Checkpoints December 2002

up front

BOARDROOM TALK

COMMANDANT’S NOTE

REUNION WITH AN OLD FRIEND

NOTE OF THANKS FROM A PARENT

LONG BLUE LINE

YEAR IN REVIEW

SPORTS

MAKING A DIFFERENCE (Development)

WALDO

FYI (Services)

CHAPTER NEWS

SACC

MERCHANDISE

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

CLASS NEWS

features

“THE BIRD IS THE WORD”

Academy mascot makes a run for the number one spot in the first

ever All-American Mascot Challenge.

CONGRATULATE OUR DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES

The 2002 Distinguished Graduates are Gen. (Ret.) Robert C. Oaks, ’59, and Dr. Paul Kaminski, ’64.

UNAFRAID OF COMMITMENT

Senior athletes ponder the realities of a world that changed last Sept. 11th and know they may be sent to war.

GRADUATE MOVES FROM SPACE TO MISSILE DEFENSE

Gary Payton, ’71, becomes the new Director ofAdvanced Concepts at the Missile Defense Agency.

THUNDERBIRD PILOT ENJOYS HIS TIME ON THE GROUND

Col. Brian Bishop’s office is on the ground with a view ofPikes Peak as he takes command of the 34th Operations Group.

TIME TO TAKE CHARGE

Coach Joe Scott talks about the upcoming season, players and much more.

Association of Graduates'

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Receptionist (719) 472-0300 E-mail aog@aog-usafa.org

DSN 333-4513 Website http://www.aog-usafa.org

Fax (719) 333-4194

Executive President/CEO: Col. (Ret.) James A. Shaw, ’67

Offices Executive Assistant: Leah Lucio

Receptionist: Michele Cowan

Mail Distribution: Darrell Cornett

Finance

Vice President: Larry Smith, ’71

Accountant: Joyce Love, Cindi Kinder

Development Vice President: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gary S. Howe, ’69

Administrative Assistant: Rita Baker

Annual & Class Giving: Chery Flores, Director

Elizabeth Winn, Assistant Director

Sabre Society: Becky Hureau, Administrator

Regina Graves, Assistant Administrator

Corporate Giving: Gary S. Howe, ’69

Planned Giving: Gary S. Howe, ’69

Stewardship: Virginia Tonneson, ’80

Data Entry: Sandy Luckhurst, Supervisor

Dawn Wallick, Gift Administrator

John Rice, Biographical Updates

Barbara Meyer, Address Updates

Chris Barry, Matching Gifts

Pavers: Elizabeth Winn

Memorial Funds: Elizabeth Winn

Campaign Vice President: Sean Pieri

Administrative Assistant: Rita Baker

Campaign Coordinator: Col. (Ret.) Brian Binn, ’72

Major Giving: Russ Laney, ’76, Brian Binn, ’72, Jennifer Bateman

Research: Laura Mastriano

Information Services

External Communications

Services

Vice President: Col. (Ret.) Chuck Denham, ’67

Director of IS Operations: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jack Mueller, ’70

Director of IS Systems:: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rich Trentman, ’81

Programmer/Analyst: Christy Peppers

Vice President: Col. (Ret.) Dick Rauschkolb, ’70

Director of Marketing & Media: Bob McAllister

Media Designer: Sarah Wright

Multimedia Specialist: Ken Wright

Website: Ken Wright

Checkpoints and Register of Graduates:

Editor: Bob McAllister

Assistant Editor: Tom Kroboth

Advertising: Dick Rauschkolb/Bob McAllister

Chapter News: Marty Marcolongo, ’88

Class News: Tom Kroboth/Ken Wright

Vice

Col. (Ret.) Rich Downing, ’70

Business Rescource Directory (SABRD): WayneTaylor

Bio Updates: John Rice

Chapters/Societies: Marty Marcolongo, ’88 Class

Lani Wing/Donna Porter

Class Rings: Donna Porter

Grad.

Golf

Lani Wing

Steve Knight

Membership: Don McCarthy

Label/List

Death Notification Notices: Michele Cowan

Obituaries: Tom Kroboth

off the shelf

IN BLUE DOMINATE THE NATIONALS

40 CADETS PARTICIPATE IN TRIATHLON

44 BOOK REVIEW- MORALS UNDER THE GUN

50 OLMSTED FUNDING SEND CADETS TO ECUADOR

58 SCIENCE PALS

62 CADETS AND MIDSHIPMEN WAGE WAR

66 CADETS BUILD HOMES FOR NAVAJO NATION

68 GRADS PARTICIPATE IN “TROUT BUM TEAM”

69 LETTERMAN’S TOP 10 WITH CADETS

70 GRADUATE DEPENDENT SCHOLARSHIP

72 “HANOI TAXI”

73 STUDENT ACADEMIC CENTER

sports

92 WRESTLER, C1C KEVIN HOY, VISITS CHINA

93 AF GOLF TEAM CONTINUES WINNING STREAK

94 FALCON HOCKEY PREVIEW

95 ’93 GRAD WINS MARINE CORPS MARATHON

CHECKPOINTS (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy. (Phone: 719-472-0300, DSN: 333-2067. FAX: 719-333-4194, E-mail: aog@aogusafa.org.) It is provided as part of a membership package of which the magazine subscriptionannually accounts for $10. Single copies ofCHECKPOINTS for members $2.50. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air Force Academy, CO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to CHECKPOINTS, Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Dr., USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude ofthe Association of Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, FALL 2002.

FALL 2002

from the board chair

Hearty congratulations to our 2002 selectees for the Distinguished Graduate Award-Gen. (Ret.) Bob Oaks, '59, and Dr. Paul Kaminski, '64.

Dear Members,

As my four years as Board Chair start drawing to a close (I turn over the reins next summer to Ted Legasey, ’67), I continue to swell with pride in our Academy and our AOG. The Academy is excelling in just about any area you might consider—athletics, academics, leadership, character development-and your AOG is likewise providing ever improving support to the Academy, the cadets and their parents, and our graduates and associate members. What a pleasure to be part of such a great team!

Regarding our Board, we reluctantly bid an early farewell to Fred Gregory, ’64, in August, as he had to resign from the Board due to his appointment as Deputy Administrator of NASA. We congratulate Fred on his appointment, but we’re sorry to lose his presence on the Board. Replacing Fred is Gil Mook, ’67, former fighter pilot and Thunderbird, and more recently a Senior Vice President for Federal Express, and President and Chief Operating Officer ofAmerica West Airlines. We welcomed Gil to the Board at our November meeting.

By the way, I can’t overstate the high quality of our AOG Board and its commitment to serving the graduate community and our many supporters. The Board is a great mix of industry leaders, senior military officers and dynamic young(er) graduates who are giving us the wisdom of their business and profes-

sional experiences. And, as we prepare to embark on a major fundraising campaign to support the Academy, you can be assured that your Board is fully prepared and committed to making the campaign a success and to supporting the Superintendent’s vision and goals.

Hearty congratulations to our 2002 selectees for the Distinguished Graduate Award-Gen. (Ret.) Bob Oaks, ’59, and Dr. Paul Kaminski, ’64. You will find details of their accomplishments on pages 18-21, but suffice to say they are most worthy recipients. They will be formally honored during Founders Day activities next April.

Ifyou haven’t pulled up the AOG website recently (www.aog-usafa.org), I encourage you to do so. Ken Wright has re-formatted and expanded the pages, to include some

CHECKPOINTS, FALL 2002

great pictures, new information, and an easier to use format. Check it out.

In coordination with the Academy, the AOG has purchased a big-screen projection system for Mitchell Hall, which will provide opportunities to depict Academy heritage, graduate accomplishments, notice of upcoming events, TV/video clips, etc. Since Mitchell Hall is the only indoor place where the whole Cadet Wing gathers at one time, the new projections system provides unique coverage. The system will be operational early next year.

Finally, I think you will agree that Checkpoints has risen to a new level of quality and readability. Kudos to Dick Rauschkolb, ’70, and his staff for their superb efforts. To help sustain the momentum, the Checkpoints staff is always on the lookout for good stories. So ifyou have a war story or article you think would be of interest to our members, contact Dick or one of his staff members (their names, phone/fax numbers, and email addresses are on page 3).

I have really enjoyed seeing many ofyou at football games this fall.

Happy

Holidays and GO FALCONS.

By Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mark Anderson, ’61

New Homes Coming Soon

Transfer to the good life at Fleet Landing, nestled along the picturesque Atlantic Coast in Northeast Florida.

Created especially for former and retired military officers, their spouses and widows, Fleet Landing offers all the amenities of a first-class resort with the peaceful serenity of a private, gated community.

An accredited Continuing Care Community, Fleet Landing also offers solutions for your changing health needs, with on-site assisted living and skilled nursing services.

Call today for more information on the new homes coming soon.

The good life includes:

■ Luxurious homes and apartments

■ Dining and socializing at the O’Club

■ Tennis courts, fitness rooms and library

■ Pristine beaches, a 7-acre lake and heated community pool

■ Walking, jogging and biking along shady oak-lined streets

■ World-class golf courses, shopping and cultural activities nearby

■ Near Mayport NS; commissary and exchange steps away

■ 15 minutes from the renowned Mayo Clinic

to the Editor

“The Man I Owe” by Ron Bliss

Many thanks for Mr. Bliss’ SUPERB article in the last edition of Checkpoints. Not only does he write well, but you can hear, see, and feel the sounds ofthe F-105’s engine and the SAMs going off so close by. The sweat, tension and stark terror that Mr. Bliss must have been experiencing during his mission, just as all the other Thud pilots did made me admire their courage. What a man. Lord, guard and guide the men who fly.

Mike Ryan, Class of1970

Superintendent’s Note

By now you have probably heard from others that Lt. Gen. Dallager’s article in the summer edition of Checkpoints contained an error. In the Athletics section of his article, Lt. Gen. Dallager states that the events of 9/11/2001 resulted in athletic events being canceled/postponed for the first time in Academy history. That is incorrect. In November of 1963, the assassination of President Kennedy resulted in the USAFA/Colorado football game not being played as scheduled.

Thom Evans, Class of1967

Note of Thanks

Just a short note to thank you for all you have done for my son, Richard M. Harr, during the short time since he arrived at the Academy. Let me count the ways:

(1) The wonderful Bed & Breakfast program where he had a warm, loving Air Force Family to care for him the night before he entered the Academy. (2) The refreshments and coordination of cell phones on Inprocessing Day. (3) The on-going pictures of the doolies during BCT on your web site to keep the parents entertained. (4) The wonderful open house on Sunday at Parents’ Weekend. (3) Your GREAT magazine for members!

I’m looking forward to a long and wonderful relationship with AOG!!! With warm appreciation!

Deborah A. Yates

White House Fellows

I was concerned in reading the otherwise excellent article on the White House Fellows Program, and our latest USAFA fellows. The article wasn’t even close in listing grads who have been fellows. It goes without saying, for this highly competitive fellowship program with almost forty years ofhistory and USAFA participation alongside other fellows like Colin Powell, Bud McFarlane, Tom Johnson, Doris Kearns Goodwin, etc.-we ought to take credit where credit is due!

Randy

Jayne,

Class of1966

The list used in the White House Fellows article was provided to us by the White House Fellows Office, and was incomplete. The following graduates were also White House Fellows: Robert Baxter, ’62, David Roe, ’62, Leslie Denend, ’63, Robert Heavner, ’63, Robert Sansom, ’64, Gregory Canavan, ’65, RandyJayne, ’66, Michael Wheeler, ’66, Jerrold Lundquist, ’71, Frank Klotz, ’73, and Randall Kehl, ’76. Randy Jayne’s class was also misprinted in the last issue. He is a proud member of the Class of ’66. —Ed.

Checkpoints

I just spent about two hours going over the Summer 2002 issue of Checkpoints. Man am I impressed with the job you have done with this magazine. It has to be one of the greatest college alumni mags in the country!!! Great job!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe Burke Class of1970

What a super, super publication. Breadth of contents and variety and quality of articles— to include sidebar articles and other information to supplement and complement feature stories-along with a masterful layout and first class printing job-have led to a product that reflects the essence of USAFA professionalism. Hats off to you and your staff!

Bob Foerster, Class of1965

I just wanted to let you know how very impressed both myself and my fellow classmates have been with the new format of Checkpoints. I have always considered the AOG a class organization paired with a class institution and to produce such a first-rate publication seems only fitting. Please keep up the great work and the great direction of the AOG, it is appreciated out here in the alumni community. Wishing you the continued best.

Capt. Derek Salmi, Class of1998

The Cadet Chapel

challenges ofpersonalgrowth? The warmth oflasting friendships?

Commandant’s

Brigadier General

S. Taco Gilbert, ’78

State of the Wing

I am encouraged by the level of success we have already experienced this year in the cadet wing. The wing still has some work to do, but they are well on their way to meeting the very highest expectations. The year began with a superb summer performance by all four classes. We instituted several new initiatives, which continue to pay dividends. For the first time in Academy history, we placed a Cadet Wing Commander over all summer programs. This provided much needed oversight while removing much of the administrative responsibility normally left to the cadet cadre. This also provided the active duty staffwith a single point of contact for any wing-wide issues. We also instituted group physical training during 1 st BCT. The cadet cadre led the entire class of 2006 through an extensive workout calisthenics and aerobic activity. What an inspiration it was to see over 1,200 cadets engaged in PT on the Terrazzo-and then to hear their “Air Force” chant echoing off the mountains. These simple, but far-reaching changes have helped us start the year on a high note.

Looking out the window,

I see what has become such a strong symbol to our country in the past year. Old Glory unfurls high above the cadet area. She presided over an early morning vigil which paid tribute to those Americans who were lost a year ago. The snap of a firing party broke the silence of a cool September morning and echoes of lonely trumpets stretched across a foggy field surrounded by somber, but determined faces. The challenges our nation has faced in the last year only strengthened the resolve within cadets to prepare themselves for service to their country. Their response to a nation’s need has stirred me as they find pride in what they are training to do in the future.

Training Group

Schedule of Calls

Several shifts have taken place within the cadet wing that has had a direct impact on daily life. First, with the new schedule ofcalls put into place last year, we received some helpful feedback from cadets. The Military Call to Quarters (twice per week in the evening) was eliminated and replaced by military training during the M-5 period. We also reverted back to mandatory breakfast for all cadets to provide more contact time within squadrons. Additionally, we moved Taps up to 2230 hours to provide enough opportunity for cadets to get some much needed sleep. As

more input is received, considerations are made to make things run as smoothly as possible while still achieving the goals ofthe wing.

The desire for efficiency has brought something new to the cadet wing this year with the implementation of training folders for each cadet. Created to imitate the operational Air Force, training folders record all training given to the cadet, list job descriptions, and other references for their current position in the wing. This policy should help as cadets change positions within the wing each semester. Related to this, we have created comprehensive lists of training items for each class. This will provide much needed accountability for each cadets training completion and allow us to ensure every cadet meets all training requirements as he/she progresses through their cadet experience.

Element Leader

We have challenged Element Leaders to take greater responsibility in their elements, and their contact with the lower classes. For example, an Element Leader is now expected to sit as table commandant during the noon meal. This allows them time to sit face-to-face with their element and pulse them for news, status oftraining, and overall attitude. Element Leaders are expected to attend activities that their subordinates are involved in. Whether it is Drum and Bugle practice, intercollegiate athletic events, or community service projects, the Element Leader is expected to attend and show support. Additionally, they are now charged with escorting their subordinates to any meetings with their chain ofcommand that involve disciplinary issues. This last step ensures the Element Leader is fully aware oftheir cadet s situation and provides necessary oversight of their issues. With this responsibility has also come the authority to award passes as incentives and rewards. This rekindled focus on the Element Leader position provides more leadership opportunities for the firstie class.

Operations Group

New I FT Program

To better prepare cadets for the challenges ofSUPT, the academy has awarded a 14.5 million dollar contract for Introductory FlightTraining to Embry RiddleAeronautical University. The program will initially receive 300 cadets per year, with the capacity to expand to 500 cadets as the program evolves. The Diamond Katana DA20-C1 is the aircraft chosen for flight training. It has a lower noise profile and increased climb capability over previous USAEA training aircraft. This should help with the concerns about noise from local residents and increase the opportunities to fly at the high field elevation.

New Gliders

The 4.5 million dollar glider replacement project has seen a successful transition to the new TG-lOs from Blanik

America, Inc. Each of the TG-10 models was designed to meet considerations for student, acrobatic, and cross-country flights. The sailplanes have a more efficient design that allows for a large reduction in current weight restrictions, providing more cadets with the opportunity to soar. Another addition to the new gliders is GPS equipment and instrument panels for both front and back seat pilots. The 94th Flying Training Squadron has efficiently accomplished cross training IPs from the old to the new sailplanes and started the first class of 251 students in the middle ofSeptember. The new fleet has taken off, ready to train the next generation to slip “the surly bonds of earth.”

Operation Pegasus

We resurrected an orientation flight program in February 2002, known as Operation Pegasus (formerly known in the 70s as Stardust). The vision of this program is to give every cadet the opportunity for an orientation ride sometime in their cadet career. Since February, the program has flown just over 250 cadets in six different aircraft from eight participating bases to include helicopters from the nearby Army Post, Ft. Carson. The program has been extremely successful and very well received by all. The cooperation between the Operations Group and the Training Group has helped to make this program run efficiently.

98 FTS-Jump Competition Results

Our very own Wings of Blue went to US Nationals this fall and represented the Academy in an impressive manner. In the 4-way formation, 2 of our teams placed in the top five of 40 teams. Four cadets from the Class of 2003 dominated first, second, and third place in all three categories ofstyle, accuracy and overall. Not to be out-done by cadets, a number of our staffcompeted and also placed well in the competition. This was clearly our very best performance

at US Nationals. As always, the Wings of Blue demonstrated their commitment to excellence.

Center for Character Development

Character Programs

In a profession that demands leadership, it is essential to develop leaders with a solid moral foundation. The Academy has expanded its character programs to include every class and AOCs. Doolies will first encounter this effort in a new program called Eagle ACES (Academy Character Enrichment Seminar). This program is a dynamic three-hour interactive seminar that focuses on self-reflection. Topics addressed include integrity, establishing personal life assessments, the importance of setting priorities, individual reflections, and finally establishing a personal life vision. EAGLE ACES illustrates to the fourth class cadets the importance of developing a strong personal foundation while further enhancing their own leadership styles. Attendees are exposed to various leadership styles and qualities in the form of popular selected movies and then challenged to form their own opinions on how an ethical situation should have been handled.

The Three-degrees complete the Respect and Responsibility Workshop. The “R&R” workshops are designed to take Threedegrees out of their normal environment and to help them discover valuable information about themselves and others. They attempt a graduated series of activities, involving both physical and emotional risk designed around human relations and diversity issues. The goals and benefits of this program are for participants to acknowledge differences and similarities in their own and other’s leadership behaviors; appreciate the impact of respect, cooperation, and trust on problem solving, decision making, and command environment; develop skills that foster and encourage open and honest communication; and to challenge views and biases that undermine positive and productive command environment.

Two-degrees will take part in the Center’s newest character offsite seminar, Leaders In Flight Today (LIFT). Building upon previous

Center programs, LIFT includes a personality style assessment tool intended for cadets to better understand others as they better understand themselves. Experiential learning and case studies are employed in team building exercises designed to improve effective communication, interpersonal skills, positive motivation, establishing trust, and team-leadership accountability. A culminating exercise jumpstarts the journey as these leaders in flight are energized to field-test the seminar’s major insights within their squadrons starting TODAY. Their commitment to follow-up and follow-through reflects, in part, leaders of character impacting high performance teams.

Capstone ACES has been developed for the firsties. It is a dynamic one-day seminar designed to focus attendees on the ethical demands placed on Air Force officers. ACES helps staff, faculty, and cadets examine their role in character development efforts at the Air Force Academy. The cadets and staff are exposed to issues, concepts, and experiences designed to convey the importance of character development and the role ofAcademy cadet leaders and permanent party staff in that process. Participants engage in dialogue throughout the day, which focuses upon both ethical discussion and mentorship skills.

As you can see, we have an extensive character training program for our cadets. But the staff is experiencing character training as well. A new seminar has been designed specifically for the AOCs to provide a character program tailored to the challenges they face in guiding cadets. It offers detailed instruction on the Honor Code, the honor process, ethical dilemmas, and mentoring skills. Together with the cadet programs, I know we are achieving our goal oftraining leaders ofcharacter.

Education Group

New Military Strategic Studies Major

It is probable that future wars again will be conducted by a special class, the air force, as it was by the armored knights ofthe Middle Ages. —William “Billy”Mitchell

As the Academy looks forward to this century’s expected rapid development of new military concepts and weapons, we designed a new academic major with a military focus. We will ensure our cadets are trained to meet the dynamic needs of future

wars with our new Military Strategic Studies (MSS) major. This military-specific major will be under the 34th Training Wing not the Dean ofFaculty. It is designed to let cadets apply military strategy and doctrine to a variety ofoperational challenges. Focusing on the application of aerospace power, the MSS major is focused yet flexible to integrate relevant academic disciplines.

Operation LAUNCH PAD

The United States is movingforward into the 21 st Century as a seamless, integratedaerospaceforce. The Air Force is committed to continue the integration of air and space. We have made great strides in many areas but we need to gofurther. Integration is ajourney, not a destination. —General Michael E. Ryan, ’65, USAF ChiefofStaff, 1999 As we prepare to meet the needs ofthe future Air Force, we are looking for areas to integrate space and information operations into classes and programs throughout the Academy. Operation LAUNCFI PAD took off with an excellent first start this summer. This new operation includes the development of a program executed by cadets that provides space-training support to USAFA summer programs such as Global Engagement (GE), Combat Survival Training (CST) and BCT. The cadet cadre received current space education and training and were provided the tools to apply support and instruction to GE, CST and BCT. Cadets in the program visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Flouston where they were given tours of the space shuttle simulator, neutral buoyancy lab, mission control, X-38 program, and Shuttle/Space Station mockups. This new program is a huge step toward integrating air and space operations training at the Academy.

Support Division

Dorm Renovation

While some say the only constant is change, grads may look back and name one more constant: construction at the Academy. A cur

Class of ’06 Demographics

Cadets are admitted from every state in the nation, and the territories of Guam and Puerto Rico. The Class of 2006 also admitted eleven international students from eight countries: Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Romania, Lithuania, Korea, Cameroon, and Bulgaria.

rent project is the renovation of Sijan Hall, scheduled for completion in February of 2005. Currently in the fourth phase of seven, the renovations include new tiled hallways, carpeting, lights, valets, and updating all electrical systems. New furniture will be replaced throughout the dorm by the end of2003. Many ofthe renovations will result in Sijan Hall looking very similar to Vandenberg Hall. But lor now, we are averaging 200 vacant rooms for each phase, leaving the living conditions in Sijan a bit cramped. On the upside, one ofthe most important changes is the installation of a fire sprinkler system in each cadet room and the common areas.

AOG

Many ofthe above mentioned programs and initiatives would never occur without the consistent and generous support of the Association of Graduates. The AOG underwrites much of the character training and countless other programs, ceremonies, and social functions. Their far-reaching support can been seen in clubs/activities, appointee in-processing, the Exemplar program, Contrails, the cadet squadron improvement fund, the Commandant’s Cadet Enhancement Program, the Commandant’s Leadership Series, and the Falcon Heritage Forum. They are truly a key part ofTeam USAFA.

Closing

As I return to looking out my window, I realize there are actually two strong symbols of our country’s strength on prominent display in the cadet area. In addition to Old Glory, I see hundreds of sharply dressed cadets walking briskly across the Terrazzo as they make their way to their duties. They are our next generation of heroes and warriors, and they will ensure our peace and safety for decades to come. I am proud of their accomplishments and look forward to watching their futures unfold. JQ

BY CAPT. JON VEAZEY, ’95 AIRSPACE MANAGER PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEN WRIGHT

“Today’s a great day to fly,” thought the new 2nd class cadet while driving a friend’s car down from Vandenberg Hall to the airfield. With dark, early morning skies above and the knowledge most of his friends at other colleges were sleeping their summer vacation away, there was the temptation to think it looked like a great day to crawl back in bed. Sleep could always be enjoyed later.

The walk down to the parking lot clearly spoke ofthe beautiful Colorado day waiting to be unleashed-the stillness in the earlymorning mountain air was strong enough to blow him over. A year ago he had the same feeling-the morning ofhis first flight. He had never even flown in the back ofa commercial airliner growing up. Yet after 10 glider flights, he was soloing above the Rampart Range. It was an accomplishment he’d never forget-an accomplishment that could never be taken away. Now it was time to give his cherished gift to others.

After a semester of upgrading, today marked his first flights instructing student pilots, novices just as green as he was 12 months ago. Amazingly, these cadets would soon trust their lives to his instruction, as he had done with his instructors. Cadets who months ago had more stick-time flying as the Star Wars rogue squadron leader on their computers than actual aircraft flying time.

Although there are 125 rated pilots filling flying billets on the base, cadets do 95% ofinstructional flights.

As excited as he was nervous, he was soon aloft, towed into the first rays of sunlight creeping up the steps ofFalcon Stadium below them. Such early show times ensure as many sorties as possible are squeezed out of every minute of sunlight. No instrument or night flights are flown to the Academy’s runways, yet it remains one of the busiest in the entire Air Force. In fact, more sorties are flown at this visual flight rules field than at any other in the nation per year; 22,000 glider flights, and 20,000 parachute jumps annually.

Quite an achievement, but not just because ofthe challenging winds and weather that come from being nestled against a mountain range. Not just because novice pilots are gliding without engines in a traffic pattern that centers around novice parachutists. Not even because both gliding and parachuting programs boast competition records at the best of their classes. No, the truly impressive feat is that this clockwork accuracy is achieved day in and day out with an outstanding safety record.

In the Academy’s history, a cadet’s life has never been lost in a glider or parachuting incident. When you look inside a fine clock, you can’t help being astounded at how

many parts are moving to accomplish the goal and how tightly they interact. Clockwork accuracy is accomplished here daily, on a massive scale that can only be compared to Londons Big Ben. Intermeshing so many components so smoothly is no coincidence. A spotless safety record only comes throughpurposeful effort. As jumpersjump, they’re looking for gliders. As gliders soar, they’re looking for jumpers.

With the volume oftraining, they must even keep an eye out for their own—considering the landing of their teammate in front of them and those soon to land after them. Although floating serenely above purple mountains’ majesty, it’s not time to sit back and enjoy the view. And what a view it is.

Even rated officers who have flown the most advanced aircraft in the world are awed when they strap into one of our gliders. There’s an unrivaled elation that comes from releasing off-tow 2,000 feet above the ground, then using nature’s updrafts to climb to the same altitude as Pikes Peak-without the aid of an engine. No fancy radar, or other techno-toys—just you and Mother Nature. Just imagine.

Now picture a view so breathtaking you think God saved this dynamic display just to share with you this morning. The rush of air is the only reminder you are flying. For even more rush, imagine climbing thousands offeet higher than Pikes Peak and jumping out of the safety of your aircraft into the frigid mountaintop air. Free-falling at 120 miles per hour, you don’t have the luxury of thinking many tranquil, heavenly thoughts, but you are reminded that if you make a single serious error you may soon meet your maker. It’s just you, your training, and gravity. Imagine!

Thanks to the leadership opportunities at the airfield, these accomplishments and much more are a daily reality, not just imagined. It would be an achievement in itselffor an elite team ofexperienced parachutists or pilots to perform in such an environment. When you reflect that cadets are the primary instructors here, you can’t help but be amazed at the results. The aviation environment allows cadets to learn about themselves as they learn about flying. Most importantly, they learn how to lead.

These leadership skills carry through to the operational Air Force. To find out what programs are most beneficial, the Academy asked 4000 graduates two questions: What programs most motivated you as a cadet? What programs most prepared you for active duty?

The responses ranged among 15 different programs, but the most common response named the Academy’s airmanship programs. Everyone loves a success story, and there are many produced by airmanship programs every day here-cadets who are leaders in aviation, as well as academics, athletics and community involvement. At your Air Force Academy today’s a great day to fly! H

Academy Dedicates

I !■»,, by 2nd Lt. Melissa Waheibi Cdu6t Library Academy Spirit

The Academy Cadet Library was recently named and dedicated to the man who is often referred to as the “Father ofModern Military Education,” retired Brig. Gen. Robert. F. McDermott.

In October, Capt. Michael Brothers, ChiefofAlumni Affairs, introduced General McDermott to the current cadet wing and announced their library’s new name, the “Robert F. McDermott Library.”

Capt. Brothers told the cadets of General McDermott’s “profound impact on the Academy’s education program.” Many ofhis ideas are still in evidence today.

McDermott was appointed the first permanent Dean of Faculty for the Air Force Academy from Aug. 1, 1956 to July 31,1968 by

years to the day, retiring on July 31, 1968.

While Dean ofFaculty, McDermott initiated and increased the number offormal academic majors to 28. He introduced the nation’s first undergraduate Department ofAstronautics. He designed a new system ofadmissions for the Academy, which emphasized the “whole person concept” which weighs a candidate’s physical, athletic, moral, and leadership attributes in addition to their academic potential and scholastic achievements. He also built a world-class library for both educational and accreditation purposes.

His initiatives have been adopted by the Naval Academy and his alma mater, the United States Military Academy. Former Air Force General Jerome O’Malley wrote in 1984 that “Gen. McDermott brought service academy academics into the 20th Century.”

While speaking with the cadet wing, McDermott said: “the source ofall the truths that man faces in life-in his career, in his family, on the job-the source, is in books in the library.”

A formal dedication ceremony is planned for the near future. Q

President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He served as dean for twelve

IRanked Among

he Air Force Academy’s engineering program was ranked fourth in the nation among undergraduate programs by the U.S. News and World Report “America’s Best Colleges” 2003 rankings.

The Academy’s engineering program ranked as the fourth-best undergraduate engineering program in the nation, up from sixth place during last year’s rankings. Between the engineering disciplines taught here, the Academy ranked fifth in electrical engineering, eighth in civil engineering and ninth in mechanical engineering in the nation.

“This recognition is truly an honor, and I believe is the result of three things,” said Brig. Gen. Dave Wagie, ’72, Dean of Faculty. “First, it reflects the high quality, talent, and dedication of our faculty-both military and civilianwho work so closely with our cadets to provide this worldrenowned education. Second, it indicates the great support the Air Force has provided to keep our facilities the best in the country. Third, it really shows that we are highlyrespected nationally by other schools and faculties-they recognize that we are giving our cadets a top notch education.”

In astronautical and aeronautical engineering, the Academy ranked second in the nation, behind only EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University.

“Of course, we are always excited about receiving external validation of the excellence of our program. And in this case, it’s not just validation from U.S. News and World Report but it’s validation from our colleagues around the nation,” said Col. Neal Barlow, head of the Academy’s aeronautics department. “There are many fine aeronautical programs at universities in this country and to be included at the top is a privilege.”

Part of the effectiveness of the Academy’s astronautics and aeronautics programs comes from the support from other elements of the Air Force’s scientific and research community, such as the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), in Arlington, Va.

“The strengths of our program are aircraft and propulsion design, and a research program that allows cadets to

work on actual Air Force projects and research projects that they would be unable to work on at various other institutions,” said Barlow.

Currently, there are 30 separate cadet groups working on projects for AFRL and AFOSR this semester. These senior level projects often vary in application, weapons system and objectives, but currently include work on the Hellfire missile, delta wing vortex breakdown, drag reduction for the Predator drone, dynamic lift research for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and the Hellfire anti-tank missile, Previous projects have reduced drag on AC-130 gunships which added to the H-model gunships’ loiter time and combat capability, and resolving a yaw anomaly for NASA’s X-38. The X-38 was to serve as a lifeboat for the international space station.

“The uniqueness of our program is that cadets leave here as aeronautical engineers, but already have had an impact on the engineering sciences and its applications for the Air Force,” said Barlow.

On the astronautics side, cadets are also getting a hands-on education. One ofthe current cadet astronautical engineering projects is building a satellite to be launched next year from the space shuttle. The FalconSat II satellite will study naturally occurring changes in the ionosphere that impair communications between orbiting spacecraft and ground stations.

The U.S. News and World Report special edition also noted the Academy has one of the one of the nation’s lowest acceptance rates, at 17 percent, tied for 14th place with the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology. H

Cary Payton, 71, Becomes the new Director of Advanced Concepts

Story & photo byMarilyn Phipps, Missile Defense Agency

What do you get when you mix science fiction, a love for tinkering and a ride in uncle’s plane? You launch a career. Or at least this combination worked for Gary E. Payton, ’71, the new director for Advanced Concepts (AC) at the Missile Defence Agency (MDA).

This Illinois native grew up reading science fiction, Ray Bradbury being his favorite author at the time. “I knew space travel would happen, because ofwhat the Germans did in World War II and Robert Goddard did in America,” he said. “They had

developed rockets and they knew that you could grow those machines where they could launch artificial satellites.

“Like any kid, I liked airplanes, cars and trucks. The more interested I became in those kinds of machines the more interested I was in flying,” the AC director said. His first flight was in Uncle John’s Piper Tripacer. “I was about 7 or 8,” he said. “It was a lot of fun. I never really got hooked on flying until I got to the Academy. When you get your first ride in an Air Force jet, you really don’t want to do anything else.”

“In the world offlying, you always want to go higher, faster, farther. Eventually that got me interested in studying about rockets.”

This self-described member of the sputnik generation remembered when American education started emphasizing math and science after Russia launched Sputnik I. The new curriculum fed Payton’s interest in math and engineering.

“I still remember sitting in the auditorium watchingJohn Glenn and his first mission,” he explained. I was more impressed with the rocket beneath him than the fact that there was a human onboard. I was enthralled with the hardware, rocket engines and tanks, the guidance systems and how that could work.”

Boyhood heroes included innovators such as Wernher Von Braun, General James Doolittle and Bernard Schriever.

He described each one.

Von Braun “founded much of the technology that ended up being space launch and ballistic missile systems.”

Doolittle, “a self-taught test pilot and huge influence on military air power in the ’30s. He developed the high-octane fuels that were used to fly P-5 Is and P-47s.”

Schriever, “the father ofthe ICBM for the Air Force. I didn’t idealize him a lot until I was at the academy,” Payton said.

LIFE AT NASA

When the former payload specialist joined NASA, he found two new heroes-mentors—his crew commander, Ken Mattingly, and James A. Abrahamson.”

“My crew commander was legitimately considered one of the heroes ofApollo 13i even though he didn’t fly on Apollo 13. He was the guy that worked on the checklist and the simulator to make sure they conserved power as they got the command module ready to role, Payton said describing Mattingly. “I think we spent as much time getting ready for our shuttle flight as he did getting ready for Apollo 13.”

“General Abe was an extremely well-rounded Air Force officer and gentleman, widely skilled in both leadership and political skills,” he said. “I think a lot ofwhat I learned about how to be an adult, an engineer and leader I learned from them.”

Childhood stories about space travel became reality when Payton became the first Department of Defense payload spe-

cialist to fly on the U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery. “I was onboard because it was a military flight. My job was the tender care and feeding of the payload.”

As exciting as orbiting the earth 48 times may be, it was not the best thing about the job. “Probably the best thing was the quality of the people...the NASA folks that work in the trenches on the shuttle program,” he said. “The shuttle is an amazingly complex beast when you count the solid rocket boosters, the external tank, the space shuttle mainframe and avionics.

“NASA has attracted some ofthe most dedicated people you could think of to work on the shuttle program...The world’s best truly,”

FROM SPACE TO MISSILE DEFENSE

“This is not my first time here,” the AC director quickly noted. “When Challenger happened, the military immediately pulled out...pulled all their satellites off the satellite manifest. Guys like me who were to have a future in the business of the military and NASA working together no longer had that future.

“That’s when I came to the Pentagon and worked for General Abrahamson the first time. I was his executive officer and later worked on the technology side of SDIO.

After retiring from the Air Force, he returned to NASA headquarters to work on transportation technology. This was followed by a job at Orbimage as vice president of engineering and operations. Then, Lt. Gen. Kadish and Pete Aldridge, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics made an offer he “couldn’t refuse.”

“I’ve learned what MDA is doing now and how it works, so I figured it was a good chance to come back,” Payton said describing his decision to return. Kadish described the situation, the recent treaty changes, the strong budget, the new authorities and the pressure to deliver on important promises. “I think it’s going to be fun to be a part of that, Payton said.

“We are combining advanced concepts and advanced technology; that is so we have a tighter clasp between the great ideas that come out of the vast concepts and a better clasp between those and our investments in advanced technology.

“If you study this notion of block improvements to our systems 04, 06 and 08 block improvements, continually modernizing the technology is a crucial part of that,” he explained.

The AC director was impressed with the concept of the national team. He first read about it in the trade journals.

“It’s an interesting management technique to get the dominant players in the aerospace industry on board as the architects. Not only do they bring a lot of the skills, American industry has a stake in the outcome. It’s more than Lockheed competing against Raytheon competing against Northrop Grumman competing against Boeing to win contract,” he said.

Adding, “I know the way the contract is written for those folks, and they would eventually become cohesive due to the structure of the contract. Now, it’s probably become more responsive and quicker as a result of 9-11. In many regards, September 11 reminded us ofhow vulnerable we are whether it’s from 300,000 pound fuel air bombs or whether it is ballistic missiles.”

Payton believes his new job fits his career philosophy. “When it comes to rungs on the career ladder, I’ve approached every step as just another rung. I’m always trying to increase my level of responsibility and authority, but the accoutrements or the titles of the jobs are not that important.”

Describing how this job stacks up against the others, he said, “It’s great! The MDA is in the spotlight, it’s an agency that revolves around modern technology and I’m the guy that does the newest technology. So, to me it’s superb.” S

SABRE SOCIETY Challenge Raises $647,500 for the AFA Fund

Mr. John W. Martin, Class of’69, is the most recent academygrad to extend a challenge to increase membership in the Sabre Society, significantly increasing gifts given to the Air Force Academy Fund. Last year, John gave the first $ 1 million gift to the academy in honor of his classmate’s appointment (Lt. Gen. J. D. Dallagers) as USAFA Superintendent. “The pride I felt then in J. D. s career and the accomplishments ofall grads made me realize it was time to give back, time to do something to help insure that the level ofexcellence at the Academy stays high,” said John.

John also extended a challenge to the graduate community. For every grad who committed an annual gift of$1,000 to the Air Force Academy Fund before June 30, 2002 for a five-year pledge period, he would give an extra $ 1,000. By making a $1,000 gift, donors are recognized as members ofthe Sabre Society. This match yielded 104 new graduate Sabre Society members. Especially noteworthy is that the Class of’69 has taken the lead with a total of68 Sabre Society members. We appreciateJohn’s generosity in issuing this challenge and extend our thanks to all grads who accepted it. Thanks to John and members who extended previous challenges, the Sabre Society continues to grow at a fast pace and we are adding more all the time. Grads, parents, and friends are invited to join the 867 Sabre Society members in supporting the AOG and the Air Force Academy.

2002 USAFA

Distinguished Graduate Award Winners

by IM RauschkoW

The USAF Academy and its Association ofGraduates recently announced the winners ofthe Air Force Academy’s Distinguished Graduate Award. General Robert C. Oaks, ’59, and Dr. Paul Kaminski, ’64, earned this prestigious honor for their singular and distinctive contributions to society and the nation. Honor, Duty, Loyalty, and Integrity capture the essence of these two distinguished graduates. Their accomplishments are testimony to the values the Academy instills in its graduates.

The awardees will be honored at ceremonies and events held in conjunction with the Academy’s Founders Day next April. Both men will have the opportunity to interact with the cadets during their visit.

The Association of Graduates established the Distinguished Graduate Award as a way to identify to the public and the Cadet Wing the broad national impact that graduates of the United States Air Force Academy have on society. The individual achievements ofthis year’s winners exemplify the qualities and characteristics that the Academy strives to imbue in its cadets—the future leaders of our Air Force and nation.

Highlights ofthe accomplishments ofthese distinguished graduates are sketched in the following paragraphs. They illustrate General Oaks’ and Dr. Kaminski’s commitment and dedication to the nation and the Air Force Academy.

General Robert C. Oaks, '59

Dr. Paul Kaminski

General Robert C. Oaks

With a lifetime of service to country, church, and community, General Robert C. Oaks represents the highest ideals of the Air Force Academy. While his performance in a variety of challenging and prestigious roles has been marked with extraordinary accomplishment, his success has been achieved with an unyielding sense of honor, fairness, and concern for both those he served and those he led.

As a flier and warrior, he progressed from service as a young fighter pilot through commands at the flight, squadron, wing, and air command level to become Commander-in-Chief of all US Air Forces in Europe.

After graduating in the Academy’s first class, he attended pilot training and became an F-100 fighter pilot. In 1965, he deployed to Vietnam where he flew 188 combat missions. Ffe was shot down once and rescued. Fie earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for accurate night close air support oftroops under heavy enemy fire even after the flare aircraft ran short of

flares to illuminate the target. After Southeast Asia, he had command assignments in F-111 squadrons and an F-4 wing.

As an officer and a citizen, General Oaks has been respected throughout his career for his uncompromising integrity and strong ethical standards. While stationed at the Academy in the late sixties, he was an outstanding Air Officer Commanding and later directed the Academy’s Honor and Ethics Program. He was an unmatched role model for the cadets during the turbulent days of the Vietnam conflict.

In 1983, he served as Director of Personnel Plans for the Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower and Personnel, and in early 1985 became Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel. In the fall of 1986 General Oaks returned to command assignments, first in Naples, Italy, dual-hatted as the Commander of

Allied Air Forces Southern Europe and Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Southern Region, and then at Randolph AFB in mid-1988 as the Commander of Air Training Command.

Promoted to General in mid-1990, he culminated his military career at Ramstein Air Base as Commander-in-Chief of US Air Forces in Europe and Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe. This was an exceptionally difficult time for both USAFE and NATO, as the end of the Cold War brought a need to re-focus the alliance and meet political pressures for reduction in units, bases and training areas. At the same time, the perceived threat to the industrial free world moved markedly from Europe to the Middle East. As CINC USAFE, General Oaks’ challenge was to convert what had been a basic war fighting command to a basic support command, while still maintaining the highest level of combat capability possible under the circumstances. This he did with remarkable wisdom and skill, to the extent that not only were virtually all personnel and equipment that fought

in Desert Storm lifted through USAFE bases, but some 40% of the fighter air was prepared and launched by USAFE units. Additionally, his staff’s post-Gulf War efforts to restructure and reconfigure USAFE’s forces provided the foundation for subsequent military operations over Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo.

General Oaks retired in 1994 as the last member of the Academy’s first graduating class on active duty. Later that year he became Vice President for Compliance and Safety at US Airways, and was charged with building a safety program to restore public confidence in that major air carrier after a series ofmishaps. This he did so successfully that he was subsequently promoted to be the company’s Senior Vice President for Flight Operations.

While still with US Airways, General Oaks was called in 1997 by his church, the Church ofJesus Christ ofLatter-Day Saints, to assume the presidency of its congregations in the Pittsburgh/Western Pennsylvania area. When he accepted this position he became responsible for the organization and ecclesiastical operation of ten congregations with over 3500 members. In 2000 his church asked that he take on the even greater task ofbeing President for its Africa Southeast Area. He and his wife now live in South Africa, where he is

responsible for almost 200 congregations with 60,000 members and 750 missionaries. His purview extends through 17 countries, ranging from Ethiopia south around the Cape of Good Hope and up to Angola.

Over his long career, General Oaks has always reflected the highest ideals of integrity, service and excellence. He has faced both physical dangers and the daunting challenges ofpolitical-military realities on a world scale with a steadfast faith, an unmatched personal integrity and a genuine respect for his fellow men. He continues to this day to give ofhimself in the service of others. His life and record truly honor the Association ofGraduates’ intent in establishing the Distinguished Graduate Award.

Dr. Paul G. Kaminski is a 1964 graduate of the Academy. Dr. Kaminski has devoted his entire career to serving our country. The nation has benefited tremendously from his unique combination of technical and national security expertise.

During his 20-year career as an officer in the Air Force, he made many significant contributions to the nation’s warfighting capability. Early in his career, he was responsible for the development of inertial guidance components for the Minuteman missile and terminal guidance systems for our first precision guided munitions.

From 1981-1984, he served as Director for Low Observables Technology, with responsibility for directing the develop-

Dr. Paul G. Kaminski

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES

ment and fielding of stealth systems. Former Secretary of Defense, William J. Perry, called Stealth “the most important military technical program in the nation.” Stealth technology revolutionized the conduct ofwarfare and was key to the continued effectiveness of airpower in the 21 st Century. Former President Reagan said, “Seldom has a person ofyour rank achieved so much for his nation through the sheer genius ofhis ideas.” Dr. Kaminski also served as Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. He also managed the development of advanced space systems and new sensor technology.

Dr. Kaminski served as the Under Secretary ofDefense for Acquisition and Technology from October 3, 1994, to May 16, 1997. In this position, he was responsible for all matters relating to Department of Defense acquisition and technology, including research and development, procurement, acquisition reform, environmental security, international programs, dual-use technology, logistics, the defense technology and industrial base, and military construction. His oversight and advocacy for programs employing new acquisition approaches proved critical in overcoming obstacles to their adoption and success. These projects included JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) and the C-17 transport. Perhaps his most significant accomplishment as under secretary was the development and procurement ofthe Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle where his significant personal energy and experience proved critical. Global Hawk in now deployed supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Dr. Kaminski has had a continuing career involving advanced technology in both the private and public sector. He served as Chairman and Chief Execu

tive Officer ofTechnology Strategies and Alliances, a technology-oriented investment banking and consulting firm. He has served as Chairman of the Defense Science Board and was a member of the Defense Policy Board. In addition, he has served as a consultant and advisor to a wide variety of government agencies and as a director and trustee of several defense and technology oriented companies.

He is presently Chairman and CEO of Technovation, Inc., a consulting company dedicated to fostering innovation, and to the development and application of advanced technology. He is also a Senior Partner in Global Technology Partners, an exclusive affiliate of Rothschild North America, formed to make acquisitions of and investments in technology, defense and aerospace-related companies.

Dr. Kaminski holds a number of influential positions to include being a Fellow of the American Institute ofAeronautics & Astronautics and a Senior Fellow of the Defense Science Board. He is Chairman of the Board of Exostar, and a Director of General Dynamics and the RAND Corporation. He is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Technical Advisory Board, and the National Reconnaissance Office Technology Advisory Group. He is also a consultant to the Office of Secretary of Defense.

Dr. Kaminski has received several prestigious awards to include three Department of Defense Medals for Distinguished Public Service, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Director ofCentral Intelligence Directors Award, and the Defense Intelligence Agency Directors Award. He also earned The International Strategic Studies Association Stefan T. Possony Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Strategic Progress through Science and Technology, CHECKPOINTS, FALL 200 2

The Netherlands Medal ofMerit in Gold, and the French Republic Legion d’Honneur.

In spirit, character, and accomplishment these remarkable men epitomize the values and ideals of the United States Air Force Academy. General Ronald R. Fogleman and Mr. Harry J. Pearcewere the first winners of the Distinguished Graduate

by Dan Wolken

photos by Jay Janner

seniors know they may be sent to war Cl

very day before Air Force football practice, senior halfback Tom Im Heier walks over a blue line painted on the concrete walkway, symbolically separating the two realities of a world that changed last Sept.l 1.

Once he crosses that line, on which the Falcons’ season motto is painted, Heier’s thoughts narrow to football.

But on the other side-everywhere else, really-Heier can’t help but wonder where he might be a year from now.

“When I’m off the field or in the classroom,” Heier said, “it crosses my mind that I may be in the Middle East.”

When Air Force athletes pondered their futures 15 months ago, the United States was at peace. The possibility ofinvolvement in a large-scale war seemed distant, several athletes admit, even though they knew their dual commitment to country and sport might eventually require it.

That has changed within the past year, especially for AFA seniors who will be entering various facets of the Air Force after graduation and might become involved in potential military operations in Iraq or other places where the United States could be at war.

“I knew this was a military academy, and when you graduate, there was a possibility of going to a war,” said women’s basketball player Wendy Stillman, who wants to enter pilot training next year. “It’s definitely more of a realization now that we are at a time of war.”

Heier knows several former teammates who are either overseas or have already been and came back. He mentioned former fullback Scott Becker and offensive lineman Eric Woodring as friends he’s spoken with about the experience. t>

CICTom

Commitment

“It’s definitely an eye-opener,” Heier said.

“If I’m called upon to do that, I’m definitely going to step up and do the best I can at what they have me do.”

Heier, who studies bioenvironmental engineering, might be part of the effort to keep U.S. troops safe from radioactive waste, toxic air and jet fuel fumes.

Others like hockey player Justin Hamilton are aiming to become fighter pilots.

Hamilton’s story is interesting because he’s the only American citizen in his family. Although he was born in San Antonio while his parents were living there, Hamilton spent nearly his entire life in Canada before coming to the academy.

Both of his grandfathers flew in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and one of his grandmothers served with the Royal Air Force. He wound up at the academy because his junior hockey coach was friends with Falcon assistant Derek Schooley.

Sept. 11 affected Hamilton as much as anyone. Even though he grew up in Canada, he said he feels that the two countries are linked by more than geography. Ifhe’s involved in a war, Hamilton said he’ll be fighting for two countries.

“Whatever happens to the U.S. is going to affect Canada,” Hamilton said. “I consider us pretty much the same country as far as our values.

“It’s something people have been asking me about, even before I came here: How are you going to feel if you have to go to war for the Americans? I thought about it, and I really do think this is a great country even though I’ve only lived down here a few years. I’m willing to do it, and if necessary, risk my life for it because 1 think North America is the greatest place in the world.”

Fans of opposing teams have shown appreciation for what these athletes might face in the coming years.

Hamilton said every road venue the hockey team traveled to last year had some sort of military appreciation display, the kind of thing that before Sept. 11 onlyhappened when Air Force played at West Point.

“It let us know that people really are behind us and they’re supporting us,” Hamilton said.

Tom Bellairs said once the men’s basketball team began traveling in uniform again midway through last season, people approached players more than usual and asked about how Sept. 11 might affect their military service.

“We realize we’re cadets,” Bellairs said. “It’s always in our minds, (basketball players) don’t really discuss a lot about going to war or being over in the Middle East. That’s kind of an underlying thing that

everyone realizes, but we go about our day-to-day business as normal. The general theme is to get everything done today.”

Some can’t help to think about tomorrow.

“I guess you have to look toward the future,” said football Falcon back Joel Buelow, who plans on doing base civil engineering. “Once the football season is done, you have to move on. My mission is going to change once I’m graduated from the academy. It’s going to be a larger team I’m a part of.

“When you first come to the academy, that’s not what’s pertinent in your mind. As you grow and mature, you realize (wars) can happen. I’ve gotten to the point where I realize what my occupation is going to be and what I’m going to be a part of. When I first came in, I really didn’t know.”

Is there any fear about what might happen in the future?

Not for Stillman, who embraces the challenge of trying to become a female pilot in a male-dominated field, even if it means she might be in combat one day.

“This is our profession of arms, and you have to go to dangerous places and do dangerous missions,” Stillman said. “But it’s all for a good reason, all to protect the freedom of people like my little brothers or my family at home. Someone has to.”

On the one-year anniversary of a day that changed the world, keep in mind you may already be rooting for that someone. Si

rior to being selected for Foreign Area Studies 495, the four of us had little to no clue about the small, West African country of Senegal. A generous grant from the Olmsted Foundation, facilitated by the Association of Graduates, gave five Americans the unique opportunity to learn about a passionate, friendly and beautiful people, completely shattering preconceived ideas of Africans.

The class began with a week of academics. With instruction from our escort officer Capt. Jennifer (Joyce) Krischer, ’93, we delved into the history, geography, politics, economics and culture of Senegal and its inhabitants. From the ancient kingdom of Songhai to French colonization, we learned about the long and often overlooked history of Senegal. Led by its first head of

state, President Leopold Senghor, Senegal has evolved into a prominent member of the African community.

When we arrived in Senegal, we met our knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, Khaly. Khaly and our driver Mbaye were both from the Wolof ethnic group. While the Wolofethnic group only accounts for a little over 40% of the population of Senegal, most people speak the Wolof language and at least some French.

For dinner our first night, we went to a local restaurant and ordered Mafe, a traditional Senegalese dish ofvegetables and meat smothered with a very spicy peanut sauce. The highlight of the meal, however, was the entertainment. A griot (pronounced gree—o) from the Mandinka ethnic group was going from table to table, singing the praises of the patrons. A

CHECKPOINTS, FALL 2002

griot is a traditional oral historian, praise singer, and musician. This was a wonderful experience as it gave all of us insight into the importance of the African tradition of oral storytelling, unchanged for hundreds of years.

On our first full day in Senegal we went on a tour of the capital city, Dakar. Among the things we saw were the Presidential Palace, the Grand Mosque (Senegal is 92% Muslim), a French-built Catholic Cathedral, and the ever crowded city streets lined with markets offering endless opportunities to purchase anything from washcloths to music CDs.

The best part of the day, however, was meeting with English students from Cheikh Anta Diop University. They could not have been more amicable! They showed us their tiny, two-bed dorm

rooms where up to six people live. After an appetizing meal of millet (a Senegalese variation on couscous) in the cafeteria, we joined the students for an open air tea. As we drank our tea we talked about everything from sports to politics to Senegalese jokes. After the night was over, we truly had made some new friends.

Wednesday morning Khaly took us to Goree Island. Goree, a small island off the coast of Dakar, is infamous for its participation in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. We visited the House ofSlaves and learned about the horrors Africans endured before heading to the New World.

Dakar was not our only destination on this trip. On Thursday, we traveled north to the Senegal River and to the colonial capital ofFrench West Africa, Saint Louis. As we drove north the landscape changed dramatically. Around Dakar, the landscape was a green scrubland littered with gigantic baobab trees. However, about 100 km south ofSaint Louis the landscape became desert.

After an arduous 4-hour drive north, we arrived in Saint Louis. While Dakar was a very modern city with many non-descript buildings, Saint Louis had a distinctly Mediterranean look and feel. The narrow streets, 18th century architecture, and pastel exteriors contributed to this feeling. Saint Louis was a quiet, relaxing place compared to the frantic pace of Dakar. While in Saint Louis we visited the Langue du Barbarie bird sanctuary and the University of Saint Louis.

Sunday’s adventure included a trip to the resort town of Saly and a beach concert in Dakar by one of Senegal’s top performers. The beach was packed with

“Our experience in Senegal was definitely life changing. We learned about the Senegalese people, maybe the Senegalese learned,

a little bit about us...

Senegalese dancing to the music and playing in the surf. Full of excitement and enchanting African rhythm, the concert proved to be an experience enjoyed by all. Monday night we reluctantly prepared for our long journey back to the States.

As Americans, it seems almost in our nature to take for granted our comparatively luxuriant lifestyle. The poverty we witnessed was stark, especially in contrast to the lives of European and American tourists.

Another rude awaking was seeing stickers and posters of freedom’s arch nemesis, Osama Bin Laden, plastered on the backs of occasional taxicabs and buses. To a small minority of the Senegalese population, he is a hero. We became aware that once Bin Laden and his ilk have been stopped, we still must work to improve the image ofAmericans around the world.

Our experience in Senegal was definitely life changing. We learned about the Senegalese people, maybe the Senegalese learned a little bit about us, and we made lasting friendships with university students, the future leaders of Senegal. The people of Senegal proved to be extremely hospitable and proud of their culture and heritage. As we look back upon our journey to West Africa, we are not only able to appreciate the luxuries and freedoms America offers, but also the new, unbelievable cultural experiences encountered while visiting Senegal. A special thanks to the Olmsted Foundation and the Association of Graduates for making this trip possible. Jere Jef (Thank you)! 99

The a

Class of1979presents theA-10, 'Chopper Popper to theAcademy.

OBy Chery Flores Director of

Above Members of the Class of’79 (from L to R), Lt. Col. Mike Van Hoomissen, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mike Donatelli, Col. Bob Swain, Col. Thom McCarthy, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mark Reid

n February 6, 1991, while assigned to the 706th tactical fighter squadron, Capt. Robert R. Swain, ’79, was finishing a 12-hour mission in his A-10 when he caught a glimpse of two fast-moving objects in the Iraqi desert. From his vantage point at 15,000 feet, Capt. Swain couldn’t determine what they were, but he suspected they weren’t tanks or trucks since dust was not being kicked up. With help from his fellow A-10 pilots, Swain took off in hot pursuit of an Iraqi helicopter. Using the A-10’s Gatling gun, Swain scored the first A-10 air-to-air kill in combat when he downed the Iraqi Bo 105c.

Today, the “Chopper Popper’s” original paint scheme and markings have been restored and it is mounted in climbing flight atop a pedestal next to the ThunderbirdT-38 display at the Airmanship Overlook. The Class of 1979 raised $61,000 to move the A-10 from the Air Force Museum at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to the Academy so that it might serve as an inspiration to cadets.

Members of the Class of 1979 formally presented the gift to Superintendent Lt. Gen. Dallager and dedicated the aircraft during an official ceremony on

Annual Giving

Photo by Bob McAllister

September 6, 2002. Col. Thom McCarthy, Class Cift Committee Co-Chair, presented a gift check to General Dallager on behalf of the class. General Dallager commented that the A-10 display would encourage cadets “to push the envelope, to think outside the box of traditional roles, and to challenge them to attempt what has not been done before. It will serve to instill in our cadets an important sense of their Air Force heritage, a sense ofdedication and duty, and pride in their country, their service and themselves.”

Col. Bob Swain then revisited his memories of his mission in February 1991, commenting on the A-10’s key role in combat, and honored A-10 pilots who have lost their lives in service to our country. The ceremony was made complete by an A-10 flyover when four A-10’s, piloted by Academy grads recently returned from Enduring Freedom.

Lt. Col. Mike Van Hoomissen, ’79, Class President, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mark Reid, Class Gift Committee Co-Chair, and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mike Donatelli, Class Secretary, rounded out the official party representing their class and were joined by more than 50 class members, their families and friends and members of the Colorado Springs community. Men and women under Col. Swain’s command in New Orleans traveled with him to the dedication to celebrate their contributions in making the gift possible.

The success of this Class Gift Project is another example of the continued partnership between the Association of Graduates (AOG) and graduate classes in enhancing the cadet experience and preserving the heritage of the “Long Blue Line.” The AOG and Academy extend thanks to the Class of 1979 for its generous gift and support of another important legacy project. H

Academy mascot makes a run for number one in the first-ever All-American Mascot Challenge. And he needs your vote!

Ifyou haven’t yet heard, the bird is the word—at least to one proud father of the cadet who, as the beloved “Bird,” entertains thousands of Falcons’ sports fans year round.

Not long ago we received a letter from “papa bird” letting us know his son was in the running to be the firstever national mascot. The All-America Mascot Challenge is being conducted by Capitol One, Inc., and it’s not too late for you to cast your vote for our feathered friend.

To ensure The Bird soars to number one, all you have to do is go to http://www.capitolonebowI.com, and click on “Mascot Challenge.” From there you’ll see how to cast your vote.

IfThe Bird does win, each of the mascot team members will receive $5,000 to use toward scholarships for his or her school’s mascot program and the National Mascot of the Year will receive a total of $10,000.

Polls close December 20, 2002 at 11:59 p.m. ET, so don’t delay! The winner will be announced January 1, 2003. Go Bird and go Falcons!

THE LONG

It seems like every day somewhere in the world an Academy grad is recognized for an outstanding achievment. Here are a few from the “Long Blue Line” who showed up on our radar screen this past quarter.

Juarez, ’93, Wins Marine Corps Marathon

Air Force Capt. Christopher Juarez, ’93, won the Marine Corps Marathon on October 27, 2002, finishing in 2 hours, 25 minutes, 1 second.

The 32-year-old Juarez, a contracting officer stationed at Nellis AFB, Nev. was running in the 26.2-mile event for the third time. He finished 22nd in 1998 and 14th in 1999.

“I really didn’t think I had a chance to win,” Juarez said. “Those last two miles, I was really falling apart. But when I made that final turn, I took a quick peek behind me and realized I had it.”

The marathon included an estimated 17,000 runners. (Courtesy of the Washington Post)

Carmichael, 77, Named Partner at Quarles & Brady LLP

Kevin Carmichael, ’77, has been promoted to partner at the law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP.

Carmichael has been practicing law for more than 10 years and focuses on the areas of business, taxation and trusts and estates.

“Kevin has proven to be an outstanding lawyer for our firm and an asset for our clients. Serving in his new capacity as partner, he will help our firm to continue to grow and provide high-quality legal service,” said Timothy G. Hains, manag

ing partner of the Naples, Florida office of Quarles & Brady.

Walker, ’66, Named VP for National Space Systems Engineering at Aerospace Corp. Aerospace Corporation has announced that Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Donald R. Walker, ’66, has been selected for the newly established position of vice president for National Space Systems Engineering. Located in Washington D.C., Walker will provide support to senior-level Department of Defense customers in the development of an integrated national security space capability.

He will also study the corporation’s evolving needs in the area of information technology and assurance.

Grant, ’82, Publishes Third Novel Susan Grant, ’82, has published her third novel, Contact. The author, who also happens to be a Boeing 747 co-pilot for United Airlines, has received impressive reviews from critics for her latest work.

“After only three novels, Susan Grant has proven herself to be the best hope for the survival of the futuristic/ fantasy romance genre, claimed TheRomanceReader.com.

Raaberg, 78, and Wife Garner O’Malley Award

Col. Douglas Raaberg, commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and his wife Claudia, were recently named the recipients of the Air Force’s 2002 Gen. and Mrs. Jerome F.

O’Malley Award.

This annual award recognizes the wing commander and spouse whose contributions to the nation, Air Force and local community best exemplify the highest ideals and positive leadership of a military couple in a key Air Force position.

BLUE LINE

The award is named after O’Malley and his wife Diane, who were killed in a 1985 aircraft crash while en route to a Boy Scout fundraising banquet in Scranton, Pa. O’Malley was commander ofTactical Air Command at the time.

The Raabergs won the award for their efforts while stationed at Vance AFB, Okla.

Harrigian, ’85, Selected to Command First F-22 Squadron

The 325th Fighter Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Larry New, ’76, recently announced the commander for the first F-22 squadron in the Air Force.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Harrigian, ’85, currently the 95th Fighter Squadron operations officer, has been selected to command the 43rd Fighter Squadron and begin training pilots in the Raptor.

“The first feeling was ‘I can’t believe this is happening,”’ Colonel Harrigian said. “It is an absolute honor and humbling to have the opportunity to lead the men and women of the 43rd Fighter Squadron.

Being provided an opportunity to command any squadron is an honor, but this is definitely special. It is a dream come true to be able to fly what promises to be the world’s premiere fighter aircraft. Make no mistake about it, the training mission is critical and with the addition of the F-22, it will only add to the U.S. military’s reputation as the world’s premiere fighting force.”

Carparelli, 70, Appointed to Colorado Court of Appeals

The Governor of Colorado has appointed Russell Carparelli, ’70, to serve as a judge on the Colorado Court ofAppeals.

Carparelli received his law degree from the University of Denver in 1974 and was appointed to the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s department. He also served in many roles in the JAG including: Assistant StaffJudge Advocate, Area Defense Counsel, Circuit Trial Counsel, Circuit Trial Judge, Appellate Judge, Chief of Civil Personnel and Labor Litigation and Chief of Special Issues Litigation.

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission that interviewed Carparelli was most interested in his Air Force experience and the extent to which it might have prepared him to serve as a judge on the Court ofAppeals. He says he was full ofpride to be given an opportunity to act as a spokesman for the Air Force legal system and Air Force JAGs.

Babers, ’83, Inducted into Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame

Two-time gold medalist in track and field, Maj. (USAFR) Alonzo Babers, ’83, was inducted into the Colorado Springs Sports Hall in early November.

Babers, who now is a pilot for United Airlines, was one of seven inductees, including the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team.

Jones, 75, Receives Thomas P. Gerrity Award

The Air Force Association has named Col. Duane A. Jones, ’75, as the 2002 Thomas P. Gerrity Award recipient for his outstanding contributions in the area of Air Force logistics. 9S

On a beautiful Colorado morning on August 6, 2002, the Class of 1966 attended the Acceptance Parade honoring the Class of 2006 to make a very special presentation.

Having just finished Basic Cadet d raining, their first step towards being a professional cadet, the new appointees proudly celebrated their acceptance into the wing at Stillman Parade Field where they received their USAFA handbook, Contrails, from the Class of 1966. The third class in the “Long Blue Line” to link itself to cadets by continuing a tradition established two years ago, the Class of 1966 partnered with the Association ofGraduates (AOG) and the Academy to complete its Contrails Project. Phis Project enlists each graduate class to raise funds to produce Contrails for the incoming class that will graduate in conjunction with its 40th anniversary. Additionally, the Class of 1966 raised funds for another heritage tradition—'The Exemplar Program. This program clearly connects cadets with great military leaders ofthe past who serve as role models throughout their Academy careers.

The Class of 1966 raised $50,000 to support these programs which provide a meaningful way for graduates to hand down information, beliefs

BY CHERY FLORES Director of Annual Giving PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEN WRIGHT

'66 Grads Present Contrails to '06

and customs that express the essence of what it means to be an Academy graduate and an officer in the US Air Force. This common heritage, built by graduates and continued by cadets, inspires young men and women to complete their Academy careers and serve our nation with pride and distinction.

Reading the front pages of Contrails, provides incoming cadets information about significant accomplishments, history and heritage of the sponsoring class. The cover of Contrails is red, the shared class color for both the Class of 1966 and 2006. Additionally, the Class of 1966 will be invited to mentor and interact with the class throughout the next four years.

Col. Hans Mueh, USAFA Vice Dean of the Faculty and member of the ’66 class gift committee, congratulated the Class of 2006 for completing BCT and charged them to “live the Honor Code and personify ‘Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.’ Class members Vic Andrews, Jim Carson, Marty Daack, George Finan, Bob Gravelle, Ray Milberg, Hans Mueh, Rick Parsons and Wayne Skora presented Contrails to the nine outstanding BCT cadets and then formed a flight with the Wing Staff as the cadet wing passed in review. It was a meaningful morning for both classes as they celebrated their common heritage.

The Exemplar Program was established in 1999 with the Class of 2000 being the first to select an Exemplar. In addition to being called the Class of2000, they are known as the Doolittle Class, named for General James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle. Each incoming class selects their Exemplar—2001 is the Mitchell Class, named for General William “Billy” Mitchell; 2002 is the Sijan Class, named for Captain Lance P Sijan; 2003 is the Bong Class, named for Major Richard I. Bong; 2004 is the Rickenbacker Class, named for Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker; 2003 is the Patton Class, named for General George S. Patton, Jr.; and 2006 is now tasked with selecting their own Exemplar. Fairchild Hall is home to display cases creatively depicting each Exemplar’s contributions to our military and nation.

The AOG and the Academy are committed to carrying on important and meaningful traditions that enhance the cadet experience.

BEHIND THE SCENES

With financial support from the Class of 1966, and future support from other graduate classes, these programs have been well established. The AOG, Academy and Class of2006 extend thanks to the Class of 1966 for its enthusiastic support ofthese important legacy projects.

The following is the speech delivered to the Class of2006 at the acceptance parade by Col. Hans Mueh, ’66.

We, your brothers in arms in the Class of1966, welcomeyou, our legacy Class of2006

Everyfouryears, a very special “Red Tag” class, ivhose members are affectionately known throughout the Air Force as RTBs, begins itsjourney to commissioning. We came to the Academy 40years agofrom varied backgrounds and as a group ofindividuals. Wegraduatedfouryears later as you willfouryearsfrom now as a CLASSunited in dedication and resolve to make theAir Force and our nation stronger.

In thefortyyears between our classes, the Academy and the world have changed. Ours was the last class to spend “doolie” Christmas at theAcademy. Wepaintedthe F-106bright red on thefirstday of“Hell Week”—the stuffoflegend. Our classproduced Vietnam andDesert Storm war heroes. We’ve seen many ofour brothersfall in combat. We’veproducedcaptains ofindustry and manygeneralofficers including a Superintendent at theAcademy. We witnessed the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy’s assassination, thefallofthe Soviet Union, and our longdays and nights ofalert status andperseverance hastenedthe endofthe Cold. War. We haveflown nearly every aircraft in the inventoryfrom 1940s vintage to the space shuttle. That’s our story....

You, the Red Tags of2006, will write your own chapter in the history ofthe Air Force and the nation. You have the ability to makeyour mark as one ofthegreatest classes ever to graduatefrom theAcademy, and well be byyour side, cheeringyou on to greatness. We are confident that you willdistinguishyourselves here, in the Air Force, and in the nation. All we ask, we the Red Tags of66, is thatyou live the Honor Code andpersonify “Integrity First, Service BeforeSelf, and Excellence in All We Do.

Good luck and Godspeed.

Hans Mueh, Col. USAF

USAFA Vice Dean of Faculty RSI

Vic Andrews, ’66, hands out Contrails to the Class of ’06

GENERAL GEORGE S. Class of2005 Welcomes Patton as its Exemplar

n Exemplar is one who deserves imitation because of excellence; someone who serves as a model or example. The Exemplar is a recent program initiM ated by the Superintendent to encourage good tradition and class spirit at the Academy. The exemplar program has been a success for the past four M years. Cadets hope that this will become a tradition that will become an integral part of future classes.

In October, the Class of2005 welcomed distinguished members ofthe Patton family to recognize General George S. Patton as their class exemplar. For cadets the Exemplar program means a dining-in, a new display case in the Exemplar Hallway and a hard-earned patch sewn onto the left shoulder ofthe athletic jacket after enduring 48 hours ofrecognition training.

But why Patton? Because he personified the characteristics ofchivalry, loyalty, and honor and these traits relate closely to the cadet core values. The legacy of General Patton will guide the Class of2005 toward excellence.

General Patton was known for a plethora ofgreat accomplishments. He placed fifth in the pentathlon during the 1912 Olympics, commanded the Third U.S. Army, and assisted in the development of army tanks by training the first 500 American tankers after organizing the American tank school in France.

WRITTEN BY

C3C BRANDON

JONES, C3CJOE REYNOLDS-GRANT, C3C PRISCILLA GIDDINGS, & C3C ANDREA HYMA

Patton was a great man who exhibited courage, commitment, and consistency, the core values ofthe Class of2005. During his tenure at the United States Military Academy, he made a bold prediction his first year. He informed the people that he knew that he would attain the position of Cadet Adjutant, the position given to the cadet who exhibited the best military discipline, by the time he graduated. He achieved his goal during his senior year.

Patton was a leader! He was the first commander of the U.S. armored corps and a proponent of close air support. His friendship with Lieutenant General James H. Doolittle allowed him to make proficient and effective use ofclose air support and bombing raids on the Germans in WWII. He knew that a friend in the sky meant victory on the ground. He realized that air power would mean an advantage that could not be attained via means on the ground action alone.

General Patton’s accomplishments, both as a West Point cadet and a commissioned officer, along with his esteemed reputation will follow the cadets of2005 as they become influential leaders in the military and society. The Class of2005 is proud to be called The Patton Class. &

The Academy is lookingfor a 50th Anniversarylogo Do you have a suggestion?

April 1,2004 marks the first day in the USAF Academy’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the Academy is looking for a 50th Anniversary logo.

Winningentry will be used on programs, official correspondence, reports, and other items to recognize the Academy’s anniversary.

Enteryouridea for a logo by Jan. 31, 2003. Mail to HQ USAFA/PA, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 320, USAF Academy, CO 80840. For electronic entries, include the disk or e-mail to: action.line@usafa.af.mil.

For more information or to contribute celebration ideas, contact Sue Christensen at Sue.Christensen@usafa.af.mil

Tho Ooy'io^ wo dnaYo botwoon fnond^ ttiaf woyo ihoYo / ayo what lij-oiimc^ arc madoof.

When you don't have to worry about security, meals or maintenance you have the time to live life to the fullest.

Whether you want to live it up or rest up, Liberty Heights is a resort retirement community that accentuates your life with luxury and happiness. Live your dream.

800.635.7438

12105 Ambassador Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80921 www.libertyhts.com email us at: marketing@libertyhts.com

he Air Force Academy has made some changes ro ensure ir meets its mission and continues to rank as one of the top schools in the nation.

This fall marks the first steps toward a new curriculum that will free up both time and resources for cadets, opening options CHECKPOINTS, HAL

for flight training, foreign language study, increased pursuit in technical majors, and ultimately may advance their careers faster than is currently experienced by Academy graduates.

In order to alleviate some pressure from the cadet schedule, several steps were taken to improve graduation requirements. According to Capt. Paul Abair, Chief academic affairs officer, some 4.5-hour courses were reduced to more manageable 3-hour courses, and even some core requirements, like Engineering 410, were dropped. Interdisciplinary classes that shared some material with similar courses were combined, streamlining the core requirements and reducing redundancy.

Required hours for completion of majors is now more standardized. Some technical majors required nearly twenty hours of class more than were required by other technical and humanities/social science courses. Classes were cut from the athletic department as well, reducing the required 10 physical education courses to eight.

Open options, or “blank” periods in a cadet’s schedule which are traditionally filled with extra majors classes or independent study can now be used for remedial or make-up courses. This will help students who struggle in certain courses, or graduated without enough advanced high school courses.

“Academic majors are now designed to accept more course validation,” said Abair, “which benefits those with college or advance placement experience outside ofthe Academy.” Those choosing an engineering major and pursuing a technical career field after graduation will profit from reduced humanities/social science courses. Specifically, technical majors will not be required to take any foreign language courses unless they so choose, but humanities/social science majors can now immerse themselves in foreign language programs earlier and at more advanced levels.

The new curriculum will put more than 60 percent of cadets through the intermediate flight-training program (IFT), instead of making it a post-graduation requirement for new lieutenants. Flight training will now fulfill academic and leadership education requirements or even take place of their major’s open option. This means that a cadet could use an open class period or summer session to complete the flying program, which would be conducted at rhe Academy airfield.

With IFT complete, a new graduate can go straight into Undergraduate Flight-training (UPT) without any layover time, as is the typical situation presently. “Getting graduates into a UPT cockpit will benefit their careers and the Air Force much more than the current system where graduates must wait, sometimes over a year, to complete IFT and begin UPT,” says Abair. S

ri IE DISTINGUISl 1ED GHADUA1E AWARD

DG

Nomination Instructions

DG

The Distinguished Graduate Award is intended to recognize those exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions to our nation and/or their communities. It is a unique honor bestowed by the Academy and the AOG recognizing graduates whose accomplishments have inspired us all and elevated the reputation and the standing of the US Air Force Academy. Distinguished Graduates should provide an example to all graduates and cadets of the standards that we value and of the abilities that have made our country and society great.This is our opportunity to recognize graduates who can serve as an inspiration to future generations ofAmerica’s leaders.

Anyone may submit a nomination package. The package should not exceed three pages. The first page is a concise information sheet on the candidate and should contain a short narrative or bullets addressing the following headings, if applicable:

- Professional Accomplishments

- Education History

- Professional Organizations

- Professional Career Summary to include job titles and location

- Honors, Awards, Public Recognition

- Community Service

- Additional 3 References (include address and phone number)

The remaining page/s should be a strong written justification.

Submit the Nomination Package by 30 April 03

Mail to: Ms. Leah Lucio

Association of Graduates

3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475 OR

Email as a word attachment to:

Leah.Lucio@usafa.af.mil

Questions: Contact Col. (Ret.) Dick Rauschkolb, ’70, Vice President for External Communications.

Phone: (719) 472-0300

Email: Dick.Rauschkolb@usafa.af.mil

Distinguished Graduate Award Calendar ofEvents

Sept 2002 - April 2003

Publicize award

Request nominations

Deadline for nominations 30 April

May-July 2003

Selection Committee reviews nominations

August 2003

Selection Committee recommends award recipient to Chairman ofthe Board and EJSAEA Superintendent

Recipient notified and agrees to accept award at the USAF Academy

April 2004

DGA presentation ceremony at USAFA in conjunction with Founders Day

Additional Information may be found on the AOG web site at www.aog-usafa.org

Speaking Out Jr o

Vivien Spitz visits with cadets and talks about her experience ■ zmm

A TV"* 11 A T >y Aimee Kirkham,

AUCj Intern

In crime, there is always a victim and a perpetrator. “Remain silent,” says Vivien Spitz, “and you will always help the perpetrator.” Mrs. Spitz, a court reporter for the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials in Germany from 1946 to 1948, refuses to remain silent. She has witnessed the pain and suffering inflicted by the perpetrators ofmedical war crimes ofWorld War II. Now she shares that experience widely and works to fight the “insidious spread ofholocaust denial.” On August 20, 2002, she spoke with faculty and cadets at the Air Force Academy concerning her experience reporting the Nuremberg “Doctors’ Trials.”

Speaking to members of the Academy’s “War Crimes, Genocide, and Human Rights” course, Mrs. Spitz described how, at the age of 21, she traveled to bombed-out Germany in order to help record verbatim the words spoken at the Nuremberg Trials-the first international war crimes trials in all of history. These trials were based on three ideas, says Spitz: basic human rights and dignity of life, the difference between good and evil, and indifference towards evil. After the main “Goehring Trials,” the United States filed charges against twenty doctors and three medical assistants for murder through medical experimentation, including against Karl Brandt, Hitler’s personal physician and chief instigator of the doctors-turned-torturers projects. These doctors performed atrocious experiments on camp prisoners without their consent, such as testing human endurance of high altitudes without oxygen and observing the effects of injected malaria, typhus, or poison. They

also studied the limits of human life in freezing temperatures, or living off sea water, and the success/failure ofcruel forms of bone, muscle and nerve regeneration and transplantation. Thousands of prisoners were subjected to these torturous experiments, most of whom died from the effects. The Nazis meticulously filmed their graphic deeds, slides from which Mrs. Spitz shared at USAFA.

Those who lived through these inhumane conditions were eager to see justice done, Mrs. Spitz noted. She recounted a moment in the courtroom when a former prisoner, when asked to identify the physician who had experimented on him for being a “gypsy ofmixed blood,” leapt into the prisoners’ dock to attack the guilty doctor.

Now, almost sixty years later, the experience ofsitting in a room with medical killers has not left Mrs. Spitz. She recalled the doctors showed “not a scintilla ofremorse.” They defended their actions by claiming to have been building a super race for the Fatherland. Showing a photo ofthe doctors on trial, she remarked, “I have never seen such a room full ofevil-and I have reported many cases.”

What can we do to keep anything this horrible from happening again? Mrs. Spitz quoted George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” She then expressed her obviously strong feelings about the role history plays in modern society. It is only through remembering our past, she said, that we can “overcome our prejudices and hatreds of today.”

Vivien Spitz was the Official Reporter ofDebates and the Chief Reporter in the United States House ofRepresentatives from 1972 to 1982, during which she reported the State ofthe Union Addresses ofNixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan, all addresses by foreign Heads ofState, and the creation ofCarter’s Commission on the Holocaust in 1978. She has made presentations to over 36,000 people, both in and outside ofthe US, and has received numerous humanitarian awards, including the first Nation’s Court Reporters Association’s Humanitarian Award given in 101 years. Steven Spielberg’s SHOAH Foundation interview with her is kept in the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. She was recently honored as a “Righteous Gentile” at the Hope and Remembrance Ceremony ofthe University of Denver’s Holocaust Awareness Institute’s Speaker’s Bureau.

The USAFA war crimes course, currently enrolling some forty cadets, began three years ago as an interdisciplinary offering from the departments ofPolitical Science, History and Law. It has now found a permanent place in the curriculum and consistently receives top reviews from cadets, most citing it as one oftheir favorite courses. Looking at recent developments in international law in their historical and political context, the course promotes critical thinking by future officers about the relevance oflaw and morality in warfare. 13

you have any doubt about the future of America, fear not.

“A Year in the Life of the U.S. Air Force Academy,” the newest photo gallery at www.aog-usafa.org, shows you tomorrow’s leaders today.

You won’t be disappointed.

Wings of blue Dominate U.S.

Skydiving Nationals

One of the best showings for the Wings of Blue ever” said team member Jack Daniels. The Academy jump team returned from a week at the U.S. National Skydiving Competition in Ottawa, Ill., with top scores and lasting memories.

Out of40 teams competing in the intermediate level, both cadet four-way diving teams finished in the top five with one quartet placing second. The event involves four jumpers completing as many pre-determined maneuvers as possible within 35 seconds.

The Wings ofBlue were also victorious during individual Accuracy and Style events. Accuracy jumpers exit aircraft from 4,500 feet and strive to land on a target the size of a quarter. An electronic pad measures in centimeters the distance they are off target. The Style event is a race against the clock. Divers have to complete six maneuvers in the fastest time. The average is one second per maneuver.

The top three scores in the Intermediate Accuracy event went to Wings of Blue cadets Jarrod Aranda in first, Rob Ice in second and Luc Gruenther in third. The team matched this effort in the Intermediate Style event. Aranda and Ice took first and second places and Alex Datzman grabbed third.

It wasn’t just the cadets who scored high in the competition. Stacie Schorzman, a captain at the 34th Training Wing, ranked within the top five skydivers in the women’s overall category. This qualified her for a spot on the U.S. National Team and competition in the World Championships next summer in France.

Along with the satisfying results, the atmosphere ofthe competition made it even more memorable, according to Kristen Wozniak.

“It was an awesome experience to compete at that level. The atmosphere is so unique, which makes the sport ofskydiving so incredible,” she said. “You can walk up to the most experienced world champion at the competition and they will give you advice and help you perfect a technique. Everyone there is so passionate about the sport that you are constantly learning new things to help you improve. Overall, just a phenomenal opportunity.”

by 2nd Lt. Melissa Waheibi Academy Spirit

Professional skydivers were not the only ones having an impression on the team, certain children will also be remembered. Daniels, Datzman, Gruenther and Wozniak spent their free evening, Sept. 9, at the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Chicago. They visited with sick children who marveled at their blue suits and stories of the skies. Smiles were the only thing contagious that evening as the team members sat with the children and families and shared their experiences as both a skydiver and cadet at the Air Force Academy. They demonstrated the mechanics of a parachute, showed videos ofskydiving, distributed coins and even autographed posters to be proudly displayed on hospital walls.

“The smile on a child’s face is one of the best rewards ever given,” Wozniak said. “Visiting the Shriners Hospital afforded me the opportunity to make some new friends and learn about human nature. Noah was one of the coolest people I have ever met. He was instantly joking around and having a great time with us. His attitude was an inspiration to me.”

The visit meant a lot to Daniels as well. “The visit to the hospital was an excellent experience for all of us. It is a real honor to be able to visit such a place and spend time with the kids,” he said. “It makes us all feel proud that we were able to make their day and teach them a little bit about the world ofskydiving, the Wings of Blue and the Air Force.” S

Form

by Raquel Rutledge, The Gazette

Hby Ken Wright, AOG

is office is no longer 15,000 feet in the sky, as it was two years ago when reporting to work meant slipping into the seat of an F-16, blasting offfor the clear blue, rolling and spinning and showing the world the sexy side of the Air Force.

Now former lead Thunderbird pilot Col. Brian Bishops office is on the ground with a view of Pikes Peak and the Air Force Academy airfield. As commander of the 34th Operations Group, he teaches cadets to fly gliders and jump out ofplanes.

“It’s the best job in the Air Force,” Bishop said.

“I’m having so much fun. The Thunderbirds was a great 2 V2 years of my career, but I’m glad it’s over. It’s time to move on.”

Bishop, 42, came to the academy last year to lead the soaring and jump programs and will oversee introductory flight training which resumed at the academy Oct. 1.

The academy halted the program in 1997 after a series of fatal crashes.

Bishop tells cadets thrilling stories ofhis life as Thunderbird One, the commander of the team.

How he once was so wrapped up making a perfect circle in the sky he came close to crashing the whole six-member team into the ground.

He stresses to cadets the importance offocus and oftrusting their training, their equipment and themselves.

“I tell them, ‘Ifyou always go out and do the best you can do at everything, you will get recognized. It might not be on your timeline, but you will get recognized.’ That’s sometimes a hard lesson for cadets.”

Cadets have reason to listen to Bishop.

Not only did he graduate from the academy in 1983 and is a rising star in the Air Force, he has an action figure modeled after him.

The 12-inch figure wears a flight suit bearing Bishop’s name and is a hot-selling item, according to manufacturer Dragon Models, Ltd.

At 6 feet 2 inches and 190 pounds, with a buzz cut, white teeth and a huge smile, Bishop is the poster boy for fighter pilots, although his only combat deployment was to Operation Southern Watch, patrolling a no-fly zone over southern Iraq.

Bishop’s wife, Linda, sailed on the first all-female America’s Cup team in the 1995 yacht races. The couple lives among other Air Force officers at the academy, sails, goes ice boating in Wisconsin and takes frequent hikes with dog Buddy.

Bishop still makes time to get above the clouds. He sometimes flies the gliders and jumps with cadets.

“Flying your body is something totally different. It’s a kick,” he said.

Bishop owns an experimental aircraft.

“When I don’t fly for awhile, I get grumpy,” Bishop said. “I love flying. It provides a perspective on the world not everyone gets to see.” RS

Printed with thepermission ofthe Colorado Springs Gazette. ©

■ photo

IRON

An Ironman triathlete and professor at the Academy wouldn’t have finished the Ironman Triathlon in Wisconsin in September ifit hadn’t been for a promise made to the mother of one ofhis students after the cadet died last spring.

“I thought the world ofthis kid-a very bright kid, very mature,” said Maj. Freddie Rodriguez, math professor. “The first thing [Kyle Wagner’s mother] said [at the memorial service] was ‘Don’t ever forget Kyle.’ She was so griefstricken. This was kind of a way for me to live out that request she made.”

After Wagner’s death in May, Rodriguez learned about the Ironman competition in Wisconsin, Wagner’s home state. Four cadets also took part in the race and for Rodriguez, completing the grueling race seemed like a good way to honor his student’s memory.

Although toward the end of the 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile marathon run, Rodriguez started losing motivation.

“I was so ready to be done. Why won’t this just end?” he said, remembering his 14:34:00 time in Wisconsin.

“A person will never do anything worth attempting for the material prizes at the end,” said ClC Jamison Richart. “As far as material rewards: I got a free T-shirt for my year of hard training and 12 and 1/2 hours of pain on race day. If someone were to ask me if it was really worth it-because all I have to show for it right now are two bad knees and a shaved head, my response would be that I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. There is nothing better.”

Rodriguez, Richart, C2C Paul Brehm, C2C Prichard R. Keely and Cadet 1st Class Brian Hans were not given government funds to take

BEHIND THE SCENES

part in the race. Nor were they allotted training time, and had to find time in their busy schedules to train for the event. The Academy triathlon team placed third overall.

“My teammates and I had to sacrifice weekends and every spare moment in between classes and military duty to train for this event,” Keely said. “We had no authorized practices which made it difficult to do this on top of our military and academic workloads.”

Rodriguez got up at 4:30 a.m. each morning to train. Sometimes, he hiked to work at

the Academy. This year he also created a new math course for the Dean of Faculty.

“Between doing that and training I lost motivation,” he said. “I was kind of tired.”

Staying motivated for the race was probably the biggest challenge, according to the participants.

“To be perfectly honest, I’m not really sure why I entered the race in the first place,” Brehm said. “It had something to do with the fact that I’ve always wanted to do an Ironman, but mostly I think I just wanted to see if I could do it. I knew from others how

much time it takes to train for an Ironman and I also knew how little free time we have as cadets, but I figured that would just make it all the better ifI ended up finishing.”

“I feel that in order to continue living a person has to test themselves,” Keely said. “This was just the next level for me.”

Rodriguez only finished the race because of a conversation he had with Wagner’s mother the night before the race.

“I talked to Kyle’s mom the night before,” he said. “She was so overwhelmed we were doing it. It wasn’t a good day-as far as racing goes. I did want to stop a couple of times. I would have stopped ifit hadn’t been for her.”

Rodriguez has participated in three other Ironman triathlons besides the one in Wisconsin in September. He says he did onethird ofthe training he normally does because ofhow busy his schedule was this year.

“When I finished Hawaii, I looked back and said that’s a long way—that’s a long day,” Rodriguez said.

For all the competitors, the most worthwhile part was the final stretch.

“Coming down the finish line when the announcer said: ‘Prichard Keely representing the United States Air Force,”’ he said. “And everyone started cheering and going wild was the best moment of my life.”

“I got to see just how much people respect what we do here,” Brehm said. “I had other competitors comment to me on how much the crowd loved the Air Force guys compared to everyone else and how amazed they were that we could do something so time consuming with all of our other obligations.”

For the competitors, it was the roar ofthe crowd that made all their effort worth it.

“I did better than I could have ever imagined (my goal was to finish under 13 hours and I came in at 11:32:23) and I know that when my tank started running low and

Triathlete Team from L to R: C2C Paul Brehm, C1C Jamison Richart, C2C Prichard Keely, C1C Brian Hans, and Major Freddie Rodriguez.

my thighs felt like flank steak strapped to my bones and my shoulders started cramping and I could no longer control my facial expression-it was the crowds cheering for me and for Air Force and seeing my family out there with pride in their eyes—I couldn’t help it but be energized by that,” said ClC Brian Hans.

“As far as how the race went I think the last 100 meters of the run sums it up; Loud speakers blaring “Born in the USA” the announcer calling off your name and having people scream as it’s mentioned that you are from the United States Air Force, and finally having a few hundred pairs of hands reaching out to slap yours as you approach the finish line,” Richart said. “For 12 hours 29 minutes 30 seconds I felt nothing but pain and misery, for that 30 seconds before I crossed the finish line I felt nothing but happiness.” S

GRADUATES

Graduates stand proud at Site Z, March 2002 in support of“Operation Enduring Freedom.” Names from left to right are: Capt. Lyn Vix, ’93, Flight Surgeon, Capt. Ben Boyd, ’97, Navigator, Capt. Pat Clowney, ’94, Fire Control Officer, Capt. Ryan Bohner, ’98, Pilot, Capt. (Maj. Select) Mike Freimuth, ’92, Pilot, Lt. Col. Chris Cicere, ’83, Navigator and Fire Control Officer, and Capt. Mari Schroering,’98, Pilot.

The Olmsted Foundation named 2002 USAF Academy Distinguished Service Award Winner

By Captain Michael Brothers, ’94 Chief of Alumni Programs, USAFA

The Air Force Academy awarded its 2002 Distinguished Service Award to The George and Carol Olmsted Foundation during the August Parents’ Weekend Parade. The award is given annually to an individual or group who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the morale or well-being ofthe Air Force Academy. The President and ChiefExecutive Officer ofthe Olmsted Foundation, Rear Admiral (USN, Retired) Larry Marsh, and Executive Vice President, Col. (USAF, Ret.) Robert Yablonski spent three days at the Academy touring the area, visiting foreign language classes, talking with cadets that have been directly impacted by the foundation’s contributions, and being honored at a Doolittle Hall reception that followed the award parade. They were hosted by the Superintendent in his box at Falcon Stadium and enjoyed the 52-3 romp over Northwestern.

The George and Carol Olmsted Foundation, created by the late Maj. Gen. George (USA, Ret.) and Carol Olmsted, was selected in recognition ofits outstanding service to the Academy, spanning more than forty years. Gen. Olmsted created the foundation after realizing that US military officers had little knowledge offoreign languages and culture,

and needed an avenue for international military scholarship. Since its creation in 1959, the Foundation has selected and funded scholarships for more than 76 USAF Academy graduates, including the current USAFA Commandant ofCadets, Brig. Gen. Taco Gilbert. Additionally, the Foundation has given the Association ofGraduates and USAFA over $400,000 to fund cadet cultural immersion programs, military history symposiums, and joint-service academy trips under the Cadet Summer Language Immersion Program (CSLIP). Recent CSLIP trips have included visits to countries such as Portugal, Senegal, Ecuador, and Vietnam. Participating cadets have praised the program. They have returned to the US with an increased understanding offoreign cultures, better language skills, and a new appreciation for the luxuries and freedoms many Americans take for granted.

Lt. Gen. J.D. Dallager, ’69, presents the Distinguished Service Award to Rear Admiral [USN, Ret.) Larry Marsh, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Olmsted Foundation.

Ciassof2006

Judy andJennifer Pearson

To Cadet 4th Class Kristin Pearson, To all cadets: Thank you for committing your lives to defend our precious freedom. And to our daughter, Kristin...you are AWESOME! As you soar with the eagles, may you have nothing but blue skies. With love and pride, -Bob,

To Cadet 4th Class Jennifer Quintero, A daughter is a jewel for her father and a great friend to her mother. Your courage we admire as you Feel the Fire. God Bless and may the angels be ever at your side. We all go on with our heads held up high with pride. Loving and missing you,

-Dorelia and Tony Quintero

To Cadet 4th Class Brandon Westling, Thinking of the boy who once held my hand I watched as he stepped forward and became a young man Life brought with it struggles, trails and walls Now there he stands, dressed in blue, proud and tall. I could not know the flag he hung over his bed Would one day lead the direction inside his young head Brandon go forward and do as you will As life will present you with many a hills. Worries and fears, I can never hide

But still at the seams I am busting with pride. Move forward young man, don’t ever look back For a deep mothers love, you will never lack. Love Mom

-John and Susie Westling

To Cadet 4th Class Jeffrey Aiello, As you follow the course that is your destiny, remember that the challenges of the next few years will eventually become memories of a lifetime.

-Dorothy andJeffAiello

To Cadet 4th Class William Carpenter, I can’t believe the dream ofmy little 8-year-old boy has finally come true. The hardest part of letting you go this year was knowing you won’t be home again for more than two or three weeks at a time. Ever. You are our first-born. You picked a goal that most can’t achieve no matter how hard they try.

My greatest wish is that you always have safe skies to fly in and that God always brings you safely home to me even ifits only for two weeks at a time. When you were six weeks old, 1 gave you back to God, now I am giving you to our country. 1 pray the people of this nation understand this is the hardest gift a mother can give.

—Anna and David Carpenter

To Cadet 4th Class Andrew Eddmenson, Andrew, 1 still haven’t even put a dent in that huge mountain of dirty laundry you left in your closet, but I hear that you know how to do laundry and even iron, so maybe you can give us all a demonstration at Christmas when you come home!

-Teresa Eddmenson

To Cadet 4th Class Jason Kassel, Since our son Jason was accepted into the Academy, our sense of Patriotism increased dramatically. Also, we are no longer taking our Armed Forces for granted. I admit that I now get a large lump in my throat when I proudly recite the Pledge ofAllegiance. America’s future is bright, I am honored that Jason is part of it.

—Glenn Kassel

To Cadet 4th Class Tommy Aretz,

In 1986, when you were two years old and held your father’s Academy saber in your hands declaring “I want to go to the Air Force Academy,” who would have believed that in 2002 you would be a cadet and fulfill that dream. You worked hard to get into the Academy and we know that you will continue to meet the challenges ahead successfully. We are proud ofyou son. Mom and Dad

—Terry Aretz

Unde Lie un

PHOTO BY KEN WRIGHT, AOG

Toner leads offwith a chapter setting up the reader to believe in a play-it-as-you-go brand of blind obedience military ethics. His somewhat unusual (and I think unnecessary) approach, however, turns out to be a straw man, for he devotes the rest of his book demolishing other ethical systems, such as ad hoc blind obedience ethics. Not surprisingly, he has little sympathy in his book for the Oliver North brand of ends-justify-the-means ethics.

Morals Under the Gun makes effective use of case studies. It offers a generous sprinkling of one-page famous honor cases like Lt. Kelly Flinn (remember her?), Lt. Calley (who doesn’t remember him?),

hat professional soldier wouldn’t like to have a general, hip-pocket rule book for ethics? So James H. Toner has set off on a noble search to find a general rule ofmorality for the soldier. Early on Toner makes a case for a one-size-fits-all rule ofmilitary moralityVirtue Ethics. Toner makes liberal reference to the classical Socratic Cardinal Virtues (reason, temperance, courage, and justice). Too few of us know what they are, and even fewer know how to apply them, so Toner does great service in presenting us detailed explanations. We probably have more personal acquaintance with the Seven Deadly Sins (gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth, anger, and envy), so Toner also offers examples. Then he devotes the rest ofhis book defending his proposal. In his summary, Toner also explains why he believes the services should replace their secular Core Values (such as candor, commitment, and excellence) with the Cardinal Virtues.

The study of “Virtue Ethics” has enjoyed a certain resurgence since the military dilemmas of the 1970’s. Hence, Toner presents us with many case studies which are intended to help us sort out which of these Cardinal Virtues is applicable in each case.

Lt. Col. Bud Holland (the Fairchild AFB B-52 pilot), Lt. Gen. John D. Lavelle, and even a fictional one from M.A.S.H. The mere mention of these names is sufficient to get readers to choose up sides, and Toner gives his reader plenty of room for debate.

SOCRATES ISN’T THE ONLY RULEBOOK

In his noble quest for the ultimate rule of morality, I feel Toner has overlooked other ethical systerns—there is no shortage of others. For example, I have lately found the mid-19th Century Japanese Bushido (not the corrupted code version of World War II), in isolated ignorance of Socrates, laid out a military code of ethics code which curiously mirrors the one Toner promotes. Toner does review other Cardinal Virtues, such as ones promoted by Benjamin Franklin, but he would do well to examine codes outside the Western sphere. Unfortunately, there may never be an Equation of the Universe.

In Morals Under the Gun Toner also comes dangerously close to sparking unwanted debate over evolutionary psychology by dismissing E.O. Wilson’s sociobiology in two short paragraphs. I feel he should have left sociobiology out of the debate. Nevertheless, both camps, including Toner and myself-for different reasons-agree enthusiastically that moral behavior is important to

human existence. On a related point, Toner devotes considerable space to the classical belief that morality is formed by reasoningconscience is formed by rationality, and that people make daily, conscious choices whether to do right v. wrong.

And I do find that most people have this inherent, pre-wired sense of right v. wrong. However, I have also found this not to be a universal truth. I worked hands-on within the state prison system for a decade and found without a doubt there is a significant percentage of our human population who were born without consciences. The first law of mining says no amount of drilling will find oil that ain’t there. That’s but one more reason why I believe the lessons of his book do not necessarily apply to those persons outside the military officer corps. Most cadets and officers have the advantage of starting out with an inherent sense of conscience and then build upon it.

IT’S ALL ABOUT “OWING”

It’s hard to disagree with Toner that the entire concept of military ethics is based upon “owing”-otherwise known as “duty” and “obligation.” Obligation is, of course, why officers take the oath ofoffice. Most civilians don’t pledge their lives, and that’s the difference between military and civilian careers. The military profession spells out—in advance-the behavior expected of its officers. And that’s why it’s not surprising the service academies spend a considerable amount of time teaching cadets and midshipmen basic ethics and morality. It may be news to most officers that the original 1955 charter of USAFA laid out four specific educational goals of ethics, physical education, communications, and basic science-and surprisingly less on engineering and other applied sciences!

Duke ofWellington were notorious adulterers, the highly disciplined Adolph Hitler was faithful to one woman. However, Toner rescues himselffrom this contradiction with an important corollary: while many of our highly placed politicians may be personally immoral bums, that is no reason military officers should not hold themselves to higher moral and ethical standards than their bosses.

IS THE CARDINAL VIRTUE VIEW TOO LIMITED?

...an excellent step-by-step explanation why Toner believes the Cardinal Virtues are especially applicable to todays military offcers

I believe most Christian officers will find themselves favorably mirrored in this book. But are the lessons outlined in Morals Under the Gun universal? For instance, in his epilogue, Toner earnestly believes this country (not just the military) is adopting a wholesale immorality, “.. .somewhere to the left ofWhoopee*.” However, despite his warning I have yet to find scientific support that a lack ofmoral standards is causing this country to go to hell in lockstep. Through 5,000 years ofrecorded history, historians and futurists have been anticipating that Sodom-and-Gomorrah-like implosion ofcivilization. I’m more optimistic than one who forecasts The Coming Apocalypse. Rather, it seems to me, in times oftrial our country always has managed to come together and set aside personal selfishness. According to the anthropologist Richard Leakey, humanity’s greatest strength lies in its ability to cooperate, not in its stampede to serve individual greed.

Morals Under the Gun raises an important additional point that while we spend much effort teaching ethics at the academies, the civilian ROTC programs don’t. While the academies attempt to recruit the best officers for their staffand faculty assignments, ROTC is too often sadly considered a dead-end assignment. Perhaps we ought to select only our fast burners for ROTC assignments.

SO SOME OF OUR LEADERS AREN’T EXEMPLARS!

Toner makes a case for the “trickle-down” theory ofethics. That is, ifleaders are personally ethical, it follows that subordinates will be also. Hence, he makes a plea, for example, that we officers ought to exhibit impeccable sexual morality. Alas, don’t we all wish it were so! The reality is that while the military good guys Lord Nelson and the

Regardless, Morals Under the Gun gives the reader an excellent step-by-step explanation why Toner believes the Cardinal Virtues are especially applicable to today’s military officers-and hopefully to other groups charged with public responsibility. I too have seen many members of professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Psychological Association who use their own so-called professional ethics not as a means to police their own members but as a self-serving code of protective silence. Beware the military profession does not turn its own ethics into a selfjustifying rulebook. In Toner’s own words, he summarizes his book with an unyielding statement, “...what matters beyond all else is the development of good character. Here is the reason: The essence of military professionalism is responsible choice.”

*From the play A Thousand Clowns

Toner, James H (2000). Morals Under the Gun. The Cardinal Virtues, Military Ethics, andAmerican Society. Lexington, Kentucky: University ofKentucky Press. ISBN 0-8131-2159-0 (Hardback).

ESPN.COM IN COOPERATION WITH THE

USAFA ATHLETIC DEPT

PRODUCED THIS STORY

ON THE EVE OF THE AIR FORCE VS. NOTRE

DAME GAME OCTOBER

19, 2002.

A# Force’s Joey Ashcroft starts his Thursday just like any other college student ^^in the country. The alarm blares in his dark dorm room way too early and he fights the temptation to smack the snooze button for nine more deli-

■ cious minutes of sleep.

But that’s where the similarities between Ashcroft and just about every other student in America end. At the Air Force Academy, it doesn’t matter that Ashcroft is the kicker for an undefeated Falcon football team preparing to play No. 7 Notre Dame. The Air Force Academy doesn’t care about BCS implications or GameDay showing up signifying this as the game this week in college football.

All that matters is building the best cadet. And that means Ashcroft had damn well better get his butt out of that bed and get rolling.

And for the record, it is the alarm clock that wakes Ashcroft up at 6:15 a.m. There’s no peach-fuzzed kid with a bugle blowing Reveille or anything quite so dramatic. Instead, he just gets up, puts on his blue Air Force uniform and takes one last look around the place before opening the door at 6:30.

If that door isn’t open, someone will knock—and it may not always end up well. See, 6:30 means room inspection. An upperclassman might—might—get away with having someone knock. A freshman, well, their life will get even more miserable. The cold reality ofit, though, is that the doors are

BY JOE WOJCIECHOWSKI PHOTOS BY BRIAN OLLER

always open. That’s just the way it’s done here.

“These aren’t as bad,” Ashcroft said of the inspection.

This is nothing but a check making sure the bed is made, sinks and mirror are clean, the drawers are locked and there’s no password on your computer screen. It’s a combination of cleanliness and security.

It can be a lot worse. Like the IRI (in-room inspection) or the dreaded SAMI, officially known as Saturday Morning Inspection.

The IRI is a check ofthe cadet from his hair to his uniform, making sure he’s shaved and his shoes are shined. The SAMI, well, imagine every scene in every movie where they check out the room looking for hospital corners, looking at the uniforms in the closet to see if they’re ironed and pulling out the white glove to check for dust. Now imagine standing there as they do that.

C2C Joey Ashcroft juggles football, school and military

“It takes a couple of hours to prepare for a SAMI,” Ashcroft said. “That white glove is tough. The IRIs are definitely easier.”

They’re even easier this weekend. Saturday’s scheduled IRI has been postponed so cadets can go to the GameDay site near the stadium. Actually, freshmen must attend and it’s voluntary for everyone else. But make no mistake about it-this is a huge perk that happens about as often as hearing someone say “Go Navy!”

'Four Classes, four hours'

But on Thursday, there was still the little matter of the basic room inspection and Ashcroft has no problems. Ashcroft and his squadron-Mighty Mach One—march over to breakfast at 7 a.m. Fifteen minutes later, they are released to go to class. For Ashcroft, that means a schedule of four straight 50-minute classes with 10-minute breaks in-between starting with Social Science at 7:30. From there, he has Economics, followed by Math and finishing up with Operations Research, his major.

The classrooms look like any other. They work on Dell computers but the students are nothing like the Dell dude. There’s no one eating Doritos and drinking Dr Pepper. The only drinks brought in are large closed containers of water so there’s no possibility of anything spilling.

But what really catches your eye besides the lack of tie-dyed and headphones is everyone is in Soloflex-ad like shape. Muscles rip from their tight blue short sleeve uniform shirts. It’s impressive and irritating at the same time.

After Ops Research, a course designed to teach problem solving, Ashcroft is finally done with classes for the day. It’s a long four-hour stretch, but it makes him appreciate the few hours of free time he has every other day when he has just two classes. These are the tough days. Pie’s taking 18 hours this semester.

'Beat the Irish'

As Ashcroft walks across the Terrazzo to lunch, freshmen run by. It’s a tradition. Freshmen run everywhere at the Air Force Academy, stopping only to make a proper turn or to salute a passing officer and acknowledge upperclassmen. They also must yell a slogan each week as they salute. This week, it’s “Beat the Irish.”

Echoing throughout the day, you hear “Good morning, Sir. Beat the Irish.” Or “Good morning ma’am. Beat the Irish.” Sometimes, the person on the receiving end of the chant would just smile. It was pure comedy and it never got old.

One cadet said it was “Just something stupid they make the freshmen do,” but, more importantly, it’s also something everyone has done. Ashcroft did it. Starting QB Chance Harridge did it. LB Anthony Schlegel did it. It’s a right of passage at Air Force. They break you down and build you back up. They teach you everything from marching to how to eat. It’s part of building teamwork and a brotherhood that the Falcons carry with them on the football field.

“You always try to find something to look forward to,” Ashcroft said. “When you’re a freshman, it’s getting recognized (as a cadet). You can wear civilian clothes. You can have a car as a junior. You look forward to the ring dance (getting the class ring). There’s just always something to keep you focused on the next goal.” 1

More than that, they’ve learned to bond and depend on each other by surviving freshman year as well as basic training and combat survival training. In combat survival training, groups of 10 are sent into the woods with just three live rabbits for food. They need to survive for four days. Then they are broken up into smaller groups for evasion techniques. They spend days working on ways to survive should their plane ever be shot down behind enemy lines.

“The adversity we all go through makes us better as a team,” said senior Bryan Blew. “We know we can depend on each other.”

'Dress up that rank'

s Ashcroft continued to make his way to lunch, most of the other cadets were starting to line up in formation to go to lunch. Squadron after squadron-roughly 110-120 cadets per squadron-fell in ranks and stood at attention. With visiting dignitaries on campus, the Air Force song is played and eyes gaze toward the flag. (One note to anyone visiting, it’s a bad move to try to talk to a cadet or enlisted man during this song. It’s disrespectful. Plus you feel really stupid when they ignore you while standing at attention.)

Soon after, three drummers arrives—two on snare drums and one on a bass drum—and begin to keep the beat as squadron after squadron marches toward the cafeteria. As they pass the dignitaries, orders of “Eyes Right” are barked and heads whip to the right. Occasionally, a command of “Dress up that rank” is given, ordering the cadets to get in a straighter line.

It takes 15 minutes for the cadets to file in, march and hit the mess hall. Nearly 4,000 cadets will file in, sit at tables already loaded with food and, like a big family, pass the dishes around the table and eat. They have roughly 20 minutes to eat.

One perk of being a football player is getting out of formation. While nearly all the cadets have assembled in the mess hall, Ashcroft has filed down a flight of stairs and joined the football team for lunch. The players pass pasta, salad, corn, bread, orange juice and Pepsi around the table and eat. Well, at least until the football season is over. Ashcroft will be part of Mighty Mach One heading to lunch when the football season is over.

Following lunch-he only has 20 minutes for lunch as wellAshcroft returns to the dorm for a meeting with his squadron. It’s more of a briefing and very informal. The meeting usually lasts about an hour and occurs every other day.

By 1:15, JoeyAshcroft is in the sports complex. He makes his way to the sports information department for another interview. It’s not easy having two people follow you around, especiallywhen one has a camera and is taking pictures ofyour every move. Slowly, Ashcroft’s teammates are starting to notice. Theyjoke about ruining his photo-ops.They treat

him like a superstar and ask ifthey can run and get him some Gatorade. After all, he must be parched from doing so many interviews.

Ashcroft finishes talking to the reporter and goes down to the locker room to get ready for practice. It’s there he finally relaxes a little. No reporters. Yeah, the photographer is still around, but it’s almost like Ashcroft has become immune to him. Safe at last, so it seems.

Blew spots Air Force assistant media relations director Jerry Cross and asks about an interview that was scheduled. Cross tells Blew not to worry about it, that the reporter was “just going to talk to Joey instead.”

“That’s it, I’ve hit the low point of my career,” Blew jokingly yells in the locker room. “They want to talk to the kicker instead of me.” The place breaks up and all Ashcroft can do is laugh as the camera clicks away.

Practice starts early on Thursday because the JV is leaving for a game in Joliet. Players cross the painted message “Together We Will” as they make their way to the field. 2 p.m. Ashcroft is already stretching with the other kickers. Slowly he makes his way to an area in front of a hill. The left-footer tees it up and, without taking a step, drills a ball that floats up and lands about halfway up the hill before tumbling back down. He kicks about a half-dozen or so like that, then backs up and takes two steps back and kicks another half dozen that soar higher up the hill.

Finally, he backs up again, tees it up, takes three steps straight back, three more to the side and then one diagonally in. While repeating his mantra “Perfect kick, hard kick” over and over, he kicks the ball that lands near the top of the hill.

'I only broke one umbrella' he biggest thing Ashcroft works on is getting height on the ball. Leg strength has always been there for the former soccer player who started kicking his junior year in high school. The mechanics are something he works on constantly.

“When he got here, we had to readjust his foot position and it’s not something that happens overnight,” said kicking coach Lt. Col. JeffHays. “It’s like a golfswing, when you change it, you need some time before everything clicks. That’s kind of what he went through. He had a rough summer, but he worked hard and it paid off. Now, when he hits it well, it has plenty ofheight and plenty ofdistance.”

It hasn’t come easy. Ashcroft learned to kick over an 11-foot net Hays throws out there by practicing kicking with his mom, Denise. She held up an open golf umbrella to help his summer workouts. “I only broke one umbrella,” Ashcroft said laughing.

While the first team offense and defense are working, Ashcroft watches for a bit. Soon, they work special teams drills with

Ashcroft in the middle of it. The practice pace is brisk and crisp. A horn blows at five-minute intervals and players hustle to work on something else. By 4 p.m., the team is huddled around former NFL player and college coach and current ESPN broadcaster Bill Curry, who’s in town to call Saturday’s game. Curry tells them the greatness of teamwork and how rewarding it can be.

While other groups fall into meetings, Ashcroft heads down to the weight room because the kickers won’t meet today. Fie holds the team record for kickers with a 325-pound bench press and a 365-pound squat. He works out for over an hour, grabs a shower and heads back up to the sports information department for another interview. This time it’s with The New York Times.

'Uncle John'

shcroft mightjust be the most interviewed kicker in history.

Of course, when your uncle is U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, people notice. The players all know. Teachers occasionally ask. Media always asks.

“Last year, (John Ashcroft) spoke to us before the Navy game and that was cool,” Blew said. “I mean, you think about it-he’s a big-time servant of the nation who meets with the president probably every other day if not every day and that’s his uncle. Every once in a while it will come up, but it’s not something we bust on him about because we all have so much respect for the man.”

Of course, Ashcroft has heard the weak lines like “We know how you got in here,” or “Guess you’ll never get a speeding ticket” but for the most part, Ashcroft says the team does leave it alone. To him, it’s not that big of a deal. Ashcroft and his uncle are close. “I don’t get to see him or talk to him as much as I’d like because most of our time is taken up here, but we go on family vacations or I see him over the summer,” he said.

To the media, well, it’s a pretty cool hook.

“Every now and then the TV station will pop by and talk about it and reporters will ask if I want to get into politics or stuff like that,” Ashcroft said. “It gets a little tiring. One time, someone asked what we do together. What do you think? We do family stuff. We hang out. We watch The Simpsons.”

The New York Times interview has come and gone-yes, they asked about you-know-who-and now it’s time for Falcon Talk, the weekly Air Force radio show. Ashcroft, the Mountain West special teams player ofthe week, is a guest. He follows Chuck Petersen, the offensive coordinator who’s subbing in for coach Fisher DeBerry. He looks a little nervous (he’s never been on the show before) but handles the questions like a pro. He talks about how the Falcons are staying focused on the game, about how they know Notre

Dame is a tough opponent, but aren’t getting caught up in he hype, how good the BYLJ win was and even talks about his careerlong 44-yarder against the Cougars last week.

Host Jim Arthur jokes how they don’t have any gifts for the guests, but Ashcroft doesn’t seem to mind. He knows he has just one more interview, then a quick dinner and it’s back to the room for some serious studying. From 7:00-10:30, cadets are in their rooms hitting the books. Then at 10:30, taps plays and it’s lights out.

He sets the alarm and calls it the end ofjust another typical day. S Joe Wojciechowski is the collegefootball editor at espn. com.

SABRE SOCIETY

Reception Capped Off By Air Force Win Over Cal-Berkeley

Sabre Society members enjoyed a reception in Oakland, CA on Sept. 20, held in conjunction with the Air Force/CalBerkeley football game. Superintendent, Lt. Gen. J. D. Dallager, ’69, told us how the Academy fared in the latest Princeton Review of the top colleges, and Athletic Director, Col. Randy Spetman, ’76, shared strategies for the big game against the Bears. Everyone enjoyed having one-on-one time with the Academy Senior Staff.

We were also joined by the Falconer and “The Bird” as we showed our spirit at a pep rally led by the Academy cheerleaders. Good friends, good food and a great view ofthe San Francisco skyline complimented an incredible daycheering for the Falcons.

For more information on the Sabre Society visit us on the web at www.aog-usafa.org

Olmsted Funding PREPARES CADETS FOR REAL WORLD MISSIONS

BY LT. COL, JOHN W. BLUMENTRITT, DEPUTY COMMANDER, 34™ EDUCATION GROUP

Ihis past summer, the 34th Education Group, through the 50th Education squadron, embarked on a combined unit and Olmsted-funded Latin America Integrated Field Study. This multi-phased undertaking includes intense strategic planning, a combat mission briefing, a simulated A-37 combat flight rehearsal, an actual deployment to Ecuador, and flights in T-34 aircraft. This entire project sported a rigorous and relevant concentration in strategy and doctrine, as well as Latin American linguistics and cultural issues.

WHY ECUADOR?

The October 1997 peace accords between Peru and Ecuador brought an end to a 140 year dispute and hence, the absence of conventional conflict. However, transnational threats menace Latin American regional stability, as well as democratic and economic development. In fact, US Southern Command frames its regional engagement strategy to thwart narcotics trafficking, domestic and international terrorism, illegal migration, illicit arms sales, money laundering, and organized crime. In response, the Ecuadorian Air Force has matured greatly in challenging these threats, and serves as a role model and learning laboratory for the study of air, space, and information-centric unconventional warfare. Post 9-11 threat and strategy assessments certainly substantiate that the US shares similar challenges with Ecuador, and the US Air Force Academy, in an ongoing Herculean effort to embrace relevance in modern-day national security concerns, jumped on board with this three-phased US Southern Command-centric Integrated Field Study.

THE PREPARATION PHASE

In this phase, squadron and group leadership clearly identified and articulated the goals and objectives of this study. Volunteer

Spanish speaking officers formed the team by developing a rigorous process to select eligible Spanish speaking cadets.

The goals and objectives centered on cultural and linguistic immersion, with a powerful dash of unconventional air, space, and information-centric strategy. Dr. Dorri Karolick, 34th Education Group, facilitated planning in “nailing down” both cognitive and affective levels oflearning desired. The end result was an educational strategy encompassing lecture, debate, discussion, and demonstration, which supported both learning and intellectual appreciation.

Maj. Mark Salas, 50th Education Squadron, volunteered to serve as the project officer, as US Army Cap. Mary Bell, 34th Education Squadron, contiguously came forward. Maj. Chuck Dusch, 50th Education Squadron, and wife Kate, a former US Air Force intelligence officer, also stepped in to help. Squadron leadership charged Maj. Dusch and Kate to lead the pre-departure activities,

The entire USAFA contingent with two Ecuadorian Pilots and an USAF C-130 pilot stationed in Ecuador.

and Maj. Salas and Cap. Bell to escort the team to Ecuador. Maj. Salas developed an intensive cadet selection process, including interviews in Spanish, and chose C1C Barry Sodini, ClC Jonathan O’Rear, ClC Daniel Montes, and C2C Colby Sullins. ClC Montes later said the professionalism demonstrated by the officers involved, and fellow cadets selected, made him feel like he was certainly doing something important for the Air Force.

THE PRE-MISSION PHASE

“Knowing that the strategic and operational planning I was doing in this program is the same work Majors, Lieutenant Colonels, and Colonels are doing operationally, makes our work much more rewarding.” This comment by ClC Sodini encapsulates the theme of the pre-mission phase. Indeed, this five-day experience emulated the US crisis action planning process. Maj. Dusch and Kate introduced a simulated terrorist and drug related crisis in Latin America, and subject matter experts provided pragmatic advice. Cadets developed courses of action, briefed their plan, in Spanish, to 34th Education Group leadership, and then rehearsed their mission in flight simulators.

Experts solicited to facilitate mission planning were key national security players. These included professionals from US Southern Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Force CHECKMATE Division in the Pentagon, and US Customs. Col. Drohan, 34th Education Group Commander and Permanent Professor, led discussions on diplomatic and economic concerns and opportunities, while Maj. Dusch, a crack F-15E Weapons Systems Operator, assisted cadets in linking desired political end states to tactical events. ClC Sodini noted that to successfully provide national leadership a viable solution to address the notional counter drug/counter terrorist scenario, the team had to integrate

air, space, and C4I assets, and then deal with restrictive political limitations and complicated tasks.

The highlight ofthis phase was flying the combat mission profile in A-37 jet simulators, under the command and control of Spanish speaking controllers and aircrew members. The four cadets each joined up with an active duty aviator, and the crews flawlessly executed a night, formation take offand join up, all in Spanish, and thundered toward the selected target. To add realism, anti-aircraft artillery and surface to air missiles, as demonstrated and validated by technologically coordinated flashes oflight and thunderous sounds, challenged the Spanish speaking crews and controllers. Undaunted, the team sorted out their problems, serviced their targets, and safely returned to base. According to squadron leadership, “This was the finest combat validation and application demonstration ever conducted in this simulator complex.”

THE IN-COUNTRY PHASE

Months of planning culminated with the actual deployment to Ecuador. The team visited Taura Air Base near Guayaquil, the Ecuadorian Air Force Academy near Salinas, the US embassy at Quito, and nearby Mariscal Sucre Air Base. ClC Montes reported that throughout the trip, the team was treated with outstandinghospitality. He never felt in danger, and was proud to represent the US in Ecuador.

At Taura Air Base, the team discussed strategy and tactics with the Operations Group Commander, toured Ecuadorian Jaguars, KFirs, and Mirage aircraft, and learned about their capabilities and limitations. As a special treat, the Ecuadorian Air Force orchestrated a “fly-over” for their USAFA visitors. C2C Sullins left Taura Air Base very impressed, and commented, “I thought that their Air Force would be kind of small and run down, but there

C1C Barry Sodini briefs the course of action.

ClC Jonathan O’Rearand CPT Mary Bell fly the mission in the A-37 jet simulator.

was an amazing amount of pride and professionalism there. They have a small Air Force, but they can do it right. I was impressed.”

At the Ecuadorian Air Force Academy near Salinas, the team interacted with their Ecuadorian cadet counterparts, and enjoyed an evening dinner with the entire 100-person cadet wing. C1C Montes remarked, “The Ecuadorian Air Force Academy was incredible. Their cadets were totally friendly and helpful, and we formed some connections that we plan on maintaining.” Flight line operations were more down to business, as the four cadets were each treated to a 45-minute formation sortie in T-34 aircraft. US Army Cap. Bell, a pilot herself, escorted the cadets to the aircraft. She found the flight discipline, safety briefings, and overall professionalism of the Ecuadorian pilots refreshing. When told that a female may soon join the Ecuadorian Air Force Academy, she shared her experiences of serving as a female military officer and pilot.

The final leg of the trip was to the Capitol city of Quito. At Mariscal Sucre Air Base, the team enjoyed a tour of an Ecuadorian Air Force C-130 Hercules. They also met with US officials at the embassy, and discussed theater engagement strategies, counter drug operations, the Ecuador-Peru conflict, and de-miningoperations. The modern urbanization ofQuito, sophistication ofthe people, and the noticeable patriotism surprised C2C Sullins. He expected an agrarian society perpetuated with

a provincial population, but instead found a modern city filled with intelligent, friendly, and hardworking people, who “feel the same way about terrorism that we do, and are on our side in the fight against terror.”

CONCLUSION

Regional studies and language immersion programs are not new to USAFA. However, directly linking these to Military Strategic Studies, with a robust pre-mission immersion in the crisis action planning process, plus linguistic-centric combat mission briefings and simulator flights, has not been done before. By adding this twist to an established Olmsted funded regional studies and language immersion program, host-nation visitation was certainly enhanced.

This trip would not have been possible without Olmsted funds, and cadets graciously appreciate the opportunity these dollars afforded them. In the end, members of this Integrated Field Study earned the 34th Education Group’s “Team Award” for their efforts.

However, no award matches the satisfaction of watching the extreme efforts expended by Majors Dusch and Salas, Capt. Bell, Dr. Karolick, Kate Dusch, and all the solicited experts, bolstered with Olmsted funds, fuel cadet education. This satisfaction was certainly validated when C2C Sullins proudly wrote, “Thank you very much for this opportunity. I value my Spanish minor more than ever!” S

he Academy Biology department acquired a spatial disorientation trainer in April. It’s a tool that could save lives and billions of dollars in lost aircraft.

The flight simulator imitates the motion, sensors and cockpit of an airplane in order to train pilots about sensory illusions they may experience in flight.

Riding on a merry-go-round until you no longer feel like you’re moving is an example of a sensory illusion or spatial disorientation. Tiny hairs in the inner ear bend with the direction of the merry-go-round, making you feel like you’re moving. However, after 10-20 seconds the hairs acclimate and stand up straight again, fooling you into feeling like you’re standing still.

Sensory illusions cause pilots to lose their spacial orientation, according to Lt. Col. Tim Byrne, director of Biology Course Operations.

Pilots are often tricked by their inner ear while flying. Unlike a nasty fall off the merry-go-round, pilot spatial disorientation caused 66 Air Force fatalities from 1993 - 1998 and more than $1 billion in lost or damaged aircraft.

“Flying by your inner ear and the seat of your pants is not reliable,” Byrne said.

The spatial disorientation trainer here looks like a mini-plane. The cockpit includes three different designs: a Cessna cockpit, a Joint Pilot Trainer-similar cockpit, and a basic light helicopter cockpit. It has a built-in medical monitoring system for human physiology research purposes, according to Byrne. The trainer also has an infrared camera

system and the trainer can simulate both VFR (visual) and IFR (instrument) flight conditions. It uses GPS positioning to put the cadet in any flight situation, simulating wind and weather. A cadet can also simulate taking offfrom any airport.

“Reading about spatial illusions is one thing, but for pilots to truly understand them, they must be experienced,” said Maj. Dan Lykins, ’89, pilot and biology instructor. “This simulator gives us the ability to create them at will in a safe, inexpensive, ground-based environment.”

Byrne hopes that training cadets on what to expect during maneuvers will prevent accidents.

“These illusions weren’t created by a physiologist,” he said. “They’re written in blood. We can train people as to how it feels. [Pilots are] taught but we’ve never had a way to let them experience it before.”

Spatial disorientation can vary from a minor dizziness to full throttle not-knowing-which-direction-is-up. While the Simulator is user-friendly, said Byrne, he wants everyone to remember its purpose, “...so that others may live.”

The spatial disorientation trainer will be used next fall in a number of training classes here, including military training courses and the Introductory Flight Training program. It will also be used in collaboration with the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio and Air Force School ofAerospace Medicine at Brooks AFB, Texas to study the physiological effects of spatial disorientation. 9

reunion with AN OLD

together with a war buddy that was a little different. The “buddy” was an airplane, one ofthe actual 0-2s I flew as a forward air controller at Hue during 1968 and 1969. The best part was, I even got to fly her again.

As so many stories go today, we met on the internet. Actually, her current owner found me.

In the Fall of 2001 I was asked to talk to a class at Georgia Tech in Atlanta on the history of the Vietnam War. My preparation for this lecture opened memories not touched in three decades. I wanted to talk about air operations in Vietnam from the limited perspective of a FAC in one little corner of the war. It quickly became apparent that there was no way to cover even the high points in 50 minutes, so I built a supplemental Web site (www.cc.gatech.edu/fac/Thomas.Pilsch/AirOps).

The site contains a picture of me with an 0-2A captioned with its tail number, 67-21309. In February I received an e-mail from a man in California who told me, “I’m the current owner ofthat aircraft!”

He purchased the plane in 1999 and was doing a Web search to learn more about its history when he stumbled onto my site. What an incredible stroke ofluck! The airplane is based at Zamperini Field in Torrance, CA, and the owner, Mitch Taylor, invited me out to fly with him sometime. In June I took him up on the offer.

Prior to my trip from Atlanta to California for the reunion, I spent a lot of time poring through my personal logbook from the war period. What a walk down memory lane that was.

I arrived in Vietnam in April 1968, less than three years aftgraduation from the Academy. It had been a busy three years: pilot training at Williams AFB, a tour in C-130s at Langley AFB and then FAC training and a checkout in the O-l Bird Dog at Hurlburt Field en route to Southeast Asia.

Once in Vietnam I was assigned to fly the 0-2A Skymaster with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron. My duty station would be Hue. This news was greeted with mixed emotions. The good news

was the airplane. It was new to the war, a version ofthe civilian Cessna 337 modified for the FAC mission. I had heard a lot about its twin-engine reliability and heavier load capacity, and I was eager to fly it. The bad news was I also had heard a lot about Hue. After Saigon, it probably was the best-known South Vietnamese city since it was the scene of a bloody battle in the 1968 Tet offensive less than three months prior. Despite my initial misgivings, the assignment turned out to be a very positive experience.

After an in-country 0-2 checkout at Phan Rang AB, I arrived at Hue in early May 1968 and joined a tactical air control party of about 20 people: forward air controllers, communicators, maintainers and intel support. We were attached to a MilitaryAdvisory Command Vietnam (MACV) advisory team to provide air support for the South Vietnamese 1st Division and the local forces in the northern two provinces ofVietnam. My call sign was Trail 32.

We lived in the MACV compound at Hue, one ofonly two areas in the city not overrun by the North Vietnamese Army during the Tet fighting. Even though the officers bunked in an old French military billet, we still were livingArmy-style and definitely noticed

friend

Vietnam Plus

the different perspectives ofthe services on creature comforts. To put it into perspective, the Air Force people at Hue looked forward to spending a night at Da Nang when we had to drop an airplane offfor maintenance (People assigned to Da Nang during the war will appreciate this!). This experience did, however, teach me that no matter how bad things seemed, somebody always had it worse. The Army advisors we supported always seemed so glad to return to the compound after several weeks in the field with a Vietnamese unit. Creature comforts are relative.

Our 0-2s were based at the Hue Citadel airfield located in the Imperial palace grounds across the Perfume River from the compound. Getting to and from our airplanes was a challenge since the two bridges across the river had been dropped during the Tet fighting, and we had to drive our jeeps down and up one of the collapsed spans. The runway was short for the 0-2 (2,600 feet), and a watchtower on the Citadel walls directly offthe north end of the runway made for some sporty heavy weight takeoffs. My initial enthusiasm over the twin-engine performance of the Skymaster proved to be somewhat premature. With its heavy communications suite, two full pods of rockets and a full load of fuel in the hot and humid conditions of Southeast Asia, the airplane was not a stellar performer. Someone said that the main difference between losing an engine in the single-engine O-1 and the twin 0-2 was that with the 0-2 you had a slightly larger area from which to select a crash site.

There were six airplanes assigned to our detachment, and we flew whichever one happened to be available. Individual FACs had no association or attachment to any particular tail number, yet in reviewing my logbook I was struck by the number ofmemorable missions I had flown in 6721309. Some ofthese “memory missions” were deadly serious, others humorous, but all brought back poignant memories ofwhat was a pivotal experience in my life and the lives ofmy classmates and contemporaries.

One ofthese memory missions with 309 came in June 1968, early in my tour. I was flying in support of a battalion ofthe 1st ARVN Division during an operation along the coast just south ofthe demilitarized zone. The Vietnamese unit came under heavy fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force dug in along a tree line near the town ofGia Linh. The American advisor was desperate for air support. I put out a “troops in contact” call to the tactical air control network, and the airpower started coming my way.

What followed was probably the busiest two hours ofmy tour, but it seemed to go by in a flash. I was talking nearly continuously on three radios with the incoming fighters, the ground advisor and the tactical air control net that was feeding me the fighters. As each pair offighters checked in, I talked them into my location and briefed them on the tactical situation. When they verified that they had the target area and me in sight and were ready to start their runs, I rolled in to put a white phosphorous smoke marking rocket exactly where I wanted the ordnance. This usually stirred up the ground fire since the North Vietnamese knew what was coming their way, but it also helped me confirm exactly where I wanted the bombs.

A friendly fire incident was always the biggest fear ofevery FAC. In an effort to make sure that the ordnance did not go in the wrong place, I tried to orbit over the friendly forces after I had marked the target and as the fighters made their runs. This could be

particularly critical when the visibility was marginal, but this day the weather was good.

As each fighter completed a pass, I radioed the wingman a new aiming point from the previous impact as I tried to walk the ordnance along the tree line. That day I worked six sets ofAir Force and Marine fighters with a variety ofweapons: napalm, rockets and Snakeye high drag bombs. These last were for low altitude delivery and were very effective against dug in troops. They did, however, spread shrapnel over a large area and could be a hazard to nearby friendly forces. I told the ground advisor to keeps his troops’ heads down as the Marine A-4s rolled in with the Snakeyes.

The last set of fighters that day was a pair of F-105 Thunderchiefs with their 20 mm cannon ammunition still left after a mission up north. This was a rare opportunity since we did not normally see the “Thuds” in South Vietnam. The fire from their Vulcan cannons provided the coup de grace for the North Vietnamese resistance. I could hear the cheering in Vietnamese in the background when the advisor called to thank me.

This mission in 309 was the longest of my tour, 4 hours and 20 minutes, and I had to drop into the Marine base at Quang Tri to get enough gas to make it home to Hue.

I wasn’t thinking about this mission a couple ofdays later when I was sitting in the bar hooch at the Hue compound having a beer with some ofthe other FACs. In walked this dirty, scraggly looking Army captain right out ofthe field. He came over and said, “Who’s Trail 32?” Expecting the worst (I had hit some ofhis troops?), I took a deep breath and replied, “That’s me.”

“Let me buy you a beer,” he said. “You did some great work up at Gia Linh. You saved our [tails].” That moment, one of the high points of my tour, typified what made being a FAC such a tremendous experience. Working with some great professionals from all services under dif-

ficult circumstances and being able to see your contribution to the team was what it was all about.

My last flight in 309 was on April 6, 1969. Six days later I made my last flight in an 0-2 en route to Da Nang to catch a flight back to the U.S. at the end of my tour.

Fast forward 33 years to June 2002, Torrance, California and my reunion with 309. Mitch and I had arranged to meet at noon Sunday. I had arrived in California the day before and drove by Zamperini Field at dusk to make sure I could find it, but really I wanted to see the airplane. And what a thrill it was. Walking around that old friend on the quiet ramp as the shadows began to lengthen brought back more memories than I had anticipated. It was only a machine, but that machine and others like her and other guys like me had formed a bond many years ago and half a world away. Some ofthose memories seemed so far away and others seemed like they happened only yesterday. We all had been through a lot together.

I joined up with Mitch Taylor the next day and took an immediate liking to him. Fie is not a vet but is very interested in the Vietnam War and the role his airplane played in it. He has done a lot ofresearch into the history of67-21309 including digging out her complete maintenance records. Mitch even has two pods with wooden rockets that he hangs on the wings for air shows, but he is understandably a little nervous about flying around with them over a major metropolitan area in light ofheightened security concerns.

I was surprised at how good an 0-2 looks when it is clean and with a glossy paint job-not the typical SEA forward operating location look! Mitch takes a lot of pride in her and it shows. The airplane is in near-mint condition with all the original military radios and other equipment. Inside it was exactly as I remember including gun sight, armament panel and even a canvas seat back smoke grenade holder turned out by some parachute shop.

The attached photos do not do justice to how good 309 looks. There is no question she has held up better over the years than I have, but then she has had both engines rebuilt, new props, and major cosmetic surgery (including 50 bullet hole patches). I am still on the original equipment all around-and no bullet holes!

If seeing 309 again was a thrill, then flying her was off the scale! The day of the flight was a typical sunny Southern California summer afternoon-perfect for flying. We went out and around Santa Catalina Island and then down the coast to San Clemente and back, doing a little visual reconnaissance along the beach and checking out a few sampans. A great experience! I was surprised at how much more nimble the 0-2 was without the rocket pods and a full load of gas, even with two non-standard weight pilots aboard. Maybe it just seemed that way because plane and pilot both were glad to be together again.

My flight back in time was a special experience, one that I wish all people who have flown good airplanes under extraordinary circum

stances could share. More important, though, was the opportunity it gave me to reflect on events ofthirty years ago, our brothers and sisters who did not return from Southeast Asia and the unanswerable question ofwhy was I so lucky. My reunion and the recollections it triggered have helped me to refocus on keeping alive the memories of those who did not make it back from the war. We all owe them that. S

Princeton Review Ranks Academy Among Nation’s Best Universities

BY JOHN VAN WINKLE, ACADEMY SPIRIT

The U.S. Air Force Academy is the best run college, has the nations best collegiate library and the nations most accessible professors, and consequently its cadets never stop studying, according to The Princeton Review.

The Princeton Review compiles student surveys for its annual publication, “The Best 345 Colleges.”

Information for the review is compiled from almost 100,000 on-line surveys ofrandomly-chosen students at 345 American colleges and universities, and is the largest on-going poll ofstudent opinions of their colleges.

The survey asks students to rank their schools in 62 individual categories. Listed below are the results:

- First place in the category of “the students never stop studying.”

- First in the nation in professor availability.

- Sixth toughest university to gain admission to.

- Third in best overall academic experience for undergraduates.

- Best Academy’s Cadet Library in the nation

- Organization operates as the best in the nation.

- Second in “everyone plays intramural sports.”

- Seventh nationally in having a “great college newspaper.” (The survey couldn’t specify if cadets meant the now-departed Warrior Update, the enigmatic Dodo, or the Academy Spirit.)

- Third in “stone-cold sober school,” and number two in the low alcohol consumption.

- 12th “most beautiful campus”

- 10th best food among the 345 universities that were ranked.

All ofthese factors combine to give the Academy the number three ranking in “best overall academic experience” for undergraduates.

For information on the Princeton Review survey, visit www. review,com/college/rankings.cfm.

"How do they make Godzilla

look so real?" "if oxygen is flammable, how can the sun stay on fire if there isn't any oxygen in outer space?" "How does a laser pointer work?" These are just a few of over a thousand questions United States Air Force Academy cadets have been asked by elementary school students over the past two years.

By Capt. Dawn Rhymer Department of Physics

The project, called Science Pals, pairs up Air Force Academy cadets taking core physics with elementary school students from the community in a science question/answer exchange.

The semester-long project has two main goals. First, the project gives cadets opportunities to interact with the community and, along the way, find answers to some challenging science questions. Second, by encouraging the elementary school students to ask cadets science questions, the project provides the students with role models who encourage them to be interested in science. The project culminates with the elementary school students taking a field trip to the Air Force Academy. The Science Pals have the opportunity to meet, and the cadets show the students some really neat physics demonstrations.

I introduced the project to the core Physics classes in the Fall of 2000, my first semester as an instructor at the Academy. I got the idea from my high school physics teacher, who had me participate in a very similar project. It had been eight years since I had corresponded with my elementary school student, but the memory was still fresh in my mind. I can still remember the questions I myselfhad been asked! I was excited as I realized the impact a similar project could have on cadets.

The first semester, only cadets in my sections participated. There were about eighty cadets and eighty elementary school students involved. Over the last few semesters, the program has grown to involve five Physics instructors and more than 200 cadets and students each semester. Over the two years, over 560 cadets and 600 students (who asked more than 1500 questions!) have been involved. During the most recent semester, Spring 2002, the program was featured on a local news station.

The response from the cadets has been overwhelmingly positive. There were so many more benefits to the project than I had anticipated. Science Pals made learning science interesting for the cadets, and they saw the need for younger kids to be interested in science as well. “I enjoyed [Science Pals], because it showed us the need for science to explain how and

why things happen in the real world. It also taught the third graders some science and helped them gain interest in the topic,” said Cadet Walter Hale, an engineering mechanics major. Cadet Ryan Herman, a behavioral science-human factors major, added, “It was really neat interacting with the kids and teaching them (and me) some cool stuff. It even helped me out with class when [my student] asked me about how lasers worked. I learned all that stuffbefore we had it in class so I was ahead ofthe game.”

The cadets liked the challenge of the questions. It was rare that the cadets would be asked a question they could answer without first doing some research. Even after the cadets did find the answers, they still had the challenge of breaking the answer down into language that an elementary school student could understand. Cadet Jack Trombetta, an aeronautical engineering major, explained his experience: “It gave us a chance to help out these kids while learning a lot ourselves. I know for my part at least, that I did not know the answers to any of the questions I was asked, so it forced to me to look it up and simplify it so that a third grader could understand.” Cadet Jonathan Elliot, a civil engineering major, found the challenge motivated him: “I found that with every new question I was willingly putting in more and more time in answering the question because it was fun and I wanted my buddy to enjoy it and understand.”

The involvement with the students also helped the cadets to more greatly appreciate the Air Force Academy and the commitment they have made to their country. Cadet Jared Burns, a mechanical engineering major, was one of the cadets who recognized this bigger picture and commented on it: “I think it helped us realize the impact ofwhat we [are] doing-not only as physics students, or cadets, but in the Air Force. I appreciated how much the kids admired and looked to us for answers.” Cadet Breezy Long, a political science and foreign area studies double major, added, “Interacting with the kids reminded me to appreciate how far we've come and how privileged we truly are to be at USAFA.”

The cadets also really liked that the project gave them a simple way to get involved with the community and have a

positive impact on a child’s life. With their busy schedules, they don’t always get that opportunity. Cadet John Durbin, a management major, said, “I liked the [Science Pals] project a lot because it allowed me to give back to the community. I remember when I was younger and older kids use to come read to my class and me; even though this is a little different it really made me feel special. It was well worth the time to see the child’s face at the end of the project and to know that I made a little impact on his life.” Cadet Christina Daluz, a behavioral science-human factors major, agreed: “I think it’s great to interact with kids and the community. At the Academy there aren’t very many chances to interact with kids, or different kinds ofpeople for that matter. I think it is beneficial for us to step back and take a different approach to things. Also the Academy and cadets get a bad rap from all the bad things that have been going on, so it’s good to show that we can do good. Kids also look up to cadets in a way and I think it’s great to promote education and get kids thinking about things.”

The response from the community was fantastic. After each visit to the Air Force | Academy, the elementary school teachers would always ask if they could do it again the next semester. Parent volunteers continually stopped me to praise the project. Mr. Bob Magas, a teacher at Monument Academy, said, “Our kids loved their answers and they were so excited when they received their letters from the cadets—it was one of the high points of the year for a lot of second and third graders. I know what our kids learned. I also believe that a lot of cadets found out something about the true joy of education: on any day when you do something that impacts a child, there really is no way of knowing just what you’ve accomplished.”

From my perspective, I enjoyed watching the cadets become more and more curious about the world around them. Thoughts of all the hard work and coordination the project required of me, always vanished at the end of the semester when the students came to visit the cadets. Cadet Joey Tortella, a civil engineering major, best summed it up when he said, “The best part was getting to spend some time with them. It lets us see what we were like at that age, and how so many things just fascinated us.” B

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Developing Leaders of Character

Mark Hyatt, Distinguished Visiting Professor for Research and Assessment, Center for Character Development

The USAF Academy Center for Character Development has the mission of facilitating character development by providing character development programs and activities that influence all aspects of the Academy experience. The Center was established in 1993 by the Academy’s Superintendent, Lt. General Hosmer, class of ’59, to help foster the development ofcharacter of USAFA cadets during their time at the Academy. In this role the Center is responsible for Honor Code education and administration, fostering an environment

which encourages cadets to treat everyone with respect and dignity, and offering programs and workshops designed to assist in the character development process.

Ambassador Holland Coors provided a very generous endowment to the Center for an Ambassador Holland H. Coors Professor of Character Development. Dr. William H. Hendrix has served as the Coors Chair since 1999 and has had, as a major role, the task of developing a methodology for measuring the extent that the character development experience here at the Academy is making a difference for our cadets and our graduates. His development efforts have been noted as leading edge research in character assessment.

Dr. Hendrix is a retired Air Force officer, who served as Professor of Management, and Head, Department ofManagement, Clemson University. He also served on the

CHECKPOINTS, FALL 2002

faculty within the Department of Behavioral Science and Leadership here at the Academy on three occasions. In addition to his academic positions, he has served as a management consultant to many public and private organizations in a wide range of areas. During his tenure within the Center Dr. Hendrix has published his research in professional publications such as: JournalofAppliedPsychology, Journal ofOccupational and Organizational Psychology, andJournalofBusiness andPsychology. He has also presented his research at national and international conferences including those sponsored by the Academy of Management, Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, American Psychological Society, Character Education Partnership, and Association for Moral Education. During his time at the Academy, he has served USAFA as a

Member of the Faculty Forum, Character Development Commission, and Character Development Assessment Working Group. In addition, he has been on the Chief of Staffof the Air Force (CSAF) Survey Working Group to update the CSAF Survey and perform data analyses. Periodically he has assisted Fleadquarters USAF Developing Aerospace Leaders Office with character assessment taskings.

Dr. Hendrix’s character development research and assessment efforts have resulted in three instruments to measure values and behaviors associated with the concept of character. These instruments along with the processed used for data collection and analysis form the Center’s Character Development Assessment system. This system builds firmly on USAFA’s core values of “Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.” The character assessment process involves measuring changes in character-related dimensions from the time cadets arrive at the Academy and until six years after graduation. Although the overall assessment process will take time, great strides in assessing character related changes for our cadets and graduates have been made. These accomplishments include Dr. Hendrix’s research and assessment of Fourth Classmen, First Classmen, and the Class of 1998 (three years after graduation). With over 4,000 individuals being surveyed, the results suggest that the Academy experience is related to higher character development scores from the time cadets enter the Academy until three years after graduation. There is a continual increase in the character assessment scales with the lowest scores being for Fourth Classmen followed by higher scores for First Classmen, and ending with the highest scores for graduates ofthe Class of 1998. Furthermore, cadets serving as

Honor Representatives scored higher on the concepts ofintegrity and selflessness than cadets in general. The data, therefore, suggest that the Academy experience results in increased character-related values and behaviors and that these values and behaviors can be reliably measured. The instruments developed by Dr. Hendrix have also been administered at Air University to officers in ABC, SOS, ACSC, AWC, as well as newly selected Brigadier Generals. Results of this research indicate that these instruments are valuable in measuring dimensions of character beyond the Academy environment. Results indicated that as one increases in rank and education they score higher in the dimensions ofcharacter provided by the assessment instruments.

Future character research and assessment efforts by Dr. Hendrix will look at surveying graduates at their six year point after graduation and linking the assessment instruments measures to incidents ofgood and poor character behavior of

cadets. In addition, Dr. Hendrix plans to compare character-related changes for our cadets with comparison groups such as sister academies and civilian universities. The results of these evaluation efforts will be used to find areas where the Center can help in further improving our process of building leaders ofcharacter: our cadets.

Dr. James H. Toner has joined the Center for Character Development to become the next Coors Chair for Character Development. Dr. Toner is presently Professor of International Relations and Military Ethics at the U.S. Air War College, Air University, Maxwell AFB. In this capacity, he teaches in the Leadership and Ethics Department, offering advanced courses in political philosophy, military ethics, and the Korean War. He has received numerous awards and commendations for presentations at many schools and colleges, including twice being named Outstanding Lecturer at the Air War College. Dr. Toner is the author of the book Moral Under The Gun. In his role as Coors Chair for Character Development, Dr. Toner will be involved with numerous Center programs as well as writing and lecturing widely at various military and civilian schools and colleges. H

Col. Mark Hyatt, left, former director, Center for Character Development and William H. Hendrix, Ph.D., Distinguished Visiting Professorfor Research and Assessment, Center for Character Development shake hands in front of a vat at the Coors Brewing Company.

Drs. William H. Hendrix, left, and Jim Toner pose with the bust ofAmbassador Holland H. Coors, donorofthe Coors Chairfor Character Development.

Cadets went to war on air, sea, land and in space at the Air Force Academy during Warlords 2002 in September.

Warlords 2002 was an interservice academy wargaming competition sponsored by the Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (DMSO) in Alexandria, Va.

The competition, an outgrowth of the DMSO’s Academy Outreach Program, was the first simulation/game-based wargaming competition among all three service academies.

The competition pitted teams from each service academy in a two-day, head-to-head confrontation that challenged the cadets’ and midshipmen’s skills, as well as their stamina. Cadets from the U.S. MilitaryAcademy and midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy arrived Sept. 12 to begin their run for the Warlords 2002 trophy and the bragging rights that come with it.

“The objectives for Warlords 2002 included increasing exposure ofwargames in military education and training, providing some feedback on the benefit of using wargames, and assessing whether a wargame can be used for joint education and train-

ing,” said Dr. Ralph Boedigheimer, DMSO visiting professor. “Of course, events like this are also a super recruiting tool for the military academies.”

The service academies used commercial off-the-shelfgames for achieving educational objectives in their military instruction and professional development courses.

The DMSO’s objectives for Warlords 2002 included increasing exposure of the use of games in military education and training, providing some feedback on the benefit of using games, and assessing whether a game can be used for cross-service and/or joint education and training.

Each participating academy provided an eight-person team, which is divided into two four-person competitive units, providing six total competitive units. The competition is conducted with two competitive units per room in a four-on-four competition with units facing each other in a row.

Each academy provided a wargame for the competition and teams competed in each of the games. D>

“The three service academy wargames were chosen for two reasons,” said Boedigheimer. “First of all, the three wargames are currently used in the military studies courses at their respective academies. Secondly, we wanted to span the breadth of conflict-from ‘Operation Flash Point’ at the tactical level, to ‘Jane’s Fleet Command’ at the operational level, and finally with ‘Starcraft’ at the strategic level.”

But there is another computerized wargame being used, to level the playing field.

“We added an asymmetric warfare game called ‘Info Chess’ that was neutral to each service academy and ‘Virtual Battlefield System’ as a finale to exercise joint warfare,” said Boedigheimer.

The members of the Air Force Academy team were:

Cadets 1st Class Tomas Owen and Brian Staniszewski, Cadet 2nd Class Benjamin Van Hoof, Cadets 3rd Class Jacob Blackwelder and Aaron Port, and Cadets 4th Class

Martin Montoya and Christopher Hill. The academy team was led by coach Mike Crane, from the dean of faculty’s electrical engineering department. S

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Marcus A. Anderson, ’61, Board Chair

Mr. William W. Maywhort, ’68, Board Vice Chair

Mr. John T. Moore, ’78, Treasurer

Col. (Ret.) Martin T. Daack, ’66, Secretary

Col. (Ret.) Victor C. Andrews, ’66

Mr. Bill Boisture Jr., ’67

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Larry D. Fortner, ’39

Mr. Charles P. Garcia, ’83

Mr. Harry J. Pearce, ’64

Lt. Col. (USAFR) Gilbert D. Mook, ’67

Mr. Edward E. Legasey, ’67

Mrs. Jody A. Merritt, ’89 A

Capt. Amber D. O’Grady, ’96

Lt. Col. (Ret.) David J. Palenchar, ’70

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Alan V. Rogers, ’64

Col. (Ret.) James A. Shaw, ’67

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) James P. Ulm, ’61

Gen. (Ret.) Ronald W. Yates, ’60

Cadets claim top math honors

ifBy Capt. Lisa Neidinger Academy Public Affairs Directorate

Mathematics students here have proven themselves tops in problem solving during the A annual MathematicaLConcepts in Modeling competition. Academy cadets formed five x separate teams that tackled complex, realistic math scenarios. One Academy team won the meritoriotfs designation, meaning they placed in the top 18 percent. Two other teams won hpnorable m€htion$ and the remaining two teams were awarded successful ratings.

“The thing I’m excited about is how young our team is and how well they did,” said Dr. im iWf, assistant mathematics professor who organized Academy competition and coached one ofthe five €adet teams. Rolf said most Academy competitors are cadet freshmen. “This is like tlje NCAA’s of the college math world,” Rolf added.

ibyfre working on tough real-world problems. The scenarios are realistic and are very representativdofthe sorts of problems these students could tackle professionally after graduation.”

Realistic modeling problems tackled by cadet teams included study of different airline over'booking formulas and developing improved policy to reduce passenger inconvenience and maximize profit. Another scenario a cadet team solved in the interdisciplinary category combined ^^jcifite^rating knowledge of environmental science and engineering, biology and mathematics to study the effects of urban development on the Florida scrub lizard population.

More than 300 teams participated in the Mathematical Contest in Modeling competition, including students from 181 U.S., and 241 foreign teams representing other nations worldwide.

on nmj

The spires of the Cadet Chapel and the sight of cadets slipping “the surly bonds” will always remain a part of the Air Force Academy. But some things do change. Your AOG is trying harder than ever to provide more, and improved services for you though our web site. There you will find a number of unique on-line services, including:

4- On-Line Store

4 News Updates

4 Reunion Registration

4 Photo Galleries

4 Graduate Job Programs

4 Bio Updates

Whether you’ve visited our site regularly in the past, or never before, we hope you come to www.aog-usafa.org soon. Nowhere else on the web will you find the amount of Academy-oriented information and services that graduates and friends of the Academy need to stay connected with this great institution. We’re working hard to improve our on-line services every day. Our goal is to continually provide you with the excellent and personal service you’ve come to expect from us over the years. We hope to see you soon!

Have You Joined the SABRE SOCIETY?

The Sabre Societybegan in 1995 and was established to recognize the most significant donors to the Air Force Academy Fund. Membership is open to any graduate, parent or friend of the Academy who is willing to make an annual unrestricted gift of at least $ 1,000 to the Air Force Academy Fund.

The Society has grown to more than 870 members. The Sabre Society has become the single most important source of unrestricted private funds for the Academy.

Many programs and activities that keep the Academy in the top tier of American institutions would not be possible without private support. During the 2001/2002 Academic Year, the AOG provided more than $800,000 from private donations to support numerous important activities, services and programs for today’s cadets from the USAFA Gift Opportunities List which exceeds $2.8 million annually.

it us on the web at S-usafa.ore

Becky.FIureau@usafa.af.mil

Regina.Graves@usafa.af.mil (719) 472-0300

3116 Academy Drive USAFA, CO 80840-4475

Blue

Class of’92 awardspainting to AOG staff membersfor their outstanding service.

In appreciation for exceptional service to the True Blue Class of 1992, and on our Class’ behalf, I was recently privileged to present a limited-edition lithograph to Ms. Donna Porter andMs. Lani Wing the AOG Services Specialists responsible for coordinating the incredible amount offinancial, logistical, and program activities associated with our recently-completed and incredibly outstanding 10-year class reunion. The print, #92 (“TRUE BLUE!”) of 500 signed by the artist Pat Eby, shows two F-15E Strike Eagles from the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, executing a notable night precision strike mission over Kabul, Afganistan in the early days ofOperation Enduring Freedom. On September 6th 2002, the same print was presented by classmate Mark Slocum to Lt. Gen. Joseph J. Redden, USAF (Ret.), ’64, who accepted the gift on behalfofthe AOG after a standing ovation in response to his address to 680 True Blue reunion banquet attendees. At that time, Mark recalled Gen. Reddens words spoken to us as he served as Commandant ofCadets during the GulfWar: “Your duty now is not to fight, but to prepare for the next war: to study, to learn, to compete, to lead, to follow...but have no doubt, your time will come!” Mark went on to describe how our time has indeed come, and how members ofthe Class of’92 have made an impact in planning and executing the War on Terrorism. In particular, the sortie portrayed in the print-the longest fighter combat mission in history at 15.5 hours - was flown by a crew from the Class of ’92 in the lead jet, dropping LGBs on multiple Taliban leadership targets while avoiding AAA and SAMs. Furthermore, the crew was only able to execute the high-priority retasking because of another classmate who piloted the KC-10 that, “gave all his reserve fuel to make the mission happen.” Thanks, Mark, for a great way to recognize our classmates and all the other USAFA grads “making missions happen” around the world. True Blue ’92 thanks the AOG for their service and support, and honors all our classmates serving in harm’s way. -Scotty Nowlin, 10-Year Reunion Committee Chair

nternational/- , Cadets offer unique perspectives

BY SUPUNNEE ULIBARRI ACADEMY SPIRIT

Dimitar Belberov (Bulgaria), and Vladimir Kalinov (Bulgaria).

adets at the United States Air Force Academy bring a wealth of knowledge and experience based on their background, not only from the U.S., but also from distant countries abroad.

Each year the Academy welcomes roughly 12 international cadets to the Academy who come from countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Macedonia, Pakistan, Korea, Croatia and Turkey. “This year we had seven international cadets graduating,” said Maj. Michael Zimmerman, deputy director of International Programs.

The Academy offers two long-term international programs, a four-year International Cadet Program and the Semester Exchange Program. The four-year program allows students from certain foreign countries—determined by the State Department—to attend the Academy for the full four years. Currently no more than 60 students are allowed per year. The number ofinternational students accepted each year does not take away from number ofappointments offered to applicants in the United States.

“The international students have to go though an application process as well. But in addition, they must go through a bit more because they are coming from a foreign country” Zimmerman added. Candidates’ names are forwarded to the U.S. Embassies in foreign countries, and eventually make their way to the Academy’s Admissions Office for review.

Once here, each international cadet trains, studies and meets the same graduation requirements as the rest of the cadets.

The international cadets are required take English 109, which is essentially an English as a second language course. Other than that, they have the same requirements as the other cadets.

“The only thing that distinguishes them from the American cadets is the name of their country is engraved on their name tags underneath their name. Otherwise, they

International Cadets of 2006 come from around the globe. They are from left to right: Maurice Kamgaing (Cameroon), Shawn Ingkiriwang (Singapore), Apiluk Jobsucksry (Thailand), Yang-Wun Jung (S. Korea), Ming-Ting Lee (Taiwan), leva Bagdziunaite (Lithuania), Ruben Guerrero (Equador), Stefan Furtuna (Romania),

blend in with everyone else,” Zimmerman said. Only 20 of the international cadets accepted can have a full tuition waiver. The country from which the cadet is from generally pays for the tuition. Zimmerman added that just as it is a great honor for American students to make it into the Academy, it is also a great honor for cadets from other countries.

There are presently 36 international cadets from 21 countries: Bosnia, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Croatia, Ecuador, Honduras, Jordan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Ukraine.

“Our international cadets are great students. They do their best here and often excel by becoming tops in their graduating class,” said Zimmerman. “They bring a wealth of knowledge with them to share with the American cadets. But what is really important is the long-term effect a program like this has on bridge building between our country and others. The international cadets who have spent four years here studying will never forget their experiences. We hope that in the future, as they climb and succeed in their country, they will use and remember fondly what they have learned while here.” S

Wild Blue Yonder

nothing else, the “Wild Blue Yonder” Team ofJeff Harrell, ’81, and Ken Korpak, ’86, promises to be entertaining reading during FlyRod & Reel’s Trout Bum Tournament. One’s a fighter pilot. One’s a space geek.

The pair does have something in common besides their love for fishing: both are graduates of the United States Air Force Academy and met following their recent assignment to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) last summer. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, the two were deployed to Cheyenne Mountain in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE.

During the grueling days and months that followed a common theme emerged. “Tough times have a way of reminding you of the most important things in your life,” says Ken. “Loved ones and hobbies were the focus of most early-morning conversations.”

“The attacks reminded us all how precious time is,” Jeffcontinues, “it was only natural we talked about how we choose to spend it.”

For Korpak, a 3-handicap golfer, that meant tales of memorable shots and great days on some of the world’s finest golf courses.

“But you haven’t lived until you’ve caught a trout on a fly, Harrell challenged.

The hook was set.

In March they planned a trip on the Arkansas River, near Canon City, Colorado. Jeffguided for Ken and his fiancee Lori (an experienced flyfisher) and their friend Pete, a Major in the

THE AIR FORCE’S TROUT BUM TEAM

FlyRod & Reel Magazine

Canadian Air Force and first timer. Jeffand his wife Susie hosted a dinner the night before the big outing.

“Jeff’s basement looked like Cabela’s,” Ken recalls. “In about 10 minutes I was fully outfitted.”

The fishing was even more of a hit. Harrell landed more than 13 12-14” Browns, mostly on nymphs, while still finding time to help everyone rig their lines.

“My catch of the day was a five-inch Brown on a size 18 Copper John, but between you and me...” admits Korpak, “...I thought it was a snag.”

The Arkansas also yielded another prize.

Two hours into fishing, a herd of 15 Bighorn Sheep came down to drink about 30 yards from the group.

“The most amazing thing to me was how fast eight hours flew by.. .even though I was freezing when we finished, I’d have stayed out there longer. I was sure Jeff’s [loaner] waders had holes in em,” Korpak recalls.

Harrell shakes his head. “I reminded him that most waders don’t work when you fall in twice up to your neck.”

Fishing for the past three months with this newbie has its lighter moments.

“When he first fished with his new reel, I could hear him griping about how the fly shop forgot to set it to lefthand-retrieve.. .he had it seated on the rod backwards,” Harrell smirks.... D>

Or the time Korpak proudly wore his Capilene underwear for the first time...(with the fly in back).

“At least he doesn’t yell... ‘FISH ON!’... anymore” Harrell laughs. Harrell has subscribed to FlyRod & Reel for the past six years and learned of the contest last month.

“I think we’ll make a good team,” says Harrell, “I can guarantee it will be a trip of‘firsts’ for both of us.”

Neither one of the “Wild Blue Yonder” teammates have had 10 straight days off since September 11 and can’t think of a better way to spend it than being Trout Bums. They’ll travel the Rockies in Jeff’s Explorer and, just to make it interesting, they’ll be accompanied by Jeff’s nine-month-old Chocolate Lab, Cassi. They plan to fish the Henry’s Fork, Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Gibbon, Teton, South Fork of the Snake and other rivers.

The creative juices are already flowing on how to pinch a penny. Having spent time in the Persian Gulf they’re used to modest accommodations. Both fishermen catch and release, so fish won’t be on the menu. S

POLARIS

The North Star, the guiding light, a light that lives on long after the star is gone!

Your light can live on long after you are gone by making a gift to the Air Force Academy Fund through your estate. A bequest in your will, a life insurance policy that you no longer need, a charitable remainder trust or other types of trusts can make a substantial difference to the future of the Academy and the officers it produces. Estate gifts can substantially reduce taxes and will be used according to your wishes. People who establish estate gifts will be recognized Polaris Donors!

For more information, contact Gary Howe at Gary.Howe@usafa.af.mil or (719) 472 - 0300

CADETS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Top Ten Reasons I joined the Air Force

10 Got sick ofwaiting in airport lines.

9 I love saying stufflike “ALPHA, TANGO, FOXTROT, BRAVO.”

8. If we invade Iraq, would you rather be marching through the desert or in an air conditioned jet?

7. We get all the “Wild Blue Yonder” we want.

6. You don’t get to fly F-l6s in the Peace Corp.

5. Free socks.

4. Better skiing in Colorado Springs than Annapolis or West Point.

3. Everybody likes the way I look in cadet dress blues.

2. When I’m in the sky I feel like a bird...God I hope none of my friends are watching.

1. Me like clouds.

Graduate

HEAD oftheCLASS

Dependent

Scholarship Awards

Kelly S. Burke (Mr. Patrick J. Burke, Jr., 72) Ms. Burke is a junior at Arizona State University majoring in Broadcast Journalism. She is in the Barrett Honors College with 4.0 GPA in her first two years, and graduated in the top 2% of a class of 627 students at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona. She is a member of the ASU Cross Country and Track Team. Her honors and awards include ASU Wings of Gold Academic Excellence Award Sophomore Student Athlete, Maroon and Gold Scholar Athlete, and Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. “While I cannot predict the future, I can only hope the goals I’ve established, the experiences I’ve had, and the people I’ve met will lead in the right direction and help me make a mark in life.” Kelly was awarded a $1750 scholarship.

Timothy J. Mattson (Col. Roy M. Mattson, 76) Mr. Mattson graduated from Grove City College in Pennsylvania where he majored in Economics. His GPA for the four years was above 3.8. He was accepted to the University of Virginia Law School for the fall of 2002. Timothy is a two-time national qualifier in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and a finalist in the National Debate Tournament. He is also a Resident Director ofthe Lincoln Dormitory. “My educational goals are tied inextricably with my career aspiration of becoming a federal judge. I plan to study constitutional law, make a law review and attain a clerkship with a federal judge.” Timothy recieved a $950 scholarship.

Brett D. Smith (Col. Bruce D. Smith, 76) Mr. Smith graduated this year from PapillionLaVista High School in Papillion, Nebraska with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Brett’s guidance counselor characterized him “as a natural leader...works hard, never takes short cuts. Besides a perfect GPA, he participated in school activities, such as football, golf, Graduate Straight, and National Honor Society-volunteers for the American Red Cross and the Monarch Football Camp for elementary students.” Brett is planning to attend Princeton University and major int he field of science field with emphasis on pre-medicine. He received a $1250 scholarship.

Haley A. Booth (Mr. Robert Booth, 74) Ms. Booth is a sophmore at Colorado College after graduating from Rampart High School with a 4.0 GPA and SAT scores Verbal 800 and Math 710. Haley is a Boettcher Scholar and a National Merit Scholar. She is very active outside of academics, volunteering at the Pikes Peak Therapeutics Riding Center, corresponding with the elderly at Liberty Heights, and Locks for Love (working with children with cancer and disfiguring diseases). Her long range plans after her undergraduate education involves earning D.V.M. and specializing in the care and treatment ofmarine mammals. She recived a $500 scholarship.

Amy E. Olin (Lt. Col. Gary S. Olin, ’64)

Ms. Olin is starting her third year ofpostgraduate work at the UCLA Medical School. Amy graduated from UCLA with a 4.0 GPA. She continues her volunteer work with the Salvation Army Clinic and shadowing program with the UCLA Emergency Room. She competed in her second Los Angeles Marathon and hopes to qualify for the Boston Marathon next year. “As I am sure is apparent to you, I have yet to make any conclusive decisions regarding my future. My goal is to maintain an open mind until I see all that medicine has to offer-confident that the education I am now receiving will provide me with everything I need to be a successful physician in the future.” Amy was presented a $950 scholarship.

Krista D. Rosebush (Lt. Col. Michael Rosebush, 75) Ms. Rosebush graduated from Lewis Palmer High School in Monument, Colorado, having achieved a 4.0 GPA for four years and standing first in a class of289 students. She has received the “OutstandingJunior Award” for her character, leadership and overall excellence, and has lettered in volleyball, basketball and tennis, and served as Co-Captain of the basketball team. She is a four year member of SERTEEN, a community service program which aids the elderly, environmental cleanup, cancer victims and other community efforts. She also served as a peer counselor at school and a member ofthe “Link Crew” which mentors incoming freshman. “In college I hope to conquer the next test oflife with the same competitive nature that has guided my whole life. College will prepare me for the next stage ofmy life and offer me the tools to be successful.” Krista was presented a $1250 scholarship.

Jennifer E. Tonneson (Lt. Col. Virginia C., ’80 and Maj. Larry E. Tonneson, ’80) Ms. Tonneson graduated from Tabb High School, York County, Virginia, and was ranked third in a class of284 students while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Jennifer was also active in sports—a member of 1999 and 2001 Virginia State Champion Select Soccer Team, member of U. S. Region I Olympic Development Program Soccer Team, four year high school letter winner, Co-Captain her junior year, and earned All-District, All-Region First Team honors three times and All-State honors her junior year. She also played Varsity Basketball and Volleyball, serving as Co-Captain in both sports. She was a Scholar Athlete winner for two years. Her future plans involve Dartmouth and medical school. “Though hard work and many long nights lie ahead, I hope that someday I will be able to look back and know that I made a difference in someone’s life by becoming a doctor.” Jennifer was the recipient of a $1500 scholarship.

Jeffry D. Harnly (Lt. Col. Douglas A. Harnly, 74) Mr. Harnly graduated from Liberty High School, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was ranked second of 290 students, had a 4.0 GPA, and recorded SAT scores of Verbal 630 and Math 800. Jeffry was the Tennis Team Captain and the National Honor Society President. Other recognition includes Tennis Team MVP and First Team Academic All-State. He attended the National Student Leadership Conference (on Medicine) in Washington, D.C. and served as Student Leader in the El Pomar Youth in Community Service Program. His recommendation letters highlight “his strong leadership skill along with his many academic, athletic and service accomplishments.” His future goal is to attend Stanford University to “-pursue a career dedicated to science and technological innovation.” Jeffry recieved a $2000 scholarship.

Megan E. Ream (Lt. Col. Thomas J. Ream, 73)

Ms. Ream is a senior at Arizona State University where she continues to maintain a nearly perfect 4.0 GPA while she pursues a BA in History and a BA in Political Science with minors in Philosophy and Mathematics. Megan is a Barrett Honors College Welcome Week Team member, Honors Devils (student ambassadors for Barrett Honors College), Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority Parliamentarian and serves as the Treasurer for the Womens Rugby Football Club. “Unlike many ofmy peers, my immediate goal is not graduation itself—mygoal is to get the most out ofthe educational opportunities that remain.” Megan was awarded a $1100 scholarship.

Eric R Harkleroad (Mr. Wendell J. Harkleroad, ’65) Mr. Harkleroad is a senior at Princeton University, majoring in Physics. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA with SAT scores of Verbal 740 and Math 800. He is an Eagle Scout, a contributing columnist for the Princeton Tory, and a staffwriter for the Daily Princetonian. Eric is a Resident Advisor and Teaching Assistant for Princeton University Freshman Scholars Institute, and has been a Fellow with the Energy Research Undergraduate Laboratory, U. S. Department of Energy, assisting in the design of systems for magnetic confinement of fusion plasmas. “...I seek not only to make contributions to science and technology, but to understand their effects on society and how they can be used to make the world a better place for Americans and all civilized people.” Eric received a $1750 scholarship.

Eric R Harkleroad

‘HANOI TAX

The Air Force’s flying tribute to Vietnam’s prisoners of war and missing in action, receives a face lift.

Courtesy AFRC News Service

Photo by Lt. Col. Philip Pierce

The “Hanoi Taxi,” the Air Force’s flying tribute to the Vietnam War’s prisoners of war and missing in action, received a makeover and a hero’s sendoff at Robins AFB in October.

This C-141 Starlifter was the first aircraft to airlift American POWs to freedom from Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, North Vietnam, on Feb. 12, 1973.

The 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, which owns the aircraft, asked Air Force Reserve Command headquarters officials for permission to repaint the aircraft in the 1970s white and gray paint scheme. AFRC officials approved and funded the work, which was done while the aircraft underwent programmed depot maintenance at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center.

Air Force Reserve Maj. Gen. Edward J. Mechenbier, ’64, one of the POWs repatriated aboard the Hanoi Taxi, flew the historic aircraft from Robins back to Wright-Patterson.

“It was the most beautiful thing I had seen in six years,” said Mechenbier, referring to the first time he saw the Hanoi Taxi. He is currently the mobilization assistant to the commander ofAir Force Materiel Command.

Mechenbier, a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours, was assigned to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, and was on his 80th mission over North Vietnam when his F-4C Phantom II fighter was shot down in June 1967. He spent nearly six years as a POW before the Hanoi Taxi brought him home.

The Hanoi Taxi’s name comes from the writing on the flight engineer’s panel by the POWs aboard the plane for the freedom flight. Signatures of the freed prisoners have been preserved on the panel over the years and are the centerpiece of what is essentially a “flying museum.” Plaques, documents and photographs of the homecoming are part of the on-board exhibit researched and created by the 445th AW. Etchings of the names of those who are missing in action were taken from the Vietnam Wall in Washington and are mounted on the plane.

“The Hanoi Taxi is a tribute to the men and women who serve in the Air Force,” Mechenbier said. The general added that it is important for the American public to know about the airplane and what it means to the nation.

The aircraft, which has been upgraded to a C-141C with improved avionics, is used to transport troops and cargo worldwide. It is one of four C-l4ls flown by the 445th AW that were involved in Operation Homecoming, the repatriation ofAmerican POWs in the Vietnam War.

All C-l4ls are scheduled to be retired from the Air Force inventory by 2006. S1

tnC Student Academic Services Center

Programs a for Success

by Jennifer Brugman, Academy Spirit photo by Ken Wright, AOG

he Student Academic Services Center offers a variety of programs designed to enhance the academic success of every cadet. Established in 1996, the Center offers four academic programs designed to maximize cadet performance.

The Strategies for the Academic Success program teaches proven time management and study skills to make learning easier for cadets. “We get incredibly bright students here who never had to study in high school and never learned how,” said Dr. Tom Mabry, ’80, the Center’s director. “They did so well they never had to work hard to get good grades. They come here with [the Academy’s] heavy academic workload and they don’t know how to manage their time.” The program, delivered in both a classroom setting and in individual counseling sessions, helps cadets develop a personalized study plan. They can learn how to best prepare for exams, deal with academic stress, take better notes, become more motivated and learn to manage their time more efficiently. “We help cadets identify the best time and place for them to study,” said Mabry. “We help them identify how they best learn academic material and also teach them proven study techniques that help them better remember and recall the information they study.”

The Reading Enhancement program teaches strategies to increase their reading rate, comprehension, and recall. It helps cadets increase their vocabulary and gives them the opportunity to practice new skills on their own class textbooks. “We try to make every minute count in that class,” Mabry said. “We not only teach them to read faster, but show them methods to better understand and remember what they’ve read. The course has been very successful, it seems to have a lasting effect.” “The speed reading course has helped me in a lot ofways,” said Cadet Lisa Balias. “Not only did it increase my reading rate by about 400 words a minute, it also increased my comprehension, and my vocabulary. Time I used to spend reading, I can now use elsewhere.”

The USAFA Writing Center is a place where cadets and faculty can bring their writing to be reviewed by senior professors. Cadets and faculty can use the center to obtain feedback on the entire writing process from concept to creation. The center is staffed by faculty volunteers from almost every academic department and several staff agencies on base. “The Writing Center is much more than an ‘entergency-care clinic’ where you can just get grammar corrected, it’s a place that helps cadets with the entire writing process,” Mabry said.

The Graduate Studies Programs Office helps cadets competing for scholarships such as the Rhodes, the Marshall and the Truman. “In the last two years, cadets have won over 40 nationally competitive scholarships, including one Marshall and three Truman Scholarships,” Mabry said. The Graduate Studies Programs Office also assists those cadets selected for the Academy’s Graduate School Program. About 20 graduating cadets go on to complete a oneyear Masters degree program at a civilian university before going to their first duty assignment.

The Student Academic Services Center helps 1,200 to 1,400 cadets per year, according to Mabry. “Our job is to offer programs that enhance the chances for success of all cadets. It’s very rewarding to work with such talented young people and to help them reach their goals” he said. H

> FY 2002 Year in Review Association of Graduates

Executive Summary

The events ofSeptember 11, 2001 changed our lives forever. On the first Anniversary of that infamous day, I joined the senior Academy staffand our 4000 outstanding cadets to honor those who lost their lives a year ago. The ceremony started at 0600 and the Terrazzo was shrouded in fog—it was an almost surreal setting. The cadets formed up. A twenty-one gun salute echoed across the cadet area and a sole bugler blew Taps. A lone piper played Amazing Grace and the cadet chorale, on Spirit Hill, hidden by the fog, sang Proud to be an American. During Reveille, the large flag was raised, and then lowered to halfstaff. Everyone present thought ofthe two last names on the War Memorial—Chuck Jones, ’74, and Leroy Homer, ’87,-graduates who lost their lives on that fateful day a year ago. I was “proud to be an American” that morning—proud of our country and proud of our cadets who are going to be fighting the war against terrorism in the near future.

Like our nation, we are embarking into a new era at your Association of Graduates. We are committed to becoming a world class organization that will provide quality support to graduates, the Academy, cadets, and our membership. Lor the past year we have started to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive fundraising campaign that will publicly kickoff in the future. Fundraising is a serious business and the foundation, in terms of personnel, training, and resources, we build now will allow us to achieve success. The Superintendent fully supports the campaign. His staff has spent countless hours developing a strategic plan outlining the Academy’s future needs. Lieutenant General Dallager and a group of senior officers from each mission element then refined that list into a list of needs that they felt could be supported only through private funding. That list, with some further refinement, will become the basis for our fundraising efforts.

This Annual Report will tell you ofthe initiatives we have undertaken to ensure we have a quality staff to undertake this difficult challenge. Our new personnel have outstanding resumes and, most importantly, they are committed to serving you. Your AOG staffwill be supported by a dynamic Board ofDirectors that is fully committed to ensuring this campaign is a success. The Board is made up men and women who have succeeded in both the military and business worlds. Their expertise in a wide range of areas will insure we do things smartly and are fiscally responsible in all our efforts.

This team—the Academy’s senior leadership—the AOG Board of Directors—and your AOG staff—are ready to tackle the many challenges that lie ahead. There promises to be speed bumps along the way, but I am confident that we have the leadership and support to overcome those hurdles and accomplish our goal of ensuring the Academy has the resources and facilities to continue “Building Leaders of Character for the Nation”.

/ James A. Shaw, ’67 S President and CEO

Meeting the Challenges of Investing

This year we hired Larry Smith as Vice President for Finance to help manage our growing resources and the expanding development efforts. With the departure of Pat Buland we also rolled human resources under this vice president.

Despite a significant stock market downturn, our investments have weathered the storm exceptionally well. Our conservative portfolio heavily weighted in high grade bonds allowed our investments to outperform major stock market indexes. As a result, our net assets increased from $15.1 million in 2001 to $16.9 million in 2002.

Despite a significant stock market downturn, our investments have weathered the storm exceptionally well.

Our sources offunds continue to be similar to previous years; however, the development areas ramp-up for the Academy Comprehensive Fund Raising Campaign is positively impacting contribution income, growing its share of revenue.

personnel

Since hiring and retaining quality people is such a crucial factor in our success, we have continued to offer a competitive compensation package. A key part of that package is a retirement plan. This year we decided to move toward a contributory 401k retirement plan to keep pace with other similar organizations.

Reunion attendance remains high, ranging between 30% and 54%. Trends have shown 10-year anniversary reunions (10, 20, 30, 40) continue to draw the most graduates back.

A continuing flow of new and innovative ideas is the principle reason we’ve seen growth in Life Membership, Reunions, and Chapters.

Measuring Success

ters

Alumni chapters grew greatly during the year, with the number of chapters increasing from 22 to 30. This year, the AOG identified areas with high graduate concentrations and targeted them specifically. At the same time, several areas with lower concentrations came forward and requested support. The number of chapters is expected to exceed 54 by the end of FY ’03.

n FY ’02, Life Membership surpassed the 15,000 member mark. FY ’03 should be a large year for new and converted Life Memberships due to nonmembers and annual members signing up prior to a life membership rate increase on January 1, 2003.

TIhe Life Membership at Graduation (LMAG) program continues to be a significant contributor to the overall Life Membership program. There has been a significant increase in cadet enrollment this year which can be attributed to a new initiative ofcontacting parents prior to significant cadet events and offering them the opportunity to congratulate their cadets with a gift ofmembership.

The percentage of members as an average ofgraduate classes has risen steadily over the years, again due to the LMAG program and the increased value of a membership. This trend should continue for a number ofyears as we continue to graduate classes with at least 60% membership and emphasize membership during reunions.

life membership at graduation

Life Membership numbers continue to increase both from the LMAG program and from the increase in value members see in the services and benefits provided them.

This past year, as with every year in recent history, has been one of tremendous excitement and growth in our development effort on behalf of the Academy and the AOG.

Development

Sabre Society growth

730 members

The generosity of our constituents, graduates, parents, alumni and friends, is increasing. Your generosity enables the AOG to accomplish its mission and makes the Academy far better than it otherwise would be.

Total gifts secured rose from $4.3 million in FY ’01 (1 July 00-30 June 01) to $4.9 million in FY ’02 (1 July 01-30 June 02). This figure includes all gifts from all sources.

Gifts Secured FY 01 Gifts Secured FY 02

845 members

FY’01

FY ’02

The Sabre Society, our top-end donors to the Air Force Academy Fund, grew to 845 by June 30, 2002. This was an increase of 115 members from 730 the preceding year. Annual members ($1,000 annually) totaled 780, Patrons ($2,500 annually) 27, Benefactors ($5,000 annually) 7, and Leadership Circle Members ($50,000) or more increased to 31.

Most significant, as reported in last year’s Annual Report, the AOG made great strides in creating the infrastructure necessary to support a comprehensive campaign. Considerable time was spent on the road meeting and reconnecting potential donors with the Academy and paving the way for our campaign feasibility study.

Planned Giving efforts continue as we formed Polaris the recognition group for donors who have remembered the Academy and the AOG with a gift through their estate. Our fledgling efforts thus far hold promise for great things this coming year.

Pavers continue to be an increasingly popular way to honor loved ones, living or deceased. We added 146 individual pavers around the base of Pegasus. Additionally, the Classes of’61 and ’66 dedicated their class projects.

In FY ’02, we reorganized Development to gain greater efficiency and provide the necessary infrastructure for the upcoming comprehensive campaign.

I We created the Annual Fund Directorate which includes annual giving, Sabre Society, Pavers, Class Gifts, and Memorial Funds.

HI We created a Data Entry Section which is responsible for handing all membership, gift and biographical updates. This section is also responsible for producing all reminders and thank you letters and administering the matching gift program. The Matching Gift Program continues to be extremely successful. In FY ’01 we received approximately $93,000 in matching gifts. That figure rose to $159,000 in FY ’02. We were able to collect a considerable amount of matches that were “overdue” from donor companies, some by as much as 2 years.

it We enhanced the major giving program by adding a full-time major giving officer and a researcher.

■ We improved administrative accuracy by adding a department administrative assistant.

Annual Fund Director

Major Giving Officer Administrative Assistant

information Services

After having just converted in FY ’01 to iMIS as our database management software package, we determined that although it was outstanding in Services support, it was severely lacking in Development (fundraising) capabilities. In April we transitioned from iMIS to The Raiser’s Edge (RE), a premier development package which satisfied most of the Services requirements.

Reunion events & merchandise processing are still performed off-line, but the results are importable into RE for analysis and tracking.

We continue to transition into and tweak the “cats & dogs” for RE, but we are fully functional and supporting the other staff members.

connectivity

onThe entire AOG staffhas grown significantly this year and each new user brings requirements for additional support: phones, computers and help desk calls, networking infrastructure, and software. We concluded an agreement with the Academy to add two additional telephone numbers for placing outgoing calls in support of the larger staff. We reconfigured the data entry work spaces to add two additional positions, but the entire ten positions had to be rewired for phones and local area network access. While this was happening, we revised our internal phone addressing which mandated completely reprogramming the telephone switch.

Because the Academy provides us with email and internet connectivity, we are required to meet the DoD Information Processing Standards. This entailed an update to our operating system and office applications on each personal computer workstation. The Academy also revised their information security program and we will be revising ours for compliance; this effort will continue into the current FY.

Our External Communications office is quickly establishing itself as one ofthe best in the country. Despite its small staffofonly four and a halfpeople, it is doing an excellent job of capturing the remarkable accomplishments of our graduates and cadets. Checkpoints is garnering accolades from people around the nation. A college president said, Checkpoints is one of the best alumni magazines in the country.” We certainly second that opinion. Hopefully, you have read some of the great articles in the magazine. If you have an interesting story that you think our readers would be interested in, please contact our Vice President for External Communications, Dick Rauschkolb, ’70.

Bob McAllister, Director of Marketing and Media, is doing a superb job designing and laying out the magazine. Sarah and Ken Wright are the people behind the scenes who make the articles come to life. Sarah’s graphic design skills are clearly evident throughout the magazine. Ken’s excellent photos and articles are receiving high praise. Tom Kroboth continues to do outstanding work handling our most-read section of the magazine—Class News. Tom is also the man who tackles the majority ofthe work in laying out our annual Register ofGraduates. This will be the last issue of the register that will contain complete bios. We will soon have a firewall on our website that will allow us to post full bios on all of our graduates. This information will be accessible only to AOG members.

While Checkpoints remains our flagship publication, External Communications has made a mark in a number of other areas. By the time you read this, we will have a new look to our website. Ken has done a remarkable job with the site. We hope you will make www.aog-usafa.org your homepage in the near future. This year, Ken took some great pictures of life at the Academy and put them on the site. We have since averaged over 500 hits a day for several months.

Bob, Ken and Sarah also produced an excellent book describing and illustrating our plans for a Memorial Pavilion at the cemetery. Theyhave collaborated on numerous specialprojects and brochures for Development and provided video support for social functions and briefings. Sarah also designed our new AOG logo.

FY 2002 Year in Review

External Communications

One of the many projects that Bob worked on received high acclaim from our members and the Academy senior staff. Bob produced a first class video to honor the winners of our first Distinguished Graduate Award, General Ron Fogleman, ’63 and Mr. Harry Pearce, ’64. The video superbly captures the accomplishments ofboth men and presents an excellent picture ofwhat the Academy means to its graduates. The Superintendent is using the video in presentations he is making around the country.

The External Communications office continues to monitor the production and contracts for Contrails and our highly praised appointee CD. This year the Class of ’66 presented the Class of ’06 their Contrails at the Acceptance Parade in August. Over 40 percent of the ’06 parents have signed up for AOG membership. We attribute some ofthat success to the appointee CD which continues to receive kudos from both parents and appointees.

Next year we plan on taking over production of the Parent Handbook from the Academy.. .This will give us another vehicle to tell the Academy story and market the AOG mission. We also plan to purchase a projection system for Mitchell Hall—the only place where the whole Wing is together. This summer we had a summer intern, Aimee Kirkham, scan the pictures of over three hundred graduates who have made their mark in the Air Force and civilian life. We combined their pictures with some biographical information into a slide that we will show the projection system in Mitchell Hall. This is an exciting project that will allow the cadets to see on a daily basis the accomplishments of the “Long Blue Line” ofAcademy graduates.

cfwsen

Forty years ago, Air Force played in the NCAA Tournament. The men’s basketball bracket then involved only 25 teams. It wasn’t the mega-attention grabber of today. Television hadn’t enveloped it. Teams rejected bids. There was no Selection Sunday hullabaloo.

Air Force has never been back.

BY TIM MIMICK THE GAZZETTE

The 1961-62 team, coached by Bob Spear, scrapped for any advantage it could. Every cadet entering the all-male academy had to be pilot-qualified. No one over 6-foot5—well, maybe 6-6 unofficially, if he could scrunch into a cockpit-would be admitted to the newest service academy.

Almost every opponent had quicker, taller players recruited from big cities or other basketball hotbeds. Air Force sported a roster ofplayers from locales such as Dearborn, Mich.; Seymour, Ind.; Ashland, Ohio; Bismarck, N.D.; Victoria, Texas; and White Swan, Wash.

“Our focus was on two things: quickness and defense,” said Butch Viccellio, then a 6-5 senior starting center and second-leading scorer at 10.3 points per game. “We worked hard. We played well as a team. We had some good ballplayers.

“Geez, we had a lot of fun.”

In the NCAA first round on March 12, 1962, Air Force was in Dallas to play Texas Tech, the Southwest Conference champion. Texas Tech had a pair of two-time all-conference players in 6-10 Harold Hudgens and 5-10 Del Ray Mounts. Hudgens averaged

16.9 points, and Mounts 16.6. Bob Schaumberg, a 6-3 senior forward, led Air Force in scoring at 12.1.

Air Force didn’t shoot well that night in front of a crowd of6,500. Viccellio didn’t score in the first half but ended with 13 points. Bill Knipp, a 6-2 senior forward averaging 9.8 points, racked up 17 points before halftime. He scored only two more points.

“I got cold,” he said.

At halftime, Texas Tech led 41-31. The lead expanded to 16 points in the second half. The margin still was 10 with about 4minutes remaining when Air Force junior Roger Zoeller scored all eight of his points. The Texas Tech lead dwindled to two points, but Mounts netted two free throws with 14 seconds remaining for a 68-64 advantage.

Schaumberg hit a field goal and was fouled. Spear called a timeout before the free throw and instructed him to miss it, hoping for a tip-in for the tying score. However, Texas Tech was able to secure the rebound amid a wild scramble as the buzzer blew. P>

“We just had a cold-shooting night,” Parke Hinman, a sophomore on that Air Force team, said. “But it still was close. There were seven of us who played the majority of the time. Bob Schaumberg had an unusually bad night, and it seemed like none of us could shoot well, either.”

Spear said that he should have played a zone defense in the first half to stymie Texas Tech’s tall front line. Hudgens scored only 10 points but grabbed 12 rebounds.

“Texas Tech zoned us, and we weren’t shooting well,” John Judd, a sophomore guard on that team, said during a telephone interview. “We had a tremendous comeback, but we just got too far behind.”

Viccellio and Schaumberg also started on Air Force’s I960 NCAA Tournament team, the only other squad to represent the academy in the basketball postseason.

The 1960 NCAA at-large bid was offered to Spear after the team won 10 of 12 games to offset an 0-5 start. On March 2, I960, Spear

received a call from the NCAA selection committee to see if Air Force was interested in playing. He said that the team would accept if Air Force won that night in a home game against Regis. He didn’t inform the team quickly about the offer. In the final minutes of that game, Regis put on a rally. Spear called a timeout and told his team in the huddle about the NCAA bid hanging in the balance. Air Force swiftly sewed up the 65-58 victory and took the bid.

Five nights later, Air Force lost 69-63 at DePaul, coached by Ray Meyer, in the NCAA Tournament first round. Air Force ended with a 12-10 record.

It wasn’t so perilous in 1962. Air Force was rolling to a 166 mark for the regular season; that remains the second-most victories in academy history. St. John’s rejected an NCAA bid so that it could stay in New York to compete in the National Invitation Tournament. On February 20, 1962, Spear received the NCAA offer. He pocketed it immediately.

After that, the final few games ofthe season weren’t packed with pressure to win. The final game on the schedule was at Montana State. This was good and bad.

The Montana State campus had a ROTC auxiliary for women called the Angel Flight. Each time Air Force would play basketball in Bozeman, Mont., the Angel Flight coeds would take the best of care of the team. Each player had a female escort during the two or three days spent on campus.

“Each one of the women seemed like a knockout,” Viccellio said. “They were great; it was distracting. Everybody who played during that time will know what I’m talking about.

“So ifyou would ask me what was our toughest road game, it had to be Montana State. Ask anyone else.”

Hinman said: “I do remember Montana State. I do rememher those female distractions. I do remember Montana State helping us with those distractions.”

Air Force played other notable road games during the players’ careers. They went to Kansas (“Alien Fieldhouse was a great place,” Viccellio said), Kansas State, UCLA, Southern California, Oklahoma State, Loyola of Chicago, Brigham Young, Wyoming, New Mexico, Marquette (“I remember Marquette was kind of a barn,” Diffendorfer said), Creighton, Arizona, Arizona State and Washington.

Among the top opponents during the early 1960s were Paul Silas of Creighton, Flynn Robinson of Wyoming, Wayne Estes of Utah State, “Jumping” Joe Caldwell of Arizona State, Wayne Hightower and Bill Bridges ofKansas, and Bill Green of Colorado State. t>

Spear used the shuffle offense and its perpetual motion, with guards posting up and centers drifting beyond the top of the circle. Theyd pass the ball until they could cut down the lane for a layup, or would be so open on the perimeter that a 20-foot shot was easy. The shot clock wasn’t instituted into the college game until more than two decades later.

Playing on the road meant hearing fans chewing out Air Force for its deliberate offense. In Milwaukee, Air Force slowed down a high-scoring Marquette team.

“I think we were behind 14-9 at halftime, and the fans just booed us and threw hot dogs at us as we left the court,” Diffendorfer said. “They didn’t like that at all.”

Marquette won 60-36.

On defense, Air Force tried to rattle an opponent with its grit and hoped that its lack ofheight wouldn’t be exposed.

“We would use man-to-man when the other team took the ball out of bounds and zone in transition,” Viccellio said. “I remember that confused the opposing team, and it would take them awhile to figure out what we were doing at times.”

Cadet Field House wasn’t opened until 1968. Before then, Air Force played its home games at local high schools and, beginning in 1960, at Cadet Gym, which could pack about 2,500-with plenty of intense cadets-for its competition. Air Force was an independent team that didn’t join a conference until 1980, when it became a member of the Western Athletic Conference.

“As much as we liked to play on the road, I loved to play at home,” Viccellio said. “In that gym, we had plenty ofnoise, plenty of support. We knew we were at home.”

Spear was the basketball coach from the first season through 1970-71. He retired with a 177-175 career record.

The players enjoyed Spear’s reign. He sometimes would fly the team plane for road games. On occasion, it was so cold on those military planes that each player would take a turn under a pile of warm-up uniforms in the middle of the plane to seek relief.

“Bob Spear was one of the nicest guys I’d ever meet,” Knipp said. “And he knew basketball. He was Dean Smith’s mentor. Joe Bradley was one of the assistant coaches. Great guys.”

Bradley had played at Oklahoma State for legendary coach Henry Iba. Bradley always referred to him as Mr. Iba and could recite Oklahoma State basketball lore for hours.

Spear wanted to test his team against some of the nation’s best; he said that it showed howwell the academy prepared its cadets for future endeavors.

“Bob Spear loved basketball. He loved the academy,” Viccellio said. “We had a lot of discipline. He wanted us to reach our absolute full potential-like reaching the NCAA Tournament.”

After later serving (like most of these players) in Vietnam, Hinman was Spear’s choice for an assistant coaching job. A few snags kept that from happening.

“I played for a lot of coaches, and Bob Spear was the best coach I played for,” Hinman said. “He could make you think as a team. He was a tactician. He served in Vietnam, too. He flew. He knew what made good officers. His focus wasn’t just on basketball—it was on making us the best officers.

“He was the biggest positive influence on my life. I get choked up talking about him.”

By February of the 1961-62 season, Spear saw his team sharpening its talent. Two years earlier, he had taken the NCAA Tournament offer because his team improved so much.

This time, Air Force was back and even better.

“We feel we have the best team ever at the academy,” he told the Gazette-Telegraph in 1962. “And they deserve the chance against the country’s best teams in this tournament.

“They’ll have pressure the rest of the way to go in with the best possible record, but this is the type team that seems to like that sort of pressure. I’m sure they’ll hold their own against anyone.”

Air Force nearly beat Texas Tech. Four nights later, Colorado dismissed Texas Tech 67-60. In the next round, eventual national champion Cincinnati defeated Colorado 73-46.

Forty years later, Air Force yearns for a return to the NCAA Tournament. First things first, though-it’s been 24 years since Air Force had a winning season. For now, Spear and his 1961-62 team hold the academy’s last brush with that March glory.

The 196 l-62 Team

up close

■Jim Dijfendorfer 6-footjunior startingguardAveraged 3.9 points. “Basketball got me to the academy,” he said. Also played baseball. He now lives in Dallas now.

■ Roger Head 6-5 sophomore center Averaged 2.3 points. He started the next two seasons and averaged 4 points as a junior and 7.8 as a senior. He was a fighter pilot. He died in 1994.

■ Parke Hinman 6-1 sophomoreforwardAveraged 6.3 points. Became a starter the next season and a rare four-sport letter winner in football, baseball, track and basketball. One ofthe first cadets to score the maximum 800 points on the academy physical aptitude test. “We beat a lot of teams that we didn’t match up with physically because we did so many things right,” he said. “We had a smart coach in Bob Spear, and he capitalized on our conditioning.” Hinman retired in June of 1994 as a brigadier general and, since December of 1994, is the executive director ofthe Montgomery (Ala.) Area Food Bank.

■JohnJudd5-8 sophomoreguardAveraged 11.2 points. “By the time he was a senior, John was clearly the leader of the team,” Hinman said. A former Indiana prep all-state player, Judd’s career 14.1 scoring average is tied for seventh at Air Force. A retired colonel who lives in New Mexico.

■ Bill Knipp 6-2 senior startingforwardVoted unanimously team captain, averaged 9.8 points. Lauded for his top defensive plays and clutch shooting. “We had a good year,” he said. “We played some good teams; we beat some good teams.” He lives in Tampa, Fla., and owns a ReMax Realty company.

■ Nick Lacey 5-10 sophomore substitute Grew up in Fountain. Retired colonel. Lives in Georgia.

■ Rodney Martin 6-4 sophomore substitute Retired colonel. Lives in New Mexico.

■ Doug Meador 6-1 sophomore substitute Left academy before his senior year.

■ Mike Pavich 6-2 sophomore substitute Retired two-star general. Lives in Utah.

■ Rich Porter 6-3 sophomore substitute Retired colonel. Lives in Virginia.

■ Ed Reisdorf6-4junior substitute Retired captain. Lives in Arizona.

■ Bob Schaumberg 6-3 senior startingforwardAveraged 12.1 points. He set an academy record by shooting 51.9 percent (112 of216) from the held that season. “Bob was really a good shooter,” Knipp said. Schaumberg died in 1983.

■John Sowers 6-5 sophomore substitute Played football, too. Retired colonel. Lives in Longmont.

■ Butch Viccellio 6-5 senior starting center Averaged 10.3 points. “Of course, the 1962 team was better than the 1960 team,” he said. His 20 rebounds against Arizona on Dec. 27, 1960, was the academy record for 10 years; it’s still third in the record book. He retired as a four-star general. He lives in San Antonio.

■ Roger Zoeller 6-2junior startingguardAveraged 8.7 points. Zoeller also started the next season and had a 7.8 scoring average. Retired colonel. Lives in Miami.

■ Coach Bob Spear 16-7 record in 1961-62 He guided Air Force to its only two NCAA Tournament berths. His 177 career victories are the most in academy history. North Carolina coaching legend Dean Smith was his assistant coach in 195758. “Bob Spear was personable 100 percent of the time,” Judd said. Spear died in 1994.H

Printed with thepermission ofthe Colorado Springs Gazette. ©

SPORTS

SPN CollegeGameday host Chris Fowler, left, cracks up at the antics going on behind the set, while co-host Lee Corso is on-camera, during their live broadcast from the Academy last football season. The GameDay crew returned to Falcon Stadium on October 18-19 with live broadcasts throughout both days as Air Force took on the Irish from Notre Dame. The Falcons lost 21-14.

Q: A lot ofpeople think this is the year Falcon basketball makes a big turnaround and competes for the MWC Conference title and an NCAA or NIT bid—what are your expectations?

A: Well, I think it’s good that people are feeling that way because it says we have made a lot of progress in the first two years. But, I truly think that we are going to be better this year. Mygoals before you start talking NITs and NCAAs and conference championships should be a winningseason—especially here since it hasn’t happened for such a long time. That’s a realistic goal. I know that a winning season is a goal that our players have. After last year, they have to have a winning season. I don’t think players have felt that way before. And I know our guys think that way now. That’s a huge improvement.

ir Force Basketball

ACoach Joe Scott talks

candidly to the AOG about the upcoming season, players to watch, last year, and how he’s settling in at the Air Force Academy.

Q: Who are the key players returning this year and what do you expect from each?

A: Two seniors are Tom Bellairs and Vernard Jenkins. They’ve played a lot of minutes and they’ve both improved immensely in two years. Tommy’s improvement this year has to come in the confidence level. If I can see the rise in his confidence which I have seen in the spring and the fall, I expect him to have a very good year for us. And Vernard, I think last year he got a lot better defensively. He has to continually do that. He has worked unbelievably hard on his shooting—no turnovers, make a couple more shots—and he’s a very solid player, very valuable player. We have our two juniors, Joel Gerlach and A.J. Kuhle, who are pretty much the backbone of the program. A.J. stands for everything

Seniors Tom Bellairs (shown left) and Vernard Jenkins will be key to the Falcons success.

we want this program to stand for. He’s tough, he’s a competitor, he’s a winner. He’s been that way his whole basketball playing life. He plays hard all the time. I just look for him to continue to play that way this year. Joel, we have to have him in the game. I looked at the stats from his first two years. Last year, he fouled out of 9 games and his freshman year he fouled out of 8 games. That’s 17 games in two years. That must be an NCAA record. He’s one of our players who can score in different ways. He’s athletic, can shoot the ball, can score inside, and he can drive. At the end of the games, when games are close, like all of ours were, he wasn’t out there. I think he has to be out there, he has to play more consistently, and by that I mean stay out offoul trouble. The other key returner is Tim Keller. He played tons ofminutes as our sixth man last year. He’s by far our best shooter. He’s one of the best shooters I have ever seen in my coaching and playing career. The thing I liked about Tim last year, like all freshman should, he got better. He played better in the league than he did out ofthe league. Two other returners are Davey Peterson, a 6’9” center, who has improved unbelievably—gotten stronger, gotten bigger, very good passer, perfect for our offense—what we ask our centers to do. I’m really counting on him. The other one is Mark Holum. I started throwing him in late in the year just because he was getting better and better.He is sort of another A.J. Kuhle. He’s tough, doesn’t turn the ball over, makes an open shot, might not be flashy, might not be the best athlete in the world, but he’s a good basketball player. Those are the kinds ofguys who make you win games because of their steadiness.

Q: What newcomers do you expect to contribute this year?

A: I think we had a real good recruiting year. We have guys at every position who, I think, down the road, are better players than what we’ve had and 2-3 inches taller. Antoine Hood is a 6-3 freshman guard with long arms, who came from the Prep School, and was the leading scorer there last year. He’s a year older, he’s more mature, and he knows our offense. NickWelch is a 6-8 forward from the Prep School. We’re now playing with 6-4, 6-5 forwards. We’re going to playwith 6-7, 6-8 forwards. He can dribble, is a very good long range shooter, and can score inside. We have a 6-11 freshman center, Deane Lake, who can run like a deer, block shots, and shoots 3’s very well. He is very mobile, but he’s 190 pounds. If he wasn’t 190 pounds, he wouldn’t be at Air Force. We have a 6-6 forward, J.J. Brull from a very good high school program in California. He played against the best teams in California, had a very

good high school coach, a situation very similar to A.J. Kuhle’s high school experience. Those are the kinds of guys that can contribute immediately at the Division I level because the jump for them to this caliber ofcompetition isn’t as great. They’ve been coached hard, and have played against good players. Those are usually the two things that enable a guy to make the jump to college basketball.

Q: Who are the teams to watch in the Mountain West conference this year?

A: Wyoming is first in everybody’s mind. They have everybody back except one player. And they get their startingpointguard back from two years ago who sat out all last year with an injury. UNLV has their two best players back. They might be two ofthe top five guys in the league. Colorado State has everybody back. They have a good 7 foot center who has killed us, and who at the end oflast year, was killing everybody in our league. I expect them to be much better. The rest of the league is very balanced.

Q: Last year Wyoming beat Gonzaga in the NCAA’s—do you think that win will result in more attention being paid to the Conference when NCAA bids are handed out?

A: I think so. I think last year the Mountain West got 3 NCAA bids and Wyoming had that big win against Gonzaga. The more you win in the NCAA tournament the more bids your conference gets in the following years. The key for our conference is to stay right where we are and see if we can keep getting better.

Q: Do you think you will ever fill up Clune Arena?

A: I think we will. Last year we made great strides. We have doubled our attendance since we got here. Season ticket sales have doubled. I just think it’s a matter of winning. Our attendance has gone up because our community has realized we are really competitive. Our attendance is averaging 2,0002,500 and the goal this year is 3,000-3,500. The people in this community just want to know that we have a real good chance to win. Once they see more ofthose wins, I think they will be here. It’s just a matter ofwinning games. That’s a goal ofthis program.

Q: Have there been any special challenges coming from Princeton to the Academy?

A: To be honest, I got hired to make this into a winning program. I got hired as the basketball coach. Obviously, I think the success of Princeton basketball and the type of school Princeton is had a lot to do with that. That’s a great academic school; this is

a great academic school. There are academic guidelines; you can’t recruit anybody you want. No matter what, the approach we took at Princeton was that were basketball coaches. We have to win. To me, coming here, every day, it’s been about getting our players to be basketball players—be as good as they can be in basketball. That doesn’t mean that they are not trying to be as good as they can be as students and leaders. It’s hard work to be a Division I basketball player. The fact that you’re at a good school where you have to go to class and do well, that’s not an excuse not to be a good basketball player and to win. You’ve got to be a good student and leader; you’ve got to be a good basketball player. There are no excuses when it comes to those two things. They can be done. They are not mutually exclusive of each other. The key is finding kids who want to be like that, who want to be as good as they can be in basketball and want the challenge of a top flight education. I look at challenges as positives because, in the end, we have to go out on that court and play harder than the other team. We’ve got to be tougher than the other team. We have to execute better than the other team and I don’t think there’s one thing that is done here at the Academy that isn’t along the lines of getting kids to be that way. Our players have to perform in the classroom. They have to do what they are supposed to do at all times, because when they walk out on the basketball court, that’s the expectation they have from their coach and I actually think they enjoy that. They know it’s basketball time and it’s time to compete and play. That’s been a building process for our guys. When I got here they weren’t used to that expectation being placed on them all the time. It has to be that way because there are consequences on the basketball court. But they know now and I think they enjoy it because it’s the only way you have a chance to win. Winning makes it fun; losing makes it miserable.

Q: What are your expectations or goals for your team off the court?

A: My expectation of our players is that they perform as well as they can in everything that they are doing. I believe you can’t separate parts of your life. You can’t separate the basketball court from the classroom. You can’t be a dog in one part ofyour life and a worker in another part.

Q: Obviously one of the major pillars of this institution

is athletics. The Academy exists to build leaders of character for the nation. I’m interested in how you think your program helps those young cadets in that area.

A: My opinion is that the athletic field, whether it’s football, basketball or baseball is a great place to build character and to show that you have character and that you are a leader. Every day we go out on that court and that’s what I tell our guys. There’s no separation here between the Hill and the basketball court. You have to perform. On the court, every day, there is pressure on you to perform and you have to be able to come through in tough situations.

Q: What are your impressions of this institution?

A: It’s been a great thing for me to see firsthand the traditions of the military and the traditions of the Air Force Academy, the things that we do and that we stress. My impression ofAir Force, Navy and Army from when I was growing up, from the values that were taught to me from my parents and my college coach, was that they were first class places. I wouldn’t have come here if that wasn’t my impression. Everybody’s important here. I look at what the administration, the athletic director and the athletic administration has done for the basketball program and I couldn’t ask for more.

Q: In your relatively short time here, do you feel at home, do you feel comfortable here?

A: I do. Going in and taking over a program, you start to feel comfortable when the players are the ones you recruited. You feel comfortable when you’ve recruited them because you know their mom and dad. You know the kind of kid he is, whether he’s the right kind of kid for this program, playing wise and as a human being. Those are the two essential traits. You’ve got to be a good enough player and the right kind of kid. The guys we recruit have an expectation of me. A.J. Kuhle has an expectation of Joe Scott. Tim Keller has an expectation of me and that’s to demand the most of him. They expect me to work just as hard as I ask them to work. My view of coaching is about mutual respect. Our guys have seen that this staff works very hard and we’re out there working hard every day so they in turn must give their best effort everyday. All that leads to a comfort level. From a family perspective, being a part of the Air Force family and getting to know people, has been great. It always helps when you are at a first class place. The people care, the

Joel Gerlach

people are smart. When you get smart, caring people working together-good things happen.

Q: Tell us about the “Friends of Air Force Basketball” and how supporters of the Falcons can help the program?

A: The “Friends” group is something that we started. In simple terms, it’s a booster group, but it’s friends from the community, former players, parents offormer players, parents of current players, alums in general of the institution, and community people—fans. It is a way to have a support group for the program. The “Friends” group helps maintain tradition because it keeps former players involved in the program, and keeps fans involved. You need to have former players, coaches, and community people involved so there’s always a connection between the past and the present. In my opinion, if you want to get as good as you can and get this program to where it’s a top-notch program, you must be able to have the means to do the things that you think are necessary. It coincides with the AOG’s support of the Extra Margin of Excellence theme. Give us

that Extra Margin ofExcellence so we can get this program on a par with the other programs in this conference

Q: How does somebody get involved in that?

A: If someone is interested, they can call this office (719-333-3039). We have a board ofdirectors that can give you the address to contact. We try to put out information at certain games so that fans can see it.

Q: If one of our readers knows of a talented basketball player who may meet our admission standards—who do they contact?

A: They can contact me; they can contact our office; anyone of our assistant coaches will take the call and we try follow up as best we can with all those calls. We try to follow up on everyone so that when the one good tip comes along we are on it. We are recruiting a lot ofalum’s sons. I think that’s important. Somebodywho went to school here and has a son that’s a good basketball player—we want a chance to recruit him. This is an athletic type of school. You’d think the alums would have some kids who are athletes. Hopefully, they are out there and will contact us and give us the opportunity to recruit them. H

Another Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy

SCORECARD

the NCAA Division 1 wrestling championships last March in Albany, NY, the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) contacted Air Force’s head wrestling coach, Wayne Baughman. They told him that I was eligible to take an All-American tour to China over the summer.

The NWCA, which is made up ofcollege coaches from schools throughout the country, votes on an underclass wrestler in each weight class to take an overseas tour. I jumped at the opportunity to travel and compete in China and began making plans. The team met in Detroit on June 1 Oth and boarded the plane for China. There were 12 wrestlers and 4 coaches from over half a dozen different colleges, and everyone got to know each other quickly. We began playing cards and trading stories to pass the time on the 16-hour flight.

Because of the time change, we arrived in China late on the evening ofJune 11th. At the Beijing airport we met our guide and proceeded to our four star hotel in downtown Beijing, called the Capital Hotel. The hotel is located in the center of Beijing, about three blocks from Tienamen Square.

At lunch we had our first authentic Chinese meal at a restaurant near the palace. After the meal, we traveled to the Summer Palace and the Fresh Water Pearl Factory, then back to the hotel. All of us went to bed early due to the fact that we had our first session ofwrestling in the morning and wanted to make a good impression on the Chinese athletes.

A Chance °f a Lifetime

The following morning we traveled to the Beijing Club. The facilities were not what we were used to in the United States, but the mats were soft and the competition was intense. However, today was just a practice. We would have to wait another day to get in actual competition. The Chinese wrestlers were very friendly and good sportsmen. In fact, we took time after practice to take pictures with the Beijing team.

by C1C Kevin Hoy

photo by Ken Wright, AOG

Our second day started in Tienamen Square. Everywhere, local Chinese citizens pursued us aggressively trying to sell us souvenirs. Nowhere was this more insistent than at Tienamen Square. As we stepped off the bus the vendors swarmed us. We spent about half an hour in the square, then moved on to the Forbidden Palace, the complex that served as the emperor’s home until the last emperor in 1912. Having nearly 10,000 rooms, this complex was enormous and took us nearly all morning to visit.

We returned to the club the following day for our first match. The referee for the competition was a local to the club and made his bias toward the locals obvious in every match. The Beijing Club fielded a tough team but even with the questionable officiating we prevailed winning 7 out of 5 matches. I was not one ofthe lucky ones however; I dropped my first match 12-4 to a 23-year-old Chinese heavyweight. Following the official match, we were paired up again against different opponents. I was set up with a 6’ 9” 19 year old, the tallest person I have ever wrestled. I had gotten the hang ofthe Chinese style ofwrestling but lost another match 4-3.

The next day was another sightseeing day to let our bodies heal after the previous day’s competition. In the morning, we went to the Silk Market area of Beijing. This is an area with many little shops and vendors where you can do a lot ofshopping, and the dollar goes a long way. In the evening we saw Chinese acrobats perform, then spent the rest of the night at a local disco recommended by our guide. D>

In our sixth day in China we saw the jade carving workshop, where they carved solid blocks ofjade into beautiful sculptures. Following the workshop tour we moved on to the Ming Tomb, a very sacred area, where several emperors are buried.

Day seven was the highlight ofeveryone’s time in China. We were finallyjourneying to the Great Wall. This was over an hour and a half drive north of Beijing. The Great Wall is over 6000 KM long and the terrain is extremely rugged, truly an engineering marvel. The section we were climbing was about a two-mile climb to the highest part of the wall. The team decided to race to the top, although it was extremely steep and well over 90 degrees with high humidity. I came in ninth out of sixteen. Not bad for a heavyweight!

The next day we were back on the mats, this time at the army’s training facility. A workout was scheduled with them in the morning and a competition in the afternoon. During the morning session the Chinese Army coach had his best wrestlers teach us several oftheir strongest techniques. We must have been quick learners because in the afternoon we won 10 out of 11 matches (one of our wrestlers was injured at the Beijing Club match). Also, I won my match by way of a technical fall, 12-1. At least I would not be shut out in China.

The following day we had another match scheduled against the Chinese National Team at their Olympic

Falcons Win Service

The Air Forcei'r

ued its winning streak at the annual Service Academy Classic, winning the tournament for the eighth consecutive season. The Falcons shot a three-round total of 1103 (373-363-367), besting second place Army by five strokes. Navy finished in third place, followed by the Merchant Marine Academy in fourth.

Adam Wasinger led the Falcons, garnering his first career tournament victory. Wasinger shot a three-round total of217 (73-72-72), his best 34-total for his career. Team captain Brandon Daum finished in second place, just three strokes behind Wasinger with a 220 (71-74-75). Chris Dieter grabbed fifth place and Adam Myers was 10th overall.

The Falcons win streak was in jeopardy, as the team trailed Army by two strokes heading into the final round. But a strong third round by Air Force clinched the victory. S

Training Center. Up to this point we had not seen any spectators at our matches. However, there was a crowd of over one hundred at this one. This was by far the best team we had competed against. We only won 2 matches out of 11. I lost my final match 6-2 to a 28year-old opponent.

Overall, the trip to China was a tremendous experience allowing me to see great wrestlers and visit the amazing sights. I made many friends, both teammates and Chinese wrestlers. I am extremely grateful that I was given the opportunity to experience the culture that I witnessed on this trip.

Finally, I would like to thank the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates for making this trip possible. Without their funding I would not have been able to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to learn about another culture and wrestle world-class athletes. S

Academy Classic

Brandon Daum

Adam Wasinger

Falcon Hockey Preview

By Dave Toller, Sports Information Department

Every house;

tion. Without tnat support, anything that

needs a solid foundasupport, anything might be constructed will quickly crumble into a pile of rubble. However, a firm base allows for upward growth and progress toward a finished product in which the sum is greater than all the parts.

This analogy defines Air Force hockey for this season.

Last season, the Falcons battled through a rollercoaster season in terms of both wins and losses and team chemistry.

Just when things looked about as bleak as possible (11-15 overall record and in last place in the league), the Falcons went on the longest Division I unbeaten streak in school history and the second-longest streak in the nation at the time.

“I have never seen a team overcome bad chemistry and turn a season around,” head coach Frank Serratore said.

“I attribute this solely to the character ofthe people on our team and their pride as a group not to fail. There is no question that we want to use the success we experienced down the stretch as a building block. I really like our team at this point, we have strong veteran leadership and our team chemistry is very good.”

Creating the solid base, the Falcons return eight of the top 10 scorers, six of the top nine defensemen and the starting goaltender from last season’s team.

The strong leadership of four captains will lead the 2002-03 squad. Seniors Andy Berg and Scott Zwiers will wear the “C” while senior Brian Reaney and junior Shane Saum will wear the “A”. Individually, these four have their own leadership styles and are certainly quality players on the ice. But together, this group compliments each other both on and off the ice and should provide the Falcons with both the skill and leadership needed to be a force in College Hockey America.

The forward position should be strong and deep, despite losing four key players to graduation.

Senior captains Andy Berg and Scott Zwiers will be the leaders up front. Zwiers, a powerful forward from Naperville, Ill., is the top returning scorer with 34 points last season. Berg, a center from Stillwater, Minn.,

was third on the team in scoring last season with 32 points.

“Andy Berg is a legitimate Division I scorer, Serratore said. “He loves to handle the puck and possesses a big shot. His shooting ability and vision of the ice make him a constant scoring threat. He is the Joe Sakic of our team.

“Scott Zwiers is one ofthe best all around players I have ever coached,” Serratore added. “He simply does not have a weakness to his game. He is tough, possesses very good skills, is an expert face-off man and has great hockey sense.”

Assistant captain Shane Saum, the hard-working winger from Palmer, Alaska, was fifth on the team last season with 29 points (14-15-29).

The incoming freshman class is loaded with forwards as five of the eight rookies play up front.

“There is an old saying that you only have one chance to make a good first impression,” Serratore said. “If first impressions mean anything, this is going to be a great freshman class.”

The Falcons return six of their top nine defensemen. Senior assistant captain Brian Reaney is the top returning defenseman and one of the top blueliners in the conference. The Park Ridge, Ilk, native led the Falcon defensemen with six goals and 18 points last season.

“Pound for pound, Brian Reaney is one ofthe toughest players I have ever coached,” Serratore said. “He is a proacfive player who takes on all comers and rarely loses a one on one battle. He is a warrior and a sparkplug for our team.” D>

Fellow senior Jake Tesar returns to the team after suffering a knee injury at the end ofhis sophomore season. The injury, which required surgery, kept him out of all last season.

“Jake is a very good leader on and off the ice, he is a great teammate and a quality guy,” Serratore said. “Jake is a steady, stay at home defensive defenseman and a very good penalty killer.”

The return ofjunior Mike Polidor gives the Falcons a solid backstop entering 2002-03.

The Imperial, Penn., product was thrown into the fire last season and emerged as one of the top young goaltenders in the league. He started 28 of the 33 games last season and posted a 3.39 goals-against average and a .887 saves percentage. Those numbers may not seem impressive, but, after a rocky start, he was outstanding during Air Force’s late season run. During the eight-game unbeaten streak, Polidor had a 1.97 GAA and a .932 saves percentage.

“We began last season unproven in goal, but Mike progressively got better and better and by the end of the season he was a team MVP candidate,” Serratore said. “For us to have a chance, we must have great goaltending and I like our chances with Mike Polidor.” &

’93 Grad Wins Marine Corps Marathon

Courtesy AJFN ■ Photo by PFC Sara Cote

Capt.:

Arlington, va. Oct.

Christopher Juarez, ’93 won the 27th i annual Marine Corps Marathon in t. 27 with a time of 2 hours 25 minutes and 1 second. Juarez was running as part of the Air Force Team, which was competing for the annual Armed Forces Marathon Championship

The 32-year-old Juarez was running in the event for the third time. He finished 22nd in 1998 and 14th in 1999.

“This year, I thought I had a chance to win, but it didn’t hit me until mile 24,” said Juarez, a contracting officer at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

More than 14,600 runners battled a headwind through much of the course. Juarez had about a quarter mile lead, but he was feeling the strain and did not know if his lead would hold.

“Those last two miles, I was really falling apart,” he said. “But when I made that final turn, I took a quick peek and realized I had it.”

The win was not a surprise for Juarez. The day before the race, at an armed forces icebreaker, he told a friend that after the meeting he had something to do. He was going to the awards display to take one more look at the first-place trophy he hoped to win.

The lead in the race changed hands a few times. Juarez was part of a foursome who took an immediate lead in the race for the first five miles.

“Around the fifth mile, two guys were pulling away from us,” said Juarez. “John Sence and I were running next to each other and he told me not to worry, just relax and let them go. They would come back.”

They did. After the 12th mile, Juarez and Ethiopian Retta Feyissa ran stride for stride until mile 20. Then Juarez took the lead for good and finished only three minutes shy of the U.S. Olympic Trials qualifying mark. &

Flying Tigers Meet Fighting Falcons

By John Van Winkle ■ Photo by 2nd Lt. Norm Vujevic ■ Academy Spirit

More than,

Group-better known as the FlyingTigers-took time out from their reunion in Colorado Springs to meet Air Force’s players of today and leaders of tomorrow.

The World War II aviators visited the academy, to speak with the Academy’s Fighting Falcons football team, before the team’s practice. The Flying Tigers also viewed the Cadet Wing’s noon meal formation, had lunch with cadets, toured the Academy’s Cadet Chapel and airfield, and viewed demonstrations ofAcademy cadet glider pilots and Wings of Blue parachuting team.

Col. (Ret.) George Baily, a veteran of the Flying Tigers ofWorld War II, speaks to Falcons head coach Fisher DeBerry, quarterback Chance Flarridge, and cornerbacks Jordan Wilkie and Wes Crawley.

The Flying Tigers were pilots and crew chiefs with the American Volunteer Group in China, formed in 1940 to assist China in its war against Japan. American military pilots were allowed to resign from their service to accept a contract with the Flying Tigers, and then return to the military at their former rank once they’d completed their contract.

“In six months, we shot down 302 airplanes, and another 400 planes that fell behind the lines that they claimed we got, but you had no confirmation of. So we

don’t count them,” said Col. (Ret.) George Bailey, who was an American Volunteer Group (AVG) mechanic. Logistically, Bailey’s job was more difficult than that of today’s crew chiefs, as the AVG had only 100 aircraft to begin with, and no replacement aircraft or spare parts. Still, he and other mechanics kept the AVG’s three fighter squadrons flying.

During World War II, fighter groups had four or five squadrons per group, as opposed to the three squadrons that made up the American Volunteer Group.

“It took five years before that war was over with, and not a single group shot down 300 airplanes in six months’ time. Most of them didn’t shoot down 300 airplanes in five years,” Bailey told the football players.

“Well in football we call that a knockdown,” said head coach Fisher DeBerry. “That’s a lot of knockdowns. But you couldn’t knock that many people down unless you did it with your eyes, right? You have to use your eyes to be able to do that,” the coach asked, reminding his players of one the rules he hammers into in virtually every practice—to always keep their eyes on the target.

But the American Volunteer Groupbetter known as The Flying Tigers—was short-lived and was absorbed into the U.S. Army Air Corps during 1942, and redesignated as the 23rd Fighter Group. Their 1st, 2nd and 3rd Pursuit Squadrons were also redesignated, becoming the 74th, 75th and 76th Pursuit Squadrons, respectively, and were still known as the Flying Tigers.

“So we flew for six months-that’s all we got to fly as civilians,” Bailey said of the AVG. “They forced us out as civilians into one of two things: Either go in the air force over there, or come home and take the chances of going into the service over here. I elected to stay in. Seventeen of us elected to stay in.”

For Bailey, staying in China led to a commission, and he went on to serve five years in China and Burma, and later worked the Berlin Airlift before retiring in 1963. H

Jim

Tmi

~a

us to provide you with quality representation in most

market knowledge, coupled with global reach, enables you to outsource many of

The AOG Platinum Plus™ MasterCard®credit card.

You deserve the highest level ofservice along with a special low rate.

Y our membership in the Association of Graduates now entitles you to a superior financial value— the AOG Platinum Plus MasterCard credit card, issued by MBNA America Bank.

Start with an introductory 3.9% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on cash advance checks and balance transfers, and an APR ofjust 12.99% when the promotional rate expires.'1 You’ll also enjoy worldwide access at millions of locations, advanced fraud protection, and MBNA’s unparalleled commitment to Customer service—along with MBNA NetAccessfM the Internet Connection to your credit card account. All with No Annual Fee.

The Platinum Plus MasterCard card represents the highest standard of excellence for AOG members. Call and request yours today.

TheAir Force Academy Fund

Every Gift to the AOG is TaxDeductible

The AOG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization operated to serve the USAFA graduate community and provide financial support for the Academy. All gifts made to the AOG are tax-deductible.

Looking for a meaningful way to pay tribute to someone special or give an unusual gift?

Write it in stone on a Commemorative Paver! Each engraved paver tells a story about cadets, graduates, family members, friends, staffand faculty members—people who have achieved great things, touched lives, made a positive impact on our nation and who are linked with the tradition and future ofthe Academy. Placing a personalized granite paver in front ofDoolittle Hall provides a unique and lasting way to express your pride in the Academy, to honor a cadet’s or graduate’s achievements, to recognize loved ones who have supported those achievements, or to congratulate new graduates.

Your tax-deductible gift of$250 directly supports the AOG in carrying out its threefold mission ofserving graduates, supporting cadets and the Academy, and preserving institutional heritage. Visit the AOG website at aog-usafa.org for more information.

Memorial and Tribute Donations also offer a unique way to commemorate the life of someone special. Memorialize a loved one who has passed away, someone who defended our country in time of war, or someone who waged a silent battle against disease by making a Memorial Donation. You may also want to celebrate a graduation, wedding anniversary, birth of a child or

Difference

Providing extra margin of excellence

grandchild by giving a Tribute Donation in support ofthe AOG and Academy. Your tax-deductible donation to the Air Force Academy Fund is also used to further the AOG’s mission which enables the Academy to produce leaders of character for our nation. The AOG not only acknowledges your gift to the Air Force Academy Fund, but also sends a letter to the next-of-kin or honoree notifying them that a Memorial or Tribute Donation has been made in their honor. Simply enclose a note with your gift which provides the name and address of the next-of-kin or honoree and the AOG will make sure they receive appropriate notification.

Two New Staff Members Join Development Team

The Development Team is pleased to announce the arrival of two new staff members—Ginny Tonneson, ’80, Stewardship Director and Jennifer Bateman, Major Gifts

DOfficer. Ginny’s 20-year Air Force career focused primarily in the intelligence sector. As a member of the first female graduating class and a parent of a 2nd degree, Ginny is pleased to join the AOG. She is responsible for ensuring that proper stewardship and recognition is provided for all gifts received by the Association. She will also focus on reconnecting graduates and others with the Academy, recognizing and honoring their contributions, and showing them how their gifts are making an impact.

Jennifer, a graduate ofthe University ofNorth Carolina, brings an extensive background in major gift fund raising to the AOG that she acquired while working at the University ofNorth Carolina, Duke University, and most recently as a major gifts officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee. In her new role at the AOG, Jennifer is responsible for cultivating relationships with graduates and friends of the Academy living in the southeastern region of the U.S.

edication ceremonies for the Class of’67 and ’72 Class Paver Projects were held in conjunction with their reunions in October. Class of ’67 members raised a toast in memory of their departed classmates while the Class of’72 invited the families ofdeparted classmates to place a rose on the paver as each name was read. The Class of’67 raised $134,000 and the Class of’72 raised $228,000 to complete these projects. In recognition of their unrestricted gifts to the AOG, a commemorative paver has been placed for every member oftheir class, living and deceased and the area is marked with a bronze plaque that details the class history at graduation. The paver projects not only establish a legacy for the class in perpetuity, but provide a substantial contribution to the AOG that furthers its mission ofserving graduates, supporting cadets and the Academy and preserving institutional heritage.

The AOG wishes to express its appreciation to the Classes of’67 and ’72 for their generous gifts to the Association and for participating in a class tradition that preserves the history of the Tong Blue Line.”

Legacy Class Traditions Impact Cadets

Two years ago, the Class of 1964 became the first class in the “Long Blue Line” to link itself to cadets by establishing two new traditions. The Class partnered with the AOG and Academy to raise funds in support ofthe Contrails Project and Exemplar Program. Since then, each graduate class has been enlisted to raise funds to produce Contrails and support the Exemplar Program for the incoming class that will graduate in conjunction with its 40th anniversary. These programs provide a meaningful way for graduates to hand down information, beliefs and customs that express the essence ofwhat it means to be an Academy grad and an Air Force officer. This common heritage, built by graduates and continued by cadets, inspires young men and women to complete their Academy careers and serve our nation with pride and distinction. Throughout their Academy careers, Graduate Legacy Classes are invited to attend special milestone events with their Cadet Legacy Class to solidify this bond between classes.

to the

’64 Grads attend Class of 2004 Commitment Dinner

Members of the Class of 1964, Graduate Legacy Class to the Class of 2004, were the cadets’ guests during their Commitment Dinner on 8 August in Mitchell Hall. The Commitment Dinner is held in the fall of each year when cadets begin their second class year and incur a “commitment” to serve in the Air Force. Up to this point, a cadet can leave the Academy without any commitment to the Air Force. However, once they begin their second class year they are expected to serve in the Air Force for at least five years after graduation (service requirements for cadets going on to pilot, navigator or ABM training are longer).

’65 Grads attend Class of 2005 Exemplar Dinner

Members of the Class of 1965, Graduate Legacy Class to the Class of 2005, were invited to celebrate the ‘05 Exemplar Dinner on 10 October in Mitchell Hall. The Exemplar Dinner is held each fall after cadets begin their third class year and have

selected their Class Exemplar. The Class Exemplar program provides “a clear and visible attachment to great military leaders of the past for a new generation of air leaders who will face new challenges in the next millennium and beyond. The Class Exemplar serves as the honorary class leader, setting its personality and character.”

The Class of 2005 unveiled their Exemplar’s case which depicts the accomplishments of General George S. Patton who was selected because he demonstrated the class’s core values of courage, commitment and capacity. The case will be displayed in Fairchild Hall until the class graduates.

The AOG and Academy are committed to carrying on important and meaningful traditions that enhance the cadet experience and form a bond between graduates and cadets. With financial support from the Classes of 1964 and 1965, and future support from other graduate classes, these programs have been well established. The AOG and Academy extend thanks to the Classes of 1964 and 1965 for their enthusiastic support ofthese important Legacy Class projects.

CATCH THE MATCH!

Matching Gift Programs Boost Gifts to Air Force Academy Fund

MATCHING

During the past five years, matching gift contributions have increased dramatically and are playing a critical role in the ongoing success of the AOG’s fund raising efforts. Thanks to donor efforts, more than $150,000 was raised in support of the AOG and Academy during the 2002 fiscal year. Three months into the new fiscal year, matching gift dollars already total more than 30 percent of the dollars received in 2002.

Is your company on the AOG’s Top 10 Matching Gift Company list?

Delta Northrop Grumman Litton *Alliant Energy Foundation Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP)*UPS Foundation‘Entergy ExxonMobil Corp. Lockheed Martin BP Corp. 3M

Or among thefollowing companies?

Ford MotorCompany»AT&TFoundation*BAESystems*Sun Microsystem

Leigh Portland Cement Co. IBM Corp. Microsoft Corp. Raytheon Co.

Chase Manhattan USAA

1st BMFT

BASIC MUTUAL FUND TRAINING

f By Eric Holt CE4, Class ofVI

“back-end” load, you pay the commission when you sell the fund so that hypothetical 3% load comes out of the proceeds. Some people think a front-end load is better since you’re paying it on a smaller amount but consider the following (ignoring transaction fees, fund expenses, and taxes):

“I cant look at the statements anymore!”

Whether it be mutual funds, brokerage accounts, or their 401 (k), more and more people are in a state ofdenial about the markets. This last quarter was one of the worst on record and, in July, investors withdrew a record amount from their equity mutual funds. Stock fund redemptions hit $52 billion which was almost double the previous record of $29 billion set last September. The problem is investors cashing out feeds on itself and drives the markets down further. Portfolio Managers keep a portion of their investments in cash for good buying opportunities and to meet normal redemption schedules; however, when these normal levels are exceeded, the managers are forced to liquidate positions in their funds and the selling drives the markets down even further. The downward spiral in the market has continued with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard and Poor’s 500 both down around 30% this year (at “press time”). While space limitations prevent me from covering everything, below, Eve included a few things to consider when selecting mutual funds.

Load Versus No-Load. Put simply, a loaded mutual fund is typically sold to you by someone who is receiving a commission for putting you in that product. This commission/load is paid at one of two points-when you buy the fund or when you sell the fund. A “front-end” load is paid when you buy the fund; for example ifyou invest $100 per month and the product has a 3% load, your $100 is really buying $97 worth of shares. With a

As long as the loads are the same percentage, the timing of the commission is irrelevant. With loaded funds, there are various share classes (i.e. A, B, and C), each having their own loads and expenses and are mostly based on the amount invested and/or how long the shares are held. I urge investors to understand these differences and ensure that the assumptions are realistic for their temperaments and needs (versus the broker’s). A no-load fund puts all ofyour money to work for you right away and no commission is paid to the person who sold it to you (but you probably bought it yourself or through a fee-based advisor). Please note that no-load doesn’t mean free-you just don’t pay a commission; with load and no-load funds, you’ll still pay expenses on an on-going basis (see below). So, which one is better? I have never seen any data that conclusively proves either type offund performs better than the other so I will defer to what I know: most no-load funds are cheaper than their loaded counterparts so, all things being equal, no-load funds are preferred (anyone trying to convince you otherwise is probably the recipient ofthe load/commission).

Chasing Returns.

At the end of every year, the media does a great disservice to investors. Money, Kiplinger’s, and Forbes will publish their “all-stars” and “honor rolls” highlighting the top performing mutual funds for the previous year. The odds are most people weren’t invested in those funds but see these stellar returns and think they should be. Investor behavior is fascinating—consider the following data from Dalbar, Inc:

From 1984-2000, the average equity fund investor realized an annual return of 5.32%, compared to 16.29% for the S&P 500 Index!

There are a couple ofexplanations for this phenomenon-investors were taking money out oftheir mutual funds so they didn’t take advantage ofthe strong market performance or investors were moving in and out offunds following the best performers ofthe year before. While either explanation is plausible, the end result is the same—failure to follow a “buy and hold” strategy cost them dearly. Based on the above, ifyou had invested $10,000 in 1984 and earned the same returns as the average equity fund investor, you would have had $24,000 in 2000 (ignoring taxes and fees.) If you had invested the $10,000 in an S&P 500 Index fund in 1984, you’d have $130,000 in 2000-being out ofthe S&P 500 cost you over $100,000 (still ignoring taxes and fees.) In fact, I have seen a couple ofstudies which said that you would be better off investing in the worst performing mutual funds from the previous year rather than the best performers. While that may seem surprising, it is very difficult to consistently outperform your peers in the stock market and there will be some reversion to the mean performance over time (For a fantastic read on this subject, I highly recommend The Loser’s Game byJohn Bogle). Other studies I have seen demonstrate the consistent under performance by the top fund performers the next year. Bottom line? Pick good managers and good funds and stick with them-you can’t afford to do otherwise!

• Fund Expenses. This is something investors often overlook. Simply put, when you look see the value ofyour no-load fund, it is determined by the following equation:

In an “open end” fund, the number ofshares is variable and the number changes with money flowing in or out of the fund. As the equation illustrates, every dollar paid in expenses reduces the value of each share that you own. The higher the expenses, the more you are paying others to manage your money. Since past performance doesn’t guarantee future fund performance (and even if it did, we have no guarantees about market performance) paying these expenses is one of the few things we know when we make the investment. By law, the fund prospectus (the rule book) lists the expenses in the form of a ratio—appropriately called the “expense ratio,” this will be listed as a percentage of the average net assets that will be paid back to the fund family. The average retail mutual fund has an expense ratio of around 1.5% per year. Specialty funds like sector funds, small stocks, and international funds tend to have higher expense ratios. Since Checkpoints readers have so many different situations, it wouldn’t be prudent for me to recommend any specific products; however, there are a number of very good mutualfunds in the marketplace with expense ratios under 1%. Higher expense ratios make the already difficult task of managers consistently outperforming peers and benchmarks considerably more difficult. Furthermore, just like the load/no-load issue, there is no credible evidence that funds with higher expense ratios outperform those with lower ratios so there would appear to be no reason to pay the higher expenses. Thus, all things being equal, funds with lower expense ratios are preferred to those with higher expense ratios.

Mutual funds are a complex topic and I have just scratched the surface of this issue. Next time, I’ll discuss styles of investing (value/growth and active/passive), asset classes (small caps, large caps, bonds etc.), and wrap everything up with the Ten Commandments of Mutual Funds. Go Falcons!

WHATIMEANT TO SAY: (1) In the last article, the formula in the box, should have read: % Stock Allocation [100 - Your Age] Many thanks to the readers for catching my error since the formula (as typed) suggested people should buy more stocks as they get older clearly not the “takeaway” I had hoped for; (2) I made a reference to retirees being paid on the 1 st and 15th when they are only paid on the 1 st ofeach month. I apologize for the error; however, please note that being paid once a month, does not change the premise that military retirees could afford to take more risk in their portfolios due to the bond-like characteristics oftheir life-long pensions.

Depending on the fund’s investment objective, “assets” can be stocks, bonds, real estate, other mutual funds or cash. “Expenses” are things like salaries, bonuses, marketing and office expenses.

For more information,please contact eric@wealthadvisory.com oryour financialadvisor. The illustrations above are not a guarantee and readers should contact theirfinancialadvisor before takingany investmentactions.

FUNDRAISING CODE ETHICS

“Integrityfirst; service 6efore se[f; e%ceCCence in affwe do. ”

These are the core vales of the United States Air Force Academy.. .and integrity is first. The AOG is committed to providing excellent service to all graduates, parents and friends of the Academy and we are committed to integrity first.

This AOG Donor Bill ofRights was adapted from the Donor Bill ofRights developed by the American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel, the Association for Fiealthcare Philanthropy, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

AOG DONOR BILL OF RIGHTS

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of our constituencies, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the Association of Graduates (AOG) and the United States Air Force Academy, the AOG declares that all donors have these rights:

I. To be informed of the AOG mission, of the way the AOG and the Academy intend to use donated resources, and of their capacity to use donations effectively for the intended purposes.

II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the AOG governing board, and to expect the board and the Academy to exercise prudent judgment in their stewardship responsibilities.

III. To have access to the most recent AOG financial statements.

IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

V. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

VI. To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

VII. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing the AOG will be professional in nature.

VIII. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the AOG or hired solicitors.

IX. To have the opportunity for their donations to be made anonymously and to have their names to be deleted from recognition or mailing lists.

X. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

If you have any questions concerning the fundraising activities of the Association of Graduates, please contact anyone in the Development Department but especially Gary Flowe, Vice President for Development, at (719) 472-0300 or at gary.howe@usafa.af.mil.

Join Forces With Us At Procter& Gamble

Changing careers? Then join one of the world’s foremost consumer products companies! At least one of our products is used in 98% of all US households. Procter & Gamble markets more than 300 brands in over 140 countries. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Procter & Gamble has on-theground operations in over 70 countries.

Opportunity. Many Service Academy graduates are experiencing challenging and rewarding careers at Procter & Gamble in Manufacturing, Information Technology, Marketing, Sales, Purchases, Finance. Engineering, Market Research and Research and Development.

Beliefs & Values. Procter & Gamble promotes strictly from within. Your progress is based on performance and your ability to take on increased responsibility. We are known for integrity, innovation, people development, long term growth and professionalism.

Responsibility. You will receive meaningful early responsibility commensurate with your skills. Thorough on-the-job training is provided by outstanding professionals who consider your development to be one of their major responsibilities.

Pay & Benefits. Salaries and benefits, including profit sharing, rank among the best in the US. We are seeking highly motivated leaders with a record of achievement in academics, extracurricular activities and military assignments.

To take the first step in joining forces with Procter & Gamble, please visit our website at www.pg.com/cai~eers When completing the application form, please indicate Military Advertisement when responding to where you heard about P&G opportunities.

AOG Holiday Ornaments

The 2002 Holiday Ornament is now available. This years offering has a glider soaring through the clouds in front of majestic snow-capped mountains topped by Polaris. The inscription on the glider reads “AFA 02” to denote the year of issue.

1999 and newer ornaments-$23.00 each plus S&H

1998 and older ornaments-$20.00 each plus S&H

Greatfor collecting or giving 97 Don’t miss this opportunity to add to your collection. Call the AOG at (719) 472-0300.

95

The information reflected in the directory is obtained from members of the Service Academy Alumni Associations who wish to have their civilian positions listed in the publication. Indexed by geographical area, industry, company name, graduate last name and class year, the directory contains entries of approximately 18,000 graduates in business across the country and worldwide. Born from the belief that the Associations of Graduates and Alumni Associations exist not only to serve their academies but their membership, this directory creates an excellent business leadership network. The information also provides those in need of certain services an efficient way to find a fellow graduate.

99 front

The Secret Life of I/faldO

“Hope springs eternal at the beginning of a new semester,” noted ClAC Waldo F. Dumbsquat. Waldo and his roommate, “Regs’ Buch, tooled around the textbook issue room. Rivaling Stonehenge, mounds of books rose majestically from the floor.

“Regs” nodded knowingly. “The first few days of class are always thrilling.”

“They sure are! Just knowing I have a passing gradeeven for only one day—makes me giddy,” replied Waldo as he picked up another major volume.

“Be careful of that one, Waldo,” counseled his friend. “It belongs to a Macro Econ Course.”

But the doolie never heard his friend. Unconscious, Waldo had crumpled to the concrete floor. “Regs” called for help.

“Help!”

A firstie Life Science Major responded to the freshman’s plea.

“Stand back and give him air!”

“Sir, are you a doctor?” asked “Regs.”

“No, but I play one in class.” The senior lifted Waldo’s scrawny wrist and detected a pulse.

“It’s disturbing, but I’ve seen this before.”

A concerned crowd of cadets began to gather around the prone Waldo. The firstie frantically waved them away. “This is a very contagious situation! Nobody touch the book!”

Alertly “Regs” picked up a pair of issue work gloves and prepared to assist the one degree.

by Don Hag

“Be careful,” warned the senior, “those won’t protect you for long.” With a nod of understanding, the freshman reached slowly for the book Waldo held.

Waldo snored loudly. The crowd shrank back away from the grisly scene.

“I’m going in!” announced a determined “Regs.”

As if handling the volatile material Shepherd’s Pie, the doolie carefully removed the offending book and tossed it into a nearby gray elephant. The cheering crowd woke the slumbering freshman. He sat up and stretched, knocking over a pile of literary works. Cadets nervously scattered to the mailroom.

“What happened?” yawned Waldo.

“You were suffering from exposure to z-conomics,” diagnosed the doctor wanna be. “Cadet Buch performed an operation to remove the tome-er. You should recover quickly.”

“Thanks, ‘Regs.’ I feel better already!”

“We better quarantine the Econ Department!” announced “Regs.”

“It’s too late—it has already taken over part of the Fairchild Hall sixth floor!” exclaimed the firstie.

“Maybe you can drop the class...”

“Nope, it looks like I’m due for a relapse.”

'Why’s that, Waldo?”

I already declared Econ my major,” sighed Waldo.

Reunions

Services

Rich Downing, Col., USAF (Ret.), ’70 Vice President, Services

Rich.Downing@usafa.af.mil (719) 472-0300 ext. 500

The reunion season is complete and was a total success. Six different class and the Prep school reunions brought classmates and friends together who sometimes had not seen each other since graduation. Unbelievably, up to 55% ofgrads return for their reunions. Ifyou didn’t make yours, you missed a great weekend. Donna Porter and Lani Wing worked with each class to put together an awesome schedule that included social, professional and informational activities. As always, the tailgates and football games culminated several days offun and frolic where the Falcons provided lots of excitement on the field. The Academy staff continues to provide excellent support during reunions with lunch at Mitch’s, briefings by senior staffand dorms/academic area Open House. This year, they also allowed direct interaction with the cadets during the M5 period in the SARs. This interaction was well received by both cadets and grads as they each got to “tell their story” and answer questions about current and past cadet life and the AF/civilian careers that followed graduation.

This issue’s FYI section includes promised updates on how to get documents that can affect civil service retirement and Social Security (SSN) benefits, and exciting info about a new Colorado license plate and member benefits.

Colorado License Plates

Show your support: Get ready for a “new look” on Colorado license plates. The AOG has coordinated with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles to design a license plate proudly identifying you as an Air Force Academy supporter. The symbol on the plate, which was designed by Sarah Wright in External Communications, will be the Cadet Chapel behind a prop and

ship fee. Ifyou have been considering a Life Membership, now is the time. The savings can be significant. For more information, contact Don.McCarthy@usafa.af.mil or at ext. 511. The AOG web site also has current fees.

Social Security (SS) Administration-Statement of Earnings

information and a mailing instructions once the information is collected.

New Opportunities For Caaet Parents

wing placed in a blue circle. We hope to have it available soon; watch the web site at www.aog-usafa.org or the next issue of Checkpoints for details on how to get yours.

New Membership Rates Jan 2003

No Age Reduction: I want to ensure you are aware that membership rates change significantly at the beginning of the year. Lifetime Membership increases to $700 with NO reduction for age. This can represent an increase of $100 to $300 depending on your age. As an added incentive, ifyou have paid annual dues since 1 July, those dues will be applied toward Life Member

Increase work credits: Cadet time and enlisted time prior to the Academy are not included in the DD214 you receive when you leave the service. This can affect wage credits that are earned to calculate both normal and disability SS benefits. To get a Statement of Earnings for your cadet time, you can fax your request to USALA/FMFS at (719) 333-4555. Include your name, address, contact phone number, SSN, inclusive dates at Academy (month/year), picture ID and reason for request. Ensure you sign your request. You can also email Eli.Benavides@usafa.af.mil to request this information or ifyou have questions.

Retirement Update

Transfer cadet time: As mentioned previously, cadet time can be credited toward civil service retirement. Getting needed documents is much like the process for Social Security benefits mentioned above, but for this information, fax request to Registrar’s Office at (719) 333-6650. Again you should include: name, class year, dates at the Academy, SSN, the reason you are requesting the

Multi-year membership: A less expensive, simpler way for cadet parents to be AOG members: 2-, 3-, and 4-year membership options. “Parents often asked for multiyear memberships to eliminate the hassle of renewing,” said Don McCarthy, AOG Membership Manager. So we tested a four-year membership with ’06 parents and nearly 10% opted for multi-year membership. We now offer 2- and 3-year options for upper-class parents. To learn more, or to convert your current membership, contact Don.McCarthy@usafa.af.mil or at ext 511.

Survivorship Benefits

Staying connected: “When I pass away, how can I ensure my spouse stays connected to the Academy?” Easy-the AOG has introduced a survivorship option for life members. How does it work? Life members pay $100 to add a survivorship benefit option to their existing membership, identifying their spouse as the recipient of survivor benefits. Upon the member’s death, the surviving spouse is entitled to all membership benefits, including the Checkpoints magazine. It’s that simple! Ifyou are interested in adding survivorship to your membership, contact Martin.Marcolongo @usafa.af.mil or at ext 510.

Breitling Watches

New member product: The AOG negotiated with Breitling to offer the Aerospace model watch with an AOG distinctive face. These watches are recognized as “Instruments for Professionals.” There is a minimum order required before we can proceed. Ifyou are interested in purchasing one ofthese unique timepieces, email or call me for details.

Between 21-25 Years Old?

Save on car rentals: As part of the rental contract with Budget Rent-a-Car, when AOG members rent with Budget using the AOG Corporate Code T507400, they will not be charged the under-25 supplemental fee. Budget is offered nationally at most airports and many other locations. Call 1-800-455-2848 for reservations.

Travel Program

Sign up now: The joint travel program is receiving lots ofinterest and the first couple oftrips are filling up fast. Gen. Anderson, ’61, Board Chairman, and his wife Ginger are packing their bags for the China trip. They are looking forward to having you join them on this exciting once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For more information, go to www.jointacade mytravel.org or see the ad below.

Parents’ Weekend

Open House tremendous success: Hundreds ofparents and cadets from all classes came to eat, drink, watch videos, see the Falcon, and have an all-around good time. AOG members had a chance to win door prizes, to include a football signed by Fisher DeBerry and artwork by artist Rick Broome.

This years winners were JeffBraley, Young Scheivert, George Hill, Jerry Salazar, and Antonia Ecung. Congratulations!!

Virginia License Plates-Soon to Concede Defeat

Last Chance: The AOG was approached by graduates to obtain a distinctive USAFA plate for Virginia. After getting the required approval, graduates were contacted, but less than 200 responded. After numerous e-mail and grass root contacts, and a mailing to all ofthe graduates in the state, we fell short 100 applications. The final deadline is Dec. 31st. Ifthe minimum number ofapplications has not been reached by then, the project will be discontinued. For information or application, contact Martin.Marcolongo@usafa.af.mil or at ext 510.

five dayYangtze River cruise through the incomparable Three Gorges, plus extensive visits to Beijing, Xi an, Shanghai and more. See the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, Terra Gotta Warriors and all the relics and treasures ofChina’s rich History. The dam is completed and will open in June 2003- this is the last chance to see China before its face is changed forever. 19 days/$5195 including air from west coast/Gohagan & Company

Alumni College in Provence (2 weeks to choose from June 16- 24, 2003 AND June 23- July 1, 2003) Unpack once and explore the beauty of France and its history, culture and food. A week in Aix-en-Provence, with day trips to many surrounding areas. See Cassis, Arles, and Avignon, with its Palace of the Popes, plus many of the surrounding villages with their chateaux, vineyards and Roman ruins. 9 days ($2495 including air from NY)/ Alumni Holidays

Alumni College in Sorrento (2 weeks to choose from October 21-29 AND October 29- November 5, 2003) See the best part of Italy after the heat and crowds of summer are gone. Stay in Sorrento at the Ambassiatore Hotel, with its stunning cliffviews, and then venture out to Naples, Amalfi, the Isle ofCap and Pompeii to see the ruins. Travel the fabled Amalfi Coast with its charming seaside villages including Positano and more. 9 days/($2495 include, air (NY)/Alumni Holidays

Alaska’s Inside Passage (July 26-August 2, 2003) The Yorktoivn Clipper brings small ship elegance to an area you’ve always wanted to see up close. Visit Tracy Arm, Sawyer Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, Sitka, Petersburg, Misty Fjords and Ketchikan. With two options; the cruise portion to explore by sea, or add the Denali pre-cruise extension to see Alaska by both sea and land. 8 days/from $2460 plus air/Clipper Cruises.

***Please note prices and dates are tentative, please see brochure for final information

Outlook

CONSTITUENT LIAISON NOTE The Space Chapter reminded me to write about the importanceof maintaining accurate e-mail addresses. We use e-mail as ourfirst means ofgetting information to the graduates. Ifyou changeyour e-mail,please remember to keep theAOG andyour chapter in the loop. Thanks!

Arizona Chapter (AZ) A holiday party will be hosted byJim (’74) and Chirl Sienicki on Sat., 14 Dec. 02 from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. This annual holiday party is a time to share the holiday season with friends and others, and many grads and their spouses usually attend. Please RSVP by 7 Dec. 02. A flyer and map will be sent out. Our Super Bowl party will be hosted byJack (’68) and Kitty Frost. The party will begin an hour before kickoff to enjoy all the pre-game hype and to allow folks plenty of time for eating and drinking rituals. Check out our web site for details.

North Central Alabama (TX) The Alabama USAFA Parent’s Club will host the Annual All-Service Academy Ball on Sat., 28 Dec. at The Club in Birmingham. All grads are

Chapter Goals

1. Celebrate Academy Heritage

2. Keep abreast of Air Force and USAFA topics

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

GOAL 1

Celebrate Academy Heritage

CONSTITUENT LIAISON NOTE April 1st is the anniversary of the Air Force Academy. It was on this date in 1954 President Dwight Eisenhower signed the legislation authorizing its creation. This means, 1 April 04 is the 50th Anniversary! Since most chapters will have large celebrations in 2004, it might be a good idea to have a celebration on the 49th anniversary in 2003 to get warmed-up.

GOAL 2

Keep abreast of Air Force and USAFA topics

Northwest Florida Chapter (FL) The chapter stays in close contact with Stan Siefke, ’75 the 10

President of the AF Association local chapter. The AFA sponsors a semi-annual recognition program titled “Team Eglin All-Stars” and on 22 Aug., recognized 16 military and civilian personnel on base that provide outstanding support to their unit’s mission. MGen. Robert Chedister, Air Armament Center Commander, stated these kinds of awards programs fill a void in the official AF awards program. He commented that even small recognition efforts are greatly appreciated by the units here at Eglin and throughout our AF.

GOAL 4

Provide graduates networking opportunities

Alamo Chapter (TX) The San Antonio Business and Networking Group—BANG—is underway and very successful, meeting on the 4th Tues. of the month. San Antonio has a large Army population and BANG luncheons have a good mix ofAFA and West Point grads in attendance. Furthermore, Mike Nishimuta, ’73, has expanded the Alamo Area AOG website to include resumes, business leads, and business cards of local grads to improve networking opportunities. Nancy Kudla, ’80, President of dNovus Group, gave a very interesting and informafive presentation to the group at the Sept, luncheon.

GOAL 5

Interact with other service academy graduates

AFA Society of North Carolina (NC) The Society hosted Army & Navy in our annual golf tournament. Led by Chuck Latham, ’74 and Pat CHECKPOINTS, FALL 2002

invited and should RSVP to Rusty Yerkes, ’96 at ryerkes@bellsouth.net or 205-620-2718. We are also working jointly with the Parent’s club and the Montgomery Chapter to bring in a guest speaker from USAFA. All are welcome to join our chapter.

Northern California Chapter (CA)

We plan to finish off the year with an elegant evening and weekend in the mountains at the Mountain Home resort on 7 Dec. at 810 Panoramic Hwy in Mill Valley, CA. For more information and to RSVP, contact Ed Cunningham, ’67 415-956-3936. To stay in touch with past and future events, check out our website. Events include grads and affiliates ofall ages, so ifyou are in or around the Bay Area, come join us!!

San Diego (CA) Hello San Diego!!!! We are already organizing a community service project for early spring and would love to have ALL of our San Diego area alumni/friends/family there to help! We also have a golf event in the works, as well as scheduling USAFA support for our various visiting sports teams from the Zoo. Ifyou have suggestions or ideas for the group, please let us know! Contact either Kelly Healy, ’94 at khealy@mckennalong.com (new club president) or Matt Brogdon, ’94 at mbrogdon@bradley-morris.com (new club secretary) to be added to the email list.

Daley, ’74, we successfully reclaim the bronzed combat boot from Navy (who were unable to hold on for a win). Our monthly luncheon program continues to be a favorite time to get together and swap lies. We meet on the third Fri. ofeach month at Newton’s Southwest Grill in Cary.

Alamo Chapter (TX) The Ft. Sam Houston golf course was the venue for theTri-Academy Golftournament held in Oct. Grads from all three Academies participated in this fun-filled event. Much thanks to Les Hobgood, ’60, and Jim Wheeler, ’64, for taking care ofthe arrangements for the AFA grads!

Arizona Chapter (AZ) Ed (’63) and Terry Reisdorfgraciously agreed to host a fall pot luck social on 25 Oct. It was a great event, well attended, and another fun time to share memories and war stories to get to know each other better.

Arkansas Chapter (AR) The chapter has had two startup meetings. The first was held in Jul. in Little Rock. We had 12 attendees, in addition to the AOG Constituent Liaison. We voted to expand the chapter scope with the name “Arkansas Chapter of the USAFA AOG,” to convey the inclusiveness ofall grads in the state. There are over 200 grads in this area with many active duty grads assigned regularly at Little Rock AFB. Our main goals are: Interaction with other grads; Support the needs of the Academy; Assist USAFA Liaison Officers; Assist parents’ clubs and cadets; Give back to the local community; and social/sports gatherings. The second meeting was our Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with a tailgate for the Notre Dame game. We are just starting to roll, so we need your

Chapter Goals cont

help. Please forward this notice to ANY USAFA grad you know in the state.

Atlanta Chapter (GA) Sat. night, 5 Oct., while the Falcons were torpedoing the Middies, the Georgia faithful from as far away as Warner Robbins, gathered in Atlanta. 61 assembled to drink, dine and hear the dynamic Mark Hyatt, ’74, Director for Center of Character Development, introduced by long time friend, Tom Pilsch, ’65, give us an outstanding update on the state of the USAFA. Fie was presented a copy of Jack, Straight From the Gut, in grateful appreciation by the chapter. Gary

Mark Hyatt, 74, Director for Center of Chan acter Development receives a gift from long time friend, Tom Pilsch, ’65, in appreciation from the Atlanta Chapter.

Fausti, ’65 gave a stirring invocation. Awards were given to our heros-three members of the class of ‘59: Joe DeSantis, Jerry McDonald, and Michael Murphy (each got a USAFA tee shirt). Other award recipients included: Ken Grizzle, ’63-our treasurer received the Andrew Fastow award for “creative accounting”-aCaymanian $ 1 bill;Joe Redden, ’64, Cobb county, Ga Supt ofSchools received the William Jefferson Clinton Award-the book, WhyPeople Believe Weird Things, and the Dennis Koslowski Award, a copy of TheMillionaire Next Door went to Adrienne Byrdsong, ’93 who brought seven young men from classes ’93-’95 to the event with corporate development funds. All in all, we had a terrific kick offfor a revived chapter in Atlanta.

Baltimore Chapter (MD) The Baltimore Chapter held its inaugural meeting on 4 Nov. in Hanover, MD. The membership viewed the bylaws and selected interim officers. Ideas for future events were shared. To find out more information, contact the chapter president, Jeff Kubik, ’93 at 410-519-4904, jkubik@cablespeed.com.

Gateway Chapter (MO) A new Chapter has started in the St. Louis/So. Illinois area where we have over 550 grads. At the kickoff event we broke an attendance record for AOG Kickoff Meetings! We have a great group of folks helping run this chapter. Already, we’ve had the opportunity to support both the Women’s and Men’s Soccer team that traveled to St. Louis for NCAA sporting events. We’ve also attended a St. Louis Cardinals game, and had several social events at the Missouri Athletic Club. If you are a grad in the area and want to participate in events, please contact the Chapter President, Shea Long, ’88, at 314-960-0015.

Greater Cincinnati Chapter (OH) Our first meeting was held in early Aug. in Cincinnati. Over 20 grads from the area, including two grads from the Class of’59, attended and expressed great enthusiasm about forming a chapter. We will continue the process oforganizing and will meet again in Dec. or Jan. Ifyou desire additional information contact Todd Wilkowski, ’89 at 513-579-6498 or Ewilkoski@kmklaw.com, or Rachel Winton, ’95 at 513- 324-2084 or rlwinton@yahoo.com.

Medical Chapter The Medical Chapter had its annual meeting on 4 Oct. and elected a Board of Directors and officers. Important issues discussed were the cadet mentorship program, an annual Health Professions Award sponsored by the chapter, a membership drive and next year’s annual meeting. Anyone wishing to join the chapter should contact Dean Bristow, ’60 at dIbones@msn.com.

MidAtlantic Chapter (PA/NJ/DE) The chapter attended a USO Gala Fund raiser in Philadelphia in Sep., had a meeting in Oct., and bused up to the Army game in Nov. Look us up on the AOG website if you want to join us.

Middle Tennessee Chapter (TN) We had another meeting to hold elections and plan next years activities. It was generally agreed that about four get-togethers a year is a good number. The following were discussed as possibilities: football game get-together; Founders Day function; enabling cadets to come to Nashville i.e., to run in the Music City Marathon; community service activity to benefit the Nashville, such as visiting shut-ins at the VA hospital or a Habitat for Humanity project; and a summer cookout in late June to send off new cadets to USAFA. In addition, 2 events organized by other groups are open to participation by FALL 2 0 02

chapter members. (1) Parents ofcadets are organizing an All Academy Ball to be held at Cumberland Univ. over the Christmas break; (2) The All Academy golf tournament, complete with presentation of the Commander in Chief’s trophy to the winning service academy, is held every summer on the Mon. before Labor Day.

MidSouth Chapter (TN) We had two events in the fall. We got together for the Notre Dame game on 19 Oct. and the Army game on 9 Nov.

Minot Chapter (ND) The chapter met in Aug. for its first-ever meeting. Most agreed that this chapter should not be limited to the Minot area. Lori Cardinal, ’86 volunteered to contact local ALO(s) to find out how we can support them. Col Mark Owen, ’79 suggested we pursue social activities at first, which would generate interest in the chapter. Most agreed this was their primary reason for wanting to be active with the chapter. A consensus was reached that we need to do a better job ofsupporting Operation AF and this should be a high priority. We followed this meeting up with a party before the Notre Dame game. Ifyou’re in North Dakota, look us up.

Montgomery Chapter (AL) Our chapter met in Aug. to hold our general membership meeting and elect chapter officers. We still need to fill two more positions. We then met in Oct. for some fun and fellowship for the Notre Dame game. We look forward to the continued growth of our chapter and friendship among us!

Northwest Florida Chapter (FL) We’ve had a great response from grads to our weekly gatherings at a popular sports bar to watch four games so far. Over 200 supporters and friends have enjoyed the opportunity to mix all the classes and cheer the Falcons to victory. Pat McAdoo, ’64, local chapter Secretary, has even provided ancient cheers training for the later classes.

Piedmont Chapter (NC) Our chapter got together in Oct., to watch the USAFA vs. Colorado State football game on ESPN2. Future activities are being planned.

San Diego Chapter (CA) Our chapter met in late Sep. and elected a new set of officers. We had great representation from the Classes of ’59 through ’67 and ’93 on, but we were missing grads from the ’70s and ’80s. We need your help to expand our chapter, as we hope to make our chapter a LOT more active. So come on out to one of our events! Our first order of business was to schedule two get-togethers to watch our Falcon football team-the first for the AF/Notre Dame game, and the second for the AF/USMA game. Both were great successes!

Space Chapter Our web site, managed by Tina Visco, ’92, continues to be a good mechanism for exchanging insights and information regarding AF and USAFA space-related topics and networking. Grads interested in joining the Chapter can now fill out a simple form on the site. Also, a reminder to our members we need current email addresses. Members should check the site to see if

the listed address is current. Addresses we aren’t confident about are asterisked.

Twin Cities Chapter (MN) The chapter continues to focus on participation and refining our data base. So far we have met about four times with most participation being at the first meeting. We are looking at doing some quarterly breakfasts, and more beer calls over the next six months.

GOAL 6

Give back to the community

Alamo Chapter (TX) We had a wonderful turnout on a beautiful Sat. in Sep. to help construct a Habitat for Humanity house. Kay Grosinske, ’82, organized the workday, which had 11 AFA grads of varying ages and skills performing roofing, insulating, sawing, and hammering duties. Somehow the older members ended up on the roof, while the younger set remained with their feet planted firmly on the ground. The few aches and pains earned didn’t dim the feeling of satisfaction of a job well done. The Chapter will be volunteering for more Habitat for Humanity projects in the future.

Puget Sound Chapter (W\) Joanne McCarthy, ’99, works as an element leader in the TRICARE office at the McChord AFB medical clinic. In Aug., she learned a fellow AOG member, TimothyMerry, ’93, would be medically discharged from the AF after 9 years of service. He was an instructor pilot at Sheppard AFB until a serious car accident in Nov. 01. Now, he was in the patientsquadron at McChord AFB awaiting his retirement. The medical clinic was planning a small ceremony for him and his family for 9 Sep., but Joanne felt a fellow grad deserved something more. She got in contact with Brian DeLuca, ’67, Chapter President. Brian attended Tim’s retirement ceremony, which went well and was well attended by personnel from the base and its flying units. Brian was given an opportunity to speak

New Chapters

as a representative ofthe AOG and as a representative of the Boeing F-22 Pilot and Maintenance Training Development Team in Seattle. He made Tim an Honorary Member of the Boeing Team and presented him with some small gifts. Tim received them enthusiastically with a firm handshake. Brian reports that Tim’s spirit continues to shine through.

GOAL 7

Support the needs and objectives of the Academy

Rampart Chapter (CO) The chapter kicked off the fall semester by meeting with the new AOCs and MTLs in Doolittle Hall. We encouraged them to get together with our Grad Associates early to make plans for Grad Associate participation in Squadron activities.

Space Chapter The Chapter has worked with the AOG to review the Gift Needs List for areas where the Chapter can provide support. This process will pay great dividends to the cadets over the long term.

GOAL 8

Assist Liaison Officers and recruit qualified candidates

AFA Society of North Carolina (NC) The Society will be supporting the ALOs as they host their 8th annual Academy Day at the Raleigh-Durham Airport on Sat., 29 Mar. 03.

Space Chapter We were recently contacted by a parent of a prospective cadet, who wanted to make contact with grads having space experience and who were willing to help his daughter learn more about space opportunities. Within a few days, several of our members responded to the request to meet with the daughter. Needless to say, the dad was pleased with the response.

GOAL 9

Assist parents 3 clubs/cadets

Alamo Chapter (TX) In Oct. the South Texas Parent’s Club joined with the Alamo Chapter to watch the Notre Dame game at a local American Legion Post. Larry Romo, ’78, hosted the event and has been working with the President-elect of the Parent’s Club, David Swiger, ’77, father of Craig, Class of ’05, to encourage more interaction between the organizations. The Chapter also gathered to cheer on the Falcons against CSU at Randolph AFB. John Neubauer, ’78, organized a wonderful event at Ratama Park with a sumptuous buffet dinner and evening ofhorse racing. In Nov., grads, families and friends enjoyed watching the USAF Thunderbirds at Lackland AFB’s inaugural air show. Forrest James, ’88, reserved a pavilion on the golf course to provide shade and an opportunity to picnic during the event. For information on upcoming events, please see our website.

The Northern California (CA) The Northern California alumni have had a fabulous summer and fall, with more plans for winter! In Sept., they met at the Moraga Country Club for a day ofgolf, swimming and a lovely hike through the redwoods. Afterwards, everybody reunited for an evening barbecue. 21 Sept., they hosted a record-breaking tailgate of over 600 people at Berkeley before the AFA football game. Grads and AF fans came from all over the Western states for the event! It was a smashing success with an appearance by the cheerleaders, drum and bugle corps, falconers, and even the Superintendent. Alumni and families were thrilled to reunite and spend an afternoon of fun and football. Volunteers from the Northern California AOG and Parents Club worked together to make this an event to remember! We followed up the event with “An Evening with James Webb: author, film-maker, former Secretary of the Navy and Combat Marine” hosted by “Academy Connect,” and a get-together before the Army Game.

Omaha Chapter (NE) The Omaha Area chapter is still in the process of organizing itself. If you are interested in joining this new chapter check out our web site or contact Tad Draper, ’68 directly at 402293-3972 (voice mail) or 402-294-4279 (days).

The Southwest Ohio Chapter In Oct the Chapter joined with the AFA and the AOG in sponsoring a reception and information area in conjunction with the USAFA Hockey team’s participation in the Lefty McFadden Invitational. USAFA joined Bowling Green, Niagra and Miami in the round robin format. Other than great hockey, fans and grads had the chance to “Ice the Vice” as spectators from the crowd took shots on goal against AFMC Vice Commander, Lt. Gen. Charlie Coolidge, ’68. MGen. Ed Mechenbier, ’64, had the safer job of dropping the ceremonial puck for each Academy game face off. Grads and friends filled two sections ofthe arena supporting the Falcons. Based on great support for this event and very successful 2nd Annual Academy Grads and Friends Golf event, we are reinvigorating the Chapter and look forward to adding you to our events.

Career Conference

What is SACC?

The SACCis the Service Academy Career Conference supported by the Associations of Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy, and Alumni Associations from the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant MarineAcademy. Previous conferences have been attended by hundreds of companies and thousands of alumni.

Where will the SACC be held?

APRIL 24-25, 2003 WASHINGTON, D.C.

SACC Schedule of Events

Thursday,

Friday,

Saturday, April 26, 2003

Interviews only if directly scheduled between company recruiters and candidates; Companies will contact you directly regarding any on-site interviews during the SACC.

Ifyou have any questions, please contact WayneTaylor at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-4513.

The next SACCwill be held at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, 1250 South Hayes Street, Arlington, Va. You may obtain a room for the SACCrate, ifavailable. Call (703) 415-5000 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate. There are many other hotels available in the area or stay with classmates or family.

Registration Fee

The SACC Candidate registration fee is $35 and may be paid by check or credit card. Please mail the attached registration with form ofpayment and two copies ofyour resumeresumes must be one page/one sided and on plain copy paper. Please mail your registration, or email to: sacc@usna.com.

Please do not fax-we need a nice, clean copy ofyour resume. Registration deadline April 4, 2003.

SACC Hotel Information

The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City 1250 South Hayes Street Arlington, Va., 22202 (703) 415-5000

San Diego, Calif., August 2003

NAME (for name tag, no ranks):

(Home):

Please include:

Cadet Running Suits

Cadet issue item. Available in two styles.

S - XXL (Sizes run large) Available to members only.

Dark blue with reflective strips

Jackets $80.00

Pants $48.00

Light blue with reflective strips (Limited sizes. Please call for availability)

Jackets $ 47.00

Pants $25.00

Sets $67.00

Crew Sweatshirts

Crewneck sweatshirt. Features “Air Force” applique with “Academy” embroidered beneath. Available in Blue or Gray.

S-XL $29.00

Hooded Zip Sweats

Hooded sweatshirt with pockets. Full length zipper. Features “Air Force” applique with “Academy” embroidered beneath. Available in Blue or Gray.

S-XL $33.00

Cadet Sweat SuStsT T-Shirts & Shorts

Cadet issue items. Oversized to accommodate shrinkage. Available to members only.

Tops (S-XXL) $37.00

Pants (S-XXL) $24.50

Set (S-XXL) $58.00

T-Shirt (S-XXL) $10.00

Shorts (S-XXL) $15.00

Blankets

Stadium blanket. “Air Force Academy” and the Academy crest screened on.

Available in blue or gray.

54” x84” $21.00

Shirts

NEW ITEM

Polo Shirts by Cutter & Buck. 100% cotton with new AOG logo.

Available in dark navy and white.

S-XXXL $38.00

Denim Shirts by Vantage. Long sleeve with new AOG logo.

S-XXXL $39.00

Ceramic Mug. Coasters

12 oz. mug AOG crest on one side and USAFA crest on the other side $ 6.00

Pegasus coasters Terra Cotta and blue. Water absorbent.

Set of four $25.00

Leather coasters in tin case.

Three with AOG crest and three with USAFA crest.

Set of six $15.00

Saber

Official United States Air Force Academy Cadet Saber.

Available to Graduate members only.

Saber with scabbard $185.00

License Plate Frames

Three styles from which to choose.

FALCONS - Blue lettering on a white background

ALUMNI - Blue lettering on a white background

PARENT - Blue lettering on a white background

Each frame $ 6.00

Any two frames... $ 10.00

Plaques

Marble plaque

Etched falcon on white marble $70.00

Wooden chapel plaque $ 17.00

Walnut plaque Laser engraved of the cadet area. Can be purchased with or without a plate suitable for engraving. $ 110.00

n ar A) 3 a 5 "

Books and Videos

Into the Mouth of the Cat* The story of Lance Sijan, ’65

The Rescue of BAT 21 Autographed by Grad, author Darrel Whitcomb, '69

The Iskra Incident Autographed by Grad, author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Red Lightning, Black Thunder Autographed by Grad, author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Separated by War Autographed by Grad, author Ed Herlik, ’80

Modernism at Mid Century History of the architecture of USAFA

Courage and Air Warfare* Autographed by Grad, author Mark Wells, ’75

Courage and Air Warfare Autographed by Grad author Mark Wells, '75

The Secret Life of Waldo F. Dumbsquat* Autographed by Grad author Don Hall, ’76

A Certain Brotherhood* Autographed by Grad author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Honor Bound Autographed by one of the authors

Return With Honor (Video) Documentary of the experiences of POWs in Vietnam (DVD)

Spirit and Flight A photographic salute to the USAF Academy. Over 150 color photographs. Sponsored by the AOG. By Elizabeth Gill Lui (* Paperback)

Class Notebooks

Two-tone gray suede cover, junior legal size (6” x 9”), with class crest embossed on front and class color stripe; inside note pad and pen; available for the following classes only.

'66 Notebook

'91 Notebook

’92 Notebook

'93 Notebook ’94 Notebook ’95 Notebook

...Item #0340 $ 4.00

...Item #0341 $ 27.95

...Item #0342 $19.95

...Item #0344 $21.95

...Item #0345 $24.95

...Item #0347 $50.00

...Item #0348 $22.00

...Item #0349 $49.50

...Item #0350 $10.00

...Item #0352 $10.00

...Item #0354 $38.95

...Item #0510 $19.00

...Item #0515 $24.00

...Item #0351 $40.00

Item #5366 $10.00

AOG Accessories & Other Items

blue & white panels, AOG crest on white panels. DECALS

Class crests on a window decal (self-adhesive to inside of glass) for all years through ’03. Specify class year.

HONOR MEDALLION

A 2 1/2” diameter brass medallion with

Code on one side and Prop & Wings on the other.

BLAZER PATCHES

Pin-back patch embroidered with appropriate crest.

AFA

KEYCHAINS

Blue

SQUADRON PINS

Pins

specify squadron)

MAGNETS

AOG

Class Crested Merchandise

SWEATERS

Blue and white, 80% Orlon/20% wool crew neck. “Falcons” SM-XLG

NOTECARDS

Doolittle Hall Notecards (6” x 4.5”)

Set of 10 with envelopes

Falcon Notecards

Set of 10 with envelopes

Phoenix Notecards

Item #0150 $21.00

Item #0503 $ 5.00

Item #0506 $15.00

Set of 10 with envelopes Item #0506 $15.00

JEWELRY

Sterling Silver AOG Charm Item #0430 $24.00

Sterling Silver AOG Tie Tack Item #0431 $24.00

HATS

AFA hat w/class year. Navy blue w/embroidered AFA crest and class year. Please specify class year.

Adjustable leather strap for size

AOG hat. Navy blue with brown bill.

Adjustable strap for fit

Item #0310 $18.00

Item #0311 $16.00

The AOG has obtained excess merchandise from the Visitors Center that remained from recent graduating classes and reunions.

Items are in limited quantities, sizes and colors and availability varies from class to class and includes: sweatshirts, clipper jackets, T-shirts, buttons, etc.

This merchandise is only available for the following classes:

Partial listing of available class crested items can be found on AOG web page under “merchandise/special sale items.” You can also email Celeste at merchandise@aog-usafa.org or call (719) 472-0300, ext. 521.

John P. Jackson, ’74

John Paul Jackson (JJ, Jet), son of Lt. Col. (USAF, Ret) Kenneth L. and Mary W. Jackson, was bom April 19, 1952 in St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, Md. After a long, valiant bout with lung cancer, John passed away on Sept. 20, 2001. Shortly before his death, John was medically discharged from the Air Force in the grade of lieutenant colonel with 26 years of service. Wife, Simone, and three-year-old son Kevin, reside inAlbershausen, Germany (near Stuttgart).

Despite numerous moves as a military dependent, John was active in Cub Scouts, BoyScouts, Pop Warner football and Litde League Baseball. He attended DeLand High School, DeLand, Fla. for three years and graduated with the Class of 1970. During high school years he was active in many organizations. John was first chair clarinet and president of the high school band. He was also president of the Latin Club and the Junior Civitans. John received a Presidential appointment to the Air Force Academy and graduated with the Class of 1974

John P. Jackson

Although an honors student in high school, John soon experienced as a beginning cadet that accelerated math classes in primary, junior and senior high school did not provide requisite foundation for the demandingfirst-year math at the Academy. He was given the option ofdismissal from the Academy or immersing himself in nothing but math review classes during the “doolie” Christmas break. He chose the latter, survived, and never again evidenced academic shortcoming.

John was an all-around athletic type excelling in physical education and squadron-level sports. During the summer ofhis senioryear, John served as First Captain at JacksValleywhere the incoming Class of 1977 underwent indoctrination and initial training. Although his performance as acting first captain was commendable, he was dropped back to squadron commander level for the remainder of his first class year so as to assure continued academic proficiency. Notwithstanding, John graduated fifth in order of military merit.

Upon graduation, John married Paula Pencka and acquired instant three-year-old daughter Andrea. After completion of T-37 training at Moody AFB and T-38 training at Laughlin AFB, John remained at Laughlin AFB as a T-38 instructor for a two-tour five-year period.

During his second consecutive tour as a T-38 instructor, JJ was selected for a one-year TDY period with ASTRA (Air Staff Training Assignment) under the Air Force Military Personnel Center at Randolph AFB, Texas. During this period he was tasked with liaison duties between AFMPC and JCS offices in the Pentagon. Upon completion of the TDY tour, John spent three-year tours flying F-15s while assigned to the 33rd FighterWing at Eglin AFB, Fla. and the Tactical FighterWing at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.

While stationed in Alaska, John flew numerous missions from forward TDY outposts when “scrambled” to intercept Russian bombers approaching too close to Alaska shorelines. One summer while on TDY to Nellis AFB for gunnery school, JJ received the Top Gun Award. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, Va., completed the Greek language course at Monterey, Calif., and then spent a threeyear tour as USAF advisor to the Greek Air Force in Athens, Greece.

John was then assigned to Laughlin AFB programmed to become squadron commander of one of two T-38 training squadrons. After a year as Squadron Safety Officer and T-38 instructor, he assumed command ofthe T-38 squadron. Underhis command, the squadronreceived an overall rating of “outstanding,” a rating the squadron had failed to

but not forgotten

receive during several previous inspections. After nearly 20 years of marriage, Paula and John divorced and he was transferred to Germany.

From January 1994 to August 1996, John was at Vilseck, Germany as Operating Location and Detachment Commander for Air Support Operations. He met and married Simone Schnell. During a three-year tour at HQ EUCOM, John was diagnosed as being in an advanced stage of lung cancer. His last assignment was with HQ USEUCOM at Stuttgart/Vaihingen, Germany. During that assignment he spent in excess oftwo years fighting terminal cancer. Numerous flights to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. for radical, pioneering-type treatments were to no avail.

When no longer able to be transported by air to and from Walter Reed, John underwentfurther treatments and periods ofhospitalization in leading German medical clinics. Losing a valiant, prolonged fight, John was given a medical disability retirement and remained in Germany with Simone and Kevin. Simone tended John and stood faithfully by his side until his demise. Despite mental unawareness near the end, the mention of the name Kevin brought an acknowledging smile to his face.

John is buried in the Cadet Cemetery at the Air Force Academy in a plot where one may peacefully look up at the Chapel, mountains, and the blue sky that he once so much loved to fly. (Submitted byhis father andmother.)

James R. Paquette, ’74

Jim Paquette left our world for a better place in lateAugust. As his classmate and friend over the years, I would sum up Jim’s life in three words: faith, family and friends. Yes, he had many things he did well - hard worker on thejob, excellent gymnast as a cadet, great skier, unbelievable on the trampoline (many of us were surprised he didn’t kill himselfdoing double flips as a 45 year old!), white water rafter extraordinaire, and the list goes on. But the big three were what Jim was all about.

Absolute man of faith - that was Jim. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind who knew him that Jim is in heaven with the best of company. He not only talked the talk - but he walked the walk.

His beautiful wife, JoAnne, and his four wonderful children were the most important things on earth for Jim. He was proud of them all and couldn’t tell me enough about them every time we spoke.

Jim Paquette

Friends were very special to Jim. He was an exceptional mentor, role model and encourager to many young peopleyou should’ve heard their testimonials at his funeral. This man changed lives.

In the end, Jim Paquette embodied what our Academy is all aboutintegrity, selflessness and excellence. He took these core values and lived them out. Ifyou wish to honor Jim through a memorial donation to help our alma mater carry out its mission of supporting graduates, cadets, and the Academy, you may send a tax-deductible contribution in Jim’s name to the Association of Graduates. (Col. Mark Hyatt, ’74)

Carl R. Cook, ’78

“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth....” Carl R. Cook, Major, USAFR (Retired), slipped the surly bonds for the final time on March 3, 2002 after a courageous year-long battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He left his wife, Susan, and their son Daniel.

His parents, Vernon and Ernesta Cook, raised Carl in Westville, Ill. They survive. He was the oldest of three sons. Brian and Glen survive. He was an Eagle Scout and valedictorian of his high school class. Carl was appointed to the Air Force Academy and arrived during the summer of 1974. We met in 1975 during a leave home. We were married on Aug. 12, 1978.

Carl graduated from UPT Class 80-03 at Laughlin Air Force Base. He was ranked first in his class academically and was assigned to KC-135s on Okinawa. After three years at Kadena and a lot of flight time in the Pacific, he was then stationed at Grissom Air Force Base in Indiana. Our son Daniel was born there in 1985. Also that year, Carl separated from active duty, joined the Reserves and was hired by American Airlines.

In December 1998, Carl retired from the Air Force Reserves. He had served the last few years as the area liaison officer for the Academy, ROTC, and local high schools. Carl took this job very seriously and made sure he visited every single high school at least twice a year. His area covered several counties in east central Illinois. He once came home angry from a trip visiting high schools. He was really upset. The guidance counselor at one of the schools told Carl that Carl was wasting his time visiting that particularhigh school. The guidance counselor felt that there weren’t any students bright enough to be considered for the Academy. He wouldn’t be persuaded differently. Carl called the school board. He felt that the counselor was selling the students short. Every one of those kids deserved the chance to prove what they could do.

At the time of the onset of his illness, we had settled in Champaign, Ill. Carl was flying F-lOOs for American Airlines out of Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. He was also a substitute teacher at the High School of St. Thomas More and St. Matthew Elementary School here in Champaign. He really enjoyed teaching and genuinely liked the interaction with kids of all ages. Especially to our son, Carl was an excellent “teach byexample” person.

Carl had many interests and hobbies. From camping as a Boy Scout to his time as a ranger at Philmont, Carl loved the outdoors. He was an avid birdwatcher, hiker, and backpacker. He collected old radios and was working on his HAM radio license. He flew sailplanes locally and was an amateur astronomer. He traveled several times to Florida to watch shuttle launches. Being landlocked in central Illinois didn’t stop Carl either. He had a sailboat and did a bit of sailing in the summer. Carl loved scouting out new places to “put in.”

I don’t know if all pilots do this or if only Carl did. It didn’t matter where or when he was, if a plane flew over, Carl would stop whatever he was doing and check it out as if he had never seen a plane before.

Along with his hobbies and interests, Carl made food pickups from an area supermarket for a local soup kitchen. He was at the store at 7 a.m. each morning to gather the donated items and then drove across town to unload. If the soup kitchen staff was short-handed, Carl would stay and help serve lunch. He and our son Daniel were “on call” on Sundays. If there weren’t enough volunteers to serve lunch and clean up, they would do it.

In his eulogy, our good friend Bob Clifford described Carl as “a scholar, warrior, and consummate professional.” Daniel spoke of his father as “one of the strongest, bravest men I’ll ever know.” Carl was this and much, much more. He was my sweetheart, my husband, my best friend and I will miss him always. (Susan L. Cook)

Kenneth C. Schow,Jr., ’78

On July 28, 2002 Kenneth Carter “KC” Schow, Jr., our classmate and my brother-in-law was taken by the rare soft tissue cancer that he battled so bravely for more than four years. By his side were his loving wife, Mary (my sister), their children Trey and Kristin, and a handful of family and close friends. A funeral mass was held in Phoenix, Ariz. on August 1 st and as was his wish, K.C. was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on August 29th with full military honors.

While at the Academy, K.C. was a member of CS-25 and CS-24. He played football and wrestled his freshmen year, and then boxed (Wing Open), played rugby, and was a varsity cheerleader the following years. Anyone who knew K.C. knew what an honest, sincere and yet strongly competitive person he was. Following graduation, he attended pilot training at Reese AFB and upon earning his wings, was assigned to fighters.

Shortly after his graduation from UPT I introduced K.C. to Mary down in Phoenix while I was stationed at Williams AFB. The magic between them started immediately and never stopped. They were a “Team,” not just a couple, and touched the lives of thousands of people who were always better off for having met them.

K.C.’s Air Force career spanned more than 20 years flying A-lOs, F-5s and F-16s acquiring more than 4,000 hours in these high-performance fighters. He also served on staff tours and attended the Senior Staff Schools. He was a FighterWeapons School Top Gun, flew as a member of the Thunderbird Aerial Demonstration Team, saw combat action in the GulfWar, and was awarded two DistinguishedFlying Crosses among his many decorations.

Upon leaving the active military, K.C. was hired at Southwest Airlines and was flying B737s when first diagnosed with the cancer that ultimately took his life. As the son of a career fighter pilot, K.C. loved the military side offlying, yet was equally thrilled to fly for Southwest which he truly considered an extension of his family. When K.C. was unable to fly, Southwest used him for interviewing pilot applicants and for doing their background checks.

The courage K.C. showed throughout his ordeal with cancer was truly incredible. Never did he ask “Why Me?” Even more amazing to me was the calm acceptance of his fate when it was evident his physical body could no longer fight this killer. I was able to spend many hours with K.C. before his untimely passing. He asked me to tell everyone not to mourn his death but instead to revel in his life. I am reminded of that line from the movie “Brian’s Song” when they said “... and oh howhe did live!” Happy handings my friend, my brother. (TG “Zach” Czachor,78)

Ronald C. LaFon, ’79

Sometimes a person is not aware of the point when friends become like family. For myself it was officially on April 19, 1980; in actuality it was much sooner when Ron FaFon became my brother. It is with sad heart that I must now share with my USAFA communitythe unexpected

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site.

www.aog-usafa.org

Carl Cook

Ken “KC”Schow

passing of a remarkable man of God. Ron went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Aug. 21, 2002. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 22 years, Diane (my sister), and his two incredible children he loved and adored, Amanda Joy, 18, and Matthew Shane, 13.

Ron and I both entered the Air Force Academy at the same time - June 1975. He left his home in California where he graduated as salutatorian from Morro Bay High School. There were times that Ron struggled through the Zoo (who didn’t?) and yet his determination to reach his goal ofbecoming a pilot never lefthis sight. After graduating in 1979, and a short stint at Kirtland AFB, Ron entered pilot training in November 1979. He received his wings in October 1980 and directly proceeded to Instructor Pilot School where he was trained to teach others to fly his much-loved T-38. After four years of serving in this capacity, Ron proceeded on to Travis AFB where he flew the C-5 over the next four years. Ron then separated from the Air Force in 1987 to begin flying with American Airlines. Over the next 14plus years Ron flew the 727, DC-10, MD-80, 757, 767, and his last two years as Captain on the Fokker 100.

Ron was a generous, talented, and dedicated man of God who considered his life to be a servant and light to others. He was a passionate man who looked to the future with joyful expectation. He loved his wife, children, and family dearly, and he considered his friendships as a gift from God. Ron was friendly to everyone, no matter what walk oflife they were from. Over the last 10 years, Ron worked extremely hard to overcome things from his past, and in 1992 the focus of his life changed from himself to Jesus Christ. His greatest desire was to serve his Lord, his family, his friends, and even strangers. And more than anything, he wanted his children to be better; to grow up from a young age knowing their Lord and serving Him. For those ofyou who knowAmanda and Matthew, they truly are the fruit of his labors.

Ron also experienced great fulfillment in all of his endeavors helping his community and church. Over the last four years he began a new pastime, farming. Looking back on Ron’s short yet productive life, he planted seeds of a different type: loving his Lord and loving his neighbor as himself. He most definitely produced a crop, yielding a hundred times what was sown. Even at his death, his generosity did not end. Ron saved five lives on Aug. 22, 2002 through his organ donations, and hundreds of lives will be better because of his tissue donations. Ron will be sorely missed but never forgotten?

The Academy served as the bookends in Ron’s life. He started his adult years there and he closed them there as he was laid to rest in the USAFA cemetery on Aug. 26, 2002. Diane has asked that donations be made to the Association of Graduates in Ron’s name. After going through this sorrowful experience, she understands first-hand the importance of supporting the AOG. Their assistance, accompanied by their support and love, have made a difficult time so much easier. (LarrySandoval, 79)

Patrick E. Poppert, ’86

Patrick Eugene Poppert, 38, passed away on July 21, 2002, after a courageous battle with cancer. Patrick was born on Nov. 17, 1963 in Lincoin, Neb. to Richard and Marie Poppert. Although his father was military, he spent most of his life growing up in Tacoma, Wash.

A 1986 graduate of the Academy, he went on to achieve another bachelor’s degree in Accounting, with honors from Rollins College. He held two master’s degrees: one of Business Administration in Aviation Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; and a Master of

Science in Cost Analysis, Air Force Institute ofTechnology. Pat’s greatest academic achievement came in October 2001, when he was awarded his Ph.D in Economics from the University ofTennessee. His professionaldesignations included: Certified PublicAccountant (CPA), Certified in Financial Management (CFM), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Acquisition Professional, Financial Management and Comptroller (Level III). His thirst for knowledge was without bounds.

Pat believed his finest accomplishment occurred on Nov. 17, 1990 when he married Teresa Maples from Knoxville, Tenn. Their shared blessings and pride are Richard (8) and Rachel (6) and step-daughter Mrs. Joy Bartel. He enjoyed taking pictures and was rated as a professional photographer.

His favorite vacation spot was Disney World where he could be a kid again through his children’s eyes. He was a devoted husband and father with a love unending for his family. Through this devotion he taught his family the true meaning of the word “dedication.”

Dr. Poppert’s military career spanned his entire adult life. His first assignment in 1987 was with the Audit Team at Patrick AFB and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. He was selected to attend CostAnalysis Graduate School, Air Force Institute ofTechnology, Wright-Patterson AFB, from 1991-1992. After graduation he was assigned as the Cost Analysis Work Center Chief, Defense Plant Representative Office Boeing, Seattle, Wash. He served from 1995-1997 as the Lead Budget Analyst, Command Flying Operations, Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), Hurlburt Field, Fla. He was selected in 1997 to attend Economics Graduate School, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn. His final posting was at the DoD Professional Military Comptroller School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. He had finally found his call in life, which was to help others obtain a higher level of knowledge that would serve them as well as it had served him.

Everyone that came in contact with Pat was touched by his demonstration of kindness showing understanding and sympathy in all situations. He leaves a legacy of excellence as a Professor in Economics, and will be missed by everyone, especially his family, Teresa, Richie and Rachel. He will be forever loved. (In memoryofmyhusband. Teresa Poppert)

Gregory W. Fritz, ’91

Major Gregory W. Fritz left a lasting affect on everyone who knew him well. He personified the Air Force Core Values of Integrity, Service Before Self, and Excellence. He lived those core values, not because of the Air Force Academy or Professional Military Education indoctrination, but because of his basic goodness that his parents largely instilled and was largely part of his very existence. Those who knew him can only hope to emulate his qualities.

Greg was born in Irving, TX on July 2, 1968. He was killed when his MC- 130H Combat Talon II crashed in the mountains just south of San Juan, Puerto Rico while flying a training mission on Aug. 7, 2002. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Sept. 4, 2002. Greg attended Irving public schools until moving to Durant, Okla. for his sophomore year of high school. While in Durant, he was an extremely accomplished student athlete lettering in basketball, baseball, golf, and football. He was a member of the Oklahoma 3-A State Football Champions his sophomore year. His high school accomplishments on and off the athletic fields

Ron LaFon

earned him entrance to the Air Force Academy Preparatory School in 1986 and a subsequent appointment to the Academy. In 1991 hegraduated with a BS in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he departed USAFA for Undergraduate Navigator Training at Mather AFB in Sacramento, Calif. While at Mather, Greg not only learned his trade well, but also met the love of his life, Veronica. Greg left Mather for B-52 training at Castle AFB in 1992 but returned to Sacramento to marryVeronica on a gorgeous Memorial Day Weekend in 1993.

Greg then whisked his new bride away to Fairchild AFB in Spokane, Wash, for his first operational assignment as a navigator on B-52s. As the Air Force downsized the B52 force, Gregchanged airframes to the C-130. His first C-130 assignment was at Little Rock AFB, Ark.

During his time at Little Rock AFB, Greg learned a new platform, became chief of the 61st Airlift Squadron’s Tactics Shop, upgraded to instructor and evaluator navigator on C-130s, completed a master’s degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, deployed all over the world, but most importantly watched Veronica give birth to their first child, Connor.

By the end of his third year at Little Rock, the wing recognized his outstanding abilities and selected him for Air Mobility Command’s prestigious PHOENIX HAWK internship program at HQ AMC, Scott AFB, Ill. The PHOENIX HAWK program takes hand-selected senior captains with high leadership potential and teaches them the “ins and outs” of HQ AMC and the Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC). While working in the TACC he planned hundreds of worldwide mobility missions for both contingency and daily operations. His second year in the PHOENIX HAWK program was spent on the AMC/XP staff doing programming for the C-130Xand C-130J programs. (The C-130X/J programs plan to eliminate the navigatorposition on future slick C- 130s.) His time working these programs helped him decide his next career step: to special operations and the MC- 130H Combat Talon II. Before departing Scott, Veronica and Greg were blessed with their second child: a beautiful baby girl named Lauren.

He left Scott AFB in 1999 to attend the MC-130H FTU at Kirkland AFB, N.M. Upon graduation in 2000 he joined the 15th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Greg made an immediate impact in the squadron and became chief of Standardization and Evaluation in an unusually short time after becoming fully qualified in the platform. He took part in numerous operational missions while at the 15th SOS including dozens of missions in extremely hazardous conditions in Afghanistan during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

Greg was an American Hero in countless ways. The way he will be most remembered by those who knewhim was the vigilance with which he attacked any task to which he had set his mind: from cleaning up around the house, being an Air Force officer and aviator, or mostly to being the best husband and father he could possibly be. He will be sorely missed by his friends, his family, and by a grateful nation.

Greg is survived by his wife,Veronica, and children Connor and Lauren. Greg is also survived by his mother and father, Vivian and James Fritz of Scroggins, Texas; a brother Jeffrey Fritz of Longview, Texas; and a sister Dawn Champion in Allen, Texas, along with, six nieces and nephews.

“We can saygoodbye with hope because we know our goodbye is not the end. We can grieve with hope because we believe with hope there’s a place by God's grace that we will see your face again. Words by Steven Curtis Chapman, “Speechless.” (Gregory Scrivner, ’91)

George W. Hernandez VO

On June 22,2002,1 st Lt. GeorgeWarren Hernandez died in an automobile accident in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico. He was to graduate from pilottraining at Laughlin AFB, Texas on June 28. In a private ceremony before funeral services in Carlsbad, N.M. on June 27, Lt. Col. Robert Rosedale awarded George the aeronautical rating ofpilot. Also, his name is forever emblazoned on a T-1 which was part ofthe fly-by during military graveside services. Family and friends attended memorial services at Laughlin AFB and the Air Force Academy. George is survived by his mother, Jody Gregston ofColorado Springs, Colo.; his father, Antonio Hernandez of Carlsbad, N. M.; sister Dawn Gregston of Colorado Springs; brother Tony Hernandez and wife, Frances, ofCarlsbad; grandfather, Ed Warren of McAlester, Okla.; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Born February 17,1977 in Roswell, New Mexico, George was raised in Carlsbad and graduated with honors from Carlsbad Senior High School in 1995. He was active in soccer, Key Club, New Mexico Boys State, Mesa Club, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society. George graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2000 with a degree in Latin American studies.

“Jorge” was born smiling; his parents are witnesses to that. His smile captivated family and friends and mesmerized women. It was quite famous and is missed very much, although, his hugs were also quite extraordinary. “I miss my brother’s hugs so much. He had this way ofhugging you with all that was in him and it made you feel like everything was going to be OK,” his sister, Dawn Gregston, says.

George was a gentleman that effortlessly gained the attention in a room. He captured the hearts of many. Men. Women. Young and old alike. Perhaps it was his ability to encompass everything he touched with enormous depth. While growing up in Carlsbad, George was a studious young man. Graduating with honors did not come easy. His mother quit asking what time he went to bed when his answer was, “You don’t want to know.” He inherited the drive to succeed from his father and accomplished the goals he set for himself. He excelled as a scholar and an athlete. Coaches still rememberwatchingGeorge dribble a soccer ball across a field gracefully.

A first generation Mexican American, George was the first in his family to make the military his career. Dawn remembers the day he was dropped off at the prep school. “I was so worried that the Air Force would break George’s sprit. But any of you who knew him knew that I had nothing to be worried about. He always kept his quickwit and ready grin even when others thought he had to be crazy to be making a joke.” George’s flight commander, Lt. Col. Rosedale, acknowledged his great sense of humor. “It was a dry sense of humor, and sometimes it was sarcastic, but he always made you feel good... even when he was making fun ofyou.” Friends came easy due to his outgoing, fun and loving nature. Perhaps this was due to all the reggae music he immersed himself in. Bob Marley was his everlasting companion, attested to by the Marley tattoo on his upper left arm. He loved Marley’s music and one could hear it constantly blaring if George was around.

George was an individual of great faith and believed in the accomplishment of dreams. The skies became his haven and the earth his play-

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site.

www.aog-usafa.org

GeorgeHernandez

ground. From his mother he inherited a love of travel. He traveled the world. Twenty-two countries to be exact. After graduating from the Air Force Academy, and prior to pilot training, George spent a year at Ramstein AFB, Germany as part of the 76th Airlift Squadron. “He was a fine officer. He was key in moving our country’s most senior military and civilian leaders throughoutEurope, Africa and the Middle East. There was a huge vacuum when George left to go to pilot training,” Major Robert C. Reed commented. His travels made him eccentric and conversations with him might be had over a cup of freshly brewed “mate” (tea), an acquired taste he picked up in Argentina. The discussion might have then turned to pieces of decor he had obtained in Germany, Jamaica or Morocco. Everywhere he traveled, he carried his traditional values and morals. It is with no surprise then that his list of friends traverses across the globe. George’s heart knew not color, race, class or religion in people he met. Boundaries and borders were nonexistent.

Lt. Col. Rosedale declared that the breeze stopped on June 22,2002 for the young men and women ofclass 02-11. “During that moment we were reminded once again, just how precious beautiful flying days are and how few of them there really are in our lives.” His legacy is a passionate one. He taught the art of loving unconditionally, the importance of devotion to one’s family and most importantly the courage to take hold of wishful endeavors, which seem impossible, and make them a reality. He was born with a flare for life and a joy of everything in it. Everyone that was blessed to cross George’s path was completely changed for having him in their life and now changed for having lost him. A family friend believes those that knew him should “speak of him often because he is worth telling others about.” “He was so good and kind and oh so loved. He came into this world a very happybaby and left it a very happyyoung man,” his mother declares. (Hilda Ochoa, a friend)

Nathan T. Hewitt, ’03 Dies of Injuries in Auto Accident

Nathan T. Hewitt, Class of 2003, died on June 17, 2002 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo, of injuries sustained in an auto accident on June 16 near Rangeley, Colo. His family sent in the following poem in lieu of an obituary.

Tribute to Nathan Hewitt

December 21, 1981 - June 17, 2002

Nathan Hewitt began, as most boys do With hopes and dreams and some challenges, too. He lit up our lives and hearts as he grew And showed byhis character whathe knew.

Nathan continued to be such a joy As he developedinto a great boy.

At press time we had learned ofthe deaths ofthe followinggraduates and cadets:

Lt. Col. (Ret) Gerald F. Elsbernd, Class of 1959, who died on Aug. 29, 2002 of a heart attack at Inside Passage, Alaska.

Mr. George H. Hines, Class of 1960, who died on June 23,2002 of cancer in Auckland, New Zealand.

Maj. Gen. (Ret) Thomas A. LaPlante, Class of 1961, who died on July 30, 2002 of cancer in San Antonio, Texas

Mr. Gene C. Pacina, Class of 1962, who died on May 5, 2001 of a heart attack in Bakersfield, Calif.

Brig. Gen. (Ret) Ralph H. Graham, Class of 1964, who died on Oct. 13, 2002 of a heart attack in Tucson, Ariz.

Mr. Henry A. Bondaruk, Class of 1965, who died on Aug. 30,2002 of brain cancer in Northville, Mich.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Walter T. Howland, Class of 1969, who died on July 15, 2001 in Niceville, Fla.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Kenneth A. Hassen, Class of 1970, who died on Sept. 23, 2002 of cancer in Valencia, Calif.

Mr. David C. Naber, Class of 1976, who died on July 24, 2002 in an experimental aircraft crash in Destin, Fla.

Mr. Rodney P. Williams, Jr., Class of 1981 who died on Oct. 18 in Texas.

Capt. Brent A. Kelly, Class of 1996, who died on Oct. 25 in South Miami Beach, Fla.

Capt. Christel A. Chavez, Class of 1998, who died on Aug. 8,2002 in the crash of an MC-130H in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Capt. Benton C. Zettle, Class of 1998, who died on Sept. 9, 2002 in the crash of an F-16 near Cannon AFB, N.M.

1st Lt. Jorma D. Huhtala, Class of 1999, who died on Oct. 26,2002 in the crash of an F-16 25 miles southeast ofWendover, Utah. Our sincere condolences to the familyand friends ofthese graduates.

Nathan would learn from a book or a toy

And remained humble without being a coy.

Nathan then grewinto a fine young man. Hisparents became his number one fan.

He gave both his siblings a helping hand And showed them the way a good man should stand.

TheAir ForceAcademy was his goal.

He knew what great character it would mold. He thought that from there his future would hold Service for country until he grew old.

But God had other Plans for HIS dear one.

HIS perfect will was to call Nathan home. HIS eternalpurpose had to be done.

Nathan'sjoynow is beyond what we’ve known.

Though God's purpose is so hard to explain

The blessinghe was on this earth isplain.

And though it seems such unbearable pain

Your loss ofNathan is HIS awesome gain.

Nowall we can do is to listen and pray And hope it’s easier to bear each day. We pray, too, that God will showyou the way To be reconciled... It’s all we can say.

We loveyou so much - we hope that is clear-

You know we will always be standing near. Just cherish the memories thatyou hold dear

And Nathan will live in everyheart here.

With heartfelt love and deepest sympathy, Peggy Smith

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

H: (719) 531-5874 FAX: (719) 531-6697

E-mail: petetodd@aol.com

Thank heavens for summertime! Between vacations and local gettogethers (and reports thereof), there’s some actual Class news to report.

The summer was busy for Walter SCHMIDT and family. His summary: “We’ve spent nine weeks traveling away from home (Fani, Fanita (11), Sofia (10), and myself). I’ve driven over 8,000 miles, 5,000 of these in Europe where we used our Madrid apartment as a base. We visited friends on the way to New York, from which we flew to Madrid. Saw the usual in NYC: St John's the Divine, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Bldg, etc. ‘Did’ Madrid completely, Prado, Palace etc.

“Over the course ofthe next seven weeks in Europe we visited: Salamanca (stayed with friends), Granada (the Alhambra), Seville (world’s third largest cathedral), Gibraltar, Cordoba (the Mezquita), Toledo, Segovia (aqueduct), El Escorial (Phillip II summer hangout), and theValle de LosCaidos, Barcelona, Monaco and the Riviera, Pisa, Rome and the Vatican, Naples and Pompeii, Florence, Venice (and RON at Aviano), a couple days in Chiemsee, Munich, Black Forest and Strasburg, Paris (stayed at Cercle de Armees National and heard the shot fired at Jacque Chirac on Bastille Day), Bordeaux, the Altamira Caves in Spain (18,000-year-old cave paintings), Burgos and a few other places. We capped it off with a few days at DisneyWorld in Orlando and a visit to Cape Canaveral. A long, very educational summer. I’m tired.’’ (Ed: You think!)

HT JOHNSON reports that the JEFFERSONs are on the move again. Wayne and Bonnie visited them in July and they all went to Dick GOETZE’s annual Fourth of July Party. They had dinner with the SEEs (including daughter Denise), MORGANS and Jeffersons on the third.

HT also wrote in September about a delightful weekend spent with Jimmie and Judy JAY in their home at Whitfield Landing in Mathews, VA. “Jimmie sang as part of the 350th Birthday celebration of the Kingston

Parish in Mathews. The community has attracted phenomenal retired talent. The group sang Franz Schubert’s ‘Mass in G’ under the direction of a retired assistant director of the Robert Shaw Chorale. Jimmie’s voice is still strong and brings us all utmost pride.

“Jimmie and Judy are quite active in the Mathews community. Judy is deeply involved in ‘historic’ organizations, in community service, as a ‘Master Gardener,’ and in pampering Jimmie. He has an impressive library, study and workshop, and is quite active in local groups including being president of the ‘Poets group.’ It was a privilege to be able to spend some time with them.”

My ever-faithful correspondent, Bill TELFORD, reports on the ongoing summer camaraderie of the ACC (Atlantic Coast Classmates): “The HAMERs threw a great pool party/wives’ birthday celebration/golf event at their place on 8 August. As you can see from the group picture, it was well attended. Paul and Barbara LASEN flew in from Memphis in their Bonanza for the occasion.

“The wives had their quarterly birthday luncheon for those ladies who celebrated a birthday during that period. The men held the periodic ‘59er Hackers’ tournament, won this year by Jim BURTON. A great couple of days despite the fact that that the topic of conversation now centers on health problems rather than flying.”

Earlier in the spring, a group of‘59ers gathered to lend credence to the Jeffersons’ claim to be building a home while shamelessly bunking in with other ‘59ers. The usual suspects posed outside this alleged structure. I’ll believe it when I see the punch list.

Good News Department:

1. Jerry GARBER reports that son Dan (’92) has been selected for major. Dan is serving as AOC of CS-02, commanded the Aggressor Squadron during first BCT and is OIC ofthe Assault Course (again) for second BCT. Jerry also believes that he and Dan are the only father-son graduate duo to have served as AOCs. Any challengers?

2. The next picture documents the attendance of several ofyour classmates at the annual USAFA Founders’ Day Banquet. It gets better every year.

3. Skip Smothermon passed along the great news that, on 16 August, Mary Catherine Smothermon was notified she had passed the Bar by the Oklahoma Bar Association. She may be older than some, but USAFA ‘59 graduate #157 was extremely proud and happy to share the news. (It’s reassuring to know there’s at least one honest lawyer out there!)

Pete

The Revelers ofHaymarket. From left are Bill andAnne Telford, Jim and Molly Connally, Steve and Patty Hamer, Kent Montavon, Fredda SparksMontavon, Fred Wynn, Jimmie and JudyJay, Mike Reardon, Jim Burton, Joe and Karen Morgan, Lina Burton, Marian Reardon, Barbara and Paul Lasen, andLinda andHTJohnson. Kneelingin front are Brenda Wynn and theirgrandson.

The Morgans, Wynns, Hamers, Montavons, and Telfords providing top coverfor theJeffersons.

4. Dusty TRAIL is a published columnist. He told me, “I write a regular column for a local weekly paper and it shows up on the web at: http:// www.swnebr.net. When you get the home page, click on columnists and you’ll see my byline. Nothing too earth-shattering but I have fun doing it.

He also reflected on the loss ofJerry Elsbernd. “I was saddened to hear about Jerry Elsbernd. I never saw much of him after we graduated, but he was one ofmy favorite cadets. We wrestled together and I well rememher him walking around with his knuckles dragging the mat like a great ape. Jerry had been an airman prior to coming to the Academy. I rememher him talking about guarding airplanes on SAC alert in a blizzard at Harmon AB, Newfoundland. He said that experience was what gave him the incentive to apply for the Academy. He was an all around good guy."

In light of the Academy’s approaching 50th anniversary, the heritage guys are seeking information about squadron patches and have asked me to inquire if any of you know anything about the creation, history, and significance ofany squadron patches. (Did we havesquadronpatches back in the Jurassic Era?) If so, please send the information to Duane Reed at Duane.Reed@usafa.af.mil. Mr. Reed is the Head of Special Collections at the Cadet Library.

Wendy and I are both well and, as the holiday season approaches, we thank you most heartily for your concern and support during our recent encounters with getting old. Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year to you and yours.

Thought for the Quarter: Courage is being the only one around who knows you’re afraid,

A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

11181 West 17th Ave. (208)

Lakewood, CO 80215-2759

H: (303) 238-4973 e-Fax: (509) 463-4700

E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com

Class Web Site: www.usafa.net/1960

In a previous life on some parallel universe, they rescued fair damsels in distress and slew smoke-spewing dragons or crossed the seas to fight the Crusades and grasp the Holy Grail. Lifetimes later in their present existence, they’rehelping others byvalet parking the needy. ServiceAbove Seif—Parte Tres.

Conquering creatures somewhat smaller than dragons, Stephen Ray HOLT has made weekly crusades to the Smithsonian Museum of History since 1999 to identify, catalog, data base and label their collection of notgeld (German for “emergencymoney”) currency used in 1914-23 Germany, Hard Times tokens, and U.S. script used during the Depression. (Steve’s identified 5,000 different notes and has 20,000 more to go.) Steve’s wife, Mary Ann, contributes her craftworks she teaches tole paintings (lacquered enamel metal ware on trays, plaques, tables) to the Carolina County Library in Bowling Green, VA, usually for fund-raising auctions, and is a member of Friends of the Library.

Let’s Roll!Leanna and KerryDouglas MILLER moved to their Hyndman, PA birthplace in 1993, where Doug was elected to the BedfordArea School Board in 1995. Thwarting evil-doers bystirring debate on patriotic themes Step Forward For America (full text: leedougmill@hereintown.net), Doug was commencement speaker at his alma mater’s graduations in 1995 and 2002, spoke to grade school assemblies in 1995 and 1998, and was the speaker at the 1996 and 2001 Memorial Day ceremonies. “Flooded out” of their PA home in 1996, they moved to West Virginia, where Doug joined Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter #172 (best WA Chapter of the nation in 1999). In the spring of 1999 he spoke to the senior class and

four history classes on the same day at Fort Hill HS. In November 1999 he was speaker for their Veteran’s Day Service. Doug is still active in community events in Hyndman, a VP. in the Lions Club, and gave theVeteran’s Appreciation Day address in November of 2000. Doug’s been president of his high school class since 1997, is active on the Homecoming Committee, and president of the Hillcrest Homeowner’s Association at his home in West Virginia.

Jim’s an Elder in the church and chairman of the Building and Equipment Committee, while he and wife, Jean, serve communion to elderly people who can’t go to church. Jim’s also a docent ofthe Amon Carter Museum (American Art, Amon Carter’s collection of Russell and Remington Art), and spends many hours every week giving tours to school children, various civic organizations and tourists.

“We attend Grace Episcopal Church, the old Gothic stone church a little north of downtown Colorado Springs,” writes Mary Lou PORTER. “Fred Howard and I are both Chalice Bearers Lay Eucharistic Ministers assisting the priests serving communion. We’re also in the Acacia Meals Program (founded by BGen Fagan in 1976), serving meals to the elderly. Fred organized and ran the 2001 Episcopal Men’s Conference for the Diocese of Colorado, and I am in my fifth year on the Committee for Cystic Fibrosis Rubber Ducky Race and Sponsor Party.”

George Emerson ELSEA belongs to the Kiwanis Club in Plano, TX. But that’s not his most excitingvolunteer activity. “I use my tireless Tiger Moth (R: that’s George’s 1941 DeHavilland DH-82A) to give motivational rides to young people as a volunteer in the Young Eagles Program (developed by the EAA Aviation Foundation, Chuck Yeager, Chairman). I’ve flown dozens of boys and girls from scout troops, friends, and neighborhoods. Those flights have gone very well, except for one young lad who I suspect was there under the influence of peer pressure. He seemed a little nervous. I later learned that he had eaten an entire box of Oreo cookies before the flight, which he distributed all over the side before landing.”

Charles Franklin LIGGETT’s on the board of directors serving as secretary for the non-profit (501 C-3) Cupertino (CA) Library Foundation, raising money for a new $22M library; and, a member of Friends of the Cupertino Library helping with three book sales a year that provide $30K annually for library materials and programs; Charlie is also president of the Cupertino Historical Society, where he and wife, Kathy, prepare a fundraising gourmet BBQ each year for 90-120 people. Also, Kathy is on the board for “San Jose Christmas in the Park,” San Jose Kiwanis helping with the food booth and Christmas tree sales fund-raising, and is on the Charity Committee of the Silicon Valley Capital Club, where she plans their annual fund-raisers (trauma kits for the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department, and a local mental health organization in 2001).

From left are Robin and Dave Anderson, Bob and Roxann Browning, Wendy and Pete Todd, Jim and Rose Brown, Ed Montgomery, Max Miller and Trix Scott, and Brad Hosmer (visitingfrom NewMexico).

MajorMiller's Memorial Day2001 address in Hyndman, PA. James Walter CLARK Jr’s volunteer work in Ft. Worth revolves around the Ridglea Presbyterian Church and the Amon Carter Museum.

Fred and Mary Lou Porter with BGen Fagan andAcacia Meals staff.

After having three sons, William Harold and Ellen LENINGER adopted two girls in Colorado Springs years ago, and then helped both locate their birth mothers. Bill and Ellen now operate a website no fees, no donations accepted devoted to helping adoptees make contact with their biological parents (www.rema2@nmia.com). She maintains a Mutual Consent Registry for those who were born and/or adopted in Colorado (also for the parents who gave birth or relinquished), and has over 4,100 registered, with an average of two matches per month. In addition to knowing their biological parents, one major benefit is discovering the medical history of their fathers/mothers, such as one who learned of diabetes in the family, and another with a predisposition towards alcoholism.

“My last pastorate was in Miami, where I helped my wife, Mary, care for my mother in a care facility four years. I then became acutely aware ofthe loneliness ofthe elderly. After retiring from the ministry, I decided to spend some time encouraging those in nursing homes,” writes Walter Campbell SWEENEY. “In 1998 I bought a keyboard and became a one-man band. I play a lot of ‘oldies,’ plus religious songs, and spend a couple of days each week playing at several facilities. Some patients have Alzheimer’s, others are paraplegics, most elderly and infirm, and all are extremely responsive. I also teach classes in a church-related ministry, often developing my own lessons the latest compared Islam and Christianity; and I still preach occasionally and do hospital and nursing home visitations. With 20 years ministryexperience, I also mentoryounger pastors. Maryholds two weekly Bible Studies teaching biblical principles to 20 ladies at work and at church. In the September 11 th aftermath, she led a well-attended prayer meeting in her company; recently; I ended up visiting and praying with her company’s CFO who had quadruple bypass surgery. Mary also has a jail ministry, and I help her. I volunteer over 100 hours a month.”

Like some patriotic pinata scattering good around the Colonies, this elite cadre represents the Gold Standard of volunteerism writing an Owner’s Manual on service. With moral clarity and uncommon zeal. And consider that no one on their deathbed ever said: “I wish I hadn’t volunteered so much time helping others!”

Sad Note: George Hamilton HINES died of cancer on 23 June 2002 in Auckland, New Zealand. 1199

Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear

50582 Stonington Drive Granger, IN 46530-8243

H: (574) 273-2597

E-mail: ENOandTJO@ameriteh.net

Class Web Site: http://www.usafa61.org/

As those of you on the Internet already know, we lost another classmate in July. Tom LAPLANTE departed our ranks in San Antonio, TX. Tom had a distinguished Air Force career, as well as productive post-retirement employment. We will miss him.

Mark and Ginger ANDERSON continue to enjoy the Texas hill country. The ULMs are also there, for at least part of the year (when not in Gunnison), so they’ve almost got a foursome in Fair Oaks Ranch (Andersons, SMITHS, Ulms) with FREEMANs, WILDs, and GOODLEYs nearby in the San Antonio area. Sadly, they lost Tom LAPLANTE in July. Mark is still trying to “steer the boat” as Board Chair of the AOG. He turns over the helm next July. Mark thinks the AOG is really coming of age and doing great things. He credits mostlyJim Shaw and the AOG staff a talented and dedicated group. Mark still flies some, but now in a Cessna 210. It’s still fun and sure beats driving a car across Texas!

Jack BRIGHT saw and visited with Phil WOODS over the Labor Day weekend in Dallas, and they had a fantastic time. Jack also said that he hopes to get with other classmates soon although it sounds as if he’s still rather busy.

Waldorf College selected C. G. CARSON to receive their Alumni Distinguished Service Award at their awards banquet in Forest City, IA, on October 13th Congratulations, C.G. Well deserved! He and Janell are still thriving in Iowa.

Jim CASSIDYis enjoyinglife, particularly his five grandchildren (all boys, so far), who wear Jim out when they’re around not often enough for Jim. Gordon CLARKE this summer had cataract surgery on his right eye and moved into a new job. He and Peggy had a delightful trip to Crested Butte, CO, for a niece’s wedding. Spectacular scenery in a bit of Colorado that they had not seen before.

Corky COCHRANE said that Gene and Annette HOPP hosted a mini-reunion oflocal GrayTags at their beautiful Bellevue,WA, home. Joining Gene and Annette were Art and Holly KERR, Oleg and BetsyKOMARNITSKY, Jack and LindaTAYLOR, and Corky and Pat. Besides a fine view of a Blue Angels performance, they enjoyed a mouth-watering salmon barbecue complete with accompanying side dishes, desserts, and various libations. Gene put their trained rescue dog, Bogie, through a flawless routine over a challenging obstacle/confidence course reminiscent of our fun summer training days at Lowry AFB. They are on call with King County Search and Rescue as part of their Search Dog Unit. Of 13 teams that started the process, only three made the grade! Annette has made Gene promise not to “chew out” anyone for getting lost after they find them.

Paul DEAN said that several from ‘61 were to attend the Moody AFB Class 63B pilot training class reunion, October 24th-27th in Phoenix. He hoped to see Tom WILLIAMS, Dick FAIRLAMB, Jim HOURIN, Chuck CROLL, and all the others who may attend. Paul’s flying career ended in 1998, with 20,000+ hours. These days, he is much too busy to work

Bill and Theda FOSTER attended their oldest son’s wedding in Montreal and helped their youngest son and his wife get a house ready for them near the college he will be attending. Their other son, Chris (USAFA ’89), moved to Montgomery for Air Command and Staff College and is awaiting the birth of his second child, a daughter. (And Bill thought F15C pilots had only sons!)

Jerry GILL retired from Hewlett Packard in August. He and Dorothy celebrated with a two-week vacation/cruise to Alaska with Jimmy and Susan POOLE. They looked forward to the Redneck Riviera Reunion in October!

Bill GRIFFIS recentlyjoined the corporate acquisitions team ofMidCoast Investments, Inc. based in Lake Worth, FL. Bill is on the lookout for C corporations that have recently sold assets and have a substantial tax liability as a result of the sale.

Bruce HINDS said that for Pat’s graduation trip she retired from her Professor of Art position at AntelopeValley College they spent most of the summer taking trains and buses, as well as driving and cruising through France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. They will split their time between their Evergreen, CO house and their Santa Barbara, CA condo when they aren’t hazing their kids and grandkids. Bruce is also trying to cut back on his consulting work.

Jim HINKLE said that there’s always a tailgate before each football game at Jim WILHELM’s bus, held in conjunction with '59, ’60 and '62 tailgates. Lots of fun. The tailgate is before each game and they’re always looking for classmates who are visiting.

Lowell JONES said that they had another great luncheon in Virginia in July. Pat BUCKLEY, Charley DIXON, Bill FOSTER, Lowell JONES, John KOHOUT, Jim ROGERS, Bill SANZENBACHER, and Karl WHITAKER attended. Bill STACKHOUSE was “stuck in the mud” at their new home construction site. Steve HO was sick with a bacterial infection. He also underwent an angioplasty a few months ago and had a stent inserted. Mike RAWLINS was flying and could not make it. John SULLIVAN was on trip to USAFA, and the consensus was that he’s there for remedial training. You can tell us what you were really doing if you want to, John. Pat still spends a lot of time working (and traveling) in Albania. Karl had just fully recovered from a tough back operation and looked great, having lost 20+ pounds. Bill Sanzenbacher still plays Civil War guide in Fredericksburg and is learning to play golf. Charley has a new flying machine a water plane?

Wayne JONES said he and Mary and Dean and Jo flew to Cabo San Lucas to join Dean’s and Wayne’s twin nieces at their timeshare on the beach at “lands end”. It has a beautiful year-around climate and much to do: side trips to the countryside, shopping, water sports, hiking, great golfing by the ocean, superb dining or not do: lie around the pool/beach. Several big hotel chains are building mega-resorts along the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, so it will probably become another Cancun soon.

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND 41

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

Walt ticklin’ the ivories so fastit’s a wonderhis fingers don’t fly off!

Bob KELLOCK began the Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft program’s Component Advanced Development effort on September 10th The Navy will follow up with a Phase II next year, during which they will request proposals to select the System Prime Integrator. After his 45th high school reunion in Watertown, NY, and a glorious day sail from Sackets Harbor on Lake Ontario, Bob found it difficult to get back to work.

Phil LANE reports that Stu and Mamie BOYD, Lee and Dorene BUTLER, Phil and Nancy LANE, and By THEURER and his fiancee, Patricia Pilcher, attended the 40-year reunion of Pilot Training Class 63-B (Williams Air Force Base), September 10-13 in Las Vegas. They were joined by many other members of the class and instructor pilots. Reunion highlights were a tour and briefing of the Red Flag program at Nellis AFB and Lee’s impromptu presentation of his thoughts on the Iraqi situation. By and Patricia planned to marry in October.

Jerry and Sue LEFTON had a fabulous trip to China the first two weeks in June: three days in Shanghai; a five-daytrip up theYangtze River; Xi’an where they saw the amazing terra-cotta soldiers and horses; and three days in Beijing seeing TianAnMen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Ming Tombs, and The Great Wall. The cruise through the Three Gorges was beautiful, and a highlight was the visit to the Three Gorges Dam construction site, which will be the world’s largest hydroelectric plant. At home, they still travel a lot. In between all of the travel Jerry plays golf three or four times a week, and Sue plays lots of bridge.

Charlie and Lynda NEEL said that Charlie is enjoying his retirement... they aren’t ever at home! Their trip to Scotland in August was fabulous, exceeding their greatest expectations. They could get used to living in a casde.

Mike and Ginny RAWLINS spent a week each in Spain (Costa del Sol) and then in France (French Riviera) for a second honeymoon. Mike is still flying a lot and enjoying it. He flew Oliver North around the country in August for speeches and in September flew Sean Hannity around for a new book signing and speeches. Jim ROGERS and Linda Cain were in Williamsburg in August, so they had drinks and dinner together minus Mike.

Charlie STEBBINS retired the end of May and moved back to his and Sarah’s hometown of Charleston, WV. Sarah promptly contracted viral encephalitis and viral meningitis in late July probably from a mosquito bite and has had a tough time recovering. They had to drop out of a long-planned trip to Scotland with Dean and Jo JONES, Jim and NancyWILHELM, and Charlie and Linda NEEL, and probably the Poole/ Redneck Reunion. Where’s the Orkin man when you need him?

Neal and Gwen WESTBROOK went on a church mission trip to Alsace, France to work on a Methodist Conference Center. The EU’s new rules relating to fire safety, handicap access, etc. require extensive renovation to many public accommodation facilities. This was their second year to go, so they renewed many friendships. They remained an extra week to tour Normandy and visit friends in England. That paratrooper is still hanging from the steeple in St Mere Eglise, and the cliffs are as formidable as ever. Neal thought he saw a little cross made of stones on the beach, but he’s not positive. A wonderful experience they hope to repeat next year.

Thanks to all for your inputs. I recently changed my e-mail address. If you hadn’t noticed, it is at the top of this column, along with other pertinent contact information.

Finally, some classmates have been dismayed to be surprised by the passing of a classmate or his spouse, particularly when the death was preceded by a long illness. The thinking is that we should help take care of our own as best we can. A necessary part is to be aware of illnesses that seem life-threatening. We are beginning to look at some options that might help us do that. An initial option being considered would divide our roster into manageable groupings, selecting one classmate in that group to let the rest of us know of any such illness and need. We will keep you informed and seek your input and approval later. In the meantime, please think about this situation.

Tr John W. “Jack" Jamba

4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

H: (321) 777-5520 0: (321) 861-6279

Cell: (321) 432-1370

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Hi Redtags. The time is getting close to another Space Shuttle launch. One is scheduled for 2 October just as our 40th Reunion is getting underway. I shall be in Colorado Springs by then, enjoying the cool temperatures of the Rocky Mountains. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you again and getting plenty of things to write about in the next 25 columns.

First this word from “Spud” GOLDSMITH. “Thanks for the payers for Sis. Somewhat cautiously, it seems the prayers might be working. She’s had two successful biopsies of spots in both lungs now and both turned out to be non-cancerous. There are other symptoms that are confusing to me. My niece, an experienced nurse, said the docs seem to be as

confused as I am... more tests, more tests. But the news seems to have started a turn for the bright side. Even my other niece there, also an experienced nurse, has become “less pessimistic”... It’s somewhat against her nature to be optimistic. So thanks to all. Please keep on praying. There are still many obstacles to surmount. But it seems to be working. Yor Fren, Z.” Thanks for the update, Spud. We will continue to pray for her recovery.

And now a short burst over the nose from Sam DEHNE. “Jack, 1200 words limit for the Grad’s Column? That’s as bad as Reno City Hall limiting Sam Dehne to three minutes at the Public Comment podium... and buying a $1,000 computer clock and big gavel... to make sure he doesn’t exceed the limit by one second. Here’s a brief little report that might be of interest (79 words):” “Sam Dehne ‘masterminded’ his son’s ‘campaign’ for Reno mayor. Their budget was 97% lower than the ‘front runners’. If they had had even 1/2 the money of the finalists... they would have gotten three times more votes than the finalists got. Candidate DEHNE had more specific information about his platform than the rest of the candidates (7) combined. [DEHNE for Mayor http://www.renocitizen.com The election result proved once again that in America big money rules. DEHNE will be back.” Thanks for the input. Keep plugging. “Illigitimi non Carborundum est” or whatever that Latin saying was.

And this came in from the Checkpoints staff. “In light of the academy’s approaching 50th anniversary, theAcademyis seekinginputs on squadron patches and asks that you include in your column a blurb asking your classmates ifanyofthemknowofthe creation, history, and significance ofsquadron patches. If they do, please ask them to send the information to Duane Reed at Duane.Reed@usafa.af.mil. Mr. Reed is the Head of Special Collections at the Cadet Library.”You read it here. We scooped the WallStreetJournal. Please help the academy with their squadron patch research.

I asked the Redtag net for inputs for this column and got the following response from Randy SCHAMBERGER: “OK, Jack. Here’s something I’ve been meaning to mention to you but keep forgetting. A bit of Nostalgia if you please: The attached picture was taken recently at the Air Force Armament Museum here at Eglin. I’m standing in front ofthe first airplane I flew after Nav training. It was the first C-130 off the production line, #533129, and was a JC-130A back in 1963 when I was stationed at Patrick AFB. It was loaded with antennas and telemetry gear and used for missile tracking. We flew around the world in that airplane in support of all the early missile launches: Minuteman, Polaris, Atlas, Ranger moon shot, etc. When I came to Eglin in 1985 it was flying out of Duke Field as an AC-130 gunship. It was retired to the aircraft display at Eglin AFB in 1995.1 retired in 1990, but coincidentally we began and ended our careers together. Standing in front of it brought back many memories. I’ll attach the memorial marker on a separate e-mail. Hope this helps fill space ifyou need to. Randy.” Indeed it was great space filler; very nostalgic.

In mid-August, I went TDY to Pensacola and gave the Pensacola Redtags a call and request for a get-together. They arranged a dinner meeting in a great restaurant downtown, McGuires. Had a great time. None of the Redtags looked a day over 70 and that’s the honest truth. The ladies looked too young to be in our company. But they managed to ward off advances from other men and hang in there with us. Ed MARTINELLI announced that he was on the verge of retiring from Boeing and planning a retirement move to Colorado. Bonnie intended to go with him. Randy SCHAMBERGER was still trying to get his shoulder in top shape to play tennis full bore. He had an operation for his rotator cuff. A1 JACKSON still misses Alline. But he is doing well and looks great. Dick HOFFERT is still enjoying wedded bliss after his sealing of the vows last spring with Helen. Between the entree and dessert, we solved the world’s problems and developed a plan for financial success for the world. How’s that for fast work. It was good to see everybody and most of us plan to be at the 40th Got this from Bill HAUGEN: “On 21 September we hosted a potluck dinner at our house for all Washington DC area Redtags, as a ‘warm-up’ for the 40th Reunion. A great time was had by all 26 folks who came. The following Redtags (most with their RTBabes) were present: Minter

See you at C Springs, Bill H.”

Thanks, Bill. I guess that’s it for now. Got to get this in the mail. The next column will be 2,500 words long and have six pictures. Go Redtags!

Norman I. Lee III

17532 N.E. 38th Court Redmond, WA 98052

W: (425)237-6004 H: (425)882-0968

E-mail:54wrs@msn.com

Work e-mail:norman.i.lee@boeing.com

Fax: (425) 237-5775

By the time you read the Class News section in this edition of Checkpoints the football season will be all but over. Still, not saying something about the remarkable start for the year would be remiss. Yesterday’s win over the Cal Bears made it three in a row! Such a start makes for a promising season. Go Falcons!

Web News: The summer version of this Class News article was posted on the Class Web Page: http://www.usafa63.org/. We plan to get this and subsequent versions of the Class News up on to the site within a couple ofweeks after they are sent to the AOG. Take a look ifyou haven’t already. I also have to figure out how to get-hard copy photos to the Webmasters while also sending the photo to the AOG. Looks like I have an excuse for a scanner!

More Web News: I would like to point you to a couple of web sites that may be worthy of note. The first URL is professionally related but I found it a great place to browse and find out what’s going on in the world of aviation. My job these days has a lot to do with what is going on in the world of European regulatory affairs and I stumbled over this page looking for some recent EU press releases. You may have already run across the site it is called Aviation Reference Desk. Ifnot, suggest you give it a look see: http://www.avrefdesk.com/. The site was created to provide a comprehensive, moderated list ofaviation and aerospace links for industry professionals, pilots and enthusiasts. The links identify sites for topics including aviation weather, jobs, news, suppliers, organizations, statistics, airports, aircraft, etc. The second URL was found on the Class of ‘62 Web Page you remember the Redtags don’t you? Anyway, the site http://www.usafa.net/ says it is a graduate-developed web guide for the

United States Air Force Academy. This is not a web page sponsored by the Academy or the AOG.

Recently Bill DEE sent a short note to update us on his successful search for a job. Earlier this year Bill contacted me, among others, to find out what I knew about Boeing Business Jets not much it turns out. After retiring from American Bill still wanted to fly and get paid. In the note, he said his neighbor’s wife had told him her husband’s company was looking for a part-time pilot to relieve the two full-time guys. Shortly after that conversation Bill got a call from the son that manages the airplane it’s a family run business and an interview was set up. The rest is history. A week later he was at Flight Safety in training. The company flies a Gulfstream 200, formerly an IAI Galaxy and according to Bill, a nice airplane but definitely not a Boeing. Bill says the company, Ocean Properties, owns numerous hotels and resorts around the country and is based in Portsmouth, NH. They keep the airplane at Pease International Tradeport formerly Pease AFB. No commute!

Another American retiree still flying for pay is Jerry DRISCOLL. Jerry was in Seattle recently on a layover and we managed to have a couple of beers. Jerry says he retired from American in February 2000 and got on almost immediately with Exec Jet (Net Jet) in April. He flies the Citation X and is based in Minneapolis and like Bill, no commute. Jerry added that he has flown the likes ofSteve Martin,TigerWoods andWarren Buffett. He also said the company employs over 2,000 pilots. Looks and sounds like he is really having a fun retirement.

Jim HANNAM sent us a terrific picture of five members of ‘63 who attended the River Rats/Nam POW Joint Reunion, 22-26 May in FortWorth.

Recognizable are: Bob HALL, Bob WINEGAR, Joe Lee BURNS, Jerry DRISCOLL, and Jim. Jim stated all had a great time. Ross Perot had 800 or so ofhis closest friends the Rats and NAM POWs out to his ranch for BBQ, an air show, and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Jim says Ross was a superb host and was there the entire evening.

John ELFERS called one evening in late July from where he was staying on Hood Canal—west ofPuget Sound after he, alongwith some friends had conquered Mt. Rainier. The photograph below is proof!

I’m on the right in this picture. Myfriends from Florida wrote this sign and underestimated the elevation ofMt. Rainierbyone foot! We are on the south rim with the crater. The north rim is behind us. I couldn’t believe blue sky in Washington at 0800 on 24 July 02.

They completed the climb the right way with training and guides. I was told the minimum for this drill is three days one day for training and outfitting and Paradise Lodge (5,000 ft level), one day for climbing to Camp Muir (10,000 ft level) for rest and refueling. Then at around

ALEXANDER, Don BAUCOM, Ted DYKES, Ken FISHER, Nick FRITZ, Bob GIBSON, Chet GRIFFIN, Don HALLAGER, Bill HAUGEN, Harlan JOHNSON, Dick KLASS, Bob LIGHTSEY, Dino LORENZINI, and Tom MOORE.

Three Thud Pilots and two Phantom Drivers all in magnificent condidon.

midnight to 0100 hours the third day they start off for the summit. They are at the summit for about an hour and then proceed all the way back down to Paradise. You reach the summit around 0800 hours. Cost is $700. Real life update John says he is still practicing dentistry and has his offices in Reedsburg, WI.

Ran into WETTERHAHN again this time in the September version of the VFWMagazine. The magazine contained an article authored byRalph entitled “Task Force Russia, Still Hard at Work”. The article leader, if that is what it is called, read “For 10 years, the U.S. - Russia Commission has plumbed the former Soviet Union for clues to the fate ofAmerican MIAs from four wars. Here is a 10th anniversary progress report.” Very interesting and intriguing stuff

Bob HAYES wrote to tell me that we needed to update his email address. If you recall in the last newsletter, Bob’s email was provided for 40th reunion contact purposes. Unfortunately, it was his old address. The new address is bobhayes@pcisys.net. Bob will be glad to be info contact point for our reunion planning and activities. Bob added that he and Butch plan to get together this fall with all the local folks to organize the details and get volunteers for a variety of committees, etc. Butch added that when you write (via email) about the Reunion please add “40th Reunion” to the Subject line. Reminder reunion dates are November5-9,2003.

Bob added a quick update he has finally (his word) retired from real estate in May and he says, “Life is good.” Both their children live in Colorado allowing him and Charlie Ann to enjoy their two step-grandchildren. And, even better news; a granddaughter is due in November.

On the subject ofe-mail addresses, we also got a change from Bill EBERT: webert@cox.net.

Local news: Linda and I were able to tie a short trip to France (Normandy) on to the back end of a weeklong business trip to Brussels at the end of June. On the British Airways flight from Seattle to Brussels Linda was able to use a “companion” coupon I received from BA that allowed the companion to travel in the same class of service as my ticket for free! These days we are still traveling business class. Of course, the first thing that happened was the BA folks at Seattle upgraded us to First Class. Now Linda rather looks at business class with a touch of disdain. Anyway, getting to the point, after Brussels we drove to Normandy so II we could tour the invasion beaches. We spent the 4th of July at Omaha Beach. The site alone is truly impressive, very inspirational and a great way to spend the 4th. We were able to walk down from the bluff overlooking the U.S. Cemetery there and then climb back up. I can’t say enough about what the troops had to do back in 1944. Ifyou ever get the opportunity to travel to Europe I can only urge you to go to that spot.

On the way back to Brussels we took a short side tour and stopped in Giverny to tour the home and gardens ofClaude Monet—a real treat. They have done a wonderful job preserving the home and keeping the gardens alive. We also had a wonderful two-hour lunch at a nearby restaurant. Another recommendation. Finally, we can conclude, after extensive and very detailed research that there is not a bad glass ofwine in all of France.

That’s it for this time. Hope this version of the Class News finds you all healthy, happy and enjoying a terrific holiday season! Please take care.

Visit the AOG Web Site - Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.aog-usafa.org

Bob Hovde

206 Walker Ave.

Huntsville, AL 35801

H: (256) 532-3923 0: (256) 895-2807

Fax: (256) 895-9222

H: rjslhovde@telocity.com

0: bhovde@space.hsv.usra.edu

What, me worry? Sandy and I did the cruise thing in September along with her sister and brother-in-law. We sailed from Dover, England, to Tallinn (Estonia), St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and return, with a couple of days in London before flying home. I think I averaged about a pound per day for the 15 days. They say you don’t have to gain weight on a cruise, but on the Norwegian Dream, they make you eat, so it’s not my fault!

As We Went to Press. Just after our deadline for this article, I learned that Paul KAMINSKI has been chosen as one of this year’s Distinguished Graduates. So what took the rest of the world so long to realize this? Congratulations, Paul. It makes us all proud just to be associated with such a distinguished classmate. (Is that worth at least one beer?)

News from Florida andWilliamsburg: Chuck HANDLEY reports that he’s still working at Kennedy Space Center, now with Tybrin Corp. and that “My two daughters also live in Melbourne and my son lives in Kansas City. All three are married, and I have two beautiful granddaughters. I wanted to send you the picture taken of Barry [BARNES], Gerry [FELIX] and yours truly. We had a mini-reunion in mid-April at Williamsburg where Barry and Linda and Gerry and Sandy call home. I was visiting the area in the company ofmy high school sweetheart from NYC (and my girl for the year at NAPS and the first two years at the Academy). We hadn’t seen each other in 40 years! Didn't work out, as she hates Florida. We met for drinks at Gerry and Sandy’s beautiful home, then had a wonderful dinner in historic Williamsburg. Laughter and memories (some actually true) filled the evening. It still amazes me that when I am in the company of my classmates, the years apart melt away and my bond with them grows stronger.”

BarryBarnes, Chuck Handley and Gerry Felix in Williamsburg. News from California: Dave Neal (see picture of vintage biker on vintage bike) says, “Well you can still have fun with your clothes on! [The picture was] taken at a real road race this past weekend. Once a year they close offOld Hwy 40 from Donner Lake outside Truckee (near Lake Tahoe) and race four miles up to the Donner Ski Ranch on the highway. [The picture is] of me on my old Norton GP vintage race bike. I also ran a modern 640cc single in the singles class. Over the weekend, I was able to make six runs up the hill on each bike. I built the Norton after buying an aftermarket frame in 1970 and modifying it, then stuffing a limited production factory racing engine in the bike. I have raced it since 1974, but this is the first and only time it has been on the street. My racing number is 64, but I had to put a 1 in front of the number on one of the bikes as I could not run two with the same number. Jim SWALLOW, ’65, was at the NorCal USAFA dinner last December and suggested we have a 1st Sqdn reunion. I am attempting to do so, inviting guys from ’62 - '66 from 1st for a mini reunion here in the Bay Area. I’ll send photos when available.”

Dave Neal flyinglow.

AndFrom the ClassThespian: Ron GROWDENwrites: “High time I added to the folklore about life on the golden stage and wrote with some new lies. Finished a nine-month tour with “Ragtime The Musical” in May (105 cities, 234 performances, 40k miles on a bus). The Tony-award-winning play offers a fantastic story, and I was proud to be a part of the production. Played Grandfather (type-casting). Since then, I have done a fourweek gig with “Guys and Dolls” in Maryland, and am to do Scrooge (again, type-casting) in a musical adaptation of the Dickens classic set to run in Tampa in November and Indianapolis in December. Between jobs, I am yet another proof that ‘unemployed actor’ is a redundant phrase.

“As some of you already know, I took an eight-week leave of absence from Ragtime late last year in an attempt to save my marriage to Marilyn all to no avail. Must sadly report that we two are in the final stages of divorce. T’was not a path I had chosen, but one I am now accepting ofand comfortable with. As our resident attorney recently put it, ‘S— happens.’

“Am comfortably settled in my family’s cabin, located in the woods of western Pennsylvania. It’s a wonderful location, complete with all accommodations required for that wild party our scribe has hinted at. All you guys have to do is find me! Have even ventured into the frightening world of “dating” frankly, it’s beginning to be fun.

“Looking forward to a visit with both my daughters in early August. Jennifer, age 26, is enrolled in a psych PhD program in Chicago perish the thought that she should actually get a job! Emily, age 22, is meandering through a history BA at UGA/Athens I envy them both.

“Ya know, I think I was born an adult, but am doing my best to grow out of it. Carpe diem.” [Ron now lives in Bedford, Pa.]

Trouble with Email: Fred WAGNER said that when he tried to use AOGMail to contact Jim STEWART, he discovered that not only was Jim’s contact information not there, neither was Fred’s. The database is only as good as what we make of it, so you all might occasionally (like when you change email addresses!) go to the www.aogmail.com site and update your information. (You need your AOG number - from the Checkpoints mailing label - to sign in.) Anyway, Fred passed on that he was vacationing in New Mexico (August) and had to stop at Kinko’s to check email and get an Internet fix. He was headed for Albuquerque to track down his daughter and to try to find Jim and Nancy. [I sense either a classmate photo op or a frustrated email report.]

A Note from theAluminum Palace: In light ofthe academy’s approaching 50th anniversary, the Academyis seeking inputs on squadronpatches. If anyone knows of the creation, history, and significance of squadron patches, please send the information to Duane Reed at Duane.Reed@usafa.af.mil. Mr. Reed is the Head of Special Collections at the Cadet Library.

That’s all for now. Hit’m straight!

Rick Zurbrugg Box 22615

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

(843) 689-5321

FAX: (843) 689-5403

E-mail: ezurb@mindspring.com

Hey ’65!

Please take a moment to remember some great guys. First, our classmate Hank BONDARUK who put up a mighty struggle with a very tough illness and passed on Aug. 30, 2002. Hank was buried at the Academy cemetery on Sept. 9, 2002. Memorial contributions can be made to AOG USAFA Humanitarian Fund, 3116 Academy Drive, USAFA, CO 80840-4475. Hank’s daughter, Kelly BONDARUK NOVAK, was in the Class of 1988. I believe Hank died a much loved and happy man and this picture proves it. To what more might one aspire?

Joe O’Gorman was not with us at graduation, but the Academy had no finer friend and supporter. Joe had a distinguished career in the airline industry and was an invited guest lecturer in ethics at the Academy. He was an avid Falcon football fan with his own box and parking space at the stadium and, ofcourse, he was the majorplayer in securing the nearly one million dollars needed for the production of Return With Honor. Joe passed suddenly from a heart attack on Aug. 10, 2002. He was 59 years old and the CEO of DHL airlines. Classmates at his service included Bart HOLADAY, Jim PIPER, Steve AMDOR, Mark JOHNSON, Howie Burkhart and others. Warren LANGLEY delivered a eulogy and Joe’s obituary appeared in the Chicago TribuneAug. 13th 2002. Bart and Warren are working with Joe’s wife, Gail, and his three children to establish a memorial gift in Joe’s name to the Athletic Dept. A great career and a fine man.

Speaking of great men and great lives, the name Michael WHITEHORN comes to mind. Jo and I were in Abilene recently to visit a certain AF Captain at Dyess and his house of runny-nose kids. We couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit with a favorite classmate, so we took time out for the distinct honor and pleasure to be guests at a luncheon buffet at the Abilene Country Club. We arrived a few minutes early and were escorted to the reserved table (for Dr Michael WHITEHORN) next to a two-story window overlooking the golf course. Michael is the same positive, enthusiastic guy he was as a cadet. Now he is vice president of Hardin Simmons University. He is in charge of their intercollegiate athletic program, and also, the Chair of their Leadership Department. Twenty students a year are admitted to his highly-competitive academic program which continues for four years and studies all academic aspects of leadership. No mystery here Michael truly loves his work and is making a phenomenal contribution to the lives of young people. Michael taught English at the Academy some years back and had some electrifying moments in his Air Force career in the OSI. It was easy to see that Michael and his lovely wife, Marcia, have become the Toast of Abilene. Thank you Michael and Marcia for your gracious hospitality and that scrumptious pecan cobbler is not to be forgotten.

Michael andMarcia Whitehorn, scribe and babe. 9/02 Mike PHILLIPS: “... I read the class column to see who has taken a few minutes to send a note about happenings. John SWAN’s note in the Summer Checkpoints goaded me to write something. Other than keeping close contact with folks from 16th Sq., I’ve gotten away from the Air Force since I retired in 1989. The exception is during football season when I’m glued to the TV if the Falcons are on. I live in Leesburg, VA - a very nice little town with a reasonable commute to Washington DC, if you are indined - I’m not. After four years of working the Pentagon basement, I don’t need my hair grayer than it is by making that trip every day. My diversion these days (when I don’t have to work) is fishing - keeps your heart rate low and allows contemplation of life’s priorities... isn’t bank and bobber fishing... it’s competitive Bass fishing - don’t get me wrong, I’m not that competitive but have won a dollar or two in tournaments not enough to make a living at it. I’m the president of a Bass Club in northern Virginia... associated with state and National Bass organization... groups are mostly a bunch of... very rich rednecks. Our club is Fairfax Bass - check out the website at fairfaxbass.com. We have an eclectic group offolks in the club: active and retired military, lawyers, a Pulitzer Prize winner, a couple of Ph.D.s, a WWII POW, and a redneck or two... For the last three years, several of us have gone to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire for a week at Memorial Day. This is a family trip with wives and kids... New Hampshire’s lake country is not to be missed, even if you don’t fish. We go for the fishing - at that time of year the smallmouth bass are full rut and you can catch as many as you can stand100+ fish a day... strictly catch and release. Fish, shop, and eat lobster are the items of importance during the stay. I’ve included a picture of a Winnipesaukee smallmouth and a guy behind the Raybans. If anyone is in northern Virginia and would like to see Washington DC from a bass boat on the Potomac, let me know. I’ve got some tackle in the boat that you could use and we might catch a fish or two.

Hank and Happy kids

Mike Phillips and temporaryNewHampshire acquaintance. June 02

Short takes: Dave DYE: “Back and forth between homes in New Jersey and Florida... home schooling 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son... mobility... but hectic life.” Jerry and Sue WILKOWSKI down from northern Virginia and vacationing on Hilton Head for golf and R & R in mid September. “Sorry we missed you this trip, Jerry and Sue.” BillMORGAN and scribe working hard to put together a revived chapter of the Georgia AOG. Tom PILSCH got us a great speaker for our October 5th kick off meeting Col Mark HYATT, 74, director for the Center for Character Development at USAFA.

Mythical journey: Thursday, Nov 7th fly to New York, check in at the Union Teague Club (courtesy of the Sabre Society), leisurely dinner with friends and attend opening night performance of II Trovatore at the Met. Friday: cruise the BigApple and attend Sabre Society Dinner at the Union Teague Club with USAFA Supt and AD. Saturday: board buses to West Point and observe 21 st Century massacre of the Black Knights of the Hudson. Sunday: depart for hometown and spend rest of life trying to figure out how to pay for long weekend.

As we are reminded by events: life is often short. Be Well, Have FUN, Do Good Work, and Stay Connected! As the ROC would say, Cheers! Rick

Ryan Denny

1635 Mary Todd Lane O’Fallon, IL 62269

H: (618) 624-4255

W: (314) 232-5117

E-mail: ryanden@aol.com

Greetings Redtags! I guess that my begging paid off—at least a little. A few of you brave souls picked up your keyboard and pecked out some news and even sent some great pictures.

Speaking ofgreat pictures, this shot isTobe GOODEN in his MiG 15. (No, I didn’t say “F-15”, I said “MiG 15”.) On normal days, Tobe is a mild-mannered pilot for Continental Airlines, who has five grandchildren. Sometimes, however, when he’s had one too many of those little bags of pretzels and too many diet Sprites, he becomes the Russian Ace, Tobias Goodenoff. Strapping on his vintage MIG 15, he terrorizes the skies over airshows and guns down opposing F-86s. Tobe and his toy (OK, so it’s a little more expensive than your average toy) have been featured in some high-flying media recently. In April, he flew his MiG 15 for a special on the History

Channel; and in May his airplane was on the cover of Air and Space magazine’s Smithsonian issue. Tobe will retire from Continental next year something about celebrating his 40th birthday for the 20th time.

Randy JAYNE said that my last article sounded so “forlorn" that he just had to write something. (I used to be funny but now, I have been reduced to a charity case.) Randy says that he is still working in the world of big league executive searches, but manages to take some time off to vacation with classmates in Colorado andwatch the Rams lose in St Fouis. Randy and wife, Nancy, spent some time this summer visiting Bob and Jean BROST at their spectacular house near Winter Park. Randy and Bob escaped to the trout streams for a day offishing. He says that even though the water levels were down and the fish were small and far between, any day in the mountains with a fly rod can never be considered a bad day.

Randyplayed golfwith Dick McCONN recently and had a second-hand sighting of another classmate, Tom SHEPFER. Randy’s executive assistant (I think they used to be called “secretaries”) had just returned from taking her daughter to the doctor and was praising his expertise and patient manner. The doc turned out to be none other than Tom. He was never that patient with me when he was one of my pilot training instructors. Randy also says that the annual Seventh Squadron Spring Fling is going to be held inWashington DC next year, and may grow into a broader Red Tag event during May.

Bob andJean Brost and Randy and NancyJayne, enjoying the good life in Colorado.

Ron TAFCOTT writes that he is an instructor pilot for Boeing in Seattle. Although he usually trains the civilian pilots whose companies have just bought some of our great airplanes, he has recently trained a fewAir Force crews. He trained two pilots and their squadron commander—all USAFA grads in the new C-40 (a Boeing 737) that is being delivered to Hawaii to support PACAF. Ron also trained all of the pilots who are flying the USAF’s 747 laser platform aircraft. When he’s not training folks, he delivers new aircraft all over the world. A greatjob; but he, too, will soon reach that magic age that takes all the lift out ofyour air and forces you to stop flying. Ron says that he sees A1 NADER and Joe SVOBODA regularly. They both workfor Boeing in the Seattle area. A1 is in charge oftechnical manuals and Joe is in flight training.

Another classmate who “checked into the net” was Jess COGFEY, from San Antonio. Jess has been living and working in the financial services business in San Antonio since he got out in 1977. He says that during one tough time in the business, he attended office Christmas parties at four different firms in four consecutive years. Jess sent me a picture of his “cowboyCadillac” with a license plate that said “RDTG 66”. How many of the rest of you guys have a ‘66 license plate? (I know that Illinois and Alaska have them.)

I was at Scott AFB for some Industry Days (that’s where all the young colonels in the headquarters tell you about all of the great projects they

EdShirleyandRyanDennytrying to figure out whythe unidentified classmate between them isn’tlaughing at theirjokes

Tobe Gooden in his vintage MiG 15.

would like to do if they only had the budget) and one ofthe other participants was Ed SHIRLEY. Ed also lives in San Antonio and is a consultant with KPMG. We had lunch, dosed offduring the afternoon briefings, then spent the evening in the bar catching up on the state of the world. We had a great time. More of you guys should find some excuse to come through St Louis.

Thanks to all who sent me some news and, once again, consider this my Christmas card to you. So now you owe me a return card with all that family news in it. Until next time... Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111

H: (505) 291-8949

W: (505) 816-2092/DSN: 246-2404

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

Ah, as I pen this, summer is fading into memory, autumn is upon us, football is weekly activity, and our 35th reunion is rapidly approachingGreetings to one and all!

Following the last Checkpoints, Danny PIPER contacted Jim STEADMAN’s daughter Karin Bridget, and shared with her some tales ofJim in his cadet days. I too received the message, and laughed out loud at a tale Danny related about an adventure he, Jim, and Cal HOPPER had, also involving then-CIC Mike RYAN, later to be the AF Chief of Staff. Quite the tale... Karin seemed to greatly appreciate the contact. If there are others ofyou who knew Jim and have not yet contacted Karin, check for her address in last month’s Checkpoints, or contact me and I’ll get it to you.

Pat and I had a briefgetaway weekend in San Diego in the late summer. Nice place. Between beverages, great food and thoroughlyenjoyable tourist-type activities we recalled that the last time we were there we had celebrated my now-almost-21-year-old daughter’s third birthdaywith Abner and Pattie HAYNES. Mike PAWKA still lives there, while the Haynes have migrated to Destin, FL, where they remain comfortably settled. One of our tours took us to Coronado, where we happened onto a display ofViet Nam POWs, 30 years later. Truly inspirational.

I had occasion during the summer to chat a bit with Carl MacPHERSON a while back. Some ofyou may recall that he started with us, then had so much fun that he decided to spend an additional cadet year. He is probably the only “turnback” to have served as cadet wing commander during his extra fifth year. After not having spoken with him for some 30+ years, and then getting reacquainted -1 asked him if he was a dance rep in his retirement life. We had a few chuckles about that... How many of you recall that doolie social designation? Yikes. I wonder if they still have such a thing. Ah, another inquiry for the reunion.

I saw Carl, and also Gil MOOK, Jim SHAW and other old and newer friends at a Sabre Society weekend during the summer. I had mulled joining for a number of years, and this year seemed to be “right” (all before my shrewd investments tanked...), so I did, and went to part of one of the Society gatherings. This is not a paid announcement of any sort. But - ifyou are in a position to do so, the Sabre Society seems to me to be a good way to learn the Academy’s direction, and to have a hand in continuing its course; to gather periodically with a wide range of grads and associates; to get a series of tours and briefings that are on point; and to keep your finger on the pulse of the Academy.

Bill POWLEY sent in this photograph. He is a high school teacher in Tennessee and came back for the 2002 graduation (only his second time back to the Academy in 35 years) to see two of his high school students graduate. He mentioned that lastyear his school had more cadets at USAFA than any other school in the state of Tennessee. The photo shows his students flanking him (Seth Bennett on his left and Brooke Parsons on his right, along with Brooke’s then second-degree brother Tyler (now a senior).

Featured input this edition is from Bruce and Stormy MCDONALD, living a grand adventure with the Peace Corps in Bulgaria. They underwent

At the 35th Reunion and the class meeting, it became apparent that our class has an excellent opportunity for all members to influence the direction and objectives of the AOG. Good communication can accomplish these things and to that end our classmates who serve on the AOG Board of Directors would like to hear from anyone on issues and subjects of interest. Here are their names and email addresses:

Ted Legacy, Chairman ted_legacy@sra.com

Bill Boisture bill.boisture@gulfaero.com

Gil Mook, Member gilmook@earthlink.net

a several month training period, learning language and customs, during which time they started the process of becoming incorporated into Buigarian society so as not to stand out like Ugly Americans. An early activity involved their Bulgarians hosts and friends helping them and other American trainees celebrate the Fourth ofJuly, Bulgarian style. It sounded like a truly memorable experience, best understated by Bruce’s statement that"...everything about this Fourth ofJuly was a little different... After their training period, they learned that they would be assigned to Pazardjik. For those who may not recall this place from Geography 101, it is a town of about 80, 000, named for its famous markets going back for centuries; located in the southwest Bulgarian plains, within sight of the southern mountains.

As to what they will be doing - “My job will be in a “language school,” where the students are competitively selected from all around this part of the country. A specialized school, maybe like a “magnet” school. They study German, English, French or Spanish. Some of their other subjects are taken in the target languages. They will all go on to college. I will be teaching English Literature as well as the language classes, which will be a challenge for me; kids in the 10th through 12th grades. Stormy’s school is a regular K through 12, with a more typical variety in the students’ interests and abilities. Her classes will be 3rd, 6th, and 8th grades. Brian’s school is in the poorest part of town. The children there almost never go past the 8th grade. We had heard of this school in the first days of our training... It is a Roma, or Gypsy, school. Think Black, Deep South, 1920. The Roma speak their own language, not Bulgarian. Many of them live in conditions that would be substandard in the slums of Tijuana... Stormy’s school is about 40% Roma, including some whose families have become better integrated. My school has none.” Their training and acclimatization extended throughAugust, alongwith other American Peace Corps volunteers. A late summer outing was their attending an air show at the GrafIgnatievo MilitaryAirfield about 40 km north ofPlovdiv, which featured numerous old and newer aircraft: MiG, IL, Su, and Yak models; the MiG-15, a MiG-21 and a MiG-23, the MiG-29; and aircraft flown by the Turks. All this information and much much more has come to me in some great email messages from Bruce. If you are at all interested - I suspect he would not mind adding more to his mailing list. You can contact him directly at brucenstormy@hotmail.com.

Hot input from Pete MILNE: “... It took 10 hours, but I made it to the top of Devils Tower (Wyoming - think of ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’) and back in one piece. I think next time I might work up to it a little slower rather than making it my first (and probably last rock climb.) Given a choice I might choose hell week again instead.” Pete survived, and I suspect he will be more than willing to give a blow by blow, hand hold by rock account at the Reunion.

That’s all, folks - We hope to see you all in a few short weeks. Vaya con Dios!

Tim Davidson 9712 Hidden Valley Road Vienna, VA 22181-6094 (703) 255-5313

Fax: (703) 255-5377

E-mail: timd@erols.com

HELLO ’68! The U.S. “War on Terrorism” now has a new commander, General Charles R. HOLIAND, Commander in Chief, U.S. Special Operations Command and fellow ‘68er. Charlie’s awesome responsibilities now include global command and prosecution of the war against terrorists in all geographic theaters. This is a major change in the way the Department of Defense does business, and combined with Ed EBERHART’s duties as Commander of Northern Command, puts two of our classmates in formidable positions within the DoD hierarchy. To both our men in blue, we pray for God’s blessings and wisdom.

HANGING UP THE AIR FORCE BLUES DEPT: As we approach 35 years since graduation, the number of our gang in uniform is dwindling down

to a precious few. One ofthe good guys, and one of my daughter Melissa’s favorites, Major General Robert J. “Mike” BOOTS, elected to call it a career at McGuire AFB in June as the outgoing Commander of the Air Mobility Warfare Center. Melissa had the opportunity to serve with Mike when he and Tony ROBERTSON were stationed at Travis AFB a few years ago. To Mike, Cheryl, and family, ‘68’s best wishes for much success in the future.

ColonelJim and Brinda Thompson bid adieu afterfinal Pentagon tour of duty.

After a magnificent retirement ceremony for Jim THOMPSON officiated by Lt Gen Danny James on Friday the 13th in September at Bolling AFB, Jim and Brinda completed Jim’s service career with a farewell dinner at a Holiday Inn in Alexandria, VA. When you entered the ballroom you could sense the excitement as one of ‘68’s own was about to be honored and then roasted before a crowd of well-wishing family and friends. There were Buffalo Soldiers sitting at a table near the portico, who were later to serve as the honor guard for the colors. There was an empty table set for those who will never return from battle. There was a long head table that nearly ran the length of the ballroom with places set for an entourage of family and military dignitaries. There was a video projector and screen positioned on the dance floor standing testament to a tribute about to be delivered by Jim’s wife, Brinda. Yes, when we walked through the door, we knew it was going to be quite an evening!

Jim’s roommate, Jim CARR, and his wife, Judy, and children Maggie and Jaime came in from Denver for the ceremony and dinner. With the exception of Sam GIBSON and Weldon GROVES, all of our black classmates and their wives attended the ceremonies. The group roasted Jim as the main event and Frank MOORE stole the showwith his telling oftales from long ago with a phenomenal sense of humor that belies the real-life feelings of being black in a white world in the 1960s. The gathered assembly absolutely roared in laughter as Frank detailed some of the more outrageous stories and situations the black classmates found themselves in and he really gave Jim the business about being such a proper and “square” black man with no rhythm. Maurice ECUNG was also there and dazzled the audience with an absolute stage-quality eloquence when he spoke. Other classmates in attendance included Tony MARSHALL, Mark TORREANO, and your scribe. This was a first-class farewell from start to finish and it was very deserving for a classmate who has meant so much to so many people—of all races.

ing in at 81bs 2oz and more hair than I have.” Three cheers for ‘68’syoungest progeny and best wishes for the Phillips family to live long and prosper.

A Special Moment with Mac and LisaBeth.

MAILBAG DEPT: Marty COLE sent a lovely card from Chippenham, England telling of the wonderful time Claudia and he had with Geo and Heidi ROBERTS and Mike and Evie LANGLEY. According to Marty, the photo shows the “scant remains of dinner at the White Hart Tavern near Geo and Heidi ROBERTS’ new home.” Geo’s company is called the Wiltshire Group and runs leadership and management “programmes” from a great suite of offices in a manor house. The ROBERTS extend a cordial invitation for all ‘68ers who would like to “pop in for a visit.”

EAST COAST REUNION DEPT: Tom O’BEIRNE, Jim SEEVERS, Bob JOHNSTON, and your scribe are organizing a ‘68 East Coast Reunion starting at 7 p.m. on 25 January 2003 at Clyde’s of Tysons Corner, 8332 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, Phone 703-734-1900. The cost of the event will be about $30 per person for dinner, music, and a private room. We encourage any classmate and family who wish to attend to notify me by email. For any classmates arriving from out of town, please indicate whether you would like one of the classmates in the local area to provide you with a place to stay while you are here.

35th REUNION DEPT: This is just a reminder that you will soon be receiving a package from our 35th Reunion Committee inviting you to attend our gala event in Colorado. Please clear your calendars for the late September through October 2003 timeframe.

THAT’S A WRAP: Danny James asked me to find the classmate who loaned him the book titled, “A Certain Brotherhood,” about FACS flying out of Thailand. He has lost your business card and would appreciate you contacting him at Daniel.James@ngb.ang.af.mil. Mind the flak; keep 'em flying, and please keep those cards, letters, emails, and photos coming in. I am getting dangerously low on photos. Please send photos in jpg format. Ciao for now. Tim

Lindsey Parris

616 King’s Cloister Circle

Alexandria, VA 22302

Home: (703) 836-3604

E-mail: 102177.1033@compuserve.com

Holiday Hellos. Throw some kindling on the fire, and plan to catch the Falcons in person at a nearby bowl game. At this writing, we are

Not theAscots, but a Good Group Just the Same. From left are Jim Carr, Mark Torreano, Tim Davidson, Maurice Ecung, Jim Thompson, Tony Marshall, DannyJames, and Frank Moore.

NEW DAD DEPT: Got a news flash from that really retired ’68 Southwest Airlines pilot, Bob DALEY, that our classmate, Mac PHILLIPS, and bride, Chanda, are proud parents of a baby daughter. Mac writes, “LisaBeth Kahnyah Phillips was born at 3:25am on Labor Day, Sept. 2nd, 2002 weigh-

Cheerio from Merry Old England. From left standing are Geo Roberts, Mike Langley, andMartyCole. Seated are HeidiRoberts, EvieLangley, and Claudia Cole.

undefeated, and Notre Dame looks ripe for the taking. Arriba Falcones.

And then there were four. Four ‘69ers left on active duty, with September’s retirement of PK CARLTON. It is probably safe to say that PK had as much or more impact on “military” medicine during his career than have any of his predecessors or surgeons general in other services. His towering achievements include: advancements in modular medicine to assist medics in the field, pay and retention innovations to attract and retain top-notch talent longer, and TRICARE for life to help all of us ease into the golden years with fewer pains and at lower costs and fewer hassles. And you all recall his heroic work in the havoc at the Pentagon on 911. Congrats, PK, we are proud to know you.

Charlie BALDWIN, John DALLAGHER, John HOPPER, and Wally MOORHEAD are yet on active duty, so there is much life left still in Airship 69. Wally, John, Don RAKESTRAW with significant other Lisa, Tom and Karen KECK, Ron and Ruth MARCOTTE, and Jean and I gathered for a dinner in Alexandria, partially in celebration of the AF’s birthday, but more importantly to discuss the issue of who was “flunking” retirement. Though no definitive conclusions were reached, it did give John andWally something to muse on.

Using Tom FLEMING’S business trip to as an excuse to justify what we like to do in any event, Tom, Chip WOOD, Jimmy CUMMINGS, Tom ALLEN, Darrel WHITCOMB, Jack OVERSTREET, Pooh BEAR, and I had a beer call followed by dinner. Beer call was too short, dinner too long. And Tom still looks as if he belongs on an NFL defensive line, perhaps with Darrel and Jack prowling the sidelines as coaches (those variabletint glasses, doncha’ know!), with the rest of us as placekickers.

The newest lawyer in the class is Skip SKINNER, who graduated from the Arizona School of Law in May (he wasn’t the oldest, I might add, as there was also a ’66 Woop in the class). He began clerking for Federal District of Arizona Judge John Roll in Tucson in September. Skip had a terrific time in school again, was the first recipient ofthe prestigious Pima County Prosecution Fellowship (modeled after one in Phoenix named for a ’64 grad, Truman Young, a respected prosecutor in Phoenix who died in a fighter crash serving in the ANG), and had an enjoyable time mentoring final-year students through a variety of interesting cases. Skip is taking Marty around the world and buying her the car of her wildest dreams for her Zen-like patience during the last three years. Perry Mason, look out! Skinner for the defense.

Short Updates: A1 MCCREE reports that his company’s CD Patriotic Salute the Military Family has hit the Billboard Classical Chart again, re-entering at #15. Highest position was #7, and it has been on the chart for a total of 10 weeks since being introduced a year ago. ‘Bout time the country caught up to Al! Steve KIRBY’s firm (Cal Pacific Mortgage Consultants) yes you knew Steve moved from high-tech to high-lend was voted best Home Loan Mortgage Provider in San Diego. Never hurts to have a classmate in that business. Harry LAWS has changed jobs from Lilly to become the head administrator of the new St. Vincent Pediatric Hospital in Indianapolis. He stays active in Air Force rugby and is looking forward to the next alumni game. Mike ROSE, still in Charleston, SC, remains active in many dimensions. Among other ventures, he is raising money to fund a national meeting on terrorism from the perspective State Guard Association ofthe United States. Ray KILE’s wife, Katy, has written a marvelous poem, an ode to 911 called “Dawn Before Disaster,” which generated powerful emotions among New York’s firefighters when they heard it. Ray, who still works with the Center for Systems Management, or Katy will be happy to send you a copy (email: spileader@msn.com). Katy’s work has been enshrined at Columbine High School, and she is working on a piece for the Absent Sir memorial at USAFA.

Wayne and NickiWARREN were beamingparents ofthe bride, as daughter Piper married this summer in Portland, OR. Maurine and Bill JOFLANNES, who flies for UPS and lives in Louisville, attended. Nicki

and Wayne, who is a Delta 737 captain flying out of NYC and living in Phoenix, visited this summer with Earl and Nell Ann ROBERTS; Earl lives in Mesquite, TX, and focuses his considerable energies on the hobby industry.

Thanks to the AOG, Gary HOWE in particular, and to Steve EDELMAN (who has been on detail to D.C. working Ballistic Missile Defense matters so frequently of late it seems like he should live here), for providing pictures of the Heritage Walkway, which our Class Gift funds were instrumental in building. The walkway opened to rave reviews, and the basics walked along it to board their buses this summer. It is spawning even greater ideas... e.g., the Class of ’70 wants to pay to have a replica of the War Memorial Wall put in the garden, making it available to the many who do not have access to the Cadet Area.

‘69er Class Gift Funds at Work: The Heritage Walk

In his AOG and Sabre Society work (’69 now leads the way, with more Sabre Society members than any other class), Gary has recently had contact with Dave YOST, Mike CHIPMAN and Denny TOPPER, Wade MORRISON, Terry STAKE, Dick PADLO, Vic TAMBONE, and Tip OSTERTHALER.

Attending last spring’s White House ceremony presenting the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to USAFA were DarrelWHITCOMB, John MARTIN, John DALLAGHER, Art SCHWALL, and CHARLIE BALDWIN. JD is taller than the President, and may be one ofthe few people his age (heck, “our” age) who can keep pace with Dubya during a four-miler.

‘69ers at the White House with Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Reunion. Yes, it’s time to start thinking about it again. The 35th is only two years away. Reunion Planners Extraordinaires Glenn SCHLABS and Tom BAUMGARDNER have agreed to chair the committee, and have already convened the first organizational meeting. All ideas welcome.

On Saturday, July 8,1 attended the commemoration ceremony for posthumous Medal-of-Honor winner RockyVersace, USMA, '59, about whom you may have read in Nick Rowe’s book, Five Years to Freedom. Versace’s statue now occupies the center of a memorial that honors Alexandria, Virginia’s sons and daughters who gave their lives inVietnam; one ofthose is our own Barry LOCKHART. His name is etched in marble at the eastern entrance to the memorial, and I encourage any ofyou to have a look when you are in the area. I can still recall vividly the sweetness with which he smacked a tennis ball, and many ofyou have emailed with your own fond recollections of him; I imagine Barry knows and appreciates our remembering him in our thoughts. As only classmates could.

Esse Non Videri. Lindsey

Visit the AOG Web Site

www.aog-usafa.org

Proud Mom and Pop Warren with daughterPiper.

Dick Rauschkolb

14640 River Oaks Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 487-0887

W: (719) 472-0300/DSN: 333-2067

E-mail: Dick.Rauschkolb@usafa.af.mil

Seventy has lost another good man. Ken HASSEN passed away on 23 September after a courageous battle with cancer. Ken was my roommate second semester thirdclass year. I remember that semester well. Ken and I became good friends that year. He was always the gentleman easy to get along with, loyal to his friends, proud to be a cadet and a member of our Class. Greg WOODHEAD said it best in an email to me Ken was a “Gentle Giant”. Mark EWIG wrote a very nice eulogy for Ken’s memorial service with input from Bob MCKINNEY and Tony MARIETTA. Gary BAXTER also sent some words to Kdee to be read at Ken’s Memorial Service. Mark superbly captured Ken’s great impact on those who knew him. I am sure all of us remember yelling at Soldiers Field in Chicago in the fall of 1968 as Ken blasted his way through the Navy line on a 50-yard touchdown run that propelled the Falcons to a 26-20 victory over the Middies.

againstNavy!

Mark closed his eulogy with the following: “Ken Hassen had to be one of the best guys we’ve ever known nice, kind, sincere, loveable guy. He was a fighter from the “get-go” no doubt about that. May God grant serenity to Kdee and Chelsea, and may we all live life a bit happier with a bit more smile, and a bit more optimism in a world made better by Ken Hassen.” Well said we will miss you Classmate!

We beat actually mauled Navy 48-7 and last week we took BYU to the woodshed 52-9. Hopefully by the time you read this, the Falcons will have won another Commander-in-Chief’sTrophy with a win over Hudson High. Saw several of our active-duty classmates who were here for Corona last week Speedy MARTIN, TomeWALTERS and Dave MACGHEE. Speedy is running a million miles an hour as CINCUSAFE. Tome had just returned from Pakistan he is the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency I suspect he is on the road a lot. Dave is heading up the Doctrine Center at Maxwell. For us old guys, doctrine is something that today’s Air Force is actually paying attention to.

Rich and Nanci DOWNING hosted a great party after the Navy game for ’70 at their beautiful home in Woodmoor. This is rapidly becoming an annual mini-reunion. Lots ofclassmates, spouses and girlfriends were in attendance many from out of town. Here is a partial list of some of the attendees! please forgive any omissions): Marty MARTIN, Sean RAINTREE, Dave GAW, Mike LYONS, Doug NORTON, Carl BANG, Jack MUELLER, Russ CARPARELLI, Mike POMPHREY, Tooey EMERY, Larry

VAUGHN, Graham SMITH, Brian SPITZER, Larry BUSH, Denny SMALLEY, Ray BARLEBEN, Mike PADDOCK, Wild Bill STEALEY, Gerry

SHAW, Rick HUMKE, Greg GILLES and CookVILLAREAL. Ifyou see Cook ask him if he wants to go camping (inside joke). Many thanks to Rich and Nanci you get five stars AGAIN! Deeply appreciate Sharon Hill and Ray Barleben’s girlfriend Nancy sending in some great pictures.

Tony MARIETTA is recovering from hip replacement surgery. This was the first of several potential surgeries he is facing shoulder and knee are on the horizon. Despite suffering the effects of a painful recuperation, Tony insisted I tell you that Val’s dad ( a young 73) and his partner! at least 80 ) beat (actually drummed) my partner and me for the Flight Championship in the Member-Member GolfTournament at Eisenhower. I won’t offer any excuses except to sayVal’s dad could play linebacker for the Bears he hits it a mile! And his partner a cool 24 handicap shot 39. Said it was his “career round!” Never heard that before! John BALLARD stopped by on his way to a meeting of the MARS Society in Boulder. Sorry I missed you John at least the Society is having its meeting in a proper location.

Roger and Sharon HILL had a nice 30th wedding anniversary celebration at Doolittle Hall. Unfortunately, Marilyn and I were in California moving her mother, who has Alzheimer’s, here (not a lot of fun). Would have rather been at Roger’s gala heard it was a great time here’s to 30 more Roger and Sharon! Got a nice call from Jack NORMAN who was on a layover here. He is still with Continental and enjoying Pennsylvania. Mike RYAN wrote a nice note of support to Ken and Kdee in August. Joe BOYLES wrote to say he remembers SECDEF Mel Laird, our graduation speaker, mention the pride he felt at being asked to speak at the "United States MilitaryAcademy”. I think that got my attention and woke me up from a sound sleep. Joe and Linda have a barn full of ponies at their Trinity Farm in north Florida. He said they eat more than the Class ofSeventy after our survival trek.

We have another judge. Russ CARPARELLI was recently selected by Colorado Governor Bill Owens to be on the state’s Court ofAppeals. Good to know that Russ will be there in case any of us get crossways with the law at the next Reunion. Russ joins Chip TERRILL as a “Seventy" judge apologies if I missed any others.

Kudos to Duff SMILEY for starting an Academy Chapter in the Detroit area. The AOG is greatly increasing its Chapter network around the country/globe. West Point really has a strong chapter program. Ifyou want to start one in your area, contact Marty Marcolongo at the AOG. Unkudos to Duff for accusing me of costing him money with my football predictions. Jimmy the Greek I’m not!

A1SIMONCIC is starting his fifth year ofteaching in Heidelberg. He and Judy were about to head for the Mosel river area for some camping in his “minivan”. A1 said his golf game was suffering sounds like too much camping to me.

Have seen Mark EWIG, Dave GAW, Jim MULFORD, Mick DAVEY, Bob MACK, Ashby TAYLOR, Gino QUIST, Bob MCKINNEY, Mike PADDOCK and Rick HUMKE at Falcon Stadium. Gary BAXTER flew in for the BYU game we shared Ken HASSEN stories at halftime. In July, Doug NORTON and BJ and Cathy BJORKLUND were here for a Sabre Society function. Rick and Carol HUMKE were also in attendance. Doug is working hard for Hewlett Packard and BJ was bemoaning the stock market plunge not a good time to be a VP at Smith Barney in Dallas. Jay and Chris BARRY were out for the New Mexico game an OT Falcon victory. Saw Dana ARBAUGH and Linda and Rich HARRINGTON at the Cal game Falcons came back for a big win at Berkeley. 1 remember being there as a cadet when we lost a close game. Larry and Marleen BUSH also made the trek to California.

While the Falcons are one of the surprise stories in college football, if you get a chance check out the basketball team this year. Coach Joe Scott is turning around the program I fully expect us to have a winning season this year. NIT bid isn’t out of the question.

Wild Bill STEALEY and Denise were here for the Navy game and party at Rich’s place. Wild Bill indicated Joe MCCLELLAND has had a reoccurrence ofhis cancer. Let’s keep him and Missy in our prayers. Wild Bill and I lost a few sheckles to Rick LESCH on the links on Friday. We also lost a few coins to Frank HEMING and his son on Sunday. Needless to say, Wild Bill and I didn’t have our “A’ games! SeemsWild Bill and Denise are regular attendees at the Oshkosh Air Show every year. Look at who they ran across this year our very own former Commandant Robin Olds.

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

Ken Hassen runs to daylight

Seventycelebrates 48-7 victory over the Squids!

Ifyou don’tbeatArmytomorrow—you don’thave a hair on your$#@!"— BGen Robin Olds first words to cadet wing circa 1967!

Lots of you have commented about the Ghoul Pool story in the last issue but only one person remembered who won the Pool and aced ChuckWEIR out for the money. As you might expect that one person was none other than Chuck. Seems Tom RANDAZZA had the “best” date that evening at Hamilton in 1967.

Well gang by the time you get this the Holiday Season will be upon us. Marilyn and I extend our best wishes to all of you and your families. We hope the New Year will keep you and your loved ones in good health.

Hope to see you at a Bowl Game! Arriba Falcones

Paul D. Knott

5565 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

H: (719) 570-9162

W: (719) 481-9400

E-mail: pknott@acninc.net

Lastyear, as I began to write about the summer of2001, the most pressing thing on my mind was our 30th reunion. Then came 9/11, and our nation suddenly realized that there were people who hated us just because we were Americans. As service academy graduates, this was not, I hope, a surprise, but some of our fellow Americans still don’t understand. As of early September, Colorado has residents whose priorities run toward watering lawns with their children’s drinking water, while men in caves plan ever more violent attacks against American citizens. Some of you are still making sure that those cave-dwellers plot in vain.

Speaking of reunions, an interesting thing happened at my high school reunion. I ran into a high school classmate that I hadn’t seen since graduation, and his wife went to school with Bob SLUSARZ’s sister. A couple of minutes later, I found out that Lynn WILLADSEN is now an officer in a local bank!

In late July, A1BENDURE let me know that Tom MAHR was in the hospital recovering from a stroke. Tom says that he was just getting out of die shower when he felt dizzy and lost control of his left side. His wife, Jill, found him a couple ofminutes later after she realized that the water wasn’t running and Tom hadn’t appeared. When Andrea and I talked to him a couple ofweeks later, he was already setting goals. According to Tom, having to think about how to move his left leg at the same time as learning to shift balance from side to side in his physical therapy sessions made for some of the more fatiguing things he’s done in a long time. As some ofyou may know, Tom was involved in a severe auto accident about five years ago. In spite of the challenges he’s faced, Tom is looking forward to being active. By the time you read this, Tom and Jill will be at home, and, knowing Tom, he will have booked a ski vacation for December.

Speaking ofA1 BENDURE, he is working at Schriever AFB. He and Kathy are doing well. A1 mentioned that Russ LOGAN was affected by the WorldCom mess. Some of you folks have had retirement funds invested in the companies you work for, and it must be frustrating to watch your nest egg approaching zero as you approach the time you need the money.

Not the smoothest transition I’ve ever done, but, speaking of money, Larry SMITH now works at the AOG as Vice President, Finance.

Got a note from Sam CLOVIS: “Hope all is well with you. I am still here in Iowa, now the dean of the college of business and management science at William Penn University. They hired me for my business background more than my academic credentials (as anyone who ever attended class with me would quickly attest). We are a poor but proud little school with about 1,400 full-time students on three campuses in Iowa.

“My oldest (Travis, Class of ’98) just finished his first tour in Afghanistan as a MH-53 pilot. He will probably be on rotation until we get this mess settled. My number two son, Matthew, is here in Iowa with me going to school at William Penn. He is a bit adrift, but seems to be finding his way more and more. My wife, Charlotte, teaches at Indian Hills Com

munity College in Ottumwa (hometown of Radar O’Reilly and Tom Arnold). Her son, Khan, is a freshman in High School here in Oskaloosa.”

JUST UNDER THE WIRE DEPARTMENT: Just as I was getting things together to send off to the AOG, I got an e-mail from Harry DAVIS. In his own words: “After a very hectic period, life is back to more normal. StartingAug 24th, we have had continuous visitors the parents and brother ofthe cadet we sponsor came from San Antonio and stayed with us, Kevin (USAFA, ’01) drove in from Oklahoma, my sister and her daughter and her daughter’s daughter came, Cindy's Mom came for two weeks. It was all good fun, but a daily scheduling blur of activities. We drove to Enid OK (Vance AFB), for Kevin’s Pilot Training graduation. It was a great time and turned into a mini-homecoming of cadets and retirees that I knew in the Air Force. There were multiple shots of Jeremiah Weed that I was forced to drink as my friends toasted old times-even down to a six-yearold we all knew back in ’82 who is now a lieutenant and starting pilot training at Vance. Kevin moved from Vance last week down to Oklahoma City, got an apartment and found out that he is the youngest pilot in the squadron. He will be flying AWACS-which gets him an SCI clearance, lots of airline practice time, and loads ofTDY time and pay. Cindy wants him to find a girl and get married; I want him to get a new car. Other than that, my job, and Cindy’s job, are going ok. We’re looking forward to Oct 5 and the resumption of USAFA home football games.”

Rich RUSHENBERG also sent a short note: ”My 14-year-old son Eric earned his Eagle Scout rank this summer. I know you probably think I crawled under a rock, but my travel has been very curtailed, and this is my first trip out there (to Colorado Springs) since ’97 or so.” Rich is a District Review Appraiser in the Omaha District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He’ll be in town later this week to look at some properties at Peterson, Ft. Carson, and the Academy.

Our son, Sean, PCSd to Langley and made the Staff Sergeant list in August. His Air Force career so far has been interesting. Langley marks the first base that he didn’t live at as a dependent. Spangdahlem was my last overseas base: Both Andrea’s dad and I were stationed at Luke.

Let’s hope by the time you read this that the Falcon football team has finished the year as strongly as they began it. At least the Lobo is off their backs! GBA

Bob Bell

13 Pacific Ave. Sinking Spring, PA 19608

(610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513

E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

Hi Again Class of ’72. As we prepare for the “Big Game” against Notre Dame as part of our 30th Class Reunion, I submit this shortbit of news for your enjoyment.

The letter from Dennis MURKEY (Connie) results from a visit to the Murkey home in Villa Park, CA by Curt (Cheryl) JOHNSON. The Johnsons spent a week there catching up on events with their families, playing a litde golf and reminiscing about their four years at USAFA. Curt is retired now from the AF after 20 years and living in Albuquerque, NM. Dennis has been working in the securities industry since 1977. Plans are to visit the Johnsons in October.

After they spent a great day at a round of golf, this photo reported the happy result. Looks like a good time was had by all. Thank you Dennis for the news!

From left are Curt and CherylJohnson and Connie and Dennis Murkey. So guys, there it is. By the time you read this the Falcons should have done it again for the regular season (football) and we may even be involved in the post-season...

Let me assure you there will be some more good words to report to you following this Reunion Weekend - for you not able to attend, hope to catch you all at the 35th Fortitudo Per Aspera.

Dan 0’ Hollaren

19803 Derby St

West Linn, OR 97068

H: (503) 657-0299

W: (503) 667-8554

E-mail: danoh73@attbi.com

Season’s Greetings, Class of‘73! The sweaters are out, the stockings are about to be hung by the chimney with care, and we’re lead turning our 30th Reunion in 2003. So, let’s share an equal measure of Class News and Reunion Previews.

First, Norty SCHWARTZ has left the confines of the northern tier, aka Alaskan Command, to take the helm as Director of Operations for the Pentagon’s Joint Staff. Welcome back! Ed PREBLE, our Class Webmaster, writes from New Mexico with some updates. John PRETZ is still in Virginia as a DOD contractor. Reports frequent sightings of Jay JABOUR, John CORLEY, Joe SOVEY, Steve LORENZ and Bruce WRIGHT (“a very busy guy”). Also runs into Erik ANDERSON plus Paul FREUND, George TOTA and Sam TORREY. As host of the AFROC John also works with Rich COMER. By the way, good article in the AF Times (9/30/02) about Rich’s Special Ops squadron and their lead role in the kickoff of Desert Storm. Thanks, Ed, for the updates.

JohnnyWHITAKER, one ofthe last holdouts on active duty, has decided to hang up his blue suit officially on 1 Feb 03. With time off for good behavior, Johnnywill be back on the streets in November. Both his sons were graduated and commissioned in May. Anyone looking for an experienced PR guy - particularly in Texas - give Johnny a call. Sounds like Wayne HOLUM is engaged and, by the time you read this, will be a married man to new bride, Patti. Rich HAYES can give Johnny some tips on retirement. He and Connie are busy in Charleston, SC where Rich is building C-17 trainers and trying to start up an AOG chapter. Dean HAYLETT is still in DC with Booz-Allen Hamilton. Dean’s daughter Deanna, a ’99 grad, is a C130 driver married to another '99 grad who’s driving Buffs. Hmmm, interesting match. Dean also has a son, Marshal, who is an '02 grad and off to UPT at Moody. Gary DUTELLE is in Ft. Collins with his bride of nearly 30 years, Sherry, with four kids raised and of legal age. Congratulations you two! Gary’sdriving 777s forAmerican and is anxious for the reunion. Stalker REED continues to be a regular contributor on behalf of the CS-07 gang, and is anxious for the 30th Reunion. It sounds like there might just be a “pre-function” in theworks. Tom KENNEDYand Kent MAGNUSSON wrote to update their email addresses.

Received some last minute notes from Charlie CLATTERBAUGH and Dennis RENSEL. Charlie is trying to organize a CS-32 get-together in conjunction with our 30th Reunion. Anyone from CS-32 that currently resides in the Springs and is interested in being a POC for such a soiree, drop me a line and I’ll pass it on to Charlie. Dennis is now employed among the civilian ranks as a space and telecom expert for Booz-Allen Hamilton. Jack McALMONT sent a great bio on his travels since graduation. He is alive and well in L.A. Jack spent 10 years on active dutyflying Hercs out ofLittle Rock and Yokota. He spent lots of time in various program management roles within the Space Program, Air Staff, and many more too numerous to mention. He went off to The Wharton School to get his MBA and joined the AFRES. Experienced a pretty devastating car accident but, after extended treatment, was back into the fight. Retired from the Reserves as well as his civil service gig and took a year off, wandering the jungles of South America among other ventures. Went to work for a small NASA/ FAA/etc contracting company; great experience but long hours. Landed next with a larger company, thanks in part to a previous AF contact. Currendy, however, he’s back in the job pool, so another opportunity for our ranks to provide employment opportunities. Jack is planning an extended trip to central Asia and intends on sharing his experiences, so more to follow. Thanks for a great career summary, Jack!

From the Rebeleven corner, Mike SCHIEFER wrote to let me knowwhat he’s been up to. He is still high (figuratively speaking) in the Personnel Center at Randolph but galloping up on mandatory retirement. Lots of work to be done and not enough time, according to Mike. He has been doing studies on USAFA-recruited athletes and has come to the conclusion that I, as an aero major, probably would not be on the intercollegiate track team in today’s environment. (Not sure how to take that Mike, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.) As retirement looms, Mike has no firm plans other than roaming around the southwestern U.S., most likely looking for rocks with cool shapes. Whatever his plans, they will include his “significant other” Melba, a professor at U of Texas-Austin. This relationship has - and sounds like will continue - to involve travel

abroad as part of her work. Mike’s son Matthew is in a PhD program in neuro-engineering (Riiighhhttt!). Ernie MARAVILLA and his bride, Kathy, are still hanging out in Houston. Ernie’s been promoted to Director, Information Assurance, for Omitron, Inc. His responsibilities extend to site security for the Johnson Space Center. (He has more, but this sounded the most impressive!). He is also active in theAcademy Business Exchange, a service academybusiness-networkinggroup. Three granddaughters and volunteer work keep both of them busy. Bruce BENNETT, our classmate who has an affinity for overseas living, continues to write epistles from his assignment in Bulgaria. His team has finished the first phase of their job and now are busy writing training plans for the Bulgarian military. Bruce is staying busy during his off hours biking, playing golf and traveling around the Balkans. On the home front, Nancy has the unenviable task of seeing their new home through closing, which should be a reality by the time this goes to press. Nancy will be visiting “Bulgaria Bruce” in October and November, and BB will be coming home for Christmas. Daughter Brandie, son-in-law Jim (Marine HC-60 driver) and grandson Grady are on their way to Guam. Daughter Keri has enrolled in Okmulgee State College in Oklahoma and is adjusting well to being away from home. A lack of photographic input has forced me to include one of myself following a hop down to the Oregon coast in a Cessna. Note the Class of 73 commercial!

Dan O’Hollaren followingcombatsortie over the northern Oregon coast.

In closing, an update on the 30* Reunion plans. The date and locationin semi-soft Jell-0 as I write this - are 5-9 Nov 2003 with the Doubletree Hotel as Headquarters. Army weekend, so it should be exciting. Just remember: that time of year; uniform is Service Everything, preferably in layers. Sam GRIER has got the ball rolling and, like any true leader, has found some suckers, er, volunteers, to act as co-chairmen. Howard “Mitch” MITCHELL and Doug “Spider” RICHARDSON drew the short straws, and we thank you! They have established a committee comprised of ‘73ers in the local area and are handing out assignments faster than a Doolie shower. They are Mike ARNETT, Dale BIRCH, Dave BROWN, Joel CARLSON, Mike CUTTER, Howard ELLIOT, Bill GILLIN, Sam GRIER, Dave HARMON, Denis HAUGH, Ted KAMMIRE, A1 MAUER, Skip SMITH, BJ STANTON, John STEFONIK, Don SUTULA, Ron THOMAS, Mike TURNER and Jim VITELLI. They will be using cadet squadron focals, our class website and yours truly to help disseminate information. They are putting meat on the plans very quickly so it should come together as a great one. Plan on showing up; see who’s got grandkids, who have got kids the age of our grandkids, and everything in between. A grand time will be had by all!

Well, I’m Bingo on my AOG word allotment. Anxious to see everyone next year. Until then, AMF and Check Six!

Joe Brezovic 1209 Bayou Oaks Drive Friendswood, TX 77546

H: (281) 482-6860

0: (281) 244-8325/Fax: (281) 244-8909

E-mail: jbrezovicl@bigplanet.com joseph.brezovicl@jsc.nasa.gov

Hello Class of 74!

I’m sure all of us are hoping each other are in good health and good spirits! I’ve a few notes to pass on! The first is from Jim MAPLES. Jim wrote after meeting his oldest son in New York as he returned from his “third lieutenant” program in Kosovo and Bosnia. The Jim drove him back up to West Point to start his senior year. He’s majoring in mechanical engineering and is on the dean’s list. “My other son is in Army ROTC at the University of Tennessee and starts his senior year in September. Then he is off to law school to be an Armylawyer. Mydaughter is a sophomore at HardingUniversity in Arkansas. She is majoring in computer sci-

ence. Yes, I have three in college at the same time. I just keep wondering where I went wrong to have both my sons in the Army. Actually, they both love the Army life.” Jim writes that he is “still flying for USAirways (21 years now). I just do the Frankfurt flights once or twice a week. Only eight and a half years to go before retirement!”

JJ ROMANO sent in another note from San Antonio. JJ is about four miles from Kelly if any ofyou are in the neighborhood! I do TDY there at Kelly on an occasion and we’ve done email a visit to come soon! JJ recently finished his second year with SAIC. Several AFA grads are members of this 100% employee-owned company; however, “bottom line is that contracts still must be won and kept in order to keep people employees. Capitalism would be great if it just wasn’t for the competition.” Here’s another note from JJ which y’all might consider: “I think I may have a first. I am about to enter the Reserves in the new program for retired personnel. I’ve been accepted as an IMA at the NAIC, WrightPatterson AFB. If the paperwork makes it all the way through (some rumor of George W. Bush having to sign even) then I would be the third retired regular officer to enter the Reserves. It turns out to be a good deal for the AF, as my retired pay is reduced by any Reserve pay made therefore I am almost a freebee. I’m pretty sure I will be the first grad to do this.” JJ has mentioned that some close friends have questioned his sanity, but he felt the need to help out somehow. [Ifyou feel the need, email me back and I’ll get the right contacts for you with the help of JJ

Note number three comes from Paul GUZOWSKI, from Budapest, Hungary. Paul is retired now—see the photo. That was taken after four years teaching at the Army War College.

Christine and Paul Guzowski on retirement day.

Since then, Paul has taken a position as a senior military analyst with Cubic Applications, Inc., and deployed to Budapest. There, Paul works with a small team helping the Hungarian Defense Forces (HDF) to continue to modernize... putting things like competitive, merit-based promotions and professional development in place. One big project is transitioning the HDF from a conscript-based military to a completely professional (volunteer) one. Christine gets over occasionally and one time they drove south to France for the 30th reunion of Paul’s class at the French Academy. Classmate Jack LONG met them to help celebrate with a French classmate, BG Bernard Molard, who is now the commandant. The work with HDF at times is frustrating, but rewarding when it dies work out! The contract is for a fewyears, so they may be there for a while! Paul would be happy to hear from anyone traveling through that part of Europe to visit the beautiful city, Budapest.

and it sounded familiar, then saw who it was and had to come over,” said Mike. Mike and I had gym lockers close to each other for a few years at AFA. Mike finished his Air Force career with many years “homesteading” in the Air Force at Wright-Pat. He showed me a picture of his four lovely girls, (two married already) and two still in school! Mike has put his experience and contacts to work for Aerospace Business Development Associates, Inc., in the Wright-Paterson AFB, Ohio, area. Mike passed on some information on other classmates: Mike DELORENZIO is Vice CC of AFRL. Ned SCHOECK is a wing commander somewhere. Rick NEWSOME was to be at the conference, but we missed him. Other Midwest news: Denny and Lin HUGHES are alive and well in and around Papillion, NE. They now have two sons married... and one son is in the Air Force in Texas. Denny still applies his civil engineering education for a bank as it expands across the Midwest. Art RATKEWICZ is alive and well in Colorado Springs.

From South Carolina, Chuck and Karen HOYLE sent in a note that they are alive and well. The picture of nine children shows the children in great health and smiles. Yes, Chuck, (CS-36) said they did adopt I tried to find a picture with Karen and Chuck in, but could not find one. Chuck didn't say what he and Karen do to keep the family in such great spirits of course it was a Christmas picture. More at another time we hope. They’re probably busy...

Jack Long, Bernard Molard, Paul Guzowski on the Camargue River.

Some faces and lives can pick up at a second. There I was, briefing a few folks at a booth on missile fuels during an ALAA Propulsion Conference in Indianapolis. Turn my head to talk with the next person and Mike BRAYDICH stood there smiling in his business suit! “I heard a voice

Nine BeautifulHoyles Hearts.

Another part of the world I traveled to was Taegu, Korea. Fort Walker, where we activated ULCHI FOCUS LENS (UFL), is about three hours SSE of Osan AB. I found one grad, a West Pointer, but no AFA grads. What helps to find one AFA is the jump wings. In this case, even it was hid when we wore the gas masks! Perhaps one of you participates in UFL? Maybe next year we can team up!

Ifyou’ve missed the front part of the book, I’d like a pause for the passing ofJim PARQUETTE. I know him only from CS-40 and the Gymnastics Team. You may have known him better.

May each ofyou live with intention. I’m hoping to have seen a number ofyou at the Prep School reunion this Fall. The 1974 Class 30th reunion is coming in 2004! Making plans? Oh, here’s the yearly request for you to send an email or Christmas card to me so I can spread your good cheer to the class! May you live long and prosper!

Jeff Hackett

2610 E. Stottler Drive

Gilbert, AZ 85296

H: (480) 558-8703

W: (480) 988-9773 X434

E-mail: jhackett75@cox.net

I AM SICK AND TIRED! No, not another one of my occasional complaints about scarcity of inputs for the column or the protracted hot weather here in Phoenix (late September and still well over 105°); just a warning to wear biomedical protective gear as you read this column - it’s being written from what I was convinced 24 hours ago was my deathbed. But the resiliency, stick-to-it-ness, and ability to focus on a goal we learned on hallowed grounds of USAFA so many years ago have pulled me through! (Sorry to disappoint, but that “goal” I speak of wasn’t writing this column - Chris and I have moved up date for our wedding to Nov 2nd - now that’s a goal!)

MORE GOOD NEWS FROM THE TURN-YOUR-HEAD-AND-COUGH DEPARTMENT. Glad to say that mine is not the only medical recovery to report. Don HENNEY's wife, Debbie, appears to on her way to joining me as a cancer survivor following a run-in with the disease earlier this

summer. As of the 4th of July she was home (Washington DC area) with good news that lymph nodes tested negative for any further spreading. All ofthis happening in midst ofsending their one son, Daniel, off to join the Class of 2006 (yeah, that’s right, these guys will graduate after our 30th Reunion!) and having another son, Joseph, compete in the U.S. National Debate Competition.

And JT WOLTER continues to have nothing but good news from the doctors, “...blessed with great results from cardiologist and also learned that my heart wall, which had been damaged during the surgery, had amazingly healed!” Unfortunately the onlything healthier than JT’s heart is the bureaucracy in the FAA - his recertification hearing process has hit several delays leaving JT “hopeful” that he will, “return to flying, probably about the time United declares bankruptcy!”

BEEN THERE, DONE (EIALF) THAT. I’m thinking there’s ample time for us to collect spare ladders and airplane tickets to Las Vegas before scheduled dates for Bill MURRAY’S daughters’ weddings next spring. Tiffany’s wedding (just one year ago) is still fresh enough in my memory/ wallet that I thought we might encourage the two suitors to take an alternative route to matrimony. Even Bill tried to talk Rosemary (marrying a California Highway Patrolman in March’03) and Evelyn (marrying a USAF Firefighter/EMT in May/June ‘03) into a double ceremony, but they dedined.

The Murray Family

A1 PECK has plenty of time to prepare himself for that day when he gives his daughter away. At the same time Bill is walking his girls down the aisle, Al will still be walking Lauren’s diapers out to the trash born June 11 th at the Langley AFB Hospital. Wow.

WORK - STARTING, STOPPING, AND CHANGING DIRECTIONS. In the “Still on Active Duty” department, I saw some official notifications that MG Dale MEYERROSE is now: Director for Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I), J-6, United States Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, CO; that Brigadier General select Eric. ROSBORG has been named Commander ofthe 4th FighterWing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC; and that Colonel Dave TILLOTSON is now Acting Director, C4ISR Architecture & Assessment, at the Pentagon. A little further to the East we find that Colonel Pete LOSI has settled in at US Embassy in Budapest, Hungary.

Three more distinguished active duty careers were recently concluded. Heard lots of great things about John CHARLTON’S retirement ceremony in August. Report is that John’s remarks to those gathered to honor his career, were “eloquent and moving and that was before he asked his son to read a poem about what was reallyimportant in a pilot’s life (the woman at home who would be there long after the engine fuel cut-off switch was turned off for good)... there was not a dry eye in that room”. Steve WOJCICKI went on terminal leave in August with intentions of relocat-

ing to the Cape Canaveral area and looking for a job in the launch business at Kennedy Space Center.

This quarter’s biggest news on the “Citizen-Soldier” front is that Duane LODRIGE was promoted to Commanding General of the D.C. Air National Guard in August (Duane forwarded an impressive photo collage of ceremony that wouldn’t reproduce well here - send me an email if you’d like to receive it electronically). And I’m told that Phil METEER has been selected to become (USAFR) Mobilization Assistant to the Commander at Electronic Systems Center (HanscomAFB). Two other classmates have recently returned to service in the Reserves: Rick TOWNSEND (after a 10+ year break in service) will be helping write the F-22 Dash One at the F-22 SPO, and Leon SMITH-HARRISON has decided (after 11 years) to return to service as a doctor in the Reserves (MG Bentley RAYBURN is scheduled to administer the Oath of Office!).

Scribes have been put under draconian constraint ofthree pictures per column so it may be good that Bill LYERLY’s photo got lost in cyberspace. Certainlyhope to rectify that situation in next column so we can see him beingpresented the “Distinguished Member ofthe Corps” (DMOC) Award and Medallion that is given annually by the Civil Affairs Association and the U.S. Army Civil Affairs Branch (U.S. Army Special Operations Command), the only other two DMOC recipients this year were USAF General Holland (the USSOCOM C1NC), nd a Colombian Admiral. In addition to picture limit there’s a word 1011;*: on the column so it’s not possible to tell you all the amazing things Bill is up to - for the time being you’ll find him working in the newly created “Homeland Security Transition Planning Office” in the Executive Office of the President.

Other career news: Dave HICKMAN got accepted to Law School, Bill TAYLOR .left corporate world in the San Francisco Bay Area to run musician’s service that specializes in hard-to-find musical instruments, music and instructional materials hoping to, “remain naive but optimistic for the rest of my life.” Kelley BISHOP is in Valdosta, GA working for Lear-Seigler as a T-38C simulator instructor. And Curt OSTERHELD is a VP somewhere in L-3 Corporation (parent of Link Simulation where I work hey, Curt old friend...).

DOWN TO THE (WORD COUNT) WIRE. Got a short note from David SHIELDS letting us know he’s still Aviation Training Manager for the support branch of Wycliffe Bible Translators (see August issue AOPA Pilot magazine, “Short runways: How the pros do it.” David recently “survived” the 100 miles Assault on Mt Mitchell (Spartanburg, SC to Mt Mitchell for the second year. Final words and picture dedicated to surprise karaoke birthday gathering Willie COSBY’s wife, Cynthia, threw for his 50th. Anecdotes and other pictures convey a true Southern California party befitting the milestone.

Christian, Fong, Will “Cos” Cosby, Facenda, and Layman

Remember to send your pictures / stories from Prep School Reunion, Retirements, Tailgate / Holiday parties direct to the Scribe (with word limit it’ll be hard to continue including stuff I’m seeing in Jim CARLSON’s “75 Notes to Class” and other pass-alongs). Hug the ones you love! It’s later than you think!

Ernie Woollard

216 E. Goettler St.

Scott AFB, IL 62225-1710

H: (618) 744-1044 W: (618) 256-7948

E-mail: evw76@aol.com

Work e-mail: Ernest.Woollard@scott.af.mil

Class Website:http://www.AFAcademy.com/76

As the holiday season fast approaches, I wish to all ofyou the very best, for opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family, continued good health and success with your me st recent endeavers. This past year has been exceptionally busy for those of us still wearing the “Blue Suit,” and all evidence points to 2003 as being quite the same.

Burling, Wallace, Carlson, John Charlton, and Cox

As I said in the last edition, Dan BEATTY will be taking over the scribe duties in January after he returns from his tour in Southwest Asia. Please feel free though to send along any updates and special greetings with your holiday cards and letters; Dan and I will be workingtogether to make sure we post all those in the winter Checkpoints article. Continue to Fly Safe; and remember, as we are not getting any younger, that thorough preflight is now even more important.

Once again, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes to All!

From Dan Beatty we received this photo of Brig Gen Dave Robinson and Dan in front ofthe Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) at Prince Sultan Air Base. Dave is there as the COAC director and Dan is the chief of staff to the director of Operations. Dave recently arrived there and Dan was about to complete his rotation and hoped to be in Colorado Springs for the Air Force/Navy game on Oct. 5. Both Dave and Dan were supportingOperation SouthernWatch and OperationEnduring Freedom.

Dan also ran into Jimmy CARTER in the Area of Responsibility (AOR). He is a wing king at A1 Jaber. Jim FISHER was there also. He is a contractor and was over there working some software issues for the Joint Services Rescue Center.

(Editor’s note: Dan Beatty’s information follows: Work phone: 719-5546160. Email: whrlybrd76@aol.com or Daniel.Beatty@Peterson.af.mil.)

John J “Lou” Michels, Jr.

Mcquire Woods LLP

77 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 4400 Chicago, IL 60601-1635

Voice: (312) 849-8150

Fax: (312) 849-3690

E-Mail: jmichels@mcquirewoods.com

By the time you read this, our 25,h reunion will have come and gone, but as I write this, Colorado is still two weeks away. I am hoping it was a wonderful time for everyone, and that we talked too much, ate too much, and celebrated far too much. Air Force has just beaten California as I write this, and Navy has just lost to Northwestern, so I am hoping we see an Air Force victory on October 5.

LONG LOST CORRESPONDENTS, ETC. Mark SASSCER (Marian) sent me an apologetic email full ofinformation. The apologetic part was Mark saying that he hadn’t written before, although he reads the column religiously. Better late than never, Mark, I always say. Mark retired from Edwards about two years ago and works for Lockheed Martin in Marietta, GA as a test pilot. Mark is testing the C-130J, the C-27J and (he hopes) soon the C-5. Because Mark recognizes that I am basically an idiot about leading edge flying, he advises that the 27J is a 27A with six-bladed turboprops, a glass cockpit, and modernized avionics. The aircraft is a joint venture between Lockheed and Alenia of Italy. The great thing about this deal is that Mark has been spending copious amounts of time in Italy skiing, flying, and watching Italian Series A soccer. Between vacations, er, business trips to Northern Italy, Mark coaches a high school girls varsity soccer team in Marietta. He and Marian have one in third grade, three in high school and a sophomore in college near Chattanooga, TN. Not surprisingly, the collegian is a soccer player.

PR HELMS (Cam) works right next door to Mark (and lives in the same neighborhood). PR is also pushing the 130J, specializing in training customer pilots in, you guessed it, Italy, as well as the UK and various U.S. destinations.

Mark bumped into Tony GRADY (Donna) during one of Mark’s frequent trips to Dayton. Tony flies for FedEx but, apparently, is in the process of forming his own company to use nano technology in medical applications. Tony is working with Tom WAILES (Debbie), who is my old squadron mate from 16. Tom is living in the Dayton area and, as reported previously here (but not for a real long time), has his Ph.D., was an AFIT professor, and is now working with a research firm in the Dayton area. Mark joined a pick

up soccer game at Wright-Pat and played a game with Mike CROSS (Jaqueline). Mike is retired now and works for a contractor at the base. Thanks for the in-depth report, Mark, and drop me a line anytime. Frenchie FERNAND (Karen) dropped me a quick line to let me know that he gets into Chicago about once a month flying for United. I’ll hope to hook up with him since O’Hare is actually pretty close to my house. Referencing my closing comments in the last column about people celebrating their 25th wedding anniversaries this year, Frenchie noted his 25th this summer (June 4), he apparently needed the three days to run a background check, with the comment, “I don’t want to go out on a limb about Karen, but I think she’s a keeper.” Frenchie is flying for United which, at least here in Chicago, seems a chancy proposition.

Steve CAMERON (Kit) dropped me this photo of Jim LAMB, himself, Chris SEAT (Deborah) and Jeff OLINGER (Nancy) in front ofwhat may or may not be the Air Force’s newest fighter, the F-22. Steve is the commander of the 412TW. Jim LAMB was the ChiefofSafety for the flight test center and Chris is the F-22 Test Force director. Jeff is the Commander at theAFOTEC. Also assisting at Edwards are Reservists Lee GUSTIN (Kathy) and Steve HERLT (Jean). Lee is the ABW Mobilization Augmentee as a reservist and Steve is a reserve instructor at the test pilot school.

Active duty Steve has had an interesting run on the last two assignments, particularly given the fact that he’s a colonel. Prior to being the Test Wing Commander, he was the test pilot school Commandant. He noted that he even had Chuck Yeager’s desk in his office. So far, his best week at Edwards has been a one-week run flying the F-15E, the Chief of Staff’s C-135, a T-38 as an IP, and driving an M-60 tank, which was at Edwards as one of the mobile targets out on the test range. What, no flight on the space shuttle? Sounds like a pretty busy itinerary. Steve notes that Edwards has sent people into combat for the first time in recent memory, deploying Global Hawk and Big Crow aircraft in support of Afghan operations. Steve hosted the Joint Strike Fighter Demonstration Program and noted that the “better looking airframe” got selected as the winner “for a change.” He’s now involved in watching the CV-22 test program as that troubled aircraft tries to get back in the good graces of DOD. Keep flying safe, Steve, and I’ll hope to see you at the reunion.

Scott JACSON (Lisa) dropped me a line from Computer Sciences Corporation where he now works in the Falls Church, VA office. When I talked to Scott, he was setting up a golf game disguised as an “Aerospace & Defense Forum.” He was so desperate for help, he even invited me. Fortunately for the golfers, spectators, and anyone within 300 yards of the teeshot areas, I was unable to attend. I’m not sure CSC could stand the loss of business or the lawsuits caused by my ricocheting golf balls off defense company executives.

SHORT HITS. A1 MEZA (Christine) fired me a short message letting me know that he is moving to Houston to fly the Citation X with Burlington Resources. Just make sure your air conditioning is working, Al. Dan VAN ALSTINE (Paula) is running the reunion from his job with KPMG Consuiting. Assisting him is Dave GRAGAN (Mary), who has now moved to Northern Virginia with Accenture. Bob McGRATH (Stephanie) has just been given tenure as an associate professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. Bob comments that his school was ranked number one in aerospace engineering, no doubt in large part to Bob’s efforts.

SIGN-OFF. I hope everyone had the time of their lives and I’ll look forward to seeing all of you where it is a privilege to live. Be seeing you.

Visit the AOG Web Site - Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.aog-usafa.org

T. J. “Bahaska” Whitehair

1205 Southview Drive

O’Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 632-1423

E-mail: Bahaska@intertek.net

Gone, But Not Forgotten: Sadly, I report that a fellow ‘78er passed away. Lt Col (Ret) Kenneth C. SCHOW Jr. died on July 28, 2002 after a courageous three-year struggle with cancer in Phoenix, AZ. KC’s brother-inlaw, TG CZACHOR, notified me that his sister Mary and their two children, Trey and Kristin, and his mom were at KC’s side when he passed. Condolences may be sent to Mary at 3369 E. Windsong Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85048. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in KC’s name to either: Southwest Airlines Catastrophic Assistance Charity Fund, Attn: Phyllis Adams, 2702 Love Field Dr., Dallas, TX 75235; or Air Force Aid Society, 1745 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Suite 202, Arlington, VA 22202.

Need Website, Will Travel: James ARNOLD dropped me a note asking if any ofyou computer geeks out there could design a 78 website and link it through the AOG. Unfortunately both James and I are website-deficient. So, contact James at jarnoldx4@juno.com and maybe this can get rolling.

Updating 24th Squadron: Thanks to Debbie and Jeff FELLMETH for this update. Dave GROVES (Nancy) with a son and daughter is an American 767 captain in NewYork and now living near Dallas, TX. Bill “WillyT” SENN (Cindy) also with a son and daughter is a UPS DC-8 first officer who just moved into a new home in Tucson, AZ. Walt IFILL (Carol) is retired after running the KC-135 Weapons School, lives now in Oklahoma and has joined the civilian work force. Wife, Carol, is expecting a boy (prediction) later this year. Ray“Sky” KING is an A-320 captain forAmerica West in Phoenix, AZ and his last big adventure was to climb Aconcaqua in Argentina last January but he only made it to 20,000’ due to a stomach virus he picked up in base camp. Ray reports at least there were no guys with guns this time.

JD PAULY (Debbie) with Jasmine, 13, and James IV 11, is director of Product Support for Rockwell Collins Passenger Systems and living in Southern California. He helps make all the flight entertainment equipment for the commercial birds. JD retired in 1999 out ofMcChord AFB as Deputy IG and reports he doesn’t miss the Air Force that much because he’s too busy to think about it. What JD misses most after the AF, and to put it delicately, is the flaming gaseous discharge of one each, issue, Willy T. Bob “Euell” GIBBONS is DO of the 682 ASOS, which is the Air Support Operations Center (ASOC) for the 18th Airborne Corps HQ at Ft, Bragg. Euell spent two months at Qandahar running fires planning for the SOF and a month in Bagram running an ASOC for JTF-Mountain. An ANACONDA rumor abounds; ask him about it sometime. In his spare time he’s picked up a seaplane rating and wants to get a hangar at Sumter Muni so he can get his five-year “Hanger Queen” airplane operational. And finally, Bob went, I assume to Oshkosh in July and should have gotten married again to a great Georgia girl in September. To all 24ers in 3rd Group, Yoohah.

Go Ahead, Wake Me Up: Bob “Let Me Call YourWife Late at Night” KAY, dropped me a note to lobby for the scribe job (PS They’re knocking down my door Bob). Bob just left the F-117 after flying it for three years at Holloman Air Patch to move across the runway to fly the QF-4 drone. Excuse me, but I thought drones were unmanned and shot at. But no, Bob informs me that they are only shot at while deployed to White Sands when unmanned. Good idea. His wife, Ellie, is the proud author of three books with more in the works. Her fourth entitled, “Heroes at Home” is due to be released and is a tribute to military spouses and families. Rumor has it that Bob has been busy with five children and no time!

Who Started that Forest Fire: Brian LIVIE (Roberta) and Bert CONROY survived the Hayman fire although it came within seven miles of Brian’s new house. Quick, update that fire insurance. His son Vince got married April 20th and moved to Moody AFB and is three months into pilot training and of course wants a fighter. I suspect that after treating the smacks as he did, he’ll be flying a cargo plane of rubber dog dirt out of Hong Kong. Brian’s daughter Vanessa is now a senior at UCCS and has an internship at Lockheed Martin while not traveling on vacation with her best Internet Brazilian friend.

Following in Dad’s Footsteps: Robert Bravo, ace son of Jose BRAVO, graduated on ay 29, 2002 with the AFA Class of 2002. Robert is currently on casual status at Little Rock AFB waiting for his pilot training slot at Columbus AFB, MS to open up early next year. Jose noted that it was a strange scene having his son graduate while classmate Taco was commandant. In other news, Jose is a MD-11 captain with FedEx living in Disney World - Orlando, FL.

Patch Adams: In light of the Academy’s approaching 50th Anniversary, if you know anything about the development, creation, history, of significance of any squadron patches, please contact Duane Reed

(Duane.Reed@usafa.af.mil), the Head of Special Collections at the Cadet Library.

Good Riddance Vietnammmmm! Yeah, open up that freedom bird, see the Blue Zoo in the rear-view mirror, hitchhike from Bijou, I’m outta here. Well, last column guys and I’m sad to see it go, but life changes, writing skills diminish, and I’ve gotta have time to work on the ‘Vette. However, 2003 approaches, 25 years of the Age of Men and the “New Red Tag Bastards”, the Class of 1978. Reunion coming - Be There. Signing off as the Battered Bastard Bahaska.

(Editor’s note: Bob Kay’s information is: 2386 Cherry Hills Loop, Alamogordo, NM 88311. Homephone: 505-439-5463. Workphone: 505442-5482. Cell phone: 505-442-9128. Email: Kbob@zianet.com or robert.Kay@holloman.af.mil.)

Bud Vazquez

25 Hayden Lane

Bedford, MA 01730

E-mail: Bud.vazquez@hanscom.af.mil

Greetings Niners, from one of our newest “Misters”! Yes, I hung it up on 28 June (effective 1 Sept), and entered the ranks of slimy contractors! I formed a company with a friend called IPT Associates and we are now up to five people! Today five, tomorrow 5000! What do I do? well, we rent retired 0-5s and 0-6s back to the USAF, of course! I am supporting the Joint STARS SPO Director. Had a stupendous send-off, grew hair where I never could before and took a whole summer off. Drug the family to the old alma mater, and swung throughout eight states in the Rockies

4,100 miles in 22 days on the of rental van!

The Vazquez Family at Mt. Rushmore. From left are Molly, AJ, Marley, Dan and BigDaddy.

Hope this finds you all well. Let’s get down to business Chris KING (Caroline) remains a big shot here at Happy Hanscom, as he heads up the Combat Air Forces Command and Control SPO. Imagine a small, third world country - in terms of people, GNP, and crises - and you get the idea ofwhat Chris deals with every day. Yet, Chris manages to acquit himselfwell, befitting an esteemed LCWB life member! Dale SWANSON, who left active duty several years back, actually supports Chris via his MITRE Corp position. Chris didn’t know this until he was met by Dale while being led blindfolded during some off-site. I kid you not. Greg DORAN (the artist formerly known as Greg COLVIN) supports my former SPO as a high-priced financial analyst - and he reminds me he is worth every damn penny - and he is counting! He says Jim ARMINGTON retired from flying Eagles, and last Greg knew, Jim worked for Raytheon in the D.C. area. Greg says I cannot print anything about his love life... but can you say “hammer?” Ken MATTERN (Pam) is a corporate lawyer in Framingham, MA, having retired a few years back now. He has a great house in Duxbury (also known as Deluxe-bury), a classycommunity south of Beantown.

My retirement brought several Niners back together - as Bill MURPHY, Kip SPURIO, and Scott GRUNWALD made the trip to Beantown to be witnesses. Colonel Billy is in AF/XOXI, while both Kip and Scott are at Andrews AFB’s Air Force Flight Standards Agency. You want Air Traffic Control stuffyou ask them. Mr Spurio is a GS-15 who heads up the Directorate of Requirements, and Colonel Scotty is the Commander.

While trying to track down Bob EDMONDS (Ann) at the Senate Legislative Affairs office on the hillguess who I get directed to Tom McGOVERN (Pat) - who works there as a Reservist. In real life Tom is a big-wig lawyer with the D.C. law firm of Hogan & Hartson. He specializes in contract law, and represents some big clients - how’s Lockheed-

Smithtown, NYBoys Unite! Retiree Me and Bill Murphy.

Martin for one? Tom is very proud of his eight-year-old daughter Megan, who helps Daddydispose of some ofthat biglawyer income at the stables on a regular basis. I did eventually get through to Colonel EDMONDS, who gets to shuttle the high rollers around regularly from his Senate office. Bob said a highlight was taking five Senators, including Sen Daschle, to visit Masai Warriors deep into Kenya recently.

The Edmonds with Senator Daschle and a Masai Warrior.

Bubba also mentioned he ran into Greg (Cheryl) SMITH at the AFA convention in D.C. Greg is doing great things for Booz, Allen, Hamilton in his post-AF retirement. Peter BUNCE just left the House Legislative Affairs office on the Hill to head up SAF/FML back in the Pentagon. That will get Pete appropriator experience to go with his authorizer knowledge. Talk about a guy with “hire-ability” post USAF days!

Brian KOECHEL has been a great addition to the scribe tribe, getting lots of inputs to supplement sluggo old-timers like me. There was a disturbance in the force lately, and a rumor that Brian got married to “Holly”, but I am sure that Mr Koechel would have TOLD us - anyhow... Brian did obtain a detailed update from Dan “Bubba” BAUMGARTNER, who wrote:

“You big stud congrats on your wedding to Holly I have kept up with a few of our guys but have been pretty busy with the war on terror stuff and our particular mission keeps us hopping here. Love where I’m at, my job (Chief of Staff for the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency), and what we do in the JPRA.... Will probably stay active another year or so. At any rate—I am doing well and life is good in Fredericksburg but the commute sucks to Ft Belvoir especially on Beach Weekends.”

Bubba also reports that Kenny GOODWIN (Teri) is still flying for Delta out of DFW. Rocky ELLISON (Jackie) is doing well they survived and rebuilt after a pretty nasty house fire this year. Rocky is still flying for American. Col Ken BARKER (Debbie) has a pretty decent job in the Aeronautical Systems Center doing some very scientific stuff. Mike McELWEE (Tina) is/was flying for one of the majors (USAir?) but he might be home slaving away for Tina now... only a rumor. Col Tommy GREEN (Annette) is on the Air Staff as Chief of the Chief’s Studies and Analysis Group that means whatever the CSAF thinks up and wants to know more about, then Tommy and company are stuck with getting the answers he wants. Bubba says Tommy has no life... Speaking of “no life”, Dan mentioned that Col John PRIOR (Robin) had been the Deputy Commander of JPRA until a couple ofmonths ago he moved on to the Joint Staffwhere he is currently enjoying life in the J-3' Special Ops Division working one of the regional desks. John also has no life right now...

Brian K also got a report from Gary HARRIS, who was at Bob SWAIN’S A-10 dedication in September, and saw a parade of classmates. Gary saw Bob SWAIN (US Air and ANG), Mike VanHOOMISSEN (Jan), who'is an attorney and still in ANG; Mike DONATELLI (Delta); Doug ROBB (new Hospital Commander at USAFA), Omar BRADLEY (new Airbase Wing Commander at USAFA) [scribe’s note: anybody who knew Omar as a ca

det, did you ever think you’d hear that!], Tom MCCARTHY (OG at Eglin), Dan BOYLEN (Delta), Bob KRONEBUSH (Delta), Carl HAWKINS (furloughed Delta and reentered USAFA Aero Department Instructor), Mike MAHER (civilian businessman), Lance BEAM (Southwest), Denny HUGO (Southwest), Steve F1ALVORSEN (Delta), Tom CLAY (Commander of“something” at Los Angeles AFS), and Vance SKARSTEDT (Deputy Department Head of History at USAFA). How’s that for an update? The dedication ceremony was considered by all to be moving and the A-10 “Chopper Popper” is set impressively near the T-38 at the airfield overlook. It really dominates the skyline, just as it dominated the battlefield of Iraq.

Hope this helps you keep up with the best of the bestgo Falcons! Mike “trash” ASHLEY has the stick for the next article, so get your inputs to him by mid-December. Trash can be reached at trash79@adelphia.net.

Don Myers

401 Chambray Hill

Peachtree City, GA 30269-4247

(770) 631-1429

E-mail: DMyers80@hotmail.com

Class Home Page: http://usafa80.tripod.com

For some of you, snow has been falling already. Have fun in the white stuff for me. For all, I hope you enjoy another season’s blessings. Which reminds me, even though it’s still in the low 80s here, my next input will be just about the time you send out your annual letters for the holidays: Please send one this way as well at least email me the text. Thanks.

Feeling (a lot) older. I guess we’re getting to that age when the generation before us is starting to have more than their share of health problems. Specifically, my heart goes out to all ofyou who have parents suffering from illness or disease. My mother was very recently diagnosed with a form of acute leukemia (AML, for those in the know) and my geographically-scattered familyis involved with all that goes along with treating and coping with cancer. Added to that is Kathy’s father, who is struggling with the long-term illness emphysema. Finally, while thejob-search foundation I laid after getting furloughed has time to garner some resuits, and since we’re not willing to move again, I work in the warehouse at Chick-fil-A’s corporate headquarters. Packing, lifting, and moving boxes, I quickly found my 40-something body isn’t as resilient as my forever-young mind. And so, my sore hands now start the news

The News (an original title). From Bob COOPER: “I read it [Checkpoints] much more often than I write something for it (never before). I’m one of those grads that drug my feet joining the AOG until I retired. (That is, except 1990 and 2000 when I joined to get the good deals at the reunions!) Anyway, I’m a lifer now, having retired last year and now living about two miles from USAFA’s north gate. I work for Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) on the Global Positioning System (GPS). My wife, Cathy, and I have just graduated from having teenagers, celebrating our daughter’s 20th birthday. She is working part time attending the local community college majoring in business, while our son, age 21, attends Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. He says he’s majoring in Sociology/ Latin American studies, but I think he’s working on a major in surfing with a minor in fishing. At any rate, he will start his first senior year this fall. My last active duty tour was at Hurlburt Field, FL as director of the Space office in AF Special Ops when I retired in 2001. Since then, I run across Tom (Jan) OCVIRK a lot since he is a director for CSC here in town, and Pete (Michele) VACCARO who also retired last year and now works for SAIC on the GPS project in the L.A. area. Those two have worked on GPS since we were lieutenants. That’s about all the news there is here, except the forest fires in Pike National Forest which have curtailed the cadet survival training (evasion portion was moved to Jack’s Valley as the Hayman fire approached Rampart Road). We haven’t seen the thick smoke come over the flatiron for about a week as the fires are now under control.”

Dean (Carla) EISBERG writes of The Last Hour ofthe Last Night ofthe Last Kodiak Hunt. “I’m back in my 2' x 2' Fed Ex cubicle after 30 straight days at the Poker Creek border on the Top-of-the-World Highway. I had a great time, even though I worked 10-12 hours a day, every day. It only snowed once (4th of July) and I got to go hiking almost every day (good practice for myAugust sheep hunt). This is as little as my stories get: My partner shot a beautiful 7 VT bear on the Uyak Bay beach the second day of our two-week hunt. The next day I passed up an 8’+ bear on the beach, thinking ‘this is way too easy, I’m going for Big Foot’, as the waves gently broke on the shore. I spent the next 10 days climbing mountains, crashing through impenetrable alders, falling through soft springtime snow fields, spending my nights on 45-degree slopes in a wet sleeping bag with hurricane force winds and driving rain, looking countless hours through the spotting scope ‘till it became permanently attached to my eye socket, eating cold MREs under a tiny tarp in the rain, peering down through the fog at the mountain goats below, walking on glacial ice lakes in

search of the elusive 10-foot Kodiak brown bear. No such beast to be found. We saw two ‘huge’ bears and chased one ofthem. It took 15 hours to travel 2.3 miles from camp to where we saw the big one. Unfortunately, he didn’t hang around to experience Mr. Weatherby and the 250grain bullet. After an unsuccessful stalk on the last full day, we went back to camp cold, wet and tired. We left all our gear in the Zodiac and opened a can of chili (just like mom used to make). In my mind, I was already spending the money that I’d be saving by not needing a taxidermist. When, on the west Uyak Bay beach comes Bo-Bo Bear. We raced across the salt water in the Zodiac, went a mile past the bear to get downwind, then I stalked him for an hour. He was munching grass like a Jersey Holstein when I rounded the corner just 100 yards from him. We surprised each other, but I won the toss. It was night when I finally finished skinning the bruin. We still had to motor back across the deep dark bay to camp. The chili was cold when we got home, but still tasted good. Just like mom used to make.

are televised. With only three seniors, the Falcons should be very strong through 2003.

Thanks for all the emails. My work and home inbox never goes too long without a welcomed note from you. I’m in the middle of programming, extracting, and formatting all the data for your annual Register. It has meant many long days. Be kind if you find an error, I try my best! With over 35,000 Grads, a thing or too can slip though my bloodshot eyes.

Now for some ‘81 updates: My old roommate Alex BAGGETT and his boys stopped by my house in July on their way out east to see Alex’s Dad our east. He remembers so much more than I care to remember about things we did at USAFA.

Dean, our Mountain Man rep!

Bits. Jim SKOTNICKI is back at Langley and will be on the IG team. Jim POWELL finished AWC with the class of 2002 and has started as an instructor in ACSC. Dion “Skull” THORPE, a Reserve fighter squadron CC at Luke, was a Daedalian meeting guest speaker and discussed how Reserve units, like his F-16s, are very active in current combat ops. Tom HEEMSTRA and I have been playing telephone tag and I’ll have to wait until next time, perhaps, to get some personal update concerning his recent book, an expose, Anthrax: A Deadly Shot in the Dark.

“That’s a wrap!” I had the honor and privilege to attend the retirement ceremony ofTim “TJ” (Alice) JOHNSON in late August. Although his official retirement wasn’t until October, he’s been busyenough at ACC Headquarters (Langley AFB) that he had a bunch of leave remaining. No laidback fishing life for TJ; he’s already started one of those high-power military contract jobs with Boeing. He’ll be working at standing up the new (and armed) unmanned aerospace vehicles.

Roommates reunited -Alex and Rich.

Chris and Keri CAMPBELL recently moved into a 72-year-old house in North Carolina. He defended his dissertation to wrap up his PhD. He’s busy doing a few fix-ups on the old house and enjoying the pleasant heat and humidity of the south. Speaking of intellectual pursuits and dissertations, Mike DOWNS recently authored his first book, “Pig Giggles and Rabbit Rhymes.” Thankfully, Mike won’t have to defend this to a bunch of stuffy, collegiate intellectuals, but hopes it does well on Amazon.com! Mike still flies for USAirways between publications. Chet NOWAK got togetherwith Jake JAKOBI, Jan KOLM, Jeff“Billy” BURROWS, Steve HIRST and me for barbeque in Colorado Springs this summer. He was in town to play lacrosse with Jake in Vail.

Don with TJ on his “Graduation Day."

Remember your blessings.

Don

Rich Trentman

11102 Asbee St. Falcon, CO 80831-8170

H: (719) 494-9438

W: (719) 472-0300/DSN 333-2067

E-mail: Trentman@usafa81.com

Class Website: www.usafa81.com

The Falcons are on a roll! They really have that magic after a fantastic 4-0 start and three consecutive last-minute wins. October will be a very tough month with five games including Navy, BYU, Notre Dame, Wyoming, and a Halloween night CSU (Boo) match up. BYU, ND, and CSU

Chet is married to former ‘81er, Kathleen Lemieux, and has a son, Stephen, age 13. Chet told me he watched a practice round at the Masters with Mike “Potsy” POTKULSKI this spring. Mike flies for Delta. Chet also ran into Jim LONG at Langley. Jim is on the PACAF staff at Hickam and enjoying Hawaii with his wife, Jeanne, and two daughters. Chet saw BobYATES, too. Bob is theWing Commander at Cannon AFB, NM. Lastly, Chet thinks that Larry GALLOGLY is the Gp CC for the Rhode Island C130 unit. Rose (GARCIA) and Keith PEDERZANI may be there, too.

Jay SANTEE sent me some scoop. Marv FISHER is the Support Gp Commander at Peterson. In addition to Pete, Marv is responsible for units at Clear, Alaska and Thule, Greenland. Rein (and Erin) FOERG moved to Grand Forks, ND from USAFA. Erin is enjoying the fast-paced North Dakota lifestyle while unpacking and dodging swarms of mosquitoes. Jon WICKLUND (and Cathy) are in Colorado Springs. Jon is working as a CSprings bandit, supporting AFSPACE’s space-based radar project. Tom MASIELLO is the Wing Commander at a data masked location. He lives

Jake and Chet at Vail Tourney.

with his Vice Air Base Commander wife, Wendy, at Edwards AFB and slips offto his masked location each morning (allegedly to work). Jeff HARRELL emails me frequently from his NORAD/IG job at Peterson AFB. We keep meaning to get together prior to a Falcon football game, but no luck yet. Jay saw Nancy (RHOADES) INSPRUCKER at the CaliforniaAFA awards dinner where she was named the 2001 Field Grade Officer of the Year.

In my catchall news bin, Terry DICKENSHEET is in Stuttgart, Germany at EUCOM J5 for the next three years. Tim GROSZ escaped the Pentagon and is also in Germany for the second time. His oldest son attends George Mason University and his youngest son is a senior at Ramstein High School. Ken SMITH enjoyed Parents Weekend at Navy visiting his son. Hey, he says Navy has a shower in each room now. Maybe they should have used those improvement dollars for their football team! My mother sent me some grade school class pictures and Greg BISCONE was in 4th grade with me in Florida! Dexter “Dee” HANDY (and wife, Beverly) are in Ramstein, Germany at AIRNORTH. Dee is Chief of Comm/Info Systems Ops Branch. He sees Col Phil McDaniel, also at AIRNORTH, there. Dee says he ran into Col Andy GERNER, who’s Deputy Commander of the CAOC in Italy, on a TDY to Ramstein. Terry SZANTO and Bill NELSON took a break from ESC at Hanscom AFB to spend a couple weeks with their sons at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico this summer.

Col (Dr) Rob Yoho is here at the USAFA hospital, but I haven’t run into him yet. By the way, I haven’t heard from our former scribe, DennisWARD, in awhile. Dennis, what is up?

Falcon football will be in the home stretch by the time you read this and I hope we are in position to go to a Bowl. Dave LITTLE attended the AF - Cal game and Northern California Chapter tailgate with over 450 other Falcon fanatics, cheerleaders, and D &B. He said the weather was beautiful and, as you know, the game was very exciting. The Falcons never quit. Go Blue! Thanks for all the emails and support. You make this job so easy. I occasionally slip out of Doolittle Hall to watch football practice and escape my tiny cubicle. Life at USAFA is awesome!

Jim Ratti

6329 Pheasant Valley Road Dayton, OH 45424-7100

H: (937) 236-9306

DSN: 785-8695 ext. 3444 (work)

rattijm@mindspring.com

http://usafa82.org

Hello Redtags!

Wow, what a GREAT reunion we had! Those ofyou who were fortunate enough to make it know what I mean when I say it was one non-stop party from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday. There were tours of the Cadet area, Fairchild Hall, the dorms, and the Prep School. We had briefings from all the department heads, and got to eat lunch with the Cadets. We had a very moving Memorial Ceremony, and got to take part in a golf tournament. Members of the Choirs and Chorale wowed congregations at the Chapel on Sunday, and we even won the football game against New Mexico (Sorry, Heather...). For those ofyou who couldn’t be there, we all missed you (and talked nicely about you, mostly) and hope that you’ll start planning NOW to attend the 25th

It was absolutely wonderful to see so many good friends and acquaintances, some ofwhom we’d not been able to meet since the 10th reunion, or maybe even since graduation. Personally, I took great pride and pleasure in seeing how magnificently members of our class have grown into positions ofleadership and influence in virtually every walk oflife. We’ve got doctors, lawyers, airline pilots, corporate executives, Colonels, astronauts, parole officers, legislators, department heads, investment advi

sors, parents (and grandparents!), division chiefs, and war heroes amongst us. Really cool.

Let’s see if I can recap the weekend in somewhat chronological order. I’ll tell you right now, with the combination offading memory (and killed brain cells), poor note taking, and limited space in Checkpoints, I’m absolutely certain to leave out the picture, name, detail or bit of news you thought was most important. So, I’ll apologize in advance! I can only print six pictures in Checkpoints, so surf the website (usafa82.org) for a more complete collection of snapshots. If you’d like your pictures ineluded there, send 'em to me by email or burn them onto a CD and mail them to me the old fashioned way.

The reunion began mid-day on Wednesday Sept 4th as people began arriving at the Wyndham. The hotel is new since we graduated, and is located on a hill just north of Garden of the Gods road along 1-25, south ofthe Academy. Reunion committee member SteveTOLDY did extra duty, showing up early that day and taking care of all the last-minute arrangements with the hotel. The staffhad a great spread of munchies out in the lobby bar by 1700, and the gang dove right in. Conversations in the lobby drowned out all other activities, and non-reunion guests were very much aware that ’82 had arrived! I left the lobby about midnight and the party was still going strong.

Thursday began early with a continental breakfast followed by a tour of the Olympic Training Center in C-Springs. Those who went said it was very interesting, and that the facilities there were superb. There was a golf tournament in the early afternoon, but I didn’t get much feedback on how it went. The weather was great, and I understand the toll on the wildlife and the turf was light. I’ll be generous and assume that as we’ve aged, the golf scores have reduced in direct proportion to hairlines, and in inverse proportion to waistlines and gross weight.

Many of the Preppies among us gathered at the Prep School for a mini reunion Thursday afternoon. There have been a lot of changes there since we graduated, most notably the extensive renovations in the academic building and the gym. The facilities are absolutely outstanding, and left us envious. Emphasis is still on academics, but we were left with the impression that once basic is over, military items are not stressed as much as when we were there. Nonetheless, the staffand students are well-motivated, polite and enthusiastic. Seeing the dorms (with computers in every room!) brought back many memories. Whatever became of E.J. Callenese?

Thursday evening began with heavy hors d’oeuvres in the Wyndham’s ballroom. By now nearly everyone who was attending had arrived, and the crowd was about double what it had been the night before. Around 300 classmates (almost 500 counting guests) attended. The conversations were lively as everyone caught up on what had been going on for the past 10 (or 20) years, and the room was packed. Many folks retreated to individual rooms for Doolie squadron parties. Among them was my gang of misfits, the Doolies of 30th Squadron. Pictured are (back row, from left) Steve VOGT, Ed ANTOINE, Bill HARDING, me, Mike GECZY, Cliff HINDMAN, Tony MAHONEY, and Mike EAYRS. In the front row are Gail (COOPER) ALLEN and husband Mike, Dolores (SMITH) BUBIER, Martha Y. (STEVENSON) JONES and Steve TOLDY. Tod WOLTERS was also at the party, but missed the picture.

“The Knights of Thirt”

We managed to make it through Thursday night with only minimal attention from hotel security, and most ofthe parties wound up before 0130 (getting weak, I know...).

Friday was a very busy day and began with a women’s brunch organized by Kay GROSINSKE. Virtually all the ’82 women present (and even my ’80 grad wife, Ellen!) showed up for what turned out to be a very lively women-onlygathering. In fact, it was so women-onlythat Kayfelt obliged to inform Heather WILSON’s husband, Jay, that he and the kids would

TerrySzanto, son Ryan Szanto, son Ken Nelson, and Bill Nelson.

have to find something else to do while Heather explained to the gang how she planned to achieve the political miracle of cheering for both the Lobos and the Falcons. I’ve got a ton of pictures from the brunch (taken by some spies I wasn’t allowed to poke my head in the room), but I don’t have room for more than one here. You’ll have to visit the website for the rest. Pictured below from left are Maggie PELSZYNSKI, Dianna (AGELINE) ACKERLY and Jill STERLING.

‘The Three Graces”

Later Friday morning everyone migrated to the Cadet Area for an open house. We had the run of the place, including the dorms and Fairchild Hall. About 200 of us had lunch with the cadets in Mitchell Hall, and got to witness Col Steve LINDSEY as he made a short speech from the staff tower. He presented to the AOG the framed cross-stitched ’82 ring crest and a collage of pictures that he took with him on his shuttle flight last summer. The Mitchell Hall staff is much reduced from our days (as a result of an A-76 action awhile back), but the food hasn’t changed much. I’ll let you decide if that’s a “good thing” or not.

After lunch some of us filtered back to various squadrons to tell our war stories and tall tales to the youngsters during their military training period. The Commandant, Superintendent, Dean and Athletic Director joined Jim Shaw (AOG president) in making a set of presentations to a combined’82/’92 assembly in good old F-l. There we learned that much has changed, yet much hasn’t. There have been some efforts to level course hours across all the majors, the labs and classrooms have been vastly renovated (with some new lab space on the east side of Fairchild Hall), T-41 is contracted out, and there’s a wireless LAN in the library. Cadets now get laptops, there are laundromats in the dorms, and there’s a huge addition being completed between the gym and the field house. However, cadets still don’t have enough hours in the day, still win postgrad scholarships galore, still go OTF, can’t cut class, and complain about the Comm.

Next we all migrated to the Chapel steps for a photo (see below) and then gathered in front of the class wall for a very moving memorial ceremony. I’m very happy to report that there were no members of our class whose names were read this year.

LINDSEYled the parade narrating a film ofhis exploits aboard the shuttle and the space station last summer. Congresswoman Heather WILSON inspired us all by recounting how the friendships and experiences she had as a cadet boosted her along her way during her career. She also related how she regards those USAFA relationships as her true friendships, despite the thousands ofpeople who today claim Congresswoman Wilson as a “close” friend. Mike ROBERTS awed us as he gave an account ofhis shoot down (compete with HUD film!) and capture during the Gulf War. He got to put his SERE training to good use as the Iraqis pumped him for information. Jim DEMAREST gave a spellbinding narrative of Steve PHILLIS’ heroics as he was shot down and killed in his A-10 in Kuwait. The group was so moved bythe storythat everyone stood andjoined in singing a spontaneous chorus ofthe “ThirdVerse” oftheAir Force Song. Emotion was runninghigh as Gerry SOHAN announced the class’ goal of collecting $382,000 in contributions to the AOG between now and the 25th reunion. While that sounds like an incredible amount of money, it’s really peanuts on an individual basis. If 800 of us each give $100 a year for the next five years, that’s $400,000. Now, that’s less than $ 10 per month per person. We can do this!

Saturday began early as many of us turned out for an impromptu tour ofJack’s Valley and the SERE compound hosted by Dean MILLS. Dean is on the training group staff at USAFA and pulled all the right strings. Except with the cops... Somehow all the coordination that Dean did failed to filter down to the cops on the beat, and a bunch of us nearly got arrested as we drove past the traffic cones into Jack’s Valley. Dean “The Silver Tongued Devil” managed to straighten it all out (and yours truly avoided handcuffs) and we had a great time. Most of you will probably recall that resistance training was discontinued some years ago after an incident involving a female student. Now that people are beginning to see the worth of that sort of training again, and in recognition of the fact that the USAF doesn’t have enough capacity at its other training facilities, it looks like they might resume resistance training at USAFA. Here’s a view of the camp as it exists today. Somehow it all looks a lot smaller and less hostile than it did when we had bags on our heads!

As we returned to the hotel, we noticed that buses with New Mexico plates were pulling into the parking lot. Could it be? Yes! The Lobos football team was staying at OUR hotel! We immediatelybegan concocting plans to keep them up all night. One Lobos fan was overheard saying that his Congresswoman (and our classmate) would be wearing red on Saturday, presumably in honor of the Lobos. He was immediately educated about the true meaning of red.

We capped off Friday evening with a formal dinner at the Wyndham. Our class president and reunion chairman Jim DEMAREST was the host, keeping the program moving by introducing speakers throughout the evening. The night’s theme was “A Legacy of Achievement”, and Steve

On the way to the compound, we noticed that some industrious soul(s) had made an excursion to the flatiron sometime in the past 24 hours. See photo documentation below.

“Never Too Old for a Spirit Mission”

We all rejoined at Doolittle Hall (the AOG building) for a superb tailgate party with BBQ, beer, beans and bales (to sit on). We moved on to a cliffhanger of a football game against the Lobos, which we won 38-31 in overtime. Dean CHRISTIAN reprised his 10th reunion role as spirit chairman and led us in rousing renditions of such classics as “Down to the River” and “HeyGang”. We managed to get a fairlyspirited volley of competitive cheering going with ’92 by taunting them with, “’82, best in blue

“’82 Reunion Attendees on the Chapel Steps”

“Former ‘Prisoners’ Regale Offspring with Tales of the PDR”

’92, where are you?!” We had to follow up with, “We can retire How ‘bout you?” before they finally responded with, “We can’t wait until you do!” I’m not sure who really won the shouting match, but we decided that collaboration was better than competition when they hollered, “’82, best in blue, how’s Viagra work for you?!”

Here’s a small sampling of the more than 500 members and guests of our class who attended the game. From left are Mike GECZY, Bill

HARDING, Steve VOGT, and Steve TOLDY.

“Why Would These Guys Inspire ’92 to Mention Viagra?’

After the game it was back to the hotel to terrorize the guests again as we held graduation squadron parties in our rooms. Those who weren’t up there gathered down in the lobby bar and one of the salons for some decadent desserts and more non-stop conversation. Some Choir and Chorale members began warming up their pipes for church on Sunday, and delighted (almost) everyone in earshot with a resounding rendition of “High Flight”. Sometime around 0100, things began to quiet down as most of us wandered off to bed.

Sunday morning, members of the Catholic Choir (and a few renegade Protestants) gathered in the Chapel basement to rehearse for Mass, but mostly to see Mr. L (Ed Ladoucer), our beloved director. We had a fantastic (if emotional) time singing for the 1100 Mass. We joined the Cadet choir afterwards and did a few numbers with them, then retired to Doolittle Hall for a delicious brunch arranged by Kay CROSINSKE. We pulled out music for “America in Song” plus a few other favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and sang ‘til we were hoarse. Mr. L hasn’t changed a bit, and graciously told us that “there were moments” when our 40-something voices “almost” had that old sound. We’re alreadyplanning it again for the 25th and hope to have all 50 or so of the Catholic Choir '82 grads there. And, Dana RICHARDS will be putting together a similar soiree for the Protestant Choir grads. Stay tuned!

Well, shoot! I’m nearly out of space, and I didn’t get to any of the news! Tell you what I’ll put everything I can on the website. I’d like to end with a very humble “thank you” for all the kind words so many ofyou had for me during the reunion in recognition of my work as your class scribe. It’s truly been my pleasure, and I’ll gladly keep it up for as long as you’ll have me. Thanks for forgiving my lapses of memory and procrastination as I juggle the priorities we all struggle with. Your kindness is humbling. Thanks too for all the class coins you’ve purchased! With your help, I’ve been able to give $700 to the AOC, reducing the balance on our class gift to $381,300!

‘Til next time, Be Safe! Ratman

Dave Ruffley 15774 Candle Creek Drive Monument, CO 80132

Work: (719) 333-3197

Email: dlrwy@msn.com

GREETINGS '83!

It’s been a tough quarter for news, but I’ll do the best I can with what I’ve received.

First and foremost, I scoured the USAFA community for classmates and came up with the illustrious group shown below. We gathered at the Eagle and Fledglings on a beautiful September afternoon for the photo.

Present were Colonels Rich FULLERTON (Permanent Professor in the Department of Economics and Geography) and Billy WALKER (Permanent Professor of Physical Education). For those who don’t remember or never cared to learn, earning a Permanent Professor slot here, as Rich and Billy have done, makes them part of the Academy’s “institutional memory.” They won’t PCS or get promoted any more until they retire or

turn 63, whichever comes first. So wandering classmates now have some guaranteed local contacts when passing through the Springs! Soon to join this elite Group is Dana BORN, who will be taking over the Department of Behavioral Science and Leadership. Colonel Brian BISHOP (resplendent here in his green bag), commands the 34th Operations Group here at the Academy.

Others pictured in uniform: Rick WALKER, who is the Deputy Commander of the 34th Education Group; Holly FRANZ, Assistant Professor of Biology; Sue (I.UEKEN) SCFTWEISS, Deputy Chief of the Honor Division; Linda HUGGLER, NCAA compliance monitor for all of the Academy’s 27 NCAA sponsored sports and Liaison with the Mountain West Conference; A1 ARATA, Deputy Head of the Phys Ed Department; Francis CHUN, Deputy Head of the Physics Department, and your friendly scribe, awaiting retirement and lurking in the rear. Yes, ‘83 is taking over USAFA, just in time for the reunion!

The only non-uniformed classmate in the photo, Sharon (BRAUND) GANN, is the Support Division Director for the 34th TrainingWing.

Francis CHUN, by the way, was one of the few photo opportunists to provide some personal info. He and his wife, Phyllis, are the proud parents of a just-turned two-year-old, and they’re determined to get their basement finished before the reunion (for those looking for a crash pad!).

Ray BLUST chipped in a tidbit. He’d been invited to Leslee (FORSBERG) and Chris WASHER (’82)’s joint retirement ceremony in October. Leslee’s prior service time enabled her to take the big step at the same time as Chris.

Ray also reported that Tim DUFFY did a great TV interview during the September 11 anniversary coverage. Tim was the F15 lead from Langley on 9-11-01 and arrived to set up a cap over NewYork City about 15 minutes after the second tower was hit.

Can you believe it, that’s ALL the news I got. So now to fill up the column with sales pitches. Believe it or not, it’s been almost 20 YEARS SINCE WE LEFT HERE! And that means it’s reunion time. Anyone interested in working the reunion in any way should contact Ray BLUST at RJBLUST@cs.com or via phone in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia at 304242-7182. Initial workingmeetings will have already occurred by the time you read this, but plenty of help is still needed, especially from classmates living in the C-Springs area.

Sorry for such a short column, but remember, your scribes can only pass along info, not make it up (except for Stu-Manchu POPE, who can do whatever he wants!). Ray BLUST writes the next piece, so get your info to him at the email above or mail it to 149 South Park Street, Wheeling WV 26003. (Yes, they do have post offices in West Virginia!)

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (800) GO-AFA-GO

E-mail: jensen@usafa.com

Home page: www.usafa.net/1984

What a difference a year makes! The Falcons are doing well in every aspect you have a lot to be proud of in what the Academy is doing! The spirit is high and the motivation is soaring as the Class of 2006 came on to the property. Needless to saywhen the football team is 5-0, and the ladies volleyball team beats up on BYU, a few heads start to turn to see what is going on!

Colorado Springs is still a nesting place for many of our classmates, and I saw Doug APPLEGATE, Delta 767s activated and flying E-3s out of Tinker; Brian WATT, AA 767s; and Wade PRATHER, C-130s activated and also with Delta flying 767s. Those mentioned above were sampling the various brews at the local Oktoberfest and having a mighty fine time doing it. Yes, experience does count for something! I also saw Johnny WIEGAND, UAL pilot and Falcon fan extraordinaire at the Navy game. He has two little ones and is living up in Denver. The very next day after

spanking Navy 48-7,1 ran in to Sean PAVLICH, AA pilot down in Dallas. Speaking of the Falcons Football team two of our finest make up the coaching staff. Jeff HAYS is the special teams coach and Chuck PETERSEN is the offensive coordinator. Put these guys with the fellas from the Octoberfest and I would not want to go up against them! Thanks for all the great updates!

Kathy PALMER (DOUCETT) added her update. She is a United Airlines 777 F/O based in Chicago. She lives in St.Charles (a far-west suburb of Chicago) with her husband, Mark, and their two daughters Dana, 7, and Nicole, 4. You can see them below when they came “back to the nest!”

The Palmer Family

Hey Matt JOHNSON, where is my update? Marifrances DANT BOLGER, Esquire did check in with a new address. Sounds like all is well with her! Anita EIGNER LATIN was good enough to check in with her classmate signings. She has been assigned to the ArmyWar College as a student for a year in Carlisle, PA. There are a total of 26 AF officers of the 340 total AY03 AWC attendees. Other ‘84 grads Terri KATEIN is part of the 26 and stationed there with husband, Bob TAYLOR, and their two kids. Anita also found out that Dr. Marybeth PETERSON ULRICH is an AWC faculty instructor here. Marybeth mentioned that two other pairs of ‘84 grads are here too. Both women are in her Reserve unit: Ruth DENISTON HESSERT (married to classmate Pete HESSERT) who lives in Dillsburg, PA and Sue EASTER DIGIOVANNI (married to classmate Vinnie DIGIOVANNI living in Doylestown, PA (suburb of Philadelphia). They are looking forward to a good year! Thanks for the great update Anita! OH-SIX! Not only is that the cry of the new smackwads and the Zoo, but it also is the latest rank for many of our fast-burners. Congratulations to Sam COX, Scott JANSSON, and Brian SIMPSON on being selected for Colonel!

Hi all. How ‘bout them Falcons! They got off to a great 3-0 start this year. I hope they keep it up and ultimately send the coaches and seniors back to the White House next spring to get the Commander-in-Chief trophy again. In the mean time, Happy Holidays!

We have a special request from the AOG staff to help with the Academy’s 50th Anniversary activities. Please e-mail Mr Duane Reed, Head of the Cadet Library Special Collections Department, at duane.reed @usafa.af.mil with any info on the creation, history or significance of our squadron patches. Thanks.

Rick BRITT emailed me several times this past quarter. Rick is a senior programmer analyst with Liberty Insurance Services in Saint Louis, MO. Rick found our class web site while surfing the Internet last summer and caught up on some old Checkpoints articles. Rick said he even pulled out his yearbook to make sure which faces went with some of the names. Rick also said the only grad he’s really stayed in touch with for any length of time is Alan MACKEY. Alan’s been having some problems with his vision but has made great progress. Rick said that he’d love to hear from Jerome OLIVAREZ. Rick went to the inaugural meeting of a new AOG chapter that formed in St. Louis, MO last summer. Rick was surprised that most ofthe grads in attendance weren’t on active duty anymore. Rick and I exchanged ideas on the lack of retention but there’s not enough room in the column to print it all so just check with us individually ifyou really want know what our opinions are on zoomie retention. Rick is married with four daughters and they need prayer. So please pray for him and his family as his wife fights off cancer. Rick was relieved to tell me that his wife’s last treatment routine was successful and she was recently pronounced cancer free! We’ll hope and pray that it does not occur again in spite of the statistics.

Mike BLACK recently relinquished command of a communications squadron and reported for duty at the Pentagon sort of. Mike’s assigned to the HQ USAF at the Pentagon but he’s in one of those offices that are “off site” as he develops communications policies and requirements for our Service. I saw him at a Pentagon bus stop.

One more photo/ I did get this one of Pat SMITH at the USAFA v CalBerkeley game this year. He is shown with his dad and two sons. Pat is out at Travis so if you are out his way—look him up.

In closing: One ofthe most pleasant surprises for me was that Cal game. I really did not know what to expect. I mean for the cadets of USAFA to go out to the Left coast was quite a concept. I couldn’t have been more impressed by the way they were accepted and treated while they were there. The people, weather and atmosphere were perfect. Oh-yeah, a second-half 23-21 victory was very gratifying as well. If I missed any updates from anyone, please let me know, and I will get them in the next issue. Have a great holiday season! Jens

Visit the AOG Web Site - Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.aog-usafa.org

Lt ColMikeBlackrelinquishes commandofhis communicationssquadron.

Jim LOVELL relinquished command of an Officer Training School squadron at Lackland AFB, TX a few months ago and is now working at the Pentagon in the legislative liaison office, SAF/LL. I saw him on the METROrail going to the Pentagon.

Joey MCBREATY did some computer maintenance and sent some email trying to clarify who could reach him on his AOL account. Ifyou need to reach him but can’t, please let me know. Fortunately I was left on the access list, so ifyou’ve tried but couldn’t reach Joeyjust let me know and I’ll help you out.

Jackie CHARSAGUA emailed me to let me know that she just changed jobs from 30 SW/IG to become the 14th Air Force chief of communications, SPACEAF/A6). Jackie sent the quick note as she was going TDY to see Carl BLOCK who is the 50th Communications Group deputy commander at Schriever AFB, CO. Additionally, Jackie got Peter DETTELIS in touch with me.

Pete DETTELIS, a major in the AF Reserves who supports the 30th Space Wing Plans and Programs Office and also works as a contractor with Hernandez Engineering helped establish and conduct base- and command-level chess tournaments in May and July. Pete not only helped stand up these tournaments but he competed in them as well (see pic-

ture). He tied for first place in the AFSPC tournament at Vandenberg AFB, CA in May and won the AF tournament At Kelly AFB, TX in July. By the time you read this article Pete will have represented the Air Force in the multi-service chess tournament in September but I didn’t have resuits to provide stay tuned!

Eileen ISOLA has been in AF/XPX for the last two years. She recently found the class web site (http://www.softwrsolutions.com/usafa85) and asked for the pass code. Ray HARRIS designed and hosts our class web site for free on his private company’s server. Please send a note of gratitude to Ray and get the pass code. You can see some things without the pass codes but you can’t add your current address or upload pictures without the code. Contact Ray at rayhar@kc.rr.com.

Steve COOKE just assumed command of AFROTC/Det 17 at Troy State University, Troy, AL. Steve said “Troy is a great little town and we’re enjoying it. The people here area very friendly and have made us feel very much at home.” Steve and his wife Patty have two daughters: Allie (5) just started kindergarten and Rachel (2) who goes to preschool a few days a week.

Gary RAFFERTY (JS/J6). Gary and is still embattled with a medical condition and could use all of the prayers we can offer. Gary’s wife, Kristyn, has even developed medical problems of her own and we should pray for her healing as well.

Jon SIMS (AF/XOI) was originally detailed to the Homeland Security Task Force for a few months. But Jon recently told me that he’s been hired full time in the Department of Defense (DoD) Homeland Security Office. Now it looks like Jon will get to finish his last two years at the Pentagon in a joint billet with full credit. Way to go Jon!

Steve VISEL (AFSPC/DRZ) wrote that he’s putting in his retirement papersforApril 1,2003! We wish all ofthe best for you and your family Steve. Hopefullyyourwife, Cyndie, a Reservist at US Space Command, won’t have to move to Omaha, NE with the SPACECOM to STRATRCOM merger on 1 Oct 02. Steve had some scoop on a few other classmates too. I still can’t believe he said that Don EDSALL and Steve SUTHERLAND are Reservists and contractors supporting Cyndie’s office (USSAPCEOM/J33). Steve said he’d spent a weekend in Tucson, AZ to help George HUPP celebrate his 40th birthday. George is doing well as a criminal investigator for the Department of Justice. And Steve said that Kurt HELD is back at Varco Corp in Southern California building oil field equipment but Kurt’s getting ready to move to Houston, TX to do the same type of work. Steve’s final scoop was on Jeff SIEGEL who is studying for the ministry at Asbury Seminary.

Finally, I worked on a task force with Doug BURNS (AF/XOSO) for a while last summer. We were helping to develop a way to assess capabilities required and risk assessment for space and C4ISR issues. Before we finished the project though, I transferred from AF/XOIR to AF/XOSI. I’m still under the DCS/Air and Space Operations but in stead ofworking for intelligence folks, I work for space folks.

Until the next time... take care... Quintel.

and still getting an average three rounds ofgolfin a week, not to mention the shopping in Turkey, did you really think I had time to write the column? By the way, I’ve enclosed my real office photo.

To all, yes I finally back in England and have full access to a computer and all ofyour inputs. Bob, the arms are coming around just fine. I’m in rehab (better known as golfing regularly) and expect a full recovery. And seriously Bob, between my Chief of Safety job, flying 21 combat sorties

Anyway, thanks for all the inputs. With what you gave me I’m well over our limit so I’ll need to edit some to shorten. An email I received way back in April came from YolandeaWOOD; she writes, “I am scheduled to leave the great northern plains in May to travel to sunny California. I will become the 369th Recruiting Squadron Commander. My region will inelude all of Los Angeles and the entire Pacific Rim. The squadron has an impressive record of being first in the region and second in the nation. May also ended my two year stint as a foster parent to teenage girls from Grand Forks. In the last two years, I have had five teenagers live with me from a weekend to over eight months.”

Mike HOUSTON Writes: “Currently a Learjet and C-21 IP in Dallas at Simuflite. Wife (1), Lori; kids (2), Sean and Christopher, 14 and 11 years of age. Saw Doug ADAMSON about two months ago; he lives in Allen, TX. Mike CS-38”

Jim and Lori (CURL) CARDINAL write: “It’s the 21st ofJune in North Dakota. Needless to say the Cardinals are always busy! We are still very happily married with three children (10,8 and 5). Lori separated when #1 child came along. She’s a content but a very busy stay at home mom. Jim is the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron Commander. We’ve been at Minot since Nov 2000. Plan to be here yet anotheryear at least. Our familyenjoys the outdoors and there is plenty here to keep us busy. Our next adventure is llama trekking in the Beartooth Wilderness area in Montana late July.”

Derek BROWN writes, “I’m out of the service - left in ’95 after my last gig teaching civil engineering back at the Academy. I have worked for Mortenson (a large national construction firm) ever since. I’m currently working as a project manager on the Stapleton Redevelopment project in Denver. Cool project taking the old airport and converting it into a mixed use, commercial and residential development. We’re just a couple ofyears into the project and anticipate that it’ll go on for another 10 years or so. Krystal and I still live down in the Springs, so the commute up to Denver is a bit of a drag, but every now and then I catch myselfracing up there like the madman of old trying to catch a plane home. Once upon a time I thought of 1-225 as skirting the edge of Denver no more.

“In between getting out in ’95 and now, I spent a couple of years at Whiteman constructing some ofthe facilities for the B-2. We still have an office out there and are close to finishing up the LO Restoration Facility corrosion control for the stealth. In '97 we moved out to Fort Riley to start a couple of rather large ($70 mill) barracks projects for the Army. Most people groan when you mention Kansas or Fort Riley, and cringe when you mention both in the same breath. For my part, I thought this was a great assignment. We lived in Manhattan, a stone’s throw from KState, did a lot ofsailing, biking (road & bike), hunting, caught some great football and really enjoyed the area. Oddly enough, it was a tough place to leave when my company asked us to move back to Colorado. We had some good friends; Krystal was getting settled into law school (an endeavor that’s been constantly disrupted with all of our moves), work and social life were in good balance for once in a long, long time. Anyway, duty calls about as hard as the mountains do, and so we find ourselves back in Colorado. So, we’ve been back here for about a year now, and are finally getting comfortable most of the house projects are done meaning it’s either time to play or time to move.”

Rich SUMRALL writes: “I have been the Flight Medicine Flight Commander at Moody AFB for four years. Working with our CSAR forces and I’ve deployed eight times in the last six years, the last being to OEF. Med school obligation finally up this month will go career, though. Still single and racing in regional triathlons.”

Trip ASHE checked in: “I am currently a registered patent attorneyworking in Charlotte, NC. (Hey Ed, I hope you read this far!) I handle all aspects of intellectual property to include patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and related litigation. I left the Air Force in 1991 after serving as an Intelligence Officer with the 13 TFS (F-16s) in Misawa, Japan

Pete Dettelisplays chess in an AirForce tournament.

and as a Human Intelligence Officer at Fort Belvoir, VA. I served in Operation Just Cause (Panama) and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm as an Interrogator/ Debriefer. While in Saudi, I was fortunate enough to debriefthe USAF returning POWs. I later attended Temple Law School in Philadelphia, PA. I recentlyorganized the Piedmont Chapter ofthe USAF AOG. The group includes about 25 grads ranging from the Class of 1959 to 1991 (mostly USAirways pilots flying out of Charlotte).

“I keep in touch with several classmates. I saw Brent FRERICHS, Billy KNOLL, and some other members of CS-21 at the ordination of Rick PRIOR. Rick is now an ordained Catholic priest living in Syracuse, NY. Mark TIRRELL is the father ofthree and living in Durham, NH. Mark flies for American out of Boston and for the Reserves out ofWestover, MA (C5s). Mike BUMPUS flies for United out of Denver, but recently took a one-year leave of absence to upgrade to the A-10 (Reserves). Mike is living in New Orleans and flying out ofthe New Orleans Naval Reserve Center. After serving as an attorney in the Air Force and in private practice, Don CARTER and his wife, Vanessa (1986), now live in High Point, NC. Don is now in advertising with BNC Associates. Last I heard, Gary IM is with United in California. Mike LACKOVIC recently married, lives in Miami, FL, and flies for American. Mike and Janet (JUEONG, USAFA 1987) EDWARDS live in Florida and have three children. Mike flies for one of the major commercial airlines and works as an IMA/ART (whatever) for SOCOM or SOCENT (some snake-eater thing at MacDill).”

Larry COOPER writes: “Life has been interesting since getting out of the military. Wife, Mary, son Alex and I have spent the last four years in the Washington DC area. Alex will be starting first grade and is busy this summer with swimming lessons. I spent the last two years working space control issues for the Joint Staff. There are a lot of‘86ers at the Pentagon. I have run into Kirk STREITMAYER, David BAMPTON, Ivan THOMPSON, Dave WEIGAND, Jeff BLANK, Northern GOLDEN, Brian PLETCHER, and many more. Some have accosted me on the Metro. Despite all the classmates in the Building, I switched jobs shortly after 9/11 (yes I was there on that day and although I passed through that section shortly before the attack, I was on the other side of the building when it all happened). Now I do strategic planning and program management analysis for some DoD agencies and only have to commute about 12 miles. In my spare time I am working on a PhD in National Security and Space Policy at George Washington University. I’m about 3/4 of the way done and plan on moving back to the Springs when I finish the coursework believe it or not my family prefers the mountains of Colorado.”

Rob PARKERWrites: “Much ofthe details ofmylife are out on mywebpage at: parkersplace.com. This year mycompany,Westvaco, merged with Mead. MeadWestvaco. I am a tech team lead for them, computer stuff. I really don’t know what this new job will be like with the merged company because I went active duty on 29 April as the Transportation Officer for the JointWarfighting Center in SuffolkVA. I bet I’m one of the only 0-3s in our class on active duty. 0-3 over 15 is good pay but it looks like every one else is either out or a LtCol by now. But I can’t complain, I have my sixth child due in October and all is well. That will be four boys/two girls. I just recently talked with Tom WILLARD who is out and living down in Florida.”

Pete YORK writes: “Quick and dirty: I separated from active duty after 14 years - 4 years flying the T-38,10 years in the F- 15E and got hired by NWA. Flew with them for two years out of Minneapolis, and got the urge to fly fighters again. Signed on with the South Dakota ANG out of Sioux Falls, flying Vipers, and then got furloughed from NWA. The ANG sent me to Luke AFB for Viper training, where I am now, and very thankful that the timing worked out so well. I’ll finish up here in two months, and then head back to Sioux Falls as a traditional Guardsman. Been happily married for 14 years, and Nancy and I have four children: one girl and three boys. They keep us busy and blessed.”

Brent FRERICHS writes: “We are living in Aledo, TX and I fly for Delta Airlines on the 757/767 as a First Officer. I have two boys - Chance, 7, and Chad, 5. My wife, Jennifer, is a professional photographer and teaches pre-school. Things are going well.”

Well, out of room for now, I’ll pass the other inputs back to Bob to be included in the Winter 2002/2003 edition.

Sharon (Hullinger) Giletti 1116 Kaumoku St. Honolulu, HI 96825 (808) 394-6397

E-mail: Sharongiletti@aol.com

Hi everyone! I have some wonderful news. A foundation has been established in honor of LeRoy HOMER. The LeRoy W. Homer, Jr. Foundation was established to honor LeRoy’s passion for flying. The mission of the foundation is “to encourage and supportyoung men and women who wish to pursue careers as professional pilots.” As a non-profit corpora

tion, the foundation will award scholarships to young men and women in order for them to obtain private pilot certification. Please feel free to pass this information on and also check out the web site for the foundation at www.leroywhomerjr.org.

I also received an update from Tim MATSON. Tim writes, “Hi! I just wanted to give you and update. Lori, Ryan, and I are moving to Andrews in December. I’m going to be flying the VC-32 (Boeing 757) for the next 4+ years. I’m still doing the Presidential Advance Agent job, which is a blast. The picture that I attached is from a trip to Portland, OR. I took Lori and Ryan and they got a tour of AF-1. Ryan got to sit in the pilot’s seat. He is still talking about “driving the big blue airplane!” Take care!

The Matson Family

I look forward to more updates in the future! If you’re in Hawaii and would like to help start up a Hawaii AOG Chapter, please give me a call. My best to you all Sharon

Mark Peters

2437 Bedford Circle

Bedford, TX 76021-1823

Home: (817) 684-7764

Cell: (817) 937-9696

E-mail: pylt@attbi.com

Greetings Classmates! First, our assistant editor, Tom Kroboth, noted my lengthy column exceeded the 1,200-word limit last time. Since I was one of 11 scribes to do so he’s cracked down; I shall be more careful with my random musings and excessive typing. Having said that, however, I still need fresh material so be bold and write me!

I was fortunate to receive a missive from Vicki (BESECKER) RAST just at deadline for the last issue. Please forgive if any of it’s a bit dated since I couldn’t make it fit last time. “’88ers had a fabulous time at ACSC this year. it was like a reunion in many ways as old friendships were rekindled, while at the same time others began anew. Here’s the latest postACSC input (pictured from left beginning with Renee): Renee RICHARDSON will pursue an Air University-sponsored PhD at Duke University beginning this fall; Mike MEYER is going to 9 th AF; Tony PACKARD is shipping off to the 31 st IS, Ft. Gordon Army Installation, GA; Angela (ROBERTS) STOUT is PCSing to HQ USAF/XONO and can be reached via angelamarkstout@aol.com; Mike MASON is going to Peterson to work in AFSPC/DO; Dawn DUNLOP is going to D.C.; Randy WHITE is off to Kadena; pictured as well are Chuck KOWITZ and Kevin SMAGH not sure of their follow-on assignments; Mike FLECK will remain at Air University as a SAAS student for a year; and, finally, I will return to the ACSC faculty for at least another year (vicki.rast@maxwell.af.mil). Not pictured, but interested in letting y’all know where the are PCSing: Chris BENEDICT is taking over as Chief, C-130 Modifications Branch at WR-

‘88ers at ACSC (Photo thanks to Vicki [Besecker] Rast.)

ALC; Larry BRUCE is off to Lakenheath; Todd DIERLAM is going to Air Force Studies and Analyses, Pentagon (by the way, Todd’s a newlywed as of 7 June Congratulations to him and Betsy!); Mike KOMETER is finishing SAAS and is off to MIT to get his PhD (Air University-sponsored); Lee ROSEN is going to be Deputy Chief, Launch Systems Divisions (SMC/ CLV) at Vandenberg (805.606.7190; DSN 276.7190; lee.rosen@ vandenberg.af.mil); and Gary WAGNER is going to USSPACECOM J5R at Cheyenne Mountain as the SBIRS Requirements Officer. Hoping we all remain healthy and content with our lives and wishing everyone Godspeed —Vicster.” Vicki can be reached at 6721 Sansone Court, Montgomery, AL 36116-1209, 334.538.7278.”

It looks like my pleas for info occasionally fall on sympathetic eyes. Kim (LEGERE) HOPKINS wrote a note, her first since graduation. Here goes: “My husband, Steve HOPKINS (’87) and I went straight to graduate school after the Academy. He and I both received our MS in Engineering around ’90. We left the military when our commitments were up since the AF had project management plans for us instead of Engineering, which is what we really wanted to do. We worked for a DoD contractor for a few years. Six years ago we started our own business, Computer Help (www.computerhelp.biz), a computer consulting firm which providing our clients with a wide range of computing solutions. Happily, we boast a 93% customer repeat rate. The same year we started our business we were blessed with our first-born son, Nicholas. Nicky is now a first grade socialite, football-playing, full of energy, little guy. Our daughter, Alexis (age four), is about the most independent person I’ve ever met. She’s a cheerleader on her brother’s football team no problem hearing her!

Nicky and Alexis, Kim and Steve Hopkins

“Hoppy and I plan to stay in the Florida panhandle forever. We haven’t been back to the Academy since graduation, but are looking forward to going to a football game soon (preferably in the snow since our kids have never seen the stuff).

Heidi [BOELTS] ALLGOOD and her husbandWiley ALLGOOD (’86) visited us in June with their three kids—two daughters and a son. They are doing well and in the process of PCSing to New Mexico.”

In late July I happened upon one of my Jedi roommates, John KOSS, in the B-Terminal at DFW. We only had a few minutes to talk, but I interrogated him quickly (and probably still made him late for his flight). I got the following info. With the demise of a major portion of the B-l fleet, John’s Guard unit transitioned to the KC-135. Since he’s still flying reserve out of Wichita (McConnell AFB) he commutes to DFW for work, although he’s considering a move here in the summer of 2003.

Your trusty scribe recently found some undated, but probably very old, scribe notes in his Palm Pilot. I met Bob KILGORE on a flight from ORD to DFW many, many months ago. He’s married (Joan) and has one daughter (Erica, three at the time, but probably four or five by now) and five cats. His AF career revolved around the KC-135 with tours to Altus and Okinawa. After he got out he flew 747s for Tower Air for about a year and a half, and kept flying the KC-135S with the ANG out of Niagara Falls. After being hired by American in August of ’99, he became a Flight Engineer flying out of Miami. Following his first tour he flew the 767 out of New York. He also mentioned that Scott HINKLE was flying as a flight engineer for Northwest Airlines and recently purchased a home in Modesto, California. Scott’s also flying the KC- 135s in the reserves at Beale.

Lastly, in light of the academy’s approaching 50,h anniversary, Tom (the assistant editor) has asked scribes to forward the Academy’s request for information regarding squadron patches. If you know of the creation, history, and significance of squadron patches please send the information to Duane Reed at Duane.Reed@usafa.af.mil. (Mr. Reed is the Head of Special Collections at the Cadet Library.)

Thanks to Vicki and Kim for writing now it’s your turn!

Visit the AOG Web Site

www.aog-usafa.org

Paul W. Tibbets, IV

433 Wolcott Ave.

Middletown, Rl 02842

H: (401) 848-2609 / DSN: 948-3373

E-mail: patibb@earthlink.net

Home page: http://www.usafa89.com

Happy winter ‘89ers! The move to Rhode Island was a blast for the Tibbets clan. While on the road for 30 days, we were present for the birth of my sister Cynthia’s second son, visited some friends I haven’t seen in 17 years, and spent time with my parents. We stopped in eastern Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Maryland before arriving in beautiful Newport. Despite being on the road for a month and living out of a U-Haul, at the end we were still getting along with one another with no visible scars. It was truly a Griswold vacation, but without the station wagon!

Newport is a blessing. We are enjoying the area and community, and certainly feel fortunate to be in such a picturesque and historic part ofthe country. The Naval War College is living up to its reputation, with topnotch military and civilian instructors and a challenging and intellectually stimulating curriculum. When not in the books, we took some time off to enjoy one ofthe most popular recreation sports in this area - sailing!

Paul andAveryenjoyNarragansettBay in a 19-foot Rhodes sailboat. Other than myself, there are 11 grads at the Naval War College. These inelude: ‘82ers Liz DURHAM-RUIZ, Ben HUFF, Larry “Bullet” JONES, and George KRAMLINGER; ‘83er John “Zaz” ZAZWORSKY; ‘86er Pedro OMS; ‘88ersJohn “Uncle Buck” IWANSKJ, LarryMCIAUGHLIN, andJohn “Cravin’” MOREHEAD; ‘89er Gary PUHEK; and ‘90er Holly “Gooey” RAWSON.

Bullet and Cravin’ made sure I was aware their names have never been published in Checkpoints. You’re now in print! Our other ‘89er, Gary, is here with his wife, Merci, and son Keoni. Prior to Newport, the Puheks were stationed at the Pentagon, where Gary served as the Space Control Program Element Monitor and as Executive Officer for SAF/AQS. Previous to the Pentagon they were stationed in Hawaii, where Garymanaged the development of the new control system and other tasks for several AF telescopes atop the 10,000-foot mountain Haleakala. More important, Gary met his wife in Hawaii!

Rondall RICE dropped us a note to say hello from Misawa, Japan. He and the family are getting settled and are enjoying the area. The housing is nice and the school system is one of the best in the DoD, and even learning to drive on the left side of the road came quickly! Rondall said the biggest mistakes they have made so far are turning on the wipers instead of the signal, and walking to the wrong side ofthe car to get into the driver’s seat. The wing is very active at Misawa since they are one of only two Air Force wings with the F-16CJ, and one of the squadrons is usually deployed at any given time. Thanks Rondall!

Darin WEBB wrote that he has been out of the Air Force since 1993 and living in the Seattle area with his wife and three kids. He is a manager for customer advocacy with Honeywell. JeffCASHMAN also fired off a quick note to say he had a daughter in July. Cash is still full time with the VermontAir National Guard, with a hold on hisAmerican Airlinesjob. Thanks guys!

In light of the academy’s approaching 50th anniversary, the Academy is seeking inputs on squadron patches. If you know of the creation, history, and significance of your cadet squadron patch, please send the information to Duane Reed at Duane.Reed@usafa.af.mil. Mr. Reed is the Head of Special Collections at the Cadet Library.

Best wishes to you and your families. Let me hear from you!!! Take care and God bless.

James Sanchez

8301 Emerald Circle

North Richland Hills, TX 76180

H: (817) 946-1802

E-Mail: james.sanchez@usafa90.com

WEB: USAFA90.C0M

Here’s all the news the AOG gives me room for. Go to our web page for more current and complete info.

Lefty SUMMERLIN (6/28): Living in a great neighborhood in Meridian, ID. The wife (Debbie) and kids (Rebecca, 5, and Garrett, 3) practically live at the water park, which is about a mile from our home when it’s 100 degrees, there’s not much else worth doing. Still working as a financial analyst for HP; looks like I’ll survive the upcoming layoffs related to the Compaq merger. I’m continuing my part-time avocation as a navigator in the Idaho Guard. Joined in June and should be qualed in the C-130 in a month. Frank CORPRIVNICAR is in the unit, and living in Boise. Ifyou’re in the area, give us a shout.

Oli WASHINGTON (6/30): A little something from L.A. I ran into Dr. (Maj) Rick ALLEN (Trolls 90) at the L.A. AFB Sports Day. He is PCSing to Edwards AFB in August 02. I’m finishing my first year in the GPS Joint Program Office at L.A. My wife, Patty, and son Zack are loving the Southern California life!

Lee ARMSTRONG (7/12): I just got back to DMAFB from a 5.5 month deployment to Kyrgyzstan. Interestingplace. Brian and Eileen HASTINGS are here at DM along with their sons, Luke and Sean cute boys. Brian is flying A- 10s and heading to language school in Oct. Brad RICE is getting married in August to Cindy Crawford. She’s not the famous model, but that is her real name. Good for them.

Ben DAVIS (7/14): You can move me over to the Maxwell column with the first wave of ACSC students in our class. I’ve done all the damage I can possibly do to the F-22 Program here at Wright-Pat, so it is time to move to more fertile fields. Besides, three years of the acquisition business is long enough for anyone! Look for F-22s arriving in your local theaters at Nellis in ’02, Tyndall in ’03, and Langley in ’04. You may have also seen that Kevin HUYCK (and possibly Mark LADTKOW... might want to check with him prior to printing) was selected for the first F-22 pilot cadre at Nellis. Steve JAMES is also working F-22 bed-down from the logistics side at Tyndall AFB. I saw Steve BRANDT here last year on his way out to Edwards to join the F-16 test pilot team there. Gary FOSTERjust got picked up as the CS-22 AOC at USAFA. He and his wife, Colleen, have two daughters now. Bill GIDEON just finished his tour as AOC ofthe very best squadron... that would be CS-13 Bulldawgs, of course. He and his wife, Beth, have a daughter and a new son. They will be on their way to Wright-Pat in Aug 02. Mike THIRTLE is still running the Chicago RAND office. He and Denise are expecting their third child in Aug 02. He’s also been doing work as a Reservist on the Developing Aerospace Leaders (DAL) concept that has been in the news lately. I saw Laura GILLIG during my last trip to Langley. She just left HQ ACC/IN to take over as the Intel boss up at Elmendorf. Got a note from Mark WEATHERINGTON who was taking care of Operation Enduring Freedom business with his B-l. He and his wife, Stephanie, just had their second daughter and will be heading to ACSC this summer as well. James JINNETTE and Stacy HARUGUCHI are both finishing up their sentences at Osan. Stacy will be going to HQ ACC in the fall and James will be joining me at ACSC. Brian HASTINGS got picked for ISS, but not the Air Force/Army/Navy variety. He got tagged for the School of the Americas with a guaranteed assignment south of the equator on the other end. So he and Eileen and the boys are off to Monterrey for a year of Spanish prior to starting school at Ft. Benning. And as a reward for his flexibility, TMO sent his HHG to Eielson because they didn’t get the word in time. Brian is now the AF poster child for “Ser

vice Before Self!” I visited with John and Marni BELL and their three blond daughters last winter when Michelle and I were in Montgomery looking for a house. He’s finishing up a PhD at Auburn so he can influence the hearts and minds of young logistics officers as an AFIT professor. I also traded emails with SaraWILSON last winter. She’s working in Austin with the Lower Colorado River Authority on economic development.

Ben Davis and Family

Tom MATTISON (8/2): I separated from active duty in March 2000, having flown C-130s at Dyess for six years. I moved back to my home state of Minnesota and have been flying C-130s for the Minnesota ANG. I got hired by Northwest Airlines in December 2000 but was furloughed at the end of 2001. I’m still flying with the Guard, but I’m fortunate that my new wife, Becky, is an internist at the Mayo Clinic and has agreed to be my “sugar-mama”. We met through PJ FRONAPFEL (’92), who I met at SOS in 1997. I was fortunate to have some classmates at my wedding: My “best couple” was Tony BUKATA and his wife, Lisa (DEGENHART, ’91). Tony flies MD-80s for Alaska Airlines and C-17s for the Reserve at McChord AFB. One of my ushers was John D. HALL IV, who flies 727s for FedEx and C-130s for the North Carolina ANG. He’s married to Robin, and they have son Jack and one on the way. My other usher was my Academy roomie, Brad SULLIVAN, who is one ofthe brave fewwho stayed in the Air Force. He flies MC-130s at Hurlburt AFB and lives with wife, Sam, and son Cole. I was going to have a third usher, but my good friend Mike CROGHAN was deployed with a portion of our Guard unit, flying C- 130s in the Desert. Becky and I were happy that Mike’s wife, Maureen, and their son Jack could attend, though. Other guests: Chris WHEELER, who works for Joel DALY’s Inflow company, and his wife, Kim; Ann EISSLER, who flies 737s forAmerican Airlines; Beth (SIEGRIST) SHAFER, who flies C-130s for the Milwaukee Reserve unit, and her husband, Bill; Chris BRYANT, who works at an IT company in Colorado Springs and his wife, Kathy (KNIGHT, ’91).

Paul Sherman and Tom Knolmayer

TC HASSELL (8/5): Just passed my one year anniversary in the NJANG at Atlantic City on the 2nd ofAugust. I figured it was time for an update after the big move out of AD last summer and all the events of the last year. First of all, I have to say that my last squadron at Luke, the 21FS (Taiwan FMS), was a class act... by far my best assignment. Other ’90 grads in the 21st were Brian ELLIOTT (now at Moody), Chris MORGAN (nowin the Hill reserve), Steve EIKEN (nowworking on the F-22 at Boeing in Seattle) and Mike WANG (still at Luke). At one point there were probably more than two dozen ‘90 grads at Luke. Every assignment night or Ladies Crud Tournament was a big ’90 reunion.

Oli Washington and Rick Allen

Carson Tavenner

4414C Bighorn Drive

USAF Academy, CO 80840

(719) 472-5942

E-mail: carson.tavenner@usafa.af.mil

We’re coming up on almost a year since the first of our classmates starting making the real transition from junior to field grade. I thought we might spend a little time here in the column reflecting on the significance ofthat before pressing into the news I have for you this time around.

I’ve shared with you in the past (don’t know how long ago it was, though) that every once in awhile taking time to go through and read the other class columns teaches you some pretty cool things about life, and the sort of experiences we can expect to have, whether corporately or individually. Enough time has passed, since both our graduation as well as that of the first class, that now the Bold Golders’ column is found exactly three quarters of the way through instead of “near the end”, a fact that many of us have easily allowed to escape our attention. We don’t want to see ourselves getting older! We still have wedding pictures to share, right?

But just over 10 years from now, and just a few years into our military retirements, we will already be more closely associated with the Class of 1961 than we will be with the incoming doolies of the Class of 2031 (I sure hope they still call them doolies then)!

In the same sense that these things are true, we find ourselves (whether active duty or not) entering a powerful stage of our professional lives. We are often getting to be at or near the top of our game! With field grade has come the opportunity to hear our commanders ask us “what do you think?” more often than “where are you at with that project?” More and more evidence appears every day, ready to convince us of the reality that we have (largely) determined our professional path. Growing in experience and heightened in knowledge, we have hopefully also attained some wisdom along the way. Sure, from time to time we remember longingly those other, exciting, often exotic dreams from our childhoods: but they are quietly slipping further and further into the unrealistic, if not the downright unattainable, aren’t they?

Focus not on these dreamy “maybes” and reflect instead on what has come about in their place; the opportunity to impact the world around us in so many wonderful and powerful ways. In what ways have we each manifested the promotions and opportunities which have come our way? Some of us, including my CS-22 roommate, are logging combat time even as we speak. Others are working on business plans designed to help companies produce a successful economic future in this uncertain market. Then there are those who have already begun to teach the next generation ofAmericans; may they pass on a sense ofwhat the ColdWar brought our nation: confidence, supremacy, and the knowledge that standingvigilantly in defense of liberty and freedom was not a fruitless battle. Not only in the often frantic workplace but also in the comfortable environment of a friend’s home, I know I have recently seen and heard the evidence of great work being accomplished, both in technological fields as well as the humanitarian. Keep up the good work, '91! I am honored to be called a member of your graduating class, and I hope you share that same sentiment with me.

The first news to share with you regarding our classmates, sadlyenough, involves another death. You may remember in September hearing news of an MC-130 that crashed into the side of a mountain in Puerto Rico. Gregory FRITZ, a major in the 15th Special Operations Squadron, was the navigator. From Air Force Link News, the crash occurred "about 20 miles south of San Juan, near the town of Caguas, Puerto Rico on Aug. 7. The aircraft was on a training flight from Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads to Borinquen Air National Guard Base on the west coast of Puerto Rico.” I never heard any further news regarding his burial, though I hope several of our classmates were able to hear about it and attend in time.

Let me share with you some pictures I took ofHeather PRINGLE, Carlene PERRY and Rob KRAUS during the latest Majors’ Night here in Fairchild Hall. Heather and Carlene are pictured standing next to a device that tracks the motion ofyour eyeball and can tell where you’re looking. That’s pretty cool! It can even tell where you’re looking while you’re walking forward, apparently. The device comes in handy for behavioral science classes as well as serious lab work (because we all know that class is never serious, right?). In case you’rewondering, both Carlene and Heather work in the BS department even though they’re both two of the most honest and straightforward members of our class. In this picture they were on their way taking the device down to the 2nd floor where their department (as well as all the others) had set up displays designed to advertise and describe academic majors to the cadets who hadn’t yet declared their field of study.

Once I was downstairs wandering the area, I bumped into Rob KRAUS. Actually, I saw him first, snuck up on him, and then bumped into him.

Heather Pringle and Carlene Perry, getting ready to ask “Tav, this isn’t going to be in Checkpoints, is it?"

He didn’t mind though, since he saw that I would soon be putting his smiling mug in Checkpoints. Rob is a member of the Aeronautics Department, which I’m sure all ofyou remember fondly. Check out the picture: USAFA still has that jet engine display (I never did understand how those things work) and the F-16 attached to the west wall. And yes, theC141 is still on the east wall, too. I guess these are examples of USAFA traditions being formed over the years, huh?

Robsays, "Hey, 1maynot knowhow to build one, butIstillget a kick out ofquizzing the cadets on enginedesign!"

I don’t have any other pictures of our other classmates who are stationed here. I’d like to say that was because I can never find them in their offices at work, but that wouldn’t be entirely true. Everyone here is hard at work, as is generally the case all over the nation. I can tell people aren’t getting hardy a single minute to spare beyond work, family, and social responsibilities, because the news sources have really been dry recently. Here, however, is some news about Dane BLOCK which I had not printed in previous columns but was holding onto in the dark recesses of My Documents. His wife, Jana, told us “Dane separated from the Air Force after 10 years in January. He has taken a job with Salomon Smith Barney as a financial consultant in Huntsville, AL my home town. He is loving it and seems to really enjoywearing a tie to work every day. He will still be flying for the reserves as a T-37 instructor pilot in Columbus, MS and he is happy to have an escape from the desk and ticker tapes once a month. We also had our second son, Rhett, which Dane named, and he is now 16 months old. He is trying hard to keep up with Dane William junior. And I am loving, after 10 years being back with family and friends.”

Amen, Jana! Eight years, eight months to go until retirement, Bold Gold! Tav, signing out.

James S. Mehta

Box 5363

Carmel, CA 93921-5363

(831) 622-0752

E-mail: jamesmehta@earthlink.net

Spectacular! That word sums up the Class Reunion, but since the AOG allows me a few more words, I’ll expand on it. For those ofyou who didn’t make it, we missed you and hope you’ll make the next one. The “weekend” got started on Thursday and didn’t let up until Sunday morning. There were so many great activities and so many classmates to catch up with and families to meet. In the end, I know I was pretty wiped out.

Since many of you did not make it to the festivities and those that did could not possibly have made it to all the activities, I’ll try to capture the essence of them for you.

Before I get started, we all owe the Reunion Committee a debt of gratitude. The committee put in many hours of hard work to plan all the activities and deserves a standing ovation for such an enjoyable and successful reunion. The team leader, Scotty NOWLIN and his wife, Joelyn (TAYLOR), did a fantasticjob. From my point ofview, every event ran seamlessly. Even more amazing was that on Sept 11,2002, Scotty and Joelyn welcomed their third child, Jonathan Scott Nowlin, into the world. Of course, Scotty could not have done it without a wonderful committee. Here’s the lineup card: treasurer, Dean BOERRIGTER; secretary, Todd McDOWELL; tailgate, David SOUZA and Dave ALBRECHT; golf tournament, Jason WOLF and Mike SMITH; merchandise, Christy (ATKINS) TEDROW; hotel, Ron PIERI; web master, Wes FRYER and Marc SCHALLER; prep school reunion and class gift/fundraising, Jeff STAMP; entertainment, Elaine (RILEY) SERSUN; and information and marketing, Jon THOMPSON. Bravo!

The weekend kicked off with a bang on Wednesday night as 300 arrived at the casual social in the Anders Hotel. Many familiar faces and names that have not been recalled in (10) years suddenly showed up again. Fortunately, the committee had the good sense to give everyone a name tag so we could all pretend that we hadn’t forgotten anyone’s name. Thursday was the big arrival day and hundreds filled the Antlers. The Anders was a great host hotel and the downtown location offered many close restaurants and bars. Thursday’s activities included some morning events around the Springs. Over 75 reunion attendees got a special tour ofthe Olympic Training Center and 20 more had morning tea at Glen Eyrie Mansion. The rest of us with much finer culinary tastes had reservations at the 5-star, Zagatrecommended Mitchell Hall. After watching the Class of 2006 (gulp!) take Spirit Hill and the rest of the Cadet Wing march into Mitch’s, about 200 of us visited with our old squadrons and were treated to a fine meal. “The menu for the noon meal is as follows: French Dip Sandwiches, Fruit Punch, and Ice Cream... I’ll have to admit, the food was the same, but the noon meal was much different (easier) for the 4-smokes...

As more classmates showed up, there was a Prep School mini-reunion ofabout 25 people. I’m sure their afternoon spent back at the Prep School bought back some vivid memories. That evening the casual social at the Antlers kicked into high gear. There were so many familiar faces it was unbelievable. So many conversations trying to make up for 10 years made for quite a loud event. I found myself hoarse the whole weekend from just trying to talk. It didn’t take long to realize the beer was better and cheaper at Judge Baldwin’s and soon the party moved from the hall to the bar. Needless to say, two bartenders at Judge Baldwin’s could not keep up with ‘92’s thirst. Sometime around Fridaymorning,Thursdaynight ended.

Joe and TammyHall andJames and Michelle Mehta.

Friday was nonstop, starting at the Eisenhower GolfCourse at 0700. One hundred of ‘92’s best and worst golfers hit the Blue Course in the class tournament. We played a best-ball, scramble format and there were competitions for the closest to the hole on a par 3 and the longest drive. My wife, Michelle, and I paired with CS-22 squadron mate Joe HALL and his wife, Tammy. Fortunately, Michelle and Joe were hitting the ball well and carried the team. I was too much of a drag on the team and we ended up tying for worst score with the team of Brook LEONARD, Trevor RUSH, and Jason WHITE at +7. Unfortunately for my team, we lost the dubious honor because we birdied the #1 handicap hole while Brook’s team bogeyed giving them the “victory.” The best score of -10 went to Scott KNIER Jeremy SLOAN, Pete VEHLOW, and Matt YETISHEFSKY who supposedly kept accurate score. Blaine NYE took home honors for the longest drive and Eric MORITZ won closest-to-the-hole competition. While we were chasing a little white ball around the foothills, over 150 showed up for the play group family picnic at Palmer Park where the kids had a blast. By the time we finished, several other events were already underway.

Many grads were back in their old squadrons sharing their experiences with the current cadets during M5. Following that, the Superintendent,

Commandant, and Dean took the time to speak to us about the current state of the Academy. At the same time, there was an open house and we were able to walk throughout the Cadet Area. I entered the area through the mail room and the only changes I noticed were the new mailboxes and considerably more lockers for packages. Must be for all the things Cadets now order on-line... Anyway, I exited Vandenberg Hall as I made my way to the terrazzo and out into the infamous “tour” marching area and headed toward the Air Gardens and the Memorial Wall and flagpole. I noted the name of our classmate Laura Piper and the fact that the list was a bit longer than when we last left 10 years ago. I wandered though the Air Gardens and the fountains that only “supposedly” existed buried under the grass when we were there.

The library was almost exactly as I’d remembered with the exception that the card catalog computers were now Windows based with color monitors instead of DOS based and green screens. Even the tall “4° sleeping” chairs near the windows at the far end of the first floor were there. Anyway, while looking around I ran into Troy SULLIVAN who is also an OSI agent. He was showing Cheryl, his fiance and also an OSI agent, around. We decided to walk through Vandy and see the new furniture we had heard about. Needless to say, nothing is ever as good as when we were there. It looks institutional the carpets have been pulled up from the hallways and the dorm furniture is all metal. I then crossed back over to Fairchild Hall to note that it, too, had not changed much.

James and Troy Sullivan

Before the Graduate Memorial Service started, a quick class meeting was in order. This focused on the 1992 class gift which was decided as a $199,200 gift to USAFA. A simple breakdown ofthis is just several dollars a month for five years per classmate which is quite achievable. You will get more information on this in the future.

Missing Man formation over the Graduate Memorial Ceremony with Ross Sauterin the #3 F-16 pulling vertical.

The memorial service was as moving as always. Unfortunately, every year the list of those “absent” grows. I was struck by the number of recent grads and cadets who were being remembered. Our class has been very lucky so far and I hope we continue to be so. Looking out for one another can help keep it that way. Since the terrazzo in front of the Class Wall was undergoing construction, we all stood on the grass. Hey, it wouldn’t be the Zoo if some part of the terrazzo isn’t being worked on.

After the Graduate Memorial Service, we all gathered on the chapel stairs for a class photo. Normally, it would be done in front ofthe ClassWall, but as I said the terrazzo was under construction. We got three pictures, one with spouses, one without, and one of just the women of ’92. Most of those still active duty or Reserves/ANG were in service dress, the rest were looking good in coats and ties. Following the picture, about 40 couples stayed around to renew their wedding vows in the Cadet chapel.

A short trip back downtown to the Antlers, a change of clothes, and we were ready for the class dinner. Everyone was dressed up and ready for a good time. Our invited guests of honor were Lt Gen and Mrs. Redden. We also were honored with Col and Mrs. Daack who sat at our table of

The Class Photo

CS-22 Tarantulas. Gen Redden gave a motivational speech that was quite timely as we are all at important crossroads of our careers. It was the type of speech we have come to expect of Gen Redden and reinforced that he was who we wanted there with us. The dinner was the highlight of the weekend with over 430 graduates and a total of 670 people at dinner. Again, there were so many people trying to make up for the last 10 years that I almost couldn’t hear myself think! Awesome.

Finally, following Gen Redden, Mark SLOCUM took the stage to make a special presentation to the AOG on behalf ofthe Class of 1992. Mark gave a fantastic account ofjust one ofmany contributions 1992 has made in the Air Force and especially the war on terrorism in Afghanistan. I could never capture the feeling and exact words of Mark that night, but for the benefit of those ofyou not with us there, here’s the Reader’s Digestversion:

Mark recalled how during the Gulf War, so many of us were ready to forego our Firstie year and rush to the desert to help out in any way we could. Of course, Gen Redden told us that the best way we could benefit the AF was to stay at USAFA and graduate so that when our time came we would be ready to serve the AF and our country the best way possible. Well, our time did come. Mark gave several accounts ofcombat and support missions flown by ’92 grads over the past year in Afghanistan. We all know that there have been many significant contributions byTrue Bluers on the ground as well as at home and deployed bases. There are’92ers flying C-17s, F-16s, B-2s, C-130s, and so on. We are mission commanders and aircraft commanders, not to mention all of us in every otherAFSC who support the mission. Mark then recounted one specific mission that he heard about flown by two classmates. In Mark’s words, “An F- 15E twoship with '92 pilots was flying over Afghanistan during the meat of the war and lucked into a really good mission (right place at the right time). The basics of the story are: a two-ship in-flight retasked against some very high priority Taliban leadership targets in Kabul, RTB 45 minutes over Pakistan and called back for another ‘high prioritytasking.’ The KC10 taking them home gave them every drop of gas he had before they turned to go back in. They flew back, hit another ‘leadership’ target, and then raced four hours to home base. Long story short, it turns out that this was the longest fighter combat sortie in history 15.5 hours. The coolest part about it is that the tanker pilot that gave them all of his reserve fuel and made that mission happen was another ’92 brother.”

This was the type ofsignificant contribution Gen Redden was talking about back in 1991. Many‘92ers have and will continue to make these significant contributions. Mark’s squadron had a painting and limited-edition lithograph made of that particular mission and Mark presented #92/500 to the AOG following his story. The lithograph is of two F-15E’s dropping four laser-guided bombs into Kabul at night with anti-aircraft fire all around. That Saturday night ended as the previous two did... in Judge Baldwin’s telling lies and catching up. One proud accomplishment from that night is that we finished all the beer that Judge Baldwin’s had to serve drank 'em dry!

On Saturday, much to the cadets’ delight, the Cadet Wing Parade was cancelled and the football game was pushed back to 1200. Considering our feat at Judge Baldwin’s that was just fine with us. The class tailgate started at 1000 and had great bar-b-que with all the fixin’s. Even the five kegs of beer were included! After a long, hot, dry, and windy afternoon the Falcons squeaked out an overtime victory for Homecoming.

It was pretty cool to see all the flybys for the football game and during Friday’s Graduate Memorial Service since most of the pilots and airfield ops personnel were '92. Ross SAUTER from Ft. Smith, AR ANG flying an F-16; David CHANEY from HomesteadANGB, FL also flying an F-16; Todd MILLER flying F-15Es from Seymour-JohnsonAFB; Pedro GONZALES flying F-15Cs; Steve PLUMHOFF flying an MH-53 from Kirtland AFB; Matt CICCERELLO

and the following were involved in glider and UF- 18B flybys and airfield operations: Mike SMITH, Mark MATTICOLA, John MAJEWSKI, A1 BLOIR, J.R. TWIFORD, Frank SCHORZMAN, Stacie (MILINSKI) SCHORZMAN, Rick BAILEY, and Jen (VANTEEM) WRYNN.

That evening’s activities involved an ice cream social duringwhich most people were notably tired and subdued. I think everyone had so much fun and excitement over the weekend that their tanks had run dry. Not too much partying that night. People started saying their good-byes and the next morning it continued as everyone checked out and headed various directions to go back to whatever it was they were doing before this awesome weekend. The final official event was the Lady Graduate breakfast on Sunday morning that had a nice turnout of over 20.

Jason WOLF has the remaining class coins. If you didn’t pick yours up or want to purchase extras, contact him at kwolfj@yahoo.com. All in all a spectacularweekend. It was well planned and well attended. It was great to see everyone and hear about so many wonderful and various endeavors. Please keep in touch and don’t forget to take care ofyour True Blue brothers and sisters. The next reunion will be even better, but I can wait. My apologies to those who have written me recently as I was not able to put their information today because of the reunion. I will include it next time. Also, as I threatened to do when I spoke during the class dinner (when you all feared I was about to quit), since no one sent me any reunion photos, you got to see many of mine. True Blue ’92, James.

Michael D. Sundsted

4530 East Castle Drive McGuire AFB, NJ 08641 (609) 724-0866 / DSN: 650-3319

E-mail: Bravecwboy@aol.com

Class Website: www.highflight.com

Greetings 1993! I made it safely back from the desert of Kuwait and enjoyed spending lots of time with my wife, Lori, and son Collin. I am currently changingjobs here at McGuire AFB. I went from being a flight commander for the 6 AS to being a plans officer for the wing staff. I hope this letter finds everyone in great graces this fall and winter. Green grass and rain have never looked better! I will try to keep this letter trim for the AOG as I went 100+ words more than I should have on the last letter! Sorry. Please check the class web site for information regarding our class reunion next summer! By the time you read this, the dates should be solidified. Got a great email from Chris CHAPLIN at Osan. He flies the mighty A10 for the 25th Assam Draggins. Chris ran into Matt BREDEN at Nellis AFB back in May. He’s enjoying life as a B-52 Radar Navigator at Minot. Say hello to the family! Mike “Flapwheel” MEYER and Rob “Narc” BROGAN recently left Osan for the states. Rob is back at Davis Monthan as an A-10 Instructor and Mike is at Pensacola as an instructor in the T-34. Dave “Kracka” JOHNSON and Barry “Sluf” COGGINS are also at Osan. Dave is headed to Columbus to be a T-38 Instructor and Barry has taken

CS-22 Tarantulas: From left are Bob Seifert, Todd Cragie, Rob Tobler, Brad Wensel, me again, Don Unwin, John Miltner, and Dave Bond.

Top row: Kathleen and Don Unwin, Bob and Val Seifert. Bottom row: Pete Knox, James and Michelle (again), Leisa and Rob Tobler.

flying a T-37 from Columbus AFB;

an assignment back to Pope AFB. Barry is also awaiting news of test pilot school! Best wishes. AndrewWOLCOTTwasatOsanTDYforafewweeks for an exercise. He is still flying F-16s at Canon AFB. Joe IMWALLE is doing his best impressions of an officer and a gentleman at the Pentagon (coffee guy). He is set to be married to Meridith, his fiance, in November.

Andra “Poptart” KNIEP has some great stories of flying the A-10 in Operation ANACONDA. I had heard rumors that she is a fierce warrior and brought a lot of heat to the Taliban! She and her husband, Scott KNIEP (’92) are at Pope AFB. They are both on their way to Nellis AFB. Andra will fly for the 422 Test Squadron and her husband will be an A-10 Weapons School Instructor. Thanks for the great email!

Ed HOSPODAR checks in reporting on Brent MESQUIT’S family! Ed, how the hell are you? Ed gave me a beautiful picture of Brent and Lisa’s bouncing baby boy, Luke James. The unfortunate thing about pictures is that it must have a graduate in it! Get me a shot ofLuke and Brent and it’s in! He was born on 31 Aug 02 and weighed in at 10 lbs, 9 oz! Wow! Lee BOSCH has left the AF and is now a firefighter in Phoenix, AZ. Our thoughts our with you big man as you fight the fires! I look forward to hearing how YOU are doing, Ed!

David GROVER has checked in from London, England! Dave got out of the military in 1998 and now works as a high-powered investment banker for Telecom and Media. He utilizes our great S.E.R.E. training on a dayto-day basis and can constantly be found rastlin’ with many bears in the market! If any ’93ers find your way to London, let me know and I'll get you Dave’s info - he wants to give you a guided tour!

Dan OOSTERHOUS joined the McGuire AFB clan this summer and works at the Air MobilityWarfare Center. He has a son (2) and two daughters (4 and 6). I look forward to spending time with Dan and his familywe’ll update next letter.

Scott BUMPUS emailed me while his little one was sleeping. He and his family have moved to San Antonio and offer their house up if anyone is in the area.

Andy MOORE writes from Yale where he is finishing up his residency in orthopedic surgery. He and his wife, Jenny, recently celebrated the birth of their beautiful daughter, Kinsey. (Sorry, I couldn’t get the picture through the firewall at my deployed base!) Andyis looking to get toWilford Hall as an assignmentanyone with AFPC - a little help please?! Andy updates on the following.

Mike NELSON recently got married to the former MaryAnn MacDonald. He is currently at Albuquerque, NM at the C-130 Talon II school house as an instructor and is looking to get into some sort of Operation whatever the next one will be called.

Matt IA.CY is down at NAS Whiting (Pensacola) as a flight commander for one of the T-34 squadrons. He loves working with the Navy and Marines as well as his job as instructor and can be found on any given day marching his troops in parade dress on the teraz... wait - that was when he was in Honor Guard. Dawn LACY (MUZYK) is currently the director of a foster care program and counseling center in Pensacola.

Mike MCCLUNG and his wife, Angela, are enjoying spending time with their wonderful daughterTaylor Morgan. Mike is finishing his masters in D.C. and will be working with the NSA as part of the 94th Intel Squadron at Ft Meade.

Noah GREENE is engaged to be married in Fredericksburg, TX in Apr 03! Noah is completing his residency in internal medicine atWilford Hall. How did someone from the north completely confuse one of the Texas beauties into marrying him? It’s definitely because he’s in our class! Thanks for the great update Andy!

Deborah BLOOD checked in from Nellis on her way out the door for Ramstein with her husband, Craig BLOOD. Craig is the Ramstein CE Operations Flight commander at Einsiedlerfof (BlessYou) and Deb (Buffy) will work on the LG staff at USAFE.

Tom O’ROURKE gave me a quick address update. He is now living in Lexington, MA working for RATHEON.

Terri (HOEFT) SHEPPARD and husband, Pat, check in with great news of a new baby boy, Zachry Knight! He was born on 8 May 02. Terri says everyone is healthy, happy, exhausted and very blessed. I congratulate the family! Sorry about not putting the baby picture in - get me a picture ofyou and Zachry and it’ll be in the article!

Lee SPECHLER went to another training deployment in Slovakia in the mighty HAWG! He got to match with the Slovakian ranges utilizing the might and heat of the A-10 gun and huge bombs! Lee marveled at the

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

SU-22 and SU-25 aircraft that were for sale there. Lee, want to go in on one for an air show?

Phillip TUCKER says hello from Travis. He and his wife, Amy, have been verybusywith work and their children, Jack Carrier and Caroline. Caroline is going through the terrible twos - I feel your pain Phil! Phil continues to enjoy the KC-10 schoolhouse as an instructor.

Kevin SUTTON has a great (informative) email, but due to the fact I only get 1,200 words in our article his input will be placed in the next one! Sorry Kevin!

My best to you all as you prepare for the holidays and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to see all ofyou at the reunion next year! For those of you who are interested - we need volunteers for planning - especially those who already are stationed in C-Springs. Take care Mike

C. C. Masotti

7608 Southern Oak Drive

Springfield, VA 22153

H: (703) 644-4332

W: (703) 697-1383 or DSN 227-1383

Fax: (703) 695-8884 or DSN 225-8884

E-mail: bowhead94@hotmail.com

Happy Holidays, ’94! Even though it’ll be near Christmas by the time this hits your mailbox, it’s actually still Fall as I write tnis and our fabulous Falcons are currently undefeated! I hope that still stands true as you read this what an exciting season!

Not only does the falcon represent our alma mater, but some ofyou may remember that it also gave its name to the act of dating other cadets... remember Falcon Love?! Well, one Falcon Love success story is alive and well in Eric and Patricia (GUERRA) STUBBS, who’ve recently celebrated IOV2 years together, 8V2 years of marriage, and, most recendy, the birth of their first child, Miss Anari Nieve Stubbs-Guerra in April. With a wedding date of 2 Jun 94, Trish and Eric happily boast one of the longest marriages of our class. He is the Section Commander for HQ AETC, responsible for more than 1,200 personnel, while she is the Assistant Operations Officer for the Inter-American Air Force Academy at Lackland, provioing Spanish military and technical training for individuals from 20 South American countries. In addition to loving their jobs, they’re thrilled to live in the same neighborhood as Trish’s brother Copernicus “Pucky” GUERRA and his family see the whole gang in the photo they shared!

Copernicus Guerra with wife, Sandra, andkidsNevin and Tallyn;Monica Patricia Guerra, husband Eric Stubbs, and daughterAnari.

Ifyou don’t get a chance to write or email me with your updates, please take the time to sign on to our class homepage. It was started in ’96 and maintained ever since by Chuck BAIRD who still commutes between Houston and Brazil to refurbish a Russian-built drilling ship, and recently had the opportunity to meet his former roommate Joe TORRES for lunch in Brazil. Chuck reports that sales of his new book Class Warrior are going well and that several ’94 folks have taken the time to update their info on the website. Log on to read the latest from Mike and Jen SUERMAN (F/A-18, Beaufort, SC); John DUNIAJP (B-52 Nav Instructor, Barksdale); Mark SCHMIDT (Airfield Ops, Yokota); Mark O’REILLY (Exec, RAF Mildenhall); and Dave, Erin, Schuyler (3) and Gracelyn (1) HAM (Airline Pilot/ANG Mx Officer, Anchorage AK). Others who’ve logged on lately include James LEE (F-15 WSO, Elmendorf); Brian, Jen (RUSS), Jack, and John MORRISON (moving to Patrick AFB, where Jen will separate to become a full-time mom and Reservist); sports fanatic Bill SCHUM (Program Manager, Nellis); and TSgt (yes, you read that right log on for the full scoop!) Hendrick VAN DE POL (EOD, Hurlburt). Jeff SPINNANGER (Executive Support to SecDef, Pentagon) - Mike REED (Project Mgr for Civilian Construction Co, NY); and Exchange Student/proud new dad

Farzi AHMAD (IG’s Office, Royal Malaysian AF HQ, Kuala Lumpur) also sent in their updates.

Of course, ifyou don’t have the opportunity to send in your updates to me or Chuck, maybe you’ll be fortunate as some of our classmates who have friends and loved ones to brag about them... Brian TOTH’s sponsors wrote to share a picture ofBrian (F-16, Eielson) and his bride, Kristine, a nurse, with their first child, Cole Clifford Toth, who was born in late June.

Likewise, I got an email thatAndy (’92) and Heidi (LINDSTROM) TRUITT now have a trio ofboys, since ConnorWillis joined big brothers Tegan and Riley with his 8 Sept birth. Finally, Joe “Rainman” KENDALL (F-16, Luke) has a fan in the “proud sibling” who wrote to tell me about his terrific marriage to Megan and their three little ones, Cole (4), Ashley (3), and Grace (6 months). Despite his family obligations, Joe has continued his string of Air Force successes, graduating as a DG from Fighter Weapons School in Jan ’01, then earning Student ofthe Year honors at SOS in addition to their peer-voted Cleav McCleary Award, while leading his squadron to a firstplace finish. Joe was the first student to win both awards, which were presented by the SecAF. If you’re impressed already, it gets better... Joe was also awarded Luke’s Thunderbolt Leadership Award and is a candidate for the F-22! Congrats from all of us, Joey K keep making us proud!

For my part, I’m celebrating my third (but not final) Fall/Winter in D.C. and still enjoying my job in Air Force Foreign Liaison. Not only do I love what I do, but I also get to travel often and see many ofyou. Since the last column, I had the opportunity to travel with eight Pacific-rim Air Force commanders and their escort Gen Bill BEGERT (’68, PACAF/CC) for the 2002 Pacific Air Chiefs’ Conference, visiting Hickam, Edwards, Nellis, Colorado Springs, and D.C. along the way. At Hickam, I got to see Juan ROBINSON (PACAF CAG), while the air chiefs got to visit with Lt Gen Bob DIERKER (72, PACOM/CD) and Lt Gen Steve POLK (’68, PACAF/ CV). At Nellis, the air chiefs got personalized Thunderbird lithographs signed by Dr. Dave STEINHEISER and newlywed Chris CALLAHAN, while the Colorado Springs stop allowed me a quick visit with Scott DUNPHY and Jane (DECKER) GIBSON (both Cheyenne Mountain). Jane and husband, Jeff, later came through D.C. for a quick visit with their gorgeous kids, Regan (10), Sarah (4), and Jason (2). Once the tour made it to the Pentagon, the air chiefs were treated to a great briefing from Paul MURRAY, who wowed them all with his expertise on the success of our TACPs in Afghanistan. I also got to see Jerry LOEFFLER (TDY from L.A.) wandering the building at the time.

In addition to that whirlwind trip, I was blessed to be able to join Kathy (CLEVELAND) and Gregg LEISMAN for their beautiful wedding ceremony in Albuquerque. It was a wonderful USAFA reunion, as I got the chance to sit with Dr. Rachel (GALL) HIGHT (Keesler there with husband, Wes, and son Jared); Paula THORSEN (Christian songwriter, Wisconsin); Jennifer KAPPLER (civilian, Frederick, MD there with then-fiance Larry Nemetz more on their Sept wedding next issue!). I also was thrilled to see Alicia (VALLENI) MATTESON, her husband, Adam, sons Warren (10) and Conrad (6 months), step-granddaughter (yep!), Liliana (3), andAlicia’s mother, Pam. The Matteson clan just moved to Florida where she’ll start a Master’s program in Gainesville. I didn’t have a chance to catch up with all the grads there, but we did corral everyone for a quick picture see how many USAFA folks celebrated with the Leismans!

Whether for leisure or work, the travel never seems to end for me. My upcoming trips include Anchorage (Halloween week may see Joe and Jenny KUNKEL, as he’s up there flying F-15Es), NYC (Columbus Day and late Nov), Dyess and Charleston (mid-November with the French Air Chief), Colorado Springs (Thanksgiving), and Germany, Paris, and London (NewYear’s). I hope to see many of you along the way!

I wish each of you a blessed and safe holiday season. Please keep in touch and be sure to call ifyou’re in the area! Take Care and God Bless!

C.C.

Don Kang PSC 3, Box 3874

APO AP 96266 (031) 661-4430

BudaF16@yahoo.com

Welcome back, ’95. Here are the updates from the summer...

HOGS: Biggest news from theA-10 world is that our very own Scott “Soup”

CAMPBELL has become a “jinu-wine” bona-fide war hero. Soup’s up for the Silver Star for his work during Operation Anaconda “over there.” Word on the street is that in a single mission, Soup and his wingman morted 200-300 al-Quaida and Taliban fighters with bombs and 30 mm cannon. “Therewasn’t anybodyleft” after their mission, which is credited with turning the tide of the whole operation. Grunts on the ground were quoted in Army Times as saying that Soup’s two-ship ofA-10s were the most beautiful things they had ever seen. A wise man once told me that wars are won bykilling the enemybythe hundreds and thousands, not one by one. Soup has shown us once again that it is iron that kills the enemy. The Silver Star is our third highest award for valor in combat. In other news, Jon “Kosmo” SCHEER is the weapons officer for the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan AB, ROK. Stu MARTIN and Ric SELLERS are at Pope AFB.

HEAVIES: Dave HAUCK is flying C-5s at Dover. Mario FOXBAKER is flying 135s at Offutt. James SCHARTZ is flying Hercs at Little Rock.

EAGLES: There are a bunch of us running the Eagle RTU at Tyndal AFB in Panama City, FL. Currently instructing the next generation of light-gray drivers are Justin “Ringo” FLETCHER, Russ “Dirk” DRIGGERS, Travis “Pinz” KOCH, Paul “Max” MOGA, Cavan “Caveman” CRADDOCK, Jeff “Thug” EDWARDS, and Dave “Deeq” ABBA. Deeq wrote to tell me that Ringo and his wife, Cassie, have Sage, age four. Dirk and his wife, Jan, have Emma, who just celebrated her first birthday. Thug and his wife, Theresa, have two little ones. Dane “Joust” CRAWFORD recently completed FWIC and is the 1 SI Fighter Squadron’sWeapons Officer. The Eagle rag’s also starting to see ’95 guys roll through the TX course. Murali “Duke” KRISHNAN is getting back to the jet after doing the AF intern thing in D.C. On the Ops side ofthe house, Rob “Cujo” TESCHNER is in the current FWIC class from Langley. My old freshman roommate, Nick “Cat” GUTTMAN, graduated and is the patch wearer at the 493rd Fighter Squadron, Lakenheath.

Brian and Cole Toth

The Leisman wedding:At top from left are Alicia (Valleni) Matteson, Jen (Kappier) Nemetz, and C.C. Masotti. In the bottom roware Vic Grazier (’64), Aurelia (Dillard) Smith (’96), C.J. Sovada, Nate Smith (’91), Aaron Reed (’91), Kathy and Gregg, Rachel (Call) Hight, Jen (Patrick) Sovada, Dean Boerrigter (’93), MaryHartman, and Paula Thorsen.

From punk LPA to seasoned flight lead to RTU instructor, ‘95ers have come full circle to create the nextgeneration ofmightyStrike Eagle drivers. From leftareAinsleyO'Reilly, ChrisZuhlke,JeremyDurtschi, Chris Ederle, RexAyers, Eric Das, andSteve Lygren (B-Course).

MUD HENS: Joe “Moca” DIFIDI took some time to write from Lakenheath. After being sentenced to Shoe Flag, Moca joined up with his outfit in the desert to complete their AEF rotation. Back at the dark gray RTU in Seymour, Eric “Boots” DAS wrote that he got married last October. Along with Boots, other ‘95ers teaching the next crop of F-15E drivers are Jeremy “Huck” DURTSCHI, Rex “Short” AYERS, Chris “Allah” ZUHLKE, Vurun “Stinger” PURI, Chad “Brew” MEYERING, my old UPT roommate Drew MORRISON, Drew WHIAT, and Chris “Shaft” EDERLE. Ainsley “CO” O’REILLY is an I-WSO and Steve LYGREN just started the Bcourse. Boots wrote that Craig “Wobbles” LUCEY is off to Elmendorf and Jeff D’AMBRA is off to Mountain Home.

VIPERS: Frank BRYANT is wrapping up a year at the Kun and is on his way to Shaw AFB. Jon “Meat” TINSLEY, Brad MITCHELTREE, and Brad “Juice” GLENN are IPs at Luke. Bill “Wilbur" BETTS, Nate GRABER, Andy LYONS, Chuck PODOLAK, and Tom SEYMOUR made the cut for the next FWIC class. Kick ass, fellas. Andy’s wife, Kim, was recently featured in Muscle and Fitness Magazine. Wilbur will go to Cannon after the WIC. Pretty girl behind every tree in that town. Dave SUNDLOV just finished theWIC and is offto Misawa. Congrats, brother. Steve “Cash” BOATRIGHT is leaving Osan for Aviano. Ryan “QUBA” SPARKMAN is on his way to Misawa where he will join Mike and Liz MAY. Adam “Rider” MEYERS just finished the WIC and is a patch wearer there. Also at Misawa are Garrett “Swing” LOWE, Josh “Tic” HETSKO, Sam “Vandal” MANN, and Jason “Nails” PLOURDE. My old UPT roommate, Chris AUSTIN, completed the MANT course and is on his way to Aviano. Mike BARTEN, Chad FEUCHT, Matt LILJENSTOLPE, and Jim COLLINS are still at Osan. Chris HUMMEL is at Eielson in the middle ofhis third consecutive operational tour. Chris “Fatty” JONES is leaving the Viper for a stint as a Hornet guy with the Navy at Oceana. Call the ball, brother. Pencil me in first in line for dissimilar BFM, too. Fatty will soon be off to the F-18 rag. Doug WICKERT is leaving the Viper to fly Stink Bugs at Holloman. I (Buda) just left Osan and am now in the 77th Fighter Squadron at Shaw AFB, flying the eye-watering Block 50 for my third operational assignment. I became a dad on August 18th Colin Matthew Kang was a perfect 6 pounds, 9 ounces (Harrumph!!). Deeq was up at Vance for Jason BAILEY’s assignment night. Jason picked up a Viper and celebrated with Deeq, Soup, and Mike SNODGRASS. Jason will be off to IFF, along with Chad BALLETTIE. Welcome to the CAF, fellas.

JEEP/UAV: Our best-named classmate, Aaron “Musket” LADE, is driving a jeep in Germany and will be back to the Viper soon. Jamie MOSS wrote from Shaw where he is an ALO. Jamie and his wife just had their second son and the foursome is off to Hill AFB. Jamie will go through a TX course before getting back to the F-16. I just found out though that Jamie will go back to Afghanistan for another tour of duty before leaving Shaw. Be safe, Jamie. Other ‘95ers drivingjeeps are Joe LOCKE and Timothy PICCIN. Joe’s moving on to Spang to get back to the Viper. Timothy will do the same at Aviano. All three ofthe fellas saw action on the ground in Afghanistan during OEF. Killing the enemy is often times a team effort and these fine gentlemen have played an integral role on the ground. At Nellis, Sam VANZANTEN is in UAVs.

now getting ready for her FIRSTassignment at Andrews. Welcome to the Air Force. Speaking of doctors, Clarence DUNAGAN is in the second of a three-year residency in emergency medicine at East Carolina University. Clarence has been living it up as a civilian as well for the last six years and will hop on board active duty in June 2004.

Timothy Piccin and Jamie Moss were ALOs in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. In the air or on the ground, ‘95ers are doing the killing.

SOS: Seems like we still haven’t all trickled through Shoe Flag yet. Isn’t that seven years commissioned time up yet? Boots wrote that the ‘95ers he saw this last round included Alex SANSONE, Jim STUMBO (who brought his wife), and Brian MURPHY. Boots tells me that he was a DG, but I figured that I wouldn’t write about that here since it’s so gay - so there will be no mention of it. Far, far away from the CAF, Motor Feucht’s at the sauce now and begging for immediate exfil.

INCOMING: Jana KOKKENEN has been a civilian since the day we graduated the zoo. She graduated from Georgetown Medical School in ’99 and just finished ER residency. Along the way, she got married and is

Frank Bryant, Paul Baake, Clarence Dunagan, Stu Martin, and Ric Sellers at Clarence’s graduation from medical school.

OUTGOING: Noel KELLY punched the ticket in Los Angeles and is now “Mr. Kelly.” Good luck to you on the outside, Noel. Write back and tell us what it’s like. Adam VELIE punched and is working at a civilian intelligence firm contracted by U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs. Paul BAAKE is out and runs his own business in Richmond, VA. Adam KRUGER is out and in his third year oflaw school in Austin, TX. Adam just recently became a father with their first baby boy, born August 5th. Brice WILLLAMS is pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles.

WRAPUP: Ifyou didn’t know already, we actually have a website for the class. http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/1973/usafa95c.html. Kevin WELLS maintains it and there’s an email directory on the sitego take a look, it’s not too shabby. Keep the updates flowing, as always (budafl6@yahoo.com). Everyone wants to hear about assignments, Weapons School, and kids... but the one thing we all want more of is combat, so all ofyou boys back from “over there” owe me war stories and hero shots (you can email to me, high resolution). Let’s hear about combat while we’re steely-eyed and young - we can talk about tea parties and shopping trips when we’re older and fatter (maybe). Bottom line - keep the updates coming! Enjoy the holidays and upcoming AFA football season, be safe, and God Bless America. Check Six... Harrumph!

Melissa S. Cunningham

220 Bowens Mill Drive Bonaire, GA 31005 (478) 975-9707

E-mail: fmcunningham@aol.com or melissa.cunningham@robins.af.mil

Merry Christmas and Happy NewYear! 2002 was a wild and fast-paced year for all of us. I spent most of the fall spinning up in my job for a November 4-6 month deployment. As this goes to print, I’m probably celebrating the holidays with some of you in some classified tent city with General Order #1 full effect. Nice. Well, hopefully, some ofyou were able to escape the holiday deployment cycle and are spending Christmas with your families.

From the Wedding Department: I received an email from Dave HENSHAW who attended Trey and Marianne TREADWELL. They were

In the front row from left are Matt Russell, Marianne, Trey Treadwell, andRodneyLuckett. In the backrowareJohn and CaseyThompson, Parker and Lori Wright, Kristi and Dave Henshaw, Ashley and Wayne Chitmon, and Suzannah and Keith Derbenwick.

married early May in Denver. The Pink Panthers of CS 36 had a strong showing.

Matt RUSSELL is flying A-10s at DM. Trey and Marianne TREADWELL are stationed at Buckleyworking with acquisitions. Rodney LUCKETT is in maintenance at Shaw. John THOMPSON is flying B-ls at Ellsworth. Wayne CHITMON is a T-38 IP at Columbus. Keith DERBENWICK is leaving shortly for RAH for an exchange tour to fly Jaguars. Dave HENSHAW works with the Predator in Indian Springs. Also flying the Predator from '96 are Matt SORIA, Tyler HATCH, and Mark MEIER. Dave also became a new father recently and I hope to include pictures of Dave, Kristi, and their daughter, Madilyn Belle, in the next article.

Chad and Peggy Tilbury

This picture was sent in by Chad TILLBURY’s sponsors, Col and Mrs. Charles Denham, (Ret.). Chad and Peggy were married in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands on 29 July 02. They held the ceremony on the beach at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Afterward, theyhoneymooned in St. Thomas and the neighboring St. John, islands. Peggy is currently a pharmacist and is the Clinical Coordinator for all ofthe Ralph’s chain of grocery store pharmacies. They are now enjoying the sun in Manhatten Beach, CA.

This column would not complete without a beautiful baby picture.

The ConleyFamily: Mike, Missy, andJustin Patrick Conley.

Mike and Missy CONLEY are the proud new parents of Justin Patrick Conley. He was born 30 Apr 02 after 40 hours of labor. Mike and Missy named their son after the “Great Capt Justin B. Sanders” to honor his memory. He is now eight months old and looking more and more like Mike every day. The Conley’s are living in Navarre, FL where Mike is flying MH-53s at Hurlburt Field. Hopefully, he will be around for his son’s first Christmas.

I caught up with J.P. SICOTTE last fall and he was able to pass along some info about our classmates at Offutt. John O’NEILL was recently married to Melissa and is flying RC-135S. Jared FARR, Radoslaw RUSEK, Jacob McMANUS, and Judd FITE are all EWOs on the RC-135. Brian ZULLO is an E-3 pilot headed for Germany.

Finally, Piotr BLASZEUSZ dropped me an email last week with some wonderful news. Although it’s not official yet, he is being considered for a Defense Attache position in the U.S. He and his wife, Mariola, and his daughter Ola would be transferred to the U.S. to work in Washington, DC. I will keep you posted when I can the final outcome.

That’s all for now! Best Wishes for 2003!

Take care and God Bless, Mel.

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr.

1479 Eagle Highlands Fairborn, OH 45324

(937) 367-7196

W: melvin.maxwell@afit.edu

H: mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com

Hey from Ohio! I made an abrupt departure from Kadena to go to SOS en route to AFIT. SOS actually wasn’t that bad a time and I ran into some old faces. I was in a flight with Chris ROGERS and Kristin GALLOWAY (ORTMAN). Chris was flying C-130s out of Dyess but should be in his new home at Yokota AB, Japan now. He probably doesn’t want this on the street but Chris wound up taking DG from our flight. Congrats to him. Kristin is doing Comm out at Altus. I ran into other ‘97ers in the halls to include Justin MULKEY doing Missiles at FE Warren, Montoya SMITH who essentially runs and supports AF recruiting offices out near ShawAFB, and Mike BRUHN doing hospital administration in Los Angeles. I talked briefly with Neal KISTLER but I can’t remember where Neal is at. Neal’s wife came away with the Outstanding Spouse award for our SOS class. Here at AFIT, I haven’t seen too many folks from our class. I recognized Heath DUNCAN walking around the school and Kyle MARTIN is here getting a Master’s in Cost Analysis. Kyle and I are partners along with Tia JORDAN (’98) for the math review course. It’s been tough carrying Tia and Kyle on my back, but knowing if I fail, Kyle’s wife, Stefanie, and new family member, Scooter (short-legged Jack Russell Terrier) will be homeless keeps me motivated. Anyway, let’s get to the news. Aurelia SMITH (DILLARD) married Maj Nathan SMITH (‘91) at Seymour Johnson back on June 17th 2002. Nathan is an F-16 test pilot at Edwards AFB, CA. Aurelia was scheduled to leave active duty and the Intel world this pastJuly, relocate to California, and begin her Master’s Degree in biblical counseling in August. Quite an eventful summer for the new Mrs. Smith!

Nathan and Aurelia Smith

Speaking ofmarried grads, Eric LINDBERG recentlymarried out in Connecticut. Eric separated from the Air Force at graduation for medical reasons and spent three years as a management consultant forAccenture. He recently graduated from New York University’s Stern MBA program, and works at Goldman Sachs, an investment bank in New York City. His wife, Trish, is a special education teacher and the couple lives together in Greenwich, CT. Josh BOHNART, Mike KOWAL, and John “Hoot” GIBSON (’85) were at the Lindbergwedding. Josh, his wife, Jennifer, and daughter Eric

Ireland are stationed at Hill AFB in Utah, where Josh is an Acquisitions Officer in the ICBM System Program Office. Mike, his wife, Andrea (USNA ’97), daughter Maria and black lab Bear are stationed at Tinker AFB, OK, where Mike flies the E-3 AWACS.

Jeff NELSON is also off the market. Jeff got married on June 1 st 2002 in South Carolina. Jeff and his wife, Courtney, met while Jeff was stationed at Charleston AFB, SC. Jeff and Courtney vacationed and honeymooned in the Bahamas before Jeff moved up to D.C. for the Air Force Intern Program. Courtney commutes between D.C. and Charleston where she is finishing up her last year of pharmacy school. Jeff sent in a great photo but I can only include three photos per update so we’ll have to wait until next round to see it. It includes a lot of the grads who came to the wedding to include Jake HARTIGAN (C-17 Charleston), Trey HODGES C‘96)(C-17 Charleston), Dennis KONG (Law School - L.A.), Jim THO-

MAS (C-17 Charleston), Gregg BEEBER(C-17 Charleston), Chris LEDFORD (Grad School Charleston), Dan ROHLINGER (T-l Laughlin), Lucas FLANAGAN (Engineer Robins AFB), Steve NEWSTEAD (C-130 Elmendorf), Dan LaMAR (Med School USUHS), and Dan ZUBRYD (‘91) (C-17 Reserves Charleston). Jeff also passed along that Gregg BEEBER is also a married man having wed Ms. Mary Beth Morris in May. Gregg and Mary Beth met at Aaron LAROSE’s wedding last year where Gregg was the best man and Mary Beth was the maid of honor.

Kim CAMPBELL (REED) dropped me a line and a photo from Kuwait back in late July. Here’s what Kim had to say: Thought you might like a photo of a few of us in Bagram, Afghanistan.

ShadMagann,

andAaron Linderman sendgreetings from the war.

We deployed to A1 Jaber, Kuwait in May and then forward deployed to Bagram in June for OEF. We spent about a month there and are now back in Kuwait until September. Being in Bagram was just like living in Jack’s Valley all over again. Other ’97 guys from the 75th Fighter Squadron that are over here are Jason RUESCHHOFF, Abel RAMOS, Mike McKEE, and Matt DOMSALLA. While in Bagram I ran into Ike WILLIAMS (’96) working in the ASOC and Gary ALEXANDER (’99) working STS. Other news from the Middle East, Wendy PALATINUS has been flying in OEF, she worked a radio relay for me in her KC-10 somewhere over Eastern Afghanistan. It’s a small world. And Beth BENSON has been at PSAB for the past month working in Intel. I think that’s about it from here Kim.

Finally, at the Air Force Marathon this past September, I was pleased to bump into Melissa LOWRY (FEYEREISEN) and her husband, Ian (‘98), at the registration tent. All three of us had a great time running the marathon and wound up bumping into each other again at Oktoberfest that night in downtown Dayton. Melissa and Ian are both at Offutt where Melissa is a nurse and Ian flies RC-135S. Melissa is having to reacquaint herself with active duty as she spent two years in civilian clothes at Vanderbilt University.

Alright everybody! Hope all is well on your part of the globe. Give me a shout! Mel

Karin (Klein) McWhorter

9811 E. Cisco Court Tucson, AZ 85748

H: (520) 885-8697/W: (520) 228-3829

W: karin.mcwhorter@dm.af.mil

Happy Holidays Class of 1998. I hope this holiday season finds you happy and healthy. Since the last article was written, two of our classmates have died in aircraft accidents. Christel CHAVEZ was the copilot on the MC-130 that crashed in Puerto Rico and Ben ZETTEL was the pilot

of an F-16 that crashed in New Mexico. Although I knew them both, I also knew that I wasn’t the write person to write about them. So, I have asked Chad MARCHESSEAULT and Tara VICE to share some of their memories:

From Chad: Talking about Ben Zettel is hard to do without smiling. That itself should tell you something about the guy. Ifyou didn’t have the opportunity to meet him, then I’m afraid you missed out. He’s one of those rare unforgettable people that you’re glad to know and always looking forward to seeing again. I was a little apprehensive about trying to give my thoughts about Ben because it’s been a couple of years since we last got together. But my recollections of the times I shared with him are crystal clear. As far as I’m concerned, we could’ve had a conversation (riddled with jokes and laughter) onlyyesterday; the all-night party at his house where his parents made breakfast for all his hung-over friends the next morning could have been last week; graduation might as well have been this afternoon, the excitement and anticipation of our unwritten futures almost a tangible thing.

I honestly can’t remember ever seeing Ben in a bad mood. I’m not saying that it didn’t happen. I mean give me a break...he did endure four years at the Academy. But those occasions must have been rare, because every picture I own, every story I tell, every memory I have about Ben includes that ridiculous grin of his. His smile was truly infectious and it always made you wonder what prank he had just played. I found it impossible to walk down the hall of our squadron without stopping by Ben’s room to see what he was doing, to trade jokes, to discuss the latest cadet scandal, to hear what amazing events transpired during his weekend and to find out what he had planned for the next one. Our lunch table was an endless source of entertainment for the group of regulars lucky enough to participate in what can only be described as intellectual mayhem. Needless to say, Ben was often the catalyst of said mayhem. I can’t even begin to describe the scope of that forum, but on any given day his input would be part of a theory or belief, debate or diatribe, poem or argument. Lunch with Ben contributed as much to my education as four years worth of accredited courses...maybe more.

I wish to pass my sincerest condolences to those who were closest to Ben, especially his family. I pray that my words are regarded as a celebration of his life and as a grateful tribute to the way he inspired those around him to celebrate their own lives. And when you find yourself thinking about Ben, don’t be surprised if the tears give way to smiles. If you know Ben, then you know he’ll always be trying to make us laugh

From Tara: Likewise, it’s pretty difficult to think about Christel Chavez without associating a happy memory or funny story. If you were fortunate enough to know her, you might especially remember how she talked slower than molasses or how she could brighten any room with her contagious laughter. Rarely would she decline an evening ofcooking s’mores or sharing a pitcher ofbeer, unless faced with the alternative of an evening with Seinfeld’s George Costanza, some chocolate chip cookies, and an ice cold glass of milk.

What an amazing young woman. I know we all have our own favorite stories ofChristel to share. Being fortunate enough to have her as a roommate has left me with all sorts ofrandom memories, such as watching her make one of the most stract SAMI beds of all time (as a firstie), cooking “egg-in-the-toast” on our illegal skillet at all hours of the night, painting our toenails during 10-hour Rocky movie-fests, and singing Tina Turner on her karaoke machine. She has seen dozens of us through failed courses, lost loves, hooked check-rides, even life-threatening diseases and could always find something positive to take from each and every situation.

Christel was everyone’s best friend, a great listener, and an unfailing supporter. She was the world’s greatest aunt and every parent’s wish for a child. One ofthe hardest workers I have ever known she prevailed even in the most difficult of tasks. From Aero to MAS, coaching to pilot training, the pursuit of dreams was Christel’s constant focus. She remains an inspiration... one of the few able to say that she lived and breathed her dream every day in the hopes that the rest of us might learn something life is too short to take even the smallest events for granted. In the words of her

Kim Campbell (Reed),

favorite author Richard Bach, “There’s a reason to life! We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free! We can learn to fly!”

Here’s a Toast...

There are also a few other updates to mention. After the last article was written, I decided to look up each ‘98er I graduated with in CS-13 and send them an email. Here are some of their responses: Zach GUZA is flying Hueys in California and Moe LEE got married last December to Christy Alexander, a flight test engineer in the AF. They are stationed at Edwards AFB where he is a Maintenance Officer and they have a black lab puppy named Charlie Black, but no kids! Chris GILE is also stationed in California and recently got married. Stu ALLEY got married in Octoher in Tennessee and moves to Little Rock in December for C-130 training. His bride is an OSI agent at Little Rock AFB.

Brian Weiland is currently “someplace hot and dry” flying the A-10. He married a girl he has known since elementary school and they have a one-year-old little boy, Tyler. Dave GRAUER is married to Kelli has a baby girl. They are moving to Seatde, where he’s going to teach ROTC at UW. Kirby ENSSER is still at ENJJPT as a T-38 IR and will get his follow-on jet in March of next year. As for the family, he and Gloria have an almost two-year-old boy and a little girl born this summer. Chuck ROHRIG is a “comm.-guy in an acquisitions world” at Wright-Patterson AFB and recently started working for the commander’s action group. He was also able to go to Costa Rica for a month on a language immersion program.

Mike WALKER has been at Moody AFB for about a year. He is a navigator on HC-130 CSAR aircraft. He has been married for a year to a great gal from Dallas. Kevin CURRIE got to Lakenheath last March and is flying the F-15E, his first choice! Mona MIRTICH (ALEXANDER) and fohn MIRTICH are both flying KC-lOs at McGuire, NJ. Brian SANSOM is currently stationed at Malmstrom AFB, MT, as a missileer. He is married with a nine-month-old daughter. His job allows a lot of leisure time, so he is teachingcollege classes at night. Johnny BEUER is also at Malmstrom flying Hueys. He is an IP/EP now and has just taken over the duties of ChiefPilot and Stan/Eval. Carl CONWAY is flying C-21s now at Randolph. He and wife, Aubrei, just had a little boy, Keegan, last December.

I also got an email from Danny SMITH who recendyreturned from Saudi where he saw “a bunch of ‘98ers running around in the sand”. Leland COWIE was there flying ‘15s. He had just completed fighter lead qual and was happy to complete his training. Dave HALASI-KUN was also there flying ‘15s. Dave DEANGELIS was flying vipers and they spent the 4th of July watching some of the activities together. Kevin “Ozzie” OSBORNE got there just before Danny left and he was doing some CE stuffwith JTF-SWA. He is in the Red Horse Squadron at Malmstrom and was scheduled to go all over the Middle East to do construction on several projects. Jayme JIMENEZ was there flying the RJ. Danny recently got orders to Fairchild for February and his wife, Marcy, is having their baby this December. Jeremy FISCHMAN is in his squadron at MacDill and he just got an assignment to Kadena. Clint SAFFO is at Altus upgrading to Aircraft Commander and Knute ADCOCK went in November (he is also getting married in the February time-frame). Mike DEVELLE should be heading to upgrade early next year before he gets orders.

Connie BERKHAHN has been deployed to the desert for nine ofthe last 15 months but found time to send a quick note. She is stationed at Shaw AFB, SC, working in the 609th Air Intel Squadron as a targeteer. Jo POWE is also in the 609th AIS working an exec job right now. On her way to Afghanistan she met up with Jason FORTE who happened to be flying the C-21 that took her from PSAB to Seeb AB, Oman. He was just about done with his deployment and was heading back to Scott AFB. While at Seeb, she ran into Chris AYRE, who was deployed to Seeb to fly C-130s. Also while she was at PSAB, I talked to Erynn RANKER, who will be permanent party at PSAB for a year, working in the JTF-SWA Intel Air Desk. Sarah MCCOY will also be out there for six months working the JTF-SWA Intel Air Defense Desk. Hank DESCH was out there for a while working Special Ops Intel. A couple of days before she finally left, she got a new roommate, who happened to be Amy PETRINA’s, Jenifer.

Bob SCHREINER also sent a quick note to say that he got engaged this summer and the wedding will be next year in Chicago. His fiance is a GS who works out at the USAF Museum in Dayton. She will try to get a job in the D.C. area where Bob is currentlystationed. He is assigned to the Air Staff in the Pentagon and mainly works intelligence issues (he is an engineer).

And lastly, I received an email from Todd STRAWSER. After three years at the as the Intelligence Officer for the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, he and his wife have moved to Fort Collins, CO, where he is attending graduate school at Colorado State University. He is getting his masters in Zoology and will go on and teach at USAFA when he is done. Just before leaving Alaska they had their first baby, Acacia.

Thank you for all the great updates these months and have a wonderful new year. Karin

James W. Busch 16015 N. 158th Court Surprise, AZ 85374 (623) 594-7899

E-mail: jbusch99@msn.com

Shiners - hello again, and congratulations on having your names pubfished in the AirForce Times. In case you didn’t hear yet, you were probably selected for Captain, along with 99% your peers. Don’t forget, with your new rank comes new responsibility... Speaking of service before self, here is a picture of Bret PARADIS and Craig LINDSTROM on a mission trip to Peru. They spent two weeks teaching Vacation Bible School and doing some construction work. They are pictured below enjoying some fine Peruvian cuisine guinea pig.

“Just like a meal at Mitch’s for Bret and Craig.

When not ministering to the natives, Bret works at Hill as a Maintenance/Acquisitions Officer. Terry BLAKEMORE and his wife, Delinda, also at Hill, had a baby this last spring. On a side note, my next assignment will be to Hill flying F-16s.

Speaking of the greatest fighter platform in the world, Jeff SIMMONS graduated from Luke back in January, and for the ‘99ers in his class: Mike STOLLEY and Kris SMITH both went to Shaw, Chris KOPACEK went to Osan with a Spangdahlem follow-on, and Brian DEAS is now at Cannon. Jeff is in the 13th FS "Panthers” at Misawa and having a blast flying the Block 50 Viper. Jeff has since become mission-ready and has reluctantly gone TDY to Florida and Canada. He shot down Eric HAAS and Eric SCHMIDT in an intense 1V2 combat simulation at Maple Flag in May. They fly F-15s with the 44th FS out of Kadena. Justin MAYFIELD is also in Okinawa flying KC-135s. As for the shiners at Misawa, Ryan SWAYZE showed up in March to the 14th FS, Q QUADRI got there in July and just started MQT with the 13th. Eric PUELS recently arrived and is working on MQT with the 14th. Katrina DAVIS (SMITH) is a maintenance officer with the 14th. When not flying, Jeff has been trying his hand at procreation. His first success, Carter James “CJ” Simmons, 6 lbs 11 oz, 19 1/2 in long, was born on July 6th. Congratulations Jeff and Aimee.

The Strawser Family

“Nice workJeff!"

In other family-related news, Tony FRANKS and DeAnna HAYLETT finally made it official this spring in Little Rock, AR between deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom. DeAnna is stationed at Little Rock AFB flying C-130s and Tony is at Barksdale AFB flying B-52s. Congratulations Tony and DeAnna! Fellow shiners there to experience the tender moment first hand: Brian HEALY, now at Cannon AFB flying F- 16s; Matt FRENCH at Lakenheath flying F- 15s; Matt TARABORELLI at McGuire AFB flying KC-lOs, and Bob BRYANT at Minot AFB flying B-52s.

Tonyand DeAnna with theirfalcon love-mobile.

Rawley Mack MIMS has compromised his Texas heritage by moving to the greatest state in the nation. He is now at Edwards AFB turning wrenches for the 418th Flight Test Squadron, which has C-17s, KC-135S, C-130s, and CV-22s. He’s also seen the space shuttle and has gotten to touch the F-22 Raptor (nice!). Rawley spends his free time skydiving in Cal City and is now tandem qualified. What’d you say, Rawley, free tandems for ‘99ers? Rawley added that Ryan VONEIDA is at Moody flying helicopters in the rescue squadron, and Brian WILSON is somewhere in Southwest Asia flying C-130s.

MattVAN HOOK wrote upon return from a 45-day deployment to “Base X” in the Middle East. He flies out of Grand Forks, which has been the lead tanker wing at one of primary undisclosed locations for Enduring Freedom. Fellow KC-135ers Luke BINDRIEFF, Dan HASLEY, JoshJENSEN, Scott RUSSELL, and Rob SLANGER have been flying lots of 01 combat sorties and receivingAir Medals. Currently Rob leads the medal race with five oak leaf clusters and working on his sixth (just like the old saying: “Wings of Blue...”). The price tag has been over 200 days TDY for these brave lads and their families. C-5 and C-17 airlift guys like Eric SWARTZWELDER, Ben JONSSON, Dave PETERS, and Matt BRANCATO have also been flying countless Enduring Freedom missions. A job well done, people. You have the respect and admiration of the rest of us. For all ofyou still over there, fly/be safe and God bless.

Despite occasional hints of sarcasm, I genuinely enjoy keeping up with everyone and writing these articles. So, by all means, please continue to send e-mails and pictures of your everyday lives because believe it or not, people find this stuff fascinating. Thanks - James

Jason “JW" Simmons

110 Mara Court

Prattville, AL 36066

Email: Simmons@HotPOP.com

Jason.Simmons@Maxwell.af.mil

Classmates,

So, must be everyone is working very hard. I have received only one input for this period and it’s a long distance call. Our classmates wanted me to share the following picture from the sandbox AEF.

In the first row are Parker Marshalland Jon Comtois. Second Row: Joy (Harwood) Shuck, Ken DeGon, Mike Murphy, Jennifer Gagne, Tracy (Wilkerson) Foster,AmyRivera, KaseyFryandHerb Green.

Please update your email address via our webpage (www.usafa200.com) and send me your updates.

Holly Adams

112 North Third St. Niagara, ND 58266 (218) 791-3597

E-mail: fire_lt_Up_40@hotmail.com

Hey nerds, good to hear from folks this time around - good news from all around, so keep er coming. We should be the Fired Up to SIE class from the looks of it, but aw, hell, why’d they go expecting so much out of us? Sorry, strivers, we still expect you to make up the slack if that makes you feel better! Just kiddinggeez, someone will probably send me a Form 10 for this. Anyways, seems like there’s more weddings and kids every time I get updates (yeah, I know, reproduction should be illegal for some of our classmates, but some are slipping through! Just kiddingnobody get all offended if you’ve already made mini-mis) All right - I just open my mouth to switch feet, so let’s get it on... er, get on with it...

I got a note from Bryan JANDORF at Columbus the daythey graduated... Bryan andJeffBURLEY are going to A- 10s at Davis-Monthan. John FOWLER is moving to Germany to fly C-9s. Eric JOURET will be at Barksdale with a BUFF. Brian URBAN at Seymour-Johnson in the F-15E. Brandon ZUERCHER is off to Tyndall for F- 15Cs. Ryan CARVILLE is going to Dover forC-5s. DanHOAKwillflytheRC-135outofOffuttAFB. RickSWENGROS wins T-37s for three more years as a FAIR Ryan MIKSELL is coming to gorgeous Grand Forks for the KC-135. Ryan, the mosquito is the state bird - don’t bother bringing OFF, it’s like a marinade for them. We are actually wishing for snow so they will all die! Chris SEAMAN also took a break from Survival to say he graduated a few weeks before Jandorf’s clan... Chris got C-5s out ofTravis and Mike “Jelly” KAWAN is going to F-16Cs down at Luke. I heard from Jeb BLAIR at Vance - this was just a quality clip ifyou don’t mind me including it... “I did great in the program, had my pick of any of the four tracks, tho I was being encouraged to do T-38s. I chose T-44s cuz I wanna go fly AC-130s or MC-130s and do Special Operations stuff.” Sweet - I’m loving the hell out ofGrand Forks, by the way. Ryan MENATH and Peter GROSSENBACH are heading to T-ls, and Jad DITLOW is almost done down there. In the drop before that, Dustin BRISSON got a C17 and Josh CADICE is going to Mildenhall with a KC-135.

Danny HEIL is checking in from Vance - he just finished Tweets and sent the most recent drop. Seher GARNER took T-44s to Corpus (She is getting married to Drew JUDKINS in Dec 02)... Kiwedin CORNELL and Amy RINGWALD with T-38s... Danny HEIL and John DAMRON with TIs. I guess they had the same reaction I had to Taylor YANG (TANG A LING LANG) doing Intel, so they sent him back to pilot training to go through hell again and start all over! Danny also said that his wedding is planned for May 03 - bless her heart!

From Moody I only know the latest drop (mine, Wayne, and Karl’s old class!): ErinVANOOSTEN got T-ls to Columbus (Chris JESSOP’s there for UPT, so that’s nice!)... um, yeah... she’s the only one from our class still in our UPT class! Karl RECKSIEK got married to Julianna from home and is now at Cannon AFB doing CE. Jeff DENNIS is losing roomies left and right down there at Moody - the skinny man graduates in Nov from UPT.

Darrell WALTON sent a bit for Laughlin - Darrell got an A-10 to DavisMonathan... Cody STIVERSON is going to F-15s at Tyndall... Rick SCHAFER got an F-16 to Luke... Jon SOMOGYI is going to be the first true T-6 FAIP at Laughlin... Justin LONGMIRE is going to Dover for C-

5s... and Rob DIAZ got a KC-10 to Travis. I imagine soon we’ll be done with the lists of assignments and planes!

Rashad HOWARD got tired of reading about everyone but him!... He got married in Jan 02 to the beautiful Aisha from Aurora, CO, and they have a young un that keeps them busy! He’s doing the exec stint at Dover AFB. Also at Dover Jackie NEWTON (DEGROOD) married Casey NEWTON (‘00) this past June. They bought a house up there, and are doing well! Abi DORHOSTI is also at Dover and in love with a pediatricianRashad says it looks pretty serious! He would like to add that Brendan EPPS’ book of poetry is GREAT! Brendan got married and is now stationed atVandenberg AFB. Sam McKJNSEYjust started UPT at Sheppard and is not enjoying being away from his wife, Caroline (AYO), who is doing Space and Missiles at Eglin AFB. Please pray for them and everyone who is trying to make things work being apart...

Wes GLISSON was struggling for some reading material in the Saudi john, so he borrowed the AOG mag off a ‘74 grad doing some civilian work out there! He said it’s DAMN HOT over there, and I quote. He said Amy’s (HULTIN) doing well back home - taking good care of the cat and dog. Abe CUDDEBACK is staying on as a ‘37 FAIP and might even fly “those big ass planes” as he put it! Kristi DELCOUR got hitched this summer to Matt CONTARDO (‘00) in Tahoe. Jason HARRIS is in T-ls at Columbus said he ran into Steph SOLTIS on an out-and-back to Louisiana. Jason is getting married in 2004 - congrats!

Marie McCLELLAN (MAREFAT) is in Services at Moody, and had lots of notes. She got married to Pete McCLELLAN (‘00/’02) and they’re expecting a baby in April on tax day. Matt LUND is back in the states after being in Romania for a year under the Fulbright Scholarship. He’s expecting his first child, too - sometime in Feb 03. Trevor HALL got married a while ago and is in UPT at Columbus. Evan PALMER’S wife had their first baby, a boy, and he’s also off to UPT at Columbus. Wes MILLARD had a baby boy with his wife Jen (ENGLER, ‘00/’02). McKay MORGAN got back from being stationed in Italy - he’s at Laughlin for UPT. Dallas THOMPSON’S putting down some roots at Hill AFB he bought a house there.

Wayne K3NSEL and I bought a house here in Grand Forks, too - out in the countrywhere the fishing’s good and we can have our dogback! Wayne’s coaching the University of North Dakota’s Rugby team and I’m playing on the women’s team - it’s Wayne’s dream job - coaching, drinking, golfing, fishing, blackjack at the bars... work on occasion! Ridiculous, ladies and gentlemen. Brad AMES is here also - his family lives close, so that’s nice for him. Also up here in GF Mike MURPHY (‘00) and John SP-OLSKY (‘99) make for good blackjack partners - it was nice to know folks up here, too.

Well, the end is near. Sterling should have theWinston Cup by the time this goes to print - Go #40! Send some pictures, geeks. Only eight more months until 1 st Lt pay!

Suzy Ledyard

940 Santa Rosa Blvd. Apt. 2223 Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548

(719) 338-1092

suzledyard@aol.com

(Editor’s note: The currentscribesfor2002 are SuzyLedyard whoseinformation is in theheader, andAmySchultz, 4224 OsageAve. P305, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Email:Aschultz09@hotmail.com. Phone: (215) 280-1760.)

It has been almost six months since graduation, and everyone has started to settle into their new post-cadet lives. For Amy and me, we are still trying to let it sink in that we don’t ever have to go back as a cadet, no matter how much bad stuffthe AirForce Times has to say about our graduation picture in the paper! Amy is going to dental school at Univ of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. She is learning what its like to go to a “real civilian” college, and she already joined a fraternity! She does miss the Air Force and is hoping to become a “flight dentist.” That job doesn’t exist yet, but it’s only a matter of time before she sweet-talks someone into creating it for her (we all know Amy is famous for that).

As for me, I am working in an F-15 squadron at Eglin and trying to dodge hurricanes to finish IFT. I love living in Florida; the warm sun, white sand, and clear water are definitelythings I can get used to; the hurricanes, tornados, and floods.. .not so much. Siobhan COUTURIER is my roommate, and she is working in one ofthe flight test squadrons at Eglin and also doing IFT. Tony STRAW, Scott BEUSCH, Jim GEORGE, and Adrienne DEWITT are at Hurlburt Field; the boys are training the special ops guys until they go to UPT, and Adrienne is doing Comm. Ryan VANMAARTH is doing Comm at Eglin and living with Benny STAATS. Benny and Shane ALFAR are working up at Duke Field while they await pilottraining. Nate KOSS, Mike GARROTT, and Chris MUNGER are renting a house together and working in the F-15 squadrons over at Eglin until theygo to pilottraining inApril. There are even more ‘02 grads down here, but since I can’t remember exactly where everyone else is working/living, I’ll have to give you an update on them in the

next issue. In any case, the group of us stationed in this area has been living it up since we got down here... go to the beach during the day and try to pick up tourists at night. Tony likes to describe it as living in “Spring-break-ville.” So ifyou are down in the south, you should come on down to Destin, FL to hang out. There is a bar here called AJ’s, and I swear that ifyou sit there long enough, you will see almost everyone you have ever known walk through the door. Most weekends, it has been like a huge class reunion there.

From upperleft are ShaneAlfar, Jim George, TonyStraw, Siobhan Couturier, Suzy Ledyard, and Scott Beusch hanging out at Jim and Shane’s apartment in Ft Walton Beach, FL.

A lot of you guys that have been to ASBC in Maxwell, AL have made the three-hour drive down here to visit and party with us. The biggest news from that crew was that Karley KROSCHEL just got married a fewweekends ago. Moody is also pretty close; Chris UECKER and Marshal HAYLETT just started pilot training there but found some time to drive down to Florida. Dan SCHREURS and Chesley SMITH are on casual status up atWarner-Robins in Georgia so theybrought Chesley’s boat down here for a fewweekends. Pensacola is just an hour down the road, where Tom SMEDILE, Christine PALOMO, and Pat MCBRIDE have all just started pilot training.

Kari ZELLER (now GRANGER) is going to grad school at the Univ ofNew Mexico and she just found out that her and her new husband, Matt, are going to be doing maintenance together next year. They are trying to get stationed at Hurlburt but no wordyet ifthat went through. Mike CULHANE is going to grad school in Paris, France. He said that his classes were pretty

From bottom left are Scott Beusch, Jim George, SuzyLedyard, T.J. Fryar, Ty Selfridge, Nate Harrold, Buck Gardenier, Shane Alfar, Ryan Fleming, Aaron Celusta, and Siobhan Couturier drinking 72oz Bud at Helen Back in Ft Walton Beach, FL. T.J, Ty,Nate, and Buck drove down every weekend that they were up atASBC.

easy and he loves living in the city. I also heard that Beth STOTT is going to grad school at Harvard and having a great time in Boston.

George COLE is going to Maintenance school at Sheppard with Sam CLIFTON and Brandy RANSOM. Brian HASBROUCK, Nick ALCOCER, Kathy POWELL, Kerry POTHIER, Allison BERGQUIST (now PRICE), Creighton MULLINS, Paul NISTLER, and Erik SCFTWARZ are going to Intel school at Goodfellow.

Ronen SEGAL is working at NORAD; his job is to give tours to all kinds ofdistinguished guests, like sports teams, congressmen, and foreign generals. We tease him saying that he gives these VIPs his autograph in exchange for tickets to sporting events. However, he has actually gotten a few free tickets. Hassan CAMPBELL is working with AH as the golf assistant coach. He spends his days playing golf or driving the JV team to their tournaments. Dave BREITENBACH is also working for AH. He is an assistant coach for the water polo team when he is not flying in IFT. It’s a rough life being a casual LT, but someone has got to do it!

Well that’s it for this issue; I promise the next one will be longer. Please write us and let us know how you are doing and send pictures that we can include in the next issue. We wish everyone the best for the upcoming holiday season! God Bless! Love Suz

never serve, but she can be a USAA member?’

You're eligible and so is your family. No other company understands the needs of military personnel and their families like USAA. If you're on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves, you're eligible for the same great auto insurance and other financial services now enjoyed by more than four million USAA members. And when you join USAA, your family can too.

USAA even has special programs for your children. We can help you with the purchase of car seats. USAA has a special youth-oriented sav

ings and investment program that will help you teach your children about money management. And we have a variety of insurance and investment programs to help protect your family's financial future. It's important to look ahead, so if you don't have a sound financial plan, you can log on to usaa.com and complete our free Financial Profile. It's a great way to get started.

Remember, because you serve, USAA can serve her, too.