Reveille Magazine Winter 2010

“River Rats” Regional Reunions

By Errol Bisso and Heather Romig Riverside President, Dr. James H. Benson, Col, USMC (Ret), and his wife, Mary, have traveled to Nashville, Charlotte and Atlanta to meet our alumni and to explain his strategy for Riverside now and its future. His message speaks of how badly our society needs military schools and why Riverside is the best decision a family can make for their son. He is leading our cadet Corps back to the days of military courtesy and respect for each other and for our country. Dr. Benson speaks of the importance of alumni support for Riverside and its mission in preparing our students for success in college and life.

Dr. Benson has been joined on these visitations by our Vice President for Advancement, Amanda Griffin, Coach Errol Bisso, the Director of Alumni Relations, and his wife Barbara.

Riverside alumni are asked to help their alma mater by locating classmates, volunteering at the academy, hosting an alumni event and donating. Any way that our alumni can help Riverside continue its mission and to ensure its roll in the future.

In Nashville, our alumni event was hosted in the home of cadet Parkes. Mr. and Mrs. Parkes were great hosts and all who attended had a fine time. Alumni who attended in Nashville were: David Smith ’53, Bobby Rosenblum ’65, Raymond Thomasson ’69, Brian Brown ’74, John Wood ’88, Andrew Bowling ’91, Brian Shore ’92, Marc Hill ’99, James Mason ’99 and Stanton Mason ’99.

Braving heavy wind and rain, our next trip was to Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Discovery Place Museum. In attendance were: John Reimers ’65, William Wallin ’65, Jackie Jackson ’74, Mark Barringer ’76, Jim Watts ’85 and Grant Jones ’93.

Our first of two events in North Georgia was held at Ippolito’s Italian Restaurant in Suwanee. Everyone who attended had so much fun we had to tell our alumni present that time was up and we had to leave. Alumni who attended were: Sumner Cahoon ’49 and his wife Jan, Warren Tobin ’61, Kirk McMillan ’69, Steve Carmichael ’76, Bob Ivy ’77, Bill Glisson ’78, John Spaeth ’80, Phillip Christopher ’80, Tony Feliciano ’81 (who has a son now at Riverside), Kirk Morris ’83 and wife Shannon, E.T. Lopez ’84 and wife Donna, Justin Creech ’88, John Amason ’90, Justin Gallagher ’90, Stan Howington ’90, Scott Brown ’92, Shelby Pennix ’93, and Brian Burton ’97 with his wife Samantha.

Our second Georgia event was held at the Relish Restaurant in Roswell. Alumni who attended were: Seth Wagner ’56, Raymond Fordyce ’61, Rex Ottinger ’70, Justin Creech ’88,Vincent Dunne ’92, Scott Dwyer ’92, Brian Logan ’92 and Tyler Nichols ’05.

Riverside Military Academy will be hosting reunions in the following locations. If you live in the area or close by, please save the date and plan to join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

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