2018-Issue 2 VMI Alumni Review by VMI Alumni Agencies

VMI

2018 - Issue 2

Alumni Review

Same Information - New Sections As we consider the reorganization of the VMI Alumni Agencies, we are also taking a strategic approach to how the content falls within the pages of the Alumni Review with you, the reader, in mind. We have not removed any sections, just recategorized them. For example, all athletics stories, NCAA or club sports, will be in one section. Academics and military content is in a section titled “On Post.” Fundraising progress is grouped in a section titled “Progress.” Take a look at a few of the new sections included in this issue:

On Post Highlights the academic and military aspects of the Institute today

Athletics Season recaps, cadet-athlete recognition and upcoming schedules for your Keydet sports

Progress Financial support for continuing the mission of VMI: Reunion giving, scholarships and other gifts to the Institute

Events Find all chapter and Alumni Agencies event coverage here

Staff News Updates on staff members of the VMI Alumni Agencies

Class Notes Class Notes now feature red corner tabs on every page to make finding news about your BRs easier than ever

Class Notes

Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review 2018-Issue 2

In This Issue . . . This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of Nov. 1, 2017, to Feb. 15, 2018.

Our Alumni Serving 4 7 8 8 8 9

2018 Virginia Gubernatorial Inaugration Northam ’81 Elected Governor of Virginia Irby ’44 Awarded French Legion of Honor Garland ’75 Retires as Colonel Foy ’03 Elected Delegate of Virginia’s 2nd District Srikongyos ’15 Earns Coveted Ranger Tab

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In Memory

10 Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40 11 Walter C. Perrin II ’62 ............................................................................

Features 12 14 15 18

Jumper ’66 to Receive New Market Medal Miller ’70: Because VMI Prepared Me Matson ’05: The Flavor of Freedom Sweppenhiser ’06: The Least I Can Do for the Institute

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News and Updates

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2 19 26 32 36 41 44 145 163 168 169 173 174 176

Message from the CEO On Post Athletics Events Progress Staff News Class Notes Provisional Appointments Taps After Taps Alumni News Alumni Agencies Directory VMI Alumni Chapter Directory Farewell Message from Louthan ’82

Volume 95, No. 1

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: Amy Goetz Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Whitman Assistant Editor: Molly Rolon Assistant Editor: Elaine Wood ALUMNI REVIEW ONLINE www.vmialumi.org/alumnireview

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 PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia 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.

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 Front Cover and Inside Back Cover: Cadets during Breakout Feb. 10, 2018. Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.

Message from the Agencies CEO by CDR Stephen M. Maconi

Let me start by saying thank you. I recently observed my first anniversary as the chief executive officer of the VMI Alumni Agencies. It has been a truly rewarding experience for me. Every day, I am surrounded by skilled, energetic development professionals and devoted Institute leadership and staff. I have the privilege of working with the volunteer leadership of the VMI Alumni Agencies and the Jackson-Hope Board of Overseers and have enjoyed meeting hundreds of alumni and friends at events all over the country. All of these people – every one of them – share a commitment to advancing VMI, because they believe its graduates are what this country so sorely needs: Honorable, capable and selfless leaders.

Maconi

It is this shared devotion that has driven the ongoing reorganization of the VMI Alumni Agencies to better serve our alumni, members of the VMI family, the cadets and the Institute.

One opportunity the combined agencies presented was the establishment of an office of communications to oversee the VMI Alumni Review and all formal communications by the agencies. Timely, informative and persuasive communications with the VMI family is essential to our mission. To this end, we hired Amy Goetz as the chief communications officer for the agencies and a valued member of the agencies’ senior management team. Amy has already done much to make our communications efforts more effective and efficient and unleash the creativity of those who support the agencies in communications-related positions. Another significant change in the united VMI Alumni Agencies is that all major gift officers in both the VMI Foundation and the Keydet Club seek support for every area of the VMI experience. I am firmly convinced that our collective efforts will be enhanced with this cooperative, collegial approach to donor relationships. Meade King ’85, most recently serving the VMI Foundation, took over as the chief operating officer of the VMI Keydet Club in early February. In his new role, he has been building on the long record of service and support to the Institute that the Keydet Club enjoyed under the leadership of Gregory Cavallaro ’84. You can get to know Amy, Meade and other newly hired team members on pages 41-43 of this issue. I am encouraged by the improved spirit and momentum of the reorganization: Innovative communications closely coordinated with the Institute, the evermore energetic and engaged alumni relations efforts, and a more effective approach to sustained fundraising in support of VMI. Our combined efforts were evident May 1 during our inaugural Day of Giving, the success of which was the result of countless hours of meticulous planning and hard work that drew on the talents of everyone and included a thoughtful collaboration with the Institute. That’s what you can expect more of – a lot more of – from the VMI Alumni Agencies in the future.

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Our Alumni Serving Recognizing Those Who Serve Others in Their Communities, Country and the World The VMI Alumni Agencies would like to pay tribute to our 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 every time of deepest peril ... .” Those alumni whose photos and articles appear in this section of the Review could be members of the armed forces serving anywhere in the world, or they could be members of police and fire departments, legislators, doctors offering their services to those less fortunate, alumni volunteering at food pantries or

serving as Boy or Girl Scout troop 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: Assistant 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 Are you orand someone you serving the community, country or the world? Send in a photo and a doing, where for whom. See know instructions above. description of what you’re doing, where and for whom. See instructions above. 2018-Issue 2

2018 Virginia Gubernatorial Inauguration

“When I reached the Virginia Military Institute, [I] was given a different kind of compass, in the simple words of the VMI honor code: ‘A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.’ Those words have stuck with me all these years because they’re so clear. They have become a kind of moral compass for me. They always call me back home safely. Virginia and this country need that more than ever these days.” - Gov. Ralph Northam ’81

Cadets marched in the Virginia gubernatorial inaugural parade Jan. 13, 2018, for the first VMI graduate to serve as governor in a century, Gov. Ralph Northam ’81. “The position of governor of Virginia has always had a historic and special relationship with VMI,” said Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent. “The governor is the commander in chief of the Corps of Cadets, and he signs the diplomas of our graduates. It is an honor to march for any governor on his first day in office, but is uniquely satisfying to do so when the governor understands in a personal way the rigors and rewards of being a VMI cadet.” As a 1st Class cadet, Northam was a battalion commander and served as president of the Honor Court. In this role, he was charged with enforcing and protecting the Institute’s honor code, VMI’s most valued and cherished institution. The only other VMI alumnus

to serve as Virginia’s governor was Westmoreland D. Davis, Class of 1877, who held the office from 1918-22. Peay noted that Northam’s career mirrors the attributes of the citizen-soldier that VMI inculcates in its cadets. Northam earned a commission in the U.S. Army upon graduation and attended medical school. He served as an Army doctor in Germany treating soldiers wounded in the Gulf War and later worked as a pediatrician who served as a volunteer medical director for a pediatric hospice care facility. He held elective office as a state senator and as lieutenant governor. Approximately 1,500 members of the Corps of Cadets participated in the inaugural parade for Northam. The parade began immediately following the noon swearing-in ceremony. Parade units marched through downtown Richmond and passed in front of reviewing stands at the Virginia State Capitol building.

Visit http://governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/newsarticle?articleId=25191 to view Gov. Northam’s speech in its entirety.

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VMI photos by Kelly Nye, Maj. John Robertson IV and H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

Northam ’81 Elected Governor of Virginia by Elaine Wood, Assistant Editor In a quiet corner office on the third-floor of Old City Hall in the heart of downtown Richmond is a brightly-lit room adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows. Stepping into this room, there’s a feeling of reassurance and enthusiasm for the city and the commonwealth just outside its walls. In this office, Ralph Northam ’81, Virginia governor, takes pride in the fact that he will bring VMI values to the state’s highest elected office for the first time since Westmoreland D. Davis, Class of 1877, served in the position from 1918-22. He described a passion for public service that compels him to give back to others, and he has endeavored to do so for years. After dedicating much of his career to serving as a doctor in the military and in civilian practice, Northam decided to pursue a role in government, first as a state senator and then as lieutenant governor of Virginia from 2014-18. He again saw success in his public career when he was elected governor of Virginia Nov. 7, 2017. On this journey, Northam drew upon his upbringing on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, as well as his time spent developing as a citizen-soldier at VMI. “I think the philosophy behind going to VMI is that you’re going to be trained, educated and then really encouraged to want to give back and serve,” stated Northam. “I have served as a doctor taking care of sick children. I served as the medical director of a pediatric hospice for 19 years and as a volunteer helping take care of terminally ill children and their families, and then, in 2007, I decided I wanted to serve at the state level.” Northam reasoned that VMI in particular prepared him for politics, explaining that his experience in the VMI Honor Court system – including serving as its president – guided him to the present day. “To be drummed out of VMI is the last thing on your list that you’d desire, so as a cadet responsible for others and whether or not they were investigated or brought to trial ... there was a lot of responsibility,” he stated. “I presided over the court during the hearings, which used real lawyers, so you had to have your case well-prepared and really know what you were doing.” He also learned more effective time management, understanding how to properly prioritize his intentions for each day. He elaborated further, “I think living under [the] stress – mental and physical – that starts Day 1 at VMI in the Rat

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Line and having people right in your face; there are a lot of stresses in life ... so being exposed to that for four years ... prepares you for [handling] stress. I think your training and education at VMI helps put all of those things into perspective.” Discipline is another characteristic Northam feels contributed to his success, highlighting the importance of honesty in interactions with others. “There is no more important time than now, especially in leadership and managing the commonwealth of Virginia, that people should tell you something and you can rely on that as being the truth. People in Virginia are looking for somebody honest. They’re looking for civility; they’re looking for what I refer to as a moral compass,” explained Northam. As VMI alumni can attest, honesty is at the foundation of what it means to be from the Institute. Northam agrees that one of his strongest focuses during his term will be extending help to veterans. Virginia is home to the secondhighest number of veterans in the country and is the No. 1 state for female veterans. “People always ask me what I want to do as governor, and obviously the first thing is economic opportunity for all Virginians; no matter who you are, where you are – it’s important to me,” he said. “But as a veteran, I want to make sure that I do everything I can to make Virginia the most veteran-friendly state in the country ... I want to make sure that we reach out to them, and that once they get out of the military, they can choose Virginia to work and live and raise their family.” Virginia Values Veterans, a program implemented by the previous administration, resulted in the hiring of 30,000 veterans, exceeding its original goal by half. Northam wants to double that impressive result, setting a goal of hiring 60,000 veterans in Virginia in the next four years. Despite the challenges of holding political office, Northam maintains that the sense of honor and commitment to service that he learned at VMI should be apparent during his term as governor. “I’m a pretty open book,” Northam said. “I know that there are people on both sides of the aisle that come from VMI ... but I would hope that all the VMI family would be proud that a Virginian [who] graduated from VMI is now governor, and this is the first time this has happened in 100 years ... and it’s very helpful to have people here in legislature [who] know VMI’s story and look after VMI.”

Irby ’44 Awarded French Legion of Honor John P. Irby III ’44 was awarded France’s Legion of Honor in a ceremony held at North Carolina’s state capitol in Raleigh Nov. 17, 2017. There, he was presented the award by Consul General Louis de Corial, along with three other World War II veterans. Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the National Order of the Legion of Honor is France’s highest military honor and is given in recognition of service to the French Republic. Irby received the award in recognition of his wartime service as an officer with the 6th Armored Division in France and Germany. In March 1945, he led his platoon of Company C, 86th Cavalry Squadron, in the liberation of prisoners – including many French soldiers – from a German prisoner of war camp near Frankfurt, Germany. Irby matriculated from Blackstone, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Garland ’75 Retires as Colonel Glenn E. Garland ’75, D.D.S., retired as a colonel from the North Carolina Army National Guard in August 2017. At the time of his retirement, he had served 40 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard. For 22 years, he served with the U.S. Army Reserve 810th Medical Company in Durham, North Carolina, which he also commanded for two years. In 2009, he was reassigned to the medical detachment of the NCANG 60th Troop Command. Garland was called to active duty in 2004 and 2010 to help staff the U.S. Army Dental Clinic at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. During his military career, he participated in seven humanitarian dental mission trips – six to Moldova and one to Belize – to provide dental services to underserved children. He served as officer-in-charge during three of the missions.

Foy ’03 Elected Delegate of Virginia’s 2nd District Jennifer D. Carroll Foy ’03 was elected as delegate for Virginia’s 2nd District in November 2017. Foy is the first VMI alumna to hold a seat in state legislature. She served as a public defender in Arlington County and is the first public defender to serve in the Virginia General Assembly. She was formally sworn into the Virginia House of Delegates Jan. 10, 2018. Foy matriculated from Petersburg, Virginia, and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. She earned her Master of Arts degree from Virginia State University and her Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Jefferson Law School. Foy is pictured, left, during the formal swearing-in ceremony. Photo by Mike Beaty.

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Srikongyos ’15 Earns Coveted Ranger Tab

Photo by Brett Winter Lemon Photography, Inc.

Nattachat “Nina” Srikongyos ’15 recalled that, during her time at VMI, the Ranger Tab was held in the highest regard. After watching the first women graduate from Ranger School in 2015, she was inspired to join their ranks. Srikongyos graduated from Ranger School in November 2017, becoming the eighth woman to graduate and the first Thai-American woman to successfully complete the training. “It feels great to have completed Ranger School, not because I was only one of a few women, but because I set out a goal and I finally achieved it. It makes me proud because of what Rangers stand for; because of the men and women who have laid the path and paved the legacy of excellence in what they do and are willing to go that extra mile,” she said. After graduation from VMI, Srikongyos commissioned into the Army as a second lieutenant assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. She recalled a moment during training when the operations sergeant asked new lieutenants when they were going to Ranger School. “And when he came across me at the end of the line, he asked me the same. I said, ‘Whenever you want to send me!’ At the time, I still remained reserved, because what do I know about actually passing the most coveted leadership school in the nation?” she said. Other battalion leaders took notice and asked if she was serious, which she was. Then, she began exhausting preparations that included almost four hours of physical training a day. That same operations sergeant told her, “Don’t embarrass the battalion.” That phrase stuck with her throughout her training.

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Her first time through Ranger School, Srikongyos said nothing “clicked” for her, and she was trying to learn everything while barely able to stay awake. It was partly the Ranger haircut that gave her the determination to try Ranger School a second time. “Guys’ hair grows back within a matter of weeks; my hair beforehand went down to my waist. I couldn’t care less about basically being bald, but the thing that bothered me was that it was a reminder every day, almost mocking me of my failures. I knew I couldn’t walk away from it; I couldn’t just leave things how they were and have that be my mark,” she said about her determination to complete the school. Ranger training is split between Camp Darby at Fort Benning, Georgia, known as the “Benning Phase;” the “Mountain Phase” in Dahlonega, Georgia; and the “Swamp Phase” at Camp Rudder in Florida. Srikongyos noted the weather seemingly tended to extremes, with the heat index climbing to brutal levels at Camp Darby and plunging below freezing with miserable rain in the mountains. Srikongyos said the VMI mentality also kept

her going, pushing her to persevere though the pain, because it would eventually end. She connected with a couple of alumni throughout training and Ranger School. Travis Gordon ’16 and Sam Busche ’14 also graduated with Srikongyos. According to Col. Douglas Vincent, commander of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade, more than 15 VMI alumni have graduated from Ranger School in the past yearand-a-half. Vincent previously commanded the Army ROTC unit at VMI. “Ranger School teaches leadership and produces Rangers by placing them in the most severe, challenging and demanding situations possible, and then assessing how they lead in chaos. VMI does the same thing. I believe VMI generally produces an individual who is resilient, undaunted by adversity and meets challenges head-on, attributes that make a VMI graduate well-suited to succeed in Ranger School,” he said. Srikongyos is the first member of her family to go into the military, and she gives credit to them for always cheering her on. Editor’s Note: This article was first published by VMI Office of Communications & Marketing.

In Memory: Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40 by Scott Belliveau '83, Director of Communications, VMI Alumni Agencies

Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40, who died Jan. 28, 2018, at age 98, spent a lifetime in service to his hometown of Franklin, Virginia, the country, the commonwealth and, above all, VMI. Rawls matriculated with the Class of 1940 in September 1936. As a cadet, he was a chemistry major. He was a member of the Hunt Club, the Virginia Academy of Science, the orchestra and the Glee Club. After graduation, like most young men of the time, he had a rendezvous with destiny. In August 1941, he began training as a cavalry officer at Fort Riley, Kansas. Afterward, Rawls was given a choice of ROTC duty at the University of Arizona or VMI. According to his son, S. Waite Rawls III ’70, his father headed to Arizona “because he was afraid that [then-superintendent] General [Charles] Kilbourne [’894] would have a heart attack if he showed up again at VMI.” After his ROTC duty, Rawls helped form and train an experimental cavalry unit that replaced horses with motorcycles. He spent his last two years on active service as the aide-de-camp to Gen. William E. Shedd, commander of the 9th Service Command. Rawls left service in 1946 as a major and with an award of the Army Commendation Medal. Upon returning home, he made two longterm commitments: He began working with S.W. Rawls, Inc., Petroleum Distributors, and he purchased Woods Hill Farm. He remained with the family-owned business for his entire professional life, serving as its president from 1964-94 and its chairman until 1997. Woods Hill Farm remained his beloved home until his death. Rawls was a member of numerous corporate boards, including The Village at Woods Edge, Franklin Concrete Products Company and the Continental Telephone Company of Virginia. A lifelong champion of Franklin and Southampton County, Rawls was the founding president of the Franklin-Southampton County Chamber of Commerce and served in that capacity from 1953-56. He was president of the Franklin Rotary Club and the Old Dominion Area Boy Scouts of America and a director of the Franklin Southampton Charities and the Southeast Virginia 4-H Educational Center. From 1983-2006, he was the Camp Foundation’s president and its chairman from 2006-07.

Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40 on his horse, New Market. Health care was one of Rawls’ major concerns. He helped found the Southampton Memorial Hospital in 1963 and served as its chairman and president. He was the chairman of the Governor’s Committee on Nursing and the vice chairman of the Virginia Higher Education Study Commission; the Governor’s Regional Advisory Group for Heart Disease, Cancer and Stroke; and the Virginia Comprehensive Health Planning Council. He was the Eastern Virginia Medical School Foundation’s vice president from 1970 to 1980. In recognition of his contributions to health care in Virginia, the Medical College of Virginia presented him with an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in 1968. A member of the Virginia State Council of Higher Education from 1955-66, he was its chairman from 1964-66. A devoted horseman all his life, he was the president of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation from 1989-99. VMI held a special place in Rawls’ heart, and he began his service to it in 1951 when he became president of the VMI Alumni Association, the second youngest to hold that position. The youngest was Wyatt M. Elliott ’842, the organization’s very first president. He was later a trustee of the VMI Foundation and a governor of the VMI Keydet Club. He joined the VMI Board of Visitors in 1968. A

year later, he was its vice president and, from 1970-76, its president. Rawls’ time on the board coincided with the advent of racial integration at VMI and the challenges associated with the Vietnam War. His steady leadership was a major factor in the Institute’s ultimate success during this time. When Rawls was president of the BOV, VMI was supported by only $22 million in current endowments and future commitments. If it were to thrive in the future, he realized, it needed to expand private support, especially endowments, immensely. Soon after he left the BOV, he and his friend, Elmon T. Gray ’46, began planning what became the VMI Campaign, which was launched in 1978. Over the next 12 years, Rawls, Gray, Robert H. Patterson Jr. ’49C and other volunteer leaders, supported by the VMI Alumni Agencies, traveled extensively across the country, meeting with more than 60 alumni in 17 states. Their efforts paid off handsomely. When the VMI Campaign closed its second phase – the Sesquicentennial Campaign – in 1990, it had raised more than $155 million in gifts and commitments. Undoubtedly, the money raised during the campaign accelerated VMI’s progress and put it firmly on the path to a place in the top tier of American higher education. It also planted the seeds of the

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successes enjoyed by the next two campaigns, Reveille: A Call to Excel and An Uncommon Purpose by showing the VMI family what was possible in terms of raising private support for VMI and inspiring other alumni to become leaders in later campaigns. Rawls is one of only seven people to have received both the VMI Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award and VMI’s highest honor, the New Market Medal. In 1990, the VMI Foundation presented Rawls with the DSA, one of five brother rats to be so honored. The Board of Visitors presented him the New Market Medal 10 years later. The citation that accompanied the latter award states several reasons for the award, including his public service, leadership at VMI and selfless character. The final reason eloquently describes this man who so many deeply respected: “For a life that emulates the VMI concept of the citizen-soldier and the ageless values of VMI.” Robert P. Louthan ’82, president of the VMI Alumni Association, knew Rawls before he matriculated, because his father, Frank G. Louthan ’41, who served on the Board of Visitors with Rawls, was heavily involved with the VMI Campaign. “Sol Rawls was one of a handful of visionaries who started a new era in fundraising at VMI,” he explained. “They did so by raising more than $155 million and by thoroughly changing the VMI family’s attitude about private giving. No longer did they see private money as a ‘nice-to-have’ but for what it was, and is – utterly necessary to VMI’s future success. Centuries from now, cadets will be benefiting from the work these men, especially Sol Rawls, did for VMI out of their love for VMI.” Rawls is survived by three daughters, Rendy R. Adams, Betsy R. Agelasto and Patricia P. Rawls, and his son, Sol W. Rawls III ’70, as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His first wife, Ann Peace Rawls, and second wife, Jean Drewry Rawls, predeceased him in 1987 and 2017, respectively.

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In Memory: Walter C. Perrin II ’62 by Scott Belliveau '83, Director of Communications, VMI Alumni Agencies

Walter Perrin ’62, right, with Cadet Marlin Young ’19 at the 2016 Benefactors Luncheon. Walter C. Perrin II ’62, who served for 16 years on the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees – four of them as the Foundation’s president – and had a critical leadership role in the Institute’s recent fundraising campaign, An Uncommon Purpose, died Nov. 26, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 77. The son of David B. Perrin ’925, Perrin matriculated from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a corporal, sergeant and lieutenant in the Corps of Cadets. Throughout his cadetship, he was a member of the swim team and the Glee Club and was active in the VMI chapter of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, one of the precursors of today’s Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. After time as an Army officer – during which he was stationed in Death Valley, California – he entered the health care industry, where he would stay for more than four decades. Employed by various companies, including IBM and HBOC, he specialized in sales and marketing management, and retired as the senior vice president in charge of West Coast sales for McKesson, a national health care supply distribution and technology company. Perrin also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University. Perrin served on the boards of many schools and civic and community groups in the Atlanta area. A longtime member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, he was a warden and served on the vestry and numerous committees. He was also a member of the board of Piedmont Atlanta Hospital and the Peachtree Heights West Civic Association. Deeply devoted to his brother rats and the

Institute, he selflessly served VMI, mainly through the VMI Foundation. He served first on the Foundation board from 1997-2005 and was its vice president for fundraising from 2003-05. He returned to the board of trustees in July 2006, and his fellow trustees elected him president in November 2007, a position he held until June 30, 2011. He concluded his 16th year as a trustee in 2014. The resolution presented to him upon his retirement from the board thanked him for, among other things, “his strong and resolute leadership ... as [the Foundation] dealt with the many challenges related to the economic recession” and being “a magnificent example of service and devotion to Virginia Military Institute.” While he was a trustee of the VMI Foundation, he became a member of the Campaign Cabinet for An Uncommon Purpose and remained an active and important member of that group throughout the campaign’s life. T. Bryan Barton ’68, VMI Foundation president, said, “One word – passionate – sums up Walt’s support for VMI and his commitment to the future of the Institute and every young person in the Corps of Cadets. It was that passion that made him so effective as a trustee, president of the Foundation and as a cabinet member for An Uncommon Purpose.” Barton concluded, “All of us at the VMI Alumni Agencies also are thankful for the support in his work for VMI that Walt received – in so many ways – from his wife, Mary.” Perrin is survived by his wife, Mary H. Perrin; three children, Katherine T. Perrin, Walter C. Perrin III and David C. Perrin; two step-children, Austin M. Hall and Mary S. Hall; step-grandson; and brother, William K. Perrin. His first wife, Martha C. Perrin, predeceased him.

Features Jumper ’66 to Receive New Market Medal

Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. John P. Jumper ’66 will be awarded VMI’s highest honor, the New Market Medal, as part of VMI’s annual New Market Ceremony May 15, 2018. VMI-trained leaders have found themselves in sticky situations many times, but few can measure up to the first day retired U.S. Air Force Gen. John P. Jumper ’66 served as Air Force chief of staff. The date was Sept. 11, 2001. On that infamous 9/11, Jumper’s leadership training and experience prevailed. During the initial hours of this act of war, he watched the destruction of the twin towers. Minutes later, a plane hit the Pentagon, where Jumper was meeting with members of his senior staff in the basement. Neither Jumper nor his staff sustained injuries. “One of the things that becomes apparent very quickly is that this is what we are trained for. You are trained to not be taken by surprise and to react in a logical, calm way, especially when you are in a leadership position. You’ve got to organize your thoughts quickly and get your people organized,” said Jumper about his reaction that day. Jumper will be honored for his lifetime leadership and public service by being awarded VMI’s highest honor, the New Market Medal, May 15, 2018. The award presentation will be made on the Parade Ground beginning at 2 p.m. as part of the annual New Market Ceremony, which

honors the 10 slain cadets and all VMI alumni who have died in service to the country. “The story of General Jumper’s career is a testament to the traits we admire in the New Market cadets and upon which the award was founded: leadership, duty, honor and devotion,” said Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent. VMI’s steadfast values, a reflection of the same values the nation was founded on, are becoming an institutional rarity. “The human values, the rewards one receives by going through the hardships and trials of VMI, are things young people don’t get anywhere else,” Jumper said. The VMI experience plus VMI’s unfaltering standards are why Jumper and his wife, Ellen, have remained dedicated to VMI through the years. Jumper’s love for the Institute has inspired him to support VMI in a number of ways. He has served as a trustee of the VMI Foundation board. He was also appointed for eight years to the VMI Board of Visitors, including a year as its president. From 2012-17, he was a member of the cabinet which led the very successful An Uncommon Purpose campaign in raising $344 million in gifts and commitments.

VMI’s competitive edge in a tough market is supported by the invaluable, ongoing generosity of VMI alumni – showcased during An Uncommon Purpose – and allows VMI to retain and recruit the best faculty; provide merit- and need-based scholarships, as well as athletic scholarships; augment daily Corps Life activities; and continue to improve post through structural improvements. “It is important for all of us to understand what it takes to keep it going,” said Jumper regarding alumni support for VMI. “It is really up to us who truly believe in it, who have lived it, who have benefited from it, who want to pass it on to our children, to make the commitment to keep it alive.” In addition to giving of his time and talent, Jumper and Ellen have been loyal donors to the Institute, starting not long after his graduation in 1966. Realizing the importance of unrestricted support for VMI, they have directed the majority of their contributions to annual operational support through the Foundation Fund, to include establishing a named endowment. They have also given to a special endowment which supports faculty appointments for alumni by helping with their graduate studies and underwriting instructor positions on post. To honor this distinguished VMI alumnus, who is also a retired SAIC and Leidos, Inc. chief executive officer, Leidos established a fund in his name. The General John P. Jumper ’66 Leadership and Ethics Fund was created to advance leadership programing and training opportunities for cadets through the Center for Leadership and Ethics. The fund provides support for cadets to participate in national ethics programs and competitions to support the CLE’s mission to advance understanding, practice and integration of leadership and character development at the Institute, and to share insights gleaned from the VMI programs with a broader national audience. Jumper, who grew up moving from base to base with his Air Force father, has early memories of riding in his father’s lap. The vehicles his father “drove,” however, were various aircraft, including P-51 Mustang fighters. Jumper credits these early airplane rides with his desire to one day fly planes for the U.S. military. “That’s what I wanted to be, an Air Force pilot,” added Jumper. He matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and came to VMI, where he earned a Bachelor

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of Science degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, Jumper entered the U.S. Air Force and began his military service as a fighter pilot, including service in multiple conflicts. During his Air Force career, Jumper commanded an F-16 fighter squadron, two fighter wings and accumulated 5,000 flying hours, including more than 1,400 combat hours in Vietnam and Iraq. He also commanded the Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia; U.S. Air Forces Europe and Allied Air Forces Central Europe; and served as senior military assistant to the secretary of defense. Jumper concluded his 39-year career as the 17th chief of staff for the Air Force. During his four years as chief of staff, Jumper led more than 700,000 men and women through the challenging beginnings of the Global War on Terrorism. After his Air Force service, Jumper was named chairman and chief executive officer of SAIC, then an $11 billion public company. He led a transformational separation of the company and continued in leadership roles of the new public company, Leidos, until his retirement in 2014. He continues to serve on the board of Leidos, as well as on the boards of Hyster-Yale, NACCO Industries and Rolls-Royce North America. Jumper, a true example of what an education at VMI provides – leadership and character development that benefits graduates for life – also serves on the nonprofit boards of the Marshall Foundation, the Museum of the American Revolution and the Air Force Village Charitable Foundation. In addition to his VMI education, Jumper earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Golden Gate University. Jumper and Ellen live in Spotsylvania, Virginia. He is the 15th person to receive the prestigious New Market Medal since it was established in 1962. (Editor’s Note: Portions of this article are taken from Alumni Review Issues 2014-1 and 2016-2.)

New Market History May 15, 2018, marks the 154th anniversary of the VMI Corps of Cadets’ participation in the Battle of New Market, the only time in American history that the entire student body of a college fought in battle as a unit. The New Market cadets, who endured a multi-day forced march through rain and mud just to arrive at the battlefield, left an enduring legacy through their actions. At a time when other commanders had to discourage deserters with the point of a gun, the Corps of Cadets followed orders despite legitimate excuses for confusion: The unit was separated into two parts and their commander was wounded, forcing another officer to take charge – in the midst of the battle. When ordered to advance through a “deadly fire of shells, grape, canister and bullets,” the corps did not retreat, or even slow down, according to Col. William Couper’s “The VMI New Market Cadets.” Although their company order had disappeared, the cadets quickly and enthusiastically gathered around the company colors and charged forward, filling a gap left by other forces. Ultimately, the cadets’ actions that day resulted in victory. The victory won by the actions of the cadets came with a price: 10 cadets were killed or died of their wounds and another 47 were wounded. Those 10 cadets were Cadets William H. Cabell ’865, Samuel F. Atwill ’866, Charles G. Crockett ’867, Alva C. Hartsfield ’866, Luther C. Haynes ’867, Thomas G. Jefferson ’867, Henry J. Jones ’867, William McDowell ’867, J. Beverly Stanard ’867 and Joseph C. Wheelwright ’867. The annual New Market Ceremony features the roll call of the names of these cadets who lost their lives in the battle, a custom that began in 1887. The name of each cadet who died is called, and a representative from the same company in today’s Corps answers, “Died on the field of honor, sir.” The New Market Medal award was established in 1962 by the VMI Board of Visitors, at whose discretion the medal is awarded. It was conceived as a tribute to the VMI Corps of Cadets which fought at the Battle of New Market in May 1864. The commemorative medal recognizes those exceptional individuals who have demonstrated in their lives the qualities of devotion, honor, duty and leadership. Spanish artist Pierre Daura was commissioned by VMI in 1962 to design the medal. Daura was trained by Pablo Picasso’s father and has been compared to French post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Daura’s wife, Louise, was originally from Richmond, Virginia. Her family had property The New Market Medal is a three-inch in Rockbridge Baths, and the Daura bronze disk. The obverse contains a bas-relief depicting the charge of the family began spending time in cadets at New Market. The reverse Rockbridge County during World contains the words “Duty, Honor, War II. Later, Daura was the Devotion, Leadership” which are surchairman of Lynchburg College’s rounded by a laurel wreath entwined art department and taught at Ranwith dogwood blossoms. A citation accompanies the presentation of the dolph-Macon Women’s College. medal. Photo courtesy VMI Archives. He also gave private art lessons to Lexington-born artist Cy Twombly.

Jumper as a cadet.

2018-Issue 2

Miller ’70: “Because VMI Prepared Me” by Scott Belliveau '83, Director of Communications, VMI Alumni Agencies

When he graduated, David L. Miller ’70 knew that VMI had prepared him for success. Its structure and smaller classes provided a productive learning environment. The Institute’s economics curriculum helped him pursue a career in business. His experiences as a cadet officer, a member of the Honor Court, and a staff member of The Cadet and The Bomb familiarized him with the demands of leadership. However, he didn’t realize the full value of his VMI education until he entered the University of Virginia’s rigorous Darden School of Business. “It was exceptional preparation,” he declared. The time-management skills and work habits he learned as a cadet helped him Miller ’70 deal with a curriculum in which students were required to attend weekday classes from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., participate in individual and group study in the afternoon and evening, and submit a paper or take a four-hour exam each Saturday morning. The academic preparation he received as a VMI economics major provided “a good grounding” and “made the initial jump to graduate school much easier.” The leadership opportunities he had at VMI “showed me how to communicate with others, to explain what needed to be done, to set the right example. It all helped me compete at Darden.” Not only did the VMI experience prepare him for the demands of the Darden School, it also contributed to his career progression in health care management. Over four decades, Miller rose from being an administrator at St. Luke’s Hospital in Richmond to the president and chief operating officer of Community Health Systems, a leading national hospital system. There was more, according to Miller. “As a cadet, you learn to use teamwork to surmount difficult challenges and, in business, that lesson allowed me to help colleagues with challenges. You also learn the necessity of perseverance to achieve goals – be they for you or an organization. Most important is the grounding in integrity that living with honor code gives you.” He added, “At VMI, you learn to strike the proper work-life balance and to deliberately step back from career obligations and attend to such things as religion, family and leisure.” An experience during the early part of his 1st Class year symbolized something else Miller gained at VMI: A sense of service. In August 1969, Hurricane Camille triggered massive floods in many parts of the country, including western Virginia. Cadets assisted neighboring communities with their cleanup efforts – hard and dirty work that often involved handling dead farm animals and dangerous debris. “It impressed me that VMI was committed to helping people in need.” It is this commitment to service that prompted Miller and his wife, Helen, to become major benefactors of three children’s homes and two seminaries. It also prompted Miller to become a consistent donor to VMI. Giving to the Institute for Miller started soon after he graduated. Initially, he did so because he had “an appreciation of what VMI allowed me to do, and I wanted to help others have the same experience I did.” Over time, Miller developed an even deeper understanding of the Institute’s

value and came to place even more importance on supporting it. “Just look at the caliber of individuals it graduates,” he said. “They include great military leaders, like George C. Marshall ’901, John Jumper ’66 and General Peay ’62, as well as the three generals from my class and great business leaders, like John deButts ’36, who rose to be chairman of the largest corporation in the world (AT&T) and Gil Minor ’63. They include wonderful humanitarians, like Paul Hebert ’68, who has led relief efforts all over the world, and Jonathan Daniels ’61, as well as political leaders, to include Virginia’s current governor, Ralph Northam ’81.” But it doesn’t stop there for Miller. “I have long had an unwavering belief in the citizen-soldier ideal, and during my time on the VMI Board of Visitors, that belief has been strengthened because our nation sorely needs the type of leaders VMI continues to graduate.” His most recent gift established the Colonel Alexander H. Morrison 1939 Institute Professorship in Economics and Business. Asked why he chose to honor Morrison, a longtime professor and head of the department of economics, Miller described the man’s qualities. “It was how he carried himself. He was confident but never arrogant. He was patient. He pushed every cadet to do his best in everything, not just academics. He was determined that the department and its cadets would be the best they could be. Above all, he was genuinely concerned about his cadets.” It was a concern that lasted far beyond graduation, as Miller recounted. “Whenever I visited him, usually around reunions, he was happy to see me and always interested to know what I was doing. And it wasn’t just me. He was proud of all of ‘his boys’ and delighted in their accomplishments.” By establishing this professorship, Miller is paying respect to his professor. “Establishing chairs and professorships helps the Institute attract and retain great faculty who are dedicated to its mission and its cadets,” he stated. “It also shows our faculty that alumni value their contributions. Finally, it helps cadets get a better education. Colonel Morrison would have appreciated all of that, I’m sure.” Miller continued by saying, supporting the Department of Economics and Business in this manner will further heighten the department’s academic reputation and, in turn, the Institute’s. “VMI always has been known nationally for its engineering programs. Over the past few years, its applied mathematics department has gained an excellent national reputation and grown to more than 40 majors. I want the Department of Economics and Business to develop the same type of reputation, and this professorship contributes to that effort.” Miller hopes his gift has other effects. “I want cadets to notice that they are supported by those who have come before them. That would, I hope, plant in them the seed of a commitment to do the same for those who will follow them.” He also hopes his gift will encourage all alumni to do something in support of the Institute’s faculty. “No matter what department you give to and no matter Miller as a cadet. Photo how you give, it will be important, becourtesy the 1970 Bomb. cause it will make a difference at VMI.”

VMI Alumni Review

Matson ’05: The Flavor of Freedom by Elaine Wood, Assistant Editor

If you’re like most of the American population, you find yourself impulsively reaching for a cup of coffee each morning in hopes of feeling alert, energized and overall more prepared for the day ahead. That first sip that hits your tongue is potent; you suddenly feel emboldened, and you’re ready to face any obstacles in your way. But by the afternoon, you find yourself feeling the complete opposite. Drained, groggy and tired, you reach for another cup, usually double the size of the one consumed in the morning, all to ward off the inevitable crash that coffee makes you feel as it wanes. The mentality of “just one more cup” is a habit that’s hard to quit, but Sean Matson ’05 has the cure that can finally cease the endless cycle.

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Strike Force Energy, cofounded by former Navy SEAL Sean Matson ’05, is a clear liquid energy supplement comprised of only four intricately selected primary flavors: original, lemon, grape and orange. Using as little or as much as one wants from each individual packet, the consumer has the ability to manipulate their water – or a multitude of other beverages – to taste like any combination of the four flavors, all while increasing their daily water intake and skyrocketing their energy. When asked how the idea for Strike Force came about, Matson explained, “I have another company called Matbock,” which designs equipment that is lighter and more efficient for soldiers in theatre. “[Through Matbock,] we were working with a gentleman, Bruce Schlee, who is [now] the chief executive officer of Strike Force, and we were working with him on a robot. The idea for Strike Force came from him, actually; he had one or two samples of it [with him], and he realized it might be something that I’d like to develop with my background in the military.” After trying a sample, Matson attempted to focus on the initial conversation about the development of the robot but found himself so intrigued by the packet of energy supplement that, at the end of the meeting, he asked to be a part of its development. “I went out a couple of weeks later, took some of those samples that Bruce gave me and got a purchase order for about 10,000 packets worth. [Then] we realized we didn’t even have a company [established] yet,” Matson joked. The pair quickly launched into creating the brand and meeting the instant demand from consumers. From the very beginning, innovative and disruptive technology – a common

Strike Force Energy resides at multiple locations inside each 7-Eleven, including at the cash register. theme of Matbock and its mission – transferred to their work with Strike Force. “When you look at Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Gatorade, Red Bull, Monster or anything else, you’re talking about 16-ounce cans with only about 6 milliliters of chemistry in it – everything else is just water. Anybody in logistics knows it’s not very profitable to ship water, so we looked at our product and said, ‘Let’s make a healthier alternative [energy supplement] for consumers that allows them to create their own.’ You know, millennials love the ability to create their own.” He further highlighted how beverage companies invest millions of dollars into understanding the market and what the consumer wants. “That’s why, when you go into a fast food restaurant, there’s

All photos by Jennifer Carr Photography.

Below: Strike Force Energy is available for purchase as single packets or in bulk.

a million-selection fountain soda machine ... but again, the consumer wants the ability to mix and choose, and from a distribution side or a store-owner side, there’s limited space for supply, and they can’t keep every flavor in stock.” That’s where not only the convenience of Strike Force comes in but also the company’s unique insight on its customer demographic. “There are so many options with our four primary flavors to create something unique. You can mix it in tea, water, etc., and you’ve essentially created your own beverage.” With such negative opinions surrounding energy drinks, Matson understands that providing a healthier but still effective substitute to the name-brand drinks was vital in launching a truly great product. “We are converting a lot of customers from energy drinks or some of the other instant powder energy drinks. We have a 67 percent customer retention rate right now, which is unheard of for a startup [company].” Being such a difficult market to penetrate – think of how established brand name energy drinks are – the customer retention speaks to the simple science within each packet. Disregarding unnecessary additives and ingredients, Strike Force holds strong with just the basics. Each packet provides the customer with 100 percent of the daily intake value of vitamins B6 and B12. Aside from that, there’s not much else besides caffeine. Using so few ingredients has its purpose. As Matson explained, “A nutritionist taught me that, when looking at the label, the [fewer] amount of ingredients, the better it is for you. If it’s butter, and the label just says butter on it – well, guess what? That’s the best you can get. It might be loaded with fat, but that’s when

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you use portion control. But it’s healthier for you than the artificial butter that contains chemicals you’ve never heard of or can’t even pronounce.” Matson also believes in transparency, and Strike Force is founded on the same principal. That’s why, when looking into the product development, he admits there’s only one aspect that the brand eventually hopes to find an alternate ingredient for. Strike Force Energy believes in the best possible compilation of ingredients for its consumers, which translates to continually progressing the actual science behind their brand. “We use Sucralose as our artificial sweetener, where other brands use Acesulfame, which has a lot more issues and negativity associated with it. Now, we’ve tried to create something that has a more organic sweetener,” Matson admitted, “but the issue we’ve run into is that caffeine is so bitter, we can’t use anything other than Sucralose, because it won’t mask that caffeine. You’d just taste straight, bitter coffee. But Sucralose is still a much healthier alternative.” Another way Strike Force invests in their consumers is philanthropic in nature. Each week, after pulling from a running list of APO addresses provided to them from community members, the company picks a recipient to send a care package to. Each box is created with the soldier in mind – things that they need, want and will enjoy. “We don’t just send them our stuff, because we’ve been deployed – I did five

deployments in my 10 years – and we just said this is another way to give back to our community ... because we do care about them, and I think that’s something consumers these days are looking for. They want to know what your social impact is,” he elaborated. Aside from the care packages for the military, Strike Force also takes care of first responders and law enforcement. “I would say that I’ve always had that feeling and appreciation for giving back because of how I was raised, and I would venture to say that most people who go to VMI probably feel the same way,” Matson stated. The honest attitude that the company exudes resonates in their transactions with other businesses. “A lot of our business deals are done over the phone. And I tell them, look, I couldn’t really care less if we sign an agreement or not, because what I’m telling you is what you’re going to get, and I trust that you’re going to be the same way with me. If not, you’re not going to do business with me. Period,” explained Matson. Going into the third year of business, the product is now undergoing a nationwide rollout with 7-Eleven convenience stores. “A typical company takes three to five weeks to get through the system, and it only took us four days,” Matson explained. “The chief executive officer of 7-Eleven is a West Point graduate, so we’ll forgive him for that, but he believes in veteranowned companies and believes in our product.”

Just like the energy it produces, Strike Force ceases to quit. By February 2018, the product had pushed past the borders of Virginia and made its way to North Carolina and South Carolina. By summertime, Matson fully anticipates the product being available in 7-Eleven stores from New Jersey all the way down the East Coast to Miami, Florida. Looking into the future, Matson insists that before venturing into new product territory for the brand, they want to make sure that they really hone the market. “The philosophy we came into this with was that we didn’t want to release anything unless we were 100 percent sure we could sustain the fulfillment and customer service side of this business. If we can produce a good product and are able to get it to the customer in a timely manner and also have a great customer support side where we can give them immediate responses to inquiries, then we knew this business would grow.” Although they understand the impatience of the market – when a consumer wants a product, they want it right away – Matson refuses to waver under the pressure. “We won’t introduce anything until we have the structure to handle it,” he insisted. In the meantime, those eager consumers have full access to the company’s broad range of current products online. If you wish to learn more about Strike Force Energy and take part in its mission, please visit www.strikeforceenergy.com. Below: Matson, chief executive officer and president of Strike Force Energy, also serves as the marketing champion of the brand.

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Sweppenhiser ’06: “The Least I Can Do for the Institute” by Scott Belliveau '83, Director of Communications, VMI Alumni Agencies As a highly-recruited high school baseball player, Kelly Sweppenhiser ’06 visited many schools. While they differed in size and location, what he heard at each one ran along the same lines. “It always seemed to be about the fun I would have at college, what would happen out of the classroom and off the baseball field,” he recalled. “That didn’t click with me, because I wanted something different from my college experience.” He found that something different at VMI. “What I heard from the coach, Sweppenhiser ’06 Tommy Slater ’90, was that, if I came to VMI, I would receive an education that would set me up for a life no one else will live, and I would have the opportunity to play great baseball.” When asked what Slater said about the fun aspects of college life, Sweppenhiser laughed. “He said that if I wanted them I should go somewhere else.” If Sweppenhiser was impressed by Slater – and he was and remains so, describing him as “a man I would follow anywhere” – he was equally impressed by the players and other recruits he encountered at VMI. “They were of a different caliber than the ones I met at other schools. In the end, I realized that they wanted the same things out of college that I did, and that made me feel comfortable that I’d be successful.” Support from the VMI Keydet Club was another important factor in his final decision to attend VMI. “I clicked with VMI, with Coach Slater and with the guys who would be my teammates. And when I received an offer of financial assistance from VMI, made available through the generosity of the Keydet Club’s donors, my way to taking a baseball path less traveled was clear,” he remembered. At VMI, Sweppenhiser played third base and started all four years. He lettered and received many honors, including 2003 All-American, 2005-06 Big South Team All-Conference and 2006 Big South Baseball Scholar Athlete. His stellar performance earned him a spot in the VMI Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. He also excelled in the classroom, earning academic stars as an economics and business major. In 2006, based on the economics and business department’s nomination, he received the Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award for his academic and athletic performance. Sweppenhiser credits this success to many people, but singled out his dyke and the team’s starting second baseman, Jason Annis ’03. “He opened my eyes to all the great things VMI offered, things that would make me a well-developed student and man, not just a good baseball player. He told me to invest in the things outside of baseball, like academ- Sweppenhiser at bat for ics, because whatever my dreams were as a cadetship.

ballplayer, there would be a life after the game.” One investment Annis urged him to make was in his brother rats. “He was totally correct. Cherish them. They’ll be the cornerstone of your life. They’ll be at your wedding. They’ll send you cards when your children are born. They’ll be at your retirement party.” As for academics, “he was right there, too. Cadets must study harder than they think they need to.” Sweppenhiser is quick to admit that personal discipline is one of the most valuable traits he brought from VMI. “When I entered the financial services field, I found myself working with people who had a strong academic preparation, but who did not have the personal discipline that I learned at VMI,” he recalled. “That discipline gave me a significant head start, and it has served me well ever since.” According to Sweppenhiser, there is something else that sets alumni apart. “You always carry the Honor Court with you. That character integrity, coupled with your discipline and your education, will stand you in good stead, because they are the basics of sound leadership, qualities that organizations can’t home-grow.” Yet, there is a responsibility that comes with being an alumnus, he said. “You never stop representing VMI.” At his current company, which employs 12,000 people, he is one of two alumni. “So, for many people, I represent all VMI alumni and, in a sense, VMI.” Another responsibility, according to Sweppenhiser, is giving back to VMI. The first example he saw of this was by the father of one of his teammates, former Keydet Club president, Bill Paulette ’69. Although he had no idea of the level of Paulette’s generosity, he was struck by the way he supported the team, “the way he believed in us” and the importance he placed on supporting VMI. That example, Sweppenhiser said, was a big influence on his decision to start giving. For his part, he gives to a fund that provides scholarship support to the baseball team, as well as to the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund. “I’ll always have a close tie to the team,” he explained as to why he gives to the former, “and I want to help today’s players in the same way someone helped me.” As to the latter, Sweppenhiser said, “I recognize that there are needs beyond baseball, and I trust the leadership of the Keydet Club and the Athletic Department to use that money where it will do the most good.” Sweppenhiser knows that some alumni, especially younger ones, are unsure as to when the right time is to start giving to VMI. His advice: “The moment you have every necessity for your family covered, start giving and keep giving, even if it’s $100 a year.” He continued, “I know some people might think that $100 somehow isn’t a meaningful amount. Look at it this way: Every dollar you give to VMI will help young people experience an extraordinary education that will change the trajectory of their lives. What could be more meaningful than that?” In the end, giving to VMI for him also is a matter of gratitude. “It is the least I can do for the Institute,” Sweppenhiser concluded. “Although the Keydets during his I don’t think I can ever give enough to pay back VMI for all it did for me.”

VMI Alumni Review

On Post Sanders ’18 Awarded Defender of the Nation by Elaine Wood, Assistant Editor

“To see him representing the Institute on a national stage alongside prominent college football players and coaches from this past season was a gratifying moment as an alumnus and reaffirmed what our athletic program is all about.” – Wade Branner ’83, associate A.D. for athletic communications

An enormously positive attitude despite a challenging injury during his final football season at VMI defines Cadet Gregory Sanders ’18. The determined nature of the athlete prevails due to an inherent desire to take the road less traveled, drilled into his character from a young age. That philosophy initially led Sanders to VMI, where he ultimately earned the extraordinary title of Defender of the Nation. He is the second NCAA Division I football athlete to receive the award and sees it as a culmination of all the sweat, perseverance and drive he’s steadily held throughout his athletic career. His resolve to succeed and achieve such incredible recognition is what he trusts will inevitably launch him into a career with the NFL, allowing him to pursue his lifelong dream. Even with multiple offers to other schools to play Division I football, Sanders quickly set his sights on VMI. “I’m not really afraid of the unknown,” he explained, “so I was confident I wouldn’t quit VMI.” Sanders also highlighted that his high school career was spent attending an all-boys Catholic school, which essentially equated to a college preparatory school. He was well-prepared and eager for the challenge the Institute and being a cadet-athlete presented. But juggling the intensity of the Rat Line while participating in a rigorous athletic program is no easy task. Players are expected to watch film and study their performance, go to practice every day – if not multiple times a day – and tenaciously push toward improvement. Despite the intensity of such demands, Sanders consistently earned good grades. His optimism was resilient, even when handling the weight of so many responsibilities. “Practice is supposed to be harder than the games ... but it was kind of like a getaway; If something made you mad or angry, you could take it out at practice,” Sanders confided. “I wasn’t stressed at practice; I was more focused, as a captain, on developing the people underneath me.” Sanders’ final season at VMI presented him a heavy blow

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from the very beginning. During his final play at the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy season opener, Sanders broke his hand. “I remember after every game trying to convince my trainers that I didn’t need to play with a club on my hand, because I felt like it had healed,” Sanders confessed. “This was the year I was trying to have the best year possible, and I was doing [well] against Air Force. I just wasn’t going to let them score anymore.” Despite the unexpected injury, knowing Sanders’ determined personality and inherent ability to inspire others on the team, the coaches supported Sanders competing in six games thereafter. Even in the face of injury, Sanders refused to quit. His persistence to overcome challenges is an attribute that contributed to him earning the Defender of the Nation title. Approached by Wade Branner ’83, associate A.D. for athletic communications at VMI, one day before practice, Sanders was asked to sign a document allowing his nomination for the award, which highlights a successful defensive football player from a service academy or who has a military affiliation as a student. Fully focused on the practice ahead, Sanders quickly signed the document and didn’t give it another thought – until he found out he won the coveted title against a large, diverse pool of highly-successful athletes. Not only was he surprised by the recognition, but until he walked into the banquet room the night the award was presented, Sanders admitted he had no idea just how big of a deal it really was. At the banquet, the Bronco Nagurski Trophy was also presented – a trophy that is awarded to the best defensive player in all of college football. Some of those in attendance were players who inspired Sanders further toward his desired NFL future. The event presented a networking occasion that he was thrilled to take part in, and admittedly, he enjoyed the recognition. “We were signing autographs on helmets, footballs, posters ... they told me it was going to be auctioned. And

Greg Sanders ’18 with the Defender of the Nation Award. Photo courtesy Strauss Studios. I was like, ‘You’re telling me that people are going to buy stuff that I signed?’” Sanders joked. Branner recounted the event with awe, stating, “Greg Sanders embodies all the qualities of VMI cadet-athletes and the Keydet football program. To see him representing the Institute on a national stage alongside prominent college football players and coaches from this past season was a gratifying moment as an alumnus and reaffirmed what our athletic program is all about. If people at the banquet in Charlotte didn’t know all that much about VMI football heading in, they certainly did after Greg’s gracious and inspiring acceptance speech for the Defender of the Nation Award. He left quite an impression.” Setting his sights on his future in the NFL, Sanders will first complete two years of active duty in the Air Force. In his final semester, Sanders serves the Corps of Cadets as a flight commander in Air Force ROTC, helping 4th Class cadets stay on track to commission. He provides guidance and communication in a sometimes chaotic and confusing environment. “It’s preparing me for active duty and commanding people I don’t know. You don’t want people listening to you because they have to but because they want to,” expressed Sanders. After the military, he fully plans on investing that understanding into a winning defensive position in the NFL.

On Post

Photos by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.

Class of 2021Breakout

VMI Alumni Review

On Post

Feb. 10, 2018

2018-Issue 2

On Post

Major Construction Highlights Academic and Fitness Missions At its January meeting, the VMI Board of Visitors approved the Post Facilities Master Plan 2018, a document that guides the Institute in its decision-making process about facilities and building maintenance. Among the Institute’s top priorities as identified in the plan is the Corps Physical Training Facility Phase III, an aquatics center that will replace the nearly 50-year-old, leak-prone pool in Clark King Hall. Authority to proceed with preliminary design for the aquatics center, which would be built on North Main Street adjacent to the Corps Physical Training Facility, is being sought in the 2018 session of the General Assembly. Commitments of $10-12 million are already on the table from private donors, said Col. Dale Brown, Institute planning officer. The total budget for the project is just over $41 million. Brown estimated that construction on the aquatics center would not begin until 2020 at the earliest. The aquatics center will complement Phases 1 and 2 of the Corps Physical Training Facility project, which involved the renovations of Cocke and Cormack Halls and the construction of the new indoor track facility at the corner of Main and Diamond Streets, all in support of cadets’ athletic training efforts. Work on those buildings was completed in 2015 and 2016. Also on the agenda are renovations to Preston Library and Scott Shipp Hall, and work on those should begin well before construction of the aquatics center. A renovation of Preston Library, which was built in 1939 and last renovated in 1996, was approved by the General Assembly in 2015. Work on the $15.3 million project will begin in fall 2018 with a 15-month timeline to completion, said Col. Keith Jarvis ’82, director of construction.

“We’ll renovate from the top down, one floor at a time,” said Jarvis. Because of this, library staff and most books will be able to stay in the building, and cadets will continue to have access to the library during the renovations. Work on Scott Shipp Hall, a 1919 structure that now houses five academic departments, is slated to begin in spring 2019 with an estimated price tag of $39.8 million. The Scott Shipp Hall project, which was approved by the General Assembly in 2016, will include construction

of a five-story, 28,000-square-foot addition. Jarvis said that the addition would likely be built first, and then it could be used for classroom and faculty office space while the rest of the building is renovated. He also noted that the phased renovation – Preston Library first, followed by Scott Shipp – is a deliberate strategy. “Preston Library and Scott Shipp [Hall] are both huge study centers for the cadets, and we didn’t want to take them both offline at the same time,” he commented.

Top right: An aerial rendering of the future Scott Shipp Hall addition. Image courtesy the VMI construction office. Bottom right: The architechural rendering features the future addition to the Corps Physical Training Facility, which will house a pool. Image courtesy Institute Planning. Bottom right, inset: A cross-section view of the aquatics center. Image courtesy Institute Planning.

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On Post

Strong Showing by Intercollegiate Ethics Team at Mid-Atlantic Regional On Nov. 18, 2017, during Thanksgiving furlough, the VMI ethics team won two rounds at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, defeating the University of North Georgia – which hosted the event – as well as Davidson College. The team also tied with Augusta University and lost one round to the University of North Carolina. The event took place on the Dahlonega Campus at the University of North Georgia’s BB&T Center for Ethical Leadership in the Mike Cottrell College of Business. It featured 16 teams from 14 universities competing for the MidAtlantic Region Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl title. Participating on the VMI team were Cadets Carter Johnson ’20, Madeline Barrett ’20, Zach Shaffer ’20, Rush Earman ’18 and Tiernan Keast ’20. Cadet Reagan Goulla ’18 attended the competition as an alternate but did not compete. The team is sponsored by the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics and coached by 2nd Lt. Rori Stubbs ’17, who worked as an intern for the center during the summer and fall 2017 semester. Doctor Duncan Richter, the Charles S. Luck III ’55 Institute professor of English, rhetoric and humanistic studies, is the faculty mentor for the team. Teams were provided 15 topical ethical cases published this fall as resources, and the competition format was debate-style. The competition consisted of four preliminary rounds, a semifinal round and a final round, with the top teams being invited to compete at the national competition in early 2018. This was the second time the ethics team competed at this level, and the cadets represented themselves and VMI in outstanding fashion. VMI opened the competition against the ultimate winner, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Though the cadets fell short in this opening round, they learned and perfected their delivery, which paid huge dividends in the subsequent rounds. During round two, VMI faced Davidson College discussing the conditions under which it is OK to limit the free speech of professors who might offend students. In this round, the cadets came out on top. In round three, VMI faced off against the host team from the University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, debating whether

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From left, Dr. Duncan Richter, faculty mentor, with Cadets Rush Earman ’18, Reagan Goulla ’18, Carter Johnson ’20, Madeleine Barrett ’20, Zachary Shaffer ’20 and Tiernan Keast ’20. censorship by companies such as Facebook should be used to fight against fake news. The cadets presented a sound argument, and the judges scored in favor of VMI. In round four, the cadets faced off against students representing Augusta College. Both teams performed well, but ultimately the judges scored this round as a draw. Though unable to secure a slot to go to the national competition, the team’s young talent and experience will bode well for future competitions. The VMI team was awarded numerous points for good behavior, and the judges commented on the team’s enthusiasm and teamwork. Richter commented, “I’m proud of the team. They started off a little shaky – mostly because they got such a hard question to start the day – but they learned as they went on and got better throughout the day. Their knowledge of the cases, the clarity and coherence of their arguments, their good manners, and their passion and team spirit helped them do deservedly well against very tough opposition.” Barrett, a returning member of the team, commented, “It’s such an honor to be a member of

the team, because not only is it a way to get to know other cadets and travel, but it has also complemented my coursework.” Both Richter and his colleague, Tony Boese, teach ERH 207, an ethics course which also prepared the cadets for success in the competition. Johnson, an English, rhetoric and humanistic studies major, commented, “These classes provide a fundamental understanding of ethical and philosophical principles and how to integrate these principles in meaningful discourse. This foundational understanding, provided by a sundry of well-taught classes, helped prepare our team to compete at a high level.” During the spring semester, the team focused on preparing for the U.S. Naval Academy Military Ethics Case Competition, held in April. (Editor’s Note: Portions of this story by Ashlie Walter first appeared on VMI’s News blog Dec. 7, 2017. Further contributions were made by 2nd Lt. Rori Stubbs ’17 and edited by Capt. Catherine M. Roy, communications and marketing specialist, VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics.)

On Post

Cadets Present Research at SURF Symposium

Cadet Amber Woodard ’18 discusses her poster on zebrafish as a model of motor disorders during the Southern Conference Undergraduate Research Forum at Wofford College in October. Photo courtesy Wofford College.

Five cadets recently had a chance to share their research projects with the outside world when they traveled to the Southern Conference Undergraduate Research Forum, held Oct. 27-29, 2017, at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This is the second year that SURF, as the event is popularly known, has been held and the second year VMI has participated. This year’s event attracted approximately 150 students, faculty, and staff from all 10 colleges and universities that are members of the Southern Conference. Major Josh Iddings, director of the VMI Center for Undergraduate Research, accompanied the cadets and joined them for many of the presentations. “We had lots of great conversations about presentations that were given by students at the different schools,” he noted. Before the conference, Iddings had coached the cadets on how to ask questions of presenters so they could participate more fully in the intellectual milieu of the forum. Iddings also remarked that he was pleased to see how well the cadets presented their own research, and

while it’s easy to see athletic prowess on display, it takes a special situation such as SURF to see a high level of academic proficiency. “The cadets are able to really shine,” said Iddings. “You get to see them take their academic world and perform really well ... I don’t think I’ve seen a cadet at SURF in the past two years get stumped on a question.” Cadet Steven Foster ’18, who is double majoring in modern languages and cultures and international studies, presented his honors thesis research on Mexican narcocorrido music, which Foster described in his presentation abstract as “Mexico’s equivalent of gangster rap.” Foster explained that he’s been studying Spanish since middle school, and he’s delved into Mexican culture by seeking out friends from that nation. Those friends introduced him to the narcocorrido music that glorifies the sicario, or drug cartel assassin. At VMI, he discovered that Dr. Sabrina Laroussi, assistant professor of modern languages and cultures, had written her dissertation on drug cartel assassins in Colombia, so he decided to team up with her for an independent study and honors thesis.

Heading into SURF, Foster had written up a script for his oral presentation, but wound up ditching it at the last minute so he wouldn’t be just reading to his audience. “I played the first minute of the most brutal song I could find that’s really popular,” he noted. He then spoke to his audience of approximately 20 people about what he’s learned through his research before taking questions. “People were really interested in this topic,” said Foster. “I got a lot of questions. ...They were interested in the stark contrast that these songs have, kind of like the positive vibe these songs have. They have the traditional Mexican style, kind of like a mariachi band, but the lyrics are really dark.” Foster said he was grateful for the experience of presenting at SURF. “I was a little nervous, because I’d never done a research presentation like this,” he commented. Once the jitters were over, Foster was very glad he’d gone. “This is an opportunity that not many cadets take advantage of, especially in the liberal arts,” he said. Cadet Julia Logan ’18 also said she was glad she went to SURF. Logan, a chemistry major, gave a poster presentation on the summer research she conducted with Maj. Susan Borowski, visiting assistant professor of chemistry, on how to identify ruthenium-based catalysts best able to lower the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. “This was another opportunity for me to get presenting skills down, and be around other people who are doing similar topics,” said Logan. Logan also said she was happy to have had the chance to listen to others present their work. “I just think it’s very important to be knowledgeable, not only on your own subject, but to be well-rounded,” she remarked. Putting together her poster also made Logan step back and come to an important realization. “Having it all laid out on a poster really made me see just how much I’d put into it,” she said, “and how much I’d learned over the summer.” In addition to Foster and Logan, other cadets attending and presenting research were Sadie Sandifer ’20, Reid Wilkinson ’20 and Amber Woodard ’18. (Editor’s Note: This article was first published in the Institute Report.)

VMI Alumni Review

On Post

Cadets Keep Institute Traditions Strong Some of the oldest traditions on post – the precise marching of the color guard, the sounding of bugle calls and the firing of the Cadet Battery – have evolved since the Institute’s founding, but they remain integral to the rhythm of the Institute. The responsibility for maintaining those traditions falls largely on the cadets who devote their time and talents to the effort. Colonel John Brodie (Hon.), band and Glee Club director, takes pride in the fact that cadet musicians still play Reveille each morning and Retreat each evening. Cadet John Dickenson ’20 became involved with the buglers based on his experience playing trumpet and through word-of-mouth. “From bugling, I have learned that confidence is key when you do anything because you can know the calls forward and backward, but if you get up there and doubt yourself, the notes won’t come out,” he said. The highlight of the year for Dickinson was playing “To the Colors” every morning during Matriculation week. “I enjoyed watching the whole rat mass circling the parade field at the end of the workout.” Many of the same cadet musicians who sound bugle calls are also part of the VMI Herald Trumpets, which plays five to six events a year, including at the Institute Society Dinner, sporting events and the Marshall Foundation Awards in New York City. The cadets play trumpets donated to the Institute in the 1970s. “It’s very nice to have a little mobile group of trumpets that can do that,” Brodie said. Another source of pride for the Institute is the Color Guard. The cadets carry the three flags – the U.S. flag, the Virginia flag and the VMI

flag – in every parade and in many ceremonial events off post. Cadet Ben Dixon ’19, regimental sergeant major, described the VMI color guard as a ceremonial, honor-bound group that guards and carries the colors. “You carry that flag with honor; you represent the Institute. When we march in a parade, you are supposed to have the best uniform,” he said. The guard has also had the privilege of traveling to places outside the country, such as London, and next year, they will travel to Italy. Closer to home, the color guard opens many events at the Virginia Horse Center. In the past, the VMI color guard has been called to attend the reopening ceremony for James Madison’s historic home in Orange County. They have also routinely traveled to NASCAR races and marched in Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. Dixon added the discipline he learned in the color guard will come in handy when he commissions into the Navy, hopefully as a Navy SEAL. The color guard has a vibrant history as well. During a meeting with the Richmond Volunteers in early 1842, a VMI color bearer, Cadet William S. Beale, Class of 1843, sprang onto the table, grasped the flag in his right hand and announced, “Let him bear it who is able to defend it,” according to Col. William Couper’s “One Hundred Years at VMI.” The volume goes on to say “it was a happy response and one which all VMI color bearers should take to heart. They are picked for their soldierly bearing.” Cadet Brigitta Hendren ’19 said the most important things she has learned through supervising the 2nd battalion color guard are respect for the flag and pushing her boundaries. “It forces me out of my comfort zone. I like

to be in the background; it’s a little bit nervewracking at football games having all eyes on me, but that’s OK,” she said. Another tradition maintained by cadets is the Cadet Battery, which has the daily responsibility of firing the evening gun, signaling the lowering of the colors to everyone on – and for miles around – post. The Cadet Battery’s big performance is Founders Day in early November, firing the four 105mm howitzers in a 17-gun salute. Cadet Matt Heinrich ’18, commander of the Cadet Battery, said his crew spent nearly 20 hours for this year’s event practicing the routines, the performance and cleaning the guns. The howitzers that the battery fires today are Korean War-era weapons, but the cadets continue the traditions established when the original cannons, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John sounded off at routine events. Those were specially designed for the Institute, since standard Civil War-era cannon barrels weighed as much as 800 pounds – too heavy for cadets to pull uphill. For Heinrich, the biggest challenge was learning to manage a group of cadets from various sections, some with higher rank in the Corps than himself. Most people aren’t aware of the other “behind the scenes” work the Cadet Battery does. Heinrich spoke of a task with his executive officer, Cadet Peter Muto ’18, to revamp the battery’s standard operating procedures into a full-formed document. The last update was done in 2007. “I’ve learned a lot about working with the guns myself, but getting that leadership aspect was the most challenging and rewarding experience,” he said. (Editor's Note: This article was first published in the Institute Report.)

The Cadet Battery practices firing the howitzers – Matthew II, Mark II, Luke II and John II – for the Founders Day parade. VMI photo by Maj. John Robertson IV.

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Athletics Goode ’18 and Logan ’18 Pace Track and Field During Indoor Season

Cadet Julia Logan ’18 set a new VMI record in the high jump at the VMI Team Challenge, contested at the Corps Physical Training Facility Jan. 27, 2018.

Cadets Kerisha Goode ’18 and Julia Logan ’18 led VMI track and field’s efforts during the team’s indoor season, a campaign that saw the Keydets host four home events at the Corps Physical Training Facility, including the Southern Conference Championships. Goode reset the school record in the 200-meter dash multiple times, going as low as 24.24 and finishing second in the SoCon in that event. She also finished third in the 60-meter dash and went on to finish fourth in the 200 at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships. Logan, meanwhile, finished in the top three in the conference in both the pentathlon and the high jump, setting new school records in both. She went on to a top-eight finish in the latter at the ECAC meet. As a team, the VMI women finished sixth at the conference championships, scoring 48 points to fall just four shy of their best-ever point total. The Keydet men, led by the second-place finish in the 800-meter run by Cadet Josh Willard ’18 and the third-place result in the 60 hurdles by Cadet Lee Warren ’18, were seventh. Willard went on to run the fastest indoor time in the conference in the 800 at the Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America Championships. For more information on the VMI track and field indoor season or to see how the outdoor season turned out, please visit VMIKeydets.com.

Cadet Kerisha Goode ’18 finished second in the 200-meter dash and third in the 60-meter dash at the SoCon Championships, held in late February 2018 at the CPTF. Photo courtesy Southern Conference.

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Athletics

Large crowds turned out at the home track and field meets hosted at the Corps Physical Training Facility this winter, including the Keydet Invitational Jan. 20, 2018. Photo by Chuck Steenburgh ’86.

Rifle Team Recap The highlight of the 2017-18 rifle season came at the Southern Conference championship, where Cadets Hunter Jacob ’20 and John Pitman ’19 were named to the All-SoCon Smallbore second team after placing in the top 10 on the first day of the event. Jacob placed seventh overall in the field with a 566, while Pitman, pictured at left, came in 10th place overall with a 558. Jacob shot a 389.1 in the smallbore individual final to solidify his spot in the top 10 for the category. The women’s rifle season was highlighted by an all-time program best performance by Cadet Kaitlyn Morrison ’18 at Morehead State University Feb. 10, where she shot a personalbest 580 in the air rifle, a new program record for the category.

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Athletics

Men’s Rugby Team Competes in National Championships On Dec. 2-3, 2017, the VMI men’s rugby team reached the highest level of play it has ever achieved in its 50-year history, defeating Norwich University before falling to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 32-27 in the Division II final game. Both games took place at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. After a regular season in which only one loss was recorded, the rugby team traveled to Annapolis, Maryland, Nov. 20-21 for the quarterfinals, where the team defeated first Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and then Bloomsburg University. They then qualified for the national semifinals at Furman. “This was our goal coming into the year – to make it to the national championships,” said Cadet Corris Atkins ’18, captain of the rugby team, a few days before the game against Norwich. “It’s not a fluke,” said Col. Tom Trumps ’79, former commandant, of the team’s record this season. “We’ve been recognized as a nationallevel team for about the last four years.” Trumps, who has assisted Coach Wayne Howe

with the rugby team for the past several years, explained that VMI won the Cardinal Conference championship, a Division II conference including 20 schools from North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, for three out of the last four years. Howe noted that of the 15 starters on the rugby team, nine are 1st Class cadets, and the years they’ve spent playing together have paid dividends this season. “These guys have been with me for three years,” said Howe. “They’re

basically putting it together. … We grabbed some talented athletes [after Breakout three years ago], and they stuck.” Howe added that he was especially proud of the team for making it all of the way to final game. “The team played out of their skins till the last moment and can hold their heads high,” he said. “Everyone stood up and did the Institute proud.” (Editor’s Note: This article was first published by Communications and Marketing.)

Right: The VMI rugby team faced off against Old Dominion University Sept. 30, 2017, defeating ODU with a final score of 53-14. VMI photo by Ashlie Walters. Below: General J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, with members of the 201718 rugby team and coaching staff after the most successful rugby season in the team’s 50-year history. VMI photo by Kelly Nye.

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Wrestling Recap Cadets Chris Beck ’20 and Cade Kiely ’20 led the way for the Keydets at the Southern Conference championship March 3 by placing fourth in their respective weight classes. Beck, competing at 184 pounds, went 2-2 on the day including a pin over Campbell University’s Charlie Andrews before falling to Conor Fenn of Davidson College by an 8-2 score to take fourth place. Kiely also went 2-2 at the event highlighted by pinning Davidson’s Noah Satterfield in 3:56 in the first round of wrestlebacks. In January, 165-pound Cadet Blake Hohman ’19 was named SoCon Wrestler of the Week Jan. 10 after going 4-1 at the Franklin & Marshall Open Jan. 6 to place third in his weight class. He finished with a team-high 17 individual victories during the season. A native of Spotsylvania, Virginia, 125-pound Cadet Clifton Conway ’21 was named to the SoCon All-Freshman team just before the league tournament after finishing the regular season with nine wins including four dual victories and a 3-1 mark against SoCon opponents. He also logged one technical fall, two pins and earned 20 dual points for the team during the year.

Cadet Clifton Conway ’21, 125-pound weight class, defeated Davidson College’s Michael McClelland by a 5-2 decision to give VMI its first three points in a 29-9 victory over the Wildcats.

New Kent, Virginia, native Cadet Blake Hohman ’19 gained advantage over Chattanooga’s Chad Pyke in an 8-2 loss by decision. The Mocs went on to defeat the Keydets, 37-7 Nov. 4, 2017. Photos by Chuck Steenburgh ’86.

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Athletics

Parham ’21 Named SoCon Basketball Freshman of the Year Cadet Greg “Bubba” Parham ’21, freshman guard from Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia, was named 2017-18 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year by the league media. The conference announced its award winners Feb. 28, 2018, from the league office in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Parham, who ranked sixth in the league in scoring with a 14.9 points per game average, was also selected to the SoCon All-Freshman team. Parham produced 24 double-figure scoring games during the season, including a string of 15 straight SoCon contests that ran from late December to mid-February and averaged 16.6 PPG in conference play. Making starts in all 30 games, Parham topped 20 or more points in seven contests this season, including a career-high 26 points with a careerhigh seven assists to win at Chattanooga Jan. 27. He also scored 25 points at The Citadel Feb.

17. In his college debut at North Carolina State University Nov. 10, Parham knocked down 12 of 12 from the free throw line in a 22-point college against the Wolfpack, marking the most points by a VMI freshman since the 25 points scored by Q.J. Peterson ’17 in the second round of the 2014 College Insider Tournament postseason event. Parham also converted at 79.8 percent mark in free throw shooting, which ranked him fourth in the SoCon. Parham, an applied mathematics major, is VMI’s first conference Freshman of the Year honoree since the 2010-11 season when D.J. Covington ’14 was named Big South Conference Freshman of the Year. The Keydets played 11 seasons in the Big South (2003-14) before returning to the SoCon in 2014-15 – a league where it had competed for 79 years. Parham is VMI’s first SoCon Freshman of the Year honoree since Jason Conley ’04 in 2002.

Parham ’21

Swimming Sets Numerous School Records The VMI swimming programs set numerous school records during the 2017-18 season, which concluded in late February at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships. The Keydet women set 11 new VMI records at various times during the year, all of which included Cadets Morgan Davis ’20 or McKenzie Raber ’18, and bested Rider University, Colgate University and others in team scoring at the ECAC meet. At their main conference meet, the America East Championships, the Keydets finished sixth on the women’s side and fourth on the men’s side. The men’s efforts during the year were highlighted by Cadet John Kim ’18, who seemingly set new school records in the 100 or 200 backstroke every week on the way to a pair of American East Swimmer of the Week awards. Kim wound up finishing fifth in both events at the conference championship, and also finished in the top 14 in both at the ECAC meet.

Keydet Baseball Defeats Two Ranked Teams

Keydet baseball defeated two ranked teams, South Carolina and the University of Virginia, in the first week of its season in February 2018. It was the first time since 2007 that the Keydets had beaten two ranked teams in one season, and the Keydets went on to receive votes in a national poll for the first time in four years the following week. Photo courtesy Sideline Carolina.

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Athletics

2018 VMI Football Schedule Announced The 2018 VMI Football schedule has been announced with the Keydets opening the season Saturday, Sept. 1, at the University of Toledo. It will be the third time in the last four years that VMI has opened a football campaign against a Mid-American Conference foe. The Keydets started 2015 at Ball State University and traveled to the University of Akron to open the 2016 season. The slate features five games in Lexington with the home opener set for Sept. 15 against East Tennessee State University (reunion weekend). Home games are also set for Sept. 29 (Mercer University), Oct. 20 (The Citadel/Parents Weekend), Nov. 3 (Tusculum University/reunion weekend) and Nov. 10 (Furman University). The Keydets will open Southern Conference play at Wofford College Sept. 8. It will be the earliest the Keydets have opened conference

action since Sept. 8, 1998, when VMI traveled to ETSU. VMI will close out the season at Old Dominion University Nov. 17. The Keydets and Monarchs met previously in 2009 in Lexington and 2010 in Norfolk. The 2018 football schedule marks the first time that VMI will face two Football Bowl Subdivision opponents in the same year since the 2010 campaign when the University of Virginia and the U.S. Military Academy appeared on the schedule. Toledo and Tusculum will be first-time opponents for VMI. The Keydets will also have a bye week Oct. 6. Season and individual home game tickets will go on sale in early summer. Information will be posted at www.vmitickets.com. Road game times will be announced at a later date.

2018 VMI Football Schedule

Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

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at Toledo at Wofford* ETSU* at Western Carolina* MERCER* at Samford* THE CITADEL* at Chattanooga* TUSCULUM FURMAN* at Old Dominion

TBA TBA 1:30 p.m. TBA 1:30 p.m. TBA 1:30 p.m. TBA 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. TBA

*Denotes Southern Conference Game

Events Central North Carolina Chapter Hosts Senior Alumni Breakfasts and Founders Day Event

The Central North Carolina Chapter held its monthly senior alumni breakfast in November 2017. Pictured at the event were Ed Roney ’60, Bruce McCreedy ’56, Paul Johnston ’61, Larry Wilson ’62, Snookie Parker ’74, Henry Shirley ’60, Jim Workman ’65, Bill Gibson ’65, Larry Parker ’59, Dixie Walker ’70 and John Kuchnia ’57.

The Central North Carolina Chapter held its monthly senior alumni breakfast in January 2018. Pictured were Albert Davis ’71, William Gibson ’65, Paul Johnston ’61, Mike Kelly ’73, John Kuchnia ’57, Bruce McCreedy ’56, Roger Rosenfield ’47, Henry Shirley ’60, Dixie Walker ’70 and Larry Wilson ’62.

The Central North Carolina Chapter hosted its Founders Day event in November 2017 with Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of the VMI Museum System, as the guest speaker.

VMI Alumni Review

Events

VMI, The Citadel, Texas A&M University and Norwich University Alumni Gather

A VMI, The Citadel, Texas A&M University and Norwich University gathering was held at the Advanced Technology Center at Gulf Coast State College, Panama City, Florida, Nov. 8, 2017. At the start of this event, a World War II Remembrance Medallion was presented to Ms. Maxine Mann. Also in attendance at the event were Wayland Patterson ’80; Judith and Joe Hamner; Dr. Suzanne Remedies, Gulf Coast State College director of military and veteran services; James “Jim” Frishkorn ’80; Mei-Ling Frishkorn; Joan Brudnicki; Greg Brudnicki, mayor of Panama City; Rodney Watford, director of Chester Sims Veterans Nursing Home; Adam Brudnicki, World War II veteran and honorary member; Don Gabreski; Jordan Whitman, VMI Alumni Agencies; retired Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski; Glenda Patterson; Don Baughn, Citadel ’68; Becky Baughn; Ken Covey, World War II veteran and honorary member; Dr. James “Jim” Pappas, Citadel ’66; Barbara Wells; Bob Wells, Citadel ’72; Maj. Raphael Ashe, Texas A&M ’04; Dr. Ron Hartzer, Air Force historian; and several members of the Bay County Warriors’ Watch Riders.

Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship Doctor G. Lee Southard ’59 and his family established the Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship in 1985. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist VMI graduates pursuing an advanced degree leading to Protestant Christian ministry. The scholarship is named in honor of Jonathan M. Daniels ’61, who, after graduating from VMI, followed a call to ministry and entered seminary. For more information, applications and instructions, please contact Mary Cannon, administrative assistant in the VMI Chaplains’ Office, at cannonml@vmi.edu. The degree pursued must lead to service as a pastor or military chaplain in Protestant ministry. The deadline for submitting the application is July 15 of each year. Scholarships are awarded in August.

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Events

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 an Officer Candidate Program or other commissioning avenue. VMI believes that there may be a size-

able number of alumni in this category. If you commissioned after graduation, by some means other than direct commission through VMI ROTC, please contact Col. Gary Bissell ’89, deputy chief of staff and operations, by email at bissellga@ vmi.edu or by phone at 540/464-7104.

Tampa Area Alumni Gather For Founders Day and Veterans Day Tampa area alumni assembled at the Seasons 52 restaurant to celebrate Founders Day and Veterans Day. The evening included Institute trivia, stories of cadet life, a meal and a raffle of VMI mementos. Pictured at the event were, from left, seated, Phil and Betty Valenti ’66, Ann and Cal Lloyd ’62, Grace Bailey, Jean and Mel Anderson ’59, and Marilyn and Gib Gay ’51. Standing: Bob Bailey ’72, Mike Adkins ’85 and Brittany.

VMI Alumni Review

Events

Alumni Gathering Held at West Richmond Rotary Club

Robert J. “Bobby” Ross ’59, former VMI football quarterback and co-captain, gave a presentation as guest speaker at the West Richmond Rotary Club Nov. 29, 2017. Pictured at the event were, from left, seated, Warren Koontz ’53, John Taylor ’50B, Claiborne Terry ’54 and Doug Gottwald ’56. Standing: Reed Johnson ’53, Ken Perry ’53, Roy Macleod ’60, Ross and John Phillips ’51.

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 Eric Hunter ’08, career networking officer, at ehunter@vmiaa.org, to discover how you can find a rewarding career in the civilian workforce through networking with other alumni.

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Graduate School Partnerships 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 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Programs vary but include law, medicine, business, engineering, communications and other fields. If interested in learning more about the available partnerships, please contact Col. Atin Basu at basuchoudharya@vmi.edu.

Progress

VMI Alumni Review

Progress

New Plaques in Moody Hall Honor Institute and VMI Alumni Agencies Leaders Campaign Donors, New Market Medal and Distinguished Service Award Recipients

The Moody Hall reception area recently became a place to honor generous leaders of the Institute and VMI Alumni Agencies. In late 2017, three new plaques were revealed, all related to VMI’s three major fundraising campaigns – the recently completed An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI, as well as Reveille: A Call to Excel and The VMI Campaign – in the reception area in Moody Hall. Warren J. Bryan ’71, chief operating officer of the VMI Foundation, explained why this form of recognition is important. “Over the past several decades, private financial support has become a critical part of VMI’s budget. It has supported some of the Institute’s most successful initiatives, such as the Jackson-Hope Fund, merit scholarships, chairs and professorships, and athletics. It is important, therefore, that those who have led these efforts and have been among their most generous supporters

receive public and permanent recognition at a prominent place on post – in this case, Moody Hall.” The two previous campaigns’ leaders and major donors had been honored with plaques in Moody Hall. As An Uncommon Purpose drew to a close, preparations began to do the same for it. As the project progressed, the campaign’s leaders requested that new plaques be made for the previous two campaigns and all three plaques placed together in Moody Hall. The purpose, according to Bryan, was “to show the continuity between the campaigns and their donors. While each campaign may have had different priorities, they all shared the same overarching goal: Advancing the Institute and helping the Corps of Cadets.” Bryan also stressed that the plaques were not meant to honor only leaders and major donors, but to recognize all of the alumni and friends who have supported the Institute

The plaque honoring New Market Medal recipients, above, faces the Distinguished Service Award plaque in the hallway between the Activities and Reception Rooms of Moody Hall.

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since the late 1970s through these three campaigns. “The trouble is,” he said, “there’s just not space enough in Moody Hall to display the names of the more than 15,000 people who took part in An Uncommon Purpose and thousands more who participated in the two before it.” During the process of designing and manufacturing the campaign-related plaques, there was an opportunity to revamp the other plaques in Moody Hall which honor the recipients of the New Market Medal, the Institute’s highest award, and the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor of the VMI Foundation. The former, which is awarded by the VMI Board of Visitors, was established in 1962 to honor those who demonstrate the virtue of the New Market cadets: Duty, honor, devotion and leadership. The latter recognizes alumni and friends who have provided exemplary service to VMI and the VMI Foundation and brought credit to the Institute through their professional and civic accomplishments. These also feature the obverse and reverse of the New Market Medal and the insignia of the Distinguished Service Award, respectively. They are displayed in the hallway between the Reception Room and the Activities Room. All five plaques, made mainly of marble and brushed bronze, are the work of Gropen, a company in Charlottesville, Virginia, whose clientele includes the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, the University of Virginia Law School, and Washington and Lee University. There is nothing quite as inspiring as a good example, and for alumni and friends who visit Moody Hall, these plaques provide not only recognition of generosity, leadership and service but also serve to inspire alumni and friends to emulate those who are recognized.

Progress

Annual Giving Sets Strong Pace in First Half of FY 2018 Continuing to build the momentum: That is the focus of John J. Wranek III ’85, the Foundation’s vice president for annual and reunion giving. Wranek is passionate about building a base of support for unrestricted annual giving. “I am grateful for the opportunity to see the significant support that Annual Giving provides to the cadet experience,” he shared. “I am also privileged to know firsthand of the power of loyal and consistent giving. It is incredible to see the benefits of the unrestricted funds.” In fact, the impact the Annual Giving program has in providing opportunities for the cadets is what keeps Wranek and his team moving forward. “With the close of the campaign, we need to remind alumni, family and friends that our work continues to support the cadets annually – fine young men and women who have chosen a difficult but valuable path.” By the numbers, VMI Annual Giving was maintaining a strong momentum as it headed into the second half of Fiscal Year 2017-18. Donors to the Foundation Fund, the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund and the Athletic Operations Fund had given handsomely and on pace

to exceed the previous year’s totals. There is work to be done, and all who care about the success of VMI and its Corps of Cadets are reminded that every donation counts and every dollar matters. As Andrew Deal ’12, vice president of the Keydet Club, reflected, “It is difficult to separate the dollars from the impact they have. I see cadets engaged in the hectic pace of life at VMI and know our donors are with them every step of the way.” The strongest Annual Giving programs boast a robust cohort of donors who routinely donate according to their ability – some big, some small, but each one every year. It might be easy to think of these gifts themselves as routine, even ordinary, but that is far from the case. Those donors who make VMI Annual Giving – the Foundation Fund, the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund and the Athletic Operations Fund – a priority, have a collective impact far greater than each individual gift. Together, as one Corps, annual donors provide for each cadet the difference between plain vanilla ice cream and rocky road (pun intended), between an educational experience that is ordinary and one that is truly extraordinary. Your gift matters.

VMI Alumni Review

Progress

Final Tallies for Fall Reunion Campaigns Whenever classes take on the job of conducting Reunion Campaigns – be it for the 10th, 25th or 50th Reunion – one of the first items of business is to set goals in terms of money raised and class participation. These goals often are motivated by a healthy competitive spirit – “Can we raise more money than our dykes?” – but most of all, they are driven by a desire to provide maximum support to the Institute and its cadets. “We are exceedingly grateful when classes set ambitious goals for their reunion campaigns. We know that each dollar raised supports excellence in the Corps, as well as every program at VMI that educates and inspires them. And, our alumni love a challenge,” said John J. Wranek III ’85, the VMI Foundation’s vice president for annual and reunion giving. “In 2017, our two fall reunion classes, the Class of 1992 and the Class of 2007, issued a challenge to their respective brother rats. And, in best VMI style, they rose to it.” In terms of financial support, when the Class of 1992 25th Reunion Campaign closed at the end of 2017, it had attracted gifts and commitments totaling $1.83 million, beating the original goal of $1.5 million. By the same day, the brother rats of the Class of 2007 exceeded their goal by almost 7 percent, raising $222,000. Both classes also performed strongly in terms of participation. The Class of 1992 enjoyed a participation rate of 52 percent, and the Class of 2007 campaign reached 35 percent participation, which Wranek described as “excellent for a 10th Reunion Campaign.” “Reunion campaigns always spur the imagination and generosity of our alumni. They refocus on their experiences at VMI and how they shaped their lives, as well as re-emphasize the bonds they share with their brother rats and with the current Corps of Cadets,” said Wranek. “The final results of these two campaigns demonstrate just how effectively reunion campaigns re-engage our alumni and prompt them to raise the money that is essential to preparing our cadets to be citizen-soldiers in the best VMI tradition.”

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The Class of 1992’s gift was presented by Andy Tate ’92, chairman of the 1992 Reunion Campaign Committee; Woody Woodward ’92, class agent; Bill Sharp ’92, who served as the class’ regimental commander; and Marc Orgain ’92, class president. Robert P. Louthan ’82, president of the VMI Alumni Association, far left, accepted the gift on behalf the VMI Alumni Agencies and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, far right, accepted for the Institute.

Making the presentation for the Class of 2007 were Elise Woodworth ’07, chairwoman of the Reunion Campaign Committee and trustee of the VMI Foundation; Jamaal Walton ’07, class president; and Tabitha Davenport ’07 and Chase Perry ’07, Reunion Campaign Committee members. Louthan accepted the check on behalf of the Alumni Agencies and Peay accepted on behalf of the Institute. Photos by Micalyn Miller, VMIAA.

Progress

The June B. Dillard Football Scholarship Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. R. Peel Dillard ’70 and his daughters, Anne and Leigh, have established an athletic scholarship with the Keydet Club in memory of June B. Dillard, wife and mother. June was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. She attended Emory and Henry College and graduated from Old Dominion University. After Peel was discharged from active duty with the Marine Corps, they made their home in Essex County, Virginia, where they raised Anne and Leigh. June taught elementary education in Essex County for over 20 years. Peel remained in the Marine Corps Reserve and retired as a lieutenant colonel in

1991. Currently, he is the owner of D & M Surveyors, P.C., in Essex County and enjoys farming. In addition, he is a member of the Keydet Club Board of Governors and is a devoted leadership supporter. June truly enjoyed VMI football weekends in Lexington with her family. Peel and his daughters established this scholarship in memory of June and for all VMI means to the entire Dillard family. Donnie Ross ’74, Keydet Club vice president, added, “Peel and his family are valued members of the VMI family. This scholarship symbolizes their deep, abiding love for June. The Keydet Club is most grateful for their devoted generosity.”

Foundation Welcomes New Trustees

In November 2017, the trustees of the VMI Foundation gathered on post for their regular fall meeting, which always takes place around Founders Day. The three newly elected trustees and one alternate member attending their first meeting were, from left, Sterling T. Sweeney ’96; Kimber L. Latsha ’77, alternate; Bree Adams Guiterman ’04; and C. Lane Toomey ’74. VMI photo by Kelly Nye.

VMI Alumni Review

Staff News Goetz Becomes Alumni Agencies’ First Chief Communications Officer On Jan. 15, 2018, Amy F. Goetz began her work as chief communications officer of the VMI Alumni Agencies. In this new position, Goetz is a member of the agencies’ senior management team, along with Stephen M. Maconi, chief executive officer of the VMI Alumni Agencies; the chief operating officers of the VMI Alumni Association, the VMI Foundation and the VMI Keydet Club; and the agencies’ chief financial officer. She also is responsible for leading a team of communications professionals, to include the staff of the VMI Alumni Review, who will support all of the agencies in their important work and closely coordinate their communications efforts with those of the Institute. Asked what her vision is for communications among the agencies and constituents, Goetz replied, “There is great opportunity to build on the momentum already established by the work of the agencies. Through effective communication, we will support alumni by providing details on the resources, engagement opportunities and services offered. We will bring the VMI family to a greater understanding of the current state of the Institute and the plans for its future and build an awareness of the importance of each and every gift. We will help the Institute tell its remarkable story and win for it new friends and admirers so that we all can be informed advocates.” Goetz expressed her enthusiasm over the opportunity to tell the VMI Alumni Agencies’ stories. “The agencies bind the VMI family closer to each other and to the Institute. Like the cadets, VMI alumni are remarkable. They serve our country in the military, industry and our local communities in meaningful ways. I am most inspired by their loyalty to engage in the great work of the Institute and generously support the most vital programs of the VMI experience.” Although Goetz, a graduate of the University of Florida, is filling a new position, she is not new to VMI. From 2005-15, she was the Institute’s first marketing director and associate director for the Office of Communications & Marketing. In that position, she helped improve VMI’s admissions communications, which led to an increase of more than 40 percent in inquiries by prospective cadets. She was part of the team that developed the successful branding, “No

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Ordinary College” and “Don’t Do Ordinary.” She played a key role in improving VMI’s social media presence and directed the launch of a new logo, brand and identity standards for VMI athletics. Her work earned her widespread recognition on and off post, including two awards of The Institute Achievement Medal – one in 2005 and one in 2009 – and in 2010, a Bronze Award and a National Grand Gold Award for her collaborative work from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. She played an important role in the development of the communications effort for An Uncommon Purpose. Members of the VMI family probably know best the popular “Got a Minute?” video series, which she produced. From 2015 to early 2018, she served as the director of marketing and public relations for the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine with a wide range of communications responsibilities to include admissions, press relations, alumni communications and development. Goetz’s team received nationalGoetz level recognition when the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine named their admissions viewbook as the best in the country in 2016 following a redesign directed and developed by Goetz. She was elected as the chairwoman of AACOM’s national advisory council for marketing and communications in 2016 and filled the role until returning to VMI. According to Maconi, “Amy has the experience – including almost two decades in higher education – and the demonstrated vision and leadership to get the most out of the already considerable talents of our communications team and make the agencies an even more effective advocate for the Institute and its faculty, staff, coaches and, most importantly, cadets. “Just as important, as her past work for VMI demonstrates, she has a deep respect for the Institute and its mission, and she completely understands the unique nature of a VMI education and the tremendous effort by so many people necessary to maintaining and improving it. We are excited to have her back on post and here at the VMI Alumni Agencies.”

Staff News

King ’85 New Keydet Club Chief Operating Officer On Feb. 1, 2018, Meade B. King ’85 assumed 270 of the 450-plus cadet-athletes now receive the role of chief operating officer of the VMI Keydet Club-based scholarship support.” Keydet Club, a member-supported organizaKing has served VMI on many levels in the tion providing opportunities for the Institute’s past. After graduating as a modern languages NCAA cadet-athletes to become educated and major, King served as the assistant director of honorable graduates. He succeeds Gregory M. Admissions and an instructor in Spanish. He Cavallaro ’84, who retired from the position then joined the VMI Alumni Association as an after more than 17 years at its helm. Cavallaro executive assistant to the executive vice president. will continue his work for VMI as a major gift In this position, he was responsible for the New officer for the Keydet Club. Cadet Recruiting and chapter relations. U. “Buzz” Birzenieks ’64, president of the He went on to serve as the admissions director VMI Keydet Club, said of King’s hiring, “In at Christchurch School in Middlesex, Virginia, Meade King, we have an excellent successor to and the associate dean of admission at HampdenGreg Cavallaro. He has decades of experience Sydney College. King returned to VMI in order and success in the field of development and to join Reveille: A Call to Excel, a campaign that is a proven and innovative leader. He also is raised more than $205 million between 1998well-known within the VMI community and 2004, and rose to be its manager. among the leaders in support for VMI athletKing then became the assistant headmaster for ics. The Keydet Club’s Board of Governors development at the Virginia Episcopal School. looks forward to working with him as he builds Over the next 10 years, he directed a major King ’85 on the organization’s considerable successes fundraising campaign, revamped the school’s under Greg.” stewardship efforts and instituted the school’s King’s appointment as the Keydet Club’s COO comes at a Founders Day as an annual major event. time when an increasing number of cadet-athletes are receiving He rejoined the VMI Foundation as a major gift officer in scholarships through the VMI Keydet Club. The Keydet Club’s 2014, just as An Uncommon Purpose was about to kick off its ability to support uniquely dedicated athletes has been invigopublic phase, and enjoyed great success in that role and as the rated through the An Uncommon Purpose campaign when Foundation’s senior major gift officer, a post to which he was donors gave $75 million in support of athletics. Most of these promoted when Warren J. “Buddy” Bryan ’71 became its chief gifts were directed to endowments that generate scholarships perating officer in 2017. to be able to attract the young men and women who represent King has a goal in mind: “There is a gap between the scholarVMI in NCAA sports. ship funds we have to distribute and the amount we are allowed Dave Diles, director of intercollegiate athletics, stated, “Our to distribute to athletes. If we are to provide a full allotment of cadet-athletes are exceptional young men and women comthe scholarship equivalences that the NCAA allows, and reach mitted to their sport but fully cognizant of the academic rigor our goal of 50 percent in-state and 50 percent out-of-state, we of the Institute. I’m exceedingly proud of their commitment to must continue to focus on growing the endowment and raising the ‘common experience’ shared by all members of the Corps. more in annual gifts.” Through the generous support of the Keydet Club and the growth Stephen M. Maconi, chief executive officer of the VMI Alumof our department’s endowment portfolio, our coaches are better ni Agencies, agreed. “Future gifts from the Keydet Club’s loyal equipped than ever to recruit individuals who value all that VMI supporters will increase the number of young people who will has to offer. I’m tremendously excited to work with Meade and have the opportunity for a transformational experience at VMI.” the Keydet Club team on our shared goal of meeting the resource King concluded, “The impact of opportunities like those prorequirements of competing in the Southern Conference.” vided by our partners in the Keydet Club simply cannot be overKing added, “This is an exciting time for our donors. Thanks stated. Ours is a meaningful scholarship program that opens the to their astounding generosity, sustained over decades, more than door to what we can agree is an incredibly shaping experience.”

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Keydet Athletics section of the Alumni Review are provided by the VMI Sports Information Office.

VMI Alumni Review

Staff News

The Alumni Agencies Introduce Three New Staff Members

Joe Irby ’85 rejoined the VMI Foundation as a major gift officer in February 2018. He graduated from VMI in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and commissioned in the U.S. Army as an artillery officer. Irby retired from the Army in 2007 and held the position of major gift officer for the VMI Foundation from 2007-10. He served as vice president for business development for TeraDact Irby ’85 Solutions from 2010-15 and as a fishing guide at the Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia, from 2015-17. Irby resides in Lexington with his wife of 30 years, Cindy. Warren J. “Buddy” Bryan ’71, chief operating officer of the VMI Foundation, said of Irby’s return, “It is a pleasure to welcome Joe back to the Alumni Agencies. We are sure he’ll repeat the success that he enjoyed when he worked here previously.” Addison Hagan ’97 began his work as a major gift officer for the VMI Foundation in February 2018. Since graduating from VMI in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business, he has served in the financial services industry, providing a wide range of services to varied clients including numerous industry start-ups. In addition to marketing investHagan ’97 ments and insurance products, he has worked in private wealth management, providing families with guidance on complex planning issues. Bryan explained, “Addison brings a wealth of experience to the job and a deep commitment to the on-going success of VMI. He’s an excellent addition to our Agencies team.” Hagan is a fourth-generation VMI alumnus, to include his father, Class of 1968; grandfather, Class of 1942; and greatgrandfather, Class of 1916; and 13 other relatives who have attended VMI since 1907. He is also proud to have served in the Marine Corps, as did his father, grandfather and greatgrandfather. He is particularly pleased to now work for the VMI Foundation, which his great-great-uncle, John “Jack” C.

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Hagan Jr. ’921 founded 82 years ago. Away from VMI, Hagan is active in his sons’ Boy Scout troop, serves on the board of advisors for Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer, and is a member of the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Youth Ministries Committee. His wife, Janice, is a physician assistant in general surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond. The Hagans have three children who keep them very busy: Addison (16), Tyler (14) and Lucy (12). Bryan explained, “With our strong team of major gift officers – Joe, Addison, and Ramon Williams ’90, together with Greg Cavallaro ’84, Doug Bartlett, and Andrew Deal ’12 in the Keydet Club – the Alumni Agencies are in an even better position to maintain the progress of the recently completed An Uncommon Purpose Campaign.” Molly Rolon joined the communications team of the Alumni Agencies as assistant editor March 1, 2018. She has an extensive background in journalism, having served as reporter, editor and photographer of several news publications, as well as the production assistant for the Fort Lee Traveller. She served in the Army from 1998-2003 as a logistics officer. “One of Molly’s responsibilities is to be the class agents’ point of contact for class Rolon notes and obituaries,” explained Jordan Whitman, Alumni Review editor-in-chief. “This is a key role working with our 85-plus class agents, and one in which Molly will certainly excel.” Molly earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from South Dakota State University and her Master of Arts degree in computer resources and information management from Webster University. She most recently served as a teacher’s assistant/substitute for Rockbridge County Public Schools. Her husband, Lt. Col. Gilberto Rolon, is the executive officer for the Army ROTC department on post. They have two children, Grace (13) and Caleb (7). Whitman stated, “We are thrilled to have Molly on our team. With her background and skills, she is a perfect addition to our communications team and the VMI family.”

CLASS NOTES

1935

1938

Greetings from the Class of ’35! As I write these notes, the Institute’s most senior man, Jim Sherman, is just weeks away from his 104th birthday (March 31) and the distinction of being VMI’s all-time eldest statesman. I spent a little time researching VMI’s centenarians and concluded that George Doswell Brooke ’900, at 103 years and 11 months, has held this record for at least 35 years, but Jim has now moved into first. We recently noted that Jim and my uncle, Oscar Mansfield Knight ’842, were all you needed to span the Institute’s 179-year history from the 1839 founding until now. Both men were alive at the same time. That is really remarkable when you think about it. We received a lot of comments about this interesting fact, and we enjoyed hearing from you. As for Mr. Brooke, I remember this gentleman very well. He rendered exceptional service to VMI over many decades, and he remained active and in full command well after his 100th birthday. The Brooke family is one of VMI’s many distinguished families. I had a long email from Jim’s son, Ian, who brought me up to date. Now that Peggy is gone, Jim has moved next door into a nursing home, because it allows him access to more people. (Jim is outgoing, as readers of this column know.) Jim spent most of the fall and early winter watching football with his many friends. Jim was with family members during Christmas, and other family members called him during Christmas week. At the moment, the staff is preparing a suitable birthday celebration, and I will report on this event in a future issue. Thank you, Ian. We have been spotlighting ’35’s general officers, and we conclude the series in this issue by remembering Carl Frederick Schupp II, a native of New York and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. A chemistry major, after graduation, Brig.

To the Amazing VMI Community, It is with a heavy heart I pass along the news that Mr. Henry Johnson died Dec. 8, 2017. He was 102 years old. Henry was a remarkable man who loved his community and VMI. Henry was born Aug. 9, 1915, in South Boston, Virginia. He matriculated with the VMI Class of 1938 and attended VMI for one year. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point before serving in the U.S. Navy. Henry was a World War II and Korean War veteran, attaining the rank of chief petty officer before returning home and becoming a tobacco executive. Henry married his wife, Isabelle, in 1954 while living in Washington, D.C. They then moved to Danville, Virginia, where they built a home that is still in the family. Henry was very active, even buying a new set of golf clubs at the age of 96. He was still golfing at age 100 with a group of friends. Henry walked daily, raked the yard, prepared his own meals and played golf three

Cody Hennelly ’10

Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70

Class of 1935: Jim Sherman, the Institute’s senior man.

Gen. Schupp moved to Texas to work in the oil and gas industry. Commissioned in the cavalry, Brig. Gen. Schupp continuously served in regular, reserve and National Guard units for the next 34 years. He was a citizensoldier, answering the nation’s call to active duty in both World War II and the Berlin Crisis (1962). During World War II, Brig. Gen. Schupp met and served under the legendary Gen. Walton Harris Walker ’909 (whose son was the equally legendary Gen. Sam Sims Walker ’45, VMI’s 11th superintendent). After World War II, Brig. Gen. Schupp held several senior assignments, eventually culminating in his appointment as assistant adjutant general of the Texas Army National Guard. He retired from military service in 1969 but continued working in commercial real estate (his civilian profession). Brig. Gen. Schupp married Irma Claudine Rush months after his graduation from VMI, and they had three children and six grandchildren. Today, Brig. Gen. and Mrs. Schupp rest peacefully in the Texas State Cemetery, Austin, amid many of the state’s heroes. On behalf of Jim Sherman, thank you for your interest. We enjoy hearing from you, especially from the descendants. Until the next time, the very best to you and yours. Dick Knight ’70

Class of 1938: Henry Johnson. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes times a week until he broke his hip. He remained at home following the injury, under the care of an in-home nurse until his death. Henry was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Danville Golf Club and the Church of Epiphany. He was a devoted family man, and the best friend a person could ask for. Although I never had the opportunity to meet him, through our many conversations I can tell you he lived an extraordinary life that spanned around the world. Henry, you will be forever remembered. Thank you for allowing me into your life. Mizpah, Cody

1939

Frank Parker III ’64

forward to visiting his daughter in Austin. Robert Maling’s son and my brother rat, Bob Maling ’73, informed me that his father is in good health; however, his father fell in January while taking one of his daily walks, and the fall resulted in a nasty bruise to the back of his head. Being the tough combat veteran that he is, Col. Maling is recovering very well from his fall and is looking forward to his son’s visit to San Antonio sometime soon. Being unable to speak with Jack Williams, whose rat roommate was Charles Abbitt, I am not able to provide an update on his current status. Mr. Williams resides in Hot Springs, Virginia, and, at last count, was doing fine. Respectfully submitted, Stuart M. Seaton Jr. ’73

continue to benefit with good eyes and a few neurons, so I read a lot. The rest of my body is what you can expect for 96 years. No real news, though. I added great-granddaughter No. 8 to join my four daughters and eight grands, all doing well – my pride and joy.” I started writing our class notes in 2012. Now, I am turning the reins over to a great horseman at VMI and my old roommate, Harry Siebert. Harry wrote a memoir, “Cavalry Officer: The War Years 19421945,” so this job should be a snap, although those deadlines, four a year, roll around pretty quickly. Harry has a secret weapon: His lovely wife, Jody. I’m sure she’ll be a great help. I’m grateful to my daughter, Lindsay, for collaborating with me on these notes in recent years. She has a question, which I’ll let her explain.

1942

Charles B. Miller It’s my sad duty to report the passing of Ira Saxe. Please see his obituary in the Taps section of this issue. (Editor’s Note: Mr. Saxe’s Taps entry is located on page 163.) I’m still looking for stories and/or memories of any ’39 brother rats. If you have any, please send them.

1941

Stuart Seaton Jr. ’73

Although I was unable to make contact with Jack Williams in time to make these class notes, I’m going to assume the ranks of VMI ’41 stays steady at three brother rats. Charles Abbitt, who resides in Richardson, Texas, says that, at 97 years of age, he is doing very well after addressing a small issue with his balance. Colonel Abbitt says he enjoys driving his car to take care of daily needs, and when longer trips become necessary, his son and daughter help out. In the next month or so, he is looking 2018-Issue 2

Four members of the Class of 1942 are now among VMI’s 10 most senior alumni, according to the list in the previous issue of the Alumni Review. Lloyd L. Leech Jr. is the fourth oldest living alumnus, Harry J. Siebert the fifth oldest, John Yates Embrey the eighth, and B.W. (Barnabas William) Baker is the ninth. Quite an accomplishment, brother rats. The youngest person on the 10 most senior list is George Eng ’43. I note that even though he was in the class ahead of us, his birthday, July 6, 1920, makes him older than I am by six months. All this puts my recent 97th birthday in perspective. The way I calculate it, Feb. 5, 2018, I was just 1,095 days away from being 100. The oldest person on the most senior list, James C. Sherman ’35, was 103 at that time. February brought another milestone for me. Mary Blanton Easterly and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. Fred Love, the youngest remaining member of our class, born in 1922, wrote, “I

Class of 1942: Charlie Miller, center, with his daughters, Lindsay, left, and Barrie.

“Over the last few years, Dad has received a number of letters from strangers urgently requesting an autographed photo of him from his days as a B-17 and B-29 pilot in World War II. The letters follow a similar pattern. Someone has a son or grandson who is really interested in World War II, so please send an autographed photo as soon as possible. A reporter who interviewed Dad a couple of years ago forwarded me an email she had received. The email writer said he was a high school student in New 45

Class Notes Jersey really interested in World War II, so please send an autographed World War II photograph right away. But, when I used this person’s email address to try to find him online, it appeared he was an adult who writes for a military-oriented website. Is there a market in signed photos by World War II pilots? Has anyone else received similar requests? Like millions of other admirers of the Greatest Generation, I don’t like the thought of heroes like my dad being exploited. Dad, of course, would tell you he wasn’t a hero. He was just doing his job. That’s why they’re the Greatest Generation.”

1943

Jeffrey G. Smith

Dear Brother Rats, As usual – and I am afraid this appears will be the norm from now on – my class notes are brief. The one and only reason is the scarcity of news you all provide me. However, the very good and bright news is that I have no deaths to report. Given the fact that we are well up in our 90s, that speaks well for our taking care of ourselves. Keep it up! Bill Gottwald set the right tone for 2018, the new year. He called me Dec. 27, 2017, to usher in the coming new year of 2018. I assured him that I was in good health and as ready as I could be for 2018. And he assured me, in turn, that he was in good shape. And I sincerely hope you all are in good shape, too! Bill sent me a folder of clippings and various articles about VMI dating back over the years. One supposes he is clearing things out, and I am his “go-to guy” for such things. Thanks, Bill; I’ll browse through the items. Most all appear to spark pleasant memories. Those of you fortunate enough to receive one of the Gottwalds’ Christmas cards were treated to a simply superb photo of the two of them. It would be difficult to equal their elegance. 46

1944

Tom L. Peyton Jr.

Reminder: The 75th Reunion of our class will take place in Lexington Monday and Tuesday, April 15-16, 2019. Several notes back, I was pleased to report that Bob Smothers had been appointed a chevalier (knight) of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor in appreciation of his contribution as a U.S. Army Air Corps officer in the Allies’ decisive role in the liberation of France during World War II. I now have the pleasure again to advise that John Irby has received this same recognition. John was notified by the French General Consul in Atlanta June 1, 2017, that the president of the French Republic had signed a decree naming him a knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor. The award ceremony took place in Atlanta Nov. 17, 2017. John served in the European Theater of Operations during World War II as a lieutenant, platoon leader, with the 86th Reconnaissance Squadron of the 6th Armored Division, U.S. Third Army. On March 29, 1945, while serving in the lead of a combat team, John and his platoon were diverted to investigate a German prisoner of war camp at Hattenrod, Germany. There, they freed 500-800 prisoners, many of whom were Frenchmen, all in despairingly pitiable condition. The freed prisoners were turned over to a specialist unit prepared to handle such situations, and John’s unit continued on its primary combat mission toward Kassel, Germany. For other actions in which John and his platoon served in the dangerously exposed position of lead unit, he was awarded the Silver Star for bravery and gallantry in action. John continues to live in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he reported in the fashion that earned him his VMI nickname, “Hap:” “Although it’s not easy, I am trying to hang in there.” John, the rest of us – the few – are right in there with you. Margie Lockwood Marek, daughter of

Harold Lockwood, wrote to me about her father: “I’m sitting in beautiful Brownwood, Texas, watching the sun rise over a field with a few white-tailed deer scampering around and waiting for Dad to wake up. Harold is doing fine at 95. Since Marguerite died in 2015, Dad has remained in his home (with a little help with chores). We three kids visit when we can. When I’m home, there’s a nightly game of dominoes in which he always beats me. I’m glad he can relax in the beautiful home that he built in the town in central Texas where he grew up after working hard making all that Dr Pepper his whole life. He has had to give up golf and ranching, but he looks dapper every day while enjoying the fruits of his labor. He enjoys reading your class notes, as do I.” A beautiful letter; thanks, Margie. Ann Hambry, daughter of John Paxton Williams, wrote that her father, age 95, of Haddonfield, New Jersey, died Jan. 8, 2018. John had written about a year ago and brought us up to date on his life and career. A summary of that information appeared last year in these class notes. John had an outstanding rat year in our class. He pitched on the baseball team and, at the end of that year, ranked at the top of our class in academics and military categories. He was honored with the Lemuel MacKennie Long Jarman Award for his outstanding achievements. Before the start of his 3rd Class year at VMI, he was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated in an accelerated program in 1944. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II aboard the destroyer USS Walke (DD-723). During action to retake the Philippines, he was wounded, and his ship was severely damaged from a kamikaze attack. For his part in this engagement, he was later awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in this action and the Purple Heart. After World War II, John attended graduate school at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, earning a Master of Science degree in civil engineering. His naval career continued until 1966 when he retired at the rank of commander. He then joined the firm of Rohm and Hass, continuing with them until final retirement. John leaves his wife of 66 years, Isabelle; son, Philip; daughter VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Ann; and four grandchildren. His daughter, Ann, wrote lovingly of her father, “Everyone knows that one person who always has to be right. We have lost that person, who truly was always right. He was the epitome of a walking encyclopedia. Never one to overpower the conversation, he would politely guide one down a logical pathway until you came to the right – and his – conclusion.” Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Tom Johnston ’80 wrote that his mother, Velma, 90, widow of retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Joseph Thomas Johnston Jr., died in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Oct. 5, 2017. Velma Templeton Johnston was born in Utica, Mississippi, Aug. 19, 1927, the daughter of Jake Cleveland Templeton and Rosa Green Templeton. Velma was a devoted Marine Corps officer’s wife, moving up and down the East Coast before settling in Virginia Beach in 1964. She was active in her church and loved to travel, play bridge, go to the theater and, most of all, spend time with her family. She is survived by her daughters, Susan and Elizabeth; sons William, Thomas and James; and six grandchildren. Her sons, Thomas ’80 and James ’83, are VMI graduates. In planning a mini class reunion to be held in Virginia Beach more than a few years ago, I had the great pleasure to be an overnight guest at Joe and Velma’s home on Ben Hogan Drive in Virginia Beach. Both were great hosts and a great help. I particularly enjoyed talking to Velma about her earlier home in Mississippi. Three generations of my immediate forebears, including my namesake, were from Raymond, Mississippi, which Velma knew very well. She was a true Southern lady, and I know that she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Christina “Tina” Wilhelm Owens, daughter of our late Brother Rat M.C. Wilhelm, M.D., wrote that her mother, Jean Osborne Wilhelm, 92, died in Charlottesville, Virginia, Nov. 24, 2017. Jean was born in Seattle, Washington, Nov. 3, 1925. Her parents were R. Albert Osbourne and Ruth Louise Frye Osbourne. Jean celebrated her pioneer heritage, derived from her great-grandparents who led the covered wagons that brought settlers to found Seattle in 1851. Jean earned a bachelor’s degree in drama from 2018-Issue 2

the University of Washington in 1948 and maintained a lifelong interest in the performing arts. That interest was most often seen through leadership and active participation in teaching programs for youth on local, state, regional and national levels. Her efforts were widely recognized, sought and praised. Jean received awards and other recognition from many organizations that she aided, including The Virginia Alliance for the Arts, the Piedmont Council of the Arts, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Community Children’s Theater board, the Charlottesville/Albemarle District’s Very Special Arts, The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, The Junior League and the Ash Lawn Opera. Jean married M.C. Wilhelm June 6, 1949. They settled in Charlottesville in 1956 and remained there until M.C.’s recent death. Jean is survived by her daughter, Melissa Louise Wilhelm, and son-in-law, Andy Creane, of Haymarket, Virginia; daughter, Christina Wilhelm Owens, and son-in-law, Ed Owens, of Ellicott City, Maryland; three grandsons; and sister, Betty Pinkerton, of Tacoma, Washington. A memorial service was held in Charlottesville Jan. 13, 2018. Meade Bell wrote from his retirement home at Ginger Cove, Annapolis, Maryland, that he and Ginny, now at 95 and 93, are very happy they moved there. Like all of us, he says they are slowing down with a few health problems but did play golf every week this past summer. He attached to his note a football game stub from the Thanksgiving Day contest between VMI and Virginia Tech played Nov. 26, 1942, at Maher Field, Roanoke, Virginia. The ticket said VMI side, with the cost of admission $2.50. He said that VMI probably won, with that being the reason he kept the stub. I think that he is right, but I am not sure. Meade has offered the stub to anyone who collects such things. No charge, of course. Anyone who is interested, contact me at the email address at the notes heading, above. Thanks to Betty Bond Nichols, Bob Smothers and Dick Doom for their thoughtful notes. Dick continues as the senior member of our class at age 96. Rah Virginia Mil, Dick. We have now reached the point where I am

hearing from a number of sons and daughters of our brother rats, for which I am very thankful and wish to express my appreciation. Several have already been mentioned in these notes. Also, thanks for the supportive notes from Win Whitehurst (Gus Whitehurst) and Barbara Gil (Jack Montague). Hail to the red, white and yellow.

1945

William Quarles

Doug Lindsey emailed news that he is doing very well. He stated, “I’m still upright but using a walker now with mobility.” Recently, he renewed his Virginia driver’s license, which is, amazingly, good until 2022! Understanding his limitations, he cautiously restricts his driving to a 10-mile radius during daylight hours. Way to go, Doug! Robert Pettigrew shared his holiday spirit in a Christmas letter. He and Juanita had an active 2017 with family visiting from all over. His story of the Aug. 21 eclipse was an amazing experience. His hometown, Casper, was “right in the center of the band of totality and, at 5,000 feet altitude, was inundated with eclipse fans.” More than 1 million visitors traveled for this unbelievable event but did not have the opportunity to watch the eclipse from their own back deck. Bob stated it was an “out of this world” experience. Class of ’45, please share your news for the Review! We would love to hear from you!

1946

William A. Eliason

In the absence of any news from the class, I am proud to have received the following email quoted in its entirety below. “Hi, Bill. Doug Marks ’69 here, proud son of the late Paul Camp Marks ’46. I 47

Class Notes hope this note finds you well. This afternoon, I’ve spent a while browsing through the most recent issue of the Alumni Review. There were a number of things in that issue that struck me right between the eyes! First of all, I noted that the Class of ’46 had no posts. Second, I took note that the notes from my class, the Class of 1969, are located very near the center of the class notes, and moving much too quickly toward the beginning. Where do the years go? Next spring, I’ll be at the Institute celebrating my 50th Reunion. “We’re coming up on the fifth anniversary of dad’s death, and Jan. 5, our dear mom died. That now makes me the ‘old guy’ in my family. All five of my younger siblings are doing well. Two now live in Charlottesville, one sister lives in Franklin, another lives at Pawley’s Island, and my youngest sister lives in the house we all grew up in on our farm near Capron, Virginia. My wife, Janet, and I are still living in Columbia, South Carolina. We have a huge extended family, and as far as I can tell, none of them will be attending the Institute! Oh, well. I’ve tried. “I just wanted to reach out to you and thank you and all of the Class of 1946 for the friendships that my dad enjoyed so much. Dad’s short stay at VMI was a defining time in his life, and it provided a set of values that he lived by and, thankfully, passed on to me. Having almost reached the ripe age of 71, I find that growing up under the tutelage of Paul and Frances Marks has served me well. Over time, dad and I became very good friends in addition to our father/son relationship. He was very open with me about lessons he learned in life and about mistakes he made. His hope was that I would learn at least a little from him and be better able to live fully and make good decisions in my life. For the most part, it worked; although, I think we all have to make some doozy mistakes all on our own! “I know now that for those who remain among us in the Class of 1946, you may wonder from time to time, ‘What good did I do,’ as you reflect on your lives. Let me tell you that your generation has provided those who follow with character and ideals that are hard to live up to but that are so critical to us individually and to the well-being of this wonderful United States of America. My sincerest 48

thanks to you and to all of Dad’s brother rats for giving us such wonderful examples of full and meaningful lives. My very best to you. Yours in the bonds of VMI, Doug Marks ’69.” There is nothing I can add to this beautiful tribute.

1948B

Lionel T. Wolford

By the time you read this, all of us will be 90 years old or over and the ’48B 70th Reunion will have taken place April 23-24, 2018. I plan to be there, if health allows. The second quarter alumni giving report from the Foundation listed 11 out of 28 donors for ’48B. Thanks to all who contributed. I received a phone call from George Ramsey in December 2017. All was well with the Ramsey family. George was one of our most successful brother rats at VMI, becoming a class officer and holding the second (to Paul Applin) highest military rank. I personally had great respect for George but never roomed with him or had classes with him. I came to know George Ramsey much better when we were both assigned to the 6th Armored Field Artillery Battalion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1949 and 1950. I was transferred from Fort Riley, Kansas, to Fort Sill in June 1949 for the three-month basic artillery officers’ course. James E. Harrington ’49A and Daniel G. Smaw ’49B were in the same course. After completion, I was assigned to the 6th Armored. The 6th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, outfitted with M-7 self-propelled 105 mm howitzers, was a full strength, top-of-theline unit and had a full schedule of assignments usually involving live fire for the artillery school. George Ramsey and Cary R. Branch ’49B were also in the 6th Armored. Irvin E. Nachman ’49A was there in the 17th Field Artillery Battalion, and Royce J. Tweedy ’49B was also at Fort Sill in another field artillery battalion.

Marion and I rented an apartment in the Cache Road complex and soon found that George and Harriet Ramsey and Irv and Doreen Nachman lived in nearby apartments. The six of us became very close friends and socialized quite a bit. George, Irv and I did a lot of dove and quail hunting together. George and I also teed it up on the golf course when we could. Irv and Doreen had two small children, who eventually slowed down their social life. Marion and I, together with George and Harriet, continued to meet frequently for bridge and other social activities. By the time of the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, Harriet was expecting. Routine at Fort Sill changed as we adjusted from a peacetime Army to a wartime Army. We received raw recruits to train in addition to our Artillery School assignments. Many senior lieutenants were sent from the 6th Armored to Korea as replacement officers. Eventually, all were killed or wounded. Irv Nachman’s 17th Field Artillery Battalion (8-inch howitzers) was sent to Korea as a unit. By mid-September, George Ramsey received his orders to report to Korea. Harriet gave birth to Peter (George Peters Ramsey III ’72) before George left. Marion and I witnessed Peter’s christening. Even though we were not the same religion, we always considered Peter our godchild. With her mother’s help, Harriet and Peter returned to Virginia, as did Doreen Nachman and her two small children. Marion and I always considered George and Harriet Ramsey as our best friends. As the years passed, we visited often – once in New Orleans and many times in Lynchburg. In November 1950, I received my orders to Korea, but my reporting date to Camp Stoneman, California, was late January 1951. Before leaving, we had several more VMI contacts at Fort Sill. First, Marion and I decided to go to the VMI versus Texas A&M University football game at College Station, Texas, Oct. 14, 1950. We got up at 2 a.m. and drove to College Station, arriving before game time. Fortunately, we met Brother Rat Thomas Mitchell Watson. He helped us get tickets and arranged for lodging at a nearby Victorian mansion – inexpensive but great. I VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes still remember the four-poster bed with tester. The football game was not as good. VMI fought hard but lost 52-0. We returned to Fort Sill, and a few weeks later came another VMI encounter. On Saturday, Nov. 14, late in the afternoon, I received a phone call. The caller asked if I was Lt. Wolford and if I attended VMI. When I replied in the affirmative, he said, “This is General Colbern; report to the officers’ club at 7:00. We beat Georgia Tech in football this afternoon, and we are having a party.” Of course, I replied, “Yes, sir.” The caller was Brig. Gen. William Henry Colbern ’916, the new assistant post commander. Previously, Gen. Colbern served in World War I and, later, as division artillery commander of the 92nd Infantry Division (Buffalo Soldiers) in World War II. The 92nd saw combat in Italy. Colbern served at Fort Sill during the Korean War and was later promoted to major general. Marion and I met the general and his wife at the Fort Sill officers’ club. He was a tall man with military bearing and looked every inch a general. It was a small party which included a major (VMI circa 1940) and his wife, Lt. Cary “Beanie” Branch and Lt. Royce “Mus” Tweedy. We happily celebrated our unusual VMI football victory. The score was VMI 14, Georgia Tech 13. Before proceeding to Camp Stoneman, Marion and I had one other VMI encounter at Fort Sill. In December 1950, Jack Sadler ’48A was assigned to Fort Sill and, one evening, had dinner at our house. Jack later became a brigadier general and was mentioned by Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf (Desert Storm) in his autobiography. When Gen. Schwarzkopf received his promotion to brigadier general, he was assigned to the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii. The outgoing commander was Jack Sadler. Schwarzkopf appreciated Jack’s advice – especially the fact that, in Hawaii, the Army had little say, as the Navy ran the show. In early March 1951, I completed the last leg of my journey to Korea, a 12-hour passenger ferryboat from Sasebo, Japan, to Pusan, Korea. As I stepped upon the vast Pusan dock, I was impressed by the large amount of equipment and soldiers there. Most of the soldiers were lined up to board a 2018-Issue 2

rickety northbound train. I spotted one man standing alone whom I remembered from Fort Sill. It was Capt. Seay of the 17th Field Artillery Battalion, Irv Nachman’s unit. I walked over, introduced myself and asked, “How is Irv Nachman?” The captain blurted out, “He is dead.” I immediately felt deep compassion for Doreen and her two small children. I am forever thankful that George Ramsey and I completed our Korean War service without serious injury. As did all of you, I received an advent blessing from Jim Warrington and a message from his cat, Prince. Thank you, Jim, and keep in touch. I received a very nice Christmas greeting from Rod Kallgren with much news about his family. Rod’s son, Pete, is the Pinehurst, North Carolina, golf club champion. Thanks, Rod, and, also, keep in touch. Earlier, I received a very welcome note from Carl R. Carstens ’51, who enjoyed reading the ’48B class notes about Chi Mills. Carl reported that he remembered Chi Mills as captain of the football team his rat year. Chi was held in very high esteem by the whole Corps. Carl also knew my brother, Charles Wolford ’52. Brother rats, let me hear from you. Included with these notes is the long letter written by Howard Smith to his parents Nov. 30, 1946. The letter, originally handwritten, was converted into type and sent to me by Howard’s son, honorary Brother Rat Tommy Smith ’98. “Dear Dad and Ann, I promised to give you the full story of why I am here, so I will attempt to present the facts as they really are. To start at the very beginning: Last Sunday, one of the cannons which stands on the west side of barracks was taken by Washington and Lee University students as a college prank. This has happened in the past and is not new. You know that there has always been a rivalry between the two schools in Lexington. I said Sunday, because it undoubtedly happened very early in the morning. The cannon was missed at breakfast formation, and the cadets initially assumed the W&L students had taken it and, to the best of my knowledge, rightly so. Consequently, after breakfast Sunday, the whole Corps proceeded over to the W&L campus, entered several fraternity houses

and, in several cases, destroyed property belonging to the W&L students. “In the meantime, the cannon was found on the W&L campus, and several W&L students were dragged out of bed and forced to bring it back to the VMI campus. Thus ended episode No. 1 with much ill feeling over the destruction wrought by the over-enthused ‘new cadets,’ for the most part. “Thanksgiving Day was the date of our game with VPI and traditional meal. Monday night, three or four carloads of VMI cadets went to VPI and painted the usual slogans in any available space. This expedition was extremely successful, and none of our men were caught. Tuesday night, naturally, we fully expected the VPI men to attempt to retaliate, and consequently, a complete plan of defense was formed involving the whole Corps of VMI Cadets. Tuesday night, also, a cheer rally was held at 10 p.m. (2200), and it was probably (unofficially, I’ll say undoubtedly) during this time that one of the old Civil War cannons standing on the west side of barracks was loaded with a homemade powder charge, preparatory to firing in celebration. Immediately after the cheer rally (at 10:30), the man who loaded the cannon attempted to fire it, but apparently the fuse failed and this charge did not explode. The men who had loaded the cannon then apparently left it, probably intending to either fire the charge later or remove it. “In the meantime (at about 0100), Wednesday morning, word was received and announced that the VPI corps was on its way to Lexington to even the score for the paint job. Naturally, all of us turned out, were placed at specific posts and were waiting for them. At about 0300 (Wednesday morning) they appeared at the gates of VMI (you remember where I told you goodbye, Dad) some 200-strong and were immediately met by a detachment of our cadets. Both sides were armed with clubs, etc. Officers and police appeared on the scene and persuaded the VPI men to leave, otherwise the ensuing riot would have been disastrous, especially for the VPI men. “After everything had been quieted and the VPI men (together with a good many recruits from W&L) had left, the Corps returned to barracks. Pagliaro happened to still have a 49

Class Notes torch from the torch light parade. It was lit, and as he passed by one of the cannons in front of barracks, he thrust it into the muzzle of the gun. It was one chance in four (since there are four of those cannons in that place), and he stuck the lighted torch in the very gun that contained the powder charge. His reason for sticking the torch in the gun’s barrel will, of course, never be known certainly, for he had absolutely no knowledge of the powder charge that was in the gun. “It has been assumed, however, that he probably intended to snuff the flaming torch out by putting it into the barrel of the cannon. At any rate, the charge was detonated by the flame of the torch, and the boy was terribly burned, besides having the wooden stick of the torch driven into his body. He was carried immediately to the hospital at VMI, but his injuries were too severe, and he died some 15 minutes after the explosion without regaining consciousness (about 0400 Wednesday). “The death was announced to the Corps Wednesday at breakfast, and the shock that was produced is almost inconceivable without witnessing it. Bobby Pagliaro was one of my brother rats. We both entered at the same time in ’44 and, although he left for the merchant marine in ’45, we still remembered each other and were good friends when he returned in ’46. I, together with many other members of our class, volunteered to accompany his body home and to perform all functions of a military guard of honor in his memory. It so happened that I was picked. Duke and Slayton are also here since none of us had any obligations at Ring Figure Nov. 28 (this year) and felt that someone should see to it that the full respects of the Corps was paid at the funeral. “This is Saturday night, and it is all over now. We stood guard over Pagliaro’s body since yesterday at noon. I have met his family, and they are among the finest and most sincere people I have ever known. His brother was stationed in Texas for a while during the war and met and married a Texas girl. I have met them both and talked with them at length. I hope to someday return here and meet these people under more favorable circumstances. “Well, that’s about all. I imagine there was 50

some news of this unfortunate business in the newspaper down there. They made a (play?) of it up here, and we are all glad that it wasn’t carried any further than it was. I am of the opinion that we have done our very best to carry this thing off as it should be done. Now we have all had a letdown since it is over; possibly you’ll forgive me for being slightly drunk, to put it bluntly. I return to VMI tomorrow and will proceed home Christmas as per schedule. I hope I haven’t caused you any worry by my impromptu telegrams, but that was the only way I had of letting you know where I was. “A court of inquiry has been appointed at the Institute and, by now, has ascertained who the unfortunate man was who put the charge in the cannon. I have a fairly good idea of who it was, and I hope they don’t do anything to him at all. He has undoubtedly suffered and will for the remainder of his life suffer with the knowledge that he made the major contribution to Pagliaro’s death, even though it was, of course, absolutely unintentional. We found the family to express their agreement with this. “I have given you all the information, as a son would to his father and mother. Remember that the victim could just as easily have been me, and I therefore request that you say nothing whatever of the blame to anyone. It is better that the matter be completely forgotten. “With all my love to you, Howard Lee. “P.S. I am enclosing the order which was published by the superintendent. Keep it with the rest of the records you have there.”

1949A

James Harrington

William “Bill” Noftsinger, 1927-2017. Billy, as we knew him, died last November. A great loss to us and to his large family. His wife of 75 years, Margaret Anne, wrote me a short note. I remember crossing paths with Billy at Fort Benning, Georgia, and frequently on his visits to Pinehurst. He

was a regular at our reunions until recently. Our class ranks continue to diminish. Harrison Whitten called me to share his feelings of Billy and to say that he was still in good shape, in Florida for the winter and doing some fishing. For those who have written and called to support the Harrington family during our medical troubles, thank you very much. Ann is home and recovering nicely, and I still get my feet to move one after another, although it’s more and more difficult. The doctors tell me sympathetically to “get a cane,” which I have done, but it’s difficult to operate my yardwork machinery with only one hand. So, the cane just hangs on the wall while I try to do the cooking. We have occasional visits from Jim and Susan Whitehurst ’66, who have a timeshare here on our island, and we have a new VMI family in our neighborhood. Chad Gill ’96 and family bought a house here across the street from us. He’ll no doubt enjoy our VMI flag, which we fly in good weather. Allen Penniman, with the help of his longtime secretary, sends this lengthy report of his birthday celebration: “In my prior notes on my activities, I mentioned the fact that all of my family was going to gather for the celebration of my 90th birthday. This has happened, and it was certainly one of the high points of my life. We all gathered, 40 of us, at the RT Lodge in Maryville, Tennessee. This is a beautiful area close to Knoxville. We met there Thursday and departed Sunday. It was a wonderful time. On my 85th birthday, we had a smaller celebration, and I received a birthday card for my 90th birthday. All of my children and grandchildren signed this card, and I kept it on the shelf in my office. I looked at it every day and maybe that’s what helped me reach this ripe, old age of 90. “Everyone in the family made the trip, except one grandson who was in Japan. It was a beautiful place with, really, nothing to do except visit with one another. Remember, I have children and grandchildren living all over the country, and this was a chance to bring them together. We had one night of fun, dancing and celebrating. The VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes last night, we had a seated banquet, blue jackets required for the men, and this gave me an opportunity to speak to the group. I thought about my message and condensed it to two ideas, support and love. I asked the group to stand and hold hands. We tried making a total ring for the entire family. Then, I asked them to look across the table and make eye contact with one of the other family members. We talked about support, and I asked them to pledge that they would always be ready to support another member of our family. Still standing and holding hands, I asked them to again make eye contact with another person at the table and tell them that they loved them, and you could hear a murmur through the room. I asked them to be seated. So, that was my message to my family: Support and love. I believe it had a very positive effect on the group. At the same time, I received a birthday card for my 95th celebration, and this will be my new goal. It was signed by those there, so I am going for another five years. “These times are different from the way I grew up, because my family was born in Dallas, Texas, and most of us stayed there. Today, it is much different, and families are scattered all over the country. So, this 90th birthday brought them together, and I think we did just this. Much of my life is devoted to our family. We have many of them who come to visit. This is a compliment to me and to Joanie, and I appreciate every one that comes. “Joanie and I, again, are happy to say we are enjoying good health, for which we are eternally grateful. We send our highest hopes and best wishes to members of our class.” The Alumni Association carries nine names for our class, but I have contact with only five, including myself. Three communicate with me by email, but Bill May doesn’t do that, so I call him to check up. My recent call caught him in the rain preparing to attend a Super Bowl party at his retirement complex. He says he’s “fine” and feeling great. His family visits him frequently, and he has photos of our class posted on his walls. We agreed that there aren’t many of us left. 2018-Issue 2

1949B Dan Smaw

On Feb. 10, my son, Danny, and I went to the 90th birthday party for Harvey Bradley. It was very well-attended since Harvey has lived and worked in Atlanta for 40-plus years. We had a delicious buffet lunch and cake with icing colored red, white and yellow. All of Harvey’s children and grandchildren were present. It was nice seeing all of them, because it had been a number of years since I had seen them. Danny and I have received dozens and dozens of notes, letters and contributions for Louise, for which we are very thankful and appreciative. We wish to thank each and every one who contributed any memory about Louise. I plan on the next issue having better notes, since the computer is now fixed, and I am better prepared to write. God bless America, VMI and ’49B.

1950A Bill Moore

Barbara (Hugh) Barnes tells me that she is doing OK but, of course, like most of us, has to cope with the small stuff. That’s the price you pay for the privilege of living as long as we have. She is expecting her first grandchild and is looking forward to her/his arrival. Jennings and Harriet Bunch are doing well. Jennings fell on some ice recently. Thankfully, there was no serious damage, just some bruises. Jennings is tough, and bumbles do bounce. He had a birthday recently with all the celebration due to his 89th. He’s still a month older than me. Nan (Elliott) Hudgins is driving again and is beginning to feel more “normal” after her cancer surgery last year. Elliott’s ashes

were supposed to be interred in Maryland in April, but it has been postponed. Nan doesn’t feel up to a seven-hour trip quite yet. Judy Mooney told me that Ralph is doing quite well with a change in his medicine. His personality and mood are much, much better. They have children and grandchildren in the area, which is a great comfort to them. I had a great late-night (for me) conversation with Syd Stealey up in Fairbanks, Alaska. He and Beverly have downsized into a constant care facility. They can still do a lot of things, and Syd’s mind is still as sharp as the proverbial tack. He does have pulmonary fibrosis, so they decided to move into constant care quarters now rather than when Syd’s condition becomes more acute. Nancy (Hank) McWane is still keeping up her farm in Bedford County. She has one daughter in northern Virginia and two on the West Coast. Good news. Debra and I are together again. We missed each other too much after we separated. It was all my fault. I’ve always wanted more time together and still do. But she is a working girl with a family nearby – two daughters and three grandchildren. The youngest grandson has cerebral palsy and requires a lot of care. Debra retires in three years and then we will “reset.” For the time being, I have to just accept and appreciate, which I do, the wonderful times we have together. We recently attended our new governor’s inaugural ball in Richmond. He is Ralph Northam ’81, a VMI graduate, and he’s going to be a great governor. Joanne (Ed) Miller is not doing well. She’s had severe hearing loss for a long time, and now she has dementia to go with it. We haven’t been able to communicate by phone lately, but her daughters have kept me informed. I had a lovely conversation with her younger daughter, Adrienne, recently. She told me that Joanne is comfortable, in no pain and has moments of lucidity in which she apparently recognizes her daughters but obviously lives in a world filled with memories of the great times she, Ed and the girls have had over the years. Seems like a wonderful ending to me. Gene Witcher is still doing well. He just keeps ticking along. It’s hard to believe that he is 92. He is blessed with a good mind 51

Class Notes with not too many physical infirmities to deal with. I’m looking forward to making a trip to Texas in the reasonably near future (hopefully late spring) to spend some time with the old rascal. I, too, am blessed in so many ways. I still have my mobility, am able to live alone and take care of my basic needs and have better eyesight than I had as a young person. I recently had the second and last cataract removed. The first one was 20 years ago. Most importantly, I can see well enough to drive, even at night.

1950B

Joseph B. Kohen Jr.

It was most rewarding to receive notes from our diminishing class. The widows, our sister rats, are especially good at communicating. Jan Burnham sent a nice note, Lola Shepherd praised the improvements at the Institute, Marilyn Berlin stated that Norm died after a long illness and Jane Smallwood sent a glamour photo of her swimming with the ray fish. Julia Woodman, silversmith, created another one-ofa-kind beautiful silver bracelet for my Ring Figure date. Bill Moorman of Gloucester wrote that he has recovered from 20 years of Lyme disease. Randolph Trappey’s note was written on a lovely card depicting all three stages of the barracks. Bill Lewis said hello. Mitchell Lawrence brought us up to date with his activities since graduation. He served with the CIA for 30 years with assignments in the U.S. and Laos (196870). He was with the U.S. Air Force on active duty for two years and retired after 27 years in the reserve as a lieutenant colonel. William Kelly sent a note containing his new address in Atlanta, Georgia. On the fiduciary side, by the first quarter end of Fiscal Year 2018, 3.08 percent of our solicitable class of 65 has contributed to the alumni giving. 52

1951

Jacob H. Wamsley II

These notes cover the period from Nov. 1, 2017, to Feb. 15, 2018. Back in late October, after the class notes had been submitted for the final 2017 issue of the Alumni Review, contact was made with Fred Watson. He and his wife have been doing some traveling – an Elderhostel tour in Europe in June, then a drive all the way from their home in Weatherford, Texas, to Seattle, Washington, to visit some relatives. He remains in good health and hopes to attend the 70th. For those who do not receive the emails from Win Baber, far too many deaths have occurred since the last class notes. George C. McGee died Oct. 20, 2017, in Sandston, Virginia. In early December, the Alumni Agencies notified me of the death of our Brother Rat Joseph F. Scrudato. He left after our rat year and transferred to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1952. In early January, I learned of the death of Sidney Hannah in Cincinnati; he was hospitalized Dec. 16, 2017, and died Jan. 1, 2018. A memorial service in Clifton Forge, Virginia, will be held at a later date, with interment in his family lot in Eagle Rock, Virginia. An email from the Alumni Agencies notified us of the death of John Nichols Dec. 13, 2017. Jack served 28 years in the Air Force before serving as resident engineer for Buncombe County, North Carolina, for 28 years. Ewen Jackson Hill, (Sookie to his brother rats, and Jack to most others) died Jan. 21, 2018, after battling Parkinson’s disease for a number of years. As we all know, he was a regular on the football team. One of his coaches at VMI was Tom Nugent, who once said, “Pound for pound, Sookie is the toughest football player I have known.” Keep in mind, his playing weight was 185 pounds, or so I recall. An email from Vanessa Cole, Bill McCallum’s daughter, reported the death of her mother, Carolyn McCallum, Oct. 5, 2017. Bill and I were roommates for the last three years

of our stay at the Institute, along with Pete Ames and Russ Green. A telephone conversation with Frans Kasteel in November found him and Daphne doing fine. He has relinquished the more strenuous duties associated with his volunteer work with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, though he retains his membership. A note from Joyce Evans, wife of Jack Evans, let us know that Jack’s interment ceremony was conducted at Arlington Oct. 1, 2017, with full military honors. In early December, I talked with Sam Bass. He is still enjoying himself on the banks of the Rappahannock River – more so since one of his daughters and her family now live within several miles of his home. Like me, he still tries to play golf, apparently with similar results. We reminisced about the days under Butch Ritchey’s and Les German’s tutorage in Maury-Brooke Hall. He and Dew celebrated their 70th anniversary earlier this year. An email from Bill Caldwell’s daughter told us that Bill’s health has taken a turn for the worse; he is now in a skilled nursing facility. He had polio as a youth and suffers from post-polio syndrome, which accounts for this move. A note from Cindy Marshall informed us of Jim’s interment at Arlington National Cemetery April 20, 2018, at 3 p.m. with a reception following at the Army-Navy Club. Although it was not possible for me to get there, I hope some of the brethren in the Arlington area found it possible to attend. Earlier, I mentioned that Sam and Dew Bass were expecting a great-great-grandchild. That arrival has now taken place. Renate Higby, Hap’s wife, broke a hip and remained confined to a rehab facility in Naples, Florida, for the Christmas holidays. Her home was damaged severely by the hurricanes, and repairs are languishing because of the widespread damage in the area. Hob Richey and his wife, Jeanne, say they are “doing as well as can be expected.” Their children live nearby, making it possible for them to avoid downsizing and moving. Doctor Henry Bryan and his wife, Joan, moved into an assisted living facility in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, according to information supplied by his son. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Here is another item of good news: A telephone conversation with Bob Nolley finds him doing well and having no problems since his cancer surgery. A recent report from the Alumni Agencies says that the record of our giving to the Institute remains respectable. The percentage of the class who contributes remains high – 34.55 percent, in fifth place among all classes. That figure does not reflect the generosity of our sister rats, who contributed almost as much as the brother rats. As you read this, resolve to send me some news!

1952

visit with Jeff. Charlie told me he had some spinal limitations, but that did not keep him and Joan from dancing the jitterbug at a party they attended the week before. He and Joan were the only couple that remembered the jitterbug. Way to go, Charlie! Red Austermann wrote: “Jim, this is a belated thank you for the birthday card. I am always happy to receive these from you, and this one in particular was of interest. I am very fond of the highland pipes (Genie questions my taste in music), and I recall my pleasure several years back when our splendid band added some pipers. I think they are a great addition. But I continue to wonder

where the Institute was able to recruit the large number of qualified pipers from within the cadet Corps. If memory serves, Joe Archer was the only one who could play the bagpipes during our tenure. Wish I had something to add that might be of interest, but our days are largely routine (which might be considered a good thing). Thanks again.” Ella and Lou Delisio attended Nutz’s interment Nov. 17, 2017, along with Carol Clingempeel and Sally Birge. Lou also sent me a copy of the burial office held at The Arlington National Cemetery. The burial office was the classic Episcopal service presided by The Rev. David Lucey, rector of St. Francis

James M. Mecredy

I am beginning class notes for spring 2018 in November 2017 after turning in notes for February 2018. I just heard from Clark Britton, who wrote: “Jim, thanks for the birthday card. I moved from the Catholic Care Center after my wife died. I moved to an apartment – got tired of living around folks that were always dying. I open my last exhibition Nov. 5, 2017, at the Sandzen Gallery in Lindsborg, Kansas. I plan to just do what leads me. I lost the use of my right hand and had surgery in October; I overworked it mailing all the art. My best, Clark Britton.” Lou Dilesio sent me an article from The Washington Post with an obituary for Joe Fortunato. In The Washington Post: “Joe Fortunato, the speedy linebacker who helped the Chicago Bears win the 1963 NFL title, died. He was 87. Fortunato died Monday in Mississippi, where he starred as linebacker and fullback at Mississippi State. Fortunato was an assistant coach with the Bears in 1967 and1968 before returning to Mississippi. He served as mayor of Natchez from 1968-88.” I believe he left VMI after one year and followed our coach, Slick Morton, to Mississippi State. Charlie Hogge observed Founders Day by calling me and Jeff Hanna, his roommate of four years, and I had a pleasant phone 2018-Issue 2

Class of 1952: The class and guests at the 25th Reunion in 1977.

Class of 1952: The class and guests at the 60th Reunion in 2012. 53

Class Notes Episcopal Church in Great Falls, Virginia. Nutz’s family served as readers and ushers. Jim Wiley sent me a series of really short stories, and the one I liked best was the following: “Today, after I watched my dog get run over by a car, I sat on the side of the road holding him and crying. And just before he died; he licked the tears off my face.” Zeke Finney also received these stories, which he liked so well he also forwarded them to me. Thanks to you both. John Taylor wrote that he feels great but doesn’t feel young. He went on to say that they go a lot, but at times, he tires easily, and a nap sitting in his chair helps a lot! Does this sound familiar to you? It certainly fits me. Melva Hansrote sent me a Christmas card. She moved to The Summit, a continuing care retirement community where her sister and brother-in-law live. Eva Tuck wrote that she stays busy exercising and with her family, including a greatgrandchild. John Taylor sent a Christmas card of his family, including adorable young twin girls. Jim and Pat Miller sent a card thanking me for being class agent. Jane Wright wrote that she is hanging in there and said she stays in touch with Barbara and Cecil Welsh, who also wrote. Pat Powers announced that she is a greatgrandmother. Otherwise, her life is filled with doctor appointments. Getting old is not fun. Carol Clark wrote that Yancy went to

heaven serving the Lord in church and among friends. We received Christmas cards from Margaret Stallings, Martha Allen and Louisa Coker. Mary Shoaf, living in Vero Beach, Florida, evacuated to South Carolina and North Carolina during the storm Irma; however, the storm veered northwest, so Vero Beach had little damage. Ed Wilbarger and Lila play golf and walk the course. Ed still scores better than his age. Dick Valack noted on his Christmas card that Jesus did come to save the world. Also, I received cards from Bill Gordon, Sally Birge, Cecil Puckette, Mary Lane, Bob Yore and Mary Anne Chamberlain. Zeke Finney sent me a Christmas card of his granddaughter’s wedding. It was a beautiful picture of all of Zeke’s family. More Christmas cards from: Charlie Hogge, Walter Ames, Chuck Haley, Army Wellford, Gary Pittman, James Truscott, Ann Carman (Lee Rogers’ widow) and Lou Delisio. Gary Pittman wrote of their travels to Rome, the VMI 65th Reunion and Sandra’s 60th reunion at the University of Virginia. Their grandchildren are in college, but they are able to spend holidays together and at their cottage in the summer. James Truscott wrote about their first greatgrandson and acknowledged that they are still alive and kicking.

Class of 1952: The class and guests at the 65th Reunion in 2017. 54

Army Wellford wrote that their travels this year were limited to Florida, the VMI 65th Reunion, New Orleans and their cottage. Army added that Landon Wellford ’80, one of two doctors from the Class of ’80 (my son, Tim Mecredy ’80, is the other one), celebrated his 60th birthday. It seems that we are beginning to get older! I have not heard from Howard Williamson in two years. I learned that his wife, Bernie, died in 2016. I also received an address change from VMI. My recent Christmas card was returned as not deliverable. Howard was my roommate, so I especially miss him. Chris Holland called to stay in touch. He and Sugar are in North Myrtle Beach and doing as well as can be expected at our advanced ages. Chris injured his leg a year ago and is hobbling some. Sugar does the driving now. Chris sold his truck of 360,000 miles. We talked about those we have lost track of, especially Fernando Ospina, whom Chris had been close to for many years. I no longer hear from him to send birthday and Christmas cards. Bill Kearney called from his small hometown of Nekoosa, Wisconsin. He claims he is just getting older and wearing out. Bill has started exercising again. Snow is starting to give him an excuse to exercise. He has a daughter in Colorado with a sheep ranch where they raise 200 sheep and sell 100 annually. They also have dogs to guard the sheep and a few horses. Bill was recently treated to pheasant for dinner at his daughter’s and raved about how good it is. His other daughter and family visit annually to get a harvest of pheasants. His son in the Chicago area is a nurse in cardiology specializing in heart replacements. Russ McCarthy is continuing his exercise regime. It is called Fitbit. He walked 1,413 miles and climbed 1,925 flights of stairs this year. He has seen a big improvement in his health, and it has helped him maintain the same weight as in high school. Russ does all of this in daily walks of 15 minutes to an hour. In addition, Russ and Pat attended four reunions, starting with our 65th Reunion, followed by his 70th high school reunion, then the reunion in Dallas of the CIA outfit in Vietnam and finally Pat’s 55th high VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes school reunion in Milwaukee. After all of this, they took a trip to the Thousand Islands in upstate New York and stayed at a friend’s house on Wellesley Island. Russ did some fishing in the St. Lawrence River, where he caught six fish with six casts. That should encourage each of us to do more walking on a regular basis. Henry Nanninga sent me a Christmas card and included a photo of our 30th Reunion with the caption, “Oh, to be 51 again.” I have a similar photo from our 25th Reunion, which is included with these notes. Also, for comparison, I included a photo of our 60th Reunion and our 65th Reunion. David White died Monday morning, Dec. 18. It is a mercy. It has been a long haul for David Jr. and Sophie Ann. Sophie Ann sent an obituary. After graduating from VMI and Korea in the Marines, David received a Master of Business Administration degree from UVa. He spent a career in finance and sales followed by controlling Denver Oil Field Supply Co. and, in 1980, he created an international finance company to fund mining projects. He also served on the board of directors of a hospice and a Kiwanis Club. He was a church elder, 32nd degree Mason and in the North Carolina Society of Colonial Wars. Red Austermann wrote to tell me that USPS has returned the recent Christmas card he sent. It appears he made a mistake in addressing the card and left out “Oak” in Drive. Besides the holiday best wishes, he mentioned that he was happy to report they were spared the ravishes of the recent California wildfires caused by Santa Ana winds, aka Devil Winds, and extremely dry conditions. They are very fortunate to be located in a non-wildfire prone area. Scary stuff nevertheless, even watching on television. Drought plus winds, as the last rain occurred last May. And it goes without saying that it was a long, hot, dry summer and autumn, too. Red sent belated holiday greetings and best for the newly arrived year. Alice Magee answered my phone call to tell me that she was getting ready to write me a note. My phone call saved her the effort. She had her knee replaced, and it was very successful, so she is planning to have the other knee replaced to be as good as new. She still loves her gardening, and she is now getting 2018-Issue 2

help with the heavier work. I am closing with the discovery of the identity of our age group! We are “seenagers” (senior teenagers). I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 55-60 years later. I don’t have to go to school or work. I get an allowance every month. I have my own iPad. I don’t have a curfew. I have a driver’s license and my own car. I have an ID that gets me into bars and the wine store. I like the wine store best. The people I hang around with are not scared of getting pregnant; they aren’t scared of anything. They have been blessed to live this long, so why be scared? And I don’t have acne. Life is good! Also, you will feel much more intelligent after reading this if you are a seenager. Brains of older people are slow, because they know so much. People do not decline mentally with age; it just takes them longer to recall facts, because they have more information in their brains. Scientists believe this also makes you hard of hearing, as it puts pressure on your inner ear. Also, older people often go to another room to get something, and when they get there, they stand there wondering what they came for. It is not a memory problem; it is nature’s way of making older people do more exercise. So there! Keep in touch. Your brother rat, Jim

1953

William C. Noell Jr.

Brother Rats and Our Class Widows, By the time that you read these class notes, our 65th Reunion will have come and gone. I certainly hope that we have a great turnout. We hope we will have a good number of our BRs’ widows at the reunion representing our BRs who have passed on. To encourage this, the class is taking care of the registration fee for our widows. It might be interesting to know that, at this time, our mailing list is 123 long, with 44 being widows. There are a few widows for whom we do not have addresses, and a few have also moved to the

heavens above. As for email, we have only 52 on our class master list, which includes both BRs and widows. As for text and Facebook, I leave all that for Judy. Although it is a long way off, our next BR get-together will be in April 2019 for the Richmond and beyond ’53 lunch. It is regretful that I now have to advise those who did not receive my email that BR Jack Townes died the second week of January from a fall in his garage onto the concrete floor. He was at home in White Stone and was taken to MCV in Richmond. Jack died within a week. The services were held at Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock the following Saturday, which was well attended with a full church. Judy and I attended, along with Parker Cross sitting with us up front and Bobby and Keith Miller behind us. Ann Goddard, Spider and Bruce Evans, Fluggie Moore, and Jim Morris were there, as was Jim Wiley ’52, who Bill, Pete and I roomed above our rat year. He was always “getting our attention” with the broom handle in contact with their ceiling. Bob Powell ’63 was also there, who is a friend of Will Allison and also originally from Warrenton. Warren and Win Koontz were not able to make it due to family company that weekend. A very nice reception was held at the local country club, which was packed. The abundance of fried oysters served were excellent, and Meredith noted that Jack would be appalled if oysters were not served. Many years ago, Judy and I attended an oyster roast at Jack and Meredith’s and another time met them with Keith and Bobby at a restaurant on the Rappahannock River just outside of White Stone. My memory fails me as to who else was there, although I have an idea but do not want to be inaccurate. Meredith was Jack’s Ring Figure date, and her picture appears in our Bomb with the pictures of some of the ladies of our BRs. We also lost our BR and head cheerleader, Art Moncrief, back in November in Texas. At the time, he was no longer on his beloved ranch at Flatonia but was under the care of hospice in the Houston hospital. There, Susan told him goodbye after many years of suffering with medical problems. I talked to Susan after the services and was advised that there was a very large 55

Class Notes turnout for Art. After all, he was very active in local affairs down there. I received a very nice note card from Susan saying she is planning on coming to our 65th. If you recall, Art brought his nephew, Weston Gloger ’19, for his initial visit to VMI on his chartered plane for our 60th Reunion. I was able to recruit Weston for the Institute that weekend, and he has done well and made Art proud. Parker and I both had a conversation with Bob Andrews out in Denver about coming to the reunion and saying a short message at the class memorial service. He lost his wife about four years ago but now has a very good friend, Rita, sharing a lot of life with him. However, Rita has been having some serious medical problems, such at the time being he does not think he is going to be able to leave her to come to the reunion. He had hoped to come to the reunion with his son, who is in the Class of ’77. After 55 years, Bob has finally retired from being a minister in the Episcopal Church. In January, Warren Koontz held a meeting of some BRs at his home in Cedarfield in Richmond to set up a telephone call program for the 65th. Warren and Win served us a very nice lunch. Our class mailing list was divided up between Warren, Spider Evans, Bill Atwill, Reed Johnson and me, so all should have received a telephone call about the 65th from one of the above BRs. Reed and Vivian, Judy and I, and Warren and Win had dinner at a local Mexican restaurant before we headed back to Lexington. Bill’s wife, Agnes, was sick that night, so Bill did not join us, and Spider and Bruce already had plans due to a date change for the meeting. Just before Christmas, Judy and I spent the evening with Betty Woodward, along with her son and his wife, Bill and Leslie Woodward ’92, and her grandson, Will Woodward ’18, at the house they recently purchased here in Lexington at 502 S. Main Street. Before they purchased it, it was a bedand-breakfast owned by a member of the Class of ’74 and is diagonally across from the old Mayflower Hotel (now an assisted living home), where we had a couple of our early reunions. Bill and Leslie live in northern Virginia and expect some day to retire 56

to this home here in Lexington. An email from Terry Davis noted that they sat with Betty Woodward and Bruce and Nancy Gottwald ’54 at the Institute Society Dinner in November, along with some others – they being the only ’53 representatives. When you read these notes, two BR grandchildren will be getting ready to graduate from the Institute May 16: Henry Atwill ’18 and Will Woodward ’18. On a January weekend, Judy and I were at the fast-paced, great VMI versus The Citadel basketball game, which VMI won. Afterward, we had a great and fun dinner in town with two VMI couples and about eight VMI cadets ranging from rats to 2nds, then adjourned to our house with one couple from Williamsburg for wine by the fire. In regard to attendance to our reunion, an email from Bob Cheatham said that he was definitely coming and would be there for Sunday’s gathering. Some of his kids may come with him from South Carolina to do the driving, but right now, April is too far away to make those definite plans. Jack Trigg and Elizabeth are coming from Birmingham, and they are visiting Elizabeth’s daughter and family in Lynchburg while in Virginia. Bob recently talked to Goose McClung in Savannah. Goose said he is not going to be able to make it. Bob said that Goose is on a walker these days and has a hard time getting around. Parker talked with Dabney Coleman via telephone, who said he would not make it to the reunion this time, as he has trouble traveling these days. And from Foy Braswell: “I wish we could come, but I am one of the wounded warriors. I could send my 10-pound service dog in my place. He is a designer dog – Maltipoo (half poodle and half Maltese).” Elizabeth and Wes Gray plan to attend from Maryland, but he will have to set up dialysis appointments while he is in Lexington, which certainly can be done. And lastly, our two adopted rats for this year made it through the Rat Line and Breakout with flying colors and are now 4th Class cadets. This is great, as I wrote letters of recommendation to the Institute for their admissions applications: Kyle Donnley ’21 from Texas and Henry Gaston ’21 from Williamsburg. Now that they are out of the

Rat Line, we will be able to spend more time with them, and it will be easier to get them out for a meal with us over the next three years. It is nice that we also know their parents very well. Institute trivia: Ring Figure these days is somewhat different from ours back in 1951. It no longer takes place on the Friday night before Thanksgiving, as the Corps is on furlough then, but on another selected November weekend. We wore our white mess jackets with the old straight pants, and today, they wear the coatee and bring back out the white ducks. We were able to get the entire class with dates into the dance formation in Cocke Hall – I would guess in the range of 400. However, today they hold the dance in the Hall of Valor of the Center for Leadership and Ethics building, and the cadets and their dates must stand in line outside of the building awaiting their appointed time to enter. Last November, the line came out to the front of Smith Hall and wrapped around in front of the building almost to Moody Hall. It was quite a cold night for the ladies to be standing outside in their white dresses – not sure what they will do on a rainy night. It seems now there is not a requirement for all the ladies to have a bundle of red roses for the dance. The receiving of the rings by the class members is quite a ceremony these days – one that we did not have. There is now a ceremony in Cameron Hall with parents in attendance where the class members are seated then process on to the stage and receive their rings from the superintendent – kind of like the graduation ceremonies. After the Ring Figure ceremony, the class leaves for parties and motel rooms in town for the night or weekend; of course, they do not have Saturday morning classes like we had or the late night stick check that cost many of our BRs penalty tours our Ring Figure night, later resulting in the great stepoff. This is one case where the Old Corps, in regard to the Ring Figure dance, was better, being able to be in the greatly decorated, larger Cocke Hall. This is since the entire class was able to be inside dancing to a big band selected by our committee, playing the “VMI Waltz” (written for VMI by a band leader, Johnny Long) and proceeding through four arches to receive our rings from VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Company C right behind Buddy and Company B. (We have not been able to obtain a printable copy of the photo.) Bill says it was the best inaugural parade ever. The RTD’s title for the photo was something like, “Life’s Embarrassing Moments.” Anyone ever heard of the Kingdom of Edisonia? Well, I got an email from a J.M. Perry Archer princess of Edisonia, Sue Mattox (wife of Alvah, prince consort). Sue was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida. Thomas Edison wintered there, and Sue’s home adjoined the back side of the Edison Estate. Harvey Firestone gave Edison a 4-foot-tall Greetings, Brother Rats, Banyan tree in 1925. Henry Ford and FireConditions continue to be interesting in stone became interested in Banyan trees Houston. Shirley and I are still in a leased as a way to produce rubber to combat the home while we wait to move back into our rising price of rubber used for automobile Harvey-flooded home. Repairs are protires. That Banyan tree now covers 1 acre ceeding in fits and starts. Our contractor Class of 1954: Ray and June Helmer. of the Edison Estate! The trees grow in is a small, beautiful Persian woman who is a way that produce a thick forest of roots the mother of our cardiologist. She’s been (which grow upward) and branchin the business for 26 years and is es (which grow downward). The wonderful. The cardiologist told resulting forest or jungle was Sue’s us in October that he had “a relaplayground with friends. The City tive” who is a contractor and the of Fort Myers created the mystiowner of Veranda Homes. Shirley cal and magical realm of Edisocalled and was told that Veranda nia with pageants. Royalty was would meet with us, and the time elected from high school boys and and date were set. Somehow, we girls, and Sue became a princess were not told that the cardioloof Edisonia and eligible to particigist’s mother owned the Veranda pate and ride on a float at halftime outfit and was the contractor. Imagine our surprise when a Mer- Class of 1954: Bob and Mari MacGregor with Gary Oldman of in the Orange Bowl, no less. Edisonia still exists in Fort Myers. cedes SUV pulled into our drive- “Darkest Hour.” Another story from Sue conway and this diminutive woman cerns World War II and pilot trainees at dressed to the nines emerged and walked Buckingham Air Force Base. Her family toward Shirley. We had expected a burly and other Fort Myers families housed these male who would be the contractor for the young folks rent-free while they were at rebuilding of our house. So much for asBuckingham. Sue’s grandfather owned a sumptions. We will be moving back in, drugstore, and the soldiers were always welready or not, soon. (I started to say, “Come comed to enjoy the soda fountain, also free hell or high water.” Please, no!) of charge. America and its people – the best. Tommy Williamson sent a clipping I received Christmas greetings from Bob months ago from the Richmond TimesMcGregor. Bob is still busy with the busiDispatch issue of Jan. 14, 1954. On that ness of the Caux Round Table, traveling the date was the inauguration of Virginia Gov. world to spread the doctrine of moral capiThomas B. Stanley, and the VMI Corps talism. He and wife Mari recently celebrated was one of the marching units. The clipping the 62nd anniversary of their wedding. Bob showed an unidentified VMI cadet’s hat that is without a doubt the busiest man in our had been blown off and lay on the street. A class, with the possible exception of Ray parade watcher fetched it. We were just told Helmer. Bob appears in Lebanon, Egypt, by Bill Schubmehl that it was Buddy HubClass of 1954: Bob and Mari MacGregor. Berlin (Germany), at the Wittenberg Center bard’s hat. Bill was carrying the guidon to our dates – for some of us, from our fiancées, many of whom received a miniature. The classes being much larger these days does complicate and crowd the flow of the Ring Figure dance.

1954

2018-Issue 2

Class Notes Regatta circumnavigating Ausfor Global Ethics, at Martin Lutralia for about five weeks, with ther’s church in Germany, at Hillsmany stops. They met their son, dale College in the U. S., and on George, and his family in Perth. and on, working to strengthen Grandson Joe was playing private enterprise and principled on the U.S. under-24 ultimate business leadership. More power Frisbee team in a weeklong Into him. He and Mari even met ternational Ultimate Frisbee Gary Oldman, the great actor Tournament. Eighteen teams, appearing as Winston Churchill 18 countries. What a trip. Joe’s in the film, “Darkest Hour.” team won gold! Ray Helmer is a professional Ollie Hux wrote that 2017 was engineer and is blowing and goa good year – no problems with ing with the ardent help of his health for him and Mary. They are wife, June. He continues to tesalso in close proximity to most of tify as an expert and consult in their immediate family with good litigation concerning engineering Class of 1954: A postcard created by Wendle Snapp. visits from those farther away, a matters in several states. He is daughter and son-in-law from Seregistered in Texas and Ohio and attle and a visit from a goddaughhas been an expert in the planter and husband and their children. ning, designing and construction Al Mattox has recently been of large projects for more than blessed with three new great50 years. Roy Alexander and I grandkids. had lunch with Ray some years Lastly, from our great Bill ago. Of special interest to us Ralph, gone but never forgotten: as flood victims is his expertise “A little boy was walking along concerning levee systems and the beach throwing starfish into the probability of recurrence of the ocean, because when the flooding in areas of Houston. sun came out the heat would kill He is urging immediate action them. A man came along and in Houston now. Two recent told him that there were so many letters of warning to the editor starfish that he would not be able of the lone major newspaper in Houston, the Houston Chroni- Class of 1954: Mud White and Jock Wheeler with Cadet Chase to make a difference. The boy picked up another starfish and cle, have gone unpublished and Orrell ’19, Jock’s grandson. threw into the sea and said, ‘It unanswered. Like Bob MacGregor, Ray is busy helping altruistically. Virgin Islands. George, in business, was made a difference to him!’” And by the way, Bob MacGregor and Ray with the Bell System and did consulting. Helmer both played rat football. (I was cut He was instrumental in the early use of video filming for folks to use for perforafter the first day.) I received cards or letters from John mance feedback and skill development and Read Hanmer Botjer, my VMI roommate; Ed Garbee; improvement which was followed by its use Tom Kane; Rhea and Wendle Snapp; Ray in the entire Bell System. He also taught the Helma, George Wood, Billy Kingery; Al program in the evening college of Johns and Sue Mattox; Jack Tiller; “Mud” and Hopkins. Rest in peace, George. Thank you for the input, reflected below, I received another original Christmas Fran White; Casey Ford; Grace Webb; and Ollie Hux. Sorry if I omitted anyone. card from Wendle Snapp depicting his art. for these class notes. It’s sometimes a drag to Casey Ford wrote a letter about George Wendle is continuing to make and paint toy get y’all motivated to provide me with news Ford. She related George’s love for sail- soldiers. He gave a set of The Citadel pipe and events to write about. We here in Falls Church have, at least so far, avoided any reing (he even earned a captain’s license), and drums to a Citadel friend. Billy Kingery commiserated in his Christ- ally bad weather, but the flu situation has kept and lived on a 52-foot Chris Craft named “Reasonable Adventures.” He and Rhea mas card concerning Houston’s flooding. Lois and me close to home. I hate to admit it, also did “barefoot chartering” (boutique Fran and Mud White wrote from Down but I was glad to see the Eagles win the Super sailing, catamaran, monohull, etc.) in the Under. They were on a trip on the MS Bowl. Now that the Patriots’ winning streak

1955

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes has been broken, maybe there is a chance for the Redskins to move up the ladder. What follows below is a summary of the input I received for this edition of the class notes. I’m afraid they convey mostly bad news, but I guess that will be the standard from now on, as we old farts continue to age. Remember, you can be sure of reaching your classmates by sending tidbits to me. Mark your calendars now to get ready for the next iteration of class notes (summer 2018). Bob Bancroft sent in the following: “I just completed eight weeks (40 sessions) of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. I’m hoping for a good outcome. Each weekday for two months, it was ‘be table-ready’ at 10:15 a.m. That meant shed the shoes and pants and wear a gown so that the technicians could see my three tattoos and line me up with the radiation device to start treatment for about 10 minutes. I tried not to lose my sense of humor through it all and commented near the end of the treatment that I thought it was maybe sad that this was the first time in 84 years that I experienced two young ladies both pulling on my underwear at the same time. They tolerated my attempt at humor, but I am glad that I didn’t make the comment at the inception of the treatment series. I trust you and Lois are doing well.” In a separate note, Bob filled me in on the whereabouts of Dave Woolwine. I had lost touch when Dave and Barb moved to Mandeville, Louisiana, to be near their children. Bob says Dave’s phone number is 850-2065718. Give him a call. Bob Timms recently moved back to Virginia Beach. He is looking forward to hearing from you: 757-630-1155. I received notice from Mariah Reed, Walt’s daughter, informing me that Walt died. Mariah wrote, “Dad was in no pain and he was surrounded his loving family. He was extremely proud to have been an alumnus of VMI. He spoke very fondly of his friends there.” This from Tom Williamson: “Read, when I go to fitness class at the retirement center, I am amused to think how different fitness class is now from 65 years ago. At the end, I go to the most difficult of machines, the scales. And again, the years have made a big difference. But I am fortunate to still be 2018-Issue 2

moving. Best wishes to all, Tom.” Thanks, Tom. I, too, find it difficult to replicate the years gone by. I’m in biweekly exercise classes held at a local retirement home. The exercises are not terribly difficult, but at least they keep me active. Ron Bryan said he read in the Richmond Times-Dispatch of the death of our Brother Rat Frank Beale. Ron noted that Frank did four years at the Institute but didn’t graduate. Ron and Nita attended the Institute Society Dinner in November along with Larry and Boots Price. Ron noted that Tom and Margaret Tait had to cancel due to some trouble with Tom’s eyes. Ronnie and Ann Albrecht also had to cancel. Ron noted that “the ranks are getting thinner.” Bill Shea, upon hearing of Frank Beale’s death, wrote, “I’m saddened to hear of Frank’s death. He was one of about nine other roommates that this Yankee from Brooklyn, New York, had. It was a pleasure to have known him.” I received notice that Nick Goetzinger died in November. Per Nick’s obituary, he graduated from Marmion Academy, Aurora, Illinois, with the class of 1951. Nick then attended Virginia Military Institute and later received his degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois. He worked as a chemist for more than 25 years before becoming a self-employed businessman. Nick married Natalie Eckle Jan. 29, 1955, in Aurora, Illinois. She preceded him in death April 3, 2002. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Carthage, Missouri. Rest in peace, Nick. Also among the recently departed: Robert Alexander “Bob” Harris III of Kinsale, Virginia, formerly of Charlottesville, died Oct. 8, 2017. He was born in 1934 at a Richmond hospital to the late Robert A. Harris Jr. and Virginia Cockrell Harris of Kinsale. He graduated with honors from RandolphMacon Academy in 1951 and from Virginia Military Institute in 1955, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. A lifelong baseball fan, he played second base for both schools. After brief service in the U.S. Army, he went to work for what was then Virginia Electric and Power Company, retiring in 1992. He was a member of Cople Episcopal Parish, where he served on the vestry. He also served on the

board of The Kinsale Foundation and was the longtime treasurer of Cople District Volunteer Fire Department. A note from Bob Ragan alerted me to the death of his wife, Gail, Dec. 10, 2017. Joe Cestaro provided the following note: Gail died from complications of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Bob first met Gail in his early years at the Institute. It was love at first sight, and they were married for 62 years. For the last few years, Gail resided in a memory care facility in Annapolis, Maryland, where Bob spent most of his time. Bob plans to continue his residency in their Annapolis home for the present time. On Jan. 6, 2018, a memorial service was held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Gail’s daughter, Kathy, gave a remarkable remembrance talk about her mother. Joe said he was able to attend the burial service, along with Tommy Barrett and his wife, Jean. Yet some more deaths in the family. Rudi Ansbacher died Jan. 3, 2018, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Rudi earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from VMI in 1955, and Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia Medical School in 1959. I have an extensive bio on Rudi, which I will forward to those interested. Bill Grieg informed me that Walter Reed died in December. Walt and Loli had moved from California about a year ago and were living in Sun City, Florida. Walt had requested a military funeral at a military cemetery, so the funeral was to be in February. Bill said he last spoke with Walt just before the hurricane. Wayne Allyn Jones Sr., 82, died Nov. 23 at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, New York, after a prolonged illness. Wayne was a man of honor and humor who enjoyed the deer and birds of New York state, American history, Republican politics, the King James Bible, classical opera and home-cooked meals. Wayne graduated ninth in the Class of 1955 at the Virginia Military Institute as a civil engineer. He studied as a scholar graduate student at Cornell University and was a first lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers. His fellow students wrote of him: “Wayne is one of those boys who sets goals for himself and doesn’t cease working until 59

Class Notes he has attained it. He always has a word of encouragement for his friends, and his diligence is an example for all.” Wayne credited VMI with instilling the character that made his life so successful. Lastly, I have been notified of the death of Al Shattuck. I will send more info when I get it. One final note: Ann Segar notified me of the Jan. 24 baptism of Anna James Oelschlager, granddaughter of J.O. Atkinson (deceased) and Lois Atkinson. Ann Segar was the lay reader and Chalicer for the service and read the baptismal prayers. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to sign off. My thanks to all of you who took the time to write to me so that I may “spread the word” on our class’ comings and goings. Yours in the bonds, Read

1956

Richard M. Smith

Trinity United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia. Their sons, John and Charles, did an outstanding job of eulogizing their mother to the large congregation. There were many VMI graduates present, along with the ones representing our Class of 1956: The Belshas, Hesleps, Nelsons, Motsy Foster, Bill Lamb and Irene Myers. The year 2017 was not a very good year for our class, as we lost five BRs. A group of BRs and wives, widows, and friends met at our favorite restaurant, Brios, in Richmond’s Stoney Point Fashion Park. The outing was organized by Betty Mann and attended by the Hesleps, Manns, Motsy Foster, Doug Gottwald, Bill Lamb and Irene Myers. Information received from a conversation with Bob Brickner led to Bill Lamb being the honored guest, since it turned out to be his 83rd birthday. During our conversation, Brickner pointed out to me that of those classmates who had become millionaires and contributed so much to VMI, none were ranked cadets but all were privates in the Corps. I received the following from Bob Morecock: “All is well here after an interesting health year. My bride, Betty Jo, had her aortic heart valve replaced in May. Did not open her chest but did it through her arteries. A few days later, our daughter drove us up to Virginia Tech to B.J.’s 60th class reunion. Then she took our car back to Richmond, and our youngest grandson (28) drove up to bring us back. B.J. is doing fine now, and she really enjoyed her

After receiving many Christmas cards from all of you, I feel my efforts to keep the class up to date on events as best I can are worth the time. One of the interesting cards came from Larry Miller, who is a prolific writer. His and Betty’s travels the past year took them to most interesting places. On a Christmas Day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego, they were fascinated watching a cargo container next to them passing through the locks of the Panama Canal 30 feet below them. A summer trip up the Oregon coast took them to the Air and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, to see the Howard Hughes Spruce Goose, along with other vintage aircraft and space vehicles. This Christmas, they were having the family all with them at home. On Jan. 15, 2018, I attended a beautiful memorial service honoring the life of Lane Dickinson, Class of 1956: Bob Brickner’s medals. widow of Amos Dickinson, at 60

reunion. Later in the summer, we were at our Stafford County home, and I developed pneumonia and was hospitalized. They checked my heart and said I wouldn’t make it, so they sent me home (Stafford) on oxygen by ambulance in hospice care. I got things organized with my wife and children and changed my primary residence to Stafford and waited. Turns out they were premature, and since I seemed to be improving, hospice finally said if I wanted out of hospice, I could leave or I could stay in. I said I would leave, and I have moved back to our Mattaponi home. I am doing well for the most part. In March, B.J. and I have been married 60 years, so we are looking forward to that event. I feel good but have difficulty moving around. I fell in the yard a week or so ago and was unable to get up, but some neighbors got me on my feet. Bloody nose and bruises, but I am now OK. I think of you guys often and am sorry to see so many losses in our class. I hope all are enjoying life these days, as I am. Hope you and yours are well. Yours in the spirit, Bob Morecock.” Bob Morris reported the following: “Dick, most of us are getting old. We do not go out as much as we used to, we are not having babies that we know of, we are not doing so many exciting activities as before and we don’t want to bore everyone with reports of our grand and great-grandchildren. Maybe we could do something a bit different, like give an update on people still alive – with permission, of course, tell where a BR lives, telephone number, health situation, a picture and/or memory of the past at VMI. Perhaps you could pick out five so that we do not hear from the same people all of the time. You have a tough job. Thanks for your representation and all that you do and try to do. Bob Morris.” Larry Miller responded that he and Betty were in Mazatlán (wherever that is) enjoying the sun and beach on their 58th anniversary. I called J.P. Moore to check on his status and give him an update on the class since he doesn’t have VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes a computer. His family had him move into an assisted living place, since they were afraid he might die and no one would know it with him living by himself. His mental state is as sharp as ever, but like most of us now, he has trouble making all of the body parts function properly. I told him I was using a cane most of the time to make it easier to balance myself. He was surprised to learn of Lane Dickinson’s passing, since he always thought a lot of her, especially putting up with Amos. He said he hoped he would be around for the next reunion. I received a response from Bill Alexander after my request for information to include in my upcoming Alumni Review report. He and daughter Lorie were in Charleston last fall for the VMI versus The Citadel football game and missed seeing many BRs. He is in excellent health and plays 18 holes of golf, walking several times a week. He enjoys five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. There is now a Western North Carolina VMI Alumni Chapter in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He has gotten to see Jack Myers and wife Betsy there. They planned to get together at the Southern Conference basketball tournament in Asheville in March. Bill invites any BRs to join him for golf at the Hendersonville Country Club. I received a call from Bill Nelson, who had talked with Jim Stephens recently. As reported some time ago, Jim had a severe heart attack and is having difficulty recovering. He and Bill were roommates at VMI, and he is able to talk without difficulty to Jim. Jim was very successful in the antique business as well as real estate transactions. He would like to dispose of some of his antiques if any of our BRs or wives are interested. Bill is planning to take Jim on a short trip soon, and I suggested he bring him out to my place on Lake Gaston. I have some antiques I would like to get an appraisal on from Jim. I received a nice note from Hop Graham saying he and Sug would like to say hello to all of our BRs. “This past year, we really slowed down and feel our age. We sold our motor home and stopped traveling. Since 1992, we have been all over this country, 2018-Issue 2

stopping one or two times yearly in Lexington to go to a parade. VMI is a special place for us. We really enjoy our family and getting together. We had two grandsons marry last year and will have one this year. Hope to add to our family.” Here’s wishing you all a pleasant spring and summer. Yours in the spirit, Dick

1957

George Sydnor Jr.

Howard Lawrence

“All the news that is fit to print” – read only what is of interest to you. As your class agents, we appreciate your feedback and suggestions very much, and we solicit your assistance to gather and send news and photos of you and your family and our classmates. You are all class reporters. Special thanks to Ben Elmore, Garland Sullivan and Milt Hargrave for their good reporting for this issue. The statewide mania revolving around Civil War statues seems to have abated as of this report. VMI, the nation’s oldest statesupported military college, proud of its history, stands resolute reaffirming its position as adopted last fall by the superintendent and the VMI Board of Visitors. VMI remains committed to its policies that are fair and just, policies that emphasize tolerance and respect of all people. Gone, but not forgotten: Since the previous ’57 class notes, taps sounded for Gene Smith, Doug Talbot, Tom Ayres and, just recently, Frank Gilmore. As is our custom, Dick Collier has forwarded our class memorial gift to the Foundation in each of their memories. We celebrate the lives of all these brother rats. Each lived long and meaningful

lives of achievement and happiness. We will remember them, and those that passed before, until the “last BR standing.” A call from Tom Vaughan gave us the sad news that his beloved Brenda died in midJanuary from complications arising from injuries suffered in an accident at their home in mid-December. Tom, our hearts go out to you for your tragic loss with the untimely passing of Brenda. Please note that the deadlines for the quarterly class notes and that of obituary news for the Taps section of the Alumni Review do not coincide, so it is possible that the obituary news may lag an issue behind that of the class news. Tiger Locke, on the passing of roommate Lynn Meyer, shared an event that occurred at one point of our cadetship, likely our 1st Class year. “The Texans caused quite a stir by raising the Texas flag on the state flagpole to celebrate Texas Independence Day. Needless to say, the Corps and the administration were quite upset. During the ensuing confusion, I was fortunate enough to get a picture of the flag flying proudly that morning at Breakfast Roll Call and sent it to my stepfather, who happened to be the state editor of our local (Bristol) newspaper. He put it on The Associated Press wire (no Facebook in those days), and it went viral all over the U.S. In admiration of this great feat, Lynn was brash enough to recommend me for honorary membership in the Texas Club, upon which I was duly elected. Keeping in

Class of 1957: Edie and Bob Fiske with Carl and Mary LeBourdais at their outing on St. Simon’s Island. 61

Class Notes Not to be outdone, we had a mind I had been a former Okie Christmas greetings letter from Al and later resident of Big Stone Baumgartner with many family Gap, I could only say: Now, is that pictures and a litany of notable real friendship or what?” events of the year, not the least of Joe Spivey wrote about a visit which was the celebration of his with Big John Quillen. “Ann and and Carolyn’s 60th anniversary I were down in east Tennessee last fall. In the family celebration recently and took the occasion to gathering picture was grandson go see John and Judy (Judy was Brandon Naughton ’03. Al finAnn’s suitemate at Mary Washished the note saying, “We are still ington). We spent two days visitupright and taking nourishment.” ing, talking about VMI; Fort Sill; Christmas cards and other greetartillery; our roomies, Moody ings were received from Skip and St. George; etc. Both Big John and Judy have had continu- Class of 1957: Carmen and Nick Kallelis at breakfast some- Richardson, bearing gifts of Viring medical issues over the last where between Greenland and Nova Scotia during their ad- ginia peanuts, not for consumpventure cruise. tion by weight watchers; Patti few years but keep their senses of Hammond with pictures of famhumors in spite of the ‘adversities ily celebrating her 80th birthday of the day.’ John is still a veritaat the Jenny Lake Lodge in the ble encyclopedia of baseball lore Grand Teton National Park; Joan and follows politics and national Atkeson, indicating all was well events. He continues to enjoy in Monterey; and Sonja and Jay his cigar, which he lights with Musser sent kudos to the dynamkitchen matches. I offered to buy ic duo of George and Howard. him a BIC, but he prefers the old (Jay must be smoking something fashioned way of doing business.” imported from Colorado?) Paul Phillips is a regular email A recent email from Garland correspondent and always an Sullivan brought us up to date upbeat guy. He wrote that last on Mo Levine. “After VMI, Mo August, he had surgery on his earned his Doctor of Medicine back with remarkably beneficial degree and then spent 21 years results. An added benefit came in the Army Medical Corps with in the form of spouse Ann, who assignments from Walter Reed took over as captain of the “PhilArmy Hospital to Vietnam and lips ship,” doing so well that Paul decided to “retire” so as to better Class of 1957: The Spivey clan at the Greenbrier celebrating Europe. During this time, he atthe 60th wedding anniversary of Joe and Ann. tained the rank of colonel. Followfocus on his passion of politics, ing his military career, Mo joined sending out a daily stream of the faculty at the Georgia School of Mediemails. Paul was glad to report that family cine in Augusta, teaching bright young men came in shortly after the surgery to help him and women how to be doctors. Brother Rat and Ann celebrate their 60th wedding anniMo Levine is now busy trying to retire. He versary around Sept. 1. and Sister Rat Cindy have made several trips Speaking of 60th wedding anniversaries, abroad in recent years, and they still would Ann and Joe Spivey recently celebrated their like to do a little more traveling. I have sug60th the first weekend of February at the gested they make their way to Lexington via Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Augusta, GeorThe event had been planned in sworn secrecy gia. We’ll have to see if my sales pitch works. by their sons, Jake Spivey ’85, Tim Spivey ’86 Mo told me that one of his prized students, and Tom Spivey ’89, as a gift for their mom an orthopedic surgeon, practices here in Hatand dad. The gift also included an album of tiesburg, so that is one more reason for him well-wishes, congratulatory letters and variClass of 1957: Carl LeBourdais and Bob to take the southerly route from Colorado to ous pictures from BRs, family, colleagues and Fiske at the aviary on St. Simon’s Island. Virginia. And, look at it this way, Mo may others (aka outsiders). 62

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes be the only doctor we will ever get a second opinion from at no charge.” Howard had an interesting conversation with Jay Long, who recalled his days in the Air Force during which he flew in the legendary B-52 bomber as an electronics defense officer. Jay suggested that Howard, and any of us, read “Tanker Pilot” about how our Air Force and those of our allies so depend on in-flight refueling. Garland also had a phone conversation with Ted Fletcher, who is retired from AT&T and lives with his wife, Evelyn, in Morristown, Pennsylvania. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Go to the head of the class on this one, Ted. Our congratulations to you and Evelyn. Ted noted that it was all originated by our late BR Roy Hammond, who set up their blind date, and the rest is history. Ted reported, “The busiest time of my life was the week I was graduated from VMI, got married and bought a car!” After completing Basic Infantry Officer Course and Jump School, he went to work for AT&T. Ted and Evelyn have three children, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Garland continued that Ben Elmore and Damaris are happy as larks in Pensacola, retired on the bay and living next door to PGA golfer Jerry Pate. It will be interesting to see if Ben, the ultimate charmer and conman, takes up the game in hopes of getting a complimentary lesson from Pate. Ben has a big spread on the bay and runs specials on renting a room and bath for the weekend. And the BR discount is ...? It seems that Ben likes the idea of contacting brother rats who were not at our 60th Reunion and who have not been in touch for some time. As Howard Lawrence and George Sydnor have suggested, it would be good to have a small team of BRs contact those whom we need to check on, let them know we are thinking about them and hope they are receiving the quarterly Alumni Review and the monthly Institute Report. Anyone, please send a list of BRs for Ben and us to look over and select a few names to call. Those we have in mind are Dave Davenport, Lew Diuguid, Charlie Jenkins and Phil Miller. Others we need to hear from are Bob Rader, Jerry Harden, Vic Wolf, Larry 2018-Issue 2

Wise and many others who have been off our radar in recent times. Please email or phone us about yourselves. As an example, Ben has been diligent in his work trying to contact Bob “R.K.” Hall. After numerous phone queries, Ben discovered that Bob is living in an assisted living facility near Seattle, Washington. If we gather more information, we will pass it on. He also learned that Dave Davenport has moved to Arizona. His new address will be added to our class address list with the Alumni Agencies. Jim Rust, who lives nearby, sent his best wishes to the class. Even after a number of “repairs and maintenance” surgeries, Jim is in good spirits and “gets around OK with the assistance of his walking stick.” And, though Jim had just received our birthday greeting card, he would not mention the number of birthdays he has celebrated. A greeting from Charlie Smith acknowledged that wife Betsy was responsible for his being able to “function in a normal way, takes good care of him and makes sure he comes out each day not looking like a clown.” We also enjoyed the Christmas card and family picture from Ed Powell, who said it was good to see many of us during the past year and hoped to be able to get together again soon. And thanks also to Dick Moore and wife Ginny for sending family pictures from 2017. Note to Dick: Do you have individual photos that you can send us? Holiday greetings from Carl and Mary LeBourdais and Bob and Edie Fiske, accompanied with a number of pictures of their recent outing together the first weekend of December at St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. Commented all, “We enjoyed quality time together, reminiscing about old times and taking in the history of the island.” Bob and Carl felt that their years at VMI developed their lasting friendship and the discipline they needed for future success. John St. George checks in from time to time. He most recently advised that he was in touch on a regular basis with Claiborne Coupland and Ben Wiggins who, by the way, continues to ply his trade in dentistry. A note from Bob Fravel said he and Connie were still in Port Clinton on Lake Erie

working overtime fishing and playing golf. They have six grandchildren and spend the winter months in Florida, where they have a second home on Lake June in Lake Placid on Marco Island, and they do the same thing there – fish and play golf. Tough duty for an “old man.” Bob stays in touch with his old roomies, Ken Dickinson and John Poffenbarger, and finds, to the surprise of no one, we have all slowed down. Bob closed his note inviting the ’57 BRs to drop in and visit, give him a call at (419) 602-7114. Nick Kallelis stays in touch on a regular basis. He remembered Gene Smith and the many “associations” he had with Gene at VMI. As it had been strangely reported and recorded that Gene died in 2001, we now realize that he had stayed so far below the radar screen for 16 years that we all thought he had experienced a mid-life reincarnation. But Nick ended with the comment that fake news started well before the Trump era. What we didn’t know about Gene was that he served as a lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers and in the Army Airborne. Following Army service, he pursued a career as a structural engineer involved in the designing and construction of massive early warning radar installations in locations ranging from Thule, Greenland, to Mexico. Structural engineering was followed by extensive work in the electronics industry involving radar defense and communication systems, specializing in microwave circuits and components. An email from Nick last fall told of his and Carmen’s cruise adventure following the seafaring adventures of the Vikings from Norway across the North Atlantic. Along the way, they visited the Faroe and Shetland Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and then across the Atlantic to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and then St. Lawrence to Quebec. The visits to Greenland and Quebec stood out as the highlights of the trip. They found the voyage both enjoyable and educational, noting that Greenland is four times the size of Texas but with a population of approximately 48,000 versus that of Texas’ 26 million – or less than two-thousandths as many inhabitants. Anyone who wants to pioneer in Greenland, now is your chance; check out its Homesteading Act before you go. 63

Class Notes We close with our continuing pitch to elicit your support for the Annual Fund. Many thanks to the 37 BRs and four SRs who stepped up to the plate with your contributions to our Class of ’57 Annual Fund solicitation during the first half (Dec. 31, 2017) of our fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2018. Our Annual Fund contributions go directly to help the cadets, of which some 80-plus percent require financial aid. Of that number, more than 60 percent graduate with outstanding student debt. Tuition is at a “blue zone” high level these days. Why? State support remains on a plateau of approximately 17 percent of VMI revenues, and alumni donate 25 percent, a vital number to the financial well-being of the Institute. Tuition, basically, must then fill the gap. Our Class of ’57 goal is to have 100 contributors this year, so you can see we still have a lot of work to do. Join our crusade now; put a check in the mail, and become one of our “team 100.” As you are well aware, your financial support is needed and crucial to VMI. Please give it serious thought, if you will. And so we close for now. Our best wishes for your continued health and happiness, and let us hear from one and all. You are a great class, and we are proud to serve you and the Institute. George and Howard

1958

Lee McCown

The new year brought melancholy of a high degree with the deaths of Bob Jordan Jan. 4, Staff Balderson Jan. 22 and Duke Johnston Feb. 15. Each was outstanding in his own way. I attended Bob’s service at his church in Radford, which was beautifully conducted by Bob and Diana’s son-in-law. Along with family photographs, Diana had materials on display that supported what Gene Grayson, who was the other BR there, and I believe to be a fact: Bob was one of the greatest athletes in VMI history. Bob kept 64

an astonishing number of telegrams and letters from professional football teams recruiting him – the Bears, the Browns, the Colts, the Eagles, the Forty Niners, the Lions and a Canadian team. The telegram from Canada said: “Calgary has Canadian rights to you. Do not sign NFL contract until contacted by us.” The one from Detroit said: “Are you interested in playing for the Detroit Lions? What is your draft classification, and how soon do you expect to be called into service?” According to Gene Grayson, Bob went into the Army for six months, which he spent at Fort Benning where he played football with teammates who included college All-Americans from around the country. Al Davis, the owner and coach of the Oakland Raiders, flew to Fort Benning to sign Bob as a punter, but the Army would not release him. When Bob did get out of the Army, he decided to return to Radford to work at the Radford Arsenal, where he spent his career. We all know about Bob’s football prowess: He scored all 14 points in our 1957 victory over what was then VPI on Thanksgiving Day in Roanoke. He could run, punt, receive and kick extra points and did all of those that day. He was also the captain of the VMI baseball team, and Gene believes if Bob’s father had not been transferred from Radford, Bob would have led their high school to a state basketball championship. In later life, he became a terrific golfer, shooting in the 70s and, need I say, a fine man in every other way. Rest in peace, Bob, and our best to Diana and the Jordan family. Bob was one of five of our BRs from Radford, including Gene, Bob Buckland, Howard Dean and Walter Leach. At the reception before the service, I met a high school classmate of our Radford BRs named Phil Hughes, who began his college years at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, later transferring to Virginia Tech. Phil remembered Walter coming to West Point with the VMI rifle team where they spent some enjoyable time together. Sam Witt, R.B. Barnes ’54 and I went to Virginia Beach for Staff Balderson’s service at his church. B.J. and Hunter Clarke,

Carolyn and Bill Harshaw, and Charlie Hayes also attended. Sam talked with Staff on the phone a few hours before his death, and Bill Harshaw was at his bedside when he died. Staff, Sam and Bill were roommates at VMI. Many of us at the service had been to Staff and Shelby’s wedding 58 years ago and reminisced about what a great event that was. The service was as upbeat as could be, with Staff’s loves of music, fine cooking and the English language all honored. Family was involved in Staff’s service, too, with his son, the Rev. Scott Balderson, doing the homily. Son John and daughter Ridgely also spoke about their father, and Bill Harshaw read scripture. Ridgely wrote Staff’s delightful obituary, which included some teasing about how he preferred “the great indoors.” She described Staff’s legacy as president of the Virginia Beach Friends of Music, where he arranged for the people of Tidewater to hear some of the great artists of the 20th century, including Emanuel Ax, pianist; James Galway, flutist; Frederica von Stade, mezzo soprano; and Yo Yo Ma, cellist. Rest in peace, Staff, and our best to Shelby and the Balderson family. On the day these class notes were due to VMI, we learned of the death of Duke Johnston, who had suffered from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Another great athlete in football and in track, company commander, and a great pilot in the Air Force. We will report more about Duke’s life in the next issue. Rest in peace, Duke, and our best to Annette and the Johnston family. Laura and I went to the inauguration of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ’81 and saw most of the Corps march, 1,000 strong. A sizable contingent from VMI is featured at every inauguration, but it was special to have a VMI graduate grant amnesty to the Corps, describing himself as “one of you.” Northam graduated with distinction in biology – he’s a pediatric neurosurgeon – and was 2nd Battalion commander and Honor Court president. He is an Army veteran who treated the wounded at a German base, I believe, during the Gulf War. In the background of the accompanying parade picture is a state-owned brick building that has special meaning for Peggy VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes where he can be cared for now and Jim Poteet: They lived there that he has Alzheimer’s. His adwhile Jim was in medical school dress is The Plaza at Waikiki, when it was the Richmond Ho1812 Kalakaua Avenue, #507, tel. It has been beautifully reHonolulu, HI 96815. It was instored inside and out and awaits teresting to learn that both Judy the Poteets’ inspection. and her husband graduated from Ernie Edgar served as commanVirginia Commonwealth Unidant when Northam was a cadet, versity here in our neighborhood and said, “Ralph was an outstandin the ’80s. ing cadet on my watch in Jackson Janice and Gates Sykes send Arch. Being governor is no easy task, but I expect great things of Class of 1958: Lee McCown and family watched the Corps march a Christmas letter that we alin the inauguration of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ’81. In the back- ways enjoy, and this one had him in Richmond.” Marching with the Corps that ground is a beautifully restored state building that was once the Janice’s vivid description of a Richmond Hotel, where Jim and Peggy Poteet lived when Jim was scare Gates experienced that put day in Company G was the re- in medical school. him in the hospital at the same cipient of our ’58 football scholtime as their granddaughter arship, Michael Tomaso ’21. and newborn great-grandchild, I managed to exchange a few who were busy with birth on a words with him in ranks before different floor. After a heart athe marched off, and he told me tack, Gates was transported to he was out of the Rat Line and the hospital in a dramatic way, solid academically. His mother and, Janice reported, “Gates says disclosed later that he had gothe has now completed one item ten a C in chemistry, which she on his bucket list. He has always wasn’t too impressed with until wanted to ride in a helicopter.” he told her it was one of the highGates has made a good recovery est grades in the class. Sounds like rat chemistry hasn’t changed Class of 1958: Inveterate traveler Sandy Yon’s memorable trip to from his stent surgery and is back South Korea in 2017 included a visit to the Demilitarized Zone, where to riding his bike and helping since we were there. their children with projects. The Richmond-area BRs had a No- her father once served. granddaughter and baby are fine. vember lunch at Mission BBQ, where paLorna and Ken Godfrey are keeping up trons stand each day at noon and sing the their longtime traveling habits. “As they national anthem. Standing that day were say, ‘getting old is not for sissies,’ but Lorna Dave Camper, Alex Clarke, Jack Cunand I are in pretty good shape for our age. ningham, Charlie Hayes, Onza Hyatt, Lee Spent February and March in Florida and McCown, Moon Menefee, Frank Norpart of August and September in Norway, vell, Paul Royer, Roland Tharpe, Stuart Sweden, Finland, Holland, Denmark, Whitehurst, Stirling Williamson and Jan Germany, Russia, etc. – 24 days! Too Woodman. Good food but a noise level much!” Despite that whirlwind, they also we old guys found hard to handle. Moon is visited California and Mexico for 18 days our organizer and has decided to return us in December. Keep it up, Godfreys! to our private room at Extra Billy’s, where Another inveterate traveler in our circle our waitress’ ancestor was Cpl. Samuel is Sandy Yon, whose Christmas letter deAtwill ’866, a cadet mortally wounded at scribed her 2017 adventures. “I took several New Market. trips, and they began with my third PanaJerry Paull reported some time ago that ma Canal cruise in February ... to finally, he and Karen had been invited to the Eastern after three previous attempts, visit CartaPanhandle Marine Corps birthday celebragena in Colombia. I had always wanted tion in Martinsburg, West Virginia. “I am to to see the old walled city, and I was not talk about my parachute jumps in Vietnam,” disappointed. In September, after several he said. Semper Fi, Jerry! Class of 1958: Sandy Yon at a Buddhist years of planning a trip and then having to I heard from Tom Smyth’s daughter, monastery in South Korea. cancel it, I finally made it to Alaska. Once Judy Stoots, that he has moved to a facility 2018-Issue 2

Class Notes again, I was not disappointed, and I really enjoyed the Inside Passage cruise and the train trip from Anchorage to Denali. “I came home and repacked my suitcase and headed back to Southeast Asia. I spent some time revisiting Shanghai and Suzhou, China, and over a week revisiting Tokyo and Kyoto, but the main reason for the trip was to tour some of South Korea. I thoroughly enjoyed the four days I spent in Seoul, along with a visit to the Demilitarized Zone ... because my father had been stationed there as an adviser to the Republic of Korea Army in the early 1960s. The highlight of the trip was a night spent sleeping on the floor on a thin pallet in a Buddhist monastery. Another highlight was experiencing a Category 5 typhoon while in Toba, Japan. I think this will probably be my last trip to Asia.” Sandy’s 2018 will see her on the Suez Canal, in Israel, Jordan and Egypt, then Paris and Normandy. She continues with her hospital and aquarium volunteering but is cutting down in order to finish her book, now up to 400 pages. Is Sandy the first person in our ’58 crowd to adopt a robotic cat, which meows, purrs, rolls over, sighs and closes his eyes to take a nap. She calls him “the purrfect pet.” Keep up that travel, Sandy, and thanks for staying in touch! Elaine and Frank Boeggeman’s Christmas greetings included this message: “We are hanging in there. Our granddaughter is currently in Jordan. She is in her senior year at American University studying Arabic and Middle Eastern culture. We can’t wait for her to come home safe and sound.” Some time ago, Laura and I found the name of our BR Maj. Herbert Hambly Butt Jr. on the Vietnam War Memorial. Herb was a history major from Williamsburg. It was a smoking hot afternoon, but there was still a big crowd, and as many of you know, it is a very moving experience. Herb was killed in action Jan. 29, 1968. On the way out, I’ll say that after a recent checkup, my doctor told me I was “the healthiest old man in his practice.” That’s good enough for me. Cheers, Lee 66

1959

Shep Shepard

I sent out a message that Sonny Eskridge could use a little cheering up. He had recently fallen and broke his ankle. I no sooner hit the send key when I received a message from Agnes Carter telling me Sonny died that very afternoon. He was still in the hospital when he died, and in addition to the fractured ankle, he had fluid in the lungs and heart. Agnes said Sonny was so proud of being a VMI graduate. Rusty Loth got flowers to the funeral, and Jim Sam Gillespie represented the class. Sonny’s daughter, Beth, told Agnes that Sonny was laid to rest wearing his VMI tie. Jackie Baxter wrote to tell me that Jim McFalls lost his son to cancer. I immediately called Jim, and he told me his son, Ryan, died from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Ryan lived in Los Angeles and was confined to a bed in the UCLA Hospital for four months before he died. He was obviously a very popular guy, because people came from all over the country to pay their respects. Not long after I got word about Ryan, I received a message from Skip and Linda White who said that they unexpectedly lost their 51-year-old daughter, Whitney, just before Christmas due to complications resulting from a blood clot. It is so sad that we are losing so many of our children. New year’s day, I received word from Alicia Dayhuff that her brother, Hal Dayhuff, died. Hal suffered from a number of ailments, including COPD, and Alicia said he was down to less than 100 pounds when he passed. A week later, I received a call telling me that his widow, Barbara, had died. This was not unexpected, since at the time of Hal’s death, Barbara was in hospice with numerous brain tumors. Hal was always very proud of the fact that he was a 70-year member of the Boy Scouts of America; an Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver and a recipient of the La Orden De Espiritu De Las Buenas Obras, the highest scouting

award in the Panama Canal Zone. Hal and his family were VMI to the core. Their father, Col. Charles Hal Dayhuff ’931, was cadet captain and regimental commander in 1931 and a tactical officer in 1935 when Alicia was born in the VMI post hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Eskridge family, the Dayhuff family, the McFalls family and the White family. Although words offer small comfort in their hour of sorrow, we do express our sincere sympathies to them and will continue to keep them in our evening prayers. Buzz and Virginia Nowlin finally made their bucket list trip to Hawaii. They visited four islands and enjoyed lots of scrumptious food. On the Big Island, they went to see the volcanic crater, but the mist was so thick that they couldn’t see 10 yards in front of them. The trip was exhausting, but it was one of those things that they had to check off the list. Tex Carr and Emily Hanzok set sail from Venice, Italy, and spent two weeks cruising the Mediterranean Sea. The first stop was Athens, where they visited the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis. Next were Mykonos, Santorini, Naples, Pompeii and, of course, the wonderful city of Rome. They visited the Vatican, the Basilica and all the wonderful sites in Rome. While at the Vatican, they tried to get married with no luck; they did get a blessing by a priest in a local bar nearby. They went to Cartagena where they enjoyed music, wine and beer, then on to Malaga, where a group of men were shouldering a large statue of the Blessed Mother accompanied by a 50-piece youth marching band performing in slow time. They sailed home crossing the Atlantic. It was a wonderful vacation filled with memorable moments and interrupted occasionally by “rock, rock your boat, the wind makes angry the seas.” The Baxters contacted Bobby Dale and reported that his health is not good. Bobby said his wife, Linda, has Parkinson’s disease, and their daughters have come home to care for them. Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson visited Buzz and Virginia Nowlin in Hot Springs, Virginia, on Thanksgiving Day and reported that all is well. Bud and Denyse Kramer VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes checked in from Sanford, Florida, and said Brad said he braved 11 hurricanes on Saba lives have been positively changed because they are aging like a fine old bottle of wine. – four of them major. Mel and Jean Ander- of you. Bobby and Alice Ross are enjoyDick and Linda Phillippi spent a quiet son are into cruising big time – two last year ing life in Henrico, Virginia, where they are Christmas in Wytheville enjoying the com- and two already planned for 2018. Ann and close to old friends and family. They ran pany of family and friends. John and Teddi I plan to join them for the one to the Pana- into JoAnne Dreelin Anstett not long ago, Martin are well and continue to count their ma Canal. Truman and Jackie Baxter said and she is doing well. Speaking of JoAnne, blessings as they watch their grandchildren all is well in the Baxter family, and they are I received a nice note from her, and she remature. Cec and Gordon MacArthur are looking forward to seeing everyone at the ported it was a good year. All of the Dreelin well and thankful they survived the devasta- 2019 class reunion, as are Nowell and Sallie kids and grandkids are doing well, including a new granddaughter. She has met tion of Hurricane Harvey. Rogmany new friends in her yoga-Piers and Susan McCall checked lates class. John and Anne Reed celin from Bristol, Virginia, and ebrated a great Christmas with son report all is well. Rogers caught Jack at their home in Fishersville. up with his cousin, Jim Sam Eddie and Carolyn Barnes didn’t Gillespie, and he seems to be travel much last year but plan to be doing OK. George and Marie back in the friendly skies soon for O’Neill left 2017 behind long their 30th trip to Europe. You can’t before Christmas and began keep Eddie and Carolyn from visitlooking forward to 2018 and ing their grandchildren. Marvin and great things to come. Jim and Betsy Boswell are looking forward Bet Vermillion feel like old to visiting with all their BRs at our timers in their new home in 60th Reunion in 2019. Bill and JenWilliamsburg. They send their nifer Lee hope the holiday season best wishes to all BRs. John was filled with bright moments, hapand Chris Patane enjoyed a py memories and unexpected joys quiet and peaceful Christmas in Moneta, Virginia. Larry and Class of 1959: Bob and Anne Baillio pictured with their family for everyone. Bob and Anne Baillio are happy to put 2017 behind them, Nancy Wood are aging well enjoying the holidays together. having survived Hurricane Harvey and will forever be thankful and its aftermath. Their tribe is dofor the friendships they’ve had ing well – two have graduated from over the many years with all college with just five to go. Bud and their BRs. They can’t wait for Susan Mease had a great year; the the 60th Reunion. Lloyd and most memorable event was a family Betty Thacker hope that the reunion of the Meases and Shepamagic of Christmas never ends rds in Estes Park, Colorado, where and look forward to seeing BRs 40 family members shared advenat the 2019 reunion. Niels and tures of a lifetime. Susan continues Maggie Andersen are doing her cancer fight and seems to be dogreat and promise to be regular ing OK. providers of information for Lon and Patty Martin conclude forthcoming class notes. Bill that there just never seems to be and Susie Kirkland continue enough time. The head says go for to live with their health probit, and the body says, “No way!” lems. Bill was recently told he They are great-grandparents to two has liver cancer. Not what he girls, and what a joy they are. God wanted to hear, but he and Suhas blessed them to live this long to sie have had a good life, and it’s just another bump in the road. Class of 1959: Bud and Susan Mease got the whole family to- enjoy these bundles of joy. Bill and Jenny Lee checked in, and they wish Brad Willard still regrets that gether at Estes Park, Colorado, for a family reunion. everyone happiness and bright moonly two BRs visited him when he ran the Willard’s of Saba Hotel in Saba. Loop. Bob Haines and Monique Harnetty ments for the coming year and a boatful of Billy Walker visited once, and Mike Brooks feel blessed to have so many wonderful BR unexpected joys. Max and Dorothy Gugmade the trip twice. Each was very special. friends and their respective families. Their genheimer enjoyed a quiet Christmas in 2018-Issue 2

Class Notes Lynchburg. Max is preparing for the D-Day more every day. Both Ron and Mary Alice is the first Addison to ever have rank at Memorial Golf tournament at The Home- are mending well and feeling so much bet- the Institute. The legacy includes Ned ’59; stead in September. Frank Beamer will be ter. Not long ago, they saw where President Ned’s father, Grafton ’921; and Ned’s older the honorary guest, and even though he is Trump gave out the awards for “fake news,” brother, Bud ’54. Rusty Loth, Marvin Mya VPI Hokie, he is a first-class gentleman. and they both immediately expected me to ers, John Martin and Ned still get together Max will keep us all posted. receive the first one based upon the informa- for their biweekly lunches. They are joined Carl and Phyllis Kasko continue to enjoy tion I publish in the Alumni Review. Mary by Dave Goode when he’s in town. By the way, BR Lee Wilkerson’s grandlife in Mobile and enjoyed the son also made corporal. Sonny Christmas season with friends and Skippy Bishop are doing and family but plan to pull up pretty well for a couple of elderly stakes sometime this year and people. Ralph Northam ’81 was move to Reading, Pennsylvania, inaugurated as Virginia governor, to be closer to family. Carl and and Sonny said it is nice to hear Phyllis have been faithful attenda Virginia accent from a governor ees at the Florida group annual again. In his acceptance speech, mini reunions and will be sorely the governor paid tribute to VMI. missed, but family comes first. When the VMI contingent conLee and Nancy Southard are sisting of 1,000 cadets and the busy putting together the Florida regimental band passed in review, group mini reunion scheduled for they stopped, and Gov. Northam April even though Lee is up to his eyeballs with all the stuff that has Class of 1959: Skip and Linda White took some time to enjoy thanked them for being there, reeach other’s company. called proudly his experiences at to be done on his book “To Know VMI, honored their history and with Certainty.” Now that the finally said, “As my first official act as Virbook is out, he is getting the course ready for ginia’s governor, I hereby grant amnesty for online use. Want to see more? Go to: www. all tours and confinements.” toknowwithcertainty.com. Max and Lee Ann Blanchard have comRusty Loth will leave his beloved Richpleted another year full of fun and blessmond and move to Memphis to be near his ings. They had two grandsons graduate daughter, Laura. She is an associate professor from high school – both beginning their of French at Rhodes College and it would be journey on the college scene. Max has been difficult for her to move to Richmond. He’s doing great and, earlier this year, felt spry checked out retirement communities and enough to drive with Lee Ann to a family found one not far from Laura’s home. It is birthday party in Arkansas. Now that they close to Noland Pipes where he intends on have the ramp van, they can go anywhere getting spiritual guidance to fit into the Episthey want. When not entertaining, they copal community where he will be living. stay busy with church activities. Southern Virginia University, formerly Robert and Priscilla Martin have been in known as Southern Sem, honored Bob and their new home in Bradenton, Florida, for Lois Hobson for their support and service two years now and feel blessed to be there. over the years by renaming the ballroom in Robert has completely retired from active their honor. During Bob’s association with ministry of the Episcopal Church, and they the school, student enrollment went from Class of 1959: Ralph and Janice Rae Lawnow lives in a complete care retirement cen74 to more than 900. Bob served as provost son enjoyed a day at Multnomah Falls in ter, which they love. Robert had the joy of and is still an active member of a regional the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. marrying two of their children this year and advisory council. They are also very proud of their adopted son, Dallas Clark ’99, who Alice is still mad at me for comparing her to feels so fortunate to be able to enjoy their is in charge of operations at the “I.” Darth Vader years ago, as well as revealing 17 fantastic grandchildren and five happily Ron and Mary Alice Marley entertained her expertise in throwing pots that she mas- married children. Since Art and Ginny Brandriff’s son the whole family over the holidays, and tered during her extensive mental recovery moved from New York City to Tampa, they could not have been happier. All the period. kids and grandkids are doing well, and Ned and Bunny Addison report that their they plan to spend more time in Florida. their intelligence amazes them more and grandson, Lagarde ’20, made corporal. He The Florida group looks forward to this 68

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes change and the chance to show them some real Florida hospitality. Their son and his wife moved after spending 10 years on Wall Street. They’re expecting their first child and love the idea of raising their child in Tampa. His son loves being near the water where he can cast a line. Mike and Julie Vargosko are still ticking, and other than maladies associated with adding a few wrinkles and saggy parts here and there, life is good. Their kids and grandkids are doing great. They got to visit with them at two family gatherings this past year. Mike and Julie traveled to Vienna, Austria, to attend the graduation of their son, Michael, from grad school. While in Poland, they visited Warsaw, where they visited a new museum dedicated to 1,000 years of Jewish history in Poland. When in Gdansk, they also visited a new museum devoted strictly to World War II Poland. Unfortunately, they did not make it to Krakow to enjoy Mike’s favorite town square. Both are thankful for their families and their good health. Bill and Mary Kessler are doing great out in Long Beach, California. Recently, at the request of Rusty Loth, Bill took a VMI alumnus and veteran who was down on his luck under his wing, got him enrolled in veteran assistance programs and eventually paid his airfare so he could go back to Richmond to be looked after by friends and family. A good deed, my friend, that will be rewarded in the afterlife. Thank you, Bill, for caring. Jim Edmunds had a busy year, much of which I’ve reported in previous class notes. A week in Mexico and two weeks in Japan visiting his grandson started the year off right. The highlight was the two-month, 9,200-mile trip visiting friends and relatives all over the country. Jim is back playing golf every week and is beginning to show some progress. He takes hikes every week on the trails in the open space around his home in Walnut Creek. Spence Tucker is still writing and editing. His latest book, “D-Day, The Essential Reference Guide,” was published in November, and he has just learned that his biography of Gen. Nathanael Greene, “Rise and Fight Again: A Life of Nathanael Greene,” 2018-Issue 2

is to be published in paperback. Spence got a new hip and celebrated his 80th birthday. He had a banner year in his garden with the planting of four dozen trees and shrubs that he received on Arbor Day. Beverly continues to paint and recently had an art show to benefit the African-American First Baptist Church in Lexington, where she raised $4,000 for the church. She remains active in the Historic Lexington Foundation. The kids and grandkids are doing great restoring plantations and saving our planet’s resources. Billy and Sue Kornegay are enjoying their retirement home in Lexington, Virginia, and do not miss their 3-and-a-half acre Powhatan home. For the past year, Billy has been teaching hydrology in the VMI department of civil and environmental engineering. The department had several faculty members retire at the same time, and with the increase in enrollment, they were in dire need for another faculty member. They love living in the quaint city of Lexington where their son and his family live, as well as so many friends from years past. Judy MacWillie sent greetings from central Texas, where the weather is always unpredictable but the people are kind and

Class of 1959: Larry and Nancy Wood got into the spirit of Christmas.

gentle. Judy and her faithful dog, Maxie, have settled into a routine and keep each other company. Most of their travels are to see the kids. She is particularly interested in the mother-in-law suite that one of her kids built for her at their retirement home on the lake. Grandkids are busy with their lives, new babies, travels to the mountains, beaches and working at their alma mater, Texas A&M University. Jimmy and Linda Johnson are thankful they moved from Houston to Georgetown, Texas, years ago in light of the recent visit from Harvey. Jimmy turned 80 not long ago, but everything still works. They love living in the town of Georgetown with the armadillos prancing through the yard at night and the raccoons drinking the hummingbird water. Bill and Connie Nebraska didn’t send Christmas cards this year but made contributions to local charitable organizations that help struggling families, especially during the holidays. They do still want to remember all BRs and hope they had a happy and healthy holiday season. Both are doing fine – slowing down but still enjoying themselves. Their boys and their families continue to do well and make them prouder every day. Harry and Terry MacGregor are doing pretty well for a couple of octogenarians. They both still have good reason to be thankful for the health and strength God has provided. Thanksgiving was a special time for them. They entertained 28 family members, and it set the right tone for the Christmas season. They are so proud of all their children and grandchildren. Most of the year was spent at graduations, recitals, weddings, missions, retirements, and most important, Terry and Harry’s 58th wedding anniversary. Congrats. Tom Davis telephoned Sonny Bishop this summer. Tom had not heard from Sonny since he left VMI at the end of his rat year, and it was good to hear from him after all these years. Hurricane Harvey did a job on Houston and did not spare any economic group. Tom and Jan were lucky they were not flooded, but only a couple of blocks from them, houses were completely destroyed. Houston should think about 69

Class Notes dropping that moniker, “Bayou City.” John and Pat Van Kesteren wished everyone a merry Christmas from Virginia last year, but this year, they “feliz Navidad-ed” us from their home in New Mexico. Besides the wedding of their grandson and attending the International Solar Power Convention at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, the biggest event of the year for them was their grandson getting a conditional use permit to develop a utility scale solar power system on their farmland. Incidentally, their stay at the Mandalay Bay Hotel did not coincide with the tragic shooting that took place there in October. Keep up the good fight, Pat and John. The year just went too fast for Skip and Linda White, but they stayed busy enjoying the activities of their grandchildren. If not hockey, it was soccer, basketball or lacrosse. Both still peruse biblical knowledge from their Bible studies. The highlight of the year, of course, was their annual fun and frolic family reunion at the beach. Their lives were changed forever when they lost their beloved daughter, Whitney, just before Christmas. Joe Simpson is doing great keeping busy, which is a good thing at our age. Christmas has always been big in his family, even though he lost his son, Joey, in ’07 and his wife, Ingrid, in ’14. Joe spent Christmas in Oklahoma City with his daughter, Melissa, and her family. Melissa is with the State Department in Washington, D.C., as a special assistant for oil and gas to then-Secretary of State Tillerson. Recently, she was in Chile and South Korea working on energy deals. Jack and Joy Angolia recently returned from a two-week cruise to the Western Caribbean where all the stops were totally new to them. As always, Jack wore his VMI reunion cap, and it was amazing how many people asked what the logo was. When told, they immediately related to VMI with various vignettes, the best ones being Patton as a Keydet. Jack reminded them that Marshall ’901 was also there, and they were amazed. They have four more cruises lined up in the coming year, so their adventures continue. Keep those cards and emails coming in. Yours in the spirit, Shep 70

1960

James A. Smith III

Greetings from St. James Plantation, North Carolina. “It’s a lovely day in the neighborhood.” As I begin these class notes, I would like to appeal for more notes, emails or phone calls from you all. Jay Jarrett’s birthday was Nov. 2. I neglected to contact him until the next day. He sent me an email with the following message: “Sorry I missed your call. All is well here. I just got back from Alabama where I met my new great-granddaughter! I also have a 6-yearold great-grandson by my other son. I’ll see him at Thanksgiving, along with my brother and all his brood. Jay.” All is well with Jay. On Nov. 5, I spoke with Fred Murrill on his birthday. Fred had just returned from a 35-day cruise along the coast of Spain and North Africa, as well as an Atlantic crossing. He is glad to be home. He related that his three spaniels were happy to see him, as well. On Nov. 6, I spoke with Fudd Caldwell, who, on his 80th birthday, was riding through and checking on his oil fields. Fudd has 165 wells and works hard. What a joy

to catch up with him! We had a wonderful conversation regarding how much VMI has meant to him over the years. He related that those “Spartan” years from 1956-60 prepared him for tough times in life. Fudd was well at the time of our conversation but has since had some health issues. We are cheering for you, Fudd! I received a nice email from Ray Crickenberger, who said the following: “Terri and I are doing well. We are finally about 99 percent rebuilt after Hurricane Matthew flooded our home in October 2016. Only significant work remaining concerns landscaping. I golf two or three times a week. High handicap, but I have fun.” On Nov. 8, I spoke with Bob “RailRoad” Hamilton. He is doing well in Michigan. He also has a home in Canada. He was wished many more birthdays. Ruth and I went to Lexington for Founders Day Nov. 11 and attended the Institute Society Dinner along with Bill “Peanuts” Elliott and Jan, Henry and Linda Brown, Jack and Nancy Horgan, Bo and Nancy Bowles, Bolling and Theresa Williamson, Steve and Pat Sewell, and G.G. and Frances Phillips. On Saturday, we went to the VMI versus Wofford College football game. The Friday night before, we had dinner at the Bistro with Jim O’Dell, Herb Vaughan, Tom Daniel, Howard Moss, and “Peanuts”

Class of 1960: At the Institute Society Dinner were, from left, Jimbo and Ruth Smith, Henry and Linda Brown, Bolling and Theresa Williamson, Jan and Bill Elliott, Nancy and Bo Bowles, Nancy and Jack Horgan, and Frances and G.G. Phillips. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes day of the three-day tournament, and Jan Elliott. Quite a weekend! they have a competition for closOn Nov. 17, I made two birthest to pin for all the players. This day calls. Jim Gibson, 80 years year, there were around 600 golfyoung, and Jim Schaaf, also 80 ers. Closest to the pin winner wins years young. I missed Jim Gibentry into next year’s tournament. son, but he called me back. He My son put his shot 10 inches was spending his day in Wilfrom the pin, and we won that liamsburg with grandchildren. competition. Have to say, he also His health is good. It was good to made the putt! Use any or all of catch up with him. I missed Jim Schaaf, because he was tutoring. Class of 1960: At the Southern Inn in Lexington, Virginia, were, this and let me know if you need I enjoyed speaking with his wife, from left, Tom Daniel, Howard Moss, Jimbo Smith, Jim O’Dell, anything else. Thanks, Jimbo. Joe.” Becky. Jim was kind enough to Herb Vaughan and Bill “Peanuts” Elliott. On Nov. 27, Henry Brown send a wonderful catch up email. joined the rest of us 79-yearHe wrote: “Jimbo, sorry I missed olds. I spoke to him early in the your call tonight. Tutoring kept day. He and Linda were going me a bit late night – it varies; one to Ruth’s Chris Steak House for time I’ll work with fifth- or thirddinner. He got wishes for many graders on their math issues and more birthdays. next (as I did tonight) work with On Dec. 1, I called George Milla couple of kindergartners who er in San Clemente, California, are proud of their ‘homework.’ and Jim French in Lexington, Nothing puts me in a good mood Virginia, but could not catch up like self-assured nonstop-talking with them. Birthday wishes were kindergartners who want me to left with George, and both George work with them. One reads at secand Jim got birthday emails. ond grade level due to his grandGeorge later called me. What a mother’s attention! Nothing much treat after so many years. George has changed since last year – hit is hoping to move from California the big 80 today – still have my to Arizona oil in the near future. health, although it seems it takes a lot of medication to keep me that Class of 1960: From left, Jim O’Dell, Herb Vaughan, Howard He is well. On Dec. 8, I had great phone way. Becky and I are planning to Moss and Tom Daniel at VMI. conversations with Sam Horner move to a full life-care (indepenand Otis Pool. Both are convalescing from dent through nursing in same facility) retirecardiac surgery and coming along. ment community in Birmingham within On Dec. 12, I was able to speak with Bill two years if we don’t keep pushing the date Toker to wish him a happy birthday. Bill out. Becky’s father was in one, and it gave said he was well. us great peace of mind and was great for On Dec. 14, I spoke with G.G. Phillips him. My children have taken an interest in early in the morning. He was planning to enmy Vietnam service; I never talked much joy his birthday, but it was early. He soundabout it, but I have a few tales and my ed great. He related that Frances woke up daughter wanted me to capture them, so and said, “I can’t believe I’m in bed with I write up a blurb every now and then for an 80-year-old man.” He and Frances will family distribution. I’ve attached the latest; spend Christmas in Richmond with an asyou might find it entertaining. Thanks for sortment of family. I wish G.G. many more your call. Jim.” birthdays. We are grateful for all that he does Joe Morabit sent an email regarding his and has done for VMI. His deeds are too nuson’s and his participation in a father and merous to mention in our notes. son golf tournament in Myrtle Beach, Class of 1960: At a VMI football game I received the following email from Bill South Carolina, in late July. He wrote: “Jimwere, from left, Bill and Jan Elliott and Knowles: “Hi, Jimbo. Just a brief note to let bo, at the father/son tournament this year at Ruth and Jimbo Smith. you know what the Tidewater BRs are up to. Myrtle Beach, we won our flight. The first 2018-Issue 2

Class Notes We met for lunch in early December. Those present were: Mike Pitt and Betty Hudgins, Dave and Imelda Bissett, Howard and Susan Moss, Tom and Angie Leary, Mike and Alice Shoemaker, Bob and Lucy Clay, and Bill and Sue Knowles. Lin ‘Fuzzy’ and Beverly Knight were coming up from the Outer Banks, but bad weather kept them home. Tom Leary has worked very hard to get Fuzzy to meet with us. As usual, lots of tales were told. We also toasted our newest published authors who were among us: Howard Moss with ‘Kiss the Talisman’ and Dave Bissett with ‘The Iron Colonel.’ We are very proud of these two brother rats. Thanks for staying in touch with us. Yours in the spirit, Bill.” Thank you, Bill. It’s always good to hear from and about you all! On Dec. 21, I spoke with Bo and Nancy Bowles. He got birthday wishes. Bo has some arthritic problems, but they don’t keep him from working full time. Bo has been a great help with Ruth’s and my 501(c)(3) equipment fund. Nancy was fine, as well. Christmas came and went. I hope you all had a blessed Christmas. I appreciate all the wonderful cards I received from so many of you (37) – too many to list. I appreciate your staying in touch. I also received a Christmas thank you note from Cadet Tristan Silverstorf ’18, the Air Force ROTC cadet who is the 2017 recipient of The Paul “Eagle” Bayliss Scholarship. On Dec. 29, Ed “Robbie” Robertson and Tom Leary had birthdays. I called both. I could only leave a voicemail for Robbie. Tom was convalescing from a pulmonary malady but is on the mend. He has made the big 80. He noted that our Brother Rat Linwood “Fuzzy” Knight is interested in catching up with our class. I’ll get in touch. This year, I caught up with Art Grafton Dec. 30. He also has made the big 80. He sounded great and healthy. It was good to speak with him. On Jan. 2, I spoke with Hap Miller at his home. He was well. Hap has decided to take a semester off from teaching. He’s not sure what he will do with his spare time. He got birthday wishes. There is no way to fully express our gratitude to Hap for all he does. Hap keeps us all connected with our invaluable class rosters and occasional emails. 72

On Jan. 5, I spoke with Tom Kurkoski in Endicott, New York. When I complained about our winter snow here in North Carolina, he laughed. Those folks where he lives are rugged. He was planning on having a small party with his wife and daughter. At the time of our call, his wife was out buying his birthday cake. His health is good, and he is looking forward to enjoying his 80th year. I also spoke to Jim Bagby in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He has turned 79. The winter storm put 5 inches of snow in his yard and paralyzed his town. His health is good, and he is looking forward to more birthdays. On Jan. 5, I also spoke with Rev. Ed Davis, one day before his Jan. 6 birthday, wishing him a happy birthday and many more birthdays. Ed has a significant medical issue that is stable. We are cheering for him. I called Nick Hester, also one day before his birthday, but only got a recording. I hope his birthday was a good one. He got birthday wishes for the day as well as for the future. I left to go to the Dominican Republic on a surgical mission trip from Jan. 6-18. I wasn’t able to call the following brother rats but did send emails: Jan. 6, Ed Davis and Nick Hester; Jan. 9, Chris Fleet; Jan. 12, Ashby Chamberlain and Jerry Lawson; Jan. 14, Pete McGue and Dave Bissett; and Jan. 16, Ray Crickenberger, Bob Gianella and Tom Daniel. All got wishes for more birthdays, good health and safety.

Class of 1960: From left, Sam Horner and Joe Sisler.

On Jan. 19, I spoke with Troy Williams. Troy is a retired cardiologist in Temple, Texas. He reported that he is doing well for an “old man.” He received birthday wishes for many more birthdays. On Jan. 22, I caught up with Dave Lennon in Roanoke, Virginia. He was grateful for his 80th birthday and feeling well. Some aches and pains but doing well. On Jan. 24, I spoke with George Ax. He was beginning to get over a “cold” and seems to be on the mend. I wished him many more birthdays. On Jan. 27, I missed Buddy Frith’s birthday but did email him the next day. I got an email from Buddy, who was in Arizona at the time and heading to California to celebrate with his son. All is well with Buddy. I tried to catch up with Al “Denny” Zay Jan. 28 to give him birthday wishes but only got an answering machine. We wish Al well and many more birthdays. On Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, Al Smith had a birthday. I have a mailing address but no email or phone number. I hope Al’s birthday went well. Al, please send us an email and contact phone number so we can stay in touch. On Feb. 3, I spoke with Col. Howard Moss. Howard is feeling well and enjoying his birthdays. Susan was out walking the dog when I spoke to Howard. She is recovering from her illness and is doing well. Howard is having great success with his book, “Kiss The Talisman,” with more than 525 books sold as of this printing. All proceeds from the sale of the book go to The Paul “Eagle” Bayliss Scholarship. As of this printing, he has sent $3,000 to the fund at VMI. I received word from Donna Wise, Andy Wise’s widow, that Kevin Snow, Andy’s stepgrandson, received an early acceptance for admission to VMI. I know Andy would be very happy. I’m bringing this edition of these class notes to an early close, as I will be leaving for the Dominican Republic on another surgical mission trip before the actual deadline of Feb. 15. It remains a privilege and a pleasure to be class agent. I only wish I got more notes and photographs from you old farts. Those of us that can still see to read, hear and write want to hear from and about each VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes other. Please remember the Institute and The Paul “Eagle” Bayliss Scholarship with your donations. Our class is below all other classes in percent of potential contributors at only 27 percent. We should, and can, do better! Do what you can. Stay safe, healthy and in touch. In the spirit, Jimbo

1961

Sal Vitale Jr.

Albert Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving,” and moving Sue and I have been. In November, we attended the Institute Society Dinner along with Carl and Becky Hirsch, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Dick and Judy Youngblood, Harrison and Terry Fridley, Hugh Gouldthorpe, Dave and Charlotte Harbach, Battle Haslam, Warren and Kathy Copenhaver, Ed and Phyllis Hollowell, Willard and Pat Hoskins, Gates and Margaret Richards, Bill and Joyce Gibbings, John Smith (Institute guest), Bud and Peggy Alligood, Don and Elaine Wilkinson, George and Edna Henning, and Larry and Jerri Wetsel. Don Wilkinson was recognized by the Foundation for his leadership in bringing the VMI campaign to a successful completion. It was unfortunate that several of our regular Institute members were under the weather, but we still managed to have the second-largest class in attendance. Since I have been feeling very good, I accepted an invitation to go deer hunting. I didn’t see a deer, but I did enjoy being outside and watching nature in action. Sue and I were in Maryland and attended the international Thanksgiving dinner of our daughter, Lynn. Several of the researchers who work with Lynn at National Institutes of Health brought their favorite international dishes and wine for us to enjoy. Before we knew it, we were at the VMI Tidewater Chapter’s Christmas party. It was the first time in recent memory that only Bill 2018-Issue 2

and Joyce Gibbings and Sue and I attended. The class is losing the attendance prize to the late ’60s and early ’70s classes. For many years, we accompanied Bill and Joyce Gibbings to the Hubbard Peanut Company to sample the nuts and purchase Christmas presents. This year, we missed seeing Bill Daniels who, in prior years, purchased peanuts for a Richmond charity. I called Bill, and he said his truck had died and he was relieved of the responsibility, as both were getting too old. For the past 20 years, Skip McDannald traveled from Georgia to Olney, Virginia, to purchase oysters, clams, crabmeat and soft shells for friends back in Georgia. Normally, I would go with Skip, but this year I was not feeling well enough, so he was kind enough to pick up my order and deliver it to me. Skip is still consulting with several hospitals in Georgia in an attempt to save them. From what I understand and based on his past performance in other hospitals, he does a good job of bringing them back on the black side of the ledger. Christmas was spent with the kids in Maryland, and we had a wonderful time. Since I was not in the hospital for new year’s eve this year, Sue decided she would host our new year’s eve dinner. We ordered a specially prepared 9-pound Italian pork roast (from a Philadelphia Italian butcher), and Joyce Gibbings provided a delicious sweet potato soufflé and other vegetables to accompany the main course. Charlotte Harbach provided the hors d’oeuvres, and Larry Wetsel prepared his famous chocolate layer cake. Enjoying the meal were Larry Williams, Dave and Charlotte Harbach, Larry and Joanne Respess, Joyce and Bill Gibbings, Andy Mullen (neighbor), Ken Legum and friend Carolyn Gregg, and Larry and Jerri Wetsel. A few days later, I spent a day at the hospital where the doctor inserted a stent into my left leg to improve circulation, and it has. This year, I also was home for our 56th wedding anniversary which signaled a very good start to this year. The third annual 1961 lunch at the Waypoint Grill in Williamsburg was a smashing success. Those there were Bev and Elece Scott, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock, Sal and Sue Vitale, Larry and Jerri Wetsel, Willard and Pat Hoskins, Jim and Blair Bickford,

Dick and Judy Youngblood, Dennis and Jerri Curtis, Russell Stone, Alison Drescher, Kenny Legum and friend Carolyn Gregg, Larry Williams, Bill and Joyce Gibbings, Oscar and Caroline Mabry, Wyatt Durrette, Robert and Pat Williamson, Larry and Joann Respess, Garland Payne, Ashby and Sandra Taylor, Bill and Norma Phillips, Ray and Sally Hanlein, John Tharrington, Bill Daniels, Fred and Caroline Ayers and widows Kim Wise, Gaylia Hudgins, Geraldine Nicholas Moore, and Sue Patrick. All our widows and widowers look great. Gaylia Hudgins will be in Wyoming for another year of volunteering at the National Park. Ashby Taylor says his historic house renovation is nearing completion, and they’re very pleased with the way it looks. Dennis Curtis created a special class flag holder which features a rotating base so you can see the signatures and matriculation numbers of the brother rats. I plan to carry it to brother rat functions. It is at events like this lunch that you learn new information about the brothers. It turns out that Bill Phillips and Bev Scott roomed together during summer school and hadn’t seen each other since Bev left VMI during his 2nd Class year. Wyatt Durrette, a member of the VMI football blue team, indoctrinated Sue Patrick as an honorary member of the blue team. Ken Patrick, aka “Rabbit,” played with the blue team and was loved by all. Sue and I planned to be in Florida for a few weeks in March to be with the BR golfers at Amelia Island and then visit our family and brother rats on both the East and West Coasts. Tim Bryant is in good health and believes God spared him to start his own ministry to visit friends with poor health. This experience has filled him with happiness and some sadness but is very rewarding. Bob and Jeannie Burks are almost settled in The Villages. The problem they have is the stuff they brought with them doesn’t fit their downsized house. They are enjoying The Villages’ concerts, learning how to play pickle ball and dining with brother rats. John Wiggins spent the winter in Bowie, Maryland, instead of on his sailboat in Florida. John recently acquired a 4-year-old lab mix rescue dog and needs to stay on land until the dog is trained. Fred and Sheila Kressierer celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary and enjoy being around 73

Class Notes their children and nine grandchildren. Sheila is still teaching Bible study, and Fred continues to serve as the treasurer at the Redeemer Crisis Center in Cleveland, as well as the treasurer of the homeowners’ association. As an elder of their church, Fred makes hospital visits. Mary and Spike Callander had a busy year, as reported previously. They did return to the same place in Mexico they had visited in the ’80s, and things were not the same. The Callanders returned to Cleveland, Ohio, for a family gathering and had a great time. Spike Callander plays golf all year. During the winter, he visits his local Top Golf facility that has a heated driving range. Like J.C. Miller, Spike had some physical challenges, but they both will be OK when we gather in Florida in March. Harbert Alexander sent me a copy of his new book, “Echoes and Footprints.” It was fun to read, with lots of history and interesting stories. Archie Ramirez is still volunteering his services as a neurosurgeon and is currently working part time in Mansfield, Ohio. Archie is helping veterans any way he can. What a guy. Ed and Phyllis Hollowell remain very active. Ed had his second hip surgery in January 2018 and is doing well. Ed still does programs for SAR, the Civil War Roundtable and maintains his priestly

rotation for their Anglican Church of the Valley. Phyllis is involved in all areas of arts and crafts and still manages to be very active in the Waynesboro Republican Committee and the Valley Republican Women’s Club. Bob and Suellen Reitz had a terrifying experience at the San Francisco Golden State Park when a man in a dark hoodie smashed the driver’s side window of their rental car, grabbed Suellen’s purse and raced toward the getaway car. Rusty, Bob’s son, chased after the criminal and grabbed the pocketbook out of the criminal’s hands as the getaway car was moving forward. Thank God it all worked out well, and Rusty was not injured. Back in Georgia, both Bob and Suellen are very active at the American Legion, and Suellen still enjoys singing with the Cherokee Chorale. Bill Hala spent November winterizing his Canadian house and sent some beautiful pictures of the area. In January, he and his friend, Irene, took the Auto Train to The Villages for the winter. Bill and Irene had a fantastic three-course dinner with roomette service. Bill said, “The roomette was cramped, and when you have been relegated to the upper berth, it is not an easy exit if you have to pee in the middle of the night.” Len and Judy Christie have settled into life on Cape Cod and enjoy the small village ambience and the ability to drive in

Class of 1961: At the third annual 1961 lunch at Waypoint Grill in Williamsburg, Virginia, Feb. 6, 2018, were, from left, sitting, Blair Bickford, Sue Patrick, Sally Hanlein, Gaylia Hudgins, Sylvia Woodcock, Ashby Taylor and John “J.C.” Tharrington. Second row: Sal Vitale, Geraldine Nicholas Moore, Joyce Gibbings, Judy Youngblood, Pat Hoskins, Sandra Taylor, Kim Wise, Caroline Mabry, Jerri Wetsel, Sue Vitale, Norma Phillips and Pat Williamson. Third row: Jerri Curtis, Joann Respess, Elece Scott, Ray Hanlein, Carolyn Gregg, Alison Drescher, Russell Stone, Caroline and Fred Ayers, Jim Bickford, Robert Williamson and Garland Payne. Fourth row: Dick Youngblood, Dennis Curtis, Bill Daniels, Larry Williams, Bill Gibbings, Willard Hoskins, Oscar Mabry, Kenny Legum, Bill Phillips, Larry Respess, Larry Wetsel, Wyatt Durrette, Bev Scott and Stu Woodcock. 74

five minutes to the beach on the Olympic side or the bay side. Their old house, aka an antique, has now become a hobby and a way to spend money. (Ask Ashby Taylor.) Jim and Carolyn McDonnald packed up their travel trailer and headed south to Texas for warmer weather and being with several of their children and their families. The McDonalds have 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and this makes Christmas a pretty busy time. Bill and Sandy Puette are well, and Bill is still serving on the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission. Bill stays in contact with Dick Butler and Bob Coltrane who, like Bill, live in the woods. David and Edwina Thomas had a very exciting year. They attended the wedding of their son, Greg, in Florida, and took a trip to Switzerland and the northern Lake District of Italy. David attends all of the University of Texas men’s and women’s swim team events, and he travels as far away as Indianapolis to see them. The team has designated David as their honorary grandfather. Edwina remains involved in the Christian mission around the world work. This past year, she went back to India, where she had worked with three bishops and the current bishop, who was a young presbyter when she met him in 1989. Dave is still renovating his 1930 Chevrolet four-door sedan (aka, the money pit). Tom and Annett Jones still think of themselves as newlyweds and enjoy each others company. Tom is still volunteering at the Pet Pantry, which is an organization that collects dog and cat food for pet owners who cannot afford to buy food. Annett is the head swim instructor at the YMCA and teaches life skill lessons for more than 40 special needs children. She has been so successful that there is a waiting list for students who want to have Ms. Annett. Hershell and Cinny Murray spend a lot of time traveling between their home in Naples, their apartment in Tribeca in downtown New York and Cinny’s parents in North Carolina. Hershell is coping with his medical issues. John and Irene Gangemi celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. John said 2017 was a year of doctor visits and orthopedic surgeons for Irene, and John is learning how to deal with the onset of Parkinson’s disease. John continues to be active in the senior men’s club, and Irene enjoys Scrabble and mah-jongg. Lynn VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and Monty Williams ’62 was under it. Beverly also sees Tom and Helen Davis ’64 at church. Marti Haydon purchased a house but neglected to tell me where. After all these years, I finally heard from Archie Witt’s wife, Charlene, or as we know her, Cricket. She lives with her son, Archie, in Moody, Alabama, and is doing well. Barbara Jean LeFon is doing OK. We missed having her at the Williamsburg lunch, as she had a conflict. Earline Thompson has had a difficult time with Paul’s passing. She has wonderful memories of their years together and that helps her. She is grateful that Paul insisted in making the move to a retirement home, The Marian Villa. I can always count on Maria Anjier for news. This year she enjoyed two weeks in Argentina and Chile with Overseas Adventure Travel and in April sold her 1983 Coachmen Camper Van and bought a 2017 Class of 1961: At the Institute Society Dinner Nov. 10, 2017, at the Winnebago Travato. In June, MaVMI Center for Leadership and Ethics were, from left, first row: Carl Hirsch, Ray Hanlein, Sal Vitale and Dick Youngblood. Second row: ria was admitted to Valley View Harrison Fridley, Hugh Gouldthorpe, Dave Harbach, Battle Haslam Hospital in Glenwood Springs and Warren Copenhaver. Third row: Ed Hollowell, Willard Hoskins for Lumbar back fusion, L3-4, and Gates Richards. Fourth row: Bill Gibbings, John Smith (Foundation guest) and Bud Alligood. Fifth row: Don Wilkinson, George L4-5, pins and rods inserted and then spent 10 days in a rehab faHenning and Larry Wetsel. cility. (Sounds familiar.) The surgery was a success, and she healed ahead of schedule. In September, she drove to New England, via Ste. Saint Marie, Canada, exiting in Vermont and enjoying some early fall colors. Then it was off to the Badlands, visited Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park. It was so exciting to hear from Patricia (Ashton) Shaw. Patricia moved back to Weatherford, Texas, after 17 years in Alaska. She has her daughters and two wonderful grandchildren in Texas, and she is healthy and lives a busy, enjoyable life. Megan Ederle, Ken’s daughter, is a major in the Army and working at the Pentagon. Megan said her mom, Mary, is doing well and has been traveling quite a Class of 1961: At the Vitale dinner party in Virginia Beach, Virginia, new year’s eve were, bit. Megan Powell, Bill Powell’s daughter, is from left, seated, Sue Vitale, Charlotte Harbach, Joanne Respess, Joyce Gibbings, Carolyn doing pretty well. Her son is 8 years old and Gregg and Jerri Wetsel. Standing: Sal Vitale, Larry Williams, Dave Harbach, Larry Respess, growing like a weed. She neglected to tell me Bill Gibbings, Andy Mullen (neighbor), Ken Legum and Larry Wetsel. where she lives – sorry! The year 2017 was

and Shirley Hartford had a very busy year with lots of visits from family and a rafting trip down the North Fork of the American River. The water was high, fast and thrilling. The Hartfords are preparing their house for sale next year, as living on 5 acres has become a bit too much. Shirley is training to become a deacon in their church and is looking for someone to take over the cat sanctuary. Christmastime is when I generally receive updates from our widows. Hannelore Garrison moved to her daughter’s house in Williamsburg, and except for being overwhelmed by moving, everything is fine. Jeri Langdon is in good health, doing well and enjoys reading the Alumni Review. Beverly Austin Hanlin has been very busy volunteering at her new church in Yorktown, where she is making sleeping bags for the homeless, cooking Wednesday night dinners to feed the homeless and leads a circle group. Beverly also volunteers at the Virginia Living Museum at the location where the children pick up horseshoe crabs, spider crabs, etc. and also works the outdoor walking trail. One day, she saw a VMI cap,

2018-Issue 2

Class Notes skiing in Austria. My rat roomvery long for Ann McCormick, mate, Tom Whalen, is waiting for so she is looking forward to 2018. the snow to cover his favorite ski Ann is in the process of retinal resorts around Lake Tahoe. In the healing with two more months to meantime, he is substitute teaching go for the complete recovery. This at the local high school. Tom and year, Ann needs to sell her home Barbara Phlegar attended the Anand the home of her daughter, dre Rieu concert in Tampa, FloriLori. They have no reason to stay da, along with 20,000 people from in Texas but can’t decide on a reall over the U.S. and several foreign location place. Having moved 22 counties. It was the experience of a times, she never thought she would lifetime. For the sixth year, the Vethave to make that decision again. erans Day parade in Charlotte had Ann doesn’t feel old enough for the Sons of the American Revoluan old folks’ home, because she tion colorguard lead the parade, is “old in age but young at heart.” and Tom, as the drummer, was out Sounds like a Villages candidate to front and kept everyone in step. me. We also received cards from Don and Elaine Wilkinson went Nina Grazulis, Gaylia Hudgins, in costume for the 50th birthday Bonnie Hurley, Leola King, Jeri of his son, Duncan. The party was Langdon, Barbara Jean LeFon, wonderful, and the picture sent to Geraldine Nicholas Moore, Sue me was cute. However, Review Patrick, Mary Jane Roberts and Class of 1961: At lunch at Dolce Vita in Fairfax, Virginia, Dec. 2, 2017, Elfriede Winiker. were, from left, Ray Hanlein, John “J.C.” Tharrington, Dick Stone rules limit me to only five pictures, so I opt for mostly group pictures. I want to thank all of the brother and Spike Callander. Hugh and Nelle Gouldthorpe and rats and friends who took the time to remember Sue and me at Christmas: Al- Henning, Hirsch, Ed Hollowell, Rod Larry and Jeri Wetsel spent four days in New ligood, Wayne Andrews, Ayala, Bell, Bella, Hudgins, Huneycutt, Jarvis, Paul Johnston, York City and saw a play, the Rockettes and Birindelli, Bradshaw, Browning, Bryant, Tom Jones, Troy “L.T.” Jones, Kiger, Kot, attended the Botanical Garden train show! Burks, Callander, Christie, Coen, Coltrane, Kressierer, Lisiecki, Jim MacDonald, John Bill and Marcy Keech are settling in at WestCopenhaver, Curlee, Curtis, Daniels, Dre- McDougall, Magee, Maurer, David Mar- minster Canterbury Shenandoah Valley in scher, Durrette, Elliott, Bill Eubank, Gerry tin, Miner, Moore, H. Murray, Myruski, Winchester, Virginia. Bill said it happened in Eubank, Fridley, Gabbert, Gangemi, Gib- Nelms, Orndorff, Parker, Bill Phillips, Phle- such a short time that their heads are spinning. bings, Goldman, Gouldthorpe, Hanlein, gar, Polk, Popp, Puette, Ramirez, Redd, Re- They sold their house in three days. They are Harbach, Hala, Dick Hartman, Hartford, itz, Rice, Ring, Pete Roberts, Beverley Scott, in a cottage now and on the list for an apartFred Stephenson, Taylor, Thomas, Wash, ment in the main building. Jim Needham Weede, Wetsel, Whalen, Whitehouse, feels good and is still working (at 5:30 a.m.) Wiggins, Williamson and Youngblood. every day. Holmes Smith is also working From other VMI friends: Jan Abernathy ’67, and maybe is the most senior active profesAncher Madison ’64, Tori Lewane ’50B and sional engineer and certified land surveyor in the state. Holmes is working on his youngest Pat Webb. The class is getting together more often, grandson, Holmes Tucker, a high school juand that is great. Dick Stone, Ray Han- nior, a good football and lacrosse player, to lein, John Tharrington and Spike Cal- consider attending the Institute. Lou and Pris lander had lunch at Dolce Vita in Fairfax, Shuba are vertical and doing well in spite of Virginia. Rhett Clarkson, Don Wilkinson both having a slight touch of some bug. I was and John Miller spent a few days in Sara- very happy to learn that there will be the ansota, Florida, playing golf. John Miller had nual pig roast this year and cancellation plans hip replacement surgery the day before the are nowhere on the horizon. Tom and Faye Class of 1961: At the Waypoint Grill in Founders Day activities, which is why he Bradshaw sold Tom’s much beloved Stone Williamsburg, Virginia, Feb. 6, 2018, was not there. I hope John hosts the Olde House in Lexington. When you drive to VMI were Sue Patrick and Wyatt Durrette. The VMI football blue team indoctrinatMill golf outing in the fall again. John will on old Route 11, it is the house next to the ed Sue Patrick as an honorary member solicit opinions from you on continuing the road. Gerry Eubank is in seventh heaven. His of the team. outing. Mitch Kot had a wonderful time son, Chris Eubank ’91, has been confirmed 76

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes for promotion to brigadier general by the Senate. Chris spent close to four years in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division and Special Operations. Stewart Copenhaver ’94 was Chris’ dyke. Ken Ayala is settled at The Villages in the new Village of Fenney. With more than 2,500 social clubs ranging from AA to Zumba, Ken joined the VMI, convertible, Virginia and British Clubs. Snowbirds are excoriated by the local pilgrims, but snowbirds spend money, have no kids in school, pay taxes and can’t vote. Bill Maurer has been working on his weight, and when he found his old class sweater, he tried it on and it fit. He was overjoyed. Dave Elliott fell off a ladder as it slipped along the house gutter and crashed onto concrete. He was rushed to the hospital for elbow repair (plates and screws), broken ribs and trauma. Hill Browning visited him and said he was in good spirits. Pete Roberts was also there, and after the visit, Hill had dinner with Pete Roberts and Judi Elliott. Jack and Nancy Bell also visited Dave and kept me up to date on Dave’s condition. Hershel Murray was also in close touch with Dave, and Hershel sent Dave his personal nurse to look in on him. Dave is finally home, doing rehab and, when I talked with him, was doing well. We both agreed to leave roof climbing to others. Nancy Bell is completely healed with excellent results from her knee replacement. Heather Browning is doing well after her shoulder surgery. Doug Popp’s valve replacement and bypass surgery was a success. However, Doug can’t pass a field of Angus without reacting to the fact that they’re now his people. Oscar Mabry recovered from his knee surgery, and Fred Ayers is feeling better now that he is living at sea level. Harold and Cilia Kurstedt are now settled in Port St. Lucie, Florida. When visiting Roanoke, Harold survived a closeto-death experience and was saved by God’s most recent medical miracle called interventional radiology. Forty-eight hours later, Harold walked out of the hospital very weak but alive. Stuart Woodcock had a rare medical issue that kept him weak and not able to eat for several weeks. He lost 22 pounds. This was a tough way to lose weight, but he looks great. Dennis Curtis had esophageal cancer years ago, and recent endoscopic 2018-Issue 2

exam results were all-clear! As of writing these notes, Nelle Gouldthorpe is in intensive care with pancreatitis. Her pancreas was burned up and some of it “died.” Thanks to modern medicine, you can live with a partial pancreas! Recovery will be long, so keep her in your prayers. Jep Housley is still recovering from encephalitis, meningitis and a staph infection concurrently, compounded by two falls over Christmas. Ben Cleveland’s wife, Mary, is slowly wasting away due to an aggressive cancer called angiosarcoma. She is in home hospice now and is not expected to last. Tom Artman’s dear wife, Janice, died from complications of lung cancer Brother Rat and retired Brig. Gen. James J. DiBella died at home with his family by his side. He attended VMI for one year and graduated from Lock Haven University with a degree in teaching. Jim was an elementary school math teacher and a lifelong business entrepreneur who owned many businesses in Pennsylvania. Jim proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for more than 30 years, attaining the rank of brigadier general. Larry Respess was his rat roommate and remembers that he was a walk-on football player. Larry didn’t know why he left VMI. His final resting place will be at Arlington in the spring, and we hope to be there. Brother Rat George Ward died Jan. 2, 2018. “Mischievous” George, as I remember him, left VMI and returned to graduate with 1962. George emailed me frequently but was never healthy enough to return for reunions. His last email was in response to DiBella’s passing. There was a celebration of George’s life at his church, and his ashes were spread as per his request. George’s wife, Laura, said the class flowers were beautiful. His roommate was Ben Cleveland. Consider joining us for the class cruise to New England and Canada Oct. 3-12, 2019. The ship selected, Grandeur of the Seas, is a small ship which means it will be easy to get around for those like me who have a problem with mobility. For details contact Tom Phlegar at (704) 535-2154, (704) 776-8166 or btphlegar@aol.com or contact me. Stay well, and call a brother rat you have not seen in a long time. You never know what you will learn. God bless all of you, our troops and VMI, and stay in touch.

1962

Monty Williams

Jerry Burnett

As I write these notes Jan. 8, 2018, I am looking out the window at a winter wonderland in Suffolk, Virginia, due to the 10 inches of snow that fell Jan. 3-4, 2018. It made me recall the battalion snowball fights we had at the Institute. It has been freezing here since the snow fell, so it has not melted much. The temperature is supposed to rise this week, so maybe we can get back to normal. The last quarter of 2017 was a sad time for our class, as we lost four brother rats: James W. Dean, Ryland “Skip” Davis, Ferrell “Skip” Carter and Walter C. Perrin. May their souls rest in peace. Tony Curtis reported that he now knows the validity of the expression “growing old is not for wimps!” This is due to his right knee replacement the summer before last, his left hip last summer and now scoliosis of the lower spine. He said he is so proud of the golf bag the class presented to him for his service as class agent that he took it to The Villages VMI Chapter party in November for “show and tell.” He also reported that while most of Florida was hit with Hurricane Irma, The Villages was spared serious problems because most of the buildings and homes were built to the 1995 125 mph wind damage standard, and all the power lines are underground. He says his golf game is slowly improving, and the walking is good for the legs. He has recently finished reading two books about VMI that he highly recommends to all of you to read to remember, reflect and rejoice in the past and future of the greatest Institute in America! The first is “The Institute,” which was photographed by Anthony Edgeworth and text by Geoffrey Norman. This is one of the finest coffee table books about VMI! It’s 77

Class Notes especially great to have around when your guests or their kids ask, “Where did you go to school,” or God forbid, “What’s VMI?” And the best part is it’s full of full-page color photos of the buildings, faculty and the Corps. It takes you step by step through the rat year of the Class of 2000 (the last all-male class), through Ring Figure and graduation. He said once you start reading it, it’ll be hard to put down, except for DRC or SRC. The second is “The Hard Corps – 21st Century Leadership Development” by Dr. Stewart W. Husted, a VPI grad who served seven years on the VMI faculty. It explains in eloquent detail why most of us have succeeded in our various positions of leadership. It not only draws from VMI but also points out how leadership leads to success in business, education and the military. After you’ve read this, you may well consider passing it on to any future cadet or current leader in your community. You will especially enjoy reading the story about BR Gerald Quirk in the chapter about integrity first and always (page 87) about his disagreeing with a key executive on a corporate decision. The company owner tried to fire him but held back when the employees demanded his retention! Gerry said, “Doing what I think is right regardless of the risk was directly linked to my VMI experience.” Judy continues with her battle with pancreatic cancer. Up to a month ago, she was ahead in the battle, then her quarterly scan showed some cells that should not be there. Because these pancreatic cells are acting like ovarian cells (floating around instead of anchoring to a specific organ), the decision has been made to avoid surgery and go back to radiation and chemotherapy with some new pills. Your prayers for Tony and Judy would be very much appreciated. Bill Hoerter wrote to inform our class on the loss of our Brother Rat Skip Carter, who died Oct. 1, 2017. (According to the VMI Register of Former Cadets, Skip Carter attended VMI for three years.) There was no notice in the paper and no funeral service. Skip and Bill were very close in growing up together in their small village of Bon Air, Virginia, and attended Bon Air Elementary School together. George Barnes attended the service for Walt Perrin at St. Luke’s in Atlanta, which 78

he says was most memorable. It was standing room only. Colonel James Inman ’86, VMI chief of staff, was present representing the Institute. Many expressed a great deal of respect and affection for Walt. He was a good man and made many contributions to the Institute. George Collins and Maureen also attended Walter’s funeral, along with George Rapport ’64 and his wife. Tony Bueschen sent the following concerning Walt. Even though they were in the same class at VMI, he did not know Walter until they moved to Atlanta 10 years ago. They became very close friends. His attendance at the 50th Reunion in 2012 was because Walt was so enthusiastic about encouraging him to attend. The reunion was a very gratifying and enjoyable experience. It was the first VMI reunion he had attended since he had enrolled in the school of medicine at the University of Virginia in September 1961. It is only because of Walt Perrin that he ever returned to VMI, and he is grateful for Walt’s encouragement. Walt had exceptional devotion to many things but especially his family and friends and VMI. As we know, Walt worked very hard successfully for many years as a volunteer to promote VMI and its programs. Stinson Jones’ oldest daughter suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in October and was paralyzed on the left side of her body. She lives in Santa Barbara, California, and is recovering in a rehab hospital. He said she is making fast recovery, and they pray she’ll recover completely. He and Julie have made numerous trips to be with her and plan many more. Marcus Muth reported that he and Bell are still getting along fairly well. He has lots of aches and pains to complain about but seemed to have dodged the serious stuff. He is still in the cattle business but letting the younger folks earn their aches and pains while he supervises and criticizes. Cal Seybold wrote that he and Roxanna had planned a visit to the West Coast to visit the eldest daughter in February, but believe it or not, rain in sunny California forced them to cancel the trip. They finally made it in October and had a fun time. In April, they attended the 55th Reunion at VMI. He noted that the VMI post just seems to continually grow and improve. He could not believe how

“old” all those Old Corps, brother rat guys had gotten; wasn’t it supposed to take longer to get old? In June, they took a cruise to Alaska with Calina, their eldest daughter and his “rocket scientist;” his sister, Viola, from Texas, (but they don’t hold that Texas thing against her); and Roxanna’s brother, Bill, the retired actor. Alaska is such a neat and different place; it was a good trip. Even though they have been to Alaska several times, it never gets old. The Seybold clan met in August in Makanda, Illinois, to watch the total solar eclipse at its maximum duration of 2-plus minutes. That was really an once-in-a-lifetime experience – especially to enjoy it with the whole family. He is still doing independent contracting work from his home office. Calina is still in California, and travels a lot for business and pleasure. Clint, his warrior, is in his last year as battalion commander in American Samoa. Celisa, his author, lives near them in Mount Carmel and is working on her seventh book in her “Keys to Adventure” series. Rob Sheldon reported that he and Terry are both very well and active in the Las Cruces, New Mexico, and beyond community. He allowed his professional licenses to expire at the end of last year to force him into full retirement, so it is illegal for him to work now. His activities include Rotary projects, training volunteer firefighters, painting watercolor pictures and maintaining the house. Terry is taking good care of him, entertaining, PEO activities, church activities and knitting. They occasionally play some bridge and do some traveling. Life is good in Las Cruces. Visitors are welcome. He is sorry they missed the class reunion, but with no ties to Virginia other than VMI, it is difficult for them to tear away from New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment. I received a nice, long report from Gary Kaylor. He studied chemistry at VMI, chemical engineering at the University of Houston and received an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Duke University. He has two children (one of whom is now deceased) and three grandchildren. He careered in the synthetic fiber industry with managing experience in research, technical, quality control and production. He actually worked and lived in seven states VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and one other country (Colombia). His most notable accomplishment was being in charge of a research project at Allied Signal that resulted in the development of the first process in the world to produce monopoly polyester filaments. He took an early retirement from Allied Signal at age 53 but then went to work as a general manager for PreCon Corporation. DuPont sent all of their Tyvek to PreCon, and they did all of the Tyvek cutting, printing, packaging and shipping operations for DuPont. He retired from this at age 55. Since then, he has truly lived a fabulous life. He has traveled to all 50 states and 63 other countries. He has backpacked his way across South America, starting in Quito, Ecuador, through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. He also backpacked his way across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. He has stayed physically active. He started playing in senior basketball tournaments and has played for years in many state championships in Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Utah. He played in his first National Senior three-onthree Championship in Houston in 2011. His team finished second (silver medal) out of 31 teams from across the USA. Since then, he finished fifth in 2013 in Cleveland, first (gold medal) in Minneapolis in 2015 and third (bronze) in Birmingham in 2017. He played on the USA over-75 five-on-five team in Orlando in 2015. He was the leading scorer on the World Championship Team. He played on the USA over-75 team in Monticatini, Italy, in 2017 and was the second leading scorer on the world championship team. They beat, in order, teams from Russia, Chile and Estonia. Then they beat Brazil in the semifinal and Latvia in the 2018-Issue 2

Class of 1962: Hugo and Jodie Burton’s wine labels.

Class of 1962: Rosser Bobbitt and family.

Class of 1962: Gary Kaylor, part of the 2017 75-plus championship team.

final. He was the leading scorer on the 75-plus championship team in the Huntsman World Games in October 2017 and also won the gold medal in the free throw and three-point shooting contest. He still plays tennis and loves to hike mountains and rappel down cliffs and waterfalls. Orlando Severo and Joan are doing well. For the near term, their travel is limited because of his Parkinson’s disease. Nevertheless, he is mobile and gets around OK. He is active with youth golf with the First Tee Central Coast, adult religious education, and church finances and renovation. He is still optimistic about traveling East to visit family and to make a VMI reunion. Wayne Pacine and Jolin are doing fine. Jolin continues to work at DARPA as a contracting specialist. Wayne retired from the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System in February. Three days later, he was hired by the Department of Homeland Security as a contractor. He mainly works from home but goes into Washington several times a month. He says it is a great job, and he enjoys all the interaction he has with government workers all over the U.S. He is also working as a faculty adviser at Wharton and goes to Philadelphia every June to conduct classes. He recently accepted the position as chairman of the Owens Scholarship Foundation at Wharton that will definitely have some additional demands for his time. He promises to “retire for real” sometime in the future. He and Jolin celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Nov. 11 with a trip to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. All is well with Buck Bradley and Louise. They flew to Maine in October to visit with Dick and Marty Thomas at their place in Round Pond, Maine. Also seen in 79

Class Notes Maine were Jim and Tony Piggott ’75. They then drove to Quebec City for a few days then to Montreal. John Allen has completely retired from J.F. Allen Co. after 55 years and turned the reins over to son Johnny. Joyce reported that he is having a little bit of trouble with his gait but is still going to the office daily. They found a new vice president from VMI, Jay Witt ’99, who comes to them after being a senior engineer with Consol Energy in Pennsylvania. Jay came heartily endorsed by Dr. Justin Douglas ’99. The president is Greg Hadjis, a West Pointer with a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago. The company continues to grow and is in good hands. John felt it was time for “new blood” to take over. Their granddaughter, Katheryn McKee, announced her engagement in December to Steele Stanwick, UVa’s answer to the Heisman Trophy of lacrosse (he coaches lacrosse at John Hopkins University). A fall wedding is planned. John and Joyce say they welcome any brother rat for a West Virginia visit. Hugo Burton’s step-son, Scott Beasley ’16, graduated from flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Scott was the president of the Class of 2016. Tom Murphree’s home is not far from Fort Rucker, and Tom and Scott had become friends. Hugo and Jodie have become home vintners. John Eger is still teaching in the School of Journalism at San Diego State University. He is the Zahn professor of creativity and innovation; Van Deerlin Endowed Chair in Communications and Public Policy; and director, Creative Economy Initiative School of Journalism and Media Studies at the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. He is sure the younger faculty wonder when he is going to retire. He says, “Never.” It’s a lot of fun and keeps him always learning something. Mary Ann and he have an empty house, as their boys are working and would love to see any BR out their way. Seymour Samuels has placed his wife, Linda, in an Alzheimer’s facility in Fairfax, Virginia, after taking care of her at home for the last two-and-a-half years. He says that she is adjusting well and now recognizes him, which is much better than when she was home. He is slowly acclimating to 80

being alone, but the hardest part is cooking for one. He has broken the code and now freezes the excess. He goes to the fitness center almost daily and has a personal trainer twice a week. Mike Lilge is still dealing with the effects of polycystic kidney disease that he inherited from his father. His main activity is dialysis three days for three-and-a-half hours a week. Mercer McPherson and Carol celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June. He recently bought a beautiful red Jaguar F, Model R-AWD to replace his Porsche that he had for his midlife crisis. Carol says the Jaguar is his senior life crisis. They have a beautiful daughter, had four wonderful German Shepherds, travel extensively, had great careers and are enjoying their retirement. In September, Bob Miller and Nancy took a tour of the northwestern parks, including Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorials, Little Bighorn, Bryce Canyon and the Badlands. They finished the trip in Denver and were able to visit with his brother, Steve, and his wife, who live in Boulder, Colorado. While there, they went to Colorado Springs and toured the Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy and drove through the Garden of the Gods. With this trip, they only have two states left to visit, Oregon and North Dakota, to have visited all 50 states. Jim Richards and Flo are doing fine. They

Class of 1962: Tom Murphree, Scott Beasley ’16 and Hugo Burton.

don’t travel much, as Flo has serious heart and back problems. They did go to the Outer Banks for a week in September just in time for it to storm as one of the hurricanes passed by off shore. Jim spends most of his time helping Flo and puttering around the house in the winter and doing some amateur gunsmithing and target shooting when the weather allows. In the summer, he does lots of mowing, mulching and other yardwork. He is still on the governing body of the Presbyterian Church of Floyd. Ed Vinieratos has returned to the USA after 25 years in the former Soviet Union teaching English, mathematics and physics. He is visiting the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, for medical checkups. This summer, he plans to attend high school reunions in Alabama and his native Hampton, Virginia. Afterward, he will return to Europe, where he has a rental, and enjoy cruises from England. After VMI, he received an engineering master’s at Stanford and an unfinished doctorate. Later, he received a second master’s from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, which brought him to missions in Russia that led to a teaching career. The big event for Rosser Bobbitt and Kate was taking all of their children and daughters-in-law on a cruise of the Mediterranean, Rome to Barcelona. It was great; the first time in years that they had all in the same place at the same time. Joe Weakley has been diagnosed as being allergic to red meat (i.e., basically any animal who nurses on its mother.). This was the result of a tick bite. He had a couple of bites this past summer, and they were treated with meds to combat the effects attributed to the deer tick – Lyme disease. Evidently, this was not the case. Meat allergy is a result of the bite from the lone star tick. He says the consequences of eating red meat, if you’ve been bitten, are not pleasant and can be fatal. He recommends that if you go outside, it might not be a bad idea to apply some spray. I want to thank all who sent Christmas cards and included notes on their family and travels. It really makes the job of putting the class notes together a lot easier. Please keep the info coming. For your information, my deadlines for submitting the VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes notes are: Feb. 15, May 15, Aug. 15 and Nov. 15. The notes are then published in the Alumni Review about two-and-a-half months after the submission date.

1963

Michael J. Curley

Hello again, beautiful people! I am writing this installment about 60 days before our 55th Reunion in historic Natural Bridge, Virginia. Let’s talk about a serious matter at hand. My time is up, as class agent, that is! Fifteen years is enough. I’m tired, and I know it’s time to share this interesting job with someone else! Talked with Kent McCraney a few days ago asking for recommendations about planning a smooth transition to a new class agent, and he said he experienced the same fatigue after the same time serving our class, so I guess it’s time to turn over the baton with dignity and respect. We plan to have nominations from the floor and a closed ballot election at our dinner/meeting in Natural Bridge. This has been a marvelous 15 years in my life, made even more fun by getting to know you people better than would have ever been possible during our cadetship. Thanks to all for the love, caring and courtesy shown me and for electing me to the position in the first place; it has shaped my life and made me a better person. Here’s where I exit stage right, I believe, singing Edelweiss ... see you all around the post! Now let’s talk about your wonderful Christmas cards and letters. Where do you guys get this stuff? Noteworthy among all the accounts of family matters, children, grandchildren, pets, travel, etc.: Richard and Susan Ballentine moved from Portland, Oregon, to Atlanta, Georgia. Sally Jones took her first airplane ride with Harry when she figured out swimming to Italy with Harry from North Carolina was somewhat impractical. The Crowleys traveled to New Zealand. Jan Lacy visited with Peg and me in Richmond, and we had two pleasant daytrips to Arlington and Lexington. Jan also made a 2018-Issue 2

substantial contribution to our scholarship fund in Mell’s name while here, it might be noted. Pat Kelly reported that he and Gwen “are slowing down. For one thing, we are spending the holidays at home, and happy doing so!” Tom and Yvonne Myers finally hung up the RV lifestyle after 14 years, sold their RV, their great big truck and are now living in a new home with no wheels and a permanent foundation in Plantation, Florida. Lee and Diane Spessard continue their Boxer rescue mission, and Lee recounted in gory detail Diane’s injuries suffered at the mouth and paws of one of the rescues that left their kitchen “looking like an episode from ‘Forensic Files’ ... she is still healing,” according to Lee. Finally, Jim and Tik Ellis may have been the most traveled couple in the class by appearing at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, June 2017; the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, September 2017; and later, celebrating their world travels during Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, also in September 2017. Whew! I will greatly miss your exciting Christmas letters in the future. Thank you! Not so good news from Rudy Amos: “Mike, sorry, but I cannot attend our 55th Reunion. While I was in Florida the end of October, I had a significant heart attack and had to wait until this past weekend for my daughter to fly in and drive me back to Virginia. My main artery was 100 percent blocked and a second was 90 percent blocked. I had a close call but am thankful that this happened where it did. From arrival of the ambulance to operating table at a hospital with a cardiac unit was less than 30 minutes. If the attack happened on the farm in Goochland, it might have been a different story! I am up and around, doing fine and will begin some rehab next week. I was still working 50 hours a week and enjoying the heck out of it, but I guess it is time to throttle back. Rudy Amos.” As frequently happens, a response from one of our brother rats provided great support to another in difficulty. Pat Kelly emailed Rudy Amos and said, “Rudy, sorry to hear about the heart attack but delighted to hear about your surgery. My wife, Gwen, was truly excited by your comment, ‘If it had happened

Class of 1963: Bob and Bromby Earle enjoyed lunch with Tina and Bob Powell at The Tides Inn in Irvington.

Class of 1963: Dennis and Linda Crowley with their son bringing in the new year with a million or more of their new best friends in Sydney, Australia.

Class of 1963: Continuing a VMI Straub family legacy, Mollie Straub proudly displays her appointment and readies for her first encounter with cadre. Class Agent Mike Curley said, “We all join in wishing her total success, so she can join Maggie as an alum!” 81

Class Notes on the farm in Goochland, it might have been heart issues but feeling grateful he’s fine and delighted Randy is doing well with his treata different story.’ When we left Padre Island going to benefit from some therapy. He is in ments. They said they saw Hobbs Godwin and retired to the country around Hamilton, our thoughts and prayers for sure. Ken had in Paris briefly. So, Mike, we’ll be sending a Texas, I pushed for a little ranch out in the wil- a PET scan, part of a trial. Awaiting results photo to you of the four of us taken by Handerness, but Gwen stated that if we did that, from the doctor. Hoping it is not the worst nah. We hope this finds you and Peg enjoying I’d be dead the first time she had to rush me it could be. At this point, he has mild cogni- the good life! Randy said the lunch dates are to the hospital (a 25- to 30-minute drive into tive impairment. Will keep you posted. I’m a lot of fun and that you’re doing very well, town). So, we ‘compromised’ and bought a hoping you’re not puckered with his poor too! Sending good thoughts and hugs, Bonnie and Ken.” place on the edge of town just two From Mike Smither: “Mike, blocks from the regional hospital. I just read the class notes on the Smartest decision she ever let me website; they are great, as usual, make! Now I drive my golf cart to and happy to hear of all the rethe hospital and clinic when needunion activities. It isn’t all that ed. Pay attention to those who tell far away, either! I, for one, do not you to slow down and take it easy. mind having it during the week. They only want to have you hang Although there are fewer VMI acaround a little bit longer. Most of tivities and New Corps alums runmy ‘friends’ tell Gwen to hide my ning around, midweek offers the medicine so I won’t be able to take Corps in ‘normal’ mode, if there it – and they say it’s for the good of is indeed a ‘normal’ mode. And all! Hope your recovery goes well, I’m very much looking forward to and we’ll see you at the 55th next seeing everybody again. As I did April – maybe not! Pat.” not receive a class notes heads up, Ken and Bonnie Reeder, who I know you well enough to believe are having health problems of their Class of 1963: Bonnie Reeder, Maureen and Randy Williams, and you sent one. Please check your own, wrote, “Hi, Mike. Both of us Ken Reeder at dinner at Williamsburg’s Blue Heron in January. ‘to:’ list to make sure my email adare very sorry to hear of Rudy’s communication record. Just not an email dress is there. Thanks. I hope you and yours guy very much, but he always enjoys hearing are well. Hugs for Peg, and one for yourself! from and about his VMI brothers – very dear Happy Thanksgiving! Mike.” “Even though one of our kids and famto him. If we lived closer, we’d be at some of those lunches. Such a wonderful way to stay ily has moved back from Doha, Qatar, and connected, healing with all that’s going on for now works for Duke University in North so many. Kenny would so love being there. Carolina,” writes Walt Kleine, “Karen and Was sorry to hear of your COPD. I’m sure I still do a lot of traveling. We were in Housthe lift will be an immense help. We think ton over Thanksgiving for the holiday and of you often, Michael, and always hope a birthday party for two of our great-grandyou’re faring well. Take care, Bonnie.” I children who were born only three-and-aheard from Bonnie again in January after half weeks apart to sisters (our two oldest they returned from a trip to Williamsburg, grandchildren). We now have 23 grandchilVirginia. She wrote “Hey, Mike. Ken and I dren and seven great-grandchildren. They here. We accompanied Amy to Williams- live in three different states: Texas, Oklaburg yesterday, delivering granddaughter homa and North Carolina. We’re leaving Hannah to William & Mary. We had not Dec. 28 to spend five days in Tulsa (will yet visited her at school and were happy see three children, eight grandchildren and to be able to ride along and see Hannah’s two great-grandchildren). I have been very dorm room, where she goes, etc. Lovely busy as the treasurer of a church in Port town – quaint – and the school is lovely. Aransas that was decimated by Hurricane Anyway, Maurine and Randy Williams Harvey. I still manage to play golf once a Class of 1963: Amy Neil and Fred Mcmet us for dinner at the Blue Heron. We so week. Karen keeps busy by playing bridge Bride were married Oct. 7 in Decatur, Alabama, and honeymooned on a enjoyed seeing them and spending time to- at least weekly and loves making quilts for river cruise through wine country in gether. They’re such nice friends – very in- grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In central France. teresting, full life and much to share. We’re the bonds, Walt.” 82

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Charlie Straub on the VMI appointment of his daughter, Mollie: “Physical, VMI admissions forms and a $300 deposit ready for mailing tomorrow, so it looks like she is going through with it. As we were going through with this process, I kept thinking about those rainy winter Sunday afternoons and how dismal they were on the hill, yet all the BS we all went through was worth it. Today, they have smartphones, Facebook and, most importantly, they have rat families in Lexington. We had to wait in line to use a payphone! Always, Charlie.” Breaking news! I just received an email from Pierre Brunel who wrote: “Diana and I, daughter Keely, son-in-law Tom and Hudson Scott Asbury, our two-and-a-half-yearold grandson, from Colorado Springs will be in Richmond from March 22-26 for my former sister-in-law’s wedding March 24. I know that sounds weird, but let me connect the dots. My brother, Bob, divorced his wife, Susan, about 10 years ago. Messy story. Susan and I, Diana, and our children remain, and will always remain, close. She became acquainted with a neighbor, John Lenzi, who had lost his wife some time before. So, it also happens that John Lenzi was a classmate of Mike Curley, Doug Rowe, John Yurachek and other mackerel-snapping brother rats at Benedictine High School in Richmond. John and Susan have become very close in the last several years, became engaged and are to be married March 24. You may know John; a great guy despite his attendance at VPI!” Wishing my successor the very best; curleyrat has left the building ... someone please turn out the lights!

1964

John R. Cavedo

Planning continues on our 55th Reunion from arriving Sunday, April 14, 2019, and departing Wednesday, April 17. As with the past two reunions, we’ve reserved the Holiday Inn Express. I’ve had several phone calls with Buzz Birzenieks. His planning for the 55th is 2018-Issue 2

continuing on schedule. The first night will be held at Buzz and Jane’s home. The second night will be at Marshall Hall with a dinner hosted by the Alumni Association, and the third night dinner is being organized by Hank Cronin and Tom Davis. Except for shooting hosted by John Thornton and a tour of the new facilities, no other activities are now planned. If you’re willing to act as the host for other activities, contact Buzz or me. We lost two brother rats recently. This past Christmas, Bill Thompson died after a battle of several years. Bill had many, many achievements in his life. We’ll miss him. Then, shortly after the first of the year, Don Giles died peacefully with his family by his side. Don had only recently been diagnosed with cancer. I hope that each of you has advised your families to notify VMI in the event of the death of family members. The class and each of your brother rats care a great deal. It would also be helpful to ask them to contact me. Frank and Marcy Parker sent a nice Christmas letter detailing their activities for the year, which included a lot of traveling – most of it to historical sites and landmarks throughout the U.S. Bill and Millie McVey reported several trips associated with their children and grandchildren. Bill continues to enjoy sailing and tennis plus attends at least one reunion annually of his fellow Marine aviators. Millie is still enjoying singing in their church choir and has started to learn to play the ukulele. Jack and Judy Trossbach traveled extensively – early during 2017 to the Eastern Caribbean aboard a cruise ship, then three weeks in China. They finished the year again cruising the Eastern Caribbean with friends just missing the hurricane season. Ed Seager wrote that he and Janice took their annual monthlong trip to Barbados but also visited the Tidewater area several times. Plus, they spent part of September with family and finished up the year attending the annual Institute Society Dinner. Bud Duryea has had several medical procedures this past year, to include a new right shoulder. Butch Nunnally sold their place in Florida but plans to visit their children there annually.

Class of 1964: Ed and Janice Seager at the Institute Society Dinner in Lexington in November 2017.

Class of 1964: Donna and Floyd Duncan at the Institute Society Dinner in Lexington in November 2017.

Class of 1964: Jake and Deborah Kleinschuster at the Institute Society Dinner in Lexington in November 2017. 83

Class Notes retirement anytime soon. He and Joan are calling Richmond Richard Beatty: “I attended a their permanent home. I heard formal new year’s eve ball and from W.J. Kitchen that Butch and dinner with Edmund Hoy in CaliJoan stopped by their place in San fornia. Ed is a lodge officer at the Diego while vacationing with kids Pasadena, California, Elks and I there. For clarification, that was am a trustee at the Tacoma, WashW.J.’s place and Butch’s kids. ington, Elks. My fiancée, Mickey I’ve heard rumors that both Walt Duelfer, and I plan to get married Sykes and Pete Mazik have reloJune 23, 2018, in Kalispell, Moncated West to be closer to family, tana. She was a lieutenant combut I don’t have new addresses. mander in the Navy Nurse Corps Jane Roberts (Gil’s widow) noat Bethesda, Maryland, when we tified me that their grandson will met in 1968. It’s a long story how be starting VMI this coming fall. we got back together again after 47 Interesting was that not only did years. Gil attend, but his younger brother Virtually no input from any of graduated shortly after Gil. Even you except what I could pull from more interesting was that greatgreat-great grandfathers of Gil and Class of 1964: Richard Beatty, Mickey Duelfer and Edmund a couple of Christmas newsletters, so these are my shortest class notes Jane were early superintendents Hoy at The Elks Christmas dinner in California. in my 12-plus years as class agent. and commandants. Small world. Plus, except for Ed Seager sending in photos Buzz Birzenieks: “Jane and I attended Don from the Institute Society Dinner, pictures Giles’ funeral service. There was a very large were hard to come by. Also, thanks to Richturnout – standing room only. The church is ard Beatty and Butch Nunnally for a photo. large and beautiful. Charlie Cole and Denny Please help me in the near future. Vaughn were honorary pallbearers. I briefly talked to them after the service. Lewis Graybill ’62 and Donny Ross ’74 were also there.” Several of us contend each year for the most Mickey Finn traveling. Between the Kitchens, Muneras, Mary Jo Jordan and the Rudinoffs, millions of miles and dozens of countries are rewardClass of 1964: Tom and Yvonne Myers ed by having the Class of ’64 visit. and Joan and Butch Nunnally in PlanJan Rudinoff included the following in tation, Florida, in January 2018. As I close out these notes, the weather is his Christmas letter: “Seattle in February to see daughter, Sarah, star in ‘Well’ at the Se- exhibitions, exercised at Club Delfino, and sunny and 75 – a beautiful day for Feb. 15. attle Reparatory. March and April in Italy – attended St. George’s Anglican Church and Yesterday was cold and cloudy, and early Rome, Orvieto and Cortona visiting friends, The Venice Music Project concerts. Our Ital- that morning, Russell Proctor notified me that his other roommate, Joe Nichols, had and six weeks in our rental apartment in Ven- ian is improving! ice. Sarah’s and Paula’s sister, Ever, flew in for “We flew from Venice to Nice, France, Oct. passed. As you read this, you have already 10 days to help celebrate Jan’s 75th birthday 13. Forty of us cruised from Arles to Paris on received the information I do not yet have. with our Venetian friends March 31! a small river boat and we stayed a couple of Again, with a heavy heart, I know you “May found us in the Valley of the Dor- weeks in Paris before flying to Rome to board must be told. So it will be done, but now we dogne, France, visiting friends and staying at Holland America’s Prinsendam for a 16-day have an opportunity to see the emails from Le Sud. In June, we cruised Alaska on our transatlantic cruise to Ft. Lauderdale with the our BRs that brighten my day every time one of you bless me with your thoughts, favorite 14-day itinerary round trip. We then intention of returning home to Kauai.” took the Seattle kids to the Fourth of July I had a nice long phonecon with Bill Taylor ideas and lives. Thank you for keeping in Mariners game after we returned from the in January. He and Betsy are really enjoying contact with me! We begin with this report from Irwin Mc49th state. life in Yorktown. It turns out they have a view “We were back in Venice from the middle of the bridge and the Yorktown River beside Cumber: “Linda and I drove to Corpus of August to the middle of October. We saw which the old restaurant, Nick’s Seafood, Christi for the Jan. 5 wedding of Will Conmovies at the Venice International Film Fes- stood for so many years. Bill is still conduct- nerley ’15 and his bride, Mariah. Will is tival in September, visited the Biennale Art ing his insurance business with no plans for the most recent graduate to have received

1965

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes aid from my sons’, Scott and Brian, memorial scholarship, and we became close to Will and his family during his last three years at VMI. He was president of his class and a very good baseball player. He will soon be going to Washington state as a Navy pilot. “On our journey, we were able to visit Bill and Mia Cather in Birmingham, Marlie and Shirley Sweigart in San Antonio, and Ted and Veronica Goodloe in Little Rock. Happy to report that all of them were doing well, although Mia has had health challenges that seem to be part of our aging ‘bonus package.’ We thank them all for their hospitality! In the bonds, Irwin.” Contact Irwin about the contents of the bag in the attached photo. Johnny Mac Marshall has been on the road again: “Since the last letter, Jamie and I have been busy at our usual rather frenetic rate. For starters, we spent the Thanksgiving weekend in Poland at the UMCS Alumni Foundation Ball. This was rather of a ‘command performance’ for us, since Jamie created the foundation and is the principal director. Needless to say, she made me look very good, indeed. It was the first time in my life that supper lasted seven hours. They would bring a course and a drink, then we would dance awhile. Then they would pause the music, bring more food and drink, and then more dancing. This went on from 7 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. Reminded me a bit of the dances at VMI, though, of course, without the alcohol. “When we got back to Dallas, it was just enough time for me to recover from jetlag, wash clothes, and get on the plane back to Kraków to speak at the MEDEL Conference on Access to Justice and Court Management. MEDEL is an association of judges from all over the European Union, and my presentation was on the U.S. Constitution and judicial independence. It was sponsored by the Jagiellonian University Faculty of Law, and it was a lot of fun. Of course, lots of food and drink (yes, vodka and other things). That trip was only four days, so jetlag hardly had a chance to settle in before crossing the Atlantic coming home. While all of this travel was happening, our home was undergoing demolition and reconstruction (read: Jamie’s version of remodeling). From my point of view, the travels to Poland were worth every moment of exhaustion. 2018-Issue 2

“In January, our church had the consecration of a new bishop, and I had to preside. No sooner was that done than I drove to New Orleans 10 days ago for a conference on construction scheduling. My job there was to teach engineers and construction people what happens if they end up in court. Not a happy topic for them, but it got me into some good food. I also had a chance to purchase a Confederate $1,000 bond with all but one coupon still attached. What makes it special is the picture of Stonewall Jackson on it! The good news is that I don’t have any more travel until after Easter. Jamie joins me in wishing you and all the BRs a happy and healthy New Year!” Bill Cather is busy! He reported, “I, with the help of Mickey, persuaded a brother rat and his wife, Judy, to make his first trip back to the Institute in 55 years for the November Institute Society Dinner. I hope some of you remember Bill Dunham, a quarterback on the rat team. He was on a full ride football scholarship but left at the urging of Doc Carroll so he could study enough to get into medical school. He recently retired as an orthopedic oncologist. Bill and I went through elementary and high school together, along with Little League and high school baseball. I hope everyone will welcome him back into the fold when you see him at our next reunion. “Mia and I have spent some time with Maebeth Fitzgerald. She is doing well,

having sold her large home and getting ready to move into a new smaller home she is building. We have hopes that she will accompany us back to the 55th. “On another note for all the Richmond BRs, one of my scouts, Mac Hereford, spent his last two years at Woodberry Forrest and did not start a game his junior year and only started half of the games at wide receiver his senior year. He walked on at Alabama and made the team this year as a freshman! “Mia has been off chemotherapy for four months and is doing well with her Amyloidosis. We will be going to Boston University for a checkup in May. As for me, I led 19 scouts and dads on our annual 20-mile hike (merit badge requirement) in December, so I use that to tell that I am doing well.” Jeff Gausepohl provided a walk down the third stoop of memory lane: “I roomed (No. 310) with Joe Nichols and Al Orgain as a 3rd. Joe may well hold the VMI record for the most consecutive weeks as room orderly in winter/spring 1963. Both Al and I were demerit prone; we both had collected 60 or so demerits thanks to an overenthusiastic TAC officer, Captain Bob Drudik. If my memory serves me, the only demerits Joe received as a 3rd were those received as a room orderly. Al and I survived our 3rd Class year thanks to BR Joe. Joe’s ‘Spirit’ painting is proudly displayed in our beach home in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Joe will be missed.

Class of 1965: From left, Donny White; Georgia Lee Lingle Waldrop, Joe Lingle’s sister; Joe Straub; Easley Moore; Mary Laura Kludy, VMI archivist; Bob Wilkinson; and Janet Lingle Donnoe, Joe’s widow, at VMI during the mini reunion Feb. 9. 85

Class Notes “Personal note: Vicki received a clear pathology report, so our life should return to a more normal state. Currently planning to take my only grandson, Aidan, to Legacy Day in April. I will leave the wall climbing to him!” Michael McBride, our BR in Alaska for 50 years now, writes that he continues to help and inspire young people with his leadership programs in the Alaskan wilderness where he and his wife, Diane, have made their home. His son and daughter have purchased the family business where they grew up, and their grandchildren are likewise growing up and working in their award-winning and internationally-renowned business, The Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge. In his new retirement, Michael is focused on using their still more remote Loonsong Lake Lodge for the youth programs. He said, “This is my 50th year of accident-free bush flying, having earned a commercial ticket in l967 at the hands of old school bush pilots.” You can fly with him into his floatplane accessible only by lake in the video on the Loonsong Lake Lodge website, https://www.loonsonglakelodge.com. He has given an all-inclusive $7,000 stay at Loonsong for three days for four people to raise funds for HOWL of Homer. The website is: http://www.howlalaska.org. His closing remark is, “Never stop exploring!” Donny White wrote this to the attendees of the midwinter weekend at VMI. A total of 46 attended the weekend function. “Brother Rats: We are finalizing plans for our mini reunion Feb. 9-10. As mentioned previously, Easley Moore found our original memorial plaque with the names of our three BRs who died in the Vietnam War. Our new plaque mounted in Memorial Gardens with the same three names is a nicer plaque. “Wayne Chiles suggested we try to find some relatives of our brothers lost in the war and present them with the old plaque. Easley has taken on the assignment with vigor. Although we do not have much information on the relatives of Bob Johnson and Hal Ward, Easley found Joe Lingle’s widow and sister. And both of those ladies will join us for our mini reunion. Joe’s widow’s name is Janet Donnoe. Joe’s sister is Georgia Lee (Lingle) Waldrop. Both of them were very touched by Easley’s contact with them, and they 86

readily agreed to travel to VMI to be with us for the weekend. Easley and Wayne will conduct the plaque presentation at the beginning of our meal in the sub mess.” As you finish reading this, we are all enjoying May a little more than halfway through spring. Jane and I hope you are well and happy during this wonderful time of the year. If you come this way, please consider our princess suite as a layover spot, a 20 minute drive from Wrightsville Beach. For now, an Old Yell for ’65! ’65! ’65! Class of 1965: Linda and Irwin McCumber visited the Luckenbach, Texas, post office made famous in a song by Waylon Jennings.

Class of 1965: Shirley and Marlie Sweigart with Linda and Irwin McCumber in front of The Alamo Jan. 6, 2018.

Class of 1965: Johnny Mac Marshall spoke at a meeting of the MEDEL Conference on Access to Justice and Court Management Dec. 8, 2017, in Kraków, Poland. He spoke on the U.S. Constitution and judicial independence.

1966

Nick Hoskot

A personal request: If/when any of your contact information (telephone numbers/ addresses/emails, etc.) changes, please let Norma Robinson know at nrobinson@ vmiaa.org or 800-444-1839. This becomes really useful when brother rats are trying to make or regain contact with other members of our class. The availability of this information becomes especially important as we get older and our brain is trying to recall how to contact BR “xyz.” (If you prefer not to have contact information shared, just let Norma or me know). Clark Reifsnider wrote a letter to the members of the 50th Reunion Bomb Committee in which he passed along the following: “The 50th Reunion Bomb is absolutely fantastic! From Al’s vision to Ken’s impressive graphics to the editing and compilation of the biographies and pictures to Ray’s finishing touches and CD skills, the finished product is just really impressive! Thanks to all of you for your extraordinary work, and I know all of us wish Al and Ken were here to see this wonderful Bomb.” Members of the committee included: Hugh Adams, Al Connor, Nick Hoskot, Ken Petrie, Ray Saunders and Reyn Young. Reyn, who chaired the project from the relative comfort of his computer chair, did a superb job of micromanaging the effort and also lauded the efforts of those mentioned VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes above. Plus, Reyn cited the wives, children and grandchildren who supported the effort and added, “The research costs, loss of countless hours of sleep, paper cuts, a case of ‘sour tongue’ from licking all the envelopes and postage, etc. all contributed to this great success story!” Charlie Ramsburg also sent along his personal thanks and said, “What a pleasure it is to read through the bios and view the pics on this CD.” Hugh Adams, cub reporter from the Richmond area, provided the following information about John Lattin: Camp Lindsey-Lattin was located on the north perimeter of Bien Hoa Army Installation, Bien Hoa Province, III Corps, and “was the base camp of Company F, 51st Infantry, Long Range Patrol (Airborne) Infantry. It was named in honor of U.S. Army Sergeant Daniel Hinson Lindsey and 1st Lieutenant John Henry Lattin. Sergeant Lindsey was killed in action while with a light reconnaissance team when the patrol was ambushed Dec. 5, 1967. Ten days later, Dec. 15, 1967, 1st Lieutenant John Lattin was killed while a member of a heavy team on ambush at Phuoc Long. Lieutenant Lattin was the unit commander of Company F, 51st Infantry, at the time of his death. His name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the east wall, panel 32E, line 5.” Hugh found this information in a book he discovered entitled: “In Honor and Memory, Installations and Facilities of the Vietnam War.” It is about 800 pages in length, weighs several pounds and is more of a reference resource than something you would read from beginning to end. Hugh also checked this book to see if any of our other Vietnam deceased were so honored. Apparently, John was the only one. A brother rat who wished to remain anonymous (who apparently drives a nondescript bright red Infiniti sedan) made the following report about Jim Pauls, who was cruising along an interstate one day at a speed slightly above the posted limit when he encountered a road hog in the left lane. The other vehicle remained in the left lane, and Jim was unable to get by for several miles. Finally, he encountered 2018-Issue 2

a break in the traffic on the right side, got over and proceeded to pass the offending vehicle. As he passed the other vehicle, Jim apparently displayed the universal hand signal indicating disrespect and proceeded to go on his way. Much to his dismay and chagrin, the offending vehicle was an unmarked Virginia highway patrol car, and Jim was pulled over. The source did not indicate if he received anything other than a warning! John DuBose ’69 sponsored a table at the State Guard Association of the United States annual meeting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Instead of placing his name on the table, he put the name of our brother rat and his dyke, Vince Scott. The table placard read: “Dedicated to U.S. Air Force Captain Vincent C. Scott, KIA April 22, 1969.” John wrote: “The last time I saw Vince was at finals. His entire family went to a picnic at Goshen Pass, and I was invited to go along, too. That weekend was full of promise for the future.” Bill Gore and Clark Reifsnider had a brief visit at a preschool that their granddaughters attend in Fairfax, Virginia. They both agreed it was a pleasant visit and that it would be fun to link up on another trip at a place other than a preschool! G.P. Michael checked in with a picture of him and his granddaughter, Sarah, on a fly fishing trip in northern Georgia. According to G.P., Sarah has become quite a fly fisherman, and they have made plans for a trip to the Northeast this spring to fish for brook trout and smallmouth. G.P. and Sarah are all smiles in the photograph. Randy Earnest and his wife, Gib, made a trip to the U.K. on a tour that included areas of England, Wales and Scotland. It was a great experience, and Randy highly recommends a visit with the people and the lands with which the U.S. shares a “special relationship.” “The scenery, people, hospitality and beer were excellent. Highlights of the tour included Cambridge, London, Oxford, the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Snowdonia Mountain (Wales), York, the Lake District, Edinburg and St. Andrews (home of the famous university and the Old Course). Cheers, mates!” Tom Evans posted a series of photos

and videos of his most recent cruising activity from California down and through the Panama Canal and back. These are posted online at VMI Class of ’66. Take a minute to enjoy his postings of his most recent trip. Duane Williams is still operating the family farms in the Fairfield, Pennsylvania, area. He and Linda were remodeling the stone house they live in and “discovered that the family settled the farm in the mid-17th century when we received a patent from William Penn’s son for 900 acres. Farming is, as always, a challenge and becoming more high-tech. I will start using drones to survey the crops and can now monitor my irrigation systems anywhere in the world. A far cry from getting in the field, but that is still necessary.” Duane still goes on consulting trips from time to time, the most recent being to Japan in December where he participated in a two week exercise with the Japanese SelfDefense Forces. Linda is still active in real estate which allows them the flexibility to visit the many friends they have made over the years of teaching at the Army War College and overseas consulting. Ed Guida commented on the recently reported death of John “Jack” McFarland and went on to say, “It is certainly not a new concept to reconnect after many, many years. I have found much pleasure in seeing BRs in small groups, hearing old stories and seeing in my mind that those four years really did produce similar characteristics in our personalities and temperaments. It is fun for me and worth any added effort, especially now as we certainly see we are in the winter of our lives.” Well said, Ed; thank you. So, carrying that thought forward, if you have the desire or opportunity to reconnect with a brother rat, please let me or any BR know, and we will try to help make that happen. But, in order to do that I’ll repeat my opening thought: Keep the Alumni Agencies (or me) updated on your current home address, telephone number or email address. Your next submission of information for these notes for the Alumni Review are due to me by Friday, May 11. Thanks, and keep on smiling! 87

Class Notes

1967

Jan Abernathy

I am finishing notes on Valentine’s Day for the May issue of the Alumni Review. Thanks to many of you who took the time to add your last minute messages after I asked for news. Here is a barracks update from one of the 1st Class female cadets we mentor. She will graduate with a U.S. Army commission. “Sir, all is well. The Corps of Cadets is currently awaiting the midwinter formal dance this Friday night. It will be a good time, as always. It is supposed to snow Saturday, which puts a slight damper on things. The Regimental Band and Pipe Band also look forward to the St. Patrick’s Day parade we are doing in New York City this year. We’ll be there about a month from now. We lead the parade and were told we’d definitely be on TV. Barracks plague is running rampant right about now. Many have had the flu, stomach viruses or other pleasant VMI sicknesses. I’ve been all right so far, but one never knows. Crazy to think that, three months from now, I’ll be graduating. I can barely contain my excitement. I hope all is well with you and Mrs. A.” J.I. Orrison continues his volunteer work in support of the cadet corps at the University of North Georgia. In April, the fourth award of the Brothers in Arms scholarship will be made. J.I. founded this scholarship to recognize the connection between senior ROTC cadets throughout the ROTC system. He is also serving on the University of North Georgia’s STEM Interdisciplinary Laboratory Building Committee. The realization of approval to move forward with this much needed project comes as a result of the development of a STEM pedagogy emphasizing a learning community approach for delivery of STEM education that J.I. assisted in creating with the dean and STEM department heads at UNG. 88

Robert Klink: “I just finished looking at the February 2018 edition of the Alumni Review. What did I learn? I Iearned that BR John Burgess has a lot of grandchildren. His name is listed as a grandfather in support of six provisional appointments! Who knows, I may have missed a couple.” I will remind us that Bill Creswick has seven grandchildren with PAs, Ray Gosney has six granddaughters with PAs and Burt Palmer just added his sixth grandchild. Soon enough, ’67 will have great-grandchildren! The very latest ’67 grandchild with a PA is Bland Guthrie’s grandson, Asher Bland Kupsick. Bland and Anita’s daughter married last year, and she now lives in Casper, Wyoming. She wrote, “It was such a treat to meet so many of you all at VMI this year! We will bring Asher to the 55th Reunion.” Last fall, Jim Goodgion asked if I knew where to find VMI-themed sew-on patches. Priscilla was updating her sewing skills for therapy/rehab for hand neuropathy. During the Founders Day weekend in November, I found a couple in the VMI Museum with a New Market scene and sent them to him and now wait to see a photo of how they were used. Many BRs and wives enjoyed the Institute Society Dinner, including first timers, the Kebluseks and John and Sandy Lee, among others. Just when he thought it was safe to go out again after splitting his kneecap at the reunion, John Lee had his gall bladder removed the day after the Institute Society Dinner in November, so he was back on a very short reprieve with Sandy tolerating his being an invalid. After a quick recovery, he then had emergency bile duct blockage surgery. He may restrict his visits to VMI for a while, but he is currently mended and well-rested, so Sandy has him back to all of the normal farm chores. Neil Schlussel: “Not much to report. I am leaving for Columbia for an 11-day excursion with my friend and my brother (Kent ’70) and his wife March 9. Another trip is scheduled to Morocco in October with just my friend. Will have details after I return. By the way, my oldest grandson (a freshman at James Madison University) is playing on the basketball team and doing

very well. He has played in every game averaging about 10-20 minutes per game. My son, Damian (U.S. Air Force Academy), is on the promotion list for colonel – not bad for less than 20 years in service. He will soon outrank me – guess I will have to carry his bags.” Mike and Anne Hall attended two 50th reunions in 2017 – VMI and Anne’s at Longwood in Farmville, Virginia. They have a grandson graduating from high school and another grandchild on the way in California. Anne is looking forward to her trip to California to welcome the new member to their family. Bob and Carole Green are both fully retired. Initially planning to move to The Villages in Florida, they sold their home in Lexington and then decided to settle in Williamsburg. Jim and Janice Clarke are doing well and continue to express how much they enjoyed the 50th Reunion. They sent an update on grandson Zeke, who had his second heart surgery a few months ago at age four-and-a-half and say he is doing well. Dixie and Bev Walker sent a photo Christmas card showing pictures of a trip they took to Russia. Andy Carter is continuing his cardiac rehab from emergency surgery and getting stronger every day. Vonnie is giving him personalized care at home, which seems to accelerate his healing! A lot of folks on the road recently. First, the most current travelers include Chuck and Ginny Keblusek, who were on a 19day trip from Richmond to the West Coast where they planned to board a cruise ship down to Panama, then through the canal with stops around the Caribbean, especially Aruba, where Ginny was raised, before ending in Florida. Jim Phleger: “Ann and I just returned from a three-week trip to South America and Antarctica. We were in Antarctica for six days and made shore landings five times to observe penguin colonies and, on one occasion, a Chilean research station. The landscape there is stark but at the same time awe inspiring. Jim.” Joe Stafford: “Joyce and I have been VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes August/September, we headed on the go, as usual. We spent to New York for a 10-day RV a week in Hilton Head with Adventure Caravan tour coverfriends in early January. In late ing everything from the Freedom January, we spent nine days in Tower and 9/11 museum to a Sarasota and Ft. Myers. It was food tour of Greenwich Village, a nice break. Just recently, we where we toured different shops were in New York to see two and had a taste of something of our granddaughters, Lauren great from pizza, chocolate, and Ella, play at Carnegie Hall. doughnut, pasta, etc. After that, Their high school in Duxbury, we did the Great River Road Massachusetts, has an amazing tour with Adventure Caravan music program. Over 50 percent in our RV, a 32-day trip from of the students are in the proBemidji, Minnesota, where we gram. I have attached a couple walked across the entire width of pictures we took the night of of the Mississippi River (30 feet) the performance.” and lastly flew over the MissisJohn Forsyth: “In March, Class of 1967: L.F. Payne and Mike Miley during the 2017 reunion. sippi to really see the delta area daughter Becky and husband down near New Orleans. But my favorShad decided to renew their vows on a ite thing was our hike with some of the Cancun beach for their 20th anniversary kids to a beautiful spot along the Appalaand invited us to join them. The rest of the chian Trail near Roanoke called McAfee’s week was spent sightseeing, eating, loungKnob, one of the most picturesque spots ing by or in the pool, on the beach, in the on the trail. It is often seen in picture alCaribbean, at the swim-up bar, sleeping, bums of the AT. It was a four mile hike pushing reset and repeating. In April, we up and back, and it pretty much wore me traveled to John’s 50th college reunion in out, but I made it. This weekend, we are Lexington, Virginia. It was great seeing off to Snowshoe for a three-day skiing trip many classmates; however, initial recogniwith the children and grandchildren: Dation was somewhat slow until a brother rat vid and Melissa and Brian and Beth and would open his mouth and begin jawbontheir children, Seth and Tucker. I just hope ing about some absolutely comical VMI I still know how to stand up on skis. Have memory – then the years melted away. a great 2018. BR Fred.” “We moved Leslie’s mother, Lila, to a Class of 1967: Fred Smith kissing the Doug and Carol Ann Mills celebrated better managed retirement community in Blarney Stone last May. both their 50th wedding anniversary and May. October began with Leslie compet50th Reunion last year. They spent a lot of ing with her Sweet Adelines chorus in Las time in Massachusetts last year with the Vegas and ended with her right knee rebirth of a new grandbaby, Quinn, and visplacement and right MCL repair. Her reiting with family. hab will continue into the new year. One Tom Mustard had emergency surgery consequence was the Forsyths’ Thanksto correct the damage done from radiagiving was dine out, which wasn’t all that tion treatment in 2012. He and Shirley are bad (no cleanup)!” proud to report the birth of a great-grandFred and Judy Smith were also on the son, Zach; that daughter Molly earned her road again. “Jan, still having a wonderful Doctor of Philosophy degree from UGA; time traveling and working on our bucket and that they made a pilgrimage to the list. This past year, we have done our usual Holy Land in October. They are still retrip to Florida in January and February, membering the wow factor of floating in touring the Kennedy Space Center and the Dead Sea and renewing their baptismeeting Winston Scott, astronaut. mal vows in the Jordan River. “We got to go to my 40th MCV Dental Class of 1967: John and Lynne Anderson Pete and Karen Wells had a great visit School reunion, as well as our 50th Reenjoying Disney World near the time of with Doug and Jane Taylor after the reunion at VMI and then headed off to Iretheir 50th wedding anniversary. union on their way to Cape May and report land to kiss the Blarney Stone in May. In 2018-Issue 2

Class Notes that they are doing well. Andy and Lynne Anderson, according to their dog, Mason, who “wrote” their Christmas letter: Lynne is having fun shopping for new clothes after all of her weight loss, and Andy only complains about his plumbing. They still love living in Washington, North Carolina, at their beautiful retirement home. Between the pool and the boat and fishing, they enjoy a lot of time on the water. They traveled a lot last year, including Guadeloupe, the Grand Canyon and Disney World. They celebrated their 50th anniversary and invited Mike and Marci Bagnulo and a few others to celebrate with them. With their new RV, they can go on even more trips, including going to their “summer” house on Holden Beach. Joan and I will celebrate our 50th in June. We met at a social mixer event at Southern Sem in September my 3rd Class year. Her blind date stood her up, and I did not have a date, so it worked out OK. Joan says it is really our 54th year together, as she counts the four years of dating as part of the bargain. Lynn and Jimmy Robertson were really happy to announce that they are finally grandparents of a beautiful baby girl named Abigail! They said this is their big news for 2017! In addition to coming to the 50th, they made a number of other trips last year, including a trip to Salt Lake City for a week to see ancestors. They also took a cruise through the Panama Canal, traveling from Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego. Lynn has retired from her position as the bishop’s secretary, and she reports that Jimmy stays busy with all of his volunteer activities: Election officer, high school baseball stats keeper, Lions Club, Salem Educational Foundation, Salem Fair rain gauge monitor, and he has rejoined the choir (where they both originally met each other in the ’70s). John Chiles drives to Lexington twice a month to visit with his mother, who turned 100 in January. He says she is being well cared for at Kendal. He stays busy with real estate and yard work and maintaining his two big boy cars (Corvettes), according to his note. 90

Class of 1967: Dave Neil with his new grandson, Porter, who has already received his provisional appointment for the Class of 2039.

Class of 1967: Tom Richardson and Betty during the reunion parade in 2017.

John and Peggy Shea report that they remain in good health and that John volunteers at the food pantry in Harwich, Connecticut, and works two or three days a week at the Home Depot and at the Cape. Peggy volunteers at the parish library and the parish thrift shop. Their big boating trip was to New Bedford, Massachusetts, to attend the Northeast Ranger Tug Rendezvous. En route to our 50th, they stopped in Williamsburg to see friends and visited the new sites at the colonial village. Immediately after the reunion, they took a Viking big ship, 920 passengers, for a tour of eight of the Baltic countries. Following that, in December, they cruised from Nuremberg to Cologne in Germany. They explored the Christmas markets, and John said he had his fill of gluwein and wurst. In 2018, they are planning to visit the American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg and locate the VMI men buried there, leaving a VMI memento at the graves. John Horner says his life is out of whack since he and Annette have been moving for several months. He would welcome seeing any of us at their new home in Richmond once they get settled in. After the 50th, Ski and Carol Ann Waskiewicz celebrated their 42nd anniversary, followed by Carol Ann’s retirement as a federal civil servant. Later in the year, they completed a 2,555-mile round trip in their F-150 to several places in Texas and Missouri. Terry Moore reports he is taking Beth on an Alaskan cruise for their 50th this summer. Most of you know that we lost Tom Leggett last fall and Chuck Shorter just before our 50th, Vance Powell in September after the 50th and then Skid Garrett shortly after that. By the time you receive this, Joan and I, Bev and Dixie Walker, J.I. Orrison, and Dave Hobgood will have attended the memorial service in Rugby, Tennessee, with Sharon Garrett and their two sons and other family members. A second reminder from Bob Hess: “Hi, Jan. I’m at it again. August through September 2018 across the U.S. and back. I have the website live at https://tourdeusa. events/2018-tour-de-usa/. I’m hoping to get some VMI coordination support this VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes time. I created a special page for VMI volunteers before I reach out to the world at large. That page is at https://tourdeusa. events/2018-tour-de-usa/lets-let-corpsheard/. The page password is ‘VMI.’ It would be great if you would include this in your next email out to the crew. Warm regards, Bob.” Mort Barnwell: “Jan, thanks for forwarding this from Bob. I would certainly like to get involved and will most likely volunteer after coordinating with the wife and family. We’re planning a beach week with the entire family for our 50th wedding anniversary in July. All is going as planned with my prostate cancer treatment. I’m still on hormone treatments for another year, but the PSA tests (0.1) are going fine. Mort.” William Fleshood: “Happy holidays to all! This, of course, is my first Christmas letter or year in ‘revenue.’ (Sorry, Bill. I couldn’t resist writing it just as you sent it. Good to see I am not the only one that spellcheck tricks). Jo and I started the year with a visit from son Jeff and granddaughter Maddie. Then we all went down to Gainesville, Florida, to visit Jo’s mom and dad. In March, we had a visit from friends Larry and Sharon from Connecticut. Later, we had a visit from friends from Sweden. In April, we went to my 50th VMI reunion. In June, Jo had her annual trip to New York City to see her sisters. Then I joined Jo, along with her sister, Lucia, and her husband, Mark, in NYC to go to Sicily for 12 days. We both continue to enjoy singing in our church choir plus the annual Thanksgiving ecumenical choir. We made our annual pilgrimage to Florida with Mark and Lucia to celebrate Thanksgiving with Jo’s folks. Great year; great friends and family. I am blessed. My wish to all is know you are blessed and to be a blessing to others. Love, William and Jo.” J.I. Orrison: “Yes, dear hearts, I put my cellphone through the washing machine – all cycles – and have lost everything. Some folks may ask why I didn’t have it backed up. Those folks don’t understand my woeful shortcomings in this data age. Suffice it to say, if you don’t want me to have your phone number, this is an ideal 2018-Issue 2

time to accomplish that by ignoring this request. Otherwise, please send me your contact info so that I can repopulate my phone. Thank you and merry Christmas, one and all.” (In sympathy with J.I., I have run my own phone through a wash cycle once, shortly after running it over with the pickup.) Some final great health news I am able to report is that Mike Miley is enrolled in a very promising program for pancreatic cancer. So far, his tumor has been greatly reduced in size, and this spring, the new procedure (cannot recall the name or the physician who it is named for) is expected to provide the best possible outcome. Mike sends his sincere thanks for the support brother rats continue to provide. I will continue to keep us informed. At the beginning of these notes, it was mentioned that one or more versions of the barracks plague was running the stoops. At Breakout, even rats with illnesses still participated in the log carries and marches and sandbag tossing/stacking drills. Breakfast was lost by many, and at least one rat girl (she was supposed to be on the gim “medical room confinement,” as the hospital was full to overflowing that weekend) passed out. I add that she is a tough Marine candidate and survived OK. All seems back to the normal, miserable, dark days of winter in Rockbridge County.

1968

Tom Hickey

I guess I was asleep back in July when Brother Rat Bryan Barton (Oakton, Virginia) ascended to the position of president of the VMI Foundation, but I finally discovered this fact in January 2018. He is, after Bob Philpott and Walt Jeffress (Fairfax, Virginia), the third member of VMI ’68 to fill this position, so VMI ’68 is heard from again! John Warburton (Sarasota, Florida): “The past year has been big for us. We decided to downsize, so we sold the big house in Virginia in order to move close to one of our kids.

The choice was Chicago or Sarasota (no contest). We closed on a new villa in late January and have been busy getting settled. We found a great church. I’m volunteering for the local hospice organization, and Anne is in a reading program for pre-K kids. We are loving the great weather; life is good!” Larry Ryan (Riga, Latvia): “In my quest to live in as many countries as I can, I took a new job in October 2017, back with the Army Corps of Engineers here in the Baltics. I traded my sunscreen for ChapStick and my wonderful view of Souda Bay for a downtown apartment in the wonderful old Hanseatic city of Riga. It was a no brainer when I was offered the job. I’m out on the perimeter with lots of autonomy and a great team doing important work and living and working in an area where Americans are truly welcomed. Ned and Cornelia Harris (Phoenix, Arizona) were able to visit me in Crete just before I left. After Dave and Bobbi Gehr’s (Williamsburg, Virginia) travelogue of this area, I hope some more BRs will visit. The embassy has provided a beautiful apartment with lots of room. I’m off to Woodbridge, Virginia, for Thanksgiving to visit my daughter, Leigh, and her family. I’ll see her new daughter, Elena, and perhaps make a quick trip to VMI.” Dick Wise (Richmond, Virginia): “I play golf with Howard Donald (Richmond, Virginia) frequently. He’s doing fine. He’s devoted to his grandchildren and loves to attend their many activities. He’s also a model train and scenery buff. He has a very elaborate train setting. It’s a prize winner – very well done and very impressive! I see George Walton (Richmond, Virginia) frequently. He just retired and seems to be handling it fine. He and I play cards against our wives and usually get our butts beat, but we enjoy the evenings. It’s a hoot for Joyce and Dietra! They take no prisoners! Bill and Janet Welsh (Ashburn, Virginia) visited Joyce and me at Henderson Harbor, New York, last summer. Bill and I played plenty of golf while we were up there while Joyce and Janet enjoyed the area. Bill and Janet, and Joyce and I, visited the Waltons in September at their cottage in Morattico. The girls were amused greatly by we three morons! Also did some skeet shooting in front of George’s cottage. Amazing, we hit some! Yeah, even me! I’m staying busy 91

Class Notes doing some consulting for my old company, working with the local Purple Heart Chapter, playing golf and helping Joyce with the grandkids if necessary.” Rob Steele (Norfolk, Virginia): “Terri and I are both still working. She owns World Class Travel in Chesapeake, Virginia, and I continue working full time in the highway and utility construction industry for a company also in Chesapeake. We have three children and seven grandchildren spread out from Hawaii to North Carolina to Virginia Beach, and they are our greatest reward and inspiration!” Jim Burns (Henrico, Virginia): “Enjoyed the Institute Society Dinner with many other of our BRs and left the next day for a week in Antigua. As I look at a slow phase out of my 40-year teaching career at the Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry, it has become necessary to burn through some accumulated annual leave over the last few months. So we have been traveling to Kathmandu, Nepal, the Peruvian Amazon and Machu Picchu, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Antigua, as well as the USA (New York City, California and Florida). Planning on Costa Rica and Panama in spring 2018. In between these trips, there is still my teaching plus visiting four grandchildren (provisional VMI appointments for 2033, 2036 and 2039).” Tom Burnett (Midlothian, Virginia): “I had a successful computer consulting company that I sold in ’99. I then retired and moved to Smith Mountain Lake permanently for several years. The lake was between two of my daughters in Blacksburg and two in Richmond, so we had a ball with them at the lake. Then the two in Blacksburg relocated to Richmond and Baltimore, so we decided to move back to Richmond. Retirement was definitely not for me! I then started a mortgage company, and I’m still involved in large mortgages and reverse mortgages. Using my networking and computer skills make this a fun business. I’m still playing pretty good golf (club champion at three clubs) over the past 15 years, so I am playing two to three times a week. Speaking of golf, Chandler Williams (Midlothian, Virginia), Marvin Thews (Roanoke, Virginia), Mike Gompf (North Chesterfield, Virginia) and I played together three times last fall. As for winter golf, one of my 92

daughters lives in southern California, and her Christmas present to my wife, Alice, and me are two roundtrip airline tickets for several weeks there or at their condo in Key West. One of my brothers, Jerry Burnett ’62, and our wives visited another brother (a Hokie) who winters in Gold Canyon, Arizona, for several weeks of great golf in February.” Rick Patterson (Roanoke, Virginia): “I retired from being finance director for Rockbridge County Schools and am trying to re-establish structure and time awareness to my life; is today Tuesday or Thursday? As I am sure that you know, I have been living in Roanoke for a number of years. I also have a cabin in Rockbridge County in the shadow of Little House Mountain that I would love to sell (the cabin, not the mountain), since I no longer work there. I have a daughter and three grandchildren in Burlington, Vermont, and a daughter and two grandchildren in Portland, Oregon.” Wayne Burton (Kingsland, Georgia): “Well, 2017 was a year of the worst and best of emotions. I lost my wife, Carole, to cancer in March 2017. Many church friends helped me care for Carole. One lady who lost her husband to cancer a few years before was one of many. We are in choir and Stephens Ministries but never had a personal conversation before Carole’s passing. Well, God had other plans and, over time, brought our hearts together. Sylvia and I still grieve and honor our spouses. But God has rescued us from our loneliness. Sylvia joined me in Charleston for The Citadel game, along with George and Norma Buzzard (Waynesboro, Virginia), Lew and Joyce Yeouze (Peachtree City, Georgia) and a number of BRs. Sylvia and I look forward to our reunion in April.” Gil Piddington (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania): “It was too bad that the second and third days of our annual 1968 golf outing at the Lexington Golf & Country Club got rained out this past spring, but we did have a good day Friday and I really enjoyed being with our brother rats Friday evening. John Crim (Dayton, Virginia) came down to hang out with us all Friday night, and he and I spent the rainy Saturday morning in the museum in J.M. Hall. We had a nice chat with Colonel Gibson ’77. We tried to get into the

Corps Physical Training Facility, but I don’t think it had officially opened. It looks terrific! Heading north on I-81, I stopped and spent some time with both John and Cindy Crim, who recently broke ground on a new home. Tracey and I are both healthy, though we are both having some foot/ankle issues. She retired at the end of March, and this has been a big travel year for us. Iceland and a Baltic Capitals cruise; Viking cruise from Zurich to Paris; two-week tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park and other sites; St. Pete Beach; three trips to Hilton Head; Tempe, Arizona, for preseason baseball; and most recently Charleston, South Carolina, for the VMI versus The Citadel game. Ran into Carr Hyatt ’65 (Doc’s older brother) from our dykes’ class on one of the Hilton Head trips, and had a great time sharing stories and catching up on some of his brother rats. We had an enjoyable brunch with Guy and Gloria Wilson (Charlotte, North Carolina) in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, on another trip to Hilton Head. Then we had a great weekend in Charleston with Dave and Jean Clark (Doswell, Virginia) and Clay and Donna Thompson (Salisbury, Maryland). We met other brother rats and their wives and girlfriends at the tailgate and they joined us for dinner: George and Norma Buzzard; Lew and Joyce Yeouze; and Wayne Burton and his friend, Sylvia. Frank Pinizzotto (Newark, Delaware) helped plan the weekend. Even though he was unable to attend, he sent a nice bottle of wine in his place. Frank stayed with us earlier in the year, and I think he is now working on a project at Los Alamos, New Mexico. Steve Powers (Malvern, Pennsylvania) has been back in Malvern, Pennsylvania, recently, and he and I had lunch last week.” John Kemper (Richmond, Virginia): “It does not seem like it was more than 50 years ago that we entered the Institute! I am doing well spending most of my time mentoring young people starting new businesses. Also working with Dean Kershaw (Fairfield, Virginia) and the economics and business department at VMI trying to start an entrepreneurship program at the Institute. We are currently organizing a Business Leadership and Innovation Summit that will be held at the Institute March 18-19, 2018. I have also VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes been a guest lecturer at the Entrepreneurship Club and entrepreneurship classes in the economics and business department – all of this has been very rewarding.” Steve Wilson (Williamsburg, Virginia): “This past year has been a good one. In January, we went on a one-week cruise to the Caribbean. Afterward, Dave and Bobbi Gehr joined us for a week in Key West. Dave and I see Jim Henry (Williamsburg, Virginia) periodically at the Williamsburg Chapter’s ‘old farts’ lunches (you have to be a member of a ‘senior’ class to attend). Linda and I spent two months in Europe – June in Great Britain touring highlights of England, Wales and Scotland and July on a 15-day Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest; five days in Budapest; and the remainder in Germany visiting German friends. In October, we attended Linda’s 50th reunion at Bridgewater College, which completed her successful five-year service as co-chair of her reunion committee. On Veteran’s Day weekend, we attended a reunion of the 1-1 CAV, the unit in which I served in Vietnam. I remain active as a volunteer. I will finish 11 years on the Mathews Yacht Club Board in December. I now serve as chairman of the Mathews County Memorial Library Board of Trustees and have been appointed as the VMI Alumni Association board’s liaison to the VMI Board of Visitors Military and Cadet Affairs Committee. I enjoy serving on our 50th Reunion Campaign Committee and staying in touch with BRs regarding attending our 50th.” Ad Hagan (Lexington, Virginia): “I have retired and live with my wife in the mountains of Virginia, where I have built a timber frame cottage off the grid. We spend our time with our family of two parents in their 90s, four brothers, eight sisters, seven children and 10 grandchildren who live in eight states. When we’re not away visiting all these people or when all of these people are not visiting us, we tend to the needs of a cottage off the grid. My wife is the lead teacher of two- and twoand-a-half-year-olds at a local Montessori school. I volunteer with direct client contact at the local shelter for abused persons. All in all, though, we lead a quiet life which includes some veterans and others in our area who live a simple life.” Greg Wall (Keswick, Virginia): “I retired 2018-Issue 2

a year-and-a-half ago and bought a 25-foot 2014 Airstream trailer, which I enjoying traveling with. I am also writing a book about Ellie Wood Keith, who taught me to ride horses. This year we took a couple of big trips. In February/March, Martha and I took a six-week trip to Florida. The main purpose was to have a solar system installed on the Airstream by Lew Farber in Naples, but we enjoyed visiting a lot of Florida’s great state parks. On July 5, I headed west, first stopping in Columbus, Ohio, to visit friends. An OSU classmate came from Mexico City to join us. I took them to Traverse City, Michigan, where we had a great time for three days. After taking them back, I drove across the country, one of the goals being to install a pickup organization pack. I had a great time fishing the Rogue River and exploring that area of the state. When the weather got too hot, I went to the coast and drove north. The Oregon coast is so beautiful and well-preserved with parks all along the route. In August, I picked up Kelly Sutton ’70 at the Vancouver airport, and we spent two weeks fishing across British Columbia on Route 3. Fires and smoke were everywhere, but we were still able to fish. We crossed the border and fished another week in Montana, where smoke and fires still surrounded us. In September, I picked Martha up in Boise, Idaho. We had a great visit with Ron Lowrey ’67. We spent a couple of weeks exploring beautiful Idaho, driving north along Route 95. We enjoyed all of it, but Martha’s favorite was Coeur d’Alene and its great bike trails. We visited friends in Seattle and then headed to Vancouver for a few days. For the next two weeks, we traveled the southern half of Vancouver Island and Victoria. Then we headed back down the coast, spending a week in Olympic National Park and then driving down the Oregon Coast. In those travels, climate change and effects of growing population is evident. The whole Northwest was plagued by fires and smoke. Warming climate allows bug populations to go where they have never gone before. Water is a huge resource problem.” Bill Bouck (Deerfield Beach, Florida): “We live 10 months in Florida and summer in Cazenovia, New York. Gail, my beautiful Ring Figure date, is my bride of 48 years and seven months. We have three grandchildren,

Cameron and Ella in Dallas and 1-year-old Lincoln here in Florida. We have really enjoyed being grandparents. We are 15 minutes from Bill and Vicki Cobb (Pompano Beach, Florida), with whom we have been very close friends since our time at VMI. Bill and I golf and spend as much time as possible fishing offshore on the Good 2 Me, a 32-foot Everglades Express. Vicki’s father, Jesse Sinclair Jr. ’36, introduced us to offshore fishing more than 40 years ago.” Dixon McElwee (Boca Raton, Florida): “Linda and I have lived in Florida since 2006. I worked for a private equity fund, Sun Capital Partners, when I moved to Boca and now own a Medicare-certified home health agency providing in-home nursing and therapy services in the Tampa Bay/ St. Petersburg area. My son, David, and I own the business that we started in 2012. I don’t get up to Lexington much but try to follow all my BRs on the VMI Facebook pages. You have seen me at the annual Billy Davis golf tournament hosted in Lexington every April. Since I started doing those, I see my roommates from 1st Class year, Steve Powers, Curtis Beach (Salem, Virginia) and Kevin Henry (Winston-Salem, North Carolina), along with Gil Piddington, Mike Gompf, John Kemper, Guy Wilson, Phil Lanier (Lakeway, Texas) and a host of our BRs. Also Bill Carter (Raleigh, North Carolina), my 3rd Class year roomie, and Mike Smythers (Chesapeake, Virginia) and Charlie Bishop (Staunton, Virginia), who roomed next door to me. And, of course, Marvin Thews, our golf team captain extraordinaire! My youngest daughter, Caleigh, lives in Winston-Salem and was married there this past March, at which time I saw Kevin Henry and John Royster (Bermuda Run, North Carolina) and John’s wife, Susan. Lovely people, all. My oldest daughter, Devon Virginia, lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three of our grandchildren. I am writing this from St. Petersburg, Florida, and tonight I will scoot down to Sarasota and have a visit with Jimmy Neale ’71, Kevin’s dyke and a fellow golf team player. Jim has retired from U.S. Air (now American) after a distinguished aviation career. I look forward to sharing golf team stories with Jim; perhaps we can snap a picture, as well.” Berry Wright (Ashland, Virginia): “I had 93

Class Notes lunch with John Byrd (North Chesterfield, Virginia) today, and we laughed a lot. When we get together, our thoughts seem to gravitate back to our homeroom in barracks. Today, we tried to recall why John Byrd was nicknamed Motor Housen by the homeroom team; we never could figure that one. John and I get together about once a month for lunch and reflect back on our high testosterone years and how they impacted Southern Sem. Rick Brothers (Sedona, Arizona) and Jane stopped by to see me and have lunch in the fall. I asked him if they had armadillos and roadrunners there, but all I got was a laugh.” Chandler Williams: “Robbie and I depart Richmond next Monday, the 8th, for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and we will be there a month, returning Feb. 5. We typically make this trip each January. The weather and resort facilities are fabulous. It will be a wonderful setting for Robbie to recuperate from her back surgery and full relaxation for both of us.” Jim Polley (Stafford, Virginia): “On Jessica’s birthday in January, our son, Charles, and his wife, Elizabeth, called her with a very special present to tell her that they were expecting our first grandchild. James Bregman Polley was born in San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 22, 2017.” Howard Chapman (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina): “For the third year in a row, we have had a hurricane, and I worked directly with the South Carolina National Guard. In August, I rotated off the planning commission after eight years, two as chairman. Last week, the South Carolina Transportation Engineers named a scholarship after me. What a surprise!” Hal Hostetler (Portsmouth, Virginia): “Brenda and I will celebrate 50 years together this coming Jan. 27. Our church continues to be the capstone blessing of our career. It is a privilege to serve as pastor. We have announced that I plan to step down as pastor no later than Dec. 31, 2018. I am a member of our city’s Mayor’s Military Advisory Committee. We keep up with our Vietnam Combat Trackers and attended their reunion in Branson, Missouri, in June. My Ranger class is planning a 50-year reunion this spring. I hope to go.” Dick Rankin (Honolulu, Hawaii): “I have 94

been ‘fully’ retired now for three-and-a-half years. Cyn is still working as the communications director for Hilton Hotels Hawaii. I still do some work for the National Council on Economic Education. In fact, I will be in NYC in May as a judge for the National Economic Challenge. But what really keeps me busy is Wounded Warrior Ohana, our nonprofit where our mission is to ‘provide family enriching experiences’ for our wounded warriors.”

1969

Walter Judd

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends of the Great Class of 1969, Our notes from this period of cold and snowy conditions and much reunion planning start with the news of another BR passing and continue with news gained from holiday cards and letters and announcement of another party. Joe Farrar had a heart attack in early December and died. One of our more decorated BRs, Joe was at VMI for a year before joining the Army and serving as a medic with Special Forces units in Vietnam. Joe was a quiet gentleman with strong Virginia roots. Years ago, he shared with me at Bill Blandford’s funeral that he had known Bill; his father had worked with Bill’s dad, their grandfathers had been friends and their greatgrandfathers had been friends, as well. Not many of us can trace our family’s ties to the community that far back. From the Richmond newspaper came this announcement: “Joseph Beverley Farrar Jr., 71, of Staunton, Virginia, died unexpectedly at his home Dec. 3, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Farley and Joseph B. Farrar Sr. He is survived by his children, Bev Farrar of Columbia, South Carolina; Field Farrar (Carter) of Atlanta, Georgia; and Frances Fields (Frank) of Aiken, South Carolina; as well as sisters, Mimi Farrar-Dixon, Katherine Willard and Farley Farrar; brothers, Syd and John Farrar; granddaughter, Genevieve;

and 11 nieces and nephews. Joe was born in Amelia, Virginia, and attended Blackstone High School and Christchurch School. As an Army medic in the 5th Special Forces Group, he was awarded a Silver Star (Valor), Bronze Star (Valor) and Purple Heart during action in Vietnam. Joe will be remembered for his college educational tours, his love of University of Virginia athletics and the Washington Redskins, his enjoyment of a good cigar and bourbon with branch water, and his devotion and loyalty to his family and friends. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton, Virginia, Saturday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m., with interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.” Laurie Lipscomb wrote that he had seen Joe a few weeks before his death and was surprised and saddened by the news. On Nov. 10, VMI celebrated Founders Day with the Institute Society Dinner in Marshall Hall, the Center for Leadership and Ethics. It was a cold and starry night in Lexington, and the winter coats were needed. Bunny and Carolyn Paulette, V.J. and Margi Petrella, Walter and Beverly Judd, Charlie and Cammy Bryan, Bob and Lush Heely, Fred and Claudia Downey, and Dave and Susan Prugh were there representing themselves and the class. We sat with good-to-me’s and BRs for the meal. The main emphasis of the speakers was on our completing the very successful capital campaign and then recognizing key players in the endeavor. John Sebrell wrote in October, “A high school buddy of mine texted me a couple of days ago from Leon, Spain, to say he ran into a guy wearing a VMI hat. It turned out to be Val Southall and his wife. My buddy can’t believe he keeps running into the grads of a college with as small of an alumni body as we have! Small world.” Saturday, Dec. 2, was a big day. Coach Webb Hatch brought his Frostburg State University’s basketball team to Newport News for a game at Christopher Newport University, a Division III powerhouse. Nine of us ’69 BRs showed up to support Webb and his team. Wip Priest, Gary Mackey, Bob Heely, Lee Barnes, Bob Flowers, Drew Brantley, T.O. Palmer, Chalk Hardy and Walt Judd lent VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes our voices and energy to FSU as they closed but it surely gave us plenty of excitement in Mexico. Mrs. Roxanne McCrory Wilson to a close two-point deficit at halftime. The days gone by. Ward Carr sent a message that and her husband, Congressman Joe Wilson second half was also close, but Webb’s guys same week to remind us of the 50th anni- of the West Columbia, South Carolina, displayed really well at the end of the second versary of our Ring Figure weekend during trict have a houseful of men serving the U.S. half to tie the score. Overtime! With soaring which VMI beat Virginia Tech 12-10. Our and South Carolina, while Joe and Michie blocks and timely scoring, the FSU Bobcats wide-out Frank Easterly beat a defensive Flanz of Alexandria, Virginia, visited Scanpulled out an overtime win. The local papers back named Frank Beamer many times that dinavia “enjoying scenery and food.” John said the next day that that was the first victory afternoon and earned his place in history. Bar Edenfield of Stockton, Virginia, shared that for FSU in 10 tries in Newport News. The Delk lent me the videotape of the game a his wife, Carol, lost her battle with cancer and VMI support definitely made a difference! couple of years ago, and it was still as thrilling died in September. Bill and Jane Kirkpatrick of Simpsonville, South Carolina; Bob and Webb has stated he will retire from coaching in present day as it had been that day. I received Christmas cards from many of Sandy Clingenpeel of Glendale, Arizona; at the end of the school year and move to his you and thank you all for sharing tales of Don and Noreen Mercer of Virginia Beach, place in Sandbridge, Virginia. Bob Waldo and Jim Long are already at good and not so good times. News came Virginia; Harold and Jane Fleischer of San work getting things ready for our 50th Re- from Rick and Mary Anne Snow in Corrales, Antonio, Texas; John and Marie Mitchell of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; union in April 2019. We had earLarry Riegner of Port Orange, lier reserved two motels in east Florida; and Bob and Lynda Lexington for our big weekend. Flowers of Williamsburg, VirginAs the honored class that weekend ia, all checked in. T.O. and Arlene (read “senior class” in the scheme Palmer of Nags Head, North Carof things), we got our first choice. olina, welcomed a grandchild this Both BRs scouted out the motels year. Also, Paul and Becky Mascot and confirmed there is room for a of Jacksonville, Texas; Professor tent out back and power to light the Frank and Shelly Novakowski of place. They will be looking for othHudsonville, Michigan; and Jay ers to help with activities as we get Jennings from Woodbridge, Vircloser to the 2019 dates. ginia, sent greetings, while Webb Tom and Gail Morris are alHatch reported he is “all in” for ready on the hunt for the perfect his last year of coaching college party favors for our 50th. From the Class of 1969: Bob and Sandy Clingenpeel got together with basketball. Tommy and Becky team who introduced us to scarves Jay and Linda Hoenig for dinner at the Desert Botanical GarHudson teamed up with Spunky and ties in the VMI tartan at our den in Phoenix, Arizona, in December 2017. and Linda Butler for some fun 45th, we expect interesting choices. Again, if you have ideas for favors, talk to New Mexico, who have enjoyed traveling to travels in the U.S. and Europe. Spunky said be with four grandkids; John and Nancy they go while they still can. Amen, brother! Tom and express yourself! On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving this Scott of North Redington Beach, Florida, Lloyd and Debbie McGrady also had a year, my wife and I headed to Lexington to who got the prize for the brightest Christmas Florida-themed card that went well with their meet friends for dinner. After an excellent card befitting their beachy environment now; home near the water in Navarre, Florida. meal at a Main Street restaurant with the Dana and Kaye Swatts, splitting the year be- Rudy and Judy Segaar of Woodville, Vircouple who used to house my dates when I tween homes in Florida and Montana, have ginia, celebrated a wedding for one son and was a cadet, I headed to the basketball game. endured some health issues; Lou and Tanya soon after welcomed their first grandchild I spoke with Tom and Nancy Catlett and Sidney of Alexandria, Virginia, who took from the other son. Gordon and Pat Bailey John and Sallie Sebrell at the game, which two train tours of the American West and of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, reported he was was played to a small crowd, as the cadets Northwest; and Tom and Karen Buckner of sorry to hear about Ralph Wright’s death were on Thanksgiving furlough. Beverly and Memphis, Tennessee, who are easing slowly and was burdened with health problems I headed the next day to Roanoke to see the into retirement as he signed up for another likely resulting from his own Agent Orsights and meet Jim and Beth Long for sup- two years of law activity. Also, I heard from ange exposure. Mike and Leigh Harper of per. We enjoyed ourselves that Wednesday John Campbell of Ozark, Alabama; Sam Bowling Green, Kentucky, started a busy and were treated to a quick remembrance and Wendy Hoffman of Goochland, Virgin- year with retirement and travel and ended tour, as Jim showed me where we as a Corps ia; Geoff and Frances Taylor of Richmond; up with Mike recovering from a nasty fall. assembled in Roanoke on our Thanksgiving and Mike and Mary Giles of Somerville, Jim and Beth Long of Salem, Virginia, inmornings and where the stadium used to sit. Massachusetts. Joe and Jenny Howard cluded a poem in their note. (What else?) The open field does not inspire much today, are still enjoying life in Los Alamos, New Mav is still selling advertising inserts for 2018-Issue 2

Class Notes more normal January levels; highs in the 50s the envelope company, and both golf when the some parts of the country. Don Mercer visited Arlington this past December soon after the and lows in low-40s and even into mid- to upweather allows. Brant and Betsy Collins of Dagsboro, Delaware, spent a month in Hawaii stones were decorated and recorded the sights per-30s for a few nights. I swim between 5:30and then found the sun in Cancun. They both for us. The contrast of the white stones and the 7:00 most weekday mornings at an outdoor rec remain active and enjoy sports. Gary and Peg- colorful wreaths made an excellent reminder center pool and love to get into the heated pool on a really cold morning when there is gy Mackey of Norfolk, Virginia, sent what looks like thick fog rising off the the most smiles of any photo collage. I water in the dark. It is my favorite time love seeing happy folks. of year to swim.” I applaud Bob’s efThere has been lots of work on two class websites: Mike Santoro started forts to stay fit and told him about the the VMI Class of 1969 group, and Jim pool complex in Oberammergau, BaCampbell initiated our own personal varia, where one can start indoors in a site, www.marketing-on-time.com/vmi. heated pool and easily slip outdoors to a foam-ball-covered pool. I swam there Help both of those BRs as they seek to with snow falling on my head! It is a bring us closer together in various ways. fun experience. Bob Heely and I got onto the newly Charlie Bryan sent out a survey of renovated Golden Horseshoe Gold your time at VMI and afterward. We golf course Dec. 22 and enjoyed nice Class of 1969: With Coach Webb Hatch to watch his men win sincerely hope you will fill in the info weather and good golf. On the same in overtime at a Division III college basketball game in Newday, Tom Morris, over at the nearby port News, Virginia, Dec. 2, 2017, were, from left, Bob Heely, and return the survey to Charlie or me. It is the start of our reunion booklet River Course at Kingsmill, enjoyed his Gary Mackey, Coach Hatch, Walt Judd and T.O. Palmer. that is still seeking an editor. Is your 17th hole even more. He aced the hole “thing” writing or collating? Volunteer for his second career hole-in-one! to do a booklet! Jerry Fresia in Italy sent a nice note On Jan. 19-20, several of us headed about getting his annual birthday card. to Lexington for the first meeting of I was lucky with the mail and got the our class social committee and for The card to him on time. We discussed his Citadel basketball game. Tom Morris style of painting and his gallery on and I traveled Friday afternoon (after Lake Como. If you wish to see the he finished his volunteer dental duties replica, go to Las Vegas and see the at a free clinic in Williamsburg) and Italian motif hotels. For the real thing, enjoyed a quick walk around town and the actual experience of Italian sun a fine dinner at the restaurant associand water, go to see BR Jerry at his workplace in Bellagio on Lake Como ated with the newly renovated RobClass of 1969: Brother rats supported Coach Webb Hatch in ert E. Lee Hotel on Main Street. We in northwestern Italy. his visit to Newport News Dec. 2, 2017. Pictured were Walt Tom Jones requested I send out this ate breakfast the next morning with Judd, John Hardy, T.O. Palmer, Drew Brantley, Bob Heely message. The Jonathan Daniels ’61 and Bob Flowers. Keydet Club and Alumni Association Pilgrimage will be Aug. 11 in Montboard members, who were also meetgomery, Alabama. It will be attended by many of the sacrifices of so many. ing that weekend. I heard the state of the InstiTom Hickman keeps finding VMI rings and tute briefing by Gen. Peay ’62 before heading African-American VMI graduates who first atupstairs along the Hall of Valor portals to our tended VMI in 1968. There will be a meeting other important historical items online for meeting room in Marshall Hall. Bob Waldo of all Friday, Aug. 10. There will be a lot to sale. We were able to connect a ’66 BR with see about Civil Rights, have fun and talk about his long-lost ring last year. It appears we had was there and ready to begin at 0900. Others how diversity has made VMI better. Tom said another similar situation in January 2018. Tom who attended all or parts of the meeting were also saw a Jackson Hope Medal from the 1880s Jim Long, Fred Downey, Bob Heely, Dick anyone can contact him later about the events, Camp, Dave Prugh and Charlie Bryan. Glenn but he wanted to get the date on the calendar. for sale. Bob Clingenpeel sent a picture of the ClinWhite had expected to attend as well, but, Tommy is the de facto lead for VMI alumni in the march each year. genpeels and Hoenigs enjoying supper out- upon arrival in Lexington, discovered his wife Each year in early December, the Wreaths side on a patio in mid-December in Arizona. had been admitted into a Mechanicsville, VirAcross America program kicks in as green and They ate at the Desert Botanical Garden and ginia, hospital. He passed on the meeting and red wreaths are laid at the graves of Ameri- enjoyed the seasonal celebration called Las returned to her side ASAP. He reported later can soldiers in cemeteries around the world. Noches de las Luminarias. In mid-January he her problem had cleared. wrote, “Temps are dropping this weekend to After the meeting, Tom and I headed for A few Confederate graves are also honored in

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the bookstore area and saw Dave and Susan Prugh, Ron and Betsy Wall, and Bob and Lush Heely with son Teddy. We checked out the clothing sales and then headed for the sports events underway that day. We marveled first at the new Corps Physical Training Facility and a statewide track meet underway. It is hard to describe how terrific it looked with a large crowd and competitors from colleges across the commonwealth. We next traveled next door to the basketball game and greeted the Catletts and Jim Long there. VMI took on The Citadel, and the place was rocking. Hundreds of cadets elected to cheer in person, and the pep band kept things noisy and fun. The team responded with a victory in the fast-paced and well-played rivalry game. David and Gail Bush traveled over and joined the crowd for a game a couple of weeks later and saw the Longs, Catletts and John Sebrell. During the week preceding the meeting, I checked with John Ishon for advice on pre-reunion planning. He suggested we keep in mind two thoughts: Some BRs are still working and events must reflect their limited time in Lexington, as well as ensuring there were events for wives and dates as well as BRs. We carried those thoughts into our meeting Saturday, and I feel we will have an active and interesting schedule of events and festivities for all persons coming to Lexington from Thursday to Sunday, April 25-28, 2019. On Feb. 6, Glenn White and I met in Yorktown and headed for Williamsburg and the VMI senior (“old guard”) alumni luncheon. We met Bob Flowers, Tom Morris, Dan Gibson and Drew Brantley there and enjoyed lots of laughter and good conversation. We had the largest contingent of BRs together at the meal and received a short message from Thom Brashears ’95, chief operating officer of the VMI Alumni Association, on the state of the Alumni Agencies. Good-to-me Jim Henry ’68 gets these luncheons together, and we owe him thanks. One thing I note every time I meet with guys who have already attended their 50th Reunion activities: They talk about how much fun it was to see old friends from long ago. While I am sure they remembered some bad stuff, they just did not let that come forward in their memory banks. I am looking forward to seeing many of you in April 2019 if not before. Life is too short for negative vibes! Get ready to have fun and

2018-Issue 2

find others to join you. Listen up, friends. The class is sponsoring another dinner party Wednesday, May 30, in Williamsburg. Come to the lodge and enjoy a southern barbecue dinner with your BRs and then stay over at one of the Colonial Williamsburg motels and lodges. You will be seeing more information in coming days, but if you have questions, contact Bob Heely or me ASAP. Please don’t forget to support VMI programs and athletics. We now have a scholarship honoring Tom Blair, a BR who gave his all in Vietnam. Give in his honor and preserve his memory. Jamie Totten has also been doing his research and now has permission to honor the founding members of VMI soccer and lacrosse teams. It appears our class got the two programs started and are now being publicly thanked for their efforts. That is another opportunity for gifts to the Keydet Club as both sports now get good publicity on a regular basis. See you at the reunion in less than a year! Plan now to be there April 25-28, 2019. And don’t hesitate to talk to old friends and get them to come along, as well. In the spirit, Walt

1970

Warren Grasty

After being thoroughly saturated with televised football and mind-bending stats like quarterback rating over the past few months, I feel that it’s only appropriate for me to do a personal performance appraisal. Therefore, I am assigning myself a class agent rating of 103.4, which I think is very conservative. After all, I have a 100 percent completion rate (no missed class notes), have never been penalized and, as far as I know, have had no fumbles. Since my previous notes were due Nov. 1, they didn’t include several significant end-ofyear events. One of which was the VMI versus East Tennessee State University football game in Johnson City, Tennessee. Quite a few brother rats came out of the woodwork for this one, including Doug and Yvonne Davis, Bob Grossman, Dave Lawrence, Dave Price, Russ

Quay, David and Katie Schmidt, Cameron and Mary Seay, Kelly and Rhonda Sutton, Dave Trenholm, and Hal Way. Unfortunately, the pictures documenting this mini reunion weren’t of high enough resolution for publication, so I have put them on the VMI’70 Facebook page. Shortly thereafter, Dave and Pam Lawrence’s son, Brian, and his wife, Danielle, gave birth to Mathew James Lawrence. Quite a nice way to end up the year. The first weekend in November, a bunch of brother rats converged at Charlie and Margaret Walker’s house on the Outer Banks for a little golf. Joining me were Herb Braun, John Bailey, Gray Chandler, Tom Massey, Jim Mawyer, Mike Snead, Gary Weishaar and Charlie. As usual, Charlie had a cow slaughtered for this event. The jury is still out on what was better, the steaks or his special twice-baked potatoes. Speaking of great food, the first Thursday in December brought the latest installment of the annual Peel Dillard oyster roast. I think it is high time we change the name from “roast” to “feast.” The amount and quantity of food is truly amazing, and it brings out the who’s who of Tappahannock and Essex County. Attending along with me this year were Doug Bartlett, Herb Braun, Jud Collier, Tom Cooke, Andrew Deal ’12, Lanny Gault ’71, Bill Huffman, Bill O’Connor, Charlie Perry, Mark Prentice ’74, Waite Rawls, Donnie Ross ’74 with son Brian ’99, Carl Strock and Gary Weishaar. Too bad the photo taken to document this event was of too low a resolution for publication, since we are all very cute. One particular Christmas card of note was the one we received from Paul and Julia Edmunds. It was a copy of a hand-sketched scene of the cathedral in Strasbourg, France, that Julia’s father, Col. James C. Welch Sr., received signed by the Mayor of Strasbourg following the liberation of the city Nov. 23, 1944. The French Tricolore was raised over the cathedral at 2:30 p.m. on that date. Very neat. A while back, Waite Rawls, displaying extreme signs of boredom, sent me an item that he believes describes the original prototype for the sinks in barracks, to wit, “In 2013, archaeologists excavating Nero’s Roman palace found something rather extraordinary: A 50seat bathroom. The toilets consist of side-byside holes in a very long stone bench, without

Class Notes any walls or dividers for privacy. Researchers believe this was the restroom designated for use by slaves.” In a similar vein, Ed Trinkle forwarded me a picture of none other than Smack McLemore “posing” in front of the signs screening the view into a construction site on Music Row in Nashville. Said signs were advertising for some organization called Smack Songs. This was humbly interpreted by Smack to be his deserved recognition for the hundreds of guitar pickers he has led to the baptism of bankruptcy over the years. I imagine him entering your business establishment is about as welcoming a sight as that of the Grim Reaper. Returning to the real world, during the weekend of the VMI versus The Citadel basketball game on post in January, a group of us booked the House Mountain Inn just outside of Lexington. It was a great time in a neat setting. Enjoying the camaraderie with us were Herb and Susan Braun, Tommy and Jill Cooke, Ralph and Marsha Costen, Peel Dillard, Lanny and Terry Sue Gault ’71, Lew and Judy Reynolds, and Carl and Julie Strock. Next to the fantastic oysters that Peel brought, the highlight of the weekend was when Liz caught one of the promo shirts that were thrown into the stands at halftime. At least it was the highlight for her. I am truly lucky to have a wife with such simple tastes. Which probably explains why she married me. You have probably already heard via the class email list about the upcoming symposium on Stonewall Jackson on post this June where our own Dick Cheatham will make the closing remarks. At times during this event, Dick will be doing his historical impersonation of Col. J.T. L. Preston. Dick is working to have approved by VMI a session on Col. Preston and the founding of VMI that will be given each year to rats as a part of their indoctrination. Ben Morris checked in to report

Class of 1970: John McLemore wandering around Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee.

Class of 1970: At the fall GOMBACS outing at the Outer Banks were, from left, front row, Charlie Walker, Herb Braun, Gary Weishaar and Jim Mawyer. Back row: John Bailey, Gray Chandler, Tom Massey, Warren Grasty and Mike Snead.

Class of 1970: At the VMI versus Eastern Tennessee State University football game were, from left, Cameron Seay, Bob Grossman, David Schmidt, Dave Lawrence, Paul Bouis ’67, Dave Trenholm, Russ Quay and Dave Price.

that he had recovered well from a total hip replacement just over a year ago. His first real test was a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River last May. He and Val started with a few days in New Orleans then cruised upriver to stops at Natchez, St. Francisville and Baton Rouge before ending in Vicksburg. In October, they did a bucket list trip to the Northeast to check out the fall colors. From Boston they drove to Portland, Maine, on the way to the neat coastal town of Camden. They then drove through the White Mountains to Mount Washington Resort to explore central New Hampshire, and then through central Vermont to Manchester before returning to Boston. It sounds to me as if they have turned over a new leaf. Anyway, in December they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first date (with each other, I assume), which was set up by Jim Nelson. Those of you with razor sharp minds will remember from previous class notes that Ben and Val’s son, conveniently named Ben, builds houses in Costa Rica. Over Thanksgiving, Don and Lois Crawford spent a few weeks in Costa Rica and met up with Ben for lunch in the small Pacific coast town of Dominical. One week was spent in a condo near Quepos on the Pacific coast. They also spent several days in San Juan, the capital city, and at the Arenal Resort at the base of Arenal Volcano. Liz and I did a similar trip back in 2010 and highly recommend it. Going further south in January were Russ and Elaine Marshall who cruised from Miami to Lima, Peru. While there, they took an excursion to the Gumbalimba Preservation Park in Honduras for some up close and personal time with macaws and monkeys. They took some great pictures that Russ posted to the VMI’70 Facebook page, since I already had my limit of pictures for this issue. They extended their stay in Peru for a few days to visit Cusco (not Costco)

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes due to the presence of fascist food and Machu Picchu, where they were restaurants? Anyway, in Athens, their amazed at the impressive displays of hotel was in the flea market district Incan engineering and construction near the main city meat market. Dave skills. Rumor has it that their motto said the place had lots of color, which was, “Anything you can do, Incan do I assume is a good thing. better.” Just sayin’. Also in that general neighborhood is In January, John and June Bailey Phil Jornlin, who will be residing in also made their way to New Orleans. Nicosia, Sicily, for the next few years. John highly recommends the World As any of you who are Facebook War II Museum, which is spread over friends of Reed Heddleston know, five buildings. Unfortunately, they he and Carol are on an around-thedid not have nearly enough time to world cruise. It’s a good thing the take it all in. From there, they drove digital revolution happened, since to Orange Park, Florida, to mooch without digital cameras, he would off Gray and Nancy Chandler for have single-handedly cornered the a few days, proving once again that turnabout is fair play. While there, Class of 1970: Don and Lois Crawford in Costa Rica with Ben worldwide market for film processthey made the obligatory trek to St. and Val Morris’ son, Ben, and friend Ivannia over Thanksgiving. ing capacity. It is apparent that he Augustine to visit the St. Augustine now seems fully convinced that the Distillery, which is located in a former three-story thaw out in time to take their planned Colorado earth is, indeed, not flat. concrete icehouse. From sunny Taos, New Mexico, Jon VorderRiver rafting trip through the Grand Canyon in For some inexplicable reason, Chad and Caryn May where he will re-enact a similar trip from 28 mark reports they had a very mild winter with Lash headed north in December to traipse along little snow, which normally results in a dry sumyears ago. the Freedom Trail in the snow. He said it was Dave and Janie Curry also took a bucket list mer. One wonders if they will have any locusts cold. Go figure. Afterward, while seeking out a trip last fall to Italy and Greece, which included with the looming drought and fire. pub, they came across a parade of Santas, which a cruise to Malta and through the Adriatic and Meanwhile, up in Utah, Jesse Glidewell says Chad, having obviously been naughty, found Ionian Seas. They spent five days each in Rome, he had the VMI spider painted onto his snow somewhat menacing. Doubling down on what- Venice and Athens, and visited the ancient arskis, after receiving official permission to do so, ever logic he was employing, in January they cheological site at Mycenae, which dates back of course. He’s not sure whether this will make went back north the New York City to visit the to the Bronze Age. During their stay in Rome, them go faster or, as is more likely the case, drag Cloisters, see the musical “Dear Evan Hansen” Janie’s cellphone broke, so they ended up in a him down. Jesse also commented on the lack of and do a foodie tour through the Village, where mall that, according to Dave, must have been precipitation, which will likely result in water rehe “froze his butt.” Poor thing. Maybe he will designed by Mussolini. I wonder if that was strictions in Salt Lake City later in the year. Last winter, more than 600 inches of snow were recorded in the surrounding mountains. Speaking of fire and destruction, I made a much-belated phone call to Bob Grossman, who lives in Ventura, California, the epicenter of one of the devastating wildfires a while back. I was relieved to hear that Bob and Tari’s home was one of the few that survived without even any smoke damage. Bob said more than 500 homes were lost in Ventura, 200 in their neighborhood, and they were evacuated and unable to get to their home for 12 days. He recently had lunch with Jeffrey Guild ’94 and is looking forward to Gordon Williams’ visit in a few weeks. Tom Clingerman checked in from Iowa to say he is more involved with the Boy Scouts than ever, taking on any one of seven roles at Class of 1970: At House Mountain Inn in March 2017 were Herb and Susan Braun, various times. He and Karen are restoring an Tom and Jill Cooke, Ralph and Marsha Costen, Peel Dillard, Lanny and Terry Sue old house in northern Minnesota, which they Gault ’71, Warren and Liz Grasty, Lew and Judy Reynolds, and Carl and Julie Strock. hope will be completed sometime next year. He

2018-Issue 2

Class Notes laments that sightings of VMI alumni, much less brother rats, are extremely rare in the heartland. Sons Mike, a Marine who is now a deputy sheriff in Maine, and John, who is an information technology professional at the Mayo Clinic, are both single, so there are no grandchildren to report on yet. He is looking forward to our 50th and, in particular, reconnecting with former roomies Tom Massey and Fred Phillips. Picking up the slack on the grandchild front are A.C. and Beth Arnn, who are expecting not one but two new additions. Son Patrick, who is stationed in South Korea, and his wife are expecting their second child in May, while not to be outdone, daughter Sara is expecting their second child in March. For you LAs, that means they will have four grandchildren. A.C. continues to work for the MB Kahn construction company while their home in Blythewood, South Carolina, remains listed in the weak real estate market. They are planning a big threeweek trip to Europe in the fall just in time for Oktoberfest and to ogle all the toys on display at the Porsche factory. Bobby Brown also reported the arrival of their fourth grandchild, a boy, to daughter Spencer in Pittsburgh. As of now, the boys outnumber the girls three to one. As you may recall, last summer, Steve and Emily Talley took an extended tour out west and into Canada. After a hiatus from adding to their blog, Buck has recently begun to post more details on their many experiences. If you would like to check it out, you can do so at www.flickavoyages.blogspot.com. On an extremely sad note, Charlie and Margaret Walker’s son, Waite, died unexpectedly in January. Quite a few Brother Rats made it to his memorial service in Norfolk, including John Bailey, Herb Braun, Tom Cooke, John Flemming, Tom Massey, Jim Mawyer, David Schmidt, Cameron Seay, Larry Thompson, Gary Weishaar, Chuck Wills and me. Waite was a quiet, humble person who was always there for his friends when they needed someone. I know Margaret and Charlie would like hearing from any of you who haven’t already reached out to them as they try to find their way through this difficult time. And finally, congratulations to Cy Dolph, who was selected for inclusion in the 2018 Best Lawyers in America for his work in trusts and

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estates. He was also recognized as both a Virginia Super Lawyer and as one of Virginia’s Legal Elite by Virginia Business Magazine. Also, congratulations to Neil Steverson, who has been appointed for another six-year term as judge of the Henrico County General District Court by the Virginia General Assembly. Why is it that the lawyers and judges in our class find it so hard to retire? Inquiring minds want to know. I’m sort of curious, too. That’s enough for now. I hope I haven’t overlooked anybody, as that would negatively affect my rating. Be sure to check out the VMI’70 Facebook page for pictures and comments posted by our BRs. Also, if you are not on the brother rat email list, just send me an email at classagent1970@aol.com so you can keep up with BR and Institute related news. In the spirit!

1971

Jim Kelly

These notes cover the period from Nov. 1, 2017, to Feb. 15, 2018. Due to the holidays, the deadline for class notes is a couple of weeks earlier in November than it used to be, which makes it seem like a long time since my last communication. I suspect that the 2018-Issue 1 Alumni Review is at or near your mailbox right now. Kathryn and I hope that everyone is off to a good start for this new year. The Class of 2021 had their Breakout from the Rat Line the first weekend in February. The Class of ’21 matriculated with 504 rats with an average high school GPA of 3.66 and average SAT scores of 1194. As I noted previously, the Class of ’21 is exactly 50 years behind us, which makes September 1967 seem exactly what it is – a long time ago. I am saddened to report the deaths of four of our brother rats, John R. Cranford, Robert E. Wiseman, O. Ray Martin V and Robert D. Kardian. On behalf of the Class of 1971, I extend our condolences to all of these families. Reed Cranford died Nov. 22, 2017, in Pennsylvania. Reed was a history major at VMI and matriculated from Arlington, Virginia. At VMI, he participated in cross-country and indoor track. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army, rising to

the rank of captain while serving as an armored unit commander in Germany. After his military service, he was located in Philadelphia and developed a stock trading corporation. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; three sons; four grandchildren; and two brothers. Services were held in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Dec. 9, 2017. Bob Wiseman died Jan. 16, 2018, in Virginia. He matriculated from Harrisonburg, Virginia, majored in history, participated in cross-country and track, and was on The Bomb staff. Bob commissioned in the U.S. Air Force from which he retired, having served aboard C-130 aircraft as a navigator. Bob returned to Virginia following his Air Force career. He is survived by his wife, Mary; one son; one daughter; two grandchildren; and one brother. Bob’s memorial service was held in Moneta, Virginia, Feb. 10. 2018. O. Ray Martin V died Jan. 31, 2018, in Sun City, Florida. Ray matriculated from Charleston, West Virginia, and left after our 4th Class year but remained an avid supporter of VMI. He is survived by his wife, Dee, and two sons, both VMI graduates, Brian ’97 and Matthew ’00. As of this writing, I have not received any additional information from the Martin family regarding memorial services. Robert D. “Bob” Kardian died Feb. 12, 2018, in Fort Providence, Virginia. Bob matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, with a basketball scholarship. He left VMI after our 3rd Class year. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Germany, and upon his return, Bob worked for the Virginia Department of Transportation and attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business science. Bob retired from VDOT with 42 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Stuart; daughter, Stacey; two brothers; and a sister. A memorial service was held Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, in New Kent, Virginia, and was followed by a graveside service at Westhampton Memorial Cemetery, Henrico, Virginia. Around the middle of November, Buddy Bryan and I received an unexpected shipment of books which turned out to be copies of Jules Walklet’s “Rafting the Mississippi ... Up the Creek 1972.” You may recall that Jules and his crew made their voyage up the river in the summer after our graduation from VMI. Jules suffered a stroke after he started the book and finished it in 1974 after a six-month stay in a Boston hospital. Our now-deceased Brother Rat Tom Guthrie was on board

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the raft that summer. Jules stated that “Guffo” was the “rock of the crew” and that he had sent out copies of the book in memory and honor of Tom. The story is being considered for a movie. I will try to keep you posted on what happens next. The Class of ’71 established a memorial fund in honor of Doug France, and the recipient is announced at Ring Figure each year – many times presented by Buddy Bryan. In 2017, the award went to Cadet John David Hatgas ’19. Following the ceremony, this cadet asked Buddy whom he should thank for the award. It was suggested that he write to the class agent for ’71, who would then pass the message on to the class. I received a very moving handwritten card from Cadet Hatgas. He was most sincere and humble and pledged “to do his very best to carry on Mr. France’s legacy,” and I believe that he will do just that. On a very cold and snowy Dec. 10, 2017, the SWVA Veterans Cemetery held the annual wreath laying ceremony in Dublin, Virginia. Described as a “day of reflection and remembrance,” the ceremony grows each year as veterans are added to the cemetery. A local volunteer group has assumed the responsibilities of organizing and funding the event, which provided 855 wreaths this past year. Additionally, the Military Officers Association of Southwest Virginia placed special wreaths for each branch of the military before families placed a wreath on a veteran’s grave. The master of ceremonies was none other than Col. Rick Littleton whose photo appeared on two pages of the local newspaper. The guest speaker was retired Col. Dallas Cox of Dublin. In the small world that we live in, I am a member, along with Col. Cox, of a nonprofit organization that helps sponsor the event. I told him at a recent board meeting that Rick was my brother rat at VMI. Colonel Cox’s response was that Col. Littleton “is a good guy, and I like him.” So, kudos to Rick, who picked up yet another 15 minutes of fame and made us all proud. Kathryn and I always look forward to and appreciate getting Christmas cards from so many brother rats, some of whom appear from the woodwork only at Christmas. This past Christmas was a banner year with cards from Gearhart, Oakley, Kardian, O’Donnell, Schrader, Jones, Rea, Dancigers, Czupryna, Stallings, Roder, Berkness, Hepler, Bryan, Tuxford, Neville, Hannum, Kern, Friend, Schelhorn, Truesdell, Turner, Lockridge, (Jo Ann) Good, Rush, Paton, (Danette) Zirkle and Berglund. Thanks

2018-Issue 2

to everyone for staying in touch and letting me know if you have a new address or other changes that are noteworthy. Bill and Gail Stallings are still enjoying their relatively new home in Savannah, Georgia, spending time traveling the Intercostal Waterway as well as the ocean off Hilton Head. The couple celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary last August by taking a Rhine River cruise in Europe. Hurricane Irma was the second storm to hit their part of the coast in the last 100 years, but this time around, most people experienced only minor damage. Bill extends an invitation to anyone traveling in the Savannah/Hilton Head area to give them a call and stop in for some southern hospitality. Carol and Buddy Bryan sent out a newsletter which, according to Carol, they had not done for a while. This past summer, they were able to enjoy their first vacation with all of the family present at Garden City Beach, South Carolina. Daughter Amy and husband Kramer (out of the Navy) are now located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, while Heather and Colin (still in the Navy) are in Hollywood, Maryland. Son Paul and his wife, Dana, are in Roanoke. Carol makes the Roanoke run once a week to look after the children and check on the two great-grandmothers that will both be 95 this month (February). Buddy (with 41 years of service) continues as chief operating officer of the VMI Foundation and is involved in church work and the Rockbridge County Foundation. Carol also shared that she and Buddy are heading to Tuscany for two weeks this summer. On the weekend of Jan. 19-20, 2018, the VMI Alumni Association board and the Keydet Club board held a joint meeting in Lexington. Lanny Gault provided me with a snapshot of the weekend’s activities. The two groups gathered at the Lexington Golf & Country Club Friday night for a social and got down to more serious work Saturday. During the Saturday morning joint session, the boards were briefed by Gen. Peay ’62 on the state of the Corps academically, militarily and athletically. Academics remain strong, and our NCAA athletes are earning GPAs that mirror the rest of the Corps. Approximately 60 percent of the 1st Class will accept commissions this year. The Campaign for VMI and some major gifts have significantly benefited the athletic budget, which will allow our coaching staffs be more competitive in recruiting athletes. Saturday afternoon, Jan. 20, our Keydets had a

great win over the visiting Bulldogs of The Citadel. VMI has a very young team this season, and the players are primarily 4th and 3rd Class cadets. Attending the game for ’71 were Acuff, Bryan, Kennedy, Strickler, Gault and Coleman (who was recovering from a December heart attack). Mikula was scheduled to make the trip but had some family medical issues to deal with back home. Lanny also reported that he and T.S. spent the weekend at the House Mountain Inn with a crew from ’70 and that a great time was had by all. John Metzger hosted a “small” gathering of the inner circle of the daily briefing group toward the end of January 2018 at the lodge in Vesuvius. Present at the event were John and Laura Metzger, Fogleman, Paton, Lindsey, Schelhorn, Jolissaint, Littleton, Buddy and Carol Bryan, Tim and Leah Golden, Kennedy (proud to be the group’s token liberal), and two of Paton’s motorcycle group (who are now ex-officio members), Dale Race (in-house attorney) and Gary Perkins, an information technology guy for the Pentagon. Carl Biersack had to remain on duty in Washington, D.C., for some critical lobbying, and Jim Adams was able to join in for lunch Saturday. College football has been in the news quite a bit in early February. The national signing day for high school athletes was Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018. VMI signed 13 recruits with eight of them hailing from Virginia. Some of the offensive players racked up pretty impressive numbers for their high school teams, and hopefully, they can continue to develop and help the Big Red. VMI has just released its football schedule for 2018. We will play two FBS teams for the first time since 2010, including the opening game at Toledo Sept. 1. This will be the first time these two teams have played each other. The last game of the season will be against Old Dominion University, also on the road. We have not played ODU since 2010 when they were an FCS school. Another wrinkle for us will be our first conference game against Wofford College Sept. 8. VMI has not had a conference game that early since 1998. I have received the alumni giving totals through December 2017 (second quarter). I am pleased to announce that ’71 had 73 donors, which represents alumni participation of 30.67 percent and puts us first in both categories for classes in our decade. The average alumni participation rate for the decade was 21.84 percent. I want to thank each of you who has supported VMI so far this year and, as always, encourage everyone to consider

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Class Notes a gift this year. As of this writing, the Virginia General Assembly is in session, and funding for colleges usually takes up a lot of discussion time. Currently, the state provides about 17 percent of VMI’s operating Fiscal Year 2018 budget of $89.7 million. Private donors, by comparison, account for 25 percent of the money to support VMI. This academic year, 87 percent of the Corps received some type of financial support. As you consider ways to give back to VMI, don’t forget that there are 15 scholarships (so far) directly connected to the Class of ’71. Unless you have been underground somewhere, you are by now aware that the current governor of Virginia, the Hon. Ralph Northam ’81, is a graduate of VMI. I hope you saw the Corps looking great as they marched in the inaugural parade. The Corps stopped in front of the reviewing stand and was recognized by the governor. Besides having the honor of being a part of the inaugural parade, the commander of the Virginia Militia (unorganized) granted the Corps amnesty for their various offenses. I think that may have happened once during our cadetship, but I can’t imagine any of us behaving in opposition to the clearly outlined standards in the Blue Book and in need of amnesty – at least that is what we told our parents. Kathryn and I are anxiously awaiting summer activities, as many of you are, as well. We plan to spend a week on Hilton Head in May and, later on in the summer, join the grandchildren and others for a week at Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Grandchildren Lauren and Ryan continue to do well in school and their sports activities. Hopefully, they will still make a trip out west to Pulaski sometime later this year. Ryan, by the way, has signed on for Legacy Day at VMI April 14, and I am looking forward to that. Take care, and be safe out there this summer. God bless our team and VMI, Jim

1972

Larry Houseworth

Brother and Sister Rats, Families, and Friends, These notes cover mid-November through mid-February. By the time you read this, we’ll

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be into blessed spring, but for now, we’re deep into the Dark Ages. This has been a tough quarter for the Class of ’72, but we’re a resilient lot, so let’s close ranks and press on. Christmas notes always bring smiles, news and insights. Chris and Betsy Foster: Betsy wrote that Chris’ total knee replacement in January didn’t slow him down a bit as he returned to work three weeks after his surgery. Oorah, BR (that’s me, not Betsy)! They went to South Africa for birding and (friends, not them) swimming with the great whites. (Your scribe says, “Yeah, no.”) They visited Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope while keeping an eye out for “pilfering baboons.” After a journey to the Honduran jungle, they were off to a medical conference in Nantes, France. They saw the beaches of Normandy and the Bayeux Tapestry created in 1077 to commemorate William of Normandy’s victory over Harold II. Betsy included news of children and grands (keeping up at 16,000 Fitbit steps a visit) and a momma-daughter road trip to Toronto for a 50-year pen-pal’s daughter’s wedding. Chris’ consideration of retirement seems only logical; they need to get his distracting work thing out of the way. Dave and Sue Hall: Sue said that travel kept them so busy they almost didn’t have time to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. They began the year in Vegas, then joined their Canadian army friends for a trip to Flanders Field, the Somme, Ypres and Vimy Ridge – the last with the leaders of Canada and France, and Prince Charles with sons William and Harry. After rounds of gourmet dining and more sights, they flew to Budapest for a Danube cruise through the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria to Passau, Germany, and then home. Later, they were off to Colorado. When in God’s name did you have time for an anniversary and the reunion? Oh, there was a return to Vegas for Halloween. Fred Bauer wins for best opening line: “The years seem to accelerate as you get older, but the memories accumulate (well, assuming we can remember them).” The prolific Bauer clan welcomed yet another grandchild. Fred and Cathy Bauer feel blessed that most of the family lives within 100 miles. Here’s a tidbit I didn’t know: 10 years ago, BR Fred founded a strategy gaming club and grew it from four members to 208. The club has raised over $30,000 for wounded vets and their families.

He recently stepped down as head but still games when there’s time (between baby-sitting or house holding). Fred’s convinced that, while he ages for both of them, and Cathy has a secret Dorian Grey portrait hidden away someplace, he unashamedly enjoys having strangers think she’s his daughter or trophy wife. The Worrells sent along a photo montage of them and their grands in the pines of coastal South Carolina. The Williamses celebrated the holidays with family in Portland, Oregon, and then there were the photogenic Pools (clearly Gina’s genes at work). There were nice check-ins from the McElroys, Fojts, Griffiths, Gorskis, Barry Garland,

Class of 1972: Bob Bailey and Dan Schnock ’89 at Operation Outdoor Freedom hosted by the Florida Forestry Service.

Class of 1972: Butch Winstead and Brint Harrison’s Company B mini reunion at the Williamsburg Alumni Association Chapter social. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Stranskys, Pat Moore, Holsens, Pagoneses and the Henningers. Marie and I had supper recently with Tom Williamson and Janet Brown. Janet’s gift for interior design is evident throughout their beautiful home, and Tom’s gift for gourmet cooking is evident in the kitchen and dining room (although, Janet delicately informed us that his talents don’t quite make it to the sink and dishwasher, to which he heartily agreed). Marinated beets over fresh spinach, dangerously delicious Greek lemon-feta chicken, and Italian gelato; we should pit Tom against Bob Stransky, the Fojts and our other accomplished gourmands for a ’72 gourmet Olympics. Amid Old Corps remembrances and guffaws and requisite bragging on our grandchildren, Tom and Janet regaled us with tales of their exotic travels, including an upcoming tour of Argentine wine festivals after a ferry cruise down the rugged Chilean coast. Thanks to Tom, Janet, the Halls and the Fosters, ’72 has our own Travel Channel. Ginny Tompkins’ memorial service was bright, inspiring and well-attended. Chris and their son spoke warmly and humorously of Ginny’s volunteerism, doting love and passion for intense advance-planning. Marie and I felt fortunate to spend some facetime with Chris and to join the celebration with Bob and Sharan Gore, Bill and Linda Irby, Tom Moncure, and Chris Arey. A.J. Fojt passed along a link to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and a link to the New Market Battlefield preservation efforts. Noble cause, BR; thanks. Lindley and Debra Vaughn have been providing updates on Wayne Harrell’s recovery from his heart attack. Much appreciated, Vaughns. Brint Harrison and Butch Winstead represented Company B ’72 at a recent gathering of the VMI Alumni Association’s Old Guard Chapter in Williamsburg. Bob Bailey and Dan Schnock ’89 brought home the bacon in the Florida Forestry Service-hosted Operation Outdoor Freedom boar hunt, a charity benefiting veterans in the state. I wonder how much of the catch made it to Club Crozet? That’s it for now, BRs. Phone, write, text, carrier-pigeon – whatever – but stay in touch with each, and take care of you and yours. Rah Virginia Mil, BRs! Larry

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Mike Kelly

Best wishes to all of my brother rats! I hope that you weathered the winter and are enjoying spring! It was a pretty rough winter in many parts of the country. As you read these notes, spring should be in full bloom and New Market Day and VMI graduation are just a few days away. Since my last set of notes, we lost two more of our brother rats. Warren Richards died Nov. 2, 2017, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was living at the time. Warren grew up in St. George and Richfield, Utah. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and is survived by three sisters and one brother. His services were held on VMI Founders Day, Nov. 11. I did not have any communications with Warren, so I really did not know him. Mike Burke said he was in Band Company and perhaps was the quietest guy in our class. He was Richard Bancke’s roommate, and Richard called him “a fine gentleman and great friend on post.” Maurice Powers died Feb. 1, 2018. I had a message from Mike Mackenzie, who spoke to Maurice’s sister. She said Maurice had a massive heart attack in Dallas while at work. Maurice has a son, Charles, who also lives in the Dallas area. A memorial service will be held, but as of now, arrangements have not been finalized. I also did not have any routine communications with Maurice but did speak to his sister and relayed our condolences and prayers for the family. Please keep Maurice’s and Warren’s families in your thoughts and prayers. I also had a very personal loss Feb. 2, 2018. My dad, William S. Kelly, died in Tampa. While dad did not go to VMI, he was always one of its biggest fans, and three of his five children went to the Institute. Dad would have been 90 in March. All of the children and mom were by his side and talked with him during his final hours. We were truly blessed. Dad has worn a rat ring since my brother, Jim ’71, matriculated in August 1967! Dad will be sorely missed, but he and mom will forever live on with a brick each have in front of barracks. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers I have gotten from so many of you. Pat and I made it through the fall and attended

a lot of VMI functions in Region VI. We have met numerous alumni in the Carolinas and have enjoyed the various functions put on by the chapters. We also attended the Institute Society Dinner Nov. 10 and were joined by Webb and Donna Tyler, Bill and Judy Boland, and John Leon. That is always such a wonderful evening. Pat and I were also in Williamsburg over a long weekend in January and were fortunate to have dinner with Garland “G.G.” Gray, Stuart Seaton and Debbie Fitzgerald. It was great getting together for the evening with them. In January, I was in Myrtle Beach for a camping trip with the Boy Scout troop of my son, Scott; Scott has taken over as scoutmaster, and his two boys are in the troop. While in town, I had the opportunity to have dinner with Michael Smith and Hal Laughlin. They are interested in reactivating the Myrtle Beach Chapter for the Alumni Association. We had a great evening together, and I am really happy they are willing to take on a new chapter! Thanks, guys! Also in January, we attended the VMI Alumni Association Board of Director’s meeting, where we met up with Larry and Debbie Mays and Blake Thomas. Larry is the regional director for Region IV, Mid-Atlantic. Blake is the chapter president for The Villages in Florida. Jeff Minch is the regional director for the South Region X, but he was not at the meeting. Jeff was spending some time over in Savannah where his

Class of 1973: Mike Mackenzie, left, and Ralph Northam ’81, Virginia’s new governor, at the 2018 First Day 5K race in Midlothian, Virginia, sponsored by John Landry’s company, Davenport and Company LLC, Jan. 1, 2018. 103

Class Notes Ralph and Becky Littreal were fortunate and daughter, Liz Minch Eichholz, gave birth to his won’t keep busy! Richard is very active with his first grandchild, Tempe Elizabeth. Congratula- three grandchildren, whom they have adopted, survived the fire and flood devastations in San tions on your new granddaughter, Jeff! Rumor has and with his local parish. They also are active with Jose, California, this winter and were able to it that he will now be spending more time on the rescue and adopted animals and have several new travel some during 2017. They visited a lot of the pets in the home! Great hearing from you, Rich- national parks out West and plan to hit the southEast Coast than in Austin! And this month’s “lost brother rat” award goes ard, and best of luck with the kids! western parks this year. Those are some of our to Ken Kalisky. I have not communicated with Rick Gribling sent me a merry Christmas note favorite areas to travel! They made a couple visKen in ages, but he contacted me in February to as they were at Dulles airport waiting to fly to its back home to southwest Virginia, and Ralph say he and his wife, Sherry, were coming through Scotland for the holidays with their daughter. He continues to attend some of the NASCAR races. Raleigh and wanted to get together for lunch. As a indicated his agenda called for a visit to Kinloss, Ralph said he has really gotten into the fitness fellow biology major, we had some catching up to Scotland, and eating haggis and drinking some routine and goes to the gym daily as well as going do! Ken recently retired from Exxon, on walks and bike rides. where he worked as an engineer and I had a really nice handwritten letter later in international sales, traveling exfrom Charlie Havasy. Charlie said he had not been feeling well last fall and, tensively in North and South America. after going to the doctor, had to have a Sherry retired from Continental Aircouple stents put in to clear up some lines, where she worked as an internaalmost totally blocked arteries. This tional flight attendant. They purchased surgery came after having hip replacea second home in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, and are now splitting ment surgery last summer. He said he their time between Warren, New Jerwas fine now and continues to work as a county deputy sheriff in Stafford sey, and Pawley’s Island. Ken said he County, Virginia, and will complete 10 has started getting involved in VMI acyears of service as a deputy in March tivities around his home in New Jersey Class of 1973: From left, Hal Laughlin, Mike Kelly and Michael and was really enjoying getting back in Smith gathered for dinner in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, of this year. You may recall that Chartouch with the Institute. It was great Jan. 12, 2018, to discuss reactivating Chapter No. 74 in the area. lie decided that being a police officer seeing them! was always something he wanted to do I had a nice note from Terry Howlett 10 years ago, so he did it! around Christmas. Terry said he still Pete and Karen Walters are still in sends his mom copies of the Review, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and sent as she is always interested in what we a Christmas letter. Pete said they spent are doing. He and I were roommates a lot of time traveling to Georgia and with Roland Tiso, and Terry was from Florida last year to visit with famRadford, Virginia, very close to Pulasily. One highlight Pete mentioned was that he and his son, Bob, entered a rifle ki, where we were high school rivals! competition in Talladega, Alabama, Terry said he had recent gall bladder and had a really great time doing it. surgery but hoped to return to work Pete and Karen also went on a cruise as a volunteer pilot for the CAP and around Europe and a trip to Austria. their counterdrug operations along the Mexican border. My last message from Class of 1973: Attending the 2017 Institute Society Dinner and Most importantly, though, Pete retired Founders Day celebration were, from left, Mike and Pat Kelly, Bill last year and said he was now catching him was that everything was fine. and Judy Boland, John Leon, Robert and Linda Moreschi, Cadet up on home projects! Roland recently returned from a few Tom Schmitt ’18, and Webb and Donna Tyler. Tom and Bonnie Clark continue to weeks work in the Middle East and said he was looking forward to some time home fine single malt Scotch! I’ll take the whiskey and enjoy their travels and camping. Bonnie made a trip to England in October with their daughter, with Judie and the family. He is still participating let you have the haggis! in bodybuilding contests and is doing pretty darn Tom Jennings sent me a note to let me know that Colleen. They toured London, had tea at Kensgood! He is enjoying himself and says he may re- the two “daughters” at Longwood College I menington Palace and visited Bath on the west side of the isle, along with many of the museums and tire “one day.” Roland said Judie loves being re- tioned in the last issue were actually his “grandtired and was able to visit the kids in Pittsburgh daughters,” and that he might not be retired if they shows. Tom said their other daughter, Becky, and in Arizona while he was overseas. were his daughters! Tom said that after their visit like Colleen, lives in the Colorado Springs/ I had a note from Richard Clark, who is enjoy- to Longwood, he and Lois headed to Lexington Denver area, so they are able to get together freing his retirement, although like Pat and I, he has for a visit and lunch at Devils Backbone Brewery. quently. We are waiting on you all to come east discovered that being retired doesn’t mean you Tom and Lois live in Chesterfield, Virginia. for your Civil War battlefield tour! That has been

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Class Notes I mentioned that Pat and I were in Williamsto traveling around visiting family and friends. on your trip list for a couple of years. John and Ann Pinner sent a card with a picture I mentioned earlier that we were able to see burg recently and had dinner with Stuart Seaton Blake Thomas in Lexington in January. He and and Garland Gray. Stuart just sent me a note he of them and their son, Carrington, along with his his wife, Sandy, have settled in at The Villages in received from Bob Maling, who lives in Joshua new bride, Kristin, taken at the wedding last fall in Florida and are very involved in VMI activities. Tree, California. Bob said he has now fully retired. Colorado. John and Ann still live in Suffolk, VirBlake is the local chapter president, and last year, His last working assignment was with an auto ginia, but enjoy traveling around. one of their biggest events was a VMI gathering on group in China in November. One of his pastimes Bob Luther sent a nice handwritten note with St. Patrick’s Day and the Regimental Band marchhas been flying his Cessna 172; however, in Januhis Christmas card. Bob indicated that this will ing in the town parade. They remain active with ary as he was starting the plane, the engine caught probably be his last year working. After 41 years their personal airplanes, attending air shows and fire. Bob said that being an old guy trapped in an as a dentist, he said he thinks it is time to do some hosted a neighborhood party in November in their airplane on fire was a pretty lonely feeling! He other things and believes his wife is ready to have him hang out at the house a little more! airplane hangar near their home. Bob and his son, Kurt, have a special Milt Salter says he is officially on interest in Civil War artifacts, so they track to retire this September and looks will probably delve into that hobby a forward to pursuing other interests and little more in the future. Kurt is a protravel without having to worry about his business! Milt said he recently visfessor at Virginia Tech. Bob’s daughter, Kiersten, has moved to Seattle, so that ited his sister and brother-in-law, who gives them a chance to go out West also live in The Villages, as well as more often. His other son, Rob, works spent time with his family in Maryland in the White House counsel’s office over the holidays. Be sure you put our and is well connected to the work beNovember reunion on your trip list after retirement! ing done there and in Washington. I had a nice Christmas letter from I had cards and notes from many Class of 1973: Gathered for dinner in Williamsburg Jan. 28, 2018, M.B. and Mary Adelson. Mary took were, from left, around the table, Garland “G.G.” Gray, Stuart others during the holidays. William an all-girl’s trip with friends last sumWells sent a card with a picture of him Seaton, Mike Kelly, Debbie Fitzgerald and Pat Kelly. mer to Finland. They really enjoyed and his two sons, George and Wilthe sights and sounds, and Mary was liam, after attending a wedding of a nephew in Greenville, South Carolina. able to spend time doing some genealogical work on her father’s side Michaela and John Sykes sent holiday of the family. And, of course, the greetings to the class from Bluffton, South Carolina. Dave Sutherland is Adelsons participated in the Christdoing well and still in Brownsburg, Inmas lighting show at the Le Moyne Art Foundation. M.B. was lamentdiana. Doug and Pat Huthwaite split ing about starting to feel older as his their time between Kure Beach and grandkids graduate and attend colMurphy, North Carolina. I spoke to Doug on the phone recently, and he lege. We know that feeling! Time has said he was going to be the lead person a way of flying by. for the “Old Corps” gatherings for the T.O. Smith sent me a nice card Wilmington, North Carolina, Chapshowing a picture of him; his wife, Class of 1973: At dinner following the Alumni Association Janu- ter. Best wishes were received from Margaret; their daughter, Mary Marary 2018 board meeting were, from left, Blake Thomas, Debbie garet; and their three puppies! He and Larry Mays, and Mike and Pat Kelly. Rob and Carolyn Bowman, who live said they were doing well and moved in Blackstone, Virginia, and also from to Pelham, Alabama, in January, which is near made it out all right, surprising himself at how fast Tom Burke who recently moved to Lemont, IlliBirmingham. he could actually move! His plane, however, was a nois. I heard from a lot more of you at Christmas with Bill and Mary Stoner still live in Roanoke, Texas. total loss. Bob didn’t say what he plans to do next, Last year, they were able to travel a lot and spent but we are glad you are safe! cards and notes from Dick and Tahizy Bugbee, a month in Carmel, California. They visited Big Sally and Jack Hayes also sent a Christmas letter. Susan and Klaus Worrell, Bob and Sharon BushSur while there, to include the giant Redwood They had a nice “retirement” vacation to Niagara nell, H.B. and Leisa Weatherford, R.B. and Becky grove. Bill was slowed somewhat at the end of Falls in September and then some quiet time in the Newman, Mark Camper, Paula and Joe Wyatt, last year as he had two knee surgeries but is doing Pocono Mountains. This year, they are planning Carol and John Leon, Tom and Bonnie Clark, well now and is about finished with his physical an Alaska cruise in June. Jack said his health was Tim McConnell, Scott McCarthy, Jim Reid, therapy and headed back to the gym. much improved this year, and they looked forward Larry and Laurel Cerruti, and Glen and Renee

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Class Notes Younes. What a great thing it is to hear from so many of you. The VMI rugby team played in the final game for the national championship (Division II) last fall in Greenville, South Carolina. Paul “P.X.” English helped organize an alumni event around the match. Following the game, P.X. was able to secure a game ball and had the team autograph it. On Jan. 7, Corris Atkins ’18 and Larry Mays presented the game ball to Joe Duffy. Joe played at VMI and following graduation, as well as doing some coaching and officiating. Pat and I have switched all of our home service over to Google fiber, so please note that my email address has changed slightly from Roadrunner to Gmail. And as I wrap up these notes, let me remind you to be sure you keep your email and personal information updated on the VMI Ranks. Since we have switched to Gmail, I will be using VMI’s server to send out blast emails to the class and your email needs to be kept current. Also, remember that June is the last month of the fiscal year for VMI, so please consider making a contribution to the Institute before the year ends. (I’ll be sending you a reminder letter June 1!) And if you are interested, the next Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting will be held June 1516, and all alumni are invited to participate. If at all possible, plan to attend and enjoy a few days in Lexington. And finally, don’t forget to mark your calendars for Nov. 2-3, 2018, for our 45th Reunion! I plan to kick things off Thursday, Nov. 1, and hopefully have a full day of activities Friday. You will be getting more details soon. Hope to see you there. In the bonds, Mike

ted, so these notes will be cryptic. I saw Sam and Karen Powell at the Triad Alumni Chapter Founders Day dinner at the Greensboro Country Club Nov. 5, 2017. David Sheppard and I pledged to get together with them soon. I sat with John White and retired Air Force Col. Henry “Hank” Shirley ’60 and wife Ginny at the Founders Day dinner in Raleigh Nov. 6. Sitting with the former “straighter than straight arrow” VMI TAC officer, then-Maj. Shirley made for some interesting table conversation. We took an interesting stroll down memory lane with radically differing perspectives on events during our cadetship. Go figure! Kent “Wheels” Wheeless drove David Sheppard, Marla and me to the VMI versus North Carolina State University basketball game in Raleigh. The North Carolina Alumni Chapter secured a suite with all the benefits for the game. John White met us there. There were 25-30 alumni in the suite. A suite is the way to go – food, drink, space to socialize and our own bathroom. John left the suite to hunt for his brother, Bart White ’76, and ran into Pete Shelley in the concourse. We received a knock at the suite door during the half, and in strolled Bob “Turtle” Frank. Gene Williams was the commencement speaker for the December 2017 graduation at VMI. What an honor, and deservedly so. Well done, Gene! Tragic news from Raleigh, North Carolina. On Nov. 21, after 10 days in the ICU, Cliff Biram died.

Keep Twana Biram and family in your prayers. Cliff was hit by a truck while crossing the street (in the crosswalk) walking to work after dropping off his car to have some work done. No broken bones, but a severe head injury. Cliff’s Jan. 12, 2018, memorial service at the National Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina, was moving. A mix of post office colleagues, VMI BRs, family and friends attended. John Valenstein delivered some prepared remarks, then his brother, Rick Biram ’76, and two sons, Kip and Paul, spoke – very emotional. We then retired to the Shark Tank (sports bar and grill) to continue to celebrate the life of Cliff Biram. We gave a hearty Old Yell in the Shark Tank. Attendees were Bill McDonald, John and Mary Ann Valenstein, Phil Parker, Snookie and Marla Parker, Arnie and Maria Leonard, John McLaren, David Sheppard, Mike Mahoney, Kent Wheeless, Ron Stelmaczyk, Lane Toomey, Bill and Deborah Renee Pennypacker, Charley and Debbie Banning, and Donnie Ross. On Jan. 29, the U.S. post office dedicated a plaque in the Raleigh facility in Cliff’s honor. On a happier note, I met Gary Trinkle, Pat Flynn and Rob “Topper” Flynn ’67 at the Division II Collegiate Rugby National Finals at Furman University Dec. 2-3, 2017. Kudos to P.X. English ’73, local chapter president, who secured pre- and postgame venues for the VMI contingent. We had between 100 and 150 VMI fans (the largest crowd with no close second) and acquired several more as

1974

Snookie Parker

Greetings Brother Rats, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1974! I hope everyone’s Christmas and new year celebrations were joyful. We should be thankful, for we – as a class, a community and a nation – have been so blessed. I received so many cards and letters that I have more news than I have space allot-

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Class of 1974: Gathered for the Tidewater area breakfast club meeting at First Watch in Newport News, Virginia, Jan. 27, 2018, were, from left, front row, Henry Moncure, Gary Trinkle, Erica Putney ’15, Paul Van Doren, Al Rasper, John Crawley and John Williams. Row 2: Donnie Ross, David Sheppard, John Pate, Snookie Parker, Chip Beaman. Row 3: George Van Laethem, Kent Wheeless, Mark Prentice, Mike Hogan, John McLaren, Steve Ham, Rod Beard, Bill Pennypacker, Andy Young and Frank Richardson. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the White House this year. At this writing, the weekend wore on. VMI beat Norwich they are anxiously awaiting the arrival of University 41-36 in double overtime/sudtheir ninth grandchild. I don’t know, but den death in what many seasoned USA I have heard that there is only one thing rugby enthusiasts said was one of the best in this world that is truly not overrated: matches they had ever witnessed. VMI Grandparenting! Did I hear an amen? lost to the University of Wisconsin-WhiteJohn and Tracey Crawley sent Christwater 34-27 in a game that VMI led 27-17 at half. In fact, it was 27-27 with four minmas greetings from Newport News, Virutes to go with VMI on Whitewater’s goal ginia. John is still working on the joint line about to push it in when a penalty was staff focused on moving command and called against Whitewater. In the melee of control capability to cloud computing. the next play, VMI lost control of the ball, Tracey continues to serve clients at her Whitewater took the ball the length of the Genesis Counseling Center. Son John is field for a try and kicked the extra point an operating room nurse in Charleston, with 34 seconds left on the clock. So close, South Carolina, and daughter Danielle yet so far away. Very proud of the boys but Class of 1974: During halftime at the Division II Collegiate completed her Master of Public AdminRugby National Finals, VMI versus the University of Wiscondisappointed with the outcome, especially istration degree at the University of Tensin-Whitewater, were, from left, Gary Trinkle, Snookie Parkgiven a high percentage play call at the er, Pat Flynn and Rob “Topper” Flynn ’67. nessee. end that could have preserved a national Ed Blake and wife Jamie are both rechampionship for the Keydets. tired and enjoy being home together and Bill and Judy Candler (Port Byron, Illino longer having work-related pressures. I received a nice card and note from Wilnois) have been keeping busy with a lot of volunteer work and managed a trip to Isson and Anne Johnson (Fredericksburg, Virginia). The retired Wilson stays busy rael this past summer. Bill completed 120 with his theatrical pursuits and mission miles of the Appalachian Trail this year, trips to Japan, while Anne tends to aging bringing his total to 600 of the 2,100-mile parents and arriving grandbabies, along trek. He says that at this rate, he’ll be 90 with an occasional mission trip. I am lookwhen he finishes. Bill, you should contact Gary Trinkle, a trail veteran, for your next ing forward to a Parker’s BBQ soiree with leg of the trail. I think he’ll carry your beer. Wilson and Anne the next time they are Gary told me he ran into a gal on the trail passing through on their way to South who recommends walking north to south. Carolina to see the grandkids! Class of 1974: In the hospitality suite during the VMI versus She said it was easier because it’s all downMike Mahoney is retired and plays golf North Carolina State University basketball game were, from hill, you know. Let me guess, did she have left, Snookie Parker, David Sheppard, Bob Frank and Kent five days a week. In the summer, Mike Wheeless. worked at the Pelicans’ stadium to have blond hair? something to do at night. The Pelicans are Mike and Lera Andriani (Alexandria, a Single A club in the Cubs farm system. Patty, Virginia) reported a challenging year. Mike lost his Mike’s significant other, retired in March and plans mom, they experience some property damage due to join Mike in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. to heavy rains and there was another job change Tom and Patti Mascot (Litchfield, Arizona) are for Mike at NGA. Proud papa moment: Son Mike enjoying retirement. Tom is playing golf three or III was promoted to captain in the Army and is more days a week and fishes when not golfing. I serving in Kuwait. understand there are varying levels of success on Ted and Susan Telle (Crossville, Tennessee) are both endeavors. Like they say, a bad day fishing enjoying their new stateside digs. Ted swam the 50 beats a good day at work any day. Not so much and 100 free in the Tennessee Senior Olympics. for golf, though; although, one great shot a round He was the winner of two silver medals and plans will keep you coming back for more. Thanks for to swim three to four events in 2018. By the way, the note, Tom! Ted’s prostate cancer was caught early and treated. Al and Judy Rasper sent season greetings from Ted says, “Fellows, word to the wise: Watch those Class of 1974: Gene Williams and DonWilliamsburg, Virginia. Al continues to work at PSAs very closely!” nie Ross after Gene delivered his com“Fort Useless” and is serving as the chief of staff Sam and Colleen Mattocks (Petersburg, Virmencement speech during the Decemfor installation management command – training ginia) did some wine tasting in the Finger Lake ber 2018 VMI graduation ceremony. where his organization provides oversight of 15 region of New York and visited the West Wing of

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Class Notes and Marcie with school. garrisons who render infrastructure Arnie and Maria Leonard (South and “city services-like” support to Riding, Virginia) claimed to have a those installations. Did I say useless? low-key year highlighted by several visI meant Forth Eustis; a Freudian slip, no doubt. Be that as it may, Al says its to Wilmington, North Carolina, to it’s about time to smell the roses and visit Sarah, Davis, and grandkids Letplans to retire by the end of 2018. Al tie and little Davis (aka Baby D). I’m and Judy are avid skiers, having visited thinking Wilmington may be a retirethe slopes at Arabba, Italy, and Beament destination for Arnie and Maria – just a thought! ver Creek, Vail and Breckenridge in Air Force fighter pilot “par excelthe U.S. Once you retire, Al, you’ll be able to double your time on the slopes; lence” (a Top Gun aggressor) Clarke hopefully you will be upright skiing! “Frog” Peele and wife Brenda (aka Thanks for the note! Dinky) sent holiday greetings from Highlights this year for Gary and Glendale, Arizona. Clarke retired-reAlison Trinkle (Yorktown, Virginia) tired in June 2017 after 21 years in the were a new car for Gary, the Institute Class of 1974: Gathered at the National Cemetery in Salisbury, North Air Force and 22 years with Southwest Society Dinner (for both), the VMI Carolina, to pay their respects to Brother Rat Cliff Biram were, from Airlines. Clarke’s entire family flew Spring Break at The Villages near left, Snookie Parker, Bill McDonald, John Valenstein, Phil Parker, with Clarke on his final Southwest AirArnie Leonard, John McLaren, David Sheppard, Lane Toomey, Orlando, Florida, as well as VMI’s lines retirement flight. His son, Justin, Mike Mahoney, Kent Wheeless, Ron Stelmasczyk, Donnie Ross, Bill runner-up performance at the Na- Pennypacker and Charley Banning. was his co-pilot. Highlights this year: Aggressor reunion in November; sumtional Rugby Finals. I’d say Gary is enjoying his retirement, especially with all those highlighted their year! mer visit to the “rivah” house somewhere in Virkitchen passes from Alison. Gary, are you up for Mike and Janet Stark (Platte City, Missouri) ginia to rock fish; and Brenda’s new chili red Buick carrying Bill Candler’s beer on the Appalachian experienced their first Christmas without moms. Envision. Winter in Arizona, summer in Virginia Trail? I believe he is walking north to south, so it Mike shot a buck this year, and daughter Sharon and eight grandkids – three gals, five boys – I’d say will be easier – downhill and all! graduated from Charis Bible School and is now life is pretty good! Bob and Pam Johnson (Washington, D.C.) full-time with ministry in the media department. Glenn Greene has exciting news! Amazon Pubare still working in our nation’s capital. Bob is The Starks’ 35th wedding anniversary was in lishing announced that Grace’s new book, “The now an inspector general for the U.S. Depart- March 2017, and they planned a special anniver- Memory of Butterflies,” surpassed 50,000 readers! Congrats, Grace! ment of Agriculture and at Johns Hopkins for sary trip in 2018 to celebrate. John and Mary Ann Valenstein (Cambridge, another degree. Pam is still with the State DeBruce and Peggy Pence enjoy keeping Maverick, partment. Travel this year has taken them to their 3-year-old grandson, two days a week. Bruce Maryland) traveled to Wyoming for the total the Jazz Fest in New Orleans; New York City; continues to preach at a couple of churches and eclipse. While there, they visited Jackson Hole, Grand Teton, Yellowstone and the Snake River. Charleston and Beaufort, South Carolina, to see enjoys subbing at elementary schools. some Frank Lloyd Wright designed plantations; Andy and Pat Young have completed their re- Mary Ann retired in April 2017 and John retired and Hendersonville, North Carolina, for retire- tirement move to Wilmington, North Carolina, in January 2018. Mike and Linda Coleman (Colonial Heights, ment home planning. although Andy is still on contract supporting the Mark and Michelle Prentice (Williamsburg, Army Research Institute of Environmental Medi- Virginia) are doing well. Mike had a recent visit Virginia) enjoyed a visit to New Orleans (and cine, mostly from home. Andy’s recurring back from Stu Ashton. Mike and Linda saw Rob and saw some filming of “NCIS New Orleans”), problems have hindered his golf regimen; how- Joan Bacon in Jacksonville, Florida, while on the a Carolina Beach family vacation and a chilly ever, he and Pat were able to trek through Spain way to visit their daughter in Orlando. Mike is still working veteran and defense issues in the Virginia Wounded Warrior golf fundraiser with Rod and Portugal this year – 28 glorious days! Beard and Donnie Ross (Jim Wood was playJohn and Diane McLaren completed the final governor’s office. Thanks for the update, Mike. Bob and Jeanne Slupik are alive and well in ing in another foursome). All kept warm with touches of their new home on Lake Smith in Virthe help of some Crown Royal. ginia Beach. They also purchased a new boat on Canyon Lake, Texas. Bob met Mike Mahoney in Semi-retired George and not-yet retired Anna which to cruise around, but I understand they are Galveston, Texas, while Mike was attending an Van Laethem (Chesapeake, Virginia) spent challenged to find a contractor to build a dock. It’s American Beekeeping Conference. Bob is still the Christmas in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a tough life – a boat with no dock! How bad could chairman of the Comal County Appraisal Board, and Jeanne continues her Canyon Lake Republitheir daughter, Ashley, and her husband, Alan, it be? I understand a dock is on the way! Yeah! along with their grandson, Tripp. Trips to Andy and Marcie Eason (Moore, Okla- can Women volunteer activities, as well as being Charleston (VMI versus The Citadel game), the homa) bought a new home this year and are sworn into the Daughters of the American RevoOuter Banks, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg staying busy – Andy with community projects lution on Veterans Day this year. Kudos!

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Class Notes Pete and Susan Shelley sent season’s greetings from Raleigh, North Carolina. Pete is retiring from Kruger in March 2018 after 25 years. Susan, on break from information technology work (her banking information technology position was finally eliminated in June after several extensions), plans to be back at work in March 2018. Back to work March 2018; is that a coincidence? They also plan to build at the Outer Banks and contacted BR Dave Stormont for assistance. Dave said he would likely be retired by then, as well, and suggested contacts for a preferred builder. I can’t wait until Pete has a place we can all visit. Rob and Joan Bacon (Jacksonville, Florida), after weathering two hurricanes (Matthew Oct. 16 and Irma Sept. 17) got a generator for Christmas. A semi-retired Rob keeps busy with the neighborhood board of directors, while Joan has signed her teaching retirement papers! John and Jayme Kaniss (Tacoma, Washington) spent their December anniversary in Iceland, England, Portugal and Morocco. Nice anniversary trip. Thanks for the new year’s card! Walt and Karen Wilson (Steilacoom, Washington) sent a new year’s card outlining their “uneventful year,” which noted a Memorial Day visit to New Orleans with Pat and Sue Flynn, which was really a fishing trip for Pat and Walt that evolved into an NO adventure. Chuck and Louise Ward (Charlottesville, Virginia) spent Christmas in upstate New York – brrr! Chuck is still working at NGIC as a consultant and sees Dan Barr at NGIC periodically. Looks like Chuck is considering retiring May 2018. He is waiting on a contract recompete. Red (parts unknown) and Shelley Undercoffer enjoyed Christmas in Lexington, Virginia, this year with the entire family. The truly empty-nester, Shelley has taken up golf and bowling. Prayers for Red as he continues to operate at the pointy end of the spear helping keep America safe. The anxiously awaited 20th edition of the Banning Christmas Gazette was worth the wait. Charley “Buff Daddy” (now known as “Bionic Wimp”) Banning, is on Medicare and sports a new knee after suffering at the hands of his masochistic physical therapist – to the delight of wife Debbie, she who must be obeyed. To the delight of said parents, son Will recently launched girlfriend 1.0 after several earlier versions failed to meet muster. This king and queen of fun frequented equestrian activities, vacationed in the Caribbean and hobnobbed with the likes of The Association,

2018-Issue 2

Three Dog Night and Ladysmith. Tough life! We had a great turnout for the Tidewater breakfast club meeting at First Watch in Newport News Jan. 27, 2018. Donnie Ross and Erica Putney ’15 spoke to the gathering. Andy Young drove up from Wilmington, North Carolina. Dave Sheppard and Kent Wheeless rode with me up from Wilson, North Carolina. Kudos to Gary Trinkle for securing the venue. Others in attendance were Henry Moncure, Paul Van Doren, Al Rasper, John Crawley, John Williams, John Pate, Chip Beaman, George Van Laethem, Mark Prentice, Mike Hogan, John McLaren, Steve Ham, Rod Beard, Bill Pennypacker and Frank Richardson. Reed, David and Jan Lester’s son, is getting married in May 2018. Chuck and Carol Collins (Lenexa, Kansas) are both IT folk with Sprint in Kansas City. Other sad notes: Lily Grace Dollenger, Craig and Linda MacFarlane’s (Woodbridge, Virginia) 12-year-old granddaughter, died tragically in September 2017. Andrea Claire, Steve and Carol Weaver’s teenage daughter, died in 2017. Keep these families in your prayers. Thanks for the Christmas cards: Charlie and Tommie Toler (Pensacola Beach, Florida), Robert and Lisa Braren (Marco Island, Florida), John and Suzanna Pate (Chesapeake, Virginia), Bert and Cherryl Graham (Berwyn), Mike Cole (Carlisle, Pennsylvania), Ted Zajac and Kathy Holbrook (Avon Lake, Ohio), Glenn and Grace Greene (Mechanicsville, Virginia), Kent and Brenda Wheeless (Rocky Mount, North Carolina), Sam and Karen Powell (Burlington, North Carolina), Randy and Martha Gleason (Salem, Virginia), Frank and Jeanee Richardson (Newport News, Virginia), Tim and Pat Bosse (Suwanee, Georgia), Lane and Karin Toomey (Southern Pines, North Carolina), Russ and Cheryl Takata (Waipahu, Hawaii), Jim and Robin Garten (Oro Valley, Arizona), T.J. and Kerri Wilson (Harrisonburg, Virginia), Mike and Sarah Fisher (Rochelle, Virginia), Jim Pavlou (Madison, Wisconsin), Ricky and Page Kastelberg (Richmond, Virginia), Craig Smith (Venice, Florida), Bailey and Doree Hurley (Ballwin, Missouri), Paul and Rose Van Doren (Suffolk, Virginia), Don and Barb Whitten (Manassas, Virginia), and Craig and Cathy Carlock (Lexington, Virginia). 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 or deaths. 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 snookieparker1974@ earthlink.net, Charley Banning cbanning@cox. net or Kevin Nettrour (our webmaster) nettrour@ accessus.net. Check out the website. Send me a note. Yada, Yada, Yada and Yaba Daba Dooooo! Warm regards, Snookie

1975

Robert Keller

Hello from the beautiful north Georgia mountains. It is, however, cold! But it has been cold just about everywhere this winter, so this is not news to most of you. By the time this is published and (hopefully) you are reading this in May, it won’t be cold anymore. I want to thank you all for the emails and especially the holiday cards that you sent. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with your BRs. Rick Henning had a lot going on this time, starting with a job change. He has left Domino’s and is now part of the hospitality staff at the Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Chick-fil-A. He wasn’t looking to make a change, but he got an offer he couldn’t refuse. Suzanne has left Cracker Barrel after many years and is now enjoying her freedom but is kept very busy with her volunteer work and spending more time with their three grandsons. Earlier in the year, the Hennings traveled to Mississippi to attend a family reunion where Rick met one of his former missileer commanders at a Mississippi Braves game. Later on, they went to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for some rest and relaxation and followed that up by celebrating a significant birthday for Suzanne with family in New Bern and Raleigh. On the sports front, Rick has attended the North Carolina State 1 AA High School Championship game, National Hockey League Carolina Hurricanes’ preseason open house, numerous VMI basketball and soccer games, and is in his 22nd year of officiating Upward Basketball and will do 14 games this year. Rick reminisces that he officiated his first game for a private school while in the Air Force in Tucson, Arizona, in 1978. Rick reports that he, Suzanne and family have been bitten by the music/concert

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Class Notes bug and have taken in quite a few concerts ranging from the North Carolina Symphony to the Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, Tuesday’s Gone. Suzanne, Sam and Rick supported The Triangle Down Syndrome Buddy Walk and caught up with some old friends who, like them, have traveled the road with their now young adults with Down syndrome. Sam was asked to be an ambassador for a new Down syndrome venture called 321 Coffee Barista, a coffee shop that employs young adults with Down syndrome. Rick always ends his letters with an invitation to any BR traveling through Rocky Mount to pull over and give him a call. Bill Terpeluk sent me a note on Founders Day letting me know that he ran into Doug Macgregor at an American Legion meeting at the Union League in Philadelphia where Doug was the guest speaker that evening. Bill reminded me that Doug left after our rat year to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point but is still every bit our brother rat. Doug has appeared on cable news quite often with interesting and insightful commentaries – a real credit to our class. Thanks, Bill, for that update. I received a quick note from Ben Vanderberry at Thanksgiving that his son, Ben Vanderberry ’15, joined Vice President Mike Pence and others for Thanksgiving. Ben mentioned that young Ben shared the potent Vanderberry eggnog with the vice president. Makes me wonder if the vice president’s Secret Service detail must taste that first. And we all hope the vice president fed them well. How cool. We will need to check out the 2015 class notes for further details. We have several new grandfathers in our class. John Y. and Karen Richardson wrote to let me know that their son, John Joseph Richardson ’08, and Ashley had a son, Mark Yulee Richardson, Nov. 14. Greg Diamontopulos also let me know that his granddaughter, Savannah Elizabeth James, was born Dec. 5. I would anticipate several new provisional appointments to the Class of 2040. Congratulations to all of you. In December, Guy Conte along with his daughter, Holley, took a trip to Germany to visit Chris Conte ’11, son and brother, respectively. Chris, a captain in the Army, is on a three-year tour of duty stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, with the Army air defense. At the time of the visit, Chris was on the Division G-3 staff and will be taking command of an air defense artillery battery later this spring. This was a great trip for Guy, as he was

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Class of 1975: John Yulee Richardson and John Joseph Richardson ’08, grandfather and father, respectively, proudly hold Mark Yulee Richardson, who was born Nov. 14, 2017.

Class of 1975: Guy Conte with daughter Holley and son Capt. Chris Conte ’11 on a skiing vacation in St. Moritz, Switzerland, during the Christmas holidays. also stationed in Germany in 1976. He lived at the American Arms Hotel in Wiesbaden, which now has been permanently closed. While there, they took a stroll down memory lane for Guy’s time there and an up-to-date visit of Chris’ life in Germany. They also had time for a ski trip to St. Moritz, Switzerland. Sounds like a great trip. Jim McCriskin reports that he and Nancy have successfully made the move from Illinois to the St. James community near Oak Island and

Southport, North Carolina, and really enjoy the coastal way of life. Jim has found an acceptable way to keep in tune with his profession. After 27 years with the Advocate Heart Institute in Bloomington, he now puts in several hours three days a week at the Cape Fear Heart Associates. This is an office-based, no-call situation which allows Jim to take advantage of things like golf lessons, deep sea fishing and just strolling on the beach. This location gives Jim and Nancy the opportunity to visit family and friends and most importantly – being closer to their grandchildren in Connecticut and Georgia. A much deserved situation for you both. Felix Wolkowitz sent a quick note over the holidays and stated that he has much to be thankful for. He has terrific grandchildren, his youngest daughter got married this past October to a wonderful guy who is an Isreali Army veteran, and he and Sheryl are in good health. Tony Farry is still caddying, and he has again extended his retirement date until he is 67. He and Teresa spend part of the year in Sun City West in Arizona to escape the eastern winter weather and keep up the golf game. Their son, Kyle, received a promotion this past year with Wegman’s in Gainesville, Virginia, and son, Adam, made a job change and is now with Salesforce in the Dulles area of northern Virginia. Oliver Way is looking forward to retiring from the banking business in March 2018 after being with Fulton Bank for the past 12 years. This is good timing as sons Barrett and Lawton and their families now all live in the Richmond area. Lawton and Shelton are expecting their third child, all girls, in May and have moved to a larger house to accommodate their growing family. This is great news for Bonnie and Oliver, as they are now able to spend a lot more time with the grandchildren. This past September, Bonnie and Oliver were able to return to northern Italy and Switzerland with friends, an area they really like. Congratulations on your retirement; I know that it is well deserved. Oliver was able to meet up with Bo Temple right before Christmas for lunch and said that Bo is doing well with his consultant work and his board positions. Though Bo did let me know his cancer has returned and that he is working with his doctors to meet this new challenge, but he keeps it all in perspective. His comments to me were that this was just another bump in the road and that 2018 will bring better results. Attitude is everything. Bo also let me know that he heard from Felix Wolkowitz over the holidays and that Felix is working to turn

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes his business over to his son and is planning a sab- for that flight. The places that have been visited They continue to love the area and have become this year include Mexico, the Philippines, Ger- enamored with the birds that are found in their batical to Virginia sometime this summer. R.B. Lane has kept in touch and reports that, many, Normandy and a bucket list trip to Russia. backyard and adjoining border woods. They while his two surgeries in the fall went well, there Dino will be faced with Federal Aviation Admin- continue to host a prayer and healing service in is still a small area in his lower back that has a lin- istration mandatory retirement this spring but is their house every other month, as well as being gering amount of cancer. He is working with his looking forward to have the opportunity for more a leader for our class’ monthly prayer teleconferdoctors to come up with the next steps. A prayer travel. ence. But Tad says that the big news this year Tad and Bev MacGowan report that all is has been with Bev and his children. Many of to you, Bo, and to all of our BRs for good health. Bill and Edith Robson made their annual pil- well in Annapolis and find it hard to believe their adventures have been mentioned in previgrimage to their home at The Villages in central how long it has been that they have been there. ous updates this past year, and since then, Bev Florida Jan. 9 and planned to stay until was able to join her daughter and husband mid-March. In early December, their over Thanksgiving, as they are on a yeardaughter, Lindsay, took a promotion with long sabbatical traveling around the world. the Corps of Engineers to work in the Tad has been keeping up with his kids Corps’ European District. She, along with since they left home, and he looks in on her husband, Rob, and children, Penny his dad who turned 93 this past year and and Mackenzie, all moved to Europe. Bill still lives independently. and Edith are working on their passports Nat Hamner wrote that he and Nancy so they can visit while they are there. Bill are doing well and that daughter Catherine also wanted to thank all of you who ofbecame a licensed architect and is now in Richmond. Daughter Annie completed fered prayers for his mother while she was her academic phase of the physician assissick. Bill reports that she is doing much better. tant degree program and started her cliniRick and Stella Davison had a very busy cal rotations with graduation to follow in first year in retirement, as they have been December. They are looking forward to on the go just about every month of 2017. Catherine’s wedding this October, as well Class of 1975: Tom Baur, Allen Morgan, Art Nunn and February saw them in Richmond, Califor- Mike Hunter intently watching the Keydets win over The as their own trip to Europe in November. Barb and Scott Risser sent a note letting nia, visiting their son, Fred. April was a Citadel in mid-January 2018. me know that they continue to stay quite cruise in the Mediterranean. In May, they busy in Lexington with their volunteer work for were off to New Mexico to visit a friend who is an VMI and the community. They are both active in innkeeper. June saw a family vacation in Alaska, their church and in several prayer groups, as well and June was their annual trip to Philmont, where as Scott’s activities with the Rotary Club. They they donate their time to being staff members for continue to serve as a host family for cadets and the Boy Scouts. August was a visit to Georgia to have taken on two more cadets this year. The best visit with members of Stella’s family. September news is that Scott’s feet have finally healed. They and October included Texas hill country, Virginia believe that the initial injury occurred back in 1980 (our mini), New York and the D.C. area. Novemwith a parachute training accident. Now after four ber found them in Utah and a cruise through the surgeries, the doctors have released their patient. Panama Canal, and in December, they were home Good news indeed, and I know that the cadets you for the holidays. I don’t know about you, but I am host appreciate what you do. exhausted just writing about this – but that is the Tom and Peg Jones have become frequent visiway to do your retirement. Keep it up, you two. Dean and Denise Armstrong have also been tors to Virginia Beach to visit with their son, Steve, keeping quite busy, and since they both work for and family and also visit with John Y. and Karen Delta, much of their travel is on the job. Dean Richardson. As I noted earlier, Yulee is now a says that they were very busy through the summer grandpa, so maybe Tom can give him some pointmonths (normal vacation season) and through the ers. December/January holidays. As he says, he and The holidays were exceptionally busy for Al Denise give their souls to Delta at those times. In and Sandy Morgan this year, as they had to celJuly, they were able to fly together on a flight to ebrate Christmas a week earlier to accommodate Munich, and Delta celebrated Denise’s 30-year everyone’s schedule. Daughter Blaire had to work Class of 1975: Athena and Andy Andisheh anniversary on that flight. Dino was able to pin through the holidays at Disney in Florida, and son on their wedding day in Manila in 2017. her wings on, as she was designated the captain Justin was with his in-laws-to-be for Christmas and

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Class Notes working on the plans for their upcoming wedding retire, so he is planning on a trip to human resourc- old brigade headquarters in Virginia Beach to celthis May. So, the Morgans celebrated a week ear- es to start the paperwork. ebrate the 100th birthday of the 54th Field ArtilAs if we didn’t have enough of our BRs affected lier, complete with both of their extended families lery Brigade, organized in 1918 during the run for Christmas dinner. This worked out great for Al by natural disasters in Houston and Florida, John up to World War I. John said he had the privilege and Sandy, as they got to attend the VMI versus Plunkett let me know that he was in the area of of commanding the brigade from January 1999 the Virginia Commonwealth University basketball wildfires and mudslides in California. John, who through September 2000. The brigade was disgame in Richmond, including the pregame party. lives close to Montecito, had to evacuate from his banded several years later and has been replaced home for both the fires and the mudslides. Fortu- with the 329th Regional Support Group at the It’s always good to be flexible. Bob and Jan O’Connor seem to have had a dif- nately, John came through it all unscathed. same location. The current commander of the Glenn Garland is also in the retirement frame 329th is Col. Weedon Gallagher ’90, who was a ferent kind of year. Early in the year, Jan had to of mind. First Glenn retired from the service with gracious host for the event and asked John to be have knee replacement surgery that was accompanied with an unfortunately complicated recovery. 40-plus years with the North Carolina National the keynote speaker for the dedication ceremony These complications extended her recovery well Guard this past year. You will find a write-up on where a road at the center was renamed 54th Field his retirement in the Our Alumni Serving section Artillery Brigade Road. Despite a very rainy day into early summer. A lot of this recovery happened when Bob’s employer had him deployed to in the front of this Review. Further, Glenn is work- for the dedication, all went well, and his speech the boonies of east Tennessee that did not allow ing on plans for his retirement from his current went off without a hitch. October found John and him to be present as the supportive spouse. Fortu- position as an assistant clinical professor in the his girlfriend, Brenda, in Charleston, South Caronately for Jan, friends and relatives came lina, visiting her parents and attending the to the rescue while Bob was gone. Bob VMI versus The Citadel game. Turns out relates a hilarious story of how Jan was inthat one of the guys at John’s church is a Citadel alumnus whose family funded volved in a motorized shopping cart crash The Citadel’s first class athletic center at the local grocery store. Bob said that a (The Altman Center) at the south end of reliable source indicated that the incident the football field. Well, John and Brenda had traffic snarled in aisle 3 until the first joined in on the Altman tailgate festivities responders (store manager) stepped in to and watched the game from the second untangle the wreckage. Fortunately, Bob level balcony that faced the field. Needsays that there were no citations or insurance premium increases resulting from less to say, John was the only VMI grad in the incident. Bob also indicated that their the crowd, but he and Brenda had a great patience with northern weather is growing time. Brenda was super impressed at the thin and reports that he and Jan have purobvious respect and admiration that guys Class of 1975: John Young and Col. Weedon Gallagher ’90 chased a lot in Beaufort, South Carolina. in Virginia Beach celebrating the 100th birthday of the from senior service colleges have for one Bob describes this quintessential South 54th Field Artillery Brigade in August 2017. John was the another, especially at the end of the game when both sides traded alma maters. In Carolina low country area as having bugs keynote speaker for the event. November, John and Brenda attended the and humidity that are often known to be thicker than the southern accent. Being the ever- department of diagnostic sciences and general Charlotte Alumni Chapter’s Founders Day dinner and found themselves seated with Mike Hunter cautious civil engineer, Bob is still a little offset by dentistry in the school of dentistry at the Univerplanning a residence on land that is less than 3 sity of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Glenn is and his family. John says dinner was awesome million years old and at a nearly alpine elevation trying to decide the appropriate time to pull the and they all had a great time catching up. John is of 19 feet above mean sea level and is susceptible trigger and wants to match it with his student’s grateful that the issues with his left leg (sepsis) are now resolved. All the wounds have healed and he to hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. Only an graduation in the spring. Good luck, BR! engineer would think like that. Their kids have afI received a nice note from Andy Andisheh, who is back to about 75 percent of his old self. John was in the hospital and rehab center for several weeks fectionately referred to the home site as “the final recently finished up a yearlong project of renovatresting place” for Bob and Jan. I think they inher- ing his basement. He now is wondering what to do and confined to home for months, but as soon as ited Bob’s sense of humor. Bob reports that he and next to keep busy, as he can’t stand being idle. One he can he will be up and about, though he says he Jan have entered into the downsizing negotiations idea that he has is to pick up some woodworking enjoys taking long naps during the day. He is lookperiod for their new home. No report on how that skills to pass the time and make some income out ing forward to the summer and spending time at is going, so we will have to wait until next update. of it, as his prospect of finding any employment his place on the Outer Banks. right now looks remote. Andy also mentioned that Good luck, you two. Greg Stultz let me know that he has reconnectEllett Smith wrote to say that he and Fran spent his wife, Athena, and her son, Shawn, joined him ed with John Crenshaw, who now lives in Cinthe Christmas holiday in California with all three in late March of last year and all are settling down cinnati, and said John has cancer for the second of their children and their sons’ girlfriends. Ellett quite nicely. time. Greg also heard from Barry and Tig Hughes. In August, John Young was invited back to his The Hugheses have settled in Seattle and are very has also come to the conclusion that it is time to

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Class Notes much enjoying being close to their youngest son, Corey, and do not miss the D.C. rat race. Greg is over the winter that he says is the coldest one in a while. Salvo Lape has joined the ranks of the retired, as he left the Department of Homeland Security (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) last August but finds he is now busier than ever. In November, he and Karen moved from San Antonio to Spring, Texas, to be closer to his brother, Gary Lape ’74, and his family, as the 4-hour drive wasn’t any fun anymore. Well, my brothers, I am out of space. I am most grateful for all of your updates. Hopefully by the time you read this, warm weather will have returned and some of us will be finalizing plans for the mini reunion in Montana in June. Take care, my brothers. In the spirit, Bob

1976

William Bhatta

The title of these notes is, “Just in Case You Weren’t Feeling Old Enough Already,” by Mike Tate: “If the oldest living graduate is from the Class of 1935, then we are 41 years removed from that class. The Class of 2017 graduated 41 years after our class. This makes the Class of 1976 the statistical median of the Alumni Review. And with each graduating class, we move further away from Page 96 and closer to Page 30, where the old guys are. Reminds me of the oldie but goodie song, ‘Stuck in the Middle With You.’” Jim Dittrich is teaching juniors and seniors at the University of Central Arkansas; he teaches logistics and supply chain, as well as transportation. Jim said he is struggling with the classroom’s fancy technology, but he is adapting quickly. Jim’s wife, Tish, continues to manage accounting for a group of medical companies. Jim said, “The doctors are devoted but dealing with the health care industry and various plans is a challenge. [Tish] understands why health care is such a mess with conflicting regulations from both the public and private sectors.” Most of his kids live in Colorado and enjoy the outdoors: Addison works in human resources for the state; Johanna works for a

2018-Issue 2

urology clinic and is pursuing her master’s in public health, and Taylor is fine tuning his culinary skills. Chelsea chose a warmer climate in Florida, works at Florida Atlantic University and is pursuing a master’s degree in adult education. Razz Waff is getting ready to move to the Asheville, North Carolina, area; his house is on the market in Indiana. Kathleen is getting ready to get back into chaplaincy once they get to Asheville. Razz said, “I have officially flunked retirement 101, since I’ll be starting as the executive director of the Military Chaplaincy Association,” representing about 2,000 active, reserve and retired military and Veterans Affairs chaplains. Razz’s daughter, Meaghan, graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and will attend a two year Master of Law and Diplomacy degree program at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy next year at Tufts University. Doug Johnson continues to enjoy retirement life out in California. His daughters are doing well, also. Jennifer works in Sacramento with the Agricultural Council of California, and Sheralyn is on track to complete her doctorate of Physical Therapy degree next August. I spoke to Doug Hines in February; he is doing well. Pete Friesen stays busy at work. Pete, and his wife, Mary Ann, moved into their get-away-fromit-all weekend retreat close by in Maryland. Pete said, “It is very nice to have space compared with townhouse living.” One of Pete’s passions is trains and miniatures, so I expect much of it will transfer with him to his new man cave. Mary Ann works at Inova with nurses conducting research studies and keeps busy on the advisory board for George Mason University College of Health and Human Services. Grigg Mullen developed his first two postretirement activities: Waking up late and spending time in his workshop. Cindy is slowly trying to shrink her number of bookkeeping clients so she can start post-retirement activities, also. Grigg III ’08 works in the VMI physics department and pursues his machining trade; his wife, Accacia, left her job at Preston Library and started her own fabric and clothing business in Lexington. The Mullen Christmas letter said, “... between the two of ’em, they could make damn near anything you’d want.” Andrew and Melissa just bought their first home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Andrew started a new job as a consultant for Dungeons and Dragons, and Melissa is a psychologist at

the local Veterans Affairs hospital. Ken Harbin checked in. Ken and Sue still live in Sharpsburg, Georgia. Ken works at Eaton as a new product introduction supply chain specialist in the ambient lighting division. Last year, Ken completed his 23rd year refereeing and instructing hockey. His oldest son, Ben, and his wife, Christen, delivered a beautiful daughter two years ago. Ken said, “I don’t know who spends more time with her – my son and his wife, or my wife, her sister and my niece.” Ben is an information technology security manager with Aflac, and Christen is a successful Realtor in the Atlanta area. His youngest son, Eddie, married his long time fiancée, Nancy, last November. Nancy is a doctor of physical therapy working near Savannah, and Eddie is an IT security specialist with

Class of 1976: Ray Brooks, left, and Jake Berberich at a dinner for the Carolina Triad Alumni Chapter at the Greensboro Country Club Nov. 5, 2017.

Class of 1976: Bill Brown’s first grandchild, daughter of Capt. Carter Brown ’10 and wife Olivia, born mid-November 2017. 113

Class Notes Gladiator Technology/Jack Henry in the Atlanta area; they both want to settle down in the Atlanta area. Ken said, “Happy to report we are all healthy and doing well.” Charlie Archer reported his oldest daughter, Shirley, will learn what it means to be a Navy wife this year. Her husband, Nick, an E-6 electronics technician, heads out to sea, probably on a guided missile cruiser. His middle daughter, Margaret, teaches in Norfolk, Virginia. Charlie said, “A tough gig for anyone, but she has good skills and a practical, tough-love approach when needed.” His youngest daughter, Virginia, is a women’s oncologist practitioner in Fairfax, Virginia. She turns 30 years old this year, so Charlie feels old enough already. Ted Mouras continues his involvement in various volunteer activities with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, the Nature Conservancy and the Bureau of Land Management out in Arizona. Ted said he has been able to recruit AIT soldiers from Fort Huachuca to help with various projects at these agencies. In his spare time, he is working on a couple of books and hopefully will take steps to publish the first one this year. Ted’s wife, Melanie, writes travelogues for the local newspaper. Based on Ted’s note, Melanie always has plenty of information to write about. Ted said, “We made our third trip to Australia in September/October 2017. We spent our time in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and on Tasmania. We had a wonderful time Down Under, and I highly recommend a visit there. Next year my brother (a Citadel graduate) and I will be spending time in southern Brazil on an eco-tour, and then Melanie and I and my brother and his wife will cruise from Thailand to Hong Kong, stopping in Cambodia and Vietnam on the way.” Andre and Lois Koneczny are doing well. A second grandchild, Chase Ryan, was delivered to the Koneczny family Oct. 12, 2017. Andre’s nephew, William Koneczny ’20, has been studying in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and will be back in Virginia by the time you read these notes. William will be a cadet sergeant this fall. Kevin Pardus started his third year as a senior mentor for FIRST, an independent nonprofit that brings STEM-based leadership programs to students in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia area. They use robotics as a means to teach technical concepts and practical know-how, as well as to build leadership skills. His wife’s business in Norfolk is doing well; youngest daughter,

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Sabrina, is a vice president with The Bank of New York Mellon in Singapore; and oldest daughter, Gloria, raises the Pardus’ granddaughter, Aria, while going to school part-time. Kevin said, “On weekends, his son-in-law becomes Aria’s activities coordinator.” The 163rd edition of the Class of 1976 notes is hereby closed. Hope everyone has a great summer!

1977

Mark Bryant

Hello, Brother Rats, We are getting into mid-February here at VMI, and you will see these notes sometime in May when the spring edition of the Alumni Review comes out. It has been a little slower with regard to getting news and updates from BRs compared to the last quarter. Perfectly easy to understand, since we have just spanned the winter months and the 2017 holiday season. I do try to keep up with those that post things on Facebook, but I know not everyone is on there so just another reminder to share a note with me occasionally and especially any photos you would like to share. We just started the second semester of the 201718 academic year here on post. I am still teaching part time as an adjunct professor in biology. It gets me on post regularly, and I get to know at least the cadets assigned to my class sections. The academic part of VMI remains rigorous, with many more options for majors, minors and concentrations than most of us remember. Last weekend, the Class of 2021 broke out of the Rat Line and joined the Corps as cadets. It is always fun and interesting to me to see them go through the week of resurrection, the thrill of Breakout and then come to class the next week with the look of “what now” on their faces. Yes, you still have to go to class and study – some things do not change much. The basketball team is in full swing, beating The Citadel at home earlier this season and was due to meet them again in Charleston later in February. Hope some of you made it to see them play. Of course, there are a lot of other teams and athletes staying very busy. The new Corps

Physical Training Facility indoor track hosted its first NCAA meet and suitably impressed all the visiting teams and fans. It really is a firstrate facility since opening its doors last fall. The indoor climbing wall and ropes course in the ceiling space are equally impressive. Not that I have been climbing much lately. I joined the ranks of many in having a total knee replacement just before Christmas. I am a couple of months past it now and recovering well. It really is amazing how this technology and surgery has progressed. My thanks to all the good advice from BRs who did this before me – especially Will Bynum and Chris Nash – and reminded me that PT was my friend. I know that J.J. Marshall was due to get a hip replaced very soon as I am writing these notes. I suggested to him that since there are more and more of us in this boat, we should see if we could set up a golf clinic sometime later this year that will help us all get adjusted and back in the game. Anyone ever heard of such a thing? With BR Erich Hutchings’ help, I have started to look at possible dates for a mini reunion on a home football weekend this fall. With the crowded conditions and many, many schedule conflicts and challenges of finding hotel space, it is not too early to start planning! By the time you all read this, I am hoping we can settle on a date. Looks like there are five home games this fall, starting with Sept. 15 (East Tennessee State University), Sept. 29 (Mercer University), Oct. 20 (The Citadel), Nov. 3 (Tusculum University) and Nov. 10 (Furman University) – which will include Founders Day activities since that day falls on a Sunday this year. The Citadel weekend sounds cool, but it is also Parents Weekend, so we will have to plan fast and early if we want that. I hope that you will all get some planning information and a letter from me long before you read these notes. The weekend of Sept. 15 is a reunion weekend, and so is the Nov. 3 weekend. Larry Martin and Oscar Davis checked in with some great photos of themselves during some pheasant hunting in Kansas last November. Also got a nice update from Tom Orrell just a few weeks ago. Tom is about to retire (again) this time from the Army Corps of Engineers later this year. He and his wife, Brenda, will remain in the Winchester area, but look forward to being able to travel more and visit their expanding host of grandchildren. Tom also remains an avid hiker, especially of the Appalachian Trail system nearby

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and could probably give hiking advice to all of you who still have the legs to hit the trails! Max Floyd also checked in to update his location. Always glad to hear from Max since he is hard to keep up with! You may recall that Max spent a good long spell in Russia working in the petroleum industry, and then moved on to Saudi Arabia then Brunei for shorter spells. His last message shows that he is now living and working in Calgary, Alberta. He says he is looking forward to the very different opportunity and the chance to ski and hike in the Rockies. Also, the fact that adult beverages are openly sold and consumed where he lives now! Hmmm, a ski trip to the Canadian Rockies sounds like another mini reunion opportunity! A reminder to all that our class prayer group has been “reactivated,” and if you would like to be included or have requests, please pass that on to the group’s coordinators, Steve Neas and Chris Perry. I know we have reached that time in our lives where it is more common to experience the loss of a parent and some of us have recently lost mothers, fathers and others. I do not wish to leave anyone out, and since I cannot be sure of everyone’s experience, I will just say that our hearts and prayers are always with each other. A final plea to everyone to drop me a line occasionally. In addition, I have started kind of a long-term project leading up to next reunion. Some individuals have been posting/sharing some “throwback” styles of photos of themselves early in their careers, maybe just a short while after graduating the “I.” Some of these are fun to look at, especially the ones that show us working in our various early careers. Some of the ones of BRs in

Class of 1977: Larry Martin and Oscar Davis during a pheasant hunt in Kansas in November 2017. 2018-Issue 2

their uniforms in the field show just how old we are getting (the old OD green fatigues and steel pots for example). I would very much like to collect as many of these as possible. I will put them together in some kind of collection to share at our next class reunion. If you can digitize the photos and send them to me as a file, that would be great, but I will take anything. It would be especially nice if you have photos of yourselves along with BRs who are no longer with us. So as you clean out those old photos, do not forget to share them with your class! I asked Jordan Whitman, the editor-in-chief of the Alumni Review, for some tips on how to improve the situation with photos. I am quoting what she shared with me: “The closer the file size is to 1MB the better, and it is more likely that we can use it ... 99 percent of the time, anything under 100KB is way too small. Sometimes, we can use photos that are between 100-900KB, but it depends on the pixels we have to work with. Generally, photos saved from the internet, including Facebook, are going to be too small. It is best to get the original from whoever posted it instead. If you are sending photos from a phone, send them at the highest possible size (most phones ask what size to send photos). Hope this helps.” If you are in doubt about a particular shot, send it to me, and I will see what (if anything) can be done. Mark Bryant

1978

Tom Brown

Greeting Brother Rats, Wow, 40 years since we became alumni! I pray all are well and recovered from the reunion. Those of you who were unable to make it will have to wait for the next set of notes to hear about it, as it is February as I put this together. I hope all had a safe and mild winter and were exempt from the flu that seemed to be very popular this winter. I would like to thank all those who made the reunion possible by doing all the coordinating and planning: Stan Walchock, Steve Oddi, Anthony Moore and Ronnie Milligan. I know many more of you made it possible, as well, and I will make sure the next set of notes acknowledge that. Let us move on to the reports of status – thankfully

no “not all rights” to report this time around. Tim Berkhimer: “All right, sir. Looking forward to our reunion!” Joe Cafarella: “All is well in Dayton.” Jay Hutt: “Not much, low and slow after the holidays. New job has me meeting many local business owners, which has been fun – beats the Holiday Inn routine in Des Moines, Buffalo, etc. But without travel, I also have far more limited access to baseball parks. Hope to make opening day in Cleveland – son John still has contacts in that organization. Sure does change things to have the kids so spread out – Washington, D.C.; Raleigh; and Cleveland – yet we are really enjoying the empty nest thing. Paula and I had a terrific afternoon at The Citadel versus VMI basketball game in Lexington. A big crowd – the loudest I think I have ever heard in Cameron – and we won!” Dave Ring: “All right!” Scott Putney: “Hope all is well. I cannot attend the reunion, as other business calls. In news, a grandson was born, Reid Walker Hallman, in December 2017.” Bob Beaver: “Doing all right here in southern California. Leaving for Hawaii with Debbie and my daughter, Sabrina, as Debbie and I are celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary.” Don McGinnis: “I am still suffering financially after the conclusion of a whistleblower lawsuit at the turn of the century. At present, I am working seven days a week, working in retail and teaching both German and political science at Schoolcraft College.” “Ed Little checking in. We just welcomed our second grandchild, a boy, Jan. 29, 2018, who joins his older sister, aged 3. I am really enjoying the role of grandpa.” Rob Traver: “I am doing well in good old Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. Just started a new Center for Water at Villanova and doing well. I need our BR Ned Reister to send me some civil engineer VMI graduates for graduate degrees!” Jay Branscome: “All right – certified, still breathing!” Tom Tanner: “Checking in here down at the lake and can’t wait for the reunion and summer.” Rick McDonald: “All right; thanks for asking.” Nelson Curtis: “All right.” Paul Strickler: “OK here!” Bob Fricke: “All right.” Chops Parker: “I’m in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, these days working on a metro rail build. I finished

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Class Notes up my gig in Taiwan last year. All is well. I am still on a high from the Eagles winning the Super Bowl. Not sure if I will be able to make the reunion, but I’m going to try. I always enjoy the gettogether. Not doing much swimming these days but do get my golf game in once a week. There is a beautiful oasis golf course out in the middle of the desert.” Alec Earle: “All right here in Fort Myers, Florida, where we’re spending a couple of months. We saw Glenn Dallinger when he visited us for dinner as we headed through his area of Florida. It was good to catch up. We ran into Mike Davis ’77 and his wife, Debbie, at the Tampa RV show. Mike was wearing a red VMI shirt, so he was hard to miss. We haven’t seen each other since before graduating – small world.” Danny Thornton: “Not too much to report on this end. I did attend the joint session of the Keydet Club board and the Alumni Association board in January. Saw Rick Wolffe and Anthony Moore at the dinner the previous evening. They are doing well. Stu Gitchell came in for The Citadel basketball game the next day; of course, the Keydets won! Stu is well and serving as the ad hoc governor of southwest Virginia.” Jimmy Leech: “We’re all right here, nothing new to report.” Rick Wolffe: “As previously reported, I have been disabused of all we were taught in rat boxing by Gerry Cooney and will be getting in the ring with him for a charity fundraiser this coming June 2.” Tom Shaw: “I’m hitting the 18-year mark living just south of San Antonio. Pam and I are both working in the city but only a 25 minute drive from our 12 acres with rescue dogs and bee hives. We have four grown kids between us and four grandkids. I work for a veteran services nonprofit helping homeless veterans get into housing and jobs. Looking forward to the reunion; all five of the notorious 242/142 crew will be there.” Ken Singleton: “All fine here in Minneapolis. I am looking forward to the reunion. I am hoping to get roommates Rockefeller and Routson to join us.” Mike Freeman: “I am definitely all right. I am starting my second year of retiring from the University of North Carolina and helping take care of some grandkids along the way. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.” Bob Wright: “All right, only news is I made

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permanent at Texas Instruments – no longer a contractor.” Tom Sliwoski: “All present and accounted for in Staunton.” J.K. Whitmer: “Life is good!” Mark Lowe: “All right and ready for some warm weather.” Steve Powers: “OK for this stick check. We are enjoying our grandson who lives in the next town over. Neither Donna nor I can retire but laying the bricks so we can before long! In the bonds with my brother rats!” John Tucker: “All right in Columbus, Ohio.” Bruce Kay: “We are all right! Looking forward to the reunion.” Bob Vidrick: “All right and looking forward to seeing my classmates.” Paul Campbell: “All right!” Leland Horn: “All right!” Pat Wilson: “All right!” Mark Seely: “Sarah and I are doing well. Still in the San Francisco Bay area. The weather’s getting nice, and I’m able to hit the links and hiking trails. We are also doing a bit of volunteer work to help veterans. I taught a class last fall for my previous employer and was able to hook up with Bill Pearson, Tim Berkhimer and Jim Mackin plus their significant others. We had a nice dinner in Reston Town Center. Bill and Tim work for the Hampton Bay Bridge/Tunnel Authority, and Jim is on the verge of hanging up his spurs and retiring to the Outer Banks.” Jim Mackin: “I’m all right and looking forward to seeing everyone.” Craig Wallen: “All right! I am still enjoying being a working guy. Very active refereeing soccer, although I have backed off from upper level games – players are too quick nowadays or I’m slower. One more kid at college, Hunter, a senior at Virginia Tech. Daughter Andria is soon to be starting third-year residency as a pediatrician at CHKD in Norfolk. She always asks if I should be eating that and how is my cholesterol. Middle daughter Jennifer is in Salt Lake City managing a catering operation. We took the whole family to SLC for a Christmas present. We had a great time playing in the snow.” Chris Stone: “Status is all right. Cindy and I are still enjoying the oceanfront living at Virginia Beach despite the snowfalls. Apparently, the city doesn’t own a snowplow. It has been really cold the past two months, but that did not deter us from sitting on the beach and watching the

dolphins hoping for an occasional whale sighting. Of course, an adult beverage doesn’t hurt, either! Got a surf casting fishing pole for Christmas and can’t wait to try this puppy out. I will be spending most of January and February lobbying the General Assembly on a variety of issues impacting the practice of architecture and engineering. If you think national politics are bizarre, state politics are just plain draconian. Still enjoy architecture and engineering and the whole design profession. Hope all of my BRs are doing well.” Andre Gibson: “All right!” John Forsyth: “Back firmly in the U.S. and living now in Greenwood, Virginia, outside of Charlottesville. Hoping to finally see the class again; it’s only been 40 years!” Gerry Robinson: “All right.” That wraps it up for this set of status checks. Please continue to make your notes by checking in just to let people know you are still out there. Remember to join the class on Facebook. For those of you not on FB but your significant other is, have them message me and request to join. As always, if you are reading the Review, it is time to send some news. In the spirit, Tom

1979

Michael Ogden

First off, Happy New Year, BRs! Renee and I thank everyone for the holiday cards and wish you and yours a safe and prosperous 2018. By the time this gets published, we will be inside the one year mark for our 40th Reunion. Please mark your calendars and start making plans to attend. Reunion dates are Friday-Sunday, April 2628, 2019, and it is closer than you think. This is a spring reunion and obviously a non-football game weekend, which frees up Saturday afternoon for other events. We hope there will be some local Keydet sporting events, but even so, we are looking at some possible activities such as skeet shooting and wine tours, etc. As in past reunions, the main dinner will be Friday night with, in all probability, a less formal gathering Saturday night plus a farewell breakfast Sunday morning. All venues are still undecided. We will be updating contact

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes information over the next few months to help ensure we are able to get in touch with everyone with reunion information. Class notes are kind of like the lottery ... ya gotta enter to win. Point being, if you like the notes section, you should contribute once in a while. I am in touch with nearly 300 (gasp) BRs. Should I be lucky enough to get inputs from 10 BRs and a few good pictures, well, the darn thing writes itself. Renee and I had a chance to meet up with roomie Jim LaRose and wife Kathy while he was in the area for his high school reunion. Lunch at the always-great Free Mason Abby was fun but time was way too short. Jim looks OK; Kathy looked awesome and, along with the alwaysbeautiful and talented Renee, must have made Jim and I look like we were out with our daughters! We talked a lot about the upcoming reunion and trying to get together for a European river cruise sometime in the near future. Our 25th was the first reunion for both Jim and me; I coerced him into going so I would not be the only one from the room in attendance. Sad news, as Bill Albro’s father died Jan. 20, so he and his family have been busy with all that entails. Thoughts and prayers, Bro, for you and your family. John Kailey wrote in, “[M]ore mundane existence. Working, walking and fixing stuff on my house as I can. I have noticed more folks I served with having medical problems – makes me keenly aware of my mortality. My wife was referring to some celebrity that was also 60 the other day, causing me to remind her that I, too, was that age. I speak with Jim Pigg and Al Soltis regularly, and both seem to be getting along well. And yes, I will pull my bloodwork numbers later this year. Let’s hope for the same results as last year.” From Tom Baltazar: “I’ve been spending a lot of time down at our river house in Mathews, Virginia, finishing a bonus room over the garage. I run into Noel Harris and Jeb Burton quite often, as each have homes within a 5-mile radius of ours. Noel is renovating a house that his parents built and lived in on the North River. The house is less than 500 yards from the house he grew up in and where we used to have the annual pig-pickin’ and kegger. It is also where my roommate, Mark Byrd, announced his engagement, introducing me to my future wife, the maid of honor. A lot of history on that property. Anyway, he hopes to have that project completed soon to put on the rental market. Jeb and his wife, Betsy, spend a lot of time at

2018-Issue 2

their home on Put In Creek, a short walk from our house. I can always count on them for a meal and good company when I’m down here by myself. In fact, we just saw Jeb this weekend.” Thanks, Zar. Great story! In December, David Smith had a party at which he saw Rich McGruder, Tom Manley, John Poffenbarger, Gleb Taran, Brian Tolley and Bill Atwill ’78. He was very flattered that so many BRs made the trip to Ashburn on a Sunday! Bob Sievert checked in: “I have accepted a new position starting April 1 with the National Association of State Procurement Officials as their first chief information officer. This organization serves the procurement organizations of all 50 states and U.S. territories. Up until now, I’ve been splitting my time between Missouri, Ohio and Vermont helping each of them with their eProcurement projects. This new position will give me broader latitude to help more states and allow me to push the envelope in a number of technology areas. The NASPO folks are great people – extremely focused on serving, and I am honored to have been selected by them to join the team. On the family front, we have begun the steps to get us moved to Colorado. We have purchased some land in Colorado City and hope to be able to begin building a home

Class of 1979: Tim Bridges received the Career Achievement in Government Award during the Black Engineer of the Year awards. Pictured, from left, were Lt. Gen. John Cooper (The Citadel ’83), deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering and force protection; Bridges; and Maj. Gen. Cedric George, deputy director for resource integration (Norwich ’87).

this year. If all goes well, we will be Colorado residents before 2018 is out.” Congrats on the new job and land purchase, Bob! Asa and Karen Page checked in having just returned from a 10-day trip to Arizona. They really enjoyed trail hiking in mountainous Sedona and then spending time among the beautiful desert scenery of the southern portion of the state. Asa writes that they both really enjoyed the January Arizona weather, as it was 84 degrees midday while it was snowing back home in Virginia Beach. They’re setting up another hiking trip in the spring to explore southern Utah while looking at a possible future retirement spot. Doug Doerr pens, “We are happy to report that Parke and Debbie Smith traveled back to Virginia from Colorado to attend the wedding of his niece. Pete and Anita Underwood, Parke and Debbie, and Corinne and I rendezvoused at the home of Phil and Carmella Southers in Fredericksburg. We spent the whole day together, and the only way it could have been better was to have Mike and Karen Mendez with us. Room 139 certainly has fun when we are together!” While my annual physical (hint) I mentioned last time went well, it was followed by some “age related complications.” My doctor recommended that since I was now 60, I probably should get a shingles shot. I did as instructed, getting the shot at the end of September. A few weeks later, I got what my doctor and I thought was a muscle strain or pull in the vicinity of the lower left side of my rib cage. Lots of pain, discomfort, meds, x-rays, GI and ortho consults, and MRI followed over the next six weeks with no relief. I became my primary care facility’s science project. An eventual switch of pain meds, thanks to a sharp physician assistant who took a particular interest in my case, that focused on nerve vice muscular pain proved more effective. I suspect you know where this is going. I got shingles. I was misdiagnosed for nearly two months. Heavy doses of antiviral meds and a different pain med regimen eventually got me back to “normal” just before the holidays. The current shingles shot is touted as being 50/50 effective; the new shot coming out sometime this year, I am told, will be more like 80/20. I was also told that getting the shot and then coming down with shingles was ... uh ... not related. I am not a doctor, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but ya just gotta wonder. Stay well, brother rats. –M

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Class Notes

1980

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats, These notes cover the period Nov. 1, 2017, through Feb. 15, 2018. Typically, these notes are written chronologically. However, these notes open with the sad news of the passing of Mike Alston at his home Jan. 30. A memorial service was held for Mike Feb. 5 in Reston, Virginia. Our BRs in attendance were Mike Bellamy, Dan Conn, Hugh Fain, Jay McCauley, Pat McCarthy, Paul Perry, Gene Scott, Jeff Washington and Tracy Wilson. Thanks to Gene Scott for acting as the intermediary between Mike’s wife, Brenda, and our BRs through me, and to Hugh Fain for alerting me. Our condolences go out to Mike’s friends and family. Ave atque vale. The reporting period began with an email from Wayland Patterson. Wayland copies me on messages that he sends to alumni of VMI, The Citadel, Texas A&M University, and Norwich University in the Panama City, Florida, area where he organizes military-related gatherings. These gatherings have been featured in recent issues of the Alumni Review. I have an acquaintance who has a son at James Madison University who needed transportation advice. So, I sent a text message to Frank Hilton, as Frank lives in the Harrisonburg, Virginia, area. Coincidently, Frank was being visited by Scott and Mary Sayre. They had a dark shoot and were dining on roasted dove wrapped in bacon from the grill. My wife, Patti, keeps in touch with Matthew Keys’ wife, Tanya. The Keys live in the Fredericksburg, Virginia, area. Tanya sent Patti a text message saying that Matthew is now a school teacher. I exchanged text messages and eventually spoke with Tolar Nolley. Tolar owns the Oyster Company of Virginia and said that business is very good. He also attended the PGA Tour Seniors tournament that was held at the Country Club of Virginia. Tolar noted that John Blankenship served as a marshal at the tournament. Tolar also said that he attended the wedding of Dusty Boyd’s son in September. Other BRs in attendance were John Blankenship, John Caplice,

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Hugh Fain and Jay Melvin. Ed Baker sent a text message after receiving the Alumni Review. Ed wrote that he is “semi-retiring” and will reduce his OB-GYN duties to two days a week. More about Ed and Dianna and their relocation below. Ed and Dianna attended The Institute Society Dinner in November where they saw Hugh Fain, Jack Keane, Jay Melvin, Gene Scott and Wade Stinnette. I spoke at length with Jay Melvin on his birthday. Jay and Trudy live in Lexington and report that their businesses are doing well. Their daughter, Sarah, lives in Waynesboro and teaches third grade. Their son, Jason, and his wife, Kelly, have moved back to Lexington. Jason has joined the family business and Kelly works at Washington and Lee University. Walt Wood sent an email with a photo attached. Walt and Mary Lynne have lived in Peru for more than 18 years. They travel to the U.S. each year and on their visit in the fall they were able to dine collectively with Dan Conn, Mike Hall, Andy and Nikki Ludlum, Pat McCarthy, Jay and Kathleen McCauley and Jay and Marge McConnell. While in the DC area they also had lunch with Andy Brown. Separately, Walt sent via snail mail a brochure containing an update on their “Team Peru” activities. Andy Ludlum also sent an email commenting on the dinner he attended when Walt was in town. Wayland Patterson copied me on the next installment of the gathering he arranges for alumni

of VMI, The Citadel, Texas A&M, and Norwich in Panama City, Florida. Patti and I share a November wedding anniversary with John and Anne Alerding, and each year, John and I speak on the date, which coincides with the Thanksgiving holiday season. John’s son, Johnny, an F-22 pilot in the Air Force, was home for the holiday and I also spoke with him. John and Anne are both doing very well as explained below. Gary and Karen Levenson spent the Thanksgiving holiday in New York City with their grandson, Tyler. I had dinner with Gary and Tyler at Peter Luger’s steak house in Brooklyn. In a brief conversation, Wade Stinnette said that he and Lannie have become grandparents, welcoming their grandson, William, on Easter Sunday. Ed Baker sent an email expanding on his earlier text message. Ed has semi-retired, and he and Dianna now live full-time in their Outer Banks home. They moved in during a “snowacaine.” Ed will now work two to three days a week, and he will also teach. They plan to do more traveling. Hal Snyder sent an email noting that his son, Connor, will graduate from VMI in May. Each year, class agents send VMI-provided Christmas cards to their BRs. Many of you also send them to me. They arrive in various forms throughout December. In preparing the cards, I noticed that Tuck Masker had a New Jersey address. We exchanged text messages and Tuck has

Class of 1980: Attendees at the memorial service for Mike Alston were Eugene Scott, Dan Conn, Donnie White ’65, Tony Hamilton ’79, Joe Bush ’65, Eugene Williams ’74, E. Sean Lanier ’94, Tim Bridges ’79, Jeff Roseme ’82, Ashley Johnson ’84, Anthony Moore ’78, Greg Weaver ’79, Jeff Washington, Mike Bellamy and Paul Perry. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes looked back at 2017, toasting a year relocated to New Jersey. full of good memories. Their older Traditional Christmas cards (no phodaughter, Sienna, is a seventh grade tos or enclosures) arrived from John teenager, and their younger daughter, Briggs; Vince and Sheila Copenhaver; Ellie, is in fifth grade. Jennifer still Paul and Angela Keel; Matthew and works at the International Monetary Tanya Keys; Gary and Karen LevFund. Tracy is continuing to develop enson; Dennis and Jill Quinn; Bill his successful consulting business. Roelofsen and Ginny Hart; Bert and A featured article in the December Peggy Schneider, who wrote that 2017 issue of The Institute Report focused was a great year and that they now on work John Alerding’s wife, Lt. Col. have two grandchildren; Robby and Anne Alerding, is doing with a team Mary Anne Wheeler; and Rich and Beth Zott. Class of 1980: From left, Asa Page ’79, Vice Adm. Andy Brown, of VMI cadets in an effort to increase Cards with photos were sent by Dr. Armistead “Landon” Wellford and Armistead “Army” Well- soybean production. January began with a call with Wade Steve and Cathy Andrews and their ford ’52 at Andy’s retirement ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., Sept. 13, 2017. Andy retired as the Stinnette on his birthday on a day daughters, Virginia and Caroline; Ed director of logistics, J4 Joint Chiefs of Staff. when the temperature in Columbia, and Dianna Baker; Tom and Amy South Carolina, was 16 degrees. Wade Bersson; Chris and Jen Dombalis and reported that business is good and their daughters, Taylor and Alexis; 2017 was a very good year. Pat and Beth Griffin and their sons, I spoke at length with Pat Griffin (is Michael and John; Dave and Dianna that redundant?), a Boston-area resiHageman; Tim and Becky Mecredy; Phil and Kathy Munisteri and their dent and New England Patriots fan, children, Meghan and Connor; Rob following the Pats win in the AFC and Traci Robinson and their daughchampionship game (sorry about the Super Bowl, Pat). Pat, Beth and their ters, Maddie and Caitlin; Wade and son, John, spent the Christmas season Lannie Stinnette; Terry and Kelly in Hawaii where their son, Michael, is Stoneman and their extended family; an Air Force lieutenant serving a threeand Elliott and Amy Wolffe and their year tour. Pat works for Occupational extended family. Safety and Health Administration and Cards with inserts containing recaps of 2017 arrived from several of our Class of 1980: Tom “Gunny” Kelly, Tracy Wilson, John Lillard, was lamenting that, as an “essential” BRs. John and Anne Alerding sent a Mike Knapp, Joe Belkoski, Rob Dalessandro and Dan Conn fol- federal employee, he had to go to work during the government shutdown. Pat card with a note and photos. John is lowing dinner in January in Alexandria, Virginia. is very active in the Alumni Associateaching math and physics and Anne is a biology professor at VMI. Aaron and Nancy tion and said that, on a recent visit to VMI, he had Bush sent a card and a letter from Hershey, Penndinner with Rob Quarles and saw Frank Hilton at a basketball game. Rob now runs his own business sylvania, where Aaron teaches and coaches high in Roanoke. school, noting two major events in 2017: The birth Jack Keane sent an email with a photo taken afof their fifth grandchild and a Bush family Caribbean cruise. Robby and Beth Jones sent a note ter seven of our BRs – Joe Belkoski, Dan Conn, from their home in Lexington wishing everyone Rob Dalessandro, Tom “Gunny” Kelly, Mike a happy new year. Brian and Kim O’Neill enKnapp, John Lillard and Tracy Wilson – met for dinner in Alexandria, Virginia. Jack also noted closed a note in their card saying that 2017 was a the Jan. 28 anniversary of our breaking out of year of babies and weddings. They now have five the Rat Line. grandchildren. Mark and Darleen Sobota’s card I spoke with Chris Dombalis on his birthday. contained a page of family photos and an update Chris, along with his wife, Jen, and their daughthat included the birth of their fourth grandchild. Mark continues as a Boy Scout unit commander ters, Taylor and Alexis, live in North Jersey and and at his job at Wright Patterson Air Force Base also have a house on the Jersey shore (with a new Class of 1980: Gary Levenson and his where he is director of engineering for the acquisipool). Chris was recently promoted to president of grandson, Tyler, at Peter Luger’s in a company that buys and sells space on container tion directorate. Tracy and Jennifer Wilson’s card Brooklyn in November. ships. He spoke with Elliott Wolffe, who is trying included a page of photos and a narrative that

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Class Notes to get a group of our New Jersey BRs together. January closed with an email and a phone call from Hugh Fain with the sad news of Mike Alston’s passing. February began with phone calls and email messages related to Mike Alston. I spoke with Gene Scott, who is very close to the Alston family as well as with Hugh Fain, Chal Glenn and Robby Jones. Chal and Robby played football at VMI with Mike. In addition, I received several responses to the blast email messages that provided both the sad news and the funeral arrangements. Response email messages were sent by Eli Alford, Jeff Basilotta, Dan Conn, Larry Hupertz, Jack Keane, Mike Knapp, Gary Levenson, Josh Priest, Rob Robinson, Bert Schneider, Wade Stinnette, Massoud Tahamtani and Tracy Wilson. Eli Alford included the news that he now has six grandchildren. Larry Hupertz added that he had great memories of Mike as a member of the VMI football team. I exchanged email messages with Andy Brown. Andy has retired from the Navy. The period closed with a call with Gary Levenson and a related email from Mike Luning. Mike is organizing a spring version of an annual gathering of our BRs in Lexington that takes place in the fall, usually in connection with a home football game, and centers around Gary’s house on the Parade Ground. Don Bradshaw, Ali Mahan and Jay McConnell also copied me on their responses and their availability. Another piece of housekeeping regarding photos: Each set of class notes can include up to five photos. However, all photos must meet Alumni Review publication requirements. If you read that I received a photo but do not see it with a set of class notes, the photo did not meet the requirements. Please send photos as attached files rather

Class of 1980: Walt and Mary Lynne Wood at Alaska’s Exit Glacier in fall 2017. 120

than forwarded in the body of an email. In closing, two reminders: First, I only write about news received firsthand. Therefore, information shared via social media outlets is not included. Second, the Alumni Association is very responsive to any request I make to send a blast email to our BRs. This is only as successful as the accuracy of the information contained in their records. Please access VMI Ranks on the VMI website and confirm and/or update your information. Thank you for your continued support. Please enter my cell number and email address (both listed above) into your phone so you can more readily keep in touch.

1981

Jerry Manley

Dearest Brother Rats, I hope these notes find everyone happy, healthy and well. It is Feb. 14 as I pen the final revisions to this narrative, and I pray everyone had a very blessed Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday in the company of loved ones! First comments out of the block are for the recognition of our Brother Rat Ralph Northam for winning the election and becoming governor of Virginia! That is a tremendous accomplishment and responsibility! I know BRs throughout our class have “various” political beliefs and positions (ya think?), but it is an absolutely phenomenal achievement for Ralph and one that, hopefully, opens the door for many favorable possibilities for VMI. Ralph is only the second VMI alum to be elected governor of Virginia, the first being Westmoreland Davis ’877, who was elected in 1917. From inputs I have received, BRs in attendance for the various celebrations marking this historic event were: John Aulbach, Howard Conduff, Lou Darden, Mike Denton, Bruce Kitchen, Robert Thompson, Dave (and Lilly) Openshaw, Grover Outland, Greg White and Vince Wood – hope I did not miss anyone! The events were well attended by alumni from many other classes, as well, to include Tolar Nolley ’80, Dave Gallalee ’82, Dr. Neal Naff ’87 and Bill Miller ’89. Congratulations to BR Gov. Ralph Northam! Do the class and the Institute proud, Ralph! On a note related to Ralph’s inaugural ball held

Class of 1981: Christie and Jeff Adler celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary at the Grand Canyon Nov. 20, 2017. at Richmond’s historic Main Street Station: John Locher’s firm, Taylor & Parrish, Inc., has been working with the City of Richmond on the total restoration of the historic train shed since 2014. They removed all components of the shed leaving only the original 1901 steel and reconstructed the facility while Amtrak & CSX trains operated daily from both the east and west sides of the train shed. John expressed his great fortune to have been the principle in charge and lead project manager for the firm during the vital reconstruction of Richmond’s historic Main Street Station. (What a great connection to Ralph’s inauguration, John!) I received a great note from BR Jeff Carter. Jeff recently looked at the VMI Sports Hall of Fame webpage and was happy to see the names of so many former teammates – all phenomenal athletes who Jeff greatly admired. Jeff further commented that three more of our BRs should also be in the VMI Sports Hall of Fame (specifically mentioning BRs Arthur “Squirrel” Armstead, David Saunders and Mack Williams) and inquired as to how we can initiate their nominations. Per Jeff, he was honored running against them, even if he was always looking at Arthur and Mack’s backs. (Jeff, by the time this goes to print, I will have gotten back to you after engaging BRs Gary Morgan, Bruce Kitchen and possibly others. Regardless of the answer, it was great getting your email and reading your heartfelt words for our BRs.) Dan Gallagher chimed in. He and Laura are doing well. Dan has been in touch with Paul and

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Tammy Boulden and Jim Hanratty. Dan has been writing again. As of this writing, he has a forthcoming book, “Secrets of Successful Financial Planning.” It is scheduled to hit stores throughout the U.S. and Canada in May, about the time this edition of the Review is received. Bob Munno has been trotting around the globe. He and his bride spent Christmas and new year’s on a scuba diving trip in Palau Islands and Guam. Bob reports that the diving and the islands were spectacular. On his return trip, he brought back some sand from the beaches of Orange 2; Peleliu; and Asan Blue, Guam, for BR Mike Shupp in honor and remembrance of the U.S. Marine Corps invasions during World War II. Bob dove at Orange Beach and saw Marine Corps LVTs and ordnance on the bottom. He toured Peleliu and saw the Japanese headquarters and cave systems, destroyed artillery and armor, and downed Zeros in the jungle. All around, it was a phenomenal trip, save the 50 hours of travel it took to get home. Bob’s next dive trips will be Carriacou in April and St. Lucia in November. (You are living the dream, Bobby!) Ann and Greg Wolven and Dave Loduca had a chance to catch up when Dave was traveling from St. Louis to Indianapolis in January. They met in Terre Haute, Indiana, and spent several hours together. Ann and Greg have been extremely busy with work with Greg traveling over the coming few months. Of prideful note is that Greg was quoted and identified in the January edition of the Rural Electric Magazine as a nationally recognized engineer in rural power. The article can be found at http://remagazine.coop/multispeakecosystem-solutions-electric-utilities/. The article is a great read and makes one even more proud to be Greg’s BR! Jim Hanratty and his lovely bride, Judy, shared tremendous news. They are new grandparents. On Jan. 30, 2018, their daughter, Erica, and her husband, Tom Koebert, welcomed a beautiful daughter, Luna Marie, into the world. Jim shared that he ran into BRs John Ferry, Pete Trancik and Mark Sedarat at an alumni event in Philadelphia’s Center City. Jim shared that it was a great time with plenty of stories shared. Jim was also elected tax collector to the Borough of Lansdale in November, so he anticipates the next four years will be busy! (Congrats all-around, Jim! Now, cue The Beatles’ “Taxman” in 3, 2, 1.) C.P. Davis chimed in. He planned to attend the VMI versus South Carolina baseball game

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in mid-February, which was a three-game series against a very tough opponent. C.P.’s sons, Jackson and Thomas (“T.D.”), continue to do well at Charlotte Latin School while excelling in sports. Jackson was recently recognized as one of the top high school swimmers in the area as a sophomore and at the time of writing was ranked 37th in the state. T.D. plays travel baseball but is also focusing on his tennis game, where he is ranked in the top 30 for his age group in North Carolina. On the professional front, C.P. reports that he has been keeping his head down working as chief operating officer for a private equity owned business that is rapidly expanding through the southeast and mid-Atlantic states. Personally, I don’t think C.P. has stopped moving forward and upward since his Saturday Night Fever disco dancing routines on the 4th stoop! (Cue the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” in 3, 2, 1.) John and Pattie Dixon also sent an update. Johnny continues to teach science and math at Veritas Preparatory School in Williamsburg. Patti continues with Xenith Bank at Gloucester Point. Their children are all happy and healthy, and their grandchildren, Analeigh in Williamsburg and Conor David in Hanover, Pennsylvania, both of whom hold provisional appointments to the Institute, are growing and developing beautiful personalities! Patti and John have enjoyed some nice Chesapeake Bay oysters over the winter and are now hoping for warmer weather to bring the crabs around! (Johnny, you are one of the best, BR!) Dan Pere, fellow “Mad Dog,” is “living the quiet life” of a Florida retiree since 2011. Apparently, he is taking advantage of the many early

bird specials. At the time of writing, he was looking forward to a visit in the following week from Greg “Cav” Cavallaro ’84. Dan and Cav will certainly have stories to share, as Cav was a Company D rat when Dan was his rat company commander, and they have not seen one another since 1981. Cav’s other claim to fame was the notable and undisputed boxing win over our BR Mark “Sloppy” Gonsalves (Cue Queen’s “We Are The Champions” for Cav and “Another One Bites The Dust” for Sloppy in 3, 2, 1.) In early February, we had another Chantilly breakfast. In attendance were Jeff Adler, Gene Loving, Joey Provenzano, K.C. O’Neil, Nick Savage, Frank Palermo, Mark “Gunny” Olson and yours truly. Brother Rat Jeff Adler does a great job coordinating this event every few months, and this one was just as great at sharing and bonding as all of the others. If any BRs are interested in being on Jeff’s emails as he coordinates future events, contact either Jeff or me and we will get you on the mailing list. Ray Lawson checked in briefly. He gave a heads up that he will have some photos for a future edition, as he expected a sizable group of Keydets attending their baseball season opening series in Columbia, South Carolina. Provided there is not a rainout, Ray hopes to join the ball team, other Keydets and alumni for a postgame meal and social. Rob Costello shot a quick hello. He had nothing to report other than to advise all to use sunscreen. He had a skin cancer removed from his face and reported Jen’s statement that Cos is not any uglier. (But it’s a sure bet that it didn’t

Class of 1981: Brother rats at the VMI versus Wofford College game were, from left, Tim Nitz, Clarkson Meredith, Dave Openshaw, Mike Denton, Mark Brumenschenkel, Grover Outland, Jeff Gill, Bruce Kitchen, Bob Morris and Hank Lee. 121

Class Notes

Class of 1981: Bob Munno flew a Cessna while in Palau for a Christmas scuba diving trip.

Class of 1981: Judy and Jim Hanratty with their new and deeply loved granddaughter, Luna Marie.

Class of 1981: Ralph Northam speaking at his January 2018 gubernatorial inauguration. 122

make you any prettier, either, Cos!). Speaking of the Cos brings to mind Jim Hart hosting the next ski bash on Smith Mountain Lake. The event planning for the annual gathering will definitely be well underway by the time this goes to print. I expect that, between Jim, Cos and me, we will be pushing out emails for the event which will be held over the weekend of July 1. Absent a few other inputs, I may start a recurring section in our notes that I will call Facebook creep. No, I am not referring to that sardonic pundit of social media, Ken “Cat O’Mann” Morris. I am referring to pulling periodic extracts of interest from our class or individual Facebook sites. For this edition, here are just a few notables: John and Lisa Cawthorne seem to be traveling about the world. We have seen posts from Scotland to “Lousiana” and points in between, at times with Jim Frishkorn in tow. Pete and Barbara Tranchik posted from Bourbon Street in New Orleans with some great pictures from Mardi Gras. (Did you run into John and Lisa?) Chip Chipley had some cryptic postings about defending his dissertation for his Doctor of Philosophy degree. Nuclear physicist, Chip? If true, I am very impressed, sir! Bill Stamm posted something about “hole-inone No. 4” at 125 yards with a pitching wedge at Hawk’s Landing. This is something to write about, Billy! Lastly, and most lovingly, there was a memorial service at the Lady Chapel, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City for the beautiful Susan Mary Alexander Bogart Feb. 3, 2018. Susan was the beloved wife of Adrian Bogart and devoted mother of Sarah Rapalje Bogart, Catherine Alexander Bogart and 2nd Lt. Adrian Thomas Bogart IV. A graduate of Drexel University, Susan was the successful head of interior design at the New York Hilton, led her own interior design firm and later became involved in the Education field. By all accounts, Susan was an incredible person with a tremendous heart. Adrian, you have our continued prayers and loyalty. Our prayers remain with you and your family. Well, BRs, that is all I have for now. I will ramp up the class agent communications in email and phone calls. I know I will have some significant events to address when I next write in May. God bless and keep the brotherhood alive! Yours in the bonds of VMI, Jerry

1982

Will Council

Hello, Brother Rats! I hope you survived the winter season. My farm is a mud pit thanks to all the rain we had, but it could be worse and be snow! Not a lot of news to pass along, as everyone is still recovering from the post-reunion information comas. I got my most recent Alumni Review in the mail and had to read all of it again. Sorry the photos in the notes section had me in three out of four, but I can explain. I wanted one with all the class agents together, so that was with Duke and Chuck. Then the rat dykes from Gold Coast was a promise kept for Mark Shifflette; he said he wanted it front and centered! It was the best I could do. Speaking of rat dykes, my other brother in that last picture, Neal Rogers, was kind enough to send a brief follow-up. Neal reports all is well in Richmond. Son Collin will be graduating soon from the U.S. Naval Academy and is going Marine air after Quantico. Other son Sean has a few more months to go in Afghanistan. So while the kids are out of the house, mom and dad have taken to the high seas. It is now a tradition, it seems, to go on a Caribbean cruise over the winter time period. I can fully understand that! Next time, give us some notice and maybe a few will show up as stowaways. Susan and John Boyd shared the news of the arrival of their latest/newest granddaughter, born Jan. 17, 2018. (My birthday!) Look for pictures of the happy family on our VMI ’82 Facebook page. Susan says that John is still working too much but doing well otherwise. He travels a little with his job, so just enough to make her worry when he is gone. Bill Jennings sent in a photo of a bunch of BRs who gathered for the last football home game in Lexington. It arrived right after the last notes were turned in. Thanks for thinking of us, Bill; someone has to remember to snap a picture. This past January, I had the pleasure of hosting another gathering of the local “unofficial”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes remember you can always reach out to a certain class agent and share some news. As always, Rah Virginia Mil! Sincerely, Will Council

1983

Hugh Daughtry

Brother Rats, These notes cover the period of November 2017 through mid-February 2018. As I finish these notes, our class birthday approaches Feb. 27, and Class of 1982: Unofficial Chattanooga alumni chapter gathering before the VMI versus as you read them, preparations for our 35th ReUniversity of Tennessee at Chattanooga basketball game. Alumni and friends present inunion will be in full swing. cluded George and Patti Savage ’63, Will Council, Chris Haddock ’00, Seth and Sarah Ford Mark Roltsch was in the birthday spirit having ’01, Joshua Sneed ’12, and Eric and Zari Hunter ’08. come across a copy of The Cadet from Feb. 29, 1980, while doing a little cleaning up chapter of the Alumni Association. at the house and shared it with our YaT.J. Lighton ’15 from the Alumni hoo Group. I think most of us would Association reached out to me to agree that Breakout as now conducted see if I was interested in putting tois an improvement, so it was interestgether something for the basketball ing and amusing to read a couple of game when VMI came to play the the paragraphs: “The actual Breakout University of Tennessee – Chattawas reordered this year in the interest nooga. It was great getting to meet of a greater safety margin and a more some of the returning families from symbolic representation of class unity. the area and Atlanta. After enjoying In the past, the rats have charged en some food and beverages at a local masse to the designated stairwells. restaurant, we all shuffled over to “This year, the rats charged in three the game. The first half was going waves. Groups of 40 hit the three very much in our favor with VMI Class of 1982: A crowd of honorable men from the class who stairwells as they began their push to ahead by 10 with less than a minshowed up for the last home football game were retired Sgt. Maj. ute to go. Except UTC decided to John Holmes, Keith Jarvis, Emmitt Heltzel, Scott Crumpler, Bob Lou- the 4th stoop. The rats not at the stairs make an effort and cut the lead to than, David Gallalee, Bill Jennings, Jim Hickey and Jack Wainwright. were given a sweat party in the old courtyard. Through successive periods one point as the buzzer sounded. The second half was a battle, as neither team which was pretty sweet. But as we got there, of 15-, 10- and seven-minutes, the entire rat class could get ahead for more than a few seconds. Eric Hunter ’08 from the Alumni Association was finally assembled around the 3rd stoop.” informed us that we could order from the menu Reading that, you can almost smell it again, can’t Between all the 3-pointers and lopsided refereeing, VMI managed to pull it out with only and it would be covered. (Not beer!) Wow! We you? I was particularly amused that there were actually thoughts on how to make it safer. Somehow, seconds to spare and won by one point! What were excited about the freebies until we reala game! It must be pointed out that both teams ized we had already paid for it ... through our hanging over a railing on 2nd stoop ghetto staring alumni giving! Also, Eric’s youngest daughter down at the sinks, I did not get the sense much were coming into this with identical records of 1-7 in the conference. I am sure we will get paid is an obvious old pro at these events. I watched thought was given to safety! Thanks for sending back in the fall when the football team comes her grab a VMI decal, peal the backing off and that out, Mark. It is hard to believe we are now 38 years down back to town. How about some of you coming stick in to the middle of her sweater. Presto! Instant VMI fanware! the road from that momentous event, but we are. down this way for that gathering? I will be hostThat’s all the excitement for me to report. Plans for our 35th Reunion this Nov. 2-4 are in full ing it once again. Final notes on the UTC game gathering. The Hope everyone gets through to the spring time. swing. A committee of 12 of your brother rats has first 25 people were guaranteed free tickets, If you find yourself suffering from cabin fever, been hard at work planning all the details for the

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Class Notes deck or counseling some poor sailor, Bill says weekend. We will be headquartered at the William can be found on the fantail trying to Hampton Inn Col Alto, and events planned boat a tuna and chatting up the master chief. at press time include golf and shooting FriAsk Bill about that one. J.J., you may be getday afternoon, a Friday night reception at McKethan Park, and a pregame gathering ting a call from Bill to see if you can work some magic. and lunch at Moody Hall Saturday morning. The Keydets are scheduled to play Tusculum That is the update for now. As I said earSaturday afternoon. It promises to be a great lier, stay tuned for updates for reunion. If you weekend, and I hope we have a big crowd have any ideas, do not hesitate to give me a make the trek to Lexington. call or drop me an email. As always, if posClass of 1983: Also attending the inauguration of Gov. sible, get back to Lexington. You will be imIt’s never too early to plan your trip. Northam ’81 were, from left, Tom Graham ’84 with Jim Merlo Pile checked in at press time, having Outland and his son, Mark. pressed with what you see. Also, remember already reserved his room at Moody Hall for the Institute in your giving. his first reunion. Merlo and I dyked in the same That is all. room as rats and attended tech school together when we commissioned in the Air Force. Back then, he sported around in a brand-new Mustang Andy Protogyrou convertible, but these days he’s a Harley guy out in Arizona. He will not be coming cross country on his Hog, but it will be great to see him nonetheless. Last update I reported the untimely death of our BR John Newland. John Manning, Teddy Gottwald and Jim Ayers attended the memorial This past November, I had one of the greatest service in Northern Virginia Nov. 3. John Newhonors a VMI father could ever have. I escorted my 2nd Class cadet daughter, Demetra ’19, land was diagnosed with liver cancer in March through her class ring at Ring Figure. What a great 2017, which spread rapidly. John enjoyed a long night! I wore a tuxedo with tails, white tie and a and successful career at 3M, having led many projVMI Alumni Association sash. She wore coatee, ects on new products and receiving three United long white skirt and academic stars. I woke up States patents. Just before his passing, 3M’s senior Class of 1983: Bob and Kristina Mednikov that Friday morning like it was a wedding day. It management had decided to adopt his plan for made the scene during the recent inauseemed approximately 10 percent of the 2nd Class bringing products to market. The family was very guration of Ralph Northam ’81 as govbrought parents as escorts, and we danced until happy to have brother rats in attendance, as John, ernor of the commonwealth of Virginia, Jan. 13, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia. our feet hurt. Teddy and Jim were able to share some VMI stoIn December, Bill Dyer got his star. A contingent ries and catch up with each other. of brother rats traveled to Washington and actuOrleans. I told him I think I smell a mini reunion. During this period, Duane Padrick’s wife, Sandy, experienced a serious accident while horseDavid Dobbs has been in the Richmond area for ally passed the security clearance to witness Bill’s back riding in the Tidewater area. As I write these the past four years working for General Electric. ascension into the galaxy. Brother rats who made notes, her condition remains quite serious, and Before Richmond, he lived in Rock Hill, South the trip included Andy Petretti, Jim Hoy, Barry she remains hospitalized in Norfolk. Duane has Carolina, and unbeknownst to me, worked just Coceano, Tom Anthony, Keith Mangum and been working in the aircraft industry in Oklahoma down the street from my office. Cannot believe we Steve Barsamian. Also present were Rob Taylor but has remained with Sandy since the accident. did not bump into each other. Ivan Marcotte, Bill ’88 and Bill Nixon ’88. The notes coming out of Brother rats have rallied to his side, as I have been Cornett, Tony Thompson and I would have loved the District that day were what a great job Bill did to have him join us on our boys’ nights out. and how well he spoke. Thank you, Tom Anthoreceiving regular communications from David Speaking of Ivan and Bill, I was able to catch up ny, for the notes and picture. Thanks also to Bill Dobbs and J.J. Costello. with them during a recent trip back to Charlotte. for making us proud. J.J. and his wife, Cherie, have been in the TidewaIt has been a lot of fun watching VMI basketter area since he retired from the Navy. Their son Bill was fresh from a mini reunion himself. He and Stephanie had been with Cindy and David Warball, which always affords me a chance to run into recently graduated from Randolph-Macon Colbrother rats. I saw Bob Chapman recently, and he lege, so they have joined the ranks of the empty- riner and Malachi Mills at a cabin near Lexingnesters. J.J. is the civilian deputy for scheduling for ton. All had a great time, though Bill was a little looked terrific, sporting a very fashionable beard. the Atlantic Fleet. Ships do not move without his hobbled having torn a muscle while hiking. Right. Bob is the Bank of the James. He has every major stamp of approval! It’s not all drudgery, though, Bill’s son, William ’17, is an ensign onboard the corporate title. He has been with the bank since as he is one of the key planners for Fleet Weeks in USS Monterey, which is currently deployed to Day One and presides over its corporate headNew York, Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale and New Southwest Asia. When he is not the officer of the quarters in Lynchburg and numerous branches

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes alerted/warned of a weekend of events from Roanoke to Charlottesville. I watched in mid-February that would be the siren Bob speak at the shareholders meeting on call for some of the more unsavory forYouTube, and he rocked it. I must say thank mer cadets of our class. Apparently, in you, Bob, for making us proud. mid-late February, a Rockbridge County Recently, Tom Anthony, Jamie Shoemaker, Frank Kollmansperger and Hal Hamner craft brewery launched a new beer.The came into town to watch VMI hoops. Of all launch would be a late celebration of the super duper blue blood moon of 2018 the places they chose to sit, they found seats and would draw the likes of Bill Weiners; directly in front of the superintendent. I am Mark Bornhorst; John “J.J.” Wranek; not really sure why, but more power to them. Dave “Arduino” Tingley; Ken “Dinger” I asked where Hank Selman was and was Hirlinger; Meade “the” King; the Elliott told he would show up a week behind them. brothers, Quintin and Hunter; Joe “Beef ” Frank’s son did well in high school and will Irby; Mike “Scooter” Ceroli; Kelly Rabe at Virginia Tech next year in some kind of really special engineering classes. Frank readber; Pat “Mags” McGuire; and Tucker Maloney. Apparently, the weekend would ily admitted the young man has his mother’s brains and true academic potential because be epic and of ridiculously hugely positive Class of 1984: At Bill Dyer’s promotion were Rob Taylor of her DNA. ’88, Andy Petretti, Jim Hoy, Barry Coceano, Tom Antho- impact to the local craft brewery, because the crew from ’85 would consume more I spoke to Jeff Duncan recently, and he ny, Keith Mangum, Bill Nixon ’88 and Steve Barsamian. than half of the swill in the tasting room. filled me in on what has been going on. After VMI, he enlisted in the Army (and rode with a civilian working at Marine Corps Headquarters, Kerry Kirk showed up, but he was too late to Stonewall Jackson in the Valley Campaign). He Quantico, dealing with some esoteric government partake and called an Uber. Neil Lowenstein did a polar plunge in Virwas offered an opportunity to fly as a warrant topics like manpower and strategy. Remember, and flew choppers for seven years. He is still in Jim, you cannot fool us too much, we are talking ginia Beach for the Special Olympics. His cothe Army, now a lieutenant colonel and battalion Marine Corps. We are, however, all proud of all horts included pro-plungers from Associated commander of a multifunctional medical services you have done. Builders and Contractors and Power Electric unit living in Savannah, Georgia. He and Nancy We have a great class, and I love each of you of Virginia Beach. Sadly, famed non-plunger lived in Salt Lake City until May 2015 and then very much. BR Norb Jocz was nowhere to be found to “ran around Europe” with Jeff’s deployment jump in with these cold water floaters! overseas. Jeff says that after his last tour in Iraq, his Data: This just in from the summer safari “body started to give out, and the filter came off. “ organizer, BR Jake Spivey. The safari is set: He began this command last June and has barely Matt Daniel Aug. 3-5, 2018. Big change: Golf (Vista Links had a day off. Jeff and Nancy have two lovely in Buena Vista) is moved to Friday, Aug. 3, and children, a 25- year-old daughter who is an E-5 in the Jocz-Maury float will be Saturday, Aug. the Army Reserve and a 23-year-old son who is a 4. Overflow hotel space has been set aside at reserve E-4. We all have an open invitation to visit the Holiday Inn Express. For Friday, BR Irby him and Nancy in Savannah. Jeff, we are so proud has graciously accepted the task of feeding Notes are light this quarter. of all you have done. Michael Steen sent the sad news that, in those of us around Lex-Vegas after golf. ConI also spoke to Jim Kenkel, whose son, Mattact Jake Spivey with RSVPs and questions. mid-November, BR George Headley enthew ’18, is VMI’s 1st Battalion commander and tered hospice and died not long after. George Andy Valenzuela is a Tactical Air Control a Chinese major. He will graduate in May and fought a long, hard and courageous battle party commander. As such, Andy will be dehas been branched Army Field Artillery. Jim’s with cancer. He lived a life of creation, ploying again. He will be returning in middaughter, Hannah, is a freshman at the Univerdiscovery and generous philanthropy. He September and will be missing our summer sity of Virginia on a full Army scholarship. His was a very good man. He will be missed. get-together (safari), yet again. eldest daughter, Taylor, is the librarian at Hollins Michael also relayed that he had just done a Andy sent a note to Jake. In it he offers: “Dang, another year going by, and I will be University. Jim retired from the Marine Corps team-building workshop for the Sentara Hosand lives with his wife in Stafford, where she is the pital Grief Counseling Group. The event had missing the safari again. My orders are done, and I’ll be in country by then for a long tour. director of a preschool. When Jim retired from a pirate theme. The symbol for the pirate flag the Corps, Dave Furness ’87 was his retirement they designed was a heart with an hourglass on Yeah, buddy. Team in front of me says action speaker. Dave is now a 2-star general. Jim made its side, with “Tempus Lost – Never Enough should continue to be good, so I’m looking forsure he remembered who his dyke class was and Time” beneath crossed swords. So true, Miward to staying busy and checking the weeks thanked him for speaking by giving him a rat tie. chael, and thank you for the reminder. off. You’re a special man for sacrificing the Sorry, general; once a rat, always a rat. Jim is now A group of Lexington frequenters were time for all us knuckle draggers and making this

1985

2018-Issue 2

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Class Notes happen every year. Many thanks, and I’ll see you in fall 2019. “On another note, rez week (Agent: Resurrection Week, the week before Breakout) just ended at the Institute, and Breakout is this weekend (Feb. 3, 2018). My son, Michael ’21, told me he did 2018 pushups for his dyke’s class, and he is totally shagged tonight. Tomorrow is a 50-pound ruck and then the final round of Breakout fun and games. He’s about ready to pass a milestone or a gallstone, and I’m proud of him. Makes me wish I was back there to just watch! “Again, many thanks, but I’m officially out this year. I’ll be thinking of you all over a steaming pile of DFAC chow in the Desert Inn. Ha. Cheers. Rah Virginia Mil, Andy.” (Agent: I will try to get his mailing address and send via separate correspondence so we can all send Andy some mail.) The mass of 2018+3 is now the Class of 2021! Congratulations to Ron Reimann’s nephew, Matt ’21 (son of Tom Reimann ’88); Dinger Hirlinger’s daughter, Ann ’21; Andy Valenzuela’s son, Michael ’21; and Mark “Tug” McGraw’s son, Sean ’21! One of those VMI rugby guys sent a photo of the old ’85ers with the VMI 2017 championship rugby team. Unfortunately, the photo was too low-resolution to print in this publication. Suffice it to say that Irby, Halages, McGuire and Neblett represented us well. How about that VMI rugby program; we could all learn a thing or two from them. Michael Jernigan sent a quickie that he is alive and well in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is watching, listening and proud of all his brother rats and all they are accomplishing. Ron Reimann and family (VMI faithful hope to get his son, Erik, at VMI to play football) made a high-speed college tour run the weekend of the Western Carolina University game. Erik (quarterback, high school junior, 6’5” and 205 pounds) is interested in playing college football and visited the U.S. Naval Academy, Virginia Tech and VMI that same weekend. Whirlwind, for sure, as they covered all three schools in four days. It was the first time Erik had visited VMI and the first time in 20 years that Ron had been back. If VMI pursues Erik for football, they will likely be returning next season (Agent: We hope it is a better season next year!) maybe for a longer visit. Finally, Adam Babcock wrote and filled us in

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that he is still in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, working as a contract U.S. Air Force academic instructor. He loves the job; it allows him to remain involved with the military as he teaches planning and air employment processes to majors and lieutenant colonels for a monthlong course. Adam has been in Fort Walton Beach for 15 years and surmises that there might be a move in his future. (Agent: Have you looked at Lexington, Adam? All the cool kids are doing it.) Rah Virginia Mil ’85, Matt Daniel

1986

Clint Hubbard

Greetings to all BRs, Co-Matriculants and CoUrinal Users! You should know in which category you belong. If not, check with either Tim Spivey or Jim Agostini, and they’ll give it to you right between the eyes. A bit of sad news, albeit somewhat dated. We lost our BR Doug Brennan in March 2017. Doug had drifted away from us after graduation, and I’m not sure anyone knew of his death until sometime in the fall. I recall speaking with BR Brennan trying to encourage his attendance at the 25th Reunion. We had a friendly chat, but he didn’t recall his time at the Institute with much fondness. Nonetheless, he was a fine BR, and I remember his pleasant demeanor and mostly with a smile on his face. May God grant him eternal rest, as well as peace and comfort to his loved ones. And his loved ones include his brother rats. In early December, Bob and Kirby Rainer hosted their annual BR Christmas party, which is always a check formation if you like cold beer, strong drinks and great chow. This year, the normal cast of BRs showed up: Jay Ball, Mikey Calkins, Paul Burch, Wayne Fuller, Clint Hubbard, Jeff Morgan, Jon Moody, Glenn Newcomb, Gordon Poindexter and Tim Spivey. Brother Rat Poindexter was sporting his custom red blazer adorned with gold trim and buttons on the cuffs from a VMI coatee. Gordon ordered the blazer then made arrangements with the VMI QMD sewing department to take

the trim and buttons off and old coatee and customize his red blazer. It wasn’t cheap, but it is unique. I am given to understand that one, each, Schoen, C.C., IV, (Sonny Schoen’s [’56] boy!) of Atlanta, Georgia, has one, too. What can I say except those boys have style. Mrs. Rainer is a kitchen magician, and it is safe to say that BR Rainer is not making weight these days. This is always a lovely party and a highlight of the holiday season, despite the low moral fiber of most of the attendees. Our mighty and beloved VMI Keydet cagers played a game in mid-December at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. The Siegel Center at VCU is notorious for being a tough spot for visiting teams. The young Keydets played hard and never gave up; it was still anyone’s game with about four minutes left, but VCU put their starters back on the court, hit their free throws and won by 8 or 10 points. Since then, the Keydets have had their ups and downs and won a few and lost a few. Of note, they did beat The Citadel in Cameron Hall in January. In the stands at the Siegel Center, I saw numerous other alumni including BRs John Stevens, Art Ryan and Lou Florio. Brother Rat Stevens is still chugging along at the Virginia State Corporation Commission, while Art Ryan is plugging hardware at Pleasant’s Hardware and BR Florio is Pastor Lou of a Lutheran church in nearby Mechanicsville, Virginia. At the least, we have one guy on the good team on our side. When Lou comes to reunions with his BRs, he might consider it “missionary work.” I’m not talking about me or Paul Burch, but I am talking about some of the rest of you. Speaking of those who may need the Lord ... well, that could be a long list! Let’s start with our favorite valedictorian and battalion commander, Jim Jenkins. Jim has been jetting all over the world and, coincidentally, going to a lot of places the president described as he was discussing the immigration situation. Brother Rat Jenkins seems no worse for the wear other than he rushes out of the plane to kiss the tarmac at JFK or LaGuardia every time he touches down back in the continental U.S. The irony is that Jim is still waiting to pay off his bet with Clif Tinsley about the 2016 presidential election (and I’m waiting to ride on those coattails for a free meal), as Clif called it months in advance. Now it is Jim who is enjoying a closer tie to

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes President Trump by visiting all those “fertilizer spots” around the world. See how this intricate tapestry that is called class notes gets woven? One of the realities of our aging is the simultaneous aging of our parents – as if we hadn’t done enough to age them already. Gordon Poindexter’s dad died in December, and the funeral was well-attended by a number of the VMI contingent. Mister Poindexter was an attorney in Waynesboro, Virginia, and well-regarded by his law partners and community. Dave Miller recounted how Mr. Poindexter helped get him out of a jam in his younger days when he was ticketed for riding an unlicensed motorcycle with no motorcycle operator’s license, not wearing a helmet, speeding and being a general menace to society. Miller said Mr. Poindexter held him up to the judge as a fine, upstanding VMI cadet, and he got off with a warning and an admonition to walk the straight and narrow. That may be the only time the name Dave Miller and “fine, upstanding VMI cadet” have ever been used together in a sentence. The dapper Trip Duerson made the trip from Lynchburg, where he and Northwestern Mutual Life are rolling along. Others in attendance included Paul Burch, Jay Ball, Wayne Fuller, Jake Spivey ’85 and Matt Morgan ’87. A sad occasion, but good to see some of the boys. Just under the wire for submission, I got a request via a Facebook post that Jeff Smiley would like to be included in the class notes. So here’s a shoutout to one of our favorite towniebaseball-Army tanker BRs! Brother Rat Smiley, keep drinking that craft beer and taking care of your favorite girl. As Dave Grimm might say, “I’m just sayin’.” The last item of business is to announce we have a noble endeavor in the works. We are taking up a collection to buy a seeing-eye dog for Ben Walker to help him find his way back to VMI and see his BRs someday. After Ben is returned to us, we will use the dog to bring back Kenny Walpole, Bernie Colaccico, John Pitcock and Tim Young. Come to think of it, there are quite a few of you who may be candidates for such a dog. All right, men; that’s the report for this quarter. You may stand down for another 90 days. Here’s wishing you and yours the best for 2018. Reach out to a BR and/or your class agent to share an update; keep those bonds tight! Take care, brother rats.

2018-Issue 2

1987

Curt Schoonmaker

The Class of ’87 is still running barracks, despite photo rumors and the high cost of weddings! I promised this would be the open, and here it is. From Al Cowan, recently returned from Lexington with his parents after watching VMI basketball: “We were staying at the Robert E. Lee Hotel, and when the game was over, we took the elevator up to our rooms. A current Washington and Lee University boy-type student was also aboard. I told him I was VMI, and maybe I’d head over to their sorority party and snake some of their girlfriends. He looked down and said, ‘Yeah, that still happens.’ That is a great way to limit barracks fraternization.” Our class continues to move up, not out, and Dave Furness and Chip Bierman have made it to the top. Appointments to U.S. Marine Corps major general await these handsome devil dogs. When and where will probably be short notice and on Facebook. I thought Dave was toast after eye rolling Gillebrand, but she only sent him to Africa. Thanks for adding to our good name and reputation. We are proud. Our next reunion gift bags will include ear horns, because some of us are getting very old. Grandfather old, that is. Vernice Reichling, Robert Sweaney, Tracy Porter and, by the time this comes out, Chaplain Bob Phillips will all have second generation progeny. Sean Miller, look out! Stu Halasz is billy-goating right behind you. Stu writes, “This past summer (July 2017), I hiked Gray’s Peak (14,278 feet, the 10th-highest summit of the Rocky Mountains) with my uncle. I took my VMI hat all the way up just for this picture. Just outside the photo frame is a gift shop and Sbarro.” The northern Virginia mini reunion group continues to lead assemblies with quantity and quality, although the last one in Leesburg was exclusive. Jon Sachrison and I had a great time talking about all the guys who were going to attend but didn’t. Jon and his wife now work in the same office on Quantico. We discussed all the ways he could spend the saved gas and toll money now. Cigars, guns, beer, beer and maybe a boat.

In December, Tom Peer, Vernie Reichling and Carl Feddler had a mini reunion in Florida at a young persons’ restaurant – Cracker Barrel. Carl has not yet begun the aging process. Bill McCarthy, Steve Tooker, Matt Morgan and Todd Williamson also got together in December. Those boys dress very dapper, but that’s Richmond. Ronnie Robinson and J.P. Lemaire just had sons graduate from Parris Island and Fort Leonard Wood. One Marine and one soldier. Congratulations, dads. Well done. Chris Stathis’ son, Minas ’21, became a 4th Class cadet following Breakout. Welcome, Minas. Daily class updates are on VMI 1987 30th Reunion at Facebook. This has been an excellent connection method for many, and for the BRs who aren’t there yet, we miss you and would love to have you join us on the stoop. Email your photos. Facebook resolutions are too small to print. In the bonds, my brothers, Schoon

1988

Sam Tate

Brother Rats, By the time you read these notes, you will still be on the post-30th Reunion high. Thanks to all who were able to attend and most especially to the following BRs for participating in the planning committee: Sam Tate, Ed Wetherell, John Keppeler, Walt Coleman, Drew McKone, Bob Clark, Mike Wood, John “A.J.” Williams, Tom Ustach, Dan Shrimpton, Rusty Sloane and Adam Volant. The committee would like to extend their appreciation to those who were able to attend and to let those who were not know that they were there in spirit and sorely missed in person. I would also like to announce that this is my last set of class notes as your class agent. Though we are attending the next class agent meeting at VMI together in June, Ed Wetherell has taken on the duties of class agent. I know that he will enjoy it just as much, if not more, than I have. It has truly been a pleasure serving as your class agent for the past five years. I have enjoyed

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Class Notes representing all of you at formal Alumni Association and Foundation meetings. Most of all, I have enjoyed establishing deeper connections with many of you, and by far the most fulfilling part of the opportunity has been to assist other BRs with making or re-establishing connections with each other. A lot has happened to our BRs in the past five years. These have included weddings, anniversaries, births, legacy cadet Breakouts, Ring Figures and graduations, watching our children grow and celebrating their accomplishments, and most humbling of all, speaking with the families of recently deceased BRs and VMI ’88 family members. Thanks for blessing me with the opportunity to serve in this capacity. It has been a humbling honor. All the best to Ed as he picks up the torch and carries us on into the future. Rah VMI ’88! Updates from our brother rats: John “A.J.” and Rosemary Williams attended the Institute Society Dinner this past November. John writes, “Three of us attended – Rob Taylor was accompanied by his son, Kyle Taylor ’16, and Ted Wagner was there with his step-daughter, Savannah. It was great to hear about all the great work being done at VMI, and the campus looks amazing. Both Riley Neary ’19 and Bubba Keppeler ’18 were working hard at the dinner. The Parade Ground was closed to parking the next day because of the recent rain, so we set up shop in the Center for Leadership and Ethics’ parking lot. Rob Taylor arrived early to fence off some real estate with Marshall Library as a wind break. Rosemary and I reinforced the effort a few minutes later and Ted Wagner and Steve and Tracy Neary and their daughter, Riley Neary, joined later in the morning. The day started out very cold, but Rob’s jambalaya and a space heater saved the day. We had a lot of ’18, ’19 and ’20 traffic after the parade to make sure we didn’t have to carry any food back home. It was an enjoyable day.” Chris Starling continues to represent veterans and VMI ’88 in the Bay Area. Chris was one of four interviewees on a podcast for Veterans Day which can be found at: http://www.360bayarea.com/ep42 (Chris is at the 20:15 mark). Chris wrote that “the Bay Area360 moderator asked me to ‘dish my

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Class of 1988: In the VMI Hall of Valor were, from left, John “A.J.” Williams, Ted Wagner and Rob Taylor.

Class of 1988: At the VMI Museum induction of Gen. Surapong Suwana-Adth ’79 memorabilia were Mike McGraw, Kultawit Vaijai, Kirk Dewyea and Ms. Dewyea.

Class of 1988: Attendees at the 2017 Institute Society were, from left, 2nd Lt. Kyle Taylor ’16, Savannah Sloane, Ted Wagner, Rosemary Williams, A.J. Williams and Rob Taylor.

deets,’ and it took me a moment to understand what he meant.” Last fall, Mike McGraw was able to coordinate a visit by Gen. Surapong Suwana-Adth ’79, Royal Thai Army, to VMI. Surapong retired in October 2017 as the chief of Defense Forces, Thailand (chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff counterpart, 5-star rank). The general was accompanied by Brother Rat Kultawit Vaijai. Surapong is one of seven VMI alumni to reach 4-star rank in the Royal Thai Army according to the VMI archives. Mike was joined by his son, Cullen; Kirk Dewyea; and Kultawit for a small ceremony in which Surapong donated his uniform to a VMI museum exhibit covering his service in the Thai Army. Mike recently completed a visit with CJCS Gen. Dunford, again in company with Kultawit “Arm.” “Arm and I were the lead staff officers. We got to work together again, and the visit went very well. General Dunford spoke to the group at a dinner about the need to move from a professional relationship to a personal friendship, then on his way out at the airport, he spoke to Arm and me (after being told we went to VMI together and have been friends for 30 years) and said, ‘This is exactly what I was talking about last night; you two keep it up, and thank you for bringing our countries closer,’ and, ‘There seem to be a lot of you VMI guys around here.’” While in Thailand, Mike has been going to a great mini-micro pub on the water near his house (Koh Kret, a tourist island on the Chao Praya River that runs through Bangkok). The place is called CHIT Beer. Mike recently discovered that the owner/operator is VMI ’95! In another small world story, while at the U.S. Marine Corps ball Nov. 11, 2017, Mike was chatting with a young Thai naval officer and had a picture taken together. The officer sent the photo to his uncle, who sent it back to Mike: The uncle is Songwit Noonpackdee! Hugh and Regina McGloin added a VMI flavor to their annual Christmas party (Irish style) by inviting Chris and Yvonne Long, Sam and Amy Tate, Dan and Fiona Shrimpton, and Tom and Lorrie Kennedy. Garith Palme sent a note that he and Mark Snedecor “recently learned that we live very close to each other in Granite Bay,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes them to assist with the settling process. Congratulations to Thomas and Tracy Reimann and Dan and Ann Riley on Breakout for their sons, Matt Reimann ’21 and Ryan Riley ’21. The ’88 legacy continues. Finally, we pass on condolences to Neil Culiner and Dave Pitts, who both lost their fathers this past December. Brother rats, it has been an honor and my pleasure. Sam Tate Join us on VMI 88 Facebook (290 BRs and family and growing).

Class of 1988: At the rugby championship at Furman University were, from left, Charles Cayce, Curran Bowen, John Keppeler, John Ryman and A.J. Williams.

1989

Steve Chiles

David A. Martin

Class of 1988: Mike McGraw pictured with the nephew of Songwit Noonpackdee at the U.S. Marine Corps birthday ball in Thailand. California, just outside Sacramento. Our kids even went to the same high school. Given that there are no other brother rats in the area, we were surprised and got together at a local brewpub to catch up. Having not seen each other since graduation, we had a lot to talk about and both fast forwarded through our 30 years of family and career. We had a great time and are planning to get together again before I move to Huntsville, Alabama, in the spring.” Greg and Stephanie Rollins have already reached out to

2018-Issue 2

Well, here it is, summer 2018. Actually, as I write this, it’s early February, and the temps in southwestern Ohio are hovering in the single digits. Last year, when Steve Chiles suggested I move to Ohio, he neglected to inform me that Ohio can be a cold, cold place. Chin in, Steve, chin in. But by the time you read this, it should be a bit warmer, and my peanuts will have emerged from their protective barrier, seeking the warmth and nourishment of the glowing sun. But enough about planting my crops in the fertile Ohio soil. Before we get to the notes, as always, a few housekeeping items. First of all, let’s talk money! Now that we have your attention, a hearty congratulations to you all. The much esteemed sesquicentennial Class of 1989 (the same class who had debt issues coming out of Ring Figure) last quarter had the highest alumni donor participation rate of any class of the 1980s! Clearly, Steve and I are doing something right. We are waiting for the VMI Foundation to request our presence as keynote speakers at the next conference. Seriously, for those of you who have made a donation, a heartfelt thank you on behalf of your BRs and the Institute. Secondly, please mark your calendars for our

30th Reunion, April 26-27, 2019. Our resident vinter, Quinn Donovan, reports he is making the ’89 Sally Port, “racking the young wine out of the barrel and off the sediment and preparing to rinse the barrel out to remove the sediment and then pump the wine back into the barrel.” Our thirst grows in anticipation of Quinn explaining what this means as much as sampling his fine vintage. So, the important business out of the way, let’s move on to the notes: We need to start with Sean Raborn, who willingly and without prompting submitted some great inputs with a photo to match. “The year 2017 was an eventful year for us here in Colorado and elsewhere. We had a number of international visitors from Australia where my wife, Natalie, is from. We are still racing mountain bikes, and I can tell you that in my age group of 50-59, these guys are still fast! Natalie and I raced our ‘A’ race in Canada this year. The Single Track Six is a six-day stage race that started in Rossland, British Columbia, and finished in Nelson, British Columbia. While this is not the hardest climbing race, it was outrageously difficult downhill! The billowing dust was choking due to the extremely dry summer, and with the major fires all over the area, the smoke became choking and burned our throats. We survived another racing adventure and got schooled on the steep, technical downhills of British Columbia! In December, we traveled to Australia for Christmas and took our bikes with us for some casual training, which included coffee and wine along the way.” Sean mentioned he is training for the Breck Epic, a six-day stage race in August this year. Sean got BRF’d by a former class agent who shall remain nameless in the unofficial “please, not a Sean picture” photo contest on the class Facebook page because the ’89 picture review input committee on submission looks for original submissions that don’t make us feel weak, old and slow; come from a person or persons who have not recently appeared in the Review; come submitted with $20 bills; and have a group of BRs in the photo and not just the mug of one guy. Tom Inge enjoyed some hospitality at the Cross household as the Staffords supervised. (Thanks for being a good sport, Sean). In the first time for everything department (ruffles and flourishes), we have a first-time entry! Steve Boyd writes, “This is my first time writing in 29 years! I’ve been here in Long Beach, California, for about 22 years, still in the bicycle business and now a partner in Tern Bicycles and the North

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Class Notes American distributor. I married a local girl and have three wonderful children: A 16-year-old girl, 13-year-old boy and 9-year-old girl.” Steve stays busy with the kids, camping, golfing and just being the Steve Boyd we all know and love. He can often be seen on the Colorado River boating in the summer. Steve ran into Rafi Barsamian a while back at some southern California alumni events and talks with Kevin Wood occasionally. Bill Miller may have shamed Steve into writing. If so, good job, Bill. In other news, Chris Ogden is enjoying his 18th Michigan winter, still designing crankshafts for Ford, especially the F-150. It bears mentioning that I have “VMI-F150” plates on my F-150 because F-VMI-150 was taken, probably by someone in Company F. Regardless of the F-BRF, Oggie’s crankshaft has never let me down. Oggie Dawg still drills with the U.S. Navy Reserve at the Pentagon and reminds anyone traveling up to Michigan to look him up. Van Trumpore is gearing up for the pole vaulting season to begin soon and is proud of his oldest graduating from the Colorado School of Mines. Van is definitely in for the reunion. Congrats to Van on the first RSVP! Although, Quinn Donovan has a lock on the silver medal. John Piedmont dropped a note to get credit for dropping a note – life is still good, situation normal for J.P. Ashley Fairchild likewise dropped a quick note to say how much he loves paying for two kids in college almost as much as I like paying two mortgages (Steve Chiles, you left that out of the move-to-Ohio brief, as well. Chin in Steve, chin in). While I have the floor, your humble co-class agent, David A. “DAM” Martin, is an instructor at The Defense Institute of Security Cooperation Studies and sits down the hall from Mark Carter ’84. Mark is always good for a “Rah Virginia Mil” en route to teach. Mark says, “DAM, write fast, because in three months, I am off to Europe and taking a new job with United States European Command J5.” Mark BRF’d me because I have to pick up his class load. DISCS works a lot with the USG’s security cooperation programs overseas, and in a related field, Winton “Fred” Smith is the deputy director for international engagements on the chief of naval operations’ staff and in the running for a very strenuous naval attaché position to some very harsh environments like Australia, Aruba, Bermuda or the U.K. After an eternity toiling in the salt mines of the Pentagon and never seeing the sun in eight years, Fred has truly earned his

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time in the sun, and we wish him luck in the selection process. Fred notes old Company D BR John Piedmont just can’t get enough of the Pentagon and is a neighbor just around the corner. Just like old times – Company D on the 4th deck corner of New Barracks. Ed Herrington said his status is normal CQRB, and Tom Fanshaw also enjoys life over 50. Tom’s roommate, Derek Harris, dropped a quick line to say he volunteers for any and all reunion committees, and his wife, Patti, teaches sign language. Neal Heimer is looking forward to retirement in September and, like Sean Raborn, enjoys his time in the saddle, biking to work and occasionally kayaking in the bay in Washington state. Sounds idyllic. Nat Cross continues to be the lint-free belly button for Virginia-based BRs. Bob Bradford writes he and his wife, Tracy, linked up with Nat and Lori Cross recently; Bob also reports he ran into Kevin Jones and his wife. All are doing well. Nat writes that Wayne Jones from California is moving back East, and Tracy Bradford is going to work for the (not yet built) museum of the U.S. Army. Lots of history there. Marty Malloy has moved back to Chesapeake and joined the breakfast club in Richmond last January. Gary Sybian, who doesn’t get much air time in the notes as of late, is also enjoying good life. There is some real estate news: Nat Cross is making a career move from ex-class agent to Real Estate (note, his capitalization) and likes it very much. Meanwhile, north of the Mason-Dixon Line, Bill Miller launched two new companies in January 2018: www.BestRealtorForMe.com and also www.BestMortgageLoanForMe.com. These two services are free to use, and Bill has been a trusted adviser to clients in all 50 states for decades. On the subject of Realtors and also on the subject of mortgages: Representation matters, so leverage his expertise to your advantage, use his services when you have the need and refer him when you have the opportunity! Life is also looking good for Allan Stoneman, who recently got promoted in his firm dealing with law and asset management. In his spare time, he chases his 12-, 10-, and 6-year-olds around the house for fun. We need to give a shoutout to Allan, as well, because he willingly volunteers to attend the class agent meetings in lieu of your buckeyebased CAs. Allan sees Dave Brown fairly often for a beer and football, hoops, or hockey on TV and

also sees Ned Cox from time to time, as their sons go to the same elementary school and Cub Scout pack. Allan reports that Ned has been great about organizing an ’89 breakfast once a month that BRs Cross, Henning, Spivey, Carvey, Fox and O’Ferrall also attend most months. “It’s always a good time.” Allan also sees Granger Gilbert often and mentioned something about Matt Tederick on the political trail? Great update, Allan; thanks! A wine or beer on the “I” for you and this update! And just under the wire, Keith Sykes dropped a great note mere hours before the Review deadline. Keith retired last August from the U.S. Navy and still loves living in the Washington, D.C., area with his wife, Dawn. “Our son is a freshman in college at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and our daughter is a junior in high school. My second career has me with the FBI. In my first week, I ran into my dyke, Lawrence Alexander ’92. In November 2017, Brian Pannell and I traveled to Kentucky (Fort Knox) to visit J.C. Gregory. We had a blast. We stayed up laughing about our days at the ‘I.’ I also stay in touch with Anthony McIntosh, Tracy Toye and Joe Hurley.” Keith also heard from John Adametz. He and his wife, Karen, are stationed in Oxnard, California, but their son, also in the Navy, is on the right coast on a ship based in Norfolk! Great updates everyone. This could be a record number of mentions. Stay in touch on the class Facebook page, and have a great summer.

1990

Daren Payne

Brother Rats, Starting off with the good stuff, I defer to the great email I had from none other than Sal Bora. “I don’t recommend this kind of lesson, but all should make sure they have a power of attorney with a family member they trust ASAP. I’ll send you some pics, but after 32 days in a coma, I’m back among the living (that in itself is a challenge, or was). I went to a VMI alumni gettogether in San Diego with Stephen Breheny ’89 and my girlfriend, Joanne, who stood by me those 32 days in the hospital and coma and helped me come out of the coma, so I had my own Breakout. She is still helping me. I’m fine

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes capital as a project manager overseeing and recovering well. Recommend various aspects of capital building projeveryone have a nest egg in case of hard times. I’m running again and livects on state property around the coming in California by the beach in Long monwealth. He’s been in the public Beach.” I think I speak for all when I engineering business since getting out say it’s an answer to prayer and great to of the Navy back in 1997. I look forhave you back out and about, brother! ward to hopefully working with him Next up, let me apologize for the on some VMI projects! lack of Christmas cards this year. I let Got a note from Mint Ralston, who myself get overwhelmed, and before reported from the Charlotte Alumni I knew it, the holidays were upon us. Chapter Founders Day event where he I’ll endeavor to do much better next was able to meet up with Andy Conyear. Nonetheless, I did get out a preClass of 1990: Matt Hemenez, Daren Payne and Greg Hatchett at ville and Rich Treanor. the Friday night dinner before the Keydet Club and VMI Foundaholiday email explaining some of my Judging from Facebook, a number tion board meetings. Matt serves on the Foundation Board, while of folks were traveling over the holiobservations after one semester on Greg and Daren are on the Keydet Club Board of Governors. the job at the “I.” I got myriad notes days – most notably, Mark Cheadle, and cards in reply from our BRs. who took in some exotic locales such Among those sending greetings were as Seychelles off the coast of Africa. Rob Pedigo, who said, “Aloha,” from Rob Pedigo from Hawaii passed Hawaii, where he’s been the past 10along the following: “For my unimplus years; Laurence Farrell; Mark pressive part, I have been living in Cunningham; Pete Tunnard; Sean sunny Hawaii for the past 10 years. Hoover from Texas; Minter Ralston, These days, I am deputy director of the who is with Duke Energy in CharDefense Policy Review Initiative office at U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. lotte; Dave Amsden from Boston; My main job is keeping my colonel out Mike, Cheryl and Declan Herbaugh of hot water as we build a brand-new in NOVA; Dave West; Tim Haynie; base for Marines on Guam. I could Dave Ratliff; Johnny Hahn at Smith say it’s ‘my’ project, but it’s really a vast Mountain Lake; and Paul Holland. group effort across several agencies; The first update for this set of notes I’m sort of the customer representative was from Rob Yourchuck. Rob is in on behalf of the Marines. I stay away Chattanooga, Tennessee, practicing from wastebook, but I have a paltry law and noted he recently met up with Class of 1990: Kenneth Kovac, left, served as the lead Secret Ser- presence on LinkedIn, occasionally acfellow resident of the Moon Pie capivice agent for the president’s trip to Vietnam for the APEC Sum- cepting invitations from BRs expandtal of the world, Jim Hubbard. Rob mit. He worked with Langston White ’98, fellow Secret Service was planning to bring a group of high agent, center, and Jeff Dellapenta ’97, Navy support team. They ing their networks. Nothing of note school wrestlers to VMI for a workout to report but always happy to see BRs are pictured in Da Nang, Vietnam, on Founders Day 2017. in Cormack Hall while en route to a coming through Honolulu. Occasiontournament in Virginia Beach. ally have seen Kelly Musick over the years, as he For the last football game of the year, I was able came to town for work, and I hear Brett Turner is to meet up with and hang out with a number of on the island but haven’t tracked him down yet. BRs despite the frigid weather and gloomy season Other alumni periodically come through; my curthis year. I was able to talk with Dusty Crone, rent chief of staff is Scott Leonard ’89, and Brent Kenny Robinson and Trey Rhodes, who came Hashimoto ’88 is across the street at United States out of hiding. Trey is retired from the Army and Pacific Command Headquarters. There are a few working in directorate of information manageothers in my command from various years and many on the island, but we rarely get together.” ment at Letterkenny Army Depot and living Thanks, Rob, and I’ll be thinking of you as winter in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Chris Larlee, descends upon us. Glenn Dickenson, Fred Minnegerode and Chuck Class of 1990: Daren Payne and Buddy Garbett at the VMI versus Western CaroRight before the Christmas break, we had a Class Smith also made the trip over for the game. lina University basketball game while of ’90 Lexington BRs get-together at the Palms. Among the long-lost BRs, I got word that our Buddy was at the VMI Admissions Open Attendees were Matt Schwarzmann, newly-progood BR Chin Vu is alive, well and at work for House weekend with his son. the Department of General Services in our state moted Col. Neal Whitmore, Ramon Williams,

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Class Notes John Burleson and yours truly. John continues to Congrats on the command, sir, and hope you in Naples, Florida. As one of our busiest BRs, Damon stays busy refereeing high school bashelp me on the construction of my house, Ramon guys enjoy the next adventure in your career! Colonel Tripp Anderson was the next O-6 to ketball in Virginia, plus NCAA basketball in the stays busy with the VMI Foundation, and Matt is working mostly from home these days. The big- report in. Brother Rat Anderson is still the chief Big South and MEAC conferences in addition gest news of the gathering was undoubtedly of staff at Fort Gordon but is looking to retire by to his day job at the bank and serving on the Neal’s long-awaited and hard earned promotion the end of the calendar year. “Time to do some- board of the Carillion Hospital in Roanoke. It to colonel for all his great work for VMI over the thing else, I guess. It will be weird, 32 years in was nice to have a familiar face to chat with at past 20 years. Congrats, BR! a uniform of some type – a little scary stepping 0600 in the airport to kill the time. Upon my return from that trip, I had a very I was also able to catch up with Bill Ator and off the ledge.” I think many of us who’ve retired Bill Madison as they were passing through Lex- in the past couple of years can identify, but it’s nice chat with Col. Brett Turner. Like some of ington and Joey Jones, who is very active in our great knowing the awesome VMI network is out our other BRs, Brett is nearing the finish line. church and lives in nearby Raphine with his there and will do cheetah flips to help our tran- He’s currently serving as deputy commander of the 84th Training Division at Fort Sheridan, Illiwife and family. Brother Rat Madison recently sitioning veterans. got a new job at Branch Associates, thus leavFor those who missed out, Jan. 20 was a huge nois, but plans to make the transition out of the ing the Preston Library project, but he will now weekend on post. We had a crowd of about Army this fall. Congrats on a great career, sir! Also in the Midwest, I got a couple emails take over as project executive officer on our post 2,700 and 28 teams on hand for the first ever invitational in the new indoor track facility; from Thad Tegtmeyer. Teg is still in Indiana infrastructure project. near Fort Wayne working in the The family and I were able to make music business, and I was trying to it, albeit a bit late, to Chris and Kathy persuade him to represent ’90 at the Larlee’s annual Christmas Eve Italfootball season opener in Toledo ian buffet here in Lexington. This next year, as I think he is the closest was my first time attending, but I’d BR to the Glass Bowl. highly recommend it as a great event Just before the deadline, I was able to any BRs in the area, as there is to chat face-to-face with Stephen some awesome chow and it draws Wray while he was on post to ata great crowd of local leaders and VMI people, including Sgt. Maj. Mctend an admissions interview with his nephew from Lynchburg. Steve Michael. is a regional sales manager for DES I heard from Pablo Martinez right and spends a good bit of time on the before the holidays. Like many of us, Pablo is sick and tired of our athletic Class of 1990: In Cameron Hall following the East Tennessee bas- road. Hopefully Steve will be joining programs being poorly funded and ketball game were, from left, back row, Don Bowers, Dave Bender, the growing list of our classmates Mike Mullori and Daren Payne. Front row: Bryan Haslam, Matt Henlack of a clear strategy for success. ning and Paul “T.K.” Tallet-Kelpsa. Not pictured was Rob Oviatt, with family in the Corps. I had a last minute note from Paul I’m hoping by now he’s touched base who was watching the track meet. Hartigan in Colorado who was lookwith a number of you all reference working on a paper for the Board of Visitors almost 4,000 on hand for the beat down we put ing to score a couple of VMI lacrosse sweatwith some ideas and insights to help our pro- on The Citadel in Cameron Hall; and 15 teams shirts and t-shirts. I thought Gordie Byrne or grams (most notable football) to achieve suc- and a crowd of more than 500 in Cocke Hall to Pat Poon might have some lying around the see your Keydets win two team titles in the U.S. house, but upon further review, I decided to cess. Colonel Mark Hennigan reported that he will Powerlifting Tournament. Among BRs I ran check the PX instead. About the same time I heard from Col. be retiring from the Army later this year and that into over the weekend were Secret Service Agent his step-son was accepted to VMI this fall. Mark Ken Kovac; Charlie Plageman, class president; Weedon Gallagher: “I’m still with the 329th Brigade in Virginia Beach, yes. I understand the is currently working in northern Virginia as he Col. Glenn Dickenson; Matt Hemenez and finishes up his final year of active duty. Mark Sam Stocks who were in town for the VMI plan is for me to remain for a three-year tour. So, joins, near as I can tell, Dave Ratliff, Andy Alumni Association board meeting; and Gregg I’ll be here until October or so. I expect to move Kvasnicka and A.J. Johnson among those hav- Hatchett, who recently joined the Keydet Club to the J-Staff thereafter.” Of course, Weedon Board of Governors. It was a great weekend and also continues his day job in the finest traditions ing kids accepted into VMI for next year so far. Colonel Lee Havird checked in with the fol- awesome to run into so many BRs and friends of the citizen-soldier. I also got a LinkedIn from Trey Wetsel. Trey lowing: “As for news on this end, the family and also see VMI winning on the court and the is a DBA for General Dynamics Mission Sysand I will be transitioning to Edwards Air Force track. The very next morning, who did I run into at tems out of San Antonio, Texas, and has spent a Base, California, this summer, as I was selected to command the 412th Maintenance Group. the airport in Roanoke but Damon Williams. Da- good chunk of his career with GD in the inforWill likely be my last evolution on active duty.” mon was en route with his wife to a conference mation technology business.

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Class Notes Another late note I got was from Judge John case anyone caught anything on fire). Mullori, thinking about how you would like to help. Our Franklin. Judge Franklin continues to serve on Cabell, Haslam, Aydellette, Oviat, Henning, reunion this time will be a springtime event in the bench of the juvenile and domestic relations Bender, T.K. and myself gathered at Macado’s April. This will be somewhat different from othand The Palms Friday night. At the basketball er reunions but offers some unique opportunicourt in his hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and we’re looking forward to linking up game, we were joined by Don Bowers who ties for activities and entertainment. Rob Clark, was picking up his son who was taking his first Hunter Trumbo and the team really set the bar when he comes to visit post late in February. weekend after Breakout. It was a great time and high with that 25th Reunion, so we’re going to I finally ran into the son of one Jeff Moushesomething I hope we can expand upon in the have to kick it up a notch to make this one just as gian who was pulling guard duty during Breakmemorable and more well attended. out. Jeff has lived in the Roanoke area since future. Long-lost BRs I’d like to track down in the Finally, if you are not getting my regular email leaving the Army following tours in Korea and updates, please email me at paynerd@vmi.edu, Germany. While I’m still waiting to run into next quarter include: John Draper, Eric CarJeff in person, his son reports that they spent penter, Doug Robinson, Arland Moon, Larry and I’ll add you to our growing distro list or give time again this summer at the Outer Banks with Johnson, Dave Chong, Mark McSwain, Dave me a call/text at 540-287-1252. Until next time, Robbins, Bill Dowd, George Rahab, John go Keydets! Mark Dick and his wife and Tim Feagans and Daren Payne Stehn and Dave Stanley – where are you guys? his family. Tim has one son at SMU, one at VilAs for the Payne family, we’ve finally bought lanova and is still working on the third one for some land over toward Buena Vista near the VMI. The final big weekend at VMI for this quarter South River, and construction on the “forever house” should be well underway by the time you Chuck Story was Feb. 10-11. This weekend featured a basketball game, a rifle match, a “pre-strain” open read this. I’m really enjoying my work at VMI, house, the 28-team VMI Winter Relays track most of all the interactions I get to have with cadets, and the Lexington area has way more to meet in the new facility and the 1st Class Zollman’s party (yes, they do still have those). So offer than I ever imagined. On the construction Time sure is flying around the Story housemany BRs were in town, I almost lost count. I front, we should get moving on the $15 million caught up with Buddy Garbett at the Thursday Preston Library renovation and the $31 million hold. It seems not that long ago that our biggest night basketball game whose son was visiting Post Infrastructure Improvement Project, which scheduling issues were around recreation league for the open house event, and I assumed he was will include a new police station, among other sports. Now, we’ve got one out of the house trythings, and the $1.2 million South River Bridge ing to make his way and another just entering staying for the Zollman’s party. Glenn Dickenthe fun that is high school. son was on post with his daughter for the open project on the Chessie Trail. I’d also like to note that by the time this issue I’m putting the finishing touches on these house and to visit his two kids already in the hits the streets, our 30th Reunion will be less notes as I’m heading out the door to Norfolk Corps. Additionally, John Cabell was here hoping to carry on the legacy with his son for the than 24 months away. I plan to start reaching for the VHSL State Wrestling Championships. out for volunteers to help with the planning and Our son is competing in his first tournament, open house weekend, as well. A group of BRs also chose this weekend for execution of the various reunion events, so be and Rob Sayegh’s son, Will, is competing in his fourth and last state championship. their annual winter gathering in Hopefully, Rob and I have more stoMoody Hall. Those of that august ries for next quarter’s notes, and they group included Mike Mullori (the don’t include bail money. lawyer in case anyone was jailed), Wacky and Traci Davis celebrated Bryan Haslam (who, based on his their 26th wedding anniversary this Cape Buffalo encounter, knows what year. He chose Joe Rioux and Jamie to do if any African animals escape Tavenner to celebrate it with. We’ll from the Natural Bridge Animal see if that means there is a 27th Safari) and organizer John Aydelcelebration. The Davis children are lette (who works in health care and making Mom and Dad proud. Will could probably perform first aid if recently achieved his Eagle Scout anyone got injured). Rob Oviat and rank, and Makenzi is getting ready to Rev. Matt Henning both made the graduate from Christopher Newport trip from Georgia while Paul “T.K.” University. Tallett-Kelpsa made the journey Bill Booth joined the ranks of BRs from just north of Akron, Ohio, for sending their kids to the academies. the weekend. Dave Bender was able Class of 1991: Alumni at the Mercer University game were, from left, Rob Hayes ’90, Jay Whittington ’90 (seated), Dan Kornacki His son, Harrison, is a doolie at to get a weekend off from his fire- ’79, Ryan Landmann ’98, Bill Booth and Jim Hynes ’90. the Air Force Academy. They had fighting job in Fairfax to join us (in

1991

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Class Notes of BRs living in the National Capia great time at the Air Force versus tal Region. We have attempted to VMI football game. He also road get as many BRs as we can living tripped to the Mercer University game and met up with a bunch of in the NCR on an email distribualums at the tailgate. tion list in order to set up monthly Tom Dumouchelle came out of or every other month gatherings. If hiding in Ashburn to let us know we do not have you on this distro, he’s still running around. He is a please let me know and we will get joint owner of a consulting firm you added. In the most recent gatherbased in Arlington. He and Laura ing at Sea Pearl, BRs Frank Harrar, recently celebrated their 26th wedTom Gnecco, Larry Nevel, Andy ding anniversary. Their six children Tate, Dan Franzen and Anhtuan are graduating from college all the Nguyen were present, along with Class of 1991: Bill Booth and his family at the VMI Air Force Football some spouses and significant others. way down to seventh grade. It sounds game. Bill’s son, Harrison, is a doolie at the Air Force Academy. As I type up these inputs, I am like the seventh-grader is his only remaining chance at a VMI legacy. chief executive officer of Delta Point, Inc. DPI watching the Winter Olympics, so it is approWe have some movers and shakers in the is a sales and marketing consulting firm. On priate to include an update from Dave Weisenmilitary these days. Chris Eubank recently beOct. 26, 2017, Jerry spoke to a group of young berger. Dave sent me a picture of the Australian came the first BR to be promoted to the rank entrepreneurs at Lighthouse Labs in Richmond, Olympic bobsled with our class featured promiof general. Congrats, Chris! He’s been stationed Virginia. In addition to Todd and Jerry, the folnently on the side. Dave said it is a long story involving a VMI guy and an Australian guy in a in Germany for a while, so hopefully in a year lowing alumni were at the event: Britton Armor so I’ll be able to convince him to spin around strong ’01, Jonathan Mayo ’95, John Kemper bar, but it ends up with our class on the bobsled Letcher Avenue with his star flag on the front ’68 and Andre Thornton ’98. thanks to the bobsled pilot, Lucas Mata. of his truck. Brian “Mac” McCarthy sent me an update I got an update from Anhtuan Nguyen about Stan Chien is running around the Navy dowhich I will reprint here. Mac said: “Bummer Tom Gnecco’s recent wedding. Anhtuan and ing something. He keeps popping up in pictures Doug Olson attended Tom’s wedding to Jean to miss the reunion; one of these times, I will with the chief of naval operations, so I’m guessOct. 14, 2017. Linda Nguyen and Tom’s son, be in the U.S. for those things! Quick update ing he’s doing a lot of good stuff. James Gnecco, is Anhtuan’s godson. Anhtuan on the McCarthy clan: I returned from Iraq Scott Smith is floating around in command of also sent in another photo of a few of our BRs in November 2017 and, after a little holiday a new Navy boat and showing up in the PR pics who met up Jan. 27, 2018, at the Sea Pearl leave, gave up command of my battalion, 3rd for it. restaurant in Merrifield, Virginia. This is the Battalion, 8th Cavalry, after 33 months and Wrestling is over soon, and lacrosse starts right second such gathering in the last few months am currently in transit to Germany, where after that. By the time this hits your mailbox, we’ll be in the VHSL playoffs or into travel ball. Until next time.

1992

William Woodward

BRs, Here are the latest updates from our classmates. A little shorter than normal, so please keep sending me your inputs. Todd Washington sent me an update and picture just as I was finalizing my inputs for the Alumni Review printed in February, so I will start off with his information. After 20-plus years of pharmaceutical and surgical device sales and management, Todd joined Jerry Acuff ’71 who is the

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Class of 1992: From left, Frank Harrar, Tom Gnecco, Larry and Anne Nevel, Andy Tate, Maura Jensen, Anhtuan and Linda Nguyen, and Dan and Marlee Franzen. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1992: Australian Olympic bobsled with a VMI Class of 1992 sticker affixed. I will be joining the team at the Army’s training center in Hohenfels. Our son, Lenox, turned one in February, and while he and my wife, Adhana will spend as much time as possible in Germany, they will be remaining stateside as the Army is sending her to get a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Not to be outdone, our daughter, Caitlin, will be graduating from Hofstra University in May. Bless the post9/11 GI Bill!” Bryan Saunders sent me an update saying that he relocated to Richmond, Virginia, as he was selected by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to be the chief of the Search and Rescue Program. Congrats to Bryan! Tom Christman sent in a reminder about the 19th Annual Allen Stone Bravehart Memorial RunSwim-Run Race scheduled for July 14, 2018, at 0730 at 24th Street Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The race website (http://www.allenstonememorial.com/) proclaims, “When this race was run for the first time in 1999, it was called the Braveheart Run-Swim-Run. Allen Stone, a local Navy SEAL and friend of the organizers, competed in the event and

2018-Issue 2

Class of 1992: From left, Tom Hamner ’89, Woody Woodward and Frank Hargrove ’15 with Cadets Will Woodward ’18 and Matthew Hamner ’21.

Class of 1992: From left, Linda Nguyen, James Gnecco, Anhtuan Nguyen and Tom Gnecco at Tom’s wedding Oct. 14, 2017.

Class of 1992: From left, Britton Armstrong ’01, Todd Washington, Jerry Acuff ’71 and Jonathan Mayo ’95.

won the 2029 male age group. Tragically, it was Allen’s last race. A short time later, he died during a Navy SEAL training exercise. To honor his courageous service, the race committee decided to rename the race as a memorial to our fallen friend and local hero. We hope you’ll share our appreciation for Allen’s courageous spirit and participate in this exciting, familyfriendly sporting event in Virginia Beach. With Allen’s enthusiastic zeal for life and outgoing personality, we know he would have welcomed you!” Tom promises to buy the first round of beers after the race. Lastly, I am including a picture from a VMI tailgate this past fall with an interesting collection of dykes and their rats. My dyke, Tom Hamner ’89 has a son, Matthew ’21, at VMI who is the rat of my son, Will ’18. Will’s dyke, Frank Hargrove ’15, was also present. Andy Tate, Dean Case, Chuck Weatherman, Tom Hamner ’89 and I are at almost all home football games. We tailgate together in the Keydet Club section, so if you are at VMI for a football game, please stop by.

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Class Notes Please let me know of any major life events such as marriages, births, deaths and advanced degrees so that I can inform the Alumni Review. If you have a change of address, let the Alumni Association and I know so that we can make sure you get all VMI correspondence. In the bonds, Woody

1993

Jim Sharp

I hope these notes find everyone in good spirits. I recently heard from Brian Southard. If you have friended him on Facebook, you have seen the new product he and his wife launched. I thought it would be good to share. From Brian: “Hey there, Jim! Greetings from Lima, Peru. Been here in the country for a week. Think this may be my first or second time checking in since graduation. My apologies. Just wrapping up a solo trip here in Peru. Bucket list.

Visited Machu Picchu, went paragliding and rock wall climbing (1,500 feet), and ate guinea pigs. That sort of thing. “I’m married to Kristi and have two boys, Chase (17) and Christian (9). I have run a fairly large construction business the last 18 years and started a company on the side called Relevo Labs that makes Touch Sanitizing GermBlock about 18 months ago. Kinda took off unexpectedly as we got in 21,000 stores in nine months and on QVC three times. Crazy. Prefer to sell it online though.” Good news from Scott Coleman: “I married

my high school sweetheart, Stephanie Lin Funai of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Jan. 27, at the 6 Bears and a Goat Brewery in Fredericksburg. We both went to Courtland High in Spotsylvania County and wanted a hometown wedding. Our BR Major Chris Hatcher was my groomsman. One of my rats, Major Mike Ohleger ’96, recently retired from the Marines and was able to attend. My dyke, Colonel Glenn Dickenson ’90, and uncle dyke, Paul Kricorian ’90, were there, too, along with Glenn’s kids, two of whom are cadets at VMI: Sarah Dickenson ’18 and her little brother, John Dickenson ’20. Sarah’s date was her boyfriend, fellow 1st Class Cadet Noah Chetelat ’18. Below is a pic of me and Stephanie getting hitched in the brewing room of 6 Bears and A Goat, by Pastor Jeremiah Dillon of Mechanicsville, Virginia. Stephanie’s family roots are in Hawaii, thus the super-chill wedding uniform.” On a similar thread, I heard from Bill Cox, who got engaged on Super Bowl Sunday to Beth Luginbill. There had to be some “strategery” from Bill Class of 1993: From left, Glenn Dickenson ’90, Paul Kricorian ’90, tied to the Super Bowl. Maybe it was Scott Coleman, Chris Hatcher, Mike Ohleger ’96 with Cadets an easy way for him to remember Noah Chetelat ’18, Sarah Dickenson ’18 and John Dickenson ’20. their engagement date. Another friendly reminder, our 25th Reunion is coming up in 2018! The date of the reunion is Nov. 2-3, 2018. Expect to hear from our Reunion Campaign Committee, as they will be seeking everyone’s reunion attendance and participation. Remember the only right answer to them is, “Yes, I will be there and will support the I.” The Social Committee is hard at work making sure that, similar to our Ring Figure, it will be a weekend to remember. As always, thank you to our BRs that are serving our country in uniform. Jim

1994

Clay Campbell

Class of 1993: Brian Southard at Machu Picchu. 136

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1994.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1995

Joseph W. Doyle

Brother Rats, I hope this set of class notes finds everyone doing well. It has been a long, cold winter here in the Shenandoah Valley, but spring is on the way. The rats have broken out, and the Dark Ages will soon be over. Back in December, Damian Wilborne was promoted to colonel. Congrats, BR. I know you will continue to make us proud. I even think we could be seeing some of our BRs pinning on their first star soon. Thom Brashears continues to head up things at the VMI Alumni Agencies. He stays very busy on the road recruiting and keeping all of the alumni functions running smoothly. Thom continues to announce basketball games, also, and does a great job. Thom will also be announcing some of the James Madison University baseball games this spring for Marlin Ikenberry. If anyone gets a chance, head on down to Harrisonburg and cheer on our BR Marlin as he coaches the Dukes. I finally got the chance to eat at Mama J’s in Richmond. If any of you are in Richmond and

need a great place for lunch or supper, go there! The food is excellent, the wait staff is great and it gives you a chance to support our BRs. Great job, Lester Johnson and Jonathan Mayo. You guys have something great there. Keep it up. That’s really all I have for now. Keep sending me updates on how you are all doing. Until next time. Rah Virginia Mil! ’95, ’95, ’95!

1996

Tom Danielsen

Brother Rats, Hope everyone is doing well and your 2018 is off to a great start. I heard from a few of you since the November notes and very much appreciate the check-ins. First up is our Chris Jones (aka Jonesy), who checked in after a deployment to Qatar. Chris writes, “I’m still in the Air National Guard flying KC-135s in Knoxville for at least a little while longer. I think I will probably retire in the fall of next year. It’s been a good career, but it’s time to go. My last deployment was in August/ September to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where I bumped into (almost literally) Corey Brice. We had a good time catching up. He was working in the Combined Air Operations Center

Class of 1995: At Damian Wilborne’s promotion ceremony to colonel were, from left, retired Maj. Mike Rogers ’98, retired Col. Sean Lanier ’94, Ron Norman ’75, Wilborne, Col. Stephen Colvin ’94, Lt. Col. Vinston Porter ’94, Lt. Col. Andre Johnson ’96 and Eugene Williams ’74. 2018-Issue 2

Class of 1996: Mike Obadal, center, was promoted to colonel in November 2017. Joining him at his promotion were Chris Antonelli and John Buchanan. keeping track of the ISIS ground situation for the 3-star there. I was just flying. Dat Lam was there, as well, but we never managed to meet up. Charles Schnurman is living in Doha, and we traded some messages but getting off base never worked out with my schedule. It was a pretty busy deployment. On the civilian side, after a brief stop at American Airlines, I’m now flying for FedEx and am based in Memphis. I’ve unfortunately missed the last two reunions due to Guard commitments. I hope to catch up with all the BRs at the next one.” In other flying news, Curt Bourn provided an update that he’s switching aircrafts at Delta to the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767-300ER in April. He’ll be flying both domestic and European flights now and promises to let me know when he’s coming to Boston for a Red Sox game. We’ll have to make it a local outing and get Jim Johnson, Ted Black, Todd Bishop and maybe even Chris Noe before he leaves to cheer on another dominating Boston sports team. In addition to being a commercial pilot, Curt is still instructing in the P-8 simulator for the Navy and living in Jacksonville. I recently learned another BR is in Boston for the next year. Nick Latsios checked in and wrote the following: “I took a temporary assignment in Boston, still with Turner Construction, so I travel up for the week and home on the weekends. Been here since the new year.

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Class Notes That’s it for this edition of notes. Thank you Building a condo in Seaport district and should with “Wear Blue to Remember.” Mike is excited to report that Graham has been accepted to and to all who checked in. It really makes my job wrap up in time to be home in Philly for Christmas. I was able to be ‘behind enemy lines’ for will attend VMI this fall. In December, Mike easy, and I know the class appreciates hearing the Super Bowl ... E-A-G-L-E-S ... Super Bowl officially retired after 20 years of service in the the updates. Until next time, all the best to you and your United States Marine Corps. His ceremony was champs. Nice to wear some gear up here to repat the National Museum of the Marine Corps. families. resent. Was having a conversation with an experienced new hire when VMI came up. He was Several BRs and fellow VMI alumni were in saying he ‘only knew one person from his last attendance, including Max Castelyn, Sterling company – no chance you will know him, but Sweeney, Mark Thompson ’86, Noah Slemp do you know Dallas Richards?’ Well, of course ’97, Lt. Col. Brad Davis ’97, and Lt. Col. Tim David M. Hudock I do! It’s a small world, for sure. Of course, it Hough ’98. Mike also said he had the privilege goes without saying, I miss all my BRs and can’t of attending the wedding of his one of his dykes, wait to hear from y’all. With all the travel this Scott Coleman ’93, at the end of January. Finally, Jim Tinguely and I speak frequently, year, I always keep an eye out in the airport for Gentlemen of the Old Corps, and I wanted to formally congratulate him on one of us and an ear open for a BR captain.” Greetings from your class agent’s desk! Wela well-deserved promotion to east area director Nick and I are already planning an afterwork meet up soon; hopefully it’s from a Red for Progressive Medical. Congrats, Jim. come to 2018 and another year closer to what Sox game with the BRs mentioned will surely be an epic 25th Reunion, above. Speaking of work meet-ups, with or without tumblers. SpeakI was able to catch up with Doug ing of tumblers, I heard there was a Bartlett last month on a trip to ColoRichmond distribution party for the famed and hard-to-come-by vessels. rado. Doug is still with Medtronic If you happen to see one of these and doing great things as the general mysterious mugs, snap a photo of manager and vice president of the yourself holding it in front of some patient monitoring business. I was place recognizable so that I can post able to have dinner with Doug and it in the notes and confirm that they his wife, Jen, and see their newly do, in fact, exist! renovated home in Longmont. Great In the meantime, let’s get caught catching up, BR. up with the whereabouts and “whadMike Obadal also sent me a note providing the following update: “I dayahavits” of our brother rats. am living in northern Virginia as of First up is Chad “Bigs” Bigelow. late 2017 attending National Defense Bigs dropped in via the book-of-theUniversity along with Ben Venning. face with the news that he just retired Class of 1996: Mike Ohleger officially retired after 20 years in I see Mike Waltz occasionally, who the U.S. Marine Corps. Pictured were, from left, Max Castelyn, from the United States Air Force at recently announced he’s running Sterling Sweeney, Ohleger and Mark Thompson ’86. his 20-year mark. His twilight tour for the Republican nomination for was at Offutt Air Force Base in the 6th Congressional District in Omaha, Nebraska, flying our counFlorida. We’ll know in March if he’ll try’s National Airborne Operations be on the ballot in November. I got Center in the E-4B, essentially a promoted to colonel in November. militarized version of Boeing’s 747. Chris Antonelli and John Buchanan Chad; his wife, Becky; and their made it for the ceremony. I’ll stick three kids will be staying in Omaha around D.C. for the next couple of for the time being. He suggests that years following school and hope to the next time you board a Southwest catch up with a lot of the guys in the Airlines aircraft, take a look in the D.C. area.” cockpit; he could very well be in it, Mike Ohleger also sent me a note as his post-Air Force career started with several updates. In October, he with Southwest shortly after retireran his 11th Marine Corps Marament. Best of luck, Bigs, and thanks thon (13th overall). His son, Gra- Class of 1996: From left, Tom Ripley ’93, Coach Doug Barlett, for keeping us up to date! Frank Dingle, John Ripley, U.S. Army Col. Jim Myers ’92 and Chris ham, joined him for the fourth time The Institute was heard from reDoyle ’94. as they ran in honor of Jamie Edge cently when Ed Bonham was in

1997

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Class Notes Richmond for the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters conference. Also in attendance was Virginia Gov. Northam ’81, who took the time to pose for a photo with Ed. Ed has been a volunteer firefighter in Richmond for almost 20 years now and, in his spare time, photobombs unsuspecting celebrities. Thanks for dropping in, Ed! Rich Dixon made an East Coast appearance recently at Fort Belvoir for some training. Rich is still in the Army and is currently the deputy commanding officer of 2nd Brigade, Pacific Division, 84th Training Command located in Denver, Colorado. He’ll be out there with his family for another two-to-three years, so if you’re in that neck of the woods, hit him up. I wasn’t able to catch up with Rich while he was in town, but Mike Belenky did for supper, and the two were reportedly heard screaming “Tiger” and “Echo” into the wee hours of the morning! Speaking of Belenky, he is still studying hard at the National War College in Washington, D.C., for another few months. When he graduates this summer, he will head over to the U.S. Army Medical Command where he will be the chief of G-3/7 Readiness. Mike was recently selected for O-6 and O-6 command but is still waiting to hear where he will command. Meanwhile, his lovely bride, Blythe, is keeping the family afloat by managing schools, swim practices, and piano and is about to add to that list volleyball for Sarah and Emma and baseball for Cooper. They’ll stay in Springfield, Virginia, until summer 2019 at which point they will answer the Army’s bidding and move on to the next adventure. Keep in touch, brother. Happy birthday to Dano Owens who turned 43 this February and celebrated with his wife by contracting the flu. Fortunately, they both survived and are now administering

2018-Issue 2

Class of 1997: Class Agent Dave Hudock said of this photo, “A few Richmond area brother rats got together in February to celebrate ‘Slemp lives.’”

Class of 1997: Johnny Weekes with the U8 lacrosse team of his son, Trey. Johnny has been coaching them for two years and was recently visited by Doug Bartlett, former VMI lacrosse coach, far right.

Class of 1997: On a recent January weekend, Carey Michael, Chris Hobbs, Kevin Ash and Shannon Ferguson congregated to celebrate VMI’s basketball victory over The Citadel.

flu shots at their local CVS. In addition, Dano started a new job at a regional bank called Twin City Federal where he has been assigned to the servicing department for his first six months with the company in order to establish his sterling reputation as a closer. The good news is he no longer needs to drive downtown to get to work, and instead, his commute is 11 minutes from his house, which he says is a dream. Dano is also celebrating his anniversary in February, which is an important milestone because he is still shocked his wife has tolerated him for 20 years! Dano keeps up with Staich and Hasseltine, both in California, and they are doing well. Dale Burdette popped up on the net on his way to Chesapeake, Virginia, where he was coaching his Alleghany High School wrestling team in another state tournament. This is Dale’s 13th season as the school’s head wrestling coach, and in January, he achieved a personal coaching milestone when he achieved his 200th career coaching victory. Dale makes it a point every year to send a couple of wrestlers to VMI’s wrestling camp. Most recently, this has resulted in two current VMI wrestlers: John Reed ’19 and Kameron Warlitner ’20. In an interesting wrestling sidenote, Dale’s co-dyke, Ashley Wilmore, has a stud wrestler at Lancaster High School who has qualified for states for the second consecutive year, and he’s only a sophomore. Keep winning, guys! Also on the coaching circuit is criminal defense attorney Johnny Weekes, who has been coaching an 8-and-under boys’ lacrosse team for two years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Johnny sent me a great photo of him with his team; his son, Trey (who is on the team); and former VMI lacrosse coach, Doug Bartlett, who stopped by to give Johnny some coaching pointers. Lexington was invaded recently

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Class Notes by a sizable contingent of ’97ers led by world famous real estate agent Kevin Ash. He was joined by Carey Michael, Shannon “Ferg” Ferguson, Col. Chris Hobbs and Tom Wagner. On the schedule that weekend was VMI’s baseball game against The Citadel, followed by the group’s attempt to rid the town of cheap beer. Hobbs sent me a photo of the aftermath; Wags and his wife had apparently had enough by the time it was taken and are not in the picture. Lexington survived, though there is some question as to whether or not Wags’ truck made it through the weekend unadorned by macaroni and cheese. Addison Hagan accepted a new position at the VMI Foundation as a regional major gift officer. He’s splitting his time between Lexington and Richmond and recently found time to gather some of the Richmond brother rats to celebrate “Slemp lives” and Bill Stagg’s beard. In the next issue of the notes, look for a recap of the group’s get-together to celebrate our class’ 24th birthday, March 7. Yours truly joined a few of the northern Virginia brother rats for lunch on a chilly weekday to celebrate the fact we didn’t have to work between Christmas and new year’s eve. Present for duty were John Bushman, currently an Old Town Alexandria resident and associate director of government solutions at Two Six Labs; Lt. Col. Justin Chezem, professor of military science at George Mason University; Mike Belenky, National War College student extraordinaire; and Dan Hall, master of his own destiny at the head of Kyrus, an information

Class of 1997: Ed Bonham at the Virginia Professional Firefighters board meeting in January. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ’81 was present to address the board regarding legislative issues supporting firefighters and snapped this photo with Ed. 140

technology firm looking to expand and attempt world domination a la SkyNet. It was a small group but there was big talk of making this a regular thing and roping in more of our classmates. Look for an update in the next notes and (hopefully) a photo. That will wrap up our class exploits this quarter; thanks to all who dropped me a line to keep us updated. Best wishes for a great spring and a warm start to your summer!

1998

Joseph Bates Jr.

Hamel Reinmiller Class of 1998: Joey and Cole Jackson Bates on Cole’s first deer hunt, which turned out to be a successful doe kill. I am sitting down to hammer out another installment and wondering where the quarter has gone. Coincidentally, I just received the last Alumni Review in the mail this week, and we have about 64 days and a wake up until our 20th Reunion in Lex Vegas. By the time you read this, we will have come and gone from what I am sure will be a great weekend. Hamel Reinmiller and staff are hard at it, and information is flowing out as I type these notes. I am not sure how you guys feel, but as I browsed this past Alumni Review and saw the pictures from reunion weekends, it generated mixed emotions. Indulge me, if you will, and follow me back to 1993. Do you remember straining on the 4th stoop beating your rifles on the ground for the fall reunion and then standing there again for the spring reunion with our new hair following a late February Breakout? I sure do! Oddly, I am taken back to the visual of the Class of 1973 coming into barracks for their 20th Reunion Old Yells – loud, hopefully drunk and eager to “climb the sentinel box.” I remember saying to myself, “Damn, those guys are old – they graduated VMI before I was even born.” Well, guys, not only were those guys not old – most having just turned 41 or 42, excluding their occasional version of Doug McBride who is likely pushing 50 now (kidding, FatBack) but we are those guys now! I am thankful that

Class of 1998: Carey Ames Strock was born weighing 8 pounds and measuring 21-and-a-half inches. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes men and women, so what better place we share this history together, and to start than VMI? It also does not hurt I am hopeful that someone climbed that I get to expense my mileage to see the sentinel box in April! Maybe I rethe family, return to God’s country, eat visited Ring Figure and climbed the a sauce burger at Kenney’s and yell, pole at the party; we shall see! “Go Blue!” That was for you, Tom Neil Holloran answered my pleas Warburton and Brett McGinley. for information on Facebook and I know that a fair share of us revolt touched base; thank you! Neil and against social media (I did, too), but the family continue to hold it down I encourage each of you to join Facein Fredericksburg off I-95, where they are busy but always have cold book and/or our Facebook group, beer ready for a drive by from any VMI Class of 1998. A lot of people alumni in the area. He reports that from our “era” (yes, we are getting there are lots of alumni in the area, older but better) are on there, and it is including Dan Dunn, Tim Berry, nice to see their status updates, famiTim Hough and Jeff Taylor. They lies, accomplishments, etc. I wish I had Class of 1998: From left, roommates John Hamilton, Tim Hough, more updates to provide this time, but have mucho kids and stuff keeping Christian Craft, Jason Dickerson and Dave Pouleris gathered for them busy which makes it hard to a memorial service in December. stay tuned for more in a few months get together, but the brotherhood is (vmi98classnotes@gmail.com). specifics and pleasantries that we shared until he strong. He promises to get the group back toIf anyone wants to link up in Charlotte, shoot me a note. Rah Virginia Mil, ’98, ’98, ’98! I am gether soon and alludes to a possible Dave Nash hits his retirement in five years because his curappearance if he is not out saving the world – rent line of work requires discretion, but you can glad we got to party it down in April! who knows. Neil, looking forward to seeing you bet he is trolling you guys on Facebook from afar. guys at the reunion, and pencil me in for that He is likely coming to the reunion, so I am sure cold beer (or a few) the next time I am passing he will have some crazy work stories to share. Speaking of Dale Paxton, I have secured his William Steinbach through! Jon Spitzer opened the latest Alumni Review phone number and sent him a text with no reply; a phone call is forthcoming, but he is on notice. and immediately offered to help with the reDave Benedick sent me a note on “BookFace” union, as he is in the contiguous U.S. and able to help – thanks, Jon! He and Trimble (Virginia gloating about his Eagles winning the Super Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Women’s Institute for Leadership, class of 1999) Bowl, and he figured that it was not worthy of are living in Hampton, Virginia, where they an Alumni Review mention. While not worthy, Class of 1999. have two children, Tyson and Ashby. Trimble is we are lacking content and it will likely never happen again in our lifetime, so a mention is jusa doctor with the Air Force, and Jon still works tified. See, Dave, we Cowboys fans are not the for the U.S. government. Good to hear from you, Jon, and I look forward to seeing you guys. devil that you guys make us out to be after all. Jim Boatright John Strock checked in, and we have shared See you at the reunion! Chris Craft checked in at the bell and reported several emails about the reunion, class notes, etc. I am happy to share that he and Betsy that Dave Pouleris hosted a memorial gatherwelcomed their first child, a son named Carey ing for his father in December (sorry for your Ames Strock, on Jan. 30, 2018, in Arlington, loss, Dave) and the roommates made the check Brother Rats, formation: John Hamilton, Tim Hough, Chris Virginia. Looking at the picture John provided As I write this update, the Philadelphia Eagles for the Review, it looks like the next provisional Craft, Jason Dickerson and Dave Pouleris. It just won the Super Bowl, and I’m wondering appointment from the Strock family is on its is unfortunate, as Chris points out, but we are where the holidays, football season and the month way! Congratulations, John and Betsy – hope entering that time in our lives when people we of January went. I hope family, life and work acknowledged as giants during our cadetship are going well for everyone, and please keep the we see you in April! Sean Hicklin and I shared some Facebook are starting to leave us. Thanks for checking in, updates coming. Christmas cards were sent out messages this past week, and he informed me Chris; we hope to see you in April! earlier this year, and I hope they made their way As for me, I headed to VMI in February for a to everyone at home or their duty station, espethat he could not get enough of the county and built a home back on the farm. Somewhere in recruiting job fair, followed up on the golf outing cially those overseas and around the world. I only Florida Dale Paxton is laughing and saying an at the reunion and searched for some of Virginia’s received one return to sender, and it was for Jeb expletive. Sean is married to a cool wife and has finest for the reunion – or Pappy – whichever I can Cox. Jeb, I hope you are doing well. Please send a couple of “yungins.” I am going to forego the find first! The grocery industry needs more good an updated address when you have a minute.

1999

2000

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Class Notes I received cards back from Matt Parker, Matt Martin, Will Warthen, Whit Johnston, Ed Clarke, Jack “Fud” Thorton, Mac Semler, Scotty McInnis, Chris Boswell, Tony Esteve and Dr. Nate Friedline. It is a reminder that time flies when you see family pictures from some of our BRs, and their kids that are taller than their parents (us). A couple of days after the last set of notes were due, Dr. Friedline sent me an update: His wife, Maria, and his girls had just “PCS’d to JBLM, WA.” By using Google, I was able to decipher that this means Nate had a permanent change of station to Joint Base Lewis-McChord which is just outside of Tacoma, Washington. Nate is teaching medical staff in the residency and has quickly assumed several other duties. Nate says the job started off very busy but has ultimately proven to be the best job he has had so far. Nate caught up with Will Warthen over email last year and nearly crossed paths with John Downs, M.D., in Afghanistan (again). He says that his and John’s careers “are like lazy susans on a table – guaranteed to pass by every so often.” Thanks for the great update, Nate, and for your and John’s medical service to our country. Anthony Rayome sent me a note at the holidays that he has recently relocated just north of Chicago, Illinois. No set of class notes would be complete without an update from Chris Boswell, class mayor. Bozz was part of a team that grew mustaches during the month of November and raised more than $140,000 for kids in need in Lynchburg. Bozz won his fourth straight Goose Award for being the top fundraiser. Congrats, Chris, and I was happy to contribute for the fourth consecutive year. Shawn Segreti sent me a note and said he and Tony Esteve attended the Washington Building Congress holiday event in December, and they ran into Keydet legend Lee Guill ’98, aka “The Mad Texan.” They had a chance to recall when Lee was once “big man on post” in the Cadet newspaper, and all involved had a great time. Shawn included the actual page from “The Beef,” and after having a good laugh, I didn’t even try to submit with these notes, as it would have been substantially redacted to New Corps standards. Shawn said he celebrated his 39th birthday with Chris Lucas and Tony Esteve and their families. They ate self-hunted venison tenderloin and followed up with some single malt. Speaking of birthdays, I want to continue the

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tradition of recognizing our brother rats who have celebrated 40th birthdays since the last set of notes: Chad Welch, Bill Lambert, Dr. Ross Fuller, Jeff Neal, B.J. Arvin, Sean Foley, Dan Alvarez, John Lee, Mark Lineberry, Matt Parker, Joe Taylor, Drew Cannon, Dave Epperly, Lee Nelson, Tony Cerella, Micah Chandler, Paul Staton, Sheldon Taylor, Charles Brady, Joe Poppa, Christian Arllen, Ryan Wheeler, Jeremy Berry, Paul DeRose, Tom Rhodes, Nick McCracken, Paul Belmont, Craig Giorgis, Ron White, John Chisholm, Jeff Rhodes, Matt Milburn, Jeff Reddington, James Royce, Justin Dodge, Worth Burns, Paul Lee, Mike Mule, Josh Wagner and Ed Pearson. Happy birthday, guys; here is to 40 more great years. That is all for this edition and hope to hear from many of you for the next edition. Please remember, you can send updates to classnotes2000vmi@gmail. com. Finally, to all our brother rats who have served or are currently serving our great country, be safe and thank you!

Class of 2001: Stephen Skakandy and Cesar Perez ’98 met up at a real estate conference in Los Angeles in January 2018.

2001

Rich Groen

Brother Rats of the Class of 2001, What a great start to a new year! Since I’ve last wrote, Jeff Rhodes ’00 and I have trained with units in Korea; Japan; and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. We tried to link up with some BRs, like Charlie Benbow, but unfortunately couldn’t make the connection. Fortunately, we were able to connect with folks over the interwebs and hear all sorts of

Class of 2001: Rich Groen and Jeff Rhodes ’00 at the white horse statue near the North Korean border in November 2017.

Class of 2001: Rich Groen and Jeff Rhodes ’00 with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in Sendai, Japan, in December 2017. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes stroke and was hospitalized in Chigood news. Within the U.S. Army, Ethan Weber, Angela Scott, Jason cago, so Judy flew with Will to see Gleason, Kevin Consedine and her. Most of Judy’s family came in I were selected for battalion comto see their grandmother one more mand. We should have pinpoints by time, and sadly, she died Feb. 9. March 2018. Congrats to all of you “My season is underway and our first game is Feb. 19, so everything and cannot wait to see where we is buzzing around here!” end up! The Institute will be heard Justin Walskey wrote on our from today! class’ Facebook page: “Billy Prible, It was also awesome to hear from Stephen Skakandy, Tom Graham, my good friend, Carl Haas, who Kevin Fromm and I met in Lexwrote, “Thanksgiving was spent with my folks in Winchester, Virginington, Kentucky, for a weekend in February for a guys’ weekend and ia. I met up with Tony Gelormine went on a bourbon tour of Buffalo and his family during the week, as Trace Bourbon, Wild Turkey and young Anthony (Tony’s son) is interested in playing lacrosse. I gave Class of 2001: Carl Haas and Tony Gelormine met up over Four Roses Bourbon.” Hope you had a great time, fellas! him some equipment that I had at Thanksgiving in Winchester, Virginia. Skak added over email, “Hey, home. Tony and Heather are doing well and Tony’s kids are getting big! Tony is We had a great lunch with Brian Cummings man, hope this finds you well. So, a bunch of and his wife, Nancy, but forgot to get a photo us are getting together this coming weekend, working for the FBI in the Winchester area. “In December, our family went to my in-laws’ (sad face). Brian is doing well and preparing to as you know. Last month, I attended a real esfor Christmas and our son, Will, was a champ be reassigned off the islands sometime this year. tate conference in Los Angeles, and I linked around Judy’s large, extended family. Then, for We also tried to get together with Brian Lakin up with my uncle dyke, Cesar Perez ’98. We but couldn’t find a time that worked best. Sorry, hadn’t seen each other in eight years, so it was the new year, we flew to see my mom in Hawaii and landed on new year’s eve, just in time Brian; maybe next year! We also flew to the Big a big deal for us. Not only did he put me up at for all the fireworks! In spite of a five-hour time Island to see my extended family, so we got the La Casa de Perez, he attended the conference with me and tolerated my In-N-Out binge eatdifference, Will, again, did great, and the noise frequent flyer miles in! “When we returned to Reading, Judy’s ing. Of course, we engaged in typical Keydet didn’t seem to bother him. And, yes, we survived the flights very well with a 5-month-old! grandmother (on her father’s side) suffered a shenanigans, and the Institute was heard from again. Enclosed is photographic evidence of the ‘Zimmerman Telegram Boyz.’” Awesome news, Skak! It’s amazing to see the strong bonds that our class displays despite distances. It was great to hear from all of you, and please stay connected! ’01, ’01, ’01!

2002

Salmaan Khawaja

Class of 2001: Fishing on the Intercoastal Waterway in Jacksonville, Florida, were, from left, Brad Muston, U.S. Navy Capt. Matt Ott ’92 and Coach Doug Bartlett. 2018-Issue 2

Brother Rats, I hope that this edition of the Review finds you and yours well. Special thanks and kudos to Jason Breeding for organizing our successful 15th Reunion! Jason and Matthew Thompson are tireless advocates for our class, and I wanted to extend our thanks for their hard work as class agents. As I write these notes, the Class of

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Class of 2002: Doctor and Mrs. Layne Fielder at Halloween with their daughter, Sophia Grace.

Class of 2002: Jason Breeding and Salmaan Khawaja got their Zen on at Uttara Yoga Studio in Roanoke, Virginia.

Class of 2002: The class readying for the traditional reunion photo in front of Preston Library.

Class of 2002: The class gave an Old Yell in Old Barracks during the 15th Reunion.

Class of 2002: Bryan Rodriguez at the 15th Reunion. He is a sales and marketing manager for Ryan Homes in the Baltimore, Maryland, region. 144

2018+3 was just recognized at Breakout. Are we all feeling older, or is it just me? There are already professional photos from the reunion published in the last Review, so I thought I would include a few candid shots submitted by some of our BRs. Hope you enjoy them! Doctor Layne Fielder separated from the Army in 2014 as a major and joined a group dermatology practice at his home in Destin, Florida. Layne got married in 2015, and they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Sophia

Grace Fielder, in July 2016. Sophia has a provisional appointment to VMI! Layne is now working full time in dermatology, doing mostly medical and surgical work, and enjoying work, fatherhood and life in general. Major (P) Corey Stavinoha assumed command of 2nd Battalion, 183rd Regional Training Institute. Corey will be charged with the 10 institute training courses throughout the year. Their goal is to transition Army personnel into 88M truck drivers. Corey resides in Richmond,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Virginia, with his wife, Laura, and daughter, McKenzie. Thank you to all those who kindly submitted notes this go around. I look forward to hearing from my other BRs soon! Best wishes to all of you. In the spirit, Salmaan

2003

William Talley V

Brother Rats, By the time this issue hits your mailboxes, the weather will be warmer and a new class of alumni will be getting ready to be added to our ranks. It’ll also be four months until our 15th Reunion occurs – Sept. 14-16. While it’s currently February as I write these notes, the planning has already started for the reunion. This time, we get to take a backseat to the Class of 2008 and their 10th Reunion and enjoy the fellowship of gathering with one another at the “Mother I.” It is my intention to make our reunion both as family friendly and relaxed as possible. I hope that you will consider making the trip back to the Institute this fall. Jared Swanson, a constant when it comes to submitting notes, reported that Chris Noah and his wife, Sarah, adopted their second son, Nathan, in August. Additionally, Dave Burdette welcomed his third (and final) child, Robert Jackson “Jack” Burdette, in December. Speaking of Band Company, I got a glimpse of John Noonan and his family at The Citadel game back in November. They couldn’t stay for the game, as I think John had to do an interview back in Washington, D.C., with CNN regarding the proposal to build a wall in the southern part of the U.S. Steve Nakazawa and his girlfriend, Laura, tailgated with us at the game that day. Out of the blue, I got an email from Dan Goldberg with pictures of his twins. Dan and his wife, Sara, have a law firm in Houston, Texas. Upon checking out his website, I discovered that Dan was chosen as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in both 2016 and 2017. He’s come a long way from making sure Company B had blue lights as part of its Christmas display rat year!

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In January, we saw the first member of our class sworn into public office when Jennifer Carroll Foy became the delegate for the 2nd District in the Virginia House of Delegates. At the same time, Ralph Northam ’81 was installed as the 73rd governor of Virginia and second VMI alumnus to serve as governor. Andy and Chelsey Biesterveld announced that they are expecting their third child, due in August 2018.

Class of 2003: Chris and Sarah Noah adopted their second son, Nathan, in December. Nathan is pictured with his older brother, Matthew.

Blake Traina reported that he’s headed overseas for a few months with work but that he, Jennifer and David are doing well. Brandon Matthews also is wearing stripes now with the Henrico County Police Department. Brandon and Audrey are doing well and enjoying time with their children, Wyatt (3) and Ava (1). I communicated briefly with Chris Adams in January. He and Jennifer are doing well and enjoying life with their son, Jackson, who will have recently turned 4 when these notes are published. Jennifer is doing well in real estate, and Chris is in an AGR role with the Texas Army National Guard. Derek and Kelly Overstreet welcomed their third child, Clara, into their family in July 2017. Clara joins older siblings, Abby and Seth. Derek and Kelly also finished construction and moved into their new house just before Christmas. Everyone is doing well, but Derek indicated he’s ready for a calmer 2018. The Talley crew made it up to several VMI basketball games this winter, and I’m hoping to get to a baseball game or two this spring. We’ve just finished up winter sports and are getting geared up for spring sports. We’ve attended a high school orientation for our oldest, Savannah, which is making me feel older than preparing for our 15th. Chappell, our youngest, is getting ready to turn 4 already! Time sure does fly! Well, brother rats, that’s it for this set of notes. Please email me with photos, updates, jokes, whatever. As you’ve come to know, I’m not a natural writer, so I need all the help I can get. Until the next set of notes. Rah Virginia Mil, ’03, ’03, ’03!

2004

Scott E. Campbell

C. Justin Roberts

Class of 2003: Dan and Sara Goldberg’s twins during Thanksgiving 2017.

Sean McElroy wrote in early November. He came off active duty in May 2016 and has since relocated to Connecticut with his family. Sean is still serving in the Army Reserve. His son,

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Class Notes and results. Komunikator offers a vaDegan, recently turned 3, and his riety of services, to include consultstep-son is now a freshman at LSU. ing, content creation, interpretation, Sergeant Maj. John Neel joined media relations, social media manGen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 to take the review during the parade agement and event planning. ConNov. 3, 2017, at VMI. Neel retired gratulations! Feb. 1, 2018, ending a 17-year career Stephen Linkous and his “amazas sergeant major to the Corps. ing wife,” Michelle, welcomed a Rod James and his family are curson, Jack William, into the world Feb. 1. Their first two kids, Carson rently living in Germany just out(7) and Eliana (3), are pretty excited side of Ramstein Air Base. He and to have a new brother. The famMichelle are up to three kids now ily went back to Winston-Salem, after welcoming Ian to the world at the end of 2016. Rod and Ian were North Carolina, this summer (from born at the same hospital, Landstuhl Williamsburg, Virginia) where SteRegional. phen is an assisting priest at Christ Rod ran into Chris Bluhm ’03, Church, Anglican. who works in the AOC. Rod is workStephen writes, “I’m still doing my U.S. Air Force Reserve chaplain ing at U.S. Air Force Europe Headduties at Joint Base Langley-Eustis quarters. The James family met up with a great team there, where I’ve with Nadia Wendlandt’s family at a bumped into Matt Vogel a few times; park in Germany. Rod wrote, “She he’s working up at Air Combat Comlives in Mannheim, about one hour Class of 2004: Pictured with the VMI flag in Egypt in 2017 were Maj. from us and has two beautiful kids, Harley Jennings, Capt. Daniel Johnson ’09 and Capt. Sharif Gray ’11. mand staff. You should check Matt’s Sophie and Oliver. I keep in touch Christmas lights shenanigans on with Mark Hamilton. Although I haven’t seen Facebook. He’s (in)famous!” him in a while, he and I both pinned on lieuEd Cooper is holding things down in Djibouti, Africa, as part of Combined Joint Task Force tenant colonel two years below the promotion Horn of Africa for a yearlong mobilization with zone in November. I’ve also worked a lot with John Noonan ’03 and have seen him on Capitol the Navy Reserve. His wife, Erin, and their three Hill a few times during Senate Armed Services daughters spent over a week this January tourCommittee subcommittee hearing, as well as a ing southern England and visiting Paris, France. unique by name request to discuss fighter pilot Ed should be home sometime around July! retention with Senator Tom Cotton and SenaJohn Casper wrote from the Institute, “Things are going very well for me here at VMI as the tor Angus King. My current job keeps me gainassociate chaplain to the Corps. I love my job fully employed from visits to Capitol Hill, guest and am so thankful to have an impact on memspeaking at MIT and showcasing the F-35 to the president of Bulgaria, as well as routine visits to bers of the Corps every day. Sergeant Major work with the Israeli Air Force in Tel-Aviv. Just Neel and I had a wonderful catching up with recently, I found out that I made the Combat Air Jim Palmer and Libby Olson a month or so ago. Forces squadron commander list, so hopefully They are doing great ... so happy for them. Serin the near future, I’ll send an open invite to all geant Major Neel has since retired; he will be when I’m blessed with the opportunity to lead remembered by cadets and the VMI community a fighter squadron. I miss all my brother rats, fondly! He was always quick to tell folks that he and someday I hope to make a reunion to share was an honorary member of 2004.” some stories.” Major Harley Jennings surfaced with the folCraig Hamilton and his wife, Sarah, welcomed lowing update: “Since the last time I sent an upJocelyn Elanora Hamilton to the family Dec. 13, date, I finished my SAMS utility with the 101st 2017. Elanora’s two sisters, Lydia and Emma, are in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and dethrilled to have a new baby sister. ployed from Baghdad to the Sinai Desert, where Class of 2004: Libby Olson and Jim As of January, Hrvoje Glasnović is the owner I finished up my key development time as a batPalmer stood for a photo by the senof Komunikator, a public relations firm, focused talion executive officer for the multinational force tinel box in December. on marketing and translations built on experience observers based out of Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.

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Class Notes During the MFO rotation, I had the opportunity to reconnect with VMI alumni Captains Daniel Johnson ’09 and Sharif Gray ’11. In May 2017, my MFO tour was curtailed to PCS to the Pentagon and serve as a planner on General Allyn’s transition team. In November 2017, I was selected to serve as the 36th vice chief of staff ’s aide-de-camp and have been working for General McConville since. My wife, Sarah, and I will celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary this year and my children, Addison (10) and Lillian (5), are loving the NCR. We plan on being in the D.C. area until battalion command.” Drew Hardin is holding on to Central Texas. Drew and John Ginder are part of a team that is running a relay for about 200 miles across Texas in March to celebrate Texas’ Independence Day. Drew writes, “I had a great hunting trip in West Texas in January, where I killed a nice mule deer out in the mountains. I’d love to link up with anyone who wants to do a race or a hunting trip together this year.” The Gary Cutler team is over the hump at Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and preparing for a move to Fort Polk, Louisiana. Gary will be with the 46th Engineer Battalion. He writes, “Leavenworth has been a pretty good year. Have had a chance to catch up with some alums, such as Will Mustian ’01, Glenn Walton and a host of others. If anyone finds themselves at The Joint Readiness Training Center, look me up on global!” I have been enjoying time at home and getting

Class of 2004: Drew Hardin with a mule deer he killed in the mountains of West Texas in January. 2018-Issue 2

caught up here. Having played house husband for the past six months, I am certain that Erin Cooper has the tougher job, as did Misia while I was in Kuwait last year. In the meantime, I am still working to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I am presently pursuing a teaching license and following Clark Lasiter’s example when it comes to the Praxis tests for credentialing – don’t study and pass. Two down so far. We lost Jameson, the border collie mutt rescued right after our daughter, Anya, was born, a few weeks ago. Since then, we’ve adopted Jack and Pepper. They have already started their indoctrination. Take care! Be safe, and keep in touch! Scott Campbell

2005

Tom Hardinge

Timothy Johnson

Brother Rats, As our calendars breeze through spring and turn toward summer, I hope these notes find you all in good health. Another May brings another class anniversary – 2018 makes 13 years now since we departed the “Mother I” for the last time as a class. It also marks a time in which we are now closer to our 15th Reunion than we are to our 10th, so I guess it is never too early to start planning for 2020! To kick things off, Rob Gibson dropped a huge update that was too good not to include here in full: “I’ve seen quite a few of our BRs in the past few months. Caught up with Eric DeAvilla in November when he flew to support Rob Jones’ journey in Washington, D.C. Rob was one of his Marines, a double leg amputee from an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Ran one marathon a day for a month. His final marathon was in Washington, D.C., so DeAvilla and I ran about 7-and-a-half miles with Rob. Eric is a firefighter in Massachusetts and married a lovely Irish woman – dude hasn’t aged a day. He sends his regards, or ‘regharhds’

or however you want to mispronounce it. “Doug Aloisio, Andrew Gordon, Father Brandon Haenny and I all went out for some beer and bingo in Stafford a few months back. Andrew is a full-service financial adviser with Wells Fargo in northern Virginia, Father Haenny was in town from Texas (he’s ‘stationed’ in Austin – forgive me, I couldn’t find what order he’s ordained through, but he’s got the dog collar and positive attitude) and Doug has been promoted to deputy detective with the sheriff ’s department in Stafford. Doug’s wife, Berit ’06, is a full-time, no-nonsense mom for their wonderful spitting-image-of-a-son, Derek. We won multiple games of whatever bingo thing the brewery had going; the entire pub complained the odds were rigged because a man of God was at our table. “Hosted Mark Conley for a weekend; he’s using the GI Bill toward a master’s degree in systems engineering at the University of Houston Clear Lake because he’s the smartest, most capable glutton for punishment I know. Had Lieutenant Commander Curtis Nieboer ’03 over for a weekend; he’s on one-year orders ‘somewhere’ with follow-on two to three years in the U.K. Living the dream. Saw Lieutenant Commander Colleen Wall out in California for dinner after we’d both completed a drill weekend. She’s in the Navy Reserve. I forget who she works for full time, but like everyone else, we can go a decade without seeing each other and pick right up where we left off. She’s happy and optimistic just like she was back at the funny farm. Major Quincy Washa ’07 has helped me hunt down some active duty opportunities. She’s at the Pentagon and has been a force multiplier for me with the job hunt. “I spent some time recently at Quantico with Major Tim Riemann, who, after completing resident Command and Staff College, is doing his payback tour. Tim and I have bumped into each other for our last three assignments; it made my month to see him again. I’ll put this out there: If any of you guys are flying from California to D.C./Virginia regularly, Tim and I will gleefully pay you to bring some Cali Creamin’ out East. Best beer in California that you can’t find anywhere out here. “My wife is due in May with our first, a boy. If you pray, I’ll ask you to; that kid’s got some lazy eye genes he’s hopefully not going to inherit. If I can offer anything to all of you out there, my

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Class Notes door here in Woodbridge is always open. Godspeed to the filthy lot of you, with emphasis to those showing their first gray hairs. I’m right there with you.” Andrew Stribling recently wrote in with an update, as well as a message that he would like me to pass along to the class: “In September, I bought my first home with my wife and celebrated the second birthday of my son, Charlie, in our new home. I’ve been talking with Johnny Rerucha as much as I can these days and try to follow my buddies as best I can on Facebook. I wish all my BRs strength and courage if you’re trying to pick up more service positions in our communities knowing that, with only 24 hours a day, it’s hard to lead from the front, but we all worked hard earning our resolve and the world could use some old fashioned resolve. Thank you all for teaching and serving and employing and protecting others; the more we put before self, the more we start to figure this whole thing out. All those times pushing on a stoop scared to death of the next thing I didn’t know coming at me, the lesson was the same. Leave something in the tank for someone else – for your mentors, for your peers, for your closest company – then pop up and keep handling your business with resolve. I encourage you all to keep going.” As mentioned briefly in February, Brandon Fellers was married to Kristin Sempeles last fall. Brandon recently wrote to fill in quite a few details that I missed. “I’ve been a prosecutor for the Chesapeake commonwealth attorney’s office for the last six years. I met my wife, Kristin Sempeles, at an office party in 2013, and we have been inseparable ever since. She is from Winchester, Virginia, and is an assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Norfolk. She went to James Madison University undergrad (way past my running-the-block years) and Penn State law school. Kristin and I got married Oct. 7, 2017, at

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Class of 2005: Andrew Stone, Michael Tittermary and Brandon Fellers together in Washington, D.C., for Brandon’s bachelor party.

Class of 2005: Michael Tittermary, Adam Rouse, Brandon Fellers and Andrew Stone flashed their rings at Brandon’s wedding reception.

Class of 2005: Colin and Jenny Alstad welcomed Della Jean last November.

Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina. We lucked out with beautiful weather and enjoyed having all our friends and family together. My best man was Brother Rat Michael Tittermary, who has been there for me through everything; I can’t thank him enough! He is practicing family law in the Richmond area and is enjoying life with his wife, Kristine, and their four children. Maybe one day we will start a firm together! Also in attendance at the wedding were Brother Rat Adam Rouse, and his wife, Halah, who made the trip down to North Carolina from Baltimore, Maryland. Andrew Stone and his wife, Jenn, also came to the wedding. Andrew and Jenn currently live at Virginia Beach oceanfront and live blocks away from Kristin and me, so we get to see each other often! “I stay active with the Hampton Roads Alumni Association Chapter and appreciate every opportunity to connect with fellow alums. Kristin and I went to an alumni event at the Norfolk Tides game last June and caught up with Lynn Seldon ’83, author of ‘Virginia’s Ring.’ Lynn is also from Winchester and went to the same high school as Kristin. We are looking forward to Lynn’s next book!” Andrew Stone also wrote in with a few other Fellers/Sempeles wedding anecdotes: “On the weekend of Sept. 23, Andrew, Michael Tittermary and friends celebrated Brandon’s bachelor party. The crew took to the streets of Washington, D.C., to enjoy good food, ‘fellership’ and Brandon’s favorite obsession (besides his new bride) – the Washington Redskins. While at the game, the guys caught up with fellow BRs John Vaughn and Paul Bryan. “Two weeks later, my wife, Jennifer, and I traveled to the Outer Banks to celebrate Brandon and Kristin’s wedding at Jennette’s Pier. They enjoyed the ceremony and were able to catch up with BRs Brandon Fellers,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Adam Rouse and Mike Tittermary. By the way, if anyone needs someone to make a best man speech, Mike is for hire!” Billy Angle checked in for the first time: “My family has settled in Springfield, Missouri. We moved here after a few years living in the U.K. I resigned from the Army and government in 2013 and studied historic building conservation at Kingston University in London. My wife,

Class of 2005: Newlyweds Jimmer Kingsley and Amanda Caldwell.

Class of 2005: Kirk Stokes, Shore Stokes and Tom Hardinge caught up new year’s day for beers and Bulldogs football. 2018-Issue 2

Christina (Washington and Lee University ’06), is the chief financial officer of a large mining and underground warehousing operation in the Midwest. We have two girls; Alice is 2-anda-half years old, and Camille is nine months. Things are well, but we have not seen any brother rats in several years. “I recently started a business, Trail Labs, which specializes in mountain bike suspension servicing and tuning. We’re one of only a few private companies in the U.S. that has the ability to service most mountain bike suspension products. Check us out if you’re interested in mountain biking, traillabs.com.” Jimmer Kingsley married Amanda Caldwell Dec. 8, 2017. Jimmer and his wife live in Annapolis and both work in Washington, D.C. Jimmer continues to work for the Secret Service where his current assignment is to the Presidential Protective Division as a part of President Trump’s security detail. Andrew Troy and his wife, Adrean, welcome their third daughter, Emilia Rose, Dec. 10, 2017. Emilia joins sisters Claire Madeline (4 years old) and Anne Charlotte (2 years old). Andrew and his family reside in Bel Air, Maryland. Additionally, Andrew recently joined T. Rowe Price in Baltimore, which happens to be where Adam Rouse works, as well. Adam mentioned to me that he has not had a chance to catch up since Andrew joined the firm, but he is looking forward to the opportunity now that spring has arrived. I also heard from Matt Noreus: “Last March, while in Florida on vacation, I spent an afternoon catching up with Eric Huggard. He is doing well and has transitioned with his job back to Tampa. He is happy to be back on the coast. I also had a couple of beers with Jarred Drown while visiting my folks last August. He is coowner of a hotel in Little Bay de Noc, which is just down the bay from where my folks live. He also seems to be doing well and has done wonderful things for the hotel. “Other than that, work is busy, the kids are doing well and I catch up with a fellow alumnus here in Missoula, Montana, named Chris Schrichte ’82. He has his own company and has been kind enough to give me advice and answer my questions when I ask.” Colin Alstad wanted to share that he and his wife, Jenny, welcomed their first child, Della Jean Alstad, into the world Nov. 9, 2017.

After spending six months in Afghanistan, Gabriela Arriaz returned stateside last summer in June and in July started Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. She will be in Kansas until June. Kirk Stokes still lives in Singapore working in finance, but he spent the holiday season back in the U.S. visiting friends and family. This included a trip to Des Moines to spend time with Shore Stokes, as well as Shore’s wife, Tara, and son, Greyson. Selfishly wanting to take advantage of this rare opportunity, my wife, Missy, and I hosted a Rose Bowl party on new year’s day, which gave us all a chance to catch up over beers while the Stokeses’ beloved Georgia Bulldogs took down the Oklahoma Sooners. Hopefully, the weather won’t be quite so cold when Kirk returns. That’s all I have to report at this time. A big thank you to all of you who sent updates this quarter; you’re making my job easy! Please keep them coming in, and as always: Stay safe and be well. Rah Virginia Mil, Tom Hardinge

2006

Andrew Upshaw

Hey, Brother Rats, I hope you’re having a great 2018 thus far! I’m about to graduate at Fort Leavenworth in June and getting married to Ms. Eugenia Kick of Munich, Germany, shortly thereafter. Really excited about all that the future holds! Glad to hear everyone is doing well. Keep the reunion updates and pictures coming. Rah Virginia Mil! After graduating Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth with top blocks, Major Curt Ivins is currently downrange in Afghanistan serving as the deputy G2 for the 3rd Infantry Division. After this deployment, our BR will have spent more than 1,300 days in combat deployment in both Iraq and Afghanistan. What an accomplishment of service and a testament to the Institute. If only L-Train could see him now; he’s come quite a ways from the No. 1 Club. His wife, Alex, along with their daughters, Susanna and Cornelia, are enjoying living in Savannah and can’t wait until he comes home! We are so proud of him!

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Class Notes

2007

Maury Denton

Class of 2006: A screen shot of Matt Jones during a History Channel show courtesy IMDB.

Brother Rats, I hope everyone had great holidays and a good start to 2018. The 10th Reunion was an epic weekend, and I’m honored to take on the class agent role going forward. Special thanks again to Sally Bushore for serving our class so well over the past

Class of 2006: Matt Jones, second from right, congratulating a local militia leader after a successful operation. Matt Jones: “I completed another successful deployment with my Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha. While there, I crossed paths with John Diehl, Anthony Menas ’07, Nate Joslyn ’05 and Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Trujillo ’98. Upon returning, I debuted a 3-part series on the History Channel called, ‘The Cars That Made America,’ featuring cars from the museum in Newport, Rhode Island, of which I am the independent director. I have also started a motorsport company and bought a bar/restaurant in Newport, Rhode Island, so if anyone is in the area, ask for the VMI discount! I caught up with Paul Welsh during a recent trip to Georgia, and he and his wife, Jenn, were excited to show off their baby girl! Hope all is well with everyone.” Nate Parsons: “I’m currently at Little Rock for C-130H requalification. I’ll be here until late March and then return to Colorado Springs for two months of orders. We are planning on moving back to Colorado this summer and live in Granby at the family ski cabin while we save for some acreage of our own (visitors welcome). I’ll be Denver-based with Southwest by then and really hope to run into/catch up with friends while I’m on the road. Our little boy is six months old and growing fast. We’re excited to teach him all the things about living the good life in the mountains. I’ve picked up fly fishing, and I’m hoping to meet up with Andrew so he can teach me a thing or two about catching trout.”

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Class of 2006: Matt Jones, far right, in Afghanistan with, from left, his medic, local prosecutor, team sergeant and police commander after successful operations. Jonathan Everiss: “Hello, BRs! Things are going well. My wife, Ruth, and I moved out to Clifton, Virginia, about a year ago and are enjoying country life – well, as country as northern Virginia can be! Our dog, Taco, really enjoys being able to run around in a true yard now. Ruth is doing well and still working on Fort Belvoir. I am still at DHS and still working with Mike Carney, Brad Bascope and Marc McNamara ’02. As a reservist, I was picked up for the 15-week satellite IntermediateLevel Education at Fort Belvoir starting in August 2018. Hope to see some BRs there. If anyone is ever in the northern Virginia area, please don’t hesitate to reach out!” Dave Santoro is living in Frankfurt, Germany, with his wife, Andrea, and their four kids. He is working as a corporate lawyer after serving as a U.S. Army JAG officer in Germany. Rah Virginia Mil!

Class of 2007: Blair Didomenico and her husband, Joe Didomenico ’04, currently live in Fort Riley, Kansas, and welcomed the birth of their son, Coleton Nicolai Didomenico, Nov. 30, 2017.

Class of 2007: Wes Hopkins celebrated the birth of his second daughter, Vivian Joan Hopkins, Dec. 27, 2017. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Germany, said hello from Germany. They are currently on assignment for the military and will be there for two-plus years. If you’re in GermaRobert Hill ny, reach out to Matt! Jason Pettengill checked in from Alexandria, and he’s still working at Andrews Air Force Base. Jason and wife Sarah welcomed Rhett Pettengill to the family July 28, 2017. Congrats I hope everyone survived what seemed to be to Jason and Sarah! Lawton Drake has joined a few other BRs in a mild winter and you’re starting to plan for the Dayton, Ohio, as he’s attending the Air Force reunion, if you are able to attend. If not, I’ll provide a detailed write-up in November with Institute of Technology for a master’s in nuclear engineering. Before arriving in Ohio, Lawton plenty of photographs. Class of 2007: Grayson Ernst was marCongratulations to Devon Benkowitz and spent March 2016 through July 2017 in Fort Irried Dec. 15, 2017, in southern Califorwife Jackie on the birth of their daughter, Charwin, California, as the lead explosive ordnance nia. Evan Hanks and Tyler Freeman supported him on his special day. disposal observer/controller trainer for EOD lotte Elizabeth, Sept. 19, 2017. Matthew Payne and wife Lauren in Stuttgart, units going through the training center. Check out the photo of Lawton being a rebdecade. Also, make sure to check out el with sideburns and enjoying a cup the Alumni Review coming out this of coffee on the hood of a HMMWV. quarter, which has some awesome pics Over Thanksgiving, Lawton was able of the reunion. It was recently conto spend some time with his rat and firmed that our class campaign raised 2011 regimental commander, David more than $220,000 and had an amazGerardo ’11. Dave and his wife, Niking 35 percent participation! Thanks ki, joined Lawton for a sip or two of to everyone who donated to support whiskey at the Century Bar, which is VMI and bolster our class’ legacy. highly recommended by Lawton. FiWes Hopkins celebrated the birth nally, Lawton was also able to speak of their second daughter, Vivian Joan with Chris Haviley, who recently reHopkins, Dec. 27, 2017. turned from a deployment with the Blair Didomenico and her husband, 7th Special Forces Group. Best of Joe Didomenico ’04, currently live in Class of 2008: Jared Siebenaler and the former Ms. Natalie Graver Fort Riley, Kansas, and just welcomed celebrated their wedding with their VMI family in early November. luck to Lawton on his master’s! Robert Kelly was kind enough to the birth of their son, Coleton Nicolai Attendees pictured were, from left, Jeremey Clement; Dennis Dunaway ’09; John Sollock; Ben Anhold; Matt Mitchell; Jarrett Moran; check in from Fort Rucker, Alabama. Didomenico, Nov. 30, 2017. Andrew Sullivan; Henry Ellis, Citadel graduate and former VMI soc- Rob is still serving as an instructor Matthew Kania is transitioning out cer coach; Matt Russo; Giles Hohn; and Patrick Schrafft. for the Aviation Center of Excellence of the U.S. Navy. His last day on active duty was April 1, 2018, but he will still be serving in the Naval Reserve. He will be staying in Patuxent River, Maryland (where he currently is stationed), and he has started working for J.F. Taylor, a defense contractor, as a systems engineer on F-18s. Good luck on the new role, Matt. Grayson Ernst got married Dec. 15, 2017, in southern California. Evan Hanks and Tyler Freeman were kind enough to come out and support him on this special day. Everyone, make sure to keep “setting the tone” in your personal and professional lives. I hope everyone has a wonderful spring, and reClass of 2008: Emilia (2) and Isaiah (5) member to keep me informed so we can all stay are happy to announce that Marcus CarlClass of 2008: Rhett Pettengill joined abreast on everyone’s key milestones. strom and wife Sam are expecting their the VMI family July 28, 2017. Rhett is In the bonds, third child around July 4, 2018. the son of Jason and Sarah. Maury Denton

2008

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Class of 2008: Lawton Drake enjoying a cup of coffee in the middle of California while stationed at Fort Irwin last year. and was recently selected for major. Congrats to Rob and the rest of our fellow BRs who made that list, as well! Rob, like my roommate, Matt Mitchell, will be attending Command General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. Y’all will have to submit a picture of the VMI contingent from school! Rob also gave updates on a few other BRs. Stanley Cheng is engaged to Ms. Heidi Gillespie and is currently going through flight school to become an F-15 pilot for the Louisiana Air National Guard. Paul Childrey and wife Alyson are expecting their third son in August. And last but not least, Zach West, recently selected for major in the Army, is finishing up at Fort Gordon before starting schooling. Marcus Carlstrom and family PCS’d from sunny Hawaii to Wisconsin. In July 2017, Marcus finished his company command tour of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. In Wisconsin, Marcus leads a team of nine active duty staff who assist reserve Marines and Sailors. His official title is inspector-instructor of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment. Marcus also has other news to celebrate. He was recently selected for major, and he, wife Sam, son Isaiah (5) and daughter Emilia (2) are welcoming another child to their family around the Fourth of July! Congrats on the news to the entire Carlstrom family! Andrew Stiles said hello from Casper, Wyoming. Since our 5th Reunion, Andrew married and he and his wife, Bindy, as well as their son, Michael, are looking forward to a new addition in the family in 2018. In Wyoming, Andrew works in the oil and gas services industry.

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Class of 2008: Deven Benkowitz and wife Jackie with their daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth, who was born Sept. 19, 2017.

Congrats on the news, Andrew! As I write these notes, I’ve had a few days off from the flu bug. It wiped me out for quite a few days, but now things are on the mend. Lauren, Addyson and I had a chance to spend some time with the Mitchells. Matt, Arlene-Raquel and Ava were able to visit Hershey, and we went to Christmas Candyland a week or two before Christmas. We spent new year’s together in Virginia and were joined by the Siebenalers and Schraffts. It was great to catch up with everyone. By now, you’ve likely received a letter or two in the mail about our upcoming reunion scheduled for Sept. 14-15, 2018. Please feel free to bring the entire family to the reunion, as we’ll have on-site child care Friday evening during dinner, and Saturday’s evening event will be family focused. If you have any questions about the fundraising or social side of the weekend, please feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to seeing many of you in September.

2009

Bradley Simpson

Brother Rats, I hope this edition this of the Review finds you and your families well. I have had a great time catching up with all of you from the emails and messages I have gotten. Justin Tammelin headed out to Sacramento,

California, where he helped open Chick-fil-A Delta Shores. The opening was Feb. 22, 2018. He asked me to tell everyone out there that they are more than welcome to stop by and say hello. Barrett Luxhoj and wife Caroline welcomed their second child, Grace Patricia Luxhoj, to their family Jan. 17, 2018. Grace weighed in at 8 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 22 inches long. Both Grace and Caroline did wonderful, and they are doing fine. If anyone was wondering, Barrett is fine, as well. David Downing and his family recently moved to Fort Stewart. David is currently serving as the brigade assistant S3 for the division artillery. He also told me that his battery commander is none other than, and I quote, “the famous and incredibly handsome brother rat, Ricky Pfrogner.” By the time this is published, he will probably be changing command and moving on to do nerdy things like a functional area in nuclear nonproliferation. Currently, David is deployed in Afghanistan supporting the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters with guys like Henry Zhang ’06 and Frank Dyson ’05. He also added that life is good over there, and he has no complaints. Jackie Briski has been promoted to store manager at the Kroger in McConnelsville, Ohio. She told me that she still doesn’t know how she got there and who thought it was a good idea to make her a store manager. Well, that about wraps up this edition of the notes. As always, it was great hearing from everyone and what is going on with everyone’s families in their section of the country. Have a great couple of months until the next edition and, as always, keep sending me the notes.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2009: Barrett Luxhoj and wife Caroline with their daughters. Caroline is holding the newest addition to the Luxhoj clan, Grace Patricia Luxhoj, who was born Jan. 17, 2018.

2010

Cody Hennelly

Garland Gray III

Brother Rats, I hope you are all doing well and had a great holiday season. Jess and I got the opportunity to travel all over the country visiting family and BRs. Simply, it was incredible. But a word of advice: Do not fly with an eight-and-a-half month pregnant woman and a puppy – not smart! Laugh out loud. Any who, let’s get to it. I got a great email from Ray Kirchner recently. He was writing to let us all know he got married in September to a beautiful woman named Kristen. They met while attending a career school in the Army; both Ray and Kristen are now special agents within the Criminal Investigative Division. For those of you that do not know, the CID special agent career path is incredibly hard to enter and maintain. Congratulations to both of you! Can’t wait to see y’all at the 10th Reunion, my friend. Through Jess’ and my many travels over the

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Class of 2010: Carter and Olivia Brown’s daughter, Abigail Grace, born in November 2017.

Class of 2010: Will and Emily Correll welcomed their son, William, to the world in December 2017. holidays, we had the opportunity to attend two amazing weddings. Over Thanksgiving weekend, Lucas and Jordan Whitman got married in a beautiful ceremony in J.M. Hall on post. To see the love and joy Jordan and Lucas share is incredible. I know I speak for everyone when we wish you both all the happiness in the world. To ring in the new year, Jess and I found ourselves in Washington state to celebrate the union of Evan and Kim Aguirre. The wedding ceremony took place in a beautiful Catholic church and was followed by a crazy night of partying and dancing while overlooking the Columbia River; it was perfect. Not to sound too corny, but Evan could have never found a better wife than Kim. They are an unbelievable match

Class of 2010: The VMI contingent at Lucas and Jordan Whitman’s wedding reception at Moody Hall Nov. 25, 2017, were, from left, Barker Squire; Ty Topping ’19; Jordan Drake ’18; Adam Marsh ’15; Nathanael Stanger ’16; Paul Hiner ’07; Bradley Simpson ’09; the Whitmans; Cody Hennelly; Thom Brashears ’95, Alumni Association chief operating officer; and John Casper ’04, VMI associate chaplain. 153

Class Notes

Class of 2010: Ray and Kristen Kirchner during their wedding reception in September 2017 with Hunter Colt ’13, Sam Dobbins and Jon Winoker. for one another. Good job, Evan! I was also able to catch up with the semi-famous Greg Fiasconaro! He made the 11-hour trip from Brooklyn, New York, to Columbia, South Carolina, for my surprise 30th birthday party. Garland and Evan were there, too, but I’m bored of talking about them. Laugh out loud. Greg is working in the security field but moonlighting as a comedian – a successful one, as I am told. Proud of you, man. Keep crushing it! Will and Emily Correll welcomed a handsome and healthy baby boy, William, in December 2017. Jess and I got the opportunity to meet William in January. He is amazing – Will, not so much! In other news, Carter and Olivia Brown welcomed their daughter, Abigail Grace, in November 2017. Congratulations, you two; she is beautiful! That does it for this time around. Please, reach out and let me know what you have been up to since the last time we have spoken. Mizpah, Cody

Class of 2010: Evan and Kim Aguirre were married Dec. 31, 2017, in Washington state. In attendance were Charlie and Jamie Barnett, Garland and Valerie Gray, Frank Keeney and Hannah Davidson, Cody and Jessica Hennelly, and Matt Sagar and Chelsea Jacobson.

update is never too late or too small. The first email I opened writing these notes was a testament to VMI sticking with you and the brother rat spirit. This fall, Kyle Goodale needed to move a car from Phoenix, Arizona, to a town in West Texas – 1,200 miles. Not a drive for the faint of heart nor easily done alone (I can hear some of you who recently PCS’d groaning right now). Kyle was talking to Roland Richardson, and naturally, Roland raised his hand to join. It played out the best way possible, napping on the side of the road, diners at odd hours and a hike. Kyle and Roland remarked that while hiking in Arizona, they reminisced about House Mountain and climbing it, “Because it was there,” much like their then-current situation in Arizona. Nine years later and across the country,

they’re still climbing mountains together “for no reason,” Roland added. He also wanted to note he was wearing a VMI shirt, but the heat got to them in the desert and it was quickly shed. On the other corner of the globe, Chris Fukui and Justin Simmons had a mini reunion last fall in Tokyo. They also were able to catch up with one of their rats, Ben Travers ’14. While there, Justin was able to hike Mount Suribachi and the invasion beaches at Iwo Jima. Tom Pace is still enjoying Texas and was able to meet up with two other alumni in Fort Worth, Ted Clarkson ’82 and David Sheckells ’86. On the other side of the globe, Matt Parmer and his wife, Courtney, are enjoying Europe. Recently, Matt took command of Charlie Company 24th Military Intelligence Battalion this past

2011

Allen McCown

I wanted to start these notes reminding everyone to consider contributing. Our notes have been inconsistent, and I hope to improve. An

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Class of 2011: Justin Simmons visited the memorial on Mount Suribachi. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2011: Kyle Goodale, left, and Roland Richardson climbed a mountain together in Arizona. December. Matt and Courtney moved to Wiesbaden, Germany, 20 miles west of Frankfurt. They love the travel opportunities from Mostar to Paris and getting settled in Weisbaden. I’d like to wish congratulations and welcome to the ranks of graduate Sean Purnell. Sean graduated in 2017 after a delay due to a deployment in Afghanistan. After returning from overseas, Sean worked teaching youth in Charlottesville at a local gym. Now that he has graduated, Sean is pursuing a master’s in education via the Troops to Teachers Virginia and will finish his master’s in 2018. Sean is currently studentteaching social studies in Fluvana County, just east of Charlottesville. He is still in the Navy Reserve in the Cargo Handling Battalion 10. He’s also working with 45 first-graders as part of an after school program in Charlottesville, where he recently bought a condo. Congratulations on all the great news and life changes, Sean! Andrew Hilber dropped me a note to inform me of his marriage this past fall. Andrew and his wife are doing great in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Andrew is working as a public defender and (somehow, as a young lawyer) found time to play in a local jazz band. Glad you’re still playing, Andrew! I hope this finds everyone well and this paragraph inspires some to send an update. I hope you all enjoy the spring and are actively making plans for some summer trips. Rah Virginia Mil, Allen

2018-Issue 2

Class of 2011: Tom Pace, Ted Clarkson ’82 and David Sheckells ’86 in Fort Worth, Texas.

2012

Bruce Howard

Brother Rats, I hope this edition of the Review finds you well. Vincent Gallo is currently a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. Vinnie is an Osprey pilot and unfortunately was unable to attend the reunion

due to a deployment when he was stationed on the USS America (probably one of the most motivating things I’ve ever heard). Thanks again for all you do, Vinnie! Chad Sussman recently finished a six-month tour with White House staff, to include the president and vice president. He had the opportunity to travel to Jerusalem, China and Japan. Amazing opportunities, Chad! Dave Genevois has begun working in his new position at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Dave is now the USMA chair for honor and character assessment. This is a great accomplishment, and I wanted to take a moment to

Class of 2012: Stewart Hargrove and Dana Fredericks, along with classmates from Washington and Lee University and VMI, during their wedding. 155

Class Notes say congratulations. No one is more deserving. Dave also wanted me to pass along an open invitation for anyone needing a place to stay when they are in the area. Congratulations to Drew Stahling and his wife, Sarah Kathryn, on the birth of their first child. Kathryn Reynolds Stahling was born Nov. 21, 2017, in Richmond. I look forward to seeing her grow up, and as I write this, we just recently attended her christening at St. Bridget’s Church in Richmond! Congratulations to Stewart Hargrove and his wife, Dana Fredericks, on their marriage. The happy couple married this past year in Richmond Aug. 19. I’m a little late on this update but very happy for the both of you. Earnest Lynch is currently living in Laguna Niguel, California. He is married to his wife, Wendy, and is working for IntelliSurvey. I was told to mention that he and Paul Ponsiglione are still best friends, and Paul also lives in the southern California area. It’s nice to see friendships from VMI continue on! I also wanted to give a shoutout to Andy Ruan for all his accomplishments at Space-X. Not really sure what he’s accomplishing, but the company is having success and he works for them, so he must be doing something right. Congrats, Andy, and keep up the good work! I look forward to hearing about more updates from all of you. Take care until next time! In the bonds, Bruce

2013

John Wilson

Class of 2013: Peyton Dekker, Charlie Jones and John Buckland ’10 at Charlie’s promotion ceremony. me or Charlie directly if you have any questions. We have had a recent marriage in the class. Caleb Shortridge married Stacy Evans Nov. 25. The wedding was attended by Sam Thomas, Alex Erber and John Wilson. Also, Pat Bryne proposed to Barrier Steadfast earlier this month. Congratulations, Caleb and Pat! I have also heard that Ryan Hillman, Patrick Leet, Hunter Wood, Sean Noll, Tom Battiata and Charlie Jones have all been promoted to captain. Congratulations, and good luck. As always, feel free to send any notes, updates and photos you would like to include in the Alumni Review to either me or Charlie.

2014

Samuel Guidry

Charles Jones Taylor Floyd Brother Rats, I hope that everyone is enjoying the new year and, by the time you are reading this, hopefully some nice springtime weather. As a reminder, our 5th Reunion is Sept. 14, 2018. Keep an eye on the class Facebook page for the most up-todate information. Also, feel free to reach out to

156

Brother Rats, Off the bat, I want to apologize for missing the last edition of the class notes. I hope that there are some of you that enjoy reading these notes. In the last few months, we made a Facebook

group that has, in my opinion, done a decent amount to bring our class together. I have talked to more BRs in 2018 than in all of the years since graduation. It feels strange to be taking stuff from the Facebook group and putting it into print, but nothing seems to make sense in 2018. I really appreciate all of the submissions! Alyssa McDaniel completed Global Strike Challenge in May 2017. The GSC is a competition where bombers, ICBM groups, helicopters, security forces and maintenance units compete to be the best in the Air Force Global Strike Group. Alyssa was chosen to be the commander of the 742 Missile Squadron during this drill. Operating out of Minot, North Dakota, there were three ICBM teams that competed in the GSC. The competition involved simulations where she and her team were challenged to critically think and make assessments while the evaluators threw in various scenarios for them to deal with. Alyssa’s crew won the McMahon Trophy for the best ICBM Weapon System score. Ryan McDaniel also won two trophies. Competing against the entire bomber community, Ryan and his crew of four won the Lemay Trophy for the Best Bomber Squadron in the 69th Bomb Squadron in Minot. They also came home with the Linebacker Trophy for best B-52. Ryan is currently deployed in the Middle East and will be there until April or May 2018. Alyssa, we appreciate your contributions to the class notes, and we await Ryan’s safe return.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Juan Adams won his third professional fight Jan. 26, moving his record to 3-0 as a professional fighter. Congratulations on another win. You are number Juan in my heart; keep up the good work! Joe Kohm passed the Washington, D.C., Bar Exam and got his license to practice in D.C. at the end of 2017. Jonathan Vignali graduated from medical school in May 2017, and Timothy Potter still hasn’t donated any money. Caroline Clubb has managed to keep a human being alive for more than 18 months, and we all couldn’t be prouder. Sam Busche won first place in the stein hoisting competition at the 2016 Fort Benning Oktoberfest. He was unable to defend his title in 2017 because of his extended stay at Ranger School, but we look forward to his return to drinking in 2018.

Very respectfully, Samuel Guidry

2015

Johnny McDonald

Brother Rats, I hope everyone is doing well. Not many updates from the class this time around, but let’s jump into what we do have. Will Connerley got his wings in April 2017 and after completing his assignment at Patrol Squadron 30 in Jacksonville, Florida, he will head to Patrol Squadron 47, VP-47, at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington, to fly the P-8 Poseidon. Will also got married Jan. 5, 2018, to his beautiful and lovely wife, Mariah. He told me some stories about some of the BRs running the dance floor. I had to keep some of the details out to make sure this stays PG, but

2018-Issue 2

apparently Thomas Stallings and Dakota Nicely know their way around the dance floor. On June 17, 2017, Fredrick Walker married the love of his life, Laura Rowe. They are currently living in Camp Pendleton, California, where Fredrick is a second lieutenant serving as a public affairs officer with the 3rd Marine Air Wing. Tessa White also sent me an update. She has a lot to say, so I am going to do the old copy/ paste. (Help Received: Tessa White.) “Hey, again! I’m out at Red Flag 18-1 at Nellis Air Force Base. Ran into John Tyler Lancaster ’17, who’s now a second lieutenant stationed here. Otherwise, not much else is new with me and Mitchell White, although he’s currently slated to go to Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course in the summer. We’ve been keeping in touch with Michael Hale (doing a victory lap at the ‘Mother I’), Patrick Finn (who’s getting married in April, but that’s all I’ll say on that, since that’s his business) and Matt Clausen (last I heard, he was going to Ranger School), and they’re all doing well. Also, Madeleine Julienne was up in the great white north doing great stuff in the civilian sector last I chatted with her. I’ll message again if I forgot anything else, but all’s quiet on the western front.” Thanks to Tessa for always having an update for the class notes! As always, it is good to hear from you all; keep the updates coming. Hope everyone is doing well.

Feel free to reach out to me at any time if you need anything. Whole damn team, Johnny

2016

Jacob Norris

Patrick Hine

BRs, I hope everyone had a nice holiday and is ready for 2018. We have a lot to list in the Review this time around. Congratulations to Chris and Mackenzie Jones as they welcomed their 7-pound, 8-ounce daughter, Mary Jane, Feb. 2. John Bowles was married May 6 at Sierra Vista in Bedford, Virginia, to Brooke Craighead, whose father, Don ’84, and brother, Drew ’15, were both in Company B. Bowles is headed to Pensacola for Marine Corps flight school. Ryker Convento did the class proud, graduating from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Academy in December. He was named valedictorian and elected as the honor recruit. Ryker has stated his house in L.A. is open to any BRs if anyone needs a place to stay in the area. Wes Barta is currently attending the Rutgers School of Law with a projected graduation date of May 2019. Jin Lee entered the active component Feb. 26, 2018, attending the Cyber BOLC course at Fort Gordon in March. Giustino Iuliano is still working for Turner Construction in Washington, D.C., on a 5-star Hilton Hotel project with a grand opening projected for October of this year. He met up with Gus Sortino and Michael Ahlgrim over the holidays. Both are Marine officers; Class of 2015: Fredrick Walker with his wife, Laura, at their wedding. Mike is in California for communications and Gus is in North

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Class Notes

Class of 2016: Daniel and Ashley Warner were married in May 2017.

Class of 2016: Ryker Convento graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Academy in December 2018.

Class of 2016: John and Brooke Bowles were married May 6, 2017.

Carolina with the artillery. Morgan Thomas got engaged Dec. 12 to fiancé Adam Moore. John D’Antonio and wife Felicia welcomed their son, Giovanni Joseph D’Antonio, to the world Dec. 21. Daniel Warner graduated VMI in December 2016 and married his wife, Ashley, in April 2017. He commissioned U.S. Air Force in May 2017. He was stationed at Warner-Robins Air Force Base in July 2017 and named propulsion flight commander. He graduated Sheppard Air Force Base AMOC in November 2017 and had his marriage celebration in December 2017 with John Merten as the best man. Daniel and Ashley are getting

ready for the birth of their daughter, Riley Alliance Warner, due April 1, 2018. Keep Dillon Wright, Christian Rowcliffe, Tommy Lester, Muizz Valiani and all BRs not listed in your thoughts, as all are currently deployed.

2017

Benjamin Stewart

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2017.

Class of 2016: Mary Jane Jones, daughter of Chris and Mackenzie Jones, was born Feb. 20, 2018. 158

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Baby Keydets

Have you updated your alumni profile lately?

HAMILTON – a daughter, Jocelyn Elanora, to Sarah and Craig Hamilton ’04, Dec. 13, 2017. WALTON – a daughter, Ava, to Amanda and Thomas H. Walton Jr. ’04, May 16, 2017.

Keeping your information up to date ensures the latest news from the Institute and its alumni reaches you.

Marriages

SIEBENALER – Natalie Graver to Jared Siebenaler ’08, Nov. 4, 2017. WHITMAN – Jordan E. Moore to Lucas M. Whitman ’10, Nov. 25, 2017. LIGHTON – Shelby Lowery to Tyler “T.J.” Lighton ’15, Oct. 21, 2017. MEADOWS – Nicole M. Fought to Matthew D. Meadows ’15, Aug. 20, 2017.

New users: www.vmialumni.org/newuser Returning users: www.vmialumni.org/myproﬁle

VMI’s 10 Most Senior Alumni According to the records of the VMI Alumni Association, the people listed below constitute the 10 senior alumni of the Institute. Please contact the Alumni Review staff if any errors are noted.

James C. Sherman ’35 Robert C. Maling ’41

2018-Issue 2

March 31, 1914 Aug. 16, 1919

Harry J. Siebert ’42

Jan. 25, 1920

C.W. Abbitt ’41

May 25, 1920

John Y. Embrey ’42

June 17, 1920

B.W. Baker ’42

July 1, 1920

George Eng ’43

July 6, 1920

Jack N. Williams ’41

Sept. 8,1920

Donald H. Foster ’43

Dec. 24, 1920

W. Settle Frank ’43

Jan. 20, 1921

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Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

2027 (cont.)

2022 John Etheridge

APPOINTEE’S NAME

Robert J. Etheridge ’82

Father

John W.A. Darby

John L. Darby III ’92

Father

Edwin P. Whitfield Jr. ’57

Cousin

Iain A. Hodge

Richard D. Hodge ’01

Father

Emily T. Maeger

Henry V. Maeger ’69

Grandfather

Colin Shea

William A. Shea ’13

Brother

2023 Paul A. Cardoni

Charles W. Fanshaw ’82

Uncle

William W. Hundley

Buzz Birzenieks ’64

Great-uncle

2028

Jacob S. Nilsson

Erik R. Nilsson ’93

Father

Colin James

Richard L. Joyner ’01

Step-father

Sean M. Reynolds

Joseph J. Leonard Jr. ’83

Uncle

Anwar Kareem

Oscar R. Williams ’88

Uncle

Cameron Schuler

Patrick J. Schuler ’93

Father

Jacob Versoza

Alfredo M. Versoza ’89

Father

William A. Spencer

James F. Florio ’88

Uncle

Jeremy G. Chuidian ’11

Cousin

Bruce H. Weiner ’67

Grandfather

Caleb E. Weiner 2024 George M. Dawson

Nathaniel P. Dawson

Joshua K. James Conner Manual

Michael K. Dawson ’87

Father

2029

Frederick M. Dawson ’13

Brother

Shane W. Hodge

Richard D. Hodge ’01

Father

Nathaniel W. Pendleton Jr. ’57

Grandfather

Sawyer Kingsbury

Matthew T.T. Thompson ’14

Uncle

Nathaniel W. Pendleton III ’87

Uncle

Benjamin A. Colonna ’864

Cousin

John A. Tartala ’18

Cousin

John O. Colonna ’79

Cousin

Nathaniel W. Pendleton ’921

Great-grandfather

Sean G. Cyr ’21

Cousin

William N. Pendleton ’63

Great-uncle

John R. Studt ’83

Father

William N. Pendleton Jr. ’94

Cousin

Michael K. Dawson ’87

Father

2030

Frederick M. Dawson ’13

Brother

Cassandra R. James

Nathaniel W. Pendleton Jr. ’57

Grandfather

Nathaniel W. Pendleton III ’87

Uncle

John A. Tartala ’18

Cousin

Nathaniel W. Pendleton ’921 William N. Pendleton ’63 William N. Pendleton Jr. ’94

Cousin

Gregory J. Diamontopulos ’75

Step-grandfather

Peter A. Diamontopulos ’13

Step-uncle

Timothy J. Felts ’04

Step-father

John A. Studt

Gregory J. Diamontopulos ’75 Step-grandfather Peter A. Diamontopulos ’13

Step-uncle

Adam M. Maurer ’95

Father

C.F. William Maurer III ’61

Grandfather

Great-grandfather

James K. Maurer ’65

Great-uncle

Robert C. Maurer ’69

Great-uncle

Paul A. Robblee Jr. ’66

Grandfather

Michael B. Robblee ’70

Uncle

Adam W. Sheldon ’04

Father

William D. Harvey ’75

Great-uncle

Karl Maurer

Madison G. Robblee Mason Sheldon

Benjamin W. Felts ’09

Uncle

Paul D. Sheldon ’07

Uncle

Erin K. Reynolds

Joseph J. Leonard Jr. ’83

Uncle

Christopher S. Harvey ’07

Cousin

Kaitlin D. Reynolds

Joseph J. Leonard Jr. ’83

Uncle Lily A. Brown

James E. Brown III ’76

Father

Taryn R. Leonard

Joseph J. Leonard Jr. ’83

Uncle

Sean J. Maeger

Henry V. Maeger ’69

Grandfather

Tyler Rhyne

Stephen W. Rhyne ’04

Father

Abigail Rucker

Karl J. Painter ’96

Step-father

William W. Mears ’56

Great-uncle

Adam M. Maurer ’95

Father

C.F. William Maurer III ’61

Grandfather

2031 2025 John H. Osborn

John H. Osborn ’89

Father

2026 Kaden James

Richard L. Joyner ’01

Step-father

Liam J. Leonard

Joseph J. Leonard Jr. ’83

Uncle

Max J. Weiner

Bruce H. Weiner ’67

Grandfather 2032 Emma Maurer

2027 William Bernards

160

James N. Wahlgren ’02

Step-father

VMI Alumni Review

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME Anna E. Wilson (cont.)

James K. Maurer ’65

Great-uncle

Robert C. Maurer ’69

Great-uncle

Alexander J. Mehl

Richard R. Mehl ’90

Father

2039

Clay P. Robblee

Paul A. Robblee Jr. ’66

Grandfather

Leo G.M. Bass

Michael B. Robblee ’70

Uncle

Emma Maurer (cont.)

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Laurence B. Wilson ’934

Great-grandfather

Sampson H. Bass Jr. ’51

Great-great-

Kyle C. Pfeiffer ’03

Cousin

grandfather Grant H. Pfeiffer ’07

Cousin

Jonas A. Hilton

Charles F. Hilton ’80

Grandfather

Ava Boss

Nicholas Kallelis ’57

Great-grandfather

Grace A. Murray

Richard M. Lloyd ’71

Grandfather

John S. Brown

John C. Ishon ’69

Grandfather

Edward Pearson III

Edward A. Pearson II ’00

Father

Cole H.W. Chardon

Wilson E.D. Shepherd ’50B

Grandfather

Zoe Rider

Gennaro A. Aveta ’72

Grandfather

Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. ’917

Great-great-

Nolan Sheldon

Adam W. Sheldon ’04

Father

William D. Harvey ’75

Great-uncle

Elena G. Chudy

Lawrence M. Ryan ’68

Grandfather

Paul D. Sheldon ’07

Uncle

Avery H. Dawson

James P. Dawson ’70

Grandfather

Christopher S. Harvey ’07

Cousin

Braydon M. Dawson

James P. Dawson ’70

Grandfather

Edward J. Desch IV

Edward J. Desch III ’10

Father

Dustin D. Desch ’13

Uncle

Kevin J. Keilty ’83

Great-uncle

Timothy M. Keilty ’86

Great-uncle

John P. Keilty ’10

Cousin

2033

grandfather

2034 Colton Rhyne

Stephen W. Rhyne ’04

Father

2035 Bryce R. Murray

Richard M. Lloyd ’71

Grandfather

Landon T. Driggs

James C. Driggs ’05

Father

Preston Zhang

Yu Zhang ’03

Father

Bryce C. Eland

Drew M. Eland ’04

Father

Samuel L. Engelhard

Cory D. Engelhard ’05

Father

Derek C. Engelhard ’00

Uncle

William R. Frizzell ’09

Father

Louis S. Wise ’865

Ancestor

2036 Cleo Rider

Gennaro A. Aveta ’72

Grandfather

William R. Frizzell II

John S. Wise ’866

Ancestor

Sania J. Ahmed

Ahad F. Ahmed ’10

Father

Hugh D. Wise ’891

Ancestor

Harper G. Buchman

Mark A. Walrod ’78

Grandfather

Jennings C. Wise ’902

Ancestor

Maury A. Denton Jr.

Maury A. Denton ’07

Father

John W. Burton III ’70

Cousin

Michael C. Denton ’81

Grandfather

Algernon S. Buford ’934

Ancestor

Grafton D. Addison Jr. ’54

Great-grandfather

Lanier D. Buford ’38

Ancestor

Grafton D. Addison III ’82

Great-uncle

Henry A. Wise ’927

Ancestor

Grafton D. Addison IV ’11

Cousin

Anderson Wise ’60

Ancestor

Christian B. Addison ’14

Cousin

Henry A. Wise Jr. ’64

Cousin

Grafton D. Addison ’921

Great-great-

Richard S. Wise ’68

Cousin

Henry A. Wise ’84

Cousin

Caden V. Maeger

Henry V. Maeger ’69

Grandfather

Henry A. Wise III ’05

Cousin

Charles H. Soller

Adam K. Soller ’02

Father

Whitlock S. Galeski

John C. Ishon ’69

Grandfather

Callum J. Hodge

Richard D. Hodge ’01

Father

2037

grandfather

Jace Kunz

Carter L. Kunz ’10

Father

Rania J. Ahmed

Ahad F. Ahmed ’10

Father

Jaxson R. Kurz

Matthew J. Kurz ’05

Father

Arianna C. Carpenter

James J. Nau III ’82

Grandfather

Finnley Lochart

David N. Lochart ’10

Father

William T. Hughes

Joshua A. Hughes ’10

Father

Sarah E.B. McLellan

R.L. Terrell Williams ’74

Grandfather

Carolina E. Stratz

Brandon M. Stratz ’10

Father

McKinley J. Mikula

Matthew T. Mikula ’04

Father

Laurence B. Wilson Jr. ’62

Great-uncle

Ned M. Mikula ’71

Grandfather

2038

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161

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME McKinley J. Mikula

ALUMNUS-CLASS James B. Bradshaw Jr. ’09

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME

Uncle

William R. Correll Jr. (cont.)

(cont.)

James B. Bradshaw ’77

Grandfather

Ivy C. Miller

Charles F. Hilton ’80

Grandfather

David P. Neel

David R. Neel ’67

Grandfather

J. Bowles Pender ’62

Great-uncle

Colton L. Ringwald

John B. Spence ’62

Great-grandfather

James E. Sipes

Brandon J. Haenny ’05

Uncle

Gavin Walker

Nicholas Kallelis ’57

Great-grandfather

Emmett C. Wester

Kenneth W. Wester ’72

Grandfather

Jackson Williams

Oscar R. Williams ’88

Father

2040

ALUMNUS-CLASS Robert W. Webb ’882

RELATIONSHIP Great-great-greatgrandfather

Edwin J. Harvie ’855

Great-great-greatgreat-uncle

James S. Harvie ’867

Great-great-greatgreat-uncle

George T. Lee ’867

Great-great-greatgreat-uncle

Thomas G. Jefferson ’867

Cousin

James B. Harvie ’867

Cousin

Lewis E. Harvie Jr. ’863

Cousin

Tucker J. Crockett

William T. Crockett ’08

Father

Savannah E. James

Gregory J. Diamontopulos ’75

Step-grandfather

Peter A. Diamontopulos ’13

Step-uncle

Jackson Babcock

Matthew S. Babcock ’10

Father

William R. Correll Jr.

William R. Correll ’10

Father

Brooks H. Rankin

Derek R. Rankin ’05

Father

Boyd A. Correll Jr. ’05

Uncle

William R. Witcher Jr.

Charles R. Witcher ’05

Uncle

Armstead T. Harvie Jr. ’44

Great-great-uncle

John K. Witcher ’10

Uncle

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VMI Alumni Review

Taps Henry B. Johnson ’38 Henry Belt Johnson ’38 of Danville, Virginia, died Dec. 8, 2017. He was 102. Johnson matriculated from South Boston, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He is survived by his children, Anne Trent Johnson (Bohdan Boyko), Gwen Sojourner and Henry Alexander Johnson; and grandchildren, Ciel Clair Mahoney, Michael Henry Boyko, Virginia Anne Boyko, Courtney Alexander Johnson and Talbott Denmead Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Isabelle Marie Pyle Johnson, and four siblings.

Ira N. Saxe ’39 Ira Nelson Saxe ’39 of Houston, Texas, died Dec. 1, 2017. He was 99. Saxe matriculated from West Hurley, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his sons, Robert Nelson (Beth) and James Cotter (Carol); grandchildren, Lindy Kinnan, Katy Hardaway, John Saxe and Kitty Jones; and great-grandchildren, Cora Hardaway, Clara Hardaway, Cotter Hardaway, Cole Kinnan and Leigh Kinnan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy, and sisters.

Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40 Sol Waite Rawls Jr. ’40 of Franklin, Virginia, died Jan. 28, 2018. He was 98. His obituary appears in the front section of this Review issue.

Robert P. Smith ’40 Robert Pemberton “Bob” Smith ’40 died Nov. 10, 2017. He was 98. Smith matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Betty-Jane Bennett Smith; daughters, Pamela Smith Dials and Deborah Bennett Bailey; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. (Editor’s Note: Mr. Smith served the Class of 1940 as class agent at the time of his death.)

John P. Williams ’44 John Paxton Williams ’44 of Haddonfield, New Jersey, died Jan. 8, 2018. He was 95. Williams matriculated from Woodstock, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and both a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree

2018-Issue 2

from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is survived by his wife, Isabelle; son, Philip (Malvern); daughter, Ann (Hambry); four grandchildren; three sisters; and one brother. He was preceded in death by a brother and grandson.

George F. Floyd Jr. ’47 George Fred Floyd Jr. ’47 of MacHipongo, Virginia, died Dec. 29, 2017. He was 91. Floyd matriculated from Bridgetown, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than two years. He is survived by his son, George “Gee” Floyd III (Mary); daughter, Jenny Jacob Floyd; grandsons, Jacob “Jake” Floyd and Jason Floyd; and brother, Page Jacob Floyd. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Wilkins Floyd, and sister, Anne Bull Turner.

Grover C. Fawley Jr. ’48A Grover Clarence “G.C.” Fawley Jr. ’48A of Covington, Virginia, died Dec. 6, 2017. He was 91. Fawley matriculated from Covington and attended VMI for less than two years. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Lance Fawley (Melissa); daughters, Lora Barna (Jeff) and Sara Windham (Bruce); grandchildren, Hunter, Sam, Grace, Emma, Matt and Ben Fawley, Andrew, Katie and Lizzy Barna, and Alex, Eli, Jake and Max Windham. He was preceded in death by his sister, Bobbie Casey.

children, Debra, Dan (Cindy) and John (Gigi); grandchildren, Jeb Haley, Sarah McGlothlin (Aaron), Bradley Sweeney, Anna Sweeney, William Sweeney and Charles Sweeney; and his sister, Pat Shahrohki (Farshid). He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Bob Ellett.

Maximilian Lamont ’49C Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Maximilian “Max” Lamont ’49C of Tullahoma, Tennessee, died Jan. 25, 2018. He was 91. Lamont matriculated from Waterford, Virginia, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts. He is survived by his daughters, Hannah Lamont (Dr. William F. Messner) and Hilma Irene Lamont; grandchildren, Heather Kidd and Adam Tambor; and great-grandchildren, Dayanara E. Tambor and Jacob C. Tambor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hilma Anne Smeak Lamont, and sister, Mary Wade.

Thomas V. Eva ’50B Thomas Victor “Tom” Eva ’50B of Delray Beach, Florida, died Nov. 23, 2017. He was 89. Eva matriculated from Syracuse, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Julia Eva; daughter, Kathryn (Gregoire Aby-Eva); and sister, June Stone.

William M. Noftsinger ’49A

William A. Forrest Jr. ’50B

William Martin Noftsinger ’49A of Richmond, Virginia, died Nov. 17, 2017. He was 90. Noftsinger matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Anne; children, William M. Noftsinger Jr. (Rosemary), Fran Brooks (Jim), Margaret Childs (Gene), David Noftsinger (Sue) and Sara Noftsinger; 10 grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.

William W. Sweeney ’49B

William Alexander “Skip” Forrest Jr. ’50B of Henrico, Virginia, died Nov. 27, 2017. He was 88. Forrest matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Nelson Forrest; son, William “Alex” Forrest III (Paige); grandsons, Will, Hayden, Jack and Ben; and sister, Patricia Davis (Ed). He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Forrest Finberg.

The Hon. William Whitney “Bill” Sweeney ’49B of Lynchburg, Virginia, died Nov. 5, 2017. He was 89. Sweeney matriculated from Lynchburg and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in history from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Nada M. Sweeney;

David Grove Stafford Jr. ’50B of Alexandria, Louisiana, died Dec. 7, 2017. He was 89. Stafford matriculated from Alexandria and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University and his Bachelor of Laws

David G. Stafford Jr. ’50B

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Taps degree from Tulane University. He is survived by his wife, Claudia Stafford; children, Belle Stafford, Grove Stafford, Beryl Stafford, Jimmy Stafford, Peggy Stafford Shires (John) and Lee Stafford; step-children, Trey Hughes and Kim Hughes; grandchildren, James, Emily, Isabelle and Serena Stafford, Alexandra and Belle Kammer, and Ava Harrison; and sister, Patty Daniel. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Belle “Tita” Saint O’Neill; brother, Graham Stafford; and sister, Emily McNeely.

William A. Thomas ’50B William Allison Thomas ’50B of Norfolk, Virginia, died Dec. 8, 2017. He was 90. Thomas matriculated from Norfolk and attended VMI for one year. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hofler Thomas; daughters, Sally Thompson and Molly Angevine; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Susan T. Duerson; brother, Heth T. Thomas; and sister-in-law, Betty Thomas. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Currie; son, William Allison Thomas Jr.; brother, Vincent J. Thomas ’43, who died Nov. 7, 2015; and former wife, Minor Jordan McNamara.

Thomas M. Ward Jr. ’50B Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Thomas Martin Ward Jr. ’50B of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Jan. 9, 2018. He was 89. Ward matriculated from Rockwood, Tennessee, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Rhode Island. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; children, Mr. and Mrs. David Ward, Mr. and Mrs. David Brown, Mr. and Mrs. James Ward, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Weldon, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Madson; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Sidney A. Hannah ’51 Sidney Allison “Sid” Hannah ’51, Ph.D., of Cincinnati, Ohio, died Jan. 1, 2018. He was 87. Hannah matriculated from Clifton Forge, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned

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his Master of Science degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Florida. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Hannah.)

Ewen J. Hill ’51 Ewen Jackson “Sookie” Hill ’51 of Chester, Virginia, died Jan. 21, 2018. He was 88. Hill matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Goodwyn Hill; sons, James Christian Hill (Doug Kleffner) and Thomas Bruce Hill ’85 (Taren); grandchildren, Andrew N. Hill and Grace A. Hill; and step-grandson, Draven Thomas.

John L. Nichols ’51 Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Lee “Jack” Nichols ’51 of Asheville, North Carolina, died Dec. 13, 2017. He was 91. Nichols matriculated from Kane, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University and Master of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Barnard Nichols.

Joseph F. Scrudato ’51

David R. White Jr. ’52 David Richard “Dave” White Jr. ’52 of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, died Dec. 18, 2017. He was 88. White matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his children, Sophie Ann Maness (Roger), David White Jr. (Leigh); step-children, Melanie Rankin (Bill) and Kee Marshall (Jim); grandchildren, Sophie Ann, Jerry, Jennifer, Matthew, Camille, Parker, Caroline, Will, Sam and Frank; and special friend, Emily Clark.

John A. Moncrief ’53 John Arthur Moncrief ’53 of Flatonia, Texas, died Nov. 9, 2017. He was 86. Moncrief matriculated from Houston, Texas, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, John Arthur, Thomas Stephen and Timothy Sichol; brother, Stephen; grandchildren, Alexandra, William, Jason, Colt and Travis; and great-grandchildren, Junah, Conrad and Mac Arthur.

John M. Townes III ’53

John Minor “Jack” Townes III ’53 of White Joseph F. Scrudato ’51 of Brick, New Jersey, Stone, Virginia, died Jan. 19, 2018. died Dec. 2, 2017. He was 88. He was 86. Scrudato matriculated from Cateret, Townes matriculated from RichNew Jersey, and attended VMI for mond, Virginia, and earned his one year. Bachelor of Science degree in civil He is survived by his wife, Carla; engineering from VMI. daughters, Vanessa and Claudette; He is survived by his wife, Merson-in-law, Jonathan; grandson, edith Ann Townes; sons, Timberlake Quinn; and granddaughters, Kaya, Meredith Townes (Anne Maureen) Mara and Kacie. and Stephen Fleming Townes (fianHe was preceded in death by his cée Sheila Gibson); and grandchilbrother, Phil. John Phillip, Meghan Anne, Townes ’53 dren, Stephen Fleming Jr., Joshua Ryan Douglas W. Talbot ’52 and Shelby Katherine Townes. Douglas William “Doug” Talbot ’52 of He was preceded in death by his son, John MiVirginia Beach, Virginia, died Dec. 9, 2017. nor Townes IV, and sister, Sara Deane Cheely. He was 82. Rudi Ansbacher Jr. ’55 Talbot matriculated from Beacon, New Rudi Ansbacher Jr. ’55, M.D., of Ann ArYork, and earned his Bachelor of Science bor, Michigan, died Jan. 3, 2018. He was 83. degree in civil engineering from VMI. Ansbacher matriculated from Rockville He is survived by his children, Beth Hebenstreit, Marianne Talbot (Boots), Cyndi Centre, Long Island, New York, and was Deppe and Doug Talbot Jr; six grandchildren; a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning brother, Dick Talbot; and sister, Sue Swager. a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from

VMI Alumni Review

Taps VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan and Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Tissy; son, Todd (Lara); and two siblings. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeff, and sister.

Ralph G. Crockett ’55 Ralph Gordon “Dave” Crockett ’55 of Trinidad, Texas, died Jan. 24, 2018. He was 85. Crockett matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Crockett.)

David F. Woolwine ’55 Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Franklin Woolwine ’55 of Mandeville, Louisiana, died Nov. 25, 2017. He was 85. Woolwine matriculated from Abingdon, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, David F. Woolwine Jr. ’79 (Cindy) and Stephen M. Woolwine ’84 (Jill); daughter, Susan Malik (Patrick); granddaughters, Jessica, Ashley, Caitlin and Lauren; grandsons, Chris, Shane, Patrick and Aaron; and great-grandchildren, Jackson, Abby, Bella, Hudson, C.J., Henry and Harper. He was preceded in death by his son, Joel W. Woolwine; brothers, Lewis, Jim, Fred, Woody, Robert, Dewey and Samuel E. Woolwine ’58, who died May 20, 2016; and sister, Winona.

Edward J. Alex ’56 Edward James “E.J.” Alex ’56 of Matthews, North Carolina, died Oct. 27, 2017. He was 83. Alex matriculated from Painesville, Ohio, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Karen Bender, Judith Pogue, Mary Clancy, Edward J. Alex Jr., Joseph Baker Alex, Michael C. Alex and Susan Lane; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

William H. Ball Jr. ’56 William Haskel Ball Jr. ’56 of Burlington, North Carolina, died June 15, 2017. He was 82. Ball matriculated from Barbourville, Kentucky, and attended VMI for one year. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ball;

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sons, retired U.S. Army Col. Robert L. Ball (Sally Spears), Richard T. Ball (Debbie Ridge) and Rev. Barry D.S. Ball (Sandra Steiner); six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert C. Ball.

Frank L. Beale ’56 Frank Lloyd Beale ’56 of Franklin, Virginia, died Nov. 5, 2017. He was 83. Beale matriculated from Franklin and attended VMI for four years. He is survived by his wife, Patricia B. Beale; sons, Frank “Chip” L. Beale Jr. (Beckie) and Stephen B. Beale (Rita); and grandchildren, Andrea, Gregory and Stephen “B.” He was preceded in death by his siblings, James I. Beale III, Peggy Keller and Anne Parmelee.

Richard E. Hoyt ’56 Retired U.S. Army Col. Richard Eugene “Dick” Hoyt ’56 of Melbourne, Florida, died in December 2017. He was 83. Hoyt matriculated from Albany, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Hoyt.)

Kent B. Johnson Jr. ’56 Kent Buell Johnson Jr. ’56 of Norfolk, Virginia, died Nov. 18, 2017. He was 83. Johnson matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He is survived by his wife, Carol H. Taaffe; son, Kent Buell Johnson III; daughter, Anne Perry Johnson Todd (Allen); and grandchildren, Harriet Mendoza Todd and Allen Robertson Todd Jr.

James Vitagliano ’56 James “Jim” Vitagliano ’56 of Leesburg, Virginia, died Aug. 28, 2017. He was 82. Vitagliano matriculated from Paterson, New Jersey, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie, and sisters-in-law, Elaine Remely and Claudia Killian. He was preceded in death by his sister, Faye Vitagliano.

Thomas F. Ayres ’57 Thomas F. Ayres ’57 of Bridgewater, Virginia, died Jan. 2, 2018. He was 82.

Ayres matriculated from South River, New Jersey, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Elon College and Master of Education degree from Rutgers University. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Busco Ayres; daughters, Colleen Bagarello and Karen Bodah (Keith); sons, Thomas (Brook and Matthew (Cindy); 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ellen Louk, and son-in-law, Tom Bagarello.

Eugene C. Smith ’57 Eugene Chambers Smith ’57 of Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, died Oct. 2, 2017. He was 83. Smith matriculated from Cohasset, Massachusetts, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Graham Smith; daughter, Michele J. Maghini (Paul); and grandchildren, Taylor Rose Maghini and Hannah Grace Maghini. He was preceded in death by his brothers, John Allen Smith Jr. and Donald Wales Smith.

Gene S. Balderson ’58 Gene Stafford Balderson ’58 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Jan. 22, 2018. He was 80. Balderson matriculated from Reedville, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Shelby Parrish Balderson; children and grandchildren, Ridgely Ingersoll, George Ingersoll, David Ingersoll, John Ingersoll, Hatton Balderson, Judy Balderson, Scott Balderson, Christina Balderson, Carter Balderson, Isabel Balderson, John Balderson, Caroline Balderson, Christopher Balderson, Cameron Balderson, David Thompson and Denise Thompson; and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Gagnon.

Robert A. Jordan ’58 Robert Allison “Bobby” Jordan ’58 of Radford, Virginia, died Jan. 4, 2018. He was 81. Jordan matriculated from Radford and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Diana Jordan; son, Robert L. Jordan (Tatiana); daughters, Jill Phillips (Jeff) and Constance Washam (Charles); grandchildren, Jordan, Margo, Art and Shannon; great-granddaughter, Ryan; and sister, Lee Slusher (Jim).

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Taps Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59 Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles Hal Dayhuff III ’59 of Griffin, Georgia, died Jan. 1, 2018. He was 80. Dayhuff matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Angeline Slade Cribb Dayhuff; sons, Richard Edward Cribb Dayhuff (Pam) and Charles Hal Dayhuff IV (Latrelle); daughter, Martha Claire Dayhuff Rhodes (Wiley); 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and sister, Marian Alicia Dayhuff Dorsie (Joe). He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Duke Dayhuff Collins.

Ira H. Eskridge Jr. ’59 Ira Hibbett “Sonny” Eskridge Jr. ’59 of Montgomery, Alabama, died Nov. 2, 2017. He was 79. Eskridge matriculated from Prattville, Alabama, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Eskridge Mantooth (Reg); sons, Thomas Chandler Eskridge and William Inge Eskridge (Josie); grandchildren, Thomas Chandler Eskridge Jr., William Inge Eskridge Jr., Virginia Reed Eskridge, Dora Gunter Eskridge, Robert Haas Eskridge, William Parker Mantooth and Margaret Inge Mantooth; and sister, Sue Eskridge Fisher. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Inge Eskridge.

California, died Jan. 2, 2018. He was 78. Ward matriculated from Mobile, Alabama, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Ward.)

Farrell B. Carter ’62 Farrell Braswell “Skip” Carter ’62 of North Chesterfield, Virginia, died Oct. 1, 2017. He was 78. Carter matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for three years. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Carter.)

James W. Dean ’62 James William “Jimmy” Dean ’62 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died Nov. 13, 2017. He was 77. Dean matriculated from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his son, Scott F. Dean (Nicole R. Upah); daughter, Susan Dean Richardson (Thomas); granddaughter, Hannah G. Richardson; grandson, John W. Richardson; and brothers, Graham E. Dean ’66 (Sandra) and John W. Dean (Beth).

Walter C. Perrin II ’62 Walter Catesby “Walt” Perrin II ’62 of Atlanta, Georgia, died Nov. 26, 2017. He was 77. His obituary appears in the front section of this Review issue.

Donald M. Giles ’64

Donald Moore “Don” Giles ’64 of LynchJames J. DiBella ’61 burg, Virginia, died Jan. 20, 2018. Retired U.S. Army National Guard He was 76. Brig. Gen. James Jack DiBella ’61 of Giles matriculated from Lynchburg Brigatine, New Jersey, died Nov. 19, and earned his Bachelor of Arts de2017. He was 79. gree in history from VMI. DiBella matriculated from Lock He is survived by his wife, FranHaven, Pennsylvania, and attended ces Jones Giles; daughters, Dabney VMI for one year. Treacy (Mike) and Kennon White He is survived by his wife, Joanne; (Charlie); grandchildren, Helen, son, James Wynn DiBella (Lisa); Aidan, and Sam Treacy and George daughter, Lisa DiBella-Vargo (Jacob); and Lucy White; and brother, William grandchildren, James Wynn Dibella Giles ’64 V. “Billy” Giles Jr. (Leigh). Jr., Michael Jack DiBella, and Ashley Diane DiBella; and sister, Darla William C. Thompson Jr. ’64 Caprio. William Carrington “Bill” Thompson Jr. ’64 He was preceded in death by his brother, of Stockton, California, died Dec. 26, 2017. Anthony Caprio. He was 75. George T. Ward Jr. ’61 Thompson matriculated from Chatham, George Thorpe Ward Jr. ’61 of West Covina, Virginia, and was a distinguished graduate of

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VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Arkansas and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Tracy Thompson Lynn and William C. Thompson III; step-children, Michael and Eric Acuff; and grandchildren, Sophia and Chloe Lynn and Fiona, Lily, and Alice Thompson.

Daniel W. Burger Jr. ’66 Daniel Warwick Burger Jr. ’66 of Camden, South Carolina, died Jan. 14, 2018. He was 73. Burger matriculated from Lexington, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Baule and Emily Reeder; sons, Daniel Burger III and Andrew Burger; seven grandchildren; sister, Anna Womeldorf; and former wife, Anne Burger.

John F. McFarland ’66 John Ford “Jack” McFarland ’66 of Arlington, Virginia, died April 22, 2017. He was 72. McFarland matriculated from Arlington and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. McFarland.)

Skidmore N. Garrett Jr. ’67 Skidmore Neale “Skid” Garrett Jr. ’67 of Jamestown, Tennessee, died Nov. 24, 2017. He was 72. Garrett matriculated from Cumberland, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in math from VMI. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Blair Garrett; and sons, Camm Garrett, Samual Neale Garrett and Blair Allen Garrett. He was preceded in death by his parents, to include his father, Skidmore Neale Garrett Sr. ’932, who died, March 26, 1965.

Daniel Henon ’68 Daniel “Dan” Henon ’68 of Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee, died Dec. 4, 2017. He was 71. Henon matriculated from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended VMI for one year. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Henon; sons, Daniel T. Henon, Sean P. Henon (Rebecca) and

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Andrew D. Henon; daughter, Mary Beth Henon; sister, Carole Henon Jayne (Bruce); sister-in-law, Elaine Peters Gannon (Eddie); and brothers-in-law, Greg Peters (Rose) and Jim Bailey (Diann). He was preceded in death by his sister, Maria Henon O’Brien.

Christopher K. Phillips ’68 Christopher Keith Phillips ’68 of Newport News, Virginia, died Nov. 27, 2017. He was 70. Phillips matriculated from Newport News and attended VMI for less than two years. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Phillips; son, Christopher Keith Phillips Jr. (Martha Greer Glenn Phillips); daughter, Samantha Phillips Brookman; and grandchildren, Parker Phillips and Hayden Gay Brookman and Harper Mae, Gray Alexander, and Wellington Anne Phillips.

Joseph B. Farrar Jr. ’69 Joseph Beverley Farrar Jr. ’69 of Staunton, Virginia, died Dec. 3, 2017. He was 71. Farrar matriculated from Blackstone, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He is survived by his children, Bev Farrar, Field Farrar (Carter) and Frances Fields (Frank); granddaughter, Genevieve; sisters, Mimi Farrar-Dixon, Katherine Willard and Farley Farrar; and brothers, Syd and John Farrar.

John R. Cranford ’71 John Reed Cranford ’71 of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, died Nov. 22, 2017. He was 69. Cranford matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Belden Cranford; children, John Cranford (Meg), Dorian Joy Jones (Riley) and Robert Cranford (fiancée Laura); grandchildren, Katherine, Sara, Wade and Bridget; and brothers, Dr. James Cranford (Carol) and W. McAvoy Cranford (Becky).

Robert E. Wiseman ’71 Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Elmer Wiseman ’71 of Moneta, Virginia, died Jan. 16, 2018. He was 68. Wiseman matriculated from Waynesboro, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Golden Gate University. He is survived by his wife, Mary Graham Wiseman.

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Lewis M. Preas ’72 Lewis Michael “Mike” Preas ’72 of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, died Dec. 31, 2017. He was 67. Preas matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Tina Gurganus Preas; daughter, Brooke Childs (Chris); sons, Brad Preas (Jackie) and Craig Preas (Brittany); grandchildren, Connor and Abby Childs, and Carter, Braxton, Maci, Nikki, and Leah Preas; and brother, Steve Preas.

Harry Topliss III ’72 Harry Topliss III ’72 of Prescott, Arizona, died Nov. 27, 2017. He was 67. Topliss matriculated from Atlanta, Georgia, and attended VMI for less than two years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia State University and his Master of Business Administration degree from Golden Gate University. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Topliss.)

Warren J. Richards ’73 Warren Joel Richards ’73 of Salt Lake City, Utah, died Nov. 2, 2017. He was 66. Richards matriculated from Richfield, Utah, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He is survived by his siblings, Carolyn Richards, Deann Baxter (Steven), Brent L. Richards and Sharon Rodger (Rick). He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan.

Cliff M. Biram Jr. ’74 Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Cliff M. Biram Jr. ’74 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died Nov. 21, 2017. He was 65. Biram matriculated from Brilliant, Ohio, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Troy State University. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Biram.)

Charles M. Alston ’80 Charles Michael “Mike” Alston ’80 of Vienna, Virginia, died Jan. 30, 2018. He was 59. Alston matriculated from Devon, Pennsylvania, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Cole-Alston;

sons, Christopher R. Alston and Brandon C. Alston; sister, Yvette Alston-Pepper; and sistersin-law, A. Beverly and Francine M. Cole.

George W. Headley ’85 George William Headley ’85 of Madison, Wisconsin, died Nov. 20, 2017. He was 54. Headley matriculated from New Orleans, Louisiana, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Melina Young Headley; brother, Christ Headley (Carol); and sisters, Jill Headley Poole, Kirk Headley Perdue and Hope Edwards. He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret “Didi” Headley.

McDonald Wellford III ’12 McDonald “Mac” Wellford III ’12 of Richmond, Virginia, died Dec. 1, 2017. He was 27. Wellford earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his mother, Joanne Kastelberg Wellford, and sisters, Margaret “Megan” Wellford Hollomon (Matt) and Kelley McDonald Wellford. He was preceded in death by his father, McDonald “Mac” Wellford Jr.

VMI Family Susan H. Barr Colonel Susan H. Barr, Ph.D., of Fairfield, Virginia, died Nov. 22, 2017. She was 66. Barr served VMI as assistant dean of faculty and chief information officer. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Wayne Barr, and mother, Nancy Lee Hignite.

Lyman H. Hammond Jr. Retired U.S. Army Col. Lyman H. Hammond Jr. of Norfolk, Virginia, died Nov. 18, 2017. He was 90. Hammond previously taught at VMI. He is survived by his son, Hutch (Lynn); daughter, Ann (Wesley Page); grandson, Mark Sawyer (Jackie); and great-granddaughter, Emma Page Sawyer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Ann.

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After Taps David G. Allen ’71 by Carl W. Biersack ’71 David G. Allen ’71 often looked past the temporal positions in life and considered how we may contribute to the lives of others. He did this in barracks and especially later in life, when an automobile accident confined him to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. David was a humble, streetwise observer of cultural America who was fearless in calling out false and pretentious assertions, but he did it with grace and humor so that even the criticized shared in the laugh. He was a source of inspiration and encouragement and a tower of strength to many. From our first meeting in barracks when I took note of his intelligence and thoughtfulness to my last email from him on the day of his death, he was my brother rat. I’ve heard it said that not many of us are lucky

enough to find one golden acorn, but David found and cultivated several (a side business to highway construction, a cattle farm to a bank). To say he was a frequent contributor on politics and economics to a number of publications is like saying there are mountains in his beloved West Virginia where he lived for all the years of life, save the Lexington detour where his VMI footprint was as deep as his father’s and as wide as his brother’s. His writing was pithy, witty and drove many to a dictionary, but in the end, we understood his logic and agreed with his points. He was a generous man whose philanthropic interests were diverse and meaningful. David will be missed, but he believed that God will fill our void.

Cliff M. Biram Jr. ’74 by John Valenstein ’74 Sometimes it is after the fact that we realize a friend, associate or relative affected our life in ways that we never understood. Such is the case of Cliff M. Biram Jr. ’74 of Raleigh, North Carolina. Cliff was a self-described “small town boy,” born and raised in the steel mill country of Brilliant, Ohio, on the banks of the Ohio River. In the midst of this tightly-knit community of family and friends, he acquired the character and traits that later made him so respected among his brother rats and so recognized by his colleagues: His strong Christian faith, sense of honor, duty, fairness, leadership and humility, leavened with dry wit and occasional mischief. It was here that he played organized athletics from age 8, hardened his body working in the steel mills and met his life’s love, who would become his wife of 43 years until his death. Cliff ’s life of service to country was foreshadowed by his career at the Institute. He doggedly pursued an electrical engineering degree and became the chairman of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers at VMI. He applied an equal amount of energy and commitment as an NCAA athlete for four years. He lettered in football and was one of the players to help make the key game-winning tackle against Virginia Tech in his last career game in his 1st Class year. As a 3rd and a 2nd Class cadet, he took perverse pride in being what he called a “who’s nobody” living on the “Gold Coast.” It was this sense of humor, equanimity and justice that earned him the moniker “Sweet Clifford” and made him one of the bridges in the usual divide between rankers and jocks throughout his cadetship. It would lead him into the occasional prank, like setting off a bomb on the Parade Ground to test the homemade firing device he constructed to demonstrate his mastery of his electrical engineering circuits class. But as a 1st Class cadet, it would also earn him a position as a platoon leader in Company F and the respect of his brother rats, such that he was called upon to be the Honor Court recorder. A distinguished student in Air Force ROTC, he commissioned as

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a second lieutenant and went on to a career as a communications officer overseeing installation and maintenance of communications in the U.S., Germany, Turkey, the Azores and the Philippines and as a commander of communications sites in Western Europe. Cliff was a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College. When he retired from the Air Force in 1994, he started what would become a very distinguished career as a senior executive for the U.S. Postal Service in information technology. At the time of his accident, Cliff was the manager of telecommunications services for the U.S. Postal Service. He was responsible for all data network, telecommunications and radio services with an annual budget of over $270 million and a network connecting more than 37,000 unique locations – more retail locations in the United States than McDonalds, Walmart and Starbucks combined. His organization also provided law enforcement life safety radio services to the Postal Inspection Service and serviced military bases throughout the world. Universally, his colleagues and subordinates describe him as a thoughtful but decisive professional, unstinting in his demand for excellence yet genuinely concerned for the welfare and development of his people – a true leader and mentor. The plaques that the Postal Service dedicated to his memory at its Raleigh complex speak to his influence on the service and how he touched every employee and customer of the USPS. One of his fellow executives in the USPS mused “that they may never know the level of knowledge, service and capabilities Cliff brought to them.” On Nov. 21, 2017, Cliff succumbed to severe injuries suffered Saturday, Nov. 11 – Founders and Veterans Day – when he was struck in a crosswalk by a vehicle near his home in Raleigh. He is survived by his wife, Twana; sons, Cliff III and Paul; brother Rick ’76; and sisters, Peggy and Patty. Yet again, the Institute has been heard from today.

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News P. Wesley “Wes” Foster Jr. ’56 was awarded transitioned into a longtime career as a renowned services with Caldwell Companies in Houston, the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Wash- race announcer. He has provided commentary at Texas, and has over 30 years of experience in events such as the Half-Marathon Champion- industrial distribution and managing facilities ington Business Journal at their CEO of the ships, World Triathlon Championships, Chicago in the Southwest. He matriculated from Dallas, Year – Suite Awards Gala Dec. 7, 2017. The Texas, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in award is given to high performing chief executive Marathon, Columbus Marathon, the Summer officers, chief financial officers, chief information Olympics in Sydney and the Professional Road English from VMI. officers, chief operating officers, chief marketing Running Organization Championships. He Joseph J. “Joe” Duffy ’73 was preofficers, nonprofit executive directors and sented a VMI rugby team ball Jan. 7, managing partners who show success in 2018, by Larry Mays ’73 and Cadet Corris leading their businesses through the year. Atkins ’18, rugby team captain. The VMI Foster founded The Long & Foster rugby team progressed to the Division Companies, Inc., alongside Henry Long II National Championship match in in 1968. The company is one of the largest Greenville, South Carolina, in December real estate companies in the U.S., hold2017. While there, the team signed a ing more than 1800 employees and over commemorative ball to be presented to 11,000 agents. Duffy in recognition of his enthusiasm The Long & Foster Companies, Inc., for the sport and his perseverance in the was recently acquired by HomeServices face of adversity after an auto accident in of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway June 2015 left him paraplegic. Before his affiliate. The Long & Foster Companies accident, Duffy was very physically active are the largest private residential real estate as a rugby referee, an avid outdoorsman, company in the U.S. by sales volume and a golfer and a hunter. Duffy’s interest in their addition will position HomeServices rugby began in the U.S. Army playing to be the nation’s largest home ownership at Fort Campbell and Fort Benning. He services provider, according to the 2017 enthusiastically followed the sport in the Real Trends 500 report. Foster will remain Philadelphia region and was part of their with the company, serving as chairman officiating team. This ball was presented in emeritus. Joseph J. “Joe” Duffy ’73, center, after being presented with a special case denoting the Championship Foster matriculated from Forest Park, a commemorative rugby ball from the Division II National Title match. P.X. English ’73 and Coach Georgia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts Championship match in Greenville, South Carolina. Also presTom Trumps ’79 arranged for the case degree in English from VMI. ent were Duffy’s wife, Mary, and daughter, Sarah; Cadet Corris and the ball and Cadet Atkins harvested Atkins ’18; and Larry Mays ’73. team signatures. Mays and Atkins traveled The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to present the ball was also inducted into the Colorado Distance Advisory Committee announced the appointto Duffy at his home. ment of John D. Anthony ’62, Ph.D., in March Running Hall of Fame and the Running USA 2017. Anthony served the Memorial Commis- National Hall of Champions. Eric F. Nost ’79, a veteran Virginia wealth Kelley matriculated from Westport, Connectision for several years, helping obtain public management executive, was recently appointed and private sector funding for the memorial’s cut, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in as president and chief executive officer of VCB construction. On Nov. 2, 2017, the Memorial English from VMI. He earned his Master of Financial Group, Inc., headquartered in RichArts degree from the University of Southern Commission’s groundbreaking ceremony was mond, Virginia. VCB Financial Group, affiliated held in Washington, D.C., with the memorial California. with Virginia Commonwealth Bank, intending to honor the legacy of the 34th presiprovides high quality trust and wealth The Society of Industrial & Office dent of the U.S. management services to businesses, Realtors® Foundation announced Anthony matriculated from Richmond, Vircharitable foundations and high net ginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree William L. “Bill” Ginder ’71 as its worth individuals. Nost assumed this new president Oct. 30, 2017. Ginder in history from VMI. He earned his Master of positon after recently serving as presiScience degree from Georgetown University and will serve in this role for the 2017-18 dent of C&F Wealth Management, term. The leadership transition ochis Doctor of Philosophy degree from Johns Inc., building it to more than $400 milcurred at the Society of Industrial & OfHopkins University. lion in assets under his management. fice Realtors® Fall World Conference Nost, a certified financial planner, Creigh J. Kelley ’68 was featured in a video in Chicago. The SIOR Foundation is matriculated from Severna Park, by Running Denver TV in September 2017. In a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization Nost ’79 Maryland, and earned his Bachelor that continues to develop and promote the video, Kelley discusses entering the world of of Arts degree in economics from VMI and running as a career. Although he initially started educational initiatives and works to enhance the his Master of Business Administration degree in the retail aspect of running, Kelley became commercial real estate community. from Liberty University. Ginder is a senior vice president/brokerage involved in running many races, which eventually

2018-Issue 2

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Alumni News

Robert P. “Bob” Louthan ’82, president of the VMI Alumni Association, participated in the Foundation Leadership Forum hosted by the Association of Governing Boards in January 2018. At the conference, Louthan participated in a session titled, “InstitutionalFoundation Relations: An Essential Partnership.” Pictured at the conference were, from left, J. Michael Goodwin, Oregon State University Foundation president and chief executive officer; Louthan; Carol Cartwright, president emerita of Kent State University and Bowling Green State University and AGB senior consultant; and Horacio Valeiras, Virginia Tech Board of Visitors member and AGB Board of Governors member.

. Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book nnouncements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Kiss the Talisman by Howard Moss ’60. Daniel Wetta Publishing, 2017. Available via Amazon, CreateSpace and Barnes and Noble. Daniel Wetta Publishing proudly presents a gripping novel about U.S. Air Force Capt. Josh Randolph, an astute, brave pilot of F4-E jets during the Vietnam War. Lucky in love and air battles, Josh kisses his talismans before missions – a Saint Christopher medal given to him by his mom and a small Buddha presented to

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him by his love, Malinee. His successes are many, but Josh also experiences loss of comrades, flight crashes and ill-fated rescue missions. The big question is whether he can survive the bittersweet trauma of love. About the author: Col. Howard T. Moss was born in Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1961 and served two tours in Southeast Asia in the F-4E fighter bomber flying 341

combat missions in North and South Vietnam and Laos. On his second tour at Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, he was selected chief of the Tiger FAC program. After Air and Command Staff College, he served a tour at headquarters, Tactical Air Command, and was sent to RAF Bentwaters, England, where he was the squadron commander of the 510th Tactical (A-10) Fighter Squadron. His awards include four Distinguished Flying Crosses, 24 Air Medals, The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and various other medals and citations. Moss retired from the Pentagon in 1984 with 23 years of service and spent the last 30 years working in the aerospace industry. He is,

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News along with his wife, Susan, now retired and living on the James River in Surry County, Virginia. Secrets of the Softer Side of Selling, Second Edition by Donald S. Crawford ’70 and Lois Carter Crawford. Marketing Idea Shop, LLC, 2017. ISBN: 9780974251141. eISBN: 9780974251134. Available via Amazon. In his newly published sales training book, “Secrets of the Softer Side of Selling, Second Edition,” Don Crawford shares sales tips, techniques and stories to help sales professionals improve their results. The book is laid out in easy to read chapters. Each chapter includes an exercise section for practicing a skill or technique. There are proven self-evaluation drills that challenge the reader to increase their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. Readers will learn the “secret” six-step sales process, simple ways to build rapport, how to discover the prospect’s budget, simple buyer behaviors to watch for, when to make a sales presentation, when to stop selling, how to make cold calls fun, how to handle the competition, how to manage customers for life and when to fire a customer. About the author: Donald S. Crawford graduated from VMI with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. A professional engineer following graduation, Crawford served in the Air Force and attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City where he obtained his Master of Business Administration degree. He has more than 45 years’ experience working in both large and small companies, selling technically complex products to businesses. “Secrets of the Softer Side of Selling, Second Edition” is his second book, which he co-wrote with his wife, Lois Carter Crawford. The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning by Dan Gallagher ’81. Skyhorse Publishing, 2018. ISBN: 9781510725300. eISBN: 9781510725317. Available via www.skyhorsepublishing.com. “The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning” is the only financial planning book to

2018-Issue 2

offer a human side – 30 True Tales of Client Tragedy and Triumph – not boring case studies. It is written for professional skills enhancement and self-help for consumers, young adult through advanced ages. The book puts in clear, engrossing language poorly known but crucial facts plus secrets kept from most consumers and professionals by pensions, regulators, employers and some financial firms. Some of the book's valuable topics include: What pensions and Social Security avoid disclosing that you must understand decades before and near retirement; cash, debt, insurance and investment allocation methods for each stage of life from youth to post-retirement; how to evaluate professionals, understand complex concepts simply and distinguish wise solutions from unwise ones; how regulators protect you but often actually harm consumers and how to get the help but avoid the harm; new tools that some stock and insurance brokerages have to diagnose and shop in your best interest; areas where you can do it yourself and how to insightfully select, utilize and double-check professional help; how to optimize the balance of annuities and at-risk accounts; how long-term tax planning is essential yet cannot be allowed to be a “tail that wags the dog”; and maximizing pension and Social Security survivorship without using incorrect or too-expensive insurance (low-load). About the author: Dan Gallagher graduated from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics third among economics majors and simultaneously completed the modern languages curriculum. He served in the Infantry, then as a reservist in a Special Forces support role, next as a training company commander and later in a classified Army Research Institute role. Gallagher completed his Master of Business Administration degree at The College of William & Mary in 1986. He and wife Laura married in 1988, loved raising their four children and assisted both Boy and Girl Scouts through their church. His professional designations included Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter (1989), Certified

Financial Planner® (1992) and Certified Business Intermediary (2002). His 30-year practice encompassed group and individual benefits, money management, financial plans, business valuation and brokerage, commercial realty, and counseling. Dan has given numerous seminars at major employers and other entities and is the author of a novel, a licensing manual and numerous articles in journals, such as Virginia Lawyers Weekly, Financial & Estate Planning and Charlotte Ventures. He recently completed the University of North Carolina graduate teaching program and retired from financial services to work professionally as a writer and educator.

Building and Maintaining Award-Winning ACS Student Member Chapters, Volume 1: Holistic Viewpoints, ACS Symposium Series 1229 by Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 and Matthew J. Mio. Oxford University Press, 2016. ISBN: 9780841231696. Available via the publisher. Building and Maintaining Award-Winning ACS Student Member Chapters, Volume 2: Specific Program Areas. ACS Symposium Series 1230 by Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 and Matthew J. Mio. Oxford University Press, 2016. ISBN: 9780841231696. Available via the publisher. These two volumes, edited by Mark Benvenuto and his friend and colleague, Matthew Mio, are success stories from the most successful American Chemical Society student member chapters throughout the country. The first is a collection of essays showing the overall activities of specific chapters. The second volume addresses chapters that have one or more extremely strong, well-developed focuses.

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Alumni News Green Chemical Processing, Volume 2: Green Chemical Processes, Developments in Research and Education edited by Mark A. Benvenuto ’83. Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin, 2017. ISBN: 9783110444872. Available via the publisher. This is the second volume in an evolving series concerning green chemistry – chemistry that is environmentally and economically better than what has come before – and addressing the aims as well as the challenges of making this come to pass. This volume gathers the voices of several educators and how they are bringing green chemistry into the classroom. Industrial Organic Chemistry by Mark A. Benvenuto ’83. Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin, 2017. ISBN: 9783110494464. Available via the publisher. As the title states, this book is a survey of industrial chemistry that starts from what are called organic feedstocks. Organic materials routinely come from oil, natural gas or coal but recently have begun to include bio-materials. The book is designed to bridge the gap between what chemistry students learn in the classroom and the large-scale reactions that are used in industry.

About the author: Mark Benvenuto matriculated from Henrietta, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is currently the chairman of the department of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan. 100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die by Lynn Seldon ’83 and Cele Seldon. Reedy Press, 2018. ISBN: 9781681061283. Available via the publisher. Locals, veteran visitors and first-timers are equally delighted when they hear the story of a wealthy old Charlestonian woman who was once asked why she so seldom traveled. Puzzled, she replied, “My dear, why should I travel when I’m already here?” Charleston has become the darling of the southeast United States, thanks to the city’s blend of grace, beauty, history, and oh-so-Southern dining and hospitality. Charleston has a way of charming visitors with its lush low country landscape, Civil War history, antebellum plantations,

cultural and artistic opportunities, James Beard Foundation award-winning chefs and restaurants, shopping, and the gracious and welcome reception from residents. “100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die” is filled with easy to follow suggestions of where to go, what to see, can’t-miss dining, outdoor recreation, events and entertainment, and where to shop ’til you drop – along with seasonal activities, suggested itineraries and lots of insider tips. About the author: Lynn Seldon matriculated from Winchester, Virginia, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in economics. He and his wife, Cele, make up the team that is Seldon Ink. They have spent more than 25 years covering all aspects of travel. With a keen focus on the Southeast and a particular love of Charleston, they have written dozens of magazine and newspaper articles about the area and have become award-winning Charleston experts. Along with a half-dozen books, their work has appeared in Southern Living, Taste of the South, The Local Palate, Cruise Travel, South Carolina Living, South Carolina Magazine, TrailBlazer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Charlotte Observer, various in-flight publications and many AAA magazines. Follow along on their adventures at seldonink.com.

. Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ...

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VMI Alumni Review

Alumni Agencies Staff Directory P.O. Box 932 Lexington, VA 24450 1-800-444-1839

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Stephen M. Maconi smaconi@vmiaa.org

David Prasnicki dpras@vmiaa.org

Chief Communications Officer Amy F. Goetz agoetz@vmiaa.org

Chief Operating Officer

President

Warren J. Bryan ’71 bbryan@vmiaa.org

T. Bryan Barton ’68 bryanbarton1@verizon.net

Vice President - Development Thomas H. Zarges ’70 tomzarges@gmail.com

Vice President - Administration Stephen E. Hupp ’84 steve.hupp@estes-express.com

Chief Operating Officer Meade B. King ’85 mking@vmiaa.org

President

Ralph L. Costen Jr. ’70 rcosten@costenfloors.com

Bland Massie Jr. ’77 super77@vmialumni.org

Chief Operating Officer

President

Thomas A. Brashears ’95 tbrashears@vmiaa.org

Robert P. Louthan ’82 rlouthan1@gmail.com

Second Vice President Samuel N. Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

Gerald J. Acuff Jr. ’71 jerryacuff@msn.com

Historian

Second Vice President

2018-Issue 2

First Vice President

U. “Buzz” Birzenieks ’64 bjbirzenieks@gmail.com

First Vice President Asa H. Page III ’79 vmi79@verizon.net

Historian J. Bolling Williamson ’60 bollingwmson@gmail.com

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VMI Alumni Chapter Directory Region I – Southwest Chapter Arizona Greater Los Angeles Inland Empire Nevada Northern California Rio Grande San Diego

Director: Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Chapter President

Cleveland Detroit Kansas City, Missouri Southwest Ohio St. Louis

lohrc08@gmail.com stephen.breheny3131@gmail.com kenny@mpowermortgage.com Bradley.maak@yahoo.com brian.k.andrew@gmail.com

Christoph Lohr ’08 Terrence S. DeGray ’04 Andre S. Gibson ’78 Lawrence M. Wood ’59 Todd E. Arris ’87

Max H. Hopkins ’97

max.h.hopkins@gmail.com

William R. Creekmur ’83

Director: William D.R. Waff ’76 Daniel C. Young ’88 Molly M. Hastings ’13 Brian D. Skusa ’00 David C. Hagemann ’80 Jeffrey D. Vordermark ’79 J. Micah North ’00 David P. Loduca ’81

A. Bruno Loefstedt III ’80 Donald M. O’Sullivan Jr. ’00 Richard C. Wolffe ’78

Region IV – Mid Atlantic Appalachian Central Keystone Maryland Southeastern PA – Delaware Valley Stonewall Jackson Western PA – Pittsburgh

Terence L. Bowers ’68 David R. Nagel ’01 William H. Cather Jr. ’65 Mark P. Parton ’08 Christopher R. Jones ’96 Charles M. Rogers IV ’83 Herbert U. Fluhler ’77

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terrybowers@vmialumni.org nageldr78@hotmail.com billcather@bellsouth.net partonmp@gmail.com crj2112@gmail.com max.rogers@mobileinfirmary.org huf2000@aol.com

Director: Michael A. Kelly ’73 Ian G. Dunlap ’05 Michael A. Ceroli ’85 Laurence B. Wilson Jr. ’62 Michael S. Anderson ’88 Ray S. Brooks ’76 George Troy Mosby ’97 Robert M. Kirby ’78 Carl B. Hammond ’00 Paul X. English III ’73 John P. Gangemi ’61

Region VII – Florida Central Florida Northeast Florida – Jacksonville Northwest Florida Southern Florida Southwest Florida – Fort Meyer The Villages – Florida Treasure Coast West Coast Florida – Tampa

jdh7374@gmail.com rphill48@gmail.com gleason@umbc.edu rickkillmeyer@gmail.com jasongruse@hotmail.com aberenbrok@yahoo.com

Director: C. Patrick Haddock ’00

Region VI – Carolinas Crystal Coast/Jacksonville Cape Fear/Fayetteville Central North Carolina – Raleigh Charlotte Club of the Triad Coastal SC/Charleston Eastern North Carolina Midlands SC/Palmetto Upsate SC/Pisgah NC Wilmington, North Carolina

bruno.a.loefstedt@saint-gobain.com donaldosullivan@hotmail.com rwolffe@tspcapitalmgt.com

Director: H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73

Jason D. Hennigan ’99 Robert P. Hill ’08 David R. Gleason ’80 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95 Jason K. Gruse ’97 Alan R. Berenbrok ’80

Region V – Southeast Augusta Atlanta Birmingham Coastal GA – South Carolina East TN – Knoxville Mobile Tennessee Valley

dan.young@wfadvisors.com hastingsmm@mail.vmi.edu bskusa@kforce.com dhag80@aol.com vordermark@juno.com micah.north@resonantsciences.com loduca@pbworld.com

Director: Patrick J. Griffin ’80

Region III – Northeast New England New York City – Long Island North Jersey

Chapter Representative

Christoph Lohr ’08 Stephen A. Breheny ’89 Kenny T. Stigler ’00 Bradley J. Maak ’87 Brian K. Andrew ’03

Region II – Midwest Bluegrass Chicago

President’s Email

Email: mrhemenez@cox.net

dunlapian@hotmail.com mceroli@thekratosgroup.net lbebwilson@aol.com vmi2army@gmail.com rsbr1111@gmail.com gmosby@liquidnet.com rmkirby@dekirby.com hammondcb@yahoo.com pxenglish@verizon.net jgangemi@ec.rr.com

Director: Walter L. Chalkley ’72

John C. Nagle IV ’87 Jason M. Goldstein ’02 James D. Friskhorn ’81 Scott A. Houser ’98 Bradford T. Herrell ’01 Blake W. Thomas ’73 Donald D. Carson ’64 Robert M. Bailey ’72

jay.nagle@hdrinc.com jason.goldstein@amecfw.com vmi81@comcast.net housersa@yahoo.com btherrell@basspro.com blaket606@aol.com dcarson678@bellsouth.net bobngracebailey@tampabay.rr.com

Email: razz.waff@aol.com Hugh R. Hill ’85 Donald A. Noschese Jr. ’92 Stephen M. Chiles ’89 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 Todd J. Jacobs ’90 J. Micah North ’00 Robert C. Polk ’61

Email: anchors80@comcast.net John R. Gibney Jr. ’80 Kevin P. Sincavage ’87

Email: hlarrymays@gmail.com Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73 Thomas M. Wirth ’98 John T. Pace IV ’77 Phillip L. Harris ’03 J. Mark Hennigan ’90

Email: vmitranspo@hotmail.com Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 William H. Cather Jr. ’65 Kevin L. Snell ’82 John H. Friend III ’82 Raymond J. Pietruszka ’77

Email: kellyvmi73@gmail.com Stephen L. Skakandy ’01 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Ronald R. Wall ’69 James A. Sharp ’93 T. Matthew Creech ’96 Eric L. Duncan ’99 George H. Ritko ’70 F. Grey Farthing III ’79 Henry Brown ’60

Email: waltchalkley@aol.com John C. Nagle IV ’87 Grafton D. Addison III ’82 Wayland H. Patterson ’80 Brett R. Martin ’00 Alan H. Vicory Jr. ’74 Robert M. Bailey ’72

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Alumni Chapter Directory Region VIII – Southwest VA Chapter Lynchburg New River Valley Roanoke

Chapter President Matthew T. Vordermark ’00 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Andrew M. Reel ’03

Region IX – Shenandoah Valley Allegheny Highlands Blue Ridge Charlottesville North Shenandoah Valley Rockbridge County Valley

James F. Dittrich ’76 Stephen J. Barcik III ’85 Michael M. Wallace ’93 William E. Kirby III ’96 Philip J. Altizer Jr. ’80 S. Curtis Johnston ’82 Hamel B. Reinmiller ’98 Daniel J. Fitzgerald ’89 Steven P. Weiss ’86 Murray F. Hudson ’82

Trent L. Boggs ’83 Russell Shun Takata ’74 James R. Farmer ’68 Todd M. Baldwin ’06 Jeffrey B. Morrison ’99

Region XII – Central Virginia Richmond Tri Cities

Region XIII – Hampton Roads

Norfolk Peninsula Rappahannock Virginia Beach Western Tidewater Williamsburg

jfdinarkansas@aol.com steve.barcik@htds2.com michaelmwallace@mac.com ktkirby@comcast.net paltizer@bellsouth.net Chewy.Johnston@hdrinc.com hbrvmi98@vmialumni.org daniel.fitzgerald@hdrinc.com spweiss@earthlink.net murfh@urbaneng.com

tboggs@gci.com russell.takata@yahoo.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net todd.baldwin1@gmail.com roo1999@gmail.com

mtmikula@gmail.com samuelmattocks762@gmail.com

Director: Michael S. Ogden ’79 Director: Sean P. Hingley ’07

Michael S. Ogden ’79 David G. Tyler IV ’86 Joshua P. Priest ’80 Edward M. Plucinski ’86 Richard A. Duke ’90 Gary J. Haste ’77 John L. Rowe Jr. ’66 John J. Kokolis ’96

Region XIV – Metro D.C. Fredericksburg - Quantico George C. Marshall Potomac River

troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com weastham@carrhyde.com jim@realcentralva.com wdtvmi65@comcast.net jarvistk@vmi.edu

Director: Anthony U. Moore ’78 Director: William R. Charlet ’01

Matthew T. Mikula ’04 Samuel L. Mattocks ’74

vmi79classagent@aol.com dtyler4@cox.net joshua.p.priest@navy.mil ed.plucinski@hanson.com rduke@hf-law.com ghaste@associatedcontracting.com jrowe66@cox.net jjkokolis@cox.net

Director: Jessica J. Schmaus ’04 Director: John D. Kearney Jr. ’00

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Matthew R. Keller ’00 A. James MacDonald ’83

Chapter Representative Joseph W. Hutt III ’78 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Alan G. Soltis ’79

Email:

Director: Clifford A Crittsinger ’64/’66

Region XI – Northwest

Eastern Shore

vordermarkmt@hotmail.com bradburrus@yahoo.com reeldadx2@gmail.com

Director: Jeffrey L. Minch ’73

Arkansas Centex Greater New Orleans Middle TN – Nashville Midsouth/Memphis North Texas – Dallas Oklahoma San Antonio Southeast Texas – Houston Third Coast (Corpus Christi)

Email: dennis@nanoseptic.com

President’s Email

Director:

T. Troy Barbour ’89 G. Wayne Eastham ’76 James E. Duncan ’98 W. Douglas Thomas ’65 T. Keith Jarvis ’82

Region X – South

Alaska Hawaii Pacific Northwest Pikes Peak Rocky Mountain

Director: Dennis A. Hackemeyer ’80

Harrison L. Fridley Jr. ’61 R. Edward Duncan ’60 James E. Duncan ’98 Kevin J. Callanan ’78 Lewis V. Graybill ’62

Email: jminch2011@gmail.com David W. Walsh ’90 Christopher J. Whittaker ’90 Charles S. Sanger ’82 Dakota W. Nicely ’15 Garry C. Varney ’76 Thomas R. Shaw ’78 Steven P. Weiss ’86 M. Douglass Payne ’73

Email: keydet6466@gmail.com Trent L. Boggs ’83 Russell Shun Takata ’74 James R. Farmer ’68 Robert L. Fricke ’78 William V. Trumpore ’89

Email: amor_78@comcast.net Email: wcharlet@gmail.com Thomas H. Walton ’04 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Email: vmi79classagent@aol.com Email: sean.p.hingley@wfadvisors.com Thomas F. Wilson ’80 James A. Parsons ’80 David J. Trenholm ’70 William F. Brent ’67 H. Ali Mahan ’80 Oliver D. Creekmore ’66 Jim E. Henry ’68

Email: jessica.schmaus@gmail.com Email: kearneyjd00@gmail.com

carl.debernard@dhs.gov matthew@kellermail.com macvmi83@yahoo.com

R.C. Thompson III ’74 L. Randolph Williams Jr. ’66 L. Randolph Williams Jr. ’66

chingpu@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

Region XV – Pacific Rim Taiwan Thailand

2018-Issue 2

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

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A Farewell Message from Alumni Association President Robert P. Louthan ’82 Greetings, Fellow Alumni and Friends of the Institute, I want to say thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving. Surrounded by great men and women, all imbued with a love for the Institute, you have accomplished so much. We are a part of something truly special. In 1836, three men – John Preston, Claudius Crozet and Francis Smith – recognized that our state and our still-young nation needed, desperately, to produce a new breed of military talent. They had a mission – a vision for a school to educate and develop the citizen-soldier. Preston, an articulate Lexington lawyer, knew the town was wrestling with a problem of its own. The Lexington arsenal and its resident militiamen were a source of consternation to the local residents. In Lexington’s vexing problem, Preston, Crozet and Smith recognized an opportunity. Preston attended a debate to discuss the solution, and the Institute began to take shape. It is a testament to the wisdom of this first Board of Visitors that this mission has remained virtually unchanged in over 180 years. Great efforts survive the test of time. As I write this, our youngest son (21) is completing the spring semester of his 1st Class year. It seems like only yesterday that he burst into our lives and only moments ago that we watched him march off to become a rat; now, he has a rat of his own. His entire life has passed before us in the blink of an eye. And it dawned upon me. All across Virginia and in far-flung places around the U.S. and the world right now, the Class of 2039 is crawling across kitchen floors under the loving and watchful eyes of newly-minted parents. They will be cadets before we know it. Like Preston, Smith and Crozet, the things we do today are going to impact the lives of cadets 100 years from now. The success of the campaign and the endowment funds created will support scholarships long after all of us are gone. I do not think the three founders could have ever imagined VMI as it is today, and I can only imagine what great things lie ahead for VMI in the next 100 years. So, I leave you with three thoughts as I depart: • Stay focused on the timeless mission of VMI. • See the opportunity in every problem. • 2039 will be here in the blink of an eye. Sincerely,

Robert P. Louthan ’82, President VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

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VMI Alumni Review