my mother at the recent reunion. I mentioned in our conversation that I had been ticketed while driving to the reunion, that my uncle was Willis Riddick who was also in the Class of ’39 and that my attorney, Doug Bergere, was my BR. We conversed for about five minutes on VMI events, and he finally said, ‘Now, about this ticket.’ I was starting to attempt my explanation when he said, ‘To heck with it – case dismissed.’ The state trooper who ticketed me was in court and glared at me as I departed. Doug Bergere says that he has never seen anything remotely similar to this event in his

2014- Issue 3

many years of courtroom experience. That was my first and only meeting with Judge Joseph Savage. I regret not having taken the time to again visit with him and discuss the multitude of experiences that VMI men share, as well as the mutual respect we have for each other.”

As I mentioned, I attended my 50th Reunion, and the very next weekend, Marcy had her 50th at Madison University. Consequently, we came early to see relatives before, during and after the reunions. We also got some vacation time in. All I can say is, “Wow, what a trip!” We flew into Washington, D.C., and rented a car. We visited six states, stayed with four relatives, attended two college reunions and visited/toured one genealogy library, three Civil War battlefields, one World War II memorial, two plantations, two antebellum homes and two museums in 18 days. We dropped the car off in Charleston, South Carolina, after 1,420 miles. We are tired but happy!

Advice from Ye Ole ’39 joke book: “Friend, if thou art not wiser than Solomon and no man is – then thou are not greater than he who can be bewitched by a woman. Open thine eyes and see!”

Keep in touch.

’40

Robert Smith

70 Shoreline Drive Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (H) 843-341-7746 smith9697@roadrunner.com

It is embedded in all BRs that we have a great interest in and care about one another. That certainly is a main part of the brother rat spirit, and it derived very naturally from the common experiences way back in our 4th Class year. I have been thinking lately that there is another good reason why we feel so linked, and that is because we have now also jointly survived all the tumultuous things that have happened since we were in school together.

Before I go any further, I must observe that I may be getting into the uncharted waters for AR columns by making philosophical observations!

Who knows if a class agent is supposed to, or is entitled to, do such a thing. Who knows, too, if I am capable of such observations? But people our age wait a lifetime to get to the point of possibly being considered wise, and in the olden days, old people were looked up to for wisdom. So, I might as well go ahead and write what I think. There are only a few of us of this vintage still operating and writing their class column. What can they do to me when they discover that I have written such trivia? I ain’t gonna walk no penalty tours!

First for our class, came the life-changing events of World War II. There’s no need to enumerate any of that since they are imbedded into our beings. But also now we can look back at three other profound transformations: the stunning scientific technology

that has become available, the huge changes in the things that people believe in and, lastly, the changes in most everybody’s concepts about the relationships between people and races.

Many people are very resistant to change and support the validity of the claim that the Chinese blessing which reads, “May you live in interesting times,” was really a curse! And the Class of 1940, along with many others of that era, certainly experienced the most interesting of times. Perhaps in the distant future, our time will be evaluated as one of much beneficial progress rather than a curse. It is my hope that we are all just fulfilling our ordained destiny in some totally proper way that could never be considered cursed. If only we knew the real truth! There – I have had my say, and they can do with me what they will. It would be fun to go before Pinky one more time, now that I am older than he was.

One thing I am sure of is that whatever the import of the changes really is, during our later lives after school when we confabbed together, our telling about our shared experiences always gave us many additional reasons to make us feel close to each other. See what I wrote below about talking with Sol. In the past few days, I have been trying with some success to take advantage of the first of the changes mentioned above – the stunning transformations in technology. Using the enormous availability of detailed information about almost everything, from only a moment or two of searching on a computer, I found out that our BR Edwin F. DeBerry must have died in Bonita Springs, Florida, May 16, 2011. Also, it seems that his wife, Gleman, predeceased him in Bonita Springs Aug. 2, 2007. So far, I have not found an obituary, and the funeral home tells me that they have none. They won’t give me a relative’s phone number, but they were to ask one to call me. So far, that hasn’t happened. His home was just north of Naples, and it was a condo. Perhaps it was only a seasonal place.

We know that he had a residence on 69th Street in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for many years and that he moved from there some years ago.

A very nice contribution to our Class of 1940 Scholarship Fund was made recently by Gene and June Phillippi’s daughter, Carolyn Raatz. I had not heard from Carolyn in some time. Her note said that she was still in Knoxville, Tennessee, but is thinking of moving. I talked with her a number of times during Gene’s declining years, and it was always a pleasure to know that she was so close to her father and was seeing to it that he was getting great attention. Brian Crockett, chief executive officer for the Foundation, wrote her an appreciative note of thanks for her contribution to our fund.

The retirement of Hope Hennessey of the Alumni Review staff was marked by an exchange of notes.

She was of such great uncommon help through the years, and I will miss having her support for this

35

CLASS NOTES class agent business. We all wish her well in her next phase of living.

Ben Hardaway and I had a nice talk at his home in Georgia. I was told by one of his staff members that he had gone to his office that day. That alone gave an idea of how well he is doing. When we talked, he said his plans are to go to his place at the Cashiers in the North Carolina mountains the third week in June for the summer. I inquired about the hunting, and he said that the warm weather had put an end to the coyote hunting, and it will not start again until it gets cooler in the fall. His next fun activity was a trip to hear his protégé, Shannon Whitworth, singing at a bluegrass festival. From the Internet and her website, I learned that this must be the White Squirrel Festival in Brevard, North Carolina. Ben came across as quite happy and contented, and it was fun to talk to him.

Matt and Jacqueline Friedlander were about to go to their North Carolina mountain retreat at Highlands near the end of May. The only change in their usual routine was that they will get a driver for one of their cars to make the trip instead of each of them driving one. That is a very slight concession to the vicissitudes. They need both cars fully loaded to get everything up to the mountains for the season. Once there, they will need both cars to get around. So, they are doing very well and living a vigorous life.

They are keeping on with their usual bridge games.

Sol Rawls was full of news about the activities in Virginia that interest him but told very little about himself. He did say that he was still going to his office every day, and I took that as a sign of his vigor.

He mentioned that the New Market movie, “Field of Lost Shoes,” was shown in Richmond and that it was getting good press. Also, one of his daughters is quite active in the Garden Club of Virginia. They are about to have their annual meeting, and she will participate as a leader. He was also following with great interest the attempt by the Richmond TimesDispatch newspaper to foster interest in a black history museum of some kind. They will have an open forum on such museums across the country to discuss what factors might make them successful.

I shared a little about my experience in working on the Mitchelville project in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Finally, and most interestingly, he told me that his secretary’s son, Lewis Mayes ’17, has been nominated by his BRs as Rat of the Year. So, in the brief conversation with Sol, he brought out about four things pertaining to VMI that were fascinating him at the time. I thought it was wonderful that he maintains such keen interest in all things about VMI and that he really and truly knows what is going on.

In the last report, I mentioned the names of the four scholarship cadets who we are helping. Here are brief notes from the wonderful letters that each of them has written to us in appreciation.

Cadet Ryan Spencer ’14, a civil engineering major, planned to commission in May in the U.S. Air

36

Force. Once commissioned, he was to return home for four months to work before reporting to Dover Air Force Base as a civil engineer. During his cadetship, he was active with the bands. He held an officer position within the Officer of the Guard Association defense counsel, elected by his peers.

Cadet Paul Owen Dugger ’15 wrote that he is a mechanical engineering major who hopes to pursue a master’s degree in biomechanics and conduct research into new prosthetics. He is captain of the rugby team.

Cadet Skyler P. Farr ’16 wrote of his special appreciation for the scholarship. He has earned a U.S. Army commissioning contract and is looking forward to active duty in the Army. His major is mechanical engineering.

Cadet Miles Manley ’16 is majoring in English and is a reporter for the Cadet newspaper. His father and several of his uncles and cousins are alumni, and he was very happy to be following in his family’s footsteps. He is starting a film club and plays rugby. Miles also worked as a counselor at the YMCA in Richmond, Virginia, and his career plan is to go to law school after VMI. All of these men were sent a note of appreciation for having written us. I tried very hard to pass along some of the feeling of inspiration that comes from being a part of the great VMI spirit. It’s a feeling that pervades all alumni of our wonderful institution. Certainly, we are pleased to help such a group of ambitious young men.

On a personal note, I forsook my vows a few months ago and got involved in an amateur stage production here at TidePointe. It is for the amusement of the residents and involves about 30 cast members. I ended up as co-producer and art director, and I’m also coaching the chorus and writing the book and as the master of ceremonies. So, you can see that I was successful in my plan to play only a small part on account of my age. Now, I wonder why I didn’t stay in bed.

Do you remember the Porky Pig cartoon ending?

“That’s all, folks!”

’41

Walter Richards

300 Twinridge Lane Apt. 401 Richmond, VA 23235 804/320-4314 Wrichards41@verizon.net

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 1941.

’42

“Hold it!” as “shake-a-leg” sounds. My daughter (and sometimes editor), Lindsay, asked, “What’s a shake-a-leg?” I explained we did not have loud speakers and were notified by a bugle call. The first may have been five minutes before the event. The next, “shake-a-leg,” came at, say, a minute before the event, and the last was “little toot,” when you were supposed to be in ranks. Sometimes, the bugler would see that some were not quite there and extend the note until you were in place!

Harry Siebert is writing another World War II book. He has asked Jack Patton and me for information. I gave him some of the data I got from the Internet about units I flew with: the 388th Bomb Group (B-17s over Europe) and the 39th Bomb Group (B-29s over Japan). I also gave Harry a copy of my notes for a Veteran’s Day talk I gave a few years ago at Tuckahoe Elementary School at the invitation of Kathy Louthan, daughter-in-law of Frank Louthan ’41. I remember the fourthgrader who introduced me saying that I fought in “World War eye eye.”

Jacky, Jack Whitmore’s widow, moved into Westminster Canterbury Richmond, where Mary Easterly and I live. Jacky arrived in time for the annual New Market dinner party for VMI alumni and their wives and widows.

Eleven alumni live here, along with 15 wives or widows, plus Maggie Belle Moore, who was at VMI when we were there with her father, Col. George Davis Wiltshire ’915, professor of military science training and in charge of cavalry.

Lloyd Stallings died after a long illness. Lloyd lived next door our 4th Class year, and I can still hear that Maryland accent, “Stallings, L.R., sir!”

Charlie Chewning’s grandson, Clifford B. Fleet, is the president and CEO of Philip Morris USA Inc. I know Clifford and have been impressed with him.

I knew he would do well. Being president of Phillip Morris and just turning 44 is impressive. I enjoyed calling Charlie’s wife, Virginia, to congratulate her.

Incidentally, Clifford’s other grandmother, Margery Fleet, lives here at Westminster Canterbury.

She is an attractive, lively 101-year-old.

Charles B. Miller

15 Souder Ct. Richmond, VA 23227 804/200-1279 cbrucemiller42@gmail.com

I had not thought the class notes submittal date would come up so soon. Now, I am yelling,

’43

Jeffrey G. Smith

9000 Belvoir Woods Pkwy.

Apt. 404 Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060-2706 703/780-6186 genjeffrey@aol.com

I had hoped I could write these notes without reporting a loss of a brother rat. It was not to be.

James Bender Dischinger died May 6, 2014, in Richmond, Virginia. That leaves – according to my admittedly suspect records – 29 surviving brother rats. There will be a more robust obituary in the next issue of the Review.

Jim, who was a widower, died at age 92. In World War II, he rose to the rank of major –

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES in those hectic days of 1939-40, was higher than that achieved by virtually able to capture the principal events of all of his classmates in that conflict. He our young lives in lucid prose. fought in the Mediterranean and EuroI just got off the phone with Gordon pean Theatre of Operations. UnfortuSmith (today being Tuesday, May nately, Jim’s son was dismissed from 12). He has the voice of a 20-year-old.

VMI for a disciplinary infraction. Jim’s Loud, clear and cheery. He shops at unsuccessful attempts to persuade conthe local stores for himself, albeit with ceivably influential advocates to plead the aid of a cane. He exercises to build reconsideration of the severity of the up his muscles to compensate for his young man’s punishment resulted in loss of mobility due to his stroke about estrangement not only from VMI but a two years ago. He gardens, and if that few of our brother rats. When I became weren’t enough, he has a tree (everclass agent, I had a lengthy and friendly greens) farm on which he just planted telephone conversation with Jim. From 1,000 (yes, 1,000!) baby trees. Seems what I heard, his bitterness for a very to me that he puts almost, if not all, of few of our brother rats might have been us to shame – stroke or no stroke. justified. However, in my opinion, bitI tried to call Johnny Van Landterness for VMI as an institution was ingham. A message on an answering not. But I must confess, had it been my machine announced that his business son in a similar situation, I might have telephone was no longer connected, reacted just as Jim did. Jim was a fine which led me to believe John has reman, a loyal father and a brave soldier. tired. When he called back, I forgot to I had a very pleasant telephone chat ask. He sounded ageless, which somewith Vince Thomas May 10. He was what obscured his typical ailments his usual ebullient self. He had not that come with age. On the plus side, a word of complaint about his ailClass of 1943: Chinese warlord, Marshal Yen Johnny swims a few times a week and, ments that limit him to a wheelchair.

Shi-San. Yen presented copies of this photowhen his knees permit, tries a bit of Betty, God bless her, is always at his graph to Maj. Gen. Richard L. Irby ’39, former golf. On the flip side, he relies on corside. Once a mayor, always a mayor. superintendent, and Jeff Smith in Taiyuan, tisone shots to reduce knee swelling.

As most know, Vince was a longtime Shansi Province, (north) China, who were obShirley continues to have short-term serving Yen’s acceptance of the surrender of the mayor of Norfolk, Virginia, and he is a never-defeated Japanese Second Army in Sepmemory issues. Her memory span is close friend of Norfolk’s current maytember 1945. However, Japan’s emperor had only about 10 minutes. That short span or, Paul Fraim ’53. Not surprisingly, ordered his troops to cease all resistance and requires that she reside in a nursing fawe exchanged some sage comments on prepare to return to Japan. The Chinese charcility. However, she always recognizes Virginia politics and firmly agreed it acters (on the copy shown) state, on the left, Johnny, and he spends much of each was high time for a VMI graduate to be “Yen Shi-San;” and on the right, “Mr. Smith” day with her including sharing meals.

Virginia’s governor now that our lieuplus the date, Sept. 16, 1945.

The son of Bill Emory, also named tenant governor is a graduate.

Bill, sent me the sad news that his Vince’s grandson, Cabell Thomas, will be in the new Rat Line entering in August. crystal clear, but I gathered the young man did mother, Emma Gray, passed away in FebruCongratulations! His older brother is doing quite well and won a gold medal despite his ary. All who knew her remember her as the epitome of graciousness. Several of our brothwell as a first year student at the University not being Chinese. of Virginia.

Also reported by Bruce was that Bill Bell er rats attended her funeral, and on behalf of The seemingly endless tinkering with VMI has – as do a bunch of us – a problem with all our classmates, I offered young Bill our rules and regulations and customs by the U.S. balance. Can be maddening indeed! Bill re- condolences.

A few weeks ago, VMI released a report on Department of Education has a new twist. As I cently told Bruce that, other than his balance understand, VMI cannot summarily dismiss a problems, he’s OK and spends most of his how the various classes were doing in contributing to the Institute. As of the halfway point female cadet simply because she is pregnant, days curled up with a good book. nor can it dismiss a male cadet who has faAs most of you know (or should), our mod- in VMI’s 2014 Fiscal Year (Dec. 31, 2013), thered a child. I think that the rules mentioned est classmate, Floyd “Bill” Gottwald Jr., con- our class had contributed a healthy $503,467. above are already in effect at the federal ser- tinues to be a world-class benefactor of VMI. However, only 30 percent gave anything. My vice academies. Fortunately, federal regula- He sent me some interesting literature about fond hope is that abysmal percentage will intions steadfastly forbid cadets/midshipmen my cousin-in-law, Quanah Parker, the last of crease. For example, I always contribute early at the service academies to marry or to have the great Comanche chiefs. As Bill put it, “He in the calendar year. But let’s face it; our class standings look great in total only because of been married. was obviously quite a man.”

Bruce Suter called April 15 (income tax due Brian Bowen, bless him, sent me a copy of the generosity of our Brother Rat Floyd “Bill” day) to report that all goes well. Much of our the diary he kept during our 4th Class year. Gottwald. I deplore our performance as a conversation was about a pingpong tourna- Fascinating. It stirred memories of long ago class in the percentage of contributors. Surely, ment in which a grandson participated. For events, the details of which would have been there is none of our brother rats who could not those not in the know, China arguably produc- irretrievably lost were it not for Brian and his afford, say, $5. However, no one needs know es the top players of that sport. It wasn’t made “reminder” (the diary). Hats off to Brian, who, how much or how little is given per person. I

2014- Issue 3

37

Class of 1944: From left, Walter Smartt, Bob Helmen, John Irby, Art Taylor, Bob Smothers, Tom Peyton, M.C. Wilhelm and Meade Bell.

70th Reunion – March 24-25, 2014

Class of 1944

38

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES would be reluctant to proclaim that the Class of 1943 is one of VMI’s great classes until more of our members show more support in their contributions. Our goal must always remain for 100 percent to contribute. Never say die. However, a more realistic interim goal of 80 percent is attainable. I remain chagrined until at least 80 percent of our brother rats contribute.

Of interest might be the photograph shown in my notes of a genuine Chinese warlord, Marshal Yen Shi-San. Maj. Richard “Mike” Irby ’39 (later VMI superintendent as a major general) and myself (on orders to be captain) visited Yen Shi-San in September 1945 in Taiyuan, capital of Shansi Province, which abuts the Great Wall of China. He gave each of us an autographed photo of himself.

The warlord did not look at all as sinister as his photo might suggest. He was a small, rather shabby man despite the many thousands over whom he lorded in his native Shansi Province.

Yen’s militia would have been no match for the Japanese 2nd Army, which ironically surrendered to Yen, with Mike and me observing.

But orders were orders. The Japanese emperor told his soldiers to surrender.

Mike and I were reinforced by a couple of Office of Strategic Service officers, a communications team and interpreters. We were all in the only hotel in Taiyuan – a small but surprisingly modern one owned by the railroad.

Our somewhat vague mission was to see how things went with the surrender of the never defeated, smartly equipped Japanese 2nd Army to Marshal Yen Shi-San’s raggedy troops.

Our hotel was close to spitting distance of the ancient city wall surrounding the oldest part of Taiyuan. Almost every day of our couple-of-weeks stay, we’d see one or several bodies wrapped in straw matting laying at the wall’s outer edge. They were the bodies of some of Mao Tse-Tung’s scouts who’d been captured, executed and left for a day or two to impress those whose faith in Marshal Yen might be shaky. It goes without saying that Yen hoped to impress us, too.

We attempted a few times to stroll into the ancient walled city. Each time, morning or afternoon, was an adventure. None of the residents had ever seen a Mei-gua bing (American soldier). Mei-gua means the USA, literally the beautiful country. Bing is a soldier. However, a leisurely stroll was impossible because of the crush of curious residents that our presence evoked.

Chinese Communist leader Mao Tse-Tung’s Fourth Route Army was perched on the northern edges of Shansi Province, waiting to pounce on Shansi once the Japanese left.

Pounce they did. A few months after our visit,

2014- Issue 3

Marshal Yen was forced to flee to Taiwan, the final (and remaining) refuge of all Chinese Nationalist leaders and their retinues.

This concludes my report of events concerning my dear brother rats, plus a historical bonus. Good night.

’44

Tom L. Peyton Jr.

P.O. Box 22 Millwood, VA 22646 540/837-2432 lewis1923@msn.com

The grand 70th Reunion of the great Class of 1944 is now history. It was indeed a glorious event. Although few in number, the participants more than made up for their modest size by expressing their presence. It was a very emotional experience to stand in the courtyard, seeing perhaps 1,000 cadets ringing the four stoops and hearing the cadet band playing and the assembled cadets as they joined in with us for the Old Yell of the Class of 1944, maybe for the last time. By the time the band stopped playing “The VMI Spirit” and “The Doxology,” more than one set of eyes had shed tears.

Although a dozen had made reservations to attend the reunion, death claimed two of our brother rats shortly beforehand – Ezra Trice and Bob Sherrard – leaving 10 to be present March 24. They were: Meade Bell, Cabell Brand, Jim Doss, Bob Helmen, John Irby, Tom Peyton, Walter Smartt, Bob Smothers, Art Taylor and M.C. Wilhelm. We were joined by 16 wives, widows, other family members and friends.

Activities started on the afternoon of March 24, with a number of us gathering at the class hospitality room of the Hampton Inn. There, we greeted each other and started catching up on the gaps in time that have occurred, beginning for most of us in 1943.We picked up Class of 1944 hats, name tags, schedules and other handouts.

There were a number of memorabilia items to look over, including VMI Bombs for the five years that most of us spent at the Institute. The ever-present adult beverages were available for weary travelers.

Formal activities started that evening at Marshall Hall, the Institute’s Center for Leadership and Ethics, with cocktails and dinner. The host for the affair was the Alumni Association, with the reunion classes of 1944, 1949 and 1954 as guests. We were recognized as the honored class, having reached our 70th Reunion. Dinner tables were grouped so that class members and their guests sat together. The dinner was excellent, drawing praise in a number of notes received since then. Marshall Hall is well suited for gatherings of this type, showing VMI at its best. Many took this opportunity to view the extensive array of awards for armed conflict valor

earned by VMI men that surround the main floor balcony of the hall. Our class was well represented and included a number of Silver Stars and two awards of the Distinguished Service Cross.

After dinner, we were honored with an address

by Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, who gave an informative overview of the Institute from his perspective. His presence and remarks, indicating his personal involvement in the affairs of the Institute, were impressive and very much appreciated by the group. We were joined at Marshall Hall by Cabell Brand and his grandson, Brandon Klein. Cabell had recently moved from his home on West Main Street in Salem, Virginia, to a retirement residence at Salem Terrace in Salem. Marshall Hall was a busy and noisy place that evening, and unfortunately, there was not much of a chance to do more than exchange greetings with him. Cabell and Brandon had elected to attend the reunion by commuting from Salem. Normally not an unreasonable plan, but unfortunately, as explained in the following paragraph, this became impracticable.

We were warned that an expected turn in the weather would not be in our favor, so it came as no surprise that we had snow March 25. For some, it was a delightful experience inasmuch as it provided a beautiful view as seen from the terrace of Moody Hall, looking across the snow covered Parade Ground with the barracks complex in the background to help frame the picture.

Some of our members from further south, not used to snowy scenes, were quite enthralled with it all. The cadets were delighted, of course, since that meant that the afternoon parade would be canceled. It recalled distant memories of days as a 4th Class cadet being told by 3rd Class cadets to pray for rain to produce the same result. For those among us who have the opportunity to see an occasional parade, it was only a minor disappointment to miss this always stirring spectacle.

Nonetheless, I was sorry for some of our group who have not had the opportunity to see an evening parade in recent years. The parades of today are a dramatic change from yesteryear, considering the physical changes in landscape, size of the Corps of Cadets and the band. Alas, our reunions seem to bring inclement weather to Lexington.

On the 25th, our class was the guest of the Alumni Association for lunch in the lounge (top floor) of Moody Hall. This was a much more intimate environment than Marshall Hall and provided a great opportunity for much conversation and interaction. The food service was catered by the Crozet Hall contractor and drew many appreciative comments all-around from those present.

In the afternoon, the schedule being adjusted to omit the parade, we went to Jackson Memorial Hall for our class picture. In the picture, which appears elsewhere in the Alumni Review, eight of us are shown, left to right, Smartt, Helmen,

39

CLASS NOTES Irby, Taylor, Smothers, Peyton, Wilhelm and Bell. Our Brother Rats Brand and Doss were not able to be present for this event.

We then assembled outside of J.M. Hall, and “marching” behind the band, we proceeded to Jackson Arch and into the barracks courtyard. On the way, we passed by the section of the sidewalk where the names of many of our classmates are inscribed on individual bricks. As we neared Jackson Arch, I glanced to my right and saw Gen. Peay and several members of his staff lined up, giving our class a salute. I was carrying the class guidon and fortunately had the presence of mind to dip it in returning the salute. In the courtyard, we were the first to have our Old Yell. I had some earlier thoughts about climbing up on top of the sentinel box to lead the yell, having previously done it under the same circumstances for our 65th Reunion, but since I am past that 90-year mark, I began to have some doubts. I then looked up at all of the cheering cadets lining the stoops. The band was playing, and the president of the 1st Class was already on top of the sentinel box waiting. I knew what I had to do and quickly climbed the ladder to the top. When the Old Yell was over, I didn’t waste any time descending to join my brother rats on good old courtyard pavement.

On the evening of the 25th, we had dinner at Café Michel restaurant in north Lexington, again courtesy of the Alumni Association. This event brought out the largest attendance of our group. Special guests for the evening were Col. W. Grigg Mullen Jr. ’76 and his wife, Cindy.

Grigg is the son of our late Brother Rat Grigg Mullen and is our unofficial link to the current VMI faculty. We also welcomed Scottie Haley, widow of our Brother Rat Bill “Blue” Haley.

Also attending was Ruth Miller Ellinghaus and her husband, Bill. Ruth was the widow of our brother rat, Earl Miller. Again, we were the beneficiaries of a very excellent meal in pleasant surroundings, as judged by the many comments received. From that point, we said farewell to many, bringing the 70th Reunion to a close.

Bob Smothers from La Jolla, California, and his friend and dancing partner, Mei Kitchen, won applause for having traveled farthest to Lexington for the reunion. They had offered, with my encouragement, to put on an exhibition of the tango. However, Mei fell shortly before coming, and they were not able to perform. Many will remember some of the dances Bob did with his wife at past reunions.

Meade Bell and Ginny seem to be adjusting well in their new home in Annapolis, Maryland.

I learned at the reunion that their retirement community is called Ginger Cove. This is not an unfamiliar name to me, since my former architect engineer firm designed it some years ago.

Meade and I always have plenty to talk about.

40

We both grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, and through the thoughtfulness of his mother, a number of us from the area gathered at his home in 1940 for a social event before coming to VMI. It turns out that both of us have multigenerational forebears, dating back to the 1700s, that lived within a radius of about 10 miles of where I live.

Several of the Meades are historical figures.

The third former occupant of barracks room 256, M.C. Wilhelm, and his wife, Jean, made the short trip over the Blue Ridge from Charlottesville, Virginia, to claim that no 70th VMI reunion has ever had three surviving roommates in full attendance. Let’s see if that draws a challenge. In any event, the friendship that has endured between Smothers, Bell, Wilhelm and their late roommate, Gus Whitehurst, is part of the wonderful fabric that is what VMI is all about. As a teenager, I was equally impressed by the enduring friendships my uncle Edward Williams ’923 had with his VMI roommates and other brother rats. It had a strong impact on my decision to attend the Institute.

Speaking of roommate groups, occupants of room 231 consisting of Beam, Moon, Peyton and Townes, plus four spouses, having attended many reunions, mini reunions and other gatherings together, is now down to just Judy Beam and myself. Judy and I have always been good friends and find ourselves getting together more often these days. I was pleased that we could continue this tradition at our 70th.

Walter Smartt fully deserves kudos from the rest of us for his determination and perseverance in overcoming a mobility limitation to join us in Lexington. Aided by his son, Ed Long, and Dax Garvin, they made their way from Rising Fawn, Georgia. Walt’s presence brought back memory of an earlier class reunion when we saw an unusual figure approach some of us. The stranger was dressed in what appeared to be an out-ofdate officer’s uniform. It turned out to be Walter dressed in a “sub’s” uniform from earlier times, when he was in fact then teaching at the Institute. We all had an appreciative laugh at Walt’s reunion efforts at that time. We now salute his personal courage.

With at least three residences, I usually have no way of knowing where to find Bob and Miriam Helmen. I must admit that when cold weather comes, my chances of finding them in Florida improve a lot. That’s where I found them during the reunion planning days when trying to find out who might be coming to Lexington. Learning that the reunion would be in March brought on groaning and grumbling at the thought of leaving all of that nice, warm Florida weather earlier than planned. Since they are mainstays of our reunions, I began to seriously wonder if they would be there. I should have known better.

They came, and it was great to see them again.

By the end of March, spring was on its way in this area, so their home in Monterey shouldn’t have looked too bad to them when they arrived.

John Irby and Margaret’s attendance was a question mark right up until the last minute. Margaret had been recovering from major surgery.

As most of us well know, when we have reached a certain point in our lives, recovery times get longer, and it is foolhardy to rush things. I talked to them on the phone several times and was impressed with the progress being made. So, it was with great delight that we welcomed them and their courage. The plan had been to have one of their daughters or another family member drive them from Raleigh, North Carolina, but they showed up alone, just as if they had eloped without family permission.

Art Taylor and Bonnie apparently divide their time between a home in coastal North Carolina and Lexington, two wonderful places to live.

They didn’t explain how they decide which place they choose to be at any given time. A tough choice to make. Art was one of four of us Company C veterans at the reunion, and together with two from Company A, that meant that 60 percent of those attending the 70th Reunion were VMI horse cavalrymen. Bob Smothers and I have been speculating on the durability of those of us with this background. My current theory is: 1) We learned to accomplish a delicate task without getting kicked, 2) we learned to get right up and back onto the saddle after being thrown, 3) we learned to take another jump after the bar had been raised, and 4) we learned how to endure a pain in the buttocks while riding with a McClellan saddle. (There are a couple of additional ones but would probably be rejected by the editor.)

All of these have been fully applicable throughout life. Other theories are invited.

Jim Doss and Betty Bond Nichols remain my main Class of 1944 connection with Lexington and the Institute, and I really appreciate their help and advice. If we ever do this again, I will have to find a way to get Jim to the class photo session.

In the course of canvassing members of our class concerning the reunion, I was able to contact John Ingles, Slim Galliford, Jim Hammond, Harold Lockwood, Dick Niess, Bill Eickelberg and, of course, Egypt Jones. All expressed sincere regret that they would not be able to make the trip but wished those in attendance all of the best. I was unable to reach Bill Mills, Dick Doom, Jack Merchant and Larry Wales. A call to Larry’s number advised that he is in a nursing home. For a time, I thought that Sophie Parker would be able to team up with her daughter, Porter, to combine being at our reunion with a homecoming trip to the Portsmouth-Newport News area. A family reunion at the same time as the Class of 1944 Reunion

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES conflicted, with us as an understanding but very disappointed loser.

As I was getting ready to leave for Lexington and our reunion, I received word that Bob Sherrard had died March 20. We had talked a few weeks earlier, so I knew that he and Ruth were making plans to attend our reunion. As many know, they have been steady attendees at our class events over the years. His death brought much sadness to those who assembled in Lexington a few days later. Bob was clearly a standout in our class who led by example – much admired by all. As one of our very best athletes, he excelled as a leader of the gym, wrestling, track and swimming teams, winning multiple VMI monograms. He was a Southern Conference champion in wrestling and pole vaulting and was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame. He also found time to serve as an acrobatic cheerleader for our other teams. As a 2nd Class cadet, Bob was the sergeant major for the 1st Battalion of the Corps of Cadets. He was selected to be the adjutant of the 1st Battalion for our 1st Class year but, together with most of our class, was called to active duty in the Reserve. He was subsequently commissioned in the infantry and served with the 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific. After the war, he returned to the Institute with many of us and graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

For a time, he taught at VMI and coached wrestling, but this was cut short by a recall to active military service in Korea where he was joined by a number of other members of the Class of 1944. Bob’s duties in Korea included supervision of road building and mine field clearing.

Returning to the U.S. in 1952, he embarked on a highly successful career as a construction engineer, eventually founding his own company in 1971. Operating in the Lebanon and Lancaster areas, his firm built many significant projects in the 1970s and ’80s, including the Penn National Race Course. Well into retirement, he worked part time as a management representative during construction for Wyeth Laboratories and a regional school district. Further details are included in the Taps section of this Alumni Review. I have expressed our sympathies to Ruth and their family. The class has made a donation to the VMI Foundation in Bob’s memory.

The second piece of bad news was received after arriving at the Hampton Inn on the 24th.

Checking my cellphone, I had an email from the Alumni Association advising that Leonard Lonas had died March 21. There had not been much news from Leonard for some time, but apparently he and his wife, Jo, enjoyed rural living, as I do, and we both received a lot of pleasure raising cattle. I remember talking about our common interest a number of years ago. My interest was raising them, among other things, to reduce

2014- Issue 3

my real property taxes. The process consisted of raising calves until winter when the grass gave out, and they weighed about 900 pounds. At that point, they were shipped to the market and sold.

Somewhere along the line, Leonard said that he had run into a problem. Apparently, naming his cattle had been a mistake, and the thought of selling family pets to be slaughtered was not acceptable. Since then, I have from time to time wondered how that was resolved. Leonard completed his first three years at VMI and, along with many of us, was called to active duty in the Reserve. He received artillery basic training and was sent back to VMI under the Army Specialized Training Program to wait for an opening at the artillery Officer Candidate School. While waiting at VMI, he started his regular 1st Class academic program. This was interrupted, and he was then sent to OCS and was commissioned in the field artillery. He served with the 749th Field Artillery Battalion, fighting in the battle for Okinawa. He rose to the rank of captain and, before returning to the U.S., became a courier for Gen. McArthur and served in the occupation of Korea. Leonard returned again to VMI in 1946 with many of us and graduated in 1947. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry as a distinguished graduate. He was employed as a chemist with the Commercial Solvents Co. of Terre Haute, Indiana. However, after several years, he decided to return to Manassas and enroll in the George Washington Law School. Upon graduation, he was awarded a Bachelor of Laws degree. Leonard had a distinguished legal career in Manassas and Prince William County, Virginia, spanning more than 50 years. He served as chairman of the county electoral board, chairman of the First Manassas Bank and Trust Company and as the attorney for the Prince William County Electric Cooperative, later serving as the attorney for Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative. He also served many years as the attorney for the Prince William County School Board. Further details are included in the Taps section of this Review. Condolences have been sent by the Class of 1944 to Leonard’s widow, Jo, and to the Lonas family. The class has made a donation to the VMI Foundation in Leonard’s memory.

In the “isn’t it a small world” category, recently I attended a local book signing event in Winchester. The author is Lynn Seldon ’83. The novel, “Virginia’s Ring,” has VMI as a main element.

I would expect that it has or will be reviewed in the Alumni Review where publications by VMI authors are listed. (Editor’s Note: See the book announcement for “Virginia’s Ring” in the Alumni News section of this issue.) The real surprise for me was that he and his wife live at Oak Island, North Carolina, where I average a visit of about a week a month throughout the year.

I am nearly at the end of these notes, but I

wanted to speak for all who were at Lexington to say to Bob “Egypt” and Faye Jones that you were truly missed. I can’t remember a reunion or mini reunion that you were not present. We had a good time, but it wasn’t the same without you.

We love you.

Several have asked, “Is this really our last reunion?” Of course, time and health factors will govern. I think that there may well be a mini reunion or two. M.C. Wilhelm has, on a couple of occasions, shown interest in taking a leadership role in such a venture. I would certainly offer my assistance as long as I am able, so we will see.

Meanwhile, many thanks to all who took part in our 70th, and the same to all who have and are supporting VMI through donations to the VMI Foundation.

’45

Richard A. Matheis 2246 Gulf Shore Blvd.

Naples, FL 34102 (C) 239/777-7273 (H) 239/261-3235 RMNaples@aol.com

This issue is the toughest one yet – so few brother rats left and so many restricted in activity.

Excitement does not exactly reign supreme, but let’s see how this unfolds.

As most of you know by now, the official dates for our 70th and last reunion is set for April 20-21, 2015. Every effort will be expended to make this the best ever. Plans are getting an early start to accomplish our goal.

Before getting into that subject further, let me get into a couple of matters I wish I could avoid.

Jack Newcomb left us March 25 due to a heart attack at his home in Norfolk, Virgnia. His roommates after the war were John Williams and Joe Gannt, both of whom immediately contacted Manette, Jack’s widow. The three families were close over the years.

The other sad news is Buddy Metz lost his wife, Dee, April 30 due to cancer. Our deepest sympathies to Manette and Buddy.

Back to the reunion. Most of you received the dates by email. The balance I’m trying to reach by phone. I’ll be sending a copy of the email by regular mail in a last effort to get the word out.

The sisters concern me as much as anyone. I’m sure that many of their fond memories involve VMI and the cadet days. This will be perhaps their last chance to share thoughts of those days.

I contacted Norma Robinson at the VMI Foundation, and she was good enough to send me a copy of the addresses and phone numbers of the sisters. Well, boys, they are doing it to us again – they outnumber us 44 to 36. God bless them all.

I will be writing them to encourage their joining us at the 70th. Wish me luck – the more female charm, the better!

41

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1945: At Fort McClellan, Alabama, in fall 1943 were, from left, Charlie Bigger, Charlie Ide, A.J. Newcomb, Charlie Duff, Jim Morgan, Ray Yow, Willie Haines, W. Smith and Al Turriziani. From the archives of Jim Morgan.

The calls I have made thus far have been productive and interesting. One was to Rev. George Stenhouse. He sounded like a 20-year-old. It must be one of the hidden benefits of his lifestyle. George has agreed to deliver the sermon at the dedication of the plaque honoring the brother rats we lost during World War II and the Korean War. He also offered to run up the class flag to the top of the sentry box for the class Old Yell. Thanks, George, but at the moment, John Williams and I have that matter well in hand. You can be our backup.

Speaking of young sounding voices, add the Hon. Charles Duff to the list. Since he will be joining us, I asked if he could fix a speeding ticket should I get one in my haste to arrive on time for the festivities. He said that was a little out of his jurisdiction, but if I shoot someone, I should give him a call. Now there’s a real BR. Thinking of what to serve at our Sunday afternoon picnic, I contacted Bob Moore, our “big white game hunter” in Lexington. Libby said Bob hasn’t been very lucky lately. He must not have recalibrated that sight yet. They will eat whatever is served.

John Williams recently had a bit of a physical problem that I checked on periodically. The last time I called, he sounded very “happy,” which lead me to believe the doctor had prescribed some kind of joy juice. As it turned out, a good friend of John’s invited John and his wife, Mary Ballou, to fly down to Florida in his plane and then join friends on his yacht for a few days of fun and games. John was on the yacht, and it was 6 p.m. when I called. Need I say any more? Oh, the pleasure one can get when commiserating with a sick friend.

An email was received this week from Kitty and Doug Quarles announcing their new address and phone number in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Another couple happily situated in a Westminster

42

Canterbury facility. They plan to be with us for the 70th.

As usual, I had a chat with Bob Allen. He reports, “Oil is well in Oklahoma.” He further reports he will be at the 70th as will be four of his tribe. Bob, please assure us that their minimum attire will be tops, loin cloths and shoes. Thank you for your cooperation.

I received a call from Kay and Joe Gannt, also happy residents of another Westminster Canterbury facility in Lynchburg, Virginia. Kay assured me they will be at the big event and offered to assist in any way she can. I appreciated that.

Putting this all together from 1,000 miles away surely tests one’s talent and patience.

Now, for a little story about our great friend, Hugh Dischinger. A few months ago, I received a call from Vic Bray. He had been in contact on a regular basis with his VMI roommate, Hugh. He hadn’t heard from him and was unable to contact him by phone. He was hoping I had some information. I did not but assured him I would check.

Neither the Alumni Association nor John Williams had any info, so I decided to do something on the rash side. I called the state police barracks in Gloucester, Virginia, to request they check on the welfare of Hugh, who lives alone. Their reaction was outstanding. The young lady handling the call politely asked the necessary questions and then advised that an officer would be dispatched immediately. That gentleman called me just minutes thereafter from Hugh’s front door.

He was about to break in when a car driven by Hugh’s son pulled into the driveway. He was returning his father from a big family party celebrating Hugh’s 90th birthday!

I was reminded of this incident by Vic’s email telling to count him in for the 70th.

Hugh is also going to be on hand and will handle

the hospitality room. I remember him well from past reunions handling this chore, since he was always the one to tell me there was no white wine.

All ye’ white wine lovers, fear not. An inexhaustible supply will exist.

Not all responses were a “yes.”

Bill Curdts: “I would like to attend the 70th, but at 90, I don’t even buy green bananas – and I’m not allowed to drive anymore.”

Bob Pettigrew: “Out here in Wyoming, the Pony Express and others don’t accept passengers 90 years old. They strive to deliver them on time and alive.” (Not an exact quote.)

Giles Upshur: “Wish I could, but at times, I’m lucky if I can find my way out of my room!”

Those three great guys may have lost a sense or two but not their sense of humor.

This brings us to where we are in our preliminary reunion plans.

The records indicate we number 36 BRs, and more than half have indicated they intend to attend.

A motel will be selected and a block of rooms set aside to accommodate everyone.

The hospitality room will be a meeting room, not a bedroom, so as to better serve us for socializing.

Rather than starting that Monday morning with the usual program, we will start with checking into the motel at noon Sunday. This will be followed by a picnic-style luncheon, featuring a pig roast (yes, we city boys know about how great they can be), music (hopefully), and a bar with setups and beer only (bring your own beer).

We will attempt to work three tours for the ladies into the program – garden, house and shopping. This will occur midday Monday, since the formal program begins that night with dinner at Marshall Hall. All classes celebrating their reunions will attend. We will be the most honored guests, with 70 years under our belt. Gen. Peay ’62 will be the featured speaker.

Tuesday will be as always scheduled: A tour of post and all its changes, lunch at Moody Hall, our class picture session (they won’t need a wide-angle lens for this one!), reunion parade followed by Old Yells in the barracks and dinner (at a location to be determined) that will include our “goodbye” ceremony.

Breakfast at the motel, including any unfinished business.

That’s all, folks. Thanks for reading. God bless VMI and the great Class of ’45!

Dick

’46

William A. Eliason

6307 St. Johns Wood Williamsburg, VA 23188-5703 757/645-3225 eliason2@cox.net

Happily, for the first time in a long while, your class agent has no losses to report among

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the remainder of our class since the last issue.

On the other hand, with the exception of Pete Whittemore and Norval Marr, I don’t have any communication from those of you who are still with us with which to prove that you survive.

Therefore, I have little news to report.

Pete called to tell me how much he enjoyed my recollection of a visit to Hollins University in 1942, which appeared in the 2014-Issue 2 Review, and he also inquired about plans for our next reunion. I was quick to remind him that Institute protocol called for our 70th to be held in 2016. Apparently, disappointed that it would not come sooner, he then asked for confirmation that it would be in the spring. That kind of reminded me why I no longer buy green bananas or longplay records and limit my subscriptions to the shortest term available.

Norval’s email, received as I write this, is herein quoted: “The 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market. I have to avoid alcohol, but for today, I lift a glass to the wonderful experience of VMI and for the honor of having been able to be associated with such a fine establishment. Ardith and I have a busy week. Sunday is my 90th birthday, and the entire Tribe of Mar (one “r” in the Scottish tribe – we are Picts, not Scotia) will be there: four children, three daughters in-law, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. We just returned from a two-week trip to Scotland. .

The [Isle of Stafa] was the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s “Hebredean Overture.” In August, we will try our last fling for Coho or Silver Salmon.

We will be at a fishing lodge at the lower end of the Aleutian Peninsula. Best, Norval.”

With no other news from the class, I’ll heed Pete’s advice that he thinks our brother rats would enjoy some more recollections. That advice coincided with a delightful chain of serendipity. Three days ago, I received my Alumni Review with the story of Gen. Charles Evans Kilbourne ’894’s service decorations.

I don’t know how the rest of you feel about robocalls from every sort of snake-oil salesman, gold stock fraud, etc., ad nauseam that we now have to put up with, but I, for one, am fed up.

So, I refuse to answer my phone and have my own robot that tells all callers I am not available and to leave a message. Of the approximately 60 calls I receive weekly, rarely are there more than two that I would want to answer, and they leave messages. The robots simply hang up and leave a busy signal.

One such desirable call came in just a few weeks ago. The caller, a Ms. Lisa Tracy, left a message saying that if I was a member of VMI’s Class of 1946, she would like me to return her call. I did so and found that Lisa was a published author and former editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer. It seems that her VMI interest stemmed

2014- Issue 3

from the fact that she was born “between Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day” at the Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington, Virginia.

Her father was on active duty in the U.S. Army, and her mother was living on the VMI post with her parents – Lisa’s grandparents, Gen. and Mrs. Kilbourne ’894. Lisa has returned to Lexington and is lecturing to journalism students, as well as serving as a housing executive. She is still writing and has tentative plans to do a brief history of wartime (World War II) VMI, because the general was our superintendent from 1937-46, served throughout all of the war years and she has more than a historian’s interest in the period.

Lisa and I chatted for more than an hour about the general and my cadet memories of him.

She was particularly taken by my story about Christmas furlough 1945. As was his tradition, the night before furlough began, Kilbourne addressed the corps in Jackson Memorial Hall and gave us his Christmas greeting. At the close, he asked if there was any cadet from the Washington, D.C., area with a driver’s license who would be willing to drive him to Fort Myer, Virginia. It seems that he was just recovering from the flu and had been advised not to drive himself.

At the time, my folks were living in Middleburg, Virginia, just 40 miles west of D.C., so I volunteered to be his chauffer. I proposed that we stop in Middleburg so my dad could follow us to Fort Myer and bring me home. After class the next afternoon, I reported to the superintendent, we boarded his 1941 Mercury sedan and headed up U.S. Route 11 for the 150-mile trip.

The general was in mufti and stretched himself across the backseat, bundled up with the aid of several large touring blankets. All of my winter clothes were in Middleburg. So, I had no outerwear, just the blouse and straight pants that I’d worn to class.

The sky was overcast and the temperature was in the low teens. As we left Lexington, I discovered that the driver’s front door vent wing was missing, and the heater was broken. Even with the 35 mph speed limit, there was still a stiff, icy breeze blowing in. It was dark when we pulled into Middleburg about four hours later, and I suggested that we unload and visit with my folks until we could get warmed up. He agreed.

My dad already knew the general and knew that he drank bourbon and branch water, so the bar was open and the general grateful. Mom drank scotch, and I passed. The general raised his glass to toast the season and asked me where my drink was. I responded that I’d wait until I was out of uniform. He said, “Eliason, this is Christmas, and you are in your home with your parents – have a drink!”

Thus I added another historical “first” to my record by becoming the first cadet in uniform to

have a bourbon and branch with the superintendent.

Lisa Tracy will probably be contacting many of you for material regarding your cadetship – help her as best as you can.

That’s all for now. Let me hear from you!

’47

Gus Robbins 12519 Inverness Dr. Chester, VA 23836-8619 804/530-8394 bettylanerobbins@yahoo.com

How nice it is to be able to start these class notes with good news for a change! Brother Rats Jim Willson and Jorge Sarmiento and their wives had a wonderful visit together in Lima, Peru, in February 2014. Following, you will find a grand report of their evening together that was received in a letter from Willson. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

“Dear Gus, “I am delighted to report that the Willsons had a sentimental and all-too-brief dinner evening with Jorge and Delia Sarmiento at the Country Club Hotel in Lima, Peru, Feb. 5, 2014. It had been about three months short of 70 years since Jorge and I, brother rats of 1947, had seen each other. Carol and I were in Lima at the end of our cruise from Miami via the Panama Canal and our three-day, very thrilling jaunt to Machu Picchu.

“At dinner that evening, neither Jorge nor I looked a day older. This was amply demonstrated by my copy of the 1944 ‘War Bomb’ that I took with me to Lima. Jorge’s picture and mine in this book showed two eager, bright-eyed youngsters ready to do battle with the world.

Jorge had scribbled a good-luck note to me by his picture. As was customary in those years, I must have scribbled a similar note to Jorge in his War Bomb.

“Both Delia and my Carol agreed that we were the two handsomest and most dashing members of VMI 1947. How could Jorge and I have been so lucky as to have two beautiful dolls as our dates that evening?

“Jorge and I met in May 1943 when we were dykes for several months to Dick Neiss ’44 and Patrick Wen ’44 in room 121. Jorge and I probably had a class or two together in the 12 months that followed.

“It was a great visit. Jorge and I spent most of the evening discussing what had happened to us in our careers after VMI. Jorge had a long career as a professional engineer in Peru. Jorge showed me a picture of himself in 1947 as a lieutenant drill instructor at Fort Belvoir in the engineer battalion shortly after his graduation from VMI. I followed him at Belvoir three years later after my time at West Point.

“The pictures we had taken of us that night in

43

CLASS NOTES Lima made the ladies look gorgeous (they were!) and the men somewhat wooden, as 87-year-olds tend to look.

“The Sarmientos are planning a trip to California later in 2014. Carol and I hope to see them again.

“Gus, may this find all well in the Robbins world. We had a great time with you and your Betty Lane last fall in Alameda.

“Hugs from the Willsons to the Robbinses!

Jim” I had a note from a friend of John Steel, Sally Graudons, and I am sad to report that John is physically incapacitated. You will be happy to know his mind remains as sharp as ever. He goes through the business section of The New York Times each week and still subscribes to Business Week and the Economist. Ms. Graudons visits him weekly and sorts his mail that has come to her. (Class agent’s note: I just got an email from Sally Graudons that John Steel passed away April 8, 2014. A celebration of his life was held May 5 in New York.)

Louis Hundley reports that his good news is that in the past six months, the medical profession has not found any new maladies for which to treat him, and his previous problems seem to be under control. Louis sees Borgus (Remember Borgus?) when he visits his wife at Kendal, and Louis kiddingly tells him that the dining room at Kendal could sure use his help!

Now to get to the bad news. Three more of our BRs passed away the past few months. John F. Monroe Jr. died Feb. 22 and Fred S. LeBlanc died March 30.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rosemary, as well as four children and three grandchildren. John and Rosemary attended our 65th Class Reunion just two years ago in Lexington, Virginia. John served in the U.S. Navy Reserve during World War II and returned to the “I” to graduate in 1948. He then pursued graduate studies at Marquette University and Harvard Law School. He was an investment adviser with the family firm of Braun, Monroe and Co. and Wells Fargo Advisors for more than 60 years. He was well known in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area for his numerous philanthropic activities.

Fred LeBlanc served in World War II in the U.S. Navy Reserve and did not return to VMI after the war. He attended and graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Fred’s working career was spent in his hometown and state of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His last two years were spent in an assisted living/retirement complex. The VMI Alumni Association was unable to locate any details of his survivors or funeral arrangements.

BR Lt. Col. Hans Hensel died in December 2013. He was retired from the United States Marine Corps and living in Wake Forest, North

44

Carolina, with his son. “Heine” had one year at VMI before seeing combat with the Marines in World War II. When he returned to the “I” in 1946, he elected to join the Class of ’49C. That was fine, but he was often reminded that he was a BR of ’47 first. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alwine.

I had a good phone visit with John Ewell, who had a bad fall several months ago tripping over a street curb. His only damage was a pair of broken eyeglasses! Lucky John.

BRs did not share much in the way of travels this quarter, so I hope summertime brings everyone some time to hit the road and explore. Betty Lane and I enjoyed a delightful week in Charleston, South Carolina, before Easter. We had never actually toured Charleston and environs, so we joined up with a Road Scholar group and had a wonderful learning experience. We have toured with them for four trips and highly recommend them for small groups, excellent guides and firstrate places to stay. Have a good summer, and do keep in touch.

In the spirit, Gus III

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

11 Wakefield Dr. Apt 2110 Asheville, NC 28803-4158 (828) 274-4772 jambo@funbeaches.com

A review of the 1948A Scholarship shows the fund has an approximate market value of $125,154. The Foundation Benefactors Luncheon held April 11, 2014, was attended by Brother Rat Jim Trumbo. Recipients included three cadets: Donald “Alex” Grant ’14, Alyssa Ford ’14 and Micah Hosler ’14.

Grant was an economics major and planned to enter the U.S. Army upon graduation. Ford was a biology major and expected to enter the U.S. Air Force as a nuclear missile officer. Hosler was also a biology major and, likewise, planned to enter the military upon graduation. All three cadets expressed appreciation for having been awarded at 1948A Scholarship.

Two of our seven remaining ’48A brother rats are now financially unable to provide support, so it is important for those of us who can to continue giving generously to the 1948A Scholarship, as well as to the VMI Foundation.

’48B

Louis Castellano Jr. 85 Boathouse Lane Bay Shore, NY 11706 516/746-3340

Just by accident, I was able to secure the 2010 Register of Former Cadets at VMI. Any one of you can get a copy by contacting the Alumni

Association. Although the book basically lists all former graduates, their occupations and current addresses, in the beginning of the book there is a great history of VMI. In particular, one very moving event involved Jonathan Daniels ’61, valedictorian, who sacrificed his life in the Civil Rights cause of the 1960s.

While attending a seminary at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1965, he answered the call for Civil Rights activism by traveling to Alabama to assist African-American voter registration efforts. He was arrested in Fort Deposit, Alabama, and jailed in nearby Hayneville. Walking away from jail on the day he was released, Aug. 20, 1965, he was shot and killed when he threw himself in front of Ruby Sales, a black teenager who was the intended target of a man emerging from a general store armed with a shotgun. In response, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “One of the most heroic Christian deeds in which I have heard in my entire ministry was performed by Jonathan Daniels.”

Also of some interest is the history of Gen. Peay ’62, the superintendent of VMI. Gen. Peay did two tours of duty in Vietnam. He served as senior aide to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C., and later as assistant to the chief of staff. He assumed control of the 101st Airborne Division Aug. 3, 1989, and led the division throughout the operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf. The general has two sons who graduated from VMI in the Classes of 1998 and 2002.

Most of us are well into our 80s, and communication between brother rats is at a standstill.

The only way I can let anyone know what is going on with the Class of 1948B is to contact each one individually.

Brother Rat Chuck Alberto has heart problems, which hopefully are finally being resolved after receiving a pacemaker. He and his wife have 10 grandchildren, among which are triplets.

One of the triplets, Grace, is a great track star in the 100-meter and the 1-mile race.

In reaching out to brother rats, I called George Bell. Unfortunately, I was advised by his wife that George passed away Dec. 2, 2013, from Parkinson’s disease. His wife told me in a recent conversation that he kept his condition more as a secret, and thereafter went very quickly. Some brother rats, for some reason, make an indelible impression, and I have never forgotten them. In my memory book, George will never be forgotten.

I called Ed Blake and spoke to his wife and found out he died in September 2013. He went to VMI for one year, went into the U.S. Navy and then graduated from the University of Virginia.

Angus Crook is still practicing medicine with a specialty in gynecology, as he has been for the past 64 years.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

65th Reunion – March 24-25, 2014

Class of 1949A

Class of 1949A: From left, Bill May, Jim Harrington and Joe Fil.

65th Reunion – March 24-25, 2014

Class of 1949B

Class of 1949B: Row 1: Ding Patton, Harvey Bradley, Tommy Bowers, Ed Watling, Grover Outland and George Dooley.

Row 2: Holtz Lardon, Max Feinman, Tom Cooke, Tommy Challoner and Benny Harmon.

Row 3: Dan Smaw, Buddy Marshall, Crew Chief Morgan, Nux Enochs, Country Lauerman and Bill Sweeney.

Row 4: George Wolfe, John Haggerty, Mack Van Hook, Fred Duggan and Bill Stribling.

Not pictured: Greg Nelson.

2014- Issue 3

45

CLASS NOTES

’49A

James Harrington

P.O. Box 3336 Bald Head Island, NC 28461 910/457-5832 jameseharrington@bellsouth.net

Joe Fil made an odyssey of his trip to the reunion. Here’s his lengthy story: “Things have been pretty hectic here in the valley. Sue and I thought that the reunion would be a great time to get our far-flung little family together. As a result, I inveigled our four sons to take the trip with me. An ulterior plan was to have them organize everything, with me just tagging along. Jonathan and Thomas were able to leave work in the Bay Area. Paul, who lives in Warrenton, Virginia, could not make it because of work commitments. As you may remember, Paul was with us at the previous reunion. Joe, the oldest son, has retired from the U.S. Army and lives in Huntsville, Alabama. He arranged for our transportation in Virginia and elsewhere.

Sue’s sister, Margie, flew from Nashville, Tennessee, to Portola Valley, California, to keep her company in my absence. Joe made all the travel arrangements, including hotel reservations, but did not notify the Institute that we would be attending. Fortunately, Carole Green from the Alumni Association called and graciously handled that end. Since two of the boys had never been to Lexington, I had hoped that there would be a parade and other outside activities. Unfortunately, it snowed. The Institute did all possible to provide alternate programs. Gen. Peay ’62 gave an excellent review of the Institute’s finances and future plans. We also were presented with a complete rundown of the modernization and facility enhancements. We returned to Warrenton, Virginia, and spent some time visiting Civil War battlefields (Bull Run, etc.) and local points of interest. Maria Fil returned from Rome, and it was nice to see her and share her hospitality and great cooking. While there, I had the pleasure of spending some time with my grandsons living in that area. Jonathan and Thomas had to return to work, and Joe and I flew from Washington, D.C., to Alabama. Sweet Wendy, Joe’s wife, met us at the airport, and we drove to their new forever home in Huntsville. I spent about a week with them and was doubly rewarded with some great Southern cooking and hospitality, as well as being able to spend time with my two beautiful granddaughters who came from the University of Alabama. We toured the NASA and Redstone Arsenal facilities and the lake and mountain areas. Rebecca, the oldest, just graduated cum laude with a master’s degree in English and education. Mary is studying pre-med. After returning home, we had to get Sue’s sister to the airport and home.

46

“I have had some contact with Allen Penniman, Charlie Tiller and Sunny Millimet. All is well there, although Charlie has had some difficulty walking with a bad ankle. I spoke with Cathy Stamey and found that Tom was in a care facility at Stanford University. They always refer to him as Dr. Stamey there, and I think he is well taken care of. He has luxurious accommodations and is treated with great respect. He mentioned Billy Noftsinger and Sara. I had a very pleasant conversation with him for about 20 minutes. He was particularly interested in the VMI photos.

I’ll try to get him some copies.

“Sue was sorry that she was unable to attend but said we were well represented by the boys.

It was a trip of the lifetime for us. My sons view me differently, because they see the impact that VMI has had on me. Billy May looked great, as did Ann and Dolores. They were delightful as always, and they looked terrific.”

Our 65th Reunion was marked by snow, rain and cold winds, but that didn’t hinder the camaraderie for the few who attended. Bill May, Joe Fil and I represented ’49A. Although there was no parade because of the weather, the Old Yell ceremony was held as scheduled in the courtyard of old barracks. Bill and Joe outvoted me, so I found myself standing in 3 inches of water on top of the guard shack, holding our ’49A guidon.

My discomfort disappeared quickly as I saw and heard the thousand-strong Corps of Cadets lined up on all sides of all four stoops join in an Old Yell salute to our little class. It was truly an inspiration – in fact, Joe’s son, Gen. Joe Jr., said it was one of the most inspirational events he had witnessed.

Joe was accompanied by three of his sons, who

contributed much to the celebration, as did my lady, Ann, and Bill’s lady, Dolores Keeton. We were quartered with our half brothers of ’49B, who extended full hospitality and enhanced our enjoyment of the event. We really appreciate and thank them for it.

Ann and I are back on the island for the summer and have already started on our “camp chaos” with a visit from one of our granddaughters and her four friends who have just been graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We anticipate a busy summer camp and a new great-grandchild in July. Stay tuned.

Here’s Allen Penniman’s quarterly report from May 2014: “In writing these reports, I usually look back at my quarterly calendar to see what exciting things I have been doing. Alas, alack, there is little to find of much interest. I think as we get older we find great comfort in our home and being here and being together. Travel is hard and airports are a nightmare, so Joanie and I have spent the first quarter of 2014 at home. Don’t misunderstand this comment; it is not a bad thing at all.

“One of the nice things about not traveling is that families with their children will come to visit. We get them on our turf, and this is always enjoyable. We have had a number of them come, and there are more planned this month and next.

They don’t stay long, which is probably a good thing. They are just here long enough to get acquainted and for us to take a look at them, tell them how proud we are of them and how much we love them. After all, my family is the greatest asset I have, and it certainly makes sense to spend time with them and to watch them grow and succeed.

Class of 1949A: Class Agent Jim Harrington captioned this photo, “The few, the proud, the loud!” From left, Harrington, Bill May and Joe Fil rendered the “Doxology” at their 65th Reunion in March 2014.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES “We have a nice trip planned. We will fly to Baltimore, Maryland, and attend the graduation of one of our granddaughters, Mary Katherine Atkins, who will be graduated by Johns Hopkins University. She has done remarkably well and has interned with Credit Suisse Bank for two years. She will go to work with them in New York City upon graduation. She is skilled and is on her way to begin a remarkable career.

Believe me; she is starting up the ladder many rungs higher than her grandfather. She is a remarkable young woman, and her career will be fun to watch.

“Joanie and I missed the reunion, and I am sorry about that. It came at a difficult time for us, and I missed being there just one more time with my classmates. If we have another, I will make every effort to be there. Joanie and I are both feeling fine and are fortunate in terms of our health. We still exercise and try to take care of everything we have. So far, it seems to be working. We hope this is true for all of our classmates. I close by sending one and all my warmest regards.”

After some effort, I finally got a note from Bill May: “It’s been so long since I have used this cursed machine, I have forgotten how. My oldest grandson is getting married. He is also in the U.S. Navy. Your taxes are paying for his education.

Thank you. Also thank you for the great job you did on our 65th Class Reunion. A visit to VMI today is like experiencing a modern day miracle.

The Institute has improved beyond belief. Our BRs need to visit the Institute for at least a week to take it all in. You and I can show them around.

Dolores and I cruised on the rivers of Florida in April. I displayed VMI shirts often. I was proud and somewhat surprised at how many people asked if I had attended VMI. It made me proud to talk about those days at the Institute. Dolores and I are small-ship cruising in Canada. I’ll wear my VMI shirts.”

Charlie Tiller attempted to respond to my requests, but unfortunately, Nancy had a fall. We have to send her our best and hope to hear from Charlie later.

Again, many thanks to the Class of ’49B for their hospitality, friendship and companionship during the reunion. Their report follows this one.

’49B

Dan Smaw

2905 Green Valley Road Snellville, GA 30078 770/736-7795 dgs49b@bellsouth.net

These notes cover the period mid-February to mid-May 2014.

Prior to getting into the reunion, or anything else, I must offer my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the lovely bronze sculpture of

2014- Issue 3

Stonewall Jackson that the class gave me at the reunion. It was a total surprise and one I will treasure for years to come. It has been my pleasure and privilege to have been the class agent for the VMI Class of 1949B for 25 years (I can’t guarantee 25 more), but I could use a little more correspondence from a lot of you.

Due to mobility problems, the Rammels and Hummes were forced to cancel on the reunion.

The Rawles could not make it due to Dot’s back problems. Joe Spitler had to go to Richmond, Virginia, in late February due to his sister losing her friend, as well as having dementia. He was not up to making two long flights in so short a time. All of you were missed.

In mid-February, we had cold miserable weather all across Georgia. I called Vaughn Maxwell on the 15th, and they had just received power after being without heat for four days. He said they lived under all the blankets and clothes they could find. Their son brought them meals.

In late February, Ed Watling wrote that he had a heart valve replacement the week before. The procedure was performed by sending a catheter carrying a new valve up an artery from the groin.

A second catheter carried a small camera. This avoided open heart surgery. A week later, Ed was back to normal.

Tom Cooke sent an article from the Richmond paper about the filming of the movie “Field of Lost Shoes,” which is about several VMI cadets during the Battle of New Market. It premiered in Richmond, Virginia, April 13.

Our 65th Reunion was held March 23-25. It was well planned by Greg Nelson. He selected the following as his primary committee: George Wolfe, primary assistant; Ben Harmon, reception and distributor of hats, packets, etc.; George Dooley, procurer of liquid refreshments; Buddy Marshall, selector and distributor of wine for the hospitality suite and the Tuesday night class banquet; and Ding Patton, complaint department. Nobbie Patton took over the duties usually performed by Kitty Nelson, who was not able to attend due to an operation scheduled for Tuesday morning. Nobbie was constantly busy seeing that the snacks were kept at the right level, and she did a great job. Our headquarters was the Holiday Inn Express, which has a hospitality suite suitable for the class dinner as well as full time hospitality area. We invited the ’49As to use our hospitality suite and share the class dinner Tuesday night. They only had eight total people – three BRs and five wives and children.

Monday night, the Alumni Association sponsored a dinner for all reunion classes in the Center for Leadership and Ethics. Gen. Peay ’62 gave a talk on the state of the Institute. The evening concluded with the Glee Club performing several pieces. Tuesday saw snow most of the morning and in to the afternoon. Luckily, it did

not stick on the pavement, but it caused the parade to be canceled for the second straight time.

Class pictures were taken in Jackson Memorial Hall. We “marched” from there to the courtyard for Old Yells by the classes of ’44, ’49A and ’49B. After that, we went to Nichols Engineering Building for a memorial ceremony for our 81 deceased brother rats. George Wolfe read the names, while our son-in-law, Andy Timpner, ran the projector. Tommy Bowers finished with an appropriate short talk.

The following attended the reunion: Tommy and Pam Bowers; Harv and Barbara Bradley; Tommy and Glad Challoner and their daughter, Lynn Powers; Tom and Virginia Cooke; Mack and Inge Vanhook and their 4th Class cadet grandson, Tyler Corcoran; George and Jane Dooley; Fred and Nancy Duggan; Nux Enochs; John and Mary Haggerty and their son, Joe; Ben Harmon; Hotz Lardon and his son, Rob; Country and Liz Lauerman; Buddy and June Marshall; Jim and Hester Morgan; Greg Nelson; Grover and Teancy Outland and their 4th Class cadet grandson, Matthew Outland; Ding and Nobbie Patton; Dan and Louise Smaw with their son-in-law, Andy Timpner, and their grandson, Andrew Timpner ’07; Bill and Ann Stribling; Bill and Nada Sweeney; Ed Watling; and George Wolfe. It was a great reunion.

I was saddened to read an article in the Atlanta newspaper that Laura Upshaw died Sunday, March 30, 2014, following a fall and a hip fracture. Laura had been in poor health for some time. She graduated from the Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit, Michigan, in 1950. From 1959-61, she served as a U.S. Army nurse at Fort McPherson, Georgia, where she met her future husband. She and Charlie were married in the post chapel at Fort McPherson in December 1959. Our condolences go out to Charlie, their six children and nine grandchildren.

Max Feinman called to say he and the Lauermans had dinner with Bob Massie the night after the reunion. George Wolfe called and wanted us to let Andy know that George appreciated the help Andy gave him on the memorial service. Kitty Nelson called to say how much she enjoyed seeing the pictures of the beautiful horses I sent by email to several people. She said her operation was very successful, and she was up and running as usual. Buddy Marshall called, because June had a message for Louise.

Buddy also mentioned that he ended up with quite a supply of high-quality wine left from the reunion but not to worry, since they could drink it throughout the year. This has really been a thrown-together paragraph – I will try to do better in the next notes.

Beth Myers wrote in April concerning her health problems, which kept her from the reunion. She

47

CLASS NOTES had chronic atrial fibrillation, which came on sorry to have missed the reunion. He told me that Bill Moore for no apparent reason. It was pretty well con- the son of Billy Shelley, who had no interest in 7041 Richmond Hwy trolled by Christmastime, so she went to Cali- going to VMI, has a high-school-age son who is Lynchburg, VA 24504 fornia to see her son and Dan’s children and apparently a good lacrosse player. His father took 434/845-7714 grandchildren. On her return to Hawaii, she de- him by VMI, and he is now interested in going VMI50A@aol.com veloped bronchial pneumonia and was rushed there because of the lacrosse team. It appears from the plane to Tripler Hospital. By Febru- that there are not that many schools with lacrosse Barbara (Hugh) Barnes sounds chipper as all ary, she was feeling better and is going for aqua teams. Strange how things sometimes work out, get out, and she tells me she does just fine except exercises, which are quite vigorous. Her trainer if this does. for some leg problems and not being to walk as Thanks to all who have contributed to Annual says she is getting stronger. Beth, we wish you well and as far as she would like. I hope I’ve Giving. well with no further setbacks. convinced her to not let that stop her from atGod bless America, VMI and ’49B. The class picture that the photo store sent tending our 65th Reunion in April 2015. I feel to everyone showed that the word did not get sure that her son, Clark Barnes ’87, will drive out too well about the hat. It was supposed to Haywood France her up to at least some of our activities. be pinned up on the right side, but the picture 1029 Aberdeen Loop Charlotte (Harold “Loggie”) Logsdon is deshowed some on the right, some on the left, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 termined to make the reunion. She has a grand540/437-8771 some on both and some on neither. Country son stationed at Fort Meade and her daughter, hgfrance@ntelos.net Lauerman called to say he had labeled the Cheryl, works in the Washington, D.C./Virginia/ class picture with names and was sending them Editor’s Note: The Class of 1949C has decided Maryland area. Charlotte will bring Loggie’s to me to get to everyone who attended the reto no longer submit notes for the Alumni Review. service medals with her to be enshrined on the union. Thanks, Country.

I called the Vanhooks this week to be sure Class Agent Haywood France will still serve as Hall of Valor wall in Marshall Hall. This would be a good time for any of you to bring your or of the spelling of their grandson’s name. Mack the class’s point of contact for obituaries. your husband’s medals with you to be similarly was not there, so Inge gave me the correct spelling. She also told me that she enshrined. Contact me with had had glaucoma surgery the any questions. day after the reunion and was As I noted last time, Gene not allowed to play tennis unWitcher and I didn’t make our til the day after our talk. Mack trip to Key West, Florida, Oh, called the next day and told well, next year. Gene’s aortic me about his experience with a valve stenosis seems to be in mini stroke. He woke up with a a holding pattern – not causing limp arm that just hung, so he any symptoms and not requirwent and had an MRI, which ing any immediate attention. showed he had suffered a mini He recently visited a cousin in stroke. He is taking it easy and Mississippi and is just enjoyhas had no further trouble. ing life as it comes.

I called Charlie Upshaw this Nan and Elliott Hudgins reweek to see how he was doported from New Bern, North ing. He said he is coping but Carolina, that they are doing not too well. The children who Class of 1949C: Above, the members of the class at their 65th well with constraints on how live in the area have been very Reunion in March 2014, were, from left, Marshall Brittain, Stock far they can travel from home. supportive, including bring- Fleming, Coleman Rice, Haywood France and Bob Fretz.

They travel well enough to enBelow, Marshall Brittain, Stock Fleming, Coleman Rice, Haywood ing meals, which he always joy friends, restaurants, lectures welcomes. We wish you well, France and Bob Fretz with their wives. and dinners. Elliott’s health Charlie. seems stable, and his recentlyI had not talked with Vaughn replaced pacemaker leads have Maxwell since the February increased his energy levels. storms, so I gave him a call. He Nan tells me that she sees Dr. has a motorized wheelchair from Cooper Kunkel ’51 at some Veterans Affairs, so he is able of the events they attend. to get around better, including Cooper was in barracks with outdoors. Nux had sent him the us, and we gave him such a class picture from the reunion, “good” rat indoctrination that but he was having a little trouble he graduated from the Univerrecognizing some of the BRs. sity of Virginia with a BachAfter five years, some of us have elor of Arts degree and Docchanged a little. I got my picture, tor of Medicine degree and and we went through it line by became a respected physician line, so Vaughn is up to date on in North Carolina. So much everyone in the picture. He is

’50A

’49C

48

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES for a good start! (Editor’s Note: Before going to press, the Alumni Review staff learned that Cooper D. Kunkel III ’51 passed away May 3, 2014. His notification of death will appear in the 2014-Issue 4 Alumni Review.)

The Hudgins’ son, Reed Hudgins ’90, has been stationed at Fort Lee for the past three years and has no idea when he will be transferred. We hope it won’t be until after our reunion so that he can help his parents get there.

The first question I get when I call all of you is, “How is Dick Mandt doing? I’m happy to let all know that he is doing well except for an encounter with his recliner. Dick was complaining about his back. Nobody could figure out what was causing Dick’s back trouble until someone discovered that his recliner was broken. They fixed the recliner, not Dick, and all was well.

He’s doing well in assisted living but would like mightily to be at his home. His son, Richard, tells me that he (Richard) is recovering nicely from his stroke but is unable to take care of both himself and his father.

B.J. and Kenny Stagg tell me that they are surrounded by VMI people where they live in Richmond, Virginia. I suppose all of you know by now that Kenny lost his brother, Paul Stagg ’48A. Paul was in barracks with us, and over the years, I saw more of Paul than Kenny, because Paul was a faithful VMI football and basketball fan and Kenny was/is not. I tell Kenny that he gets disgusted too easily! Real estate is rolling in Richmond (also known as “the Holy City”), and B.J. is rolling right along with it. Their health is good, although Kenny says he has a lot of little aches, pains and other irritations. Join the crowd.

Mary (Joe) Ripley reports things are quiet at her place. She’s doing well, sounds great and, like the rest of us, is looking forward to our 65th Reunion in April 2015. Her exact words were, “There’s nothing exciting to report.” Perhaps next time, Mary.

Jackie (Dick) Martin and a friend are planning another European river trip. They will cruise the Rhine from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam. She assured me that she has the return trip planned, so the difficulties returning home they had last time won’t be repeated. She recently had a good checkup and is raring to go. Their grandson planned to complete his internship during the summer and will be posted at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Judy and Ralph Mooney are still on their mountaintop in Amherst County, Virginia, and enjoying every minute of it, even with the relatively cold and snowy winter and late spring we just had in this part of Virginia.

We piddle along and enjoy our mild weather, but every once in a while, we get single digits and snow and wonder what happened! This winter, I plowed my driveway for the first time in

2014- Issue 3

four years. We get spoiled. We don’t miss other area’s hurricanes, tornadoes or floods. We did have a big oil spill and fire in downtown Lynchburg recently, though. You might have seen it in the news. Three CSX (old Chesapeake and Ohio Railway) tank cars carrying North Dakota crude derailed downtown. It was scary, but there were no injuries or serious damage. The James River was running high, and the oil that didn’t burn floated down the river so fast it didn’t leave much of a mark.

Debra and I got to go to the Richmond premiere of the “Field of Lost Shoes” film. It’s a really good movie, whether you have VMI connections or not. The hand-to-hand combat scenes as the cadets charged the Federal Battery are super realistic. The reception afterward was outstanding. Upon leaving the theater, Debra and I agreed that if somebody tells you that “war is glorious,” they’re a fool. Debra and I are going to Baltimore for the 139th running of the Preakness (May 15), and we’re certainly looking forward to that. Watching the horses run, losing money and eating crabs and crab cakes – yum, yum! We had planned a week at the beach (North Litchfield, South Carolina), but circumstances have gotten in the way. We planned to go the last week in June instead. I’m still hanging in there health-wise – mowing grass and trying to grow some vegetables.

Harriet and Jennings Bunch are still thriving up in southeastern Pennsylvania. Jennings told me a good story about our much loved superintendent, Gen. Charles Kilbourne ’894. When we were 4th Class cadets in 1946, Jennings was walking uptown, intent on a movie and some decent food. He met “Chuckling Charlie,” as Kilbourne was affectionately known by cadets who served under him, and gave him a professional salute. Kilbourne returned the salute and stopped Jennings. He looked across the parade ground toward Big House Mountain and told Jennings, “Mr. Bunch, I’ve traveled all over the world, but that view is the prettiest I’ve ever seen.”

Syd Stealey and Nancy (Hank) McWane, please call me. I’ve tried to catch you by phone and email with no luck.

’50B

Robert White

9205 SW 59th Ave. Miami, FL 33156 305/665-7343 rwhite@dwl-law.com

Gwynne Harrison Jones Jr. died March 20, 2014. He was a good and gentle man, one who we were all proud to claim as a brother rat.

Randy Trappey says, “After reading your article in the Alumni Review, I felt it best that I get up off my fanny and let you know that I am still

around kicking and have scheduled in my life span to join the rest of our remaining brother rats for our 65th Class Reunion. So far, my health seems to be fairly reasonable; I still sleep fairly well and still look forward to greeting each day with a little vim and vigor. It is sometimes a little tough not having Teeny around, but she is still in my heart. Having her childhood friend befriend me has made a big difference in my well-being.

Hopefully, she will accompany me for the 65th.

“We took a driving trip up to Virginia with the hopes of visiting with Sam and Betty Saunders, as well as with Hogie and Laura Sutherland.

Sam was not feeling well at the time, so we were not able to see him or Betty. Hogie was supposed to drive to Lexington, Virginia, to visit with us, but he hurt his back and was not able to make the trip. While at Mass Saturday, we did see Lee Lewane and had a nice visit with him at that time.

This was my final driving trip to Virginia and will depend on air travel in the future.

“The king cake is typical of the Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana, so I have enclosed one for you and Alice to enjoy. The beads are just a little ‘extra fun’ and can be passed around to the grandchildren or to any grown-up children you run around with. Please enjoy and remember there is a ’50B still living in Lafayette who has a large welcome sign on his front door for brother rats.”

I talked to Lee Lewane, and he is fine. He retired from his teaching job, which he held for so many years, but there are so many things going on in Lexington and at VMI that he has plenty to do. He talks to his daughters every day, sometimes twice; they are fine also and are a great comfort to him. The Institute is growing, of course, but not too much, and all seems well there.

I know that all of you have heard of the movie “Brother Rat,” and many of you have seen it – not exactly memorable. Believe it or not – there is a sequel (I had never heard of it). In the sequel, one of the cadets, following graduation, headed to New York for a job interview. This is the one who was married while a cadet and whose wife was pregnant. The baby swallowed a diamond ring, and the brothers tried to help. If any of you see the movie, let me know.

I received a very nice letter from a 1st Class cadet with some interesting observations. His expressions of gratitude to me were really on account of our class scholarship.

“Mr. White, I want to thank you for your continued generosity over the course of my cadetship. The Virginia Military Institute is a gift that Her graduated cadets preserve for cadets of tomorrow, and it is alumni like yourself that personally hand this gift to cadets such as me.

Without your support, I would not be afforded the privilege of this truly special experience.

49

CLASS NOTES “The Virginia Military Institute is a strange and unique place. This year, as a 1st Classman, I have much more freedom than in the past. The void created by this newly found freedom was almost immediately filled by academics and job hunting. I am currently studying the real meat and potatoes of the civil and environmental engineering department and am enjoying them quite a bit. As to jobs, it is simply a matter of time before I find a company looking for a freshly trained EIT. I hope to find interesting and challenging work. I have also been applying to larger international engineering firms in search of adventure.

“One of the least advertised spectrums of the VMI Experience is the dyke/rat experience. My rat is a computer science major from the northern Virginia area. His name is Mike van Duinen, and [he] is a friendly kid with a gentle smile.

It is incredible to begin to see my mannerisms coming out of him. Being able to watch someone grow and develop is an amazing experience – truly incredible. I believe it is one of the elusive characteristics that personify the spirit of the Institution. I hope to stay in touch with him and continue to guide him in any way I can.

“Mr. White, please accept my greatest thanks for your gift to me. Your gift is much more than money; it is the years, the months, the days, hours, minutes, memories and friendships that I intend to carry close to my heart for as long as I live. I do believe that I will spend the rest of my life trying to return to this place – the place I tried so hard to escape from. Thank you once more for your most thoughtful contribution to my future.

“I am, “Most Truly Yours, “Cadet Edward Gloeggler” I had a call from George Oliver. You will recall that he and Nell moved from their home in the mountains to Myrtle Beach several years ago.

George said that Myrtle Beach was a nice place, but the summers there were too hot. He then said that he and Nell had given up their place in the mountains to their granddaughter. He had heard from her, and she said that the mountain house was just too expensive for her, and she would have to give it up. George immediately said, “I’ll take it,” so he is headed back to where the summers are cooler and more comfortable for him and Nell. He said that he will be there by July or October. This whole thing looks like a lot more work for Nell, but if they are comfortable there, all seems well.

I have told this story to several people and have been encouraged to write about it even though it happened in 1977. In that year, the Ohio State University was one of the football teams invited to play in the Orange Bowl, and their coach was the legendary Woody Hayes. At one of the bowl

50

parties, Hayes and his escort happened to walk by the table where I was seated. His escort, the Orange Bowl member assigned to assist him, said that he would like for Hayes to meet me, the Orange Bowl Committee vice president. Hayes said that he was glad to meet me and then asked where I had gone to school. I, of course, replied, “The Virginia Military Institute,” to which he responded, “Then you are proud of the fact that your school graduated the finest citizen of this country in this century.” I said that I was indeed proud of the fact that Gen. George Marshall ’901 had gone to VMI. Hayes did not let it rest there. He went on to say how many fine officers the Institute had furnished in the War Between the States and also how many good men the Institute had provided this country, military and otherwise, during its existence. I could only say that I was so glad to meet him and so happy that Ohio State was there.

Incidentally, the Ohio State Buckeyes won the football game against the Colorado Buffaloes, 27 to 10.

’51

John Ross

7021 Marlan Drive Alexandria, VA 22307 703/765-3075 jjrvmi51@aol.com

These notes cover the period Feb. 10 to May 10, 2014.

John Phillips called from Florida to thank me for my birthday card. He is enjoying warm weather, playing golf and his pool. We discussed the loss of Scott Underwood. He noted he failed to reach Scott a number of times.

I checked with Marion Corozza in Baltimore, Maryland, about the VMI Bombs (1948-51) that she has available for the asking. She reports that she is doing well.

I again failed to reach Jimmy Gonzales in Kenner, Louisiana, to extend birthday wishes.

I received an email from Jim Close reporting that our BR Joe Tom Howard died Feb. 5, 2014, of pneumonia. It was a real shock, as I recall Joe Tom’s Christmas card: “Still recovering from complications from my open heart surgery but will survive.”

I immediately called the Institute to try to include this sad news in my prior class note. I also provided this sad news to the class and made a contribution to VMI in memory of Joe Tom. He will be missed. As the Bomb noted, “He’ll go through life – enjoying it and helping others enjoy it.”

Jim Close subsequently provided me with the details of Joe Tom’s memorial service, which I was able to provide to Sam Scott and George Cohen when they inquired.

George Cohen reported that he was in Atlanta, Georgia, visiting his son and that he was doing well.

Jack Evans called from Virginia Beach, Virginia, for info on Bill Leck, which I provided, noting that Bill and Hap Higby both died on the same date shortly before Christmas.

In mid-February, Jane Catlin called from snowy Columbus, Ohio, to ensure that I knew of the death of Hap Higby. She also reported that Renate had informed her that Hap’s son had just been promoted to brigadier general. Jane has limited mobility, which prevents her from driving.

Rob Gerdetz ’52 called for info on the status of Jim Marshall and Joe Tom Howard, which I furnished. Rob evidently follows our class closely.

I left belated birthday greetings for Taylor Hay on his voice mail.

Paul Robinson called from Panama City, Florida, for contact data for Sam Bass. Paul and Jeanne will remain in Florida until the spring.

They have been pleased with the reconstruction of their house after its flooding. I called Sam and he contacted Paul, who subsequently called to thank me.

I reached Jimmy Gonzalez with belated birthday wishes. Jimmy is doing well, thanks to a defibrillator, and we had a nice visit. He and his family are still recovering from the loss of a son.

I also caught up with Taylor Hay with belated birthday wishes. He sounds great and claims he is in top health after a near death experience due to a spider bite.

I failed to reach Billye Henson, as the phone number provided by the Institute is no longer in service. I hope she received her birthday card.

I wished Randy Thompson, an electrical engineering BR, a happy birthday, and we had a nice visit. Randy has spondylitis, which is progressing, and requires oxygen. Unfortunately, his wife, a retired George Mason University professor, is somewhat slowed by rheumatitis.

Shortly after mid-February, a problem was noted with our email system by Sam Scott and Sid Hannah. When I called Win Baber, our email coordinator, he was not aware of the problem. However, Win shortly thereafter cleared the problem but not before Jake Wamsley and Vic Parks also called me about the problem.

Vic also reported that he and Gracelyn are hanging in there, but he is concerned about Jim Marshall. Vic and I commiserated about our long-lasting shingles.

On the last day of February, I reached Joe Stump in Florida to wish him a happy birthday.

This was a first, due to the fact that Joe had provided me with his Florida contact information.

Joe was celebrating at home and reported that he is in great shape – golfing regularly.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES I received a very long, thoughtful and informative letter from Mrs. Joe Adeeb Jr., in which she stated that our BR Joe “Omar” Adeeb “was so proud to be a cadet.” It is clear that Helen wishes to fully connect back with VMI after the death of her late second husband, Frank Keasler.

Welcome back, Helen.

On March 6, I wished Henry Quisenberry of Enterprise, Alabama, a happy birthday. He noted that his son had retired from VMI, and we reminisced about our time at Fort Sill.

When I called to wish our BR Robert Trumbo in Marshall, Virginia, happy birthday, I learned he was hospitalized with complications of Parkinson’s disease. I asked Jigger Baxley, who lives in Marshall, to keep me informed. Jigger visited Robert a number of times after he was discharged from the hospital and, as of this writing, reports that Robert is recuperating at home.

Incidentally, Jigger and Ursula are doing well.

I wished Rav Marshall, an Alexandria, Virginia, neighbor, a belated happy birthday. He and Sheila are doing well, but he thinks the country is in trouble.

For a number of years, I have not been able to reach Pete Ames on his birthday, so I asked Jake Wamsley for help. We eventually discovered that Pete is no longer in Massachusetts and has moved to California. However, the telephone number provided is not in service, so I hope the card I sent to San Rafael reaches him.

On March 10, I called Frances Howard to see how she was doing, and we had a nice visit. Joe Tom is to be interred at Arlington Cemetery, and I asked to be informed of the date.

Tom Green, son of our BR Clyde Green, called to report that his father is OK, despite a couple of falls. (Editor’s Note: Before going to press, we received notice that Clyde T. Green Jr. died May 20, 2014.)

I called Pete Philp in Dallas to see how he was doing and learned that he is well and has physical therapy three times a week.

Marie had a long chat with Pat Holloway in Williamsburg, Virginia, and learned that she had sold her house.

Both Marie and I wished Carolyn McCallum in Williamsburg a happy birthday and learned that she is doing well.

I was unable to reach Mila Bernich in Biloxi, Mississippi, to wish her a happy birthday.

I called Anita Chaplin in Tarzana, California, March 28, Richard’s birthday, to see how she was doing. She reported that she is well and working on a book.

Toward the end of March, I received an email from Larry Egan ’65 informing me that our BR Rufus Lazzell had suffered a stroke shortly before Christmas and was in a nursing home.

I called Jo Jac to confirm this information and then informed the class. Jo Jac says Rufus is

2014- Issue 3

improving but still is quite physically limited.

Jo Jac subsequently sent me a number of newspaper articles – all very complimentary – noting Rufus’ distinguished military service and his subsequent excellent and effective political career. Typical of Rufus, he informed a reporter that he intends to walk out of his rehabilitation facility. I forwarded these articles to the Alumni Review.

I had a long chat with Frans and Shirley Kasteel when I called to check on them. They are both well and looking forward to a local VMI reunion.

I wished Sid Hannah in Cincinnati a happy birthday. He is doing well and intended to celebrate with friends. Sid is looking forward to a family visit back in Virginia.

I wished Sam Bass a happy birthday and learned he is doing well, and Dew is about the same. They will be celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary in the near future.

I wished Bill Moore in McLean, Virginia, a happy birthday. He spent the day at a car rally and watched a point-to-point horse race. Although Bill was with us for only one year, he has been a generous and longtime supporter of the Institute.

I left birthday wishes for Fred Taylor in Richmond, Virginia.

George Cohen called to alert me that I have been hacked. As of this writing, I am still trying to correct the problem.

I wished Glennie Brown in Richmond a happy birthday. She traveled through the Balkans this past year. I inquired about Tom and Pinkie Wornham and learned that Tom is about the same but that Pinkie was recovering from major surgery.

I reached Sherry McVeigh in Palm Coast, Florida, to wish her a happy birthday. She expressed her thanks for the continuing contacts with VMI. I failed to reach Bob Martin in Henderson, Nevada, but left birthday greetings on his voice mail.

I reached Bill Dawson in Richmond to wish him a happy birthday. His son had taken him to breakfast. He reports that Shirley is troubled by arthritis, and he was recovering from a bad case of shingles.

Ginny Bolling called to report that her mother, Ann Graf, had died. I expressed our condolences to her and the family. I noted that we had lost BR Beano Graf seven months previous.

At the end of April, I received a call from Jim Smith in Richmond thanking me for my birthday wishes. He had just returned from Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he pinned wings on a grandson. He reminisced about his time at flight schools with various BRs – Sam Scott, Jack Catlin and Lang Sheffield. Jim and Hildegarde

are considering downsizing.

I had a nice visit with Kay Bennett in Omaha, Nebraska. She is doing well and is a new grandmother. After she inquired about the scheduling of our next reunion, I agreed to keep her informed.

I continue to fail to make contact with Ken Crisp in Huntington, West Virginia. However, I was able to leave a message for Claud Eley in St. Louis, Missouri – a first.

My mail to Beetle Travers in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Mrs. Don Gross in Roanoke, Virginia, was returned “not deliverable.” However, I was able to leave a message for Beetle on his cellphone, but the telephone number for Mrs. Gross is not in service.

I have been unable to reach Mrs. Wray in Baltimore, Maryland, for some time, as her number is not in service, but her mail has not been returned.

Let me hear from you if you have any contact information on the previous five.

Marie and I received a very nice thank you note from Frances Howard, in which she noted how much Joe Tom loved the Institute.

I had a long chat with our senior BR, the Egg. He sounds great and is still very active. He is interested in and reading a lot about the American Revolution. Gerry was looking forward to a visit with his two daughters in Roanoke.

I checked in with Jo Jac Lazzell in Florida and learned that our BR Rufus is about the same.

One of their daughters is visiting from Alaska and is preparing a collection of our brother rat’s pictures and papers.

Jo Jac mentioned a nice letter from Frans Kasteel. I hope more of us remember to send cards or notes to Rufus wishing him well.

I reached Fred Anson with very belated birthday greetings. He is having mobility problems – bad knees. I also visited with Rose Marie, who inquired about Peggy and Willard Hays.

On May 5, I wished Mary Ellen Connolly a happy birthday. She was celebrating with lunch with her two daughters, one of whom was visiting from the West Coast.

Paul Shrader called from Pensacola, Florida, inquiring about the Bombs that Marion Carozza had made available. Paul had lost his in Hawaii.

The next day, I contacted Marion, who was very pleased, and she agreed to send them to Paul.

Marion is recovering from a broken knee cap and had to stop driving.

When I called Paul to tell him to expect the Bombs, he was very appreciative. Paul reported that he and Polly are hanging in there.

Keep the news coming, and remember the Institute in your financial considerations.

Marie and I hope you have a great summer.

Semper Fi – Jack

51

CLASS NOTES

’52

James M. Mecredy

536 Oak Chase Dr. Martinez, GA 30907 706/863-3565 mecredyjim@gmail.com

These class notes start with news of the death of Jim Stallings, who died Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at about 4 p.m. He became ill with pneumonia earlier that week and was taken to the hospital.

His daughter, Margaret, called me and said that Jim was in a coma and not expected to live. I immediately emailed a few brother rats who knew Jim well to pray for the Lord to either take him quickly or, by some miracle, to have a complete recovery. A graveside service was held Friday, Feb. 7.

Jim wanted his ring returned to VMI. In checking on the procedure for returning rings, I learned that a new program was established Feb. 1, 2012, to enable VMI alumni and their families the opportunity to recognize and continue the legacy of the VMI class ring. It allows a respective gesture from an alumnus to the current 2nd Class in their achievement toward a major milestone as a cadet, the receiving of the class ring at Ring Figure. During the week following Jim’s death, I talked with Margaret several times and helped Peggy make arrangements with VMI for contributions. Peggy requested ’52 scholarship support in lieu of flowers and for the returning of Jim’s ring to VMI. A couple of weeks later, Peggy called me with thanks for the support I was able to give the family. Peggy also sent me an article from the Richmond Times-Dispatch about the preview of new movie “Field of Lost Shoes,” about the Battle of New Market.

I talked with Alice Magee (Moogoo’s widow), who just turned 80. She had a fun time with her daughters and heard from granddaughters, nieces and cousins. The most recent snowfall left 10 inches in Norfolk, Virginia, where she lives. Alice has been cancer free for four years.

Moogoo would have been proud of his granddaughter, Sage Springer, who is graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in engineering. Another granddaughter, Ali Springer, is majoring in journalism and photography at the University of Northern Arizona. Alice’s daughter, Francis Magee, is receiving a doctorate from Columbia University. She is the dean of student activities at New York Institute of Technology.

Nutz Navas seems to be completely recovered from all that happened in fall 2013. If you remember, he fell and was hospitalized, and shortly after he recovered, Barbara died in December 2013. When I talked to him in February, he sounded good. Barbara was buried April 3 at 11 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. I talked to Nutz again on his birthday, April 8, and he

52

still sounded good, though we did not talk long.

He said he was 76 (he meant 86), and he realized what he said and corrected himself. That is a directional mistake we can all afford to make.

Jack Roche sent me this email. “Jim, thanks for the notice, as always. On a different topic – I now have a like-new class ring with a bit of history. I lost the first in the sand at Virginia Beach while at Quantico and only replaced it some years later after returning from Korea. That ring was stolen, along with my personal effects, from the locker room of the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur in May 1969 during the racial riots in that city while I was naval attaché there.

When I replaced that one, it came with a faceted stone, not the rounded one in our original rings. At Christmas, a jeweler friend noted the scratches on the current stone and offered to find a smooth replacement. I agreed and now proudly wear ring number three with a rounded stone and all the appearances of the original.

Says something for my stubbornness or perhaps simply obsessive compulsive disorder. In any event, thought the bro’ rats might enjoy the saga.

Finally, planning a trip back to Phnom Penh to stand on the soccer field where we lifted out 287 souls April 12, 1975, in Operation Eagle Pull – my finest professional day. John” I was surprised to learn that Dick Valack is still working, making assessments of military medical facilities. He is on for two weeks and off two weeks with a contract that goes until 2016.

At that point, he plans to stop.

If you haven’t heard (especially golfers), The Masters golf course in Augusta, Georgia, was severely damaged in a major ice storm that hit Augusta Feb. 14, including destruction of the “Eisenhower Tree.” John Taylor called me from Dallas, Texas, to tell me that this tree has been cut down. Apparently, the tree interfered with President Eisenhower’s golf shots, and he asked for it to be removed. The club refused to remove it, and it became known as the “Eisenhower Tree.” Well, this ice storm did what President Eisenhower could not do. Incidentally, the storm kept Lucette and me without electricity for three days and dropped numerous tree limbs in our yard. We survived the cold weather by burning wood in our fireplace. To give you some idea of the magnitude of the storm, the county has removed more than 500,000 cubic yards of tree limbs that people piled up in driveways. Now, we will have plenty of replacement fire wood for the next storm, which we will expect in another 10 years.

Tennie Bridgforth (Austin Bridgforth’s wife) was recently interviewed on the Antiques Roadshow exhibiting a whiskey chest belonging to Austin’s great-grandfather, which he had received from Gen. Robert E. Lee. Austin’s greatgrandfather was first chosen to be a courier to

Lee’s son because of his courageous nature. A request was made for a brave and courageous individual. He was later assigned to Lee’s staff.

After the surrender, Lee asked him if he had a way to get home to Kenbridge, Virginia, and he said no. Lee gave him a blind mule that had been used to haul ammunition during the war. Mr. Manson returned to Kenbridge to become a very successful liveryman and was noted for his quality of mules in several states. He sent Austin’s grandmother, Sally, to Randolph-Macon College, where she was a member of the first class at that school. To think the case could bring $4,000 to $6,000! I attempted to get a picture of the interview that Tennie had with Antiques Roadshow, but I did not receive a reply from the show.

Clarence Redman told me he was scheduled for cataract surgery. So, I called him a couple of days after the surgery and learned it all went very well. Now, he only needs glasses to read.

He is legal to drive without glasses. However, in the winter in Pennsylvania, there is so much snow that he has to wear sunglasses just to go out of doors. At this date, Feb. 24, they have 47 inches of snow and are expecting more. Clarence says he did not know where they were going to put it all, because they are not accustomed to that much snow.

Boyd Guttery lives in Florida, so he can attend the spring practice baseball games. He told me that the day we spoke, Feb. 28, was one of their cool days at 65 degrees. 150 miles up the coast in Augusta, Georgia, we started that same day at 29 degrees, and we ended the afternoon at close to 70 degrees.

I called Joe McCarthy to ask him to represent our class at the VMI Class Agent Conference scheduled for April 4-5. There is no easy way to get from Augusta to Lexington – I would have to change planes four times or drive a couple of hours in a rental car. He replied that he would like to attend but was going to a wedding in Charleston, South Carolina, on that date. As we talked, Joe told me that someone unknown had reported him to the state for being a poor driver.

Joe has had no traffic accidents beyond a fender bender three years ago, which was the other guy’s fault. Joe even has improved vision since cataract surgery a few years ago. He has to prove the charge wrong or lose his license, which he is sure he can clear up shortly. This seems to be a case where you are guilty until proven innocent, which is the opposite of our historic understanding of American law. I mentioned the recent ice storm, which centered on Augusta, taking out a lot of large trees and branches. Joe explained that old trees are susceptible to damage and need to be replaced with younger trees. Joe spent his career in the lumber business, so he has a better understanding of forestry needs than most of us.

Joe suggested I call Mitch Mays to attend the

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Bill Baber just turned 83 and is Class Agent Conference. Mitch restill managing two tree farms – one ported that he enjoyed the meeting. in Pennsylvania of 100 acres and one He had the distinction of being the in Virginia of 500 acres. The Virginia senior participant there. Apparently, forest contains conifers, and the Pennthey were surprised that someone of our age and grade would be able to sylvania forest contains hardwoods. appear. Mitch thought that he and the Fortunately, each farm requires work representative from the Class of ’53 at different seasons, so Bill only has looked as healthy as some of the repto be in one place at a time. This keeps Bill and his wife active, so they are in resentatives from younger classes. good health.

I received an email from Red AusClass of 1952: Members of the class at Myles HutchinSkip Nay is moving from New Jertermann reminding me of our “midson’s funeral in Gloucester, Virginia. Present BRs and night march” during our 1st Class sey to Lynchburg, Virginia, soon and their wives included Mary and George Hutter, Barbara year. You must remember the march will let us know his new address when and Army Wellford, Sarah and Zeke Finney, Bill Ruffin, was the outgrowth of a “stepoff,” he moves. His daughter and son-inand Carol and Jim Wiley. which we enthusiastically encouraged law, who is a doctor, live in Lynchto retaliate for the officer-in-charge being overly Several BRs and their wives attended the funeral: burg. Skip also has two other daughters who are chicken. The “stepoff” resulted in some property Mary and George Hutter, Barbara and Army married to doctors – three doctors to watch over damage including furniture being thrown into the Wellford, Sarah and Zeke Finney, Bill Ruffin, him! courtyard. Red wanted a copy of the news article and Carol and Jim Wiley.

Chuck Haley would like to encourage our BRs that appeared in several newspapers to share with Clarence Brauner called to tell me that he and to participate in the Brick Program. I have a list his grandkids. I emailed our class asking if any- Dottie are moving into another condo where they of all of our BRs’ contributions of $2,500 or more one had a copy of the news article. Bud Becker will have more services when and if they need since July 1, 1998, which entitles us to have a responded that his father wrote to him regarding them. At the moment, Clarence is having some brick placed on the walk in front of barracks inthe “riot” and said that Bud – and by implication, neurological problems that are affecting his bal- scribed with our names. Also, for each additional the rest of the class – should pay for the damage. ance. He believes it is temporary and is a problem contribution of $2,500, we are entitled to up to I recalled that we were assessed $3 each. Col. that can be corrected with therapy. He will know four additional bricks for a deceased brother rat or Pancake ’38 ordered the “midnight march” for more after seeing the doctor again. The new ad- other deceased alumnus. Some brother rats have the entire Corp across the Murray River Bridge dress is: 2751 Regency Oaks Blvd., Apt M105; already contributed enough for additional bricks, and up the road past White’s Farm. The state Clearwater, FL, 33759-1535. and Chuck is interested in obtaining permission police were called to block the bridge while we Lucy Marshall called me to let me know she to have these bricks used for other brother rats crossed. That is the event that opened the story to is moving into a nursing home – the same one or other alumni. I personally contributed my first the national media. Of course, we thought it was that Payton was in. This is a small home oper- brick to my father in the Class of 1906. great fun, and along the way, we started singing ated by nuns. Normally, there is a long waiting I have changed my email address to meto people in their farm houses to “come out and list, but Lucy offered to play piano every evening credyjim@gmail.com. I sent this new address to see the parade.” as she did when Payton was living there. Appar- everyone on my email list. If you have email and Myles Hutchinson died March 11, 2014, after ently, they were so thrilled to have piano that they did not receive the change message, let me know a short time in hospice. When he first became moved Lucy to the head of the waiting line, so so I can include you in my emails to all brother rats. ill a week earlier, I received this email from his she is moving immediately. She called me to be wife, Ann: “A week ago Thursday, I took Myles sure that VMI has her change of address, because William C. Noell Jr. (Hutch, to you all) to the emergency room. He had she does not want to miss any mail she normally 3 Woodduck Road been dealing with really bad shortness of breath receives from VMI. She is doing well except that Lexington, VA 24450 (H) 540/463-5135 for several weeks as a result of the pneumonia that she had been in a wheelchair for some years. noellharbor@cs.com the chest X-rays kept showing. It was especially Her new address is: St. Joseph’s Nursing Home; bad that morning, and he was sent to the intensive 1222 Tugwell Drive, Catonville, MD, 21228. Her care unit. Another X-ray was taken there with the phone number is 410-747-9323, and she would Brother Rats, we lost one BR during the past same result, so a computerized tomography scan love to hear from anyone from ’52. quarter – Robert Sovik in upstate New York in was ordered. It showed a drastic buildup of fluid.

Walt Ames wanted me to know that he is dis- April. His obituary is found in the Taps section The next day, a liter and a half – the maximum connecting his computer from the Internet, and of this issue of the Alumni Review. Also, Dave – was drained. That test also showed a mass that in the future, I can contact him by email through Stuart lost his wife, Betsy, to Alzheimer’s dishad been hidden behind the breastbone. He was his daughter. This move will not only save him ease. When I first moved to Portsmouth, Virgintoo weak to have a bronchoscopy to determine the money each month but, just as important, will ia, in 1963 from Richmond, I lived next door to type of cancer, and he wanted to come home. Hos- eliminate a whole lot of email junk that he does Dave and Betsy for several years, and our oldest sons became friends. Frank Wooten and Terry pice is on board with us. Our children and grand- not care to receive. children are here and taking care of his needs; all Henry Nanninga called to ask if I had heard Davis attended the service in Portsmouth, but I I have to do is love him in the time we have and from Dave White. Recently, Henry had written was not able to go. I did send Dave a note and beyond. He is surrounded by loving children and Dave and called him without an answer. I sent received a nice reply from him. Tom Wright ’54 grandchildren, and his many friends are being so Dave an email, but I have not heard back from died here in Lexington, Virginia, and Judy and caring and supportive. We are blessed. Ann.” him. If any of you know how Dave is getting I attended the services at Kendal, where he and Hutch’s funeral was held at the First Presby- along, let me know. Dave, we do not want to lose Eleanor have been living for the last few years.

Fred and Ursula Hauser also attended – they terian Church March 14 in Gloucester, Virginia. track of you.

’53

2014- Issue 3

53

CLASS NOTES came from the Harrisonburg, Virginia, area. Eleanor and Ursula have been friends since their days in Germany.

Judy and I had a very nice note from Lynn Schrichte in April in regard to information that I had sent her about the VMI plays that have been put on at the new VMI Gillis Theater. Kolbet and Lynn were always very interested in VMI having its own theater, and Kolbet worked hard to preserve the Gillis money for that purpose only.

Interestingly, we had just gone to see the “Inherit the Wind” production when I wrote to her, and it turns out she had gone one day before my letter arrived to see the same play at American University. Lynn says that she is doing well these days. I received a nice note and newspaper article from Rilda Seletz about their grandson in the U.S. Navy, Bradley, of whom Jules was always proud. Bradley was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in November while on the USS Asheville.

For the forthcoming fall academic year, we have three brother rats that will have grandsons attending the Institute: Bill and Agnes Atwill, Mickey and Betty Woodward, and Sut and Lucy Sutherland. The Sutherland grandson will be attending on a football scholarship.

As I write these notes, it is the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market. If you happen to recall, Bill Atwill’s great uncle “died on the Field of Honor, Sir,” so he wanted to be at VMI on New Market Day and planned to attend the New Market battlefield reenactments in the days following. However, due to the downpour that occurred on New Market Day, the ceremony was held in Jackson Memorial Hall with only cadets of the 1st and 4th Class attending. Bill and Agnes did attend it. Bill said Agnes was impressed with

the ceremony, but of course, outside with the parade would have been much better. We did not get to see them, as, due to their wet condition, they returned home until the reenactments, where we hoped to meet up with them.

Judy and I attended all the VMI home basketball games and the Big South Tournament at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, again, as well as the postseason tournament home games. We also went to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament game in Athens, Ohio. Jim and Marilyn Meek, who live a few miles from Athens, did not return from a trip until the day after we left, so we missed connecting. Judy and I did visit with Jim Morris at the Volunteer Leaders Conference at VMI in April, as he was here for a board meeting. He is doing very well these days and says there is not much change in Marilyn. Also at the meeting, I had a nice reconnecting visit with Bill Mays ’52, M.D., from Lynchburg, Virginia, who I do not believe I have seen since he graduated.

Judy and I celebrated my 83rd birthday by keeping four of our grandchildren (16, 13, 6, and 3-and-a-half) for five days while their parents were in Arizona on a business trip. It was fun and enjoyable but also kind of hectic for us retired folks with earlier arising than usual.

On May 8, we held our annual spring Richmond and Beyond ’53 lunch in Richmond, Virginia, at the Commonwealth Club with 33 wives and brother rats in attendance. Besides the normal Richmond and Beyond group, Bob Cheatham and his son, Ben, came from South Carolina, and Wes and Elizabeth Grey from Florida came on their way to their other home in Maryland.

Jack Trigg flew into Norfolk, Virginia, from Birmingham, Alabama, and spent the night before with Parker and Anna Cross, along with John

Class of 1953: Richmond and Beyond ’53 Lunch at the Commonwealth Club of Virginia, May 8, 2014.

54

and Maggie Lund. After the class lunch, Judy and I, along with Jack, went out to Bill and Agnes Atwill’s to visit and spend the night. We had a great time. That night, we went downtown to the “slip” to have a seafood dinner at Bookbinders of Philly – Judy’s selection. Jack had not seen this part of Richmond, and it was also his first visit to Norfolk. Jack came back to Lexington with us Friday and flew out of Roanoke Saturday. Friday night, at his selection, we went to dinner at Café Michel, because Jack was impressed with the Sunday early arrival dinner we had there at our 60th Reunion. As you will recall, Michel opened his restaurant that Sunday specifically for our class. The beautiful table flower arrangements for the Richmond lunch were furnished by the Commonwealth Club from Betty Woodward in memory of Mickey. Dave Stuart also wanted to provide flowers, as he could not make the lunch, but we had previously accepted Betty’s offer.

For a change in venue for the next Richmond and Beyond lunch (which will be in April 2015), there is consideration of holding it at the Smithfield Inn on the Pagan River in Smithfield, Virginia. There is good shopping in the quaint and historic town, you can walk everywhere and you can make reservations to stay over at the inn, if you so desire. It is a great place to visit – Judy and I used to go there by boat with friends from Portsmouth, Virginia. In addition, it happens to be Win Koontz’s hometown, so we can prevail on her for assistance.

Class/Institute trivia: In May, the Corps packed up to go home for the summer, and it sure was different from our day. If you recall, we stored all our stuff – footlockers, boxes, uniforms (cadet owned), mattresses and whatever else down in the below ground storerooms – until we returned in the fall, taking home only what we really wanted or needed for the summer. That is not the case now; everything goes home for the summer except the hay racks and the uniforms (rented), which are turned in to the Institute. As they moved out, I observed some cadets packing up early in their cars. In one case, I could hardly see room for the driver with at least three mattresses rolled up and stuffed in a small car, plus much more. Then, there were the pickup trucks.

I hoped it did not rain on their mattresses when they left, because the New Market parade, which was the day before graduation, was regretfully rained out.

If you have not been back for a long time, another interesting change that has happened over the years is that the battalion and regimental commander’s staffs have greatly increased. For our Corps of 950, there were four and three respectively, and we had six companies. Compare that to seven for the current Corps of 1,600 and eight companies, with the band having a great bagpipe section.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Class of 1954: Present at the reunion were Roy Alexander Jr., William D. Almy, W.G. Anderson Jr., Edgar R. Bare, Leland G. Bell, Glendel W. Cock, Donald I. Ferry, George A. Ford Jr., Robert E. Gee, Bruce C. Gottwald Sr., F.B. Harrington Jr., Raymond G. Helmer Jr., Ollie F. Hux, Kenneth W. Iversen, Billy W. Kingery, John W. Knapp, Paul A. Kuhne Jr., Thomas T. Mayo IV, Paul R. Meyer Jr., Robert L. Modjeski, R.M. Morgan, John F. Mowbray, Otto R. Naumann Jr., Ran L. Phillips II, George A. Ramer, Joseph A. Siler, Wendle R. Snapp, Claiborne Terry, John K. Tiller Jr., Richard B. Trumbo, D. Conrad Via, Leonard A. Wagner, Donald H. Walden, A. Thomas Wallace, H. George White Jr., T.S. Williamson III, John F. Wolfe Jr. and W. Swan Yerger.

60th Reunion – March 24-25, 2014

Class of 1954

2014- Issue 3

55

CLASS NOTES

’54

Ran Phillips

2803 Pargoud Blvd.

Monroe, LA 71201 318/387-1140 v5m4i@aol.com

To begin with, it was no dark and stormy night in late March 2014 in Lexington, Virginia! The skies were clear initially. A full moon bathed the southwest valley in its ethereal glow, such as might open a children’s story. Yet, somehow, all was not as right. Even brave and otherwise stalwart fathers shuttered the windows and reduced home lighting levels, some resorting to candles.

Mothers huddled in dim corners, clutching children closely, fervently, expectantly! It was an evening of events and a momentous, daunting time in Lexington, Virginia. Whatever could be forthcoming? Even the church mouse at the Robert E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church (“St. Robert on the campus”) was still.

The moonlight reflected on a lightly falling but brightly glittering snow. As the time passed, clouds appeared, and the snow fall increased.

The town was exceptionally quiet, the peace broken only by softly falling snow and the mounting robust swish of colossal wings. The legendary Class of 1954 was swooping in, appropriately, on the wings of eagles, a flabbergasting event for even this small but famous town!

Among the first to alight from their sturdy airborne steeds was Bob Modjeski and his delightful wife, Ivy. The Marine looked for some beach to assault. Finding no such thing in the Virginia mountains, they took to the nearest eating and drinking establishment.

Meanwhile, speaking of beaches, “Shubs” and Rebecca, along with Johnny Mapp and Betty, were frolicking in the land of Honnalee (read: Florida’s sandy beaches). We missed them.

Not surprisingly, Bob and Ivy found Johnny Knapp and Betty, Mud White and Fran, and Billy Kingery and Betty already ensconced and heavily camouflaged by war paint, et.al. This wondrous trio and their wives deserve many thanks for planning and executing a memorable 60th for us.

Our only remaining living class officer, Will Swan Yeager (historian), and his wife, Virginia, made it in from Jackson, Mississippi. Not to be outdone by distance, Paul Meyer and Lisa, our own surgical genius and walking surgical miracle, came from the dark, forbidding northern wastelands. Likewise, Roy Alexander came from the badlands of Texas (Houston). Roy is still practicing immigration law. If any came from more distant or exotic lands, let me know.

I aim to please.

The Sunday evening before the start of the 60th Reunion, a no-host feast at the Southern

56

Inn rewarded those of us who arrived early. Rollicking good times and remembrances, suffused with some embroidering, ensued. The room was thick with nostalgia, and the aura of bull was pervasive.

Before the break of dawn Monday morning, March 24, the former rats (now liberated as the Class of 2017) were hard at work with their inclement weather dance. During the past few months, they had become more and more proficient. As a result, 4 inches of snow fell, the parade was canceled and the class picture was moved into Jackson Memorial Hall. The snow falling was delightful for those who had not seen any in years and disgusting to those who had.

The intemperate weather afforded more time for [talking] and all that goes with such seminars.

We had a class meeting March 24, the main reason being to memorialize our departed BRs. It was a sad, touching and wistful event. However, afterward we were reminded of their continuing exultation and reveled in it.

The Foundation hosted an enjoyable dinner in the Marshall Hall Center for Leadership and Ethics that night. The dinner was exceptional and the camaraderie superb! On the balcony above the dining area is VMI’s Hall of Valor. For those who have not experienced it, please let me try to describe this revered and stunning exhibition. On the walls of the gallery surrounding the dining area hang the individually framed United States medals of valor awarded to Institute alumni. These are our real heroes who have distinguished themselves with bravery and gallantry in combat actions against an armed enemy of America. Any term used to tell of the visual impact of the walls is to vastly understate its awe!

Tuesday, March 25, passed with continuing recollection and updating of each other with our individual and collective current activities. There was a tour of the Stonewall Jackson House, which the Foundation now owns, and a bridge afternoon organized by our always charming and gracious Southern lady, Nancy Gottwald. First place went to Norma Siler. This triumph was dimmed by her death a few weeks after our reunion.

The day advanced to twilight and the class party. Only few of us appreciated the facilities of the Sheridan Inn & Livery on South Main Street. We had eaten in their splendid restaurant but were unfamiliar with the hotel rooms and banquet facilities.

Beneath the familiar, with an entrance on Henry Street, is a ghetto reminiscent of the beer cellars in Europe – stone walls, dim lighting and windowless. This warm and inviting room was the scene of the party. We only dreamed of such an eating/drinking place in the cold, austere, unforgiving Institute quarters of the 1950s. Johnny Knapp planned well! The food was delectable

and the company superlative. A jazz band from the Institute – the Commanders – played exuberantly, and some danced the same way. The wine flowed plentifully, and we flowed with it.

Sad to say, the reunion closed as it must. We said our sorrowful goodbyes. We sorely missed you who didn’t come. As we say in Louisiana: “We pass a good time!” May God bless you and have you in his keeping until we meet again.

Ran Phillips

’55

Read Hanmer

7533 Fairwood Lane Falls Church, VA 22046 703/698-9798 readandlois@cox.net

By the time you see these notes in August, planning for our 60th Class Reunion will have been proceeding apace. If you haven’t separately received information concerning the reunion, something is amiss. Please make sure I have your current email and snail mail addresses and telephone numbers (see my addresses at the head of this column)!

The Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund continues to grow. This year, four cadets are benefiting from your generosity. Cadet Spencer Buettner ’15, a 2nd Class cadet, is majoring in biology and minoring in exercise science. He plans to take a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps, has a 3.0 GPA and is conducting a “Nutrition versus Physical Performance” study. He is active in club sports. Last year he was awarded VMI’s Male Athlete of the Year and is nationally ranked in club wrestling.

Cadet Kevin Marshall ’16 (Sam Marshall’s grandson) is a business and economics major and hopes to intern in a financial management company in Richmond, Virginia, between semesters. Kevin is part of the VMI club soccer team and plays bagpipes in the VMI Band.

Cadet Nolan Landers ’15 is an academic 1st Class cadet and is majoring in physics with a 3.25 GPA. Nolan anticipates continuing on to graduate school or working as a scientist or businessman – or perhaps both.

Cadet Christian Beale ’14, an international studies major, plans to attend the University of Richmond Law School, with a goal of practicing in civil litigation in Richmond.

Congratulations to these fine cadets.

It seems I had not noted here a Christmas card from Meng Chi Tsen, which contained a nice contribution to VMI. He said that he has been invited to show some of his collection of military uniforms at Highclere Castle in the United Kingdom. Highclere is the site of the filming of the fascinating BBC program “Downton Abbey.”

This from Bill Nolley: “I don’t want to be absent without leave, so here are a few notes. True,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Charlie Luck, Staige and I took in the premiere in Richmond of ‘Field of Lost Shoes,’ depicting life at VMI during the War Between the States and the cadets’ participation in the Battle of New Market. An excellent movie, thanks to Tom Farrell, chairman of Dominion Power, whose story was captured in the film. The photography and music are superb. It should be released to the general public in August. Don’t miss it. Charlie and I, along with the girls, are off to VMI Thursday, May 15, for a luncheon followed by the New Market Day Celebration and the presentation of the New Market Medal to Bruce Gottwald ’54, a much deserved honor. Also, my close friend and golfing partner, Miles Cary, who graduated from UVa in 1955, has a sword that belonged to his great-grandfather who was a New Market cadet, James Blair Harvie ’867. Harvie survived and did not die until 1937. Miles and his family will present the sword to VMI, along with several photographs of the family with his grandfather, at a luncheon in Jackson Memorial Hall May 15. Great events. Charlie Luck and I, along with True and Staige, have been to Norfolk to visit Sue and Sam Hill. Sam is being treated for acute leukemia. His spirits are good, and we all want to keep him in our thoughts and prayers.”

Dave Woolwine sent along the news that his granddaughter, Caitlin Malik, has been accepted at the Louisiana State Veterinarian School. He is very proud of her and her hard work.

Travis Russell sends: “Hi, Read. My wife and I are on our bicycles with loaded panniers, like saddle bags, on our way down the Pacific coast to the Mexican border just south of San Diego, California. Sorry I don’t have more news, but we are on the road. I was sorry to learn about Carter Valentine. We were in the same Basic Course at Quantico. I noted that one of the New Market cadets, [Charles] William Turner ’867, is buried here in Seattle, Washington. Our chapter will honor his memory.”

Here’s a nice summary from Ron Bryan: “Nita and I took our annual spring trip south that started with a visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The main purpose of this destination was to watch our outstanding basketball team play in the Big South Conference Tournament. As you know, things did not go our way. However, this team was a great bunch of young men who represented our school well, and it was fun to watch them play. The Class of 1955 was well represented with the following in attendance: Tom and Margaret Tait, Dusty and Rody Rhodes, Bill and Pattie Davidson, Frank and Judy Brooke, and Ron and Nita Bryan. Also at the game were Jim and Phyllis Hart. We all had a great time.

Nita and I then headed south to Hilton Head Island. While there, we visited with Bob and Clara Rennicks for dinner, and Bob and I played a round of golf at Moss Creek Golf and Tennis

2014- Issue 3

Club, to which Bob belongs. We always enjoy this visit. We spent another two weeks in Florida visiting Ocala, Daytona Beach, Vero Beach and Ponte Verde. While at Ponte Verde, we had dinner with Frank and Judy Brooke. We also visited with them at their home where they prepared a grand dinner for us. When we left Ponte Verde, we headed straight for Lexington, Virginia, and caught the last basketball game against Yale University. These were two teams of the final four in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. We lost to a very big and good Yale team. Our next big event will be our annual beach bash at Sandbridge, Virginia, in September. Well, that is it for us this year. We wish all BRs the best for 2014 and hope to see all at our 60th Reunion in 2015.”

Sam Marshall sent a nice note: “We had grandsons Kevin (Class of 2016) and Nathan Marshall in White Stone for their dead week – Nathan is U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2017.

They assisted in moving my sailboat to the most recent regatta at Fishing Bay Yacht Club. I talked with Bob Coffee a few weeks ago. He had recently been discharged from a seven-month stay in four hospitals! Some bacteria, never completely identified, were at fault. Living in Austin, Texas, retired from architecting and in better health, he’s back with his longhorn cattle, which won many blue ribbons last year, and his prizewinning bronze sculpture. What a guy! Although he doesn’t owe it all to his year at VMI, he is quick to tell you that he did learn a great deal about how to get along with people who hadn’t had the straight arrow training that we did. On May 15, I participated in a local event for William Kirk ’871, a New Market cadet buried in White Stone. He was a local physician for many years and died in 1918. There are three others in the neighborhood of the Rappahannock VMI chapter, and all held ceremonies.”

Marty Fisher says that “BRs Bill Wainwright, Jack Owen and I have had our share of medical problems. We seem to be resilient and still await any BRs who come through Yorktown, Virginia.

I was able to visit roommate Dick Southerland in Mobile, Alabama, the last part of February.

I didn’t know that he has turned into a master chef. The dinner for Anne and me, and the libations, made for a night to remember.”

Birch Phillips said: “Read, thank you for your fidelity and compassion in keeping us informed about our classmates. I am personally doing everything I can to continue to survive until our 60th Reunion.”

A nice note from Sherry Sidney: “I am checking my email and having a cocktail in Costa Rica. I visited Nicaragua for a week first. I even did the zip line and white water rafting. Jack would have loved this trip – especially cocktail hour. It’s always nice to hear from the VMI group. I am planning on coming to the reunion in

2015. Joe and Doris Moore visited me in Palm Springs, California, in February – they are coming, too. I hope Rosemary Coleman will be able to come. Keep me updated. I hope your family is doing well.”

Chuck Ritchey wrote: “The photograph of Gen. [Charles] Kilbourne ’894 and Ed Showalter in the 2014-Issue 2 VMI Alumni Review brought back many memories. As you know, as a child I grew up on post. Our quarters were not terribly far from those of Kilbourne. Despite his being a very highly decorated soldier, Kilbourne had a very soft spot in his heart for writing the most charming stories for children, which were published as books. As young children, my mother read the books to my two sisters and me. One that I remember was “Dick Duck and the Dangerous Dog.” When his granddaughter came to visit him, we played with her. Many years later, I was serving as officer of the day at Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington, D.C.. One day, passing through the wards, I suddenly heard my name being called. I stopped and peered into a room that I had just passed, and there he was, lying in bed as a patient. I stopped and visited with him for a while – what a pleasant time that was.”

I received a nice note from Frances Anne Thackston thanking me for her birthday card.

She has also received a valentine note from Ron Bryan. She said: “These remembrances mean so much to me. It tells me Carroll is remembered by his brother rats. He was a true citizen soldier and always gave VMI credit, as well as credit to his mother who sent him there. Carroll has been gone a year, but I miss him more each day. He was a wonderful son, husband, father and grandfather, as well as a respected leader.”

Frances Anne’s note lets me segue into this quarter’s sad news. Fielding Tyler reported on the memorial service for Carter Valentine. He wrote: “A very nice memorial service was conducted April 26, 2014, at Old Donation Episcopal Church for our brother rat, Carter Valentine.

Seven brother rats served as an honor guard – Fielding Tyler, Jimmy Parker, Tom Tait, Ronnie Bryan, Sam Segar, Bill Cridlin and Bob Bowden. I said a few words about Carter and VMI. Our sister rats were also in attendance, plus Sue Hill and Emily Filer.” Ron and Ann Albrecht attended the Saturday viewing, along with Bob and Gail Ragan and Barney Lawless.

Mitzi Belenky notified me of Mike’s death April 12. She said Mike had a peaceful passing.

Mike will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

I have also been notified of the death of BR Andrew Haraway. He died in January 2007 and is buried in Henrico County, Virginia. Bill Cridlin sent me a note saying, “‘Buzzy’ Haraway was my rat year roommate. He was from

57

CLASS NOTES Richmond, Virginia, and we had gone to high school together. He left VMI after our 3rd Class year and went to Duke University and then to Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia.”

Yours in the bonds, Read Hanmer

’56

Richard M. Smith

2181 Siouan Road Ebony, VA 23845 (H) 434/636-2552 birdhunterster@gmail.com

I will start this edition with a recap of my recent trip to Florida, in which I visited several of our BRs. I don’t know if any of you have had an opportunity to ride the Amtrak train to distant parts of the country, but I found it quite interesting. However, I wouldn’t recommend doing the same. I traveled from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Winter Haven, Florida, which took me 19 hours. The engineer blew the whistle almost constantly during the night for all the crossings, and the lady in front of me talked to her 3-year-old daughter who cried and screamed much of the time. I was pretty much beat when I met Scottie Boland at the station. After arriving at his home and having a good drink of Kynross scotch, which his daughter’s liquor company makes, I felt much better. His wife, Artis, made me feel right at home, and I enjoyed fresh fruit and vegetables for the next several days. They have a lovely home, which was one of the first built on Lake Ruby some 40 years ago. Their son, Mal, took his dad and me out fishing twice on his nice bass boat. We didn’t catch as many fish as we would have liked, but we didn’t get skunked, either. Their company provides the lights and aerial show for Bass Masters finale every year. We enjoyed the air show at MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa. The Thunderbolts performed, along with many vintage aircraft and sky divers. After a fantastic cookout with most of the family, I picked up a rental car and headed out for the east coast of Florida. I met Paul Gronross at a golf course near Fort Pierce that we had played a year ago and proceeded to shoot my lowest score in several years. The next day, I was back on my game in the 90s. We ate dinner at Pineapple Joe’s, where we ate last time I was there. If anyone is in the area, it is located on Old Route 1. We played another of Paul’s favorite courses the next day, and he got revenge on me.

I left the next morning to meet Spider and Ann Allison in Melbourne, Florida. I was pleasantly surprised to find Honey Rector there, whom they had talked into coming down from St. Augustine. We thoroughly enjoyed being with them overnight in their home in the mostly military retirement community. Spider struggles with

58

his loss of sight but is as sharp as ever. Ann is chairman of their local board of directors and stays on top of everything happening. We discussed the possibility of a class get-together in fall 2014, and I assured them I would look into the possibility. From there, Honey and I proceeded up Interstate 95 to turn in my rental car in St. Augustine. We enjoyed several days of golf in the area before she and her cousin had to vacate their rented unit and head back to Virginia. We picked up my car at the train station in Rocky Mount, Virginia, April 1, and I bid farewell to my late winter vacation.

I attended the Volunteer Leaders Conference at VMI April 4-5, along with about 40 others, including some chapter representatives. I feel the information received was most beneficial and will be of interest to you. I will pass this along to the class in a separate email.

I had the opportunity to attend the early showing of the film “Field of Lost Shoes” in Richmond, Virginia, at the Carpenter Theatre, along with about 1,400 others who were invited. It was a grand affair and should do a lot to promote the Institute. I got to talk with Don Heslep and John Roach.

I recently received a note from Alan “Tiger” Jackson, which I will quote. “I hereby relinquish my title as ‘Best Athlete ’56, Class Notes, VMI Alumni Review Issue 1,’ and nominate Brickner! Why, you might ask? In November 2013, I tore my supraspinatus tendon back country skiing, and March 3, 2014, I fractured my clavicle Nordic skiing. These problems, in addition to the normal cumulative toll of old age difficulties, render me unfit for the award – at least until the remote possibility of a future comeback. My knees feel like two bags of walnuts. I am advised not to run. However, March 15, 2014, I entered Bozeman’s 317 St. Paddy’s Day 10K. Right at the start, Molly, 81, passed me at a slow jog. My competiveness as a new octogenarian kicked in, and I found I could keep up with Molly with 10 paces walking and 10 shuffling. When we rounded the last turn, 50 yards from the finish, we sprinted and held hands across the finish line! My pace for 6.2 miles was 15.06 minutes per mile. There was only one other octogenarian, a lady, age 87, whose pace was 24.55 minutes per mile.

Our 60th Reunion Planning Committee is working on a similar event for our 60th. And so it goes!” He was never one for lack of good humor!

An article was published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch recently about the success of two developers, Dick Collier ’57 and Don Heslep. They invested in the first planned community in the Richmond area called “Bexley” in Chesterfield County and started building fine houses in 1968. People thought they

Class of 1956: Honey Rector and Dick Smith in Annapolis, Maryland, for lunch on Smith’s 80th birthday.

Class of 1956: Paul Gronroos and Dick Smith golfed in Florida March 21, 2014.

Class of 1956: On May 15, 2014, Dick Smith stood beside the tombstone of New Market Cadet Norborne Clark Lewis ’867 at Oakwood Cemetery in Lawrenceville, Virginia.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES as opposed to our beautiful lanai. In were crazy to invest so much in an early April, we enjoyed our trip to Lexarea outside the city. Now, there are more than 400 spectacular residences ington, Virginia, for the Class Agent in the development.

Conference and our stay with Dick and I sent email to the class regarding Sarah Collier and their three Boston the plans for a get-together this fall. terriers. Dawn had a Boston terrier as However, for those who don’t receive a pet growing up in Wisconsin, so she them, I will provide this information. was in “doggie heaven.”

I reserved 15 rooms at the Wingate We were disappointed that Lexington Inn in Lexington in the name of VMI had snow the Sunday before we arrived, Class of 1956 for Oct. 7-9, 2014. The and we missed the riot of color that usurate for queen rooms is $99 per night. ally comes in the spring. It had been a Reservations for dinner will be made rough winter in Virginia. after it is determined how many will Russ Davis, our class president, wrote Class of 1956: Bernie Bossard, left, with Andrew be attending. The number to call is in April encouraging us on our plans to Deal ’12, VMI Keydet Club development officer, during 540-464-8100, and Pam Myers is my move. Russ appreciated the work both Bossard’s visit to VMI in April 2014. contact.

Dawn and I have done for the class After receiving a birthday card from Bob to the Barks for all their health problems. Spider these past many years. Russ is most considerate.

Brickner with his usual wonderfully worded has reserved one of the suites at the Wingate for Since Bill Dean died in November 2012, comments, I called to thank him for his remem- our get-together in October, and they plan to take Adriana has relocated to Florida. Her new adbrance. He has moved from Chicago, Illinois, an extra day for Anne to drive up to Lexington. dress is: Mrs. William S. Dean Jr. 22310 Piazza to Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is living in one of the They planned to watch the New Market celebra- Doria Ln., No. 208, Estero, FL, 33928. condos he owns there. Some renovation is be- tion at VMI on the website.

Ken and Katie Dickinson drove from Merritt Jim Dillard called to say he was in Virginia Island, Florida, for lunch at Halifax Plantation, ing done on a number of the units. Much of his things are still packed away in boxes. He contin- and hoped to get together with some of the class- and we had a great visit. Dawn even made catues to be interested in what is happening in the mates in Richmond. He had recently talked with nip mice for their two cats, Bear and Puff. lives of his BRs. His support of VMI has always both Linda Brophy and Linda Jones in Florida.

Bob Fiske, in Ormond Beach, Florida, has been strong. Quite a few others from the class They are hopeful of getting up to Lexington in taken up pickle ball. He says it is the fastest and VMI staff were kind enough to remember October, as is he. growing sport in America. He ran into several I received a list of the former cadets who VMI alumni playing pickle ball at The Villages. me on my 80th birthday.

I joined many other alumni in honoring one of fought in the Battle of New Market from Class They have 138 courts there! the cadets who fought in the Battle of New Mar- Agent Jan Abernathy ’67. He worked on getting Frank and Ann Gilmore in Alexandria, Virket 150 years ago. After restoring some damage alumni to visit known burial sites in honor of the ginia, invited us to visit them again as we did to the tombstone, I placed a wreath and flags on 150th anniversary. After learning that two were in April 2013. Unfortunately, with our plans to the grave of Dr. Norborne Clark Lewis ’867 in in Brunswick County, North Carolina, I agreed move, we drove directly back to Florida. to help. I located the one buried in Oakwood the Lawrenceville Cemetery.

Joy, the widow of Jimmie Jean, has moved I talked with Spider Allison, who informed Cemetery, Dr. Norborne Clark Lewis ’867. The from Maryland to Wisconsin to live near her me Paul Bark’s wife, Betsy, was in the hospital other was buried in a family plot, which no one son. He writes that she appreciates the cards and recently with a heart attack but is at home re- was able to find. I had to cut limbs from the ce- notes, and Joy wants to stay in contact with VMI covering well. However, her daughter who was dar tree that had knocked the top off the tomb- and our class. Her new address is: Joy Jean, P.O. staying with her also suffered a heart attack and stone and cement it back together. I ordered a Box 299, Ellsworth, WI, 54011.

John and Loretta Kuchnia from Raleigh, had open heart surgery. We send our sympathy wreath in VMI colors and put it, along with U.S. and Virginia flags, on the plot. I hoped to attend North Carolina, sent two pictures of their adthe re-enactment at New Market. This concludes opted grandsons. Both of their daughters went my report for this quarter. to China, and each adopted a boy. Zackary is the Yours in the spirit, son of Amy and Andy Miskell in Raleigh. Liz Dick and Michael King live in Las Vegas, Nevada, with their son, Ian. John said, “Both these little guys are a real joy to be around.”

Clayton M. Thomas III Howard Lawrence sent several pictures of 903 Brookridge Lane the southwest Virginia luncheon in Roanoke Ormond Beach, FL 32174 (H) 386/437-4604 Jan. 20, 2014. There were 20 brother rats at the Shenandoah Club. “It was great fun!” he said.

Time passes quickly. I just received the 2014-IsJohn Poffenbarger sent a newspaper article sue 2 VMI Alumni Review, so it is time to write of his wife, Susan, being named 2014 Woman my notes due May 15. It is comforting to per- of Achievement for her ability in painting. She form routine tasks, since Dawn and I are in the became the first woman in West Virginia to reunsettling flux of moving into our new home ceive a federal commission for art. She has also Class of 1956: Scottie Boland and all that entails. won the coveted Governor’s Award four times. cooked on a grill in his backyard in It is unseasonably warm in Florida, which As I have stated several times, our sister rats are Florida March 20, 2014. chases me to our air conditioned kitchen nook something special.

’57

2014- Issue 3

59

CLASS NOTES Class of 1957: Southwest Virginia luncheon at the Shenandoah Club in Roanoke, Virginia, Jan. 20, 2014.

Clockwise, from top left: – From left, Harry Warner, Charlie Smith, Dick Collier, George Sydnor, John Whittle and Robert Bolling.

– From left, standing: Bill Colvin and Howard Lawrence. Seated: Don Jamison, Russ Davis, Kirk Hubbard and Phil Peters.

– From left, G.E. Murray, Jim Rust, Joe Davidson, Lynn Avis, Van Sessoms, Wade Douthat, Bob Newbill and Joe Spivey.

Class of 1957: John and Loretta Kuchina’s grandsons. Above: Zachary Miskell. Below: Ian King.

60

Ruth Smith in San Marcos, California, thanked Bob Fiske for sharing his copy of the 2014-Issue 1 Alumni Review. When she reads the class notes, she thinks of Ron Kaye and how much he enjoyed her reading them to him.

When Dawn and I arrived at VMI in April, we went first to Marshall Hall, where we donated 122 books of European and U.S. history. They were in boxes in the trunk. The trunk lid latch was broken and would not open. Dawn rigged a string through the backseat to the broken latch and tied it to the backseat, inside door handle.

It worked wonderfully, and we fixed the latch when we returned to Florida.

I am waiting to receive the latest figures from Annual Giving. We had 51 brother rats and nine widows make donations as of Dec. 31, 2013. I hope we will have again reached our goal of 100 donors by June.

With sadness, I report the passing of Brother Rat Edward B. Martin of Hillsborough, New Jersey, Sunday, April 13, 2014. Ed roomed with Jay Woodward and John Michelsen. His obituary will appear in the Taps section of this Alumni Review.

Also, I must announce that the service and burial of Maj. Gen. Robert E. Wagner took place in Arlington National Cemetery May 23, 2014. The services were rescheduled from Feb. 14 because of a terrific snowstorm.

In addition, we learned that Nancy Lincoln left Lexington, Virginia, to assist her ailing mother in Florida. When she returns, she will relocate

to Richmond, where she is buying a home to be near her family.

Just as I was finishing my notes, Martin Andersen phoned from Valrico, Florida, with happy news. Lynne and he have finished an addition to their home and have moved Kay Schwendinger, Charlie’s widow, into her new little house. Martin says Kay is quite happy and comfortable.

’58

Lee McCown

1421 Floyd Ave. Richmond, VA 23220-4663 804/354-9768 aleemccown@verizon.net

As I write this, I am just back from Africa and have jet lag and a cold, so these notes could be brief and bizarre. Take a look at your globe: Tanzania really is on the other side of the earth. The trip home was six hours from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s capital, to Dubai, then 13 hours to Dulles after a three-hour layover. Even though the Emirates airline provides excellent service, the trip can certainly get a person disoriented. I need to get over this before leaving with Laura to hook up with Jan Woodman and Stephanie Allman in Rome and on a Mediterranean cruise.

The African adventure was enjoyable and ranged from finding the animals on the Serengeti Plain (staying in a rather palatial “tent” at night, nothing resembling the spring hike accommodations) to kicking back at a sumptuous resort on Zanzibar – I had my own plunge pool at the villa

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES in case the large infinity pool wasn’t enough. I the No. 1 public university school of arts and de- Mustang Maj. Richard O. Culver Jr. Feb. 24, went over with my daughter, Sydney, and her sign in the country by U.S. News & World Report. 2014. We had not seen Dick for a while at retwo girls. There, we joined my son and Sydney’s At the halftime gathering, it was great fun unions, but he was an unforgettable individual. twin, Kevin; his wife, Dawn; and their three chil- reading out loud from the VMI versus Virginia We will miss him nonetheless. He was buried at dren for this extraordinary time together. Laura, Polytechnic Institute and State University foot- Arlington National Cemetery May 28. I heard not being a fan of hot weather, sat this one out ball program from Nov. 28, 1957, that my son, from several BRs who planned to attend.

From Dick’s obituary, I found to my amazewhile preparing for Rome and the cruise.

Derek ’89, found for me years ago. It said, “Dave Before I left for Tanzania, I heard from Dave Martin – Senior, 5 feet 10 inches, 170 pounds, ment that he was born at the infirmary on AlcaPitkethly that he and Mara were headed to civil engineer. One of the smallest guards any- traz Island, where his father was a guard with Tanzania in late May for some medical mission where. He’s got more form in playing football the federal prison system. What a start to a life work. Dave planned to teach and work with the than anybody. Aggressive and tricky, he’s given in arms. Dick’s fascinating website lives on at: neurosurgeons at the hospital in Dar es Salaam, many an opponent a rough go of it, lettering for http://www.bobrohrer.com/jouster_tales.html and Mara planned to do what dedicated nurses the past two seasons. A student body president While at VMI for the spring Class Agent do. Dave said they also planned to “reunite with in high school, he’s a B student here in his worst Conference, I went to the Hall of Valor in the old friends from our trip there two years ago and subjects.” Annie Mae chimed in to agree that Marshall Hall Center for Leadership and Ethespecially the four orphans we are educating.” he is, indeed, tricky. Dave still looks great! He ics and checked out the display of valor and The plan was for Dave achievement medals presented and Mara to meet up with to members of ’58. In addition my son and his family in to Dick Culver’s Silver Star Dar es Salaam, where they and Purple Heart, displays of have been posted with the awards from Bob Duker, Gene U.S. Agency for InternaGrayson, Duke Johnson, Gene Martin, Moon Menefee, Roy tional Development for Palmer, Jerry Paull, Arnie several years. However, Sclossberg, Tom Smyth, Bob Kevin passed the Foreign Spurrier, Roland Tharp and Service Exam and was Bill Thomas were on the wall coming back to the states and most impressive. Participafor training almost immediately, so he wasn’t there tion is voluntary, and there are for the meeting. We are surely more of our BRs who putting Dave and Mara in have received these honors. The touch with Kevin’s next Institute does not require you door neighbor, a long-time to surrender your medals; they USAID man.

Class of 1958: The McCown clan in Tanzania with five out of the 10 purchase duplicates for display.

Sandy Yon reports that grandchildren.

Look for this exhibit the next she has been to Kenya sevtime you are at VMI. At the annual event at the Library of Virginia eral times, and he said he also visited Tanzania recently retired after a 32-year career in investin 1989 and 2013. “I have done seven safari trips ments, finishing with Ameriprise after 17 years. in Richmond honoring the General Assembly, I in Africa: Botswana, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, He says he and Annie Mae have no extravagant saw Joe Gray and Frank Norvell and met the new athletic director, Dave Diles. VMI presents Zimbabwe and Namibia, and I found Tanzania retirement plans. had the best game yet. I spent four weeks in FebI ran into Harry Shepherd, Lou Farmer itself well at this event, bringing some adminisruary and March in Bali and Vietnam. I will be and Sam Witt at the parade before the Hall of tration folks and faculty to mix with the alumni returning to Bali, as well as Java and the Ko- Fame football game. Ron Swirk had been there and General Assembly members present. Col. modo Islands in August. I want to visit Komodo for some of the festivities but decided to head John Brodie (Hon) had a combo playing, and Island to see the ‘giant lizards,’ because we have home in the daylight for the long drive back to the food was terrific, so what’s not to like?

Laura and I had a great basketball weekend three at the Virginia Aquarium. I will be doing a Georgia. Ron lives in Jasper, Georgia, near his Greek Island cruise in November. Today, I was two sons. He also has a daughter in Florida. I with Susie and John Peters in Myrtle Beach, awarded a beautiful plaque at a volunteer lun- talked with him later by phone, and he remem- South Carolina, at the Big South Basketball cheon for 20,000 hours volunteering at Sentara bered good times visiting VMI and staying at the Tournament, alas without the final victory for Virginia Beach General Hospital.” It sounds like Alumni House – once with Harry Shepherd and which we were all hoping. However, we did get Sandy knows how to live a fulfilling life after Paul Johnson when many of us met at the “I” to picked for the CollegeInsider.com Tournament retirement. Watch out for those dragon lizards, scatter Benny Day’s ashes (some on the football and went on to win three games – Canisius ColSandy. I hear they are pretty swift, and they are field, some in Memorial Garden and some on the lege, Indiana University-Perdue University at not confined.

Parade Ground) followed by lunch in the Sub Fort Wayne and Ohio University – before losLaura and I had the pleasure of spending the Mess with some great stories about Benny. ing to Yale University at Cameron Hall. Yale’s Super Bowl halftime with Annie Mae and Dave Ron also recalled going by Dick Culver’s tall guards managed to disrupt our three-point Martin at the home of their daughter, Julia Carr, room as a cadet to discuss a handgun purchase shooters and get us out of our rhythm. We had an who lives around the corner from us in Rich- he was contemplating. Dick proceeded to pull excellent season, and our seniors went out with a mond’s Fan District. We see Julia frequently at a large box of weapons out from under his hay lot to be proud of.

I saw the two games played at Cameron Hall Virginia Commonwealth University, where she and described each of them in detail to Ron. As is a fundraiser for the School of the Arts, ranked most of you know, we lost U.S. Marine Corps and ran into Lou Farmer and his grandson, Jack,

2014- Issue 3

61

CLASS NOTES at the IPFW game. Jack looks like a good candidate for the “I” – maybe he will be a BR of my grandson, Jack. We can all hope. They will probably end up as fraternity brothers at the University of Virginia!

In April, Karen and Jerry Paull attended the second Old Corps Luncheon at the Center for Leadership and Ethics. Approximately 75 to 100 attended, including Irene and Bill Rousos and Flip Miller.

Jerry says it was a very nice luncheon and recommends it in the future. A 4th Class jazz ensemble Class of 1958: Tony Lash and provided entertainment, and Col. Keith Gibson ’77 friends making good use of reunion gave an excellent talk about what happened to the head gear from some time ago.

New Market cadets after graduation.

In April, BRs Bill Harshaw, John Peters and Sam Witt attended the premiere of the movie “Field of Lost Shoes” in Richmond. Bill said, “Absolutely stunning, and I might add emotional – really emotional – watching ‘The Charge’ and seeing Moses Ezekiel ’866 bedside at his roommate’s death.” As all of you know, Bill is working tirelessly to fund the renovation of many Ezekiel sculptures at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.

John said, “I found the movie to be quite good.

There is a particularly balanced treatment of the isClass of 1958: Lee McCown, left, sue of slavery. The insights into what makes people and Dave Martin during a Super fight is important to the story. One of the New MarBowl XLVIII halftime party. ket cadets, the son of Governor John Wise, held very enlightened views on slavery. All in all, the film projects a very positive image of the Institute, particularly the heroic [cadets] who marched to New Market. I believe that the scenes showing the interaction among them were among the most accurate and appealing aspects of the movie.

“About 250-300 [VMI cadets] were at the premiere – about two companies and a segment of the band. They marched from the CenterStage Carpenter Theatre to the Capitol, where they heard remarks by Governor McAuliffe, and then back to the theater. There was a full house.

While there was an excellent VMI alumni conClass of 1958: Ewing Best, right, tingent, the crowd was not predominantly VMI with a friend at an Eagles concert oriented. Many of those present were friends of in Los Angeles.

Tom Farrell, the writer and producer [as well as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion] and the other investors, as well as state officials and others connected with the production of the movie. It was a good night for VMI. While it is no ‘Mardi Gras’ – tsk, tsk – the night and the film should make everyone proud.”

I received a nice note from Ewing Best who had been to Los Angeles for a getaway with a friend. She reported the birth Class of 1958: Charlie and Ewing Best’s grandof granddaughter Lucy Carchildren, Lucy, left, and Charles, who bears a reroll Best, who joins a brother, semblance to his grandfather.

Charles Spencer Best. All agree

62

young Charles bears a resemblance to his grandpa, Charlie Best. Charlie would be proud to bounce either of these children on his knee. Message to Ewing: Don’t forget to get provisional appointments soon! For Lucy, I think that would be the Class of 2035.

Frank Boeggeman reports that his granddaughter has been accepted at VMI for the Class of 2018 and is giving it serious thought. “We were down there on the weekend of March 21 and 22 for the open house for the parents and prospective cadets. The Institute looked fabulous, and the cadets looked terrific. My granddaughter was quite impressed with the Corps and faculty. Her decision to attend is pending and will have to be finalized in the next few weeks.

Will keep you posted. Difficult to remember we were going through this same ‘exercise’ 60 years ago in 1954! Hunter Clarke was there also with his son and grandson. He looked terrific. I told him I was jealous because he looks 10-15 years younger than the rest of us ‘old geezers.’”

Gene Grayson says he has had a recent long talk with “roomie” Dave Pitkethly and hopes to make the long trip to Seattle, Washington, to see Dave and Mara soon. “Radford High School is holding its 60th reunion in June. Bob Jordan, Bob Buckland and yours truly will be there.

Hoping Walter Leach (we still call him Mickey) can come. Mickey’s wife, Elizabeth, and I went from kindergarten through high school together along with Howard Dean. Still get to Virginia Tech whenever ‘Bud’ Robertson [James I. Robertson Jr., the Civil War scholar] gives a lecture.

Had a good conversation with him about Jackson versus Longstreet. I am a Longstreet guy, and Dr. Robertson is solidly in Jackson’s corner.

“Since Betty’s back surgery, I have become chief cook. Not certain I am on the level with Julia Child but hanging in there.” Thanks for the update, Gene. I consider cooking to be at the level of nuclear science.

In closing, I will report for Duke Bishop on the success of his son, George W. Bishop IV. Young George has recently become the director of Virginia’s Executive Mansion, the oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the U.S., home to Virginia’s governors and their families since 1813.

Maisha marefu, BRs. That’s Swahili for “long life.”

Lee

’59

Shep Shepard

1270 Palm Garden Place Melbourne, FL 32940 321/259-7791 shepvmi59@cfl.rr.com

I’m sad to say that Ed Talley’s lovely wife, Caroline, passed away. Rusty sent flowers from the class, and Ed thanked everyone for the lovely

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Class of 1959: Row 1: Edward R. Barnes, Robert P. Sellers, Percy C. Nowlin, C. Russell Orrison, James E. Edmunds and Billy H. Kornegay.

Row 2: Robert L. Hobson, J. Morton Eggleston, Harry G. MacGregor, Edward L. Fall, George J O’Neill, L. Noland Pipes and John A. Van Kesteren.

Row 3: F. Rusty Loth, Asa O. Bishop, John C. Reed, Richard E. Phillippi, Joseph W. R. Lawson, Leo A. Kramer and Ralph P. Lawson.

Row 4: C. Harlee Pate, Robert H. Baillio, John T. Trout, John W. Patane, John L. Martin, Frank H. White and James C. Wood.

Row 5: James C. McFalls, Melvin W. Anderson, William T. Nebraska, J. Carl Kasko, Nowell E. Loop, Robert G. Haines and Ernest L. Martin.

Row 6: Houston H. Carr, William G. Lee, J. David Goode, Jim Sam Gillespie, Robert J. Ross and Art V. Brandriff.

Row 7: Phillip G. Shepard, Mark A. H. Smith, Dean J. Helfer, Pearson D. McWane, Royall W. Geis, Richard S. Trandel and Robert J. Martin.

Row 8: G. Lee Southard, John B. Mackenzie, Donald O. Messner, Russell C. Chew, Eugene S. King and Michael A. Vargosko.

55th Reunion – March 24-25, 2014

Class of 1959

2014- Issue 3

63

CLASS NOTES red, white and yellow arrangement and all the expressions of sympathy and kindness. These were truly acknowledged with gratitude and appreciation. Ed and Caroline had 55 great years together, and it all began at VMI. Each reunion was always an anniversary for them.

Jim McFalls enjoyed the reunion – perhaps a little too much. Soon after returning home, Jim found himself in the hospital with aneurysms on the aorta. Jim said he had problems swallowing, went to the doctor, they found a bulge and the rest is history. The worst part was that because he had broken his nose so many times, they had to force the breathing tube down his throat through his nose. Jim is fine and thanks everyone for their support. Jimmy Johnson recalled that, as 4th Class cadets, we played football against the varsity team. He can still picture Jim McFalls chasing him around the field like an 18-wheeler after a Volkswagen.

Three weeks following the reunion, Mike Vargosko discovered that he does, in fact, have

from White Stone, Virginia, but the weather was just too dangerous to proceed. We missed you, but we do appreciate your effort.

Others wanted to be at the reunion, but for one reason or another, they were unable to attend. Jack and Joy Angolia sent their regards, but they had been on a roller coaster in the Midwest where weather was concerned. It snows about every four days, then unseasonably warm weather that follows. Jack and Joy Class of 1959: Bob Haines and Monique Harnetty would have had to drive with Bob’s granddaughter, Tiffany Haines, a 2nd from the Kansas City area Class cadet and the first female to be accepted to and, rightfully, felt it was too the flying program at VMI. dangerous in this unpredictable weather. Jack can’t remember how many reunions sent a full-sized photo replica of themselves to he has attended, but since he retired from the U.S. make sure everyone would know how much they wanted to be there. Many photos were taken of Army, this was the first he missed.

Ron and Mary Alice Marley truly the cardboard Cottons and their friends. This wanted to be there, but several months was the first reunion Chuck and Margo have ago Ron was diagnosed with melano- missed since 1979, when we celebrated our 25th ma. He had 14 lymph nodes removed Reunion.

Hal and Barbara Dayhuff missed the reunion from under his arm and has been suffering through chemotherapy treat- and are as sad as they can be about it. Hal has ments three times a week. He’ll get a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and it is little energy, but it doesn’t seem to so serious that he cannot be far from hospitals last more than five minutes. Side and doctors who are aware of his condition. This effects cause him weakness and se- was the first reunion Hal has missed with the exvere headaches. It wasn’t the same ception of 1964, when he was in Vietnam, and without Ron and Mary Alice, but 1969, when he was in Panama. He and Barbara Class of 1959: Class Agent Shep Shepard our first and only concern is that were there in spirit. said, “Talk about a thorn between two roses! Ron gets better and is cancer free Max and Lee Ann Blanchard felt that time What about Jim Sam between Cadets Sarah for life. We also wish the same for and distance prevented them from attending Hoover and Maggie Straub?”

Mary Alice, who has not fully re- the reunion. Max has a motorized cart that must a brain. Along with three friends, Mike was rear covered from her latest bout with cancer. Ann be transported in a special van. Max is unable ended and totaled his car. Julie took them to the and I stopped and had lunch with Ron and Mary to drive, which would have left the burden of local emergency room, where the two friends Alice on our way back from the were released, and Mike was air-evacuated to reunion. Ron was well enough the Fairfax hospital. The dangerous part of get- to go out for lunch but got a ting knocked around like Mike is internal bleed- little tired as the lunch went on. ing of the brain. The neurosurgeon released him Mary Alice looks great, and the next afternoon with a follow-up scheduled her only complaint was that I and doctor’s orders to not even swing a golf club stayed too long. She is such a before he gave him the word. His live-in nurse, nice lady.

Chuck and Margo Cotton Julie, has kept Mike straight. He is able to drive just couldn’t make it this year. and is recovering.

By all accounts, the 55th Stonewall Class Chuck has been suffering with Reunion was a great success. Despite a little Parkinson’s disease for the snow and a few cancelations, everything went past decade, and his current off without a hitch. Billy Kornegay and his condition makes it difficult for committee are to be congratulated for putting him to get around. Ann and I together such a wonderful celebration. We had stopped by to visit with Chuck Class of 1959: Visiting the weapons display in a great turnout with 59 brother rats, 52 spouses and Margo on our way to the rethe VMI Museum were, from left, John Van Kesor significant others, and one widow, Peggy union. Both are in good spirits teren, Lee Southard, Mike Vargosko and Shep Smith Colville, and her new husband, Al. Ag- and send their love and God’s Shepard. nes and Charlie Inge Carter were on their way blessing to everyone. They also

64

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Nebraska, Carl Kasko and Mike Vargosko. I looked for Col. Morgan ’45, but unfortunately, he wasn’t there. This was especially memorable for Bill and Connie, because this was the church in which they were married 55 years ago. The majority of people arrived Sunday afternoon, and the hospitality room was a mad house of activity and tall tales. I had put together a chart with pictures of all our departed BRs, 69 in all, and it drew quite a crowd. It was sobering to look at those young faces, to think of them as they were 59 years ago and how they were taken from us much too early. May they all rest peacefully in the hands of their god.

Monday morning, we woke up to way below freezing weather and the decision was made to cancel the golf game. The only two willing to try to get in a round were Eddie Barnes and me, but as always, things turned out for the best. Eddie

I did not think much of the idea. I suppose my attitude came from my U.S. Army experience running “know distance” and other types of ranges.

How wrong can a guy be? It was a tremendous success, and those of us who napped wished we had signed up for the range. Everyone who participated raved about how much fun they had – most of the kudos coming from the women.

Dick, a job well done, and I admit how wrong I was. As I’ve told my children and grandchildren throughout their lives, “I was wrong only Class of 1959: Lee Southard with one other time in my life, and that was when I a 24-inch spotted sea trout, which thought I was wrong but was right.” he caught just after returning home That evening, we were invited to a dinner hostfrom the reunion. The fish was reed by the Alumni Association in Marshall Hall, leased safely. where we received an Institute update briefing from Gen. Peay ’62 and were entertained by a four-day trip from New Mexico to Lee Ann. the VMI Glee Club. The food was great and the Max did not want to put Lee Ann through the company exceptional, which made for an excittrauma. The logistics of flying to Virginia were also too much with arranging for a ing evening. special van, etc. This is also one of the The following morning, we were first reunions Max and Lee Ann have greeted by an overnight snowfall. missed since our 25th Reunion.

Despite the weather, we made our John and Vel Engels are enjoying life way to the hill for a virtual tour in Aspen, Colorado, but unfortunately, of the Institute, followed by lunch a few months ago John took a tumble with the troops in Crozet Hall. It on the slopes and broke his leg in two was a great environment to conjure places. A previous titanium knee reup memories of chair races, strainplacement resulted in use of a plate to ing, peanut butter, fresh bread right repair the damage. John is on the mend out of the oven and flying glasses. but was not well enough to make the Some of the memories were way trip east to attend the reunion. Both too vivid. After lunch, we made John and Vel sent their regards to all our way to Jackson Memorial Hall BRs. where our stalwart ministers, the Class of 1959: Class Agent Shep Shepard said about Bill and Mary Kessler regret that Revs Noland Pipes and Robert this photo, “Roommates will always find a way to reunite they were unable to attend. They had for a reunion.” From left: Bob Hobson, Chuck and Margo Martin, conducted a memorial serplanned to attend, but their higher pri- Cotton (cardboard cutout), Gay and Gene King, and Lee vice for those who have fallen. All 69 brother rats who are gone were ority mission required their presence Southard. recognized and remembered. at home to oversee the medical care of The traditional parade was canceled due to the Mary’s brother. They had hoped that his health and I were able to attend Russ and Karen Orriwould stabilize so that they could attend, but son’s luncheon at their beautiful home overlook- weather – much to the dismay of the cadets. The his cancer took a turn for the worse, and sorry ing 230 acres of mountainous beauty. Russ and Corps must be getting soft, because as I recall to say, his condition became terminal. Bill and Karen outdid themselves. We loaded busses at the Mary were in Lexington in spirit. hotel and made our way south on Interstate 81 to Sonny and Nancy Eskridge have been suf- Natural Bridge Station, where we were greeted fering with ill health for several years now, and by Russ and Karen, given a quick tour of their they were unable to attend. Sonny has been hav- home and proceeded to be introduced to a bufing serious heart problems, and Nancy is in the fet line filled with delicious food. Close by was early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. We missed a table filled with desserts – cakes, pies and struall who could not attend and look forward to the dels – waiting to be devoured and all handmade 60th, when we hope many of them will have im- by the Paula Dean of Rockbridge County, Karen.

It took a lot of coaching, but we were finally able proved health and will be able to attend.

As I said earlier, the weather was a factor but to get everyone back on the busses and returned did not dampen the spirits of those who attended. to the hotel. Many of us took a quick nap, but the Several arrived early the night of March 22 and more adventurous headed back to the Institute to pitched in to get the hospitality room squared check out the recently constructed rifle ranges. away for the influx. It was nice to see so many Dick Trandel was responsible for making this Class of 1959: Eddie Barnes and BRs and their wives attending Sunday morning happen. I recall the first committee meeting we Shep Shepard were the only two who services at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church March had at the Saude Creek Vineyard in Lenexa, Virbraved the weather during the re23. As I looked around, it could have been a ginia, a few years ago when Dick suggested we union to swing a golf club. typical Sunday morning in 1958. There was Bill have an afternoon at the range. I must admit that

2014- Issue 3

65

CLASS NOTES back in the “Old Corps,” we would have been on book; and Mark Smith, the master of ceremoparade no matter what the weather. Rather than nies at our reception and dinner. They all did wait for the Corps to get out of classes and ring yeoman’s service. We also need to recognize the main courtyard for our traditional Old Yell, Carole Green from the Alumni Association, who we elected to give the old yell in J.M. Hall and works tirelessly to make these reunions haphead back to the hospitality room to enjoy the pen. But most of all, we need to thank all of you company of our BRs. That evening, we board- who came and participated in the festivities. It ed the busses again and made our way back to would not have happened without your support.

Moody Hall for our class dinner. The evening Thanks!

Billy and Sue Kornegay echoed my experiwas hosted by Mark Smith, and we were entertained once again by the VMI Glee Club. A great ence. They received calls, cards and letters from meal and wonderful company made a delight- many who attended, and all said they loved it. ful evening. We were bussed back to the hotel, Billy wants everyone to know that he appreciwhere we spent the remainder of the evening ates the accolades, but the reunion was a team Class of 1959: Ed Sitch exploring pouring over old VMI Bombs and photo albums, effort, and he had a great team. Billy said all he caves in the Yucatan jungles, searchrelating stories that never seem to get old but do did was arrange for the hotel, the bus transporing for Mayan ruins and lost caves. seem to get better as the years go by. Our feats tation and a few meals. We all know that Billy were more dramatic, we were much more dar- did far more than that. Billy wrote that a year sends his thanks for that sage advice. They are ing, the women were more beautiful, the men ago the Powhatan, Virginia, Board of Supervi- obviously very proud of their grandson, Alex.

Bob Haines is another proud grandparent. more handsome and children always behaved sors started discussing the fate of the Powhatan themselves. We ended the 55th Stonewall Class War Memorial Building that honored the veter- His granddaughter, Tiffany Haine ’15, is a 2nd Reunion with breakfast in the hotel restaurant, ans from World War II. The cost effective option Class cadet majoring in international studies, is a member of Band Company and a where we made promises that we would U.S. Air Force ROTC member who stay in touch, come visit and give a call plans on making the Air Force a career. soon. I hope we do. That’s what makes Most noteworthy is the fact that she is this class so special and unique; we do the first female at VMI to qualify for the stay in touch, visit and call often. ConVMI flight program. Congrats, Tiffany! gratulations once again to Billy Kornegay Speaking of flying, Bob just purchased and his team: Rusty Loth, who took care a monstrous computer-based simulator of all our financial needs; Eddie Barnes, with a 2-foot by 3-foot computer box who made all the golf arrangements; Jim that has power, memory and gigabytes to Vermillion and Harlee Pate, who selectspare. He’s really into flight simulators ed, purchased and transported the class but thinks this time he may be over his favors; Art Brandriff, who was prepared head. It should be fun when he gets it set to take the widows under his wing; Buzz Class of 1959: Eddie and Carolyn Barnes and and Virginia Nowlin, who planned and Marvin and Patty Myers enjoying an afternoon at up correctly, but it will keep Bob busy for weeks to come. Good luck! operated the hospitality room; Dick Tran- the Primland Golf Resort in southwest Virginia.

Bill Kessler contacted his roommates del, who made the arrangements for our unique shooting event; Russ and Karen Orri- was to demolish it and save about $22,000 per Bill Fravel and Dick Tuck. Neither could atson, who were gracious enough to host a terrific year. A group of concerned citizens established tend the 55th, but they report that they and their lunch at their beautiful home; Noland Pipes and a corporation to buy the building and make it families are in good health. Bill Fravel is a reRobert Martin, who took care of the memorial a memorial building to all veterans and active tired medical doctor specializing in ear, nose and program; Tex Carr, who produced the reunion duty service members. It would also serve as a throat, who lives with his wife, Sally, in a lakecultural arts and community center. After more front home in Chapin, South Carolina. His famthan a year of work, the Powhatan board of su- ily lives close by. His son, Bill, has taken over pervisors agreed to sell the building for $10.00. the family practice in Columbia.

That was the good news. The bad news was Dick Tuck had a family conflict that prevented that they also have more than $250,000 worth his attending the 55th but made Bill a promise to of financial obligations to improve the build- join him at our 60th. Dick retired from the U.S. ing. This was not what Billy had in mind at this Navy as a civilian oceanographer several years stage in his life, but he could not allow a war ago. He and wife Vie live on a lakefront home in memorial to be destroyed – especially one that Carriere, Mississippi. has so many fond memories. Billy knows what Ed Sitch and his son, Thomas, went on a he will be doing between now and our 60th Re- camping expedition through the California Gold union. If you drop by Powhatan, give him a call, Country to visit his family’s gold claim along the and he will lend you a paintbrush. Billy and Sue Yuba River. Along the way, they visited the town recently attended the medical school graduation of Downieville and went up to the Mount Shasta Class of 1959: Bill Kornegay, masof their grandson, Alex Houser ’10. Many BRs Wilderness area to explore caves and lava fields. ter of the Stonewall Class Reunion, may have met Alex at our 50th Reunion, where They camped in the High Sierras, finally makprepared to serve up some Brother you provided him advice as to how to get in and ing it to Seattle, Washington, before returning Rat Red. subsequently get through medical school. Billy to Texas via Los Angeles. He sent me a picture

66

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES from a caving expedition in the Yucatan jungles. He and his son joined a group of 50 cavers who were searching out Mayan ruins and lost caves.

Tenting at a jungle outpost was interesting, and machete hacking their way through the neigh impassable wet, hot and muddy jungle was quite an adventure. It was all worthwhile when they discovered several unknown, large and beautiful caves. None had previously been discovered, so they were able to name and survey the caves themselves. Their exploration team discovered the big one, naming Class of 1959: From left, Nowell Loop, Bobby it “Lord of the Rings Cave.” Ed and Mort Eggleston and Skip White. his son discovered the underground lake, naming it “Gollum’s Lake.” They were the word. He wrote that we all owe a special debt of first humans to enter the cave in 500-600 years. gratitude to Billy for astute negotiations with our There were ceramic offering dishes inside the motel in gaining the use of our hospitality room. entrances to most caves left there by the Mayans Under any circumstances, but especially given at least half a millennium ago, but they left them the weather, it was a huge contributor to fellowuntouched for archeologists from the University ship and convenience. Upon returning home, of Mexico to study. They both hope to be a part Noland called Max and Lee Ann Blanchard to of next year’s working expedition into that area. tell them how much we missed them and hoped Dom Underwood was sorry he missed the re- there could be some solution found to his travel union, but with this being an election year and difficulty. Max said that, sadly, he had little hope his close association with the Alachua County for that in the future given the distance and his Supervisor of Elections, he was up to his ears wheelchair. The driving burden alone was more in work. He does look forward to our 60th Re- than he wanted to place on Lee Ann. He told Nounion, which he hopes to attend. land that their next reunion would hopefully be John and Pat Van Kesteren are enjoying their beyond the pearly gates. new home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Bruce and Norma Mackenzie also thought the invite all BRs who are passing through to give reunion was terrific. When they returned home them a call. Their property is located on a 4-acre to Charlotte, North Carolina, they immediately lot with a creek on two sides and woods on the repacked their bags and headed for Charleston, third. There is never an end to chores, and John South Carolina, where they boarded an Ameriis way behind due to all the snow, rain and cold can Cruise Lines ocean liner to embark upon a temperatures since they arrived in mid-January. cruise.

John spends a lot of time spreading gravel and Ken and Beth Bradford were disappointed playing with his tractor. that they could not make it to the reunion. Beth Eve Trumpore thought about all of Pete’s BRs is seriously ill, and Ken is her caregiver. There the week of the reunion. She wanted to attend were other reasons involving the current adminto enjoy the festivities, but she just moved into istration that best be addressed at a later date. a new home and does not know which end is This year was Ken’s 50th year as a teacher, from up. Her house sold in record time for the asking grade six to grad school, and he has finally reprice, but that created a mess trying to find where tired completely. Ken thought it was not so bad to put things in her new home. Eve did yeoman’s when he couldn’t recall what grade he gave a service helping us prepare for the reunion, as she student, but when he couldn’t recall the student, contacted the widows and encouraged each to at- it was time to hang up the book strap. Ken said tend. Unfortunately, the weather played a role, he didn’t make much money, but he enjoyed goand only Peggy Smith Colville made it. ing to work every day, which “ain’t all that bad.”

Mary Pipes gave her perspective of the reunion I expect our BRs who, like me, made a career from a wife’s point of view. She said it was the of the military would say the same. Ken says that best she has attended. Perhaps it was because he still misses our BR Cecil Young. He was the she knew more people, but she never before felt one person who Ken could call when he got all as comfortable. Everyone was loving and fun, steamed up and hear that voice say, “Aw, Kenand it was a very happy time. She commended ny.” Rest in peace, Cecil.

Billy for doing such a magnificent job and felt Ron and Mary Alice Marley ventured out of the the highlight was the Orrison’s most generous wilds of Orange Park, Florida, to visit Tex Carr luncheon. Noland could not give Mary the last in Fernandina Beach, Florida, on Amelia Island.

2014- Issue 3

Since Tex doesn’t have a townhouse number displayed, Ron came up with a plan to knock on each of the 30 units. That is until “Eagle Eye” Mary Alice saw the ’59 flag flying from Tex’s second story deck. They enjoyed lunch with beverages on the deck. Ron was quick to notice that most of Tex’s furniture was older than they were. Tex recently took up fishing and quickly understood why it is not called “catching fish.” His take was four too-small whitings and a spoon-head shark.

Bud and Denyse Kramer visRoss, ited Bud’s brother, Harry, in Bel Air, Maryland, immediately following the reunion, followed by a stop in Clarksville, Virginia, to visit Bud’s sister, Clara. Bud had not seen either of them in four years, so it was nice to rekindle the fire. Many of you might have read about the recent bear attack in Florida. The woman attacked was one of Bud and Denyse’s good friends from Bible study. As the bear was dragging her to the woods, she asked God to spare her because she had three children to care for. At that exact moment, the bear released his hold on her head and ran into the woods. Who says that God does not answer prayers? This incident happened only 5 miles from their condo.

Bud and Denyse’s next trip will be a week at Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, where they will be relaxing on the beach, soaking in the rays and thinking of all the poor souls up North.

Bob and Lois Hobson loved the reunion. They enjoyed seeing everyone again and thought Billy and his crew did a great job. The outing at the Orrison’s was great. Interestingly, the caterer for the luncheon was a friend of Lois’, and many in the crew were members of their church. They were also impressed to see that the waiters and waitresses for the dinner in Moody Hall were students from Southern Virginia University and also members of their church. Bob said, “Look out; the next reunion he may have to preach!”

Bob and Lois were so happy to see Jim and Mary Lou Edmunds there. They were with Lois and Bob at the Ice Capades the night Lois and Bob got married. Mary Lou swore she knew there was something different. Good memories, good friends, great classmates.

Bobby and Alice Ross have settled down after 50 years of moving, and it’s where they started out – Richmond, Virginia. Now they are near family and old friends and are enjoying their retirement. They spend lots of time visiting family and enjoy their many grandchildren, as they grow up way too fast. Three grandchildren have graduated from college, putting Bobby and Alice in that distinguished group of being “old guys.”

Retirement has made it possible to have the

67

CLASS NOTES time to do fun things like attending VMI class reunions. It was special to see everyone at the reunion, and Bobby and Alice will always cherish the old memories of VMI days and have fun making the new ones when we get together.

Mark and June Smith found the reunion to be so stressful that they had to take a week off and retire to the Caribbean and the beautiful island of Aruba for some sun and relaxation. They returned rested, bright eyed and bushy tailed – ready for another reunion.

Lee and Nancy Southard made it home in time for Lee to finish his radiation treatments. It will take about six weeks to fully recover from the radiation, and in six months he will know if all of the prostate cancer is gone. Lee planned to have all his stamina back for the Stonewall Class Normandy trip in June. Our prayers are with you, Lee. Lee met with Nat Pendleton ’57 in the radiation clinic, and they enjoyed daily discussions about VMI and the Old Corps. Lee and Nancy will be in Austin this summer for their granddaughter’s graduation from high school.

Future plans include a trip to Alaska in August, the Outer Banks, North Carolina, in late September and trying to figure out how to use two deposited time shares.

John and Teddi Martin just returned from Wheeling, West Virginia, where they celebrated the 200th anniversary of the founding of John’s college prep school, The Linsly School. It is the oldest prep school west of the Allegheny Mountains. When John attended, it was an all-boys and all-military school, better known as Linsly Military Institute at that time. In 1979, the military was dropped, and in 1983 the school became known as The Linsly School. It returned to a co-educational institution in 1988. A bit of historical trivia: In 1863, the new state of West Virginia formed in Wheeling, and Linsly’s board of trustees leased the school building to the newlyformed government to be used as its first capital.

During John’s visit, he ran into Donald Miller, a brother rat who left VMI after his 3rd Class year to return to his home to help run his family’s business. John reports that he is in good health and was apologetic about not attending any reunions.

Carl and Phyllis Kasko are preparing for their first riverboat cruise, the Blue Danube. Bill Nebraska, Nick Kallelis ’57 and Carl made their traditional annual spring baseball trip to Bradenton, Florida, to check out the Pirates. They attended a few games and managed to get in a few rounds of golf. As is their tradition, each brought something special: Bill brought cigars, Nick brought the scotch and Carl brought the appetite. The Nebraskas continue to lead a quiet life, but a few things did happen. As Carl Kasko says, they did their annual trip to watch the Pirates in spring training. During a chat with his friend, Marty, Carl admitted that he had dated

68

his cousin. Soon after the date, she went into the convent and became a nun. Nick and Bill were wondering how many other young ladies ended up in the same convent because of an evening with Carl? Bill will be going on two fishing extravaganzas this year; first, a week in Quebec, Canada, for salmon, and later, a trip to Ohio for steelheads. However, the big trip will be a cruise around Italy in late September.

Molly Mundy Pope wrote to say she loves reading the class notes and catching up on what everyone is doing. Her daughter, Taylor, has 18-monthold twins, and son Gardner has a son, Watson, almost 2. Gardner and his wife are expecting an addition soon. Molly is looking forward to the event and the fun that comes with it. Molly will attend her Hollins University 50th class reunion soon.

Molly’s husband, Bob, is no dummy and will not be attending the festivities. Molly misses Watson all the time. I can only say so do we.

Ann and I are doing great. My golf game is improving, and Ann had her pacemaker replaced without incident. We both anxiously awaited the Seine River cruise in June, where we planned to conduct a New Market ceremony for our fallen VMI alumni at Normandy cemetery. We are also looking forward to September, when we will have our Florida mini reunion in Fernandina Beach. It gives us another opportunity to get together with BRs and their wives and significant others. It’s still not too late to join us. In the meantime, keep those cards, letters and emails coming. Stay healthy!

Yours in the spirit, Shep

’60

L. Edward Tolley

49 12th Street Buchanan, VA 24066 (C) 540/537-4025 (F) 540/254-3271 edtolley60@verizon.net

Hear ye! Hear ye! G.G. Phillips and Henry Brown have volunteered to get the Class of ’60 55th Reunion together. The dates are April 20-21, 2015. Yep, those dates are Monday and Tuesday. Since reunions past the 50th are subdued relative to earlier ones and careers and children are less of a scheduling issue, attendance has generally been equal to or greater than the usual Thursday-Sunday weekends. For all you guys who have itched to get your fingers into the preparations, I’m sure both G.G. and Henry will be glad for your help.

I sadly report that we lost yet another brother rat, retired U.S. Army Col. Howard W. “Howie” Roth, March 19, 2014. (See the Taps section of this issue for his obituary.) Howie was a career Army officer of 24 years, infantry, parachutist, Vietnam veteran, received a Bronze Star and

held a master’s degree in economics from the University of Detroit. He worked for Lockheed Martin for nine years before retiring with his wife of 34 years, Nancy, to their boat moored in Vero Beach, Florida. They traveled from Key West to the Chesapeake Bay and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. Class Agent Phil Shepard ’59 shared with me a great story of his association with Howie while the two were in Vietnam.

(Editor’s Note: Portions of Shepard’s story appear in the After Taps section of this Review.)

Darryl Markland reported that he lost his dear wife of 51 years, Jean. Jean suffered for an extended period of years. Unfortunately, on my last visit to Darryl’s home a couple of years ago, Jean was bedridden and could not accept visitors. My prayers will include you and your family, Mark.

Each of you remember the exhilaration you experienced the moment you knew for a fact that you’d be graduating from the Institute, right?

My grandson, Tyler Tolley ’14, called last week to say that he had finished his last exam, confident he had easily passed it and was free for the next several days! Excited? Was he ever! His comments were the same as ours. Nothing has changed in that regard! During the last couple of days, he had job interviews in Texas with engineering firms that sound very promising. He accepted one and planned to start June 15. Andy, his dad, is as excited as Tyler.

Thanks to Alex and Barb Dunlap, I became aware of Jerry Brittingham’s recent hospitalization for a serious staph infection of his left foot.

There was also an infected heart valve that increased the seriousness. Intravenous antibiotics pretty much cleared up the problem to the point that after four or more weeks, Jerry returned home where Judy is in charge. Joe Morabit and Alex visited Jerry in Golden Living Center, Atlanta, and were very welcomed guests. Several years back, Jerry lost his big toe to infection, which has put a hitch in his walk. I spoke with Jerry soon after I received the email, and we both went on for over an hour. He related several stories of what he had done in his career. One very interesting story was about his work in redesigning the pacemaker to make the batteries last longer and reduce the severity of replacing one.

I had a great conversation with Phil Spivey, who called to give me a new address and phone number (call if you’d like it). Phil says that he is down-shifting and enjoying his extra time. His new domicile is Hoschton, Georgia (never been there). Phil flew for Delta for many years. You may remember the story I related several years ago from Phil. He was flying C130s out of Vietnam, and on one particular flight back to Travis, he happened to note that there were caskets being loaded. He checked a couple to read the names and one had the name Capt. Paul Bayliss.

After months of coaxing, Mr. Carter Rae,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES grandson of Joe and Ella Sisler, has decided that VMI is not where he wants to hang out for the next four years. Joe, you told him too much! The young man is a perfect candidate for enduring the rigors of bugle directed calls to duty. I was in high hopes that Carter would opt for the Institute, thereby providing incentive for Joe and Ella to visit their old hometown, Hap Miller and me more often. Yeah, he’d get a first class education, and at some time in the future he would enjoy having been here.

That’s it for now, BRs. Keep those cards and letters coming.

Rah Virginia Mil, Ed

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

4112 Hermitage Point Virginia Beach, VA 23455 (H) 757/363-9493 vitalesal@yahoo.com

Soon after submitting my February 2014 class notes, Sue and I were off to Key West, Florida, as the guests of Dude and Kathy Copenhaver. The Copenhavers timeshare is where Ray and Sally Hanlein, Jim and Johanna Needham, George and Edna Henning, and Lee and Betsy Badgett were staying. At a nearby resort were John and Bette Miller and Graham and Leola King. It was nice for me to lie out in the sun and soak up the rays.

Jim Needham is still working in construction, George Henning is replacing knees and hips, and Graham King still does business and management consulting. I hear that George is planning to retire in April 2015, and he and Edna may be relocating to The Villages in Florida. The Copenhavers are living full time in The Villages, and Fayetteville, North Carolina, will never be the same again. The Badgetts have their home in North Carolina for sale. On Valentine’s Day, we all had dinner together. Unfortunately, Graham and Leola had to leave early and did not make it into the picture we took.

When Sue and I returned from Key West, our plane landed too late for us to attend the 75th birthday party for Sleepy Hollowell. The party was in West Point, Virginia, at the home of Sleepy’s daughter, Jennifer. Those in attendance included Larry and Jerri Wetsel, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock, Lou Shuba, Ken Legum, Robert and Pat Williamson, Ken and Sue Patrick, Bill Nelms, Wyatt Durrette, and several other friends and relatives. It was a wild, funny party and Sleepy thoroughly enjoyed it. The hats were for a game Jennifer called “confessions of a rat,” and the reluctant participants were good sports.

A few days after the party, Sleepy was admitted to the hospital again. On Feb. 26, 2014, Ralph “Sleepy” Hollowell died. A memorial service was held March 1 in West Point, Virginia. Those

2014- Issue 3

in attendance included Lou Shuba; Dick and Judy Youngblood; Raine Gilbert; Ken and Sue Patrick; Kenny Legum; Charlie Fuller and his friend Lillian; Stu and Sylvia Woodcock; Joyce and Bill Gibbings; Dick and Ann Weede; Dennis and Gerry Curtis; Larry and Jerri Wetsel; Wyatt Durrette; and Carl Colonna ’63. I enjoyed my regular talks with Sleepy, especially when he lectured me on quarter sawed wood, VMI and the BRs. Sleepy’s suffering is over, and he is missed.

Ann Hollowell said in her note, “I finally understand the love he gave and received from his brother rats.”

We are all aware that this winter was very unusual, and many of our brother rats experienced snow like they have never seen before. Bill Hala has been staying in Ontario, Canada, until the radiators for his Monroe house are installed in May (maybe). He continues to enjoy his cross-country skiing, shoveling lots of snow and wondering why he isn’t in Florida with the rest of the snowbirds.

My 4th Class roommate, Joe Lisiecki, also dealt with a lot of snow in Chicago. Joe has wondered if spring would ever come.

Bob Coltrane had his share of snow in Pennsylvania and had to plow snow for 1 mile to have

access to humanity, as well as provide areas to feed the game.

My second semester 4th Class roommate, Tom Whalen, loves the snow. Tom has skied on seven continents and throughout the USA. This year, he went skiing almost every morning at Northstar or Heavenly ski resorts. In April, Tom went to Norway to sail on the Coastal Express up the Norwegian coast.

Lou Shuba also had his share of snow in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and couldn’t wait for spring. In April, Lou participated in an inspiring 2014 Face of America Ride, which was a two-day, 110-mile bike ride from the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., to the historic battlefields of Gettysburg. This year, there were 550 participants.

Of the participants, 150 were wounded warriors from all parts of the country. Lou thanks all of the BRs who enabled him to meet 75 percent of his financial goal. To stay in shape, Lou is planning to hike from the north rim of the Grand Canyon to the south rim in 2015, pending permit approval.

While many of you were dealing with snow, 21 couples boarded the Celebrity Equinox cruise ship March 24 for an 11-day cruise. Each day, we gathered together for supper and exchanged stories

Class of 1961: On the Celebrity cruise ship Equinox at sea during the class trip March 27, 2014, were, from left, front row, Shirley Hartford, Sal Vitale, Lynn Hartford, Carole and David Magee, Tom Phlegar, Doris Hudgins and Gloria Coen. Row 2: Steve Riley, Jackie Riley, Sue Vitale, Barbara Phlegar, Rod Hudgins and Jerry Coen. Row 3: Joy Oliver, Courtney and Pat Craft, Betty and Howard Hartley, and Patricia Knight. Row 4: Bob Oliver and Scott Lovelace.

Row 5: Mary Donovan, Dick Stone, Charlotte Harbach and Spike Callander.

Row 6: Tim Donovan, Connie Oliver, Diane Stone, Barbara Lovelace and David Harbach. Row 7: Ken Knight and Sally and Ray Hanlein. Row 8: Jim Oliver, Cilia Kurstedt, and Peggy and Andy Myruski. Row 9: Harold Kurstedt, Janet Kirkman and Leo Kirkman. Not pictured: Mary Callander.

69

CLASS NOTES on the Mediterranean. Let me rushed to the hospital for a cesarean section. Beknow what you think. ing the first grandchild, they were very concerned March is a big birthday month and left North Carolina. Now they are the proud for our class, and I want to say grandparents of a baby boy named Dylan. The thanks to all of you brother rats baby and mom are doing OK. who took the time to send me News from the class has been light, and only a a birthday card. Recently, one few BRs have taken the time to let me know what of our brother rats who did not is going on in their lives. Lou and Jane Kiger are graduate with us asked me why I still in Lynchburg, Virginia, and their health is sent him birthday and Christmas reasonably good. Last summer, they spent three cards and notes over the years. weeks driving around Nova Scotia and NewI told him that graduating with foundland, and they had a great time visiting hisClass of 1961: At Sleepy Hollowell’s 75th birthus was not what was important. torical sites. Last fall, Lou attended Liberty Uniday party at the home of Jennifer Hollowell in West Point, Virginia, Feb. 16, 2014, were, from left, as Going through the Rat Line with versity soccer games where his grandson, Jeremy, heads appear, Larry Wetsel, Wyatt Durrette, Lou us was important, and this made is a red shirt freshman and one of three goalkeepShuba, Stu Woodcock, Ken Legum, Bill Nelms, Ken us brothers forever. I am always ers on the team. After the No. 1 keeper suffered Patrick and Robert Williamson. Seated was Sleepy pleased when brother rats who a concussion, Jeremy played in 11 games, startHollowell. have been away return. ing for nine of them. When Liberty played VMI, Congratulations to Dick and Lou had a life threatening decision to make – who about the various places we visited, which in- Di Stone, Kent and Bert Modine, and Dude and was he was going to root for? Fortunately, Jeremy cluded George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Kathy Copenhaver for arranging two wonderful didn’t play in that game, so Lou was let off the Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa days of golf and evening get-togethers. This year hook. Lou saw Ken Templeton at a VMI get toRica; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. was one of the largest golf outings we have had gether for senior alumni in Lynchburg. Lou heard Most all of the civil engineers on board took an at the Carolina National Course and the Oak Is- a lot of Old Corps stories, but he does not know additional excursion trip and viewed the Panama land Golf and Country Club in Southport, North if he wants to be classified as a senior alumnus.

Canal by small boat to see the inner workings of Carolina. Yes, I did play one day, and as usual, What about you? the Canal up close. The new canal is back under the BRs were very kind to me. I am beyond help, Mitch and Jennifer Kot finally returned to the construction and should be completed in about but I enjoyed being with everyone. Bert and Di U.S. I talked to Mitch, and he said the assignment 18 months. There were three BR birthdays while prepared food for Wednesday night, and they had was the most rewarding in his life. Readjusting we were on board – Ray Hanlein, Lynn Hart- a caterer help with food Thursday night. Those in to the U.S. after 10 years abroad is a little diffiford and me. One night, the chef baked a very attendance were Fred and Carolyn Ayers, Allison cult, and he said they hoped to move back to their large chocolate cake with raspberry filling for Drescher, Dude and Kathy Copenhaver, Dick house in Georgia sometime in July. In June, Mitch the entire group to enjoy. Another night, the ship and Judy Youngblood, Stu and Lee Crow, Jud and Jennifer planned to stop and visit in Virginia hosted a private cocktail party for us, and most McLester, Spike and Mary Callander, John and Beach, Virginia, on their way up to Prince Edward everyone went to dinner feeling no pain. The food Linda Butler, Bud Alligood and Peggy Hayes, Island in Canada. Should they stop, we will have was good, and the wine cost was reasonable. The Walter Stokes, Kent and Bert Modine, Dick and a party for sure. special dining restaurants were top shelf. The Di Stone, Bob and Bronnie Polk, Rhett and Jan Paul Myatt is still baby-sitting for his daughside trips were great, in my opinion. I especially Clarkson, Jim and Blair Bickford, Ray and Sally ter, Lt. Col. Margret Jones, who is in Colorado enjoyed going 105 feet under the water in a sub- Hanlein, Bob and Jeanne marine to view the drop off the reef shelf and Burks, John “J.C.” Millthe marine life on the reef. Those on the cruise er, Kim Wise, Michael included Spike and Mary Callander and their and Betty Pitt ’60, Henry friends, Tim and Mary Donovan; Jerry and Gloria Brown ’60, Don Walker Coen; Ray and Sally Hanlein; David and Char- ’58 and John Schmidt lotte Harbach; Lynn and Shirley Hartford; Rod ’58. Jud McLester flew and Doris Hudgins and their friends, Howard and his plane to Southport to Betty Hartley; Harold and Cilia Kurstedt; David avoid the traffic on Interand Carole Magee; Andy and Margaret Myruski; state 95 that we got stuck Jim and Connie Oliver, Jim’s brother, Bob, and in. Jud is in great shape. wife Joy Oliver with friends Courtney and Pat While at the outing, we had Craft; Tom and Barbara Phlegar and their friends, some exciting events hapLeo and Janet Kirkman; Dick and Diane Stone; pen. Rhett Clarkson’s new Sal and Sue Vitale and their friends, Steve and Jeep would not run, and he Jackie Riley; Scott and Barbara Lovelace; and had to rent a car to come Ken and Pat Knight. Ken took a group photo of to the outing. Both Rhett us on the mid-ship’s main stair case. It was nice and Youngblood were late Class of 1961: At a Valentine’s Day 2014 dinner in Key West, Florida, were, from left, seated, Betsey Badgett. to meet Cilia Kurstedt, Harold’s wife, and all and did not make it in the Johanna Needham, Sue Vitale, Bette Miller, Edna Henthe friends of our BRs. Several of the BR friends group picture we took. Jim ning, Sally Hanlein and Kathy Copenhaver. Standing: accompanied the brother rats on the Alaska trip and Blair Bickford had to Jim Needham, Sal Vitale, Lee Badgett, John Miller, several years ago and came back again. That says leave, because Toni (wife George Henning, Ray Hanlein and Dude Copenhaver. something for our class! The next cruise may be of their son, David) was

70

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Sue and I attended the Virginia Springs, Colorado. Paul said she is on Class of 1961: The annual golf outing dinner party in Historical Society Garden Party a track for something big. His son-inSouthport, North Carolina, May 7, 2014. in Richmond with Bill and Joyce law, Jeff, just retired as the pilot for Gibbings and saw Charlie Bryan Air Force One. ’69. Charlie looks great.

I finally reached Bill Kelley, who Bill and Joyce Gibbings still lives in Washington state and does have Friday beer and cookies. not see any VMI people. Bill was a There is usually a good crowd Band Company 4th Class cadet and there, and regulars include Larry played the clarinet, like me. His and Jerri Wetsel, Charlie Fuller health is OK, and he likes 100-mile and Lillian, Charles and Ann Stebike rides. During Vietnam, he was a C-124 pilot. After Vietnam, he was a vens, Sue and Sal Vitale, Larry pilot for Northwest Airlines. Bill also Williams, and Ken and Sue Patspent five years with the U.S. Coast rick. Every so often, Ken Legum, Guard Auxiliary, has three children Robert and Pat Williamson, Don and is retired. We need to do someKern, Garland Payne, Dorsey From left, seated: Lee Crow, Bronnie Polk, Bert Modine, Pender, and Irv and Sue Wells thing about reconnecting with our Mary Callander and Di Stone. Back row: Blair Bickford, join them. In addition to the VMI West Coast BRs. Any suggestions on Kathy Copenhaver, Jeanne Burks, Sue Vitale, Linda Butcrowd, several local folks show up, how to do it would be appreciated. ler, Kim Wise, Betty Pitt, Carolyn Ayers, Sally Hanlein, and we all have a good time. If you Speaking of West Coast BRs, Larry Peggy Hayes and Jean Keen. Not pictured: Judy Youngare in Virginia Beach on a Friday and Joanne Respess are moving from blood and Jan Clarkson. about 4:30 p.m., show up. You will California to Williamsburg, Virginia. not be sorry.

They purchased a home that backs up I did not attend the April Class onto Henry Street. Now we have three Agent Conference due to the class brother rats that live in Williamsburg: cruise. I asked Carl Hirsch to atStu Woodcock, Beverly Scott and Larry Respess. Next time we play the tend in my place. Carl said that College of William & Mary in Wilmuch of the discussion involved donations to VMI and how to comliamsburg, we will have a good spot to park our car. (Smile.) pete with the other charitable orSpike and Mary Callander just ganizations such as churches, Boy completed their move into a new Scouts, Red Cross, etc. There was house in Ashburn, Virginia. also a discussion about cadets soVirginia Dabney sent me a note. liciting by telephone for donations.

Since Bill’s death, Virginia has gone There wasn’t much disagreement through some medical issues but is with this method. Both Carl and I on the mend. Their “Mackey Tavern” feel this engenders an uncomforthome is on the market, and Virginia able feeling, especially when alFrom left, seated: Jud McLester, John Butler, Bud Alligood plans to move to Lynchburg within a ums have committed themselves and Mike Pitt. Row 2: Sal Vitale, Allison Drescher, Dude Copenhaver, Ray Hanlein and Dicky Stone. Row 3: Bob Polk, stone’s throw from her son’s home. to regular donations. Some of our Bob Burks, Paul Johnston, Stu Crow, Kent Modine, Spike Barbara Steadman is doing well brother rats say they’re annoyed Callander, Walter Stokes, Fred Ayers and Jim Bickford. and still is in Lynchburg. She says about money grubbing. I believe Not pictured: John “J.C.” Miller, Rhett Clarkson and Dick she is surrounded by many VMI men the cadet method of calling should Youngblood. like Alan Sweeney ’80; Alan’s son, be used to encourage more donaAlan Sweeney ’13, who is dating her tions from the younger classes and granddaughter, Rachel; and close friend and ad- in Richmond, Virginia. John said that Judge those who have not given. There was also discusviser Sam Duerson ’86. Barbara stays very busy Thomas was an outstanding speaker; the room sion about developing a method to show how each assisting in nursing homes, hospitals and working was packed solid and the dinner very good. Ben of the class’s money was used; i.e., amount spent and J.C. sat at a table with VMI alumni from the for scholarships, how many cadets were helped out at the “Y.” Dick and Bonnie Hurley are doing great. They Classes of ’62 and ’63. and other good uses the money had or will be used Mike and Jan Bissell have moved from Lexing- for. Carl did discuss with Col. Jamie Inman ’86, visited Dick and Diane Stone recently and learned that a small-business man sought Stone ton, Virginia, and are waiting for their new home to VMI’s chief of staff, my concern about the lack of out for his expertise in fisheries and has hired become available in northern Virginia. My apolo- the use of the word “certified.” Col. Inman said him out of retirement as a consultant. (Dicky gies to Mike! I incorrectly reported his military cadets sign their papers with “no help received or didn’t mention a word when we saw him on the decorations in the 1961 Class Notes section of the given.” cruise and the golf outing.) Stone seems to be 2014-Issue 1 Alumni Review. Specifically that in The 1961 Class Scholarship was awarded to Caenjoying the assignment, though he has run into lieu of the Medal of Honor for his heroic action det Troy Goult ’15, a civil engineering student. Caa strong bureaucratic headwind in getting need- in Vietnam, he received the Silver Star. This is not det Goult is also on the trap and skeet team, the club correct. Mike received the Distinguished Service lacrosse team and Engineers without Borders. Troy ed permits from government agencies.

John “J.C.” Tharrington and Ben Lynch Cross, and according to VMI, our BR Mike Bissell says thanks for making his attendance possible.

Wynn Haslam ’17, Battle Haslam’s grandson, is attended the Judge Clarence Thomas affair is now the highest decorated living VMI alumnus.

2014- Issue 3

71

CLASS NOTES a 3rd Class cadet. Wynn tried out and made the trap and skeet team for next year. Wynn also applied for one of the three S3 corporal positions and will be the regimental S3 corporal next year.

VMI has already started his training for that position, and the regimental S3 position will require Wynn to return in mid-August when the 4th Class cadets matriculate. However, Wynn will not be in the cadre, as he will continue training for the S3 corporal position.

There are many BRs and spouses who are plagued with illness or other problems and are in need of your prayers, and I hope you will join me in praying for them. Ken Ayala still has a bowel issue with too much stomach acid that moves into where the small intestine joins the stomach. Ken says that Pepcid, an over-the-counter pill, or Omeprazole by prescription works well for inhibiting the stomach from producing too much acid when he remembers to take one. Lou Shuba’s hip replacement is doing OK, and Pris’ recent shoulder replacement went very well. Pris hopes to be released from the doctor soon.

Floyd Robert’s (my roommate) cancer is still taking its toll, and Floyd just copes. He is in Hospice care, but he does not have a foot in the grave yet. Hospice is all about comfort care.

Floyd is a gutsy guy and says his quality of life is still OK, so he keeps on fighting.

Bill Keech is still having some catheter issues.

When I talked to him, he sounded strong and determined.

Ann Woodfin was in the hospital with a brain infection for 26 days. She suffered from visual seizures and is home recovering. Her sight is extremely poor, and the doctors say Ann will recover and may gain better sight as time passes.

Ann is a fighter, and I am sure this, too, will pass.

Gates Richards damaged his elbow. He has had a tough time healing, and the doctors did not know why. I understand he is doing a lot better.

Gerry Eubank had his hip replaced for a second time, due to 13 years of abuse. When I talked to Gerry, he said he was doing OK and planned to be golfing soon. Gerry’s son, Col. Chris Eubank ’91, is coming home and being reassigned from Special Operations Camp Command to Fort Bragg as a G6 USA Special Operations Command. (Hope I got it correct.) Gerry’s daughter, Kim, is still working at General Dynamics and planned to get married in June. Gerry will be spending the summer in Lake George and promised to come to Virginia Beach on his return to North Carolina.

Irv Wells came down with atrial fibrillation and, at the same time, got a persistent cough, which was later determined to have been caused by an ace inhibitor for high blood pressure. Irv said some brother rats may be suffering from the same condition and suggested I mention it. Irv had a cardioversion at Norfolk Heart Hospital,

72

and his heart was stabilized. However, Irv is still weak and having trouble walking. Sue Wells is doing very well.

John Gangemi’s wife, Irene, has severe rheumatoid arthritis, and the drugs are not doing the job. She is so impaired that holding a fork or cutting with a knife is nearly impossible. John is a caregiver nearly full time.

Bob Reitz had a knee replacement and is doing well. According to Suellen, an old snake-eating Ranger is a real pain during the rehabilitation process. I spoke to him and reminded him that only people out of their mind can inflict self-pain. Take your meds before therapy!

Robert E.L. Huddle seems to be doing OK. Bob now uses two canes to get around and is not ready to depart yet!

Others still coping include Henry Huntsberry, Jan Artman, Rita Huneycutt, Mike Payne and those of you who are very quiet about your problems.

As mentioned in an earlier Review, Brother Rat Roy Schall passed away Feb. 18, 2014. May Roy’s and Sleepy Hollowell’s souls rest in peace.

The last four months have been a very special time for me. It was an honor and privilege for me to be one of the caregivers for my sister, Jean, and be present at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, during her successful bone marrow transplant.

Unfortunately, fungal pneumonia took Jean’s life, and I held her hand when she reached out to God’s open arms. A special thanks to all those brother rats, spouses and the other VMI family members who took the time to call me with words of love and encouragement while I was in Atlanta and to those who sent those lovely get well and sympathy cards. You all are wonderful!

Time is going fast, so don’t delay. Call a brother rat you have been wondering about. Let’s try to get together in Annapolis, Maryland, for the Navy versus VMI football game Oct. 11, 2014.

I would be agreeable to putting an after-game cocktail or dinner party together. Until we see you again, stay well and God bless the class, VMI, the USA and especially our troops – some of whom are our children and grandchildren.

Tony Curtis

’62

3121 Hillside Lane The Villages, FL 32162-7528 352/259-4876 tonyvmi62@gmail.com

Jerry Burnett

P.O. Box 835 South Boston, VA 24592 434/572-3411 drburnett@gcronline.com

Thanks to all of you who contributed to the last issue of the great Alumni Review – all 11

columns! Please remember, if you like hearing about your brother rats, they’d like to hear about you! It has been a most interesting end to this class note period, with the 150th anniversary of New Market and the agreement with the Department of Education. God bless BR Binnie for all he’s done and had to put up with!

Walt Perrin says retirement (finally!) is great.

Not sure how he had time to work! They had a great time when Nancy and Danny Kiser visited Atlanta, Georgia. Walt visited Lexington, Virginia, for the Foundation board meeting, which is always interesting. This was quickly followed

by Binnie’s visit to Atlanta, which drew 102 folks to a chapter meeting! Walt went to Greenbrier for an off-site board meeting – his last one after 13 years. He is still working as part of the campaign cabinet, which will go on for several years. They’ve had two family weddings so far this year – one in San Francisco, California, and one in Austin, Texas. Their oldest son is getting married in July in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They are still planning to go to the wedding of the Armistead’s son, Clay, in August, and they were going to go to Scotland for a week in June with George Rapport ’64 and his wife, who both used to live there – great fun! Finally, they’ll be going to South Africa for two weeks in September with some Atlanta friends.

After Atlanta, Binnie came down to The Villages, Florida, for a VMI chapter dinner and meeting to present a framed picture of Gen. George Marshall ’901 for the Marshall room of the Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center. All the meeting rooms are named after five-star generals and admirals. He then gave a wonderful update on VMI’s activities, achievements and challenges. This was followed by a five-minute preview of the film “Field of Lost Shoes.” Binnie went on to Tampa, Florida, for a similar chapter dinner and meeting. Skip Prillaman wrote an excellent letter to the editor about the Battle of New Market. (Copy class blasted.)

He mentioned watching his first New Market Day ceremonies when he was 6 years old as his brother, Richard Prillaman ’49B, was participating in his first one!

John Anthony wrote that in April, he and his wife, Cynthia; Bill and Bonnie Sydnor; Robert and Bev Evans; Geoff and Pam Mitchell; and Jack Carles all spent a delightful Friday through Monday together at a historic home on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. During the past four years, this is the seventh time the nine of them have done this – three times in the same place (on a waterfront leading to the Choptank River in Maryland) and the other times at different homes elsewhere.

The trick was finding a place within four hours of driving for everyone that is situated in an interesting cultural or historical setting to explore and enjoy together. The place has to have five

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES or more bedrooms with ample facilities for re- an arm’s length. August 2013 was my last visit, adjective is used: intense. In the classroom, Dr. laxing, sharing in the cooking and eating of all and it was good to see the building additions and Yearout challenges students to solve broad, commeals together and enjoying one another’s com- some other changes that were made over time. plex problems forcing students to use their knowlpany. John added if the wives were not along Surprisingly, I was denied access through Jack- edge from various disciplines, allowing them to and were it necessary, it’s possible that the five son Arch. After traveling 4,000 miles, that was a realize the direct impact their liberal arts educabrother rats could stay together in the same room disappointment. Next time, maybe.” tion will have outside the classroom. Dr. Yearout somewhere, as indeed was the case during our John Eger writes that after serving as chair of is not only a distinguished teacher in the class3rd Class year when Bill Hope, J.D. Patton, the San Diego mayor’s City of Future Committee, room but an extraordinary mentor and adviser to Mike Fox, Steve Matthews and John all lived he realized there will not be another great Amer- his students even after they graduate. Dr. Yearout crammed in room 321. With the hays down, it ica unless our children start getting the higher consistently takes time to stay connected with looked like one giant trampoline! order thinking skills that a truly interdisciplinary graduates of the management and accountancy Bill and Madonna Fisher stopped by to visit education can provide, bringing the arts and sci- department, helping alumni find internships, job Tony and Judy Curtis and told of Bill’s many ences together again. He became San Diego State opportunities and applying to various graduate adventures as a city manager in severprograms.”

Earl and Joan Severo: “Joan and I al towns and cities during his career. planned this trip like we were still in Tony took them on the standard tour our 30s! We traveled to Florida March of The Villages, showing the latest 17-27 and went to Jupiter, Florida, to entertainment square – Brownwood. see three Saint Louis Cardinals spring Len Collins said the snow was finaltraining games and talked Cardinal’s ly melting in Alexandria, Virginia, and baseball for three days with fans from after the second or third snowstorm Iowa, Illinois and Missouri! Then, we since Christmas, Florida was sounding went to Port Orange, Florida, for a awfully good! In July, they planned great family visit with Joan’s brother to take the whole family – children, and his wife. Onward to Monterey, spouses and grandchildren – to South California, March 28-31 for a good Africa for a safari. We were there years fraternal get together with brother ago and had a great time. Len said, knights at a Knights of Columbus “We wanted to do something memoraClass of 1962: Bill Fisher, right, and Tony Curtis at event. On April 17, 13 BRs representble with the family while we were still Brownwood Square, The Villages, when the Fishers visable, and I think this will fill the bill!” ited Tony and Judy Curtis. ed our Class of ’62 at the annual Old (What are the rest of you doing!?)

Corps Luncheon, which Larry Wilson Jerry and Joy Burnett returned from their 19th University’s director of the Creative Economy started a few years ago. winter trip to Hawaii, where they enjoyed pleas- Initiative to research just what the new economy Cal Seybold writes: “Tuck Landry, Bob Millant weather and 10 rounds of golf. He had a torn was and what we must do to ensure our contin- er and I were also there, but they must have taken meniscus, torn patella and synovectomy (That’s ued success and survival in the global knowledge [a group] picture immediately after the ‘dinner/ for all you biology majors!) on his right knee in based economy. This has him on the road talking event,’ and we were probably charging to the October 2013. Now, he’s looking forward to play- to school leaders, politicians and parents. Anyone restroom! I’m working in Hohenfels, Germany, ing in the Henderson, North Carolina, member wanting more on the subject of science, technol- (May 9-June 2, 2014) at the Joint Multination guest golf tournament in May with Class Agent ogy, engineering and mathematics or [as those Readiness Center supporting a mission readiness exercise (I thought MREs were for eating?) for Dick Smith ’56, his quail hunting pal. In June, he subjects relate to] the arts, please let him know. hopes that both he and Bill Mizell will be healthy On April 15, Bob Yearout received the Alumni portions of the 1st Cavalry Division.”

From Skip and Sharon Davis: “We had a busy enough to play in the 18th Princess Anne Coun- Distinguished Faculty Award from the University try Club member guest golf tournament. He’s still of North Carolina at Asheville. Chancellor Anne winter and spring. Contrary to the Mideast and the enjoying working with and for DermOne, a na- Ponder’s remarks were as follows: “The Alumni East, our winter was mild, and the mountain snow tional dermatology company. He is a full-service Distinguished Faculty Award is presented annual- was light and late! Therefore, while we enjoy our provider, offering cosmetic surgery, superficial ra- ly to one faculty member who has gone above and Sandpoint, Idaho, home, we didn’t use the Schdiation therapy for skin cancers, Mohs surgery for beyond the call of duty. It recognizes that faculty weitzer Mountain as much as we had planned. By skin cancer, as well as general dermatologic care. whose service to the students goes beyond the call the time good snow came, we were on our way to (Note: Almost all of my friends in Florida, includ- of duty in advising and mentorship. Tonight, we Maui for three weeks. (Aww!) Great weather and, ing me, have had skin cancer treatment – don’t are pleased to recognize Dr. Robert Yearout. Dr. finally, shorts, short-sleeved shirts and flip-flops. put it off!) Jerry’s happy with this situation and Yearout has been awarded several awards since We had a family visit, ate delicious fresh seafood doesn’t see retirement any time in the future. Joy he joined the faculty at UNC Asheville in 1988. and toured our favorite spots on the island. Fiis two years cancer free and doing very well! (By Some of these include the University of North nally, we visited Haleakala Volcano, which is a the way, Judy Curtis is one year cancer free now. Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence in unique experience I would highly recommend!

Teaching, UNC Asheville’s Distinguished Teach- Back to the mainland for two weeks and off to Thanks to the many of you who were asking!)

Roger Manack writes from California: “Golly, ing Award, Distinguished Teaching Award in the Palm Desert, California (14 miles southeast of 55 years have flown by since leaving the Insti- Social Sciences, Excellence in Research Award, Palm Springs) for April. We returned through tute. A long time, really. Occasionally, through Excellence in Service Award, and the Ruth and California, visiting friends and our old residence. the years, I have visited VMI as business travel Leon Feldman Professorship for Scholarship It’s stunning how much the trees have grown and or vacation location permitted. Living in Califor- and Service. When alumni reminisce about their the neighbors have matured (like classmates at renia since 1962 has kept my school at more than classroom experience with Dr. Yearout, a common unions!) during the past 15 years. We drove back

2014- Issue 3

73

CLASS NOTES through northern California and eastern Oregon.

All the classic volcanoes were in their glory with more snow than we expected. Fire alert will remain high most of the summer. (Boy, did this prove to be true!) While we love the Northwest, escaping the winter is high on our list. We count our blessings and take nothing for granted. We try to stay active, and our whole family goes to a trainer twice a week. Being together keeps us motivated. Brother rats and their families are in our thoughts and prayers – particularly knowing that our life’s journeys are not the same for all!

We hope to visit for our 55th and share these special memories of the Institute that sure helped shape my life and have served me well dealing with the challenges and joys of life.”

Greetings from Joe Bateman: As an assistant baseball coach at Boston’s Bunker Hill College, Joe spent his 10th spring training at the Ripken Experience Facility in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with his junior college team that includes five international student-athletes and a cluster of eight players from Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, New York and, of course, Massachusetts.

As of this writing, Bunker Hill College is playing good baseball and should again qualify for its sixth New England Junior College Region Tournament. Joe has been to the Junior College World Series once! His summer plans involved the Harwich Mariners Cape Cod Baseball League.

Having spent time as the Harwich Mariners general manager over the years, Joe looks forward to entertaining VMI’s catcher Matt Winn ’15, a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award. Winn caught the first no-hitter in the Institute’s history in spring 2014. The Mariners have more than 20 former Harwich players in the major leagues these past few years!

Eldridge Blanton provided this movie review: “Just a short note to report on the initial showing of “Field of Lost Shoes.” It was shown April 15, 2014, at the Carpenter Theatre in Richmond.

About 270 cadets (the same number who participated in the Battle of New Market) paraded from the theater to the Virginia State Capitol two blocks away. After some speeches, they paraded back and were allowed to change into white shirts, and then everybody watched the movie. I thought the movie was good, but the dialog was hard to follow, because the soundtrack was really loud – either with battlefield noise or theme music. I could follow it, though, because we all know the history. I’m not sure how a ‘civilian’ audience will react. Saw Tom and Carpie Coulbourn and, of course, Binnie and Pam Peay. I heard Ware and Belle Smith were there but didn’t see them.

Erika and I sat directly in front of Cliff Miller, Steve Reithmiller and Gil Minor, all of the Class of ’63. All in all, a big day for VMI. Some of the aerial shots of the present day post and cadets on parade were stunning!”

74

Dan Prall sent a disturbing note about what’s happening in our airlines. Since most of us still fly now and then, I’ll send it to you (10 pages) this week.

Marcus Muth remarks that the “surf at your own risk” sign mentioned in the last class notes was of his frozen pond – not the field! He regrets (don’t we all?) the passing of so many brother rats, many of whom he had not seen in more than 50 years but still pictures as young men full of life. That is probably the way they would prefer to be remembered.

Dennis Easley called to say he had spoken with BR Bob Tyson, and the conversation brought up that Bob had served in an independent infantry brigade in Vietnam and then-Col. Jeffrey Smith ’43 was the assistant commander, but they couldn’t remember the unit. It just happened that was the 199th Light Infantry Brigade I had served in on my first tour. So, I called Bob, and we “fought the war” over again, according to how we remembered it! Bob and his family made it to the 50th Reunion, but his loving wife, Marianne, says that will be his last one because of all his current medical and physical “conditions.” If you could find the time, please give Bob a call just to say hello. He’d really appreciate it: 706-836-3170.

Doug Fielder writes: “As of early May 2014, the year has been both busy and rewarding. On May 3, our Oneonta, New York, Parkinson’s disease support group, in cooperation with the Delhi, New York, group, presented a half-day workshop by Pamela Quinn. Pamela, a dancer and choreographer, was stricken with Parkinson’s disease nearly 18 years ago at age 42, ending her career. She worked with others, and they have developed dance and movement exercise routines which are very helpful in improving and maintaining mobility for those with Parkinson’s.

I worked with her and many others to organize, set up and promote the event. One cannot overemphasize the importance of such groups to help us navigate a disease as complex and variable as Parkinson’s.

“We are pleased that our son, age 42, is getting married May 25. Prior to the wedding, we have been hosting and attending related events in both Oneonta and Boston, Massachusetts. We found time to make a vacation trip to Florida at the end of February. Two weeks later, we were in San Antonio, Texas, so my wife, ‘Scott,’ could attend a meeting, and we added a few extra days for touring the city. We found each trip to be a welcome break from the cold weather.

(Where were you during winter 2013?) We are planning a trip to Iceland at the end of June, and then we will be near the northern California coast for our niece’s wedding in early August.

In late September, we have a Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) photography trip planned

near Wallops Island, Virginia.” (How’s your bucket list coming along?)

Joe Weakley’s input: “Had to give up basketball officiating after umpteen years due to my oldfart ailments, because I can never tell from day to day which body part will decide to malfunction! I have enjoyed playing golf occasionally. I play with a group of mostly retired teachers once a week at different courses in the area. I hit it often, so I get plenty of exercise. I help my wife, Theresa, with some of her music groups. She’s a part-time music teacher and has two groups after school. One is a chorus group and the other a steel pan group. The steel pan group was started a couple of years ago in memory and honor of her mother. Named the ‘Patsy’s Pans,’ the group is around 10 in number and composed of fourth and fifth graders. They have performed at high school halftimes and, recently, with the James Madison Steel Drum Group’s performance. So, you might say I’m a golfer/groupie! Both groups planned to compete at Kings Dominion May 17. I occasionally help her out with equipment with two adult music groups with which she performs. One is the Shenandoah Valley Minstrels (Civil War era music and dress) and Valley Vibe (a blend/mixture of music). It’s all enjoyable and helps keep me going.”

From Dick and Jackie Ward: “In March, we visited Weldon and Nancy Eddins at their beautiful home in Kailua, Hawaii, for two weeks. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and as usual, they were great hosts. While there, I met Columbus Cartright’s son, Ben, a U.S. Air Force colonel, who lives directly across the street from Weldon and Nancy. One day, Weldon and I had lunch at Stan and Mona Henning’s beautiful home. They live on a hill several miles from Pearl Harbor and can see the Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri, Honolulu’s skyline and Diamond Head. Stan claims it’s the best view in Honolulu, and I certainly agree. Mona is a very accomplished artist and has a studio that is like an art and calligraphy museum. Stan has a large study with almost as many books as Preston Library and an extensive collection of Chinese martial arts weapons and related objects. I’ve known Stan for a long time. We started elementary school together and graduated from the Institute together. Don DeLuca and wife Geraldine have just sold their wonderful house on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, sooner than expected and are looking for a new home as soon as possible. Any suggestions?

George Meredith was in the DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, recently with complications relative to a slipped lumbar disc.” (Get used to these, gang!)

George Meredith said, “Wonderful hospital and staff. Interestingly, VMI alumnus and Norfolk mayor [Paul Fraim ’71] is said to have saved DePaul from the chopping block a couple

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES of years ago! Well done, Mayor Fraim. I’m better now and working on my next e-book, “On Improving Obstructive Sleep Apnea Surgery.” I expect to publish in a few months. Ware Smith, Billy Cox, Tony Curtis and a few other VMI alumni called to check on me while in the hospital – really appreciated that!”

Pat Lang sent several in-depth emails about his classified time in Yemen, working with the Chinese and Russian embassies! I hope a lot of his adventures will come out in his new book(s)!

Don Arey, M.D., is still busy in his medical career: “I just got appointed to assistant professor of surgery at University of Central Florida School of Medicine in Orlando, Florida. I’ve held the same position at University of Southern Florida School of Medicine in Tampa, Florida, for about 10 years. I serve both as a volunteer.”

As of this writing, we are only 36 months from our 55th Reunion, April 23-27, 2017! Plan now to attend. We will arrive Sunday afternoon, the 23rd, and depart the morning of the 27th. No one is getting any younger, and we’ve lost almost 30 percent of our class so far! Start saving some money for it, and put it on your bucket list with all the other great things you want to do and tell us about!

In the spirit of ’62, Tony and Jerry

’63

Michael J. Curley

11803 Sussex Square Drive Henrico, VA 23238 804/852-5754 curleyrat63@verizon.net

Frank Kennedy might be best described by a story Pete Ippolito told after learning of Frank’s death Feb. 9. (mjc: To fully understand the tale, you need to know that Pete, who has lived in Los Angeles for many years, had not set foot on the VMI post since June 1963.) Pete begins, “Mike, we lost a great brother rat in Frank Kennedy.

Frank, Lenny Peters and Ken Reeder roomed next to Buff Deleo, Paul Quinter and Davey Dibbs our rat year. As you know, most of us in this group grew up in the North. I think all of us helped one another get through that tough year.

However, Frank kept us laughing and happy during this time. He was funny and friendly. Over the years, he was one of my brother rats I thought of when I [reflected on] my experience at VMI ... I was really happy to see Frank at our 50th Reunion. What touched me was that, in the turmoil of meeting brother rats I had not seen in 50 years, he made a point of finding me! It was so nice to see him. When we were rats, we had the Yankee contingent and lived next to each other.

Frank kept us loose and in school. I remember the winter of our rat year, I was ready to leave and head back home. I never made it to the door

2014- Issue 3

of our room. The gang tackled me until the urge to leave subsided.” Then again, it may have been Frank’s instruction to Buffy Deleo while waiting together in the registration line that created the respect that, one by one, we were to gain for Frank. Pete said, “Frank noticed the 3rd Class cadets inside the Arch started to scream at the new rats after signing in and turned to me and said, ‘Do only what they say.’ Little did I know that what they were about to say from then on was meant to discipline us in a unique manner and not very politically correct, I might add, by today’s standards ... being of the Catholic faith, Italian heritage and from the North meant I was a ‘mackerel-snapping, dago, damn Yankee,’ and I should turn around and go back where I came from!” Buffy said in the eulogy he delivered at the funeral service that Frank even guided him to join the Glee Club so they could get off post more often and gave him music lessons since he had no clue about anything musical! Sadly, on the day of the funeral in Greenville, North Carolina, it was seriously snowing. Only a few of his brother rats were able to attend, although many had been able to visit Frank in hospice a day or two before he died. Carlos Loop was in attendance, and Bob and Bromby Earle made it through the snow from Richmond, Virginia.

They told me that Buffy poured out his thanks to “Cheech,” as he called him for more than 50 years, for coming to his aid so many times and being there for him. Is there any wonder that whenever anyone saw Frank during the 50th, Buffy was constantly by his side? As Paul Harvey used to say on the radio, “Now you know the rest of the story!”

Bonnie Reeder also told a sweet story. “Kenny and I were able to visit with Frank the Friday night before he died. He was in and out of consciousness but knew we were there. He was surrounded by his family: Buffy Deleo and Buffy’s wife, Collette; his friend Marty; and Gail, his wife. It was good to be there. We reminisced about some of the funny/good times with Frank.

He used to sing ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ often, a big Shirelles hit from the 50s. We also remembered aloud how Frank was so good inside – sweet and caring. Back in the day, he took us on a joy ride from Roanoke, Virginia, to Lexington, hurrying to get back to barracks before midnight – will never forget that experience, since it was on two wheels the whole way.

We have many good memories about Frank.

Laughs. We will always feel his absence. Buffy has been a friend not to be believed; he was so devoted to Frank. We visited with Lenny Peters that Saturday morning before leaving for New Jersey. What a friend Lenny is. We are so totally blessed with our dear VMI friends, who are like no others in our world. Thanks, Michael, for providing the glue that keeps us all connected.

Class of 1963: Chuck Weddington at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, awaiting test results.

Now mend quickly! XO.” (mjc: Thanks, Bonnie, we’re flattered.)

We also mourn the loss of Ed Shield’s wife, Marti, who died in January. I understand that it was her desire that neither a service be conducted nor any notice of her death be published.

Well, Eddie, you need to know that we are all nevertheless grieving her loss with you.

On a personal note, I’d like to remember my friend, Clay Thomasson, a 1963 graduate of Randolph Macon College with whom I flew in the Virginia Air National Guard in the 1970s and remember the fun times we had together.

Clay was not only a former classmate of Buddy Cato growing up in Emporia, Virginia, but he also was Bromby Earle’s former manager at SunTrust Bank municipal bonds department for a number of years. Bromby spent many hours at Clay’s side during his wife’s cancer treatments at Massey Cancer Center, as well as at the time of her death. Some of you may have known Clay as the franchise owner of Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Richmond and Virginia Beach. I had the privilege of being with Buddy at the funeral and also Paul Galanti, former Vietnam prisoner of war and U.S. Naval aviator. Ironically, as Paul and I were chatting after the funeral, he received word of the death of Sen. Jeremiah Denton, a former Vietnam prisoner of war. Vietnam certainly follows us, doesn’t it?

Riding the GIM this period, we find Chuck Weddington, Joanne Wade (David’s wife) and Randy Williams. Most of us know that Chuck has been diagnosed with stage two cancer of the pancreas. Here is the latest news published by his family on the CaringBridge website http:// www.caringbridge.org/visit/chuckweddington.

Chuck’s story: “This is way past due. The month

75

CLASS NOTES your lusting for Sir Jameson, I have of April has been a blur. On April 1, a new worry. What happens if you 2014, Chuck went to the emergency bleed out from overdosing the Irish room at Hillcrest Medical Center in with your other blood thinners? You Waco, Texas, complaining of fatigue, get to check out, and I’m left with blood in the urine and jaundice. Iniexplaining to BRs and the authoritially, they believed that he could have a gall stone, but testing revealed ties why I did that. Do not bleed out! what they thought was a small mass Bob. P.S. Make sure you jot down in the bile duct. A drain was inserted the name of the nearest florist, and into the liver to promote the flow of get Peg flowers for Valentine’s Day.” bile to an exterior pouch. Pancreatitis The final bottle of Jameson was then developed. After several days, he delivered personally by Tom and was released, a second drain tube put Teak Whitford on Mother’s Day. in place and headed to The UniverThey stopped by on their way driving through Richmond from Syracuse, sity of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Class of 1963: From left, Gil Minor, Jack Mitchell ’17 New York, to their new home in DayCenter in Houston to see a gastroin(grandson of John and Maudy Mitchell), Steve Riethtestinal surgeon. After much testing, tona Beach, Florida. We had a termiller and Cliff Miller at the “Field of Lost Shoes” gala. biopsy, etc., the doctor at MDA set rific visit, ate way more oysters than I a date for Chuck to have surgery to remove the My new knee? It’s terrific. Thanks for all the thought humanly possible and even managed to mass. That date was to have been May 5. How- good wishes and especially for the Jameson. work in what they say was a very enjoyable visit ever, as of April 30, that surgery has been can- Somehow, I think talking about a knee operation with Bill and Barbara Pearson in Williamsburg, celed, and an appointment with an oncologist is is trifling in light of the really sick and dying; Virginia, while they were on their way to catch being scheduled for next week. The latest biopsy however, I must thank Bob Earle for visiting me the Auto Train in Lorton, Virginia.

Randy Williams tried to slip his illness past me showed that the mass was actually in the pan- in hospital – although I only vaguely remember it creas. The diagnosis is pancreatic cancer found through the drugs! As you may recall, before I cut in an email dated May 1: “I will, unfortunately, in a very early stage. This cancer was found so out for the operation, I jokingly requested Jame- not be with you. I am living in Sarasota, Florida, early that it was presented to two clinical boards son as an alternative to the normal drugs. Have while receiving six weeks of radiation therapy at MDA to determine treatment. They rarely see to tell you that I have a hero out there right now on my cancerous prostate. On the bright side, the pancreatic cancer in this stage. This could be a in the form of Tony Hancock. At home recov- cancer is thus far contained in the prostate, so the true blessing. The results of another biopsy, done ering from the operation, my UPS guy arrived prognosis for a complete cure is excellent. I plan on a lymph node close to his clavicle, will deter- with a suspicious package, because I hadn’t to be back in action for the next luncheon around mine whether the cancer has metastasized. This, ordered anything. The package was from Tony, mid-July. We have rented a three-bedroom in turn, will determine the course of treatment.” and it contained a bottle of 18-year-old Jame- condo, so if you are passing this way, stop over.

A follow-on note from his Christi is good news: son! Thank you very much, Tony. Not long after Randy.” This message was inserted into an email “Hi, Mike, we are at MDA this week. Chuck had that, I received a home visit from Bob Powell, regarding one of the Hampton Yacht regular BR the ‘hated’ drain tube removed and a stent put who immediately insulted me by telling me how get-togethers!

Bunny Reynolds wrote to me May 6: “Got this in Monday. He was so thrilled! We meet with bad I looked. (mjc: Was he expecting to find his internist and the oncologist tomorrow to de- me in the front yard practicing my pole vault- text from BR Dave Wade yesterday: ‘Joanne termine a course of treatment. We expect that ing skills? Try to visualize that one ... think Mi- hospitalized six times over the last three months to include radiation and chemo. The surgery, chelin Man and a long stick!) To smooth things for different reasons. Saturday afternoon, we alwhatever it will entail, will follow in about eight over, he revealed another bottle of Jameson, and most lost her. She is on a ventilator and being weeks. Chuck is back to his normal, happy self our friendship was quickly revived. After his treated for a host of issues. No clear prognosis.’” and feeling much stronger than he did just a cou- visit, he wrote to say, “Mike, after rethinking Kent Wilson sent a follow-up May 14, first sayple of weeks ago. I’m doing fine, ing that her condition was improving mainly because Chuck is a very then, later, it was declining. However, easy patient. (Well, for the most just as I was preparing to send these part.) He is thoughtful of my needs Notes to VMI (a day late, I might menand remains a sweet, caring hustion), I received an email from Kent Wilson saying, “Joanne Wade died Friband. We are both blessed. We love the phone calls, emails and texts day, May 15.” David called to tell us from all his friends and brother rats. and said that a memorial service would The support has been phenomenal, be held for Joanne Saturday, May 24, at and I can’t express what it means Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Virginto know that so many are offering ia Beach. The burial will be at a future prayers on our behalf. You guys are date at Arlington National Cemetery. great! Christi.” (mjc: Please use the (mjc: Thank you, Bunny and Kent. That website for updates on Chuck or is so sad. Please see that David receives email me ... Christi, a lupus patient, our condolences, and also, let’s see if is busier than a one-armed paperwe can have some of us join David for Class of 1963: Pat Kelly being sworn in as mayor of hanger with both Chuck and her support!)

Hamilton, Texas. terminally-ill sister.)

OK, now, let’s see if I can spend the last

76

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES few paragraphs on some happier topics!

This news from Pam Traugott should make us all stand up and cheer: “I’m jumping the broom May 16 in Macon, Georgia. An old friend during mine and Rick’s marriage is a priest and asked to marry us. We come home and then leave on a Viking River cruise May 25. Couldn’t have gotten to where I am now, Curley, without you, Peg and the VMI guys.

Your love and checking in meant so very much.

Love, Pam.” (mjc: We all wish you many years of happiness, Pam!) Mike Smither is my most dependable contributor of personal news to be included in the notes. I just received this: “I write this from sunny Florida, where Betty and I escaped a long and cold winter.

Skiing was very good, since New Hampshire had plenty of snow. We also went to Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, Canada, to ski one week, as if we couldn’t get enough. We weren’t alone in this long and hard winter, but I don’t remember the cold and snow lasting as it did this year. Our big news is the birth of our first granddaughter, born Feb. 20 to our son, Trent, and his wife, Alessia. We are thrilled, needless to say, and I celebrated by applying for a provisional appointment for her – Class of 2036.

Her cousins are Provisional Class of 2032. Regimental staff material all-around, no doubt! Thanks, Mike.” (mjc: My vote is for regimental color guard, Mike!)

On May 13, 2014, there was one seriously big VMI deal in the holy city of Richmond, Virginia, – the first showing of the movie “Field of

Class of 1963: Class Agent Mike Curley said of this photo, “No mistaking the love he has for his fellow brother rat in need, as Buffy Deleo assisted Frank Kennedy the entire 50th Reunion weekend. We lost Frank Feb. 9.” Adam Volant ’88, left, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the VMI Alumni Association, gave Deleo instructions on the best route to barracks.

2014- Issue 3

Class of 1963: From left, Mike and Peg Curley and Khaki and Billy Wray on the red carpet before the first showing of “Field of Lost Shoes” at the Carpenter Theatre in Richmond, Virginia, April 13, 2014.

Lost Shoes.” Since I am a class agent, Peg and I were fortunate enough to be invited by Gil Minor. Here is a synopsis taken from the GI Film Festival website. “In the midst of a prolonged and deadly American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln appoints a very different kind of general, Ulysses S. Grant, chief of Union forces. Grant acts decisively. He brings total war to the pristine Shenandoah Valley, breadbasket of the South. The superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute volunteers to send the Corps of Cadets to protect the valley, and 274 young cadets march northward toward the strategic valley choke-point of New Market. On the day of battle, Confederate Gen. John C. Breckenridge, former vice president of the United States and commander of southern forces in the Valley, is faced with a horrible decision.

When Southern forces are jeopardized, he orders the young cadets into battle.” The film is a 2014 American war drama directed by Sean McNamara and written by Dave Kennedy and Thomas Farrell.

“Field of Lost Shoes” stars Luke Benward, Lauren Holly, Jason Isaacs, Tom Skerritt, Keith David and David Arquette. It is based on the Battle of New Market fought in Virginia May 15, 1864, during the American Civil War. (mjc: My prayer is that this wonderful film replaces “Brother Rat” and “Mardi Gras” that were so painfully thrust upon us during our first few days here. Hopefully, this also means the end of Ronald Reagan, Eddie Albert and Pat Boone in Lexington theaters!)

From Randy Williams: “Gentlemen, if you didn’t see this, I thought you would enjoy the article in the Virginia Gazette about our BR and author, Bill Pearson. Cheers, Randy.” We celebrate another fine author closing ranks with those brother rats who preceded him. Perhaps we could garner a list of our authors and their books or publications to post on our website ... Whadaya think?

Finally, let’s post a letter from his honor, the mayor of Hamilton, Texas!

“Official Greetings From Hamilton, Texas!

Dear Mr. Weddington,

In response to your request: This is the official response from the City of Hamilton mayor’s office.

Requests for personal greetings from his excellency are restricted. Only those persons deemed truly worthy of communicating with his excellency, the lord mayor of Hamilton, will ever receive special seasonal greetings from this noble personage. Put another way, you have been found to be a ‘Squatbutt or its equivalent,’ and therefore unworthy to receive such a gracious action from the office of his lordship, the mayor! Please wash your hands before reading this email. With love for our many minions, we remain, sir, servants of your gracious overlord; ‘the Pat,’ lord mayor of the shire and City of Hamilton, Texas, USA. All hail the lord mayor!”

To further complicate the matter, Richard Ballentine adds: “One vote here for Chuck Weddington to be chief of police. Nice suit, Pat.” (mjc: Can you just imagine Pat Kelly and Chuck Weddington in charge of Hamilton, Texas? Whoa!)

Housekeeping: A number of photos that did not make the cut for publication are posted at www. vmi63.net for your enjoyment. Please remember that we need a file size at or near 1MB for publication in the Review. (Hint: Set your camera or cellphone to take a very high quality photo.)

Godspeed, everyone!

Curleyrat

’64

John R. Cavedo

9 Whispering Pines Court Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 843/290-2278 johncavedo@gmail.com

Wow! Our 50th Reunion was a success!

Counting brother rats, spouses, widows, significant others and guests, we were 185 strong. I won’t attempt to put everyone’s name down, so check the photos.

We started with people arriving all afternoon Thursday, May 24. A volunteer crowd of seven of us put aside the information, name tags, shirts,

77

Class of 1964: Present at the reunion were Ted R. Abernathy, Richard R. Absher Jr., Thomas G. Allen, Richard L. Atkinson Jr., David E. Ayers, Richard F. Beirne IV, David G. Bell, U. “Buzz” Birzenieks, James H. Brittingham, Kenneth T. Brunsvold II, Warren C. Budd, Donald D. Carson, John R. Cavedo, Aran J. Chompaisal, Andrew J. Colyer Jr., William A. Cox III, James B. Crawford Jr., Thomas T. Crenshaw III, Clifford A. Crittsinger, William H. Crone IV, Henry J. Cronin Jr., Tom E. Crush, Thomas W. Davis, Richard H. Dean, Daniel J. DeForrest III, Kenneth E. Dice Jr., Floyd H. Duncan, Parker W. Duncan Jr., Walter S. Duryea II, William H. Elder III, William W. Fernald, Albert E. Fiorini, Ronald E. Fischer, C. Ted Gammon, William B. Garber Jr., Donald M. Giles, Gary J. Gosnell, William F. Grubb III, H. Michael Hanna Jr., J. Collin Harkrader, C. Wallace Hawkins Jr., Robert E. Heflin, Thomas M.W. Hill, Kerry L. Hines, Edward C.D. Hopkins, Edmund C. Hoy, Edward C. Hoy, Bernie G. Hylton, Matthew V. Jablonka, James H. Kelly Jr., W.J. Kitchen Jr., J.J. Kleinschuster, R. Kevin MacCarthy Jr., C.P. MacDonald III, John G. Manley, Peter D. Mazik, William A. McVey, Antonio Munera III, Michael K. Murphy, Thomas C. Myers, Robert A. Neely, Charles E. Nunnally Sr., Robert G. O’Hara Jr., Frank M. Parker III, Roy L. Peters, Teerawat Putamanonda, George M. Rapport, J. Bailey Rathbone, Bishop P. Read, Gerald F. Reid, William R. Rimm, Leo A. Roach Jr., William I. Rodier III, Jan C. Rudinoff, Harvey O. Sargent III, Charles H. Sawyer, Edward M. Seager, Thomas E. Sebrell IV, Charles L. Shumate, Marty R. Stango, Donald F. Stickles II, Walter L. Sykes Jr., William C. Taylor III, J.V. Taylor Jr., Edward H. Telfair II, William C. Thompson Jr., John S. Thornton Jr., Gary T. Thrasher, William S.L. Tornabene, David D. Trimble, Nelson Trinkle, John M. Tossbach Jr., G. Dennis Vaughan III, L.K. von Schilling, C. Doug Walker, George W. Warren IV, Ramon E. Warren III, Robert L. Warren, William E. Welsh, R.E. Winfree Jr. and Harvey C. Woodruff III.

50th Reunion – April 25-26, 2014

Class of 1964

78

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1964: At the April 27, 2014, 50th Reunion Memorial Service in the Memorial Garden were, in the foreground, Dusadee Putamanonda and Jane Birzenieks. Background: Tony Putamanonda and Margaret and Don Carson. hats, etc., into individual bags of goodies. The hospitality room at the Holiday Inn Express worked out well. Lots of snacks and drinks were on hand from Thursday through Sunday morning. The room got crowded at times, but a crowd made it more interesting. Cathy Warren, Laura Brittingham Nelson and Yvonne Myers all brought laptops full of pictures of past reunions, trips, etc. They were projected on a large screen, and it was hard to find a place to stand or sit to watch the slide shows.

That first night, 132 of us descended on Buzz and Jane Birzenieks’ home on a hilltop overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. Drinks were plentiful, and the barbecue dinner was perfect. We dined and talked until well after dark, then it was back to the hospitality room.

Friday, May 25, the remainder of the people arrived and kept checking in until late in the afternoon. However, the day started with 50 of the group taking a full-day bus trip to New Market.

Box lunches were provided, and several Civil War history experts described the route taken, the battle and the aftermath.

Others enjoyed golf and shooting clays, while even more people visited “the campus” and downtown Lexington. Several of the ladies drove via carpool to Staunton for a day of shopping. The hospitality room was never vacant.

Friday afternoon was one of the highlights of the weekend. Ken Dice, as one of our class officers, and Cliff Crittsinger sat on the stage with Col. Jeff Curtis ’79, VMI chief of staff, and presided over the awarding of the first-ever Cadet New Market Legacy Award. The entire 1st Class plus the 4th Class cadets were on hand. The award was described, the historical facts recited and then, among a group of five finalists, the winner was announced. Cadet Vincenzo Reo ’14 was the first recipient. From the jumping onto their feet by the 1st Class, it was obvious the right recipient had been chosen. Thanks to all of you who made contributions to make the award possible and for the

2014- Issue 3

statue to be given into perpetuity. And, of course, special thanks to the committee who worked so hard for more than five years, overcoming many obstacles, to get approval of the award – the first ever chosen by the class themselves.

Immediately following the award ceremony, we went to the Center for Leadership and Ethics for a dinner hosted by the VMI Foundation. All the guys were given 50th Reunion medals on a ribbon as we entered. Each of the widows present was also provided the same medal and ribbon to honor their husbands.

With an open bar and a well prepared and served meal, we settled in to hear Gen. Peay ’62 talk to us about VMI in a very informative 20-minute talk. That was followed by a performance by the Glee Club, which, to the surprise of most of us, not only had female cadets, but the ladies outnumbered the men two to one. Needless to say, the sound was quite different from what we remembered. Not unpleasant, just different.

At the conclusion, Al Fiorini made a last-ditch appeal for fundraising. There was still time to make a commitment prior to the next morning’s check presentation.

As before, 90 percent of us reassembled in the hospitality room at the Holiday Inn. It stayed open until well after midnight; however, a majority of we old-timers hit the hay before 11 p.m.

Saturday morning, we took busses to VMI in time for the class photo. (Milling around is an art form, and we did an excellent job.) After that, we had our class meeting chaired by Ken Dice. Each of the reunion committee members was recognized for their efforts, and some announcements and other class business were conducted.

Then came the parade. Al Fiorini’s efforts the evening before had paid off. Our check to VMI was for $6,400,019.64. I was embarrassed that my $19.64 donation stood out so brazenly.

After that, we formed up and marched, with all the guys in their new, matching red golf shirts and yellow hats indicating our class and the 50th Reunion. We were quite a sight. Just as 50 years prior, some of us just couldn’t stay in step. K.T. Brunsvold carried our class flag.

In the courtyard, Ken Dice led us first in an Old Yell for the class of 2014 and then for the Class of 1964. We went straight from there to Crozet Hall for a very nice lunch. Buffet lines, no waiters and lots of food choices – just like I remember.

The afternoon was devoted to leisurely walks, a virtual tour of VMI for those interested and more “meetings and discussion” in the hospitality room.

Saturday evening, we bussed to Moody Hall for a buffet, open-seating meal and then went back to the hospitality room.

The next morning, we met in the Memorial Garden for a memorial service for our deceased brother rats. Jan Rudinoff presided and did a really nice

job on the set up and a program. Bernie Hylton, Tom Davis and I read various items set out by Jan. It was quite a moving experience. A fitting tribute to our brother rats who have gone before us.

Following the memorial service, about 60 of us stayed around long enough to enjoy brunch in Crozet Hall. Sad farewells and promises to get together frequently were heard all over the place.

All in all, it was a really nice and well packed three-plus days. Several of us have already begun planning for the 55th Reunion. We joked about a motto: “Stay Alive for ’55” or “Strive for ’55.”

We’ll settle on one or the other.

While we have only 10 photos of the reunion in this issue of the Alumni Review, there are dozens available on our private Facebook page. (Editor’s Note: Also see more photos at vmialumni. org, Photo Store.) Plus, Sherrel has started a file on Shutterfly where various members of the class have uploaded hundreds of photos. If you have any interest in gaining access to these and can’t do so, please don’t hesitate to call or email me.

Changing gears from reunion news, Jack West emailed, “I gave up months ago trying to make the reunion due to the limitations multiple sclerosis forced me to follow. But I have followed your attempts to build such a great turnout. I will pass on a good VMI attempt to recruit my son. I took Josh V to Lexington his senior year in high school, and it was a beautiful day. The Keydets rallied in the last two minutes to win. Josh met the coach, and I had the pleasure of seeing Charlie Cole. I took Josh into barracks. You couldn’t have asked for a better day. He was driving as we left Lexington, and he looked at me and said, ‘I’m not going.’ I told him, ‘If you’re not turned on after that display, they don’t want you either.’

“After leaving VMI due to grades, I spent a vacation at a lovely spot in South Carolina called Parris Island. I resumed my education at Old Dominion University, where I was with a local fraternity, IMPS. I was accepted into the Kappa Alpha Order and was fortunate to be the No. 1. I mention this because my father, J.C.

Class of 1964: Pat Fiorini, Karen Walborn, Marci Parker and Barb Munera at the Birzenieks’ barbecue Thursday, April 24, 2014, during the 50th Reunion.

79

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1964, clockwise from top, left: – Bill Tornabene, Walt Sykes, Jim Brittingham, Mark Nelson, Paul Bouis ’67, Bill Garber, Jim Crawford, John Manley, Dick Atkinson and Buzz Birzenieks April 25, 2014, at the golf outing during the 50th Reunion.

– Parker Duncan, Bill Garber and George Rapport at the 50th Reunion parade April 26, 2014.

– Al Fiorini, Tom Davis, John Cavedo, Dick Dean and Gen. Binford Peay ’62, superintendent, during the 50th Reunion check presentation April 26, 2014.

– Joe Chompaisal, Bill Bandy, Dick Atkinson, Millie McVey, Cliff Crittsinger and Mary Jo Jordan at the 50th Reunion class dinner in Moody Hall April 26, 2014.

– Kerry Hines and Bernie Hylton at the VMI Alumni Association dinner April 25, 2014.

– Sandra and Jerry Reid, Joyce Brittingham, Joan Nunnally and Jim Brittingham at the Birzenieks’ barbecue April 24, 2014, during the 50th Reunion.

80

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1964: Tom and Carol Allen, Tony Munera, Lauranne and W.J. Kitchen, and Bill Bandy and Mary Jo Jordan in Antarctica, January 2014.

West ’928, was asked to join KA at Washington & Lee University. He was his class president at VMI.” Jack went on to say, “Some of the finest football players VMI ever produced are from the Class of 1964, and they should be recognized. While at VMI, I went to the Oyster Bowl in Norfolk where we gave Navy and Roger Staubach all they could handle. Anyway, my toast to the Class of ’64.”

In an email, Dan DeForrest sent, “When I last talked with Ancher Madison, he indicated he planned on being at the reunion. A few years ago, he had some serious heart problems but planned to be at the 50th unless something untoward occurred. I called to see why he was not able to be with us.

“Ancher was to have surgery in early April to have a tumor removed from his kidney. The doctor was optimistic initially, until he learned of Ancher’s history of stroke, diabetes and heart problems. He will be in the hospital for at least a day or two, longer if they have to remove the kidney. I asked him to let me know how he makes out and told him he would be in my prayers.”

Lauranne Kitchen, my favorite traveler and correspondent, sent, “Have you ever wanted to set foot on the unpopulated seventh continent of Antarctica, treading where adventurous explorers ventured and communing with penguins, whales, massive seabirds, blue icebergs, pristine surroundings and sparkling beauty? Well, that’s what 16 of the VMI ’64 group set out to do in January/ February 2014. Of our 16 travelers, the ones associated with VMI were Tom and Carol Allen, Jim and Marilyn Anderson (brother of Mary Jo Jordan), Bill Bandy and Mary Jo Jordan, W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen, and Tony and Barb Munera.

“We left Jan. 28 and flew to Buenos Aires, enjoying tourist sites in that major city and attending a tango show. From there, we flew to Bariloche and were treated to a ‘Swiss-type’ mountain experience in the Patagonian region of

2014- Issue 3

Class of 1964: Tom and Carol Allen, Lauranne and W.J. Kitchen, Sandy and Dan DeForrest, and Mary Jo Jordan and Bill Bandy in Cuba, March 2014.

Argentina. We hiked, rode horses, marveled at the beauty of the area from ski lifts and had a romping great time in that area.

“On Feb. 5, we flew to Ushuaia, the ‘city at the end of the world.’ We toured that windy and unpredictable-weather seaport, taking in the ruggedly beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park.

On Feb. 6, we embarked our ship, the Corinthian, and set sail through the Drake Passage with an adventurous young captain and a fabulous expedition team. We survived a hurricane through the Drake, with Tony Munera getting thrown through the glass doors of our ship’s lobby during a particularly treacherous wave storm. (No one in our group got seasick – or hurt!)

“From Feb. 9 to Feb. 12, dressed in red parkas and black water boots, we were treated to 10 different zodiac landings at either a snowy Shetland Island or on the Antarctic Peninsula and all in gorgeous weather! Wondrous animal life (at one landing we saw more than 250,000 pairs of penguins) of Magellanic, Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins including chicks. Tom Allen spotted the one and only emperor penguin on the trip and photographed it. We saw Wandering Albatross and other varieties of Albatross, Petrels, Skuas, Cormorants, five varieties of seals and five varieties of whales. We visited an Argentine research station, an English station manned by women and a Chilean station. We took an icy and fantastically beautiful tour of icebergs. From the caldera of a volcano, Carol Allen, Barb Munera and Lauranne Kitchen were brave enough (or foolish enough) to take a 34-degree polar plunge. Nothing can describe the beauty, ruggedness or absolute degree of obsession for the unbelievable terrain and animal life of Antarctica. Our summertime trip to the frozen continent of Antarctica ended with another two-day voyage through the Drake Passage and a flight home from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires and points back to the United States.”

Lauranne’s next report followed quickly, “On March 15, 2014, 20 curious explorers met with our interesting American guide (born in Mexico, living in Tucson, Arizona) in Miami, Florida, as we prepared to fly to Cuba. He said it was his experience working with Americans that the reason most wanted to go to Cuba was because they were told they couldn’t. Probably that’s why the 10 of us associated with VMI – Tom and Carol Allen, Jim and Marilyn Anderson (Mary Jo Jordan’s brother and sister-in-law), Bill Bandy and Mary Jo Jordan, Dan and Sandy DeForrest, and W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen – were so eager to go to Cuba. Why else? Most of us had been scared of that little Caribbean Island since 1961 when the U.S. had almost gotten into a nuclear war with the Cubans and Russians. Then, there has been the embargo against trading or visiting Cuba that lasts to this day. How, then, did we get to go to Cuba? A new educational visa exists that allows Americans to visit in an environment of cultural exchange.

“We flew the less than one hour flight to Havana March 16, bearing many gifts of toiletries, clothing, food items, etc. In Havana, we met with our Cuban tour guide, who introduced us to a Ludwig Foundation speaker. We visited a senior center and a child care center (always leaving gifts behind – apparently, there is a severe shortage of soap, milk, toiletries, etc.). We went on a market visit riding a bicycle-taxi, took a tour of a modern art museum and visited Fusterlandia (a fabulous art haven created by Cuban artist and sculptor, Jose Fuster). Some in our group smoked Cuban cigars and drank Cuban rum. All ate the delicious food of Cuba. Havana was a beautiful but decrepit city with many projects of reconstruction going on. Full of American cars from the late 1940s to 1959, it was exciting and wondrous with hard-working, artistic and nice people – still caught in the communistic regime of the Castros and struggling with poverty.

81

CLASS NOTES “From March 19 to March 21, we drove by bus to Cienfuegos, where we heard a wonderful choral concert. We also met with writers, artists and musicians of the Union of Writers and Artists in Cuba and had a discussion with them. We attended a dance at a children’s school, ages 8-14, and left gifts behind us.

“From March 21 to March 23, we drove to the delightful and picturesque city of Trinidad, where we observed basket weavers at their craft and watched a potter make objects out of clay. Sandy DeForrest, our best artist, participated in making a lovely pot. We also went to a sugar mill, visited a local family, went to a Santeria temple, took a trip to a coffee plantation and visited the farm of a family of coffee bean growers (again, leaving gifts behind most places we visited).

“Back to Havana March 24, we met with local fishermen, went to the hotel where Hemingway stayed and checked into the famous Hotel Nacionel de Cuba (where the mob originally met in 1945 to discuss gambling and casinos in Cuba and where famous stars and sports figures have stayed). Our last visit was to see a modern dance troupe and leave gifts for them.

“Our American/Mexican tour guide had arranged for our group to ride through Havana in some of the most beautiful of the old vintage cars.

(Ours was a 1957 convertible Ford Fairlane with an ah-oo-ga horn.) Talk about a thrill! We left Cuba March 26 and flew back to Miami feeling like we had a better perspective on the Cuba problem and glad to have met so many lovely Cuban people.”

We’ve already started thinking about the 55th Reunion in spring 2019. Several have sent in suggestions, and others have already volunteered to serve on various committees. If you haven’t done so already, let me know what you would like to see. I’m keeping track of all our suggestions and will post them occasionally to our private Class of 1964 Facebook page.

In closing these notes, I can’t stress how much I appreciate the opportunity to be your class agent.

I take the responsibility seriously. Having said that, especially in the aftermath of our reunion, I need your written input and photos. Keep those cards, emails and phone calls coming. I enjoy hearing from you, even if only a sentence.

’65

Mickey Finn

426 Black Diamond Drive Wilmington, NC 28411 (H) 910/686-2355 mickeyfinn1@mac.com

It is mid-May as I pull these notes together. Jane and I are fine; we just returned from a week in Loudoun County, Virginia, visiting with our children and their families. We had a wonderful, busy time and look forward to a return trip in June to see our

82

oldest grandchild, Jessica, who’s now 21! She has already been making plans to attend so that we can one year left at Radford University and is planning catch up on the latest news.

“The new fitness building shall be a great addito teach school.

The sad news is the passing of Phil Rutschow tion for VMI. We received a presentation about the April 3, 2014. Please see the notice published in the features of the building during the mini reunion.

Taps section of this issue.

Changes do take place at VMI, but the core values Brian McNeil reports: “I have been vacationing have not changed; ethics, responsibility and integquite a bit in 2013: to Spain, Portugal, France, Bel- rity remain as strong as ever. I do hope all who posgium, the Northwest USA and Alaska with Joyce; sibly can shall attend the 50th. See you there!”

Hilton Head with Joyce and my family; St. Thomas Bruce Herczogh writes, “Northwest corner of Virgin Islands with Jackie and Hugh Dowdy; and South Carolina and not much happening. I have Williamsburg, Virginia, in December with Reed just finished a semester at Tri County Technical and Ann McDowell. I have a few pictures to prove College and finally accepted a full time chemisit! try faculty position at the school. Life begins at “It was Hugh and Jackie Dowdy’s first overnight 70! I will be at the 50th Reunion and plan to artrip to St. Thomas since their honeymoon more rive Wednesday evening of that week. During the than 40 years ago. We enjoyed touring the island summer, I get up at 4:30 a.m., drive an hour to my and made a trip over to St. John as well. The only sister-in-law’s farm, collect 250 gallons of strawdisappointment was the rain, which was plentiful berries and wind up sitting on the side of the road and included a tropical storm dropping 6 inches of rainfall one night.

“It was also the first time I had seen Reed since Fort Bliss and officer’s basic in May 1966. We got together with the wives, Joyce and Ann, and just happened to stop by Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg to ‘see if it would be acceptable to our grandkids.’ Ann snapped a photo with Joyce’s help. We spent a lot of time catching up on news and recalling the history of our lives since VMI days.

It’s good therapy! Reed and Ann have a log home on sizable acreage near Salisbury, Maryland, and are next to a golf course. Apparently, golf is a game they Class of 1965: Jamie and Johnny Mac love; they play across the USA! “I am looking forward to a week the Marshall took a break during their tour of last part of February in Hilton Head, Walt Disney World’s Epcot to take part in the Reunion Committee conference call in South Carolina, with a group of 1965 January 2014.

BRs. I will be with Doug Thomas, Hugh Dowdy, Wayne Chiles, Irwin McCumber and our for six hours.” wives, and we hope to get Jack Cook to come over Johnny Mac Marshall needs his own private from Savannah, Georgia, part of the time. More travel agent. Witness: “No surprise that the past stories to be told! Looking toward the reunion!” few months have been filled with travel for Jamie John Cocke shows how our lives have changed: and me. In November, we were in Lexington for “Again, let me thank you for all you do in keeping the kickoff of the 50th Reunion Committee. It me and the other BRs informed on what is going was, as always, great to see so many faces that: on. May 2, 2014, my oldest grandson graduated 1) I could still recognize and 2) were attached to from Louisburg College. He goes to Clemson Uni- friends with whom there is no pretense. Felt like versity to finish his major in agriculture science. ‘home.’ While there, I had the opportunity to meet Needless to say, all were proud of his achievement. with Maj. Holston, the pre-law sponsor, and with “Joan and I are enjoying retirement. We are able the support of Gen. Peay ’62, we finalized the creto visit interesting sites such as the P. Buckley Moss ation of the VMI Hall of Phi Delta Phi, the legal Museum; the New Market Museum; Red Hill, Pat- honor society. This is going to help cadets who rick Henry’s home and burial place; Michie Tav- are interested in the law as a career to learn more ern, Monticello; and the new Civil War Museum about what it involves before going to law school at Appomattox to name a few. The mini reunion on a ‘cold call.’ Obviously, I have a bias, but it is basketball game was great. It makes attending the some satisfaction that VMI got this before our law 50th Reunion something that will really allow us to school neighbors to the west. Our travels continued renew friendships, tell some stories and anticipate. in January when we were at Walt Disney World for Roommates Chuck Hough and Ted Goodloe have a construction conference, at which I presided over

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Class of 1965: Annual “round ball” mini reunion in Lexingon Feb. 21, 2014.

Larry Egan, left, presented a framed print of historic Lexington and Rockbridge County sites to Donnie White. a mock trial for engineers who might find themselves testifying as experts. Of course, duty called, and Jamie saw to it that I did not forget a conference call for the reunion committee in the midst of our wandering around Epcot.

“In early April, we went to Lublin, Poland, where I was invited to present a university lecture, not just on the law for a change. This was the most recent in a series of speeches that I have been giving since 1995 on the topic of cyberethics, the study of how technology impacts traditional ethical concepts such as right and wrong. Obviously, that includes the law, but it is much broader, especially with medical advances that allow us to keep people ‘alive’ almost indefinitely. While there, Jamie met with the board of directors of the Maria CurieSklodowska University alumni foundation that she founded (modeled, of course, on the VMI Foundation), which makes me, on such occasions, her ‘roadie.’ Suits me.

“Of course, all of this is interspersed with correspondence and phone calls related to the 50th, and I know that it is going to be a very special time, especially for the BRs who may not have been back recently. One of these is my roomie, David Bywaters, with whom I had supper recently. Not only did he tell me that he is planning on coming to the 50th, but he has already made his commitment to the reunion fundraising! Impressive, indeed!”

Wayne Chiles reports, “A special thanks to our agent, Mickey, for trying to keep us close. His message of Phil Rutschow’s illness inspired me to act. Phil, ‘Yens’ Yenchochic, Jerry Lyons, Charlie England and I shared a luxury suite at the ‘I’ during our rat year. Much grousing, moaning, laughter and mutual anguish got us through that joyful time. Though I hadn’t seen Phil in all these years, I can still relish the picture of him kicked back in his chair at our table, reading or telling a ribald

2014- Issue 3

At dinner, on the left side of the table were Billy Loughridge, Granny Amos, Chuck Hough, Easley Moore and Moon Porterfield. On the right were Pete Trible and Donny White.

joke. I also spoke to Charlie and Jerry to be sure they knew the situation – great to catch up briefly with both – and told them I hope to see them in April 2015. I will catch up with Yens before you read this.”

Fred Bell, where are you? Come baacccckkkk!

It’s been too long. Bob Kozyra and Tommy Thompson have both attended recently – at least in the last 10 years or so – and hopefully will be there for the 50th.

Ann and I again enjoyed our annual visit to Hilton Head with Doug and Lucia Thomas and their special friends in late February. Irwin and Linda McCumber, Brian and Joyce McNeil, Hugh and Jackie Dowdy, and Jack Cook were there at the same time, and we had many joyous moments together. Part of the relief was just getting out of northern Virginia without the aid of a snowplow.

After a week of great food, fellowship, fun and golf (not such fun), we left sunny South Carolina to embrace another snowstorm. Uncle!

Tom Lilly is still active in his firm, Smith, Lilly & Ball, PLLC in Princeton, West Virginia. He has been selected every year since 2008 to be listed in the Newsweek “Best Lawyers in America.” Tom specializes in real estate law and has also been recognized as a Top Lawyer in West Virginia, as published in the West Virginia Journal. Way to go, Brother Rat Tom! Joe Straub and Danny Hogan sent out an email call May 15, 2014, to all Company B members to join them for the 50th Reunion at VMI April 2526, 2015, and encouraged them to “start the buzz” about coming back next year. They have also set up a class of ’65 Facebook page and invite all class members and others (wives, children, friends, etc.) to join “VMI65.” The page had 46 members as of May 15, 2014.

Carr Hyatt attended the VMI versus Yale

University basketball game. “I was able to see the VMI versus Yale basketball game. Saw Joe Straub, Ron Obenchain and Charlie Price.

Speaking of Charlie, he and I spent time at VMI making most of the arrangements for the social committee for our 50th. Have spoken to Lou Siegel several times, as well. Hope all is well with you and Jane. My best to you, Carr.”

Now for the aforementioned BR Charlie Price: “For whatever reason, I was not able to accomplish from my desk what I wished to do with these pictures from the basketball weekend in February 2014. I could not figure out how to send them to you. My wife volunteered the administrative assistant at my church for help, and we got two thirds of the job done this morning. It was a struggle for her, and she had to leave for an appointment before we could finish. I then did what I should have done right away when I realized I wasn’t getting there on my own. I went to Yours Truly, a professional photography business, and we quickly got the last image made and transmitted. The cost – $2! What a bargain! So, Mickey, you should have received three pictures of that weekend. The most important for the Alumni Review in my view is the one of Larry Egan presenting the framed print of historic Lexington/ Rockbridge County sites to Donnie White. All the pictures are ones I took, and you have permission to use or not use as you wish.

“Some time ago, I made 25 copies of all the pictures in this set. They are on CDs, and it is my intention to get them to all the guys who were there.

I think that is enough for that purpose. When I made the copies, the computer at Walgreens said they would all go on a single CD. When I came to collect them, the final eight were on a second disk!

That is the way this world works, sometimes. Anyway, I will finish that project soon, I hope.”

83

CLASS NOTES her bright spirit – typically, shortly Bill Cather is halfway into retirebefore her death, she called us to ment: “Mia and I took our first real trip pass along some nutritional advice since she got sick three years ago. Just for my cancer treatment. Class agent spent four days in Holland, Michigan, emeritus John Walters attended the at the tulip festival and hanging out at visitation and service and reported, a beautiful little harbor town called Sau“I think about half of Chestertown gatuck. I have finally sold my printing was there, and it took about an hour company and will be fully retired when for the visitors to wend their way I get my building cleaned out and sold. through the line to get to the family.

“I am still active with the scout troop.

Let me tell you, L.T. was both well We have exactly 100 boys now, and I and widely loved.” He added that he mostly go on the campouts that I want met Jim Upton and his wife, Judith, to. I have one grandson who is an Eagle as well as Jim Smith and his wife, Scout going to Auburn University next Carol. “Also with them was (I’m not year and another grandson who is a cub. sure I’ve got this right) their daughI am trying to hold on another five years to see if I can do another trip to Philmont ter (or daughter-in-law) and the very [Scout Ranch] with my other son and Class of 1965: Godwin Jones, Benny Dyer, Jim Turner best behaved baby on the entire and Charlie Price at the Rappahannock alumni meetgrandson.” planet.” John adds that they “were Ron Petitte has written a very im- ing Dec. 15, 2013. Turner presented a program on the joined Friday by Jim’s son, Rusty Smith ’93. Following visitation, portant book and has sent the follow- VMI Center for Undergraduate Research and gave upwe all went down to the Chestering information for your consideration: dates regarding the biology department.

“Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Engtown waterfront and had a very nice land, recently released my book, ‘Civilization at “It is a quick but not an easy read, as the subject dinner together. Funeral services were Friday Risk: Seeds of Strife.’ This work is devoted exclu- is so aberrant. If you are not familiar with traffick- morning. Dick insisted that we sit with family sively to fighting human trafficking, with a specific ing, I recommend that you read it – not for me but (which by itself got my tear ducts lubricated). focus on stemming the trade in women and chil- for your own awareness and an opportunity to join So, our little delegation occupied reserved seatthe fight against this scourge. If you are familiar ing, which was a blessing, because it was a full dren for sexual purposes. with the subject, you might be interested in the re- house and then some. Jim Park, VMI chaplain, search that was brought to bear in the writing of participated in the services, and he had with him the newly hired assistant from the Class of ’04. this book.

“The Justice & Mercy Initiative, part of the Cen- As you noted in your email to the class, Dick had ter for Leadership Initiatives (which I direct at Bry- recently made it possible for there to be an assisan College), was created to fight human traffick- tant chaplain. Buddy Bryan ’71 was there reping. Go to http://www.bryan.edu/jmi.html to get a resenting the VMI Foundation. The memories better picture. All author proceeds go to the JMI. they shared were revealing, insightful, horribly I cannot and will not take anything for this work. funny and, because of all those things, tearful. I Although the book is offered by Amazon, feel free think my tears alternated from being caused by to write me directly for a copy, which I will sign for laughter and then by sadness. Songs picked out you. Until 500 copies are sold, no proceeds will be were not typical of a funeral, but they sure were forthcoming from the publisher. Donations to JMI typical of L.T. Her favorite was ‘Let My Little are also appreciated. My email is petittro@bryan. Light Shine,’ and Park prepped everybody by inedu. Unfortunately, my publisher put a relatively dicating L.T. always sang it with gusto, and we high price on the book ($67.99), for which I apolo- were to do the same: ‘This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.’” [I can only add Amen.] gize. Thank you for your consideration.”

John’s report continued, “Jim Upton reports he As I close this May 15, 2014, we have little more than 11 months until our 50th Reunion. It is time to is involved in a project to identify every single Class of 1965: Johnny Mac Marstart making plans to attend. Jane and I wish you all Confederate soldier buried in a cemetery near shall’s daughter, Victoria Joanna the best, that you have been having a great summer him. You and he would enjoy sharing research Mary Marshall, who matriculated and that we will see you all in April! That is worth experiences and the current trend toward reviwith the Class of 2005, subsequentan Old Yell! ’65! ’65! ’65! sionist history. Jim’s son, who was at our 25th (I ly graduated from Old Dominion think it was) as a cadet, went into naval aviation University and was commissioned and flew P-3 Orions on sub patrol. He flies 767s in the U.S. Army. She served in Albert Conner the 3rd Infantry Division, includfor American out of Houston, Texas, headed to 38 Ruffian Drive ing a tour in Iraq. Upon her return South America. Jim Smith’s son, Rusty, has a Stafford, VA 22556-6661 in 2009, she earned her emergency job with BB&T doing commercial insurance.”

(H) 540/286-1118 medical technician license and then Azconner@aol.com For those who didn’t receive my April 7, 2014, decided to go to Johns Hopkins e-report on the April 4-5 Volunteer Leaders University School of Nursing. She I’m sad to have to report the passing of BR (class agents, chapter presidents, regional direcgraduated in July 2014 with her Dick Goodall’s wife, our SR Lauralee Taylor tors, etc.) Conference, this was the first of two nursing degree.

“L.T.” Goodall. Jane and I came to love her for Lexington trips in a week, as we also attended

’66

84

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the Scholarship Donor Luncheon the following week. The trips proved I was in better shape, as I managed without a wheelchair. As always, the facts and figures flew by, and I tried to capture them accurately enough to give you an update of the state of the Institute.

The Alumni Agencies: Brian Crockett, chief executive officer of VMI Foundation, gave us some useful thoughts on the Foundation’s future support. Focus will be on solidifying VMI’s academic, military, athletic and legacy excellence programs based on the clearly-stated needs of the Institute and the giving preferences of the full range of donors (alumni, parents, friends, etc). State aid will continue, mainly toward capital improvements and some in-state tuition relief. Tuition and fees are still providing the bulk of operating funds, and the Foundation’s goal is to help keep tuition growing as slowly as possible. We are well represented in the seven-person “cabinet” Brian leans on for VMI insights: specifically, BRs John Jumper and Tom Slater.

At supper, we heard a talk from the new athletic director, Dave Diles, Ed.D. He has a very impressive background and gave an even more impressive presentation. He’s off to a great start in a tough job. When you look at the total athletic effort, VMI looks good. Football, of course, stands out for obvious reasons. We will also lose a longtime good friend in the Foundation to retirement this year, Frances Arehart. Adam Volant ’88, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the VMI Alumni Association, reported a highly successful VMI job fair in Richmond and some key personnel changes: Carole Green will retire in December 2014 and Hope Hennessey retired in July 2014. Both will be missed.

The 2015 Register of Former Cadets is underway. This is really important, as the last one had many errors, and we must make an extra effort to get it back on track. That mainly means we have to work through the process. When you initially get contacted, please make a concerted effort to get the correct information to them. I’ll get a chance to proofread the final cut, but it really depends on you participating and responding in a timely manner. Greg Cavallero ’84, chief executive officer of the Keydet Club, said efforts to build an athletic endowment (rather than trying to pay-as-you-go annually) were making good progress and specific fundraising challenges have substantially increased giving.

He liked our class’s “Noah’s Arc” project on behalf of the basketball team. I told him I thought it was a great model to get specific items for the specific teams. Thanks to BR Cliff Martin for informing us so beautifully through the season and leading us to fixing this particular need.

Thanks to all the ’66 BRs who stepped up so quickly and got us to success.

2014- Issue 3

Col. Jamie Inman ’86, VMI chief of staff, delivered the briefing on the overall status of things. They were in process of replacing the dean, commandant, Marshall Center for Leadership and Ethics director, and director of Institute assessment and evaluation positions. With regard to the present Corps, there are about 1,650 in barracks – 58 percent Virginia residents and 42 percent non-Virginia residents; 55 percent science, technology, engineering and mathematics and 45 percent non-STEM; 50 percent commissioning; and around 8-10 percent female.

The cost of a VMI education is $23,000 for a Virginia resident and $45,000 for a non-Virginia resident. Despite this cost, applicant interest continues to increase across the board. Next year’s 4th Class cadets will number 500 (including 70 females). Surprisingly, given the national defense politics, ROTC scholarships will double (40 to 80 expected). They’re bringing in 110 recruited athletes. The incoming rodents have an average GPA of 3.77, average SAT score of 1207, average ACT score of 27 and were in the top 20 percentile of their classes. Forty percent had attended an open house weekend at VMI. Attrition of 4th Class cadets is at about 17-19 percent. The Rat Line remains physically very demanding, and Breakout bears some resemblance to the Bataan Death March. Throughout the weekend, I witnessed numerous large formations of cadets doing rigorous physical stuff in physical training garb and battle dress uniforms

all over post. For the graduates of the Class of 2014, about 85 percent have found gainful employment; 51 percent through commissioning and 34 percent with some kind of full time employment. Capital construction has about $23 million to go. The primary emphasis is the new Corps Physical Training Facilities (which will align with Cameron Hall), refurbishing Cocke Hall and Cormack Hall, and refurbishing some other support buildings. Honors programs are blazing ahead and drawing greater recognition for cadet work.

VMI hosted an Honor Summit of interested colleges and universities. It turns out we’re the only public single-sanction institution with an honor code. Cadet/student administration and faculty oversight were highlighted in discussions.

By the way, did you know that today’s cadets “rent” their uniforms? It’s perceived as an economy of sorts to cut down the tuition and fees expenses. Overcoats, for example, allegedly cost about $2,000, according to one class agent.

If that’s accurate, this may be sound policy. I personally would like a system where the cadets buy their own or “rent-to-own” through receipt of ROTC money, etc. I don’t know enough to continue discussion, but it is interesting.

A few other interesting facts I extracted from a handout reveal that VMI is fully a state (58 percent from Virginia), national (42 percent from 43 other states) and international college (10 foreign countries; exchange agreements

Class of 1966: Stafford Alumni Honor Guard, starting second from left, U.S. Army Col. George Wolfe ’49B; U.S. Army Col. Charlie Talbott ’63; U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Chris Arey ’72; U.S. Air Force Col. Glenn Trimmer ’77; and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. T.J. Palmer ’84. At the far left was “Squad Leader” Al Conner ’66, U.S. Army, Defense Intelligence Agency and CIA. This was a living demonstration of the famed “VMI bonds” from classes spanning the 1940s-80s.

See class notes for details.

85

CLASS NOTES with France, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Taiwan and Thailand). Bachelor of Science degree majors include applied math, biology, chemistry, civil engineering, computer and information sciences, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer engineering. Bachelor of Arts degree majors include (note overlap) biology, chemistry, economics and business, English, history, international relations and political science, modern language and cultures, physics, and psychology. VMI fields 18 National Collegiate Athletic Association teams (11 men’s teams and seven women’s; 30 percent of Corps in intercollegiate athletics).

Another handout had some additional useful information. Entitled “Ten Easy Ways You Can Help VMI,” it provides some stewardship ideas: 1) Stay in touch via class notes and outreach to BRs, 2) stay informed with the progress of VMI, 3) come back to post and see what’s going on and happening, 4) talk to cadets at every opportunity, 5) help VMI help alumni with job assistance, etc., 6) help VMI help cadets with internships and scholarship support, 7) form local bonds by active involvement in alumni chapters and/or attending functions, 8) be an ambassador for prospective cadets and families, 9) be a regular giver to VMI by continuing to give or increasing your support, and 10) lobby your state legislators. To these, I’d add a selfassessment as to “why,” “what” and “how” we can help VMI. Again, I’m not talking just about just giving money – I’m thinking more like stewardship in church with regard to “time, talents and resources.” As to “why,” try answering these questions to your own satisfaction: What does VMI mean to me and to my family? What is my reason for supporting VMI more than the general run-of-the-mill charities or nonprofits?

Assuming you’re happy with your answers and see them in a positive light, we can now move on to future campaigns.

At the conference, I had some nice catch-up time with BRs Charlie Ramsburg and Randolph Williams. Also, we received a nice greeting for ’66 from Class Agent Brad Simpson ’09, who is married into the family of our late BR Vince Scott. I saw Spence Wilkinson and Rich Hines at the Scholarship Donor Luncheon. We were all so caught up in talking with the cadet recipients that we didn’t really get to talk to one another.

Jane and I were pleased to get to know this year’s cadet recipients of the Cheryl Lithgow Conner Scholarship, a supplementary ROTC scholarship where one-to-three draw on the available funds. I believe this brings the number to more than 23 who have been helped since 1996. All three this year will commission in the U.S. Air Force. Speaking of which, a new (to me) exhibit in the Moody Hall reception room depicts the four VMI alumni who have headed a U.S.

86

military service: U.S. Marine Corps Generals Randolph McCall Pate ’921 and Lemuel Cornick Shepherd ’917, U.S. Army Gen. George C. Marshall ’901, and U.S. Air Force Gen. John P. Jumper. Don’t you think it puffed your already proud class agent up to casually mention, “Oh, that’s my brother rat, John!”

Some of you received news notice of the passing of BR Walt Walsh’s father, Marine and FBI legend, Walter Walsh (age 106).

Jane and I had a great visit at our home with BR Joe Gesker. Joe recently retired from teaching and coaching at Paul VI High School after a distinguished Army career. Naturally, he’s working on a biography of Adm. Ray Spruance of Midway fame, etc. When asked how that started, Joe traced its origins back to Vietnam and reading an article on Spruance just before a momentous combat action. He’s linked the two. Good luck on your research, Joe! Heard on a variety of subjects from BRs Terry Crump, Nick Hoskot, Randy Urmston, Rich Hines, Clark Reifsnider, Bill Talman, Reyn Young, Mark Mount, Jim Williams, Woody Sadler, Bill McClure, Bill Gregory, Jim Pauls, Al Carr, John Walters, John Crotty, Jim Hannah, Ray Saunders, Gene Harrington, Jerry “Butch” Lazaroff, Rob Ritchie, Larry Sonstein, Tom Slater, Bob Watson, Roy Alford, Mike Burton, Bernie Halloran, Ken Petrie, Butch Herbaugh and Charlie Woodward. If these prompt some thought, you might want to contact them to re-establish ties.

Mark Mount’s note had a report on his VMI trip and the physics majors’ mini reunion in Washington in September 2013. “Apologies for not getting back to you before now. It was really great to see you last September and to meet your lovely wife. I am sorry to report that I cannot send you a copy of the pictures we took the day of our visit. My camera and some other things were stolen from my carry-on baggage later that week during a train ride to Connecticut to visit with my daughter. I am still amazed at how crafty people have become now days. Had a nice chat with Ed Willis and his wife after the football game. Also ran into Reed Johnson ’53, one of my professors in the now-defunct University of Virginia nuclear engineering department. Our physics mini reunion in Washington was wonderful. Those in attendance included Tom Hamrick, Tommy Harrel, Bill Lonergan, Frank Louthan, Charlie Rothwell, Ray Saunders, Dale Saville, Leon Vannais and myself.

Bill Hawfield and Graham Dean were the only two who could not make it. Ray Saunders took some wonderful pictures that I am sure he would share with you. We enjoyed our visit so much that we plan to get together again for a weekend in fall 2014 in the Albuquerque area.”

Larry Sonstein provided an update: “In less

than two weeks, we have to make our annual trek back to Ohio from Florida. I have been told that the grass up there is no longer white and that it is safe to sneak into the state. That is going to lead to the start of one of my busier years to come in 2014-15. I have been a member of the Elks for a little more than 25 years now, and in July, Peggie and I will be traveling to the national convention in New Orleans so I can be installed as the national president’s representative (called district deputy) to oversee 15 lodges in northeastern Ohio – one of six district deputies for the state. After that, there are going to be two state conventions, three district meetings (one of which I will have to fly back from Florida for), two district clinics to run, 15 lodge inspections (almost half are nearly 100 miles from home each way) and a bunch of paperwork before I can say I have gone as far as I am going to go in Elkdom! Peggie is doing fine. No relapse on her cancer thus far, for which we are eternally grateful. We are looking forward to our 50th, both reunion and anniversary, though I guess her 50th won’t take place since Southern Seminary no longer exists.” After a small research project, I found that Southern Seminary became Southern Virginia University in the same place, Buena Vista. They trace their roots back to an 1867 female seminary in Bowling Green, Virginia.

May 15, was the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market. An alumni group here in Stafford County, Virginia (representing classes of the 1940s through 1980s), planned to honor the life and times of New Market Cadet John Bowie Gray ’867 at his family gravesite at “Traveller’s Rest.” These ties bind every cadet, and alumni all over the nation paused at the same time to remember. It is also a good time to remember all of VMI’s veterans and fallen from the Mexican War to present.

That’s the class and VMI news for now. Please send me an update on the printable goings-on in your lives so that I can pass them along. I hope you will all be happy and well and that our Heavenly Father will watch over you and protect you.

’67

Jan Abernathy

3200 Deer Creek Drive Canton, GA 30114-8148 (H) 770/591-8979 VMI67@iglide.net

If you missed the 150th reenactment of the Battle of New Market, I can tell you it was a great spectator event. Several thousand participants came from all over to portray both sides of the conflict. It is safe to say the Confederates again won the day with the help of the VMI cadets. A number of alumni joined the Echols Brigade (22nd Virginia, CSA) as an adjunct to the Corps. Jamie Tate (it was not easy to get Jamie

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES recently purchased two Tennessee Walking Horses. Hers is a 12-year-old gelding named I’m BB King, and John’s is a 9-yearold mare named Trixie. Deer count this season is around 10 for the family, including the suicidal one that ran into the 4Runner. “Sandy got a 10 pointer, so she gets the prize.”

Dave Bristow: “Allison and I took a river cruise to see the tulips and windmills in the Netherlands. Son John is still working on his master’s in geology at Colorado School of Mines.

Daughter Izy graduated from Western Oregon University and is doing a costuming fellowship with the Meadow Brook Theater in Rochester, Minnesota.

Allison, Joanne (another daughter, I think) and her mother (Allison’s mom?) went to Indonesia for three weeks. Dave and Class of 1967: Attending the April 2014 1967 Allison got to watch some of the brother rat golf outing at Pinehurst, North CaroAmerica’s Cup live. Son Chrislina, were, from left, kneeling, Jamie Hannah, topher started at the University Dave Fink, Robert Klink and Tex Young. Standing: of Northern Colorado as a busi- George Sanborn, Mike Bagnulo, Kermit Quick, ness major and took up fencing. Carter Melton, Tom Gillette and Dave Wilkinson.

Allison and her sister, Joanne, fulfilled a bucket list trip to Kenya and took a went to Africa.” Whew!

Pat and Marie Conley’s card was a beautiful photo standing on the equator at 5,000 feet. Kerhand-painted one by Marie. It was a “holiday mit says he put on his VMI shirt just to be sure to sandman” with a snowman fishing on the sand. get their photo in the Alumni Review.

In January, I had to remind Bill Fleshood that, Other travelers include Jack and Patty Sheereven though he and Jo were moving to Georgia an: “Attached is a memento of our trip to France to avoid the winters in Connecticut, it does snow in April. Over nine days, we went from Paris to in Georgia. Bill and Jo expected to be moved to the chateaus and cathedrals of the Loire Valley, Georgia by June, just in time for 100 percent hu- as well as a trip to Normandy. After being awed midity, 95-degree days and kamikaze mosquitoes. by Omaha Beach and the geography that the Vance Powell is finally settled in Dothan, troops had to negotiate June 6, 1944, we paid our respects at the U.S. cemetery. An interesting find Alabama.

While I am thinking of it, was the graves of Teddy Roosevelt’s two sons, I apologize for the jellyfish Ted Jr. and Quinton, buried side by side.”

Pete and Karen Wells were recently in Florida story I sent in an email, as it did have some salty language. to visit family and meet the newest granddaughBy way of an excuse, I will say ter, Leanne Elizabeth Wells.

I have many experiences with Dave Neel: “In March, I contacted Dennis stinging jellyfish, as I grew up Hill. I was going to Sarasota, and Kathy and I by the ocean in Virginia. met Dennis and Denise in Ybor City, Florida, for I want to thank Dave Wilkin- a wonderful lunch. We tried to pin down the date son (never can get used to we had last seen each other. I thought it was in calling a man of his character September 1967 when I was heading out to [U.S. and education “Tubby”) for Air Force navigator] training in Sacramento, checking up on a VMI female California. Dennis says it was in 1968 when he staff member in the Virginia was rotating to Vietnam, and he stopped in to see Commonwealth University’s me. I’ll just go with his date, since he is so much Class of 1967: Hollace and Bruce Weiner during Medical College of Virginia younger than I and still has a memory.” The a visit to see son Mark in Israel, as part of their photo was too fuzzy to get in this issue, as was hospital. biking tour.

Kermit and Patsy Quick one (too small) of Bob Hess on his bicycle on

to step out of Union blue, as he has portrayed his Yankee ancestors’ side for years) and I were the only uniformed ’67 Confederates, but Barrett Graham, John Lee, Johnny Watt Vaughan and Bert Burckard were among the spectators, along with Bob and Carole Green. If there were others, I did not see them. Barrett and John visited the VMI cadet camp before the battle May 18.

My son, Daniel Abernathy ’91, and my grandson, Stephen Abernathy, were with us, dressed out in period gear also. (Editor’s Note: See a photo of the Abernathys and Tate on the inside back cover of this Alumni Review.) At 13, Stephen was a drummer, as the event organizers set the age for carrying a musket at 16. Photos will eventually show how ragged we all were by the end of the three-day event. If you liked the show from the viewing area, you would have loved it from the field beyond the Bushong house at the rail fence by the orchard. After much running, kneeling, firing, kneeling and kneeling again, my knees and hips decided I would get shot and gracefully drape myself over the fence to watch the others finish the charge. There is a two-hour, two-part documentary available, professionally made, called “Lions of the Hour.” It is $10.00 and can be ordered at www.lionsofthehour.com.

Earlier in 2014, John Vaughan sent a suggestion to VMI that those of us in the Corps 100 years after New Market be allowed to answer the roll call at the parade on the 15th, as most of the dead were from 1867-68. His thought on this was well received but did not make the cut.

As it turned out, the parade was canceled due to torrential rain, and many of us from the “Old Corps” observed that the coatees would have had all summer to dry out. The prevailing thought was that those parents attending graduation the next day would not have enjoyed the aroma of several hundred wet wool uniforms.

Some Christmas additions: John Lee still works at Rite-Aid, and Sandy does some home improvement work when work is available. They

2014- Issue 3

87

CLASS NOTES a 24,900-plus mile international tour promoting his world cycling tour Around the World Cycling Challenge for prostate cancer awareness.

Ray Irvine: “We left Hawaii three days ago (in March) on the way to Mexico, then up to ’Frisco on the Grand Princess. Lovely weather in Hawaii, sunny and warm ... rough seas since departing.”

Robert Klink: “On May 8, I had the pleasure to go with Kip and Judy Jones to the jam-packed VMI Club of Richmond dinner. The guest speaker was Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas. One of the introductions was by his son, Jamal Thomas ’96. Seated at our table were Tom Hancock (and his son), John Gupton and Tubby Wilkinson. G.T. Elmore and John Pasco were seated nearby. Very stimulating and enjoyable evening.”

Phil Gioia: “[Was] asked to give the keynote address at the Memorial Day program at the National Cemetery at Presidio of San Francisco this year, on occasion of 50th anniversary of the start of the war in Vietnam. I guess the park service and the Presidio Trust rightly believe if they wait for the 50th anniversary of the end of the war, there may be a lot fewer of us Vietnam warriors around.”

Terry Moore: “I am off to what I hope is my last series of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin procedures – once a week for three weeks. They aren’t uncomfortable, but I tend to have a reaction that isn’t the best. If all goes well, I’ll have a ‘final’ checkup in August, and then be on a ‘watch’ for several years. I don’t know what the ‘watch’

entails yet but will in August. Other than that, Beth and I are doing well. We [headed] again to New Orleans with friends in April and in May to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a week for a cooking class and sightseeing event.”

Tom Mustard: “What a difference a year makes! ‘Miss Shirley’ (aka ‘Honey’) and I just returned from a cruise to Aruba, Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica and Grand Cayman. Had a blast, ate too much and transited the whole canal.

I enjoy your updates and remember most of the BRs mentioned.”

Fred Smith: “I’m finally retired as of Jan. 22, 2014. Judy and I packed up our fifth wheel travel trailer and headed for Florida for a couple of months and visited family, friends and Mickey Mouse at Disney World with the grandkids. We are headed to Alaska for a three-month land cruise through Canada, around Alaska and back.

Wish us luck! Loving retirement!”

J.I. Orrison: “Only news is that my former firm has asked me to go active again to cover a couple of projects in Athens, Georgia, while they train staff. I am working three to four days a week, probably through June. So much for retirement. This will be a ‘wedding’ year for us: a nephew in Washington, Pennsylvania, the first of June; niece in Pittsburgh the first of October; and my daughter, Caitlin, in Charlottesville, Virginia, the first of November.”

Hollace and Bruce Weiner were again biking in Europe and added a trip to Israel to visit son Mark. Bruce sent me a couple of pages but suggested I not use it all, so in synopsis:

Class of 1967: In January 2014, Kermit and Patsy Quick were in east Africa in Kenya, crossing the equator. The altitude was 2,270 meters.

88

They were on a state approved Jewish mission trip, and Bruce was awarded a scholarship from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for a program called The Master Clinician Fellowship for teachers. (“I intend to teach pediatric dentistry at Baylor Dental College in Dallas, Texas.”) Hollace had her second knee replacement in September but was able to ski in Winter Park, Colorado, in January and in Big Sky, Montana, in February. Their daughter came to Big Sky from New York City with their 3-yearold grandson, and he skied for the first time.

Bruce went scuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico, in March and in Cuba in May. He took a golf trip with his Texas buddies and looked forward to the annual VMI BR golf outing at Pinehurst in August. His annual American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry meeting was in Boston, Massachusetts, in May. He said, “In short ... life is good. You can just say that you heard from me, and we’re happy to still be upright, ambulatory and active.”

George and Suzanne Elmore: “I am still working for the county part time, we babysit the five grandchildren, and I drive Suzanne around.

Chuck Malley’s stepfather and mother passed through Richmond in the fall. We had fun reminiscing about VMI. I see John and Mary Pasco and occasionally go out to dinner with them. We saw John Lee in fall 2013 and got to see several Shakespeare plays at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia, – an item that had been on my bucket list.”

Don Harrison: “Thanks so much to all BRs

Class of 1967: Pete Wells with his grandson and newest granddaughter, Leanne Elizabeth Wells.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES for all your help, prayers and communication the last two years.”

Marilyn and Gene Potter: “Yes, I did go back to finish the Appalachian Trail, enduring snow in Pennsylvania, torrential rains in New York and part of Connecticut, snow again in Vermont, and I quit at the Maine border. I was not having fun and sensed something just was not right.

As soon as I left the trail, I started limping with increasing knee pain. An MRI confirmed a torn meniscus. The recovery has been too slow and frustrating. I may have to dial it back a bit, but still am blessed to do what I can.”

Jim and Lynn Robertson: “Lynn’s mother passed Dec. 18, just 15 days before her 96th birthday. She is to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with Lynn’s father.”

Like so many cards this year, Ed Poe’s was late, and he graciously forgave my tardiness.

Hank Ratrie sent a message similar to many I have received, saying he did not mind skipping a birthday.

Max Toch has one son accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy, and I suspect his rowing accomplishments played a large part in his choice.

The other two of the triplets are considering their options as I write this.

Stan and Carol Ann Waskiewicz sent their regular family Christmas newsletter, which I condensed to Ski finally retiring, and he attended his 50th high school reunion in Utica, New York.

I close with a personal thank you to those brother rats who were able to assist with the honoring of the graves of the New Market cadets and the VMI faculty and staff who were with them at the battle. Alumni rendered personal honors to more than 260, with the ones with lost gravesites honored as a group. Also included

were Scott Shipp ’859 (former commandant), Dr. Madison (post physician) and the fifer/drummer John Henry Crocken, among others. Mr. Crocken enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1838, fought in the Mexican War and later settled in Lexington, Virginia. He marched to New Market and fought with the cadets. His grave is in Nebraska and was honored by an alumnus’s father with a flag set and “Taps,” as we could find no alumni in the area. This is just one of the many stories uncovered during the search begun

by Terry Bowers ’68 10 years ago, furthered with the help of Sarah Reveley. She joined the effort as her great uncle, George Francis Reveley ’866, a New Market cadet, is buried under a Wal-Mart asphalt parking lot in Appomattox, Virginia, with no headstone. If I try to name all BRs who participated, I will likely leave out a name. Watch for more information in the future.

Mike Bagnulo, who shared some honors with Paul Quillen ’68 and Jamie Hannah, expressed best what many have experienced. “It occurred to me that these honors became more significant since the ceremony at VMI was rained out. As my wife, Marci, and I traveled around Georgia visiting sites, we realized it was becoming an almost spiritual experience. None of this would have been possible without the tremendous efforts and devotion of so many to this almost sacred project over the years. Thanks for including us in this very special event. It is something we will never forget.”

In the spirit that began in the Field of Lost Shoes, Jan

’68

Tom Hickey

6008 Winter Grain Path Clarksville, MD 21029 (H) 410/531-5720

Tom_Hickey_1968@vmialumni.org

Class of 1967: Patty and Jack Sheeran in Paris, April 2013.

2014- Issue 3

I’m going to start with sad news. In late March, Chandler Williams (Midlothian, Virginia) wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I write to tell you about the death of my stepson, Bert Musick. Bert was 8 when Robbie and I were married. When we got married, we had five children between us – a 12-year-old, three 10-year-olds and an 8-year-old.

Bert’s father and I were good friends, and we shared in our parental responsibilities. There was a feature article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about Bert’s death. Yes, he was a great man. The VMI family has reached out and has meant so much to Robbie and me. By best estimate, there were about 1,200 at Bert’s funeral. He was loved.”

Tom Coffey (Wytheville, Virginia): “I am planning to retire completely [soon]. There is still a market for my Chinese skills, but I’ve been doing this for 40-plus years, and it’s time to focus on other things ... such as grandchildren, etc.”

Tom Byrd (Berryville, Virginia): “Life isn’t the same without Dad (Sen. Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35).

Since his passing July 30, 2013, he has been on my mind daily. He spent 78 years at The Star, and of those, I was fortunate to spend the last 42 working with him in the newspaper business. I was blessed with a great father-son relationship and a solid business relationship, and we shared a similar political philosophy. He was my best friend. I owe everything to him. The Winchester Star is in its 118th year, and one of Dad’s grandsons, my son, is the fifth generation to work in the family business.”

Di Johnson (Humble, Texas): “For the BRs in the Jersey Rat Gang who knew my mom, Terry Johnson, she passed away March 6. Terry was loved by that gang, for sure. We split our 2013 50-50 between Texas and New York, summering mostly in New York, balanced with monthly trips to Texas. Our new place on Keuka Lake is all set for company, and we welcome any traveling BRs for a lakeside respite. The place is greatly enhanced with three bathrooms versus one indoor privy and the outhouse with the old place – yea! I have a new workshop set up there to putter on old boats and motors. Relatedly, I am a member of the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, which finally has a display location on the former Taylor Wine Company grounds in Hammondsport, New York. Suzie and I have found a wonderful group of folks to work and play with at the Arts Center of Yates Co. in Penn Yan, New York. We both help out in the main gallery and are pitching in on planning improvements at the center’s summer teaching lodge called Sunny Point on Keuka Lake. I get kind of fired up with antique boats and outboard motors. I once again helped with our display in the big Houston Boat Show in January. We also exhibited our classic Thompson runabout at Keels and Wheels in Seabrook, Texas, as well as at the Wine Country Boat Show in Hammondsport, where the ol’ gal garnered awards at each. While looking good, we formally retired that boat to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum for all to see. Suzie and I surely enjoyed the 45th Reunion. Great job, committee! We stayed with my old roomie, Dean, and his wife, Nancylee Kershaw (Fairfield, Virginia), in their awesome home on top of a wooded mountain. Also staying there were Ned and Cornelia Harris (Ipswich, Massachusetts) and Larry Ryan (somewhere in the Middle East, I think). We had a wonderful time there, as Dean and Nancylee are fabulous hosts.”

Charlie Brightwell (Walterboro, South Carolina): “March 25 was the second anniversary of my heart attack and subsequent bypass surgery.

My doctors tell me that my heart is doing fine, and I feel good. I lost all sight in my left eye due to the detached retina that I had shortly after my heart surgery. Six eye surgeries but no positive

89

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1968: At Westover Parish Episcopal Church, (16401 John Tyler Memorial Hwy., Route 5) Charles City County, Virginia, to decorate the grave of New Market Cadet William Lambert Harrison ’867 May 15, 2014, were, Chandler Williams, left, and Jack Ferguson. results. Oh, well, there are lots of people with much bigger problems. Waiting on spring, but it just won’t come and stay. We will have two or three shorts and golf shirt days and then go back to being cold; I’m rather weary of it. I am doing engineering consulting work for two architectural firms and one commercial contractor. I work from home, set my own schedule and turn down any assignment that may tax my old brain too much.

I am generally enjoying being semi-retired. My wife is the director of the county museum and farmers market here, so everything is good.”

Tayo LeDuc (Hiawassee, Georgia): “Betty and I are staying busy, both working part-time jobs and really enjoying the interaction with customers. I am working at a small wine shop. (I got hired partly because I rarely drink wine.) Our granddaughter, Kaylynn Low, has been accepted to New Collage in Sarasota, Florida, so we will be going down there for the next four years to visit her. We were able to travel last summer to the Maritime Provinces of Canada. We met up with one of my platoon members from Vietnam in Maine and in New York. Lots of memories were shared.”

Dave Clark (Doswell, Virginia): “Not much has changed in the last year, except we’re a year older. The irony of the Class of ’68 becoming 68 didn’t hit me until I was 68. My son, a U.S. Air Force major, is in California at Edwards Air Force Base. However, he may want to get out this year (11 years of service). My granddaughter and grandson are his. Perhaps they will

90

end up closer. My daughter is a pediatric dentist, teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia. I’m still waiting on grandkids. Our big event of the year was a 10-day trip to London (they waited for us to be there before ‘the birth’), Paris and Rome. My favorite was Rome, principally because of the people. Jean is retired and teaching part time at Randolph-Macon College. She’s enjoying herself and does not regret trading a 35-minute drive down Interstate 95 for a 7-minute drive on a country road (eight, if she has to wait for a train).”

Ed Anderson (Lynchburg, Virginia): “My wife, Pat, and I are still living in Lynchburg. I retired effective Dec. 15, 2013, but have had no problems staying busy since then. In fact, I wonder how I found the time to go to work for 40-plus hours per week before I retired. But even with all the ‘extra’ time, I don’t seem able to make much headway on all of those projects I wanted to get done after retirement. We are expecting our first grandchild around mid-July. Exroomie John English (Richmond, Virginia) and I swap emails fairly often, and I hear from another ex-roomie, Skip Anders (Mesa, Arizona), via email occasionally. We did get over to VMI to see the Keydets whoop Radford University back in February, and we were really proud of the team’s performance during the regular season and in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.

Pat is still working in the Lynchburg City school system, which will put a damper on our travel plans until she retires in a couple of years. After

she retires, and if the Lord continues to bless us with good health, we hope to spend a lot of time exploring the Southwest U.S.” Ben Hedrick (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania): “Marcy and I keep working around the house and are looking forward to starting the garden. We try to take two big trips a year but did nothing in the spring, because we attended my grand nephew’s graduation at VMI in May and my older son’s girlfriend’s graduation from her doctoral program at Stanford University in June. We do have Turkey scheduled for the fall, if that part of the world doesn’t blow up before then. Older son is working as a director for the College Boards in Atlanta, Georgia, running back and forth to Palo Alto, California, trying to finish his Stanford doctoral program in math education. Younger son is a surgeon at Mount Sinai Queens in New York. Everyone here is healthy and happy.”

Dana Duthie (Broomfield, Colorado): “We just got home to Colorado after three months on the road in our Airstream trailer – everywhere from southern California to the east Florida coast. We may be doing some more of that but may also be looking at a permanent move now that I have completely retired. We moved up here to Broomfield (northwest of Denver, near Boulder) in August, but we aren’t overly enamored with the house. Lots of decisions, mostly driven by some health issues, in the making.”

Mike Gompf (Richmond, Virginia): “Katherine and I are enjoying retired life. I am playing golf about twice a week, but as you know from the ‘Groovy Davis’ outing, the game is not improving that much. I had a very good time at the outing.”

John Thrift (Tavernier, Florida): “The past few months have been hectic, to say the least.

Kellie and I purchased a condo on the bay in Islamorada, Florida, and made the permanent move from Wrightsville Beach in mid-March.

Still have a few more boxes to unpack, but all in all, we are about settled. Kellie has her travel management business and also works virtually from home for Egencia, the corporate side of Expedia. I continue to thrive on retirement from the petroleum business and already love life in The Keys. I am looking for a small Carolina Skiff to take full advantage of fishing opportunities right outside our back door.”

John Byrd (Richmond, Virginia): “I continue to enjoy retirement. Margaret still works part time as a receptionist at a veterinary hospital.

It partially satisfies her need to be around people and dogs. She brought home a 7-week-old puppy Dec. 22. Who in their right mind gets a puppy in the dead of winter? Penelope, who is 8 months old, is our first and only grandchild. She is a sweetheart and fortunately lives nearby, so we see her often. I am still performing as a ventriloquist. I average two or three gigs per month.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES I was invited to perform for my 50th for energy efficiency and certifying high school reunion, and I am excited them to be Energy Star. Our habitat about that. I volunteer for United Nethouses in this area follow the 2012 International Residential Code by the work for Organ Sharing. I consider orInternational Code Council which no gan donation a miracle. My brother-inother jurisdiction in Mississippi follaw received a double lung transplant 20 years ago, and I donated a kidney lows in its entirety at this time. My to him 10 years ago. He is still enjoyfamily is doing very well, and we all turn out to watch our only granding life thanks to organ donation. I urge everyone to consider organ donation.” daughter in the family play softball, Bill Todd (Springfield Virginia/ act in plays and do the usual grandWilmington, North Carolina): “Things daughter things. I continue to run are going well. Our dream home in the and bicycle. I just finished qualifying Wilmington, North Carolina/Wrightsfor the National Senior Olympics as a team member from Mississippi in ville Beach area will be ready for us to several bicycle venues. Not that I will move in around June 20, 2014. We just ever medal on the national scene, but closed on our house in Springfield last it is great to participate.” week and are staying with relatives unJay Slaughter (Frisco, Texas): We til then. My plans are to officially retire Class of 1968: From left, Pete Farmer, Bob McDowmoved to Frisco, Texas, in midfrom Boeing in early August, but I plan ell, Herb Brasington and Larry Stetson at the grave of on taking several days of vacation dur- New Market Cadet Charles William Turner ’867. Also November 2013. Fairly settled, our ing the June/July timeframe. Our chil- in attendance was Charles W. “Chuck” Turner (age 91), first winter in Texas was, of course, a record breaker. The snow and ice dren are all married and are all college grandson of Cadet Turner. closed the airport several times, makgraduates with jobs, so Kathy and I can take some time to enjoy the good life. We plan on government contracts at several locations in the ing travel, which I am still doing, difficult. I see a fair amount of travel later in the year, and I plan country. We’ll expand to Europe this year if our you had knee replacement surgery in January. I to finally work on improving my golf game. As proposals are the ones awarded by the government had my surgery April 8, so I am still in the proyou know, this wasn’t the greatest year with John – always a contest. Ruth, on the other hand, has cess of rehabbing the knee. I am doing well, but as Chapla’s passing. He was truly the kind of man officially retired. She volunteers several days each you know, it is a slow and painful process. Hal and who stood out as an outstanding representative of week at the humane society as a dog walker and in Sandy Switzer came up from Blanco, Texas, to the VMI man we all aspire to be.” the office doing computer work. We look forward visit for a few days and stayed through the surgery Wes Padgett (Montgomery, Alabama): “Ruth to the summer when our three youngest grandchil- to make sure all went well. The weekend before and I are still in Montgomery, Alabama, and I dren from Texas will vacation with us, and we will the surgery, the Slaughters, Switzers and the Rev. continue to work as the senior program manager visit most of the theme parks in Florida. They’ll and Dottie Jones (Prosper, Texas) had dinner at for the largest division in our company, managing have a great time, and I’ll likely need another va- our house. Rev. and Dottie had us to their house cation to rest from the ... vacation. We also look in December shortly after our arrival. Dottie took forward to our 50th Reunion in 2018. If we lived Sharon to the local garden club meeting recently. closer to Virginia, we’d attend more events at the We are looking forward to doing more with them.

Institute, but for now the official reunions will Rev. and I played golf once before the surgery and have to suffice. Working on my grandchildren and are waiting for recovery to play again. Kacey and children are planning to move to the Frisco area hope to get at least one of them to be a Keydet!”

John Hince (Bryan, Texas): “Retired here in this summer, so looking forward to having the Bryan, Texas. I’m active in the American Legion, grandkids back around us.”

With that last bit from Jay, I’ll close out this ediand I’m district commander right now. I will be division commander in 2015 (there are four di- tion of the “good to me” notes! visions in Texas). My wife, Gerry (retired U.S. Army 0-6), is active in church and is the Legion Walter Judd state public relations chair. Our son, Matt, is a U.S. 313 Tides Run Yorktown, VA 23692 Air Force vet who lives with his wife and three (H) 757/890-0749 children in Grand Prairie, Texas. Our son, Peter, is, walter.judd.vmi69@outlook.com as I write this, flying C-17s on deployment. He, his wife and son are stationed at Joint Base CharlesGreetings, BRs and friends of the 45th Reunion ton. We expect him home in late June/early July.”

Rick Eades (Ridgeland, Mississippi): “I have Class. Sept. 11-14, 2014, is the reunion time, and not retired, but I am trying to wind down. I have you should be making plans to attend right now! gotten involved with nonprofit work, as I am now Dare I say it? We are not getting any younger, a chairman of two nonprofits designed to help and it is time to see and visit with friends from Class of 1968: Terry Emerson, who people get into affordable housing, manage their the past. As Doug Marks and I discussed, the is a school principal, enjoyed a glass credit and become financially stable. I continue official reunion activities start Friday, Sept. 12, of rosé in La Rochelle, France, in to work with Habitat for Humanity in the Jack- with registration and golf in the morning, but April 2014, during his spring break. son, Mississippi, area by designing their houses many people will arrive Thursday afternoon and

’69

2014- Issue 3

91

CLASS NOTES start “reun-ing” then. The hospitality room will be open Thursday, Sept. 11, in the afternoon and evening for the early arrivers.

Glenn White and Jimmy Baker worked hard to help me find addresses for many BRs who have gone silent for many years. We found many and sent them a letter inviting them to participate in the coming reunion. I received some interesting cards and emails from BRs showing interest.

Ed Bain, in a message received in late February: “I am married to my wife, Lynn, of 38 years.

We have two children (girl and boy) and two granddaughters. After leaving VMI, I attended Old Dominion University, where I received my Master of Business Administration degree.

BR Bill Samson was also pursuing his MBA at ODU while I was there. In 2006, I retired after 34 years of federal service (military and civilian). My last position before retiring was the director, support and review for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is a large part of the Department of Homeland Security.”

Mike Colozzi lives in Pinehurst, North Carolina, after spending many years working mostly in China. “Yes, the PRC as in China. I got sent over in January 1997 to set up the Asia-Pacific division for a California based packaging company. I tried to retire in ’09, but it did not stick.

The phone kept ringing, and I decided to take on a few clients and formed an LLC. I work only on referrals. What do I do? Depends. China startups, problem solving (when the China government is involved – I’m wired in at very high levels), market development and a little sourcing if the numbers are big. I was a case study in “China Streetsmarts” by John Chan – a bestseller on China biz.”

David Hargrove’s former wife sent the news

that David is in a nursing home in Newport News, Virginia, after suffering a stroke. I visited David one afternoon in April and found him taking a nap. His wheelchair was nearby. He told me he had been at the facility for four years and had retired as a biology teacher before then.

From John Pool came this short note: “Walt, thanks for the letter on the reunion. My wife, Patti, and I plan to attend Friday and Saturday and will make appropriate reservations. I have retired after nearly 30 years with Allstate. I am in Wilming- Class of 1969: BRs from the Class of 1969 traveled ton, North Carolina, living on to New Market May 14, 2014, and took part in a tour the seventh fairway of a Tom led by VMI’s Maj. Troy Marshall. They had just begun their tour when the current cadets arrived on site.

Fazio course. Look forward to They watched the personal reenactment performed seeing everyone and catching by today’s cadets. The heavy showers arrived soon afup.” ter the cadets started their charge, which only added On March 28, I received to the moment as the cadets and shouts faded in the this from Bill Kirkpatrick: mist and gloom of the battleground.

“Good morning. I hope all is well and that you have completed the traditional scientific camera and other imaging instrumen‘honey do’ list we all face when starting retire- tation solutions.

No degree from VMI has not slowed down ment. I wanted to know if you have an up-to-date email or address for Scott McMillin. Scott and Jack O’Donnell, M.D. Can you believe a man I roomed together, and he was in my wedding. can have a medical degree but no undergradu[Although] he swore he’d never return to VMI, I ate one? Apparently, if you move fast enough, believe I can get him back. Also, my father was you can. Jack entered medical school at the Uniat VMI, Class of ’36 and D Company captain, versity of Virginia after his 2nd Class year and and a good friend of Scott’s uncle, Bo McMillin, never looked back. He sent a newsy message to me after the reunion invitation letter went out. also Class of ’36 in D Company.”

Dr. Howard “Chick” Marshall of the Boston, He has been married more than 43 years to wife Massachusetts, area wrote he was planning to at- Lynn and keeps in touch with Mike Delaney and tend the next reunion. He suggested we have big Chris Brothers.

Chemistry majors, John DuBose wants to see name cards and pictures of the younger people so those you in September! Professor John has worked who have not seen BRs for hard to find and personally invite all of his lab a very long time have a clue rat friends to the reunion. If you are a chemistry who is who. I agree! Chick grad and have not talked to John recently, give is a managing partner of Re- him a call and get caught up.

John Robins tied the knot in February. “Cindy source Management of Bosand I were married in Portsmouth, Virginia, Feb. ton.

Another BR who spent a 15. In attendance, among others, were Spunky couple of years with us was and Linda Butler, Tommy and Becky Hudson, Sandy Murphree. At Glenn’s Glenn and Susie White, Skinny and Barbara request, I tracked him down Baker, and Betsy Blandford. Win Winfree was and discovered Sandy had supposed to be there, but he got snowed in on just retired from the Univer- Afton Mountain.”

At the Richmond VMI Meets the Legislature Class of 1969: Standing in the visitor’s center af- sity of Calgary. Dr. Murphree cocktail party in mid-February were Bob Heely, completed degrees at Rice ter their New Market Battlefield tour May 14, 2014, were, from left, John DuBose, Tommy Hudson, University after VMI and just Mike Santoro and Charlie Bryan. I planned to Spunky Butler and Thornton Newlon. Missing from finished a short tour as inter- be there, but Murphy of “Murphy’s law” fame the picture but not the tour was Frank Huger. Class im provost and vice president had other plans for me that evening. I drove over Agent Walt Judd said, “All professed to be ‘righteous (academic). My search also that afternoon and parked in a Virginia Comold history nuts’ and were glad they had made the showed he has just started monwealth University parking deck near the trek to the New Market site,” despite getting soaked Keo Scientific, a Calgary firm Museum of the Confederacy. I spent a couple by heavy rain. focusing on high sensitivity of hours looking through the museum and Jeff

92

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Then, March 26, Jim and Beth Long asked KC members to make gifts to the basketand Ralph and Mary Alice Wright ball program to support the CIT activity. Later, joined the caravan to Ohio to see a we learned that 22 BRs answered that call, and great comeback win. Down 17 points the KC had their largest one-day success ever. in the first half, the Runnin’ Roos The facts point out that we are all hungry for played a super second half to snare a successful athletic activities and were immensevictory from the Bobcats. ly proud of the basketball team and their run in The standing joke for Keydet Club the postseason tournament. members in our class was to thank In early April, Beverly and I headed to LexRon for giving us a good reason to ington for the annual Class Agent Conference. stay on post after our Saturday morn- Again, this year, Alumni Association President ing reunion planning meeting. Tom Bob Heely brought in chapter leaders at the and I came over that Friday and played same time and had several joint activities. Bob golf at the Lexington Golf and Coun- Clingenpeel came over for the meetings and try Club in cool but sunny conditions. joined Heely for talks about local and state chapWe met John, Sallie and Bunny later at ter activities. Both “fund-and friend-raising” acsupper and then met several alums at tivities are in full swing these days.

Moody Hall with their children getting In mid-April, I joined Gary Mackey in Norready for the Legacy Day activities folk for a ride to Virginia’s Eastern Shore and a that Saturday morning. Attendees for VMI golf outing with six ’79 grads at Bay Creek Class of 1969: Mark Griffin, left, and Fred the reunion meeting were Ron Wall, Resort and Club in Cape Charles, Virginia. Gary Ayers ’61 in Colorado, April 2014. The mounChuck Becker, Tom Morris, Bob invited Art Bushey to join us, but Art was in the tain behind them is the 14,000-foot-high Waldo, Gary Braswell, Dave Prugh, last moments of grandbaby watch and did not Mount of the Holy Cross. About the photo, Jim Long and me. Arrangements for wish to go too far from home that day. Art has a Ayers said, “Old Keydets never die; they just the reunion seem to be in order, and condo near the yacht basin in Cape Charles and move on to Vail to play.” you should have seen invitations al- joins BRs Bobby Watts and George Budd with Davis’ home. I returned to my old car around ready for the September event. homes on the Eastern Shore. Bob and Sheila By5 p.m. and planned to move to a different spot The CIT finale against Yale University did not go rne also have a vacation place further north in before the party. The car would not start. Dead the way the VMI crowd wanted, but it was a good Maryland and are trying hard to meet up with battery. What to do? I called BR Pat Branch and excuse for BRs to travel to one last game. I saw Gary and Peggy sometime for a meal. Gary has asked for help. He drove over in his new Volvo, Ron Wall and Jim Long in the crowd as I watched a small vacation house in Onancock and appears but neither of us could get my car to behave. I on television. Tom Morris texted his son-in-law at to know a lot about the community where his called the VCU police and got a patrolman to halftime and asked what was going on. “They are wife’s mom grew up. come help me. The “campus cop” cleaned off the TALL,” came back the response. Apparently too While riding and talking about BRs, Gary and I battery and cajoled the car into starttalked on the phone with Gene Beale ing. Phew! I cut short my visit to the for a few minutes. A common friend VMI party and just poked my head of Gary’s and Gene’s had died, and in the festivities for a few moments Gene was on the way to the memobefore taking my ailing car home. rial service. Our conversation veered Needless to say, I had the pleasure of into VMI football several times, and buying a new battery the next mornthe Southside connection – Beale, ing. Charlie told me later the “good Buddy Pope, Doug Marks and their to me” group had a better attendance coach, Jim Sam Gillespie ’59 – was record than we did. For once, we were prominent. Gary also told me about outmanned. It does not happen often. a lunch he arranged with Ken Parris The VMI basketball team did very of Richmond with Chalk Hardy and well in the postseason CollegeInsider.

T.O. Palmer. I saw the picture they com Tournament. First they traveled posted. Apparently they had a good to Buffalo to beat Canisius College time laughing and talking about times March 18 and then returned to Lex- Class of 1969: Bob and Sandy Clingenpeel of Phoenix, gone by. Ken worked at Philip Morris ington March 22 to defeat the Indiana Arizona, had dinner with Phoenix newcomers Jay and for many years and is retired.

University-Purdue University Fort Linda Hoenig the first week of May 2014. Hoenig moved Granddaddy Art: “Jacob Arthur Wayne team. They followed that with back to the states from China in 2013.

Bushey was born April 10 weighing a trip to Athens, Ohio, to meet and in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces. This is my beat Ohio University. Not sure who got to Buf- tall for this year’s Runnin’ Roos ... . first, and it is amazing. My daughter is smart falo, New York, but a crowd showed up in LexBunny Paulette’s excitement over the VMI bas- giving him my middle name. This can only pay ington. Ron and Betsy Wall, Jim and Beth Long, ketball team’s success in the postseason erupted in future dividends.” That comment was vintage Bunny Paulette, Dave and Susan Prugh, Tom a letter to Keydet Club members. He told us the Bushey for certain!

Morris, and I all enjoyed the game and camara- host school for any CIT game had to “guarantee” Jay Hoenig sent a photo of him and Bob Clinderie greatly. John and Sallie Sebrell came back a certain amount of money for the game, and the genpeel standing by bicycles near Pinnacle Peak from a short 40th anniversary trip to participate. amount was not planned in anyone’s budget. He north of Scottsdale, Arizona. Jay said they met at

2014- Issue 3

93

CLASS NOTES the Arizona VMI alumni meeting the week before and established time for the ride.

Rawls Williams pointed out we have another celebrity in our midst. It appears Susan Stilwell of Danville, Virginia, (most excellent wife of our own Judge Lee Stilwell) is “a restoration guru” in her community. In early April, L.R. wrote: “I am a watcher of Home & Garden television.

Today, they were featuring ‘Secrets of the Attic,’ and the second person was Susan Stilwell of Danville, Virginia. I checked to make sure this was Lee’s wife and found she is the restoration guru of the area and state. The third floor of their home was filled with 100-year-old artifacts (stamps, clothes, family history).”

I noted the back cover of the spring 2014 United Services Automobile Association Magazine had a picture and article about a nice lady named Patton. I checked with BR Jamie Totten and found out about his aunt. “Thanks for the heads up. I had to go look online; my copy of the USAA Magazine hasn’t arrived yet. It’s her. My uncle’s wife, mother’s sister-in-law and still vigorous at 86. It’s a good write up. She has done a great deal to support military wives and families. In fact, she was one of the U.S. Army wives who helped stop the practice of delivering death notices by taxi in the early days of Vietnam that we saw in the Mel Gibson movie ‘We Were Soldiers.’ My uncle was with the Studies and Observations Group in Vietnam at the time on his second or third tour.”

On April 27, Charlie Bryan wrote proudly of 175 years of VMI history by addressing, “What is the VMI type?” Charlie is a guest columnist for a Richmond newspaper and has fun with the opportunities he has to talk history and things he loves. After mentioning many graduates who went in so many directions after VMI, Charlie gave a short summary of the chaos of an education there. He finished his article with a quote from Deaton Smith’s valedictory address: “Our VMI education has taught us that a life without a sense of responsibility is a life without meaning.

It is in that respect that our education has been superior. We can only hope the values of personal integrity and achievement will remain permanent features of our character.” Wise words still.

Check with me for the complete article.

In early May, I hit Facebook one last time before the notes were due. BR Gary Mackey had a good time reliving his journey to the Kentucky Derby a couple of years ago. He and Peggy had gotten all dressed up and worn their big hats for the picture. Later, he pointed out his grandson, Evan, on a wooden “horsie” had picked a winner in this year’s Derby Day. Mike McCrary shared his mint julep recipe and gave us a reason to enjoy the day no matter where we live. He also mentioned he was set to move back to Hawaii at the end of May. After three years in the Los Angeles,

94

California, area near grandkids, Mike and Suzanne are heading back to what feels like home.

Don and Laura Hinshelwood and granddaughter Leigh looked good in what was likely an Easter picture. Cal and Pam Churn also had a great family photo posted soon after Easter. Amo and Margy Judd continue to see the various items or places on the “Why We Love Cleveland” list.

This one was a new ice cream location. Everyone should have so much fun in their community!

On Cinco de Mayo, BR Clint Spencer wrote me a quick note: “I married Catherine Yeager in Portland, Oregon, March 15. She is relocating to Georgia.” Congratulations, Clint!

Thanks to all of you who sent me birthday greetings in Facebook postings and emails. It is good to be remembered on special days.

I finished up with another big round of thanks to all of you who support VMI activities with your time and money. We are five years away from our big moment in VMI history and have big shoes to fill in the fundraising department.

VMI ’64 gave a check for $6.4 million on their day. Wow. Start thinking now how you can do your part when it is our turn.

BRs, the table is set for our reunion in September. We just need people! By now, you have seen the invitation and, hopefully, have made your plans to be there. Make a special effort to be there and to renew friendships with old BRs. My enticement to you: Creative members of our class have designed and developed special, unique gifts for all attendees. Be at the reunion, and get your unique items.

In the spirit, Walt

’70

Warren Grasty

2903 Mother Well Ct. Herndon, VA 20171 703/904-8151 classagent1970@aol.com

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. I am referring, of course, to the Runnin’ Roos’ excellent postseason performance in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament as contrasted with the miserable, freezing, never-gonna-end weather in the winter. Fortunately, the numerous snows did not keep me and many others from attending several basketball games at the end of the season, including both home tournament games.

Accompanying me at different times were John Bailey, Reed Heddleston, Jim Mawyer and Jim’s brother-in-law, Ed Morris ’66. Other BRs and wives spotted at various games were Herb Braun, Ralph and Marsha Costen, Howie DeWolf, Peel Dillard, Bill Gearhart, Bill O’Connor, Gary and Lynn Weishaar, and Chuck and Penny Wills.

I hope my feeble brain hasn’t overlooked anyone – particularly anyone who owes me money.

Class of 1970: John McLemore and David Curry by the Battleship Texas at San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Texas.

Speaking of feeble brains, it seems that I somehow confused South America and southern Africa in my last class notes when mentioning Kent and Judy Schlussel’s then-upcoming trip with Kent’s older brother, Neil ’67, and his friend, Shelly. I honestly don’t remember ever having simultaneously offended two entire continents before, but it is what it is. In any case, they went on safaris in Zimbabwe and Botswana. They also checked out Victoria Falls, the Namib Desert, the Sossusvlei sand dunes, Robben Island, Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope, Johannesburg and Soweto.

At some stage, they even rode an elephant. That sounds to me like an excellent adventure.

The second Saturday in February brought the annual Chandler oyster roast in Orange Park, Florida. In attendance were David Schmidt and his sidekick, Katie Longshore, along with John and June Bailey. The following week, Gray and Nancy gave the Baileys a several-day tour of the Jacksonville area, after which they headed down to Key West for a few days. As Stix summed up this trip in his own inimitable way, “Lots of

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES of four weeks. Congratulations, Tom! great weather and lots to see and do, Congratulations go out, as well, to i.e., bar hoppin’, food, bar hoppin’, Jill and Tommy Cooke on the arrival museums, bar hoppin’, great sunset of granddaughter Sage, care of son cruise, bar hoppin’, shopping (not the Brad ’98. As of September, Tommy boys), and more bar hoppin.’” The advises that the good doctor will be boy simply can’t help it. Surprisingly, in only three days a week, so avoid they still let this man teach railroadthe rush, and book your root canals ing courses to impressionable young now. Not to be outdone, Diehl and Pat people, most recently at the UniversiJones’ daughter, Jessica, is expectties of Nevada and Wisconsin. I guess they figure even Stix can’t get them ing their first grandchild in August. off track.

Even better news is that Jessica lives Moving right along, among the rein San Francisco, California, so they will have a certified excuse for visitcently or soon-to-be retired are Gary Weishaar, Chad Lash and Glenn ing the city by the bay at will. ClockKuntz. Gary recently retired from ing in with grandchild number three engineering firm Arcadis-Malcom were Betty and Bobby Brown, whose Pirnie in Richmond, Virginia, and imdaughter, Spencer, had a baby boy.

Phil Jornlin writes that he is fimediately headed to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with Lynn for the nally getting the hell out of Baghdad annual week-long Society of Strand- Class of 1970: George Ritko, Ned Perrow and Scott after tours exceeding 40 months, so Kinsey in Beaufort, South Carolina, April 2014.

I would think that calls for a certain ers Spring Safari Festival, a beach level of congratulations, as well. Afmusic extravaganza. Chad planned to retire from teaching at Fairfax County Public about 250 people at a local engineering firm. Ac- ter some rest and relaxation in Roanoke with his Schools in June. He will do some selective sub- cording to John, Bob certified that he would be family, he plans to take his wife and son on a tour of the U.S. Having spent 37 of his 45 years since stitute teaching and continue working with the at our 45th Reunion in 2015.

Also failing to fully grasp the concept of re- leaving the Institute overseas and living in 15 Northern Virginia Writing Project, which runs workshops for aspiring young writers. He is also tirement is Tom Halliday, who, after a 43-year countries, he is pondering opening up Jornlin’s looking for just the right “geezer band” to sat- career in medical sales, started a new gig as ge- Travel Agency. That is, if he doesn’t accept one isfy his musical jones. Glenn likewise planned to riatric care manager assistant for the Masonic of the several potential offers already in hand. transition to retire-dom in June, which is good, Health Network of Massachusetts. This follows Not to beat a dead horse, but I just can’t underbecause he was taking the whole work thing way years of preparation, including completion of a stand what’s so difficult to understand about the too seriously, having not lifted a golf club in certificate program in gerontology at the Univer- retirement concept. more than a year. His retirement timing is impec- sity of Massachusetts in Boston in 2010. Tom’s Adding to my conundrum, Dave Miller cable, as local golf stalwart Reed Heddleston is original goal was to establish his own senior care checked in from Nashville, Tennessee, to say that in the process of moving from northern Virginia practice, but the cost of liability insurance made he still enjoys his work in the health care field. He to Austin, Texas, where he and Carol can spend this unfeasible, at least for the time being. This is wrote this as he and Helen headed out the door to more time chasing their numerous grandchildren certainly a more rewarding and less stressful un- attend this year’s running of the Kentucky Derby. all over the Hill Country. Remaining ever alert dertaking than flying all over the U.S. three out They have four grandchildren and spend as much time with them as they can – when not even before retiring, Glenn made playing the horses, of course. Durnote of the picture that accompanied the interview with Tom Zarges in ing the past year, Dave has run into the previous issue of the Alumni RePeel Dillard, Tom Norris, Roland Vaughan and Donnie Wheatley. He view, to wit: “The picture, allegedly and Helen also plan on attending our depicting members of the 1970 U.S. 45th Reunion next year.

Air Force ROTC on field training exTaking full advantage of opportuercise, must be a hoax. When did the Air Force ROTC ever go to the field? nities to reconnect with BRs while Maybe they stole a jeep for the afteron road trips were George and Lisa Ritko. As you may recall, in Februnoon and drove out to White’s Farm for a picnic and to wear those fruity ary, they met up with David Schmidt berets like a bunch of Girl Scouts.” and the aforementioned Katie in LexHopefully, Glenn can find a nice reington, Virginia, to check out all the new facilities on post and to show tirement community with a full-time, Katie why David is as he is. Actually, on-site shrink.

Katie, he was pretty warped before he Speaking of Austin, John Bailey even set foot on post, so VMI is only drove down to San Antonio, Texas, partly to blame. Moving right along, to visit Bob Costigan during his and so to speak, as the Ritko’s toured the June’s stay with friends in Austin.

Bob also appears to be taking work Class of 1970: John and June Bailey with Gray and southern states in early April, they Nancy Chandler in Key West, Florida. caught up with Scott Kinsey and much too seriously, as he oversees

2014- Issue 3

95

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1970: John Bailey and Bob Costigan at Costigan’s home in San Antonio, Texas.

Ned and Florence Perrow in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina. At some stage during this visit, probably over mounds of freshly steamed shrimp, George asked Ned where his nickname, “Cloudy,” came from. Under extreme duress, Cloudy dutifully implicated Dick Marshall.

Speaking of the Perrows, while in Lexington for the Volunteer Leaders Conference in April, I had the pleasure of speaking with their son, Turner Perrow ’96, president of the VMI Alumni Association. Later during their trip, the Ritkos stopped by to see Tom and Amy Norris on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Similarly, during their vacation in San Francisco en route to Hawaii, Jim and Judy Mawyer had hoped to catch up with Ben and Val Morris who live on nearby Discovery Bay. However, they couldn’t quite get their schedules to match up. As good as this trip was, the highlight of the spring was the engagement of their daughter, Peyton, to Mark Hipes of Richmond, Virginia, and the May 10 graduation of son Taylor Mawyer ’01 from Virginia Commonwealth University with a master’s in health administration. Taylor immediately began his new job with health care consulting firm Galen Healthcare Solutions after several years as information technology manager with Ortho Virginia in Richmond. Peyton and Mark’s wedding will be held in Richmond Oct. 18. So, if you see a man in rags standing outside Foster Stadium selling pencils in the

96

fall during football weekends, that would be Jim. Also anticipating an upcoming wedding are A.C. and Beth Arnn, whose son, Patrick, will be marrying Jessica Schwartz of Portland, Oregon, in September. They spent Easter in Oregon meeting Jessica’s family and getting Patrick off to his new assignment with the 18th Aggressor Squadron and Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, where he will be stationed for four years. While on a layover in Chicago, Illinois, en route to Portland, they ran into John Greene ’75, proving once again that it pays to wear your VMI logo gear. They were also eagerly awaiting the June arrival of granddaughter Charlotte McClure Parrish in Burlington, North Carolina.

Closer to home, Paul Dickinson wrote to say that he saw Peel Dillard, Dick and Penny Marshall, Tom Morehouse, and Mary and Cameron Seay at the VMI Club of Richmond’s annual dinner. The speaker was Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who was introduced by his son, Jamal Thomas ’96. Cameron also wrote that he and Mary have moved from Charlottesville to Churchville, Virginia, which is just west of Staunton. Not exactly heading for the hills but a pretty good running

start.

While attending the funeral for David Payne’s father, Carl N. Payne ’41, at Arlington National Cemetery, I had the pleasure of meeting Dixie Walker’s wife, Jane, and son Jeff. Dixie is still globe-trotting, teaching pilots how to fly the latest Boeing aircraft.

Taze Taylor dropped a line from Norfolk,

Virginia, saying that he had lunch with Waite Rawls in January. A friend of his from the Class of 1954 attended the Richmond premier of “Field of Lost Shoes” and said that it was very well done. He said he was looking forward to some fly fishing with J.C. Hanks and Ned Snead just as soon as the ice melted. Unfortunately, his wish was granted in early May, and at some stage during their annual trip to Galax, Virginia, Taze ended up on his kiester in the middle of the south fork of the New River while fly fishing for trout – which can’t help but make one wonder, “Do fish laugh?”

Also hailing in from the Tidewater area was Dick Hamlet, who had just returned from a construction project in Guam building training devices for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Commando Warrior Group at Andersen Air Force Base. Dick says that he is also working on a couple of projects with Roland Vaughan and his son, “Bear.” It seems that Dee also has issues with retirement. Having just received an excellence in education award in Atlanta upon her retirement after 40 years of teaching in public schools, she was offered and accepted a faculty position at Old Dominion University before the ink on her retirement papers even had time to dry. Seeking a little more excitement in their lives, they recently moved into a new home directly across the street from Tippy Palmer ’72, brother of T.O. Palmer ’69. That ought to do the trick.

From nearby Chesapeake, Virginia, John Flemming reports that he was recently re-elected for another one-year term as president of the Chesapeake Camp Gideons, and Carole was elected president of their auxiliary. John says that there are 100 camps throughout Virginia distributing

Class of 1970: Judy and Kent Schlussel on safari in South Africa.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Bibles in nightstands at hotels, motels and hospitals. He is also teaching two five-hour classes on micro- and macroeconomics at Saint Leo University. Not exactly the Australian kangaroo farm he had originally hoped to start back in the day, but I think society is much better off with how this has all played out.

Ned Haley wrote to say that he and Fricka are planning a major trip out west this summer, all the way to Spokane and Seattle, Washington; Portland and Astoria, Oregon; and Vancouver, Victoria and Banff, Canada. Awhile back, they joined the Affordable Travel Club and the Evergreen Travel Club, through which members can stay with other members for a modest fee per night that includes breakfast. They have taken two trips and had three couples stay with them so far and will be using these resources on their upcoming trip. Sounds eerily similar to the Stix Chandler BR Mooch Club, except that his club seems to work mostly one way, and there certainly isn’t any exchange of money involved.

John McLemore met up with former roommate David Curry in Houston, Texas, to, among other things, visit the San Jacinto Monument and the battleship USS Texas. Then, Smack joined up with Ed Trinkle in Richmond to celebrate the birth of the newest member of the McLemore clan, Malinda Virginia McLemore Eastman. According to John, “After we had held the baby, smiled with great pride and declared her to be the most beautiful child ever, we went on an expedition leaving mother and grandmother behind to do all that baby stuff.” Sounds about right. Somewhere in the process, they got together with Smack’s dyke, John Pinner ’73, at the Virginia Diner in Wakefield, Virginia. John and Ed also had dinner at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond with Janet Pickral Moncure, daughter of the late Col. George Pickral ’43, former head of the VMI chemistry department. Smack dug deep into his trivia bag to relate that Rich Clary’s middle name is Moncure and that Janet and he go to the same church in Richmond, where they occasionally see each other. Upon being invited to dine with this august group of people, Rich reportedly signed up post haste for a mission trip to the Amazon. It is good to hear that Rich’s reflexes have not deteriorated over the years.

As these notes go to press on New Market Day, last minute reports from Lexington indicated that Paul Dickinson and Don and Tucker McQueen were among those who witnessed the thunderstorms that washed out the parade. I know that Don Crawford and Taze Taylor had planned to attend the reenactment at Bushong Farm, but I am still awaiting indisputable video evidence. I’m just hoping that, with all the rain, they don’t lose their shoes.

By now you probably already know that Luther

2014- Issue 3

Holloman is fighting a brave battle with cancer in Peoria, Arizona, where he and Judy relocated from Richmond after Luther retired. Please keep Luther and Judy in your thoughts and prayers.

That’s about it. Be sure to check out our Facebook page (VMI’70) for pictures that exceeded the five I am allowed to submit with my class notes, as well as pictures and comments posted by other BRs. I hope your summer is off to a great start.

In the spirit!

’71

James Kelly

1504 Westwood Drive Pulaski, VA 24301 (H) 540/980-3742 jkelly48@verizon.net

These notes will cover the period from Feb. 15 through May 15, 2014. I hope that this edition of notes will find everyone well and enjoying a great summer season. Football and our reunion with the Southern Conference will be coming up within a few short weeks, and there will be opportunities for seeing each other both in Lexington, Virginia, and on the road with the Keydets.

Today (May 10) is cool and rainy in Pulaski, Virginia, but the excitement is building for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market and the activities to go along with that celebration. The New Market Day celebration drew a large crowd to Lexington and the Corps once again rose to the occasion to honor the cadets who “died on the field of honor.” Due to heavy rain that day, the parade was cancelled, but the ceremony went on as planned in J.M. Hall. Out of the seemingly endless string of parades in anyone’s cadetship, most of us would agree that New Market Day was (and still is) a moving and special experience. During the weekend to follow, there was a reenactment of the battle on the original site that was expected to draw more than 30,000 visitors.

In conjunction with the New Market activities at VMI and the battlefield, there were a number of individual ceremonies across much of the country at the gravesites of the cadets who fought in the battle 150 years ago. I don’t know the whole story, but the short version is that over the last several years, efforts have been made to locate descendants of the New Market cadets as well as the actual location where those cadets were laid to rest. VMI alumni volunteered to honor many of the New Market cadets by placing wreaths and/or flags at gravesites geographically close to their own homes. The VMI Alumni Association donated a large number of flag sets (VMI, Virginia and U.S.) that were distributed to alumni chapters and from there to the volunteers. I shared in that effort with Willie Hale ’03 at the grave

of Maurice Daniel Langhorne ’867 in Dublin, Virginia. My brothers, Mike Kelly ’73 and Steve Kelly ’77, volunteered at sites near their respective homes. The response was great, and the number of volunteers grew daily as May 15 approached. I will give a more thorough accounting in the August class notes. At some future time, pictures and descriptions of these ceremonies will be published by Jan Abernathy ’67, who has served as point man for this endeavor. (Editor’s Note: See the inside back cover of this issue of the Review for photos and more information. Also, see the VMI Alumni Association Facebook page.)

Basketball season for the Keydets extended well beyond my notes deadline for February, which was a good thing; VMI went on to have some memorable games late in the season. One of the last regular season games in Lexington featured a great win against Radford University and a big crowd of brother rats. Mike and Doris Strickler hosted a pregame get-together in their home. Attending with their wives were Wall, Lockridge, Littleton, Gault, Ellington, Mikula, Kirby and Bryan. J.D. Morefield joined the group at the game. Also on board without their husbands were Nancy Pickral and Marie Coleman. Bobby had sitter duty, and Ken was attending a gun show.

The Big South Tournament was held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and several brother rats took the opportunity to support our team as well as get in some beach time. A partial list of some who were down there includes Acuff, Coleman, Kennedy, Hepler and Morefield. I believe that some others of the room 139 crew were on hand, but I don’t have a list.

As you know, VMI suffered a disappointing loss in the final Big South game and the automatic bid to the “big dance.” We were later invited to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament, and our Keydets made a great showing with high scoring and exciting wins. The semifinal game against Yale University was held in Cameron Hall and drew one of the largest crowds in school history.

Kathryn and I were able to attend a pregame gathering with Buddy and Carol Bryan, Ron Bryan ’55 and Paul Bryan ’05. On board (many with wives) at the game were Neale, Metzger, Kennedy, Gault, Golden, O’Donnell, Hanke, Wright, Ellington, Coleman and Price. The Keydets were unable to win the game and finished their season with a 22-13 record. Although we were not in a big name tournament, our team gained a lot of positive attention and respect for VMI and gave a fine accounting of themselves against some very good competition.

Located in the Marshall Hall Center for Leadership and Ethics, the Hall of Valor is an impressive display of valor decorations awarded to VMI alumni. Decorations representing the classes

97

CLASS NOTES of 1889 through 1970 have been placed in the HOV. It is now time to begin work on the next 25 classes. Those of you with an email address (that I have) should have gotten two notices concerning eligibility requirements. The key term here is “valor,” and qualifying medals must have been given that designation by the individual’s branch of service. To date, I have gotten a few inquiries and information from brother rats regarding the HOV. The Institute has asked the class agents to coordinate this effort, and in turn, I am seeking your help. If you or someone you know has been awarded a qualifying medal, please contact me, and I will assist in any way that I can. Rather than risk releasing inaccurate or unconfirmed information, I will wait until we are cleared through channels to announce our honorees.

Awhile back, I got an email from Chip Humphrey ’70 with a picture of his platoon taken during ROTC summer camp at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in 1970. Chip felt it would be of particular interest since no less than five of our BRs and budding officers were represented – Gault, Rea, Snyder, Guffey and Baxter. Along with Chip, that meant six VMI men in the same platoon, which no doubt was a case of heartburn for their tactical officer. The photo does not appear in this issue, but I think many of you would enjoy seeing it when it is released. I shared with Lanny that I believe I would rather have been a 4th Class cadet again than go back to IGMR for six more weeks. But as fate would have it, I pulled two summer camps up there while in the U.S. Army Reserve as an ambulance platoon leader.

Buz and Jan Booker had one huge weekend back in the early part of April. They were presented with their first grandchild, Benjamin Page Booker, born in New York City to son Armistead III and wife Elisa. At nearly the same time, they received the news that son Capt. David Booker had returned safely to the U.S. from Afghanistan. David planned to be married Aug. 2 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Some other BRs have made news in different ways. Steve Sanetti was featured in the National Shooting Sports Foundation magazine with an article on crime statistics and the demand for firearms.

Dr. David “Zeke” Ellington retired March 1, 2014, after 30 years with the Lexington Family Practice, where he has been a partner with Dr. Bob Pickral.

Sam Kirby retired from full-time duty with Froehling and Robertson after 38 years of service; the last 25 having been as the president.

Sam will assume the position of president emeritus, and he intends to continue “working” until sometime in 2015.

Rick Littleton was a leader (with some help from Metzger) in organizing a sporting clay shoot to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.

98

The event was held in early May at Quail Ridge and was sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America.

The Alumni Review will be starting a new section of the magazine entitled “After Taps” that will feature memories and stories about deceased members of the VMI family. The process will be that individuals will submit information pieces to their respective class agent who will compile them and forward to the Alumni Review editors. The section for ’71 would be featured in the second and fourth issues each year. The first “After Taps” will appear in this Review. See the end of the Taps section.

Facebook is really beginning to catch on with a number of our BRs. Even if you don’t “do” Facebook, you will enjoy the comments and other postings. This time around, I found the following: Kreamer, Ginder, Biggs, Patterson, Pearman, Murray, Brumback, Petersen, Clary, Rose, Caul, Mikula, Carver, Kirby, Rowe, Kelly, Haywood, Aldous, Ashman, Dudley, Groome and Martenstein.

During the first weekend of April, Kathryn and I were in Lexington for the Volunteer Leaders Conference. This was the second year of a combined meeting of class agents and alumni chapter leaders. During the course of the two-day meeting, we were briefed on the “state of VMI” with reports from the VMI Foundation, the VMI Alumni Association and the Keydet Club. Additionally, there were discussion groups for agents and chapter leaders with emphasis on improved communication among alumni and some of the tools that are available to reach the VMI family at large. We also got an overview of The Campaign for VMI, a major fundraising effort which will enter its public phase this year. Each of you will receive information from VMI with the particulars of the campaign.

At the opening luncheon of the conference, the agents and chapter leaders were joined by several cadets. Our table had the good fortune to meet Cadet “Nina” Srikonygos ’15, a biology major who matriculated from Springfield, Virginia. During our conversation, she shared that while her family was en route to take her sister to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, they stopped by VMI for a visit. It was then that she decided that she wanted to accept the “challenge” that VMI offered. Apparently, she has made the very best of her education and training. She has earned a U.S. Army scholarship, is well on her way to being accepted into medical school and has been selected to be a cadet captain in the Corps next year. She is a success story in her own right and a credit to the comprehensive opportunities provided by VMI. Young people like Nina are the reason, my friends, that VMI and its mission deserves to be supported by every alumnus.

I hope that everyone enjoys the remaining month of the summer season. Kathryn and I are off to Richmond to see grandchildren Lauren ’26 and Ryan ’27 and have tentative plans for some beach time and travel later in 2014. The next deadline for class notes is Aug. 15, so let me hear from you. Hope to see many of you at various football games and class gatherings in the near future. Be safe out there, and let VMI be heard from today.

Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth 4710 Bethesda Avenue Apt. 1301 Bethesda, MD 20814 (C) 240/472-2354 lehvmi72@msn.com

Brother and Sister Rats, Families, Friends, Passers-by and the Inquisitive – These short notes cover mid-February through New Market Day. Winter’s stubborn freeze has finally given way to blessed wet spring ... and you’ll be pining for a day or two of cool when you read these in late summer. As is the case this time of year, both “business” and “personal” news are light.

I continue to be heartened by your generosity to the Institute, and I’m deeply moved by the contacts and BR spirit you share. We’re a resilient lot as we take the shots of our advancing decades and, more and more, take them in the company and support of our families and BRs. Many of our throng are in need at any time – please remember all in your thoughts and prayers, and continue to reach out. Thank you.

Tom Hathaway, George Williams and I (where were you, Jim McLeod?) had dinner recently in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. How charitable of the young staff at Joe Theisman’s to indulge the “bravado” of these pitiful old rockn-roller wannabes. It was a great time, and the hours seemed like minutes.

Bob and Linda Stransky graciously entertained yours truly and the sunshine in his life with Bob’s newfound skills at gourmet barbecuing. The aforementioned sunshine and I later caught Boz Scaggs at the Warner Theater and will be joining the Stranskys at their Outer Banks getaway soon. It doesn’t get any better.

I received a quick note from Buzzy Chacey shortly after South Carolina’s record ice storm, saying it was 70-plus degrees on the day he wrote. Keep writing, Buzzy!

The cadre of Chris Jones, A.J. Fojt, Dave Hall and Phil Wilkerson shared an interesting Washington Post article on the state of football at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Feb. 23, 2014, if you want to Google it). It was a fascinating and familiar examination of

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES “competitiveness” versus “standards” and “warriors” as “winners.”

Dave Condon shared wonderful Americanatinged depictions into his and Ann’s life, family, Clifton Forge, Virginia, and VMI. He sent some breathtaking pictures of their property, adding, “ … with a second grandson on the way, there will be a lot to do.” Amen, BR. Tom Moncure, reunion meister for life, writes that the group has welcomed Rockbridge Bathsbased Jerry Higgins into the fold. He says they may shanghai Roger Hart, too.

That’s it for now, Compadres. Again, take care of yourselves and those you love. Do good work, stay close and Rah Virginia Mil! Larry

’73

Mike Kelly

4746 Ludwell Branch Court Raleigh, NC 27612 919/787-2689 KellyVMI73@nc.rr.com

The cold winter I wrote about in February is gone, and it’s actually been hot here. However, Tom Clark reported snow in the Denver area recently.

Pat and I went to New Market for the 150th anniversary of the battle. After visiting the battlefield for a couple of days, we headed to Washington, D.C., to visit my son, Derek, for the weekend. A lot of folks were expected May 18 for the actual battle reenactment, and I’ve heard from many who participated in the event, as well as the march from Lexington.

This time of year is always special for VMI. This year, as part of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market, an effort was made to locate all of the 261 New Market cadet graves to place a wreath and VMI flag at the sites. Pat and I visited two graves near Raleigh, North Carolina. A number of our brother rats participated in the event.

Pat and I found a grave of a New Market cadet in Dublin, Virginia, only a few miles from my home place. My brother, Jim ’71, and other VMI alumni honored that grave May 15. My brother, Steve ’77, worked on two graves in Forest, Virginia, not far from his home. What a great experience.

I appreciate the continuous email, Facebook contact and calls from all of you. It’s certainly wonderful to be able to stay in touch with you and to help out our BRs as they try to contact their old roommates or friends from VMI. I have about 175 folks on email. However, that fluctuates some as folks change email addresses, and I don’t get those changes. So, please be sure to let me know if you move, change email, phone numbers, etc. And go to the VMI website and change your information in the VMI Ranks.

2014- Issue 3

Class of 1973: Mike and Pat Kelly attended functions in New Market, Virginia, May 15. Pictured at the battlefield were Pat Kelly, Eric Arnesen, Ben Miller and Mike Kelly. Arnesen is from Forestville, Virginia, and planned to matriculate at VMI in August 2014. Miller lives in the town of New Market.

I always enjoy sharing the news of our class.

However, it is still tough to share bad news. Another one of our BRs lost his spouse this spring.

John Landry’s wife passed away in March after a courageous battle against brain cancer. She was diagnosed a short time after our 2013 reunion, and John told me she had really enjoyed the weekend and was looking forward to future events. Her passing just reminds us how precious life really is. I had a note from John recently. He is getting along OK and said to say how much he appreciates all the love and support provided by everyone during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, John.

I have good news from Tom Clark to share.

He called me the other day and indicated that his tests were all good, and he has fully recovered from his prostate surgery. He has once again taken to riding his motorcycle and is enjoying fishing and camping. Bonnie is going to retire at the end of June from Colorado College after more than 10 years there, and they planned to head to Maui in July to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Great news, Tom. Dave Northcraft reports that he is more than 27 months in remission, is making regular health visits to Veterans Affairs and feels pretty good.

He and wife Susan were in Colorado recently to see their son, Daniel ’01; his wife, Jennifer; and their grandchild. They learned that Jennifer is expecting another child in August, which is about the time you’ll be reading these notes!

They visited with Tom and Bonnie while they were out there. Dave said Susan planned to retire this summer after teaching for more than 27

years, although she will continue to work part time at a church-sponsored pre-school. Thanks for the update, Dave, and for the wonderful news.

Dave also reported that he and Susan had dinner with Robert “Phantom” Thompson and his wife, Jeanie, recently and that Jeanie was going to retire from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this summer. Robert and Jeanie were doing well and live in nearby Lees Summit, Missouri.

Rick Gribling told me that his father was in hospice care in Austin, Texas, and that he has been spending a lot of time there with him. We will keep you and your dad in our thoughts and prayers, Rick, and hope for the best. Rick reported earlier that his daughter was getting married in Edinburgh, Scotland, and that he and his wife, Rebekah, were spending summers in Edinburgh.

Sounds like fun, Rick! I hope all goes well.

I sent a note to Hank and Leisa Weatherford during the winter to say I had not heard from them lately. Leisa responded that they had been really busy and that she had been in a job transition that kept her focused on other things. Their daughter, Savannah, graduates from high school next year and has started looking at colleges. Hank has suggested VMI, but she hasn’t fully grasped the idea of doing more pushups. She has had a lot of training in martial arts and may be looking for a more relaxed college experience. I know the feeling, Hank. All four of my kids went elsewhere, but there are grandchildren. So, I’m hoping. We actually have a granddaughter who graduated in May, but she is headed to Georgia Southern University.

Amazing how time flies, isn’t it?

99

CLASS NOTES Neil Carlson and his wife, Jennie, have been from Indiana high schools who applied to VMI U.S. Naval Academy graduate, was stationed traveling. Jennie’s daughter, Laura, got married this year. Though he doesn’t know how many there and provided them with a guided tour. in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in April. In May, will actually matriculate, he felt sure that it was They had a great trip, but Pete said he was glad they planned to drive from Shreveport, Louisi- a record number from the Hoosier state. Dave to get home. His daughter was, too, as her son ana, to New Market, Virginia, for the battle reen- indicated that he hopes to see a lot of folks at was born in February. Pete is very happy for actment. They will be in San Antonio, Texas, vis- the fall football games. He took part in the New them and already has a provisional appointment iting with Neil’s daughter, Sam, and doing some Market cadet ceremonies by placing a wreath for Peter Custer. Pete’s son, Bob, returned from camping in Arkansas and digging for diamonds on the grave of Cadet Carlton Shafer, Class of Kandahar, Afghanistan, in August 2013 and reat the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Then, it is 1864, who is buried in Pine Lake Cemetery in cently took command of a UH-60 Blackhawk off to Florida for a niece’s wedding company in Savannah, Georgia. in September. Sounds like your Pete said that his son’s wife is Toyota RAV4 is getting a workout, expecting a baby girl in July.

Neil! I also had a note from Steve Pete and his wife, Karen, are Chadwick who was looking for learning that being grandparents Neil. So, I gave him his email, and can be wonderful and nervethey got hooked up. Steve seems to wracking, simultaneously! be doing well after losing his wife Tom Jennings and his wife, on New Year’s Day 2014. Good to Lois, headed to Lexington, Virhear from you, Steve. ginia, for New Market festiviThe U.S. Air Force is keeping ties, and then went on to New Bob Poynor busy as the organizaMarket for the reenactment May 18. Tom said he was still worktion changes to keep up with today’s interesting times of military ing with Virginia’s Department cutbacks and realignments. Bob, of Environmental Quality and who works with the doctrine cenhopes to retire one day down the road. I also had a note from Rob ter, said that it’s actually good for Bowman inquiring about New them, because they are taking on Market activities. Rob is still additional duties to help keep up. working with the Virginia DeBob said he had recovered from his hernia surgery earlier in 2014, gotpartment of Transportation.

George and Renee Goodwin ten through the death of his father went to the VMI versus Yale in October and is doing pretty well. game and felt great about the He indicated his wife was having overall season in spite of the some tests run and that hopefully all would be well for them by summer. Class of 1973: Mike Kelly and his wife, Pat, at the grave of semifinal loss. They saw Dave Bob said he was “wearing out” and Cadet William Brenton Shaw ’865 in Henderson, North Caro- Woody from a distance but were wished he had taken the “extended lina. The Kellys visited two of the New Market cadets’ graves not able to link up with him. warranty.” They are in good spirits in mid-May 2014. A wreath of red, white and yellow flowers George and Renee also particias the weather warms and his roses along with flags for VMI, the commonwealth of Virginia and pated in the Old Corps Luncheon the United States were posted at the sites as part of the alum- at the Center for Leadership and bloom.

I had a call from Larry Mays. Lar- ni initiative in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Ethics. George said they stayed overnight and really enjoyed just ry was working on his contact list of Battle of New Market. cruising around Lexington the folks and needed some information.

He planned to go to the premier showing of the La Porte, Indiana. Dave said that, when he was a next day. They met with Col. Keith Gibson ’77, movie “Field of Lost Shoes” in Alexandria, Vir- child, his parents used to take the family swim- executive director of the VMI Museum System, ginia. We talked about the 150th anniversary of ming at Pine Lake Park. Thanks for the informa- and donated several packages of “Soldiers of Comfort” tobacco, still in its original wrapping.

New Market and also realized that this will be tion and your help, Dave. the 45th year since our matriculation.

Pete Walters wanted to remind everyone It was grown on the family farm and has been Dave Sutherland also pointed this out in his about the premier of “Field of Lost Shoes” as stored for 140 years. The tobacco was donated message to me. He talked about how proud he well. It premiered in Alexandria, Virginia, at the in memory of James Hugh Goodwin, Class of was as he attended the VMI versus Ohio Uni- GI Film Festival in May. Pete has been very busy 1867, his great-great-uncle, who was one of the versity basketball game in Athens, Ohio, in the traveling. Recently, he went to Asia and made cadets at New Market. George planned to parCollegeInsider.com Tournament, where VMI the rounds in Seoul, Korea. Pete was provided ticipate in a wreath ceremony for him during the shocked the home team crowd with a come- with a guided tour of the area near Camp Casey New Market celebration. from-behind victory. The next week, Dave said and the demilitarized zone by son Bob’s roomI haven’t heard much from Roland Tiso lately. he and Dave McCown exchanged greetings mate from the U.S. Military Academy at West He was due home from Afghanistan in June, and during halftime of the VMI versus Yale Univer- Point. Then, Pete went to Beijing and on to Lha- we hope he got home safely and doesn’t have to sity semifinal game. Dave said that was a great sha, Tibet. He stopped in Tokyo on the way back go back! I heard from my other roomie, Terry evening, and it was a very electrifying event in to visit his (as he said) very pregnant daughter Howlett. He stays busy working with the local spite of the loss. Dave Sutherland said that he and her husband who were getting in some last school district, veteran’s organizations, Christian was aware of at least 30 young men and women minute travel. A good friend of theirs, who is a ministries and flying Civil Air Patrol missions.

100

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Terry and his wife, Nina, were in Radford recently to visit his mother. They are planning a trip to Hawaii and plan to come back to Virginia for his high school class reunion. Pulaski High School, my alma mater, and Radford High School used to be big rivals in the “old corps days.” We probably even butted heads on the football field and never knew it!

Mac Kirkpatrick and his wife, Melanie, have continued their travels with some fourwheel off-road driving and camping in Colorado. They are headed to Arizona and Mexico on their bikes in August for a couple of months. Sounds like they are trying to break their record 28,000 miles from last year! Their son, Clark ’15, is studying Arabic in Oman.

He planned to head to India and Israel for the summer and then go to Jordan for more Arabic lessons. He hopes to get far enough ahead in his studies to graduate in December. Their daughter is at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, studying to be a physician assistant.

I had brief messages from a few guys who I haven’t heard from in a while. Jack Hayes, Ed Gibson and Jim Davidson all sent me notes with questions or statements about some of the information I have sent out but not a lot of personal information about what is going on with them. Ed said he was still with environmental services and waste management in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Jules Thomas inquired about being of assistance to a New Market cadet in Mississippi. Hopefully, they will send me some news soon.

I recently attended an organizational meeting led by the VMI regional alumni chapter director, Charles Ramsburg ’66 who is working with some local alumni to jump-start our chapter here in the triangle and eastern North Carolina. We have had some interesting discussions and are in the process of planning some summertime events. So, hopefully, we’ll get back in full swing here before long. I hope that you all are involved in alumni chapters in your area and attend some functions regularly.

There are a lot of VMI folks out there!

I’m looking forward to our trip to northern Virginia and a visit with Derek in D.C. this week [May 2014]. I already have my VMI colors flying. This may be it for our vacation this year. We may spend the rest of the summer drinking ice water by the pool! Uncle Sam put a hurting on us last month, and we had to purchase a new heating and air conditioning unit.

So, we will be in the poor house this summer!

I hope you all have a great summer and look forward to seeing you in the fall. That is about it for now. Take care, be safe and stay in touch.

In the bonds, Mike

2014- Issue 3

’74

Snookie Parker

614 Raleigh Road NW Wilson, NC 27893-2107 (H) 252/243-6759 snookieparker1974@earthlink.net

Greetings, Brother Rats, Spring has sprung (finally), the grass has riz’, I wonder where the flowers is? Clearly, the highlight of this set of notes is our 40th Reunion.

However, there are other highlights due a mention. How about the VMI basketball team in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament final four versus Yale University in Lexington, no less? There was a lot of excitement on campus and among the alumni at this first-ever-of-its-type event for VMI. I, like many others, made the journey to witness the contest. Moody Hall was chock full of excited alums in town for the big game.

Several BRs on hand for the game included Rick Kastelberg, Thomas Walton, Tommy Anderson, T.J. Wilson, Mike Morrissett, Snap and Cathy Carlock, Donnie Ross, Russ and Mary Stuart Harlow, Tom Puskas, Bill Faistemhammer, and Mark and Michelle Prentice. It was a good game. VMI had the opportunity to score with good, high percentage shots … the shots just were not falling for VMI. Kudos to the team for a great season! By the way, Sam Mattock’s son, Ryan, is on the coaching staff. While in town for the game and pre-reunion recon, I did take the opportunity to stay with Russ and Mary Stuart Harlow in their bed-and-breakfast at 502 South Main St. The Harlows are great hosts – especially Mary Stuart. The bed-and-breakfast has two well-appointed rooms adorned with very nice bed linens and an in-room refrigerator along with a very roomy private bathroom. Mary Stuart provided homemade red pepper soup (recipe from the Inn at Old Washington), coffee and homemade biscotti, as well. It was a great breakfast and a convenient location with privacy to come and go as desired. I highly recommend a stay if you are planning to be in Lexington.

In late March, I got a chance to spend an evening with Charley and Debbie Banning, which began with dinner at the Open Market, a favorite haunt frequented by Charley and Debbie. We finished with drinks and dessert at the Banning abode, where we discussed plans for the reunion and worked on details for the reunion memorial service!

Our 40th Reunion was a huge success by all accounts. Some say it was more fun than is allowed by law. We had a great turnout of 225 attendees, 123 of which were BRs. It was the largest turnout of the reunion classes that weekend with no close second. Having a large number attend is a great problem to have. Although crowded, the big numbers contribute to the fun.

I heard on more than one occasion that BRs felt like they were speed dating trying to get around to talk to as many as possible … not that any of us ever participated in a speed dating event. I also heard on more than one occasion that BRs were laughing so hard that they had to leave the room to catch their breath. Was it Bert Graham who noted that half of our BRs sent their fathers accompanied by their daughters?

It was Mike Morrissett’s pre-reunion excitement that resulted in the following email: “The big weekend is here. I have my capri pants on, my class coin, a hip flask of Beam, and my ankles and knees are taped. (Walton will be there.)”

On Thursday morning, volunteers arrived and pitched in to set up including John and Suzanne Pate, David and Mary Sheppard, Pat and Sue Flynn, Russ and Mary Stuart Harlow, Charley and Debbie Banning, and Kevin and Cindy Nettrour. The highlight of the morning was watching Russ Harlow and John Pate post the VMI ’74 Reunion sign outside on the entrance to the reunion hospitality suite. Great job! It was a high adventure, no pun intended!

Thursday’s early bird cocktail turned into late night libations as BRs and spouses continued to arrive. I heard a lot of pre-golf tourney “smack,” compliments of the late night libations.

Pat Flynn and Billie Haught took charge of the registration table Friday morning while the Girl Crew (Marla Parker, Suzanne Pate, Rhoda Nottingham, Susan Shelley, Debbie Banning and perhaps several others) put the finishing touches on the hospitality suite and the Ladies Silpada luncheon. Joe McCoskrie and Tom Puskas were available to help wherever. Kudos to Snap Carlock for coordinating the golf outing.

The tournament was terminated after 16 holes due to heavy rain and lightning. John Pate and I, chasing John’s ball in heavy rain, took a 720-degree spinning turn in our golf cart, slid down the side of a hill and came to a rest just shy of the creek. Only then did we decide to call it a day.

The highest scoring team – those in most need of lessons – included, Bob Frank, Steve Hearne, Frank Richardson and Henry Moncure. The golf masters for the second reunion in a row, repeat winners, were Tom Mascot, Mike Mahoney, Mick Ernzen and Joe McCoskrie. Kudos to the winners. However, let it be known that there are plans in the works to unseat this team of reprobates and prevent a three-peat.

To the delight of the cadets, the Friday parade was canceled due to weather. That did not hinder the Class of 1974 revelry planned for Moody Hall. The winners of the golf tournament were recognized and trophy awarded. Charlie Gardner had the honor of representing the class in the cutting of the class cake. Barbara Heiderman took the opportunity to provide heartfelt thanks to the class for the love and support received after

101

Class of 1974: Row 1: Terrell Williams, Mike Cole, Gary Trinkle, Bruce Pence, Bailey Hurley, Charlie Gardner, Chip Beaman, Ronnie Vigneault, Snookie Parker, Billy Haught, Graham “Red” Undercoffer, Chuck Cayton, Ron Stelmasczk, Judge Nottingham, Thomas Walton.

Row 2: Joe McCoskrie, Glenn Greene, Kent Wheeless, Don Sharpe, Mike Andriani, David Lester, Jim Garten, Pat Flynn, Robert “Moose” Haskell, Russ “Herbie” Harlow, Cliff Biram, John Pate, John Williams, RC Thompson, Steve Weaver.

Row 3: Bert Zinkand, John Crawley, George Van Laethem, Jim Cottrell, John Savage, Tommy Anderson, Bruce Jones, Rod Beard, Wilson Johnson, John Dick.

Row 4: Al Aksomitas, David Sheppard, Kevin, Nettrour, JR Davis, Weldon Neal, Rob “Kid” Fulks, Mike Duggan, Hall Brodie, Bert Graham, Gus Elliott, Tom Dick, Donnie Ross, Criag “Snapper” Carlock, Mike Coleman, Tom Parker.

Row 5: Will Ludt, Henry Moncure, Walt Wilson.

Row 6: Mel Clark, Tom Mascot, Chuck Ward, Donnie Cumberland, Sam Mattocks, Mick Ernzen, Charlie Toler, Jim “Space” Huddle, Bill Minor, Paul Van Doren, Richard Malecz, Al Rasper, Eicke Mushal, Bill Pennypacker, Tom Puskas, Mike Mahoney, Clint Anderson, John White.

Row 7: Al Beaty, TJ Wilson, Fred Parks, Ed Blake, Andy Young, Mike “Rockhead” Fisher, Jim Wood, Mike Morrissett, Craig MacFarlane, Rick Kastelberg, Jim Sarver, Mike Foley, Arnie Leonard, Steve Ham, Ben Borwick, Mark Prentice, John Valenstein.

Row 8: Bob Johnson, Dan Barr, Bob Frank, Bob Benninger, Pete Shelley, Al Vicory, Bill Faistenhammer, John McLaren, Russ Takata, Brad Hunter, Steve Hearne, Frank Robinson, Rick Donahue, John Hunter, Charley Banning, Bob Smith, Lane Toomey, Jon Mounts.

At the Reunion but not pictured: Ken Terry and Jeff Huckabee.

40th Reunion – April 25-26, 2014

Class of 1974

102

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1974: Bill Robson ’75, left, and Al Vicory at The Villages VMI Golf Cart Rally.

Class of 1974: Gary Trinkle and his reunion favors.

Roy’s passing. After closing down Moody Hall, the class reassembled in the hospitality suite for another round of late night libations. Saturday morning, Chip Beaman and Charlie Gardner lead the class memorial service honoring our deceased brother rats: Chris Lowery, Tom Clise, Doc Fedderman, Joe Verdi, Billie Clore, Ken Dennett, Dave Strock, Roy Heiderman, Stan Poston, Steve LaHowchic, Wayne Worman, Bob Trost and Bob Moore. Sister Rats Susan Dennett and Anita “Magic” Moore were able to attend. The following BRs answered, in order, “Present in Spirit” when Chip called the roll: Ron Stelmascik, Jim Sarver, Donnie Ross, Russ Harlow, Steve Weaver, Ron Stelmascik, John Valenstein, Glenn Greene, Jim Garten, Al Aksomitas, Jim Huddle, John White and Hall Brodie. The following BRs provided memorials for the BRs that had passed since our last memorial service in 2004: Lane Toomey for Ken Dennett; Cliff Biram for Dave Strock; Clint Anderson for Roy Heiderman; Pat Flynn for Stan Poston; Charley Banning for Steve LaHowchic; Chuck Ward for Wayne Worman; Charlie Toler for Bob Trost; and Gus Elliott for Bob Moore. Charlie Gardner recognized Glenn Greene for his leadership in support of Roy Heiderman’s family. John Crawley provided a closing prayer. Donnie Ross led the class in a modified version of the “Doxology.” The service ended with a cadet bugler playing “Taps.”

After a short break, Chip introduced Col. Tom Trumps ’79, commandant. Trumps leaves after seven years on the job during a period of what some might say was radical change. His talk was passionate and to the point, and his observations were candid, constructive, insightful and informative. We adjourned for the class photo, parade

Class of 1974: Tom Mascot, Joe McCroskrie, Mick Ernzen and Mike Mahoney won the reunion golf tournament for the second time in a row. Class Agent Snookie Parker titled this photo “The Golf Geezers Repeat.”

2014- Issue 3

Class of 1974: Tommie Toler’s toes. and march into barracks for an Old Yell. As we assembled for our photo, I have to admit that our number, our hats and our ladies’ scarves were the envy of the other classes and their spouses. It is noted that Charlie Gardner was the only one out of the five reunion classes that climbed the sentinel box for the Old Yell!

Frank Richardson, with the help of Sammy Ratcliffe, put together an impromptu career session for interested cadets. Frank was joined by Chip Beaman and Steve Hearne for the session.

Saturday afternoon, Lynn Seldon ’83, author of “Virginia’s Ring,” a novel about VMI, was in the hospitality suite signing books. Speaking of authors, we have several in our class: Roland Lazenby (60-plus with his latest on Michael Jordan and Coach McKenna), Harold Coyle (25 books, best-seller “Team Yankee”), Lane Toomey, Bob Johnson, Rich Forbes (3) and Grace Greene (5 books) – wife of BR Glenn Greene (and sister of BR Gene Rice). There might be others in our class who have published books of which I am not aware! I digress …

Saturday evening was spent at McKethan Park with some of the best BBQ east of the Mississippi provided by Mike Puffenbarger of Southernmost Maple, a family owned and run operation. After the feast, it was back to the hospitality suite again for late night libations. Joe McCoskrie and John Savage were finalists for the last man standing honors in the hospitality suite Saturday night (just past midnight). We adjourned for the weekend after Sunday brunch.

Several folks contributed to the success of the reunion. I have mentioned several already. Other contributors not yet mentioned: Ladies – Sue Jones, Kerri Wilson, Sue Flynn, Barbara Ross and Cathy Carlock; BRs – Bruce Jones, Mick Ernzen, Weldon Neal, Tommy Anderson and Donnie Ross. Ronnie Vigneault provided videos of the reunion! Suzanne Pate, Sue Jones, Joe McCoskrie, Carol Weaver and others contributed photos … posted on the 40th Reunion photo album on our VMI Class of 1974 Facebook page and on a Snapfish site. Bottom line: A grand time was had by all … can’t wait until the next reunion!

Some other news – a proud parent moment for Gary and Lee Ann Lape (Dallas, Texas). Son Zac is a rising senior/company commander/electrical engineering major committed to the Army

103

CLASS NOTES in the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets.

Zac was able to carry Gary’s saber on his first pass and review as a company commander.

Proud parent moment, indeed! Missed you both at the reunion!

Andy Young, Ph.D., will join the VMI faculty next academic year teaching environmental and exercise physiology as part of the biology department. This is a one-year Gottwald Visiting Professorship assignment (endowed chair) and is designed to facilitate the establishment of an exercise science minor for biology majors. Andy’s 30-plus years of practical experience will help bridge the gap between academia and the real world. Kudos, Andy!

Not long after the reunion, Marla and I had the opportunity to hear The Hon. Clarence Thomas speak at the VMI Club of Richmond, compliments of Rick Kastelberg’s sponsorship table.

The Commonwealth Club of Richmond was the venue. This was a well-attended, sold out event.

Judge Thomas captivated the audience with his candid and insightful responses to a multitude of questions. BR Thomas Walton and Abbey sponsored a table and watched their son, Tom Walton ’04, help as a master of ceremonies for the event.

The Class of ’74 was well represented. Other BRs in attendance: Tommy and Mollie Anderson, Terrell and Sarah Williams, David Lester, and Donnie Ross.

In May, Kent Wheeless and I drove to Raleigh to assist the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Alumni Chapter with event planning. I enjoyed the drive down and back with Kent. We hope to infuse some new energy into the Raleigh chapter.

Paul Van Doren, the grand poobah of the VMI ’74 Tidewater Area Breakfast Club, reports a great turnout at a late March breakfast. Attending were Sam Turner, Bill Pennypacker, John Williams, Chip Beaman, Henry Moncure, Dave Sheppard, John Pate, Mic Ernzen and Frank Richardson. John Pate and Henry Moncure were first-time attendees. The wide range of discussion topics included the (then) upcoming reunion and the June picnic planned for John Williams air strip/home. I want to see this air strip/home. It sounds like a John Travolta wantto-be situation. Or is John Travolta a John Williams want-to-be? By the way, Paul Van Doren has been awarded the certified system engineer professional certification. I understand there have been less than 2,000 of these awarded.

Congrats, Paul!

I have a new batch of coins if you find yourself in need. Several BRs have captured an extra coin to ensure they are not caught short. Judge Nottingham’s A1A Ale Works experience with visiting BRs should be a lesson on how expensive not having a coin can be. Don’t leave home without one. Speaking of the A1A Ale Works – as I am composing these notes, Donnie Ross, Pat

104

Class of 1974: Mike and Clay Morrissett, Snookie and Marla Parker, T.J. and Kerri Wilson, Randy Gleason, and John and Suzanne Pate. Parker said of this photo, “Room 146 present and accounted for.”

Class of 1974: Old Yell in barracks.

Class of 1974: The class’s pass and review.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1974: Snookie Parker, Frank Richardson, Ben Borwick and Mike Andriani enjoying the moment in Moody Hall during the reunion.

Flynn, Judge Nottingham and Rob Bacon are to meet at this northeast Florida legendary watering hole – the A1A Ale Works in St. Augustine. The good news for Judge on this gathering is that he was not without coin – assuming he does not forget to bring it.

John Smithey’s son, Andrew (captain and U.S. Air Force pilot), has recently returned from Qatar after another two-month deployment.

Note Bill Robson ’75 and Al Vicory’s “VMI golf cart rally” at The Villages near Orlando, Florida, in February – they obviously were not shoveling snow.

Mike Mahoney’s mother, Hazel, died in February. I made several trips to D.C. with Mike during our 4th and 3rd Class years. She was a favorite of mine ... she will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family, Mike.

Sammy Ratcliffe was unable to attend our 40th Reunion due to family concerns. His younger sister suffered a catastrophic cerebral hemorrhage in early March. She was moved to palliative care, and as she is widowed, Sammy has been serving as her guardian and conservator. She passed away, and her funeral service was the weekend of the reunion. Our prayers are with you and your family, Sammy.

In our lost and found department, Charley “The Dog” Banning has hunted down two more BRs – Jack Neff and John Rosenski. A quick update on Jack Neff. He retired after 38 years of teaching history in high school and coaching tennis in the Virginia counties of Floyd and Craig.

He earned a graduate degree from James Madison University. His wife died of brain cancer in 2008. He had no children. He is currently living alone in Christiansburg, Virginia, and is recuperating from four hip surgeries. If you are in the area, stop by for a visit. A quick update on John Rosenski, who was Charley’s roommate for one semester. He left after completing his 3rd Class year and attended Fairleigh Dickenson University. John retired as an engineer from a high-end

2014- Issue 3

Class of 1974: Old Yell in Moody Hall.

sheet metal producer and is in his second career as the owner of a pet kennel in New Jersey called Ma and Paws. John mentioned that the kennel business is not a good business to be in when you have a hangover. John’s wife recently died from lung cancer. He has two daughters who are involved in the pet kennel.

This just in: Glenn Greene’s wife, Grace, has published a new novel called “Cub Creek.”

That’s all for now!

Class agent plea! Don’t be caught without your class coin. If you need one, send $10 (cost of coin and postage). Please forward any news regarding births, deaths, illnesses, marriages and other significant events concerning your family and/or careers. Brother rats are interested and do care.

I know email addresses have a half-life of about six months. Keep us current. Send your updated email address to me at snookieparker1974@ earthlink.net, Charley Banning at cbanning@ cox.net or Kevin Nettrour, our webmaster, at nettrour@accessus.net. Check out the website, and send me a note. Yada, Yada, Yada and Yaba Daba Dooooo!

Warm regards, Snookie

’75

Art Nunn III

6205 Hidden Valley Drive Roanoke, VA 24018 (H) 540/776-3638 (C)540/798-0133 art.nunn@aircompgroup.com

Well, as I write these notes, it is May. This horrid winter is finally over. The birds are singing, and the flowers are blooming. VMI has completed an amazingly successful and exciting basketball season, and it has just graduated the Class of 2014. All is right in the world except for the things that aren’t. My two new knees are doing very well. Best of all, I have no bad news to report, and a good number of our

brother rats have made contact.

During the winter, I had the opportunity to run into a number of BRs at basketball games. Such stalwart individuals as Dave Schuyler, Allen Morgan, Tom Baur, Scott Risser, Mark Hall, Tom Mason, Chip Louthan, Dan Darnell, Mike Hunter and probably others were seen at least once at various Keydet games. It was a heck of a season!

In other news, Bernie Cobb wrote that his daughter, Stacey, 26, has just relocated from Greenville, South Carolina, to Roanoke, Virginia, to be with her boyfriend. Bernie assured her that in the event of trouble, there are probably some BRs in the area who can assist her.

She laughed (not sure why) but then indicated that was good to know. She may be still trying to rid her mind of some past images of parties, pranks, etc. that some may have reported about the Class of ’75. Hey, Bernie, I would be happy to stalk her if you would like me to! Bernie’s eldest daughter, Lauren, 31, delivered her second child, Savannah Lynne Rutledge, March 27. Finally, March 31, Bernie’s company was sold by one venture capital parent company to another one. So, he is in the throes of becoming accustomed to new owners and their vision for the future. This has prompted a severe acceleration of study on how to transition into retirement as fast as possible. Meanwhile, Carole is general contractor on a house they have (meaning she has) been renovating with the expectation that they will move in before summer. This will give them more space to entertain any stray BRs that may be traveling through HotLanta.

Rich Mines writes that his wife and parents attended his son’s (Andrew) junior music recital April 4 at the University of Georgia. He plays classical guitar. Rich’s youngest son, Daniel, will begin college in the fall at Georgia State University in Atlanta. He is undecided but would like to major in skateboarding. At the recent American Society for Engineering Education Southeastern

105

CLASS NOTES Section Conference, Rich met three professors from VMI and a cadet from the civil engineering department. It was good to see VMI represented.

Len Riedel reports that the tours he led to Tinian, Guam and Saipan were great! They departed Chicago and the USA with temperature of minus 15 degrees and arrived in Honolulu to 85 and sunny. On to Guam without a drop of rain, plenty of tropical fruit and sites to last a lifetime. He spent eight nights in Hyatt Regency hotels and barreled down Alpha Runway in the tracks of Enola Gay at more than 100 mph in a van; it was a rush. Len said he looked forward to the reunion of the biology study group in Las Vegas, held the first weekend in June. Jim McCriskin, Phil Brozowski ’76, John Greene and Len gathered in honor of Jim Berny and to recall Jim and the times they all shared endless nights counting fruit flies and doing road kill autopsies in Carroll Hall.

Oliver Way reports both sons have children and that he and Bonnie are now grandparents.

Barrett and Jessi had a girl. Barrett moved to Indiana and is executive director for a 400-resident continuing care retirement community at age 28!

Lawton and Shelton have a boy and live in Richmond. Fun times!

Ellett Smith sent a note saying that he had nothing to say. Then, he proceeded to report that their daughter graduated in December from George Mason University, they survived another winter in the D.C. area, the agency is reorganizing and he has a new boss. Ellett’s brother, Basil Smith ’78, passed away April 8, 2014, from pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver and lung. He lasted a lot longer than expected. Ellett will miss him, but he had time to prepare for his passing. Ellet has to do all the legal stuff, since Basil was not married and had no children.

Mike Horan got married last year to Annie, who is from the U.K. His daughter, Sarah, is a professional fundraiser in the Philadelphia area.

Mike just completed and published a book, “The National Militia,” Xlibris Press, 2011, about a retired U.S. Army general (VMI alum) who gets pressed back into duty. He sells medical and life insurance in the Atlanta/northwest Georgia area.

Bob Holby claims that he only checks in when he moves – and guess what – he has moved again. This time, it was to Melbourne, Florida. I know Melbourne, because my father-in-law lives there. It is a nice town. Bob is a Department of Defense civilian at Patrick Air Force Base. They moved out of the Boston area at just the right time, since they must have gotten at least 6 feet of snow since they left. Bob has come to find, if you like to watch rockets launch, Melbourne is the place ... being just 15 miles from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. Bob and his wife have great views when the rockets launch.

Sandy and Dan Brooks are still in Delaware.

106

As empty nesters, Sandy often accompanies Dan on business trips, such as the one to San Francisco in January. Dan’s four weeks in February were spent in Chicago; Minneapolis; Chicago; and Princeton, New Jersey. However, Sandy did not accompany him on any of those trips. Dan is still trying to figure out why. Bottom line is, if those customers didn’t have money, he wouldn’t put up with it. Boy, do I understand that. Dan’s other news (completely self-serving, according to Dan, but I think it is exciting news) is that he is publishing a book, “Executive Level Presence: Seize your Audience, Project Competence & Instill Confidence that You Can Get the Job Done!” It is based on the executive communications skills training that is a core competency of The Brooks Group. Dan expects all BRs to order one. It was scheduled for release in May. If nothing else, he will have everyone’s Christmas gift already picked out for this year.

In addition to attending basketball games and attacking me with a chair to the head at Moody Hall, Scott Risser writes that there is not much different in Lexington, Virginia. He sees Stewart Flemming frequently at the Lexington Rotary Club, of which they are both members. Col. Dick Minnix and Col. D. Rae Carpenter, VMI physics professors emeritus, are stalwarts of that club.

Other than that, Scott and Barb continue serving as volunteer docents at the Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington. Barb runs the gift shop one afternoon each week, while Scott leads tours of the house. Scott was scheduled to be part of the Jackson Symposium, held May 23-24, where he planned to tell half the attendees what it’s like as a cadet at VMI and show the other half tours of the Maury House (the commandant’s quarters).

The director doesn’t like the idea of marching them back and forth in front of barracks, which is how Scott fondly remembers spending much of his cadetship.

Steve Chapin is retiring after 30 great years with Architecture, Engineering, Consulting, Operations and Maintenance Technology Corporation (and predecessor companies). Steve says it has been a great run. Though Whale made no reference to doing so, I expect we will be seeing him playing on the PGA Tour. The NBA? Not so much.

Jim and Nancy McCriskin became grandparents for the first time earlier this year, and Jim reports, as I know very well, that it is one of life’s great pleasures. Jim stays in touch with Todd Sain, who is continuing to make an impressive recovery from surgery following the discovery of brain cancer. Jim also stays in touch with Guy Conte regularly. Speaking of Guy, he played golf with Jerry DeWaters a few months ago.

Ken Gerard wrote to let us know that the Gerards are doing fine, other than Ken dealing with a rogue kidney stone. Their younger son

is in the process of changing jobs that requires a change in states – Florida to New Mexico. A major change in scenery, that’s for sure. From bikinis at the beach to little green space dudes at Roswell.

For the first time in about 100 years, Richard McFarland sent in a note and joined the class email list. Richard said that he is still undetermined on what he wants to do when he grows up. He is within striking distance of retiring from the defense business after completing 20 years in the Army and 19 years with DCS Corporation.

At this point, Richard remains undecided about his next career. He considers himself a Parkway Patriot rather than Beltway Bandit. Richard lives in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County, not far from Mount Vernon, and he is considering moving somewhere west of the Blue Ridge once he completes this gig. Close enough to get to the big city when he wants/needs but far enough from the beltway to get away from the traffic.

Richard’s three children are young adults (25, 24 and 21) and making their way in the world … although the youngest is a Hokie. On the less than happy side, Richard is divorced but learning to make his way through the treacherous singles world. Richard says that it is hard work at this age! Thanks, Richard, for checking in after all these years.

Our traveling former class agent and now class travel agent, Robert Mills, has been on the move again. Several months ago, he was fortunate to spend some time in Cuba soaking up the sights and sounds of old Havana. The music was incredible, the food less so and the scuba diving mediocre. The countryside was lovely and the people very hospitable. Early April was Tortola in the British Virgin Islands where he rented a 30-foot contender to explore the bars and reefs of Virgin Gorda, Jost VanDyke, St. John, etc.

The crew was imported from England (Robert’s daughter, Valerie, and her boyfriend), and Robert was able to avoid mutiny with liberal rations of local rum. The May highlight was the Outer Banks bachelor party of Robert’s son, Edward Mills ’07, whose wedding took place May 31 in Lawrence, Kansas. The party featured Wadsworth Bugg ’07, Thane Smith ’07, Stevo Partin ’07, Tommy Catlett ’07, Addison Palanza ’07 and other luminaries from around the country – all linked inextricably by a shared proclivity for intense all night partying and a relentless scorn for rest, sleep, sobriety or temperate behavior of any kind. Robert reports that his system is still recovering, but his spirit remains unbroken!

Robert Deslongchamps also checked in for the first time. He reports that things have been going OK for him. He retired from the civil service (Department of the Army civilian) after 28 years of service, where he managed to reach

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES GS-15 prior to his retirement. Robert lives in Elkton, Virginia, taking it easy and enjoying being close to his relatives (mother, sister, nephews and nieces). Thanks for getting in touch, Robert!

Bill and Dolores Overton are still in Florida, with Bill continuing to work as a Pinellas County (Tampa Bay) judge. He should be retiring in a couple of years. Both of Bill’s sons are married and have good jobs – an engineer and a sheriff’s deputy. Bill and Dolores have one 2-year-old grandchild, but both sons’ wives are expecting, and they will have three by Christmas.

Another corner of the world heard from, complete with joining the class email list, is that known as Lowrie Tucker. Kathy and Lowrie are happy to share that they will have their second grandchild in October. Son Daniel and his wife, Amanda, have one son, Hayden, who is almost 2 years old. Daughter Kassie and her husband, Rich, are expecting their first child in October.

Kathy is already flying often to Boston … will be interesting to see how many trips she makes when the grandchild arrives. Lowrie’s company, Conservation Services, is slowing down as summer approaches. They planted more than a million trees this spring. At this point, Lowrie is looking forward to spending more time fishing, golfing and just enjoying the activities of summer.

I had a phone call recently from Sandy and Allen Morgan. They were calling to relay an entertaining story. It seems that the Morgans were treating some out-of-town friends to their very first parade at VMI. Sandy and her friend wandered over to a cadet with a clipboard to ask what he was doing. Naturally, he responded that he was grading the parade. When asked

by Sandy how he got to do that, he responded without a moment of hesitation that it was due to his high intellect and extraordinary good looks (those may not be the exact words, but they are pretty close). Glad to see that today’s Corps is as quick-witted as ever. A few minutes later, Sandy saw this cadet writing on his clipboard, so she asked what was going on. He simply said that Company B had been disqualified for that day because a cadet in the second rank had just thrown up on the back of a cadet in the first rank.

Allen and I talked about this. What a fantastic idea! Why didn’t we think of that? What a great way to get out of parade!

Well, I guess that brings us to the Nunn clan.

In February, Judy and I were thrilled to welcome our third granddaughter who was born in New Orleans. Since then, the road between here and there has been well traveled. Also, after many months of work, negotiation and funding of various legal and accounting practices, I successfully merged my company into a larger, nationwide company working in the same field. Quite a culture shock as I become accustomed to my new

2014- Issue 3

Class of 1977: An honored few of the Class of 1977 gathered at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. Pictured were Ralph George, Jim Bentley, Billy Hupp, Buzzy Northern, Buster Pace, Jim Anderson, J.J. Marshall, Bob Hartzell and Paul Ferrell. owners and their ways of doing things. That part is a bit stressful, but I do not miss for one minute being a business owner and worrying night and day about such minuscule items as making payroll, horrific increases in health insurance premiums, etc., etc. The nice part is that I now have a nationwide reach. Even nicer is the fact that this is the first important step toward an exit strategy and eventual retirement, say, when I am 85 or so.

Once again, I am thankful for all of your support, especially to those guys who checked in for the first time in an eternity. We even added a couple of BRs to the class email list this quarter!

That is fantastic.

Speaking of emails, for those of you who have had the social indecency to actually retire recently, some of your email addresses have ceased functioning. Now, if this is your attempt to hide from me, which is understandable, rest assured that I will harass you until you finally submit. So, it would be a lot easier to just go ahead and send me your new retirement-land email addresses.

Thanks again for all of the support. Please stay in touch, and have a great summer.

In the spirit, Artie

’76

William Bhatta

1006 Jennys Place Midlothian, VA 23114 (H)804/356-3076 wkbhatta@gmail.com

It’s 1:30 a.m. May 16, 2014, and I’m checking production reconciliation reports. I just started another 18-hour shift in the Nashville U.S. Tobacco command center supporting a project golive. (Lee Bradshaw, you do not know what you

are missing!) No one will be here until 5:00 a.m., so it’s a great time to write these class notes.

They are short, so I should not fall asleep while writing them.

In September 2013, Ted Trout and his sister went on a two-week Eastern Mediterranean cruise; they also spent three additional days in Rome. They visited four different countries. Ted said there were lots of places they both want to visit again. In Rome, they hired a private guide, which really helped. The only downside to the trip – besides not having enough time to do everything they wanted to do – was the customer service on the ship left a lot to be desired.

During spring break in April 2014, Jim and Susan Mallon toured wineries in the Leesburg area with their daughter, Molly. She only has one more class to complete her master’s degree in international studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. They also had dinner with Andre, Lois and Kristin Koneczny at Clyde’s at Willow Creek. After catching up on family news, the Mallons were able to hear about the exciting plans for Kristen’s wedding in June. Next, the Mallons visited the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, followed by a great seafood dinner with Doug Hines.

The Mallons stayed at Doug’s home that night and completed their Baltimore visit the following morning. Jim said Doug is busy with his insurance business and watching his two labs, Keydet and Raven. Doug’s son, Chad, has five years with the Baltimore Fire Department and just bought his first house in the Baltimore area.

Doug’s other son, Brett, just returned home from graduate school at Colorado State University.

I hope you received my last flier called, “The Class of 1976 is forming on the bricks!” Seventy-four BRs already individually donated $2,500

107

CLASS NOTES (since July 1, 1998) to a variety of VMI funds.

Most of them did it over a long period of time.

As a result, each owns a brick with their name on it that is placed in the Class of 1976 section of the sidewalk just outside of the main arch. I encourage everyone else to do the same thing.

It would be great if everyone had a brick before the 40th Reunion, but that might be a bridge too far. So, if you donated $19.76 for the next 10.75 years, you would have a brick dedicated to you before the 50th Reunion!

That’s all for now. I need to have another cup of coffee. Take care, and stay in touch!

’77

Steve Neas

750 Moores Creek Road Lexington, VA 24450 336/209-8072 sneas@ecslimited.com

Brother Rats, I begin this writing May 14, 2014, sitting at the home of Grigg Mullen ’76. Many of you may know that Grigg is a professor at VMI in the civil engineering department. He has a lovely place high on a hill in the northern part of Rockbridge County, less than a mile from Turkey Hill and the home place of Chuck Conner. I am on pig watch. Grigg hosts a pig pickin’ for all CEs near graduation. Grigg has duties to attend to, and I volunteered to watch the pig while it cooks.

Something I do well – watch while others work.

During the winter semester, Ned Riester ’78 and Grigg allowed me to teach a CE soils lab. I have worried, and I am sure many of you have worried, what would happen to the CE department after Col. Jamison ’57 and Maj. Gen. Knapp ’54 retired. I am happy to report Ned and Grigg are doing a fantastic job. The CE department is doing well, and the ranks are swelling.

Now, on to the business of the class. I have heard from many of you and have much to report … and no bad news to report. We are all thankful for that, I am sure.

Mark Bryant flew all the way from Hawaii to attend the New Market ceremonies. This occasion required a dinner, so one was arranged with Lt. Gen. J.D. Johnson and wife Cheryl, Chuck Conner, Don Browder and wife Nipa, Jack McIntyre (he claims ’76, but he is one of ours), Mike Davis and Eric Hutchins. We all behaved.

It was a nice gathering and no food fight.

Chris Nash called in a panic. Mean Gene Williams ’74 is in need of funds to support the VMI College Orientation Workshop program. Chris owes Gene 1,000 pushups for sins committed while Chris was his dyke, but he is willing to let him off one push up for every $100 donated by the class. Gene reported to me that he did not think Chris could do more than 7.5 pushups. So, he hopes, for Chris’ sake, a lot of support from

108

Super ’77 will be forthcoming.

I received a hasty email from Allen Waters.

You may remember a photo of Allen and his wife standing in front of the Easter Island statues in an Alumni Review past. Evidently, Allen is still on the run. He reported his location as being in Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border, zip lining through the rain forest and over lava flows.

Allen claims to be drawing on his rat training experience for this trip.

Bob Wilson wrote. Bob is living in northern Virginia and working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His current project is force projection for the Pentagon. Bob takes responsibility for any difficulty one has negotiating the Pentagon security. I guess he souped things up to keep the Chinese out. Bob’s only son is headed to Old Dominion University this fall.

I received a great email from Norman Paul.

He is living in Bulverde, Texas (near San Antonio), serving as chief executive officer of a professional employment service. Norman and his wife, Kathleen, just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary, and they have three girls.

All the girls are through college, and one is through law school. Norman and Kathleen are empty nesters, except he has not found a way to eject his daughters from his AT&T Friends and Family plan tactfully. The girls are still on the cellphone dole. I say just deduct it from their inheritance and will the difference to VMI. After practicing law for 12 years, Norman joined a professional employment organization as their in-house counsel. That company was bought by a larger company and put Norman in charge of the whole thing. Last year, he bought a Porsche and would like to work out a deal with whoever has the VMI ’77 tags in Texas. Please let me know. I will broker the deal … for a small fee.

Morris Slagle and I have talked a few times in the last week. Morris is living in St. Louis. He was planning to bring his father up from Hickory, North Carolina, to the New Market festivities, but the weather intervened. During this trip, Morris was hoping to stop by the Post Exchange to buy a couple of VMI stickers for his and his wife’s car. I believe one of the class agent’s duties is to make sure everyone has a good VMI sticker for their car, so I am flying out to St. Louis next week to deliver one to Morris.

I live to serve. (Actually, the trip was already planned.)

Gary Roundy, also a Rockbridge County resident, has been working abroad for Energizer.

He has just finished managing the construction of a razor plant in the Czech Republic and a packaging facility in Mansfield, United Kingdom. Gary’s sister-in-law owns a florist shop on Main Street in Lexington. With four daughters, three sisters and a wife, I am constantly in need

of flowers – much redemption needed. Carolyn keeps me up on Gary’s whereabouts. Gary claims to have retired.

If you live in the northern Virginia area, you may have felt a strange vibration in the force May 7 and 8. A gang of our finest was there to play a little golf. Our roving sports reporter files this report. Take it away, J.J. “A check formation of the ‘Super 77 Does Vegas’ Steering Committee was recently held in Manassas, Virginia, … home of the fabled Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, site of several past President’s Cup matches and now (thanks to BustaChop Shankapottamus Pace carving several grapefruit sized divots out of those beautiful fairways) is more akin to a deeply plowed hayfield.

Fortunately, Super 77’s great Jimmy Anderson, northern Virginia’s No. 1 dirt mover extraordinaire, was able to quickly get several of his crews on the property for emergency repairs. By the time you read this, the course will no doubt once again be among the very highest ranked in the nation.

J.T. and daChop were joined by BuzzMax Northen, E. Paul Boomer Farrell, Billy ‘OnePutt’ Hupp, Ralph G.P. George and Sir Loin Bentley (of Annapolis) for two days of frolicking on the links, intertwined with serious planning for October’s Vegas trip. Golf was spectacular – a nifty 77 shot by Max on opening day (Albeit followed by a traditional handicap smoothing 85 on day two … nothing has changed!), a couple of nice birdies

by J.T., a bladed Mad Dog 9 iron to the noggin of Ralph (rebounding off Paul Boomer’s beer gut in mid-guzzle for a spectacular explosion), all under the watchful eyes of Huppster, who was angling to avoid the nonsense and sneak out the door with the trophy. Of course, when the crying was over, it was none other than John E. Buck who cashed in a dozen skins to take the pot … surprise, surprise!

Speaking of surprises, J.T. had arranged for an early birthday party for Sir Loin, and after a steak and crab feast that night, he had a large birthday cake wheeled into the cottage. After the obligatory and off-key birthday serenade, lo and behold the cake exploded, and out popped none other than Bob ‘Harts’ Hartzell, Sir Loin’s date for the night. (Not that there is anything wrong with that!) A great time was had by all, and the only thing that prevented a bonus day of buffoonery was the Virginia State Mensa Society Convention the following day … another check formation for the aforesaid eight, who had to rush off to grab front row seats for the keynote address offered up this year by Moon Mullins!” I hope you all could read that. Thanks, J.J., I guess.

Moving on. Mike Korolevich sounded off.

Mike is living in Waldwick, New Jersey. Mike spent 14 years on active duty in the U.S. Army and 14 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. Since having both his knees replaced, he is ready for another 28 years. Mike, thanks for your service.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Doug Simms is one who frequently posts on Facebook, typically with a guitar in his hand.

Doug lives in Montgomery, Alabama, and after retiring from the U.S. Air Force, he started a computer and website business. He has two offspring, and if I read his email correctly, they are both in college. Nothing like the joy of stroking those checks to private school. I hope the tips are good where you play your guitar.

Mike Guthrie reported in. He retired as a full bird from the Tennessee Army National Guard and (as reported earlier) works for Herb Fluhler’s Class of 1978: Paul Mitchell, Ronnie Milligan, Michael Moore, Jay Nichols, research company in Huntsville, Alabama, as Dr. Billy Way, Bill Grove, Steve Oddi and Anthony Moore at the CollegeInHerb’s chief scientist. I think they are on the cusp sider.com Tournament semi-finals. of a cold fusion or time travel discovery, but Mike swears they are not. He claims they are just workAt our last reunion, a few of us promised to Black Belt Self-Defense at the 2014 World Cup ing on advanced ultra-wide band phased array make a connection with those BRs who we Finals Martial Arts Championships. antenna designs and missile instrumentation for have not heard from. Chris chose Jim Schaffer, His team of young martial artists rocked the interceptor flight tests – run of the mill kind of Larry Lamont and Bob Rieback.

Norfolk State University basketball halftime stuff. The simple sort of research your grandchild Chris is keeping in touch with Jim through with an awesome karate show. The stacks of does in the science fair. Can you imagine the talk Facebook, but he has not been able to con- concrete blocks that Tim breaks just keep getaround the coffee pot at that place? nect with Larry nor Bob. Jim retired recently. ting taller.

Oscar “Chip” Davis says hi from Fayetteville, Chris found out that Bob Rieback works in George Kalaris is living in Daphne, AlaNorth Carolina. When I was at Fort Bragg, Chip Richmond as a lawyer. Larry and Bob, contact bama. George complained about the 30 inches would invite me to the Fayetteville rodeo every Chris. of rain received in two weeks. He asked about year. I really appreciated that. Thanks, Chip.

Tim Thompson continues to do wonderful construction of a concrete canoe. You did not He missed turkey hunting this year. To me, that things with his Ryoshin-Kan Karate School. Tim get that education as a history major did you, means the real estate market is beginning to move and his wife live in Virginia Beach, Virginia. His George? Rich Humenuck and Terry Wolf, again in the Sand Hills of North Caroplease go help. lina, and Chip is busy with his appraisal Mark Lisi called again. He is doing business. great and had a great buffalo kill this Kip Hamilton and I have exchanged season – 1,000 pounds on the hoof. emails. Kip lives in Fairfield, PennDr. Manno still lands his plane each sylvania. Through his church, Kip has time he takes off. That is a good thing. become involved in helping out the He still draws cartoons, too.

Covington, Virginia, community. CovMike Radomsky wrote to say he ington is just west of Lexington and has would not make the New Market Day become devastated by the recession. Kip dinner. Mike is living and working in and others are planning a ministry to Manhattan, New York. support the local church and to provide Max Floyd sent some interesting peraffordable housing in the area. The plan spectives on the U.S. from one living would be to buy houses that are tax forein the Motherland. Max has been livclosures, renovate them, sell them and ing in Russia for several years. He lists use that money for capital for supporting his current city as Yuzhnosakhalinsk! the local churches and providing a jobs From the photos on Facebook, fishing training program. An amazing project. must be good there (if you are looking Chris Perry attended the VMI Club of for a different vacation destination).

Richmond special event with U.S. SuIf you had young children in the ’80s, preme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as you no doubt saw an episode or two of the guest speaker at the ballroom in the “Fraggle Rock.” Well, Max is the Uncle Commonwealth Club. Justice Thomas’ Traveling Matt of VMI ’77. Max thinks Class of 1978: Andre Gibson, Anthony Moore and son is VMI Class of 1996. Chris reports he will move this year, but to where he Dave Montgomery met guest speaker Supreme Court it was fantastic, and Justice Thomas Justice Clarence Thomas at The VMI Club of Rich- knows not. answered many questions and gave ev- mond Annual Dinner at The Commonwealth Club in Finally, I received an unexpected and eryone there a clear view of what the Richmond, Virginia. nice email from Bob Sherrard. Bob is Supreme Court does and the processes. living in Charleston, West Virginia. He It was a sold-out event. Mort Mumma, Dragon Force National Karate Demo Team recently spent a weekend with Rick Wilson in our BR, and his partner of Batteries & Bulbs, won first place Grand Champion trophies at Harpers Ferry. Bob is doing well and would like was the table sponsor where Chris and his family the 2014 Beach Blast National Martial Arts to hear from some of his old BRs. sat. Hobie Andrews was said to have been there. Championships and the U.S. East Coast Karate By the way, did you know that you could go Overall, it was a great VMI event and showing!

Championships. Tim also won first place in to the VMI Alumni Association website, sign in

2014- Issue 3

109

CLASS NOTES and search for the contact information of anyone in our class? You can also log on and make sure your information is correct. Please do.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Please, keep the information coming.

Steve

’78

Tom Brown

1519 Club Terrace Lynchburg, VA 24503 434/582-1981 tbees@comcast.net

Salutations, Brother Rats, I hope all have had a great summer. Everyone deserves a pleasant season after what was endured during the winter.

Checking in around the class first finds news from Bruce Kay. He and Marcia are still in Maryland. Bruce is working for the U.S. Army as the “mortar guy” in the Pentagon. He says it is quite a fate for a tanker. His daughters are doing well, with Jenny living close by in Washington, D.C., and Sara in New York.

Scott Putney sends word that after 24 years with the U.S. Department of Justice, he retired in November 2013 and returned to the private practice of law by opening his own office in Norfolk, Virginia.

Scott’s second daughter graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, so he and Sharon are empty nesters.

Bob Magnan reports he has had quite a time.

He had his knees replaced mid-January; all went well, and three days later, they shipped him off to physical rehab where they promptly changed all his medications. Bob says after days of hallucinations and chest pain from exertion, rehab sent him to the hospital. Then things got interesting; Bob had a heart attack. The good news is that it was in the hospital, and there was a doctor right there who performed CPR. The bad news is that he cracked ribs, collapsed a lung and “stuck” Bob’s diaphragm. Thankfully, Bob did recover. Better news is that Bob’s son, Christopher, graduated from Rutgers University in May. We hope the rest of the year is less stressful, Bob. I caught up with Rick Wolffe at the Volunteer Leaders Conference in April. Rick is enjoying his role as the North Jersey Chapter president and making frequent trips to Lexington for alumni meetings. Rick and wife Liz found a vacation home in the Lexington countryside.

On another note, Rick visited the grave of New Market Cadet Francis I. Tomes ’867. Tomes was buried nearby in Trinity Cemetery in Manhattan.

George Mosby ’97, the New York City Chapter president, and Rick visited his grave around New Market Day. Rick sent along his congrats to BR Terry Dorn for all his and his team’s hard work identifying all the New Market cadets’ grave sites across the U.S.

110

Alec Earle checked in with an “all’s well in the Lone Star State.” As of this writing, Alec and Sheila were preparing for a three-and-a-half month trip in their motor home (departing mid-May) to head to California and then to Oregon, Washington and Idaho. From there, they planned to pick up a caravan tour and visit Canada and Alaska (59 days) before returning to Washington in August.

Alec and Shelia will attend a motor coach rally in Redmond, Oregon, before driving back to Texas in early September. He says, in all, it will be a fun summer. Hope to see pictures, Alec.

Sad news to send along. Basil Smith passed away April 8,, 2014, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. It was great having Basil as an active part of the 35th Reunion, leading the class into barracks and the class’s Old Yell. Many of you sent along great reminiscences of Basil. He will be greatly missed.

Tim Pishdad is still enjoying the mostly sunny days in Florida. Tim says he is not getting any takers from BRs to visit, but the offer is a standing one. Tim and wife Cynthia continue to enjoy military retirement, but they have several athome businesses that give them something to do and keep them in the community spotlight. She sings the national anthem about once a month for some community activities. Tim is a grandfather but does not get to spend as much time visiting as he would like due to distance. Tim still works for a state senator as campaign manager and political consultant. Tim says he loves entering contests, and in December he won a four-day trip to Sweden via an AXE products contest but chose the cash prize. So, he and Cynthia can take a three-week trip to Europe next year to visit his old stomping grounds and several relatives.

Jimmy Leech is still waiting for his wife’s visa, although he thinks they are close. He says it has been a real exercise in patience with the U.S.

government. In the meantime, Jimmy basically “works” full time for his church, travels to Mexico about once a month and tries to keep up with his four adult children who are scattered from Corpus Christi to California to Michigan.

Mike McCarthy reports life in left Texas is about to get exciting once again. In February, Mike was notified of his selection for the Defense Senior Leader Development Program. This is a two-year program in which 30 senior civilian employees from across the Department of Defense participate. Part of the program includes attendance at one of the Department of Defense war colleges in residence. Since this is a DODlevel program, the selectees are not allowed to attend the war college from their service. In July 2014, Mike began reporting to the Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama (Maxwell Air Force Base) for 10 months of schooling. Following the war college, he will be given a 179day (temporary duty) developmental assignment somewhere in DOD. Mike will graduate from Defense Senior Leadership Development Program in May 2016, and then DOD will reassign him somewhere. Congratulations, Mike!

Mark Bottomly reports not much new. Mark is still bummed about missing the reunion. He was having a different kind of “fun” at the time.

Mark had to have emergency surgery due to a burst colon. They ended up removing about 10 inches of it and left him with some titanium staples. Mark says nobody can call him worthless anymore. Sorry you did not have much fun for reunion, Mark.

Paul Mitchell reported that he and several BRs had the nicest afternoon and evening he has had in ages. Seven Class of ’78 BRs rendezvoused at the Interstate 64 Rockville exit and traveled in comfort and style in Jay Nichols’ big, beautiful SUV. They socialized at

Class of 1979: At the New Market Day ceremony honoring three New Market cadets buried at Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama, were, from left, Ed Knowling ’65 (flag bearer), Jay Thompson, Max Rogers, Max Rogers ’83, Joe Birindelli ’66, Emery Baya ’71, Terry Moore ’67, Fletcher Thompson ’81, Jim LaRose and Jim Poteet ’58.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES my family and me. It was humbling, Moody Hall and walked down to to say the least. Also, thanks to John Cameron Hall to see the Keydets Colonna especially for establishing fight and lose to Yale University in a fund to recognize a 1st Class cadet the CollegeInsider.com Tournament who is commissioning, a private in semifinals. They told stories and the Corps and a leader in club sports. laughed all the way up and all the That cadet is recognized at the Comway back. April 1, 2014, was a road trip to remember. Paul traveled with mandant’s Award Ceremony on gradRonnie Milligan, Michael Moore, uation morning, along with 26 other Jay Nichols, Dr. Billy Way, Bill awards. Nancy and I have decided to Grove, Steve Oddi and Anthony stay in Lexington and bought a home Moore. Paul also was at the 2014 across the Maury River off Furrs Mill annual dinner, hosted by The VMI Road. So, I look forward to seeing Club of Richmond at The Commoneveryone at the reunion and any other time BRs are in town.” wealth Club in May. Paul, Andre Onward we go. John Kailey just finGibson, Anthony Moore and Dave Class of 1979: Brother rats gathered for a spring round Montgomery met guest speaker of golf at Bay Creek on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. From ished another lacrosse season as a refSupreme Court Justice Clarence left were Jeb Burton, Ken Shelton, Mike Ogden, Dave eree, and other than working around Thomas and did their best to try and Taylor, Dave Jeter and Mark Byrd. Ogden, class agent, the yard, working his day job, teachpersuade him to join them for drinks said “A great time was had by all, with [me] proving that ing for Emory University, and officiyou do not have to play golf very well to host an event!” at The Continental. Justice Thomas ating lacrosse and football, he doesn’t graciously declined, but Paul thinks find much to do. He is really looking he enjoyed the invitation. who embodies the personal character and devo- forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.

That about does it for this edition of the notes. tion to service to VMI and the Corps of Cadets.

Jim Elliott writes: “Great week at the ‘I’ for us, As always, as you read this please send along The award, which will consist of a certificate Mike! My son, Sam ’14, graduated with distincnews for the next installment. If you are not get- and a $500 stipend, will be given annually. Ad- tion with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics ting the emails I send out, please let me know so ditionally, a large plaque will be located in the and business. Ran into Lenny Snead whose son, you can be kept informed. If you have not joined commandant’s offices where the name of the Luke ’14, also graduated! Asa Page’s son, Adus on Facebook, please join us at VMI ’78. annual recipient will be placed. The criteria for dison ’14, did also, but I didn’t run into Asa or the In the spirit. the award read in part as follows: “… that the rest of the Pages. I was lucky to spend some time recipient reflect the characteristics that Tom with Tom Trumps while we were up there, and he demonstrated both as a cadet and in his time as is ‘very ready’ to start the next chapter of his life!

Michael Ogden commandant. Tom was a 1st Class private and Brad Jones and his oldest daughter, Emily, hapP.O. Box 968 yet every bit a leader in our class. First Class pened to be at the parade in honor of the graduatCheriton, VA 23316 757/620-1617 privates are not front-and-center at parades, but ing class. They were actually up there to take his VMI79ClassAgent@aol.com they are the heart and soul of the Corps of Ca- youngest daughter, Ellie, out to dinner. Turns out dets. He accepted a commission at graduation she dates a 3rd Class cadet that was on confineHello from the Eastern Shore of Virginia! This and had a distinguished career in the U.S. Army ment. So, Brad, who hadn’t seen Tom Trumps in will be the last class notes before our reunion prior to coming back to VMI. While a cadet 35 years, found himself in the commandant’s ofin September, the big 35! If you are still on the and since returning, he has had a strong com- fice pleading his case again (no doubt he’d had a fence about attending, get in touch with me soon mitment to club sports at VMI. While rugby has lot of practice and very little success back in the so we can get you set up for any or all of the been his primary interest, he has supported all late ’70s) and asking Tom for a favor ... to let him reunion activities! club sports. Similar to 1st Class privates, club take his daughter’s friend out to dinner. Of course, For starters, we had a tremendous showing for sports do not receive the coverage and notoriety Tom caved and said, ‘Sure!’ Tom has definitely Tom Trumps’ retirement parade April 11, 2014. of intercollegiate athletics. There are no special softened up a little! Anyway, great weekend and There were more than 40 brother rats who were training tables or other preferential treatment for an even greater experience seeing my son walk on hand. Eddie Semler and Jeff Curtis, with these true student athletes. In view of these facts, across that stage! The future is bright! Hope to see help from Pete Underwood (and with Renee we submitted the following criteria in choosing everyone again soon!” handling the room’s “feng shui”), did a fantas- the recipient. The recipient is to be a graduatDan Sheahan, who self-admittedly has been tic job getting everything all set up in Moody ing 1st Class private, the recipient has accepted quite derelict in class note submissions, dropped Hall for a class gathering following the parade. an active duty commission in one of the armed me an email. “Last summer, I climbed Mount The class presented Tom with a framed picture forces, and the recipient has demonstrated active Katahdin (terminus of the Appalachian Trail and of the commandant’s door in Jackson Arch and participation in and served in a leadership role in the highest point in Maine). Scott is doing great in Augusta, Maine. His wife teaches at the uniJeff Curtis with a framed panoramic view inside one of the VMI club sports.”

Jackson Hall as a tribute for their outstanding A personal note from Tom: “I want to thank all versity, and he has two great kids, ages 8 and 5. service to VMI. Many thanks from ’79 to Hal those BRs who sent me congratulatory notes and He sees Frank Panopolous every so often, who Scott ’81 who was responsible for the fabulous who attended my retirement parade. Folks here also has a home up there. photographs. John Colonna announced the es- at the ‘I’ are still talking about the large turn“Last year, I swam in a U.S. Masters swim meet tablishment of the Col. Thomas H. Trumps ’79 out from our class at the parade. (We only did and ran into Mory Wood. He’s still quite fast in Commandant of Cadets Award. The purpose one class yell at a most appropriate time … we the sprints and beat me fair and square in the 50 of the award is to recognize a graduating cadet were otherwise behaved.) It meant a great deal to Freestyle. He was unable to make the meet for

’79

2014- Issue 3

111

CLASS NOTES a re-match this year in Santa Clara, California.

Maybe next year or sometime in the future. (Dan fails to mention that he placed ninth in the U.S. Masters National Championship, swimming the 500 Freestyle in 6:01.71!) We swim in the 55-59 age group, and the national meet attracts those of us who still swim competitively and meet the age group national qualifying times.

“Dean Smith came out to visit us in Spokane during the winter, and we skied in Montana with his dyke, Chris Schritche ’82. Good VMI showing in the Northern Rockies. Chris Schritche has been a great VMI friend to our youngest daughter who is in school at the University of Montana.

I hear from Chuck Billingsley frequently who competed in the Kona Ironman last fall. Chuck definitely has the most Ironman Tris under his belt for our class! (We may need to verify that with Dan Kornacki!) My wife continues to build her dental practice in the Spokane area. I assist with the non-clinical requirements, and that helps keep the overhead down. Our two oldest are on their own now, which is good, and only one more year of tuition. I proudly joined the ranks of grandfather-hood in the spring, and as I write this, I’m in Phoenix visiting. Look forward to seeing you and other BRs in September. All are welcome if traveling through Spokane or interested in hardcore adventure.” Thanks for checking in, Dan, and I really appreciate the email.

In March, Pete Underwood and Anita met Phil and Carmella Southers in Richmond for a weekend on the town just to catch up with one other.

In April, Doug Doerr brought his Boy Scout Troop to Norfolk for a tour of the battleship USS Wisconsin. Pete met them pier-side, and they had a good time showing the boys the ship and the meaning of “brother rat spirit.” Pete reports seeing Brian Tollie just prior to this writing and reports that Brian and his wife, Laura, have returned from three years in England and are back in northern Virginia. Brian spent the weekend with Pete and Anita in Norfolk, and they drove to the Petersburg area to tour a few battlefields including Ream’s Station, White Oak Road and Five Forks.

For some reason, neither of their wives wanted to accompany them on this venture ... go figure.

Bill Albro wrote, and not only is it a fairly long note, but you can actually decipher without an Uncle Stosh secret decoder ring! From Bro: “It’s pretty quiet here in Waldorf. I was starting to build an ark when the rain stopped. I’m just getting the yard ready for the summer. It was great seeing everyone at Trumps’ retirement parade. There were many BRs I haven’t seen in a while. It was a grand day out, and we all had fun catching up with one another once again.

Tom was altruistic and certainly downplayed his role in the accomplishments during his regime as commandant. It was great that a scholarship in his name was created. Having it awarded to

112

a club sports leader who is going to serve in the military upon graduation is most appropriate and well thought out. Hats off to those who worked and contributed monetarily behind the scenes to make it happen! I have already started my contributions and plan on this annually.

“At the event, I was quite surprised when brother rodent Spotts informed me that Brad Jones had been on the gim roster but was now on the mend. He then handed me his phone to talk to my reclusive roommate, because I didn’t have his number. After I got home, I found an appropriate get well card to send him. (Remember, Wallace, I’m not lazy; I’m useless. There is a big difference.) Noel Harris called me recently. I informed Noel so that he, too, could offer his salaams and get well wishes. Noel told me a rumor about Eric Nost being lost in New Kent County looking for a shad planking event and luckily running up on Doug Mauck to ask for directions. I talked to Sput Leadbetter, and he is getting ready for another summer at Whitestone.

I look forward to spending a weekend with him watching the bay float by and working on some small projects. Other than that, I will be going to a Washington Nationals Game May 19, 2014, and hope to see other BRs in the D.C. area at the event. Rain or shine – I think it a fitting way to celebrate 35 years since our graduation and commissioning.” Thanks, Bro. Great seeing you at Tom’s parade, as well!

Ben Bauman continues to support the Army Suicide Prevention Program as a member of a team that is updating all of the Army suicide prevention training. Ben is the lead of the mobile training teams that travel throughout the world to train Army leaders on suicide prevention skills. Ben’s son, Ben, and his wife, Becky, are expecting a second boy in October. Daughter Alana is doing well and is preparing to join the Air Force. Christina is finishing up a semester of college abroad in Paris and will come back to finish up at Georgia State in the fall.

Jim LaRose says that he and Jay Thompson (with their wives) participated in a New Market Day ceremony at Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama, to honor three New Market cadets buried there. They laid wreaths on the graves as well as flags, had readings to do with New Market Day and had 22 in attendance.

And of course, finally, from Stosh Morris: “This has been a period of silence punctuated by brief illuminations of promise. Of course, we all met at BR Trumps’ retirement where only George Eliades was ‘79 enough’ to crash the alumni reception downstairs with me to graze un-shamed at their buffet and chug down their libations. We were doing just fine passing George off as my prospective cadet son (we got a late start in life) until the ‘BR police’ snatched us out of the room. It was a shame, because if

we’d had a few more minutes, I would have had George a full-ride art scholarship. Other than that, we all are still waiting for Hank Chase and Pete Alvarez to organize that BR trip to Catoctin Creek Distillery as repeatedly promised. I actually thought they did it, but I showed up at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg where I was held hostage in the barrel warehouse for hours until I was able to consume enough to navigate my way out. I do hope all our BRs mark their calendars for the Jethro Tull benefit concert in Richmond Oct. 5, 2014.”

From time to time, I make an error or an unintended omission from class notes. Occasionally. Once in a while, say, er, ah, OK, every issue. It happens. Last issue was no exception, as I incorrectly misspelled Jeff Smith’s name. (The “Smith” part was easy.) This error was pointed out by Jeff’s father (retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jeffrey G. Smith ’43) the very day (hour?) the Review arrived in the mail. You see, both he and Jeff share the same first name spelled Jeff-r-ey not Jeff-e-r-y. (“It’s a two-syllable word, not a three-syllable one.”) So, I was a bit embarrassed. Not by the fact that it was pointed out

by Jeff’s father specifically or that I got a note from a retired Army three-star, nah, ... you see, Jeff’s father is the class agent for ’43. I got called out by a fellow class agent, and that was the part that stung the most! Renee always proofs the final product, and she always asks (at least during the last 10 years she has), “Do you have all the names right?” “You betcha I do!” Well, duh. So, today’s contest is to find “Waldo,” or in his absence, the errors contained in this edition of class notes. Grammar don’t count on account I are a Marine and was nots a English major or corporal or sergeant. My apologies, Jeffrey(s).

In closing, I hope this finds everyone well. Renee and I are excited and anxious to see everyone at our reunion in September. Class of ’79 should have a bunch of new bricks in place, the plaque installed in the sentinel box in Old Barracks, three BRs added to the Hall of Valor, perfect weather, super accommodations, great food, the entire class attending and (gasp) the football team winning.

As always, keep safe and stay well. See you in September.

–M

’80

John Gibney Jr.

419 E. 57th Street, Apt. 11E New York, NY 10022 (H)212-755-5349 jrgvmi80@aol.com

Hello, Brother Rats, These notes cover the period of Feb. 16, 2014, through May 15, 2014.

The period began with an email and photo from Dennis Jacobs. The photo was taken at

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1980: BRs Jack Keane and Dennis Jacobs during their annual Lake Tahoe ski trip in February 2014.

Class of 1980: Dianna and Dave Hageman with Elliott Wolffe and Wolffe’s sons, Turner and Wesley, in New Orleans in March 2014.

Lake Tahoe, where Dennis and Jack Keane met for their annual ski trip. Dennis, a resident of California, noted that those of us on the East Coast were getting all of their snow. He also wrote that the girl who took the photo asked if Jack and Dennis were brothers.

Dave Hageman sent an email and a photo following a trip he and Diana took to New Orleans to work the Krew du Vu parade. While in New Orleans, they had lunch with Elliott Wolffe and then took Elliott and his two sons to the parade.

In a separate conversation with Elliott, we discussed getting together in New Jersey when Elliott returns home to visit with family.

February ended with an invitation from Matthew Keys to a steakhouse in New York City to celebrate Tanya’s birthday. The steakhouse is across from the Fox News Channel headquarters, an interesting choice as Matthew is a CNN and MSNBC guy.

March began with a call from Wade Stinnette prompted by my AOL account being hacked.

Thanks to Don Bradshaw for alerting me to the hacking. Our discussion turned to the weather in the Northeast compared to Columbia, South Carolina, where Wade lives. I sent Wade photos of our house in the Poconos where I needed a front-end loader (whatever that is) to clear the

2014- Issue 3

several feet of snow. Wade reminded me of a comment I supposedly made about living in Columbia.

Walt Wood sent an email from Peru after receiving his 60th birthday card. Walt had just returned to Ayacucho, Peru, from Lima and wrote that there are dedicated lines for the handicapped, pregnant women and old folks. Walt also wrote that after one of his 20,000-plus-foot mountain climbs, he was offered help stepping down from the bus that was returning him home.

Mike Knapp sent an email from Afghanistan, where he was sent on a second deployment in February, 10 years after his first deployment.

Mike is scheduled to return in July. At home, Mike and Amy both work for the Army in D.C. Their eldest daughter, Ellen, is a freshman at the University of Exeter in England. Their younger daughter, Emma, is a high school junior who is in the college decision-making process.

Steve Andrews sent an email from the Richmond airport while waiting for a flight to Houston, Texas, where he saw ads for VMI on the airport’s flat screen displays. Steve and Cathy were in Richmond visiting their eldest daughter, Virginia, who is a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University. Upon graduating, she will relocate to Arkansas to teach public school science for two years with Teach for America. Their younger daughter, Caroline, is completing her freshman year at Clemson University.

Patti and I celebrated Tanya’s birthday with Matthew and Tanya Keys, and we had a wonderful view of the Fox News Channel building.

Their son, Bryan, is getting married in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in November.

April began with the sad news of the passing of Peyton Campbell’s wife, Pat. Rick Fowler, Jack Keane and John Lillard kept our BRs informed of the details and attended Pat’s memorial service. John, who is retired from the Navy, received his doctorate degree in military history from George Mason University. He works at

Newport News Shipbuilding as a manager in modeling and simulation.

I spoke with Jay Melvin who reported that things in Lexington, Virginia, were warming up after a long, cold winter. His son, Jason, is getting married in September in Lexington.

Andy Ludlum made numerous attempts to speak with me through the period – a public apology to Andy for my BRF-like behavior.

Andy, a pilot for Southwest, finally sent an email saying that he had dinner with Pat Griffin in Providence, Rhode Island, and with Phil Munisteri in Islip, Long Island during layovers in each city.

Patti and I traveled to VMI in April for the Foundation board meeting, and we saw Hugh and Renee Fain at a board dinner. Congrats to Hugh, the new president of the Foundation board. Also, thank you to Gary Levenson for hosting us at his quarters on the parade ground.

We had drinks with Hugh Fain on his back porch one evening and drinks and cigars on the back porch with John Alerding another evening.

John is an adjunct professor teaching physics at VMI. His wife, Anne, is a professor of biology at VMI. Anne was featured in an article in the Institute Report regarding the renovation of MauryBrooke Hall and its herbarium. We also saw Tim Hodges at the Friday parade. Tim is the chair of the VMI physics department (and Alerding’s boss). And we saw Robby Jones at his jewelry store in Lexington.

Walt Wood sent an email asking about the date of our 35th Reunion. Since we will be reuniting in the fall, the date will not be set until the 2015 football schedule is published.

May brought an email from Jack Keane following a dinner he organizes with our BRs in the northern Virginia area. Gathering in Crystal City were Joe Belkoski, Bob Dalessandro, Mike Harper, Tom “Gunny” Kelly, Walt Kreitler, Tuck Masker, Mike Knapp (on leave

Class of 1981: At Gordy Ivascu’s restaurant April 12, 2014, were, from left, Pete Nauta, Joe Provenzano, Jeff Adler, Ivascu, John Cawthorne, Rich Bartholomew, Mike Duval, Dan Pere, Jim Frishkorn, Jim Langan and Mack Spears.

113

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1981: In early fall 2013, Ray Moschler and his family were in New Market, Virginia, with sons Daniel, Class of 2015, and Joshua, Class of 2017. from Afghanistan) and Tracy Wilson. A tradition at these gatherings is to read the names of our fallen BRs. Jack also wrote that a group of our BRs had planned to attend a viewing of “Field of Lost Shoes” May 19, 2014.

I spoke with Pat Griffin. His son, Michael, is completing a successful 4th Class year. Pat is the president of the New England Chapter of the Alumni Association.

John Caplice sent an email requesting the email address for John Rudolph. Did you guys connect?

Tuck Masker called. He is in training for two 100-plus-mile bicycle events. Tuck noted that Steve Ikenberry and John and Anne Alerding planned to participate in the second event in Blacksburg, Virginia, during Memorial Day weekend. Tuck planned to visit with me and Patti in the Poconos in June.

Finally, thanks to Wade Stinnette for the voice message he left as the period closed.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and for all your support.

’81

Trip Lloyd

19 Walnut Farms Pkwy Fredericksburg, VA 22405 540/310-0069 Vmi81classagent@cox.net

Dear Brother Rats and Families, The Lloyd house is winding down summer, and things are undoubtedly spinning up at the Institute. I spent most of the summer playing the “lord mayor” with the Virginia Renaissance Faire, along with my 14-year-old daughter and several of her newly conscripted girlfriends.

My knee has pretty much resolved. I have a son entering middle school and a daughter entering high school.

The 150th New Market commemoration and reenactment is over. Bob Cody, Bruce Gottwald, Ray Moschler, Clinker Moss and Bogey Bogart attended. Ray’s eldest son, a 2nd Class cadet, was part of the march from Lexington, Virginia.

I am sad to report that Mike Denton’s father, Sen. Jeremiah Denton, passed away March 28,

114

2014. He was a 1947 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, a true patriot and classic American hero.

An article from The Associated Press by Phillip Rawls is copied below, but the story of his honor, courage and commitment to his nation goes far beyond these words.

“Prisoner of war Jeremiah Denton declared his loyalty to the U.S. government during a 1966 interview for what was supposed to be a propaganda film. But his enraged captors missed his more covert message, ‘T-O-R-T-U-R-E,’ blinked into the camera in Morse code, a dispatch that would alert the U.S. military to the conditions he endured.

“Denton, who would survive 7-and-a-half years confined in a tiny, stinking, windowless cell at the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’ and other camps before his release in 1973, died of heart problems Friday in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at age 89, his grandson Edward Denton said.

“The elder Denton later became the first Republican from Alabama elected to the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction, though the iron will that allowed him to persevere in captivity gave rise to criticism he was too rigid a politician.

“In July 1965, a month after he began flying combat missions for the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, the Mobile, Alabama, native was shot down near Thanh Hoa. He was captured and recalled his captivity in his book titled ‘When Hell Was in Session.’ “‘They beat you with fists and fan belts,’ he told the Los Angeles Times in 1979. ‘They warmed you up and threatened you with death. Then they really got serious and gave you something called the rope trick.’ The use of ropes – to cut off circulation in his limbs – left him with no feeling in his fingertips and intense muscle spasms, he said.

“Some of the most severe torture came after the 1966 interview, in which he confounded his captors by saying that he continued to fully support the U.S. government, ‘and I will support it as long as I live.’ “‘In the early morning hours, I prayed that I could keep my sanity until they released me. I couldn’t even give in to their demands, because there were none. It was pure revenge,’ Denton wrote.

“The tape was widely seen, and U.S. intelligence

experts had picked up the Morse code message.

But Denton theorized later that his captors likely figured it out only after he was awarded the Navy Cross – the second-highest decoration for valor – for the blinks in 1974.

He said his captors never brought him out for another interview. But with the war’s end drawing closer, he was released in February 1973. “‘The valor that he and his fellow POWs displayed was deeply inspiring to our nation at the time, and it continues to inspire our brave men and women who serve today,’ President Barack Obama said in a statement. ‘As a senator, he served as a strong advocate for our national security. He leaves behind a legacy of heroic service to his country, and Michelle and I send our condolences to the Denton family.’

“Denton was the senior officer among former prisoners of war who stepped off a plane into freedom at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. Denton epitomized the military spirit as he spoke for the returning soldiers: ‘We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances. We are profoundly grateful to our commander in chief and to our nation for this day. God bless America.’

“His words and bearing, beamed back to his country by television, gave heart to the military at a time of increasing uncertainty and bitter division over the course of the war. He was promoted to rear admiral and retired from the Navy in November 1977. Denton then turned to politics, despite having no experience, running for a statewide political office. With Ronald Reagan atop the Republican ticket, Denton became the first Republican elected to the Senate from Alabama since the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. “In Washington, he was a Reagan loyalist, a defender of military might and an advocate for a return to American values. Denton lost his reelection bid in 1986 by only a fraction of a percentage point.

“After his defeat, Denton founded the Coalition for Decency and lectured about family causes. Denton also launched a humanitarian outreach to needy countries through his National Forum Foundation, which arranged shipments of donated goods. “‘He was a war hero, an honorable senator and a family man who cared deeply about his country,’ said a statement from U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, who defeated Denton in 1986.

“Denton’s grandson, Edward, said that on one hand, Denton was a normal grandfather who enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing aboard his boat in Mobile. ‘On the other hand,’ he said, ‘he was a war hero and someone who set an example for being what being a good, patriotic American is all about.’”

Dan Dorsey shared that he ran into Grover

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1982: On a spring 2014 cruise were, from left, Tyler Spadine ’14, Logan Ridge ’14, Billy Cheatham ’14, Sean Fish ’14, Neal Rogers, Christopher Jaronsky ’14, Pierce McKean ’14, Sam Gillespie ’14 and Sam Elliot ’14.

Class of 1982: Larry Williams earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in computer science within the School of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Outland at Virginia Commonwealth University in April. Grover’s daughter and Dan’s son will be freshmen there for the 2014-15 year.

Ray Lawson wrote that he had a chance to get together for lunch with Greg Wolven at the end of April. Greg’s daughter, Katie, is a graduate student at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Greg and his son, Chris, came down for a visit and to pick up Katie’s dog so she could do a little travel between spring and summer semesters.

Ray shared, “It’s always good to get together and exchange VMI stories. And they are 100 percent true, as we all well know.” Ray shared that he and his wife, Gale, are expecting their first grandchild in July, a girl named Claudia Harper Lawson. Ray is saving most of his vacation to travel back and forth to Jacksonville, Florida. He said he already bought her a pink baseball bat and glove and is looking for a pink fishing pole next. He and Gale

2014- Issue 3

celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary May 26, 2014, and can’t believe how time flies or that they’re old enough to be grandparents. They also enjoyed a few days at a bed-and-breakfast in Charleston, South Carolina, during the annual arts Spoleto Festival. Ray returned to the softball field after a five-year graduate school hiatus. At this writing, he is leading the team with a 0.832 batting average. “Most of the other guys on the team are in their 20s and 30s.” Ray says, “I can still hit; I just can’t run fast (without pulling a hamstring) or throw accurately these days.”

Bruce Kitchen let me know that he, Cris Timmons, Larry Butler and Vince Wood got together for a boys weekend in Key West, Florida. He said it was a great trip with lots of laughs and Cris’ good cooking. He also wanted to send out a personal “thank you” to everybody for their generous support in raising money to host the CollegeInsider.com Tournament basketball games and for those who stepped up to be a sponsor for the annual Jeff “Pup” Morgan ’80 Memorial Golf Tournament.

Jim Frishkorn spent a good part of February in Kansas City performing facility assessments at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He said it is a fabulous base, and he had the opportunity to crawl all over 100-plus-year-old buildings to see some tremendous craftsmanship. He said he got to experience a central U.S. winter, meaning lots of snow, morning temperatures in the single digits (except the last day when his team was greeted to minus 13 degree temperatures) and a stiff breeze blowing through every layer of clothing that he could muster. He had a chance to get together with Steve and Maria Tennant for dinner, and they enjoyed catching one another up on their busy lives.

Mike Plazcek reports that he has a second granddaughter. His daughter, Rachel, gave birth in Germany March 13, 2014, to a baby girl named Stella Rose (7 pounds, 14 ounces and 20-and-onehalf inches long). Everyone is doing fine.

Gordy Ivascu, Pete Nauta, Joe Provenzano, Jeff Adler, John Cawthorne, Rich Bartholomew, Mike Duval, Dan Pere, Jim Frishkorn, Jim Langan and Mack Spears had a great lunch and mini reunion April 12, 2014, at Gordy’s

restaurant, Anthony’s Pizza, in Strasburg, Virginia.

Gordy Ivascu shared the following: “I was given six months, and I’m still here nine months later. I can never put into words how touched I am by the outreach of my BRs. It keeps me going.

We had a small class, but clearly our class was big in spirit. I was never very good with the written word, but the emails, letters and people stopping by keep me going. My BRs keep me going.

Funny, and I hate to say it, but a few people who have come by, I don’t even remember. They are the most special. We might not have been close, but we were and remain brothers.”

’82

Will Council

8500 Rancho Drive Ooltewah, TN 37363 (C) 423/400-2209 (H) 423/238-8186 willis-council@comcast.net

Hello, BRs, I am stepping back into the ring for the class agent duties. All those world class nut cases you keep hearing about in the news have made Chuck Kause’s job very busy. But that did not stop him from being out and about at a variety of BR events these past few months. You will see his name appear throughout these notes. Here are a few of his run-ins.

John Friend was in Washington, D.C., attending a psychology convention. Since earning his doctorate degree, Dr. Friend has been very busy in private practice and was drafted to support a study funded by the British Petroleum Gulf of Mexico oil spill settlement to document psychological care in the aftermath of the oil spill. Ron McCredy convinced Chuck to make the trek to Darren McDew’s promotion – nothing like a BR road trip! Spousal pressure got the Kauses to the Red Fox Inn with several other BR couples in April. (Scott Crumpler sent me those details.)

Finally, Chuck’s son returned home from the Marines after being overseas for two years. His stay at home was brief, and his youthful exuberance caused his mom to threaten packing him back off to the Marines a few days early. On the professional side, Chuck is studying for the Project Management Professional Certification and hopes to have earned the title by summer 2014. Thank you for your service to the class these past several years, Chuck. Best of luck with the training, and keep us informed with the northern Virginia crowd.

The Will and Susan Council family is still in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Both of our children are attending University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which will be playing VMI in football once again in the fall! (I will be hosting a tailgate party for all VMI alumni who want to come by.) Dana has finished her second year as a double-major in chemistry and criminal justice and is hoping

115

CLASS NOTES Angeles, California, and is looking forward to eventually become an FBI agent. She to assisting them in their expansion plans. was awarded the Venture Silver Award Guy and Deidre wish they could get back recently. Hayden has struggled through to Lexington more often, but it is tough his freshman year and is changing majors with L.A. being so far away. Guy has worn from engineering to something fun, outhis VMI hat to many wineries out there and doors and low paying, if at all. Susan has had several alums come up and share stojust left working at Unum after nearly 10 years due to difficulty with her boss. It was ries. Nothing like laughing about the Rat a good departure, but now she must find Line when drinking good wine. employment with those wonderful little Mike and Tierney Ewing were leaving side things called benefits, like insurance for a vacation to Jamaica just before these and a steady paycheck. I am still heavily notes were due. Mike was feeling guilty involved with Boy Scouts and Venturing about not sending anything in, so he has (which does not pay) and led a contingent promised to wear the VMI T-shirt on New to Sea Base for a scuba adventure in June.

Market Day while there. Life is good, reWith the loss of Susan’s job, I may have to Class of 1982: Brother rats at Gen. McDew’s pro- ally good in Jamaica. Alright, Mike, let’s get back into the game to help supplement motion ceremony were, from left, Joel Benefield, see what you got! gas and grocery money. Anybody hiring? Ron McCredy, Richard Moore, Chuck Kause, DarMy old roommate, Steve Fudge, and his Joe and Sharlet Bouchelle love living ryl Horne and Van Noah. wife, Teresa, have a son, Travis ’16, who in Rockbridge County, Virginia, and havis in his 3rd Class year and in Company B. He is majoring in history and is in Army ing the chance to run into folks every now ROTC. Not sure that Steve could be any and then. Their oldest son, Joseph, who more proud that Travis is at VMI. Steve is is an Eagle Scout (that is how this note still an environmental scientist at EC/R Instarted, by the way), is getting married in summer 2014. His fiancée is a wonderful corporated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. young lady, and they are all excited about He’s teaching pre-calculus at Wake Technithe addition to the family. Joe and Sharlet cal Community College on a part time barecently went to D.C. to the Cherry Blossis. Their daughter, Catherine, turned 16 in December and is driving. som Festival. It was the week of Sharlet’s Shaun Gillilland reports that he is still birthday, and they went up with some grad married to his ring figure date, Linda! school friends to celebrate.

(How many of us can match that? I can’t His Honor Mark Ciarrocca reports that even remember mine’s name.) Their for the third year (hereby making it a tradidaughter, Chauntel, is 24 and working as tion) he has spent St. Patrick’s Day weekan operations manager in an explosives loend in St. Pete, Florida, with Dewey MarClass of 1982: Mark and Debbie Shifflette, tin, Dave Shutt and Jack Wainwright. Chuck and Maryann Kause, and Jim and Mau- gistics company. Son Quentin is a second George Mayforth was still on the injured reen Hickey enjoyed a weekend wine gathering in lieutenant in the Vermont National Guard reserve list with biking injuries and missed northern Virginia in April 2014.

(National Guard Officer Candidate School out, but he was there in spirit (especially in Alabama, still finishing up his bachelor’s since he sent down a terrific box of cigars). Also, really well until the monsoon came and washed degree at Norwich University) and getting set they are still waiting for Jeff Judkins to show up. out the last six holes. Oh, well, at least your to graduate from Armor Basic Officer Leaders They had a lot of laughs and may have consumed scores will sound great!

Course at Fort Benning. When Shaun has his I went to two of the CollegeInsider.com bas- bib overalls on, he takes care of 75 beef cattle, an adult beverage or two while maintaining a sedentary existence. The most strenuous activ- ketball tournament games in Lexington, and it about 100 Katahdin sheep and lots of chickens. ity was the skeet shooting competition, though was great fun. Scott ran into BRs Jarvis, Heish- Oh, and he occasionally loads Navy patrol craft they let a non-VMI former Air Force dentist win man, Jennings and Belcher (from afar – could onto barges and ships them around the world. I so he wouldn’t cry. Jack has a 3rd Class cadet not speak). Won one, lost one. Great showing! was going to post about him being elected to the at VMI who is doing well. Dave’s son graduated Scott also attended lots of football tailgating but county board, but the recent class notes just arfrom VMI and is on active duty with the Army expects an abbreviated season since his son, Rob- rived, and Chuck beat me to it! I think the town of stationed in Alaska. ert Crumpler ’14, should have crossed the stage Willsboro has found the right guy for their county Christine and Scott Crumpler were at the Mid- in May along with Duke Addison’s and Robert board.

Jim and Maureen Hickey reported in on Jim’s dleburg, Virginia, dinner soirée recently along Louthan’s sons.

Guy Dougherty responded to my plea for last trip overseas. He got to visit the tank muwith BRs Kause, Heltzel, Hickey, Jennings, Jarvis and Shifflette. They all had a blast and news. He and Deidre (Mary Baldwin College seum in Israel. He was very excited about it, bepromised to update the class notes with pictures. ’84) recently celebrated the birth of their first cause he happened upon a meeting of retired IsWe can’t use Facebook photos, because they are grandchild and have enjoyed hugging and hold- raeli tank commanders. One was in his 90s and too small to publish. Scott also played golf with ing her. She is a bundle of joy, and they have was Ariel Sharon’s commander. They stopped Dan Clymore, Dickie Moore and Todd Minnix made sure she has plenty of VMI blankets and their meeting and talked with Jim for an hour. in Front Royal, Virginia. It was a fundraiser that onesies! Guy recently joined Insurance Compa- For me personally, it is a little thrill every time they play in twice a year together for as many ny of the West as the vice president of personal I catch Jim on the History or Military Channel. years as Scott can recall. Things were playing auto in their Explorer Insurance division in Los I believe Maureen and Jim hosted the second

116

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1982: At U.S. Air Force Gen. Darren McDew’s promotion ceremony were, from left, Van Noah, Ron McCredy, Richard Moore, Gen. and Mrs. McDew, Chuck Kause, Darryl Horne and Joel Benefield. annual northern Virginia gathering and wine fest held at the Red Fox Inn. John Lewis sent a message that he and wife Nancy are in Winchester, Virginia. He is still working as the chief neuropsychologist at Winchester Rehabilitation Center helping folks with brain injuries, etc. Their oldest daughter, Sarah, is at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Rebecca, their second, is headed to the University of Virginia in the fall. Son Jacob is still in high school.

Nancy works as a math teacher at Skyline High School in Front Royal, Virginia. John also stays busy on the side with his hobby as an apiarist.

Did you figure out what John Lewis does? He is a beekeeper and sells honey. How many knew that without looking it up?

Bob and Kathy Louthan’s trips to Lexington will continue for at least the next four years.

Their youngest son, Mason, has been accepted into the next rat mass (2018?). He wanted the U.S. Air Force Academy, then VMI. He wants to fly, so the best route is Navy or Marines. Actually, VMI seats higher percentage as pilots than the academies. (This is coming from Bob, and I would not argue his knowledge on this.) They were keeping their fingers crossed hoping Blake ’14 makes it across the stage on time. Bob thinks this time around he will do a better job as a rat parent, because he knows what to expect. He says it is kind of funny listening to the questions parents ask, those previously unfamiliar. Funnier still are some of the responses from other parents who did not attend VMI but know everything about it. And for all of us Old Corps, Bob assures

2014- Issue 3

us the Rat Line is as difficult or more than it was in our day.

Leslie Marangoni was keeping me straight on what Guy has been up to lately. Since retiring from the FBI, Guy works as a contractor with Booz Allen Hamilton. He’s an instructor teaching bureau employees how to use Excel and other computer stuff more effectively. Leslie says he’s a great teacher, but he works longer days now than before he retired! Leslie and I banter back and forth on Facebook about music and stuff, since she is a piano teacher and classical music enthusiast, neither of which I am. But we enjoy sharing musically themed videos, and there is an occasional link to her brothers, Curtis Nichols, Doug Nichols ’84 and Andy Nichols. I served in the Naval Reserve with Andy!

Gen. Darren McDew got another star. That makes four. As in, four stars. Darren has risen to the top once again, which we all knew he would. Several BRs made the trip to witness the promotion and change of command ceremony.

Joel Benefield, Darryl Horne, Chuck Kause, Ron McCredy, Dickie Moore and Van Noah all joined in as the general led with the Old Yell. This has become Darren’s tradition each time he has put on a star. Joel has retired from the military after 30 years of service and is now vice president for Stargates, a woman-owned small business in northern Virginia that provides innovative solutions to vexing problems suffered by a discrete (and discreet) clientele. Ron, ever the Googler, wore his Google Glass to Darren’s promotion. He was quite the hit with the information technology

savvy, and he even charmed the wife of the Air Force chief of staff into trying it on. If you go to our Facebook page, you will find plenty more great pictures of this event, and we have the bonus of Darren’s promotion. The Review allows only five photos per class section.

Neal Rogers submitted a photo of his exploits on a spring cruise. As this goes to print, I am hoping he sends a larger format. Since he was easy to identify in the VMI ball cap and T-shirt, several members of Class of 2014 including Tyler Spadine, Logan Ridge, Billy Cheatham, Sean Fish, Christopher Jaronsky, Pierce McKean, Sam Gillespie and Sam Elliot wanted to show off with the older alumnus. Neal was seen holding a piece of Institute property that was “borrowed” for the cruise. Let us hope it was returned to its rightful place. Aside from his high seas shenanigans, Neal and Nancy are excited that they don’t have to pay for college for Collin, their youngest, because he has been accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy. Their oldest, Sean Rogers ’13, graduated from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy in December 2013, and he is with the Arlington County Police Department. Last but not least, Morgan graduated from St. Michaels College in May 2014.

Sometimes you get lucky and happen to catch a Facebook post that indicates a BR might be stuck somewhere, bored, drinking a beer and maybe, just maybe, willing to share some news.

Like George and Annette Seiferth, who were sitting in the Detroit Airport waiting for a connection to Burlington, Vermont, to attend the graduation of their son, Rick, from Norwich University. George swore him in before he headed to Officer Candidate School. It was a short stay for the parents, because they returned to Germany soon after. Their daughter, Ann, graduated in June from Wiesbaden High School, and she’ll be attending George Mason University on a ROTC scholarship. They will be back in Virginia in August to drop her off at school. Future plans call for them to remain in Germany for at least another two years, but the good thing is that George will be able to visit Virginia more often. He hopes to stop by the “I” and see everyone who lives in the area. After retiring from the Army in June 2012 in Germany, George was fortunate to get a Department of the Army civilian job in Wiesbaden. He works in the Command Group of U.S. Army Headquarters assigning and monitoring all the tasks to the staff from Department of the Army and European Command. The best part is that he gets to work with all the same folks he was with while in the Army and lives in the Rheingau Region of Germany, which is the Riesling wine capital of the world, overlooking the Rheine River. He plans on doing that for a few years and will see what happens. Both kids

117

CLASS NOTES will be in the states after this summer, so they may have to look at finding a place on the East Coast.

I requested an update from Ann Sofia-Rothschild after seeing her on our class Facebook page. She is doing very well. Most importantly, the boys, Anthony and Joseph, are doing well.

(If you follow Ann on Facebook, you will be amazed at the resemblance to Mark Sofia in both of these young men.) They had hoped to attend the last ’82 reunion, but she was being treated for cancer. I’m happy to report that it is in remission, and she is doing well. Anthony got married in April 2013. He graduated from the University of Chicago medical school in June 2012 and is completing his second year of residency at the University of Chicago. Joseph is in his first year of medical school at the University of Florida.

Needless to say, Ann is very proud of them. They have grown into wonderful young men. The boys were age 5 and age 8 when Mark died, and this will be the 19th anniversary of Mark’s death.

She remarried 12 years ago, and her husband, Allan, has been a wonderful influence in the boys’ lives. They still have a close relationship with Mark’s family, and in fact, they have stayed at her home with the “new” husband and sometimes even call to speak with him. Ann works as an academic adviser and adjunct English professor at a small college in Florida. Thanks, Ann! Fran and Jose Suarez are doing very well.

Canada is still home for them. They were preparing to move from Toronto to Montreal at the end of May, because Jose accepted a new position and a promotion to executive vice president reporting to the chief executive officer for SNC-Lavalin. Fran has been busy as a project manager on myriad renovation projects in their home in Toronto, taking care of investments, doing some research and writing on English history, being active in their community, and the local arts scene. She is shifting duties with their relocation and finding a good home for them in Montreal. This whole conversation was initiated after Jose posted a photo on Facebook of a bikini-clad girl reclining in a snow-covered chair.

No! It was not Fran. He said he has been cured from complaining about the cold weather after working in Manitoba in 2006 at 40 degrees below zero. I might be going to visit Jose and Fran next summer with my daughter when the FIFA Women’s World Cup soccer tournament is going on. Anyone want to join us?

Steve Varga says there will be no marathons this year, but he planned to run the Marine Corps Historic Half in Fredericksburg May 18 with his son. If you have not been keeping up with the Varga household, they have a slew of kids! I am not sure just how many there are, but some have left the nest. One daughter was married last year, and they are expecting a second grandchild

118

Class of 1983: In Columbus, North Carolina, March 22, 2014, during a mini reunion at Ivan Marcotte’ s Lake Adger home were, from left, Steve Goddard, Spence Westbrook, Ivan Marcotte, unidentified person, John Geis and Hugh Daughtry. in May. From which one, Steve? Also, Steve is keeping busy with his four younger children doing Tae Kwon Do together. I don’t know how he does it! He is going to start confusing grandkids with his own kids.

The VMI Club of Richmond hosted Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas at the Commonwealth Club in May. There was a very good turnout from our BRs: Jeff and Tara Modisett, John Reese, Bob and Kathy Louthan, Jim and Joelle Cosby, Bill Jennings, Bill Burnette, Dave Koehler, and, of course, Emmitt and Lynn Heltzel.

Well, that is all for now, brother rats. Thanks to all who submitted a note and/or picture. We will meet again in two years. Until then, keep in touch with one another; call those old roommates. That’s right, I said pick up the phone and call them. Now. Compare stories again. Then, write me a note to share with the rest of the class, or find us on Facebook: VMI ’82 or my own page, Willis Council.

Sincerely, Will Council

’83

Hugh Daughtry

6969 Folger Drive Charlotte, NC 28270-5947 704/365-8634 keydet1983@gmail.com

Brother Rats, As I wrap up this edition of our class notes, the Class of 2014 graduated 317, and VMI has celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market.

To observe the sesquicentennial of the battle, a

groundswell movement among alumni emerged to recognize and honor the graves of all participants of the battle that means so much to VMI history. As you would expect, our class responded and was led by Jim Outland. Jim ensured the word got out to the class and several stepped up. Dave Clarke honored the graves of three in West Virginia, and Steve Amato honored one in Haymarket, Virginia. Alan Toler honored a grave in Richmond, Virginia, and Mark Coan and Grey Carter two in Tennessee. Max Rogers led the decoration of a New Market cadet’s grave in Mobile, Alabama, and Bill Cornett and Ivan Marcotte officiated at a ceremony by the Charlotte Chapter at the grave of Cadet Christopher Melville Etheredge ’865. Bob Mednikov and Southall Bowles decorated the grave of Cadet William Henry Cabell ’865 in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, complete with a “rowdy” Old Yell. Rock Donahue participated in a ceremony in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Jim Outland honored the graves of two in Powhatan County, Virginia. Well done, brother rats!

It was sad to learn of the passing of Hagen Fischlschweiger April 18, 2014. Since graduation, Fisch had served as an intelligence officer in the Army and married a fellow military intelligence officer, Sherry. Together, they operated a restaurant in Harbinger, North Carolina, just short of the Outer Banks, for many years.

Recently, Fisch had been studying for a degree in health management. Breck Gorman and Jim Outland recalled Fisch in German class back in Scott Shipp Hall. I will always remember him as “Alphabet,” the moniker he was given by the non-commissioned officers in our 4th Class year Army ROTC classes.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Will Creekmur gave me a call to reminisce about Fisch and their old Company F days. Will is toughing it on the left coast in La Jolla, California, after several years in Hawaii. He and wife Heidi are chasing after 7-year-old McKenna, who is in the second grade and keeping her mom and dad busy. Will, like several of our brother

Class of 1983: Alan Toler at the Mount Calvary Cemetery gravesite of New Market Cadet Andrew Pizzini ’865 in Richmond, Virginia, May 14, 2014.

Class of 1983: Bill Cornett and Ivan Marcotte at the gravesite of New Market Cadet Christopher Etheredge ’865 at Elmwood Cemetery in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 17, 2014. Cornett and Marcotte led a remembrance ceremony by the Charlotte Alumni Chapter.

Class of 1983: Jon Hunt was promoted to the rank of commander.

He received his shoulder boards from his wife, Tonya, on the occasion of his appointment as commander of Flotilla 14-04, 7th Coast Guard District, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Jacksonville, Florida, January 2014.

2014- Issue 3

rats, has read Lynn Seldon’s book, “Virginia’s Ring,” and thoroughly enjoyed it. He would love to see you if you are in the area.

It was fun to get an update from Jon Hunt.

Jon decided that 31 years was long enough, and he should let us know what’s up. Jon and wife Tonya have been in Ponte Vedra, Florida, since 1995, and Jon is in sales for Builders 1st Source.

They have two daughters: Katie, a student at Florida Atlantic University, and Sara, a high school junior. Jon was recently appointed flotilla commander of Flotilla 14-04, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Jacksonville, Florida, in the 7th Coast Guard District. Jon’s fleet consists of six surface units and four aircraft whose primary mission is search and rescue. He will be the commanding officer for two years, during which time I am sure he will introduce Saturday Noon Inspections and formal guard mounts! Jon also promises to make the next reunion.

Jim Outland checked in with a small-world update. He ran into Mark Light at their local mulch yard as they waited for a load of shredded hardwood, and they were able to briefly catch up. Mark is with ADT in Richmond and is now on our class email list. After a busy morning moving mulch, Jim headed downtown to see young Cadet Matthew Outland ’17 march with the VMI contingent in town for the premiere of the movie “Field of Lost Shoes.” Of course, one of the dignitaries taking the review was Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam ’81. Jim reports that the Corps looked outstanding, not that he’s biased, and that he ran into Lynn and Cele Seldon and Warren Groseclose (no doubt there to see his son, David ’17, march) along the parade route.

I was able to facilitate an email exchange between Max Rogers and Teddy Gottwald and capture an update on The Georges, Teddy’s soon-to-open inn in Lexington, Virginia. It is located in downtown Lexington within walking distance of everything. It is interesting to note that the name is derived from Washington and Lee’s George Washington and VMI’s George Marshall ’901. His update, which was sent out to the class, generated several imaginative names for specialty drinks to be served in the TAPS bar. A few of my favorites: Skip Goodwillie with the “Munson Burner,” Bill Cornett with “Six in a Shoe Box,” Scott Belliveau with the “Weird Harold,” and for a night cap, Gene Warren’s “Sominex Saunders.” No doubt this will be a popular spot for the Class of ’83. By the way, if you are not on our Yahoo group email list, drop me a line and I will get you added. It is a great source of entertainment and information.

Speaking of Gene Warren, he and I were able to meet at The Masters Tournament in April. Leveraging social media, we were able to learn we would both be there and established a rendezvous at the second green. Gene and Laura were

having an athletic road trip – Augusta Thursday and then the weekend in Jackson, Mississippi, to see son Charles pitch for Sewanee: The University of the South. Also seen at Augusta was Steve Goddard. Steve was down with business associates from Richmond, soaking in the beauty of the course. I was able to see Steve twice during the spring. Just two weeks prior to our chance meeting, he had ventured south to the Old North State for a mini reunion at Ivan Marcotte’s house at Lake Adger. Ivan was the perfect host for me, Steve, Spence Westbrook and John Geis. Spence was down from Richmond where he is with the Virginia Department of Taxation, and John came down from Winston-Salem where he is with BB&T. It’s been a big spring for John and Susan, because son Hammond graduated from the University of South Carolina. Ivan ensured we were well entertained with a morning of shooting clays and then a “comprehensive” tour of the microbreweries Asheville is so famous for. Thanks, BR! A highlight of the spring was VMI’s march through the college basketball postseason in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. In true neversay-die fashion, the Keydets came from behind on several occasions to march within one game of the championship. Our class was well represented at several games with minute-by-minute score updates courtesy of Cal Murray and John Dodge. Bob Mednikov was strategically placed behind the bench for the Yale game at Cameron Hall and got plenty of face time.

By the time you read these notes, we will be in another football campaign as the Flying Squadron moves back to the Southern Conference. I hope to see you at games either at home or on the road. Please remember the Touchdown Club, as our class looks to lead participation for the fourth year in a row. As always, if you have not been back to the Institute, I encourage you to go.

There are great things happening on post including the recent ground-breaking for the Indoor Training Facility. (Editor’s Note: See article about this in the Institute section of this Review.)

Also, please take a minute to drop me a line on what is going on in your life. I look forward to hearing from you.

That is all.

’84

Andy Protogyrou

1519 Commonwealth Ave. Norfolk, VA 23505 757/679-7077 protogyrou@prlaw.org

For those unable to attend the reunion, trust me, you missed out on a great time. Not only did we have 90-plus BRs in attendance, but the perfect weather enabled us to enjoy our get-togethers inside and outside the Hampton Inn Col Alto

119

Class of 1984: Present at the reunion were David J. Adams, Anthony Q. Agostinelli, William R. Aker Jr., Andrew B. Anderson, Scott P.C. Andes, Thomas H. Anthony, Steven A. Barsamian, Walter E. Baskin, William E. Blazer, Samuel V. Browne, Christopher E. Busse, Christopher G. Caplice, Thomas D. Carboni, Robert M. Carpenter, Gregory M. Cavallaro, Robert R. Chapman III, Jamie E. Clark, Barry W. Coceano, David S. Collie, Barton G. Combs, Philip Corbo, Cecil M. Criss III, Tynan A. Dawson, James R. Dillon, James K. Dixon, Scott C. Doody, Jeffrey A. Duncan, William B. Dyer III, Michael Efremov, James W. Enochs III, Henry T. Ferguson Jr., Charles J. Foster IV, Mark E.D. Gaines, Matthew J. Garten, Daniel J. Gettings Jr., Kenyon M. Gill III, Clayton E. Goss, Thomas B. Graham, Daniel T. Grillone, Harold D. Hamner III, Nicholas E. Harman, Bruce A. Hauck, Todd A. Henderson, Thomas B. Higginbotham, Curtis M. Hinton, Mark W. Hirsch, Christopher D. Hively, James E. Hoy III, Stephen E. Hupp, William R. Janis, Carter L. Jordan, John E. Karafa, Michael J. Kay, Mohammad Khandan-Barani, Robert E. Knarr Jr., Francis R. Kollmansperger III, Cyril Lepecha, Jeffrey F. Levenson, B. Scott Lipscomb, Michael H. Locher, Steven F. Mang, Vaughn L. Maxwell III, Gary K. Maynard II, Ronald G. McManus Jr., Michael J. Melton, James H. Moore, William J. Morris, John R. Munno, Glen A. Omans II, Thomas J. Palmer, Christopher A. Parks, Craig A. Peacock, Jeffrey N. Perkins, David E. Phillips, William G. Piper, Andrew A. Protogyrou, David A. Pruitt, Stephen G. Reardon, Keith Samuelson Jr., Edward P. Schied Jr., William E. Seaver, Thomas H. Selman III, John R. Shannon, James H. Shoemaker Jr., Roger I. Sturgill, Paul R. Tate, Edwin A. Thompson II, F. Spruill Thompson, Alex H. Weinstein, Conrad K. Wharton, Brice L. White, William L. Wimbish Jr., Warren L. Winning and Stephen M. Woolwine.

30th Reunion – April 25-26, 2014

Class of 1984

120

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES hospitality room, the Lexington Country Club and our Saturday night tent party under the stars.

If you missed out, put September 2019 on your calendar now for attending the 35th Reunion!

Since I transitioned into the class agent role during the reunion, Barry Coceano worked with me on a joint effort to put together these notes.

I figured between the two of us, we were able to touch base at some point during the weekend with a good number of the BRs who attended the reunion.

Unfortunately, before I provide updates from the reunion, I have to start my first class notes with bad news. Many of you probably received my email. On April 29, 2014, BR Richard Poff passed away in Tennessee. He spent the past 25 years as an FBI agent. After graduating with us in 1984, Richard attended and graduated from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary. He worked in a law firm in Roanoke, Virginia, prior to being accepted into the FBI and attending the academy.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Lynn, his daughter, Laura, and his two sons, Ryan and Austin.

Prior to the reunion, I received a couple notes from BRs who were unable to attend. Kevin Sample said to send his best and that, unfortunately, he would be unable to attend the reunion.

I also received a note from Glenn Parrish who was planning on attending the reunion. However, a last minute competing priority took precedence. Glenn said to pass his regards from sunny San Diego, California, and asked us to have a cold Natty-Bo waiting at the 35th for his return to the “I.” I received the following update from Jerome Brinkley. “I regret to inform you that I can’t make it to the reunion, as I have to go to California to visit one of my sons. The last reunion was worth every penny, and the time spent with BRs was priceless. On another note, I had lunch with Kyle Sinisi recently. You know how busy it gets with children, work, etc. We were able to catch up and talked about the many changes at the ‘Mother I.’ I was fortunate to spend some time with Mike Efremov and Bill Dyer at the VMI versus Citadel football game in fall 2013. Both looked well and in great spirits. I also had dinner with the regional director of the VMI Alumni Association, Charlie Ramsburg ’66, last week and was amazed at the stats for the new cadets.

Twenty percent are women, and only 4 percent are majoring in English and foreign language programs. The two most popular majors are international studies and mechanical engineering (until the mechanical engineers became English majors). It is great to see the variety of new majors and the international programs. The cadets are very fortunate to have these options.”

I want to apologize up front for not including

2014- Issue 3

details on every BR who attended the reunion.

Barry and I tried to capture a little information on each. However, it’s impossible to include all or touch base with all at the reunion. So, for those not mentioned, please accept our sincere apologies.

Chris and Kristin Caplice are still in Boston, Massachusetts, where Chris is a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Chris and Kristin had the opportunity to attend the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

They had a wonderful experience and enjoyed the atmosphere surrounding the games. According to Kristin, the minute they broke out their U.S. flag they were flocked by folks wanting to practice their English, which led to many new friends being made.

Chip Akers was able catch a flight to the reunion from Arizona where he and his family live. Chip doesn’t look a day older than when we graduated. Even though he hasn’t played much golf in the past couple of years, he still managed to hit the ball extremely well during the reunion golf outing.

Anthony Agostinelli, his wife, Roxane, and their daughter, Mia, made the drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to attend the reunion. Gus is still flying for Delta Airlines and is lucky enough to spend five months of each year flying out of Pittsburgh as opposed to the other seven months flying out of Atlanta, Georgia. This nice little perk affords Gus more family time at home.

Bruce and Dawn Hauck came in from New Jersey. Bruce is retired from the New Jersey Department of Corrections, where he was a prison warden and had the opportunity to spend time briefing New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Bruce is spending time doing part-time work for a friend who is a physical therapist. According to Barry Coceano, Bruce was a shoe-in for the job, because hooking up electrodes to the electrical muscle stimulators used by the physical therapist was similar to the prison’s electric chair. OK ... that was a bad joke attributable to Coceano, not Hauck. Our reunion served as a mini reunion for Dawn Hauck and Kelly Grillone (wife of Dan Grillone). Kelly and Dawn were classmates and good friends during their time at Southern Seminary. Dan and Kelly Grillone are living in the Washington, D.C., area where Dan works since retiring from the Air Force.

Also in the D.C. area and attending the reunion was the VMI Class of ’84 Department of Energy contingent of Sam Browne, Jamie Clark and Brice White. Coceano would like to thank Sam for all his notes and updates during the past five years. Sam has kept up with and run into a number of VMI folks while in DOE and always passes on their information to the class agent (hint, hint to all BRs – please keep the class agent armed with updates). Others in the D.C.

metro area who attended the reunion were James Dillon, Ty Dawson, Cecil Criss, Mike Kay, Phil Schied, Steve Woolwine and Lee Wimbish. A couple notes of interest on a couple of those guys. Steve Woolwine retired in 2013 from the U.S. Army and continues to work in the intelligence community. Lee Wimbish will be retiring in 2014 from the Army with 30 years of distinguished service, also in the intelligence community. Phil Schied, who received his doctorate degree a couple of years ago, had the honor of developing an engineering design that was utilized in the construction of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. The memorial will be dedicated during a ceremony in October 2014. Also, in April 2014, Barry Coceano and James Dillon attended the VMI Volunteer Day at Boulder Crest Retreat for Wounded Warriors in Bluemont, Virginia. James and Barry joined forces with other D.C. alums and 25 VMI cadets to help with grounds work at the Bolder Crest Retreat.

Speaking of BRs living in the same town: Attending the reunion from Cincinnati, Ohio, were Chris Busse and wife Barbara, along with Warren Winning and wife Anita. Of note, even though Johnny Mitchell did not attend the reunion, Chris and Barbara Busse’s daughter interned for Johnny at his law firm in Macon, Georgia, while she attended law school at Mercer University. Small world and BRs helping out BRs ... isn’t that the spirit of VMI? Johnny, if you are out there, drop me a line.

A highlight of any reunion is seeing guys who were close friends during their four years at the Institute have the opportunity to get together and catch up. One such moment struck me when walking through the lobby of the Col Alto and seeing Paul Tate, Roger Sturgill, Scott Lipscomb and Kemper Wharton sitting around the table playing cards. Those four, who were great friends during their VMI years and remain close today, used to spend some spare time back in the day playing cards around a table. That sight spoke a thousand words of what it means to come back to a reunion and rekindle those friendships. It seems like yesterday, despite the fact that 30 years has quickly gone by. Good on you, fellas ... by the way, who won?

I think the co-winners of the award for traveling the farthest to attend the reunion go to Scott Andes and wife Victoria, and Andy Anderson and wife Amy. Scott came all the way from Kiev, Ukraine, and Andy came from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. I may have gotten a little confused in my old age, but I believe Scott is the head of a school/college in Kiev, and Andy is working as an engineer. I know Andy and Amy Anderson still spend a couple of the summer months at a house they own at the “rivah” in Urbanna, Virginia. Andy is still looking to meet

121

CLASS NOTES up with Carlos Zamora, who also owns a house in Urbanna.

Tom Carboni and wife Debbie took the planes, trains and automobile approach to attend the reunion ... well, maybe not plane, but since Tom works for Amtrak, he and Debbie took a train from their home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Richmond, Virginia. They were met by VMI roommate Tom Anthony, who played the role of Miss Daisy and chauffeured them to Lexington.

The reunion award for “Never Say Die” goes to three crazy BRs – you know who you are – for playing in the Alumni versus Keydets rugby game. All three insane and mentally challenged brother rats have children in the Corps, and two of them played against their cadets. What were you thinking when you agreed to play a bunch of 19- to 21-year-olds in rugby? Good thing we had plenty of Advil at the tent party Saturday, because you really would have been in the hurt locker Sunday morning. Also, by now, many of you have found our class group on Facebook. It is “VMI Class of 84” and is private. All opinions welcome. If you have not joined, send me a request through Facebook.

Barry did a great job for us as class agent, and I hope I do not let him or any of you down. I would be remiss if I did not mention Cav’s (in our home my daughter has labeled him “The Cav”) contribution to the reunion, our class and its history as a whole. Greg has always been the hub in our wheel and kept everyone informed and together. His stamp on the history of the Institute, as I see it all the time today, is unmistakable. When I am in town and tell someone my class year, even a local, it is a passport to a good conversation or a drink at a watering hole. Greg, we are very proud of you and thank you. Please stay in touch. As we get older, and life’s Rat Line throws a lot at us, we should all know we are still here for one another.

’85

Matt Daniel

10428 Collingham Drive Fairfax, VA 22032 610/393-5670 vmiclassagent85@aol.com

Hola, Brother Rats, This has been kind of a quiet quarter for us here in the ’85 class agent’s shop. I have only received a few updates from you.

In late April 2014, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the retirement ceremony of U.S. Army Col. W.G. Rowlett and his lovely bride, Hope Rowlett. This event was attended by myself, Rob McIntire, Owen “Bush” McIntyre, the man formerly known as Ormsby, Gary “Mac” McClelland, U.S. Army Col. Tommy Rahe, Beef Irby and Jesse (and his lovely and much better half, Stella) Waltz. W.G. was truly

122

in fine form as he thanked his wife and daughter, his mom, his troops, the chaplain, the cake maker (The “Cake Boss” has nothing on the W.G. cake, which was complete with a fondant green beret draped atop – PFF: Pretty fancy), his roommates, his dykes and his dykes’ dykes.

W.G. told us all that, as a U.S. Army officer and Special Forces angel de la muerte, he learned to not learn the meaning of the words “cannot,” “no” and “impossible.” He also told us that when he checked into his last duty station at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, he told his team the same. “I don’t know the meaning of the words ‘cannot,’ ‘no’ or ‘impossible.’ That is all.” Apparently, as he entered his office the next morning, he found a dictionary on his desk that had “cannot,” “no” and “impossible” tabbed and highlighted. He also told us that “when the Army issued me a wife, I was lucky; I got a good one!” This was a nice and gentle gesture. Hope was appropriately blushing, until, in well-expected W.G. fashion, he topped it off with, “... and she knew a good thing when she saw it!” W.G., W.G., W.G., we were all shaking our heads. I was amazed at the things that W.G. has accomplished, including his service and the life that he has lived over the past 29 years. I am proud to call him brother rat and friend. Well done, colonel.

Oh, yeah, Irby was late.

I received notice from U.S. Army Col. Jerry Brooks that he had spoken with Jim Chartier.

Jim said he had been a tad busy, because spring had come to Italy. Between splitting his bee hives, catching two swarms (a first for him!), and planting zucchini and tomatoes – as well as planning on how to react to Russian expansionism – Jim said his brain and back are weary. He said everyone was fine. He and Eva are grandparents; Gavin was born to their son Dec. 2, 2013. His daughter spent a semester in Norway.

Somehow, she pried his wallet open for side trips to Copenhagen, London, Stockholm and the Arctic Circle.

For the last year or so, Jim has been trying to land a stateside job but has had no luck with the feds to date. He came close a couple of times and had interviews for jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, and Tampa, Florida. He said NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, is examining his credentials. Jim said he and Eva are really in no rush to leave Italy but are willing to go if the job is right.

On another topic, I apparently spammed some of you recently via an email I never sent. It must be that Nigerian pot of gold I keep chasing. There has to be some truth to all those “Dear Sir, I have recently come into a great deal of money” emails, right? For this spam, I am embarrassed, bewildered and apologize.

But David Ames took this as an opportunity to

feed me some ... data. Well played, BR Ames, very clever: “Subject: Boom Spam. Greetings from ‘da Bahamas! Fourth trip over here in my Mooney without a hitch, although my starter may be acting up, so maybe I’ll have to stay longer! And there is no air conditioning mechanic on Staniel Cay. Wonder if any Bahamians know how to hand prop? Anyway, I wanted you to know your two recent emails hit my ATT spam folder sandwiched nicely between ones from some scam mortgage offer and a message from the president of the Bank of Nigeria! Just letting you know you are in fine company! See ya, BR! Dave Ames.”

I don’t have much supporting information or data, but rumor has it that U.S. Army Col. Mike Ceroli also retired from the Green Machine in May. Congratulations, Mike! Send me some pictures.

I ran into Darren Sawyer (now a Navy senior executive service bigwig, like a civilian general/flag officer) a few times in the Pentagon during the past few months. Darren is just as big, just as soft-spoken, unassuming, sharp and dangerous looking as I have ever seen him. He works on the Naval Operations staff in the N2/ N6 directorate (Chief of Naval Operation’s staff for Information Dominance, although I am not sure if “directorate” is the right term). I am sure he is pulling that group together.

Semper fi, amigos, and I hope this makes it in time!

Matt

’86

Clint Hubbard

102 El Dorado Drive Richmond, VA 23229-5932 (H) 804/282-0117 rch.270@gmail.com

It is with sadness that I report the loss of two BRs, although with not a lot of detail. In separate events in March, we lost Maj. John Hairr and Curry May. BR Hairr was a member of the faculty at Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesboro, Virginia. In a press release from Fishburne, it was noted that Hairr was a “much beloved Spanish instructor and highly respected faculty member who inspired numerous cadets.” John is survived by his wife, Deborah, and their children. Dave Miller represented the Class of 1986 at John’s memorial service and was impressed with the genuine love and respect shown for a good man. That is quite a nice legacy. Rest in peace, Brother Rat Hairr.

We also got news that Curry May passed away in March 2014. BR May was with us for a short time in our 4th Class year and spent his time equally at the Rat Disciplinary Committee and the Washington and Lee fraternity

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES houses. He later graduated from the University of Georgia and became an attorney in Atlanta. BR May is survived by his wife and two children, I believe. Though he was only with us for a short while, Curry was a memorable young man in our rat year.

The loss of two of our own reminds us that our time here is only for a little while. That is why it is most important to keep in touch with one another.

Reach out and say hey to a BR you haven’t connected with in a while. It will make both of you feel good.

The Keydet basketball team had a good year.

They came up short in the Big South but made a postseason run in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament, making it all the way to the semi-finals and losing to Yale University in Cameron Hall.

A group of BRs gathered to watch the game televised on the CBS Sports Network, including Jay Ball (and Jennifer), Paul Burch, Wayne Fuller, Clint Hubbard and Bob Rainer. Special guests included Chris Ashworth, who was visiting the U.S. from Denmark, and Mikey Calkins Jr. – also known as Matt Morgan ’87. It was a good time other than the game, because the Yale Bulldogs were a much better team than I expected them to be, and they took it to us convincingly. Nevertheless, the Keydet players D.J. Covington ’14 and Rodney Glasgow ’14 had stellar seasons and good careers at VMI. The parties continue. Way back in the heart of the dark ages, mid-February, there was another birthday party. The party was for our very own Sergeant Cabell – that is Cabell, R.S. Among the attendees celebrating Bob’s 50th year on this earth were Scott Wagner, Clif Tinsley, Rob Mason, Carl Gitchell and Scott Gitchell. Given that list, it seems obvious that there should have been a deputy sheriff or two or even perhaps a federale of one stripe or another. Far be it from me to embarrass any of the no-shows, but his initials are (shh) Jenkins, J.M. In the interest of time and space, henceforth, we’ll utilize the acronym JJWT (Jim Jenkins wasn’t there) to confirm the absence of BR Jenkins at any given event. We’ll probably be using it a lot. I am told that the behavior got so randy that Wagner and the Gitchell brothers broke not only all of their New Year’s resolutions, but also two of the Ten Commandments. And it’s only mid-February!

Their motto is, “We may be 50, but we can still raise hell like two 25-year-olds.”

After a hiatus of several years, GrimmFest returned as Dave Grimm celebrated his 50th in early May 2014 with a great party in Montclair, Virginia. The attendees included Bob Cabell, Rich Hill, Tim Keilty, Rob Mason, Todd McCullough, Dave Miller, Dan Monahan, Eric Morehouse and Jeff Smiley.

Being host offered BR Grimm the opportunity to show off his culinary skills around a grill and

2014- Issue 3

smoker. He even had a whole pig on his famous GrimmPit. Bill Barber officially retired from the U.S. Army Reserve after 28 years. Bill was effusive and generous in his comments about all the folks with whom he served over those 28 years. I’m pretty sure BR Barber is still slugging it out as a beltway bandit, commuting through the hordes in northern Virginia to his day job. So, Army Reserve retirement or not, other than the free fourth weekend per month, his life probably won’t change radically. Nevertheless, well done and thanks for your service, BR! Speaking of retirement, Tim Spivey has hung up his badge. He didn’t just retire from the Reserve, he quit altogether. It seems the Goat had topped out for his pay grade, as well as retirement benefits, after about 25 years or so of service to the Chesterfield Police Department, so the old boy is fully retired. Before Tim repairs the rocking chair on his porch and begins yelling at the neighborhood kids to “stay off the lawn!” he has been assuming lacrosse referee duties across Virginia. I witnessed one game where BR Spivey was the referee and heard that melodious whisper of his from the other end of the field! His new-found freedom in retirement will allow the Goat to ratchet up his focus on the potential suitors of his lovely daughters. Who wouldn’t want to be a fly on the wall and watch those interchanges when some young buck comes courting the Spivey girls? I swear, I am laughing out loud right now.

Former townie (and my old roomie) Rob Meador checked in from the west coast of Florida with some big news. Rob was never a man to do things partially. Over the course of 2014, he has started a new job back in municipal engineering with Pinellas County as a traffic engineer and has plans to be married in August 2014. BR Meador didn’t say if the August date set for the nuptials is Aug. 18, but it would be an easy date to remember. You know what Dave Grimm might say! We offer our congratulations and look forward to meeting Mrs. Meador.

In April, I had a quick trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and wanted to catch up with Scott Harbula. Scott had very graciously offered to try and take me to the famous Beaver Liquor Store in nearby Beaver, but we were not able to connect.

Sorry, BR Harbula. It’s on me – hope we can manage it the next time.

The notes wouldn’t be complete without an update of Stewart “High Life” Barnes. In mid-April, I get a phone call whining about “being picked on in the pages of Alumni Review.” (I thought at first it might be Jim Urie or Roman Malavet, but they never call or write.) Initially, I agreed to back off with the jabs at Stew’s lifestyle of the rich and famous until BR Barnes casually mentioned he is on his way to Pinehurst to play Pinehurst No.

2. For those who may not be golfers, Pinehurst No. 2 is one of the premiere golf courses in the country. It is the site of the 2014 U.S. Open and has hosted that event in the past. To think that a duffer like Barnes, S.L., is hacking around such a nice course while the rest of us (with the exception of BR Spivey) are at work trying to keep the global economy moving along is indeed number two. Make that a male bovine’s number two.

Well, it wasn’t much, but that’s it for another edition. Best wishes as you continue to celebrate the big 5-0 this year, and keep in touch with one another. Send me a brief update when you have a minute, and we’ll update all the BRs as to your whereabouts and the happenings in your world.

We’re all still wondering about where in the world John Rapacki, Paul Simroth, Glen Ralston and/ or Tim Young are. Take care, brother rats!

’87

Gerry Tertychny

205 Royal Colven Drive Yorktown, VA 23693 757/872-6829 keydet87@gmail.com

Brother Rats, In the “small world” category, Bill McCarthy checked in from Richmond and related a story from February. Bill was walking into a restaurant in Teton Village at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming, and the first thing he heard was, “Yo, Fatdog!” Bill looked to his right, and there was Wilson Brown and his wife, Cheryl. Wilson and Cheryl had just happened to drop in for the night between trips to Big Sky Resort in Montana and Park City, Utah. On top of that, the next morning there was a foot of new snow, and Wilson and Bill were able to ski the entire day and then enjoy dinner together. It’s always fun to run into a brother rat, and judging by the way they look in the photo Bill sent, the years have been good to both him and Wilson.

Macon Snowden dropped me a line from Washington, D.C. Although he had knee surgery in early May, he expects to be running again in time for the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2014. Macon is working for the Navy at the Pentagon as a civilian and serves as the executive officer of a Navy Reserve Defense Intelligence Agency unit where he was slated for some summer training at the U.S. Embassy in London. In addition to that, and in his “spare” time, he is still working on his house in McLean, Virginia, giving it a complete facelift including drywall, plumbing and electrical. So, if you need some home renovation pointers, you can call Macon, who is on a first-name basis with the guys down at his local Home Depot. Maybe he’ll get his own show on HGTV. U.S. Army Col. John Lightner recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. John served there as the adviser to the Kabul chief of

123

CLASS NOTES police. Since he returned to the U.S., he and his family have taken up residence in northern Virginia, and John is working at the Pentagon on the Joint Staff where he is involved in planning efforts concerning Europe, NATO and Russia.

Owen Curly also emailed a few months ago.

He and his family are in Annapolis, Maryland, where they have lived for almost 20 years. Owen commutes to Baltimore and works as a legal adviser there.

Virginia Army National Guard Col. Doug Messner has been in the news. The Fort Pickettbased 183d Regiment, Regional Training Institute that he commands was recently declared an “Institute of Excellence” following an accreditation process conducted by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Working toward this accreditation for more than a year, Doug and his soldiers have exceeded the TRADOC standards for training facilities and training delivery, earning a 98 percent rating. Doug’s regiment is composed of the RTI headquarters and three battalions and is responsible for the Infantryman Military Occupational Specialty Qualification Course, the Light Leaders’ Course, the Rappel Master Course, the Motor Transport Operator Course, the Officer Candidate School and the Warrant Officer Candidate School. The 183d’s achievement marked the first time that the regiment was evaluated as a whole rather than the focus being on its subordinate battalions, as in the past. Of course, Doug credits the regiment’s success to his soldiers’ abilities, knowledge, experience and commitment, though I think his leadership had something to do with it. Well done, Doug, and thank you for your continued service!

I had the opportunity to make it over to VMI in April 2014 for the Class of ’84’s 30th Reunion.

I was able to meet up with my dyke, Jim Hoy, as well as both of my uncle dykes, Chris Hively and Bill Blazer. It was great to see them and quite a few other personalities from ’84 after so many years. I also spent some time with Bill Wanovich in the barracks during the Old Yells. I suppose that Bill was taking notes in anticipation of his next job.

Last, I was able to meet up with some alumni representing classes ranging from 1962 to 2000 at a lunch on New Market Day in Suffolk, Virginia. It’s always good to gather as alumni on New Market Day, wherever we find ourselves, to take a few moments to commemorate the actions of the New Market Corps and pause to remember those who went before us. Present were John Cummings ’62, Mike Ernzen ’74, Bill Pennypacker’74, Dave Sadowski ’80, Boyd Gaines ’80, Bill Blazer ’84, Dan Gaskell ’92, Randy McMath ’99, Dale Durlach ’99 and West Whetstone ’00.

In the spirit, Gerry

124

’88

Sam Tate

4421 Berwick Place Woodbridge, VA 22192 571/659-0904 samtate88va@gmail.com

Brother Rats, I hope this all finds you doing well and, by the time this is published, rolling into the end of the summer. I know some of us have children starting college very soon. My son, Joe, is starting at Northern Virginia Community College and plans to transfer to George Mason University. It seems like all of us are enduring one type of transition or another, whether with our jobs or with our families.

In terms of transition, the following cadets should be joining the latest rat mass in August: Jake Friewald, Todd Friewald’s second Keydet; John Keppler’s son, Bubba; and Walt Coleman’s son, Sam. John Gillespie wrote recently: “Today I am still in the Republic of South Sudan through at least the end of this month (May). The State Department is ‘hibernating’ its various training programs for the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army due to the ongoing fighting between forces loyal to President Kiir (of the Dinka tribe) and rebels loyal to former Vice President Machar (of the Nuer tribe). On this day, the leadership of both warring parties is meeting in Addis Ababa to determine the way ahead. That said, the second peace agreement that was signed since the fighting began lasted all of 24 hours, as intense fighting is going on in and around the capital of Unity State as I write this email to you. A week ago, Secretary of State John Kerry and four days ago Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations visited Juba. I also get to touch upon the good work that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development is doing to establish a (cease-fire) monitoring verification mechanism to end the violence, establish a transitional government and ratify a permanent constitution. But I should be departing perhaps by the end of May and leaving IGAD to come up with an African solution to establish the peace, so that one day we can return to pick up where we left off in regard to professionalizing the military of South Sudan.

On the home front, the 113-year-old house we lived in for a dozen years went through serious asbestos abatement with crews removing plaster, roof tar, window caulk, pipe wrapping, etc.

It should be going under the wrecking-ball this very day to make room for an expansion of the American Public University System. My wife, Kim, works for three different schools at APUS which composes both the American Public University and the American Military University.

We relocated from the very street where the

commonwealth of Virginia hung the abolitionist John Brown back in 1859 after his failed raid on the Federal arsenal in nearby Harpers Ferry.

You will note the governor of Virginia had the state try him for crimes that largely took place on Federal property. Something I never learned at VMI was that the Corps of Cadets from VMI, under the leadership of General Francis H. Smith and Major Thomas J. Jackson, were called into service as a security detail in the event Brown’s supporters attempted a rescue. Still yet, Silas Soule penetrated the Jefferson County Jail to rescue Brown but was refused, as Brown thought it was more important that he be martyred. We are all familiar with the results. Kim and I have moved closer to Martinsburg and invite anyone passing through the area to come visit.”

Bill Powers checked in with the following update: “Our oldest, Jessica, will be attending Christopher Newport University in August to major in environmental biology. Middle daughter Abby will be a high school senior and has been dating the son of a U.S. Naval Academy alum for the past few years. (He’s been trying to get Abby to consider the ‘dark side’ in Annapolis.) Nathan will be a high school sophomore.

Karen has made a nice recovery since fall 2010.

She still occasionally uses a cane, but she has been working as a home hospice volunteer for our local hospital. I’m still working in Roanoke, going on 22 years. It has been interesting living in one place with the kids having been born and raised here, particularly since I moved an average of every two years as an Army brat.”

Mike Coleman is doing very well in Japan.

Mike is serving as the vice commander and chief of staff for Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan until July 2014. He was selected as a Navy reservist to fill the gap for six months. Mike writes: “It’s a great job but unaccompanied for now, so I’m looking forward to seeing my family when they come in June. I can see that my BRs are doing well and look forward to seeing the D.C./northern Virginia crew this summer.” Mike sent photos from Prime Minister Abe’s cherry blossom viewing party in Tokyo April 12, 2014,

Class of 1988: Brian Keith and Brian Hatheway, October 1986, posing inside VMI’s New Barracks, near sally port.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES spoke with Curran Bowen several times on the phone as we coordinated participation for Terry McMillian’s funeral. Chris Starling and I have been able to have coffee in the Pentagon a few times in the past several months, and Hugh McGloin is always a joy to drag out of his cubby hole on the fifth floor of the Pentagon for some sunlight. In the ongoing “where in the world is Tav” saga, Cloyd Tavenner wrote to say he is back from China and in Phoenix, Arizona. Greg Connor is serving in Hawaii at Pacific From left, Jim Florio, John Keppler and Lew Command. Brian Hatheway emailed Sigmon. recently to share some memories of Brian Keith and sent in a photo.

Several other BRs checked in to offer support for the McMillian and Keith families, including Tom Knox, Dave Williams and Tom Reimann. In the last several months, I have had brief email exchanges with Trace West, Calvin Williams, Mike Wood, Bobby Harris, Eric Diehl, Shawn Dooley, John Wanat and Jason Dudjak. Jason returned to Germany from Afghanistan in March. We are glad that he returned safely. Andrei Urtiew is doing Class Agent Sam Tate said of this photo, well in in Chicago, Illinois, living with “Mike McGraw in a rare, serious moment.” his wife, his dog and a recently born son. “Life can’t get any better than that!” Brian Lewis recently retired from the Pennsylvania State Police in February after 25 years of service. He is living in Mount Union, Pennsylvania, and really enjoys keeping up with his BRs on Facebook. Mike Vitulano stepped down after 13 seasons of being the assistant wrestling coach at Secaucus High School in New Jersey.

Mike wrote: “I left on a good note, as From left, Adam Volant and Joe Swider entwo of my wrestlers placed in the state joyed the moment with the guest of honor, championships at the Atlantic City Bill Cronenburg.

Boardwalk Convention Hall in March.

I decided that coaching varsity sports in three consecutive seasons year in and year out with members of the CNFJ staff.

I had the pleasure during the past few months to is tough, and I wish to spend more time with my touch base with the following BRs on the phone, family. One day, I hope my 3-year-old son, Mikey, via email or in person: Al Cuellar retired from the will take up wrestling. Maybe then I can coach him Navy in June. Al was able get several BRs together in the future.” I checked up with Chris Goerner as in Coronado, California, for what we hope is a he was sitting down to help his son with seventh periodic event. He sent a special thanks to Mike grade math. By the time you read this, he will be in Owen and Garith Palme for making time to have the eighth grade. Let’s hope Chris’ math skills are lunch in March. “Holly and I enjoyed catching up improving, as well.

Two events in the Virginia area continue to keep with Mike and Garith ... and as always, VMI stories were at the forefront of the conversation. Garith going strong. For those BRs in Richmond, Virginwas down from Sacramento, California, and Mike ia, Bob Clark, Frank de Venoge, Sean Cantrell, drove across from Tucson, Arizona, and spent time Tom Munno, Mack Carr and Rob Campbell with Wayne Sinclair and Chris Goff.” Hopefully, meet monthly on the second Wednesday of the the San Diego contingent can grow this event. I month at 6:30 a.m. at Aunt Sarah’s on 4205 West Class of 1988: May 2014 lunch in northern Virginia.

2014- Issue 3

Broad Street. In the northern Virginia area, John Keppler has kept the drumbeat by coordinating a group get-together once a month that is usually at the Globe and Laurel Restaurant outside of Quantico. The last group in early May included the following usual suspects: Mike McGraw, Sam Tate, Jim Florio, Tom Kennedy, Lew Sigmon, Joe Swider and Kirk Dewyea. The guest of honor was Bill Cronenburg who was home from Estonia for a few weeks and was able to join in a great visit with his BRs. Finally, join me in offering our condolences to the families of Terrence McMillian and Brian Keith, who passed away in February and April, respectively. Thanks also to our BRs who stepped up on behalf of VMI ’88. Lance Pickering coordinated the contingent for Terry’s funeral in Atlanta, Georgia, consisting of James Wright, Andy Andres and Tom Knox. Mike Anderson was able to make an additional memorial service in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I spoke to several members of Terry’s family after the funeral, and they all extended their sincere appreciation to the whole class for our support.

Brother Rats, I hope you enjoy reading these notes as much as I did compiling them. It was a joy to reach out and hear back from each one of you. As always, you can reach me at the following: VMI 88 Facebook page (join 222 BRs) 571-659-0904 (home) 703-772-0854 (cell) samtate88va@gmail.com

’89

Nathaniel L. Cross

2028 Babbling Brooke Lane Mechanicsville,VA 23111 804/779-2929 natcross89vmi@aol.com

“Any station this net, any station this net? Radio check over.” It’s been quiet out there. What are you up to? I can tell you that your reunion planners are hard at work. I would like to take this time to thank David Royer, Gary Bissell, Quinn Donovan, Wuzzer Rader, Tom “Buzzard” Spivey and Mitch Fridley. They have been working for the past several months to ensure that we have a great time.

Make sure you have turned in your registration information. Call someone, and make sure they have done the same. Practice your stories on the kids, and I’ll see you in a month! Nat out.

’90

Robert Clark

3220 Xanthus Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55447 612/802-7484 robclark18@gmail.com

Greetings, BRs, Family and Friends of 1990!

As I write this edition of the notes, my Facebook and email accounts are full of pictures of

125

CLASS NOTES the 150th New Market ceremony, commissioning ceremonies and cadet graduation. Spring is always full of promise at the Institute, and you can see the excitement and promise in the faces of those graduating 1st Class men and women.

Good luck to them all!

I hope all is well with you and your families and that spring has brought you renewed energy and promise for the year ahead.

Thanks to those BRs who sent me notes this quarter.

Congratulations are in order for Bill Arnold who has been selected to be the head of the Upper School at Ft. Worth Country Day School in Texas. Pete Tunnard passed along this wonderful news and shared that Bill has earned a reputation as one of the best teachers in Texas.

Congratulations to Chris Whittaker on his retirement from the Army in April. I understand Chris gave quite a performance at his Pentagon retirement ceremony, which had people wondering if he would be moving into the world of stand-up comedy in his new life. Glenn Dickenson, Bill Madison, Kenny Robinson and Doug Spitz were all able to make the ceremony.

Tom Pugh is on the move, having graduated from the Air War College in May. Tom is headed to Augusta/Fort Gordon, Georgia, to be the commandant for Signal School where he will join Trip Anderson, the current garrison commander for Fort Gordon. Tom’s Air War College classmate, Tim Bosetti, will head to Japan to command a medical brigade.

Congratulations to Chris Dixon who recently pinned on the rank of colonel in the Marines.

Chris recently completed command of 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, which took him to Afghanistan. He is stationed at the Navy War College in Newport, Rhode Island, for the next year with his next assignment still up in the air. Chris and his wife, Erin, are celebrating their son’s completion of his 4th Class year at VMI and their daughter’s acceptance to VMI. She will matriculate in the fall.

Bryan Haslam’s nephew, Wynn Haslam ’17, just finished his 4th Class year, as well. Bryan is able to get to VMI often from his home in Asheville, North Carolina, to check in on Wynn, a fourth generation VMI Haslam.

Finally, Terence Kerner filed a report from the VMI Alumni Richmond Club dinner in May. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was the guest of honor, and the Class of 1990 was well represented by Terence and his wife, Kelly; Barry Johnson; Tony Baker and his wife, Wendy; Rich Duke; and Sam Stocks.

As always, folks, it’s great to hear from everyone, and I welcome your cards, letters and emails. Keep them coming, and have a great summer!

Rob

126

’91

George Petty III

1613 Summit Drive Waynesboro, VA 22980 540/241-1127 george@vmialumni.org

It was nice to hear from so many of you during these past three months. I would like to say up front that when you read this, the class will soon begin planning the 25th Reunion. Please, please email me a current email address if you have not received an email since July.

For starters, Rufus Owen and Doug Yeabower ran the Park to Park Half Marathon in Waynesboro, Virginia. Both clocked better than expected times and felt it was a good run that was well organized and worth doing again in the future.

They spent most of the post-race day with Lorrain and me at our house, coaxing pizzas out of the wood-fired brick oven. Jack Daniels had planned to run but last minute family matters prevented him. Jack was glad for a scheduled event to prompt him to remain in running shape.

The race and the gathering at my house will be annual events held on the last Saturday in April.

Plan now to attend in 2015.

The VMI Keydets made an unexpected appearance in postseason basketball play this year. CollegeInsider.com sponsors the postseason CollegeInsider.com Tournament. I was able to attend two games at VMI, my first since leaving. What a blast! The semifinal game against Yale University was the most exciting game I have seen at Cameron Hall, other than that multiple-overtime win against East Tennessee State University our 2nd Class year. While at these games, I saw Roger Jarrell, Dave Peters and Bob Cole. Roger, Dave, their significant ones and I met at Macado’s restaurant after one game. Roger has been elected as chairman of the Rockbridge County Republicans.

The taller Yale team won, which knocked the

Keydets out of the tournament. If VMI had won, the final game would have been at Cameron Hall.

If you have not seen the Keydets play basketball recently, do try if they are playing near you.

Eric Burks has retired from the Navy after almost 23 years. He is working for Booz Allen Hamilton in Crystal City, Virginia. At the same office is Dan Kelley. Dan just joined the ranks of O-6 in our class. Pete Dillon reported Dan is now a captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Pete also mentioned that Craig Streeter, yet another BR to reach colonel in the Marines, has been named head of the Marine Corps combat art program.

This rare posting is special in that an active duty colonel is rarely placed in this billet. We can all expect some totally kick-butt U.S. Marine Corps T-shirts and Zolloman’s posters in the near future.

B.Z., Craig!

Kai Torkelson had an official meeting in Hawaii and sprung tickets out-of-pocket to take wife Beth and their daughter with him. Stationed in Hawaii are Greg Booth and Don Cribbs. Greg has been enjoying long walks on the beach. Wait.

That’s not right. Greg only runs. He has been enjoying many beautiful runs without the threat of frost-bitten ears. Dap Tillery made a family trip to Hawaii in spring 2014. He was able to briefly meet Greg and Don for a too-low-rez-for-print photo opportunity. Don also met with BR Gordon Lee on an off-island excursion.

Kai is another captain in the U.S. Navy. His latest bit of excitement will be chronicled in the notes that will appear in November. He and Tom McRary were both in the building during the Washington Navy Yard shooting.

Flip Secrist was promoted to colonel March 7, 2014, in a ceremony held at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Flip and his family (Lavonda, Jackson, Gabriel, Kyler and Julianna) will be heading off to the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in summer 2014. VMI will be just a short three-hour drive south on I-81. See you at

Class of 1991: March 7, 2014, Promotion Ceremony for Col. Flip Secrist.

From left, Flip’s parents, Phil and Betty Secrist; children, Kyler, Gabriel, Julianna and Jackson; wife, Lavonda; kneeling, Flip Secrist.

Phil and Betty Secrist; Kyler; Gabriel; Brig. Gen. Funkhouser, commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School; Flip Secrist; Lavonda; Julianna; Jackson.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1992: U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andy Tate, second from left, with three royal Marines who were corporals during the Falklands War. He met them at the annual Army Navy Match, the annual rugby match between the Royal Army and the British Navy, in Twickenham, England.

Class of 1992: Flip Robles, Jabba Andricos, Mike Perfetti and Neil Hennigan circled up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 16, 2014. a football tailgate or two.

Jon “Sponge” Greenspon is still instructing at Fork Union Military Academy. His wife, Melissa, also works at the academy. Son Jack is in the eighth grade and stays busy playing lacrosse.

Jon coaches the team. Daughter Shannon is learning to drive.

Evan and Mac Brown have moved the family to Europe. If your official travels take you that way, get him a message on Facebook and have a visit.

Mike Martin is back on the Waynesboro, Virginia, police force after several years of leave for active duty work with the Virginia National Guard. Mike and I hope to spend more lunches together at the Ming Garden in the food district of Waynesboro.

Tom Heffern reports: “Shannon and I took our kids (Caleb, Joe, Noah, Daniel and Lacey) out to see the Fuller family (Charles, Tessa, Lexi and Skyla) during spring break. Charles and Tessa live in San Diego, California, near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, so one of our activities was a visit to the Marine Corps Aviation Museum there.

We all took a picture in front of the venerable CH-46E Battle Phrog (definitely the best aircraft ever built). This particular bird carried the last passengers out of Saigon during the Vietnam War. After our museum visit, we had lunch at Kansas

2014- Issue 3

City BBQ in downtown, where some of the movie ‘Top Gun’ was filmed. Of course, we took in Disneyland and the beach. It was great reconnecting with the Fuller family. I wish San Diego wasn’t so dang far from Virginia. Life is good in Stafford.

I have many, many projects. I’m trying hard to get my garden as good as yours, but I don’t think it gets enough sun, and I’m constantly battling the deer and rabbits.” Tom included a picture, but since I was clueless and did not realize everyone was not named in the picture, it will have to wait until the November issue to be printed.

Dean and Susan Bailey went to VMI for the New Market parade. The parade was canceled for inclement weather. Not to downplay the serious threat of lightening on massed formations, but wasn’t that scrimmage between Siegel’s and Breckenridge’s forces that included the Corps of Cadets 150 years ago played out in inclement weather, direct artillery fire and direct musketry?

Spike Watson wrote from Khandahar, Afghanistan, to say his time there is winding down.

This will be his last tour there. Get some rest and spend time with the young’uns, BR. Yet another colonel is Chip McLean who pinned the bird August 2013. He is in Jordan until November as the U.S. Central Command forward J5.

George Inge and I spoke on the phone yesterday. He has moved to Crozet and sees Kevin Rumsey. Kevin coaches George’s daughter in some sport thing. Sorry, George and Kevin, I can’t recall. Consider it an opportunity to reach out again.

Scott Smith, yet another Navy captain, messaged me to announce his plans to attend the graduation ceremony at VMI May 16.

There have been more cracked, dinged and stolen class rings. Please get an insurance rider on your home insurance to cover the ring.

The replacement cost for a 10 carat ring is still more than $3,000. Yes, Art Carved is supposed to replace it free, but you must have all the original paperwork and receipts. If you do, get notarized copies and put them in a fire safe. If you do not, get the insurance. I am charged a whopping $2 per month by USAA. In closing, I want to post again the instructions for dealing with Art Carved, now Balfour.

Resizing your ring is covered free for lifetime.

1. Go to a jeweler, and size your finger.

2. Make a detailed note of why you are sending the ring to Balfour. Include your name, return mailing address and telephone number.

3. Include a check for $14.95 made to Balfour Company (return shipping fee).

4. Put all of the above into a padded envelope and ship UPS or FedEx to Balfour Company ATTN: Repairs, 7211 Circle S Road, Austin, Texas, 78745.

5. I would highly suggest inquiring for extra insurance. Ring replacement for 10 carat gold is now around $3,000.

6. If you need to speak with someone, call 1-800531-5055, choose option three and ask for Martha Noriega in the college special ring section.

7. You should receive your ring back in two to four weeks.

To get a replacement ring, begin by contacting Lisla Cowles at the Alumni Association, email lcowles@vmiaa.org, or call 1-800-444-1839, extension 228.

William Woodward

’92

5930 Westchester Street Alexandria, VA 22310 703/924-1844

woodyandleslie@verizon.net

Andy Tate

7 Warwick Way Stafford, VA 22554 910/554-1762 mars92@aol.com

Gentlemen, Straight to the updates, here’s the latest from your BRs: Bob Burgess writes that he “retired from the Marine Corps in December after 21 years

127

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1993: Tony Saraceni, at the helm, and Matt Gallienne, at the front of the bow, reunited after 12 years. They took a boat trip from Syracuse, New York, to New York City, boated around the Statue of Liberty and returned.

Saraceni’s boat is a 30-foot 1958 mahogany Richardson that he completely restored. The VMI spider and U.S. flag flew proudly. of reserve/active, enlisted/commissioned service.

It was a small ceremony; Chris Phelps was the retiring officer. Brother rats in attendance, beside Chris, included Shannon Terhune, Franco Neto and Keith Peloquin. I moved to Delaware where I’ve accepted a position with JPMorgan Chase in the field of compliance.”

Lt. Col. Andy Tate traveled to London in May 2014 and ran into Jay Frey and his family. Mars reports that Jay is on the Supreme Allied Commander Europe staff in Belgium but will be moving back to the states in summer 2014.

Maj. Todd Pegg updates that he is “still at VMI, and this year, it will be the training, advising and counseling officer marching with the cadets from Lexington to New Market. Since it is the 150th anniversary, we’re playing a big part in the subsequent reenactment at the battlefield and doing the

march in period attire, head to toe.”

John Ward let me know that he and his son traveled to Lexington for the New Market anniversary.

Alas, the parade was canceled due to chance of rain. I guess the Institute had better liability coverage in 1864.

U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. John Driscoll writes from Key West, Florida, that he’s there “at least for the next 10 days. I’ll be relieved as commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Thetis May 22, 2014, after two years aboard the ship.

AnnMary, the kids and I head to D.C. next where I’ll be the chief of Drug and Migrant Interdiction at Coast Guard headquarters. After 17 years, I’ll finally be back in Virginia and might actually see some BRs.” Woody Woodward emails that “things are going well up here in Alexandria. I just found out I got picked up for O-6 (captain) in the Navy Reserve.

My son, Will Jr., is graduating from high school in June 2014 and will be matriculating to VMI in August.”

Doug Vincent messages: “We are doing well in Hawaii with the 25th Infantry Division and just welcomed a baby girl to the family. I recently talked to Dave Womack who is headed out here to Hawaii to take command of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team in the 25th Infantry Division. I also spoke with Jon Jeffreys, who is on another stint in Afghanistan, and Race Yu, who is still in D.C. as the military attaché for the Taiwanese Army.

We will be moving to VMI in July, where I have activated off the alternate list to serve as the VMI Army professor of military science – a great way to round out a career by finishing where I started.

I’m looking forward to seeing all the BRs at the football games in the fall.”

As always, I appreciate the updates and know your BRs do, too.

Class of 1993: From left, Brian Cox, David Hoy and Steve Thrasher at VMI. This is my last edition of the class notes. Woody kindly agreed to take over my role going forward. I enjoyed the last five-plus years helping Andy promote the interests of our class, reconnecting with many of you and staying current regarding your various life events and accomplishments. Thanks for letting me serve, and particular thanks go to Andy who has made my job easy. That marsupial has been selflessly serving our class for more than 14 years, so let him know how much we appreciate his efforts. Please also keep Woody up to date for the class notes. Best of luck to all, and I hope to see you at the 25th.

Very best regards, Adam

’93

Class of 1993: At the New Market Day remembrance at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar, were Joe Pickenpaugh ’08, Rich Goodman, Matt Bowers and Larry Ryan ’68.

128

Jim Sharp

618 Lamar Ave. Charlotte, NC 28204-2318 704/609-5252 jimsharp93@carolina.rr.com

I am writing these notes as we are still digesting the sad news of the loss of our brother rat, Bill Butler. I can say that this was a shock to our entire class. I heard from many classmates who thought well of Bill and expressed their memories of his enthusiasm for life. At the time of his death, Bill was the owner of a pizza restaurant in Bozeman, Montana, called Pizza Campania and had just opened a hostel for backpackers. Tom Ripley and Hans Sylvestor were close to Bill and are heading out to Montana at the time of this writing. Tom mentioned the three of them went skiing every year.

The following was submitted by David Hoy on his trip for New Market Day festivities.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES “Had a good time yesterday despite the weather (pouring rain). The New Market Day parade was canceled due to inclement weather, and the actual ceremony took place in Jackson Memorial Hall. Mother ‘I’ was a hub of activity with the commissioning ceremony going on in the morning when we arrived and graduation scheduled for today (May 16). Steve Thrasher, Brian Cox and I spent a good part of the morning in barracks and around campus. The state of the infrastructure is in excellent condition. New and/or renovated facilities are everywhere, and they had just broke ground on the new physical training facility ($120 million, I think) that will be next door to the basketball stadium. While we were walking around, we ran into Paul Ackerman ... correction ... Professor Ackerman and promptly decided to head off post and grab a bite to eat and a few beers. Paul and family are doing well, and Paul is about to complete his doctorate degree. Paul mentioned that his son decided to attend VMI and will be matriculating in summer 2014. Can you believe that?

On a more somber note ... while standing at the base of the statue of ‘Virginia Mourning Her Dead,’ we spent some time remembering our fallen BR, Bill Butler. We each had vivid memories of Bill from our days at VMI and agreed that he would be missed.”

In April, Craig Chwojdak chimed in to request a care package from VMI to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard E Goodman II. Richard was recently deployed to Afghanistan for AprilOctober 2014. Craig, this is a good reminder that if anyone knows of a classmate posted overseas, let me know, and we will get a package out. Speaking of classmates overseas, Matt Bowers checked in with some pics of the New Market Day remembrance at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar. According to Matt, “Rich is in charge of Air Force personnel movements in and out of Afghan. I am the deputy operations group commander in charge of the night flying ops on base, and I’m still flying as an instructor pilot in the KC-135. I get to fly on most of the other aircraft here as a flight observer. Mainly, I’m the old guy asking questions that everyone has to worry about.” Thanks, guys, for your service.

Fellow Company G member Brian Jordan checked in after hearing about Bill. He mentioned that Brian, Bill and Brian Canaday were 4th Class roommates, which I can just imagine created many laughable events. Brian mentioned his son will be attending VMI. He did not specify whether it was voluntary or not. I don’t know if everyone recalls, but Brian graduated with a physics degree and constantly tinkered with things when he was at school. It appears that hobby turned into a career. “I am in southern Maryland, for now, doing government

2014- Issue 3

contract work. However, I want to get out of that and focus more on the private sector. Our current project is working digit prosthetics.”

God bless VMI. Jim

’94

Clay Campbell

7263 Joffa Circle Warrenton, VA 20187 (H) 703/507-9108 classagentvmi94@gmail.com

“After 17 years as class agent, I have passed the torch to Clay ‘Pig’ Campbell. I know he’ll do a great job for our class. I’d like to thank Hope Hennessey, Margaret Weimer and Jordan Moore for making the Alumni Review a first-class publication. I’d like to thank Carole Green for her great help with the reunions. I’d like to thank John Wranek ’85 and Norma Robinson for helping out with my class agent responsibilities. I’d like to also thank Adam Volant ’88 for his great leadership with the Alumni Association. I would especially like to thank my wife, Susan, for proofreading 68 sets of class notes. It has been a pleasure serving as your agent. Thank you for allowing me the privilege.” -Chris Doyle.

Let me start by saying that I look forward to serving as your class agent, and I’m both honored and humbled to take the torch from Chris and represent the Class of ’94. It was great seeing all our brother rats who were able to make the trip back to post. For those who could not make the trip, we had dinner Saturday night, April 26, in the Center for Leadership and Ethics. Adam Volant ’88 spoke to the class about how VMI was moving forward and told us about the shadow boxes surrounding the walls inside the hall. These shadow boxes contain the medals of every alumnus who has earned a medal with valor. Chris asked that donations be made to cover the cost of the shadow boxes and medals for our brother rats who have earned such awards. I set up a class account with Wells Fargo bank and deposited the donations received to date. This account will be used to cover expenses such as the shadow boxes, memorials, flowers, etc. I received a list of brother rats who have earned medals with valor, but I am not sure the list is complete.

Currently, I have in no particular order, Justin Sapp, Jon Lauder, Ty Johnson, Adam Strickland, Jeff Guild, Brian Collins, Ryan Croley, Dave Underwood, J.R. Teal, Michael Eason, Mike Runkle and Brad Reese. Please forgive me if I have missed any BRs, and if anyone has additional information, please reach out to me at classagentvmi94@gmail.com.

It always amazes me when returning to VMI or running into a brother rat how everything

seems to pick up exactly where we left off.

Upon reuniting with a BR, who we may not have seen for 15-plus years, the conversations and jokes immediately begin as if we were apart for a weekend. It does help that we have the technology today such as Facebook to stay in touch to an extent, but nothing beats the face-to-face banter. Friday, April 25, our BRs descended on Lexington and went about their various activities. There was a golf outing arranged with the help of Cory MacCallum, a lunch at Southern Inn attended by the likes of Cory MacCallum, Jimmy Bratina, Will Gorman, John Cunningham, Jason Nichols, John Campbell, Max Bulloch, Chris Cooldige and Chris Meyers. I arrived in town late and met up with Ed Hoskins and Chris Doyle to handle the important things such as picking up the kegs and getting the beer on ice. We migrated over to John Campbell’s mountaintop estate to mingle with everyone at the pre-party. Louis Louis, Pete Major, Juney Harding, Sean Lanier, J.P. Lynch, Matt Camfield plus many more were in attendance. The party at McKethan Park was well attended with many BRs I had not seen in quite some time. It was good spending time with Nathan Rush and hearing about what he’s been doing since graduation. Nathan is stationed at Quantico and is working on non-lethal weapons systems for the Marine Corps, which is fitting for Nathan. He and the family are living in Stafford, Virginia. Phil Starling arrived Friday night having just returned from a trip to Canada with his family. He and Tanya are expecting their second child in summer 2014.

I watched Phil play in the alumni rugby game Saturday, April 26. Notice I said “watched.”

I’m old, fat and know my limitations. Phil represented for the Class of ’94, and a good time was had by all. Chris Tujo came in from Portland, Oregon, and we caught up at the dinner Saturday night. He is a financial adviser and is very active in swimming, especially open water swims. I got to speak to Tammy Goldsmith briefly at the party, but every time I turned around, that little GQ-looking male model husband of hers, Sean Goldsmith, kept showing up. They are still living in Roanoke, Virginia, and Sean is the principal at Integrity Engineering, PC. Please try and look your age before we see each other again, Sean. That means grow a beer gut, get some gray hair; hell, compromise and lose some hair.

It was also good to see my roommate, Chris Doss, bury the hatchet in his pointy little six head and relive some memories of 163. I tried explaining to him that if he would grow a beard, he could do a comb up and over. Chris got married last year and brought his wife, Holly, to the reunion. I’m hoping that she was not too shocked by all the stories she heard. P.S. Yes,

129

Class of 1994: Present at the reunion were Dikran Akseraylian, Matthew T. Ankrum, Timothy W. Bailey, Carter G. Baldwin, Hernan Barrero, John D. Bonner, James E. Bratina, Robert C. Browning, Robert H. Brumley III, Maxwell K. Bulloch, Matthew L. Camfield, John M. Campbell, M. Clayton Campbell, Joseph A. Casey, Corey C. Cheers, Jason A. Cincilla, Richard M. Clark, Robert L. Clark Jr., Christopher M. Coolidge, Stewart M. Copenhaver, Curtis R. Crowder Jr., Dustin H. DeVore, Sean C. Dickman, Christopher S. Doss, Charles L. Downs Jr., Joseph E. Dupre, Gerald L. Escobar, Danny W. Felty, Brian J. Froehlich, Sean C. Goldsmith, William R. Gorman II, Michael R. Grippo, Christopher N. Gros, Jeffrey D. Guild, William L. Harding Jr., Mark W. Hazelwood, James C. Hewitt, Edward W. Hosken III, Dale E. Hybl, Thomas H. Johnson Jr., Roger W. Jones, George M. Karavetsos, B. Christoffer Lagerholm, Francis J. Ligday III, Louis B. Louis IV, Jamel P. Lynch Jr., Peter C. Major, Charles F. McCallum III, Michael R. Meads, Kevin C. Miller, Steven D. Mills, Camillus B. Musselman, Christopher R. Myers, Jason D. Nicholls, Patrick J. O’Neil, John S. Payne Jr., Michael T. Peacock, Vinston L. Porter Jr., Jason R. Price, Christopher L. Ratchford, Bradley L. Rees, Damon R. Richardson, Clayton L. Ricks, Robin P. Riviere, Michael K. Runkle, Nathan M. Rush, George C. Schreffler III, Gregory M. Shaffer, Michael J. Slover, Phillip A. Starling, Russell P. Stein, Robert D. Taylor IV, Wilson C. Tucker, Christian F. Tujo, James J. Tyrrell, Kevin T. Vermillon, Steven P. Ward, Michael T. Weaver, Hilbert W. Wilkinson III, Leandro T. Worrell and Gerald S. Wright.

CLASS NOTES

20th Reunion – April 25-26, 2014

Class of 1994

130

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1994: From left, Damon Richardson, Rob Clark, Clay Campbell, Juney Harding, Jim Bratina, Cory McCallum, Chris Doyle and Matt Camfield at the reunion.

Class of 1994: Pig Campbell and Phil Starling giving the Old Yell.

Class of 1994: At lunch during the reunion were, from left, Penny Gros, Tiffany Bratina, Jim Bratina, Mike Slover, Beth Nicholls, Chris Gros, Tim Bailey, Pig Campbell, Jennifer Delmonte, Holly Doss, Chris Doss, Ivana Barrero, Hernan Barrero and Dustin Devore.

Class of 1994: At the Saturday night dinner during the reunion were, from left, Sean Lanier, Mike Grippo, Juney Harding, Rob Clark, Rich Clark, John Payne and Carter Baldwin.

Class of 1994: From left, front row: William Harding, Jamel Lynch, Vince Porter, Clayton Ricks and Damon Richardson. Back row: Chris Myers, Sean Lanier, Rob Clark and Lee Worrell.

Class of 1994: At a vineyard during the reunion were, from left, Rob Clark, Juney Harding, Damon Richardson, Chris Meyers and J.P. Lynch with their significant others.

Class of 1994: From left: Chris Doss, Clay Campbell, Jason Nicholls, Chris Gros, Nathan Rush and Tim Bailey.

the stories were all true, to the best of my recollection, certified ... I talked to Camillus Musselman Friday night; he is still living in Ohio. I asked him if he flew in for the reunion, and he informed me that he rode a skateboard, hitch hiked, hang-glided over mountains and even spent some time on the back of a donkey. To me, it just sounded like a lot of extra hassle. I would have just rented a car. At the request of Jason Nichols, we continued the festivities uptown at Macado’s. In attendance were Chris and Penny Gros, Tim and Mendy Bailey, Dustin Devore,

Chris and Holly Doss, Mike Slover, Nathan and Kim Rush, Hernan and Ivana Barrero, Rob Coleman, Fat Jimmy Bratina, and Jennifer and myself to name a few. The funny thing about this … Nichols was AWOL! He went to the room to get his man purse and never came back out. I later heard that a seam on his “manzier” broke, so he had to get his portable sewing machine from the car and spent the rest of the night fixing it. The stories and the adult beverages flowed until late into the night. All in all, I thought the reunion was great, and we could not

2014- Issue 3

Class of 1994: Roommates then and now, 20 years later. From left: Louis B. Louis, John Campbell and Jason Nicholls.

131

CLASS NOTES have asked for better weather Saturday. Many of the guys expressed the willingness to get back together for some mini reunions, and the idea of a football game in the fall was thrown out. I will reach out to everyone with the details as they take shape.

I also heard from some of our BRs who could not make the reunion. Dave Truslow was tending to his 11-month-old but says he hopes to make the next reunion.

Sean Murray is living in New York City teaching social studies in the Bronx and is still involved in theatre. He is the assistant director for a production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” which ran for three weeks in June. He and his wife are expecting their first child in September. Congrats, Sean and Heidi.

Buzz Lucas has been recently re-designated as a “senior” federal air marshal and just received word that his office in Phoenix, Arizona, is closing. Buzz is being relocated to the Los Angeles field office; I’m still awaiting word from Melody as to whether or not this is a good thing. I did get word that Buzz was smacked in the face by a rogue “tumble weed” around the same time the story broke, so I guess that answers that.

I spoke with Hernan Barrero at the reunion.

He will be retiring from the Marine Corps in summer 2014. Hernan has worked hard and earned his realtors license in his free time. He plans on remaining in the northern Virginia area and selling real estate for Keller Williams in Old Town Alexandria. Good luck, Hernan. We all know you will do well.

Chris Gros is in the process of retiring from the Marine Corps. He and Penny moved to Burke, Virginia. Chris is making a job of lying on the sofa and taking long rides on his Harley. He has expressed an interest in decoupage and origami but says his dream is to play banjo and rock the days away on his front porch. He keeps inquiring when I will ride on the back of his motorcycle. I told him that there are stipulations; I only ride in a side car, I want to wear a boxing helmet and he has to dress as Spiderman. I will keep everyone informed on how this turns out.

Please take a moment to reach out to Damon Richardson. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a doctorate degree in leadership education.

I also would like to congratulate our BR, Sean Lanier. He somehow coerced Emily to marry him, and now he is starting doctorate classes via the University of Pennsylvania Corporate Learning Officer program.

I spoke briefly to Rusty Stein to find out how everything was going for him in Austin, Texas.

In between him explaining to me how he got into the tight skinny jeans he was wearing and

132

that he “just loves the squeeze” they put on his body, I managed to gather some info. Rusty has put together a traveling act mainly for birthday parties, but he is earnestly trying to break into the highly competitive retirement home market.

Although his explanation was long and drawn out, I believe it has a lot to do with balloon animals, face painting and sock puppets. He did tell me that he just put down a large amount of cash on unicycle lessons, but he assured me the return on investment is tremendous. Rusty, I believe in you and would like to go ahead and extend an invitation for you to perform at our 25th Reunion.

For those BRs who like the wineries or the occasional beer, this is for you. I heard from Jim Todd. He and his wife, Shelia, have opened a fine wine and craft beer shop in Clemmons, North Carolina. The shop is called Grapes & Grains, and Jim says that he is offering a VMI discount. Tim Snow stopped in on the opening day, and Jim said they partook of an adult beverage while catching up. Anyone in the area should stop by and support Jim. I would like everyone to join me in congratulating Chris Valenti on his most recent accomplishment. Chris just ran the Marathon des Sables; it was a 150-mile marathon across the Sahara desert for six days. Chris ran this race to bring attention and awareness to “Remove the Limits,” an organization he has been involved with that supports the rights of individuals with disabilities to direct their own lives. Chris, I remember during our rat year on a bus to New Market when the cadre made you stand up and keep repeating, “I’m 100 pounds of rompin’, stompin’, blue, twisted steel.” It’s hard to believe those guys recognized that in you all those years ago. Congrats to you, Rachel and Theo.

In closing, I would like to once again say thank you from my heart for this honor of being your class agent. It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since we wore the uniform and walked those hallowed halls. It is comforting to know that even with the ups and downs of life, the stress of jobs, deadlines, children and the like, we have remained brothers. There were bonds formed over 20 years that have become the foundation for many friendships that hold true to this day. I could not have asked to be massed together with a better group of boys than those on that hot August day in 1990. We were broken and built back up as brother rats when we took the hill on a cold day in February 1991. We were respected, honorable men when we graduated that day in May 1994. Now, on any given day, as was evident at the reunion, the Class of 1994 has been and will always be, “The Best Class in Barracks.”

Always, Pig

Class of 1995: Ray Jaklitsch joined his brother rats one morning in Lejeune Hall while on his way to Texas. From left: Thom Brashears, Jamie Joyner, Brad Coleman, Marlin Ikenberry and Jaklitsch.

Thomas A. Brashears

’95

10938 Bristol Place Bealeton, VA 22712 540/460-8671 brashearsta@vmi.edu

Dan Williams

10226 Gertrude Circle La Vista, NE 68128 402/884-2386 williams_daniel@bah.com

Brother Rats ... These notes will unfortunately be somewhat limited. As I write these notes today, the Institute is preparing to celebrate and mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market. Also, commissioning is occurring for the Class of 2014 ... what an incredible time!

Tomorrow will be graduation, and then preparations begin in earnest for the next batch.

I heard from a few brother rats recently. Dan Williams joined me here in Lexington, Virginia, for the Volunteer Leaders Conference in April.

He, Jodie and the kids are doing well near Aberdeen, Maryland, where Dan continues to work for Booz Allen Hamilton and fulfill his obligations to the National Guard. Dan mentioned that John Koster is in that area as well.

I talk to Matt Reiner quite frequently. Matt and his wife, Vicky, have decided to move further west and will be occupying about 10 acres in the Culpeper, Virginia, area. They already have goats, chickens and a new dog to help them heard all those animals.

I received a note from Brian Kellner, who received his permanent change of station to the Chicago-land area to be the executive officer for Marine Air Control Group 48. Ray Jaklitsch

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES stopped by on his way out to Texas. He joined me, Jamie Joyner, Marlin Ikenberry and Brad Coleman in Lejeune Hall for a cup of coffee and told us some harrowing tales of traveling halfway across the country with cats. From all accounts, Ray is enjoying his new work with USAA. Brad Moses was in town for graduation. He is set to relinquish battalion command in summer 2014 and will assume duties as the executive officer to the commanding general of United States Army Special Operations Command. For those of you who don’t know, Larry Burris was selected for promotion to O-6 and will head to Fort Campbell to assume a brigade command, I believe, after he finishes the U.S. Naval War College later this summer. Congrats to Larry, his wife, Amy, and their beautiful girls.

As for me, life continues to be great here at the Institute, as I have immersed myself in the world of student financial aid. Feel free to reach out should you have any questions. Jill and the kids are doing well, and we even added a fourth dog.

As always, stay safe, be well and please let me know if you’re ever in town.

Rah Virginia Mil, Go Big Red! ’95,’95, ’95!

’96

Class of 1997: Steve Strachan and Chris Strock discussing Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations at a DPR Construction job site in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Peter Segersten 13945 South Springs Drive Clifton, VA 20145 703/203-0569 vmialum1996@gmail.com

Class of 1997: Addison Nicole Zirkle, daughter of Beth and David Zirkle.

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 1996.

’97

David Zirkle

8109 Barrowden Court Mechanicsville, VA 23116 keydet@alumni.virginia.edu

Facebook has been flooded with the gratifying spectacle of individual remembrances of the solemn anniversary of New Market. On a less solemn note, this is also the 20th anniversary of all the residents of 473 – Terry Ingram, Mark Perrault and me – passing out during our first New Market parade.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Billy Edmunds is about halfway through deployment to Afghanistan.

He’s apparently getting his fill of staff work as an air liaison officer at International Security Assistance Force Joint Command. Jay Adams and his wife, Kelley, got a new addition to their family, Charlotte Lee Adams, April 22, 2014. U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Bushman is back in Virginia, living in Alexandria and working for U.S. Army Cyber Command at Fort Belvoir. Shannon Ferguson was promoted to cost accounting supervisor at Flowserve Corporation in Chesapeake and is remarried to Lorie Simmons Ferguson. They have “a Brady Bunch family of six (Gaven, Olivia,

2014- Issue 3

Class of 1997: Mark Turner, left, with Jim Smythers and son Julian show their VMI pride in front of the Al Alam Palace in Muscat, Oman.

Former VMI roommates, Turner is posted at the U.S. Embassy in Muscat, and Smythers is at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Carter and Landry) with daughter Landry Shannon celebrating her second birthday March 26, 2014.” U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Taylor Edwards reports that he’s “closing out my tour at the Pentagon working on the Global Positioning System and moving to Paris, France, in July to work for NATO for three years. It’s a tough life, but I’m willing to make the sacrifice for my BRs.” Steven Strachan “ran into Chris Strock at a DPR jobsite in Charlottesville, Virginia, recently. One of the great things about VMI is that you never know when you will run into someone you know. But when you do, success is sure to follow!”

Beth and I have had an eventful year, the highlight of which came on Christmas Day with the arrival of Addison Noel Zirkle. Gary Compton and I ran the Hardywood Twilight 4 Miler in Richmond, Virginia, where we found Addison Hagan and Jerry White waiting at the finish.

Class of 1997: Charlotte Lee Adams, daughter of Jay and Kay Adams.

Addison has been busy with “The Field of Lost Shoes.” I ran into Jerry again when I spent the better part of 30 miles drafting off him during the annual Cap2Cap bike ride.

That’s all the news that’s fit to print this quarter.

Set your clocks for the next big celebration, the Institute’s bicentennial Nov. 11, 2039.

133

CLASS NOTES Hamel Reinmiller

’98

10138 S. Hudson Place Tulsa, OK 74137 (C) 918/640-9291 918/298-5508 HBRVMI98@Vmialumni.org

John A. Strock

3150 Patrick Henry Dr. Falls Church, VA 22040 vmi98classnotes@gmail.com

It’s that time again, so let’s just jump right in.

I heard from Steve, and I’m happy to report that the Nichols family is doing well. He became a volunteer firefighter with the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue in April. Between his full-time job at George Washington University, training, family and vacation, it is already becoming a busy summer. In March, when Shane Finley was in town, Shane, Lee Guill, Jason Harding, John Graef, Steve and Marc Schweigert all went to dinner at the Wine Kitchen in downtown Leesburg, Virginia (alumni owned).

Brendan Toolan was stationed in Korea but left to work at West Point, New York. He spent two years in Korea and had a great time. He and his wife are expecting their first child in November ... obviously pretty excited. Congrats, Brendan! Timmy O’Bryant is stationed in Korea and hung out with Brendan from time to time. Recently, Andy Beaman went to Korea for work, and the three of them hung out in Seoul. Andy is doing well and living in Roanoke, Virginia, with his family.

Congrats to Sean Williams on his official promotion to sergeant first class March 28, 2014. He is the operations sergeant/readiness/training noncommissioned officer for Forward Support Company 276th Engineer Battalion. He traded in his Audi a week before his birthday for a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Edition ... this to prepare for his eventual family man status. He is dating a wonderful woman who wants to get married and have kids. Sean says, “With me. At 38 ... I think I’m ready for that. Rah Virginia Mil.” Ed Allen, Katherine and their four girls just moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

J.C. de los Reyes and family just recently moved to Wellington, Florida, in Palm Beach County, which is about 40 minutes north of where they lived in Delray Beach. They wanted to be closer to their jobs and to move into a nicer, more family-friendly neighborhood. It has made their lives much easier and secures their kids’ futures for a long time to come, because it’s a great school district. He works for the Village of Wellington with the title of senior programs coordinator (more than five years now), running various youth sports programs including Little League (two seasons per year), boys and girls

134

basketball (two seasons), flag football, summer camp, summer basketball leagues, and other various duties and special events. He has a daughter, age 5, and a son, age 8. He is very much enjoying his first real home as an adult. Interesting tidbit – he has two VMI grads in the neighborhood. Class of ’98 BR Aaron Edmundson has a son in the Little League program, age 6, while his former Company A master sergeant, Josh Hawkins ’96, had two of his kids on J.C.’s son’s team. Small world.

Jim Peay and a group of guys met up and supported the VMI lacrosse team when they played High Point University March 8. The team lost 8-9, but they made a great run at the end of the game and almost tied before time expired. Steve Schwanke, Tim Remzi ’99, Tom Perrault ’96 and I spent the afternoon with our families. Great time to catch up with everyone. He had Tim Remzi ’99 and Aaron Bush ’99 over for dinner in the beginning of April. Tim lives about a mile from the Peays in Southern Pines, and Aaron will be moving back to Fort Bragg in June. Jim heard from Brandon Bissell in April. He was supposed to be moving to northern Virginia to work at the Pentagon but will now be moving to Suffolk, Virginia, to work on the Joint Staff (J7). John Moder will be moving from Camp Lejeune to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. He will be working at the Special Operations Command. John and Sherrie are doing great and staying busy with their two children, Ava and Jack. Kevin Trujillo is at SOCOM and will be deploying sometime this summer. Dave Nash is still in the Navy and is doing great. He is stationed at Fort Bragg as well. Jim just finished his job as an artillery battalion operations officer (S3) in the 4th Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. He will be at Fort Bragg in the 82nd Airborne for at least one more year. His new job will be the deputy commanding officer for the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery. The unit will activate in October 2014.

Most important news! As of this writing, Heather and Jim are expecting the birth of their daughter in

June. He will include details and some photos for the next class notes in the Alumni Review. They are incredibly excited and can’t wait.

Chad Novacek has been living in Lincoln, Nebraska, for the past six years and has just begun a career as a conductor with the BNSF Railway.

Happy in the heartland, he still pines for the days of living abroad and plucking gold from Caribbean shallows. It’s definitely an interesting job, and he gets to see a lot of territory. He’s on freight trains and keeps busy, which helps him dig out of student loan debt slavery. Chad wanted me to tell you all that he hopes you’re all living the dream and that your families are happy and healthy. He’s sorry for missing you during our 15th.

I heard from Mike Baumgardner, who is working in Philly and just finished his Master of Business Administration degree at Pennsylvania State University.

Thanks to everyone who submitted this round.

I will be posting some guidelines for submissions and making the deadlines earlier going forward.

A lot of great news coming out of our class.

Well done, boys.

’99

William Steinbach 6196 Edsall Road #210 Alexandria, VA 22304 804/938-3086 bill9d9@hotmail.com

Brother Rats, Happy New Market Day! As I write this, spring has finally arrived. For all of the complaining I heard about how long and hard winter was, I better not hear a word when it is 100 degrees out!

Notes are a little light this go-around. I didn’t hear from too many of you, but here goes.

Wes Barrow planned to finish his second master’s degree, a Master of Business Administration in international business, at Liberty University in June 2014. He is applying for a Doctorate

Class of 2000: Matt McComas, Tony Esteve and Matthew Keller attended the world premiere of “Field of Lost Shoes” in Alexandria, Virginia, May 2014.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES of Business Administration degree through Liberty in fall 2014.

Kevin Ryan says he will finish at the U.S. Naval War College and relocate to Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he will be the executive officer for Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2.

I talked to Jake Abell for a while a few weeks ago. He tells me work is keeping him busy, but he still has time to go run around Richmond, Virginia, with Ryan Bogese.

I got this from Nikki Gage, Billy’s wife. “This is Nikki, Bill’s wife, and I keep nagging him about class notes and reservations for y’all’s reunion! He thinks that one of my wifely duties is to also be his secretary, so this is from him: ‘Bill and family are still in Alexandria. Bill left the service last summer and has joined back with Leesburg Police Department. Nikki and Jacob are happy to have him home again, as he was gone entirely too much with his previous job.’ Bill loves being back with his department. We are expecting kiddo number two in October, and it’s a girl! Bill is a bit nervous about girl stuff, but we are very excited!” Thank you, Nikki, and congrats on the pending arrival. As for you, Billy, get your chin in. Having your wife send me your class notes. Weak sauce, man.

Well, that is it for this go-around. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer.

In the bonds, Bill

’00

Matthew McComas

509 Blossom Drive Berryville, VA 22611 540/955-0367 matthew.s.mccomas@gmail.com

Brother Rats, As I write these notes, I am recovering from a late night attending the world premiere of “Field of Lost Shoes” in Alexandria, Virginia. There were numerous Keydets in attendance at the showing, and joining me from the class were Tony Esteve and Matt Keller. It was great to see the Institute highlighted in yet another production from Hollywood, adding to the Institute’s credits that already included “Brother Rat,” “Brother Rat and a Baby” and “Gods and Generals.”

In March, Tony, Matt and Shawn Segreti attended the baptism of my son, Luke, in Berryville, Virginia. Meredith and I are proud to have as Luke’s godparents David “Bum” Phillips ’84 and his wife, Gretchen (U.S. Naval Academy ’85). We are very appreciative of the support our VMI and Class of 2000 family have shown for us and our son! Joining Tony and his wife, Caroline, at the baptism was their beautiful new daughter, Walker Ashleigh, born Nov. 17, 2013. Thoughts of playing matchmaker two decades in the future were a top discussion point!

2014- Issue 3

Tony recently went down to the Richmond chapter alumni dinner with Chris Haney where they were able to catch up with Chad Welch, Kevin Braun and Ethan Graham. Chris recently moved to the Washington, D.C., area from Chicago, Illinois, and is working for a litigation consulting firm. He has already taken over as president of the Potomac River Alumni Chapter. Welcome to the area, Chris!

Matt Keller and his wife, Suzy, welcomed a new addition to their family with the birth of their daughter, Vivienne Sonja, May 15, 2014. Matt reports that Vivienne and Suzy are recovering well, and brother Max is getting used to sharing his parents’ attention. Welcome, Vivienne!

To carry on with the new births theme ... Ed Pearson checked in from Cypress, California, to report that he and Shana welcomed child number two, a daughter named Samara, May 5, 2014. Ed reports that “wife and baby are healthy, and our 2-year-7-month-old son has been helpful with the new addition.” Ed is still traveling back and forth across the country between California and the Dulles corridor for work, but he anticipates that with the new addition to the family the traveling will be reduced. Recently, Ed caught up with Josh Spradlin and Read Parker at Read’s house in Huntington Beach, California.

Also checking in as new members of parenthood are Charlotte and Pat Haddock. They welcomed a son, Daniel, March 21, 2014. Pat is still in Atlanta working for Coca-Cola with Nick Castleberry, who joined in June 2013. Pat reports that Micah North had predicted that the two would not make it three months without being fired ... so, they are well over that now! Micah reported that he recently caught up with Tom Boyer in Seattle, Washington.

Soon to join the parenting ranks, Mike Gereau reported from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, to say that he and wife Kathleen would be expecting their first child in September. Mike recently made aircraft commander with the U.S. Coast Guard and will soon be moving to Jacksonville, Florida.

Checking in from Carolina Beach, North Carolina, Adam Priest reports that he recently took the professional engineer exam and took a review course in Columbia, South Carolina, where Carl Hammond, wife Rachel and their children, Carter and Anna Catherine, were kind enough to host him for several weekends. Carl works for Michelin with Ian Bobbitt ’99.

Adam also recently caught up with Steve Roman and his family where he reports: “They gave me a reprieve from my bachelor cuisine and fed me a fantastic dinner, and we had a great time catching up.” On the “VMI 2K” Facebook page, Adam shared a story of a recent interaction he had with some Citadel alumni who were staying at a neighboring beach house in Charleston, South Carolina. After a night of friendly

VMI-versus-Citadel banter, Adam marked all of the group’s dusty cars with large block VMI letters.

The next day the caravan of cars traveled to the Citadel graduation ceremonies unwittingly supporting VMI all the way there and back! Way to go, Adam!

Christian Arllen checked in to say that he caught up with Matt Vordemark and to report that Lee Nelson recently moved to the northern Virginia area. Lee, I have not heard from you in a while.

Check in!

In July, B.J. Arvin will be joining the married ranks with a wedding to Shawndra Bear in Jamaica, where they will be combining their wedding and honeymoon into one trip. To add to the list of life changes, B.J. will also be leaving his job at Donovan Junior/Senior High School and moving on to a new position at Watseka Community High School. He will be teaching English and working as an assistant varsity football coach. Congratulations, B.J.!

Craig Giorgis checked in from Boston, Massachusetts, where he is the Marine officer instructor at Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard. He recently earned his Master of Arts degree in international relations from Boston University and reports that he is moving to Quantico to attend the Marine Corps Command and Staff College where he expects to be joined by Matt Milburn.

And finally, reporting in for the first time in a while, Will Ward emailed from College Station, Texas, where he is working as an assistant district attorney. Will reports that after leaving the Marine Corps, he received his law degree from Texas Tech University. As of his update, Will and his fiancée were planning their wedding. The wedding party will include Paul Lee and Beau Mason. Congratulations and best wishes, Will. Great to hear from you!

That does it for this issue’s notes. Thank you to everyone for sending in updates this time. Please remember to send updates of life changes and when you catch up with other brother rats. I hope everyone had a safe and happy summer!

’01

Brandon Farris

1000 New Jersey Ave. SE Apt. 1004 Washington, DC 20003 202/321-5505 wbrandon.farris@gmail.com

Brother Rats, I hope everything is well and everyone is doing something interesting this summer.

Drew Carbone, Will Felvey and I made our annual trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey, in March. It seems like our group gets smaller every year with family obligations and such, but I’m glad we could still make it. We are planning a fall/winter trip to Nashville, Tennessee, where

135

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2001: Drew Carbone, Will Felvey and Brandon Farris in Atlantic City, New Jersey. the great Brady Daniels (he paid me to write that) has said he would make an appearance and hopefully we can get a few others who are not as drawn to mini sin city as Will, Drew and me.

James Shircliffe just had his first book chapter published titled “Sword of Damocles: India’s Maritime Hedge against China’s Rise” which can be found in “China and International Security: History, Strategy and 21st Century Policy, Vol. 3.” It came out in April.

Ethan Weber wrote in from Kabul, Afghanistan. Jeremy Guy and Ethan are deployed together from XVIII Airborne Corps and, as of this writing, have been there for 90 days of their yearlong deployment. Josh Shiley is finishing up his deployment and will redeploy at the beginning of April. Josh, Jeremy and Ethan have been trying to smoke a cigar since they all got there, and they finally got a chance on a cold Friday afternoon in Kabul. They were also joined by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Billy Edmonds ’97, who came over to join the picture when he saw the VMI flag. Small world. At the time of the photo, it was a week out from the 2014 Afghanistan national elections.

The following article appeared in the Lexington News-Gazette. It was written by Tony Conway’s wife, Amanda. I wanted to run it in full: “Imagine that one day you couldn’t lift your arms above your shoulders. Then a few months later, you could barely lift your hands at all. Then your voice started to slur, then you had trouble walking, then you couldn’t take a deep breath ... and within the space of just a few months, the

136

only thing you could move was your eyes. It sounds like a nightmare, and it is exactly what is happening to my husband.

“My husband, Tony Conway, has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. He and about 30,000 others in the U.S. live this nightmare every day. ALS steals away your ability to control all your voluntary movements: your arms, legs, neck, back, and eventually your breathing and eating.

“In spring 2011, I noticed that Tony’s arm muscles were constantly twitching. They never stopped, which seemed odd. His arms were also getting weaker. Two days before our second daughter was born, we first heard ‘ALS’ from a doctor. After a few supplements and muscle relaxers didn’t work, we went to see a neurologist at a nearby hospital. His diagnosis of ALS came the day before I went back to work after maternity leave. We got a second opinion from Dr. Jeffrey Rothstein at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He is one of the leading ALS doctors in the country, and he confirmed the diagnosis within a few minutes of meeting us. Tony had just turned 33.

“It was absolutely devastating news. ALS moves very quickly, and there are no treatments, no therapies and no hope. No one survives this.

“Tony did not let it defeat him. He chose to go out and do incredible things. He didn’t keep his diagnosis hidden long, and he started a blog to share his journey with the world. I know it acts as a type of therapy for him, and we have met many others in the ALS community because of his blog. He also compiled a list of things he wanted to do, and very

quickly people responded in remarkable ways.

“I really cannot say enough how overwhelmed we have been by the kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness people have shown us. We have done absolutely unbelievable things since his diagnosis, and so many people have helped along the way. We went sky-diving, loaded and fired a A1M2 Abrams tank, drove a 2 million dollar supercar, spent our 10-year anniversary in Aruba, and went to Scotland to see his favorite soccer team play. We were guests of the VMI Class of 2013 at their Ring Figure, something I had always wanted to do. We took our daughters to Disney World thanks to the generosity of the VMI men’s soccer family. Very recently, a local church raised the money to help us replace our drain field.

“Tony’s VMI soccer coach, Stephen Ross [’83], and his local playing buddies started a soccer tournament called the Conway Cup in honor of Tony and to help raise money for our family. It has grown from 32 to 47 teams in just three years.

The third annual Cup was held in February, and there were six teams with VMI connections playing, including a team of Tony’s BRs who have been there every year. Our connections at VMI and within the alumni community have done so many wonderful things for us. There are simply too many kindnesses to mention. We have been so blessed by the support we have been given.

We have made some truly amazing memories, and we have been trying to learn to make every day count. We are lucky in that we knew we don’t have much time left together, and we have been trying to take advantage of the opportunity. This has taught us that no one should ever miss an opportunity to make each day meaningful.

“ALS quickly began to take its toll on Tony. The last time he played soccer was in spring 2012. He left his job in the admissions office at Washington and Lee University in November 2012. At that point, I was already helping him take a shower and get dressed. By January 2013, we had friends and family coming in every day to feed him lunch.

At the end of that school year, I requested a leave of absence to care for Tony full time. By October 2013, Tony was using a wheelchair outside the house. Now he only stands to transfer from seat to seat. He can no longer move his arms, and his speech is very slurred. I barely recognize old recordings of his voice. It is harder for him to hold his head upright.

“Technology can be very helpful for someone with ALS. Tony now has a computer that he can control with his eyes. When he loses the ability to speak, the computer will also speak for him. His motorized wheelchair can tilt and recline, which enables him to get around in a comfortable position. At night, he uses a BiPap machine to fully inflate his lungs, since his muscles are no longer strong enough. All these things make a huge difference in his life, but in the end, ALS patients

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES have only two choices: to starve or to suffocate.

Some ALS patients choose to have a stomach tube in order to sustain them when they can no longer eat. Very few patients also choose to be placed on a ventilator in order to avoid suffocation. Ventilation is extremely expensive, and requires 24-hour care; most families simply can’t handle or afford that. We have some very tough choices ahead of us.

“At his doctor’s appointment in February, it was recommended that Tony get a stomach tube within the next three months. He had the surgery at the beginning of March. It can be used to give him his medicine and to supplement his caloric intake when he is too tired to eat. Eventually, it can be used to give him all his needed food. A breathing test revealed that Tony’s lungs have 50 percent of

the capacity that they should. That measurement gives him a conservative prognosis of 12 to18 more months to live.

“Needless to say, we never expected this to happen to us. I know that no one does. Nothing can prepare you for this, and the challenges are endless.

We have waded through Social Security Disability paperwork, applying for Medicare, finding a van converted for a wheelchair, long-term disability insurance, fundraising challenges and the infinite changes this has brought to our daily lives. It is difficult to express the weight this places on your shoulders. One of our biggest goals is to spread awareness of ALS and its challenges and to help other people who struggle with terminal illness.

Hopefully that attention will bring with it funds and pressure to find a cure.

“To follow us in our journey with ALS, check out Tony’s blog at dontshrink.com.”

Thanks to all. If I don’t have you on my class distribution list, please send me an email and I will add you.

Brandon

’02

Salmaan Khawaja

9225 Upshur Dr. Richmond, VA 23236 804/687-7122 salmaan.khawaja@gmail.com

Class of 2001: Tony Conway, center, with former VMI soccer coach Stephen Ross ’83, right, and current coach Richie Rose.

Brother Rats, I hope that this edition of the Alumni Review finds you and yours doing well! Summer is right around the corner as I write these notes, and (thankfully) this time around, I have some more information and news to pass along. I’ll nag you some more at the end of the notes.

Dr. Marc Yelle and Ronald Hull recently ran in the Boston Marathon in honor of Dic Donohue and the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing

Class of 2001: At the 2014 Conway Cup were Justin Harber, Jack Hagel, Jason Whitaker, John Koubaroulis, Chris Simpson, Jim Bourie, Landon Winklevoss ’04, Tony Conway, Redda Chebba (not a VMI alumnus), Fred Hair, Hassan Grari, Brian Wright and Jon Mazur.

2014- Issue 3

Class of 2002: Kai Khawaja received this unique, handmade VMI teddy bear commissioned by Jason Breeding. last year. Thank you both for your fundraising efforts and raising awareness.

Henry Papiano wrote in to let me know that his father was fortunate enough to sell his company, which took Henry on, giving him the wonderful opportunity to continue to run the family business. Henry manages 300 employees and recently survived a merger with a much larger company named Crestwood. Things are looking great for Henry, his wife and children (two sons and a daughter). Henry still keeps in touch with Jed Pusczykowski on a regular basis. Jed is doing great and is working on custom cars for a very reputable dealership.

Tim Tendall, a weapons systems officer in the U.S. Air Force, got married to Ms. Delores Martinez. I’m still awaiting pictures and will post them in the next edition of the Review.

I admit shameless self-promotion and had to include with these notes a picture of Kai with a VMI Keydet doll commissioned by Jason Breeding.

Scooter and wife Elisa Baber welcomed their son, Andrew Joseph, to the world May 4, 2014.

Andrew was born healthy and weighed in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces. Congrats, Scooter and Elisa!

I hope all of you are doing well, and I wish you the very best for the rest of 2014. I know many of us follow one another on Facebook and otherwise, and my BRs have been engaged in making babies, getting married, general mischief and lots of other great things as well. Please take some time to drop me a line and a photo with your updates, when you can, if you’d like them posted in the Review. ’02! ’02! ’02!

In the spirit, Salmaan

137

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2002: Henry Papiano Jr. played in the New Jersey snow.

Class of 2003: Blake and Jennifer Traina welcomed their first child; a son, David Lee Traina, was born Jan. 16, 2014.

Class of 2002: Andew Joseph Baber was born May 4, 2014, to proud parents Scooter and Elisa Baber.

William Talley V

’03

P.O. Drawer 751 Petersburg, VA 23804 804/733-2011 wht5@whts.com

Nichole Kramer 29 Sellers Ave. Lexington, VA 24450 540/570-0332 nkramer@vmiaa.org

It is May 15, and as I type these notes, we are all celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market. I think back to that hot day in September (I think) when we all took the

138

bus ride up to New Market. Some of our cadre lost their rank after that day and charged halfway across the Field of Lost Shoes and then paraded through the town of New Market. I also think about the 85-mile march that 13 of us did three years later carrying the VMI crests that we presented to our rats on the Field of Lost Shoes. On this day 150 years ago, the “Institute was heard from,” and we are all a part of the legacy that has continued since and will continue for future generations. Rah Virginia Mil! Well, BRs, it’s been a busy three months since I last sat down to put these together. You’ll notice from the pictures in this issue that our class family has grown even larger. We left off with Paul and Lindsey Quinn welcoming their son, Jase, into the fold Feb. 10. Since that point in time, James Kuhn and his wife, Holly, welcomed Marian Ayla Kuhn, their third child, Feb. 28. Amie-Anne and I welcomed Chappell Vernon Talley into our family March 14. He measured in at 7 pounds, 13ounces and was 19-anda-half inches long. Big sister Savannah and big brother Billy have already become second mothers and his personal bodyguard. One week later, Chris Adams and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed their first child, Jackson Weston Adams, into the world March 21. Jackson was 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Based on what I’ve seen on Facebook, everyone is doing well.

Almost three weeks later, Andy Biesterveld and his wife, Chelsey, welcomed their first child, Lincoln Andrew Biesterveld, April 16. Lincoln weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and was 19 inches long. Everyone is doing well and enjoying the adventures of being parents. Now, as side note

for those of you keeping score, the fellows from room 122 (Talley, Traina and Biesterveld) have gone 3 for 3. Three sons within three months, so the possibilities for the future are endless ... I don’t know the date, but I do understand that Bill Netherton and his wife, Dawnann, welcomed a son, Michael Liam Anakin Netherton. In summary, since our reunion in fall 2013, we’ve added at least nine new members to our class family!

I’m sure there are more than this, but Bryan Wacker and his wife, Andrea, are expecting identical twin girls sometime in September or October 2014! They already have two daughters, Kylie and Emma. Brandon Matthews and his wife, Audrey, better get “busy,” as they’re down 4-0! Brandon’s wife, Audrey, and Bryan’s wife, Andrea, are sisters (for those of you who didn’t know already). Drew Marsh and his wife, Kara, are expecting their third child in November. They already have two sons, Caleb, who is 4 years old, and Rye, who is 2. Congratulations to the Wacker and Marsh families!

Continuing on the theme of our growing class family, there were two weddings that occurred recently. Sam LaGrone married Cara Clark of Raleigh, North Carolina, Nov. 28, 2013. Juan Carlos Sanchez married Lauren Shaub April 26, 2014. The wedding and reception were held at the Goggle Works Center for the Arts in Reading, Pennsylvania. Representing the VMI family were Chaz Wagner, Adam Britt, Jochen Granja ’06 and Roy Hill ’88. Congratulations to both Sam and Juan Carlos!

Now onto other updates for the class. Jared Swanson reports that Jason Boatright is in

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2003: Chris and Jennifer Adams welcomed a son, Jackson Weston Adams, March 21, 2014.

Class of 2003: Juan Carlos Sanchez and Lauren Shaub were married April 26, 2014. Chaz Wagner (pictured), Adam Britt, Jochen Granja ’06 and Roy Hill ’88 were also in attendance.

Class of 2003: Andy and Chelsey Biesterveld welcomed son Lincoln Andrew Biesterveld, April 16, 2014.

2014- Issue 3

the middle of a T4D on a government housing contract. Also that Mihaela Froelich and her husband are leaving the Army and planning what they will do next. Kyle Haire and his family are relocating from Yuma, Arizona, to North Carolina.

I know Kyle and Julie are looking forward to being back on the East Coast and getting up to Lexington, Virginia, for some football games in the fall with their boys, Taylor and Jack.

Drew Marsh shot me an update, as well. Drew completed his mas- Class of 2003: Bill and Amie-Anne Talley ’05 ter’s degree in English at James welcomed newborn son Chappell Vernon TalMadison University and his first ley March 14, 2014. Also pictured are older year of teaching at the U.S. Military siblings Savannah and Billy.

Academy, West Point. He transitioned to aide-de-camp of the superintendent of West Point at the end of May and will spend a C. Justin Roberts 1027 Alison Lane year in that position. Drew assured me that this Vinton, VA 24179 will be the first time that VMI memorabilia will 540/460-6178 be posted near the “head-shed” at West Point! cjroberts04@hotmail.com Drew also added that he’d spoken recently with Nate Smith, who announced his engagement and will be getting married in the fall. Chris Brother Rats, Bowman checked in with me the other day; he’s I hope this update finds you all well. As I sat currently a pilot at Mar-Tech Engineering flying down to put this edition together, I received a aerial surveys. Chris is based out of Jackson- text message from Robb Metz noting that we ville, Florida. had graduated 10 years ago. Hard to believe Nichole Kramer continues to represent our how fast the time has gone. Robb is doing well class well at the “I” and reported that Bill Neth- and working in Colorado. Hopefully, you have erton is stationed in Germany and loves it. If all all received the information regarding our 10goes well, Bill should be starting his master’s year reunion that Sean O’Donnell sent out. degree with the University of Oklahoma. Nich- Sean and several BRs from our class are workole also noted that Brian Desautels is finally ing hard to prepare for this reunion and also sleeping in his own bed again for the first time keeping everyone updated on our class Facesince May 2012, after several temporary duty book page. If you have any questions, please assignments and deployments. She notes that give us a shout. We are hoping to see everyone once you successfully fight your way through who can make it. coyotes, rattle snakes, cacti, roadrunners, quail, Now to the updates. Bree (Adams) Guiterman javalenas (wild hogs that essentially look like gi- and her husband are both putting on O-4 in the ant rabid chinchillas), scorpions and tarantulas, fall, and Bree has just been accepted to the Mayou can enjoy a drink or two poolside with him rine Corps War College in Quantico, where she at his new home in Arizona. will earn a master’s degree and complete Joint Finally, I know that Dave Woody and his fam- Professional Military Education Phase 1. Bree’s ily are getting ready to relocate to Monterey, family is super excited that they are moving back California, from Key West, Florida. One thing’s to Virginia this summer. Bree’s son, Ike, got a for sure: I know there are some folks that feel provisional appointment for the Class of 2034 bad for these terrible assignments that Dave in our dyke line. Rusty Thompson sent in his keeps getting stuck with! Also, Chip Hancock update and reported that he will be in a fit for a has finished law school in Richmond, Virginia, fashion TV show with a chance to win $100,000 and I’m sure will have no problems with the bar in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia, for 10 weeks. He exam. will be competing with 14 rivals. We wish him That’s it for now. Thank you to everyone who well with this adventure. David Yaman completsends in updates! I hope everyone is enjoying ed his graduate degree from Johns Hopkins Unithe summer, and I look forward to seeing y’all at versity in December and had his thesis published some football tailgates! in the Small Wars Journal in April. David’s wife In the bonds, gave birth to their first child, Ayla Mary Yaman, Bill in December 2013. He is enrolled in language

’04

139

CLASS NOTES classes on weekends and was recently accepted into American University’s Master of Business Administration program starting in fall 2014.

Ryan Consaul is getting married in October. His fiancée is a Wahoo (University of Virginia and UVa Law graduate). They plan to live in Washington, D.C., after the wedding. Drew and Megan Hardin are doing well, and their youngest child just turned 1 year old. Drew was getting ready to prepare for a bear hunting trip in Montana and sent a great picture from John Ginder’s bachelor party recently. The group went fishing and other unmentionable excursions. John and Amy were to be married in June, and hopefully I saw several of you there. Clark and Erin Laster are still living in Middlesex County, Virginia (home of the Urbanna Oyster Festival, for you shellfish lovers).

Clark is a thesis away from his Master of Education degree in special education and is teaching fourth and fifth grade special education at the local elementary school. Their daughter, Sarah, is 5 and starts kindergarten in the fall. She’s interested in everything and recently informed Erin that she needed to learn everything about brains. So, the Lasters are hoping that she sticks to that route!

Their son, Sawyer, was born March 26, 2013, and doesn’t stop until he’s in bed for the night. Clark got a new furry friend for Christmas – a yellow lab named Odin. Clark and Kent Monas (Sarah’s godfather) keep in frequent contact. Gary Cutler reported that he was finishing up his first year of study in England and is starting his dissertation.

He will be moving to Germany in the fall with U.S. Army Europe. Gary got to see the VMI rugby team in Oxford in March and threw back a few pints with the cadets, which was good fun. Steve Linkous graduated with a Master of Divinity degree May 17 from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary: Charlotte Campus. The Linkous family is expecting another addition to the family and found out recently they will be having a daughter.

Bill Kastelberg and his wife brought their second child home a few months back; Theodore Lang Kastelberg (Class of 2032) was born March 6. Theodore and his brother, William Frederick Kastelberg VI (Class of 2031), are getting along well. Bill said the little ones were putting them back in the Rat Line. It was good to hear from Brian Gallagher, who has been serving in the Marine Corps and plans to get out of the Corps in August. Brian and his wife, Abby, had their first child, Rosemary, Oct. 10, 2013. Since graduating with the Class of 2006, Brian was privileged to deploy with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2011 and to Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012 while serving with Marine Attack Squadron 211. On Jan. 27, Brian was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V” for his actions during the attack on Camp Bastion Airfield in September 2012. Joel Andrus checked in and reported that he was doing well

140

after a busy year. Joel and his wife welcomed a new addition to the family this year.

Happy 10-year and hope to see you all at the reunion. I look forward to hearing more news about what you are up to for the next edition of the Alumni Review.

In the spirit, Justin

Timothy Johnson

’05

1824 Robindale Road Richmond, VA 23235 804/272-5201 johnsontm1@verizon.net

William Ray

700 Copperline Dr. Unit 201 Chapel HIll, NC 27516 wcray1@gmail.com

Brother Rats, After an incredibly taxing graduate school semester and the crashing of one computer, the class notes return. I apologize for letting you down with the last two editions of the notes, but my computer crashed and had to be returned to Dell at about the same time the notes were due for the first edition of the 2014 Alumni Review. As a result, several updates were lost. I apologize to those who fell victim to poor computer design. Throw in my final graduate semester, a gigantic research paper and a state swim meet, and I missed the deadline for the second edition of notes. I hope this latest edition (while rather light on notes) boosts your morale and makes amends for my egregious sins of non-submission. Without further excuses, here are your notes: Shelby Sears sent the following update: “We recently had our third child, Wade, who was born on his oldest sister’s fourth birthday in June 2013. Both sisters, Josie and Caroline, are keen to make sure that Wade is well mothered.

Wade is named for his Virginia family that my wife Emily, College of William and Mary ’05, left to be with me in Kentucky. We’ve had a busy few years since the five-year reunion. I was selected to serve on a federal fugitive task force as a task force officer for my police department. I spent two years doing that, working more than 800 hours of overtime, with many federal, state and local agencies capturing the most high profile suspects in the area. At home, we are on a small farm and devote the rest of our time to raising hogs, chickens and bees. We try to limit our dependence on the grocery store to be sure what goes into our food. Life is full and rich, and we are blessed.

“After the Boston bombing, I reached out to Eric DeAvilla to get contact info for his dyke, Dic Donohue ’02. Eric is a firefighter near Boston and was looking after Donohue after his injury. I

was able to send Donohue a few agency patches and a letter saying that the Class of ’05 and its law enforcement officers were with him in spirit and prayerful in his healing. Donohue was kind enough, in what was surely a media blitz, to send me a note back thanking me. I’d say in that, the Institute was heard from.”

Andy Karnes is living in Charleston, South Carolina, where he has started a new job with a logistics company. He moved back to the East Coast after earning his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of California, Irvine.

Lawton and Shelton Way welcomed a son, Weatherford Lawton Way, Feb. 18, 2014, at 10:41 a.m. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 21 inches long. Everyone is doing well, and they are thrilled to have him join their family.

As I mentioned earlier, I lost many updates and pictures when my computer crashed. I am going to work on finding a better solution for capturing the notes, so please keep yourself abreast of any changes. Rather than cut this so short, I figured I would leave you with a bit of “historical reading.” Curtis Nieboer ’03 might not be a part of the esteemed and elite tradition that is the 2005 dyke line, but he wrote a very good piece rebuking our rats for their bellyaching following the “Great Fakeout of 2005.” I hope you enjoy: “Ladies and Gentlemen of the Corps: “I address my comments particularly to the members of the rat mass of ’05 plus 3.

“I am Curtis Nieboer, an alumnus of the Class of 2003. On the occasion of last week’s ... unusual event, I hope you will allow me to put a few things into perspective. I imagine many of you are confused and probably feeling a bit betrayed; I would like to explain why your dykes did what they did.

“Traditionally, Breakout has been a date unknown to all but the 1st Class cadets and the administration. Those two parties collaborate on the proper date based upon the Institute calendar and the readiness of the rat mass. But just before my 1st Class year, that tradition was broken. One summer day, I learned from my prospective rat that Breakout had not only been scheduled way back in June, but that the date had been published to the rats without anyone else’s knowledge. My rat was telling me when he was going to break out.

“I hope this strikes a chord with some of you, because it has been a practice for the past three years. I hope you also recognize that it is unfair to the Corps of Cadets and to the 1st Class in particular. The 1st Class is ultimately responsible for your training, and determining when that training is complete is an integral part of their job. This practice is [an] anathema to the central concept of ‘the Corps runs the Corps’ and to the 1st Class’s role of administering the rat line. I

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES hope these things are clear to you.

“The 1st Class is not your enemy, as I’m sure you’ve learned by now. In VMI’s twisted social dynamic, the 1st Class is really the best friend you have as a rat mass. And reciprocally, the dyke-rat relationship is a tighter bond than any other on post. Your dykes are not only there to help you but also to teach you; they are, in the end, responsible for your proper and complete training.

“Responsible to the administration? No – they are responsible to you.

“And in that light, they saw that a flaw in the system was preventing them from providing you with the best training possible. The administration had scheduled your Breakout with no knowledge of how unprepared you were, and they did it long before you even matriculated. However, the 1st Class judged that you were not ready to break out and that to break you out at this point would be a disservice to you. So, they resolved to do what the Classes of 2003 and 2004 should have: They talked to the administration and fixed the problem.

“That is some of the background behind the ‘fakeout’ last weekend. It is my hope that someday you will all see this event for what it was: an act of loyalty and of love, not one of sadism or torment.

Your dykes got nothing out of this; no privileges are being handed down. In fact, it’s actually more work for them. No, they did it so that they could provide you, their rats, with proper training and with a measure of respect and accomplishment that most classes have not enjoyed in recent years.

“So, be proud of your dykes. They took the hard road to do the right thing, and they didn’t do it for themselves. They did it for you.”

Well, that’s about it for now. Keep sending in your updates. We love to hear from you. And remember, we’re all in this together.

In the bonds, Tim Johnson

’06

Clark Dudley

2097 Cobblestone Lane Reston, VA 20190 703/609-0444 vmi2006classagent@gmail.com

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2006.

’07

Sally Bushore

8125 Chesnut Hollow Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89131 540/359-0651 sally_bushore@yahoo.com

I hope the arrival of spring was a welcome change of pace for everyone who suffered through a colder-than-normal winter this year. In Las Vegas, it is already deathly hot, and I envy Colorado,

2014- Issue 3

which I heard was still receiving snow in May. If anyone wants to trade climates with me, I’ll gladly accept.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market. Was anyone able to make it to VMI for the festivities (and, of course, graduation)? One of our own BRs is very involved in the process. Byron Faidley is participating in the 150th anniversary reenactment with about 50 cadets and other alumni. He has also been invited to speak at the event and will give a talk titled “The Battle of New Market from the Cadet Perspective.”

In his other time, Byron is working at Washington and Lee University in their Special Collections and Archives and at Lee Chapel.

Pat McGill lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his wife, Lizzie, and son Rory (1). He and Pete Relyea completed a 100-mile snowmobiling adventure in January. Pat has a national financial practice with Northwestern Mutual. He planned to travel to southern California, Texas and the East Coast this summer for business and was looking forward to connecting with BRs and alums.

Jonathan Fredericks is in the middle of a deployment to Afghanistan as an adviser to the Afghan national police. He’s been keeping an eye out for VMI alums but hasn’t come across any as of yet.

Corey Bafford just returned from a Western Pacific deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit working on the staff. At the time of his note to me, he was sitting in the Miami, Florida, airport waiting to meet up with Ryan Young so the two of them could travel to St. Thomas for Rob Jacaruso’s wedding.

As I shared before, Whitney Matthews owns and operates a food truck in San Antonio, Texas.

I’m pleased to hear that she’s been having great success with her business! Her food truck, The SpiceSea Gourmet, was named the best food truck in San Antonio. She was also chosen to be filmed for a TV show on the Cooking Channel called “Eat Street.” The episode will air nationally in the summer! She had a visit from Stefan Dietrich before he headed to Washington state. He and his family dropped by her food truck to eat. She says it was wonderful catching up with him. She has also been running into a lot of alumni who see the VMI spider on her truck and want to share memories of their time at the “Mother I.” Maury Denton graduated from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in May. He planned to relocate to New York City to work for IBM in July. He and his wife are expecting a baby boy in October. Congratulations, Maury and Rachael! Maury also wrote that his son may become a member of the Class of 2036, in which case he may run into my daughter (Class of 2034, potentially).

I hope everyone has a wonderful summer, and I look forward to catching up with more of you for the next submission of the notes. If you haven’t

been getting my mass emails, please consider updating your contact info through the VMI Alumni Association website, or send me a message on the book of Face, and I will see if I can update it for you. Just let me know; I’m here to help! – Sally

’08

Robert Hill

5530 Edsel Street Harrisburg, PA 17109 717/648-1276 classagent08@gmail.com

I guess we’re getting old? Hard to imagine that our “grand” rats graduated from the Institute and joined the alumni rank in May. Robert Kelly has transitioned to the artillery battalion, 2-15 Field Artillery, after spending a year with the 2-14 Infantry. With the 2-15, Rob is serving as the battalion assistant S-3, waiting to be promoted to the next Bravo Battery commander in November, hopefully. Rob mentioned things are status quo with roommates Zach West at Fort Gordon, Stanley Cheng flying jets in Idaho and Paul Childrey being a “nerd” at Areva. In April, Rob had dinner with Pete Levrant in Syracuse as Pete was finishing up his law degree. Pete is doing a summer internship with the Oswego County Attorney’s Office before heading to Turkey in the fall to cover the Syria Conflict for a project.

Jonathon Tishman checked in from Melbourne, Australia. He’s doing well and offered a free couch and frosty beverages if anyone visits. J.T. is working for LEGEAR, a military equipment distributor.

Jamie Maldonado and wife Tiffany are expecting their first child. The baby is due in the fall. Congrats, Tiffany and Jamie!

Kyle Makinen has transitioned from serving on active duty as a surface warfare officer and nuclear engineer after 5 and a half years. Kyle is working for Ernst & Young in New York City as a senior consultant in the financial advisory service practice.

Justus O’Connor recently changed duty stations, moving from Astugi, Japan, to Little Creek, Virginia. Brandon “OX” Bryant has transitioned from active duty to civilian life. Brandon is working for the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Department.

The former Alexa Bernas married James Kopf in July 2013 and recently welcomed a new addition to the family. Eden Olivia Kopf was born March 3, 2014 (. Congrats to both Alexa and James on the marriage and birth of their first child! Jason Pettengill with wife Sarah and daughter moved to Andrews Air Force Base in May, and they are living in Alexandria, Virginia. The Pettengills enjoyed their time in Montana but are happy to be in the Virginia area to be closer to friends and family.

My roommate, Matthew Mitchell, checked in from Afghanistan. Matt reports the Institute is well represented in the southern portion of the country.

Capt. Dave Jacobs is serving as the chief of Current Operations at Forward Operating Base Pasab

141

CLASS NOTES along with 1st Lt. Zachary Kier ’11, who works in the S2 Section. U.S. Army Maj. Drew Conover ’01 is serving as the battalion executive officer for the 1-12 Infantry at Kandahar Airfield. When Matt wrote to me, he was turning out the lights and unplugging the generators at Forward Operating Base Frontenac before heading to KAF for a change of mission. While in Afghanistan, Matt’s team has been working with Afghan National Security Forces and supporting them as they lead the operation, providing assets as needed. Matt joked he should have been a civil engineering major instead of mechanical engineer at the Institute with the work they are doing. He mentioned they were lucky to have a systems engineer from that military school in New York. Instead of getting in the way of the systems guy, Matt prefers to target the Taliban and call in Hell Fires and 105 from a nearby C-130.

Lauren and I have been quite busy for the last few months. We recently moved five minutes down the road into our first home. It’s definitely been a learning experience, and I’ve learned to fix things I couldn’t even imagine fixing in the past.

I hope you all had a good summer, and I look forward to seeing some of you in Lexington for a football game. Stay safe and God bless.

’09

Bradley Simpson

4717 Horseman Drive Roanoke, VA 24019 540/266-7124 simpsonbj09@gmail.com

Brother Rats: I hope that this edition of the Review finds all of you and your families well. Time is going by really fast since we walked through Limits Gates. Can you believe that in the fall will be our five-year reunion? Please keep a look out for information about the reunion. I hope to see a good turnout among the class. Talking about reunions, you end up running into BRs in the most random places. I recently was in Annapolis for the wedding of a high school buddy of mine. I was walking around the post of the U.S. Naval Academy and just so happened to walk into Bancroft Hall.

Just inside of the door stood Thelmar Rosarda.

Thelmar is stationed at the Naval Academy for the next little bit and is one of the naval officers in charge of overseeing their “Honor Code.” It’s nice to know that the academy has a VMI guy to teach them the ways of honor. Jackie Satchell and Alex Kari graduated from the Engineer Captains Career Course in April. Andy Washbish graduated from ECCC a few months ago and will complete his master’s degree in engineer management at Missouri University of Science and Technology May 16. Jackie Satchell also has some great news that she and her husband, Terence, planned to move to Fort Bliss in August, and they will be expecting their baby in mid-September. Jackie Briski graduated from Ohio University with a Master

142

’10

Class of 2009: Michael Harvey with new baby girl Claire Elizabeth. of Arts degree in Latin American studies. Albert Young and his wife, Leah, are now living in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Albert is living on the same street as Durham Snuffin. Albert is flying AC-130Us for Air Force Special Tactics and just got back in February from his second trip to Afghanistan. Erik Keirstead earned his expert infantryman badge in February. Erik and Briana had a baby boy March 4, 2014. His name is Jackson. Erik also earned his senior parachutist badge in May. He is at Maneuver Captains Career Course at Fort Benning.

Michael Harvey and wife Erin welcomed their second child, Claire, to their family in May. The baby and Erin are doing well. Claire Elizabeth Harvey was born May 12 at 9:40 p.m. weighing in at 8 pounds, 9 ounces and was 20-and-a-half inches long. Casey Brown finally became active duty in the Navy in July. He will be in Groton, Connecticut, to start Navy Undersea Medical Officer Training, which entails a bit of dive medicine and radiation exposure, as well as getting Navy dive school training. He will be in Pensacola, Florida, from August to October if anyone wants to hit him up. He said he doesn’t know where he will be after that, but I’ll send an update once I know. I also would like to take the time to formally thank all of our class members who helped me with the New Market cadet ceremonies that were held across the United States. It is very impressive that I made a small comment on Facebook, and all night, I got response after response about how our class wanted to help. Thank you again for the countless BRs that helped. The Class of 2009 and the Institute were definitely heard from again May 15, 2014. It was great hearing from all of you this run of notes.

Keep me updated on everything that is going on, and as always, stay classy, 2009.

Cody Hennelly

P.O. Box 3117 Fort Greely, AK 99731 609/713-1239 vmiclass2010@gmail.com

Hey, everyone! As I write this blurb, I am enjoying the wonderful Alaska summer weather. I hope you are all doing the same wherever you are! This is an exciting time of year, because most of you who commissioned in 2010 are being promoted to the rank of captain in your respective service branch. I am so proud of all of you in your accomplishments and can’t believe it’s been four years since we graduated! The only rule I have, since I am two year groups behind you, is that I refuse to let you call me lieutenant, nor will I call you sir/ma’am! That is all.

Let’s get to the meat and potatoes. I got a chance to catch up with a few people in the last couple of months since my February notes. One of those individuals is Logan Barnhill, who is currently stationed at Fort Drum, New York. Logan expressed that he is enjoying Drum for the outdoors and the fact he gets a chance to fly around New York City. Logan has made quite a name for himself in the aviation world; he graduated first in his class at flight school and is a pioneer for the transition away from the OH 58D Kiowa platform. He was stationed with none other than VMI Company H Cmdr. Gerald Popko, who just recently left for Military Intelligence Captains Career Course. Although Logan is the only ’10 guy at Drum now, he recently ran into Rob Kelly ’08, and he said they work a lot together. Best of luck to you guys. Another rascal I caught up with on Facebook is the illustrious Thomas Chapman. Thomas is living in Richmond, Virginia, has a girlfriend, a dog, a house and, as he put it, “is straight domesticated now.” He is working in loan maintenance for a bank branch in the Richmond area. I think he might have put his party days behind him! I had

Class of 2010: Jen Cook, right, and Larry Hill ’11 at their wedding in April 2014 with a family friend.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2010: Frank and Lauren Keeney’s wedding in August 2012. Lauren is a first-grade teacher at Mountain Mission School, and Frank is in his last year of pharmacy school at Appalachian State. a chance to speak with Andrew Miller who recently got home from a deployment serving aboard the USS Simpson. He is serving as a Surface Warfare officer but is hoping to transition to aviation soon. Best of luck, Andrew. Another Keydet serving aboard the USS Simpson is Rachel Halnon, who is the Damage Control officer. She is another BR in the spring promotion window. Congrats, Rachel. Davis Garrett and I have spoken a few times since graduation.

He is living and working in the Richmond area.

He has been working for an engineering company for quite some time now; he enjoys the traveling he gets to do with them. Doug Nowak and I chat pretty often these days. He is deployed to Afghanistan with a joint Special Forces group. As I gather, he loves it. He still doesn’t represent VMI that often – more so the South Harmon Institute of Technology. In fact, I sent him a couple of physical training shirts with their logo. Shawn Fox is also deployed to Afghanistan with a joint Special Forces group as a general officers aide. He continually searches for Doug but no luck. He did catch up with Jack Curtis. The two will be featured on the Afghanistan GQ cover this summer. Will Quarles dropped me a line and told me how he is living and working in the Washington, D.C., area. He is a technology consultant for Deloitte.

Bob Fendley is among the crew living and working in the D.C. area, as well. Bob is finishing up law school at American University and

2014- Issue 3

interning when he has free time. John Shirkey and I get a chance to chat a couple of times a year. Since graduation, he has been working for Advanced Auto Parts in the Virginia Beach area as a regional manager. Another wild soul that is down that way is none other than Brandon “Ole Man” Page. Ole Man has had a tough run since graduation with his medical problems, but lately he is doing quite well and is enjoying the beach lifestyle. Ole Man has been great in assisting me with the class agent role and will continue to be my right hand man until I return to the lower 48. So, if you see or talk to him, fill him in on all the great things you guys have been doing! I have been Facebook stalking recently and saw that Adam Aikens and Owen Trotman were on exercise in Bridgeport, California, together. Owen just got back from another exercise in Europe. It looked pretty awesome. Adam and his wife, Laura, are doing well and expecting a little girl any day now! Best of luck, you two. I also stalked Laird Bryant and saw he made it through Civil Affairs selection for the Army – definitely no small feat. Congrats, Laird. Jen Hill, formerly Cook, married Larry Hill ’11 in April. The two are stationed in South Korea with the Army but had a beautiful wedding in the northern Virginia area. Jacob Robertson let me know he has accepted a job as a “new store grand opening coordinator” at the corporate office of CarMax in Richmond, and his fiancée and he planned to close on a

house in Chesterfield at the end of May. Such an exciting time for the two of them. J.T. Piribek has been enjoying the southern lifestyle in Charleston, South Carolina, since graduation.

He tells me he is well and looking forward to the five-year reunion. Jared Lawson filled me in on his adventures as a Chesterfield police officer. Sounds crazy. He also let me know that he got engaged to a lovely young lady named Lilah. No wedding date is set, but I bet it will be a beautiful ceremony. Mike Hozik is stationed in Columbia, South Carolina, with the Air Force and just got engaged to his fiancée, Brittany.

Can’t wait for the wedding. I better be invited, Mike! Scott Delo and I chatted for a bit recently. He informed me he is still in the Wisconsin National Guard and is waiting for federal recognition as a captain. On the civilian side, he is still working for Trane as an engineer designing air conditioning systems for commercial buildings. Chris Leach dropped me a line and said that he has been living in Buena Vista, Virginia, and working at Munters since graduation. He is just enjoying the southern summer and working on his classic Mustang. Jacob Moore found his way to Richmond recently for the big NASCAR race and met up with some hooligans (Davis Garrett, Garland Gray, Bobby Morris and Colin Walker). He is still working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives doing their asset forfeiture stuff but started the process for becoming an agent. He let me

143

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2010: Mike Hozick proposed to his now-fiancée, Brittany Lauren, in Columbus, South Carolina, May 2014. know he is only in the beginning stages, but I have no doubt he will be a success. Collin Walker said he has been living in Blacksburg, Virginia, and working in the Roanoke area. He is enjoying life with his lovely girlfriend, who was about to finish her doctorate degree in veterinary medicine. Best of luck to the two of you. Big Ole Killian Landersman is doing pretty well for himself as a deputy sheriff in Hudspeth County, Texas. He randomly works with none other than Paul Woo. Small world! I caught up with the illustrious Drew Faulconer, who told me he and his fiancée are expecting a little girl named Ava in September. Drew has been working for Southern Air as a project engineer and, randomly enough, is running two dorm building renovations at Washington and Lee University. Pretty cool stuff, Drew!

Jarret Craddock is among the northern Virginia crew and is a D.C. commercial construction project manager. He tells me he is living the good life and making money. Can’t ask for anything better! I spoke with Josh Favaro briefly, and he informed me he is working and living in the Roanoke area and is still serving in the Virginia National Guard.

Connor Ross and Steve Lindley are living a pretty exciting life in New York City working for a tech company and playing men’s roller derby on a national level. Of course, I asked if the team plays against girl’s teams. He said they scrimmage sometimes, but the girls are too rough! No thanks, not my kind of game. Best of luck, guys! Would you believe that McCrary Johnstone is a police officer in Spartansburg, South Carolina? He filled me in on all of his exciting adventures with SWAT and

144

the K-9 unit. He is yet another BR who says life is pretty good. Always makes me happy to hear such great mentalities from our BRs. Alexi Staton phoned in from Whidbey Island, Washington, where she is a naval aviator flying P3s. If you don’t know, that is a big plane! Virginia Taylor is another BR working for the Navy as an engineer out of Charleston, South Carolina. She said she gets to travel a lot and has been to some pretty cool places.

We didn’t have much time to expand on where she has been, but maybe next issue I will have a better idea. Either way, keep up the great work, Virginia.

Dave Milligram and I caught up recently as he was on staff duty for the night at Twentynine Palms with the Marine Corps. He recently returned from a deployment but, yet again, is leaving in August to deploy back to the Middle East. Dave also recently picked up his sergeant stripes. No small feat, my friend. Congrats! Will Correll dropped me an email letting me know he got married in November. In attendance were Charlie Barnett, Evan Aguirre and Dave Messina. That was literally all the email said. Thanks, Will! Last, but definitely not least, Dave Messina shot me a message this morning as I was working on the class notes. He said he is doing well and still living in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. He got married in fall 2013 and bought a house the fall before that! I can’t believe how grown up we are all becoming. Kind of scary!

Well, that’s it for this go-around! I wish you all the best of luck in whatever adventures you all will be undertaking. Don’t hesitate to drop me a line, and let me know what you’re up to. Much love.

Allen McCown

’11

1420 D Street Waynesboro, VA 22980

571/438-1233 804/814-3089 Vmiclassagent11@gmail.com

I just returned from Lexington to welcome our rats to the ranks of VMI alumni, and it is hard to believe it has been three full years since our graduation. The past three years have been exciting and trying for all of us. Between deployments, marriages and children, life has changed drastically since we walked the stage.

One thing has remained the same: the common bond we share with each other and the Institute.

I was impressed and proud of our presence at our rats’ graduation. Some traveled from as far away as Hawaii and Japan, and many traveled from across the United States to visit Lexington. There are too many to list but among the D.C. contingent were John Manning, Thomas Schirra, Tyler Pumphrey and Matt Radi. I ran into them all at Salerno’s restaurant. Everyone is doing well, and Matt and his fiancée, Hannah, were glad to be back. Others who made it back

included Kobie Burnshire and Jack Folger.

Will Walker is doing well and was back to see his rat commission in the Army along with Nick Ingold, who traveled from Japan to swear his rat in. I saw Alex Symons at commissioning, as well. He was stopping in on his way to a shooting competition with his Army unit. I’m glad you could make it, Alex! Also at commissioning was Heidi Beemer. Heidi is still pursuing her dream of traveling to Mars and has been doing a lot of traveling and speaking at schools with the Mars mission campaign. Best of luck, Heidi.

We’re all pulling for you!

I had a great time catching up with Vinnie Do. Despite a three-day weather related layover at Chicago O’Hare, he made it and enjoyed a great few days in Lexington. Vinnie is enjoying Army life at Fort Riley and has recently taken up skydiving. Matt and his wife, Courtney Parmer, traveled from Fort Irwin, California, and Matt swore his rat in when he commissioned in the Army. Matt and Courtney are enjoying their time in California. They have made visits to Las Vegas and Los Angeles and plan on checking out the redwood forests next. Adam Woloshuk is living in Las Vegas working for a tech company.

Adam said Vegas life is great, and nothing ever closes.

Also at commissioning, I ran into Ryan Byars who traveled from Hawaii to be at graduation.

Ryan is doing great and is enjoying his time in Hawaii along with Kurt Zimmerman. Based on the Facebook pictures, I don’t think you could ask for a better duty station! On the other end of the weather spectrum, some of our BRs stationed in Colorado got a late winter storm a week before graduation. Casey McElligott reminded us that, while cadets were marching off penalty tours before summer furlough in Lexington, Fort Carson got a foot of snow. I hope you all are enjoying a great summer!

While I was in Lexington, I also got to see Kara Noble. Kara is doing well in the Air Force and was glad to make it back for graduation. I also saw Jen Ball, who just returned from her time in Ukraine in the Peace Corps. Jen was evacuated due to the political turmoil in Ukraine a month before her time there was due to end. She greatly enjoyed her experience in the Peace Corps and is working back home and deciding what is next for her. Congratulations, Jen. We’re glad you made it back safe! Kat Hindley and Lizzanne Carlos also made it back for graduation along with Heather Schmidt. Heather and her fiancé, Dave Stecher, recently signed a contract on a townhouse in Richmond. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Nate Salatin ’09 also made it down for graduation. He recently moved to Richmond and bought a house in Church Hill.

Nate enjoyed his time in New York City but is glad to be back in Virginia. Nate is working in

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2011: Allen McCown holding the VMI flag on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. business acquisitions. Congratulations on the job change and house, Nate!

At Macado’s restaurant, among a slew of other Keydets, I got to catch up with Chris Moser and Trent Gordon. They are both doing well as helicopter pilots in the Army. Chris is stationed in Texas. Trent has been busy. After pilot training, he went skiing for a week and then enjoyed cave diving in Florida in late spring. Glad things are

going so well, Trent, and it was great seeing you in Lexington. Along with them, I saw Sam Kang who recently moved to Ashburn. Sam is working in northern Virginia and is in the Army National Guard.

Earlier this spring, I headed to Richmond to catch up with some BRs. I saw Quinn Wicks who, along with Chris John, recently finished the third year of medical school at VCU Medical Center. We

also made a visit to see Eric Wittig who recently bought a house in Richmond. Eric is working for VAMAC and already had a list of house projects he’s excited about. Congratulations, Eric! Eric also was in attendance for Tommy Fields’ recent wedding. Eric said it was a great time, and he saw a number of BRs in attendance including Tom Pace, Case Thompson, Matt Deacon, Andrew Duty and Matt Talbott. Thanks to Tom Pace for the pre-wedding picture.

I saw Jeremy Lucier, who also works for VAMAC and is moving to Manassas for work.

Jeremy has continued to pursue his photography passion and has taken some photos for festivals in Richmond along with some great wildlife pictures from the James River.

I would like to congratulate Sharif Gray and Andrew Hilber for graduating from law school from University of Virginia and West Virginia University, respectively. Both planned to sit for the bar during the summer. Sharif will continue drilling with his reserve unit in Charlottesville and then head down to be the executive officer for a basic training company. Congratulations to Patrick Leugers for being accepted to the University of Virginia School of Law. Patrick was awarded a scholarship that begins fall 2015. Andrew Tunnel is also in Charlottesville, enjoying his time as a state trooper. He is excited for the warm weather and getting ready to scuba dive as soon as possible.

Bri Keirstead wrote me to let me know she recently gave birth to a baby boy, Jackson, March 4. She reported everyone was happy and healthy.

Wonderful news, Bri! Brian Harding also dropped me a note and had

Class of 2011: From left, Matt Deacon, Andrew Duty, Tommy Fields, Case Thompson, Tom Pace and Matt Talbott in Charlottesville, Virginia, prior to Fields’ wedding.

2014- Issue 3

145

CLASS NOTES a lot to catch up on. After graduation, Brian married his wife, McKenzie, May 22, 2011, before heading to The Basic School the following October. After TBS, Brian went to Ground Supply Officers Course and was selected for three years in Okinawa, Japan. Brian serves as the battalion supply officer. Since arriving in October 2012, they have loved Japan. They wasted no time and have traveled to Thailand, Tokyo, South Korea and Taiwan. Brian said they love island life and low travel costs. On Dec. 15, 2013, McKenzie gave birth to a baby girl, Jane E. Harding. Brian said she is growing fast and has brought immeasurable joy to their lives. Although they are not sure where they are headed after Okinawa, they are enjoying their time there and have certainly made the most of it. Congratulations, you two, and I can’t wait to hear what comes next!

Daniel Mahaffey recently received his wings and is stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Daniel will be flying the C2 Greyhound. Alex Crow, also in Norfolk, returned from Japan and is living in Virginia Beach. He enjoys it, despite the terrible traffic in the morning getting to base. Alex missed graduation sitting in the same traffic. I hope it gets better soon!

In the Post Exchange after graduation, I ran into Chad Lawson. Chad is doing well in Richmond and has taken up woodworking as a hobby. He showed me some pretty elaborate gifts he made for his graduating rats. Chad, along with some other BRs, enjoyed a speech by Clarence Thomas at the VMI Club of Richmond earlier this spring. Also in attendance was Matt Talbott, who will be attending the Alabama College of Medicine in the fall. Congratulations, Matt!

Philip Steinhoff, Will Shannon ’10 and Drew Stahling ’12 also attended the event.

I was very pleased to hear from Roy Hunter who is recently engaged to Marissa Smith. The two are looking to be married in May 2015. Roy changed jobs recently and is working as a soil scientist for a small geo-technical engineering firm called Geo-Solutions LLC in Hopewell, Virginia. Roy recently moved to Williamsburg and is enjoying life there.

It was a busy winter for me. My wife and I took a late honeymoon to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and enjoyed some incredible skiing and the amazing terrain. We snowmobiled to Old Faithful in Yellowstone, which was quite an experience. Rebecca and I are living in Charlottesville and both working for Target. Rebecca works as a production controller for a Target distribution center, and I work in the Culpeper store as the logistics executive. I began training to join the ski patrol at Wintergreen Resort in fall 2013.

I passed in November and was actually tested out by Morgan Armstrong ’68, who sits on the National Ski Patrol Board. Later in the winter, I passed my alpine qualification. Along with two

146

other patrollers, in late April I traveled to Mount Washington, New Hampshire, to climb and ski Tuckerman Ravine, the east face of the mountain. There is a picture of me summiting our second day via the Hillman Highway route. When I began the climb, it was 37 degrees and raining at the base. Through the elevation change, it was 8 degrees and snowing at the top. It was definitely a great experience and all during an 80-degree week in Virginia with humidity I did not miss.

Hit me up in the winter if you want to ski!

Last, and certainly not least, I would like to wish the utmost congratulations to our sole brother rat who walked in the May commencement ceremonies. Jeremy O’Brien has graduated from VMI. Jeremy is pursuing a commission in the Marines, and in his words, “I’m just glad to be done and thankful you all are here to see it.” Jeremy enjoyed celebrating with some cold beverages the days before at The Palms restaurant, along with his longtime girlfriend and family who came to see him walk.

If I missed any news, it is never too late. I cannot wait to hear from everyone and hope to see you at some football games in the fall.

Rah Virginia Mil, Allen

’12

Bruce Howard

14501 Doctor’s Creek Road

Lanexa, VA 23089 804/814-3089 howardbl@mail.vmi.edu

Brother Rats, I hope this edition of the Review finds you well. It’s been great hearing from everyone the past few months. By the time this edition comes out, summer will be coming to an end. So, I expect even more updates and pictures.

It seems as if next year will be wedding season for many of our BRs. Daniel Vaden is working with the Virginia State Police. June will be the one-year mark for Daniel as a trooper with the state police. He is also engaged and will be getting married in April 2015. Congratulations on both of your accomplishments.

I’d also like to congratulate James Goodwillie on his recent engagement. James is planning to marry Taylor Epifano in April 2015. I wish you both the best.

Dave Yost is in Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. Our thoughts and prayers go out with you while you’re there, as well as for a safe return.

Brandon Butler is a recruiter for a federal contractor, called Phacil, in the NOVA/Washington D.C. area. He has been working there for a little over a year and says that anyone looking for a job in the information technology sector should send him some information. So, if you’re interested

in a job, you can contact Brandon at BButler@ phacil.com. On another note, Brandon is also engaged and plans to get married in November 2015 to Elissa Hawkins. Congratulations on the engagement, Brandon.

Robert Earle is still teaching in Jacksonville, Florida. He will also be getting married soon and plans on moving back to Virginia in 2015.

Rob Young has graduated from Airborne School, as well as Ranger School. He will be heading to his unit, the 101st, soon.

Ross Stolle and Josh Lynch are both living in Virginia Beach, Virginia. If you’re in the area, give them a call. I know they’d love to meet up and grab dinner or drinks with any visiting BRs. Honorary Brother Rat Dave Cotting is still teaching at VMI but is also serving as director of Core Curriculum Leadership Instruction. Not sure what that is, but it sounds awesome! Congratulations, Dave, and best of luck with the new position. I know you’ll do great.

Well, that sums everything up that happened in the spring. Please continue to update your information on the alumni website yourself or send new email/physical addresses to me personally, and I’ll update them for you. I received a lot more feedback on the Facebook page, so keep using that as a way of communication – whatever is most convenient.

Thanks again, and until next time.

’13

Charles P. Jones 1534 Antietam Drive Columbus, GA 31907 703/628-4900 jonescp@mail.vmi.edu

Brother Rats, As I write this, it’s hard to believe it’s been a full year since most of us graduated. For our BRs graduating this week, as well as all those in the Class of 2014, I want to say congratulations and good luck in whatever is next on your agenda.

I want to start by announcing that our class website is finally up and running! You can check it out by going to www.vmi2013.org. It has been a long process that started as a capstone project

by Mickey Houman and Yi Lin just over a year ago. It has been developed and designed during the last year to fit the needs of the class. If you have suggestions on ways to improve the website or have things you’d like to see incorporated, give me a call or send me an email. If you have not filled out the annual class survey sent out via Facebook and email, you may do so on the website.

Two of our BRs recently took on the challenge of commissioning in the Army via the Officer Candidate School program at Fort Benning. I graduated from OCS in January, so it was nice to see the familiar faces of Ike

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2013: From left, Tom Battiata, Sean McCauley, Will Helfrich, Caleb Clubb, Justin Tonnies, Ken Witzman and Josh Clements at a going-away party before Witzman left for an assignment in Germany.

Williamson and Benton Roe around post.

Ike graduated and moved on to Basic Officer Leader Course for field artillery officers.

Benton has branched into infantry and will graduate OCS and start Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course this summer. If you run into either of them, make sure you congratulate them!

I was fortunate enough to see Roland Zech recently. He was in town, and I got to spend the night out with him and Brent Shull in downtown Columbus. He completed Marine Basic School and is headed to Rice University to work in the ROTC department for a short period of time before shipping out to Okinawa for his next assignment.

I received an email from David Warriner in which he suggested we incorporate into our website a list of members of our class who are deployed, so that members and families of the class can keep them in their thoughts and prayers. I’ll be working on putting together this list in the coming weeks and will be emailing more information on the project. If you are being deployed or know of a BR being deployed to be included on the list, please send me an email with that information.

In April, I heard from Justin Tonnies, and it sounds like he’s doing well. He recently accepted a job with Booz Allen Hamilton as a national security/defense consultant. He got engaged on New Year’s Eve 2014 to his fiancée, Molly Eckert. He had the opportunity to get together with some of his fellow Company B brother rats in December before Ken Witzman headed off to his first assignment in Germany.

The more I hear from different BRs, the more it seems like things are going well for just about everyone. As always, if you have any announcements or photos you’d like included in the class notes, feel free to email them in. I look forward to hearing from you all soon!

Samuel Guidry

’14 Class of 2013: Will Helfrich, Sean McCauley and Justin Tonnies posing in front of the Bravo Company symbol – the 8-ball – outside of a Washington, D.C., restaurant prior to Helfrich beginning The Basic School for the U.S. Marine Corps.

2014- Issue 3

504 Brumsey Court SW Leesburg, VA 20175 (703) 777-6175 guidrysj10@mail.vmi.edu

Taylor Floyd

915 Briar Ridge Drive Houston, TX 77057 (713) 467-9222 floydtj@mail.vmi.edu

Welcome, Class of 2014! If you have any news updates, please send them to your class agents, shown above.

147

CLASS NOTES

BIRTHS

BIRTHS

ESTEVE – A daughter, Walker Ashleigh, to Caroline and George A. “Tony” Esteve ’00, November 17, 2013.

TALLEY – A son, Chappell Vernon, to Amie-Anne E. Talley ’05 and William H. Talley V ’03, March 14, 2014.

HADDOCK – A son, Daniel, to Charlotte and C. Patrick Haddock ’00, March 21, 2014.

TRAINA – A son, David Lee, to Jennifer and Stephen B. Traina ’03, Jan. 16, 2014.

KELLER – A daughter, Vivienne Sonja, to Suzy and Matthew R. Keller ’00, May 15, 2014.

KOPF – A daughter, Eden Olivia, to James and Alexa (Bernas) Kopf ’08, March 3, 2014.

PEARSON – A daughter, Samara, to Shana and Edward A. Pearson II ’00, May 5, 2014.

ADAMS – A son, Jackson Weston, to Jennifer and Christopher N. Adams ’03, March 21, 2014.

BIESTERVELD – A son, Lincoln Andrew, to Chelsey and Andrew C. Biesterveld ’03, April 16, 2014.

HAIRE – A son, Jack Weston, to Julie Haire and Kyle D. Haire ’03, Jan. 8, 2014.

KERNS – A daughter, Chiara, to Angee and Philip D. Kerns ’03, Oct. 27, 2013.

KUHN – A daughter, Marian Ayla, to Holly and James A. Kuhn III ’03, Feb. 28, 2014.

QUINN – A son, Jase Edward, to Lindsey and Paul D. Quinn ’03, Feb. 10, 2014.

REID – A daughter, Lydia Emma Wood, to Marla and Richard N. Reid Jr. ’03, Nov. 23, 2011.

REID – A daughter, Lilah Rebecca Mae, to Marla and Richard N. Reid Jr. ’03, March 14, 2014.

DEGREES Paul R. Jones ’77 M.A. Biblical Studies Trinity Theological Seminary Newburgh, Indiana 2006 Paul H. Friend III ’82 Clinical and Counseling Psychology University of South Alabama Mobile, Alabama July 2013

Ph.D.

Craig A. Giorgis ’00 M.A. International Relations Boston University Boston, Massachusetts December 2013 C. Patrick Haddock ’00 University of Georgia Atlanta, Georgia May 2014

MBA

VMI’s 25 Most Senior Alumni According to the records of the VMI Alumni Association, the people listed below constitute the 25 senior alumni of the Institute. Please contact the Alumni Review staff if any errors are noted.

William E. Cantrell ’26 Richard D. Schmitz ’31 Ernest C. Johnson ’29 Thomas M. Zeledon ’30 Howard J. Bell ’33 William R. Landrum ’34 E. Lane Whitley ’34 Emmett J. Heerdt ’34 Richard H. McCormick ’34 James E. Kirk ’36 Edwin T. Arnold ’35 James C. Sherman ’35 Gardner F. Goodwyn ’36 148

Oct. 17, 1905 Feb. 24, 1908 May 19, 1908 Dec. 21, 1908 Nov. 25, 1910 Dec. 3, 1910 April 1, 1911 Feb. 27, 1912 Dec. 4, 1912 Oct. 25, 1913 Feb. 7, 1914 March 31, 1914 April 27, 1914

J. Randolph Tucker Jr. ’37

June 29, 1914

John A. Gialanella ’36

Aug. 28, 1914

John H. Divine III ’36

Nov. 13, 1914

Joseph H. Keller ’36

Feb. 5, 1915

W. Barton Baldwin ’37

July 26, 1915

Henry B. Johnson ’38

Aug. 9, 1915

Robert N. Mathews ’38

Feb. 26, 1916

Floyd S. Smth ’41

Sept. 7, 1916

Raymond W. Parks ’37 James M. Whitt ’39 Glenn T. Foust Jr. ’38 George L. Fosque Jr. ’38

Oct. 6, 1916 Dec. 23, 1916 May 18, 1917 Sept. 18, 1917 VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME 2018 Jacob Lance Thomas Doucette John Anthony Kost

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Michael W. Doucette ’89

Father

John C. Anderson ’67

Grandfather

Derek Andrew Heim Zachary Peterson Dylan Weller

Daniel J. Acuff ’94 Gerald J. Acuff ’71 Edward R. Barnes ’59 Stewart L. Barnes ’86 Edward R. Barnes ’59 Larry W. Heim ’77 Jacob M. Abell ’99 George M. Mason ’86

Father Cousin Grandfather Father Grandfather Father Uncle Uncle

2020 Elias Assimakopoulos Daemon Lee Bossard Alex William Fahey Conner McMurrough Kavanaugh

Eliot F. Assimakopoulos ’90 Bernard B. Bossard ’56 William E. Samuels ’62 Stephen L. Kavanaugh ’94 Christopher B. Kavanaugh ’96

Father Grandfather Grandfather Father Uncle

Jordan Grace Stafford

Steven W. Stafford ’89

Father

2021 Ethan Michael Kemp Jon R. Milner II

Michael B. Kemp ’90 Jon R. Milner ’91

Father Father

2019 Andrew Lewis Acuff II Daniel Ored Barnes William Ryland Barnes

2022 Michael W. Doucette ’89 Elizabeth Eilleen Beggs Doucette Sally Elizabeth Edmondson James H. Edmondson ’55 Jon R. Milner ’91 Samantha A. Milner 2024 Allan Townsend Lunsford III

Father Grandfather Father

Allan T. Lunsford Jr. ’92 D.B. Gregory Jr. ’97 Lawrence A. Wilkes ’66 Gerald F. Wilkes ’66 William K. Kays Jr. ’55 Hugh W. Fry ’867 Birkett D. Dry ’843 James E. Slaughter ’848 Reuben L. Walker ’845

Father Cousin Cousin Cousin Great-uncle Cousin Cousin Cousin Cousin

Andrew D. Fuller ’99 Hugh F. Gouldthorpe ’61

Father Grandfather

2026 Grace Gilliland Edmondson James H. Edmondson ’55 Allan T. Lunsford Jr. ’92 Wilkes Patton Lunsford D.B. Gregory Jr. ’97 Lawrence A. Wilkes ’66 Gerald F. Wilkes ’66

Grandfather Father Cousin Cousin Cousin

2025 Ryan Andrew Fuller Harrison Christopher Gouldthorpe

2014-Issue 3

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Teodora Ladd Smither

William K. Kays Jr. ’55 Hugh W. Fry ’867 Birkett D. Dry ’843 James E. Slaughter ’848 Reuben L. Walker ’845 Michael T. Smither ’63

2027 Aidan Liam Andrew Kavanaugh

Stephen L. Kavanaugh ’94 Father Christopher B. Kavanaugh ’96 Uncle

2029 Curtis Russell Gouldthorpe

Hugh F. Gouldthorpe ’61

Grandfather

Michael R. Booth ’02 Patrick J. Flynn ’74 Robert Flynn ’67

Father Grandfather Great-uncle

Kennon W. Kincaid ’03 William B. Kincaid ’99

Father Uncle

Theodore F. Adams III ’83 James B. Adams ’88 John D. Adams ’96 Douglas K. Baumgardner ’73

Uncle Uncle Father Grandfather

Michael W. Morelock ’90 Theodore F. Adams III ’83 James B. Adams ’88 John D. Adams ’96 Bree A. Guiterman ’04 A.W. Stevens ’64 Nate L. Adams II ’45 Hawes N. Adams ’43 Isaac F. Adams ’908

Father Uncle Uncle Father Mother Cousin Great-great-uncle Great-great-uncle Great-greatgrandfather Great-great-greatgrandfather

Wilkes Patton Lunsford (continued)

2030 Michael Durrett Booth Samuel Patrick Brown

2031 Calder Watkins Kincaid 2032 Andrew Donley Adams

Thomas G. Walker III

2033 Parker M. Morelock Henry Michael Adams

Isaac Adams Guiterman

Isaac H. Adams Jr. ’881

2034 Lorelei V. Lochart Jackson William Price Francis Joseph Rosenthal V Ryan Wayne Wiley Charles R. Witcher Jr. 2035 Jonah Nathaniel Bowers Carter Diggs Brown Harris Millar Hall

Great-uncle Cousin Cousin Cousin Cousin Grandfather

David N. Lochart ’10 Timothy A. Price ’04 Francis J. Rosenthal III ’82 Derek W. Wiley ’04 Charles R. Witcher ’05 J. Knox Witcher ’10

Uncle Father Grandfather Father Father Uncle

Terry L. Bowers ’68 Matthew T. Bowers ’93 John C. Ishon ’69 Walter C. Perrin ’62

Grandfather Uncle Grandfather Uncle

149

PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME Oliver Grayson Moore Campbell Leigh Price Calvin Coleman Reed

ALUMNUS-CLASS Scott E. Armstrong ’81 Terry L. Bowers ’68 Matthew T. Bowers ’93 Matthew L. Waring ’83 James M.S. Waring ’894 Mowton L. Waring Sr. ’927 Mowton L. Waring Jr. ’56 James M. Waring ’81 Robert K. Waring Sr. ’924 Robert K. Waring Jr. ’50B Yerbury G. Burnham ’50B

Josiah Gabriel Summers Nathan Lucas Trujillo Lily Jane Waring

Grandfather Grandfather Uncle Great-uncle Great-great-greatgrandfather Great-greatgrandfather Great-grandfather Great-uncle Great-uncle Cousin Cousin

Mowton L. Waring Jr. ’56 James M. Waring ’81 Robert K. Waring Sr. ’924 Robert K. Waring Jr. ’50B Yerbury G. Burnham ’50B

Father Father Grandfather Great-great-greatgrandfather Great-greatgrandfather Great-grandfather Great-uncle Great-uncle Cousin Cousin

Christopher N. Adams ’03 Walter L. Chalkley ’72 James R. Chalkley ’73

Father Grandfather Great-uncle

Benjamin K. Summers ’97 Kevin M. Trujillo ’98 Matthew L. Waring ’83 James M.S. Waring ’894 Mowton L. Waring Sr. ’927

2036 Jackson Weston Adams Derek Michael Arnott

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

Derek Michael Arnott (continued) Lincoln Andrew Biesterveld William O’Donnell Collier

W. Scott Chalkley ’02

Uncle

Andrew C. Biesterveld ’03

Father

William C. Collier ’72 William C. Collier ’06 John C. Collier ’09 Peter D. Walters ’73 Thomas A. Rademacher ’83 John A. Walters ’66 David C. Downing ’09

Grandfather Father Uncle Grandfather Great-uncle

Tim Feagans ’90

Uncle

Louis A. “Alex” Dunlap ’60 Leland G. Bell ’54 C. Patrick Haddock ’00

Grandfather

Fred G. Kennedy Jr. ’63

Grandfather

Kennon W. Kincaid ’03 William B. Kincaid ’99 George B. Melton ’05 Kevin R. Knotts ’77

Father Uncle Father Uncle

William H. Talley V ’03 Amie-Anne E. Talley ’05 William H. Talley IV ’77 Melvin W. Talley ’82

Father Mother Grandfather Uncle

Peter Roger Custer

Jackson Thomas Downing Mary Alexander Feagans Gunnar Wyatt Fowler

Daniel Christopher Haddock Declan Robert Michael Kennedy John Miles Kincaid Preston James Melton Joseph Bruno O’Connor Chappell Vernon Talley

RELATIONSHIP

Great-uncle Father

Great-uncle Father

Follow Us

www.vmialumni.org 150

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS TAPS James Heine ’34

James Heine ’34 of Carmel, New York, died Feb. 22, 2012. He was 100.

Heine matriculated from New York, New York, and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his children, Anne L. McGonigel, Karl J. Heine and James W. Heine ’73, and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne M. Ecclesine Heine, and son, Robert C. Heine.

Joseph L. Savage Jr. ’39

The Hon. Joseph Lynn Savage Jr. ’39 of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died March 27, 2014. He was 96.

Savage matriculated from Fredericksburg and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Washington & Lee University.

He is survived by his wife, Marie R. Savage; sons, James L. Savage (Mary Kay), John R. Savage (Ann), Thomas Y. Savage (Julia) and Michael C. Savage (Kendra); six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Elizabeth Savage Stephens.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Francis Yates Savage.

Lonas matriculated from Manassas, Virginia, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He received his Bachelor of Laws degree from George Washington University.

He is survived by his wife, Edna Jo Whisenant Lonas; daughter, Linda; sister, Dolly Lonas Thrift; and niece, Terry Thrift Hurst.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Henry Lonas, and niece, Peggy Thrift Greer.

Robert S. Sherrard ’44

Jackson and Lauren Ansley Gleason; brother, Fred Newcomb; and sister, Phyllis East.

He was preceded in death by two children, Brian Jeffrey and Fairlyn Newcomb.

James W. Mullins ’46

James Wiley Mullins ’46 of Fort Smith, Arkansas, died March 13, 2014. He was 89.

Mullins matriculated from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and attended VMI for one year. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of Arkansas.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Lynne; daughter, Leigh Ann Mullins; sons, John Mullins (Sonya) and Andy Mullins; and grandchildren, Erin, David and Jenna Mullins.

Robert Singleton “Bob” Sherrard ’44 of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, died March 20, 2014. He was 92.

Sherrard matriculated from Willow Street, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Sherrard ’44 Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. Frederick S. LeBlanc Jr. ’47 He is survived by his wife, Ruth Frederick Saugrain LeBlanc ’47 of Hemperly Sherrard; children, Linda Baton Rouge, Louisiana, died Feb. 1, Reidenbaugh (Thomas), Pamela Rosen- 2014. He was 87. berger and Robert S. Sherrard Jr. ’77 LeBlanc matriculated from Baton (Maria); grandchildren, Jennifer Becker Rouge and attended VMI for one year.

Weyandt, Kati Becker Green, Leigh He received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Ruth Rosenberger, and Christina, from Louisiana State University.

Robert III and Emily Sherrard; five greatLloyd R. Stallings ’42 grandchildren; nephew, James John F. Monroe Jr. ’47 Lloyd Robert Stallings ’42 of G. Sherrard ’65; and sisters, John Francis Monroe Jr. ’47 of MilFort Myers, Florida, died Feb. Mary Ann Beeler and Sandra waukee, Wisconsin, died Feb. 22, 2014.

26, 2014. He was 93.

Crinnion.

He was 87.

Stallings matriculated from He was preceded in death by Monroe matriculated from Milwaukee Cumberland, Maryland, and was his brothers, Joseph H. Sherrard and attended VMI for two years. He a distinguished graduate of VMI, IV ’37, who died May 24, 2000, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from earning a Bachelor of Science and Hugh Sherrard; sister, Prim- Marquette University and a Bachelor of degree in chemistry. rose Gainer; and nephew, Joseph Laws degree from Harvard University.

He is survived by his sons, H. Sherrard V ’64, who died July He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; Lloyd Stallings Jr. (Sandy), Stallings ’42 11, 2004. children, Maryrose, John III, Robert and William Stallings (Gail) and Marygrace; grandchildren, Philip, BenJohn Stallings (Elisabeth); grandchiljamin and Aimee; and sister, Margaret Andrew J. Newcomb Jr. ’45 dren, Lloyd Stallings III, Leisa Fink, Andrew Jackson Newcomb Jr. ’45 of Zunick.

Ashley Stallings Swenson, and Rick, He was preceded in death by his son, Katie and Anna Stallings; and five great- Roanoke, Virginia, died March 25, 2014.

Christopher, and sister, Mary Ellen He was 89. grandchildren.

Newcomb matriculated from Roanoke Schmitz.

He was preceded in death by his wife, and earned his Bachelor of Science deEvelyn Williams Stallings.

Charles H. Davis Jr. ’49C gree in electrical engineering from VMI. Charles Hurd “Chuck” Davis Jr. ’49C He is survived by his wife, Manette Leonard L. Lonas Jr. ’44 Leonard Luther Lonas Jr. ’44 of Pur- Stone Newcomb; daughters, Sherry of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, died cellville, Virginia, died March 21, 2014. Newcomb and Robin Newcomb Gleason; May 12, 2008. He was 82.

Davis matriculated from Martinsville, He was 90. grandchildren, Susannah Jordan, Justin 2014-Issue 3

151

TAPS Virginia. He was a distinguished graduate of VMI, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

He was survived by his wife, Rebecca Greene Davis; son, Nathan Lannine Davis (Jessica); daughters, Rebecca Davis, Lynn Hobbit (Forrest), Suzanne Davis-Weatherhill (Jim) and Georgia Brown (David); step-son, Jonathan Ward (Stephanie); step-daughter, Shannon Myers; grandchildren, Samantha Giles, Elizabeth Grace Myers, Jeffrey Giles, Brayden Myers and Stryker Ward; and brother, John G. Davis ’50B, who died Feb. 22, 2012.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Davis.

Gwynne H. Jones Jr. ’50B

Gywnne Harrison Jones Jr. ’50B of Fairfax, Virginia, died March 20, 2014.

He was 85.

Jones matriculated from White Post, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Gertrude Earl; children, Grace Robbins, Gwynne H. Jones III, Beverley Robinson and Matthew Page Jones; grandchildren, Lizzie and Joey Robbins, Randy Jones, Page and Matthew Robinson, and Brogan, Maeve and Nula Jones; and nephew, Robert Randolph Jones ’80.

He was preceded in death by his brother, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. George L. Jones III ’55, who died Aug. 30, 1994, and great-grandfather, Joseph Ravenscroft Jones ’848, who died Aug. 15, 1894.

Joe T. Howard ’51

(David) and Catherine Vittingl Barba; and grandchildren, BritRetired U.S. Air Force Lt. tony and Cassidy Cain, RaCol. Myles Russell Hutchinson chael and Sarah Bennett, Kate ’52 of Gloucester, Virginia, died Sparks Sewell (Hill), Carter and March 11, 2014. He was 83.

Sarah Grace Sparks, Brooke Hutchinson matriculated from Chadwell, Alex Carter and Abby Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Watts (Bryan). and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned Carter ’54 William M. Fulgham ’54 his Master of Science degree Willam Mathews Fulgham ’54, D.D.S, in civil engineering from the University of Suffolk, Virginia, died April 10, 2014. of Illinois.

He was 81.

He is survived by his wife, Ann B. Fulgham matriculated from Windsor, Hutchinson; children, Toni Hutchinson Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Rodgers and Page, Mike, and Brian degree in biology from VMI. Hutchinson; daughter-in-law, Susan He served as a member of the VMI Hutchinson; grandchildren, Michael Keydet Club Board from 1976-87 and Hutchinson (Misty), Maryah Harvey, held the position of board president from Christopher Rodgers (Erika Leake), Sean 1985-87. and Myles Kois, and Drew Hutchinson; He is survived by his wife, Nancy Ann great-grandchildren, Kyleigh, Michael Newman Fulgham; daughters, Katherine and Chad Hutchinson, MacKenzie and Fulgham Bryant (Lawrence) Landon McCarty, and Hayley and Julie Fulgham Galleher Harvey.

(M. Hunter); grandchildren, He was preceded in death by Nancy Bryant Pappas (Alex), his brother, Jack M. Hutchinson Charlotte Mathews Bryant and ’49C, who died Sept. 14, 1989, William Huntley Galleher; and and sisters, Susie Eshleman and sister, Ann Tilson Wilroy.

Betty Jacobs.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, John Rawles Robert A. Sovik Jr. ’53 Fulgham Jr. and Eldon Charles Robert Anthony Sovik Jr. ’53 Fulgham ’54 Fulgham. of Clifton Park, New York, died

Myles R. Hutchinson ’52

April 6, 2014. He was 85.

Sovik matriculated from Syracuse, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Bette; daughters, Lisa Nieradka (Steven) and Susan Streeter (Gordon); and granddaughter, Alexis Ann Nieradka.

Joe Tom Howard ’51 of Melbourne, Florida, died Feb. 5, Troy H. Carter ’54 2014. He was 84.

Troy Holman Carter ’54 of Howard matriculated from Mobile, Alabama, died March Norton, Virginia, and earned his 7, 2014. He was 82.

Bachelor of Arts degree in biolCarter matriculated from Portsogy from VMI. mouth, Virginia, and earned his He is survived by his wife, Bachelor of Science degree in Frances; children, Rebecca A. civil engineering from VMI. Howard, Caroline H. Atkins and Howard ’51 He is survived by his wife, Capt. John Colby Howard ’92; eight grand- Peggy Matthews Carter; daughters, children; brother; and cousin, William H. Lynda Carter Bennett (Pat), Kelly Carter Ball Jr. ’56.

Williams (Chuck), Robin Sparks Davis 152

Joseph L. Parker Jr. ’54

Joseph LeRoy Parker Jr. ’54 of Thomasville, Georgia, died April 4, 2014. He was 82.

Parker matriculated from Thomasville and attended VMI for four months. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Florida State University.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Gravely Parker; son, John Mark Parker (Carson); daughter, Julia Parker Cook (Sean); son-in-law, Richard L. Thompson; and grandchildren, William Richard and Benjamin Smarr Thompson, Hannah Elizabeth, Bryce Patrick and Lucy Caroline Cook, Jackson Stevens and Walker Howard Harris, and Joseph Dallas and Andrew McCarson Parker.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Parker Thompson.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Thomas P. Wright ’54

Thomas Parker Wright ’54 of Lexington, Virginia, died March 28, 2014. He was 82.

Wright matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Elinor D. Wright; daughters, Billie Metzler and Heidi Wright Sherman; son, Tom D. Wright; grandchildren; and brother, Wesley Wright Jr. He was preceded in death by his son, Nicholas J.C. Wright Sr.

Michael M. Belenky ’55

Michael Mitchell Belenky ’55, D.D.S., of Arnold, Maryland, died April 12, 2014. He was 80.

Belenky matriculated from Detroit, Michigan, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan.

He is survived by his wife, Mary F. “Mitzi”Belenky; two sons, Michael F. Belenky ’97 (Blythe) and Alexis J. Belenky; brother, Dr. Walter M. Belenky; and grandchildren, Sarah M., Emma F., and Michael C. Belenky.

Andrew W. Haraway Jr. ’55

Andrew Wilmer Haraway Jr. ’55 died Jan. 8, 2007. He was 74.

Haraway matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information about Mr. Haraway.)

Harry C. Valentine Jr. ’55

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Harry Carter Valentine Jr. ’55 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died April 17, 2014. He was 81.

Carter matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Carvel Taylor; his children, Jim Valentine (Lori) and Paige Valentine; step-children, Sukie Amory (David), Steve Taylor (Diane), Joe Taylor (Wendy) and Mary Taylor; grandchildren, Miles and Marley; step-grandchildren, Linzee, Eric, John, Lacey, Tanner, Trip, Terry, Trevor, Chris and Liz; sister, Paige 2014-Issue 3

Barrow (Tim); and brother, Graham Valentine (Beth).

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucille.

Jack B. Baugh ’56

Jack Belchee Baugh ’56, D.D.S, of Saint George, Utah, died Feb. 20, 2014.

He was 78.

Baugh matriculated from Tazewell, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Francesca Baugh; son, Michael Baugh; and brother, Dick Baugh.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Liliana Passoni, and sister, Mary Jane Baugh Stinson.

He was predeceased by his wife, Gail, and son, Brian.

Richard O. Culver Jr. ’58

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Richard Otis “Dick” Culver ’58 of Rathdrum, Idaho, died Feb. 24, 2014. He was 77.

Culver matriculated from Hopewell, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physics from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, and son, James.

Howard W. Roth Jr. ’60

Retired U.S. Army Col. Howard William Roth Jr. ’60 of Fort Pierce, Florida, died March 28, 2014. He was 76.

Ralph Gibson Jr. ’56 Roth matriculated from Elbridge, New Ralph Gibson Jr. ’56, D.D.S., of Front York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts Royal, Virginia, died March 21, 2014. degree in history from VMI. He earned He was 80. his Master of Arts degree from the University of Detroit.

Gibson matriculated from Waverly, Virginia, and earned his He is survived by his wife, Bachelor of Science degree in Nancy Roth; sons, Howard W. biology from VMI. He earned his Roth III (Jill) and Christopher Doctor of Dental Surgery degree J. Roth (Angel Entwistle); from Virginia Commonwealth daughters, Laura Griffith (Russell), Helen Bassell (Gary) and University’s Medical College of Karen Harman (Chuck); grandVirginia. children, Mary, Bill and Robert He is survived by his sons, Roth, Sarah and Emily Griffith, Ralph Gibson III (Melissa) and Roth ’60 Brandon and Julie Bassell, and Roger Gibson (Julie); daughter, Marlee Berger (Bruce); and grandchildren, Rose Harman; brothers, Richard, KenCaleb Gibson ’11, Grace, Seth, Noah neth, Vincent and Peter Roth; and sisters, Gibson ’11, Bethany, Abigail, Samuel, Mary Lou Bradley and Colleen Pucko.

Priscilla, Naomi, Hannah and Rebecca.

Ralph R. Hollowell ’61 He was preceded in death by his wife, Ralph Rodney “Sleepy” Hollowell ’61 Mary Jo. of Hertford, North Carolina, died Feb. Edward B. Martin ’57 26, 2014. He was 75.

Edward Benedict Martin ’57 of HillHollowell matriculated from Portsmouth, sborough, New Jersey, died April 13, Virginia, and attended VMI for four years.

2014. He was 78.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Flynn Martin matriculated from Upper Mont- Hollowell; children, Jennifer H. Fitch, clair, New Jersey, and earned his Bach- Lori Hollowell and Jeff Hollowell; stepelor of Science degree in civil engineer- children, Matthew David Cavenaugh, ing from VMI. He earned his Master of Sarah C. Street and Ann McGuire Talman; Science degree from Rutgers University. brother; and 12 grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons, Edward Francis E. Kennedy Jr. ’63 (Patricia), Terrence (Lynette), Michael Francis Edward “Frank” Kennedy Jr. ’63 (Shannon) and Colin; grandchildren, Eddie, Shannon, Sean, Kelly, Colgan, Kayla, of Greenville, North Carolina, died Feb. 9, Aubrianna and William; and brother, James. 2014. He was 72.

153

TAPS Kennedy matriculated from New Haven, Connecticut, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Gail Kennedy; son, Francis E. Kennedy III (Tracy); daughter, Tracie Greager (Mark); and grandchildren, Luke, Summer and Jordan Greager, and Gabrielle and Francis Kennedy IV. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Catherine Palumbo Kennedy.

Philip Z. Rutschow Jr. ’65

Philip Zorn “Phil” Rutschow Jr. ’65 of Modesto, California, died April 4, 2014.

He was 71.

Rutschow matriculated from Jamaica, West Indies, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters, Heidi and Amy Rutschow; sister, Martha Smith (Ken); niece, Michelle Yung (Troy); nephew, K.P. Smith (Chuck); and sisters-in-law, Cathy Fallow (Wain) and Susen Stefanko (Steve).

Larry H. Hardy ’67

Larry Hale Hardy ’67 of Morehead City, North Carolina, died Feb. 28, 2014. He was 68.

Hardy matriculated from Danville, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Daleen Hardy; daughter, Lori Warren; step-children, Gwyn Wilkes and Barry Revis; grandson; and four step-grandchildren.

Basil E. Smith ’78

Basil Eugene Smith ’78, M.D., of Cleveland, Tennessee, died April 8, 2014. He was 57.

Smith matriculated from Martinsville, Virginia, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his companion, Susan Mertz; special friend, Tricia Ototot; brother, Ellett Smith (Fran); nephews, Jason and George; and niece, Lauren.

154

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Essie Smith.

Hagen Fischlschweiger ’83

Hagen Fischlschweiger ’83 of Harbinger, North Carolina, died April 18, 2014. He was 53.

Fischlschweiger matriculated from Gainesville, Florida, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in modern languages.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry; parents, Werner and Karin Fischlschweiger; and brother, Thomas (Eileen).

Curry J. May Jr. ’86

Curry Julian May Jr. ’86 of Atlanta, Georgia, died March 3, 2014. He was 51.

May matriculated from Marietta, Georgia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Georgia.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Margaret Adamson May; sons, Curry Julian May III and McClendon Reeves May; parents, Maxine and Curry Julian May Sr. ’55; sister, Caroline May Echols (Charles); niece, Virginia May; nephew, John William; and uncles, James Howard Smith and Charles Edward May.

Brian J. Keith ’88

Brian Jonas Keith ’88 of Goldsboro, North Carolina, died April 2, 2014. He was 48.

Keith matriculated from Laredo, Texas,

and attended VMI for four years.

He is survived by his wife, Romeila Serrano De Keith; son, Erik Jonas Keith; mother, Goldie Lee Kennedy; brother, Lewis C. Keith Jr.; and sister, Priscilla Keith.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lt. Col. Lewis Charles Keith Sr.

Terence W. McMillian ’88

Terence Walter “Terry” McMillian ’88 of Ellenwood, Georgia, died Feb. 7, 2014.

He was 48.

McMillian matriculated from Columbia, Maryland, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his parents, LouVern and Helen McMillian; children, Sydney, Zachary and Riley; brothers, Sean Eugene (Gwen) and Christopher Paul (Rachel); six nephews; two nieces; seven uncles; and two aunts.

Eric B. Alter ’14

Eric Bruce Alter ’14 of Centreville, Virginia, died April 22, 2014. He was 22.

Alter matriculated from Centreville and attended VMI for four years.

He is survived by his parents, Bruce and Beth Alter; sister, Betsy; fiancée, Brandie Huffman; Alter ’14 and host family, Donnie and Heather McBrayer.

Death in the VMI Family James O. Kesler Jr.

Former Manager, VMI Laundry Department James Owen Kesler Jr. of Lexington, Virginia, died March 27, 2014. He was 79.

Kesler, who retired as manager of the laundry department, was a VMI employee for 38 years.

He is survived by his wife, Cathaline Ann Kesler; son, Theodore S. “Peppy” Kesler (Patricia); granddaughter, Catherine Ann Kesler; and sister, Peggy Siron.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

AFTER TAPS AFTER TAPS

O

ften, obituaries don’t include personal facts, and at times, they do not pay adequate homage to those who have died. With this in mind, the Alumni Review staff is introducing a new section: After Taps. This section provides you with the opportunity to share a memory or information about a deceased member of the VMI family. Submit remembrances in writing to your class agent, who will coordinate input and forward it to the Alumni Review staff. After Taps input submitted by classes that graduated in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s will appear in this section in the first and third issues of the Review each year. Those who graduated in the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s will have access to this space in the second and fourth issues of the Review each year. In this edition, we are including input from the 30s through the 60s, as listed below:

1930s “Jack” Jetton ’37 and his wife, Nell

by John F. Forsyth ’67 Jack and his wife, Nell, shared a wonderful life. Recently, I was notified that Nell Waldrep Jetton died at a rather significant age.

On Jan. 10, 2014, after 102 years, 7 months and 13 days on earth, this remarkable woman was called home.

Born May 28, 1911, near Spartanburg, South Carolina, Nell graduated from the Mary Black School of Nursing and was serving patients at the Laurens, South Carolina, hospital when her path crossed Jack’s. At the time, Jack was a field engineer for the Charleston and Western Carolina Railroad.

While visiting his hospitalized boss, Jack immediately became smitten with Nurse Nell, and as they say, the rest is history! They married Dec. 23, 1939, and settled down in east Tennessee, where Jack accepted a Tennessee Valley Authority engineering job constructing the hydroelectric dams on the Tennessee and French Broad Rivers. These immense structures produced much needed electric power for the Tennessee Valley, as well as the new Oak Ridge complex, which was critical to ending World War II. Jack had been a scrappy fighter at the Institute, never shying away from the boxing ring or the wrestling mat. So, he didn’t shy away from the war, either. He completed his Army Reserve commitment in 1939, but it may have been the memory of Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune (VMI superintendent 1929-37) that motivated Jack to enlist in another service.

On March 31, 1943, he accepted a U.S. Marine Corps commission and shipped out to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Soon after combat training, his unit found itself halfway around the world in the Ryukyu Island chain (near Japan) embroiled in the Battle of Okinawa.

2014-Issue 3

At the war’s end, the couple reestablished their life together in Jack’s hometown of Trenton, Tennessee, and raised their family. Jack took several engineering assignments improving Tennessee highways before accepting a Proctor & Gamble engineering position at the extensive Milan Munitions Arsenal. Concurrently, Jack continued to serve his country in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1958. In 1959, he formed his own engineering services enterprise in Trenton and spent the next 31 years applying his civil engineering acumen for the betterment of his fellow Tennesseans. Jack worked 53 years in all, despite a 1976 accident that left him a paraplegic. Misfortune didn’t dampen this Marine’s spirit or his passion for work – it only caused him to sit a spell! Jack passed away in 1990, after working a full day from his wheelchair, just as he had done every day for the previous 14 years. He was 75 years young.

Besides being Jack’s devoted wife, a mother and homemaker, Nell was active in the Hickory Grove Baptist Church, where she served as pianist and organist for more than 50 years. She taught Sunday school and embraced Women’s Missionary Union activities for decades. Most importantly, Nell was devoted to special needs children and was co-founder of the Gibson County Council for Retarded Children. She and Jack established the first special education class in Gibson County, Tennessee. In her later years, Nell relocated to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to be closer to family, where she died in 2014.

Jack spent his life as a citizen soldier – an example of duty and service to his God, country and family. Nell’s life is summarized as more than a century of love, compassionate devotion and sacrifice for her fellow man. Nell is survived by her four children; a brother; six grandchildren; seven

great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces and step-grandchildren. God bless Nell and Jack!

1950s Myles Hutchinson ’52

by Jim Mecredy ’52 Myles Hutchinson ’52, better known as “Hutch,” died peacefully March 11, 2014.

Myles is sorely missed by Ann, his wife of 49 years; his four children; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, one of whom he will never know.

Hutch’s love of singing led him to membership in the Gloucester Choral Society, Tri-County Express and in the men’s ensemble and the choir at the First Presbyterian Church in Gloucester. As a faithful member of Court House Players, he loved singing in shows like “1776” and could always be counted on to build and strike sets!

His love of and expertise with knitting and crocheting awarded him many local and state honors, including second place at the Virginia State Fair in 2012. He also loved golf, bowling, refinishing furniture, playing mahjong and other games, traveling, beach time, and especially the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jim Stallings ’52

by Jim Mecredy ’52 Jim Stallings ’52, who died Jan. 31, 2014, wanted his class ring donated to VMI. He bequeathed a Ring Fund in the name of the Class of ’52. His wife, Peggy; daughter, Margaret; and son, Duncan, have made a special trip to VMI just to deliver Jim’s ring to the fund. The family would like to express their gratitude for the love and support of Jim’s brother rats during their difficult time.

155

AFTER TAPS Tom Inge ’59

by Rusty “The Bear” Loth ’59 Tom Inge was a great BR, roommate and friend. I’ll never forget him and the good times we had together. In fact, he was the person who taught me how to really enjoy beer, and he coined the phrase, “I’ve never met a beer I didn’t like!”

I fondly remember Tom asking me on an occasion, “Rusty, do you have a cold beer?”

I said, “No, Tom I don’t.”

He looked me straight in the eye and said, “Do you have a hot one?” It didn’t make any difference. A beer was a beer, and I don’t think either one of us ever met one we didn’t like. Old German beer at Stevesville was as bad as it got, but it sure was good!

Watson Mundy ’59

by Ed Thomas ’59 I was company commander of a tank unit that was part of the 77th Infantry in New York. My company was scheduled to go to Camp Drum for our summer encampment.

At the last minute, I was told that there was a new officer assigned to the battalion, and he was to be my executive officer. To my surprise, in walked Brother Rat Watson Mundy. With two VMI-ers, our unit was sure to shine. We finished with a 99.6 rating as the top company in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. A week before returning to civilian life, we were encamped in the woods. At morning roll call, Watson delivered to me the “All Present” report and told me to stand pat.

To my surprise, he had taught our entire company the words to the “VMI Spirit,” and they all sung it loudly first thing in the morning while in formation.

1960s Col. Howard William “Howie” Roth ’60

by Col. Shep Shepard ’59 I first met Howard Roth almost 60 years ago. He was in the VMI Class of 1960, and I was in the Class of ’59. I was an upperclassman, and we did not associate with the 4th Class cadets – rats, as we called them. I suppose our first meeting would have been on a Sunday morning as we marched to church.

156

We were both Catholic, and if you attended early Sunday morning Mass, you got out of Sunday morning inspection. It didn’t take a genius to figure that one out. We, of course, attended early Mass every Sunday morning.

We probably ran into each other during the three years that followed, but I can’t say we were friends. It wasn’t until 1966, while serving in Vietnam, that I first found out what kind of guy Howie was, and we remained friends ever since.

When I arrived in Vietnam in 1966, I was assigned the job of chief of the Combat Vehicle and Armament Branch of 1st Logistical Command, and Howie was in the Qui Nhon Support Command, a subordinate command to the 1st Log. Command. My responsibility, among other things, was to keep the artillery pieces in Vietnam firing at all costs.

It was my duty to brief the 1st Log. commander, Maj. Gen. Charlie Eifler, every morning on the firing status of all the 105mm howitzers, 8-inch howitzers and 175mm guns in country. I received reports from the field every morning (including one from Howie in Qui Nhon), and by 8:45 a.m., I had all the information ready to participate in the 9 a.m. daily staff briefing for Eifler. Eifler loved to embarrass full colonels, it seemed.

Every morning, he would find one reason or another to rake one of the full colonels in the room over the coals. My boss was a guy named Col. George P. Holmes, and subsequently, he was also in Howie’s chain of command. We called him “Crazy George,” and he is a story in himself.

One morning, I reported that one of the new M102s had been destroyed in the 101st Airborne Division. I assured him there was no problem with maintaining their firepower, because they had switched out and were using their old M101A1s. This sent Eifler into orbit, and he began lecturing me on the fact that we had to keep the M102s firing so the troops would gain confidence in the weapon system. It was never explained to me like that before, and it made perfect sense. Eifler ended his lecture by telling me he didn’t care where in the world I got a replacement M102, but he wanted the destroyed one replaced and all tubes firing by the time I briefed him the next day.

I returned to my office, told Crazy George what the mission was and immediately contacted Howie Roth in Qui Nhon to ask if he could help me out. Howie was one of

the finest and most productive officers I had ever served with, and I knew I could count on him to solve the problem. Without a flinch, Howie said he would get it done. I knew if there was a way, he would do it.

Howie quickly located a M102 in the Qui Nhon area, but it had no panoramic sight and was missing several parts. There was also the problem of getting the M102 from Qui Nhon to the 101st site in the I Corps sector. The 101st was operating against the North Vietnamese Army infiltration routes through Laos and the A Shau Valley. I told Howie to get the howitzer to the 101st any way he could, and I would get whatever else was necessary to get it firing.

By the close of business that day, there was a M102 howitzer sitting in the 101st basecamp. I had the easy job of finding a panoramic sight and several repair parts. I did and shipped them immediately to the 101st. By the end of the day, we had a M102 on site and firing along with the other five M102 howitzers in the battery. The next morning when I presented my briefing to Eifler, he nodded in approval and then said in a low voice, “You’re pretty proud of that, aren’t you?” I acknowledged that I, indeed, was and said that much of the credit had to go to Capt. Howard Roth in the Qui Nhon Support Command.

Sometime later as Howie and I sat in the Officers’ Club drinking a beer, I asked him how in the world he got a howitzer from Qui Nhon to Tan Son Nut. He told me that it wasn’t easy, but he first went to the Qui Nhon airfield where he commandeered a Caribou airplane by literally stopping it on the runway and convincing the pilot to fly an emergency mission. The pilot consented, but when Howie tried to put the howitzer on the plane, it was not wide enough for the howitzer to fit. Howie was back to ground zero. His next plan involved a little finesse. He purchased a bottle of whiskey and went to the Officers’ Club, saddled up to one of the C-130 pilots and, one way or another, talked him into flying another mission that day to carry the howitzer to the 101st site. I think Howie could talk an Eskimo into buying a refrigerator. I will always be indebted to Howie Roth for pulling off that miracle.

The following year, Howie and I were in the Ordnance Corps Advanced Course at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

AFTER TAPS One of the many field trips we made that year was to Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, commanded by none other than Gen. George P. Holmes, alias Crazy George. George made the introductory remarks to our class of 100 or so, and when he saw Howie and me sitting in the audience, he related the story I just told. He went on further, telling exploits in Vietnam that made it sound like Howie, Crazy George and I had won the war in Vietnam.

Howie, may you rest peacefully in the hands of God.

Gregory Charles “Greg” Lee ’68

by Ed Anderson ’68 Gregory Charles “Greg” Lee was taken from us, and from his wife and children, at a much-too-young age by a non-combat U.S. Marine Corps aviation accident. How did Greg end up as a Marine aviator? He was obsessed with flying and was originally in U.S. Air Force ROTC at VMI but failed the Air Force flight physical because he was an inch too tall when seated. Undaunted, Greg did some checking and discovered that

the Marine Corps standards on maximum height were somewhat less restrictive. He transferred to the Marine Corps ROTC and became a Marine pilot after graduation.

Greg truly was a wild and crazy guy – full of energy and full of life. Although we all became separated after graduation, Greg was apparently able to buzz around the country fairly freely, and we never knew when he might drop in on us. I think I speak for all who knew him in saying that we were glad to know him, treasure his memory and wish he could drop in again.

Crispin “Chris” Pond Blanchette ’68

by J.B. Meadows ’68 Chris was my roommate rat year. He was good natured and funny. He was a born block runner who first ran it as a rat, just to be able to say that he did. My many memories of him include Chris catching a can of beer tossed to him from a passing car as we returned from the county fair in the back of a pickup truck, a beer much enjoyed once back in 426; discovering Plastic-Tak stuck to his rifle’s front sight when he went to inspection arms for one Friday Evening Inspection; and foraging Happy Hill for a Christmas tree, with Chris dangling high over the Nile to cut off the tree top.

Above all, were his many kindnesses. He arranged for Barb to come over and cheer up a very lonely rat walking guard at Midwinter Hop and had the orange drink and honey bun awaiting a brother rat after a late night Rat Disciplinary Committee visit.

I bear a scar on my hand from our attempt at bayonet practice and a sadness in my heart at his untimely passing.

Albert Maifield Jackson ’68

by Paul Quillen ’68 After graduating from VMI with Bachelor of Science degrees in electrical engineering, “Black Bart” Jackson and I were roommates in Birmingham, Alabama. We worked for General Electric’s Installation & Service Engineering Department. That was a great job.

We both loved it. Then, he was transferred to the Houston office and, while there, died in a car wreck. When I heard about his death, it really rattled me.

2014-Issue 3

157

THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. President

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 P.O. Box 3133 Lynchburg, VA 24503-0133 tperrow@wwassociates.net

First Vice President

Robert P. Louthan ’82 809 Lindsay Ct. Richmond, VA 23229-6823 rlouthan1@gmail.com

Second Vice President

Asa H. Page III ’79 5321 N. Point Ct. Virginia Beach, VA 23455-6827 vmi79@verizon.net

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

Executive Vice President

Adam C. Volant ’88 P.O. Box 932 Lexington, VA 24450 avolant@vmiaa.org

Brian S. Crockett

The VMI President

William A. Paulette ’69

Historian

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Directors at Large

Immediate Past President

Robert A. Heely ’69 507 Westover Ave. Norfolk, VA 23507 bob_heely@wcbay.com

Chief Executive Officer

President

Hugh M. Fain III ’80

Keydet Club, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Terms Expire June 30, 2016 Joel W. Andrus ’04 jandrus@kemperconsult.com A. Damon Williams ’90 damonwilliams@msn.com

Terms Expire June 30, 2017 Terms Expire June 30, 2015 Jessica J. Schmaus ’04 jessica.schmaus@gmail.com Anthony U. Moore ’78 amor_78@comcast.net Matthew Hemenez ’90 mhemenez@surefire.com E. Sean Lanier ’94 av8sean06@hotmail.com

Region/ Director

Chapter Name

Hawaii Greater Los Angeles Matthew Hemenez ’90 Northern California Pacific Northwest mhemenez Rocky Mountain @surefire.com Pikes Peak San Diego Inland Empire Chapter Alaska Arizona Las Vegas

Region I Far West

Region II Midwest

Jim Dittrich ’76

jim.dittrich @leisurearts.com

Region III Northeast

Felix Wolkowitz ’75 fwolkowitz@ wolkowbraker.com

San Antonio Centex Chicago Kansas City, Missouri North TX - Dallas Rio Grande SE TX - Houston Southwest Ohio St. Louis Detroit Little Rock Bluegrass Third Coast (Corpus Christi) Oklahoma Cleveland/Northern Ohio Greater Rhode Island New England NY City - Long Island North Jersey

Region IV Mid Atlantic

Baltimore Peter Charrington ’66 Central Keystone Delaware Valley pcharrin@ Western PA - Pittsburgh comcast.net

Region V Southeast

C. Patrick Haddock ’00 vmitranspo@ hotmail.com

158

Augusta Appalachian Atlanta Coastal GA - South Carolina Midsouth Middle TN - Nashville East TN - Knoxville

Chapter President

President’s E-mail

Chapter Representative

Russell Shun Takata ’74 Brian K. Andrew ’03 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 William V. Trumpore ’89 Thomas R. Clark III ’73 Micah T. Wei ’99 Andre J. Gibson ’78 Trent L. Boggs ’83 Kevin Black ’99 Kenneth S. Krynski ’89

russell.takata@yahoo.com brian.k.andrew@gmail.com tearris@gmail.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net vailkeydet@gmail.com vmiman@comcast.net mwei100@yahoo.com andrejg@aol.com tboggs@gci.com kblack@executive-command.com krynskiks@pendleton.usmc.mil

Russell Shun Takata ’74 Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 William V. Trumpore ’89 Katrina D. Powell ’06

Daniel J. Fitzgerald ’89 Stephen J. Barcik III ’85 Daniel C. Young ’88 & Molly. M. Hastings ’13 Jeffrey D. Vordermark ’79 Robert L. Manteuffel ’77

Daniel.Fitzgerald@hdrinc.com steve.barcik@htds2.com dan.young@wfadvisors.com hastingsmm@mail.vmi.edu vordermark@juno.com rlmanteuffel@sbcglobal.net

Thomas R. Shaw ’78 Jeffrey L. Minch ’73 Donald A. Noschese Jr. ’92

Steven P. Weiss ’86 J. Micah North ’00 Harry W. Gore Jr. ’72 David C. Hagemann ’80 James F. Dittrich ’76 Gregory G. McDearmon ’99 Walter J. Kleine ’63 Hamel B. Reinmiller ’98 Brian D. Skusa ’00

Joseph.J.Leonard@uscg.mil j.micah.north@gmail.com goreharry@vmialumni.org dhag80@aol.com jim_dittrich@leisurearts.com ggmcd34@earthlink.net WKleine@STX.RR.com HBRvmi98@vmialumni.org BSkusa@kforce.com

Steven P. Weiss ’86 J. Micah North ’00 Robert C. Polk ’61 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83

Patrick L. McGuire ’85 Patrick J. Griffin ’80 George T. Mosby ’97 Richard C. Wolffe Jr. ’78

magsvmi@email.com anchors80@comcast.net gmosby@liquidnet.com RWolffe@tspcapitalmgt.com

Patrick L. McGuire ’85 John W. Wainwright III ’82 John R. Gibney Jr. ’80

Thomas M. Wirth ’98 Duane E. Williams ’66 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95 Allan R. Berenbrok ’80

twirth@mragta.com dwilliams@pa.net rkillmeyer@mcintyre-group.com allan.berenbrok@tetratech.com

Thomas J. Hickey Jr. ’68 Lester C. Martin ’68 John T. Pace IV ’77

Terence L. Bowers ’68 Thomas N. Daniel Jr. ’60 David R. Nagel ’01 Mark P. Parton ’08 Robert P. Quarles III ’80 William E. Kirby III ’96 Christopher R. Jones ’96

terrybowers@vmialumni.org tomdaniel60@charter.net nageldr78@hotmail.com partonmp@gmail.com rpquarles@buckman.com ktkirby@comcast.net crj2112@gmail.com

Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86

Trent L. Boggs ’83 Joseph S. Howard III ’97 John D. Christie ’59

Todd J. Jacobs ’90

Hugh R. Hill ’85 M. Douglass Payne ’73 David R. Yockel Jr. ’90 Stephen M. Chiles ’89

Philip J. Altizer Jr. ’80 Charles S. Sanger ’82 Kevin L. Snell ’82

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY

Region/ Director

Chapter Name

Chapter President

Club of the Triad Cape Fear Central NC - Raleigh Charlotte Camp Lejeune/Crystal Coast Palmetto, South Carolina Coastal Carolina, SC Wilmington, NC

Terrin R. Tucker ’95 Charles L. Toomey ’74

tuckertr9@hotmail.com toomeyl@pinehurst.net

Michael S. Anderson ’88 John Moder ’98

mike.anderson@allentate.com john.moder@gmail.com

John Guggenheimer ’93

Steve E. Hively ’72 john.guggenheimer@wellsfargo.com Henry Brown ’60

Birmingham Central Florida Mobile NE Florida - Jacksonville Southern Florida Tennessee Valley West Coast FL - Tampa Southwest Florida-Fort Meyer Greater New Orleans Mississippi The Villages - Florida Treasure Coast

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 J.C. Nagle IV ’87 Charles M. Rogers IV ’83 Jason M. Goldstein ’02 Scott A. Houser ’98 Herbert U. Fluhler ’77 Robert M. Bailey ’72 Bradford T. Herrell ’01 Rhys D. Williams ’07

billcather@bellsouth.net jay.nagle@parsons.com max.rogers@mobileinfirmary.org jmgoldstein@mactec.com housersa@yahoo.com huf2000@aol.com bobngracebailey@tampabay.rr.com vmigrad1@hotmail.com rhys.david.williams@gmail.com

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 John Nagle ’87 John H. Friend III ’82 Grafton D. Addison III ’82

Tony Curtis ’62 Don Carson ’64

tonyvmi62@gmail.com dcarson678@bellsouth.net

Tony Curtis ’62

New River Valley Lynchburg Roanoke

Charles R. Schindler Jr. ’91 Alan G. Soltis ’79

vmimwc@comcast.net al@lanfordbros.com

Christopher M. Boswell ’00 J. Patrick Henderson ’99

N. Shenandoah Valley Chapter Charlottesville Blue Ridge Rockbridge County Allegheny Highlands Stonewall Jackson

W. Douglas Thomas ’65 James E. Duncan ’98 G. Wayne Eastham ’76 T. Keith Jarvis ’82 T. Troy Barbour ’89 Jason K. Gruse ’97

wdtllt@comcast.net jim@realcentralva.com weastham@carrhyde.com jarvistk@vmi.edu troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com jasongruse@hotmail.com

Kevin J. Callanan ’78 Mark H. Bryant ’77 R. Edward Duncan ’60 Lewis V. Graybill ’62 Harrison L. Fridley Jr. ’61 Roger A. Jarrell II ’91

Eastern Shore

Michael S. Ogden ’79 David G. Tyler IV ’86 Joshua P. Priest ’80 Edward M. Plucinski ’86 Gary J. Haste ’77 John L. Rowe Jr. ’66

vmi79classagent@aol.com dtyler4@cox.net joshua.p.priest@navy.mil ed.plucinski@hanson.com ghaste@associatedcontracting.com jrowe66@cox.net

Thomas F. Wilson ’80

Jay Kearney ’00 Christopher L. Haney ’00

Stephen Traina ’03 Kearney.jay@gmail.com christopher.haney@duffandphelps.com Henry J. Foresman Jr. ’76

Richmond Tri Cities

Wadsworth Bugg IV ’07 Samuel L. Mattocks ’74

worthbugg@gmail.com samuelmattocks762@gmail.com

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Rappahannock Richard Duke ’90

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Stephen E. Wilson ’68 John E. Karafa ’84 George D. Dyer ’66

carl.debernard@dhs.gov sewilson68@verizon.net john.karafa@leebcorservices.com spookfive@aol.com

R.C. Thompson III ’74 Robert B. Powell ’63 Jim E. Henry ’68

rduke517@gmail.com

Fredericksburg - Quantico Rappahannock Williamsburg Southside

Region XIV Pacific Rim

Thailand Taiwan

Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

chingpu@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

Region VI Carolinas

Charles Ramsburg ’66

clramsburg@gmail.com

Region VII Deep South

Walter Chalkley ’72

waltchalkley@aol.com

Region VIII Southwest VA Bland Massie ’77

President’s E-mail

Chapter Representative

Charles H. Alligood ’61 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Jonathan D. Atkins ’98 James A. Sharp ’93

Raymond J. Pietruszka ’77 Andrew M. Neff ’79 Brett R. Martin ’00

super77@vmialumni.org

Region IX Shenandoah Valley

Thomas K. Jarvis ’82 jarvistk@vmi.edu

Region X Hampton Roads Asa Page III ’79 vmi79@verizon.net Michael Ogden ’79 VMI79ClassAgent @aol.com

Norfolk Peninsula Virginia Beach Western Tidewater

James A. Parsons ’80 David J. Trenholm ’70 H. Ali Mahan ’80 Oliver D. Creekmore ’66

Region XI Metro D.C.

Douglas B. Warner ’03

douglas.warner1 George C. Marshall @vmialumni.org Potomac River G. Anthony Esteve ’00 anthonyesteve@gmail.com

Region XII Central VA

Hilbert Wilkinson III ’94 vmirichmondnetwork @gmail.com

Samuel Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

Region XIII

2014-Issue 3

Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

159

ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS The Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda, Florida, recently presented a plaque to retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rufus C. Lazzell ’51, conferring upon him the status of trustee emeritus.

The museum’s mission is to promote an understanding and respect for the rich military heritage of the United States and the sacrifices made by the nation’s veterans. Displays include artifacts and memorabilia from all branches of service, beginning with the Civil War through Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Lazzell, a veteran of two wars and former Punta Gorda mayor, was the museum’s first inductee into the Wall of Warriors.

He served combat tours in Korea and Vietnam, receiving two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart, among other decorations.

Lazzell matriculated from Holden, West Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He also holds a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University.

William H. “Bill” Cather Jr. ’65 recently retired and closed his company, Cather Publishing, after more than 100 years of business. An article about Cather on www.al.com stated that it was one of the last printing companies to still use industrial printing presses. The Birmingham, Alabama, company, started by Cather’s grandfather in 1913, has been in the family for three generations.

Cather refused to convert to digital printing methods, opting to continue printing the old fashioned way. Over the years, more customers began to submit their projects to him digitally, but the printing process remained the same – mechanical. In 1985, the company began printing projects for the federal government. According to the article, Cather Publishing printed everything from cultural awareness and rules of engagement cards for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan to awards and official letterhead. One of Cather’s still-operational printing machines, a Linotype, went to the Birmingham History Center.

Cather matriculated from Birmingham and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. 160

Bill Cather ’65 standing with one of his printing machines outside of Cather Publishing.

Dixon Valve & Coupling Co. Chief Executive Officer Richard L. Goodall ’66 recently made a large contribution on behalf of the company to support Kent County, Maryland, schools. According to an article in The Sunday Star, Dixon Valve & Coupling Co. made a donation of $48,687 to the school system – the balance needed to purchase math textbooks for third, fourth and fifth grade classes.

Kent County schools have not been able to purchase new textbooks in more than 15 years.

Goodall has been a longstanding supporter of the county’s public school system. According to the article, he was the first person to sign up as a character coach, visiting classrooms once a week for lessons in ethical values. He also assisted in the search for several superintendents and sent his children to Kent County schools.

Dixon Valve & Coupling Co. is the largest private supporter of the Kent County school system in terms of money and volunteers. “This country is in a crisis in education,” Goodall stated in the article.

“It has to be a universal effort if we’re going to [make] our schools better.” The

company has also committed to helping the school system in 2015.

Goodall matriculated from Haverford, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. Terence L. Bowers ’68 led an effort to place memorials on as many New Market cadets’ graves as possible as the 150th anniversary of the battle approached in 2014.

He hoped to cover nearly 33 percent of the graves throughout the continent. While the majority of the gravesites are in the United States, two are located in South America.

The effort was well organized by Bowers, with alumni participating across the country to help realize this goal.

On May 15 each year since 1866, the Corps and alumni have recognized these cadet veterans. Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, issued a statement to all alumni gathering around the gravesites of New Market cadet veterans. He closed with, “On behalf of the Institute, thank you for your continued commitment to the heritage we share as alumni and the standards set by those who came before us.”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS Bowers matriculated from Clear Brook, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Virginia.

McNeely has been employed by the Texas A&M Forest Service since 1980.

He was assigned to various disaster responses, including Hurricane Katrina, Space Shuttle Columbia, and wildfires in the U.S. and Mexico. He was previously presented with the Bronze Smokey Bear Award by the U.S. Forest Service for wildfire prevention, and he was the 2008 recipient of the President’s Award for Outstanding Field Forester presented by the Society of American Foresters.

McNeely matriculated from Danville, Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI and a Bachelor of Science degree in forest management from Louisiana State University.

Pond & Company Chief Executive Officer John A. “Al” Pond ’69 was awarded the Georgia Engineering Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to the engineering profession, public welfare and humankind.

Pond & Company – an architecture, engineering and construction firm founded in 1965 – provides professional solutions to a variety of clients worldwide. The company was recognized in 2013 by Engineering News Record in the “Top 500 Design Firms” nationwide.

David L. Miller ’70 was recently apPond serves on the board of directors pointed president and chief operating offor First Landmark Bank. He has served ficer of Community Health Systems, Inc., on various community and civic boards, the nation’s largest hospital company based including Trust for Public Land on number of facilities. and both the Planning CommisMiller has executive managesion and Board of Appeals for the ment responsibility for the orgaCity of Sandy Springs, Georgia. nization’s six operating divisions, He has held leadership posiwhich encompass 206 hospitals tions in a number of professional across 29 states, including 20 organizations, including servhospitals in Pennsylvania. He is ing as the past president of the also responsible for developing American Council of Engineerstrategic growth initiatives for ing Companies of Georgia. Pond the publicly-traded company has participated in numerous Miller ’70 worth $19 billion. Through its community activities and has spearheaded subsidiaries, it has approximately 31,000 fundraising campaigns within Pond & Company for the Wounded Warrior Project licensed hospital beds and 135,000 employees. and Operation Homefront.

Miller held chief executive positions Pond, a professional engineer, matricuwithin several hospitals throughout the lated from Wakefield, Virginia, and earned Southeast before serving in corporate roles his Bachelor of Science degree in civil with Humana, Health Management Asengineering from VMI. sociates and CHS. Throughout his career, Robert E. Lee McNeely Jr. ’70 re- he has been recognized with numerous ceived the 2013 Texas A&M University awards for outstanding leadership and has Vice Chancellor’s Public Service in For- served on the boards of several industry, estry Award. McNeely worked with the civic and nonprofit organizations. Miller Texas Division of Emergency Manage- is a fellow of the American College of ment to move wildfire from 10th to fourth Healthcare Executives and serves as an place in the state hazard rankings. He adviser to the Heritage Group, a health provided critical information in updating care innovation fund.

Miller matriculated from Bethel Park, the state’s wildfire-mitigation template Pennsylvania.

He received a Bachelor and worked with cities and counties to of Arts degree in economics from VMI update their plans. He also received a and earned his Master of Business Adgrant to produce a wildfire-mitigation ministration degree from the University guide to help cities and counties complete of Virginia Darden School of Business. hazardous fuel reduction projects.

2014-Issue 3

Richard C. “Rick” Wolffe Jr. ’78 was pictured in an article entitled “(Old) School Days” in the Feb. 3, 2014, issue of Golf World. In the picture, Wolffe is shown at hole No. 12, hitting through pine trees with a hickory club during a throwback golf tournament at the Mid Pines Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina. The tournament was organized by a group to which Wolffe belongs – the Golf Collectors Society – which has approximately 1,100 members in the U.S. who get together periodically. Their get-togethers include buying, swapping and selling items in 22 collectible golf categories, and then they tee off. They play matches wearing knickerbockers and tweed golfing hats, and they use old hickory clubs like those used in the early 1900s. These hickory sticks weigh two to three times as much as modern clubs, and according to the article, they make the game much more challenging.

Wolffe matriculated from Short Hills, New Jersey, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Director of Jim Hamilton L.B. Owens Airport, Christopher S. Everson ’83, A.A.E., was recently awarded the distinction of accredited airport executive by the American Association of Airport Executives. Fewer than 10 percent of AAAE members hold this distinction. To qualify, one must pass a 180-item multiple choice exam, fulfill a writing requirement, and demonstrate in an interview knowledge of airport management, business administration and general transportation economics.

The AAAE, founded in 1928 and headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, is the world’s largest professional organization representing those who work at commercial and general aviation airports.

The organization consists of 5,000-plus members and 850 airports, as well as hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry.

Everson matriculated from Natural Bridge, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. 161

ALUMNI NEWS McDew ’82 Promoted to Four-Star General

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Darren W. McDew ’82, the former 18th Air Force commander, was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as the commander of the Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He was confirmed by the Senate March 31, 2014. As stated in an article published in the Belleville NewsDemocrat, McDew forMcDew ’82 merly directed 37,000 military and civilian personnel. In his new position, he oversees more than 130,000. The Senate also confirmed McDew’s promotion to the rank of full general, also known as four-star general.

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. James L. Williams Jr. ’83, current VMI post engineer, was selected as the 2013-14 Southeastern Regional Association of Physical Plant Administrators president. APPA, an organization that helps educational institutions improve their facilities, has six regions across North America. Williams’ region includes 11 U.S. states, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and six states in Mexico. Some of the key functions of APPA are to help facilities managers at educational institutions develop better leadership skills, leading to better learning environments. This, in turn, impacts the ability of institutions to recruit as well as retain students, faculty and staff.

Williams’ term runs from November 2013-October 2014. He was installed as president at the President’s Dinner and Dance, which was held in Lake Lanier Islands, Georgia, in October 2013. During the event, he highlighted the goals for SRAPPA in the coming year.

Williams, a professional engineer, ma162

McDew replaced Gen. Paul Selva, the former AMC commander, May 5, 2014.

In the News-Democrat article, McDew’s brother rat, retired U.S. Army Col. James B. “Jim” Hickey, provided some comments about his time with McDew as a cadet. “Darren was just a top shelf guy,” Hickey stated. “Honorable. Hard-working.

Humble. He had great presence, patience, a sense of humor. And he was highly respected as a result.”

While at VMI, McDew served as first captain and regimental commander of the Corps of Cadets. He matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

A few of McDew’s accomplishments during his military career include serving as Air Force aide to President Bill Clinton; director of public affairs for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force; and commander of the 18th Air Force at Scott Air Force Base.

triculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He received his Master of Public Administration degree from Troy State University.

William T. “Bill” Arnold Sr. ’90 was named the next head of Upper School at Fort Worth Country Day School in Fort Worth, Texas. He will serve as the ninth head of Upper School and will assume his new position in the 2014-15 academic year.

Founded in 1963, FWCD offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Arnold, a 1986 graduate of FWCD, began teaching at the school in 1994.

During his 20-year career at FWCD, he has coached four sports and taught eight different history courses.

Arnold was the recipient of the Bayard H. Friedman HERO Award for the most outstanding North Texas history teacher, and he held the James S. Garvey Chair in History.

Arnold matriculated from Fort Worth and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and history from VMI. After graduation, he commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years. He later joined the Marine Corps Reserve and commanded a Marine scout platoon during Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq.

Bill Arnold ’90 addressed the students he will serve as head of Upper School at Fort Worth Country Day.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS Thompson & Litton – an engineering, architectural surveying and construction firm – recently announced the appointment of Gregory H. Hurst ’91, a professional engineer, to executive vice president. The company, founded in 1956 in Wise, Virginia, offers design and engineering services and was ranked as the 14th largest architectural and engineering firm in Virginia, according to “Virginia’s List of Leaders” in the March 2014 Virginia Business Magazine.

Hurst, who brings 23 years of experience to his new role, has expanded Thompson & Litton’s market area northward on Interstate 81 and eastward on Interstate 64. He has also significantly contributed to the design and development of numerous engineering and archi- Tony Conway ’01, center, seated, at the 2014 Conway Cup, surrounded by a team of VMI soccer players Conway coached from the Classes of 2007-12. tectural projects.

Hurst matriculated from Richlands, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor curator of collections and exhibits for the This team has participated in the cup since of Science degree in civil engineering from Juneau-Douglass City Museum. In 2012, its inception. In three years, the size of the VMI. He earned his Master of Science he assumed the position of registrar at the Conway Cup has grown from 32 to 47 degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute Alaska State Museum. There, he coordi- teams. nated the move of the museum’s 32,000 Tony’s wife, Amanda, stated that the & State University. objects to the State Library, Archives and connections to VMI and the alumni comRoger A. Jarrell II ’91 was recently Museum building, which will open in munity have been wonderful and provided her family with incredible support. elected chairman of the Rockbridge Area April 2016.

Field matriculated from Chelsea, Vermont, Conway earned his Bachelor of Arts deRepublican Committee, headquartered in Lexington, Virginia. In an article in The and graduated from VMI with distinction, gree in English from VMI and has served as News-Gazette, Jarrell, an attorney with his earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. assistant coach for VMI men’s soccer since own private practice, stated some of his He earned his Master of Fine Arts degree 2010. For more information on Conway and the Conway Cup, visit dontshrink.com. goals for the year. He plans to work more from The George Washington University. closely with other Republican organizations In July 2013, Todd M. Baldwin ’06 The third annual Conway Cup was held on the county, state and national levels, as well as expand voter registration and in Lexington, Virginia, in February 2014. opened Red Leg Brewery Company in The cup is a soccer tournament to honor Colorado Springs, Colorado. The brewery education.

Jarrell matriculated from Lexington and Anthony P. Conway ’01, who was diag- features beers with military themes, such earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in inter- nosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in as Sgt. Pils and Devil Dog Stout. As stated national studies from VMI. He earned his 2011. VMI Director of Athletic Academic in a Colorado Springs Independent article, Juris Doctor degree from Washington & Advising Stephen T. Ross ’83, who is also Baldwin served as an artillery officer in the Institute’s former head soccer coach, the U.S. Army and completed a 15-month Lee University. and other local soccer players started the tour in Iraq in 2007. He said he hopes his Addison E. Field ’94 has been promoted Conway Cup in February 2012. Their objec- brewery will become a place that veterans to the position of chief curator of the Alaska tive has been to raise money for the Conway can visit to meet others in the community, State Museum in Juneau, Alaska. Field be- family to help with financial challenges the which will aid their transition back into civilian life. gan his career at the Alaska State Museum family faces in the wake of the disease.

Baldwin matriculated from West Des During the 2014 tournament, six teams in 2004. He then served as the director of the Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center with VMI connections played, includ- Moines, Iowa, and earned his Bachelor of in Haines, Alaska, for two years, and in ing one composed of some of Conway’s Arts degree in international studies from 2007, he returned to Juneau to serve as brother rats called the Gotel Confederacy. VMI. 2014-Issue 3

163

ALUMNI NEWS Joseph ’91 Directs Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair, Works to Increase STEM Graduates at the Institute Hosting the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair is one way the Institute is working to promote and enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics across the commonwealth.

“We realize that STEM education is a national issue, and it’s something that we all need to be concerned about,” said Dan Joseph ’91, Ph.D., fair director and associate professor of applied mathematics at VMI. “The Institute really has shown a leadership role, which is great.”

Having previously participated in the fair as a judge, Joseph was the driving force behind bringing the fair to post in 2013. Since that time, the Institute has committed to hosting VSSEF for five years.

As an alumnus, Joseph said he was particularly motivated by the mission at the Institute and had several goals he wanted to accomplish by bringing the fair to VMI. “For me, it really started with the superintendent’s Vision 2039 and the desire he has to increase the number of STEM majors that VMI produces,” said Joseph. “In thinking about that, if we are going increase the number of STEM majors we graduate, we are going to have to change the pool from which we draw.”

One way to expand that pool, Joseph said, is by showing teachers who have students competing at the fair, as well as the student participants themselves, that VMI has a robust STEM program.

He said he hopes that teachers and students will take what they learned about VMI’s STEM program back to their schools and share it with others.

As fair director, Joseph works closely with the Center for Leadership and Ethics, whose staff plays an integral role in the planning

Virginia Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson presented the Governor’s Award and Grand Prize, the fair’s top award, to Manotri Chaubal of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia, for her project titled, “Reprogramming Hair Follicle Stem Cells into Cardiomyocytes.”

164

Fair Director Dan Joseph ’91 presented a $500 award to Nayla Labban from Miles E. Godwin High School in Richmond, Virginia, for her project, “The Effect of Nerve Growth Factor on the Cardiac Regeneration of Zebrafish.”

and execution phases of the fair, and VSSEF, Inc., the non-profit organization that supports the fair.

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Dave Miller, who served as the interim director of the Center for Leadership and Ethics from August 2013 to July 2014, said that VMI has undertaken a broad initiative to highlight science, technology, engineering and math for the commonwealth’s secondary students. In addition to hosting VSSEF, the Institute hosts a STEM education conference series and American Mathematics Competitions.

“Cmdr. Joseph has done an outstanding job of bringing Virginia’s up-and-coming STEM leaders to post for an event dedicated to celebrating their achievements and reminding them of the promising futures that could lie ahead of them in these areas,” said Miller.

Founded in 1985, VSSEF showcases projects from students representing 12 regions in Virginia. Winners of the state fair go on to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

The success of each fair is dependent, in part, upon making sure there are enough judges to cover the 17 project categories.

Categories include animal science, environmental management and engineering. In 2014, year two of the fair at VMI, more than 250 students competed. Volunteer judges – 101 to be exact – came together from across the commonwealth.

“We have had a number of VMI folks volunteer to judge including faculty and staff, some alumni, and the dean, who has been a judge both years,” said Joseph. “We also have community members who volunteer, as well as folks who represent industry and academia.

It’s a neat testimony to people’s dedication to STEM education in Virginia.”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS Joseph said that, in addition to working to recruit more judges per category, he has made enhancing corporate sponsorship a goal. Sponsors help fund different facets of the fair including cash awards for student winners and operational costs.

“Corporate sponsorship is huge for VSSEF, and it is one of the things we are trying to build up,” said Joseph. “There are two things I’d like to see: the state taking a greater interest and a greater number of corporate sponsors taking notice. The more we can encourage these students now, the more they will benefit. That will also benefit the state and its industries.”

When VMI took over as host of the fair, the top prize was adopted by the governor of Virginia.

Virginia Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson presented the award – the Governor’s Award and Grand Prize – at the 2014 fair.

“The VSSEF is a great venue for some of Virginia’s brightest students to showcase their STEM-related research and to network with other students from across the commonwealth,” said Jackson. “I was pleased to present the Governor’s Award and was very impressed with the caliber of the work and their professionalism.”

Joseph said that student participants experience real encouragement while competing at the fair – a support they may not receive at their schools.

“It’s not just about rewarding good work,” Joseph said. “It’s about encouraging students to keep pursuing.”

Dan Joseph ’91, director of the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair, addressing the 2014 fair attendees in Cameron Hall.

... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ...

New Market: A Civil War Novel

by John S. Powell ’60 and G. Martha Hamblin. Hawfields Press, January 2014.

ISBN: 978-0-9629899-0-2. Available via paperback or e-book from Amazon.com (Kindle) and barnesandnoble.com.

A factually accurate account of the VMI Corps of Cadets’ participation at the Battle of New Market, “New Market: A Civil War Novel” explains the details of what actually happened on that muddy field in 1864. By chronicling the action in a narrative form, the sequence of events becomes more interesting and easier to understand, and the novel will appeal to readers who want straight-forward and honest action.

This coming-of-age tale touches on the hopes and anxieties of 258 teenage cadets who withstood a brutal, frontal assault by a veteran Federal regiment.

The narrative, accompanied by eight original maps, presents the story of the 2014-Issue 3

battle from the points of view of select participants on both sides. Among the voices representing the cadets are those of John S. Wise, the 17-year-old son of a former governor of Virginia, and Moses Ezekiel, a cadet with dreams of becoming a successful sculptor. Confederate officers are represented by Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, Capt. Charles Woodson and Capt. John “Hanse” McNeill.

Speaking for the Union are Col. George D. Wells, Col. David Strother and 1st Lt. Henry A. DuPont.

The courage and valor of the cadets in their first encounter with battle bring them fame and glory and assure them a permanent place in the larger story of the Civil War. About the Authors: John Powell served two years in the U.S. Army as an artillery officer. He is the author of techno-thriller “The Nostradamus Prophecy” (Belladonna 165

ALUMNI NEWS Press, 1998, hardcover and Leisure Books, mass-market paperback). The past president of Carolina Biological Supply Co., he is an avid student of Civil War history, especially that involving the Army of Northern Virginia.

Powell matriculated from Elon College, North Carolina, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He is also a graduate of the Duke University School of Law. Martha Hamblin is a graduate of Randolph-Macon’s Women’s College, who holds a Master of Arts degree from Duke University and a Master of Science degree from Marlboro College. A former vice president of Nova Scientific Corporation, she is an award winning photographer and poet. She is part of the management team at Hoffman Nursery, Inc. in Durham, North Carolina.

The Men of Alpha Company: Combat with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vietnam, 1969-1970 by John D. Chapla ’68.

2012, ISBN 978-1-105-28043-6. Available via Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and the VMI Bookstore.

A poignant, candid and humble telling of honest strength, John Chapla’s written account of leading men in Vietnam infantry combat is worthy of attention. For those who were there, the terms and descriptions come alive with strong memories. Much of “The Men of Alpha Company” deals with action in the field – a series of movements, encounters, sufferings, losses and the 166

quiet relief of survival. His colorful and heartfelt anecdotes bring his experiences to life. The book is dedicated to the men with whom Chapla served – his heroes.

Chapla speaks respectfully of his men, some remembered in his journal and others researched at length through U.S. Army records and varied documents. Terms and places are defined and described, and there are several photos and maps that help make the book meaningful.

“The Men of Alpha Company” is recommended for all those who served in Vietnam, especially infantry soldiers. In addition, Chapla’s candid insights will prove worthy for any current and aspiring leader, as well as informative for the general reader.

About the Author: Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. John D. Chapla matriculated from Lorain, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina. He served in the Army from 1968-90. In 1990, he began a career as a professional staff member of the Armed Services Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

There, he continued his efforts on behalf of the welfare and morale of military men, women and their families for more than 23 years. He died Jan. 5, 2014. His funeral in Fort Myers, Florida, and burial at Arlington National Cemetery were attended by many high ranking military and civilian officials.

Industrial Chemistry by Mark Anthony Benvenuto ’83. DeGruyter Graduate, January 2014. ISBN: 978-3-11-029589-4; e-ISBN: 978-3-11-029590-0. Available via Amazon.com or at www.degruyter.com.

“Industrial Chemistry” is a book that brings the subject matter of a chemistry curriculum to life. Comprehensibly written, it examines the major chemistry performed by industry and looks at how such chemical processes affect our lives. In addition, as each process is presented and examined, there is a significant discussion dedicated to the by-products, pollution, necessary waste generated and attempts to make each process ecologically friendlier or “greener.” It bridges the divide between

the basic chemistry that students learn in their undergraduate curriculum and the broader chemical processes that are used in real life.

About the Author: Mark A. Benvenuto matriculated from Henrietta, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from VMI. After serving in the Army from 1983-87, he attended graduate school at the University of Virginia.

He joined the faculty at the University of Detroit Mercy in 1993 and has been the department chairman since 2001. He lives with his wife, Marye, and sons, David and Christian, in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Virginia’s Ring by Wendell L. “Lynn” Seldon ’83. CreateSpace Independent Publishing. April 2014. ISBN: 9781495929465. Available via Amazon.com.

Journalist Lynn Seldon channeled his VMI experiences and those of other male and female graduates into a compelling novel entitled “Virginia’s Ring.” Chilling, sentimental and emotional, “Virginia’s Ring” explores the experiences of two cadets at VMI and beyond with poignancy and grace, serving as a reminder of the preciousness of people, places and life.

Set in the bucolic Shenandoah Valley town of Lexington and Virginia’s capital city of Richmond, the novel is creatively narrated by a male and female VMI graduate. It will VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS leave readers with renewed or new respect for the Institute and shows the special bond the men and women who wear the VMI ring share.

several years of carved out writing time (including many days and nights in VMI’s Moody Hall), “Virginia’s Ring,” his first novel, is now on Amazon.com and in many bookstores. Seldon and his wife, Cele, live in Oak Island, North Carolina, but often return to Virginia and Lexington.

Capital Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in Washington, D.C. by Garrett Peck ’90. The History Press, March 2014. ISBN: 978-1626194410. Available via Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and politics-prose.com.

About the Author: Wendell L. “Lynn” Seldon matriculated from Winchester, Virginia. He was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in economics. He served as a U.S. Army officer upon his graduation and is a longtime freelance journalist. His work has appeared in more than 500 publications, including: Southern Living, USA Today, various in-flight publications and many AAA magazines. Though it took him

Imagine the jubilation of thirsty citizens in 1796 when the Washington Brewery – the city’s first brewery – opened. Yet, the English-style ales produced by the early breweries in the capital and nearby Arlington and Alexandria sat heavy on the tongue in the oppressive Potomac summers. By the 1850s, an influx of German immigrants offered a frosty reprieve to residents of their new home in the form of light but flavorful lagers. Brewer barons like Christian Heurich and Albert Carry dominated the taps of city saloons until production ground to a halt with the dry days of Prohibition. Only Heurich survived, and when the venerable institution closed in 1956, Washington, D.C., was without a brewery for 55 years. Author and beer scholar Garrett Peck taps this high-gravity history while introducing readers to the bold new brewers leading the capital’s recent craft beer revival.

About the Author: Garrett Peck is a literary journalist and author. “Capital Beer” is his fifth book and sequel to “Prohibition in Washington, D.C.: How Dry We Weren’t.”

He leads tours for the Smithsonian Associates. Peck worked with the D.C. Craft Bartenders Guild to have the D.C. City Council declare the “Rickey” as Washington’s native cocktail. He also researched and pinpointed the Washington Brewery site at the Navy Yard.

Peck matriculated from Carmichael, California, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in history, modern languages and international studies. He lives in Arlington, Virginia. His website address is www.garrettpeck.com.

... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ...

Your Book Cover Here

2014-Issue 3

Did You Just Finish Writing a Book?

If you recently wrote a book that you would like to see in the Book Announcements section of the Alumni Review, please send a brief summary of the book and information about the author to the Review staff at review@vmiaa.org.

Use the annoucements on this and previous pages for reference. Also send a copy of the book to: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450.

We will review your submission and consider it for publication.

167

INSTITUTE INSTITUTE VMI Breaks Ground for New Track and Training Facilities On May 1, 2014, ground was broken for hamper their physical training efforts, but project is completed.

Phases I and II of the $122 million Corps will also be of use to the community. The “VMI will do everything possible to Physical Training Facilities. The project, facility will be available for community work with the community and alert them which is expected to take 25 months to use on a rental basis, as are many other to disruptions of traffic and parking,” said complete, will include construction of a new VMI facilities, and it is expected to be an Col. Stewart MacInnis, director of VMI building and renovation of two others on the attractive venue for high school and college communications and marketing.

VMI post.

Peay added that the entrance into Lextrack meets. ington from U.S. 11 heading Leading the team of 10 people south will be aesthetically wielding ceremonial shovels for improved once the indoor the event was Gen. J.H. Binford training facility has been comPeay III ’62, VMI superintendent. He was joined by several pleted. members of the VMI administra“Two years on this project tion, along with representatives will go by quickly, and all of of the architect, HKS Inc., and the disruption will be soon the contractor, Whiting-Turner. forgotten,” the superintendent “This is an exciting day at said. “There’ll be great joy VMI,” said Peay just before when the community sees this he and the others began to dig. particular facility.”

“We’ve had an incredible numPhase II of the project, which ber of projects here at VMI, and will run concurrently with The indoor training facility, expected to be complete in July I’m as excited about this as any Phase I, includes the reno2016, will be used for cadet and ROTC training, the track team vation of Cormack Hall as other.” and more. a home for VMI’s physical The Corps Physical Training Facility, which is part of Peay’s Vision 2039 “This facility will be one of the best Olym- education department. The building, which was first an equestrian training facility, for the Institute, has been in the conceptual pic tracks on the East Coast,” said Peay.

In planning for the construction of the will be renovated to include classrooms, and planning stages for over five years. The Virginia General Assembly approved funding indoor training facility, much has been done weight training rooms, mat sports venues to minimize the environmental impact, said with seating, and facilities for VMI’s new for the project in 2013.

Phase I of the project will include a new Col. Keith Jarvis ’82, deputy director of con- exercise science minor. The newly renovated 205,000-square-foot indoor training facility struction. The building site includes a small Cormack Hall will be home to VMI’s NCAA across Diamond Street from Cameron Hall. stream, Town Branch, which carries storm wrestling program. Work began this summer Construction began Monday, May 5, and water away from the city of Lexington and and should be completed by summer 2015.

Rounding out Phase II will be the renovathe building is expected to be complete in into the Maury River. Jarvis said that plans call for Town Branch to be expanded into a tion of Cocke Hall, which has long served as July 2016.

The new, $80 million building will include detention basin that will slowly release its VMI’s main gymnasium, as well as a venue an underground parking deck with about waters into the river. The new building will for dances and other social activities. Cocke 126 spaces, a state-of-the-art hydraulic track, be supported by concrete piers straddling Hall will be equipped with a brand-new weight room and strength training facilities, obstacle and high ropes courses, a 34-foot the reconfigured Town Branch.

In addition, a historic structure will be along with new locker rooms. The building climbing wall, locker rooms, and restrooms.

The facility will be used for cadet and ROTC moved to accommodate the facility. Jarvis will then be used by cadets, faculty and staff training. It will also be home to VMI’s NCAA explained that the Knights of Pythias build- for their fitness needs.

Work on the Cocke Hall renovation will track team, which has been using Cormack ing, a structure important to the history of Lexington’s African-American community, begin in summer 2015 and is scheduled for Hall for its events.

“VMI is more excited about this project will be relocated approximately 100 yards completion in summer 2016.

The superintendent added that after years than many that have been constructed over south and placed on a new foundation. That of planning, he and others are energized to the past decade,” said Peay immediately after move is taking place this summer.

During construction, parking will be see dirt being moved. the groundbreaking. “It’s so multipurpose in eliminated along Main Street across from its capability.”

“We’re excited to break ground and be The superintendent noted that not only will the project site, and also along part of under way with the first of these three the building benefit the Corps of Cadets, who Diamond Street nearest Cameron Hall. projects that will serve the Corps of Cadets often find that Lexington’s harsh winters Public parking will be restored once the so well,” said Peay.

168

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE Long-Serving Commandant Shapes Corps for the Future Change is inevitable. When the longestserving commandant since Scott Shipp retires in summer 2014, he will have seen – and overseen – much change aimed squarely at ensuring the four-year cadetships of today’s cadets stand proudly with the cadetships that have unfolded at the Institute for 174 years.

Since he took over as commandant in 2007, Col. Thomas Trumps ’79 has faced the challenge of running an adversative training system in today’s world. He has sought to meet that challenge while managing the growth of the Corps – from about 1,240 in 2007 to more than 1,600 during

they knew the schedule – could grow,” he explained.

Weekly schedules are now distributed to cadets four weeks ahead, cutting down on surprises and allowing cadets to better plan their time. There is also a focus on carving out sufficient time for NCAA practices and ROTC training. “[ROTC] needs to have as much training time as possible, especially with the juniors and seniors who are commissioning,” Trumps explained. Professionalizing the Rat Line is another way Trumps has sought to develop leadership and discipline among both the 4th Class and upperclass cadets.

Preserving the discipline of the Rat Line and the regimental system has been particularly challenging as enrollment increased after the completion of Third Barracks. Trumps credits the increased number of Corps leaders – and having the right cadet in the right position – with greater efficiency. The fact that members of the commandant’s staff are now company TACs has allowed them to get to know cadets better and supervise them more efficiently.

“This allowed the commandant’s office to switch from being a confrontational type of operation to more of a positive one,” said Trumps. “In fact, I would argue the Corps is better organized and better trained the larger it has gotten.”

Even as he has shaped the Corps Col. Thomas Trumps ’79 coaches the color corporals who will lay the wreath in the New Market Ceremony, Salena Chiep ’16 and Apostolos Cominos ’16. VMI photo by John Robertson IV.

the 2013-14 academic year – and fostering the personal development of each cadet.

Key to fostering that development was making sure the cadet training schedule was designed to support that goal.

“We outlined every second of every day and who owned it,” said Trumps, referring to General Order No. 1 – the Cadet Daily Schedule – which was officially implemented in December 2008.

“What we were able to do by disciplining the day … to make it as constantly repetitive as possible, created an atmosphere in which the young men and women – because

2014-Issue 3

“Running an adverse system in today’s world is very difficult,” said Trumps. “You have to educate the trainer – the cadre, the RDC – that the world has changed and you can’t treat people in a hateful way. … You can’t do that in a college environment.”

Leadership on their part should focus on the training of the 4th Class cadets, and Trumps sought to make the Rat Line “as physical as possible while lowering the noise level.”

“It’s still a tough place to come to school – it’s a tougher place to come here now than it was in my day,” he said.

of Cadets for the future they face, Trumps has kept an eye on the past.

“You’ve got to look at the cadets that are here today and make sure they’re doing right and moving on, but at the same time in the back of my mind I’m always thinking about the Old Corps and making sure I’m not letting people down.

“When you come back as an alum, … you’re looking at VMI through the eyes of your four years as a cadet, and that’s all you’ve got to go on,” he said. “[You have to] understand that the best four years of VMI’s history are when you were a cadet, and they’ll never be recaptured or replayed. But these young men and women going through VMI now, these are going to be their best four years at VMI.”

169

INSTITUTE Cadets Collaborate with NASA Engineers Interfacing with engineers at NASA’s “My project was taking the GRA – Gov- ing power,” Cicero continued. “[At VMI] Langley Research Center is an opportunity ernment Reference Array – and seeing if we only have a limited amount, so they not afforded most undergraduates, but four it was scalable up to a one megawatt-class were providing a lot more capabilities at 1st Class cadets, under the direction of solar array structure, which means it’s go- our disposal as well as troubleshooting Col. Joe Blandino, professor of mechani- ing to have to support 5,000 square meters technical help.” cal engineering, were able to do just that. of solar blankets in outer space,” said Last fall, NASA issued requests for NASA engineers assisted Luke Butler ’14 Butler, who is entering the engineering proposals under the Small Business Inas he worked on his honors thesis, while science and mechanics doctoral program novative Research Program. “One of the Paul Cicero ’14, Kelvin Ulloa ’14 and at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State topics was related to developing software tools for designing future large solar arVictor de Leon ’14 completed a yearlong University. senior design project. Their work also “Our project focused more on the actual rays,” Blandino explained. Since this is a led to VMI’s involvement in a successful deployable system that they use to deploy fairly new area for MotionPort, the company sought out Blanproposal resulting in a dino’s expertise. Staff NASA Phase I Small there knew he had been Business Innovative running simulations using Research Grant to a the company’s software, computer-aided engineering – simulation – and he was active in the company, MotionPort, spacecraft community with which Blandino working on deployable is collaborating on softstructures. “We’ll be usware design tools for ing the toolboxes they’ve spacecraft hardware. developed for their RecurDyn multi-body dy“Normally our senior namic modeling software, design course is one and we’ll be giving them semester, but the group feedback, as well as prowanted to work on a viding documentation on project that was more the use,” Blandino said. challenging than could VMI will receive three be accomplished dur- Col. Joe Blandino talks with cadets, from left, Kevin Ulloa, Luke Butler, ing the semester,” said Paul Cicero and Victor de Leon. $49,000 licenses for cadet Blandino. “I hope what use. “We’re hoping if this we can come up with is a well-understood the solar blankets as soon as the satellite is successful that NASA would choose this and well-designed solar array that indus- is launched into space,” said Ulloa, who for Phase II – there’s much more money try could pick up, integrate into a space commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps. behind those, because they’re paying you craft and send ... off on at least a Mars “We were taking a closer look at what to do the commercial development of the flyby in the next 10 years,” he explained. stresses the hinges and other structures are product – to market this to the spacecraft Solar arrays capture sunlight and turn it going to be experiencing during deploy- design community.” into energy for solar-electric propulsion. ment – determining if the keel [primary After all, a human mission to Mars may “I was 6 years old when man walked on structural] beams sustained any failures in sound like science fiction, but for Blandino the moon, and the next logical step was, the hinges,” explained Cicero, who com- it’s the future. “When the pilgrims came ‘We’re heading to Mars,’ and that never missioned in the U.S. Air Force and will [to the New World], it was about a 60-day happened. ... But I think maybe the time continue working in space operations in journey. It’s a little bit longer than that to is coming where that is going to happen,” the Satellite Command and Control divi- get to Mars right now, but we’re talking sion. “Langley allowed us to use some of about the same magnitude as it took to Blandino continued.

The research these cadets completed will their systems and some of their process- send the pilgrims to the New World or the be one of thousands of critical pieces in ing capabilities, because the programs we colonists to Jamestown. ... It’s not beyond the bigger picture of that mission to Mars. were running ... required a lot of process- the realm of possibility.”

170

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE Growing Math Lab Turns Tables on Cadets

Samantha Alpert ’14 worked a problem on the new SMART board. VMI photo by John Robertson IV.

Since it was established two years ago, VMI’s Open Math Lab has seen growth in cadet usage and the number of tutors available, receiving positive feedback all along the way. In the lab, Maj. Randall Cone, mathematics professor and lab director, along with other VMI math professors, mathematically inclined cadets and members of the community, assist cadets with any math class offered at VMI. It is open weekdays from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday from 6 to 11 p.m.

The lab is one part of the Mathematics Education and Resource Center, which, in addition to the lab, also provides workshops, internships and K-12 outreach.

Offering a comfortable, quiet and centrally located place to seek help, the lab attracts a broad spectrum of cadets – from those striving for an A to those who are struggling to pass.

Between 20 and 25 cadets visit the lab per day for an average visit of an hour and a half. At any given time, there are three to four tutors available – more than ever.

“We have some cadets come in for three hours at a time.

Some just have one little question and sit down for 15 minutes,” said Cone. Statistics show cadets’ performance in their math classes improves after they visit the lab. Most cadets who use the lab once come back multiple times.

Usage has increased so much that a math tutor supervisor, Capt. Kristi Brown, was hired to oversee the lab when Cone is away or in class. “She’s been a real blessing for us,” Cone said.

The lab was created in response to the difficulty many cadets experience with math classes during their 4th Class year. “The Institute was in tune with a national problem – K to 12 math education seems to be declining,” explained Cone. “We have high standards in our math classes at VMI, and when students come in and have a weak background, the gap increases.”

2014-Issue 3

Before moving to its home on the top floor of Preston Library, the lab opened in the spring 2012 semester in Carroll Hall. “It was apparent really quick that [this space] was not going to do,” said Cone. The small space regularly resulted in long lines and crowded quarters. After a post-wide search for an underutilized space, the lab moved in to its new location in fall 2012.

“We completely reconfigured the space – everything has changed except the carpet,” said Cone. Along with the new whiteboards and round tables, an eye-catching addition is the SMART Board E70, which Cone aptly describes as a “six-foot iPad.” Funded by VMI’s National Science Foundation STEM Grant, the touch screen is used for conducting workshops and illustrating principles for cadets. “Once you’re done working on something, you can save it and give cadets all the work they have done,” explained Cone.

Tutors at the lab use inquiry-based learning, a much more collaborative process than traditional teaching methods. “We turn the tables – we get [cadets] to teach us, which is the best way to learn” said Cone. “What [cadets] don’t get is a homework service. What they do get is a coach,” Cone explained.

“When a cadet comes in, I usually ask them to go to the board with me. ... I ask them to describe what they are doing and where they are getting caught.”

From there, tutors ask questions about recently learned principles or previously solved problems to lead the cadet to the answer. “Instead of telling them how to do it, I’m encouraging the cadet to figure it out on [his or her] own,” said Cone.

Colleges around the county are keeping an eye on the progress of this lab and its success with inquiry-based learning. “We’re really proud of what’s happening here at VMI,” said Cone.

171

INSTITUTE

VMI Army ROTC Selected for MacArthur Award The Army ROTC unit at VMI was named as one of eight winners of the prestigious MacArthur Award for academic year 2012-13.

The awards have been presented annually since 1989 by the U.S. Army Cadet Command and the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Foundation. They recognize the ideals of duty, honor and country, as advocated

by MacArthur, one of only five men in modern times to rise to the rank of General of the Army.

“I am exceptionally proud of the officers, non-commissioned officers, civilian personnel, and cadets in the Virginia Military Institute and Marshall-New Market Battalion Army ROTC Detachment,” said Col. William J. Wanovich ’87, then-head of VMI’s Army ROTC unit.

The MacArthur award is based on a combination of the achievement of the school’s commissioning mission, its cadets’ performance and standing on the Command’s national Order of Merit List, and its cadet retention rate.

“This is and has always been a team effort,” said Wanovich. “The contributions of every section, individual and cadet are absolutely essential to accomplish this mission to such a high standard. The hard work put in every day by this team is always done in support of our cadets, keeping in mind the importance of making our Army stronger and our Army’s future leaders better.”

The VMI unit represents the U.S. Army Cadet Command’s 1st Brigade, which consists of the nation’s six senior military colleges and five of the military junior colleges.

Nearly two-thirds of the 1,600-member Corps of Cadets is enrolled in the Army ROTC program at VMI. 172

From left, Cadet Jason Peterson ’14, drum major; Cadet Zach Smith ’14, band drum major; Cadet Jon Chu ’17; Col. John Brodie (Hon), music director; and Cadet Lt. Nick Millward ’14. Photos provided by Col. Brodie.

Regimental Band, Pipes and Drums Win St. Patrick’s Day Parade Award

On March 17, 2014, the VMI Regimental Band and Pipes and Drums represented the Institute at the 190th St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah, Georgia, and won the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Award. The Joseph O’Brien Ramsey Award was presented to the band by the St. Patrick’s Day Committee in the form of a silver cup, a banner and a plaque.

Savannah is well known for hosting this parade, which is the second largest of its kind in the world.

This was the band’s first appearance in the parade, and according to Music Director Col. John Brodie (Hon), the large crowd showed

their appreciation with excited applause and warm, welcoming greetings. Brodie said, “The two-mile parade route was lined with thousands of St. Patrick’s Day revelers, and several alumni [introduced themselves].”

To march in the parade, the band cut its spring break short and departed Lexington on the morning of March 16th for an eight-hour bus ride to Georgia.

“This was one of the cadets’ favorite trips,” Brodie said, ranking it high with the 13 Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans and the 2008 Rose Parade. “The weather was threatening all day but cleared up just as we stepped off.”

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE VMI History Course Re-established as Capstone History majors at VMI must complete an visitors include Dr. Rod Andrew of Clemson So far, it seems as if Coleman’s enthusiasm intensive research and writing course at the University, who spoke to the cadets in January is infectious. end of their academic careers. The 14 cadets about military schools in the south, and Dr. “Studying the history of VMI is very imporenrolled in the history capstone course in the Laura Brodie, who attended the class in late tant,” said John T. Curl II ’14. “There are many spring semester had an interesting topic to February to talk about the coming of women fascinating periods in the Institute’s history that tackle – VMI itself. to VMI. are not well known.”

“The core of this class is the research and Listening to noted speakers is only a minor Curl, for example, is researching VMI during writing of a serious piece of the Reconstruction period after scholarship on the history of the Civil War. He has already the Virginia Military Instidiscovered how the Institute tute,” said Lt. Col. Bradley beat most of the state’s colleges Coleman ’95, associate proand universities in the race to get fessor of history. “It is the going again, and every time he culminating experience of returns to the archives, he finds their historical education.” another new fact.

The capstone experience “During my short time in this became a requirement for all class, I have already learned history majors, except those more about the Institute than [in enrolled in the honors proall] my previous years here,” gram, in 2002, and since then, Curl said. the intensive classes have Topics studied by the cadets taken on the personalities cover a wide range, including of their professors. Topics one Hollywood story, a research have ranged from the Civil project on the life of Frank McWar to the relationships beCarthy ’33, who served as an tween Latin countries and the aide to Marshall in World War II United States. Coleman, who and went on to win an Academy returned to VMI not only to Paul Barron, Marshall Foundation director of library and archives, Award for the movie “Patton.” talks with cadets about artifacts relating to the history of VMI. teach but also to serve as diAll of the McCarthy papers are VMI photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. rector of the John A. Adams available at the Marshall Library. ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic part of the capstone experience, however. The “That’s one of the projects I’m really excited Analysis, decided his capstone students should course is designed to test the limits of these about,” said Coleman. tackle their own history. future historians.

The first drafts of their papers were due April Preparing for the course also gave Coleman “I designed it as the type of class you would 15, and that’s when the real work began. the chance to work with his former mentor, expect them to encounter in graduate school,” “We rip it apart, and then they write, write, Col. Tom Davis ’64, who was Coleman’s aca- Coleman explained. “As I told them coming write, write,” said Coleman, who added that demic adviser when he was a cadet. Davis had in, ‘This is the capstone experience of your peer review is also an integral part of the taught a VMI history class, and the chance for education, and I expect that this will be your process. the two to work together on the same subject number one academic priority this semester.’

“This course will be very beneficial to me in seemed natural.

And I pledged to them they would be my the future as a historian, because to complete “The initial concept was that Tom and I number one professional priority.” the assigned project, I will have to draw upon would teach this class together,” said ColeColeman is so committed to this class that the many research techniques taught and man. “He would provide leadership, and then he is writing his own paper, research on how practiced in all the courses leading up to the I would be prepared to take it over. the Institute has celebrated George C. Mar- capstone course,” Curl said.

“Tom Davis has been very insightful in shall over the years. His intent is to model Coleman has little doubt that they will be helping me design this course,” Coleman said. the research and writing process as he works successful.

The torch was passed to Coleman sooner than alongside the students. One thing he’s learned “They are fantastic young men and women, anticipated, however, when illness prevented in the process is that he has a lot to learn about very talented,” he said. “I’m really glad to Davis from continuing. the history of his alma mater: have [had] their company on this journey. [We Coleman also noted the aid of Col. Edwin “I have a Ph.D. in history. I worked 12 years learned] a lot about VMI.” Dooley, assistant to the superintendent, in for the federal government as a historian. I Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherdeveloping the class and explained that Davis didn’t know a lot of VMI history. This was an wise, articles and photos in this section was one of several speakers to talk to the cadets opportunity for me to learn a lot more about my were provided by VMI. about the history of their school. Other noted school. I wanted to, … I needed to do research.”

2014-Issue 3

173

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS

No-Hitter and Wins over Virginia and Kentucky Headline Baseball Results Although the VMI baseball season was still ongoing at press time, there were early season results of note – including a no-hitter, the second-ever thrown at Gray-Minor Stadium. Reed Garrett ’15 accomplished the feat Feb. 21, coming within one walk of a perfect game in a 3-0 win against Lafayette College. Garrett allowed only one base runner, a fifth-inning walk to Lafayette first baseman Campbell Lipe, and had the most strikeouts by a VMI pitcher in nearly eight years.

He retired the first 13 hitters as VMI jumped out to its 3-0 lead, throwing no more than five pitches to any of those players. He then started Lipe with three straight balls before working the count full and eventually walking Lipe, a play that would prove to be Lafayette’s only base runner of the night.

Garrett then struck out nine of the final 14 hitters, including five of the final six, to close out the first no-hitter at VMI’s home facility since a Big South Tournament effort by former Coastal Carolina University right-hander Anthony Meo in 2011. In ringing up 13 punch-outs, he was the first Keydet to exceed 12 strikeouts since May 17, 2006, when current Oakland Athletics minor leaguer Trey Barham ’08 whiffed 12 batters.

On this night, the junior right-hander threw 117 pitches, 84 for strikes, and went to just three, three-ball counts all night. Lafayette hit just four balls out of the infield during the dominating

performance. Garrett would go on to earn a litany of honors for his effort, including the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Pitcher of the Week award, which he was the second Keydet ever to earn.

In other results of note, the Keydets defeated the University of Kentucky in walk-off fashion to cap their season-opening tournament at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Feb. 16 – VMI’s first win over a Southeastern Conference school since 2007.

Last, but not least, the Keydets posted a 3-2 win over No. 1 ranked University of Virginia Feb. 25 in Charlottesville. Taylor Edens ’16 and Campbell Henkel ’14 combined on the six-hitter in VMI athletics’ first win over a top-ranked opponent in any sport since 2010 (also VMI/UVa baseball) and VMI’s first win over the Cavaliers in Charlottesville since March 6, 1990. The victory helped VMI earn its first votes in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association weekly poll since 2010.

To put into perspective how long it had been since VMI won at Virginia, starting shortstop Tanner Dofflemyer ’17 – who made his first career start in the Feb. 25 win – was born nearly five years after the previous Keydet victory at UVa occurred.

Editor’s Note: Pictured above, the team congratulated pitcher Reed Garrett ’15 after he tossed a no-hitter against Lafayette Feb. 21 at Gray-Minor Stadium.

2014 Football Schedule Aug. 30 at Bucknell TBA Sept. 6 at Bowling Green TBA Sept. 13 DAVIDSON 1:30 p.m. (First Reunion Weekend) Sept. 20 at Samford * TBA Sept. 27 MERCER * 1:30 p.m. (Second Reunion Weekend) Oct. 4 at Chattanooga * TBA

Oct. 11 at Navy TBA Oct. 18 GARDNER-WEBB 1:30 p.m. (Parents Weekend) Oct. 25 at Wofford * TBA Nov. 1 FURMAN * 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Western Carolina * TBA Nov. 22 THE CITADEL * 1:30 p.m.

Home Games in Caps

*Denotes Southern Conference game

174

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ATHLETICS Covington ’14, Glasgow ’14 and Peterson ’17 Earn State Honors Seniors D.J. Covington and Rodney Glasgow and freshman Q.J. Peterson were named to 2013-14 University Division basketball honors as voted by the Virginia Sports Information Directors.

Covington, a senior forward from Virginia Beach, Virginia, was voted First Team All-Conference. Glasgow, a point guard from Silver Spring, Maryland, earned a spot on the All-State Second Team.

Peterson, a freshman guard from Hedgesville, West Virginia, was voted the University Division Rookie of the Year among state first-year players.

Covington joined Malcolm Brogdon (University of Virginia), Treveon Graham (Virginia Commonwealth University), Joe Harris (University of Virginia) and Marcus Thornton (University of William & Mary) on the All-State first team. Glasgow was joined on the All-State second team by Aaron Bacote (Old Dominion University), Cedrick Lindsey (University of Richmond), Juvonte Reddic (VCU) and Pendarvis Williams (Norfolk State University).

Covington’s spot on the All-State First Team marked the second straight year a Keydet made the squad. Forward Stan Okoye ’13 was voted to the All-State First Team in 2013.

“I am very proud of what we have established here and will continue to build in the future. We have been fortunate to have cadet-athletes [who] have excelled on the court, in the Corps, in the classroom and after graduation.” – Coach Duggar Baucom Coach Duggar Baucom has coached two of VMI’s 20-win seasons in program history and led the Keydets to their first postseason tournament in 37 years.

D.J. Covington – Forward – Senior – Virginia Beach, Virginia

– 2013-14 All-Big South First Team and Defensive Player of the Year.

– Voted National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District 3 First Team.

– Posted 19 double-double games in 2013-14 – the most in the league.

– In conference games, he led in rebounding (10.9) and field goal percentage (.599) and was second in blocks (3.38) and third in scoring (20.7).

– Had 10 games with at least 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds, the most in league.

– Was named Big South Conference Player of the Week twice.

– Closed out the regular season with a then-career-high 33 points against Longwood University. He scored a CollegeInsider.com Tournament record 41 points in the second round against Indiana University-Perdue University at Fort Wayne after a 37-point game against Canisius College in the first round.

– Career-high 16 rebounds against Longwood University.

– Posted a school record of 106 overall blocks during the year, including five conference games with six blocks.

– Ranked second in the league in blocks in both league games (3.38) and overall games (3.03) and was ranked 14th nationally in blocks.

Forward D.J. Covington ’14 was – Posted season-high seven-block games against Bridgewater College and Bluefield State College and averaged 3.0 blocks named 2013-14 First Team All-Big South Conference and All-State. against three Atlantic Coast Conference teams.

2014-Issue 3

175

ATHLETICS

Rodney Glasgow – Guard – Senior – Silver Spring, Maryland – 2013-14 All-Big South First Team and NABC All-District 3 Second Team.

– Led the BSC in assists/turnover ratio (3.31) and free throw percentage (.873).

– Was ranked second in league in assists (5.86), fifth in 3-pointers/game (2.46), sixth in scoring (18.9) and sixth in field goal percentage (.480).

– Converted 54 of 60 from the line in BSC games and produced 16 games of 20-plus points, including four games with 30-plus points – among them, 36 points against Radford University, 35 against the University of North Carolina at Asheville and 30 points in the CIT win at Ohio University.

– Compiled six games of 10-plus assists, including 12 in the four-overtime win over Gardner-Webb Feb. 5 and the second round of the CIT against IPFW.

Q.J. Peterson – Guard – Freshman – Hedgesville, West Virginia Rookie of the Year

Guard Q.J. Peterson ’17 was voted the top freshman in the state of Virginia by the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association.

Guard Rodney Glasgow ’14 was a 2013-14 First Team All-Big South selection and scored 30 or more points in four games.

– Ranked second in the Big South in freshman scoring (19.0).

– Led all Big South freshmen in rebounding (5.6).

– Ranked third in BSC in steals (1.69) and eighth in 3-pointers/game (2.23).

– BSC Freshman of the Week three times.

– BSC Player of the Week Feb. 3.

– All-Military Tournament Most Valuable Player.

– Three games of 30-plus points, including season-high 37 points, 15 rebounds against Asheville and 30 points against Longwood.

– A total of 15 games with 20-plus points.

– Three double-doubles.

– Six games of four steals.

– Scored 28 points against Canisius and 25 points against IPFW in first two rounds of the CIT. – Hit a season-high seven 3-pointers against Presbyterian and six 3-pointers against IPFW in the second round of the CIT.

Magill ’15 and Younger Team Members Help Lead Swimming and Diving During Winter Season

Heather Magill ’15 led VMI with a fifth place finish in the 1-meter dive at the CCSA Championships.

176

John Kim ’17 scored in both the 100 and 200 back, setting school records in both, to lead the VMI men’s swimming and diving team at the February 2014 Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association Championships in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Keydets placed sixth overall, thanks in part to Kim’s 13th-place finish in the 200 back and 16th-place result in the 100 back. Fellow freshman Matt Johnson ’17 also had a strong meet, including a school-record-setting effort in the 1650 free, where he finished 12th. On the women’s team, veteran Heather Magill ’15 led the way with a fifth-place finish in 1-meter diving and a 12th-place result in the 3-meter discipline. In addition, freshman Elizabeth Johnson ’17 wrapped up a strong season with a school record time in the 50 free, giving her at least part ownership of five varsity school marks (four relays). The VMI women placed 12th at the meet.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ATHLETICS Lacrosse Beats U.S. Air Force Academy, Raises Money for Wounded Warrior Project

The VMI lacrosse team sang the “Doxology” following a 6-4 win over the United States Air Force Academy March 2 at Drill Field 2, the program’s first-ever win over a Division I service academy.

It was an up-and-down season for the VMI lacrosse team. The team experienced a trip with no power, more than 20 players suffering through food poisoning-like symptoms and the loss of a teammate.

However, through all of that, the Keydets made several strides along the way.

Although the team’s record of 2-12 may not indicate it, the Keydets played well this season, holding opponents to singledigit goals on six occasions. This season also marked the first win in program history over a Division I service academy, as VMI topped the United States Air Force Academy 6-4 March 2, 2014, less than 24 hours after a game against the University of Detroit Mercy. The 2014 season also saw the first-ever night game for the Keydets played on post, as VMI was edged 7-6 against Wagner College on Drill Field 2.

VMI’s offense was paced by senior Mickey Hofmeister ’14, who made the most of his final campaign for the Keydets, finishing with 41 points on 30 goals and 11 assists. The Williamsburg, Virginia, native scored at least one point in all 14 games this season, rounding out his career with three consecutive hat tricks – a feat not seen since 2012. The senior earned a spot on the Atlantic Sun Conference’s first team as voted by the league’s coaches.

2014-Issue 3

Joining Hofmeister on the first team was junior defender Tyler Prasnicki ’15, who rounded out his third year with the program, forcing 33 opponent turnovers in 14 starts.

The Lexington, Virginia, native was ranked fourth in the April 29 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Statistical Rankings with a per game average of 2.36.

Several VMI players earned honors throughout the season. Junior goalkeeper Evan Windisch ’15 and freshman Dale Mattice ’17 swept the Atlantic Sun weekly honors following the Air Force win. Mattice also earned a spot on the conference’s All-Freshmen team after ending his rookie season with 12 points on 10 goals and two assists. Hofmeister was named the Brine Division I Player of the Week by Inside April 30 after scoring five of VMI’s seven goals against University of Richmond on senior day, including the double overtime game-winning goal.

During its back-to-back games against the Air Force Academy and Detroit, the program held its fifth annual Wounded Warrior Project Weekend, selling T-shirts and raffle tickets to benefit a cause near and dear to the program. Through the team’s efforts, roughly $8,000 was raised for the Wounded Warrior Project, a program record.

Murphy ’15 and Reives ’15 Highlight Outdoor Track Results Quincy Murphy ’15 and Renee Reives ’15 led the VMI outdoor track and field teams at their final Big South Championship, contested in late April 2014 in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Reives led the VMI women with a shot put victory, her first career Big South title in any event, and also finished seventh in the discus. Kate Collins ’14 was VMI’s next best finisher, tying for fourth in the pole vault in her final conference championship, while Rachel Sing ’14, javelin, and Logan Edwards ’16, hammer, also scored.

The VMI women finished 10th in the conference team standings.

Meanwhile, the VMI men placed sixth behind Murphy’s 15 individual points. The junior prevailed in the decathlon, scoring 6,543 points to post what is believed to be the third-highest score in school history. He also finished fourth in the 110-meter hurdles, an event in which he had previously posted an Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America qualifying time. Joel Hoisington ’15 was another of VMI’s highlights on the week, as he finished third in the shot put.

At press time, the Keydets still had a handful of events – including the IC4A and Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships – remaining on their schedule. Reives, Collins and Murphy were among the scheduled competitors.

Quincy Murphy ’15 led VMI in points with 15 scored at the 2014 Big South Outdoor Championships.

177

ATHLETICS Dmitriev ’14 and Collins ’14 Pace Indoor Track Results Kate Collins ’14 and Andrey Dmitriev ’14 led the VMI track and field teams in their championship events to conclude the indoor track and field season.

At the Big South Championships, Collins dominated the pole vault competition, eventually winning with a best clearance of 3.75 meters (12 feet, 3.5 inches). She did not miss until the title was already wrapped up and nearly cleared what would have been a personal best 3.86 meters. Collins’ win is her second career indoor Big South pole vault title, making her just the second VMI woman to ever win two indoor conference titles in the same event. (The first was Mildred Cooper ’05, shot put.) The VMI women finished ninth as a team.

Dmitriev, meanwhile, won the mile at the Big South meet for the second time in his career to help the Keydet men finish fourth Kate Collins ’14 captured the 2013-14 Big South Inin the conference. door women’s pole vault and later placed fourth in the Quincy Murphy ’15 and the 4x400-meter relay (Jacob Lysher ’14, Outdoor Championships.

Jordan Bailey’14, Julian Jackson ’15 and Yol Ho Sung ’17) also notched victories, and Dmitriev went on to win the Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America mile the following weekend in Boston with a late pass. That was VMI’s first title at the indoor IC4A meet since the 2011 season, and the Keydet men were 15th overall at that championship.

Women’s Water Polo Completes Third Season The VMI women’s water polo team VMI’s potent offense, which ranked third record. For the first time in the team’s hisconcluded its third season with an overall in the MAAC in goals per game (10.29), tory, the Keydets won back-to-back conferrecord of 11-20 en route to a record-setting was aided by junior Celine Lazzaro ’15, ence games when they topped St. Francis season on offense. As a team, Brooklyn 13-10 and Siena 16-8 VMI racked up a program record March 29, 2014. VMI went on 340 goals, paced by Bailey Hudto get its first series sweep when dleston ’17. A two-time Metro it bested St. Francis Brooklyn a Atlantic Athletic Conference second time, 16-9, April 6.

Rookie of the Week, Huddleston During the team’s home weekfinished her freshman season end from Feb. 28 to March 2, the with a team-high 68 goals while team hosted and competed in a earning a place on the All-MAAC Play 4Kay event, donning pink second team. She was a force in caps in support of breast cancer MAAC play, scoring at least one research. 4Kay events raise mongoal in 11 of the 12 conference ey to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer games. The Californian tallied The 2014 women’s water polo team after its Play 4Kay Fund, which was established to 29 goals in league play, includ- game against Notre Dame College (Ohio). The team help further cutting-edge research ing back-to-back six-goal efforts raised more than $3,000 for breast cancer research for women’s cancers. The squad to be donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Research Fund. against Siena College and St. raised more than $3,000 for their Francis College Brooklyn. who netted 53 goals this season. Close event through donations and the sale of Joining Huddleston in conference honors behind Lazzaro was Mackenzie Perkins cookies donated by a local bakery. was junior Elise Reed ’15, who earned a ’15 with 45 goals. In the cage for the Keyspot on the league’s all-academic team, dets, sophomore Emily Cait Farsakian ’16 Editor’s Note: Unless stated othwhich requires a minimum grade-point stopped 225 opponent shots in her 31 starts. erwise, the articles and photos in average of 3.20 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Despite falling short of the conference the Athletics section of the Alumni A native of Skillman, New Jersey, Reed tournament, VMI continued to improve Review are provided by the VMI is majoring in mechanical engineering at over the last two seasons, going 3-9 in Sports Information Office. the Institute. conference play and setting a new program 178

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

FOUNDATION, INC.INC. VMIVMI FOUNDATION, Message from the VMI Foundation CEO

By Brian Scott Crockett

Early August at the Institute can be characterized by two words.

The first is reflection.

Summer school has ended, and although there is a steady stream of visitors and the work of maintenance never ceases, the historic post is relatively quiet. As such, it encourages all of us here to look back at the academic year that ended a little more than two months ago.

It was a good year for the Institute. The Center for Leadership and Ethics continued its excellent work. Our basketball team enjoyed an exciting run in postseason play. Cadets marched in the parade honoring Virginia’s new governor, drawing praise from all who saw them. A feature film about the Corps of Cadets at the Battle of New Market, “The Field of Lost Shoes” (some of which was shot on post), debuted in the spring. Of course, one of the year’s undeniable highlights was the observance of the sesquicentennial of the Battle of New Market. As always, it was a powerful ceremony in which the Institute commemorated the courage, sacrifice and honor of those young New Market cadets. On New Market Day, the Institute presented its highest honor, the New Market Medal, to Bruce C. Gottwald Sr. ’54. Bruce Gottwald has been a leader in every one of VMI’s capital campaigns, starting with the VMI Campaign in the late 1970s. His leadership has played a significant role in placing VMI in the first rank of American higher education, and it will play no small role in ensuring that it stays there.

All of these things, in addition to the daily work of preparing young people for lives of leadership, service and success, prompted me to reflect on an important fact related to the Institute – it always has been extraordinary. When it was established almost 175 years ago, there were only two other military colleges in the country. The curriculum, centered on technical subjects and modern languages, was considered innovative for its time and set the Institute apart from the vast majority of American colleges. Over time, VMI’s curriculum has changed and expanded its academic offerings, and

intercollegiate athletics now are an integral part of the school’s life and lore. However, the fact remains there are only a few institutions that share VMI’s values, mission, structure, ethos and means of accomplishing its mission.

There are many reasons that institutions like VMI, although rare, have survived and thrived. If you reflect on why they have, it seems to boil down to people. There are names that every member of the VMI family knows, such as Smith, Preston, Lejeune, Shipp, Kilbourne and Crozet. There are the professors, staff members and coaches who are renowned for the outsized influences they had on generations of cadets. Then, there are the tens of thousands of alumni and friends who have given their enthusiastic support to VMI and given hundreds of millions of dollars in support of it and its cadets. Some of these people have played more prominent roles than others, but all of them were – and are – united in a belief that VMI is a valuable institution that – by producing well-educated, principled, disciplined and honorable leaders – makes an important contribution to Virginia and the nation.

The second word that characterizes this time of the year at VMI is anticipation. As VMI measures summer, we are in its waning days.

It is relatively quiet now, but in less than two weeks, the fall sports athletes will return to post, as will the cadre to begin preparation for their important role. Members of the faculty and staff will come back, as well. While most are getting all they can out of the final days of summer, if asked, they would tell you that they are looking forward to getting back to work and getting the new academic year underway. They would do so, in part, because they are confident that the Institute has the resources to carry out its traditional mission in its time-honored way. The commonwealth of Virginia remains VMI’s largest donor. However, without the private financial support that alumni and friends provide every year (and have for more than 150 years), quite simply, VMI would not be VMI.

Class of 1964 Check Presentation On April 26, 2014, at the traditional Reunion Parade, the Class of 1964 presented the proceeds of its 50th Reunion Campaign – more than $6.4 million in gifts and commitments – to the Institute. Making the presentation for the class were, starting third from left, Al Fiorini, chairman of the Reunion Campaign; Tom Davis; John Cavedo, class agent; and Richard Dean. Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, far right, accepted on behalf of the Institute, and VMI Foundation President Walt Jeffress ’68, far left, and VMI Alumni Association Second Vice President Robert Louthan ’82 accepted on behalf of the Foundation and Alumni Association, respectively. VMI photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

2014-Issue 3

179

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Foundation Welcomes New Trustees

by Scott Belliveau ’83, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation

On July 1, the VMI Foundation welcomed six new trustees. This intake – the largest in many years – includes the first alumna on the board, Elise G. Woodworth ’07, who also is the first trustee to have graduated in the current century. All of these trustees are accomplished in their fields. They are dedicated to serving the Foundation and, through it, the Institute and its cadets.

Thomas M. Boyd ’68 is a partAfter leaving government published in The Wall Street Journal.

Boyd is listed by Chambers USA as a service, Boyd served as deputy ner in the Washington, D.C., ofgeneral counsel for Kemper “National Leader” in privacy law, and he is fice of international law firm DLA Corporation, a diversified fi- also listed in Who’s Who in American Law. Piper. He concentrates his practice on public policy and regulatory nancial services company, Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Richard matters, and he is currently the and he also ran the Legislative co-chair of the firm’s Regulatory Affairs Department of the A. Hack ’72 enjoyed a military career and Government Affairs Practice Investment Company Institute that spanned more than three decades.

Group. This group focuses on a for two years before entering After graduating from VMI with a Bachrange of disciplines, including private practice. elor of Arts degree in history, he joined Boyd ’68 international trade, government From 2007-10, Boyd served the Army as an ordnance officer. contracts, health care, financial services on the Data Privacy and Integrity AdviHack commanded organizations at evregulation, environment, and federal law sory Committee to the Secretary of the ery level of the Army. His assignments and policy. Boyd counsels and represents Department of Homeland Security. He include company command in United clients on privacy, financial services, currently serves as counsel to the Nation- States Army Europe from 1976-78; batelectronic commerce, and other public al Business Coalition on E-Commerce talion command in the 5th Infantry Divipolicy and related regulatory issues. and Privacy, an organization comprised sion, Fort Polk, Louisiana, from 1989-91; Among his financial services clients are of 15 companies and associations. He and brigade command in the 24th Infantry banks, credit card issuers, insurance com- formed this coalition in 2000 to support Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, from panies, online broker dealers, and other the enactment and implementation of 1993-95. In 1996, Hack was assigned brick and mortar companies engaged in consistent state and federal laws that sup- as the assistant division commander of electronic commerce. port the growth of electronic commerce the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, After graduating from VMI with a and the legitimate privacy interests of Texas. From 1997-99, he served as the commanding general of the 13th Corps Bachelor of Arts degree in history, Boyd both business and consumers. enrolled at the University of Virginia Boyd frequently provides commentary Support Command, which was also School of Law, graduating in 1971 with on legal and political issues, as well headquartered at Fort Hood. Immediately his Juris Doctor degree. From 1973-74, as creative topics. He has written for a following this assignment, he assumed command of the 21st Theater he clerked for the Hon. A. Andrew Hauk, range of publications, includSupport Command in Germany, United States district judge for the Cen- ing The Washington Post, The an organization responsible tral District of California. He is a member Richmond Times-Dispatch, for support to USAREUR to of the bars of California and the District The Wall Street Journal, Ininclude support for the Bosnia of Columbia. vestor’s Business Daily and and Kosovo conflicts.

Before entering private practice, Boyd Southern Living. An article he In 2001, Hack returned to the held two senior, sub-cabinet positions co-authored in the 1983 WashU.S. to become the chief of staff in the Department of Justice. In 1988, ington and Lee University Law of Army Materiel Command, he was appointed by President Ronald Review, “The 1982 Amendthe organization responsible Reagan to be an assistant attorney general ments to the Voting Rights Act: Hack ’72 for providing materiel develin charge of the Office of Legislative Af- A Legislative History,” has been fairs, and in 1989, President George H.W. characterized by the U.S. Supreme Court opment, industrial operations, research Bush named him to head the department’s and by legal scholars as “the definitive and development, engineering, acquisiOffice of Policy Development. He is also work on the legislative history” of the tion support, and logistics for the U.S. a recipient of the Edmund J. Randolph 1982 Act. In 1985, he was awarded the Army. In 2002, he became the deputy Award, the Department of Justice’s high- Delta Society’s National Media Award commanding general of Army Materiel for Excellence in Writing for an article Command, simultaneously continuing est honor.

180

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. to serve as chief of staff. While in these positions, he was a leader in the Army logistics transformation efforts from retail to wholesale level to the industrial base – from the factory to the foxhole. He also was instrumental in the successful logistics support of U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He retired from the Army in 2005.

In 2006, he joined Booz Allen Hamilton as a principal, responsible for logistics consulting. Two years later, Hack joined Kellogg, Brown and Root as a senior vice president providing worldwide support with a team of more than 70,000 employees and subcontractors. In 2010, he was named vice president of operations of the Fluor Government Group for Fluor Corporation, where he was responsible for contingency operations worldwide with programs in the U.S., numerous African countries, Iraq and Afghanistan.

In addition to his degree from the Institute, Hack holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. He also is a graduate of the Army Command & General Staff College and Army War College.

In 2013, the Secretary of the Army appointed him to a four-year term as the honorary colonel of the Ordnance Regiment. He also is the former honorary commander of the 13th Corps Support Command Association, as well as one of its Hall of Fame members. Hack is also a 2009 inductee into the U.S. Army Ordnance Hall of Fame. He and his wife of 38 years, the former Rosanne Butcher, live in The Villages, Florida.

Kerry D. Kirk ’85 is a managing director in the Global Investment Services Group of Cambridge Associates, LLC, in Arlington, Virginia. Serving in his 20th year with Cambridge Associates, Kirk leads teams responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating the investment policies and programs of major endowment and foundation assets, such as universities, charitable foundations and health care systems across the eastern half of the United States. Prior to this, Kirk worked in the commercial banking industry in a predecessor to Wells 2014-Issue 3

Fargo Bank, where he ran a commercial Brooke Pendleton was born in Richand retail branch in northern Virginia and mond, Virginia, the daughter of James served on a merger and acquisition team. Hume Jr. ’42 and Corbin Crafford Hume.

Before joining the private sector, Kirk She grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and served as an officer in the U.S. Marine graduated with distinction from Mary Corps with infantry and force service Baldwin College in 1971 with a degree support units in Asia, the Caribbean, Scan- in political science. She attended Emory University Graduate School dinavia, Mediterranean Europe, and worked as a paralegal in Africa and the Middle East. He Atlanta, Georgia, before enterseparated from duty after more than eight years of service at the ing Vanderbilt Law School as a rank of captain. He is a member member of the class of 1978. of the Loudoun County Marine While at Vanderbilt, Pendleton Corps League Detachment 1205. was the administrative editor Kirk is a distinguished graduof the Vanderbilt Law Review.

She currently serves as her class ate of VMI, earning a Bachelor agent. of Arts degree in history with a Pendleton Upon graduation from law double major in English. While at VMI, Kirk was on the dean’s list all school, she joined the firm of Long and eight semesters and earned the Randolph Aldridge, where she was one of only T. Townsend Award for top graduate in a few women practicing in the major the history curriculum. He was elected to firms in Atlanta at the time. Over the the VMI Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. Since next 16 years, Pendleton specialized in graduation, he has been active in alumni the practice of commercial real estate affairs, co-founding the Class of 1985 law, as Long and Aldridge became one Memorial Scholarship as well as the an- of the fastest growing law firms in the nual 1985 Charlie Company Golf Safari. Southeast. During that time, she worked He has also established the Kerry D. Kirk on many, major real estate projects in Class of 1985 Endowment and served as Atlanta, representing both lenders and chairman of his class’s 20th Reunion. He developers. It was also during that time also serves on the board of governors of that she met and married Bill Pendleton from Wytheville, Virginia, and reared the Friends of Preston Library.

Kirk earned a Master of Business Admin- two daughters.

Since retiring from the practice of law, istration degree from the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University Pendleton has been active in civic and of Virginia and subsequently earned the charitable causes. She served for many chartered financial analyst designation years on the board of directors of Creativfrom the CFA Institute. He is an active ity, Honor, Respect, Integrity and Safety supporter of veterans’ charities, including Kids, as that organization grew into the the Injured Marine/Semper Fi Fund and premier nonprofit organization serving the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation. He the needs of abused, neglected, and vulis a charter member of the George Wash- nerable children and youth in Atlanta. ington Memorial Society of the George During Pendleton’s tenure on the board, Washington National Masonic Memorial CHRIS Kids held a highly successful in Alexandria, Virginia, and also serves capital campaign, and its management as an officer in Alexandria-Washington team won many awards, including the Lodge No. 22 Ancient Free & Accepted United Way of Greater Atlanta’s NonMasons, one of the oldest Masonic lodges Profit Partner of the Year Award and the Georgia Conference on Children and in the United States.

Kirk and his wife of 21 years, the former Families’ Outstanding Agency Award.

Judy Graziano of Pennsylvania, are the Pendleton currently serves on the CHRIS proud parents of twin, high school-aged Kids Advisory Council. In addition to her daughters. The Kirks live in Fairfax, Vir- work with CHRIS Kids, she has worked on various committees in Atlanta addressing ginia, and Cape May, New Jersey.

181

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. nuclear plants in the U.S., as the chief op- Inc. She provided support to the Departerating officer of its South region. He later ment of Homeland Security’s Science and served as chief executive officer and chief Technology Federally Funded Research nuclear officer of Entergy’s nuclear busi- and Development Center Program Mannesses, which include providing license agement Office. She acted as a research renewal and decommissioning coordinator, tracking projects, services for the U.S. nuclear managing funds and assessing power industry. In 2007, Taylor impact for the entire homeland became the group president of security enterprise.

Entergy’s Utility Operations. In Prior to her civilian career, Woodthat position, he was responsible worth served as a logistics officer for the regulated utility financial in the U.S. Air Force. Stationed in results, along with operational Altus, Oklahoma, she served as results of electric and natural gas, flight commander for the Vehicle electric distribution, transmission Woodworth ’07 Management Flight. She manand substation maintenance, and aged the base’s vehicle fleet and customer service. In addition, he oversaw led operators and maintainers. As aerial utility regulatory support and regulated operations flight commander, she served Currently the principal consultant at retail activities. as the base’s Emergency Operations CenBesides his academic work, Taylor ter transportation director. She deployed ENext Consulting, LLC, Gary J. Taylor ’75 enjoyed a long career in the nuclear completed Harvard University’s Advanced overseas as the Air Force’s sea port liaison, power and electric utility industry before Management Program and, earlier, the where she managed cargo moving through his retirement in May 2012. After receiving Institute of Nuclear Power Operations five sea ports aiding resupply and retrograde his Bachelor of Science degree in physics Senior Nuclear Plant Management Course. movements. Back in the states, her role as from VMI, he attended Virginia Polytech- Taylor was a member of the board of the material management (supply) flight comU.S. Chamber of Commerce, mander rounded out her tour of duty. nic Institute and State University, and he was the chairman of its where he earned a Master of SciWoodworth graduated with a Bachelor Energy, Clean Air and Natural of Science degree in biology from VMI. ence degree in nuclear science Resources Committee. He also As a cadet, she was active in the Air Force and engineering. served on the board of the United ROTC unit, cross country and track, cheerAfter working for a number Way of Greater New Orleans. leading, the Newman Club, and the VMI of years in nuclear engineering He has served on the Execu- Theater. She was a corporal and a color for such firms as Long Island Lighting Company and Babcock tive Committee of the Nuclear sergeant, and in her 1st Class year, she was & Wilcox, Taylor joined South Energy Institute, as well as the an S-7 lieutenant in the Corps of Cadets.

Carolina Electric & Gas CompaShe earned a Master of Business Adboard of directors of the Institute Taylor ’75 of Nuclear Power Operations. ministration degree focused on project ny in 1981 as a reactor engineer.

He became a supervisor in 1982, and after He is currently a member of the board of management from Capella University. a series of assignments in such fields as directors of the American Nuclear Society Woodworth currently lives in Fairfax nuclear computer services, shift engineer- and the National Physics Honor Society.

County, Virginia. She was an active voling and operations, he was named general unteer for a local high school youth group Elise G. Woodworth ’07 is an indepen- as an adult leader for two years. She is manager of plant operations in 1992. In 1995, he was named vice president and dent leadership and management consul- a member of The Institute Society, the chief nuclear officer of nuclear operations tant and trainer. She assists companies, Daughters of the American Revolution at South Carolina Electric & Gas Com- offices and individuals in developing a and Toastmasters. pany, a subsidiary of SCANA Corporation. variety of skill sets. Her specialties inIn that position, he was responsible for the clude client interactions, public speaking, Editor’s Note: Unless stated otheroverall direction of the nuclear strategic organizational leadership and program wise, the articles and photos in the business unit. management.

Foundation section of the Alumni ReIn March 2000, he joined Entergy Nuclear, Woodworth worked as a program manager view are provided by the Foundation. the second largest owner and operator of with Acquisition, Research & Logistics, issues of child welfare and protection. She also has served as a guardian ad litem in contested custody cases.

Pendleton is a member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, one of the largest Presbyterian churches in the United States, where she has served on the session as an elder and on the Personnel Committee. In addition to their daughters, Pendleton and her husband are the proud grandparents of a grandson born in 2013. She is excited to serve on the VMI Foundation Board as a way of honoring her late father and the many VMI graduates she knew growing up, whom she credits as formative examples in her life of good citizenship, leadership, strong character and integrity.

182

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Foundation Announces New Leaders On July 1, 2014, three distinguished alumni assumed the leadership of the VMI Foundation, as shown below:

T. Bryan Barton ’68 Vice President, Fundraising

Stephen E. Hupp ’84 Vice President, Administration

– Vice president of the Class of 1980 and a prosecutor on the Honor Court.

– Majored in biology and was a member of the Virginia Academy of Science.

– Civil engineering major and distinguished graduate.

– Graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics.

– Cadet captain and company commander.

– Attended the University of Virginia School of Law.

– Distinguished military student and distinguished military graduate.

– Managing director of Spotts Fain, a law firm in Richmond, Virginia.

– Served as an armored cavalry officer, 1969-71.

– Past president of the Richmond Bar Association and immediate past president of the Virginia Bar Association.

– Retired vice president and partner with IBM Corporation’s Global Business Services organization. Spent his entire professional career with IBM.

Hugh M. Fain III ’80 President – Son of the late Hugh M. Fain Jr. ’49C.

– Past president of the VMI Club of Richmond.

– President of the VMI Alumni Association, 2000-02.

– Joined board of trustees in 2008.

– Battalion S-5 first lieutenant.

– Religious Council’s president and the president of the Virginia State Baptist Student Union.

– Served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve for 13 years.

– Corporate secretary of Estes Express Lines, a family business he joined in 1987.

– Joined board of trustees in 2006.

– Has served on numerous committees, including Fundraising and Stewardship, Nominating and Awards, Property Management and Gift Acceptance, and Finance.

– Trustee of the VMI Foundation, 2005-11.

– Has served on the Fundraising and Stewardship Committee and the Nominating and Awards Committee, of which he was the chairman from 2010-14.

– Returned to the board in 2012 and was chosen as vice president, fundraising.

– Member of the Executive Committee beginning 2010.

– Son of the late H. Thomas Hupp ’44 and father of Stephen E. Hupp Jr. ’16.

Fain ’80

Barton ’68

Hupp ’84

2014-Issue 3

– Became chairman of the Property Management and Gift Acceptance Committee and a member of the Executive Committee in 2011.

183

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Foundation’s Annual Benefactors Luncheon

The VMI Foundation’s 12th annual Benefactors Luncheon took place in Marshall Hall’s Hall of Valor April 11, 2014. More than 100 cadets and faculty were in attendance, along with 72 alumni and friends of the Institute who have established endowments supporting scholarships, professorships, chairs and other funds, or representatives of those who have. Other guests included members of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees who were on post for their annual spring meeting, as well as Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, and Brig. Gen. Robert Green ’67, deputy superintendent.

In his remarks, Walton M. Jeffress Jr. ’68, then-president of the VMI Foundation, recognized Gen. Peay’s leadership at VMI, especially in terms of the Institute’s academic program. He also thanked the benefactors for having “combined foresight and generosity” in support of the Institute, as well as for playing an ongoing role in VMI’s “critically important work of preparing our graduates for lives of honor, purpose, service and success.”

Photos clockwise, from top, left: -VMI Foundation President Walton M. Jeffress Jr. ’68 thanked the benefactors for their support of VMI’s cadets and faculty.

-Mrs. Ann-Lee Saunders Brown, pictured with Kimbery Smith ’15, enjoyed the company of the cadets at her table.

-Mr. and Mrs. John A. Trumbo ’48 and Cadet Donald Grant ’14.

-Mrs. Ann-Lee Saunders Brown, right, spoke with Gen. and Mrs. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 after arriving at the event.

-The interaction between cadets and guests is a highlight of the event.

Mrs. Robert H. Patterson Jr. ’49C spoke with Cadet Philip Anderson ’16.

-J. Battle Haslam II ’61 talked with Cadet Troy Goult ’15.

-Cadet Katherine Kondas ’14 and Richard K. Hines V ’66 shared a word.

184

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Memorial Gifts The VMI Foundation, Inc., and the VMI Keydet Club, Inc., received the following gifts in memory of deceased alumni, parents and friends during the time frame of Feb. 1, 2014, through April 30, 2014.

Kitty McKenna Brothers D. Christy Brothers ’69, M.D.

Mr. J.G. Browder Jr. ’66 Retired Col. Richard B. Littleton Jr. ’71, USAR

Mr. Lindsay U. Bruce Jr. Cadet Eric B. Alter ’14 Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Mr. and Mrs. Randy Madison Mr. Zoran Mladenovic Retired Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor, USA

Mr. Joseph T. Antonelli Jr. Mr. Marc L. Antonelli ’06

Col. John G. Barrett ’44 Mrs. B. McCluer Gilliam Mr. Scott S. Miller ’71 and Mrs. Miller Col. and Mrs. Charles D. Morgan Mr. Michael M. Strickler ’71

Mr. George L. Barton IV ’66 Mr. James L. Whitehurst Jr. ’66

Mr. David B. Bruce ’94

Col. William J. Buchanan ’50B, USA Mr. Augustus B. Jones III ’50B

Mr. Troy H. Carter ’54 Mr. and Mrs. Tranum Fitzpatrick Mrs. John H. Friend Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop M. Hallett III Mr. and Mrs. William M. Silsbee Jr.

Mr. John D. Chapla ’68 Mr. Terence L. Bowers ’68 Mr. Thomas J. Hickey Jr. ’68 Harold R. Hostetler Jr. ’68, D.M.M. Retired Col. James D. Polley IV ’68, USA

Lt. Robert A. Chaszar Jr. ’88, USN Mr. Cloyd T. Tavenner IV ’88

Michael M. Belenky ’55, D.D.S. Robert H. Bowden Jr. ’55, M.D., and Mrs. Bowden Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 and Mrs. Bryan Dr. H. Thomas Chandler Dr. Andrew Christopher Mr. and Mrs. Allen C. Egloff Col. Priscilla Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. James O. Hawkins Mr. John F. Hiner ’55 Mr. Frank J. Leech ’55 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Powers Mr. Garvin E. Tankersley and Lee Tankersley

Mr. Harry E. Bennett Jr. ’58 Mr. A. Lee McCown ’58 Mr. Jan B. Woodman ’58

Mr. William L. Black Jr. ’64 Retired Lt. Col. Antonio Munera III ’64, USA

Mr. Thomas J. Bonnett ’53 Retired Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA, and Mrs. Tait

Mr. Robert L. Branner Jr. Mrs. Gail T. Walton Ms. Nancy H. Whitmore

Mr. Adrian A. Cmerek ’06 Mr. and Mrs. Patrick R. Rios

Col. James P. Coley Sr. ’51, USA Retired Col. R.M. Little II ’51, USA

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Howard J. Cook III ’01, TNG Mr. and Mrs. Howard J. Cook Jr.

Mr. William E. Crumpler ’53 Mr. W. Scott Crumpler ’82

Maj. Richard O. Culver Jr. ’58, USA Mr. Francis E. Boeggeman ’58 Class of 1958 Retired Lt. Col. Theron A. Henry Jr. ’58, USAF

Mr. John A. Cummings ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

Mr. G. Powell Davis ’48A Mr. and Mrs. Warren L. Rose

Mr. William G. Davis ’68 Mr. Howard R. Chapman ’68

Mr. Felix E. Deacon III ’77 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Allen and Richard and Harrison Graham Mr. William H. Anderson ’77 Mr. and Mrs. Warren F. Bell Ms. Margaret Karen Berkness Mr. William H. Black Jr. Retired Col. Randolph M. Blanks ’67, USAF Mr. Eldridge Blanton III ’62 Mr. Joseph M. Brown Jr. ’77 Mr. J.E. Burton IV ’79 Mr. Bruce C. Cann ’77 and Mrs. Cann Mr. Craig M. Carlock ’74 and Mrs. Carlock Ms. Mary M. Conner Mrs. Martha Crowley Mr. and Mrs. William F. Etherington Mr. Hugh M. Fain III ’80 Mr. Michael J. Freeman ’77 The GGWs Mrs. B. McCluer Gilliam Holmes and Kim Ginn Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey C. Hartman Maj. Gen. and Mrs John P. Henderson Jr. Dr. and Mrs. J. Shelton Horsley III Mr. Stephen E. Hupp ’84 Col. Donald K. Jamison ’57 Mr. and Mrs. Matthew D. Jenkins and Taylor Jenkins ’13 Mrs. Rhoda B. Mahoney Mr. Richard C. Manson Jr. Mr. C. Douglas Marechal ’62 Mr. Scott S. Miller ’71 and Mrs. Miller Mr. Edward B. Norfleet Mr. Charles H. Norris ’80 Mr. David R. Nutt Mr. and Mrs. Clifford B. Porter Mr. David L. Ralph ’77 Mr. George P. Ramsey Jr. ’48B Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller Mr. and Mrs. E. Claiborne Robins Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Guy N. Rogers III Mr. Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66 Mr. George W. Sydnor Jr. ’57 Mr. Robert S. Ukrop Wilson Liz and Joy Whitehurst The Whittens Edward J. Wiley Jr. ’52, M.D. Ms. Carolyn E. Williams Mr. R.L. Terrell Williams ’74 Mr. W. Morison Wood III ’79

Deceased Brother Rats Class of 1962 Mr. L.B. Wilson Jr. ’62

Col. Charles H. Dayhuff Jr. ’31, USA Maj. Daniel C. Brittigan ’55 Col. and Mrs. Charles D. Morgan

2014-Issue 3

Retired Lt. Col. Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59, USAR

Deceased Brother Rats Class of 1972 Col. Christopher R. Jones ’72, USCGR

185

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Rear Adm. Jeremiah Denton Jr., USN Mr. Johann F. Cooper ’81 and Mrs. Cooper Mr. Michael C. Denton ’81

Lt. Jefferson S. Dotson ’66, USAF Retired Col. Duane E. Williams ’66, USA

Mr. Donald P. Dreelin ’59 Mr. F.R. Loth Jr. ’59

Donald J. Dunlap ’54, D.Min. Mrs. Donald J. Dunlap

Mr. Tom Edwards Mr. Warren C. Budd ’64

Mr. Wayne R. Eggleston ’88 Col. and Mrs. James W. Duke

Mr. Michael R. Engle ’69 Class of 1969

William M. Fulgham ’54, D.D.S. Mr. William H. Adams ’54 Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Alston Mr. Robert B. Barnes Jr. ’54 and Mrs. Barnes Lydia Duke Mrs. Ellen G. Godwin Mr. Bruce C. Gottwald Sr. ’54 The Robert W. Jones Family Mr. Paul H. Lamb III ’54 Nansemond River Duck Club Mr. and Mrs. Vincent N. Neri Mr. Jack W. Nurney Jr. ’50B and Mrs. Nurney Mr. H. Hunter Odom Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dick Pond Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence N. Smith Ms. Joyce H. Trump Mr. Vincent A. Wood III ’81

Mrs. Marjorie Furmick Mrs. Cortlandt C. Freeman

Lt. Arthur L. Galloway Jr. ’69, USA Mr. Russell S. Evans Jr. ’65

The Honorable Michael E. Gersten ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

Ralph Gibson Jr. ’56, D.D.S. Mr. Robert H. Morecock ’56, P.E.

James Samuel Gillespie III ’94 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

Mrs. Bridget Goode Mr. John Goode ’81

Mrs. Elmon T. Gray Mr. and Mrs. R. Beale Pope

186

The Honorable Elmon T. Gray ’46 Mr. Garland Gray III ’10 Mr. and Mrs. R. Beale Pope

Mr. Louis A. Grazulis ’61 Retired Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA, and Mrs. Tait

Eugene R. Griffith ’55, M.D. Mr. John P. Griffith

Col. Turner E. Grimsley ’63, USA Mr. Robert B. Powell ’63

Mr. David Grist Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Retired Col. and Mrs. Douglas E. Taylor, USA

Mr. Walter C. Gwaltney Jr. ’62 Mr. Randolph E. Campbell ’62 Mr. Allen M. Gwaltney ’67 Mr. W. David Gwaltney ’67 Mrs. Joan M. Hunter Retired Col. Robert W. Kelly Mrs. Dorothy M. McCusker Mr. G. Marshall Mundy ’56 Mr. Daniel H. Phlegar ’66 Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller Mr. W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62

Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Retired Col. Randolph M. Blanks ’67, USAF Mr. Hugh M. Fain III ’80 Mr. C. Douglas Marechal ’62 Mr. George P. Ramsey Jr. ’48B Mr. Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66

Col. Leroy D. Hammond ’57, USA Mrs. Leroy D. Hammond

Mr. Allen R. Hawkins ’69 Mr. S. Kirk Materne ’69

Mr. Hans W. Henzel ’49C Mr. P. Stockton Fleming ’49C

Mr. Shawn G. Hogan ’06 Mr. Kelly M. Sweppenhiser ’06

Mr. Ralph R. Hollowell ’61 Joyce Q. Anderson Faculty and Staff of West Point High School Mr. R. Tyler Bland III ’66 and Mrs. Bland Mr. Carl M. Colonna ’63 Mr. H.B. Matthews Mr. Stuart E. Woodcock Sr. ’61 Ms. Carolyn B. Wright

Mr. Joe T. Howard ’51 Ms. Joan Albright Mr. Ernest C. Allen Mr. William H. Ball Jr. ’56 Mr. H. Martin Bandy III ’67 Ms. Carolyn V. Baney Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Boucher Mr. Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Mrs. Bryan James M. Close ’51, M.D. Adm. and Mrs. James D. Cossey Mr. David Dunn John S. Evans ’51, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Fennelly Ms. Muriel Gelles Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Giddings Mrs. Louise W. Jones Capt. and Mrs. Ernest H. Joy Retired Col. R.M. Little II ’51, USA Ms. Jane McCallum and Mr. Bob Stover Mr. Michael M. Mullins Mrs. Margaret S. Olde Ms. Jo Ellen Pridmore Ms. Florence M. Ross Mr. John J. Ross III ’51 and Mrs. Ross Dr. and Mrs. Parmod K. Sapra Suthers Lodge Mr. Eugene A. Trager Mr. Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51 and Mrs. Wamsley Mr. and Mrs. Larry G. Weatherford Ms. Julia R. Winston Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wright

Harry C. Huneycutt Jr. ’57, M.D. Kirkland Hubbard Jr. ’57, D.D.S.

Mr. James R. Hutcheson ’69 Mr. George W. Lester ’69

Lt. Col. M.R. Hutchinson ’52, USAF Edward J. Wiley Jr. ’52, M.D.

Col. Kurt W. Iversen ’85, USNR Mr. Kenneth W. Iversen ’54

Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, CSA Mr. Michael W. Edwards Mr. William F. Sullivan

Mr. Kenneth F. Johnson ’62 Mr. Randolph E. Campbell ’62

Mr. Catesby B. Jones ’47 Mrs. Catesby B. Jones

Lt. Col. George L. Jones III ’55, USAF Ms. Mary S. Triplette

Mr. Gwynne H. Jones Jr. ’50B Mr. and Mrs. David G. Barford

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mrs. George L. Jones III Mr. Robert R. Jones ’80 Mr. and Mrs. David M. Keach Ms. Susan Muir Ms. Anne H. Salvatori Mr. and Mrs. Steven E. Spencer Ms. Mary S. Triplette

Mr. David N. Kaliski ’64 Mrs. David N. Kaliski

Ms. Patricia Keilty Cmdr. Kevin J. Keilty ’83 and Mrs. Keilty

Mr. Paul C. Marks ’46

Mr. Willie M. Moses III ’01

Mr. Albert E. McCants Jr. ’55

Mr. and Mrs. David A. Reid

Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 and Mrs. Bryan Retired Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA, and Mrs. Tait

Ms. Mary McDaniel Mr. E. Randolph Snyder

1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante ’07 (HBR), USMC Retired Sgt. Maj. Douglas E. Berry ’67, USMC

Mr. Garry J. Kemple ’63 Mr. Robert L. Byrd ’63

Mr. Francis E. Kennedy Jr. ’63 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller

Capt. John W. Kennedy ’69, USAF Mr. James P. Totten ’69

Mr. Donald D. Kirsch ’50B Ms. Donna Bloomstadt

Maj. Stanley E. Leck ’79, USAR Mr. Gregory M. Leck ’77

Mrs. Virginia S. Leech Mr. Charles H. Purdum Jr. ’42

Liviv Librescu Mr. Alan S. Baumgartner ’57

Mr. Frank A. Liddell Jr. ’49B Mr. Edward Randall IV ’95

Mr. Leonard L. Lonas Jr. ’44 Mr. Zack Cheatham Class of 1944 Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Preston Ms. Mary E. Weston and Mr. Michael R. Friedrichs

Mrs. Margaret Luckert Ms. Teresa Luckert

Mr. Peter H. Lyons ’54 Retired Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA, and Mrs. Tait

Mr. Julian N. Major III ’69 Mr. R. Bruce Gregory ’69

2014-Issue 3

Maj. Charles A. Ransom ’01, USAF

Mr. Paul D.C. Marks Jr. ’69

Mrs. Peter M. Meredith Mr. Vincent J. Thomas ’43 and Mrs. Thomas

Mr. Robert A. Moncure ’49C Mr. P. Stockton Fleming ’49C

Col. A.H. Morrison ’39, USA Mr. Donald M. Wilkinson ’61

Mr. Irvin E. Nachman ’49A Mr. G. Allen Penniman Jr. ’49A

Mrs. Barbara H. Navas Mr. Cecil T. Welsh Jr. ’52 and Mrs. Welsh

Col. Robert Nelson Mr. Donald F. Nelson ’69

New Market Corps 1864 Mr. Terence L. Bowers ’68 Mr. Bernie G. Hylton ’64

Mr. Michael W. Newton ’03 1st Lt. John O. Noonan ’03, USAF

Sheff D. Olinger Jr. ’50B, M.D. Mrs. William C. Overman Jr.

John D. Openshaw Mr. David B. Openshaw ’81

Mr. C.H. Patton ’50B Mr. Joshua P. Priest ’80

Mr. Jay D. Patton Jr. ’62 Mr. Randolph E. Campbell ’62

1st Lt. Chase Prasnicki, USA Cliffwater LLC Mr. and Mrs. Christopher A. Gardocki

Mr. Michael J. Ragland ’69 Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. R. Cooper Reid ’97

Mr. Philip Z. Rutschow Jr. ’65 Mr. Marshall Henry III ’65 Mr. James G. Sherrard ’65

The Honorable Joseph L. Savage Jr. ’39 Mr. W.E. Akin Jr. Mr. O’Conor G. Ashby ’69 Judge David H. Beck Harrison and Gail Braxton Mrs. Sally G. Chinn John R. Comerford Jr. ’50B, Ph.D. Ms. Martha W. Embrey Ms. Stephanie Henke Mr. and Mrs. Daniel H. Hicks Mr. and Mrs. F. Raymond Little Mr. Enos Richardson Mr. and Mrs. John Rose Grady and Terry Stout Mr. and Mrs. Frederic L. Van Deventer

Roy F. Schall Jr. ’61, Ph.D. David, Deborah, David B. and Kristi Schall

Col. E.R. Schowalter Jr. ’51, USA Retired Col. R.M. Little II ’51, USA

Mr. Louis A. Scott Jr. ’46 Mrs. Louis A. Scott Jr.

Jay R. Sculley ’62, Ph.D. Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Mr. Andrew M. Tarr ’77 Mr. W. Morison Wood III ’79

Mr. Robert S. Sherrard ’44 Class of 1944 Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones

Mr. George Shrieves ’58 Mr. Francis E. Boeggeman ’58

Mr. Paul C. Shu ’40 Mr. Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70 and Mrs. Knight

Mr. Emory R. Snyder Mr. E. Randolph Snyder

Col. Harold B. Snyder Jr. ’57, USA Anonymous

Mr. James M. Stallings ’52 Ms. Carol T. Cover

187

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. and Mrs. Maynard S. Eaton Mrs. Robert G. Long Mr. John Moster and Clark Schaefer Hackett Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Robinson Mrs. James M. Stallings Ms. Helen M. Tanner Mr. A.L. Wellford III ’52 Mr. Cecil T. Welsh Jr. ’52 and Mrs. Welsh Edward J. Wiley Jr. ’52, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. James A. Wilson

Ms. Audrey F. Stivers Mr. and Mrs. John S. Carroll Mr. and Mrs. Ernest S. Clarke Mr. Walter C. Perrin II ’62 and Mrs. Perrin Mr. W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62 Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Sok

Mr. Charles E. Straub Jr. ’34 Mr. Joseph S. Straub ’65

Mr. William A. Stuart Jr. ’46 Mrs. William A. Stuart Jr.

Mr. Galen W. Swank ’03 Mr. Matthew A. Campbell ’03 Dennis C. Drinkwater Jr. ’03, M.D.

Mrs. Karen L. Sykes Mr. William A. McVey ’64 Mr. Walter L. Sykes Jr. ’64

Mr. J. Vaughan Taylor ’38 Mr. J.V. Taylor Jr. ’64

Capt. John R. Teal ’94, USA Mr. William L. Harding Jr. ’94

Ms. Joan L. Thomas Mr. Ned M. Mikula ’71

Mr. John F. Thomas ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Peter P. Thornton Mr. Gerald J. Acuff Jr. ’71 Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Anthes Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Mr. Thomas A. Beebe Mr. Ugo Benincasa Mr. John A. Bowman ’78 Brownstone Properties Inc. Mr. Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84 Mrs. Sally Claeys David M. Colonna ’78, M.D. Mr. George W. Cross Jr. ’77 and Mrs. Cross Mr. Robert A. Dahl Mr. Jerry J. DeWaters ’75 Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Evans The Page Coffey Family

188

Ms. Jennifer B. Foster Mr. David G. Frantz ’65 Garden by the James Ms. Teresa Garland Mr. William S. Gitchell ’78 Mr. John F. Grant Mr. J. Steven Grist Retired Maj. Gen. Max Guggenheimer Jr. ’59, USAR Mr. Willard O. Hall ’71 Dr. and Mrs. Edward H. Hancock Mrs. Richard A. Harris Jr. Mrs. Charles A. Hefner (Nana) and the late Charles A. Hefner, M.D. Alice Holcomb Mr. Keith W. Holland Mr. Joseph W. Hutt III ’78 Retired Capt. Edward A. Johnson Jr. ’79, USN Mr. Lewis B. Johnson III Mr. and Mrs. Douglas B. Lee Mr. Robert M. Loflin Jr. ’78 Mr. Aubrey L. Mason Mr. Thomas A. Mason ’75 Bland Massie Jr. ’77, D.M.D. Mr. John T. McCarthy ’87 Mr. David A. McClure Mr. William J. Melvin III ’80 Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Minnick Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Morcom Myers and Woods Appraisal Group Mr. James M. Peery Jr. Prince Henry Charitable Foundation Printing Industries of America Inc. Pomie J. Radcliff Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Ray Capt. John E. Riester Jr. ’78 Retired Rear Adm. and Mrs. Wayne G. Shear Jr., USN Mrs. Virginia L. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Sockolof Mr. Eric Spencer Mr. and Mrs. John K. Spencer IV Mr. William H. Stafford II Mr. Charles S. Steele Mr. Daniel P. Thornton ’78 and Mrs. Thornton Mrs. Barbara K. Tomlinson Mr. Joseph A. Warren Steven R. White Mr. and Mrs. J. Alec Wilder Mr. M. Ralph Wilkes Mr. Barry E. Wirt Mrs. Carolyn C. Womack

Mr. Randolph T. Townsend ’49A Mr. G. Allen Penniman Jr. ’49A

Mr. Scott T. Underwood ’51 Mrs. Patricia G. Gilchrist Retired Col. J.B. Phillips ’51, USA Mr. John J. Ross III ’51 and Mrs. Ross Mr. Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51 and Mrs. Wamsley

Mr. Earl L. Valentine Jr. ’49A Mr. G. Allen Penniman Jr. ’49A

Mr. H. Carter Valentine Jr. ’55 Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 and Mrs. Bryan Ms. Katherine B. Bryant Mr. William R. Davidson ’55 Tris and Jim Graybeal Ms. Susan Millhollon Kris Smith Retired Lt. Col. Fielding L. Tyler ’55, USA Retired Lt. Col. David F. Woolwine ’55, USAF

Mrs. Margaret A. Vier Retired Col. Wayland E. Parker ’74, USA

Mr. Allan S. Wagner Jr. ’50B Mr. Augustus B. Jones III ’50B

Maj. Gen. Robert E. Wagner ’57, USA Mr. Joseph M. Spivey III ’57 Retired Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA, and Mrs. Tait

Col. Kenneth A. Walters ’87, USAF Anthony S. Brads ’87, M.Ed.

Mr. Robert L. Watson ’64 Mr. Robert L. Byrd ’63 John T. Gupton III ’67, Ph.D.

Mr. Julian M. Weaver Jr. ’25 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Richard C. Weaver ’21 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mrs. Sandra Whittle Mr. Vincent J. Thomas ’43 and Mrs. Thomas

William Bradley Willard William Bradley Willard Foundation

Mr. Anthony M. Williams ’58 Retired Lt. Col. Theron A. Henry Jr. ’58, USAF

Lt. David L. Williams ’91, USN Mr. Hans C. Peeders ’91 Col. Edward D. Wagner ’88, USA

Mr. Ernest R. Williams ’33 Mr. M. Anderson Williams ’65

Col. Oliver J. Williford III ’51, USA Retired Col. R.M. Little II ’51, USA

Lt. Mark R. Wilson ’88, USN Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Wilson Jr.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Ms. Kathryn A. Wise Mr. Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70 and Mrs. Knight

BP Foundation Inc. Mr. Frederick Davison Jr. ’75

Capital One Mr. John H. Woodfin Sr. ’61 Mr. Paul J. Johnston ’61

Mr. DeWitt S. Worrell ’62 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Dr. and Mrs. Stewart S. Worrell

Mr. Gregory R. Wright Jr. ’95 Mr. Thomas Citrano Mr. Gregory Wright Sr.

Mr. Jason W. Ancarrow ’97 Mr. and Mrs. Carlos M. Jimenez

Caterpillar Foundation Mr. David A. Pitts ’88 Mr. C. Randolph Williams Sr. ’63

The Delta Air Lines Foundation Mr. W.R. Beerbower ’72

Dominion Foundation Mr. Thomas P. Wright ’54 Mr. Warren J. Bryan ’71 and Mrs. Bryan Mr. Miles C. Johnston Jr. Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 Mr. D. Conrad Via ’54 Ms. Elizabeth L. Wright

Matching Gifts The following companies or related foundations have made contributions to VMI, matching the gifts of alumni and friends listed under each. These gifts were received during the time frame of Feb. 1, 2014, through April 30, 2014.

Mr. David E. Ayers ’64 Mr. Kevin M. Cordray ’80 Mr. Robert G. Gregory Jr. ’63 Mr. F. Brian McNeil ’65 Mr. John S. Thornton Jr. ’64 Mr. R.E. Winfree Jr. ’64

The Dow Chemical Company Foundation Mr. Roderick W. Kallgren ’48B

The Duke Energy Foundation Mr. Stuart N. Heishman ’86 Mr. Kenneth R. Jordan ’65

Ernst & Young Foundation Mr. James S.C. Phlegar Jr. ’67

Aerojet Mr. Garith C. Palme ’88

Aetna Foundation Inc. Mr. William T. Nebraska ’59 Retired Col. Douglas A. Stephens ’65, USA

Altria Group Inc. Mr. John R. Munno ’84

American Electric Power

ExxonMobil Foundation Mr. Charles H. Beckham ’43 Mr. William D. Dermott ’66 Mr. Charles W. Kause ’82 Mr. Thomas F. Lemons Jr. ’66 Mr. Edward M. Seager ’64 Mr. Michael L. Soares ’75 Mr. Peter A. Tunnard ’90 Mr. Brenton L. Underwood ’06 Mr. James L. Whitehurst Jr. ’66

Mr. James R. Thrasher ’82

Freddie Mac Foundation AT&T Foundation

Mr. Charles A. DePasquale ’86

Mr. James M. Outland ’83

Freeport-McMoran Oil & Gas LLC BAE Systems

Mr. William W. Turpin ’75

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Graziano

Gannett Foundation Battelle

Ms. Karen I. White

Mr. Herbert N. Johnston ’49A

The General Electric Foundation BNY Mellon Mr. Timothy H.H. Janeway ’91

The Boeing Company Retired Col. Randolph M. Blanks ’67, USAF Retired Lt. Col. Charles F. Toler III ’74, USMC

2014-Issue 3

Mr. Daniel J. DeForrest III ’64 Retired Lt. Col. Robert L. Hobson ’59, USAR, Ph.D. Retired Maj. Gen. Richard E. Leithiser ’50B, USAR Col. Joseph S. Turlington ’88, USA

Integrity Applications Incorporated Mr. J. Scott Miller ’88

The JPMorgan Chase Foundation Mr. Christopher J. Brandriff ’06

Leidos Cmdr. Jeffrey T. Millican ’90, USNR

MeadWestvaco Corporation Mr. Walter W. Coleman ’88

Microsoft Corporation Mrs. Lynn J. Gasch

Nationwide Foundation Mr. Wymer W. Manning Jr. ’54

Norfolk Southern Foundation Mr. Harvey H. Bradley ’49B Mr. James D. Gearhart ’71 Mr. O. Raymond Martin V ’71 Mr. Edwin R. Trinkle ’70 Mr. William M. Westerman ’56 Mr. Lawrence E. Wetsel Jr. ’61

Pfizer Foundation Mr. William R. Haeberlein ’61 Mr. Thomas H. Selman III ’84 Mr. C. Stewart Snoddy Jr. ’49C Mr. G. Chandler Williams ’68

Pitney Bowes Company Mr. Benjamin W.L. Semmes III ’88

Raytheon Company Mr. Joseph S. DeKeyrel ’86

Rockwell Collins Col. Robert W. Hughes

Shell Oil Company Foundation Mr. Ira P. Parkman Jr. ’66

SunTrust Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Howard Mr. Charles F. McCallum III ’94 Mr. Vincent A. Wood III ’81

UBS Mr. W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62

Waters Corporation Andrew J. Young ’74, Ph.D.

Wells Fargo Foundation Mr. and Mrs. James N. Holzapfel Mr. Scott F. McInnis ’00 Mr. Michael T. Morrissett ’74 Mr. and Mrs. R. Beale Pope Mr. Brian D. Tate ’90

189

KEYDET CLUB KEYDET CLUB CollegeInsider.com Tournament Fundraiser a Huge Success for VMI Basketball When fans found out the Keydet basketball team had been accepted to the 2014 CollegeInsider.com Tournament – the first postseason basketball tournament for the Keydets in 37 years – the vocal backing from a large number of the Keydet Club’s supporters was overwhelming.

After the Keydets pulled off a big road win over Canisius College in the openingPaulette ’69 round game of the tournament, the time came for VMI and the Keydet Club to make a decision about the opportunity to host any home games starting in the second round. To host a tournament game in the CIT, the home team must pay a $36,000 hosting fee. The Keydet Club, led by board of governors President Bill Paulette ’69, told VMI the fee would be covered through support raised by the Keydet Club.

Paulette said, “I made this commitment, because I thought it was what Keydet Club members would want us to do.”

With anticipated gate receipts from ticket sales covering $10,000-$15,000 of the cost, VMI’s net exposure would be less than $25,000 for each game it hosted.

There were two opportunities in the postseason for VMI to host a home game: first, against Indiana University-Perdue University, Fort Wayne, and second, against Yale University.

In a matter of hours after news that these games would occur,

the Keydet Club staff and Paulette composed an appeal to those Keydet Club members who have joined during the past few years, asking for their help to cover the cost of hosting the games, with the potential to host the championship.

Paulette said in the appeal that “this would be new money, and we owe it to the players, alumni, friends and the Corps to give them the opportunity to see these kids play as long as possible.”

He followed that up by saying, “I have long said, if we could take a bunch of good kids who we all are proud of, have them play by the rules and win, then the upside at VMI would exceed any other school in the country.”

The upside was felt within a few hours. The Keydet Club received more than $80,000 in gifts and pledges in less than 48 hours, and in the five days leading up to the game, more than $150,000 from 450 supporters was received to help aid the cause.

The Keydets beat IPFW in front of a large crowd in Cameron Hall, before hitting the road to upset Ohio University in the quarterfinals, and then hosted the semifinals game against Yale in a nationally televised event.

Keydet Club Chief Executive Officer Greg Cavallaro ’84 summed up the fundraiser by saying, “The immediate overnight response from so many in the VMI family to satisfy the unbudgeted cost associated with hosting two of the CIT games at VMI was impressive and historic. Most importantly, the capacity of VMI alumni and fans was once again affirmed, and it gave testimony of the spirit of VMI.”

Trust Gift Establishes The Giles Miller ’24 Athletic Scholarship The lasting impact of Giles H. Miller Jr. ’924 at VMI has continued to be felt in the years since his death in 2005. Recently, the Keydet Club received another gift from Giles, this one in the form of the Giles Miller 1924 Trust. This trust establishes The Giles Miller ’24 Athletic Scholarship in the VMI Keydet Club and will forever perpetuate the memory of one of VMI’s most beloved, engaged and supportive alums.

Keydet Club Chief Executive Officer Greg Cavallaro ’84 said about this recent gift to the Keydet Club Endowment, “Giles Miller ’924 was Mr. VMI in every way! Not only was he one of the Institute’s most generous supporters during his lifetime, but the creation of the Giles Miller 1924 Trust and the gift that ultimately followed many years after his death in 2005 makes him one of the greatest benefactors to the Keydet Club. When he coined the term ‘three-legged stool’ to describe the Institute’s whole person educational emphasis on academics, military and leadership development, and athletics, little did he know that it would become synonymous, as well, with the life he led and the inspirational influence he had on generations of VMI men and women.”

Photo at right: A copy of a portrait of Giles H. Miller ’924 holding the three-legged stool. The portrait, which was presented to him shortly after his 100th birthday in 2003, hangs in the lobby of Moody Hall.

190

Scan this page with

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB Keydet Club Receives Record Endowment Gift from Heslep ’56 Thanks to the generosity of Don Heslep ’56 and his wife, Josephine, the VMI Keydet Club has received the single-largest athletic endowment gift in Keydet Club history. In May 2014, the Hesleps contributed $1 million to their Heslep Family Football Scholarship at VMI. This gift, which fully endows either one out-of-state or two in-state athletic scholarships, is part of the Heslep family’s contributions to the Campaign for VMI. About his recent gift, Heslep said, “It is with great satisfaction that we are able to make this gift to the Keydet Club and for The Heslep Family Football Scholarship.

Jo and I know that capital and endowment funds build more competitive programs.

We hope that our gift will enable more cadet athletes to have the unique privilege of competing at the highest level of NCAA intercollegiate athletics and to reap the many benefits of a VMI education.”

Keydet Club Chief Executive Officer Greg Cavallaro ’84 said of the Hesleps’ record-breaking contribution, “Don and Jo Heslep represent the very best of VMI, and their support for all things VMI is unparalleled. This gift to the VMI Keydet Club will help encourage those who love and truly appreciate the Institute to step forward during the course of the Campaign for VMI and well beyond and validate all that VMI means to them. This is truly a remarkable and historic gift in support of VMI athletics and football.”

Coach Sparky Woods expressed the football

Josephine Heslep with son Mark C. Heslep ’83.

program’s gratitude by saying, “Our coaches, staff and players are deeply grateful to Don and Jo for their generosity, and we’re touched that they share our commitment to VMI football. Scholarship football is woven into the soul of the Institute, and commitments like theirs are the only way we can guarantee that we’ll always have it.

Any ‘thank you’ we can offer them today cannot properly address the bounty of their perpetual gift to a program in great need.”

Heslep matriculated from Fairfield, Virginia, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He and his wife, Jo (the former Josephine McPherson of Portsmouth, Virginia, and a 1956 graduate of Mary Washington College), met and married in 1959 in Richmond, Virginia. They have two sons, Mark (VMI Class of 1983) and Donald Jr. In June 2014, Heslep completed his second term as a member of the Keydet Club Board of Governors.

Donald B. Heslep ’56 and his wife, Josephine, at right, with their son, Mark, and scholarship recipient, Cadet Logan Staib ’14.

2014-Issue 3

Thornton Memorial Athletic Scholarship Honors Beloved Son The Keydet Club recently announced the establishment of the Peter Presley Thornton Memorial Athletic Scholarship in honor of Peter Thornton, son of board member Danny Thornton ’78 and his wife, Melissa. Peter died in January 2014 at the age of 22.

The scholarship will provide grantin-aid to a National Collegiate Athletic Association cadet-athlete at VMI, with preference given to a member of the men’s soccer, basketball or football team and who matriculates from Lynchburg, Amherst, Campbell or Bedford, Virginia, areas. If no recipients are available from one of these preferred areas, the scholarship will be awarded to a cadet from the commonwealth of Virginia.

“Peter was an outstanding athlete,” Thornton said. “He loved sports, particularly soccer, tennis and golf.”

Throughout Peter’s life, Thornton brought his son from their home in Lynchburg to Lexington for sports games, as the pair developed a shared love for VMI and Lexington.

Thornton spent his youth in Amherst County, Virginia, and matriculated to VMI in 1974. He is a distinguished graduate and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. As a cadet, he served on the Honor Court and was listed in “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities.” He served eight years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, rising to the rank of captain.

He began his professional career at VMI, where he was employed for two years as assistant to the director of admissions. In 1980, he returned to Lynchburg and started his career with Progress Printing Company, the firm that has printed the VMI Alumni Review since 1975. At the time of this writing, he is the national accounts executive, after serving for nearly 20 years as vice president of Sales and Marketing. He also owns (and helped

191

KEYDET CLUB “Danny has always had VMI’s found) In Mind, an Internet service best interests and the magazine’s provider and graphic design firm in success at heart,” said Hope Forest, Virginia.

Hennessey, former editor of the Peter Thornton graduated from Alumni Review. “He is continuJames River Day School and E.C. ally looking for ways to improve Glass High School and attended the product and help us keep our Central Virginia Community Colcosts down. He sees the Review lege, where he studied business from all vantage points – as an administration. After two years in alumnus of his beloved alma macollege, he decided to strike out on ter, as a valued business partner of his own. At the age of 21, he started ours and as a member of the Keyhis own company, PPT Properties, det Club Board of Governors.”

LLC, a property management firm Hennessey continued, “He in Lynchburg, and also was a leasing loves the magazine as much as agent for Brownstone Properties. the Alumni Review staff does.

“Peter was an extremely bright We are so grateful for his vision, young man. He liked the prospect of support and creativity, but mostly being in business,” Thornton said, we are grateful for his enduring which was aided, friends surmise, friendship.” by his father’s example as a sucLike his father, Peter Thornton cessful businessman, entrepreneur developed many strong and lastand volunteer.

Thornton was a founding board From left, Melissa, Peter and Danny Thornton ’78. ing friendships. “He was charismatic. At any age, he could talk member of Community First Bank to an adult and connect,” Melissa in Lynchburg and is the chairman Thornton said about her son. of the board of Select Bank, a chartered Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce, The The scholarship in Peter’s name will community bank serving the greater United Way, the Lynchburg Chapter of be offered to rising students out of the Region 2000 market area. He is also a The VMI Alumni Association – of which Central Virginia area – the place he founding board member of CornerStone he is a past president – and other nonprofits called home and never wanted to leave, in the community.

Thornton said.

“If [a student] gets a Regarding his work with scholarship in Peter’s name and goes the Alumni Review staff on to do well, that immortalizes Peter’s over the years, it has been life and helps to preserve his memory,” Thornton who has made Thornton said. game-changing suggestions, When asked about the scholarship, such as trying a two-color Keydet Club Chief Executive Officer print process, instead of Greg Cavallaro ’84 said, “Through the black and white, and then funding of this scholarship, it is comtrying full-color printing. forting for all to see the outpouring of In fact, when he met with love, sorrow and compassion from so some initial resistance, he many who have known Peter Thornton sweetened the deal by ofand his family. This scholarship will fering to pay the difference forever memorialize a loving member between black and white At Peter Thornton’s high school graduation were, of the VMI family and a life that ended from left, Melissa, Peter and Danny Thornton ’78. and the two-color and fulltoo soon.” color processes for one issue Bank in Lexington, the area’s only locally of the magazine – just to see if the staff and Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherowned community bank. He served as readers liked it. In both cases, everyone wise, the articles and photos in the president of the YMCA of Central Virwas thrilled with the dramatically imKeydet Club section of the Alumni Reginia and has done volunteer work for the proved end product, according to reports. view are provided by the Keydet Club.

VMI Keydet Club Mission Statement: To contribute to the SPIRIT and development of a successful Division I athletic program that benefits the whole of VMI.

192

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

In Honor of New Market Cadets on the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of New Market Alumni and friends of the Institute across the continent visited gravesites of New Market Cadets during the week of May 15, 2014, to honor and remember those cadets who fought on the Field of Lost Shoes in 1864 – 150 years ago. Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director, Museum System, and Terry Bowers ’68, president of the Augusta, Georgia, Alumni Association chapter, created the online database of New Market graves (http://www.augustagavmiaa.info/New_Market_Database. htm) which made these and many other gravesite visits possible. VMI, Virginia and U.S. flags were provided by the Alumni Association Board to place at gravesites. Below are some of the photos that we received.

1

2

4

3 Photo 1: Alumni from the Fort Polk, Louisiana, area traveled to Pineville, Louisiana, to honor New Market Cadet Simon Cullen ’867, who is buried in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. From left were Dave Kimsey ’06, Bill Goudy (’06 HBR), Tyler Mills ’13, Annie-Marie Ngotho ’13, George Hale ’91, Steve Chadwick ’73, Tom Collins ’06, Chip Satterlee ’04 and Matt Davis ’07.

Photo 2: The gravesite of New Market Cadet Hunter Wood ’865 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Alumni visiting this site were Jim Miner ’61, who provided the photo, and Victor Sredl ’88. Also present were descendants of Cadet Wood.

Photo 3: From left, North Jersey Chapter President Rick Wolffe ’78, George Mosby ’97 and Charlie Bunting ’01 visited the gravesite of New Market Cadet Francis I. Tomes ’867 at the Trinity Cemetery and Mausoleum in New York City. About the visit, Wolffe said, “According to the cemetery management, who were excited and pleased that we were there, this is a very tragic story of a family divided by the war.

Tomes is buried alongside his half-brother, who fought for the Union.”

Photo 4: Lynchburg, Virginia, chapter members honored seven New Market Cadets –Reuben Cornelius Akers ’867, John Alexander Davis ’867, Thomas Dixon Davis ’864, John Cabell Early ’867, Francis Tompkins Lee ’866, Edwin Steptoe Moorman ’867 and Samuel Griffin Wingfield ’867 – buried at Spring Hill Cemetery. Present at

5 the memorial were Lynchburg Chapter President Charlie Schindler Jr. ’91, Jack Thompson ’67, Chris McGreer ’73 and Ed Bower ’80. This photo of the gravesite of Cadet Early was provided by Schindler.

Photo 5: At the 150th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of New Market were, from left, David Gray ’01, Daniel Abernathy ’91, Stephen Abernathy (son of Daniel; grandson of Jan), Jan Abernathy ’67 and Jamie Tate ’67.

To see more photos, scan this page with