Call To Quarters - Spring 2011

Call to Quarters Fork Union Military Academy

Alumni Magazine

Spring/Summer 2011

Changing the Face of the Academy

“For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.�

Hebrews 3:4

Call to Quarters Call to Quarters is a publication of Fork Union Military Academy.

Mission Statement

This magazine is jointly produced by a team from the FUMA Development Department including:

Bobby Cobb (‘71) Executive Director of Development cobbr@fuma.org

Catherine Hitchcock Director of Advancement Services hitchca@fuma.org

The mission of this publication is to develop a community committed to supporting the Academy through their prayers, active involvement, and financial giving.

This magazine endeavors to inform and entertain its audience of alumni, cadets, parents, grandparents, staff, and friends of the Academy with stories and pictures of the Academy’s history, current events, alumni news, and the Academy’s plans for the future.

Further, this magazine seeks to motivate its audience to be actively involved in Academy life by their participation in campus events, through fellowship and networking with alumni, by actively recommending the Academy to prospective students and alerting the Admissions Office to potential recruiting opportunities, and by giving regular financial support to meet the needs of the Academy and its cadets.

Elizabeth Liles Associate Director of Communications lilese@fuma.org

Jana Vaughan Development Coordinator vaughanj@fuma.org

Dan Thompson Director of Communications Webmaster Editor, Call To Quarters thompsod@fuma.org

Fork Union Military Academy Post Office Box 278 4744 James Madison Highway Fork Union, Virginia 23055 phone: 434-842-4200 fax: 434-842-4300 for information on admissions, call: 1-800-GO-2-FUMA http://www.forkunion.com

contents

On The Cover

Lt. General John E. Jackson, Jr., the Academy’s 9th President, lays the first blocks of Jacobson Hall.

Features

Cover Story

The Groundbreaking Presidency of General Jackson

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A look back at the man and his mission.

A Day in the Life of General Jackson

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Middle School cadets offer their take on what it’s like.

Welcoming the Academy’s 10th President

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FUMA announces the selection of its 10th president.

The Changing Face of the Academy Campus

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A timeline of campus change through the decades.

The Retan Rifles: Happy 50th Anniversary

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Remembering Retan

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Shuford and The Chief

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The Gold Record Career of Ron Oates

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Vinyl Treasure

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In Memory of Coach Jim Hazlett

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New School Song Makes Its Debut

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Departments

Generally Speaking...................................................................................................4 Development Desk...................................................................................................6 Alumni Association...................................................................................................8 Taps......................................................................................................................72 Class Notes............................................................................................................81 Wish List...............................................................................................................84 Our Promises to Our Donors...................................................................................87

generally speaking LT GEN JOHN E. JACKSON, JR.

Dear Friends:

Lt. Gen. John E. Jackson, Jr. is the President of Fork Union Military Academy.

Over the course of my life I’ve been a member of three families. I had no say in joining the first one - the Jacksons, and I chose to join the second one - the United States Air Force - as a new college graduate recently married to the most Godly woman I have ever known. I am convinced that God called me to the third one - the FUMA Family - which has provided Barbara and me with 17 of the most satisfying years we have ever lived. With this being my final greeting from the Call to Quarters, I wanted to share some heartfelt thoughts about this place and the things I have learned here.

FUMA is not just a school. It’s a way of life for the Corps of Cadets but also for those who serve on the faculty and staff. Though working here can sometimes require long and difficult hours, we are greatly rewarded for our effort. Each Cadet represents a piece of the next generation, and it is our privilege to invest in them. Some of us get to facilitate academic achievement in the classroom. Others get to teach lifelong leadership principles in the barracks. A few get to coach boys to the next level on the athletic field. But each of us plays a part in teaching and modeling the Biblical truths that transform lives. I don’t think I’ve ever found a better reward than this.

In Ecclesiastes 5:18 Solomon tells us “Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink, and enjoy oneself in one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward.” Truly I can tell you that my years as President of FUMA have rewarded me greatly, and I have enjoyed every day of my time here.

The FUMA Family is poised to welcome my successor, Rear Admiral Scott Burhoe, and his wife, Betsy, to take the baton of leadership. I’m sure he will run with it to places as yet unimagined, and I look forward to seeing how God will use him during his own tenure as President. He is fortunate to be joining such a wonderful family as this one.

Now the time has come for Barbara and me to begin our new lives in San Antonio. We will miss you, and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to do my part at FUMA. By God’s grace I have done my best, and I pray that FUMA has improved on my watch. May God bless the FUMA Family.

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development desk LTC Bobby Cobb ‘71

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s most of you know (and many of you have pointed out to me), this is our first Call To Quarters magazine to be published in a while. Though we generally try to print our magazine at least once each academic year, we did not publish an edition in the 2009-2010 academic year. We are very pleased to be publishing this edition now at the close of a successful 2010-2011 school year.

Tough Decisions

The decision to withhold publication of our magazine last year was just one of many tough budgetary decisions that had to be made after our nation’s economic downturn in late 2008.

Although we have made great strides in building the Academy’s endowment, we are still a tuitiondriven institution and must rely on our annual enrollment to fund our operating budget. Even though we froze our 2009-2010 tuition at the previous year’s rate, our opening enrollment in September 2009 was significantly lower than we had hoped, and substantial financial aid grants were required by many more families than in previous years.

Our budget, already lean and fat-free, needed to be cut by nearly $3 million. Every decision would hurt, but our primary focus was to continue to provide a high quality educational experience for the cadets we serve by reducing expenditures in all other areas. We reduced staff, we froze pay, we cut retirement benefits. We sacrificed mightily so that we could continue to serve the needs of the young men who come to us for an education.

Following Dr. Hatcher’s Example

The Academy’s founder, Dr. William Hatcher, was a Baptist preacher in much demand as a guest speaker at revivals and events all across the country. In the last year of his life, he was traveling through South Carolina by train to several speaking engagements. A traveling companion suggested he take a sleeper car so he could rest on the train overnight. Dr. Hatcher refused, saying, “I curtail every expense possible, for you www.forkunion.com

know there are several boys looking to me for help.” At seventy-eight years of age, he would still sit up all night on a train so his money could go to help the students at his Academy.

“Fork Union has a way of finding gifted and aspiring boys and helping them to get their education,” Dr. Hatcher wrote. “It has come to pass that Fork Union is known to be a place where bright and clever boys love to come because it is known that we try to make it easier for those who have nothing and nobody to help them in starting.”

Success Is Worth the Sacrifice

Dr. Hatcher’s words remain true today, a century later. Let me call your attention to one of our most special cadets, a senior by the name of Blake Sundel. Blake came to the Academy as a sophomore in 2008. He was a good student, a “bright and clever boy” as Dr. Hatcher would say.

He was also a valuable member of the growing swim team. In short, he was just the type of cadet we wanted to keep enrolled.

LTC Bobby Cobb (FUMA ‘71) is the Executive Director of Development

By holding down tuition, greatly increasing our financial aid budget, and focusing our spending on the needs of our students, we were able to increase our opening enrollment in September 2010 and retain outstanding students like Blake.

This year, Blake’s third as a cadet, he graduates with the highest GPA in memory at FUMA: 4.7 on a 4-point scale. Blake has taken every honors and advanced placement course we offer.

He has received college acceptances from Yale, Princeton, Harvard, Williams, and Washington & Lee. He has decided to attend Harvard on scholarship. Blake also served as captain of the swim team and helped lead the team this year to their second state championship victory in a row.

Blake is not the only champion at FUMA. Our football team captured the state championship, as did our rifle team. Our debate team sent a number of cadets to the state meet, our orienteering team placed in the national championships.

Our students are succeeding in the classroom and on the athletic fields. Our sacrifices on behalf of our students have been well worth the result.

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alumni association JEFF WEATHERSPOON ‘73

Jeff Weatherspoon ‘73 is the President of the Alumni Association.

Transitions are inevitable and 2011 presents several transitions for Fork Union Military Academy. I have faith that God will lead Fork Union into the future as He has in the past. As we march into the next academic year, I have a few thoughts and comments about 2010, in retrospect, and 2011.

The Staff & Faculty

I am amazed each year at the amount of effort and dedication the 50th reunion classes put into their return to FUMA. It is such a special time and every class that comes to the Alumni Weekend events is a true blessing to the Alumni board, and to each other. It is wonderful to see the spirit of FUMA alive in these men when they march on Sunday during the parade.

I am always very moved by their pride and enthusiasm.

FUMA is blessed to have the caliber of faculty and staff that have been the tradition of the Academy from the beginning. They do the impossible every day. The amount of time and care that go into all that makes Fork Union what it is comes from the character of these men and women. They need our economic support, but they also need our spiritual support. We should pray for them, encourage them and do whatever we can to help them. I realized something after many years that I will never forget - as an alumnus of FUMA the staff is as interested in my life now as they were when I was a cadet. They want to know of the success of our alumni and want you to stay involved. I have yet to meet a faculty or staff member that I didn’t feel was in my corner encouraging me in some way. Reach out and encourage them and you will get back much more than you can imagine.

Friday BBQ at Zion Crossroads

The Alumni Board and our Alumni

I must say without a doubt this event is very special to me. It is a great time of fellowship with both staff and alumni. The food is fantastic and the spirit is so strong. Our fellow alumni cross all lines of age and experience and provide a sense of unity to the Academy. I remember numerous conversations with alumni from every decade going back 60 years, as well as with returning coaches and teachers.

FUMA is blessed to have a loving, supportive Alumni Board. It is such a privilege to serve with these men. In our hearts we really are about a few basic desires - we want to see an overflowing crowd of alumni return and experience the full Alumni Weekend; we would love to have alumni engaged and involved on any level possible; and we encourage all alumni to promote the Academy, and spread the word of FUMA’s success with young men. As a member of various boards over the years there have been two principles that are very evident. First is the give or get principle. If I didn’t have money to give, I would get others involved. Second, is telling your story and giving your testimony. If you can help send a young man to FUMA imagine the long term impact it will have on his life, as well as yours. Some of our largest supporters never attended FUMA, but saw that the Academy was a special place and it planted a seed in their heart. Never underestimate the power of one small conversation or a visit. Many don’t even know that a place like FUMA exists and once they visit they are moved by the experience. Give others a chance to have this experience.

Alumni Weekend & 50th Reunion Classes

The Cadets

As Alumni Board members, we are blessed to have various opportunities to interact with the cadets. Past Alumni Board Presidents have made it a point to have cadets come and speak to the board. I have the privilege to serve on the Cadet Awards’ Committee. This year Kent Carter ‘66, Mike Whitmore ‘83, Matt Carson ’85 and I had the difficult, but rewarding, job of selecting three cadets for the Gus Lacy Spirit and Character Award, the Charles Goodall Snead Award and the Greenbrier Award. This committee takes this responsibility seriously and the choices were extremely difficult. All of the cadets selected were fine examples of the FUMA spirit, but in the 8

end we could only pick three. They are the best of the best and should truly be commended for all they have done while at the Academy.

Call to Quarters

Lt. General John E. Jackson

It has been a privilege to work with, learn from, and be involved with this truly great man. I always found his intellect and humor of the most unique kind. If you just look around you can see his impact on the Academy physically.

The new Barracks will be a crowning jewel in General Jackson’s tenure. As we all know the General gives all the glory to God, but his patience, discernment, faith and deep spirituality have been the foundation of his success. This was never out of focus and was always at the forefront of his discussions and decisions. He felt all the bricks and mortar didn’t compare to the saving of one cadet’s soul or multiple scholarships offered to our graduating cadets. General Jackson is a life changing person. He changed my life 30 years after I graduated. The alumni salute him and want him to know he will be sorely missed and forever remembered.

Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe

It is with a great sense of honor I welcome Admiral Burhoe to Fork Union Military Academy. I think I speak for all alumni in this heartfelt welcome.

We look forward to a wonderful new opportunity to help in any way we can to advance the mission of FUMA into the future.

My thankfulness for what FUMA has done for me is paramount in my mind. God’s hand in making FUMA our destiny is evident and undeniable.

Thank you so much for your support of Fork Union Military Academy. Please know that the success of the Academy rests with each and every one of us. I look forward to serving as your Alumni Association President for the next two years. It is a true blessing to be a part of the FUMA family.

Sincerely,

Jeff Weatherspoon, Class of 1973 Alumni Association President www.forkunion.com

Members of FUMA’s Class of 1961 pass in review at the Alumni Weekend Parade.

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The

Groundbreaking Presidency of Lt. Gen. John E. Jackson, Jr.

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he Academy’s ninth president, Lt. General John E. Jackson, Jr., arrived on campus in 1994 and quickly began breaking new ground. He had a modern new dining hall to build. In the seventeen years since his arrival, General Jackson has continued breaking new ground for the school, and the roar of backhoes and the ring of mason’s trowels has become the familiar background music of his tenure as president of the Academy.

To hear him tell it, he has done little more than spend his time walking around, drinking coffee and looking concerned, his brow appropriately furrowed. Given the opportunity to accept credit for any accomplishment of his presidency, large or small, he is quick to defer, explaining that “the Lord has done it all and the credit goes to Him.” West Virginia Born and Raised

This outwardly humble man rose from equally humble roots to become the highest-ranking military officer to serve as president in the Academy’s history.

John E. Jackson, Jr. was born in South Charleston, West Virginia in 1939 and was www.forkunion.com

raised in St. Albans, West Virginia, a small community of about 10,000 located in the Kanawha Valley at the confluence of the Kanawha and Coal Rivers. The famous James River & Kanawha Turnpike passed through St. Albans, helping connect the Ohio River with the James River and Kanawha Canal system during the 19th century, fueling the growth of towns such as Fork Union, located along this important trade route.

Following his graduation from AldersonBroaddus College in 1961 with a B. S. degree in natural science, Jackson married Barbara Quisenberry. Fifty years later, he still refers to her as “my bride” and describes her as “my better seven-eighths.”

Into the Wild Blue Yonder

In May, 1963, Jackson entered the U. S. Air Force through the Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. The young Second Lieutenant began rising through the ranks as an organizational maintenance officer.

By 1967, he was a pilot with the rank of Captain co-piloting KC-135 tankers on refueling missions out of Loring Air Force Base in Maine.

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John Jackson (second from left) standing with members of his crew and a fellow FAC pilot in front of the light airplane he piloted in Vietnam in 398 combat missions as a Forward Air Controller.

The Summer of ‘69

Soon it was the summer of 1969. The Beatles were broken up, John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded “Give Peace a Chance” from their “bedin” at the Queen Elizabeth hotel in Montreal, and a young Captain Jackson headed off to duty in Vietnam with the 22nd Tactical Air Support Squadron. As Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and 400,000 young people gathered at Woodstock, Captain Jackson piloted a small Cessna O-1 “Bird Dog” airplane over hostile territory as a Forward Air Controller flying out of Soc Trang Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam.

The duties of an FAC typically involved flying low and slow over enemy-held territory, marking targets for the tactical fighter-bombers to hit and directing their strikes, all while dodging ground fire and avoiding missiles in a vulnerable light airplane.

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Jackson is characteristically reticent on the subject of his service in Vietnam and reluctant to speak of those days, but the record shows that then Captain Jackson, call sign “David ThreeOne,” flew 398 combat missions during his months in Vietnam.

He performed the duties required of him in a manner that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters (indicating this medal was earned a total of fifteen times), among other awards.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded for individual acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement in aerial flight above and beyond the call of duty.

With typical self-deprecating humor, Jackson remarks that these medals were awarded for “being shot at -- a lot.”

Call to Quarters

Onwards and Upwards

Jackson returned from Vietnam in April 1970 and was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in the state of Washington. Because of his hours of flight time in combat, he moved to the left seat of the KC-135 tankers he was assigned to fly, becoming the aircraft commander instead of the co-pilot.

His Air Force career became almost a blur of movement, education, and activity as Jackson was moved from new responsibility to new responsibility, adding experience and rank as he went.

Promoted to Major in 1972, Jackson spent time as an instructor pilot at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. He graduated with distinction from the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA and soon added a Master’s Degree in business and personnel management from Central Michigan University. Promoted to Lt. Colonel in 1976 and Colonel in 1980, Jackson continued growing through a variety of staff and leadership positions, both at the U. S. Air Force Headquarters in Washington, DC and at a variety of bases throughout the United States. He was selected to attend the National War College in 1980.

In the early 1980s, then Colonel Jackson served as the Director of Operations, commander of the 82nd Air Group, and then commander of the 82nd Flying Wing at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona.

Jackson was promoted to Brigadier General in November 1986 and served as director of manpower and organization, and then director of personnel programs for the Air Force. The rank of Major General came in September 1989.

General Jackson was elevated to commander of the Air Force Military Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base. He then was named commander of the 15th Air Force and was promoted to Lieutenant General. Lt. General Jackson finished his Air Force career as the Vice Commander of the Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base.

During his military career, in addition to his combat medals awarded for valor, General Jackson was twice awarded both the www.forkunion.com

Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

In all, the Jacksons moved 34 times during his 31-year military career, raising a son and daughter along the way.

Christian Embassy

Amid the hustle and bustle of his active duty career, General Jackson still committed time to Christian service. In addition to serving in his local church, he became active with the Christian Embassy and the Jesus Film Project of the Campus Crusade for Christ. General Jackson made mission trips to Moscow, Mongolia and elsewhere to help spread the Jesus film and tell the story of the Gospel.

General Jackson remains an active board member of the Christian Embassy, headquartered in Washington, DC. A Call to FUMA

In the summer of 1994, General Jackson retired from service in the U. S. Air Force and answered the call to serve as the ninth president of Fork Union Military Academy.

A quote from one of General Jackson’s first letters to FUMA’s alumni, parents and friends, states, “The 1994-95 academic session has seen many changes. New faces may greet you at the door. A new look on campus may surprise you.”

This has been the theme of General Jackson’s time spent as president of Fork Union Military Academy over the past seventeen years.

Tremendous change in the face of the Academy has taken place including transformation of the Perkins Technology Center, a wastewater treatment plant, faculty quarters renovations, building the Estes Dining Hall, expanding the Beatty Library, renovation of the Wicker Chapel, a new aquatic center, the Bronson Commons, and current construction of Jacobson Hall.

The industrious fundraising campaigns for capital improvements and endowment growth have continued to meet with success as FUMA called upon its constituents - alumni, board, family and friends - to donate each year to the much needed projects on campus.

Under the direction of General Jackson, the Academy also celebrated many historical tradi-

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tions, including the 100th year anniversary in 1998. There were also several Sports Hall of Fame banquets, Alumni Weekend activities, graduation exercises, Veterans Memorial services, military balls, and Parents Weekends, all where the family at FUMA and the Cadet Corps came together to uphold tradition and carry out the mission of the school.

Over the years, however, the Academy has not been immune to the many events that have also shaped our nation. Included in these are September 11th, the Iraq War, the tragedies at Virginia Tech and Columbine High School, Hurricane Katrina, the Recession, and other major events. However, in the face of all the tragedy and sadness, Fork Union Military Academy came together as a family and continued to march on without disruption or incident.

Retirement

On June 30, 2011 General Jackson will retire as the 9th President of the Academy. His service to FUMA has been one of commitment, dedication, endless hours, and most of all, faith. When he came to the Academy in 1994 he was sought by the Board of Trustees to continue with the school’s mission as a Christian college preparatory school. His task was to engage faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends in this same mission. During his leadership the school has seen an increase each year in alumni participation in supporting the school through annual giving, participation in many of the events held on campus, and helping spread the word to others about the Academy. In addition, building growth on campus has provided the Cadet Corps with better classroom, living and athletic facilities.

However, growth has not come without assistance. In one of his earlier letters to families and alumni General Jackson states, “Fork Union continues to be your home whether you are an alumnus, parent or friend. This Academy family cares for each of you unconditionally, is proud of your accomplishments, accepting of unavoidable shortcomings, and cheering you on at every goal of life. I hope that you, too, will make every effort to cheer us on in our continuing efforts to serve young men and their families. I hope that every year you will be sure that you have ‘done 14

something for Fork Union.’”

In observing the changing face of the Academy campus, it is not hard to recognize the many buildings that have been built or renovated under the direction of Lt.General Jackson. In addition, the growth in the endowment to over $24 million and in planned giving to over $85 million has helped sustain the Academy and provide an opportunity for many young men to become FUMA cadets that may not have otherwise had the chance.

In General Jackson’s final letter to the Board of Trustees announcing his retirement last May he stated, “The Lord did it all, and He did so in a manner that befits His method of lavishly blessing the effort and wonderfully leading what He is doing here with the young men entrusted to our care. I take no credit for any of this...none.

To do otherwise would be laughable. He did it and we honor and praise Him for it. Words can’t express how deeply Barbara and I feel about leaving Fork Union. The Academy has been our life, and we are excited to see who the Lord has in mind to take it to the next level. We will help however you wish in the process. In the meantime, I’ll do what I do best...drink coffee and look concerned.”

As he retires to be with his family in Texas, General Jackson will continue to carry in his heart a strong devotion to Fork Union Military Academy and its family, but hopefully he will now be able to drink his coffee and not look so concerned.

Lt. General John E. Jackson, Jr. prepares to head out from his office and give the commencement address to his final class of graduates, the Class of 2011.

Call to Quarters

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A

Day in the Life

of General Jackson

Middle School Headmaster, LTC Rob Feathers, recently asked some of his students in the sixth through eighth grades to write down their descriptions of a typical day in the life of Academy president, Lt. General John E. Jackson, Jr., as they imagined it.

Below are some of their responses:

“He comes in and he looks out his window and says, ‘I’m the boss.’ He puts on some Lil Wayne and kicks his feet up and gets down to work. Papers, papers all day. Then he takes a break and goes to the Estes Center to play some basketball.”

“First he wakes up. He brushes his teeth, washes his face, and takes a shower. I think he has good personal hygiene.

When he’s done in the bathroom he eats the breakfast Mrs. Jackson prepares for him. Then he goes off to work with his cup of coffee and paper.”

“Here’s a typical day in the life of Gen. Jackson: He wakes up, goes to his office, and looks out his window.”

“Gen. Jackson wakes up, goes to his office, sleeps until noon, eats lunch, watches drill, takes another nap, and then eats dinner before he goes home.”

“His day starts with a cup of coffee...or two. Then he possibly does some paperwork. Then he takes a nap. Then he goes on his computer and does some more work.”

“When Gen. Jackson walks into his office, he sits in his chair and kicks his feet up on his desk and waits for cadets to burst into his office, hysterical and shouting about how they didn’t deserve their demerits. And as they are shouting, he sips his coffee and gives the same speech to each cadet.”

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Call to Quarters

“He gets in his Suburban and drives through the front gate with a smile on his face so wide the corner of his lips are touching his earlobes. He walks into his office with a cup of coffee and the newspaper. As he sits at his desk he rotates his chair so that he is facing the campus, and he watches cadets from his window. The General constantly looks out his window to make sure no cadets are messing around.”

“The General sits at his desk and drinks gallons of coffee.”

“He sits in his chair at his desk until someone comes to talk to him about school issues. Then he walks around campus and talks to visitors. After that he probably takes a nap for about an hour...dreaming about what he is going to do when he gets home. Then he wakes up and works on his computer to search for important stuff.”

“The General comes to work, says ‘hello’ to everyone in Hatcher Hall. Then he goes to his desk and checks his email. Then he pays all the bills for the new barracks. Then he walks around outside to see what’s happening on campus.”

“A typical day in the life of Gen. Jackson: He gets here and goes to his office and just sits there. He comes out for food and to go to the bathroom. Then he does some paperwork and then goes to sleep. Then he wakes up and leaves. ‘Bye!’ he says.”

“He goes to work, drinks coffee, and eats donuts. Then he walks around campus looking like a boss.”

“I think Gen. Jackson sits in his office and waits until someone calls him or needs him. He also strolls around campus trying to catch people red-handed or making sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to do.”

“Arrives at work is the first thing he does. He goes to his computer and sends all the faculty an email about the day’s schedule. The he looks out at campus from his window for a little while. Then he asks his secretary to help him with his work.

Then he goes to lunch and then goes back to his office where he plays a few games online. Maybe he checks Facebook. Then he has a couple meetings and then he goes home.”

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“Gen. Jackson probably wakes up in the morning with a smile on his face because he is always happy. He drives to campus, goes to his office, and does the things he needs to do to help us cadets. If a kid needs to see him, he gives him ‘the talk.’

Then he walks around greeting cadets and taking pride in what a great school he has been running. Then he does his paperwork.

He probably fits some exercise into his schedule.”

“Gen. Jackson is a hard-working man. He’s always a good guy and nice to the cadets.

He takes care of everybody. He takes good care of the school. I’m so proud of him. He is just a great, great President, and we all love him.”

“Gen. Jackson loves working with young people everyday so he can be a part of shaping them into wonderful, presentable, mature cadets. As he gets ready to retire, I think all the good memories of FUMA will stay with him forever...and he will miss Fork Union.”

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Lt. General John E. Jackson, Jr., the Academy’s ninth president, welcomes Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe who will take the helm as the Academy’s tenth president in July 2011.

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Welcome!

Current Coast Guard Academy Superintendent selected to be the 10th President of FUMA Fork Union Military Academy is pleased to announce the selection of Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe to serve as the 10th Academy President effective July 18, 2011. Admiral Burhoe succeeds Lt. Gen. John Jackson, Jr., USAF, Retired, who will retire July 1, 2011 after serving 17 years as President.

Admiral Burhoe is uniquely qualified for the President’s job at FUMA. For the last four years Admiral Burhoe has served as Superintendent of the United States Coast Guard Academy, the 1,000-cadet Service Academy located in New London, CT. The United States Coast Guard Academy was recently ranked the number one baccalaureate college in the North by U. S. News and World Reports.

“Educating young people is the key to America’s future,” said Admiral Burhoe. “Here at the Coast Guard Academy I’ve witnessed the power of a holistic education that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit. It is important to educate, develop, and inspire the next generation so they can reach their full potential. Fork Union Military Academy changes lives, one student at a time, by helping them make the most out of their lives. I am very excited at the challenges ahead, and look forward to leading this fine school.”

Mr. Jim Cerza, a member of the Academy’s Board of Trustees and the Chairman of the Presidential Search Committee, expressed his deep confidence in their selection, saying, “Admiral Burhoe and his wife Betsy exude their strong Christian faith, which is critical in fulfilling our mission of Body, Mind, and Spirit. The Lord led them to our door.

We welcome them in.”

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Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe

Do You Know?

Which FUMA president...

1. Was born in Fork Union, VA?

2. Started the “One Subject Plan” curriculum?

3. Designed the “Body, Mind, Sprit” crest?

4. Stepped down as president and continued to serve as Headmaster, Dean, and Instructor for another 18 years?

5. As a pilot in wartime flew 398 combat missions against the enemy?

6. Began the tradition of Military Balls?

7. Started the Junior School / Middle School?

Answers: 1. Dr. Eldrige B. Hatcher 2. Col. James C. Wicker 3. Col. Clayton E. Crossland 4. Col. Nathaniel J. Perkins 5. Lt. Gen. John E. Jackson, Jr. 6. Col. Kenneth T. Whitescarver 7. Dr. John J. Wicker

Admiral Burhoe was raised in the Tidewater area, and is the son of a career Army officer. He graduated from Virginia Tech and received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from The American University. After a distinguished 34-year career in the Coast Guard, Admiral Burhoe will be retiring from the Service to take on his new role at the Academy.

Call to Quarters

Lt. Gen. John E. Jackson, Jr. 1994 - 2011

Col. Charles T. Clanton 1991 - 1993

Col. Kenneth T. Whitescarver 1968 - 1990

Col. James C. Wicker 1945 - 1968

Dr. John J. Wicker 1930 - 1945

Col. Nathaniel J. Perkins 1917 - 1930

Col. Clayton E. Crosland 1914 - 1917

Dr. Eldridge B. Hatcher 1912 - 1914

Dr. William E. Hatcher 1898 - 1912

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The Changing Face of the

Academy Campus F

rom little more than an idea in the mind of Dr. William Hatcher, the campus of Fork Union Military Academy has grown to more than 1,000 acres and dozens of buildings.

1898

Dr. William Hatcher eyes a patch of woods and suggests to a friend, “Wouldn’t that beautiful oak grove be a splendid place for a school?”

Dr. Hatcher’s Fork Union Academy opens that same fall in a modest wood frame house in the village of Fork Union, the rooms rented for $5 a month.

1900

Snead Hall was the first Academy building, started in 1900 and completed in 1902. Originally called Academy Hall it was renamed in honor of Charles Goodall Snead.

Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Snead, two of the Academy’s Original Guarantors, donate six acres of land to the school, and construction of Academy Hall, later renamed Snead Hall, begins. The construction was carried out slowly, as money was available. The interior of the building was not completed until 1902.

The Armory was built between 1902 and 1905 and was a multi-purpose building with classrooms and drill space.

1902 An additional eleven acres of land is donated by Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Snead, and construction begins on the Armory, which is completed in 1905.

1912 The Academy’s first president, Dr. William Hatcher, dies August 24, 1912. His son, Dr. Eldridge B. Hatcher is selected to succeed him as the school’s second president.

1914 Col. Clayton E. Crosland is named the Academy’s third president.

1916 Hatcher Hall begins construction.

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Seen here in this photo from the 1910 Skirmisher, Snead Hall (at left) and the Armory were located on the outside edges of the current Fraley Circle, near the current Middle School Gym and Snead Hall barracks, respectively.

Hatcher Hall, shown here under construction in a 1916 photograph, was designed by President Crosland to be the picture postcard image of the Academy. It was completed over several years as money was available.

The photo at right is one of the few showing the location of the Academy’s original three buildings in relation to each other. This campus configuration was short-lived, as Snead Hall and the Armory were destroyed by fire in January of 1923.

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1917 Col. Nathaniel J. Perkins is named acting president. He is named the Academy’s fourth president in 1918.

1923 In January 1923, two separate fires destroy Snead Hall and the Armory. Arson is suspected. The only building standing on campus is Hatcher Hall.

The Armory burned to the ground in January 1923.

The decision is made to rebuild rather than close the school.

Construction begins on a new barracks building to be named Snead Hall, and the Alumni Gymnasium, now known as the Middle School Gymnasium. Both buildings are completed in time for the 1923-1924 academic year.

1926 The original Snead Hall was destroyed by fire in January 1923 within days of the Armory burning.

Arson was suspected. In the photo below, the woman in the foreground is believed to be Mrs. W. P. Snead.

Hatcher Hall is visible behind her.

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A well is sunk near the campus, adjacent to Careby Hall, and strikes a stream of artesian water at 306 feet. The Academy became one of the few boarding schools at the time to boast of having hot and cold water in the barracks drawn from pure artesian well waters. The well remains today, and was tapped during a recent drought year to provide additional fresh water for the Fork Union community at large.

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Snead Hall barracks (above) and the Alumni Gymnasium (below, now called the Middle School Gym), shown in these photographs from 1924, were completed between January 1923 and the opening of the 1923-1924 school year in the fall of 1923.

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This 1927 photograph shows the view from the main gate looking toward the Alumni Gymnasium, Hatcher Hall, and Snead Hall barracks. The entrance road is lined with young saplings that would become the towering oaks we see today.

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The familiar layout of the Fork Union Military Academy campus began to take shape in this aerial photograph from the mid-1930s.

In the lower left foreground can be seen the residence that now serves as the Alumni House Museum. Fraley Circle began to take its modern form and accommodates the motor vehicles that can be seen parked on its perimeter. At left can be seen the Alumni Gymnasium with the junior school building located directly behind it. Behind that can be seen the D Annex barracks. Just visible between the Gym and Hatcher Hall is the Junior School recitation hall. Hatcher Hall commands the center of the campus, with Snead Hall barracks dominating the right side of the circle.

The D Annex barracks (below) was added in 1935 in the space behind the Alumni Gymasium now occupied by the Sabre Shop. D Annex housed approximately 100 students and the quartermaster.

The Junior School building (above) was added in about 1930 directly behind the Alumni Gymasium and provided classrooms, activity space, and faculty lounge area for the new junior school.

This building was later used for faculty apartments before being demolished in recent years. The Bronson Commons now occupies this area of campus.

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1930 Dr. John J. Wicker becomes the school’s fifth president and leads the school during a period of remarkable growth.

Dr. Wicker founds the junior school of the Academy. A new building is constructed for the junior school directly behind the Alumni Gymnasium.

1935 A new barracks, D Annex, is built in time for the 1935-1936 academic year to house about 100 students, as well as two faculty members, a lounge, and the quartermaster’s shop. The building is located behind the Alumni Gymnasium.

1937 The John J. Wicker Chapel is built and dedicated on November 6, 1937.

1938 The Social Center Building is constructed, now in use as the Commandant’s Office.

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The Social Center Building was added in 1938 and has served a number of functions through the years. Initially a center of student activities, the building now known as Vaughan Hall houses the Commandant’s Office.

Wicker Chapel (below) was dedicated in 1937 and has been the heart of the campus ever since, as thousands of cadets have occupied its rows of wooden seats. The building was recently restored to near original condition.

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1940 The late 1930s and 1940s was a time of tremendous growth on campus as burgeoning student enrollment had FUMA facilities nearly bursting at the seams.

Perkins Hall is built beside Hatcher Hall. Originally used for science classrooms and labs, Perkins Hall now houses the Academy’s technology center.

This 1941 photograph shows Perkins Hall, built in 1940.

The Junior School Barracks is also built in 1940, but is originally constructed with only one wing of dorm rooms on three floors.

The building is expanded in 1942 to its current size, adding the B Company wing.

1941 Memorial Barracks is built to house additional Upper School students.

1942 The President’s House is built on campus just off the front of Fraley Circle.

The infirmary is moved out of Hatcher Hall and into a structure known as The Maples south of Snead Hall.

1943 The Junior School Barracks is expanded to its current size.

Memorial Hall, shown here in a 1945 photograph, was built in 1941 to provide barracks space for Upper School cadets.

The Junior School Academic Building is constructed.

1944 Annexes are completed at the back of Snead Hall for each company to provide extra housing space

1945 Col. James C. Wicker is named the Academy’s sixth president, replacing his father upon the elder Wicker’s retirement.

The Stadium is built to provide permanent seating for the football field and parade grounds.

1946 The President’s House was built in the early part of the 1940s. This photograph was taken in 1945.

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The Central Heating Plant with its distinctive brick smokestack is built.

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The 1940s saw the expansion of the Junior School, with the construction of the barracks in 1940. The building was originally built with just a single threestory wing of dorm rooms.

By 1943, the Junior School barracks had been expanded to its current size with the addition of another wing, doubling the capacity of the building.

The Junior School academic building was added in 1943 to provide classrooms, study hall, and administrative offices for the growing Junior School program.

By 1942, the infirmary had been moved from inside Hatcher Hall to the wooden structure south of Snead Hall known as The Maples.

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An aerial view of the Academy in 1948.

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The Retan Library was built in 19461947 and dedicated in 1947 in honor of George Owen Retan, a FUMA alumnus who was killed in World War II. This building is now known as Flag Hall and provides space for the band and music programs of the Academy.

The M. C. Thomas Gymnasium was completed in 1949.

The Sabre Shop was built in 1955 in the area behind the Alumni Gymnasium formerly occupied by D Annex.

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1947 The Retan Library is dedicated in the fall of 1947 in memory of a FUMA alumnus, George Owen Retan, killed in World War II. This former library building is now known as Flag Hall and serves as the band room.

1949 The M. C. Thomas Gymnasium is completed.

1953 D Annex is destroyed by fire.

1955

The main entrance gate and arch were built in 1962.

The Sabre Shop is built in the area of the destroyed D Annex.

1958 The swimming pool is added behind the Thomas Gymnasium.

1962 The campus Entrance Gate and Arch are built.

The Fork Union Motor Lodge and Restaurant are completed.

1966 Underground tunnels are constructed connecting most of the central campus’ main buildings to the central heating plant.

The swimming pool was added to the Thomas Gymnasium in 1958.

The Fork Union Motor Lodge was built in 1962. Still in use as a motel facility owned by the Academy, the restaurant is currently named The Cadet Diner and is privately owned and operated.

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1968 Col. Kenneth T. Whitescarver becomes the Academy’s seventh president.

1969 The illuminated fountain is built at the southwest corner of the grounds.

The fountain was added in 1969 and Wicker Science Building followed in 1970.

1970 The J. Caldwell Wicker Science Building is completed and dedicated in October of 1970.

1974 Hoffman Supply Center and the Rifle Range are constructed.

1978 Yeatman Infirmary is built.

Yeatman Infirmary was built in 1978.

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An aerial view of the campus in 1978 showing the back side of the campus. Hoffman Supply Center is at lower left, between the smokestack and a storage building.

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1982 Memorial Hall addition is completed.

1983 Beatty Library is constructed beginning in the spring of 1983, and completed in January, 1984.

1989 The Estes Athletic Center is completed and opens on October 27, 1989.

Beatty Library was added in 1983.

1991 Renovations are made to Snead Hall barracks in the summer of 1991.

Col. Charles T. Clanton is named the Academy’s eighth president.

1992 Moretz Academic Center, a second-story addition to the Wicker Science Building containing twelve classrooms, is completed.

The Estes Athletic Center opened in 1989.

In 1992, the Moretz Academic Center was added atop the Wicker Science Building.

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1994 Lt. Gen. John E. Jackson, Jr. becomes the Academy’s ninth president.

Construction of the dining hall gets underway.

1995 Pruitt Lake and Pavilion are completed and dedicated.

1998 The Veterans Memorial is constructed near the main entrance to the campus.

General Jackson began to oversee construction of the dining hall soon after his arrival as president.

The Dorothy Thomasson Estes Dining Hall is dedicated on May, 1, 1998.

1999 The Academic Center, a complete renovation and transformation of the lower levels of Hatcher Hall, is completed.

2000 The E. H. Lacy Track is completed.

The Veterans Memorial was completed in 1998.

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The Pruitt Lake and Pavilion facility was among the first campus improvements made by General Jackson.

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General Jackson and Chairman Bill Vakos look on as Ed Estes and members of his family cut the ribbon opening the Dorothy Thomasson Estes Dining Hall in May 1998.

The Academic Center, opened in 1998, added more classroom space to the lower levels of Hatcher Hall.

The Gus Lacy Track has hosted many top track athletes in major meets since its opening in 2000.

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2003 The Sarah Alice Bronson Commons is dedicated in May 2003, offering a quiet spot on campus for relaxation and reflection.

2004 A new wastewater treatment plant is constructed, a vital part of the Academy’s infrastructure, though unlikely to appear on picture postcards.

Bronson Commons was dedicated in May 2003.

2006 A major addition to the Beatty Library is finished, nearly doubling the size of the library and adding classrooms, a computer lab, and meeting space.

The Caruthers Tennis Courts are completed.

The Aquatic Center is constructed at the back side of the Estes Athletic Center.

2008 Major renovations are completed on the John J. Wicker Chapel, restoring the building to its original interior appearance.

2009 The watewater treatment plant was added in 2004 providing a critically-needed infrastructure improvement.

A new press box is constructed at the football stadium. The twostory building has a third level observation deck and facilities for a snack bar.

2010 The Academy breaks ground on the new barracks building, Jacobson Hall.

A major addition to the Beatty Library doubled its size in 2006 and added classroom and meeting space.

The new tennis courts were opened in 2006.

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The Aquatic Center was completed in 2006. Since then, FUMA’s swim team has become a nationally-ranked powerhouse, winning the state championship the past two years.

Major renovations to the exterior and interior of Wicker Chapel were made in 2008, restoring and improving the chapel facility.

A new press box, a two-story structure with two balconies and a third-level observation deck, was added in 2009 atop the football stadium. The ground floor houses facilities for a snack bar.

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One of our favorite recent photographs of the Retan Rifles on parade, taken in May, 2005.

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Happy 50th Anniversary to

The Retan Rifles

T

he drill team of Fork Union Military Academy was first established in 1956 and became known as The Hatcher Rifles. In 1961, the unit was renamed The Retan Rifles, to honor the memory of George Owen Retan, a former cadet who was killed in action during World War II. As we mark this 50th Anniversary of The Retan Rifles, it seems appropriate to tell the story of the young man in whose memory they are named.

We invite you to read “Remembering Retan� on the following pages.

Alumni members of the Retan Rifles have created a page on Facebook to share memories, post photos, and promote the Retan Rifles as an elite unit of Fork Union Military Academy. Just go to: http://www.facebook.com/RetanRifles

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The Hatcher Rifles, seen here in 1957, were formed in the mid-1950s and were the forerunners of the Retan Rifles.

The drill team was renamed the Retan Rifles in 1961, and can be seen here performing on the Academy’s parade grounds in that year.

Through the years the Retan Rifles became known for putting on elaborate and deathdefying performances spinning and throwing heavy military rifles with sharp bayonets affixed, as in this photo from 2005.

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It is fair to say that the Retan Rifle units of the mid-1980s were legendary for their precision and skill. The unit is seen here in about 1982, marching in a community parade.

The Retan Rifles have regularly appeared at the Dogwood Festival and Apple Blossom Parades, often taking home awards.

Led by Constantine Wilson in 1982, the Retan Rifles traveled to Massanutten for a competition against rival teams on the east coast and won every single trophy to be awarded that day.

Wilson continues to be involved in drill teams as founder of the New Guard America, performing exhibitions, competing, and training drill teams. Check him out at newguardusa.com The Retan Rifles would travel to Orlando in 1984 to compete in Nationals, where they placed third in the nation.

Even the Silent Drill Team of the U. S. Marine Corps showed the Retan Rifles a high level of respect, seen here stopping by their quarters to ask Cadet R. C. Schrom to teach them some of his tricks.

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Remembering Retan

by Dan Thompson

“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it remembers, the men it honors.�

John F. Kennedy

The 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment jumped into Holland on September 17, 1944 as part of the largest airborne invasion ever made to that time.

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H

e stood erect and strong, his posture and sure step belying his age of almost eighty-nine years.

“Can we stop here a moment?” he’d asked. “I’d like to see that up close.” He remained for a long quiet minute or two, just reading the words of the plaque, taking it all in.

IN HONORED MEMORY OF LT. GEORGE OWEN RETAN GRADUATED FORK UNION MILITARY ACADEMY JUNE 2, 1941 KILLED IN ACTION HOLLAND SEPTEMBER 17, 1944

Colonel Ed Shames walked slowly back to the golf cart and sat down heavily. Not a word was spoken as we rolled away to our next stop. For the first time during his visit on May 20, 2011, the open and engaging Colonel Shames seemed at a loss for words.

“That really makes you think, “ Shames said finally. “Why him? Why not me? Why did I make it through and not George?”

It’s a Boy

On February 1, 1923, a son was born to Dr. George Matthew Retan and his wife Emilie.

After fathering two daughters, Geraldine and Lucille, there’s no doubt that Dr. Retan was proud to have a son, but he was not to be named George Matthew Retan, Jr. It seems that Dr. Retan, an avid outdoorsman but very poor swimmer, had been on a fishing trip in the Adirondacks when he somehow managed to fall out of his canoe and found himself in deep trouble. His friend and fishing companion, a man named Owen, saved Dr. Retan’s life that day. And so it was decided that Dr. Retan’s son would carry the name George Owen Retan.

Dr. Retan served as a professor of pediatrics at Syracuse University, and he maintained a private practice out of the family’s home on James Street in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Retan was something of a pioneer and researcher in medicine and his name remains a footnote in today’s medical journals. He owned one of the first x-ray www.forkunion.com

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machines in private practice in New York. His early research on the treatment of a dangerous type of childhood intestinal blockage (known as intussusception) using a barium enema while observing the process by x-ray fluoroscopy was published and helped popularize this form of treatment. He also researched innovative treatments for childhood polio, and a chapter is dedicated to his efforts in a 1939 book entitled “Modern Miracle Men.” His controversial treatment methods became outdated, however, once the polio vaccine was developed.

Cadet Retan

George Owen Retan seemed to have inherited his father’s intelligence, and he began to distinguish himself as a student when he enrolled as a freshman at Fork Union Military Academy in September of 1937 and was assigned to C Company.

His freshman year he earned a report card filled with mostly A’s and only the occasional grade of B.

The society pages of the Syracuse newspapers often carried news of Dr. George Retan, the wellknown physician, and his family.

Dr. Retan and his wife earned frequent mentions in the local George Owen Retan press for their participation in various cultural entered FUMA in 1937 and charitable activities in Syracuse, so when as a freshman. young George Owen Retan made the honor roll at Fork Union Military Academy, that news was prominently reported in the hometown newspaper.

Cadet Retan earned officer’s rank during his four years of high school at the Academy and served as part of the editorial staff for the “Skirmisher” (the Academy’s yearbook) and as an officer in the Athenian Literary Society.

Retan graduated as a senior in 1941.

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His senior photograph shows a clear-eyed young man in an officer’s coatee with two stars at his collar. These stars were worn on the uniform at that

time as “academic stars” indicating outstanding performance in the classroom, and the officer’s rank was worn on the sleeve. Retan’s academic achievement earned him admission to one of the nation’s top Ivy League institutions. He enrolled in the prestigious Cornell University following his graduation from Fork Union Military Academy on June 2, 1941.

Winds of War

As George Owen Retan embarked on his college career as a freshman at Cornell, the United States was facing the likelihood of greater involvement in the war that had been building on the European continent and stretching into Africa and Asia. Hitler in Germany and Hirohito in Japan were spreading turmoil across much of the world and the Americans would not be able to stand on the sidelines much longer.

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise raid on Pearl Harbor, sinking many ships of the U. S. Navy and guaranteeing the Americans’ entry into World War II. The very next day, George Retan left the campus of Cornell University to visit his father in the office of his medical practice. He declared to his father his intention to leave college and join the military.

Retan finished out his freshman year, even joining the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, but he made good on his plans to join the war effort in the summer of 1942.

You’re In the Army Now

On August 25, 1942, George Owen Retan enlisted in the United States Army. When he asked the recruiter where they needed men the most, he was told they needed paratroopers, so that’s where Retan volunteered to serve.

The 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment was to be a new “super unit” of elite fighters, kind of a precursor to today’s Delta Force or Seal Team Six. The 506th PIR recruited only men of better than average intelligence and physical condition, and sent them to Camp Toccoa in a remote part of Georgia to undergo the most rigorous training schedule any military unit to that time had been required to complete.

Ed Shames recalls that he and Retan must have arrived at Camp Toccoa on the same train, Call to Quarters

as they ultimately were assigned together to Company I in the Third Battalion of the 506th.

Shames describes the training they went through as “almost inhumane” as the men were winnowed from almost 7,000 recruits down to about 2,500 tough, hardened fighting men. Anyone who stopped running on the regular morning runs 3-1/2 miles up (and 3-1/2 miles down) Currahee Mountain was removed from the unit. Anyone who was unable to qualify at the “expert” level with their rifle, machine gun, or mortar was eliminated. When the regiment was sent to the large rifle ranges at Clemson University to finish perfecting their marksmanship skills, no trucks were on hand to transport them. They marched the 48 miles from Toccoa to Clemson. Anyone who fell out during the long march was removed from the unit.

During this arduous training, a strong bond was formed between five friends in I Company, Shames reports. Joe Madona, Joe Beyerle, James

Japhet, Ed Shames, and George Retan became fast friends, with George as kind of their leader.

Retan seemed to know the ropes and helped them all through the training regimen, Shames recalls, displaying a level of leadership and experience that Shames now credits to Retan’s background as a FUMA cadet. “He must have learned that here,” Shames says. “I just tried to follow his lead.”

Retan’s leadership abilities were noticed by his commanding officers, and Retan was soon promoted to Sergeant and placed in charge of a squad.

In December of 1942, the regiment was to travel to Fort Benning for parachute jump school.

First Battalion traveled by train from Toccoa to Benning.

Second Battalion marched 102 miles to Atlanta in three days and then took a train to Benning. Third Battalion, Retan’s battalion, took the train to Atlanta, and then marched 136 miles in four days to arrive at Fort Benning, smashing a record for long distance marching previously set by the Imperial Japanese Army. The 506th PIR was attracting attention as an elite airborne unit like none before.

Retan was promoted to Sergeant within months of his enlistment in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

More specialized training continued for the regiment and by February of 1943, Ed Shames had also been promoted to Staff Sergeant and moved to Headquarters Staff, but he still remained close with his buddies in I Company.

Recruiting posters like this one encouraged men between the ages of 18 and 32 to join the Army paratroopers.

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On September 5, 1943, the regiment boarded the troop ship Samaria and sailed for England.

The 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment was soon to become one of the most renowned units of the 101st Airborne Division. George Retan and his buddies were going to war.

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D-Day: The Normandy Invasion

As the landing craft hit the beaches at Omaha Beach and Utah Beach at dawn on June 6, 1944, George Retan and his comrades had already been in combat for several hours.

The 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment was one of a number of airborne units that jumped into German-held territory in the hours past midnight. The Third Battalion of the 506th was to secure two bridges across the Douve River east of the town of Carentan, France. The Germans had built these bridges in recent months so they could quickly move reinforcements to the beach to meet the expected invasion. It was critical that these bridges be seized and controlled if the beach landings were to succeed.

In the darkness, amid a hail of anti-aircraft fire, the transport planes bucked and swerved, trying to find their drop zones. Paratroopers jumped into uncertainty on that black night, very few landing anywhere close to their targets, most landing miles away from their objective.

Retan’s buddy, James Japhet, never made it into the fight. His plane was hit and the right engine and wing caught on fire. The paratroopers were unable to jump and the plane crashed, killing all aboard.

Joe Beyerle landed on a church in Saint-Cômedu-Mont and slid down the roof to the ground below. Alone, Beyerle tried to make his way toward his objective but was captured by the Germans and spent months in POW camps before escaping and joining up with Soviet Army forces with whom he fought through the remainder of the war.

Joe Madona’s plane dropped him far from his intended drop zone and into the area of operations for the 82nd Airborne. He landed in a field flooded by the Germans to hinder paratroopers and had to act quickly to save himself and a nearby comrade from drowning on landing.

Madona would survive Normandy but was killed in action at Bastogne in January of 1945.

Ed Shames landed on the grounds of the Carnation Milk factory near Carentan, all alone.

He quickly set about finding other paratroopers and leading the way, many miles, to the bridges that were their objective.

Like his buddies, George Retan was dropped 52

far away from his intended target, and within the first five minutes was wounded in the leg by shrapnel. He met up with Colonel Sink’s headquarters outfit and continued fighting for the next three days despite his wounds, until units from Utah Beach broke through and joined with them in the days following D-Day. Retan was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, though he evidently never spoke of the deeds that earned his medal for valor with his good friend Ed Shames. Shames recalls that Retan didn’t talk much about his injury or D-Day experiences, just wearing a patch on his leg. But then, most of the paratroopers landing behind enemy lines, including Shames, had wounds to show for their first experience in combat.

In the weeks following the Normandy Invasion, Retan’s wounds were treated but not all the shrapnel could be removed. He was offered the oppportunity to return to the United States for further treatment, but he elected to remain with his unit.

In the confusion and fog of war, Retan and Shames had each, separately, distinguished themselves in combat and demonstrated the special kind of leadership needed to command fighting men. They were both selected to receive battlefield commissions following Normandy and were promoted from Staff Sergeant to 2nd Lieutenant rank, two of only three men in the regiment to receive this recognition.

Ed Shames was transferred to E Company in the 2nd Battalion of the 506th and placed in command of the company’s “patrol platoon.”

George Retan was moved to A Company in the 1st Battalion of the 506th as the Assistant Platoon Leader of the 2nd Platoon.

A Quiet and Humble Leader

Bill Chivvis was a young soldier assigned to I Company as a replacement in the days following Normandy. As the Normandy veterans began returning to Ramsbury, England, Bill Chivvis and his fellow replacements got to see Retan in action.

“After a time we became aware of Retan visiting the Company ‘I’ area to greet his returning friends. On each visit he would stop and talk to the ‘know nothing’ replacements and try to Call to Quarters

answer our stupid questions. There is no greater gulf than that which exists between combatants and non-combatants but this did not affect Retan.”

Retan’s behavior made an impact on this fresh young recruit. “From these brief visits, I learned a lesson which would follow me through the Holland and Belgium campaigns: I always took the time to talk to incoming replacements.”

These few encounters with George Retan made a lifelong impression on Chivvis, who spoke of Retan in a 1995 letter to researcher and author Peter Hendrikx. “I will describe Retan as a quiet, humble young man, but very intelligent, very alert, and very focused. He was a natural leader who inspired confidence without even trying. He was a man of the highest character.”

Operation Market Garden

In just a few short weeks, the 506th was headed back into combat, part of the largest airborne invasion ever undertaken to that time. The plan was for American and British forces to capture a number of bridges in Holland, giving the Allies an access route into Germany around the Siegfried Line defenses.

guarding the bridge opened fire into the trees.

Sgt. Joe Powers of 2nd Platoon was hit by shrapnel and wounded almost immediately. Soon the other two large 88mm guns had lowered their barrels and begun firing into the woods. The 88mm gun is designed to shoot planes from the sky, but the Germans had found it to be a terrible and terrifying anti-infantry gun as well. The 88s were soon joined by the thump of 81mm mortars.

“Men were being killed,” recalls Donald R. Burgett, a soldier in A Company. “We had to do something.”

Company A faced only one choice. They had to attack headlong into the massed fire of three fearsome cannons.

The soldiers raced through the woods and then across the grass straight into the muzzle blasts of the massive artillery pieces. After overwhelming the Germans at the guns and silencing the

Retan and A Company of the 506th PIR led the attack on the bridge at Son, into the face of three 88mm artillery guns.

The 506th jumped in clear skies on the afternoon of September 17, 1944 into a large field near the town of Son. The daylight jump, made possible by Allied air superiority, was a big improvement on the confusion seen at Normandy.

The regiment landed almost in formation and met little resistance as they left the drop zone.

Company A was to capture the main bridge across the Wilhelmina Canal at Son. Almost half of 1st Platoon had been dropped some distance from the rest of the company, so 2nd Platoon was placed in the lead. Platoon Leader 1st Lieutenant Galarneau had broken his ankle on the jump, so it was up to 2nd Lieutenant George Retan to lead the regiment through the Son Forest toward their target.

About 400 yards into their advance, the company engaged a number of German riflemen, suppressing their fire and continuing to push toward the bridge.

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In this remarkable photo taken near the Son bridge on that afternoon of September 17, 1944, an American trooper stands at one of the 88mm gun emplacements captured by the Americans, one of the three guns that killed Retan and killed or wounded so many of his men, its barrel still lowered toward the woods..

artillery, the paratroopers then stormed the remaining yards toward the bridge to seize their objective, but the Germans set off pre-placed explosives just before the Americans set foot on the structure, blowing it up in their faces.

As the smoke cleared and A Company regrouped, the costs of the short fierce battle were plain to see.

“Our company lost nearly 30 percent of our officers and men in the Son Forest. Lieutenant Retan was among the first of our men to be killed in the woods,” recalls Don Burgett.

“Within hours of our landing in Holland, A Company had been battered in battle and bathed in blood.”

‘Til the Boys Come Home

Don Burgett would continue fighting through Europe with A Company of the 506th and return home from the war to write several gripping books about his experiences, each widely hailed for their first-person vividness.

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Ed Shames (who was just a quarter-mile or so away at Son and learned quickly of his close friend’s death) would continue to lead his platoon of Easy Company soldiers on through Belgium, Bastogne, Berlin, and into the pages of history as Stephen Ambrose’s famed “Band of Brothers.” Shames earned the distinction of returning more soldiers home, safe and alive, than any other platoon leader in the 101st Airborne Division. This despite the fact that his platoon was often called on to undertake dangerous patrols and assignments.

For George Owen Retan, however, his war ended on September 17, 1944 in the Son Forest of Holland. He lies in Plot A, Row 4, Grave 8 of the Netherlands American Cemetery at Margraten. His resting place is attended to regularly by citizens of that country who have adopted the graves of the American fallen. His bright white headstone is cleaned regularly and flowers placed by these grateful citizens who insure that the sacrifice for freedom he made on their soil will not be soon forgotten.

Call to Quarters

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FUMA Remembers

Recalling a Fallen Friend

George Retan was not forgotten on the campus of Fork Union Military Academy. As a four-year cadet and a high-performing student, Retan had made quite an impression on the staff and faculty as well. It is clear that the affection was mutual, as George Retan had expressly requested, before heading overseas, that if anything happened to him, his savings should be donated to Fork Union Military Academy.

Standing beside the brass plaque on the wall dedicating the building to the memory of his friend, Ed Shames felt the memories come flooding back, these nearly 67 years later.

Dr. George M. Retan was devastated by his son’s death. He closed his private practice and spent much of his time building a log lodge on a remote lake in Canada, a kind of refuge for him. But Dr. Retan and his wife honored their son’s wishes, and his savings were donated to the Academy, where they helped fund the construction of the school’s new library.

On October 11, 1949, Dr. and Mrs. George M. Retan came to the campus of Fork Union Military Academy for the dedication of the Retan Library.

The Retan Rifles

In the fall of 1960, another young freshman entered the Academy, the son of Lucille Retan Ramseyer, George Retan’s beloved sister.

“From the moment I was born, I was destined to be a cadet at Fork Union Military Academy,” jokes George Owen Ramseyer.

The arrival of George Retan’s nephew and namesake on campus apparently awakened fond memories among the faculty and staff who recalled his uncle’s arrival more than twenty years earlier. Early in 1961 it was decided that the Academy’s crack drill team, then called the Hatcher Rifles, would be renamed to honor George Owen Retan. In a special ceremony, a Retan Rifles banner was presented to young George Owen Ramseyer.

The Retan Rifles carry that name to this day, and each year, a number of outstanding young cadets carry his name on their sleeves, a living memorial to honor his service and sacrifice.

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“It’s incredible,” he said, of learning that his young comrade was one of FUMA’s most honored alumni. “It’s just indescribable.”

Now a Colonel, though retired from his service to the nation, Shames had volunteered to come to FUMA to talk to cadets about his fallen friend.

Standing in front of the entire upper school Corps of Cadets, Shames wore a bright yellow jacket covered in patches honoring the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, the 101st Airborne Division of which they were a part, and Easy Company, his own band of brothers.

The jacket was a gift from the HBO producers of the mini-series about his famed unit. “They made $190 million telling our story, “ quipped Shames. “All I got was this jacket.”

Shames shared stories of the training that he and George Retan had endured together at Currahee Mountain. He answered questions about Bastogne, the daring rescue of British paratroopers across the Rhine River, and many other exploits with Easy Company. Current members of the Retan Rifles crowded around after his talk, and Shames autographed copies of the book “Tonight We Die As Men” for which he had authored the foreward. Shames had brought the books, which tell the story of the Third Battalion of the 506th, as a special gift to the Retan cadets and the school’s library.

Although he only lived a short twenty-one years, the lessons to draw from Retan’s life seem clear.

Study hard, volunteer where you are needed, do your best, accept responsibility, lead from the front, be kind and gracious to all.

When asked how the young men of FUMA could best honor the memory of George Owen Retan, Shames offered the following simple advice: “Work hard. Try to be great at something.

If you can’t be great, be good. If you can’t be a good leader, be a good follower. But be good.

George was no angel, but he was good hearted.

George Retan was a good man.”

Call to Quarters

Colonel Ed Shames visited the campus recently to speak with cadets about Retan and World War II. After his talk he signed books as gifts for current Retan Rifle members.

Donald Burgett returned to Holland a few years ago to revisit the ground where he and his comrades in A Company had battled in 1944. He took time to visit Margraten Cemetery and take this photo beside the grave of George O. Retan, one of the lieutenants in his company.

Recommended Reading Tonight We Die As Men: The Untold Story of the Third Battalion 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment from Toccoa to D-Day

By Ian Gardner and Roger Day Foreward by Ed Shames

Currahee!

The Road to Arnhem

By Donald R. Burgett

The article on the following pages (“Shuford and the Chief �) is a chapter reprinted by permission of Flying Point Press from this book: Invasion: The Story of D-Day

By Bruce Bliven, Jr.

All these books are available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. www.forkunion.com

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Shuford and The Chief

A story of duty, integrity, and courage

In the early hours of June 6, 1944, the 29th Infantry Division assaulted Omaha Beach in the Normandy Invasion of World War II. The 111th Field Artillery from Richmond, Virginia planned to land their 105mm howitzers under direction of their commander, Lt. Col. T. L. Mullins, and his advance party already on the beach.

But those plans weren’t working out very well.

One man, Captain Louis Shuford, FUMA Class of 1939, was determined that his mission would be completed.

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Call to Quarters

I

t was just as well that Colonel Mullins, before he was killed, and the others in the advance party of the 111th Field Artillery Battalion didn’t know what was happening to the battalion’s 12 howitzers. The news was all bad.

The forward observers and liaison officers on the beach assumed that the guns would be ready to come ashore as soon as their gunners were told, by radio, that the beach exits were clear. It never crossed their minds - not, at least, until hours later - that the artillery was in almost as much trouble as the infantry.

Each of the guns was loaded on an amphibious truck, a combination boat and automobile called a Duck. The Ducks were supposed to sail in under their own power, drive out of the surf onto the sand on their wheels, and then go to the first gun positions. If the weather had been slightly better and the sea a little less choppy, they might have been able to do so.

The battalion filled 13 Ducks. There was one for each howitzer and an extra one for battalion www.forkunion.com

headquarters. Things had begun to go wrong hours before H-Hour, as soon as the Ducks were launched from the big LST’s (Landing Ship, Tank) that had brought them across the Channel. The LST’s were anchored some seven miles off the beach. At 2:00 AM, when it was very dark, the first Duck had rolled out of its LST’s open bow and down a steel ramp toward the water. It had slid off the ramp into the sea, burying its nose in a wave. Its stern had settled down with a clumsy squish. Right away it was clear that the Duck was overloaded. The choppy, four-foot waves, slapping against its sides, were sloshing a dangerous amount of water aboard.

The weight of the howitzer, by itself, was considerable. And, in addition, the Duck was carrying 13 artillery-men, 50 shells and other equipment a gun crew uses: a radio, telephones and wire, picks and shovels, a camouflage net with its 12 steel support poles, sandbags, K-rations (packages of concentrated food that can be eaten without cooking), and the cannoneers’ knapsacks, called musette bags, filled with their personal belongings.

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than the automatic pumps could get rid of it.

Two more went down as they tried to circle, waiting to hear from the advance party. That left only six guns. Half the 111th’s fire power was lost, and the long run into Omaha beach was still to come. The situation was so bad that the artillerymen in the six Ducks that were still afloat couldn’t quite believe it. Their whole effort for a year had been devoted to getting ready for this action. No one had dreamed that half the battalion’s guns would wind up on the bottom of the Channel seven miles from shore.

After a long wait for word from the beach, which didn’t come, the six Ducks started in. A navy LCVP, acting as guide and navigator, led the procession. They had gone only a few hundred yards, moving at full speed ahead, when the waves swamped two more of the Ducks.

The other four Ducks kept going toward Les Moulins. Each Duck contained one gun.

Captain Louis Shuford was 25 years old, good natured and quiet in manner. He had been born and brought up in Virginia and had been a track star at Fork Union Military Academy and at Richmond University. The men in his battery

The DUKW utility Two of the 13 Ducks sank minutes after they vehicle, known as were launched. One of them, caught by the cura “duck” used by the military in World rent, was washed back against the LST’s ramp, crashed heavily against it, and went down like a War II was part truck, part boat. stone. The cannoneers, in their inflated life belts, The duck pictured were picked up, but the howitzer was gone forabove is loaded with ever. The second Duck stayed afloat only a little a howitzer. Once the 13-member gun longer. Then a wave hit it at a bad angle. The Duck rolled partly over, took more water aboard crew, ammunition, and other cargo were and went down. loaded, the ducks rode very low in the The remaining ten along with the Headquarters water.

Duck headed for a stretch of water about 600

yards from the LST. They were supposed to wait there, moving slowly around in a large circle, until they got word from the beach that it was time to come ashore. Three more of the Ducks, including the Headquarters Duck, sank on the way to this rendezvous area. Their story was much the same: they took water aboard faster

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Louis Alfred Shuford, FUMA Class of 1939 Call to Quarters

The 105mm Howitzer The 105mm howitzer was the standard light field howitzer for the United States during World War II and continued in service throughout the Korean War and Vietnam as well.

Nearly 20 feet in length and weighing 5,000 pounds, the 105mm howitzer blasted a 42-pound high explosive projectile of more than 4 inches in diameter to a target up to seven miles away.

The 29th Infantry Division had three battalions of 105mm howitzers (the 110th, the 111th, and the 224th Field Artillery Battalions).

The 105mm howitzer pictured at left is seen in action during the Korean War.

had nicknamed him “Boobytrap” because he was fascinated by explosives and spent a lot of time experimenting with them as a hobby. Shuford’s superior officers rated him as a good but not perfect battery commander. He hated the paper work his job required, and he had often been in trouble with Colonel Mullins because his records were not up to date. It is safe to say that no one, including Shuford, expected that he was going to be a hero.

While the four guns were still several thousand yards away from Omaha beach, the second Duck in line, behind Shuford’s, began to sink. Shuford thought he might be able to save it by lightening its load. He signaled to the coxswain in the navy guide boat, and the LCVP took off 12 of the 13 artillerymen. The Duck was still pretty low in the water, but with about 2,000 pounds less to carry, it stopped going down.

The navy LCVP headed back out to sea, looking for a larger boat or a rhino-ferry (one of the huge rafts that were bringing in heavy equipment) on which it might deposit the cannoneers.

The four Ducks kept on going without their guide boat. At about 1,000 yards from the shore, where the boat traffic was fairly heavy with LCA’s, LCVP’s and other small boats, they lost each other for a while. The crewless Duck, with just its gun, one artilleryman and its driver aboard, developed engine trouble. While it was www.forkunion.com

stalled, a splatter of long-range machine-gun fire from the bluff tore open one of its sides. That finished it. More water poured into the hold, and down it went. A few minutes later the last Duck in the procession, B Battery’s, filled and sank.

It was about nine o’clock, and the 11th Field Artillery Battalion had only two howtizers (and two Ducks) left. Shuford and Captain Jack Wilson maneuvered their Ducks next to each other, and lashed them together with rope. Then the two battery commanders had a conference.

They were desperate. They were five or six hundred yards offshore and they could see that the Ducks couldn’t get any closer. They didn’t know what had happened to the first waves of the infantry, or to their own battalion’s advance party, but they could see bursts of German mortar and artillery shells exploding on the sand flats.

Knowing that they were all that remained of the 111th, and realizing that the attack was hours behind schedule, the two captains couldn’t help feeling that the great assault had turned into a disaster.

While they talked, the other men in the Ducks crouched low. German bullets and shell fragments were whining past. The hulls of the Ducks, though thin, offered some protection.

The men were drenched with spray and they were cold, even though the sun was beginning to come through the haze and smoke that lay over

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the seascape. And, after six hours of riding in rough waters, they were seasick.

Shuford and Wilson agreed that even though the invasion looked hopeless, they ought to try to get ashore.

They thought they could roll onto the beach and start shooting. They would use the hoisting device on Shuford’s Duck to lift Wilson’s howitzer out of the hold of its Duck. Then Wilson’s hoist would be used to lift Shuford’s gun.

“We might as well try it,” Captain Wilson said.

“We ought to be able to knock out at least one pillbox.”

But even this simple plan was too ambitious.

A burst of machinegun fire peppered the two Ducks with lead and cut the rope holding them together. Shuford’s pulled ahead, trying to get out of range.

But one of the bullets had hit the engine of Wilson’s Duck, disabling it. While the craft drifted helplessly, a second flurry of bullets hit it, wounding several of the men. Then a light artillery shell hit the breech block of the howitzer, putting it out of commission for good. The shell fragments killed one man and wounded a few more. Finally the Duck caught fire. Wilson ordered his men to jump overboard and jumped with them.

some picture of an Indian chief on its shield. The Chief was the only gun the 111th Field Artillery Battalion had left. It represented the last chance for the battalion to play a part in the assault. This fact strengthened Shuford’s determination to get the gun ashore. Without Wilson’s hoist, though, he did not know how he would go about unloading it.

But he had several problems to solve before he could unload. His Duck was now leaking pretty badly from the holes the machine-gun fire had drilled in its hull. It looked as if it couldn’t stay afloat much longer. But Shuford had no information about where he could land.

He thought the navy might give him some advice. It was supposed to be in touch by radio with the artillery’s advance parties and with its own shore parties which directed naval gunfire.

The gun crew in Shuford’s Duck had named their gun the “Chief,” and had painted a handsome picture of an Indian chief on its shield. The Chief was the only gun the 111th Field Artillery Battalion had left.

When Shuford realized that Wilson’s Duck had been hit, he started back to help, but a large assault boat, an LCI (Landing Craft, Infantry), blocked his way. By the time it passed, Shuford couldn’t see what had become of Wilson, the Duck or the gun crew. Suddenly a German gun began shooting at Shuford’s Duck. One shell sent up a geyser of water just ahead of it. The next landed just behind. Shuford ordered his Duck driver to head out to sea at full speed.

The gun crew in Shuford’s Duck had named their gun the “Chief,” and had painted a hand62

Shuford headed for the nearest large ship, an LCI like the one that had cut him off when he had been searching for Wilson.

As his Duck came alongside the LCI, his driver said, “You’d better hurry, Captain. I don’t think this thing is going to hold together much longer.”

Shuford scrambled aboard the LCI.

The navy’s radio network was working, just as Shuford hoped, but the news from the beach was bad. Lieutenant Brush, who was still near the Les Moulins draw, reported that the beach there, called Easy Green, was not yet clear. His message suggested that Shuford try Fox, the next beach section to the east of Les Moulins.

The radio operator called the forward observers on Fox. Things were just as bad there. “Don’t come to Fox,” Fox warned. “Go to Easy Green.”

That left Shuford no better off than he had been, except that he knew two places where he couldn’t get ashore. By now it was nearly eleven o’clock, and much warmer, but the men in the Call to Quarters

Duck were too numb with discouragement to notice the improvement. Everyone was quietmost unusual for 12 cannoneers. The Duck driver was the only one with much to say. He kept repeating what was clearly true: it wouldn’t be long before the Duck would sink. For a time the Duck circled aimlessly while the men took turns at the hand pump. Shuford again tried to call the shore with the navy radio, but the news remained bad. None of the beaches was open.

Shuford got back in the Duck. He decided that the only way he could keep afloat was by tying up to one of the rhino-ferries that were waiting, like him, for a place to go ashore. By luck, the one he picked carried some of the 111th’ s jeeps and trucks and the men of the battalion who made up part of its reserve. They didn’t know what had happened to the other 11 guns, or realize that the first waves of infantry were still battling for the beach exits. And Shuford and his men were too exhausted to tell them.

They lashed the Duck to the raft, leaving only its driver on board. Then they crawled onto the ferry’s flat deck, stretched out wherever they could find space, and fell asleep.

It was more like a collapse than ordinary sleep.

And it didn’t last long. Shuford was awakened by the Duck driver, shaking him awake and shouting that the Duck was sinking.

The Duck was filling faster than ever. The water was slapping around the Chief ’s big rubber tires.

There was no way of getting the gun out of the Duck and onto the rhino-ferry without a goodsized crane.

ant colonel was in charge. He thought Shuford was out of his mind. What was so important, he wanted to know, about one stray howitzer? And a howitzer without a gun crew, at that.

It was a question Shuford couldn’t really answer.

Instead of trying, he lost his temper and yelled at the lieutenant colonel.

The lieutenant colonel was horrified. He didn’t have the faintest idea what the Chief meant to Shuford. Still, he was impressed by Shuford’s wild insistence, and he himself operated the crane. The Chief was swung up out of the Duck and deposited on the deck of the ferry.

After the Chief was safely abroad, Shuford discovered that the ferry was bringing in parts of the 7th Field Artillery Battalion. The 7th’s job exactly matched the 111th’s. It was supposed to be supporting the 16th Infrantry, and, like the 111th, it had been having a hard time. Six of its 12 guns had already gone down.

At last Shuford had the answer to his problem.

The 7th Battalion needed the Chief, so he presented his gun to one of the 7th’s officers. Late in the afternoon, the Chief went ashore with a 7th Battalion battery. Before midnight the Chief was in firing position, pouring high explosives into Normandy in support of the infantry’s slow but all-important advance.

Shuford’s wish had come true. Part of the 111th - even if only one gun, and a gun that another outfit had to operate - was helping the assault succeed.

In this photo taken on June 11, 1944, an unidentified unit pours 105mm howitzer fire onto retreating German units in the days following D-Day. Could this be “The Chief“ hard at work?

Shuford spotted just such a crane on another rhino-ferry five or six hundred yards away. He doubted the Duck could get that far. But he was going to lose the Chief anyhow, so it seemed worth a try. All hands pitched in to unload the equipment-everything except the Chief-from the Duck, cutting the weight down to a minimum. Shuford decided that one man, besides the driver and himself, would be needed on the short run, to help bail water. Off they set, with the Duck riding so low in the water that a single wave sloshing aboard could have sent it to the bottom.

But the Duck made it. Shuford jumped onto the second rhino-ferry, shouting for help. A lieutenwww.forkunion.com

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Call to Quarters

The

Gold Record Career

of Ron Oates, FUMA ‘59

Y

ou’ve listened to Ron Oates play the piano for many years, perhaps without realizing it. One of the most indemand studio musicians on the Nashville scene since 1969, Ron Oates has played, written, or arranged dozens of gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums for artists like Dolly Parton, the Oak Ridge Boys, Lynn Anderson, Olivia NewtonJohn, Gladys Knight, Englebert Humperdinck, and many more.

When the Oak Ridge Boys sang “Elvira,” it was Ron Oates at the piano. When Dolly Parton recorded “I Will Always Love You,” it was Ron playing the keyboards. Cristy Lane’s memorable “One Day at a Time,” and Vern Gosdin’s classic “Chiseled in Stone” both featured Ron Oates’ fingers tinkling the ivories. In all, Ron has been a player and arranger on about forty gold and platinum award-winning albums. It’s hard to keep count.

When the Country Hall of Fame opened their new museum in Nashville in 2001, they set up a special exhibit honoring the legendary studio musicians who created “the Nashville sound.”

Included in the display is Ron’s massive Yamaha GS-2 synthesizer as well as two of his “charts,” the music he arranged for Earl Thomas Conley’s hit singles “Angel in Disguise” and “Under Control” (a song Ron co-wrote with Earl and Nelson Larkin).

Ron has played, composed, and arranged music for countless songs and albums recorded by hundreds of artists during his decades in Nashville since he played his first session recording “Watching Scotty Grow” with Bobby Goldsboro. In some years he played on as many as 500 sessions per year. In his more than 40 years in the business, he estimates he has played between 13,000 and 15,000 recording sessions in Nashville. And he’s still at it.

The next time you listen to a country song on the radio, listen out for the piano. The odds are good you’ll be hearing the work of FUMA alumnus, Ron Oates. www.forkunion.com

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Vinyl Treasure

This original Asylum album, one of only 500 made, could fetch more than $1,000 in some auction markets today as collectors of such vinyl albums consider this a rare gem.

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Call to Quarters

I

n the early 1970s, the upstairs room in the band building rang with the sound of drums and electric guitars as a band made up of FUMA cadets and singer Elaine LaZizza (the daughter of band director Anthony LaZizza) played and practiced together. This space was the band’s escape from the routine of military school life.

And thus the band came to be known as “Asylum” in honor of this place of refuge.

The band learned and played a variety of songs popular at that time, from bands like Grand Funk Railroad, Led Zeppelin, Jefferson Airplane, Three Dog Night, and The Carpenters. They also wrote some of their own songs.

Elaine LaZizza sang and played piano. Buddy Williamson played keyboard, Bob King played bass, Ken Ward sang and played the drums, Dan Dinkins sang and played lead guitar. “Mac” McNamara added some special effects and percussion and Ken Willis added some special effects and helped manage the equipment.

By 1973, the senior years for Ken Ward and Bob King, the band scraped together the money they’d made playing for dances and other gigs and came up with enough money to pay for the use of a professional recording studio for eight hours.

At the American Star Recording Studios in Fairfax, Virginia, the band laid down nine tunes, mostly original songs, and pressed 500 vinyl albums. They named the album “First and Last” because they knew that’s what it was, Asylum’s first and last album.

Skip ahead to 2004, and the record label World In Sound from Germany, picks up the album and re-releases a new pressing. The album begins to pick up new fans among those who like and collect early 1960s and 1970s “psychedelic progressive rock” on vinyl.

It turns out that Asylum has a hit record on their hands, at least in some collectors’ circles.

This “hippie album” as some reviewers dubbed it, is lauded as an outstanding example of “West Coast psychedelic, garage, folk stuff ” reminiscent of early Jefferson Airplane.

Several of the original 500 vinyl albums pressed in 1973 have sold at auction on ebay.com in recent years for prices ranging from $710 to $1,331.

Check out our website at http://www.forkunion.com/asylum for sample cuts from this album and a link to where you can buy the new reissue vinyl albums.

www.forkunion.com

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In Memory of

Coach Jim Hazlett January 13, 1926 to August 4, 2010

A Half Century of Coaching A Lifetime of Experience

J

im Hazlett can be remembered most for his enthusiasm and dedication to the sports of football and baseball. He began his career in football playing under the legendary Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg, Sr. at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania in 1949. It was under the mentorship of Coach Stagg that Hazlett’s true passion for the sport began. While at Susquehanna, he earned Associated Press Little All-America honors in his position as center. He helped the team average 30.8 points per game and win each game by an average of 15 points. During Hazlett’s playing career at SU, the Crusaders compiled a 10-2-1 record.

However, he didn’t stop there. Hazlett began coaching at Springdale High School at age 27 where he had an undefeated 10-0 season in 1959. Over the course of fifty years Hazlett continued coaching and was still involved with reviewing game tapes from his retirement home until 2009. His long time career as a coach came 68

to an end on August 4, 2010 when he passed away peacefully in his home in Richmond, VA. He is fondly remembered most by his friends and colleagues as being well-respected, intelligent, a good athlete, and most of all, dedicated to football.

In a newsletter article in the Susquehanna Currents after his death, Bob Pitello, Assistant SU Football Coach, said “Anyone who played for Jim or coached with him loved him. He was so dedicated to football, and that is what made him great. He’d do anything for the game.” Pitello and Hazlett played together at Susquehanna when Hazlett was the Crusaders’ center and Pitello was left guard. The two men also coached together for twelve years. Pitello also shared in the article that Hazlett transferred to SU just to play for Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg, Sr. “Jim loved him so much. If Coach Stagg Sr. had wanted him to dive over the bleachers, he would have. And Coach loved Jim, too, as a player and an individual.”

Call to Quarters

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Hazlett was born January 13, 1926 in Tarentum, PA and grew up during the Great Depression where his family had to scrape by to live. After graduating high school, Hazlett entered the Army Air Force in 1944. He planned on a career as a bombardier/navigator, but was released after World War II when the military began reducing its numbers. Upon his discharge, he attended Kiski Prep School for one year before going to Westminster College and then transferring to Susquehanna. His education also included a Master’s degree from Pittsburgh College in 1958 and he also continued with graduate courses at

fame at both Alleghany Kiski Valley (1987) and Edinboro State College (1992).

It was in 1979 that Fork Union Military Academy received Hazlett as an assistant football and baseball coach. He left after one year to join Kean College of New Jersey where he spent seven years as Assistant Athletic Director and Head football and baseball coach.

Hazlett returned to Fork Union to teach mathematics in 1987 and also assist as football coach for the Prep Team and serve as head baseball coach.

Hazlett’s return to Fork Union was not only to continue his passion of coaching and teaching, but to maintain his career under the legacy of his mentor, Coach Stagg. Stagg was always a man in Hazlett’s words, “dedicated to sportsmanship and character-building.”

Hazlett had begun to grow tired of the distractions and temptations that his players were encountering in the atmosphere of public education in the late 80s and early 90s.

“We, players and coaches, were all blessed to have the opportunity to be around such a fine man and I hope that we can all be the men he wanted us to be.” the University of Virginia in 1980.

Hazlett not only had a love for football and baseball, but also a strong devotion to education. In his own words, Hazlett said, “I believe the purposes of education are to train, mentally, physically and spiritually, as many individuals as possible so that each may become a well-rounded person with high ideals and integrity....I may always strive to bring out the best qualities in the people, and especially the athletes with whom I come in contact.” This was not only Hazlett’s philosophy, but also his way of life.

His educational and coaching career spanned across five different colleges and schools for over fifty years. He joined Springdale High School in 1952 teaching mathematics and then became Head Football Coach in 1953 until 1960. He then became Assistant Professor of Mathematics in 1961 at Edinboro State College and served as Head Football Coach from 1962-1966.

His experience then blossomed as a coach at Susquehanna University where he guided the SU football team to a 39-69-3 record over 12 seasons. In 1970 the Crusaders posted a 7-3 record, won the Middle Atlantic Conference North Division, and defeated Georgetown University in an NCAA playoff game. Hazlett was inducted into the Susquehanna University Hall of Fame in 1974 for his accomplishments in coaching. He also received similar honors into athletic halls of 70

An article in Charlottesville’s Daily Progress in 1993, quoted Hazlett, “Today, kids are exposed to the drug, alcohol and sexual scene. When I started coaching, that was unheard of. The only thing you had to worry about was some kid sneaking off to puff on a cigarette. I always said to the kids who played for me that I was a conservative coach in a liberal situation. The reason I like Fork Union so much is that the kids are disciplined when they are here.”

Head Athletic Director, Coach Micky Sullivan, agreed at the time that Hazlett was the right fit for the Academy. When he returned to FUMA in 1987, Sullivan recalled, “Hazlett doesn’t forget anything. He has taught us (the coaches and staff ) more about athletics - especially football more than we have ever learned before.”

During his twenty years at Fork Union Military Academy, Hazlett helped lead the team to nine Virginia Prep League Championships and seven VISAA state championships. Hazlett even mentored former Heisman Trophy winner and FUMA alumnus, Eddie George, during his time as a FUMA cadet and player. Hazlett never gave up the game and remained at the Academy until Call to Quarters

2008 when he could no longer coach on the sidelines.

Coach Sullivan affectionately reflected on Hazlett’s influence at the Academy noting that he was nicknamed “The Professor” by both the athletes and fellow coaches. His knowledge of football and unbelievable memory are what made him such a success in his career.

“There is something that many people do not know about Jim,” Coach Sullivan remembers, “He played for Alonzo Stagg in college. Stagg played football as an end at Yale University and was selected to the first College Football All-America Team in 1889. Jim coached Eddie George who was the All-American running back on the All-America Team in 1990. This 100 year connection was one that Jim was very proud of and one that will probably never happen again. We, players and coaches, were all blessed to have the opportunity to be around such a fine man and I hope that we can all be the men he wanted us to be.”

Who’s Who: Amos Alonzo Stagg, Sr.

Amos Alonzo Stagg (August 16, 1862 - March 17, 1965) was an American athlete and a pioneering college coach in multiple sports, primarily football. He served as the head football coach at Springfield College (1890-1891), the University of Chicago (1892-1932), and the College of the Pacific (1933-1946), compiling a career college football record of 314-199-35.

His Chicago Maroons teams of 1905 and 1913 have been recognized as national champions. He was also the head basketball coach for one season at the University of Chicago (1920-1921), and the head baseball coach there for 19 seasons (1893-1905, 1907-1913).

Stagg played football as an end at Yale University and was selected to the first College Football All-America Team in 1889. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach in the charter class of 1951 and was the only individual honored in both roles until the 1990s. Influential in other sports, Stagg developed basketball as a five-player sport and was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in its first group of inductees in 1959. www.forkunion.com

Coach Weatherly Passes Dr. Mark G. Weatherly passed away on November 11, 2009. He was a highly respected businessman, educator, marriage counselor, philanthropist and supporter of a great many charitable and civic causes. He was born in Alcoa, LA on March 12, 1923 to Obie and Lilla Weatherly and soon afterwards, his family returned to Crestview where he attended school.

He graduated from Stetson University and received a doctoral degree in education and psychology from the University of Virginia.

He served as an instructor and football coach at Fork Union Military Academy and Sewanee Military Institute. Included during that time was a stint at ownership of a private summer camp in Tennessee.

After a distinguished career in teaching and serving as headmaster of a private military and public school, he was appointed Professor of Education at Longwood College, a position held until his retirement as head of the guidance department.

During the early part of WWII, Dr. Weatherly was a student at the University of Florida, but joined the army. He was involved in the Pacific Theatre, and proved to be an uncommon soldier whose personal bravery, dedication and intelligence led to rapid promotion, and finally a spot on the elite personal security guard detail of General Douglas MacArthur.

The position was personal guard to the famed general, but in reality Weatherly was Mrs. Jean MacArthur’s, and her son’s, personal chaperone and guard. This led to a lifelong friendship with Mrs. MacArthur.

During his career, Dr. Weatherly also operated a number of private schools and marriage counselor clinics from Tennessee to Virginia, culminating in a highly respected practice in Appomattox,VA. He was also active in many civic organizations and charitable efforts.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Hagood Weatherly, a sister, three children, three grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

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Taps Class of 1929 Raymond C. Aylor of Charlottesville, VA passed away on June 1, 2009 in Brockport, NY. He was born October 11, 1910 in Halifax the son of Late Reverend Robert Edward Lee Aylor and Mrs. Ella Katherine Vaden Aylor.

He was predeceased by his wife and his brothers. He is survived by his sister, son and daughter, grandson, and great-grandsons. He graduated from University of Virginia and was a veteran of World War II. He taught in the Albemarle County School system before taking a supervisory position with Occidental Life Insurance Company in Southwest Virginia. He became a partner and co-owner with his brother in the Aylor Insurance Company in Gretna, Virginia. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Charlottesville.

Class of 1936 Haywood Blount Hyman, Sr. of Richmond, VA, a trustee of Fork Union Military Academy, died peacefully surrounded by his family on March 4, 2011 at the age of 93. He is survived by his wife, Frances Clarke Hyman; four daughters; two sons; 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law and her children. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Edward Wheatley Hyman, who was his best friend and business partner. Mr. Hyman was born on February 13, 1918 in Scotland Neck, N.C. to Henry Haywood and Stella Blount Hyman. He attended Fork Union Military Academy as a postgraduate in 1935-36 where he played on the varsity football team.

He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he and his brother moved to 72

Richmond and started their automobile business.

For 40 years he was the much loved and respected vice-president of Hyman Brothers Pontiac. He was a member of the Optimist Club and St. Bridget Catholic Church and was a longtime supporter of the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls and Benedictine High School. He served on the Board of Trustees at Fork Union Military Academy.

Class of 1940 Lindley B. Hill of Henrico, VA passed away on December 8, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Roland Hill, Sr. and Elizabeth Lanier Hill, in addition to a son and brother and sister. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Louise Woodward Hill; his daughter and her family; and his sister, in addition to many nieces and nephews. Mr. Hill grew up in Richmond and served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He attended Richmond Professional Institute (VCU) and later established National Service Company, a business in television repairs, sales and rentals, for over 30 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 361 for 46 years, where he served as Post Commander for many years and worked on sending young men to Boys State. He was a longtime member and active in his church, Grace Covenant Presbyterian.

Linville Franklin Young of Gainesville, Florida passed away November 29, 2009. He was born to Cabell and Eva Martin Young on March 12, 1921, in Salisbury, North Carolina, and grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended Fork Union Military Academy on a track

scholarship and then set out to work his way around the world, beginning in Panama. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he achieved the rank of staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served as an aerial gunner with the 9th Air Force (410th Bomb Group, 644th Squadron) in the European theater. He flew 65 missions in the Douglas A-20 Havoc in support of the D-Day Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, among numerous other medals and citations.

After World War II, he enrolled at Duke University. Upon graduation in 1950, he found his career in journalism.

He was a reporter for the Salisbury Evening Post until 1958, when he moved his family to Atlantic Beach and joined the staff of the Florida Times Union. His long career at the Times Union included coverage of the civil rights movement, Hurricane Dora, the Mariel boatlift, and the consolidation of city and county governments as well as serving as the newspaper’s Reader Advocate. After his retirement in 1986, he enjoyed the beach life in Atlantic Beach. He was the historian and newsletter editor for the 410th Bomb Group, attending their annual reunions and reconnecting with the other members of the “Greatest Generation” to assure that their stories were told and remembered. He was also a proud member of the American Legion. In 2008 he moved to Gainesville with his wife, daughter and son-in-law. He was predeceased by his mother, father, sister, Eva Young Satterfield, and brother, Cabell Young, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marian Tiller Young, his son, his daughter, his brother-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Charles C. Bearoff of Wayne, PA passed away in June 2009. He attended Call to Quarters

Bridgeport High School, Fork Union Military Academy, and the College of William Mary and played football.

He served in the Army with the 34th Infantry Division during World War II. After the war, he played football with the Washington Redskins organizations for two seasons. He then joined Bearoff Brothers, a trucking company in Bridgeport his family founded in 1918. He took over the firm and expanded it to include scrap-metal recovery and recycling operations and established an environmental business, cleaning up toxic sites in Europe. He was inducted into the Bridgeport Hall of Fame in 2004. An avid fisherman and boater, Mr. Bearoff was a founding member of the Cape May Marlin and Tuna Club. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, a sister and grandson.

He was preceded in death by his sons, daughter, and former wife.

Class of 1941 Jack Philip Bain of Wakefield, VA, passed away on August 25, 2010. He was born in Salem, VA in May 1923, the son of the late Robert Franklin Bain and Marion Thomason Bain. He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter and four grandchildren.

He attended VCU and in 1943 enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for three years in WWII including tours in England, France and Germany. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1946 and returned to VCU. In 1947 he entered the family business of T.L. Bain Estate of Ivor. He also held positions in various community organizations over the years. He was a 32nd degree Masaon with the Wakefield Lodge and was a Shriner. He was an active member of the Wakefield Rurtian Club, The B&B Hunt Club and a valued member of the Tidewater Academy Board of Directors for 25 www.forkunion.com

years. A lifetime members of Wakefield United Methodist Church, Mr. Bain spent many years as Sunday School treasurer and as Chairman of the Administrative Board and Board of Trustees.

Edward Frank Rowe of WinstonSalem, NC passed away on July 8, 2010. He was born October 9, 1923 in Newport News, VA the son of the late Henry Edward and Alice Rowe. He attended Fork Union Military Academy as a postgraduate and also attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute studying to be a mechanical engineer. He served in the U.S. Navy studying to be an aviator and was honorably discharged on May 17, 1946. He worked for NACA at Langley Field, VA and Bell Labs where he retired. He is survived by his wife, Burnell Langford Rowe, five daughters, one son, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Class of 1942 Ike Andrews a North Carolina Democrat who served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and became known for his legislative efforts on behalf of education and the elderly, died May 10, 2010 at an assisted living center in Carrboro, N.C. Mr. Andrews was a North Carolina lawyer and member of the state General Assembly when he won election to the U.S. House in 1972 to represent a district that included Raleigh.

He served on the House Education and Labor Committee and was chairman of its human resources subcommittee. He also worked on issues related to aging and long-term care.

After leaving Congress, Mr. Andrews practiced law in Raleigh and Siler City. Mr. Andrews was born in Bonlee,

NC, on Sept. 2, 1925. After attending Virginia’s Fork Union Military Academy, he served in the Army in Europe during World War II. His decorations included the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1950 and from its law school in 1952. He served in the state Senate from 1959 to 1961 and the state House from 1961 to 1963 and 1967 to 1972.

Class of 1943 Frayser Francis “F.F.” White II of Bremo Bluff, VA passed away on January 31, 2011. He was predeceased by his parents, Francis Salmon White and Lottie Norvell White and his wife of 63 years, Gertrude Ranson White.

He is survived by his daughters, their husbands, and five grandchildren. Mr. White joined the Merchant Marines during World War II and saw duty in the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean and at the Invasion of Normandy. He was Post Master of Bremo Bluff for over 20 years and in 1953 built the Fork Union Drive In Theater in Fork Union, VA which is still operational today. He also founded the Virginia Oil Company in Charlottesville, VA.

He was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church where he served a team as treasurer; he was a Trustee at Fork Union Military Academy and was a Shriner and member of Stone Wall Lodge in Arvonia and Fork Union Lodge 127. Even though he had been legally blind for the past ten years, he enjoyed collecting and restoring vintage cars.

Irvin Bernstein, of Boynton Beach, FL passed away on July 19, 2010. Mr. Bernstein was a retired businessman, professional boxer, Golden Gloves Champion and a U.S. Marine Corps 73

veteran who served in the Pacific during World War II. He was a free mason and former Commander of American Legion 366. An inductee of the Richmond Jewish Athletic Hall of Fame, Bernstein knocked out 15 of his first 19 opponents after turning professional.

Mr. Bernstein graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in industrial management, coached on the school’s boxing team, and was a member of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity.

Bob McBride, 84, who began a long journalism career in Washington as a teenager and went on to anchor the news in the 1980s on WRCTV (Channel 4) , passed away on February 1, 2011 at a nursing facility in Alexandria, VA. Mr. McBride was 16 when he became a copy boy at U.S. News & World Report. He later worked in Washington for an independent news agency, preparing reports on government activities for 40 radio stations across the nation. After that, he worked for a radio station in Alexandria. In the late 1940s, while working for WOIC-TV, the CBS affiliate in Washington at the time, Mr. McBride was the host of one of the earliest television home-repair shows.

After anchor jobs in Detroit and Chicago, Mr. McBride came back to Washington in 1982 to anchor the 6 and 11 p.m. news shows. Four years later, Mr. McBride went to Cleveland and another NBC station, WKYC, where his co-anchor was Doreen Gentzler.

Robert James McBride Jr. was born in Chicago on Sept. 8, 1926, and he moved to Washington in 1940.

He graduated from the Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia in 1943. After working in his teens 74

for U.S. News, he spent a year at Cornell University before returning to Washington, where he graduated from George Washington University.

From 1950 to 1954, he worked in Newport News, VA, for the Daily Press and WGH Radio. In 1955, he moved to Detroit and went to work for the Detroit Free Press. He soon began delivering daily editorials for the CBSTV affiliate there, ending each with the question, “What do you think?”

After working in Washington and Cleveland, he retired in 1990 and divided his time between Bethesda and Longboat Key, Fla. He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Cynthia Martin McBride. Survivors include two daughters and a grandson.

Class of 1944 Edward A. Kritzer of Lexington, VA, passed away on December 31, 2010.

He was a native of Newport News and the only child of the late John Edward Kritzer and Edna Anderton Kritzer. After graduating from Fork Union Military Academy, he attended Virginia Military Institute and was a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Air Force Institute of Technology. Following graduation from West Point, he was commissioned in the Air Force and served on active duty for 20 years, retiring in the grade of Lt.Colonel. His career was in nuclear energy programs for the Department of Defense, and included assignments at the Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories. He served as special weapons officer of the 49th Air Division in England at the time when a U.S. tactical atomic capability was first introduced to NATO. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he served as an official of the U.S. Department of Commerce for 12 years.

At that time he headed the group that evaluated export license applications for digital computers and related products intended for sale to the Soviet Union and other communist countries.

Following his retirement from the Commerce Department, he served as a consultant to the U.S. computer industry in international trade matters.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Kritzer, of Lexington, three daughters, one son, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Class of 1946 R. George Hubbard of Newport News, VA passed away on October 21, 2009. Mr. Hubbard was born and raised in South Hill, VA and attended Hampden-Sydney College for a year awaiting his appointment to the Naval Academy from which he graduated in 1952. He was commissioned Ensign in the Line and ordered to USS Trathen DD 530 which saw war service off Korea during the war’s final months. He was honorably discharged in December 1953, and started working for Newport News Shipbuilding in January 1954. He served as a Shift Test Engineer during the construction of USSS Enterprise CVN65. He also worked in submarine work on the machinery division staff. He also served 15 years in Contracts and retired in 1989.

Mr. Hubbard then sold real estate, both commercial and residential, for eleven years. He was a Life Member of the U.S. Naval Institute and the Naval Academy Alumni Association.

Mr. Hubbard is survived by his wife of 57 years, four children and seven grandchildren.

Frederick Albert Bowers of Salisbury, MD passed away on September 1, 2010. He was a graduate of FUMA Call to Quarters

and received a B.S. degree from University of Maryland, College Park in civil engineering. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War and received the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and the Merit Unit Commendation.

From 1965 to 1976 he served as President of Linganore Contracting.

From 1981 to 1997 he was employed by the City of Salisbury, where he was division manager of water/sewer maintenance, and from 1997 to present he was Vice President of Bowers consulting. He is survived by his wife, sons and grandchildren.

Class of 1948 Sidney M. Oman of Chesapeake, VA passed away on April 27, 2009.

Mr. Oman was the former mayor of Chesapeake and Elizabeth City, NC. He was also co-founder of Oman Funeral Home.

Mr. Oman hosted a weekly television show “The Sounding Board” on WCTV, Channel 48 in Chesapeake as well as radio host for “The Vantage Point” on VFOS-FM 88.7.

He was born in Trenton, NJ and is survived by his wife, son and daughter. He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy and Eckels College/ Temple University in Philadelphia.

He attended Virginia Commonwealth University/MCV in Richmond, VA and the Virginia Institute of Funeral Professionals. Honors include: 1984 Distinguished Alumnus at FUMA; Fellow in the British Institute of Embalmers, 1996; MBIE from British Institute of Embalmers, December 2001; and recipient of two honorary doctorate degrees.

Mr. Oman was a Marine Corps veteran www.forkunion.com

of World War II and member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Chesapeake. He held numerous appointments, was a member of many fraternal organizations, and his civic activities were unsurpassed. He is fondly remembered by many as “Mr. Chesapeake” and as quoted by Rep. J. Randy Forbes in a news article after his death, “America lost a political icon with the death of Sid Oman...His love for people and his city will not be forgotten or easily replaced, and his contributions to our lives in Chesapeake will live on for generations.”

S. Harold Copeland of Richmond, VA passed away on July 15, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, three sons, a brother, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two grandsons. Born in Waverly, VA, Mr. Copeland moved to Richmond at age 14 to serve as a page for Senator Garland Gray. After graduating from FUMA he graduated RPI (known as Virginia Commonwealth University) in 1953. He retired in 1994 from Fidelity Bankers Life after 38 years of service.

Class of 1952 Mr. Ralph Stewart Smith, Jr. of Winston Salem, NC passed away on August 25, 2009. He was born on January 22, 1932 in Charlotte, NC to Ralph Stewart Smith and Constance Ferguson Smith.

After graduating from Fork Union Military Academy he received his college education at the Citadel, the University of South Carolina, and American University in Washington, DC. He served in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division, as a paratrooper and was stationed in Stuttgart,

Germany. He was a NATO observer in Algeria with U.S. Special Forces during the Algerian War for independence.

While in service he wrote for the Stars and Stripes Newspaper.

Mr. Smith was a skilled writer and communicator and worked for the Charlotte News, White Plains Journal News, Washington Star, and WinstonSalem Journal-Sentinel. He was president of the 1974 NC Editorial Writers Association and won the American Institute of Architects Press Award in 1968. In 1971 at the Wall Street Journal he co-wrote a series that won a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

Also during his career, he wrote several scripts for documentaries, produced and filmed by David Solomon and PBS. He also worked in later years for Piedmont Airlines (U.S. Airways).

Mr. Smith was predeceased by his parents and brother and is survived by his wife, three children, four grandchildren and a step-brother.

Class of 1953 Thomas Bernard Harris, Sr. of Kenbridge, VA passed away June 5, 2009. He was a lifelong farmer and an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He is survived by two sisters and predeceased by one sister and one brother.

He is survived by his former wife, four children and three grandchildren.

After graduating from Fork Union Military Academy, he spent a year at the University of Virginia on baseball scholarship.

Class of 1955 Charles Gilbert Waller of Newport News, VA passed away on April 10, 2010. He was a native of Hampton and had been a resident of Newport News for 50 years. He retired from the Sup-Ship Newport News as a Supply 75

Coordinator and served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the Lions Club in Newport News and served as Host-President from 19931994. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, a daughter, two sons, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Class of 1958 Delegate Douglas Page Elmore, 71, of Salisbury, MD passed away June 26, 2010, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center with his wife, family and friends by his side. Born on May 31, 1939, in Nassawadox, he was a son of Charles T. Elmore Sr. and Margaret Johnson Elmore of Painter.

He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy in 1958, where he was the battalion commander and president of his graduating class. He attended the University of Richmond.

A political science major, he interned with two Virginia governors. Del. Elmore served as the treasurer of Accomack County from 1968-76, the youngest person ever elected a Virginia county treasurer.

A retired businessman, Del. Elmore built Shore Disposal Inc. from a one-truck local operation in Painter to more than 40 trucks encompassing three states. He also owned Hartman Trucking in Pocomoke City and Shore Freight Line in Painter. In 1998, he sold his refuse business to Waste Management Inc. Elected in 2002, Del. Elmore served as a delegate in the Maryland General Assembly (38A-Somerset/Wicomico, R) from 2003 until his death. He was a strong voice for watermen, farmers, firefighters, educators and health care personnel. His legislative memberships included the Ways and Means Committee and the Joint Commission for the Management of Public Funds.

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He was chairman of the Eastern Shore Delegation for seven years, chairman of the Somerset Delegation, chairman of the Rural Caucus in 2005 and 2008 and a member of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, the Blue Crab Task Force, the Citizen’s Advisory Board for Holly Center, the Lower Eastern Shore Children’s Center Advisory Board, the TriCounty Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and the Alcohol and Drug Council of Somerset County.

In 2006, he received the Legislative Award for leadership on behalf of senior citizens from the Maryland Association on Aging. He was appointed to the Maryland Business Tax Reform Commission in 2008.

He held memberships in the Salisbury Rotary Club, the Salisbury/Wicomico Chamber of Commerce, the Princess Anne Chamber of Commerce and the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce.

Past memberships include the Greater Salisbury Committee, the Eastern Shore Home Builders Association, the ABC Contractors Association and the National Solid Waste Association.

He was honored in 1995 by the board of governors of NSWA for Special Contribution to the Solid Waste Industry.

Elmore is survived by his wife, a daughter, a stepdaughter, a stepson, six grandchildren, an aunt, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jack Leon Metcalfe, Jr. of Roanoke, VA passed away on July 1, 2010.

He was born on March 25, 1940 in Bluefield, WV the son of the late Jack Leon and Eva Pasley Metcalfe. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, his son, sisters, nieces, nephews and four grandchildren. Mr. Metcalfe served his country as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Bay of Pigs campaign. In the late 1960s he moved

to the Roanoke Valley.

Class of 1959 Juan Cros of Richmond, VA passed away June 3, 2011. He was the loving husband of Lillian Zehmer Cros. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Juan Buenaventura Cros and Adela Coll de Cros. Juan attended The University of Ponce, The University of Colorado, at Boulder, and VCU. Mr. Cros’ pride was attending Fork Union Military Academy where he became second in command, as Major of the Battalion Staff, class of 1959.

He was employed by Nation’s Bank of Richmond, where he became the vice president of International Banking and letters of credit. Mr. Cros served on the Board of Visitors for Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, Virginia.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children; two grandchildren; a sister-in-law; a nephew; and two great-nephews.

Class of 1960 William Keith Moser of Graham, NC passed away on November 25, 2010 at Alamance Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Moser, a native of Alamance County, was the son of Cecil Edward Moser, Sr. and Doris Evans Moser, both deceased. He attended Graham High School and was a graduate of Fork Union Military Academy where he was a Cadet Colonel and Battalion Commander. He attended Auburn University on a football scholarship.

Mr. Moser retired from County Ford, Graham, NC after many years with Modern Woodmen. He served as the proprietor of “Ye Old Gun Shoppe” and was a former history teacher with Rivermill Academy.

Survivors include two sons and their Call to Quarters

wives; one daughter; two stepdaughters and their spouses; a stepson and wife; one sister; three brothers; seven grandchildren; and eight step-grandchildren.

Hudnall H. Haynie Jr. of Reedville, VA passed away November 8, 2009.

Born in Reedville on September 23, 1940, he was the only child of the late Capt. Hudnall Haynie Sr. and Iris W. Haynie. He attended Fork Union Military Academy in 1956, graduating in 1960. Mr. Haynie was a well-known local waterman, published in numerous magazine and newspaper articles on fishing and trapping, most recently in National Fisherman. He served as president of the Virginia Trappers Association, was a Webelos Den Leader, and active with the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum and Roseland Cemetery Board. Hudnall Jr. enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren, all of whom will sorely miss his infectious laugh, generous spirit and even temperament. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marie B. Haynie; three sons, a daughter, eight loving grandchildren, and one great- grandchild.

Class of 1961 Gordon Baillie Brown Jr. passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at the AnMed Health Medical Center. He was born May 20, 1942 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late Gordon Baillie Brown, Sr. and Josephine Elizabeth Silance Brown. Mr. Brown was a graduate of Fork Union Military Academy and the University of Richmond - while there he attained the highest rank in the ROTC. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era and was a Disabled American Veteran. Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion where he served in various capacities including Commanding Officer roles. Mr. Brown www.forkunion.com

was a former Scout Leader as well as longtime active member of the Power Squadron, having also served in various leadership capacities. A lifelong Episcopalian, Mr. Brown had actively served as altar boy, member of the vestry, lay reader, choir member, chalice bearer, as well as lector. He was an active communicant at Grace Episcopal Church in Anderson, SC. Mr. Brown was passionate about music and had served in numerous choral societies.

He was an active Mason having been a member of the Hiram Masonic Lodge, as well as the York Rite Bodies and the Scottish Rite Bodies.

Survivors include his wife, Lynn Smith Brown; his two children and two grandchildren.

Class of 1965 James B. Sydnor of Pensacola, FL passed away on July 20, 2010. He was a native of Jefferson City, TN and raised in Sandston, VA. Upon retiring from IBM, he settled in Pensacola, FL. He was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his son, daughter, brother, sister and 5 grandchildren. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and companion, Linda Liggon of Pensacola, FL.

Class of 1976 Mark Scott Braden of Richmond, VA passed away on April 5, 2009. He attended Fork Union Military Academy from 1974-75 and graduated from Midlothian High School. He also attended Radford University. He resided for several years in Slidell, LA. He is survived by his mother and stepfather; two brothers; and a daughter and an extended family of nieces and nephews.

Class of 1978 Major Craig Moon, USAF, of Alexandria, VA passed away suddenly on March 29, 2009. He was a retired U.S. Air Force pilot and later, President of Convention Freight Services. Major Moon was the Chief, Combat and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Plans, Air Nation Guard Readiness Center, Andrews AFB, MD. He earned his commission as a graduate of the University of Maryland ROTC program in 1982 and earned his MBA from Eastern New Mexico University in 1994. He was a command pilot with approximately 2,700 hours in fighter, cargo, and trainer aircraft. Major Moon had served on the board of directors for NetTalon; was a member of the Old Dominion Boat Club and member of the Messiah United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Sheri Moon; two sons; his father and step-mother; his brother; his grandmother; and his mother, Marion Moon, including numerous uncles and aunts. Marion Moon became a member of the FUMA Board of Trustees in May 2010 as Major Moon was member-elect to the Board prior to his death.

Class of 1979 Benjamin Lee Stipes of Hartwood, VA passed away in March 2009. He was a graduate of James Madison University and received a Master’s degree in public administration from the University of Guam in 1993. He served as a government employee, including senior manager for the Director of National Intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency. He traveled the world extensively in service to his country. He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years and two children.

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Class of 1980 Melvin Turpin, an All-American center at the University of Kentucky, passed away on July 8, 2010. Mr. Turpin, a Lexington native, was an all-state player at Bryan Station High School. He played a year at FUMA before heading to University of Kentucky, where he played center from 1980-81 to 1983-84.

Turpin, dubbed “The Big Dipper” at Kentucky, was an All-Southeastern Conference player for the Wildcats from 1980-84. He helped lead the Wildcats to three consecutive regularseason SEC titles. He led Kentucky to the SEC championship in 1984.

Turpin was drafted sixth in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets and then sent to the Cavaliers the same day in a pre-arranged trade.

That draft included Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, John Stockton and Charles Barkley. Turpin averaged 10.6 points, shooting 51 percent from the field, and 5.7 rebounds as a rookie for the 1984-85 Cavaliers team. The next season, he averaged 13.7 points and seven rebounds, shooting 54 percent.

He was traded to Utah Jazz in 198687 and finished his career back with Washington, retiring in 1990.

He was inducted into the FUMA Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.

Class of 1993 John B. Hydrick of Richmond, VA passed away on December 27, 2009. He was a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. He was a disabled veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and was serving as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer prior to his death. He is survived by his mother, stepfather, his father, sister and two nieces. He is also survived by a 78

grandfather, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Class of 2000 Kyle Farr of Hamilton, Virginia passed away in March 2009. He served as a member of the U.S. Army in Iraq. He is survived by parents; stepmother; three siblings and his grandfather. He also leaves behind a large extended family and friends from Baghdad to Virginia to Seattle.

Class of 2002 Gaines Adams, a native of Greenwood, SC, passed away January 17, 2010 of sudden cardiac arrest. He was a former Cambridge Academy and Clemson University football star and spent three seasons in the NFL, two with the Buccaneers and part of the 2010 season with the Bears.

Adams was selected fourth overall in the 2007 draft by Tampa Bay. He had not been able to live up to expectations that he would revive the Buccaneers’ once-feared pass rush, and had just 17 tackles and one sack in 15 games - 10 with Chicago - this season. He was traded to the Bears in October for a second-round pick in the 2010 draft.

“He was a true team player and a positive influence to everyone he met,” Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris said.

“Gaines was a quiet, humble kid and is far too young to be gone,” Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber said. “He had so much potential that had yet to be achieved.”

Clemson fans recall Adams’ performance in a 2006 victory over Wake Forest in which he broke up a field goal try and returned it for a touchdown. Tommy Bowden, Adams’ coach at Clemson, was jolted by news of his death. “I just couldn’t believe it was Gaines,” he said. “I will always remem-

ber the smile he had on his face and I will always remember his patience.”

He was survived by his son, longtime girlfriend, parents and sister.

Class of 2007 Ni’keem “Malik” Banana of Poolesville passed away in July 12, 2009 as the result of a car accident. He was born June 8, 1989 in Washington, DC the son of Jeffrey Banana and Lisa Banana. He was the stepson of Abenet Banana, also of Poolesville.

Mr. Banana was a 2007 graduate of Poolesville High School. He attended FUMA from 8th grade until 11th grade and played football for the Academy and Poolesville High School.

He was attending Montgomery College, where he studied biotechnology, and was scheduled to finish by the end of the year. He was a member of the Fork Union Military Academy track team and band. His hobbies included playing video games and watching sports and movies. Survivors in addition to his parents and stepmother include a sister, a stepsister, several grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Class of 2008 Christopher C. Mills of White Plains, Virginia passed away on May 10, 2009 at his residence. Mr. Mills was a native of Newport News, born to Samuel and Wendy Fields Mills. He was a N.A.U.I. certified Master Scuba Diver, a 2008 Honor Graduate from Fork Union Military Academy, a member of the National Honor Society, a freshman at UNCW, and a member of Lake Gaston Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, Mr. Mills is survived by his sister, his grandparents, and many other extended family members and friends.

Call to Quarters

FUMA Track Team Event Honors Ben Sells “He was always out in front.”

Those were the words of Susie Sells Hodgson about her brother Ben Sells, FUMA Class of 1961. And she was right. As legend has it, Sells lost only once in his last two years at FUMA and that was on purpose. Sells was part of the golden Gus Lacy generation of track athletes at FUMA, and Fork Union is proud to honor his memory with the event that bears his coach’s name. Ben Sells was remembered at the annual Gus Lacy Invitational Track Meet this April 2011.

Ben’s resume in track and field is extensive. In an era of cinder tracks and weighty competition spikes, Sells ran times that would be competitive today. He left FUMA a multiple State Champion in the 100-yard dash and the 220.

His career best in the 100 at FUMA was 9.8 and his best in the 220 was an incredible 21.8.

Sells came close to breaking FUMA legend Sonny Randle’s school record in the 100 and held the 220 record for an amazing 22 years after setting it in 1960. His performances still rank in the FUMA All-Time Top Five.

Born in 1942, Sells came to FUMA as a struggling student. At Fork Union he would find the structure and focus needed to not just get by but to thrive. He played football for FUMA all four years and was on the varsity his senior year. He rose to the rank of Cadet Colonel and in 1961 was the Senior Class President. His time at FUMA was not one-dimensional. Ben was president of the Cadet Christian Association and was also the president of the Music Appreciation Club. In those years at FUMA one constant remained: his mentor, coach and friend, Gus Lacy.

According to Lynne Sells, Ben’s widow, “The only thing Ben loved as much as his family was Fork Union and Gus Lacy. Gus Lacy was Ben’s catalyst for success on and off the field.”

Ben left FUMA for the University of Houston on full athletic scholarship for Track and Field.

He would star for the Cougars for two years before suffering from mononucleosis. Ben returned to his hometown in Arlington, Virginia where he entered the car business, another one of his passions. He and his wife Lynne had one child, www.forkunion.com

Katie. Sadly, Ben passed away in 1990. He is remembered best by his family and friends as a caring, loving person who never knew a stranger.

As Barbara Lacy once said, “He lit up the room.”

His teammates and competitors would attest that he lit up the cinders as well.

The FUMA Track Team proudly honored the quintessential cadet, Ben Sells, at this year’s running of the Gus Lacy Invitational Track Meet.

FUMA Remembers Marianne LaZizza

An outstanding track athlete from the Class of 1961, the late Ben Sells was remembered at this year’s Gus Lacy Invitational Track Meet.

Marianne LaZizza, of Huntington, N.Y., formerly of West Point, New York, Fork Union and Richmond, Virginia, departed life in her 90th year,on September 5, 2010. She was the wife of the late Anthony N. LaZizza for 53 years.

Survivors include 2 daughters; 4 grandchildren; and one great-granchild; and brothers and sisters. She is also survived by brother-in-law and sisters-in-law. She was predeceased by her devoted companion of 10 years, Enzio Antonelli.

Marianne was a member of the Giuseppe Verdi Lodge, the Fluvanna Garden Club, the Club Canadien Francais and a charter member of the Friends of the Fluvanna County Library.

She was also an avid football and baseball fan, lifelong follower of Montreal Canadian’s hockey and designer of fantastic gingerbread houses for over 50 years. She was a Girl Scout Leader who took the “be prepared” motto to heart, giving specific instructions daily during her last weeks.

Not only was she amazingly organized, but also quietly strong and especially sensitive to the needs and feelings of all others. Marianne was a truly beautiful mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. Philosophically, her glass was always half full. She gave more than anyone could ever ask for. Her everlasting love will radiate in all who knew and loved her. She will be carried in our hearts forever.

Marianne LaZizza was the wife of longtime FUMA band director Anthony LaZizza and opened her home and heart to many cadets through the years.

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FUMA Remembers We have also been advised of the passing of the alumni named below: Russell Darden, Class of 1954, of Courtland, Virginia.

Joseph Cranks, Class of 1968, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Julius Rosenfield, Class of 1949, passed away January 2010.

Arnold Peer, Class of 1951, passed away February 2009.

Zachary Shepard, Class of 2003, passed away September 2009.

Warren Joseph Alexander, Class of 1995, passed away May 2009.

Carl T. Foley, Class of 1945, passed away June 2009.

Chet Hall, Class of 1958, of Midlothian, Virginia.

James Maynard, Class of 1939, of Murfreesboro, TN.

Thomas F. Schuyler, Class of 1951, of Somerville, NJ passed away on May 26, 2011.

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his past Alumni Weekend, Fork Union Military Academy added three names to the wall of the Veterans Memorial. These were men killed in combat in World War II and Vietnam, but whose names had not been placed on the wall previously due to a lack of information and confirmation of the circumstances of their deaths. Many thanks are due to the efforts of Granville Craddock (FUMA Class of 1953) whose research led to these confirmations which allow us to honor their service and to bring these names and memory home to this Academy.

George Henry (Gus) Albrecht

George Henry (Gus) Albrecht attended FUMA as a Postgraduate cadet and a member of the Varsity Football team for 1949-50. He had the reputation for being a friendly, easygoing person in class and in the barracks – and a fierce warrior on the football field.

From FUMA he went to the University of Maryland on a football scholarship, graduating with a degree in Sociology and a Commission of 2nd Lt. in the US Air Force Reserves.

Gus subsequently achieved the rank of Captain in the Air Force and become a pilot and a fighter pilot instructor, seeing service in Vietnam and Laos with the elite Air Commandos unit. Gus Albrecht died on November 19, 1964, when the plane he was piloting crashed after being engaged by enemy ground fire.

Robert John Williams

Robert John Williams, FUMA Class of 1961, died when the Huey Cobra AH-1G attack helicopter he was piloting was shot down by a surface-to-air missile on May 11, 1972. Although his body was never recovered, he was officially declared deceased six years and four months later. His name is listed on the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Among the postings on his page at the Vietnam Memorial website is one from one of his Fork Union classmates, Dusty Hall, who notes: “I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Robert when we attended Fork Union Military Academy [where] we became fast friends….I was terribly shocked to learn of Robert’s death. [My mother and I] always reminisced about [Robert] and how we knew that [he] would [amount to] something great.…I know if they’ll let me in upstairs I’ll meet you again because I know that you would have been very welcome in Heaven. In the meantime, Love abounds for you [my friend.]”

Harold John Love

Harold John Love graduated from Fork Union Military Academy in 1938 and from Duke University in 1942. In World War II he joined the American 299th Combat Engineers Battalion; and it was his nephew, Frank Love, FUMA PG Class of ‘54, who shared with us the details of his uncle’s service and sacrifice.

On March 7, 1945, in their retreat from the allied forces, the Germans attempted to blow up the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, Germany, to halt the Allied advance. The first attempt damaged the bridge, but did not cause it to fall. A furious battle ensued when the Germans made a second attempt to demolish the bridge at Remagen, and the Americans moved to stop them.

With the battle underway, the American 299th worked under deadly fire from German MG42 machine guns to remove the unexploded demolition charges and to repair the previous damage. During the course of that battle, Capt. Harold John Love, who volunteered to work on the bridge, was fatally struck by the ensuing machine gun fire.

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Call to Quarters

Class of 1962 John T. Scott was inducted into the Lynchburg Area Sports Hall of Fame in June 2009. He started the wrestling program at E.C. Glass, the softball program at Heritage, officiated wrestling for 37 years, starting the wrestling referee officials association in the Lynchburg area, and the Heritage Invitational Golf Tournament for high schools around the state of Virginia. The driving force behind the Lynchburg Area Sports Hall of Fame started in 1995 by Calvin Porter, in order to “honor and recognize those people who have contributed to sports in Central Virginia area.

Class of 1966 George Speedy Skinner won two silver medals at the National Veterans Golden Age Olympic Games held in Birmingham, Alabama in the Summer 2009. In his age group 60-64 he won silver medal (second place) in golf (shooting a three round tournament score of four over par) and won a silver medal in shuffleboard. Based on his 2009 achievement, he received automatic seeding at the 2010 National Golden Age Olympic Games played at Des Moines, Iowa in June and the National Senior Olympic Games played in Houston, Texas in August.

Mr. Skinner is a retired Physical Therapist and works part time at Kingsmill Resort and Spa golf pro shop in Williamsburg, VA.

Class of 1978 Scott Storick of Storick and Associates, an office of MetLife, has joined the company’s prestigious group of financial services representatives as an inductee into MetLife’s Hall of Fame for 2009.

MetLife founded its Hall of Fame in

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classnotes

1977 to pay tribute to the company’s top financial services representatives.

Since then, a mere one percent of the members of the MetLife field force have been honored with this esteemed recognition. Only those individuals who have represented MetLife with pride and professionalism, distinguished themselves as true leaders in sales and service, and earned their clients’ trust and appreciation throughout their careers are recognized.

Class of 1985 Gerald Franklin Hemphill of Richmond, VA was installed as 2010-2011 President of Professional Insurance Agents Association of Virginia and DC at the 74th Annual Convention and Trade Fair held June 27-29, 2010 in Williamsburg, VA. He is the President of GFH Insurance Agency in Richmond, VA and holds CIC and LUTCF designations. His wife, Lori Britts Hemphill, works with him as agent-account manager. They have two daughters.

Class of 1986 Will Blair of New York, NY was named Senior Vice President of Sponsorship and Sales at Turner Sports. He is the son of Coach William (Class of 1949) and Mary Helen Blair. Blair will oversee custom branded promotional opportunities for advertising clients around the NBA, NASCAR, MLB, professional golf, and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Mr. Blair’s marketing expertise includes extensive sports experience. He launched his career 15 years ago with Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta, GA, working within various sales and network marketing teams, including the role of director of sports and entertainment marketing. He also held positions at Momentum

Worldwide, a leading global sports marketing firm, and Time Warner Global Media Group. As vice president of divisional partnerships within Time Warner Global Media Group, he served as the primary corporate lead for relationships between Time Warner’s integrated sales and marketing team and key entertainment divisions, including Turner Broadcasting, HBO, Warner Brothers and TIME, including Sports Illustrated. He co-developed Time Warner multiasset programs and strategic alliances for such clients as Unilever, General Motors, American Express, Johnson & Johnson, Ford Motor Company and Home Depot. He played football as a freshman for Wake Forest University of the ACC and graduated with a BA degree in Communications.

Class of 1987 Buddy Ryland of Charlotte, NC was named Director of Digital Business Development for the Kiplinger Washington Editors in Washington, DC. He joins the group from Hyper Localized Media, LLC, where he launched the flagship product BestofNorthCarolina.com and served as Interim President.

Mr. Ryland is an experienced media executive and entrepreneur who has worked in traditional print, online, mobile and social platforms. He previously served as Executive Vice President at Evryx Technologies, Vice Preisdent at eFinancial Careers, and Vice President of Sales and Business Development at ChildrenFirst. He is a native of Arlington, VA and a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Hillary, have two children, Will and Hannah.

Class of 1988 MAJ Timothy M. Baer attended Fork 81

Union Military Academy for three years in the 1980s. Following graduation from high school in 1990, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Honor Guard at Fort Myer, VA for two years. Upon the completion of his enlistment in 1992, he attended the University of Pittsburgh. He graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and received a Regular Army commission in Armor in June 1996. His assignments include Fort Stewart GA, Fort Drum NY, Fort Knox KY and Fort Riley KS. He has served both in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In July 2009, MAJ Baer was reassigned to Fort Leavenworth, KS where he is a student in the Intermediate Leadership Education Course at the Command and General Staff College. He is also attending Kansas State University where he is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Adult Education. Following graduation, MAJ Baer will be assigned to the 16th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Knox KY where he will assist with the movement of the Armor School to Fort Benning GA. MAJ Baer’s most recent assignment was as the Squadron Operations Officer for the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry at Fort, Riley, Kansas.

Class of 1989 The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has announced the selection of Officer Michael A. Riley of the United States Capitol Police as its Officer of the Month for February 2011.

In the midst of a paralyzing snowstorm that blanketed Washington, DC in February 2010, United States Capitol Police Officer Michael Riley volunteered for an extra Saturday shift.

Shortly after reporting for duty, he responded to an “officer down” radio 82

medical alert. According to the officer who radioed for medical assistance, Officer Bryan Nickelson had slipped on the ice, slammed his head on the pavement and fallen unconscious, blood dripping from his head and nose, while en route to his post. As a trained EMT, Officer Riley responded to the call immediately, expecting to find his colleague with a minor head injury.

When Officer Riley arrived at the scene, he realized Officer Nickelson’s injuries were far more serious than he had anticipated. While waiting for DC Emergency Services to arrive, Officer Nickelson stopped breathing, despite Officer Riley’s desperate attempts to open his airways. Soon, Officer Nickelson’s pupils became fixed and his pulse stopped, at which time Officer Riley performed vigorous CPR, causing Officer Nickelson to take a few deep gasps of air, before ceasing breath once again. Officer Riley knew he had to fight to keep Officer Nickelson alive, and he refused to give up.

Additional officers and the emergency crew members were devastated when they saw Officer Nickelson, one of their own, fighting for his life. Officer Nickelson, a well-respected 20-yearveteran of the United States Capitol Police Department, was rushed to the hospital, followed closely behind by Officer Riley in a patrol car. Knowing she would be too upset to drive herself, Officer Riley radioed the dispatcher and arranged for a local sheriff ’s office to bring Officer Nickelson’s wife, also a public servant working for the District of Columbia Fire Department, to the hospital to be with her husband.

Riley’s quick response and continuous CPR efforts imperative in keeping Officer Nickelson alive and credited his efforts for ensuring that he suffered no brain damage, a common consequence of massive cardiac trauma.

For his efforts that day, Officer Riley received the 2010 Officer of the Year award from the Capitol Hill Executive Service Club/National Exchange Club, as well as a Lifesaving award from the United States Capitol Police. Officer Riley, a 14-year law enforcement veteran, continues to serve with the United States Capitol Police.

Officer Riley, along with the other Officers of the Month for 2011, will be honored at a special awards luncheon in Washington, DC, in May 2012 during National Police Week. In addition, their stories of heroism and service will be featured in the Memorial Fund’s 2013 calendar.

Class of 1999 Chester “Doug” McFarland is up for selection to Maj USAF and enjoys satellite engineering at Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM.

Class of 2003 Jason McFarland graduated from Adam State College in May 2010 with a degree in Math. He took a position with a High School near Alamosa, CO and has been helping coach football as well.

Once at the hospital, doctors performed emergency quadruple bypass surgery on Officer Nickelson, who remained heavily sedated for several weeks following the procedure.

Medical officials considered Officer

Call to Quarters

New

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School Song Makes its Debut

everal months ago the Headmaster of the Middle School, LTC Rob Feathers, wrote words and music to a song to honor F.U.M.A. cadets, both past and present. The song, “F.U.M.A. Men Are We”, encourages pride among those cadets who entered the Academy’s campus as boys and who have traveled beyond these gates as men, lives changed for the better owing to their F.U.M.A. experience. This song made its public debut in March at a variety show, sung by the Middle School cadets to honor Gen. Jackson, to whom the song is dedicated. It was sung at this year’s Middle School graduation, as well. Hopefully the song will become part of the F.U.M.A. tradition in years to come.

Raise your voices, lift them high: A call for all to hear.

Here’s to thee, our Academy.

Your hist’ry we revere.

(You are) Fearless in pursuing truth,

Uniting one and all,

(We are) Marching as a band of brothers,

Answering Your call!

Chorus: Fork Union men, we stand as one For our Academy.

All Cadets, both past and present...

F.U.M.A .men are we!

We salute the men who’ve passed Through these gates before, Who’ve lived their lives victoriously, A tribute to their Corps.

As we take our place in line, And at attention stand, We raise our hands in one salute To this School so grand.

Chorus: Fork Union men, we stand as one For our Academy.

All Cadets, both past and present...

F.U.M.A .men are we!

And when we leave these hallowed grounds To venture on our own, May “Body, Mind, and Spirit” guide us ‘Til our days are done.

(Repeat Chorus twice) www.forkunion.com

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Wish List F

rom time to time the faculty and staff at Fork Union Military Academy put together a “wish list” of items that would be beneficial to the school for academic and extracurricular purposes. Often, a gift-in-kind will fill a specific need that can help the Academy accomplish an important goal. These gifts are fully tax-deductible and help support our cadets and teachers. For more information on how you can contribute any of the items below, please contact the Development Office at 434-842-4370. Your contribution is gratefully appreciated.

Academic Requests:

Epson Brightlink interactive projectors Classroom chairs DVD players

Chemistry Department

Portable dishwasher to clean glassware

Middle School

Activity Bus Five steel park benches

Communications Department

Professional-quality Nikon camera body Nikon wide angle and telephoto lenses, f2.8 speed Small, compact, point-and-shoot digital cameras

Woodworking Club

Sawstop Table Saw (approximate value, $3,800)

Boy Scout Troop

Enclosed storage/equipment trailer 2 or 4 man tents Sleeping bags Backpacks Boy Scout Merit Badge Handbooks

Feedback Form

Please cut out and return this feedback form. We’d love to have your phone number and e-mail address in our records. Thank you for your support of Fork Union Military Academy!

Do we have your e-mail address?



Name:_________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ City:__________________________ State:__________ Zip:_____________ Home Phone:___________________ Work Phone:_____________________ E-Mail:________________________________________________________

 Please update my e-mail, phone, and address.  I would like to donate $____________ to the Academy’s

Annual Giving Fund.

 My check is enclosed, payable to Fork Union Military Academy.  Send me a pledge statement to pay this amount in:

 One Annual Payment  Quarterly Installments  Monthly Installments

 Charge to my credit card:  Visa  Mastercard  Amex  Discover

Card Number:_____________________________________Exp:__________

 My company has a matching gift program and I am sending you the form.

Don’t know if your company offers matching gifts? Check online at FUMA’s Web site: http://www.forkunion.com/development

 I would like information on including FUMA in my will,

and other planned giving options.

 I would like information about FUMA’s Capital

Campaign projects.



 I would like a package with admissions information and

a school video that I can share with potential cadet families in my area, church, or civic organization.

Comments:

Please place in envelope and mail to: Fork Union Military Academy Development Office Post Office Box 278

Fork Union, VA 23055

Our Promises to Our Donors

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’ve thought for some time that I should list our promises to all of our donors past, present, and future. I want you to know exactly where we are coming from and precisely how we operate our fund-raising program. It’s very important to us that we be straight shooters with you and upfront in our approach and philosophy. Here are our promises to you:

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We will receipt all donations showing the fair market value of any materials sent in order to help contributors determine the tax-deductible portion of their gifts. (The Internal Revenue Code permits donors to deduct the amount given to the Academy in excess of the value of materials received from the organization.)

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First and foremost, the Academy belongs to the Lord. It is His place and He is in the life-changing business here. It is not a monument to its President, the Board of Trustees, or the Development Office. All of us are simply servants of the Lord in this place.

Since our founding in 1898, the Lord has put his mantle of approval on the work being done here. What the Lord blesses, He can also take away. There have been times over the century that they were close to shutting down, but the Lord chose to provide the finances to keep it going. If He chooses to close the gate, we will accept His leading and yield the outcome to Him. Until then, we will work with every ounce of energy to accomplish the task at hand.

We seek God’s approval in our mission.

One of the ways to discern His approval is through the support He sends (or doesn’t send) from His people. During lean times, we will make our needs known to our friends-but we will not squirm, scratch, or claw for contributions. We will never resort to what we consider to be disrespectful and dishonorable methods of fund-raising, even when the needs are serious.

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We will ask people not to support Fork Union Military Academy until their obligations to the local church have been met.

We will not operate the Academy at a deficit.

We consider the contributions we receive to be “sacrificial giving”-sent from loving people who have sacrificed to make their gifts possible.

Our obligation, therefore, is to spend wisely in continuing to preserve the Academy and its mission. We have no limousines, expense accounts, or condos in Hawaii. Every penny raised is used to sustain the Academy. Not one cent is paid to the Development Officers or myself in the form of fund-raising incentive bonuses or salaries. www.forkunion.com

We will have an annual audit conducted by an external audit firm.

We will not try to raise more money than we need.

When you designate a specific intended use of your donation, your wishes will be honored.

The President along with the Development Officers are the primary fundraisers. It is our job to solicit funds to sustain the Academy. We want to be respectful in our approach, but make no excuses for doing our job of asking for funds. Since tuition and fees cover 70% of the annual budget, we must raise 30% more to sustain the school. If we don’t make the Academy’s needs known, who will?

Our spiritual mission is to have every young man who comes our way hear the gospel. Over 400 young men do receive the Lord every year while here at the Academy.

Our promise to you is that we will stay focused on that mission and the funds you provide will sustain that mission, God willing.

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We will not sell or release our mailing lists to anyone.

We will maintain confidentiality of the amount of your donations; and if you chose to remain anonymous, we will honor that request.

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We want only the best for the young men entrusted to our care. We promise to do our best to be God’s servants and good stewards of His money.

It’s that simple. Our prayer is that you will help us. Please.

Lt. Gen. John E. Jackson, Jr., President 87

ForkMilitary UnionAcademy 4744 James Madison Highway Post Office Box 278 Fork Union, Virginia 23055

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID PPCO

Success stories begin here.

Welcome Aboard!

Fork Union Military Academy welcomes our 10th President, Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe and his wife Betsy, to the FUMA Family.

Admiral Burhoe will take command on July 18, 2011.

He has our prayers and our gratitude as he joins with us to continue the mission we’ve been on since 1898, and to lead us to new heights of success we’ve never even imagined.

Godspeed, Admiral Burhoe!