Checkpoints Dec 2005

CHECKPOINTS THE SERVICE ACADEMIES,

CHARACTER BUILDING AND COMPULSORY CHAPEL

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GENERAL DYNAMICS

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contents

december 2005

up front LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

4

FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

8

LETTER FROM THE DEAN

12

WALDO

35

LONG BLUE LINE

56

SPORTS

80

CHAPTER NEWS

92

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN 100 CLASS NEWS 102

features 16

2005 ANNUAL REPORT A look at the past and future of your Association of Graduates 36 THE SERVICE ACADEMIES, CHARACTER BUILDING AND COMPULSORY CHAPEL

Fred Malmstrom, ’64, looks at how things have changed 62

COMMANDANT'S CHALLENGE

Cadets test their mettle during the fall crucible 72 LT. GEN. REGNI, '73, BECOMES 17TH SUPERINTENDENT

Lt. Gen. John Regni, ’73, assumes command of the Academy

ON THE COVER: A glider soars high above the Cadet Chapel.

(Photo by Ken Wright)

2

Volume 34, number 3

off the shelf 30

FORCE SHAPING

40

TRUE BLUE

42

ROSA DEPARTS

44

IFT SEES CHANGES

50

SENTINELS OF THE ACADEMY

54

BOOK REVIEW

58

NEWS OF NOTE

61

MOORE AWARD

68

ONCE UPON A TIME

-

AMERICAN GENERALSHIP

sports 80

Q & A WITH COACH BZDELIK

84

SYNONYMOUS WITH SPRINGS

86

POLAND AND BROWN TAKE TOP HONORS

87

CADET JOINS POWERLIFTING ELITE

Association of Graduates UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

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Checkpoints (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the Association of Graduates, U.S.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Air Force Academy. (Phone: 719-472-0300, DSN: 333-2067. FAX: 719-333-

President/CEO: James A. Shaw, '67

4194, E-mail: editor@aogusafa.org.) It is provided as part of a membership package of which the magazine subscription annually accounts for $ 10. Single copies of Checkpoints for members $2.50. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S.

COMMUNICATIONS Vice President: Dick Rauschkolb, '70

Air Force Academy, CO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER:

Editor: Bob McAllister

Send change of address to Checkpoints Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall,

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Photography: Ken Wright Web Site: Brenda George Class News Editor: Tom Kroboth

Advertising: Bob McAllister

,

Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the 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, December 2005.

3

PERSPECTIVE

big an organization to be managed

too

any other way. I would also encourage the AOG to move past “The Extra Margin of

Excellence” and stake out a more focused,

Editor

more

clearly understood mission. My vote

would be for the AOG to be the sponsor of cadet character development, both from a

financial and volunteer resource point of

Moving forward with a focus

view. Whatever the focus point is, it sets up

I live pretty far away from USAFA, as most

a great framework for grads to understand what “giving back” to USAFA really means.

graduates do, and over the recent past I have watched the activity unfold over AOG

I choose to support the AOG financially,

governance and the subsequent voting pro-

even

cess

this past summer. An outside observer

looking at the Academy’s issues, both the real ones and the PR challenges, combined with the disagreements within the alumni

though it isn’t perfect, because the

mission and the impact we can make on

cadets is too important to ignore.

This is a critical time for both the Academy and the AOG. We have a new AOG

community would have to wonder “What

Board, Superintendent, Commandant

is going on with this place?”

and SECAF. Moving past our internal

Fortunately Eve had the opportunity to go right to the source and visit the Academy twice over the past few months, including

disagreements with clearly understood

some

roles and mission is an opportunity just too

good to pass up.

super interaction with the cadets.

Tom Arata, Class of 1980

While this isn’t something that everyone can

just drop things and do, I would certainly recommend a visit before forming too strong

judgment about the state of the institution.

My key takeaways have been: (1) these are great kids and the training they are receiving is as challenging as ever, (2) the Academy really needs the graduate community’s support with the press and Congress, and (3) a

While I may be in the minority, the

freedoms we enjoy like this response to

“Zoomy” news, have been hard fought and are always on the verge of being run

sion, and in doing so provide greater support

by the thought police. At least two of your articles mention “diversity” as something of which to be proud, hold up as a

than ever to the Academy.

standard, and assure the AOG members

there is a window for the AOG to move past its governance issues, clarify roles and mis-

One of the quickest ways I know to

over

that it is at “full strength.”

past the governance issues with the

Webster’s defines “diversity” as a noun

AOG is to clearly articulate roles and pro-

meaning a state of difference or unlike-

vide a crisper sense of mission. We need

ness.

move

to look to the AOG

I find a more correct definition in

thought and we need to rely on the AOG’s

1956 publication of the USAF Dictionary, diversity in the form of “divert” (no

leadership team to create the plans and

diversity word), v.t., and closer to the real

direct the programs. In my view, we have had this backward for some time as the

purpose of the current usage of the word, ie “to draw off the enemy’s attention from

board has been too much in the managing

one’s principal operation or effort.”

board for strategic

business—it is a “herding cats” experience

4

Defining diversity To anyone who can think:

The purpose of the USAF Academy is

in the best of circumstances to expect a

to train cadets to

non-profit board of part-time people to

sible. Since we have followed the unsuc-

be the best officers pos-

provide any meaningful tactical direc-

cessful efforts of every nation who has

tion. We should look to Jim Shaw and his

allowed women in the military, instead of

senior staff to set direction and manage

leading our nation to a higher standard

the AOG’s activities; the AOG is simply

that protects and cherishes the female

C H E C K P OIN T S, D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 5

PERSPECTIVE

gender, we had better make the best of a situation which calls for leadership.

Our nation was founded upon a

Christian principles, thought, and deeds; not or

Confucian, Buddha, Isalm, Hindu,

any other religion. To that end we

conspire with Academy leadership to create a “radicalized Evangelical community” and somehow directly influence policy at the Academy must surely be viewed as paranoia. His description of regulations that were

established to preserve the availability

Problem not Constitutional

I’d like to respond to Mikey Weinstein’s article in the last issue of Checkpoints. It’s

obvious that you are no dilettante with the

English language, and being an attorney and former Assistant General Counsel to

need to think in those terms. Any cadet or

of the Cadet Chapel for cadets as “time-

the White House and General Counsel

Academy staff person should be allowed to

honored” and his statement that all military

for H. Ross Perot, I feel wholly inadequate

have his or her personal religion, prayer life,

retirements should have a proper “secular

to match wits with you

dignity” are silly.

football player, but I’d like to try.

etc., but not at the expense of

operational procedures or foundational principles. Our nation will not long stand with the leadership bending to every whim of thought or desire of the unregenerative person. Such seems to

be the case that is being made

through the current leadership.

But it is his reference to the global war at risk if

(GWOT) being Evangelicals at the Academy aren’t reined on terror

as

being a former

For the record, I am a “Conservative

Christian Evangelical leader” formerly of the Air Force ranks, and now with DoD

in that reveals a lack of perspective and

Industry. I have a long history of working

rationality. Think rather than faith our

with and leading Christian organizations,

way through the GWOT? Mikey has

both Protestant and Catholic, since gradu-

forgotten his audience.

USAFA don’t need to feel good, have there

NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue and

ating from USAFA. You didn’t mention that you have brought at least two law suits against USAFA for “religious intolerance.”

desires met, or even be liked; they need to

its Muslim partners, and the West is

You also didn’t mention that you encour-

know how to lead and win the next war!

not viewed—other than

struggle against Islam. Western political

aged your son, who is currently a cadet, to file a formal complaint against USAFA for religious discrimination, yet neither you nor he have named the alleged offender.

Why are these facts pertinent to the

Remember that as we train, so we will

fight. The officers which graduate from

“There is no substitute for victory!”

I interact closely and regularly with

perhaps by the

“salesmen” of terror such as Osama bin

Laden and Abu Zarqawi—as a monolithic

J. W. Newhousem, Class of 1963

Christian block engaged in some cosmic leaders have been careful to articulate that

case? Because when I returned to USAFA

Character assassination unnecessary

the West’s opposition to terror is directed

this September for my 30th Reunion and

I was surprised by the letter of Mikey Wein-

received several briefings on the “religious

stein in the September 2005 Checkpoints

against Islamists and extremists, not Islam. Furthermore, ninety-eight percent

and your characterization of his text as a

of Israelis—young, old, students and

“response” to the article on religious respect.

I hope that Colonel Whittington was alerted to the character assassination planned by Mr. Weinstein and was offered an opportunity to

adults—approve of the US intervention in Iraq. None of this lends credence to Mikey’s commentary on the GWOT. Perhaps purposely or perhaps ironically, the AOG published a letter from Congresswoman Kay Granger in the same edition of Checkpoints that refers to “resulting media coverage [of religious intolerance

personal investigations, I got a much different picture of the problem than most people do when they read your article, or when they read articles in the Gazette Telegraph. In fact, my investigation and

rebut his response in the same issue.

Mikey’s use of inflammatory adjectives to describe everything he is unhappy about is particularly distressing. I doubt that Colonel Whittington considered regulations “petty”, that a command relationship on good terms deserved to be assaulted as “cozy”, and I don’t recall the quote of General Richardson referring to the unchurched as “undesired.” Mikey’s reference to

“horrendous destruction of unit

and discrimination] has blown this issue

dog in terms of “religious intolerance”— the vocal minority is changing the entire landscape for a few immature actions by a few well-meaning young men and women cadets. Do we expect that 17-21 year old cadets will act at all times with the maturity

at least one

don’t think so. However, I should note that

of cadet development and success of each

“insensitivity” does not seem to be confined only evangelical Christian cadets. I would also like to point out that in our briefings

point: that in all that the Academy does, it should do in the spirit and every individual commissioned and

alities that fall out of approved Evangelical

sent into the officer

corps.

discourse” and his insistence that there is

“serious, unconstitutional religious intoler-

conclusions are that the tail is wagging the

completely out of proportion.” Mikey’s letter is certainly evidence of that fact.

In closing, I do agree with Mikey on

cohesion and the condemnation of spiritu-

ance” at the Academy are hyperbole.

intolerance” issue, and conducted my own

and judgment of a White House attorney? I

to

Gen Rosa characterized the “religious toler-

ance” issue as a lesser problem compared to Samuel Grier, Class of 1973

other problems he was dealing with.

Dean ofthe NATO Defense College in

Fortunately there are mature, tolerant, and wise SPIRE leaders at USAFA, who

erful” national and international Evangeli-

Rome, Italy.

Former USAFA Permanent Professor and

have bent over backwards to investigate

cal organizations around Colorado Springs

Head ofthe Department of Computer Science

every known allegation, who sensitively

His implication that the “large and pow-

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 200 5

5

PERSPECTIVE

examined every USAFA policy, who spent

whose house in Waveland, Mississippi was

Christian proselytism and/or evangelism.

hours trying to build bridges to the com-

destroyed by hurricane Katrina. I had little

Her impressive Curriculum Vitae (yale.

plainers and litigators, and yet their mes-

hope of finding out how to contact them

edu/divinity) does not, in my opinion,

sage is rarely put into print. Larry Bryant,

or

a

classmate of mine, is one of those sterling

individuals who constantly reach out to

people of different faiths. Consequently, the media has created a perception problem.

When 85 percent of all cadets identify themselves with some form of Christianity,

their daughter (my cousin).

focus on those issues. It does indeed focus

The only information I had was that

on

of sexual assault as well as a number of

graduate of the Academy. I did not know

important feminist topics.

Let us at least properly apply Dr. Leslie’s

when she graduated and I only knew her

by her nickname (Cassie), not her given name. I gave your office her parents’

it seems reasonable to expect them to voice

names

their belief in God in some circumstances.

she went to the Academy. I asked that if

And herein lies the problem, contrary what you have espoused—this is not a Con-

they could locate her, that they forward

to

know very well,

the US Constitution states

that “Congress shall make no law respecting an

establishment of religion, or prohibiting

With such little information, I held only a

feint hope of their being able to locate

Cassie. In fact, they were unable to do so.

However, Ms. Cowan did check for graduates under Cassie’s

father’s name (Hugh)

and found a match. Taking it upon herself

Christians have freedom of religion, not

to contact

freedom from religion. We have the freedom

was

choosing. And yes, to speak of that God and His principles in public. The problem occurs

when lawyers and judges make laws

prohibiting the free exercise thereof, try to eliminate our Judeo-Christian heritage, and suppress our acknowledgment of God in all places except the church house! Unfortunately the vocal minority is getting all the press. The very principles that you write about, “honor, integrity and accountability” are also core values of Christianity, although Christianity is really about a relationship

Bill Morgan, Class of 1965

Correction: In the September issue of Checkpoints we

,

mistakenly identified the photo on

page 54 as one of members of the Class of 1959. In fact, the photo was of members

of the Class of 1960.

Hugh, she found out that it

indeed my cousin’s husband and that

they had been trying to figure out how to contact me. (All of us had recently moved and all the information that was held by

AOG

my aunt and uncle in Waveland was lost.)

My cousin called and told me that she and

her husband had gone down to Mississippi

YOUR ASSOCIATION

and brought her parents back to live with

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

her in Nevada.

Without Ms. Cowan’s assistance, I may never have located my cousin and I

would probably never have known what

happened to my aunt and uncle. It would

Edward E. Legasey, '67, Board Chair Steve Finch, '65, Vice Chair

Charles P. Garcia, '83, Treasurer

have been easy for Ms. Cowan to do a data

Marianne LaRivee, '80, Secretary

with the Founder, Jesus. I believe that if

search and advise me that they could not

James A. Shaw, '67, President/CEO

let everyone of all faiths freely discuss

find Cassie and let the matter drop there.

and openly live by their religious beliefs at

Bill Boisture Jr., '67

USAFA in accordance with the Constitu-

However, by her going the extra mile and not giving up, she brought great joy and

tion, we will find that other problems (e.g. honor, drinking, and sexual problems) at

happiness to my life. I will never be able to thank her enough for her efforts.

we

Alan B. Deck

USAFA will decline.

Bill Murray, Class of 1975

Proper use of Dr. Kristen Lelie’s credentials Letter of thanks

6

tolerate each other and enjoy life!

and where her parents lived when

the free exercise thereof.” In other words,

to believe and to worship the God of our

credentials. Then, I suggest we all relax,

my information to her.

stitutional problem. This is not an institutional or cultural problem. As I am sure you

pastoral counseling of female victims

their granddaughter was a fairly recent

Every major article that I have read about religious respect (e.g. proselytism and/or

Dear Superintendent,

evangelism) at USAFA invokes Dr. Kristen

I am writing to express a special thank

Leslie’s credentials in order to establish

you to a member of your Academy staff.

Michele Cowan, deceased graduate coor-

legitimacy—possibly to her dismay.

I disagree with those who believe that

dinator [with the Association of Gradu-

her credentials, at least on a national

ates] helped me locate my aunt and uncle

level, include issues that arise from C H E C K P O IN T S,

D EC EM B ER 2 0 0 5

Mike Christy, '63 Ed Eberhart, '68 Edie Edmondson, '92 Mike Flynn, '95

Marty France, '81 Susan J. Helms, '80 Gilbert D. Mook, '67 John T. Moore, '78 Amber D. O'Grady, '96 Alan V. Rogers, '64 Pat Rosenow, '76 Leon Smith-Harrison, '75

^ As cadets and

graduates of the Academy, you hold integrity

in the highest regard. Your official

same

ring is created with that

integrity by Jostens, your partner in expressing pride

in the United States Air Force

Academy.

rostens

AOG

r lilO-

from the

(Board Cshair Fellow graduates and members of the AOG, At the board meeting in November, we welcomed Lt. Gen. John

this month, with a target to conduct the survey in the spring of

Regni, ’73, as the 17th superintendent of the Air Force Academy.

2006. The final report is targeted for May 2006.

The purpose of the survey is to hear from you, so we need your

General Regni shared some of his early thoughts as he steps into this most important leadership role and your board was inspired; we

participation. We earnestly want to know what AOG services you do

look forward to working with him. In December, Brig. Gen. Susan

and do not value. Also we would like to know what you wish your

Desjardins, ’80, became the 23rd commandant of cadets, assuming command from Maj. Gen. (Sel.) Johnny Weida, ’78, who departed

The survey is an organized way to give voice to your views. When

for his new assignment as Director, Capabilities Integration and

Transformation at Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command.

Please join me in welcoming these fine officers to the Academy

leadership

team

association did for the Academy, its cadets, and/or you as members. you receive it, please do not put it on that pile of “stuff” that someday (hopefully) will get your attention. Rather, spend a little time reflecting

the AOG, fill out the survey, and return it to us. Your views matter

on

and in wishing them and their spouses all the best

and we want to hear from as many members as possible.

in this assignment. And let us give Johnny Weida special thanks for

On another matter, the committee recommended that we alter the

his service to the Air Force and the Academy during a very difficult

plan to eliminate the “paper copy” of The Register ofGraduates this year. As you may recall, several years ago a plan was put in place to replace the Register in book form with an on-line version that conveyed the same information, and the 2004 Register was to be the last printed version. However, to capitalize on the feedback we expect from the survey, and to make the transition as smooth as possible, the board agreed to alter the schedule and print book form Registers in 2005 and 2006. Notwithstanding, the roll-out of the on-line version will continue so that we will have a period of parallel operation.

time for our beloved institution.

Last quarter I outlined four key priorities for this board term:

(1) Strengthening our Alumni Relations programs and activities; (2) Updating the AOG Strategic Plan; (3) Accelerating the “public phase” of the Building Leaders of Character Campaign; and (4)

Completing the governance changes that we will make as a result of the recent election and the report of the Blue Ribbon Council.

You should be pleased to know that the responsible board committees and the AOG staff have been hard at work and have made

very

The committee also created an Electronic Communications Sub-

good progress toward these ends.

committee chaired by Mike Flynn, ’95. Dubbed by Flynn as the “geek

Strengthening Alumni Relations

staff and board communications.

flight”, this subcommittee will focus on means to enhance member, The Alumni Relations Committee, chaired by Susan Helms,

You should be pleased to know that both the Alumni Relations

’80, and Steve Finch, ’65, working with AOG VP of Alumni Relations Gary Howe, ’69, have made significant progress on a

Committee and the Electronic Communications Subcommit-

formal survey of all AOG members. A Request for Proposal was

members of the staff or board. This trend took root last term

developed and over 70 vendors asked for the RFP. In the end, 29 proposals were received and the field was narrowed to six finalists.

Negotiations are underway and contract award is scheduled for CHECKPOINTS

tee

on

enjoy the participation of a number of members who are not the Finance and Capital Campaign Committees and we are

pleased to see it continue to grow.

DECEMBER 2 00 5

Updating the Strategic Plan

The Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Bill Boisture, ’67,

working with CEO Jim Shaw, ’67, developed an overarching framework for updating the Strategic Plan, for making the planning process and the plan available to all members via the web site, and for communicating status on the implementation of the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Council. All committee chairs have been charged with employing this framework and you should begin to see related material posted to the website over the next few months.

The committee also recommended the addition of a vision statement to the mission statement

already recommended by the BRC.

2006 CALENDAR

The board approved a vision statement that was subsequently coordinated with the BRC and included, with a minor revision, in their report, which will soon be voted on by our members. During discus-

sion, Charles Garcia, ’83, made a motion to add to the BRC-recommended mission statement a clause making more explicit the AOG s role in raising private funds to support mission needs. The board

approved this clause, and offered the BRC the opportunity to include it in their report. Subsequent to the meeting, the BRC concurred with the clause, but placed it in a different section of the bylaws changes that they are recommending.

Accelerating the Building Leaders of Character Campaign

The Campaign Steering Committee, chaired by Harry Pearce, ’64, and Dick Schlosberg, ’65, working with AOG Vice President of

Development Sean Pieri, completed the roll-out plan for transitioning the campaign from the “quiet”, or leadership, phase to the public phase. A professionally designed pamphlet, Building Leaders of Character for the Nation, has been printed for distribution to a targeted group of graduates and friends of the Academy. This pamphlet, also known as the Case Statement, describes the needs that will be met by the campaign and how the financial objectives of the campaign will support those needs. Building on feedback

U.S.AIR FORCE

•

Each month features a different photo from the USAF Thunderbirds Team in Action

from the Case Statement, a broad-based communications outreach to all

members, graduates, and friends of the Academy will begin

in the first quarter of 2006. To date, the campaign has raised over

•11x14 inches,

Full color photographs

$21 million toward the goal of $100 million. The quarter ending

September 2005 was the best first quarter since the campaign began over two

years ago, and the current quarter is looking strong too.

•16 Month Calendar

Completing Governance Changes

The Governance Committee, chaired by Steve Finch with A1 Rogers,

•

’64, as vice chair completed the analysis of the BRC report and devel-

oped recommendations for some alternatives to the report. At BRC Chairman Brad Hosmer’s, ’59, suggestion the committee then offered the BRC the opportunity to embrace those recommendations and incorporate them in an amended BRC report. This was done in an attempt to avoid any unnecessary complexity in the upcoming ballot for voting on the BRC recommendations. The board and the BRC both believe that a complex ballot will diminish the likelihood that members will take the time to vote, so we are working to make the ballot as straightforward as possible.

After several iterations, the BRC issued an amended report that will be made available for member review. The BRC accepted some board

recommendations, but declined to accept others. The ballot will now

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PERSPECTIVE

be finalized to include the amended BRC report and any remaining alternatives offered by the board, with a target for the vote to take place

missions over North Vietnam in the F-4 Phantom II earning the

between Feb. 1 and March 30, 2006. If the proposed bylaws changes

Air Force Chief of Staff (1997- 2001). He continues his service to the

PASS, transition to the revised board structure will be complete by July

Air Force and the nation as a key consultant on programs of national

1, 2007. If the proposed changes DO NOT PASS, or if a quorum (23

security. He has served the Academy as Chair of the panel that

percent of our members must vote) is not achieved, the current bylaws and board structure will remain in effect.

reviewed USAFA athletic programs for the CSAF, and as a member of the Blue Ribbon Council on governance. The awards will be pre-

We have been engaged in these governance deliberations and changes for over two years now and it is extremely important to have a clear end result that is determined by the members. Thus, it is imperafive that we achieve a quorum—and we need every one of you to vote to clearly determine the future of your association. As with the survey, please complete and mail your ballot as soon as you receive it.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the board has approved

sented at the Founders Day Dinner on April 7, 2006.

the construction of the Memorial Pavilion at the USAFA Cemetery.

Distinguished Flying Cross. He was the second graduate to serve as

I regret to inform you that the AOG has lost the services of two of

experienced board members. Harry Pearce, ’64, and Dick Schlosberg, ’65, have resigned from the board because of the presour most

sure

of new business commitments that each has undertaken, and in

anticipation of the elimination, as recommended by the BRC, of the category of board members known as Designated Directors. Presently, the bylaws permit four board seats to be occupied by Designated

As you may know, there are no indoor facilities to conduct services

Directors. The people holding those seats do so as a result of their ser-

at the

vice in one or more of the following positions: CEO, Campaign Co-

cemetery, so family and friends must endure whatever weather conditions prevail. The Memorial Pavilion will meet a pressing need

provide an appropriate facility where the deceased can be honored in a dignified way. The Pavilion will also include a Columbarium to

for cremated remains and a system to facilitate the location of those

interred at the cemetery. As you may be aware, the cemetery is not a National Cemetery supported by the Federal Government. Rather, it is a

base cemetery supported by the Air Force—the only active cemetery

remaining in the Air Force. Its use is restricted to Academy graduates, eligible family members and other eligible personnel as specified in USAFA Instruction 34-242. To keep these restrictions, private funds were

needed to construct the Pavilion—a project that has meaning

and potential benefits to every Academy graduate.

In conjunction with the board meeting we honored Ms. Nancy

Chair, president of the Sabre Society. Harry, the former vice chairman of General Motors and presently the Chairman of Nortel Networks, is both the president of the Sabre Society and a Campaign Co-Chair; Dick, the former CEO of the Packard Foundation and Publisher & CEO of the Los Angeles Times and the Denver Post, is the other

Campaign Co-Chair. Both Harry and Dick are past recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award and each has brought great value to the board. Their experience and sage counsel will be missed. They will, however, continue as Co-Chairs of the Campaign.

In closing, I would like to wish each of you all the best during this holiday season-no matter whether you celebrate it as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or for some other reason meaningful to you. And as we

celebrate with our loved ones, let us all pause to remember those

Burns as the newest person to join the ranks of Honorary Members of

brave men and women fighting to preserve the security of this great

the AOG (see story on pg. 79). Nancy has been a valued member of

nation.

the Academy staff for nearly 40 years, providing key support to Academy programs. And for all the years in recent memory she has been the Superintendent’s liaison to the AOG. Her contributions are many

Thanks, Ted Legasey, ’67

and highly valued as was evidenced by the presence at her induction of

four former superintendents (Generals Clark, Scott, Hosmer, Dallager) well as General Regni. Please join me in welcoming Nancy as an Honorary Member of our Association.

Please also join me in congratulating General H.T. Johnson, ’59, and General Mike Ryan, ’65, who have been selected as the 2005 recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award. This award is made to graduates who display a lifetime of service to the nation while upholding the Academy’s values of honor and integrity. H.T. and as

Survey Coming

Mike exemplify the ideals that we all cherish with this award. H.T.

In the spring your Association

has had a long and distinguished career, both in and out of uniform.

will be conducting a com-

He flew over 400 missions as a FAC in Vietnam and earned the

Silver Star. He was the first Academy graduate to earn four stars and he served as the commander-in-chief of U.S. Transportation Com-

mand and commander of Air Mobility Command. He served as the

president and CEO of the USAA Capital Corporation. He was an assistant secretary of the Navy and served as the acting secretary of the Navy from Feb. 2003 to Apr. 2005. He was recently selected to serve on the Academy’s Board of Visitors. Mike Ryan flew over 100 10

Member-Graduate

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

prehensive SURVEY of AOG members and graduates. It's important you take the time to participate!

We value your input.

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CACI is a proud supporter of the United States Air Force. We have supported

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We provide the IT and network solutions needed to prevail in today’s new era of

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USAFA Educational Transformation:

Steering a Course for Developing Leaders of Character

Brig. Gen. Dana Born, ’83 Dean of Faculty

|

|

is learned outside of school. These are

means

eye-opening statistics, but certainly not

success

for the opportunity to share

grounds for eliminating education. On the

with our graduate commu-

contrary, we have a tremendous opportunity to transform USAFA’s curriculum to

nity where we have been and

and cost

’ ...

”

I won’t go into the details

where we are going concerning academic

meet the needs of smarter, more diverse

of the Air Force’s Transformation Strategy

development. Certainly high on the list of traditions which strengthen the “Long

cadets, the challenges of high-speed, high-tech learning environments, and

here, but as the 2004 USAF Transformation Flight Plan outlines, the execution of this strategy will make the most of the Air Force’s three core competencies: develop-

Blue Line” are USAFA graduates’ memo-

the now global demands of Air Force and

ries of taking rigorous classes in Fairchild

joint service. Taking advantage of this

Hall. These academic memories (some

opportunity will involve an educational transformation. Let me explain what I mean by educational transformation and the flight path that we in the faculty are

tions: from an industrial-age force to an

ing airmen, integrating operations, and taking technology-to-war fighting.

So, what are the implications of the Air Force’s Transformation Strategy for USAFA? Or more directly, what are the implications for USAFA’s curriculum?

Obviously, we have a crucial role in meeting the first of the three core competencies

that whatever we didn’t forget on the way

information-age force and from a Cold

I mentioned above, developing airmen.

out of our final exams leaked away before

War to a post-Cold War force. Our senior

In the 2004 USAF Transformation Flight

graduation. And, even if we remembered

leaders knew that we needed a strategy to

Plan, attention to developing airmen is

everything from our courses, it wouldn’t be enough. It may surprise you to know that as much as we value education, very

keep pace with these transformations and to anticipate the others that would follow in short order. The Air Force was officially

little of the knowledge we use comes from

tasked to come up with a transformation

cherished and some not) put many of us on a

path to scholastic excellence; as brand

new

second lieutenants we had achieved

what few schools in the nation required of their student bodies.

Yet, what do we remember from freshman

our

chemistry? From math? Chances are

college

courses.

In fact, research-

say that in five years, fifty percent of the knowledge gained in medical school

on to

achieve it.

Over the past decade our Air Force

has dealt with two major transforma-

roadmap under the Secretary of Defense’s

ers

Transformation Planning Guidance.

becomes obsolete. Eighty percent of

Specifically, “the TPG emphasizes that transformation will shape the nature of military competition, which ‘ultimately

the technical knowledge engineers use 12

redefining standards for military by accomplishing military missions that were previously unimaginable or impossible except at prohibitive risk

would like to thank the Association of Graduates

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

clear: “The service’s first priority is to

they receive the precise education, training, and professional development necessary to provide them a quality edge second to none.” That’s our goal. Reaching it means reexamining the very foundations of USAFA’s teaching curriculum, asking ourselves tough questions about balancing time, thinking through how we ensure

PERSPECTIVE

teach cadets, and ultimately, making sure

Columbia for humanities and social science

over

that we have “the right size and shape”

courses) also guided curriculum construe-

also struck a balance with other mission

when it comes to providing cadets a

tion. The Harmon Committee set gradua-

elements to ensure our cadets get oppor-

world-class education.

tion requirements at 147.5 semester hours.

tunities that many of us only dreamed

Every cadet would take the same 46 “core” courses; there were no academic majors.

of. Indeed, a large part of our roadmap

The Core

been done across the mission elements

intended to achieve, (2) the “core”—the

Over its 50-year history USAFA’s core aca-

number and type of classes all cadets

demic requirement has gone from 147.5

expand integrated, character-building learning opportunities for cadets.

Our foundations for a world-class education are rooted in three primary areas:

(1) the initial studies which first defined what the curriculum at USAFA was

are

required to take, and (3) our seven

$22M in the last four years. We have

for educational transformation will be to continue

semester hours

the phenomenal work that’s

to

(again, with no major) to

educational outcomes. Let me begin with

the 96 semester hours it is today. For the

Educational Outcomes

those initial studies by considering the

class of 2009, the total semester hours

In 1993, then Dean Brig. Gen. Randy

three fundamental questions which guided

required for a Bachelor of Science Degree

Cubero, ’61, established seven educa-

the USAFA’s curriculum development pro-

are

cess:

What should our Air Force officers

between 141-148. At one point, the

total semester hours for a USAFA degree

know? What skills should they possess?

was as

What curriculum would best provide that

our

knowledge and those skills?

fluctuation of core and overall semester

high

as

177.5. Although many in

community

are

concerned about the

hours, let me assure you that these

tional outcomes: •

Officers who possess breadth of

integrated, fundamental knowledge in the basic sciences, engineering, the

humanities, and social sciences, and

depth of knowledg e in an area of

The Initial Studies

numbers alone do not define the full

concentration of their choice

The Air Force Planning Board studied

quality and rigor of USAFA’s curriculum.

•

Officers who are intellectually curious

these questions and proposed an initial

Where we have decreased overall semes-

•

Officers who can communicate

curriculum for the Academy. Air University

ter hours we have offered

effectively

established the board in the fall of 1948

richer alternative courses and programs.

•Officers who can frame and resolve

and then Air Force Chief of Staff, General

Examples include our Scholars Program,

ill-defined problems

Hoyt S. Vandenberg, directed it. The board

the development of interdisciplinary

•

based its curriculum proposal on two main

courses, and capstone

organizing principles: to provide “a broad, general education with a sound background in aeronautical science and tactics” and to maintain a

relatively

even

balance of

“

majors,

academically-

experiences

Officers who can work effectively

with others

well as a growing research program

•

Officers who are independent learners

involving faculty and cadets. Externally

•

Officers who can apply their knowl-

funded research at the Air Force Academy

edge and skill to the unique tasks of the military profession

as

has grown from approximately $4M to

humanities, sciences, and military studies.”

The Stearns-Eisenhower Study, commissioned in 1949 by Secretary of Defense

James Forrestal, reaffirmed the need for an Air Force

Academy and approved the

findings of the Air Force Planning Board.

Its report declared that the basic function of service academies was “to give general

educations

...

with emphasis on breadth

of horizon necessary to comprehend scientific advances and social changes.” The

study concluded that the Planning Board’s proposed curriculum objectives would accomplish these goals.

Congress commissioned the Lt. Gen. Hubert R. Harmon Committee (1949-54) to construct the initial

Academy curriculum.

Both military and leading civilian educators served on the committee.

Independent

reviews by prestigious universities (Purdue

and the Massachusetts Institute of Tech-

nology for science courses, Stanford and CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

13

PERSPECTIVE

These outcomes are still a beacon for all of our course offerings. But just how

good is our curriculum at facilitating the desired cadet learning and growth? What

knowledge, skills, and attitudes must be

developed in the cadets in order for them embody these outcomes, and how well designed is our curriculum to do that? Our challenge has been how to assess adequately to

which courses foster which outcomes, and to what extent.

Beyond that, our challenge

is to ensure we use these outcomes inten-

tionally as a guiding, organizing framework upon which to build the coherent, organized, integrated set of learning experiences

that make up our curriculum. A continuous

process loop of assess and improve is

the only way we will move the curriculum

forward. Eventually, we would like a way

predict cadets’ success as officers rather

to

than relying solely on feedback concerning

graduate-2nd Lts. from the field.

An understanding of how USAFA’s initial curriculum came to be, as well as

Air Force and Department of Defense sexual

the core/major course offerings of today

be to dovetail and balance disciplinary-based

assault policies and practices. Finally, our

and a focus on our educational outcomes,

academics with leadership and character

faculty spearheaded much of the initial cadet training on ODS and the Uniform Code of Military Justice while continuing to provide outstanding character-building learning opportunities for cadets. We’re thinking outside the box and we’re transforming attitudes

development opportunities in the Training Wing and with the Department of Athletics.

provides us a tremendous foundation from which transformation can continue. In its

infancy, educational transformation will sensitizing our curriculum to the

mean

environment and its demands, build-

ing upon the original tenets of a liberal education to meet the needs of today’s Air

in the process.

Force, and transforming the educational

environment our graduates will serve in

experience

to become

learning-focused.

ING-FOCUSED EDUCATION

The classic educational experience that most of us grew up with focused on what the teacher was doing—delivering informa-

tion. But, a large and ever-growing body of research provides conclusive evidence that

today. September 11, 2001 forever changed our strategies for defense; the post-9/11

students get a better education when educa-

Keep Pace with the Environment

world demands so much more of our lieu-

tors focus on what students are

Faculty members are USAFA’s resident braintrust, and I applaud their contributions to

tenants. We

instead of what professors are teaching. For

sensitive issues of culture and climate. Work-

ing with the superintendent’s staff, the Training Wing, the Athletic Department, the Air Base Wing, and the Prep School, the USAFA

ants last

graduated 922 second lieuten-

year; 87 percent of them could

result, the DoD is focusing great attention

they prepare for class will change. Cadets will have more responsibility for their own

on

the issues of multicultural awareness

and appreciation, intercultural competen-

year integrated Officer Development System,

cies, and foreign language proficiency and expertise. What will best prepare our new graduates for their upcoming assignments?

our

faculty provided the framework. When needed to develop and implement the

Whether we deal with the environment

we

within USAFA’s gates or we consider the

Academy Response Team to care for victims

environment our graduates will serve in,

provided faculty members to form the initial cadre. Their work, in concert with the

we

34th Training Wing’s, became the model for

cadets this means more class time will be spent engaged in hands-on and minds-on learning activities. It also means the way

faculty has been at the forefront of much

of sexual assault and educate cadets and staff,

learning

expect deploy to a war zone, compared with 20 percent during the Cold War. As a to

of the recent change. When the Academy

decided to overhaul its training into a four-

14

However, we also need to consider the

Shift from Teaching-focused to Learn-

our

ability to respond to and anticipate the

demands will come with re-thinking and

transforming our educational practices. And the key to transforming our curriculum will CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

learning. Tests will increasingly evaluate understanding beyond memorization.

Developing problem solving skills will be as important as learning content. This is a significant shift from what most grads remember as a fire hose blast of information. For many faculty members it means a fundamental change in how they approach

teaching. Professors too will have to change the way they prepare for class; they will lecture less and coach more.

Agility, innovation, and adaptability are the watch words in DoD’s transformation

efforts, and they apply to educational transformation as well. As the pace of change

quickens, the one thing we can be sure of is we don’t know what challenges and opportunities today’s cadets will face in the operational Air Force. Therefore, we must arm our graduates with the tools to handle problems that don’t fit into any checklist.

Learning-focused education aims to help cadets develop tools they can use when they run across novel problems in a lab, at a meeting, or on a battlefield. It emphasizes innovative and broad thinking, agile responses to problems, and adapting what

support within the government and civilian space communities. With so much spacerelated activity along the Front Range, locating the new center at USAFA was a natural fit and will pay dividends for cadets

brightest cadets. I’m proud to see the Long Blue Line involved in making USAFA better. Thank you for supporting the next generation of Air Force leaders.

I have outlined just a few of the Dean of

who will be involved in helping frame future

the Faculty team initiatives. This is by no

space policy.

means an

Many of our most important initiatives and programs are funded by you—

educational transformation has really just

exhaustive list—our journey for

contributions sent cadets out for Cadet

begun, but we will move quickly. And yes, I understand that it can be a scary thing to face change at a rapid rate and that part of that fear is that we risk losing “the good” of what we found familiar. But our educational system must keep pace with the transformations in higher education

through your contributions to the AOG. Your generous gifts to academic programs totaling almost a quarter of a million dollars last year allowed us to provide cadets the extra margin of excellence. Your Summer Research and brought in world

and in our force if we are to best prepare

is known to understand new situations. In

famous speakers to discuss current events

our

the end, the most important lesson we can

and character. You sponsored the Cadet

officers and leaders of character. Let me

teach cadets is how to teach themselves.

Leadership Enrichment Seminar to help

encourage all of you to help us help our

cadet commanders get off on the

cadets think outside the box as we steer a

new

Make Research Count USAFA supports research that opens

right foot and you funded our Scholars Program to further enrich some of our

graduates to be the next generation of

course

for educational transformation and

journey to new levels of excellence. S

doors for cadets to directly contribute to

solving current problems. Working on real problems with no approved solution has improved cadets’ abilities to break down complex problems into bite-size chunks and then to attack the smaller

problems with imagination and team work. Working on problems like the Space

Cadet Wing Media Archive your Air Force Academy

Shuttle return to flight, reducing gunship

memories through available

drag, and dozens of others brings out the

VFIS tapes or DVDs including:

motivation, confidence, intelligence, and

leadership that cadets possess.

Fortunately, our research program has expanded dramatically over the past few years and we now have ten research centers within the Dean of the Faculty. Our research

director Lt. Col. Jody Mandeville, ’88, has sharpened our focus on Air Force and DoD related areas. Our fledgling Center for

Research on Learning and Teaching under the direction of Dr. Eric Hamilton is provid-

ing world-class research and development

□ Past Graduation Ceremonies and

related June Week Activities

□ The Basic Cadet Training experience

cur^ntand||||ooks/v

—

1 deosava,lable

Also available^PS/om Wearbooks for most

grounding for our learning-focus transfor-

classes 1959-2004. Ask about the 50th An-

mation efforts in our classrooms and for

niversary Commemorative series tocset "* (2004-2009).

education and training practices well beyond USAFA. The latest research development is

-

the Center for Space and Defense Studies.

Col. Doug Murray (Head of the Political Science Department), Ambassador Roger

Harrison, and Maj. Deron Jackson formed a team to

For more information on these or any other Ca-

det Wing Media products, call (719) 333-4644.

lead the conversation on space

policy. The CSDS has received tremendous

While on the Academy, tune to 104.3 KAFA to

hear the Cadet Wing DJ staff in action.

15

THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN AN EXCITING AND CHALLENGING TIME FOR YOUR

ASSOCIA-

TION OF GRADUATES. WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY SINCE THE AOG OPERATED OUT OF A ROOM IN SIJAN HALL AND HAD ONLY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE ON THE STAFF. WE NOW HAVE A STAFF OF 43 HIGHLY DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN AND A

BEAUTIFUL

BUILDING. DOOLITTLE HALL, FUNDED BY THE DONATIONS OF OUR SUPPORTERS. WITH RAPID GROWTH COME HIGHER MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS AND

THE CON-

TINUOUS COMMITMENT BY THE BOARD AND STAFF TO DO BETTER TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF THE ACADEMY, GRADUATES AND SUPPORTERS.

16

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

YEAR IN REVIEW

REVIEW Alumni relations and communica-

membership on key issues such as election

focus. Our new Web site has received

results, major Academy issues, and senior

mixed reviews from the membership. We

Academy leadership changes. We believe it is important to give you breaking news as

have listened and improved our discussion forum. One of the board’s goals is to create an can

E-community where graduates

interact on a wide array of issues from

providing job assistance to mentoring.

Your answers to the survey will help us focus on specific areas where we can do better with our E-communications.

One of our new communication prodIn order to continually improve our

also pushed out several e-mails to the

tions continue to be primary areas of our

ucts, ZoomiEnews, received

high praise

soon as

it is available.

The board has also decided to continue with a printed Register of Graduates for this year and 2006. The staff did a great job

pulling things together and got the register out with minimal delay.

On the alumni relations front, we have

made a strong commitment to get out on the road and visit as many chapters and graduate groups as possible. We were also

support to you, we are planning on a major survey of the graduate community in the

from membership. This newsletter allows us

input will assist us in determining the future priorities of the organization. We will also be mailing out proposed bylaw revisions based on this

emy events between issues of Checkpoints.

Rosa and the Academy staff out to visit

From all the feedback we get, Checkpoints

many of you. Last summer’s Graduate

remains one of the premier alumni magazines in the country. Our communications

Leadership Conference was a big success.

Academy senior leadership once again spent a large amount of time talking and listening to the almost 150 attendees.

If you would like to attend next year’s conference in July, please let us know.

Last year we hosted over 3,000 graduates and their spouses during the reunion

next few months. Your candid

summers

elections and the hard work of

to

keep the membership updated on Acad-

office garnered seven awards at last year’s

the Blue Ribbon Council which the AOG

District competition from the Council for

created to examine the bylaws and our

the Advancement and Support of Education

instrumental in getting Lt. Gen. John

operations. We are extremely grateful to

including the best communications office of

the men and women who spent long hours

a

under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Brad

It is amazing what this office does with a five

Hosmer, ’59, developing sound recommendations on where the organization should

person staff—our counterparts at Annapolis and West Point have 10 people working

head in the future. It is extremely impor-

communications’ issues.

tant that we reach a

This past summer we posted pictures of Basic Cadet Training on our Web site

high marks for putting on first class events.

the membership) in the upcoming bylaw election. I encourage you to vote on these

(www.usafa.org) and we were receiving

important bylaw changes.

over

Academy affairs as a respected voice of the graduate community. I remain committed

quorum (25 percent of

school our size for the second year in a row.

4 million hits a month. We have

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

season.

While the weather often didn’t

cooperate and it was a challenging football season, returning graduates gave our staff We continue to have an influence in

17

providing your feedback—good and Academy and Air Staff senior leadership. Due in large part to our efforts, we now have three graduates on the BOV. The Speaker to

bad—to the Board of Visitors,

of the House just selected Gen. (Ret.) H.T. Johnson, ’59, to be his on

representative

the BOV. He joins Nancy Kudla, ’80,

and Charles Garcia, ’83.

I am encouraged that our positive relationship will extend to the new Air Force Secretary Mike Wynne, the new Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mike Moseley and our new superintendent, Lt. Gen. John Regni, ’73. I have already met with the new SECAF and CSAF on two occasions.

They

support your AOG and its mission and are committed to making the Academy “The Air Force’s” Academy. Lt. Gen.

Regni has already briefed two reunion classes and our board in his first 18 days on the job.

I want to that emphasize being a respected voice is important to what we do for the Academy and our graduates.

The Air Force has adopted a Force Shaping policy that will result in over 1,700 officers from the 2002/03 year

groups

being separated from the service because the Air Force can not meet congressionally mandated end strength goals. This policy has already effected some graduates and has the potential to effect many more. We have been able to interact directly with general officers on the Air Staff and senior leadership in the Secretariat. We have caused the Air Staff to re-examine some

policies and we have assisted effected grads in their job search. To learn more about this policy and how you can help please go to

the Career Center and Member Discus-

sion sections of our Web site.

At the Army game, it was

my plea-

present Lt. Gen. Regni and the Academy with a check for nearly $ 1.2M. sure to

These funds were a result of a successful fund raising year in spite of several hurdles both the Academy and the Association of Graduates faced in the last Fiscal Year.

It is clear to me that

many graduates and continue to believe strongly in supporters

both institutions and are committed to

supporting today’s cadets. Many of our character development programs would not

YEAR IN REVIEW

be offered without the AOG. Our world

acclaimed National Character and Leader-

ship Seminar in February is largely funded through the generosity of the AOG, graduclasses, and its members. If you would like to attend this great conference, please ate

let us know or sign up on the Academy Web site. AOG funding also allows cadets

develop their leadership abilities in club

to

activities ranging from debate to national

championship rugby teams. Funding for cultural immersion programs and foreign area studies allows the Academy to produce officers with the language and global awareness that are increasingly needed in the Global War on Terrorism.

Our initiative to provide Checkpoints to

those cadets who have signed up for the

learning institutions in the country. And more importantly, they help guarantee the Academy will produce the best officers of

Graduates could use the stories about

cadets, graduates and the Academy to write articles for their local papers, for

character to lead our Air Force and nation.

speeches to civic groups, or for inter-

As I travel around the country and

views with the local media. It is a tre-

speak to different groups, many of you ask, “What can I do to help?”

mendous resource that provides good

First I think it would be a mistake to

should use it to spread the word. We

news

think that this is the “graduates’” Academy.

about the Academy. Graduates

try to get out the good news—but, you know, bad news sells. Perhaps

The Academy belongs to the American

as

people and it is run by the Air Force. The

grads will have better success in their

Air Force determines the product it needs

local communities. Additionally, send

for today’s Air Force—not the Air Force

us

of thirty, twenty or even ten years ago. But

and their accomplishments.

stories about Academy graduates

graduates can provide valuable feedback and suggestions on how we do the business of educating and training tomorrow’s leaders.

Be active in local chapters—either

by participating or starting ones. A bigger network of “connected” gradu-

We want to hear your concerns, because

Life Membership at Graduation program continues to receive positive feedback from

I see the AOG as a conduit of informa-

ates will make a

tion—a group that provides constructive

tion. Volunteer labor is what makes

chapters work and achieve success.

the cadets. I think it is important that our

feedback and shares suggestions from

cadets become connected with their alumni

concerned graduates. I believe that a

association early in their stay at the Academy. Checkpoints allows them to see the

strong relationship exists today between the Academy’s communications director,

accomplishments of their predecessors and

Johnny Whitaker, ’73, and our vice presi-

gain an appreciation of their heritage. We have one of the highest membership percentages of any university in the country.

dent of communications, Dick Rauschkolb, ’70. Their excellent relations allow

stronger Associa-

The coming year promises to be excit-

ing as we look for better ways to support the graduate community and the Academy.

We look to improve our strategic planning process, increase our transparency, improve our services to you, and launch a major fund raising campaign. Perhaps the most critical

positive interaction to take place. That relationship allows us to get information out quickly to you as well.

Graduates who really want to help the Academy can also consider doing some of

will have a profound impact on where your

In-processing continues to be a big suefor the AOG and provides us with the opportunity to expose the new basics to their history and heritage. They are briefed about the danger and importance of the profession of arms at the replica of the War Memorial (funded by the Class of 1970) and the ’59 Challenge Bridge along our growing Heritage Trail. The latter are both great testaments to the power of private funding and vividly illustrate our commitment to the preservation of our heritage.

the following:

Association of Graduates heads in the future.

I can assure you that the programs you

help

Much of our success with new cadets is due to solid

marketing and branding that takes

place before appointees and parents even arrive at Doolittle Hall for in-processing.

Get in touch with the liaison officers

be responsible and all will vote and partici-

in your area and offer to assist them in

pate in these important initiatives.

The following sections outline many of

recruiting the best young people for the

Academy. Many of our liaison officers are not graduates and they are overworked; graduate assistance in recruiting would be deeply appreciated by all.

programs

as

well as those identified in the

campaign—Building Leaders ofCharac-

for the Nation—which will soon go public, will allow us to continue to attract the best and brightest students to ensure the Academy remains one of the premier

the projects your AOG staff undertook in the past fiscal year. These extremely

dedicated men and woman have earned a

professional reputation among our constituents around the counrty as well as

Contact your Congressperson and

among their colleagues in higher education. As

offer to sit on their selection board—

you will see, they have won awards and

us

get the best young people.

presently funding will remain a need

for the Academy in the future. Those

the bylaws and the graduate survey. Both

I am confident the graduate community will

cess

are

items are the election we are about to hold on

received recognition from the Academy and the Air Force. They work hard for you

Work with the local Parent Club by

offering

to be a resource of information

and the Academy. When you get a chance,

please thank them for doing a great job.

for the many questions parents have.

James A. Shaw, ’67

ter

Use Checkpoints—it is an excellent

President and CEO

alumni magazine as evidenced by

Association of Graduates

the many CASE awards it has won.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

19

YEAR IN REVIEW

teamed with a single private vendor who provided nearly all of the merchandise and gifts. This consolidated approach meant that the graduates were able to order and receive their merchandise prior to the reunion and, since many classes offered similar items, still keep the prices reasonable. Using this vendor also allowed graduates to order items for a limited time after their reunion—something that was difficult to do in the past because of minimum order requirements. As a result, total gross sales of class specific merchandise for the reunions exceeded $80,000.

Academy Today continued to assist with the Academy Today, where we help get the Academy and AOG staff out to groups around the country to tell the Academy story.

—

Chalk Talk

graduates

—

January 2005 was our first foray into encouraging

to come out to a

non-football, pre-game event with a

member of the coaching staff. In this fiscal year, we planned two FY 2005 (July 1, 2004

-

June 30, 2005) was an excep-

basketball events and one hockey event.

tional year in every way. In addition to adding a new crop

of graduates and swelling the ranks of living graduates to

We also now have some 48 chapters of various sizes around the

country. We helped coordinate speaking engagements in 13 major

36,730 we increased membership to:

cities around the country. The superintendent, the senior staff, and

athletic coaches all participated. The former Air Force Chief of

Staff, General Jumper, volunteered to speak to a chapter in Texas.

Graduate Life Member Annual

Member

Total

18,242

2,187

20,429

The AOG has a three-part mission of serving the gradu-

community; supporting the Academy and its cadets; and recording, preserving and enhancing institutional heritage. How ate

56% of living graduates

well did we do? The following is a list of things we did, in no

Associate (Parent/Friend of USAFA)

We hosted and/or supported at USAFA:

particular order.

Life Member

634

Annual Member

2,205

Founders Day Dinner & Distinguished Graduate Award

2,839

AOG awarded distinguished Graduates Awards to Gen. (Ret.)

23,268

event continues to grow in

Total

-

The

Ron Yates, ’60, and Col. (Ret.) Fred Gregory, ’64. This annual

Total Members

popularity and is expanding to events

held in chapters around the country.

Cadet Life Members at Graduation Cadets Enrolled

2,883

Total Cadets

4,070

Jabara Award Dinner Given by the Academy, the 2005 Jabara Award for Airmanship was presented at a dinner hosted by the -

AOG to Lt. Col. Keith D. Schultz, ’92, for his contributions to

(67% of cadets enrolled)

airpower during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Inprocessing The class with the highest percentage of members is

In 1992, the Academy began having appoin-

the

1960 and the class with the lowest percentage of mem-

Cadet Area. The AOG gives over the entire building for a week

bers is 1986.

of preparation culminated by the arrival of 1,200-1,300 new

of these classes to assist with their reunion merchandise and

appointees and their families. This year, new appointees walked to Doolittle Hall along the Class of 1960 walkway (a gift of the Class of 1960) and, after beginning in-processing inside, were shown the War Memorial Wall replica (a gift from the Class of 1970) and then walked across the ’59 Challenge Bridge (a gift

reunion registration gifts. Trying a new approach, the AOG

from the Class of 1959) to board busses for their new life.

We are now up to seven reunions (10th, 20th, 25th,

30th, 35th, 40th, 45th) on four separate weekends each year. The Academy and the AOG hosted more than 3,000 graduates and spouses. The AOG was also selected by six

20

—

tees report to Doolittle Hall and from there take busses to

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

Bed & Breakfast

—

The B & B program

Planned the Graduate Leadership Confer-

for unaccompanied appointees was

ence

another great success with more than 400

together some 130 graduates for two days of briefings and question and answer sessions about the Academy today. The Academy and the AOG hope to continue this highly

appointees being hosted by over 190 local graduates, Academy staff and friends of the Academy.

held in July 2005. The GLC brought

successful event on a recurring schedule.

Outstanding Squadron Banquet Formerly planned, executed and funded by the Academy and the Air Force Association, the Outstanding Squadron banquet is now planned and executed by the AOG and the Academy in support of the Air Force Association. Funding is through the

the Academy to ensure that the mentor class (the class that sponsored Contrails ) is invited to 100th Night and all significant class-related dinners and events.

Exemplar Dinner Each class now chooses a class “exemplar” and associ—

ates that person forever with their class.

-

Warrior Run a new

—

The Commandant started

tradition three years ago of ending

The AOG helps fund this event and also ensures

that the mentor class is invited.

BCT with a 35 mile relay run and wanted it to also underscore the connection to the

Falcon Heritage Forum

Long Blue Line. The AOG arranged for representatives of each graduated class to participate in the ceremony starting the run and ending it.

Development Center each semester hosts a Falcon Heritage Forum to bring military veterans to the Academy to interact with cadets for a weekend. The AOG helps the CDC locate graduates who fit the theme

Acceptance Parade & Contrails presentation The AOG helped the Class of 1969

of the forum.

Graduation Open House at Doolittle Hall offers parents and graduates a wel-

become the sixth class to sponsor Contrails

National Character and Leadership

respite from the busy graduation schedule and offers an opportunity to have family photos taken.

and further connect todays classes with the

Symposium

graduate community and its legacy.

which brings students from around the

Air Force Association, corporate support

and ticket sales. This event honors the

Outstanding Cadet Squadron each year.

come

—

The AOG serves as welcoming spokesperson

and participates in the parent briefings.

The Character

-

Commitment Dinner

Appointee Days The AOG helps the Academy welcome the young men and women who have been offered appointments to the Academy to visit and see for themselves what they are about to enter.

-

—

With the support

of Jostens, the AOG provided the ceremo-

-

The AOG funds this event

country to learn from scholars, individuals and graduates about the importance of

character in daily life.

nial second lieutenant bars, engraved with

“2006,” for the dinner marking the Class

GDS

of 2006 commitment to the Air Force.

$10,000 in scholarships to 16 dependents

-

The AOG presented a total of

of graduate members.

Ring Dining Out

-

One of our oldest tra-

ditions continues, with the AOG working

Class Rings

with Jostens to help the class design their

of 2006 and 2007 in the design and acqui-

-

We worked with the classes

Parents Weekend Open House at

unique rings. The AOG, with a gift from

sition of their rings and we returned 8 lost

Doolittle Hall welcomes all parents, but

Jostens, helps fund the Ring Dining Out,

especially Doolie parents and shows them the legacy that graduates have built and

provides the class crest and ensures that all rings are present and accounted for.

rings to their rightful owners in several graduate classes.

which their cadets will continue.

We were pleased to make Doolittle

100th Night

—

The AOG now works with

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 200 5

Hall available for In-processing as well as 21

YEAR IN

over 20

to 25

REVIEW

other Academy events in addition

Leaders in Flight Today events, 20

ington D.C., San Diego, Calif., and San

we

Antonio, Texas. Nearly 2,000 service

a

answered over 2000 e-mails and fielded

similar number of telephone calls about

retirements, five promotions, two com-

academy graduates had an opportunity

the events at the Academy. We developed a

missioning ceremonies and 25 weddings.

to meet face-to-face with

Web page for the incoming class and their

The building also supported seven class

almost 200 companies who are spe-

reunions, Falcon Foundation meetings,

cifically interested in the skills academy graduates offer. Our other career pro-

the Silver Falcons Reunion and meet-

ing, Parent Club meetings (including the Parent Club Presidents’ meeting that is held annually at Parents Weekend), as well

recruiters from

parents with helpful information.

Customer Service continues to be the voice and face of the AOG to many of our

grams— SABRD, iSABRD, and JSAJE Plus—continue to mature and offer

constituents. The first contact for every visi-

additional opportunities to our gradu

Customer Service. Answering questions

tor, whether in person or

by phone, is with

about the AOG or the Academy, handling

registrations and receiving RSVPs for renting sabers to graduate members, selling merchandise, setting up golf reservations, processing all incoming and outgoing mail and packages are things routinely hanevent

events,

died in Customer Service. Their interaction with the public reduces the interruptions to the remainder of the staff and allows the

staff to be more productive.

We expanded our Web site and are working on rolling out a completely new site.

Under a system approved by the Academy, the AOG has been granted the authority to issue limited-duration base passes to those graduates who no longer have a military ID card. Customer Service

verifies the requestor’s information, processes

as funeral receptions, anniversary parties, graduation parties, rehearsal dinners and

many off-sites, seminars, conferences and military unit reunions.

database cur-

rently contains more than 31,800 profiles of service academy graduates, most of whom are willing to assist other gradu-

Sadly, the AOG was notified of the deaths of 54 graduates and cadets this year. We were pleased to be able to send notifications

which was originally a job posting site,

to the

a resume

class, order flowers for the funeral on

behalf of the class and provide information on

memorial funds that were established. A

memorial service was conducted for each

class during their reunion and the annual

ates with

their transition. JSAJE Plus,

has been expanded so that it is now also

repository for graduates seeking new employment opportunities.

We published four editions of Check-

points, totaling 840 pages, in addition to the Register of Graduates. We produced Con-

Memorial Service conducted as part of

trails, the AOG Parent Handbook, videos,

Flomecoming honored the 54 graduates and

CDs, radio and television ads

cadets who died this year.

more

Networking opportunities for graducontinue to be abundant. With the

In conjunction with the other service

academies and through a new association with Global Flolidays, we offered travel programs for graduates to take cruises and tours

with other service Academy graduates.

We helped Academy Liaison Officers

and graduates connect to provide assistance to the ALOs in recruiting the next generation of cadets. We also helped ALO directors in their recruiting of new Liaison Officers by helping them locate graduates in their regions of greatest need.

site along with more than 200 articles

Thanks to gifts from several classes, we significantly expanded the Heritage Trail.

The Class of 1970 added a replica of the

...

We posted

than 1,100 photographs on our Web

about the Academy. We sent out over 20

War Memorial. The Class of 1959 added

alumni organizations from the other

e-mails to the 15,000 people for whom we

service academies, we hosted Service

have e-mail addresses to keep them abreast

Academy Career Conferences in Wash

of what is happening here. Additionally,

the Challenge Bridge. The Class of 1960 landscaped the front of Doolittle Hall enabling us to better host In-Processing

ates

22

ates. The S215/?Z)/iSABRD

the request, and mails the pass to the

graduate. By eliminating the need to go through the congestion at the Visitor Control Center at the Academy’s south gate, this system has made it significantly easier for graduates to visit their alma mater.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

and the Class of 1983 and the Class of

1960 have helped fund the next extension the Heritage Trail.

During 2005, the AOG Information Systems department took on an ambitious plan to upgrade the AOG computer infrastructure to move towards independence from the Academy’s network. Over the to

past several years the computer resource business needs of the AOG and the

security needs imposed on the Academy’s computer resources have been at odds with each other. Both the Academy and

the AOG agreed that a greater degree of

independence for the AOG was needed to remove any

appearance of misuse of

government computer resources.

The AOG will continue to have a presence on

the USAFA network to fulfill AOG

obligations to support Academy events (like In-Processing, Academy off-sites, conferseparation of common business practices from military security concerns will actually increase Acadences, ceremonies, etc.). The

This past Fiscal Year saw our communications office showered with honors once

counterparts from over 60 schools across the Midwest. It is clear from the feedback

again at the annual District VI Council for the Advancement and Support of

that we get that other schools can not

Education Conference. Bob McAllister,

and the outstanding quality of all our products. Other schools, including our

Director of Media and Marketing,

our

emy and AOG flexibility and efficiencies so that both can better achieve their missions.

garnered Gold and Silver Awards in the Excellence in Advertising category. He won both for directing and producing radio ads about the AOG and Academy

Toward that end, the AOG has established

for all radio broadcasts of Falcon sports.

believe all the projects our small staff does

sister service academies, have communications staffs of 10-20 people. The fact that

and data network wiring within Doolittle

in the Excellence in Photography cat-

Hall and improvements to the functionality

egory for his photos in the Checkpoints

of the AOG Web site.

article, “A Toast to 2004,” and he won

produce a quarterly alumni magazine, Register of Graduates, a calendar, videos, CDs, and products for the Annual Fund, the Sabre Society, and the comprehensive campaign with a staff of five and a half people amazes our counterparts. When you add the other support we provide such as developing Web content, producing flyers, designing invitations, preparing briefings, taking special photography, writing press releases, laying out ZoomiEnews, and drafting E-postcards—people in the

Silver in the same category for his photos

know say we have more than earned the

in the Checkpoints article, “Reporting to

high recognition we receive.

its own network domain, e-mail system,

Bob also won a Silver Award in the Excel-

and Web site separate from the Academy’s

lence in Multimedia-Video category for

network. Other on-going projects include

the trailer he produced for the Academy documentary—Wings ofHonor. Ken Wright, our photojournalist, won Gold

replacing older, obsolete computers with current

technology, consolidating printer

maintenance contracts, upgrading telephone

and Silver awards as well. He won Gold

USAFA.” Sarah Wright, our world class

graphic designer, and Ken teamed up to win Gold in the Excellence in Advertising

we a

In the summer of 2004 Burson-

Marsteller, a nationally recognized public relations firm, did some pro bono work

category for the “Faces of USAFA” Web ad. Dick Rauschkolb’s staff—Bob, Ken,

for us thanks to board member Charles

Sarah, Chris Stewart, and Tom Kroboth

group of graduates about our communications and made recommendations to the

won

Gold in the Excellence in Education

Advancement category. This award recog-

Garcia, ’83. They surveyed a representative

AOG Strategic Communications Com-

nized your Communications office as the

mittee headed by Charles. The committee,

best in the district among schools of our

after some modifications to the report,

size—for the second year in a row. Since

presented a communications plan to the board and posted it on the Web site. That plan will become part of the AOG’s new strategic plan which will soon be available

entering this competition three years ago, our

staff has won 12 awards.

The CASE Conference provides a great

opportunity for our staff to interact with CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

in draft form on the Web site.

C> 23

YEAR IN

REVIEW

Last November we launched a new Web

alumni Web sites. While we received many

Register. Their support for the AOG and the Academy is deeply appreciated.

Checkpoints remains one of the premier alumni magazines in the country. Lt. Gen. William J. Lennox, the superintendent at

favorable comments about the site, some

West Point, has told their AOG that he

graduates were upset that our discussion forum wasn’t as user friendly as it needed to be. That problem was addressed and the discussion forum, while not perfect yet, is

would like their magazine, Assembly to start

so soon.

containing stories like those in Checkpoints.

raise funding for the major documentary,

Our goals remain to tell the Academy

easier to use. The Alumni Relations Com-

graduates—both military and civilian, to highlight the great achievements of today’s cadets, and to capture the Academy’s heritage and history. We believe, like every premier university in the country, an alumni magazine should make its graduates and supporters proud of the institution.

Wings ofHonor. This is not a historical documentary, but rather a major production by CINE Films that will capture the essence of cadet life and the accomplishments of Academy graduates by taking a

site. Chris Stewart from our office teamed

with the Information Systems staff to develop

this site based on a lot of research of other

mittee has established as a goal to create an

“E-community” among graduates and supporters. With the creation and distribution of ZoomiEnews, our efforts to push email out to the

graduate community

on

critical issues,

up-to date Web site with news about the

an

Academy, our Career Center, and a better discussion forum,

we are

well along the road

“E-community.” Nevertheless, we look forward to your constructive suggestions and providing you with increased communications over the coming months.

Along those lines, we will be sending a survey out to the graduate community after the first of the year. We are looking to an

,

story through the accomplishments of its

Too often in the past few years the press has

This spring we are looking forward to the publication of the Turner Publish-

ing coffee table book, Flight ofExcellence, which will chronicle the heart and soul of

cadet life over the past five decades. If you haven’t ordered your copy, you should do

never

job is to present the other side of the picture. We will keep you informed of the bad news as well as the good, but Checkpoints’ focus will remain on the above goals.

before seen view of cadet life and the

accomplishments of graduates. This is a $4 million project and we need sponsors, if you have fund raising suggestions or

so

contacts

focused on the negative actions of a few; our

We are continuing our efforts to

please contact us.

The coming year offers more challenges on

the communications front. We look

forward to meeting them and hearing your constructive suggestions on how we can

better serve you.

for your feedback on a wide range of issues that will assist us in meeting the needs of the graduate community. We will also be

launching a concentrated communications effort to ensure we get the graduate com-

munity to vote on proposed changes to the bylaws. It is very important that we get

/

everyone to vote on these changes.

In partnership with the Air Force Academy,

Many graduates have heard that we plan to launch a major fund raising campaign to raise $ 100 million to support Academy and

the Association of Graduates is in the initial

to

stages of the Building Leaders ofCharacterfor the Nation Campaign that will change the

corporations and foundations, gifts to the

cadet programs. Our sister service academies

face of the Academy for many years to come.

Association of Graduates in support of the

Throughout the next several years, the AOG

Air Force Academy continue to make a

at West Point and

Annapolis raised over

As we begin this journey, we are happy

report that through the generosity of more than 7,600 graduates, parents, friends,

$200 million in their respective campaigns.

will be asking the extended Academy family

difference. During the 2005 fiscal year, the

Details about the Building Leaders ofCharac-

to assist us in

securing funds to:

AOG secured $6.8 million in contributions.

ter

for the Nation Campaign will be coming shortly after the first of the year.

out

The board decided at the November board

meeting that it would produce a printed Register ofGraduates this year and next. Due to the late decision, the Register will be mailed a

little late this year. The staff put in some

long hours to make this years publication come together in a short period of time. We especially want to thank those advertisers who signed up at the last minute to defray some of the costs of printing this year’s 24

DFVFI I 1 VLLiN i V V ..L JL OPMFKfT

LJ

Create a National Character and

Leadership Development Center Expand academic research opportunities for cadets

Provide additional funding for Falcon Foundation scholarships Establish athletic leadership

endowments Build an admissions welcome center and a memorial

pavilion in

the cemetery

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

Air Force Academy Fund

More than $2.11 million of annual resources were

provided through the Air Force Acad-

emy Fund. Along with providing association and graduate services support, the Air Force

Academy fund is used by the Superintendent to fund priorities on the Academy’s annual gift needs list. Each year, the annual gift: needs list in comprised of Academy identified important non-government funded programs and activities. Annual donations

to the Air Force

Academy Fund are needed

The Class of 1984 secured $150,000

support the Academy’s major priorities and to provide resources for additional

for their class gift. These funds will be

immediate and emerging opportunities that

enable the Academy to reach new levels of

the Academy cemetery. The driveway and turnaround leading up to the pavilion will

Corporations and Foundations In fiscal year 2005, corporations and foundations provided more than $600,000 in gifts and commitments to the Academy.

Included in this amount is a $375,000 gift

excellence. Some of the programs that were

be named in the class’ honor.

in support of cultural immersion programs

supported this year through the Air Force Academy Fund include:

Major Gifts

to

used to support the Memorial Pavilion in

for cadets. Through the generosity of the For the 4th year in a row, on behalf of the

Cadet weight room enhancements

George & Carol Olmsted Foundation, 100 cadets have the opportunity to travel abroad annually.

over

Distinguished guest speakers Cadet Squadron improvements Foreign immersion opportunities

Academy, the AOG received a $1 million commitment (only the 5th of its kind).

This generous gift given by Jack & Vianne Kucera, ’78, will be used at the superin-

Character Education programs

tendent’s discretion for a wide array of

Engineering programs like Field Engineering and Readiness Lab

cadet and graduate related projects.

In addition to this contribution, the

commitments—one of $500,000 from a

and Rocket Research

AOG received 28 other commitments for

member of the Class of 1970 and one of

Cadet clubs like Falconry, Saber

the Academy of $25,000 or more. These

$250,000 from a parent of a graduate—will

Drill Team and Men’s and

gifts

all in support of initiatives out-

Women’s Rugby

lined in the Academy’s strategic plan and

provide support of Academy and AOG efforts in the future. The AOG is in the pro-

And Much More!

are

During the 2005 fiscal year, the AOG received two of the largest estate commitments ever given to the Academy. These

part of the Building Leaders ofCharacfor the Nation campaign.

cess of expanding its planned giving program and hopes that more graduates will support

We would like to thank the following

our

ter

Class Giving

are

Polaris Society (Estate and Planned Gifts)

A special thanks goes out to our

individuals who have donated $ 1M or

reunion classes who, as in the past, were

more to

extremely generous. Of particular note,

today’s cadets:

efforts through their estates. C>

better the Academy experience for

the Class of 1964 secured more than

$500,000 in gifts and commitments, representing the largest class gift in the Academy’s history. These funds will be

Ted and Tricia Legasey, '67

used to support the Mall of Eleroes heri-

John and Mari Ann Martin, '69

tage project commemorating the heroic acts of Karl Richter, ’65, and Lance

Jack and Vianne Kucera, 78

Dick and Kathy Schlosberg, '65

Harry and Kathy Pearce, '64

Estate of Richard A. Yudkin

Sijan, ’64.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

25

and growth for our endowments. The remaining $10.2 million supports the Life Membership fund and Agency funds.

Total investment income was $2.2 mil-

lion, of which $1.4 million is reported as income for the AOG and the remainder was

the return on deferred Life Mem-

bership and Agency funds. Fiscal year 2005 was the first full year of investment

performance after the AOG changed its approach to investing its portfolio from a passive approach using a single manager, to an active approach, focused on multiple asset managers who specialize in different market sectors, enabling us to manage our risk through diversification. At year end, 51 percent of our portfolio was invested in Equity funds, 20 percent in Fixed income, 19 percent in Limited p-Partnerships and the remainder in Real Estate Investment Trusts. The portfolio’s total return was 10.6 percent, which exceeded our targets across

all asset classes.

Membership dues were $807,000, up 11 percent from the prior year. The driv-

ing force behind the increase in dues were parents of the entering class of cadets, who joined the AOG to have access to up-todate information about the progress of the Class of 2009 through the summer,

particularly BCT. The high revenues enabled the AOG to increase its support for Academy and Member Services, which grew by 18 percent. The AOG increased its

OUR The AOG had a strong year financially in FY

increase was primarily to support Character

Development Programs, though there were

The increase in contributions reflects the

small increases in almost all other categories

2005. Net income was $2.7 million; up from

building momentum in fundraising associ-

of Academy support as well. Spending for

$1.9 million in FY 2004, driven primarily

ated with the board’s campaign to raise

Member Services increased by $300,000,

by higher contributions, robust investment returns, and an increase in membership. The

While the momentum in contributions

of redirected staff efforts and $125,000 of

increase in these revenues enabled the AOG

continued to build, the cost associated with

direct costs associated with the bi-annual

to increase

raising funds was effectively flat, increasing

election and resolution of bylaws issues.

spending, primarily for Academy

and member services, and to increase the

balances in funds that have been restricted for

specific future purposes.

Contributions (net of discounts and

26

giving to the

Academy by $220,000, or 10 percent. The

significant

money to support the

Academy.

only $31,000 from 2004.

As of June 30, 2005, the AOG’s

which included approximately $150,000

At June 30, the AOG had 45 full and

part-time employees, compared with 44

investment portfolio had grown to $23.2

at the end of

million, up from $20.4 million. Of that

staffing

June, 2004. However, total

was as

high as 49 during the year,

allowances) were $6.7 million, an increase

amount

$13 million is invested to support

with the lower number at year-end due to

of $600,000 or 10 percent from FY 2004.

current

operations, programs services,

normal turnover.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

Financial Statements United States Air Force Academy Association of Graduates STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES For the Year Ended June 30, 2005

$

Beginning Net Assets Revenues

Expenses Change In:

21,970,811

9,598,642 6,889,373

REVENUES

(401,967) 3,111,236

Unrestricted Net Assets Restricted Net Assets

$ 24,680,080

Ending Net Assets

■ Contributions*

$

■ Investment Income

■

Membership Dues

■

Special Functions and Reunions Advertising ■ Merchandising ■ Royalties and Other

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As of June 30, 2005 ASSETS

$

415,714 23,161,904 165,461 7,066,434 4,649,056

$

35,458,569

$

Deferred Dues Income

328,331 1,014,424 9,435,734

NET ASSETS

24,680,080

Cash Investments

Resale Merchandise Receivables

Property and Equipment Total Assets

6,677,422

70%

1,437,496

15%

807,116

8%

130,573

1%

134,705

1%

133,309

1%

278,021

3%

$

9,598,642

100%

$

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

LIABILITIES Accounts Payable

Agency Deposits

$

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

35,458,569

Notes:

EXPENSES

1,673,865

24%

■ USAFA Support

1,809,553

26%

■

Member & Other Support

s

*Pledges are discounted to present value and are stated net of allowance for uncollectible debt; therefore the amount shown here is less than that shown in the Development section.

1,924,303

28%

Management & General

915,104

13%

Provision for Losses

566,548

8%

6,889,373

100%

Fundraising

an

$

Investments and Staff As of June 30, 2005

AOG EMPLOYEES as of June 30, 2005

INVESTMENTS as of June 30, 2005

34%

7,990,685

34%

Member & Other Support

15

■ Fixed Income

4,630,777

20%

USAFA Support

4

8%

■ International Equity

3,965,238

17%

16

35%

Limited Partnerships

4,514,302

19%

Fundraising Management & General

Real Estate Investment Trust

2,060,902

9%

23,161,904

100% 10.6%

■ Domestic Equity

$

$ FY 2005 Total Return

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

10

23%

45

100%

27

Some think annual giving is not a foreign language

Gifts to the Air Force Academy Fund

support important cultural and foreign

language immersion programs for cadets including travel scholarships, cadet/faculty area studies groups, semester exchanges, distinguished international visitors and the four-year .

international cadet program.

For more information about the Air

Force Academy Fund, please contact

Greg Knedler, director of annual and class giving, at (719) 472-0300 or

greg.knedler@aogusafa.org.

I Building Leaders

M of Character for the Nation The Campaign for the Future of the Air Force Academy

www.usafa.org

...

but at the Air Force Academy it is!

•

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One Powerful Voice?

USAFA

B

y now you’ve likely heard of the Air Force’s Force Shaping

program—a process to proactively shape our active duty

force for the future. Force

Shaping will also correct our current imbalance

Force

Shaping Brig. Gen. Glenn Spears, ’78 Director of Force Management

Policy, Chief of Staff for Personel

between our officer and enlisted force.

Force Shaping will affect all of our active duty airmen—officer and enlisted, grads and those who attended a “real” college. I’d like to give you a short, “clear text” explanation of why and how we intend to shape our force. So let’s start with the “why.”

Without question our airmen are our most important weapon system. As such, we

have to manage the balance and health

of our force with the same rigor as we do

aircraft, missiles and satellites. Airmen are our costliest weapon system as well; the cost to

acquire, sustain and maintain our

airmen continues to increase. Any imbalance

affects mission accomplishment, and

any excess detracts from our ability to invest for the future. For the last few years our

30

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

active duty force has been both out of

BEHIND THE SCENES

The FSB is intended to be an annual process—part of our proactive force management. The 2006 FSB will consider line

officers who were commissioned in 2002 and 2003 and are in specialties with more

force—to correct the operational chal-

lenge of having too many junior officers.

Although it feels counter intuitive to be reducing manpower during a conflict, it is really the right thing to do to ensure that balance and excess to requirement, a very

we can meet current

costly combination. In fact, as recently

ments. What’s

and future require-

wrong with having too

officers than required. We determined that we

had 1,715 more line officers in these

groups than our force requires.

We are encouraging voluntary separations, two year

and have had over 300 so far. But we will

employ the board to involuntarily separate officers if needed. A key point to keep in

airmen on active duty than authorized

many junior officers? We have some career fields that are over 200 percent manned

(and funded). In 2005 we pushed our

in lieutenants. In this situation we can’t

the strength required to keep it healthy

force back to the right size through cuts in

properly develop them to be the leaders

and viable for the future.

enlisted accessions and voluntary enlisted

we

and officer separations. But we began fiscal

enlisted force by allowing the imbalance to

year 2006 with about 3,000 too many

continue. To carry this officer overstrength,

officers and 6,000 too few enlisted airmen.

we must

And while we have some shortages in field

means our Air Force

has too few enlisted

those officers who have completed up to

grade officers, we have some 4,000 too

professionals to properly execute the mis-

five years of commissioned service. The

many officers who were commissioned between 2000 and 2005. Just like a cadet

sion. The bottom line is that our Air Force

law allows us to separate those beyond five

must fix the imbalance. This

after summer leave, we have to get our

tackled the problem head on.

years commissioned service in some specific circumstances, but we’ve chosen to restrict

force back into shape.

First, we opened a number of avenues for officers to voluntarily separate with

as

July 2004 we had some 22,000 more

How will we shape our force?—carefully

and deliberately. We designed a process,

a

need in the future. We also burden our

be understrength in enlisted. This

is why we

waiver of their active duty service

approved by both the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force, to proactively

commitments, to transfer to one of our

manage our force each year to meet

retirement eligible—with only two years

current and

time in grade. We’ve also partnered with

best-known future require-

ments. This includes

establishing clear

reserve

components, or to retire—if

the Army to encourage junior officers to

mind is that even with these reductions no career

field will be allowed to drop below

Why these groups when the 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005 year groups are also overstrength? Public law allows the services to enact the force

shaping provision for

the initial FSB eligibles as noted. In subsequent years a FSB will evaluate an officer in his or her third year of commissioned service for either separation or crossflow to an undermanned career field.

For more

specifics on the FSB, I invite you to review our Spread the Word briefing on AFPC’s Force Shaping website (http://www.afpc. randolph.af.mil/retsep/shape.htm).

requirements for officers and enlisted, by

execute an

specialty. We then adjust the “inflow,”

instances, we’ve waived the requirement

Yes, we know the Air Force will be

“crossflow” and “outflow” to establish and

to

repay bonuses and education costs.

But these voluntary programs have not

asking quality officers to leave, but we must proactively balance the force. The

accessions, promotions, re-enlistments,

been sufficient. Therefore, in October

Air Force values the service and sacrifice

job reservations, cross-training, bonuses, separations and retirements.

we

sustain healthy career fields—through career

This year we need to increase the out-

flow—principally from the junior officer

inter-service transfer. In most

announced that the secretary would

convene a

Force Shaping Board in April

of all airmen who volunteer to serve, and separating officers is a difficult deci-

2006 that will “select in” officers for

sion that our chief and secretary did not

continued service.

take lightly.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

B 31

Mission Deliver sovereign options for the

defense of the United States of America and its global interests—to fly and fight

in air, space and cyberspace

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

Air Force releases new mission statement

by Master Sgt.

Mitch Gettle, AFPN

USAF Photos

T

he realities of the world have changed dramatically since the creation of the Air Force in 1947 and continue to change

almost daily.

With these changes in mind, Air Force leaders released a new mis-

sion statement Dec. 7 that defines the current and future direction of

the Air Force.

“Today, our world is fast paced, constantly shifting and filled with a

wide range of challenges,” Secretary of the Air Force Michael W.

Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley wrote in a joint Letter to Airmen. “Our mission is our guiding compass, and it must be clearer than ever before.”

The mission statement defines the “where and what” the Air Force

accomplishes on a daily basis: The mission of the United States Air Force is to deliver sovereign

options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests—to fly and fight in air, space, and cyberspace.

The statement includes two new concepts, “sovereign options” and

“cyberspace,” which the secretary and chief defined.

They said having sovereign options is the essence of being a superpower.

“Our task is to provide the President and the combatant commanders with an array of options options that are not limited by the of the distance, tyranny urgency of time, or the strength of our enemy’s defenses,” they said. “With one hand the Air Force can deliver humanitarian assistance to the farthest reaches of the globe, while with the other hand we can destroy a target anywhere in the world.”

The term cyberspace includes network security, data transmission and the sharing of information. from “We have quite a few of our airmen dedicated to cyberspace sure the networks can’t be awareness, security penetrated, as making well as figuring out countermeasures,” Secretary Wynne said. “The Air Force is a natural leader in the cyber world and we thought it would ...

...

be best to recognize that talent.”

Adversaries of the United States will use any method or venue necessary to contest America, and it is an airman’s calling to dominate air,

space and cyberspace, the leaders said.

“If we can decisively and consistently dominate our assigned commons, then we will deter countless conflicts,”

they said. “If our

enemies are foolish and underestimate our resolve, then we will fly,

fight, and destroy them.”

Using past air power pioneers as examples of understanding the mission, they said, “Our new mission statement has evolved over time, but it does not change the nature of who we are or what we do.” 9

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

33

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Bad music was the last straw.

dark on this particular

“We need a road trip!” exclaimed Regs.

Saturday afternoon. No football game. No Allied Arts per-

“How about a ski trip?” offered Warren.

formance. Spring Break was many weeks away. The sky was a

“I don’t ski,” lamented Waldo.

gloomy gray color. An icy fog covered the terrazzo.

“This sure reminds me of West Point,” mused Waldo about a

“Choir trip?”

“C’mon, you’ve heard me sing!”

place he had never seen.

C/4C Waldo F. Dumbsquat and his friends, Regs Buch and

“That just leaves one last option!” chortled Regs.

Warren Heels, sat sipping 3.2 beer in the Smack Bar. Arnold

“Yes, I mean the Drum and Bugle Corps!”

Hall was a hoppin’ place as the freshman class, with no place to

go

now

that Chapel Privileges were found to be unconstitu-

tional, had taken over the place. Doolies waited in line to use the pay phones, foosball tables, and piano.

“The D and B is leaving for a competition in Hawaii tomorrow!” Warren informed his buddies.

Waldo realized they would need some help with this effort to

“What do you guys want to do?” asked a bored Warren.

escape the doldrums of winter at USAFA for the aloha drums.

Scampering out the door, the doolie darted into the empty

“Let’s get another pizza,” suggested Regs. He wanted another

Firstie Lounge and spoke the magic words Bring Me Men.

opportunity a

“You don’t mean ...”

to talk to

the girl behind the cash register. She had

“I’ve had about all the cardboard covered with cheese and tomato paste I can

Instantly, the freshman transformed into the wise and powerful Colonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat, a man who didn’t hula or

nice smile.

do the chicken dance. Striding to the Arnold Hall Command

Post, he interrupted the NCOIC, who was on the phone with

eat,” complained Waldo.

“I’ll buy ...”

his girlfriend. The startled cadet rudely hung up the phone and

“Make it with pepperoni this time,” replied Waldo to Regs.

jumped to attention.

As Regs left the table to place his order, Warren looked

around the room. He hoped an upperclassman had made the gross

error

of bringing his girlfriend to Arnold Hall.

“At ease, mister,” commanded the colonel. “I only need the

phone for a moment. In the mean time, shine your shoes.”

“Yes, sir!”

Colonel Dumbsquat called the officer in charge of the Drum

“Any luck, Warren?”

and Bugle Corps. Following a short one-sided chat, the officer

“Negative contact.”

“Maybe we’ll have better luck on St. Valentine’s Day ...”

“What’s the movie tonight?” asked Waldo’s friend.

secondclassman’s shoes, he ducked into the latrine. The full

“It’s a double feature! Ishtar and Heaven’s Gate.”

colonel quickly morphed back into the puny form of Waldo

Returning from his mission, a depressed Regs slumped into

and rejoined Warren and Regs.

the red chair next to his friends.

“Did you get a date?” asked Warren.

“Nope, she’s already engaged to a firstie. My social life is ruined because I don’t have a corvette!”

“Bummer.. .you got our pizza ordered, right?”

A secondclassman, restricted to the Cadet Area, dropped some

hung up the phone. After inspecting the spit shine on the

“Hey, Waldo,” said Warren excitedly, “while you were mysteriously gone for no reason, the NCOIC brought us a message.

We’ve been assigned to the D and B as toadies!”

“That’s roadies,” Regs corrected.

Waldo grinned and picked up a piece of corrugated pizza. RH

coins in the jukebox and selected Ironman and Puppy

Love. A collective “boo” rose up from the room.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

35

PERSPECTIVE

Although few people know it today, compulsory chapel attendance at the U.S. service ACADEMIES WAS IN EFFECT UNTIL

1973

.

UNTIL THIS QUITE RECENT DATE, PENALTIES FOR NON-

ATTENDANCE AT SERVICE ACADEMY RELIGIOUS SERVICES COULD BE SEVERE. ALTHOUGH THE STATED PURPOSE OF COMPULSORY CHAPEL ATTENDANCE WAS THE BUILDING OF

CHARACTER, IT WAS LATER

REPLACED BY A DECIDEDLY SECULAR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT TRAINING PROGRAM. THIS ARTICLE EXPLAINS WHY AND HOW COURT CHALLENGES ENDED COMPULSORY CHAPEL ATTENDANCE.

Compulsory public church attendance, as prescribed by law, was nothing new. In the mid-1600s, both Britain’s Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell and Denmark’s King Christian VI had made church attendance the law. Scofflaws might be punished by fines, whipping, and even imprisonment. Compulsory attendance extended to the Colonies when in 1612 the Virginia Company’s colonial governor,

choices of religious faith, Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish. During the previous 40 years, only 3 midshipmen and no cadets had been

granted exception. (Anderson v. Laird, 1972).

The Neutrality Test

The First Amendment provides in part that Congress shall make

Sir Thomas Dale (of Pocahontas fame), decreed that non-attendance

no

law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the

at religious services could be punished increasingly by (1) a fine, (2) a whipping, and, finally, (3) 6 months in the galleys.

Prior to the passage of the Bill of Rights, the now-independent confederation states of Virginia and Massachusetts had passed similar legislation requiring of its citizens compulsory church attendance. But in anticipation of the Bill of Rights, both James Madison and Thomas Jefferson drafted the Virginia Bill for Religious Liberty (1786). Their objections to compulsory religious attendance were not so much on moral grounds as on economic ones. Tax dollars were then freely funneled into supporting the churches. Despite the subsequent First Amendment guarantee of Freedom of Religion, religious faith was still considered so important to the moral development of military officers that the 6th U.S Congress (1800) required Navy commanders to attend worship services.

free exercise thereof. These restrictions seek to prevent coerced

religious adherence and to guarantee the free exercise of one’s religious beliefs. The Supreme Court has consistently taken the position that the First Amendment requires only that the government maintain a position of neutrality toward religion (School Dist. V. Schempp, 1963).

This concept of “neutrality” seems somewhat blurred in practice since it often involves the interpretation of the intent of government officials with respect to the secular purpose of a given law. Thus we’ve observed controversial, and arguably somewhat conflicting Supreme Court opinions, on issues ranging from a moment of silence in public schools with prayer designated as an acceptable use of that time (unconstitutional) (Wallace v. Jajfree, 1985) to publicly funded bus transportation to religious schools (constitutional) (.Everson v. Board of Educ., 1947).

The Art of Military Persuasion Begins

Compulsory chapel attendance (for both “academick officers and cadets”) had likewise been in effect at the U.S. Military Academy

In 1969, the issue of compulsory chapel at last came to a show-

since 1821 and at the Naval Academy since 1853. However, a

down when six midshipmen and one USMA cadet elected to let

USNA graduate once informed us that by the 20th Century

the American Civil Liberties Union present their issue to federal

the Naval Academy had seemingly eased up a bit on the chapel

requirement. If a midshipman refused to attend religious services, he had the unpleasant alternative of writing a 5,000-word essay, “Why I am an atheist.”

At the Naval and Military Academies, prior to 1974 students under the age of 21 were not permitted to change religious faith (even on grounds of conscientious objection) and their previous chapel attendance patterns without both the permission of their parents and the senior chaplain. The academies offered only three

Preliminary Legal Challenges Begin

court.

Prior to this time, it is likely that most service academy stu-

dents viewed compulsory chapel attendance as yet another unique,

however annoying, aspect of academy life rather than a major constitutional issue. After all, what cadet or midshipman had the time or money necessary to take this case through federal courts?

What was the rationale behind the requirement for future

officers to attend religious services? saw

Apparently, as Dierker (1997)

it, it was the desire of the commanders to instill moral and

ethical values into the lives of cadets and midshipmen. However

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

37

laudable and well-meaning the intent of the commanders, the courts

would, as will be seen, clearly rule that churches and syna-

an awareness

and respect for the force religion has on the lives of

men). The District Court found that the plaintiffs had failed to

gogues were not the acceptable route.

As if anticipating a court showdown, a unified policy for

demonstrate that the religious effects of chapel attendance on the

compulsory chapel attendance was agreed upon at the “Eleventh

non-extensive. The opinion went on to agree with the government

Conference of Superintendents of the Academies of the Armed

position that compulsory “attendance” at chapel services does not equate to compulsory “worship,” and that the purpose and primary effect of compulsory attendance was essentially neutral in that it did not substantially “advance” or “inhibit” religion.

However, the cadet and the midshipmen appealed, and in July 1972

Forces,” April 18, 1969. Moral development was deemed equivalent to religious development. Not surprisingly, numerous civilian

church groups were shocked to find that the superintendents had

equated chapel attendance to a form of military training and not a matter of religious conviction.

Notwithstanding, the USMA’s 1970 Annual Report of the Superintendent declared, “Attendance at chapel remains a part of a cadet’s training in character development, and no cadet is exempt [TJhese activities contribute significantly to the development of character in the Corps of Cadets.” The 1971 Annual Report of the Superintendent took a somewhat different line of explanation, statchapel attendance has been a vehicle for the presentation ing, of training essential to the moral development of our cadets (Dierker, 1997).” In other words, the Superintendents Reports from 1969 through 1973 gradually revise their views as if anticipating the compulsory chapel issue might be overruled by the courts. ...

“

...

The Federal Courts Rule In 1970, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

upheld the Secretary of Defense’s claim that chapel attendance indeed constitutional. In an opinion which stressed the judicial deference which must be given to the military in matters of discipline and training, the District Court concluded that the purpose of required attendance at chapel was wholly secular (i.e., military training to create effective officers and leaders) and that the primary effect of such attendance is also secular (i.e., to gain was

cadets and midshipmen is anything but slight, unsubstantial, and

the D.C. Circuit Court in a 2-1 decision reversed the lower court’s decision. For the first time ever, compulsory chapel attendance at the U.S. service academies was ruled unconstitutional. The Circuit Court’s

opinion reviewed the history of the First Amendment and concluded that compulsory church attendance was one of the primary restrictions on

religious freedom which the authors of the Constitution sought forcefully ruled that “attendance at religious

to abolish. The Court

exercises is an activity which under the Establishment Clause [of the

First Amendment] a government may never compel.”

The D.C. Circuit Court, in hindsight and not unexpectedly,

did not subscribe to any of the lower court’s many arguments.

The Circuit Court did not accept the argument that compulsory

chapel attendance was equivalent to “training” and not religious indoctrination. Nor did it accept the argument that compulsory chapel would permit future officers to empathetically “... inculcate awareness of the sentiments of others

...

rather than to

inculcate religious feeling of the cadets themselves.”

Finally, neither did the Circuit Court accept the final arguacademy was “volunattendance was also “voluntary.” The court could tary,” chapel not attach or require attendance (or non-attendance) at religious services to any form of government employment. ment that because attendance at a service

Even after the D.C. Circuit Court reversed

the District Court, the academies continued to enforce

compulsory chapel attendance with

the statement that, despite the reversal of the initial judgment, until the entry of an appro“

USMA, with the authority priate order, of the Department of Defense, will continue chapel until further notice (Dierker,1997).”

During the time before the DoD’s expected appeal to the Supreme Court, Solicitor Gen...

eral Erwin Griswold argued the chapel services

primarily educational, stating, “No cadet midshipman is required to believe what he

were or

hears (MacKenzie, October 1972).” Addition-

ally, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman-designee Adm. Thomas Moorer went on public record

saying, “... an atheist could not be as great a

military officer as one who is not an atheist (Mann, July 1972).”

The matter of compulsory chapel attendance supposedly ended when the Supreme 38

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

PERSPECTIVE

Court on December 18, 1972 declined to hear the Secretary of

Defense’s appeal. However, the art of encouraging religious train-

ing did not end even after the Supreme Court let stand the Circuit Court ruling on Anderson v. Laird, for the U. S. Military Acad-

ingly) of uniformly strong religious backgrounds, and chapel attendance never dropped by more than perhaps 20 percent (Dierker, 1997). And much to the relief of our military chaplains, they now ministered to volunteer congregations. 9

“

The emy’s 1973 Annual Report of the Superintendent read, task of encouraging cadets to participate in voluntary religious activities has been left largely to the Academy’s chaplains and to cadets and officers [Cjadet commanders are expected to play a positive role in encouraging cadets to participate in religious activities ...” The entire issue was then quietly dropped when the 1974 Annual Report made no mention whatever of a cadet religious program (Dierker,1997).

Selected References AFI 36-27029 (29 July 2004). Military equal opportunity pro-

...

gram. Ch. 8, 69-70.

Anderson v. Laird, 466 F.2d 283 (D.C. Cir. 1972), cert, denied,

409 U.S. 1076 (1972).

Everson v. Board ofEducation, 330 U.S. 1 (1947).

School Dist. V Schempp, 374 U.S. 203 (1963).

Wallace v. Jaffree, 472 U.S. 38 (1985) Dierker, Gregory J. (1997). Core Values: A history of values-

The Chaplains’ Viewpoints Considered

Support for voluntary-only attendance at religious services came, not surprisingly, from the military chaplains themselves. After all, reasoned one military chaplain, what clergyman wanted to be faced by a hostile congregation? The General Commission on Chaplains in 1964 noted a record of “... resentment, hostility, and cynicism toward religion engendered in cadets subject to the chapel requirement.”

And so, it was not the chaplains but rather the commanders who chose to enforce chapel attendance upon cadets and midshipmen.

Today, the AFI 36-2706 states religious accommodation is based on constitutional rights. Religion is defined as “a personal set [emphasis added] or institutional system of attitudes, moral or ethical beliefs, and practices ...” Henceforth, agnosticism and atheism—as expressions of conscience—may be accorded equal respect as traditional religions.

Did the elimination of compulsory chapel attendance have any residual, long-term effects of perpetuating a system of higher-

related initiatives in the Air Force. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Institute of Technology. M.S. Thesis.

MacKenzie, John P. (October 31, 1972). “U.S. asks high court to

uphold chapel at academies.” The Washington Post, p.A3.

MacKenzie, John P. (December 19, 1972). “Chapel curb at

academies is sustained.” The Washington Post, p. A1,A6.

Mann, Jim (July 1, 1972). “Academy chapel rule held unconstitutional. The Washington Post, p. Al,7.

“U.S. court rejects chapel at service schools” (July 1, 1972). The New York Times.

ranking officers who had either a particular pro- or anti- religious bias? This question is, of course, an excellent topic for a doctoral dissertation. However, our initial answer would seem to be no.

Governance ffljfi©

A Secular Character Development Program is Born

Nevertheless, the academies were still left with the task of teach-

ing moral development but without the assistance of compulsory

chapel attendance. The development of character in future officers was still considered a matter of great importance. One alternate route was, of course, the creation of the distinctly secular Social Actions Program which conveniently came into existence in 1974.

And, after a considered pause, the matter of specialized moral development training for cadets and midshipmen came about when in 1991 all academies established their respective Centers for Character Development. A chaplain may or may not also be assigned to any of the centers, but his or her role would now be limited to secular instruction in ethics and spiritual values. The secular approach of instructing integrity to future officers was adopted smoothly and without objection.

The long-term results were not that service academy chapels were abandoned to stand as hollow, dusty museums. Rather, it turned out that most cadets and midshipmen were (not surpris

Please vote to determine the future governance

of your Association! The upcom-

ing ballot will include proposed bylaws from the Blue Ribbon Council and the Board which will govern the AOG in the

future. The vote will be conducted in the Feb-March timeframe and more information will be coming to you soon.

Please become informed and VOTE.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

39

TRUE Name: Col. (Ret.) Andi Biancur

Class: I960

Cadet Squadron: CS-15

Hometown: Baldwin, N.Y.

Major: Aeronautical Engineering Extracurricular Activities: 4th Group Staff, Class

Ring Committee, Varsity Soccer and Class President.

Graduate Degrees: M.S. in Comparative Government from Webster University and an M.S. in

International Law from Yale University Civilian Occupations: United Airlines Training Services

Program Manager, CAE-Link Corporation, Evans

& Sutherland Computer Corporation, Salt Lake City

Olympic Bid Committee/Organizing Committee/Operating Committee—Accreditation and Access, AOG Board of Directors, Sabre Society, Blue & Silver Club, Class President

Air Force Career Fields:

Pilot/Dperations Officer/

Commander. Served combat tours in Viet Nam; White House Presidential Advance Agent, Helsinki

Accords Arms Control Negotiator (JCS) and as a

Wing Commander Favorite Aircraft: All of them

-

I flew over 25 differ-

ent aircraft; the A-26 for diversity, F-105 for speed;

C-141 for pleasurable handling; C-9 for mission; B-52 for challenge; & Beech Bonanza for fun.

Role Model:

My father 1/Lt Andrew Biancur,

deceased 1944; Tex Hill & Ed Rector American Volunteer Group pilots (Flying Tigers) in China-BurmaIndia Theater WWII.

Favorite USAFA Memory: The complete experi-

ence—entering at Lowry AFB; opening the facility in Colorado Springs; representing USAFA in intercollegiate sports; gaining a commission and graduating.

How the Academy and Air Force contributed to your success: I entered as a boy and graduated as a man with excellent values and

goals. The personal

qualities of honor, integrity, and character gained at the Academy served to structure my career and life.

Voices of Experience

C

adets enrolled in International Management

498 recently heard firsthand examples of the challenges they may face if they one day work

in the realm of global management. Vice President

of Saab International USA, Scott Sonnenberg, ’69, lectured three classes on his experiences as an active

duty attache officer, as well as lessons learned during his tenure with Saab.

Cadets listened to the graduate s unique experiences

helping the U.S. and international companies build mutually beneficial contracts, as well as maintaining ethical standards.

Former commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Felix

Dupre, '72, also was a guest lecturer.

Scott Sonnenberg, ’69, speaks with cadets about challenges U.S. firms find in foreign markets.

h

now where

tjour

next executive is!”

When uou need to find and hire the best, count on us/ For more information, contact: Rich Chanick, ’75, VSP Search

Arizona Entrepreneur of the Year, Finalist

rchanick@worldnet.att.net (602) 956-5627

GENERAL ROSA LEAVES KEYS TO ACADEMY

Openness, honesty unlock doors to Academy’s future

C

iting with pride his tenure as the Academy’s 16th Superintendent as one of openness and

honesty to accomplish positive change, Lt. Gen. John Rosa addressed the media for the final time during a roundtable discussion recently at the Academy.

The 45-minute forum spanned a variety of challenges General Rosa met, and the Academy will continue to address, under the leadership of his successor, Lt. Gen. John Regni. General Regni assumed the duties as superintendent Oct. 24 during a change of command ceremony on the Terrazzo by the Class Wall.

General Rosa opened the media roundtable with a prepared statement, then fielded

that it’s been the most rewarding assignment of our

releases and answered more than

2,300 responses to queries.

“It has been tough,” General Rosa

middle of the institution’s greatest chal-

admitted. “This is not a perfect institution.

lenge in its 50-year history, commonly

I was proud of the institution when I got here and am just as proud of it now that

referred to as the sexual assault crisis.

“We hit the ground running with a new

team,” the Superintendent recalled. “But

news

I’m leaving.”

He said the Academy was up front to

the team pulled together, and for the first

work its challenges, shortcomings and

18 months it was a whirlwind, challenge

problems very transparently. “One of the first things I told the media when I got here

after challenge, each day. I’m really proud

of the way our team stepped up.”

was we

During the past 2 1/2 years, the Acad-

would be honest, and when times

emy underwent 13 reviews, some internal,

got tough, we’d step up and meet those challenges,” the general said with pride. “We’ve

but most of them external, including audits

done that. We’ve developed programs and

and inspections. Scrutiny came from Con-

initiatives that are now benchmarks for

others around the country.”

“This two-and-a-half years has probably

gress, the Air Force and the public.

From 2003 to now, Academy offi-

been the biggest challenge for me and my

cials conducted 27 news conferences,

team has

family,” the general began. “The flip side is

83 interviews with senior leaders from

and General Rosa expects the Department

questions from reporters.

By Wayne Amann, Academy Spirit 42

around the country, released nearly 800

32-years.”

General Rosa said they arrived here during some very difficult times, in the

■

The Academy’s sexual assault response

been adopted by the Air Force

Photo by Ken Wright

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

BEHIND THE SCENES

of Defense will adopt a program like the

Academy’s

as

well.

change,

have not had the opportunity to dig in and

country, you find a mixed bag. You go

“We set in motion a unique culture one

General Rosa: “As I travel around the

that was long overdue here.

to certain areas and

people haven’t heard

anything, negative

positive, about the

or

find out what’s going on with The Citadel.

For 10 years now women have come to

The Citadel. In those 10 years we’ve grown

We didn’t do this in a vacuum,” he

Air Force Academy. But the overwhelming

from zero to about 6 percent females. Day-

explained. “We visited West Point, the

majority of the folks I talk to appreciate the

Naval Academy, the Merchant Marine

fact we’ve been open and honest. One of

and Coast Guard academies to develop a

our

hybrid. We took the very best from the best

confidence in the Academy, internally among

institutions we could find.”

cadets, parents, faculty and staff. We’ve set the

to-day issues, what’s going on there, I don’t have that clue since I’ve been busy here.

But, I’ll bring the same kind of leadership style. You don’t change much from job to job. I don’t know what issues are there but we’ll certainly take an A to Z scrub and figure out where The Citadel is going to go in the 21st century.”

Academy Spirit: How will it feel to lead

During the first year of the Academy’s

big challenges was to restore trust and

foundation to do that. Another challenge was

education and training program, alleged

to restore the trust and confidence of folks

sexual assaults decreased almost 50 percent.

around the country. According to the people

“It’s not enough, we all know that. This is

I’ve met and talked to we’re well on our way

not a

destination, it’s a long journey, and we’ll

continue that journey,” General Rosa pledged.

“It’s been a privilege to be part of this

to

doing that. We’re not there, we’ve got a

ways to

your alma mater?

General Rosa: “It’s kind of surreal. I’ve

go, but with the kind of progress

we’ve made in the first couple of years, stay-

only been back once, when Donna and I did

Superintendent of

ing the course is the key to getting this insti-

the interview. It was kind of strange because

the Academy. For 32 years our family has

tution back to that next level of excellence.”

she and I started dating my sophomore year

great team, as the 16th

served this great nation, and I’m proud to say

Academy Spirit: What will you bring to

there. We got married in the chapel when

I’ll continue to serve in uniform, although

the table at The Citadel that you learned at

we

in a retired capacity, as the President of The

the Academy?

we

Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.”

Academy Spirit: What is your perception of how America views the Academy today?

General Rosa: “First is the open and honest approach. We will take this to our alma mater the same way we did here. I

lUSine:

graduated. Walking around the campus looked at each other, laughed and said did you ever think you’d be walking around here as the future president? It’s a pretty good feeling.” S

Directory (SABRD

CARP P\

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 31,600 graduates in business

the country and worldwide. Born from the belief that the Associations of Graduates and alumni associations exist across

only to serve their academies but their membership, this directory is an excellent business leadership network. The information also provides those in need of certain services an efficient way to find a fellow graduate. not

M RVIl ( ACAD1MY IHMNKSS RHMHIRCI MRU TORY III II I Ml ION

SABRD data is also available

Ordev flow and receive your copy of the 11th edition of SABRD 2005 for only $45 plus $8.95 shipping and handling. SABRD can be purchased on our Web site at www.usafa.org or by calling (719) 472-0300.

online (iSABRD). For information on

subscribing to iSABRD log on

to: www.usafa.org

BEHIND THE SCENES

Flight Training undergoing changes ntroductory flight training program that

I

prepares pilot candidates for specialized

undergraduate pilot training will decrease from 50 to 25 hours next fall.

The transitional program will bridge the change

from the current introductory program to a new program called initial flight screening.

IFT used civilian flight schools around the United

States to provide flight training and screening for

potential Air Force pilots. Schools used their own training techniques and syllabus, within Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, to educate pilot candidates with the 50-hour program. Students received their private pilots license when they graduate.

It was at this stage the Air Force screened out Airmen who could not physically or mentally

handle flying, or found they did not have an

aptitude for flying. Those who completed the program got their pilot license.

The IFS program will also screen the Air Forces future pilots. But the new program will be at a cen-

A Diamond DA-20 usedfor IFTflies over

the Academy. (Photo by Ken Wright)

tralized location and will feature a specialized undergraduate pilot training-like training environment.

IFS flying operations at the single site are scheduled to begin Oct. 1, 2006. In the meantime, IFT will use a 25-hour program that the flight schools will conduct, using a syllabus developed by Air Education and Training Command.

There are several good reasons to allow civilian flight schools to use a 25-hour syllabus now, said Wayne Mudge, program manager for the IFT and Navigator Introductory Flight Training programs.

“We still will not have close military oversight of the training at the flight schools, but the 25hour syllabus is a step in the right direction,” Mr. Mudge said. “Candidates will finish the new program more quickly, they will learn to use an AETC syllabus and, most importantly, they’ll be better prepared for SUPT.” The 25-hour program, entitled IFS for Civilian Part 61/141 Flight Schools, began Nov. 1 and will

by Megan Orton, AETC Public Affairs

slowly evolve to the IFS program that will begin next October.

On June 6, the U.S. Air Force Academy began

the 25-hour program, Academy Flight Screening.

As IFS matures, these two programs will mirror each other.

44

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

H

Some think annual giving is not a matter of national security ...

Annual gifts to the Air Force

Academy Fund provide support to many important cadet international programs including internships, conferences, semester exchanges and summer research programs at government agencies, colleges, and universities in the U.S. and abroad.

For more information about the Air Force Academy Fund, please contact Greg Knedler, director of annual and class giving, at

(719) 472-0300 or greg.knedler@

aogusafa.org.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs ofStaff Gen. Richard B. Myers addresses the U.S. Air Force

Academy's 12th Annual National Character and Leadership Symposium.

A Building Leaders

M of Character for the Nation The Campaign for the Future of the Air Force Academy

www.usafa.org

...

but at the Air Force Academy it is!

E-Bomb

by Col. (Ret.) Doug Beason, ’77, is an entertaining and informative ,

fast paced read through the futuristic world of laser and microwave “directed energy” weapons. The introduction uses two scenarios; one tactical with Marines

defending an embassy and one strategic with North Korea launching a limited nuclear strike, to set the stage for the argument that directed energy weapons are truly a revolution in military affairs. Whether the reader is convinced or not of this premise, the book is well worth the price of admission.

Describing a technical subject like directed energy weapons is tricky business. You can discuss the

technical issues—and risk somnolence by the casual

reader, or you can tread lightly on the details, while

emphasizing applications—and risk the wrath of the technical experts “in the know.” This book falls

squarely in the second category. Subject matter experts may wince at a few of the explanations, and find the authors’ repeated mea culpa for using the odd equation distasteful. However, anyone with a simple interest in the subject can read the book and come away actually understanding the basic issues associated with directed energy weapons.

The book presents an interesting history of both the importance of the military research

establishment, and the amount of effort it takes to attempt a revolution in military affairs. Directed energy weapons have been worked on since the 1960’s, and are only now reaching a

level of maturity suitable for deployment. While strongly

“pro” directed energy, Beason takes the time to introduce both the technical and military constraints that hinder

THE E-BOMB How America’s new directed energy weapons will change the way future wars will

be fought

development and deployment as a functioning weapon.

Beason, who holds a PhD in laser technology physics, has the military background, academic credentials and personal knowledge to successfully weave his way through the subject. His career is an example of the importance of the military scientist to the Air Force. An Air Force Academy graduate majoring in math and physics, he worked as a “blue suit” research scientist in directed energy. As a Colonel he led the Air Force Research Labs effort in directed energy weapons development. Currently, Beason is Director

of Threat Reduction at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Ail in all, The E-Bomb is an excellent read. I highly recommend it to military officers past and present interested

By Dr. Matthew Mcharg, Director, Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center, USAF Academy

in the continual development of technology, and how it

applies to the military art. S Beason, Doug (2005). The E-Bomb: How America’s New Directed Energy Weapons Will Change the Way Future Wars Will Be Fought. Massachusetts: Da Capo Press. 256 pages.

Hardcover $26.00.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

Once upon

n

a tim e

Grads, remember all the great stories you and your classmates shared with

one

another at your

last reunion? Well now is your chance to share some of the most important memories of your life

with the 22,000 readers of Checkpoints magazine, which includes the entire Cadet Wing.

As the Academy and the Association

of Graduates begin a four-year celebration of the institution’s 50th anniversary,

the staff of Checkpoints wants to publish some

of your cadet experiences and sto-

ries of how your four years at the Academy affected your career and life.

Although we can’t guarantee every submission will be published, we hope that many of you will take time to share your

first-hand account of the Long Blue Line’s

heritage and history. Please keep your story between 500—2000 words. If you have

photos to include with the story, please include them, too. Digital copies of photos must be in “jpg” file format, at a resolution of no less than 300 dots per inch at a

dimension of 5 x 7 inches. For more information or if you have any questions, please

Wright at (719) 472-0300 or ken.wright@aogusafa.org.

Please e-mail your story and photos to ken.wright@aogusafa.org. If you choose to mail your story, please include a digital copy of your story and photos on a CD or floppy disk. Microsoft Word files are preferred for the text documents. contact Ken

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

47

Annual Fund Gift The Association of Graduates

presented the Air Force Academy a

check for more than $1.1 million

during the first quarter of the Air Force vs. Army football game at

Falcon Stadium Nov. 5. The funds will support critical programs for

cadets such as character devel-

opment enrichment, hands-on academic experiences, cultural

immersion, and cadet clubs. Pre-

senting the check is Ralph and Dona Nussbaum, Col. (Ret.) Jim Shaw, '67, president /CEO of the AOG, and AOG board member Dr. Leon

Smith-Flarrison, '75, to Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni, '73.

AOG receives Olmsted support Col. (Ret.) David Estep and Rear Adm. (Ret.)

Larry Marsh, both of the George and Carol Olmsted Foundation presented a check in the amount of $200,000 to the Association of Graduates and the United States Air Force Academy

Oct. 15 at Falcon Stadium. The check will fund

cadet international immersion programs.

Dean of Faculty, Brig. Gen. Dana Born, '83,

and Jim Shaw, '67, President and CEO of the AOG received the check. To date, the foun-

dation has contributed over $1* million to the

Academy for Cadet International Programs.

48

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

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BEHIND THE SCENES

ach year, over one mil-

E

lion visitors tour the

magnificent grounds at the United States Air

Sentinels of the

Force Academy. For many, such a

trip would be incomplete without stop at some of the various static aircraft displays that grace the Acada

Academy

-

Part I

emy grounds. For the over 37,000

cadets who have graduated from USAFA since 1959, these aviation monuments are a testimonial to

the men and women who have so

finely served their country over the years. Indeed, these displays are an

integral part of the tradition and heritage of USAFA, and each bears a historical significance that warrants further exploration.

The aircraft static displays at the Academy are managed under the auspices of the Academy superintendent and the Division of Development and Alumni Programs. As with most USAF static aircraft displays around the country, the aircraft at the Academy property of the USAF Museum, based at Wright-Patterson AFB, are

Ohio. At the moment, a total of 11 aircraft can be found dispersed

vantage points around the Academy locale. Interestingly, at various

this number stood at 13 only a couple of years ago. Two aircraft were recently transferred to other locations in the country; the first of these was a North American F-86

Sabre (S/N 52-4978), which at one time belonged to the Argentine Air

Force. The other, a Fockheed YF-

104A Starfighter (S/N 52-0967), was

recently moved to its new home

at the Pueblo Air

Museum, some 50

miles south of Colorado Springs.

David Bragg, Historical Property Manager and Museum Specialist at USAFA, is well-versed in the history

and chronicles behind many of the 50

STORY BY DANIEL A. MAGEE

BEHIND THE SCENES

Previous page: The Northrop T-38 Talon distinguished itself with the Thunderbirds demonstration team over a 10-year period from 1974 to 1983. (Photo by Ken Wright)

Below, top: Nicknamed “Diamond ‘Lil”, this B-52D flew over 200 combat missions in Southeast Asia, eight of which were during the Linebacker II campaign of 1972.

(Photo by Ken Wright) Below, bottom: This Cessna T-41A Mescalero, S/N 65-5107, has been on post at the airfield since May 1995. The T-41 was instrumental in providing over 1 million hours of cadet flying training over a 20-year period. (Photo by Daniel Magee) Next page: This F-100F Super Sabre was dedicated at its final resting place by Brig. Gen. Robinson Risner. Some 20 years earlier, then Maj. Risner flew this aircraft across the Atlantic in commemoration of Charles Lindbergh’s crossing in 1927. (Photo by Daniel Magee)

aircraft displays at the Academy. Bragg, who began his assignment in March

2003, has kept himself extremely busy over the past few months, updating the many aircraft files and archives in his possession. “The aircraft that you see on

display at the Academy are all very distinctive, and each hold special meaning to the cadets that have attended this

institution,” states Bragg.

GUARDIAN OF THE NORTH GATE Visitors entering the North Gate of the Academy are soon greeted by the

impressive stature of a Boeing B-52D Stratofortress. Many cadets at the Academy have eventually gone on to fly the venerable B-52, more affectionately known as the “Buff. Of the 744 B-52s that entered service with the Air Force, a total of 170 were B-52Ds such as this specimen. The longevity of this phenomenal aircraft is unparalleled in many regards. Frequently under scrutiny, the B-52 was almost replaced by other aircraft programs on at least two occasions (the B-70 Valkyrie in the 1960s and the B-1A supersonic aircraft in ”

the 1970s). Standing the test of time, no less than 93 B-52H aircraft could still be found in service as of 2004.

Tail number 55-083, displayed in all its grandeur, holds special significance to many pilots and aircrew who flew the B-52. Nicknamed “Diamond Lil,” this particular aircraft flew over 200 combat missions in

Southeast Asia, eight of which were during the Linebacker II campaign of 1972. Impressive as these credentials are, the fact that distinguishes this

aircraft from other B-52s is that it was one of only two such aircraft to have recorded a confirmed MiG air-to-air kill. This feat was accomplished on

Christmas Eve 1972, when Airman First Class Albert Moore downed

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

51

BEHIND THE SCENES

a

MiG-21 northeast of Hanoi. A true testament to

the men and women who have proudly served the

United States Air Force over the years, this aviation icon continues its watch at the Academy, a mission it

has performed since August 1984.

PILOT TRAINING AT THE AIRFIELD As one travels towards the USAFA Airfield Flight

Operations Center, a small, unobtrusive aircraft is displayed as a testament to the flying training heritage of the Air Force Academy. More commonly known as a Cessna 172 in civilian parlance, theT-4l Mescalero has been used extensively for primary flying training at the Air Force Academy. The first T-41A was delivered to the Air Force in September 1964. That number climbed to 204 aircraft by 1967. The first variant of the Mescalero was equipped with a 145 horsepower Continental 0-300-C piston engine and was capable of speeds up to 139 mph.

Interestingly, cadets did not always receive their pilot training at the Academy airfield. In 1968, the pilot training program was actually managed from Peterson Field, nearly 20 miles to the southwest of the Academy

grounds. At that time, the T-4l was selected for use in the pilot indoctrination program for the cadets because it provided the pilot students the opportunity to experience many of the aviation principles they learned in the classroom environment. The Academy eventually acquired T-4lCs with more powerful engines to support cadet flying training activities. In 1974, the flying program was moved to the newly constructed Academy Airfield, where theT-4l continued to shine in its role as primary flying trainer. Through 1995, over over

17,000 cadets were trained in the Mescalero, and 1 million hours flown in the conduct of cadet

produced, several of which are still used today to train pilots for assignments on front-line fighter and bomber aircraft.

The second aircraft located at Thunderbird Overlook is the newest of the static

displays at the Air Force Academy. The aircraft, a Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II, has earned its worthy reputation as a tank-buster, and served in a number of campaigns including the Persian Gulf War of 1990. This particular aircraft (S/N 77-205) was responsible for downing an enemy helicopter during the Persian Gulf conflict with Iraq, a rare feat for a close-air support aircraft. Built for survivability, the A-10 was a highly maneuverable aircraft that could loiter over a battlefield for long periods of time, while carrying a tremendous arsenal of bombs, rockets and missiles. It’s most notorious feature, however, was the GAU-8/A Gatling gun, a 30 mm cannon that would wreak havoc with enemy tank units. First deployed in March 1976, the A-10 is still flying with a number of front-line units today.

flying training activities.

THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS II THUNDERBIRD OVERLOOK

As one approaches the USAFA Preparatory School, the sleek shape of a North

A favorite location for sightseeing, Thunderbird

American F-100 Super Sabre comes into view. The F-100, or “Hun”, as it was

Overlook is adjacent to the Academy airfield and is

more

home to two spectacular aircraft displays. The first,

in August 1954, when the first production aircraft was delivered to Nellis AFB,

a Northrop T-38 Talon (S/N 59-1602), displays a dazzling paint scheme in commemoration of the

aircraft capable of sustaining supersonic speeds in level flight. A total of 2,294

Nev. Among many notable achievements, the Super Sabre gained fame as the first

Air Force’s Thunderbird demonstration team. The

Super Sabres had been produced by the time the production line closed in Octo-

Thunderbirds, which conduct an annual appearance

ber 1959. The last aircraft to serve in the USAF and Air National Guard departed

at the

Terre Haute, Ind. in November 1979.

Academy’s graduation ceremony each spring, spectators each year as they tour

attract millions of

the country as Air Force ambassadors. The T-38

Talon, the Air Force’s first supersonic trainer, was used as the demonstration aircraft for the Thun-

derbirds from 1974 to 1983, when it was replaced

by the faster General Dynamics F-16A. The T-38 aircraft on display was provided from Randolph

AFB, Texas, around 1973. A total of 509 Talons were 52

affectionately known, was first introduced into service with the Air Force

The F-100 displayed at the Preparatory School, S/N 56-3730, has its own special place in the annals of US aviation history. Nicknamed “Spirit of St. Louis II”, this aircraft, an F-100F that distinguished itself in a long and illustrious career in both the United States and Europe, made its mark in aviation history when it retraced the route of it’s namesake in an historic flight that took place May 21, 1957. With then Major Robinson Risner at the controls, “Spirit of St. Louis II” flew across the Atlantic

from McGuire AFB, N.J., to Paris, France in 6 hours 37 minutes; almost 27 hours faster than Charles Lindbergh’s flight in 1927.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

THE PINNACLE OF OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION A

new

book from the Association of

Graduates chronicling the heart and soul

of cadet life over the past five decades at the United States Air Force

Academy,

Flight of Excellence dares to capture the stories, emotions and Academy traditions

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celebrating

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AMERICAN GENERALSHIP

Character is Everything: The Art of Command

Edgar F. Puryear Jr. author of 19 Stars

Review Generalship of American

Frederick V. Malmstrom, ’64, Visiting Scholar for Honor

A fortune

merican Generalship is a most entertaining and readable look into the lives and thoughts of scores of successful American general officers.

Edgar F. Puryear’s earliest work, Nineteen Stars (1971), brought him into the national focus, when on active duty he had the

great

personally interview three living five-star generals, Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Marshall and research a rigorous posthumous review of the personality of four-star General George S. Patton. General-by-general, in Nineteen Stars Puryear made an in-depth compare-and-contrast study of each

54

to

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

BOOK REVIEW

of these successful World War II commanders. Deservedly, to my

U.S. Grant (Cold Harbor) had an infallible sixth sense. I will not

knowledge, this book has never been out of print. I found Nine-

dismiss outright Puryear’s proposal that sixth sense exists. How-

quite readable, entertaining, and above all, useful.

Therefore, I went into American Generalship with the favorable

teen Stars

ever, sixth sense as too

Puryear describes it is untestable and a much

fuzzy concept for me to accept on faith.

expectation that Puryear would repeat his triumph of Nineteen

American Generalship is on the official recommended reading

Stars. Instead, I found myself sadly bewildered and disappointed.

list for professional military courses—and rightly so. However, I

American Generalship is a distillation of 35 years of Puryear’s

(and even Puryear himself) caution anyone who accepts this book

interviews, correspondence, and research with over 1,000 Ameri-

the definitive “how-to” cookbook on becoming a great general.

This is but half a book. I would hope to see Edgar Puryear take

can

general officers, 100 of them at the 4-star rank. As the title

suggests, Puryear has identified nine characteristics of general officers he feels have contributed to their climb to the top. (I

as

the dual role of a prosecutor and publish a companion volume titled American Generalship: A Study in Failures. 9 on

balk at calling these successful generals’ characteristics “personal-

ity traits.”) These characteristics he has identified are selflessness, decision, “sixth sense,” aversion to “Yes Men,” reading, mentorship, consideration, delegation, and a willingness to fix the

problem. Puryear defines all nine general officer characteristics as “character.” They are all commendable characteristics, and Puryear

Puryear, Edgar F., Jr. (2000). American Generalship. Character is

Everything: The Art of Command. New York: Ballantine Books.

374 pages. Paperback $17.95.

presents us with hundreds of real-life instances.

Edgar Puryear (Ph.D. Princeton, LLB University of Virginia) is no stranger to the Air Force Academy. He is a widely respected scholar of note. A former Air Training Officer, Puryear later taught

for the USAFA Political Science faculty. Upon leaving active duty,

Puryear became both a judge and a consultant to the Department of Defense. He is frequently engaged as a guest lecturer to professional military training seminars.

Like the successful attorney he is, Puryear has built a strong case

for his clients, but this is most certainly not the balanced

approach expected of a political scientist. There is a world of difference between a one-sided defense and a proof. For the most part, American Generalship presents only the success stories of generals, not their failures. He treats his subjects with quite gentle hands. I would prefer to have seen at least a few pages on those high ranking generals who—and are by no means an endangered species—fall short on character.

Puryear’s empirical approach to describing the characteristics of great American generals is, indeed, interesting, for he presents a world of testable hypotheses which later researchers might want to follow up. For example, provided we can arrive at a universal definition of “selflessness,” a future scholar could write a whole book on

whether selflessness is a useful characteristic that cuts across the

makeup of all successful American military leaders.

Because Puryear keeps hammering home endless examples which support his case, one may get the mistaken impression that all successful generals exhibit all these nine characteristics at all times. For instance, it is well-known that Eisenhower was an

Nomination procedures

for AOG Board of Directors The AOG Board of Directors has adopted a standard set of policies and procedures for all candidates for Director-at-Large (4-year term) and Class Decade Directors (2-year term), designated and

appointed candidates. Any AOG member willing to fulfill the requirements of directors may submit a

nomination package. All nominations should

include information from the candidate in the

format described on the AOG Web site. Nomina-

exceptionally well-read scholar of the history of warfare, but it is

tions may be submitted at any time but must be

less well known he also devoured pulp fiction Western novels.

received by Sept. 1, 2006 to ensure proper con-

I do have a particular issue with Puryear’s description of the sue-

cessful generals who possess this mysterious characteristic of “sixth

sideration for the 2007 election cycle. For addi-

sense.” That is, somehow the author proposes that great generals

tional information and complete details, visit the

have a peculiar instinct for sniffing out the instances for making

AOG Web site at www.usafa.org.

proper, strategic decisions. Unfortunately, history tells us not all the great generals make all the correct decisions all the time. Not even

Napoleon (Waterloo), Rommel (Fortress Europa), or even CHECKPOINTS

DECEMBER 2005

55

THE

LONG

BLUE

LINE

It seems like every day somewhere in the world an Academy grad is recognized in the news for an

outstanding achievement or for making our country better than it was just yesterday. Here are a

few from the "Long Blue Line" who showed up on our radar screen this past quarter.

Langstaff, ’84, runs Adidas USA Adidas recently announced Rob Langstaff,

’84, will take over as President of Adidas North America beginning January 1. A

Delwiche ’97, wins AF marathon Capt. Kori Delwiche, ’97, recently won ,

the women’s category of the U.S. Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

on

Jan. 11.

Delwiche bested the women’s field in 3

14-year Adidas veteran, Langstaff will be in charge of all Adidas operations in

hours, 2 minutes and 32 seconds, in just

Grads lead 480th Intel Wing

the North American market and report

her second marathon since 1999.

A pair of’84 graduates are the commander

The race included more than 4,000

directly to the CEO of Adidas America.

At Adidas, Langstaff has held increas-

ingly important strategic and management positions in Europe, Asia and North America. Most recently, he served as President of Adidas Japan K.K. since 2003.

Johnson, ’59, appointed to BoV Gen. (Ret.) H.T. Johnson, ’59, has been

runners

for the grueling 26.2-mile

marathon, 13.1-mile half-marathon and 3.1-mile 5K.

mand of the wing July 8. Col. Anthony R.

of Greater Washington will be Col. (Ret.)

the wing’s vice commander.

Will Gunn, ’80, who recently led a team

Board of Visitors. Johnson is a former

of defense attorneys for detainees at Guan-

Acting Secretary of the Navy.

tanamo

from Stanford and an MBA from the

University of Colorado.

His early military service included a

Prior to the Guantanamo Bay assignment, Gunn led the office

Nam where he flew 423 combat mis-

professor of Aeronautics at the Air Force Academy. After serving in Air Force plans, he joined the Strategic Air Command and served as a wing commander and in Stra-

tegic Air Command plans. He is expected to join the BOV in February.

Col. Judy Graffis Chizek assumed comDominice also arrived in July and became

Martin, ’70, receives prestigious H.H. Arnold Award

Bay.

responsible for

training more than 2,500 attorneys for the Air Force’s judge advocate general.

Gunn has volunteered in youth programs through his church, coached youth basketball teams and tutored children.

tour as a forward air controller in Viet

sions followed by service as an assistant

ligence Wing headquartered at Langley AFB, Va. They are only the second commander and vice in the history of the wing which was activated Dec. 1, 2003.

appointed to the Air Force Academy’s

Academy graduate to be promoted to General. General Johnson additionally earned a Master’s Degree in Aeronautics

and vice commander of the 480th Intel-

Gunn, ’80, leads Washington D.C. Boys & Girls Club The new head of the Boys and Girls Clubs

In 1989, he became the first Air Force

56

Virginia General Assembly and the second youngest overall when he takes the oath of office as a state delegate in Richmond, Va.,

Gen. (Ret.) Greg Martin, ’70, recently

received the 2005 H.H. Arnold Award from the Air Force Association. The award was

presented to the former commander

of Air Force Materiel Command at the Air Force Anniversary Dinner in recognition of the year’s most significant military

contribution to national security.

Englin, ’96, elected to Virginia House of Delegates David L. Englin, ’96, was recently elected to

represent the 45th district in the

Virginia House of Delegates, defeating his Republican opponent with 68 percent of the vote. At age 31, Englin will be the youngest Democratic legislator in the

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nized the enthusiasm he brings to the classroom and his contribution to the development of the department’s curriculum.

Each candidate for the award must first be selected from many

qualified peers at his or her own institution and nominated for the award. Letters of support and endorsements from current and former students, colleagues and presidents or academic deans accompany the entries.

Nominees demonstrated extraordinary dedication to under-

graduate teaching through their impact on and involvement with undergraduate students, their scholarly approach to teach-

ing and learning, contribution to undergraduate education in the institution, community and profession, and support from colleagues and current and former undergraduate students.

(Courtesy USAFA/PA)

Penney, 70, wins big at Reno Air Races John Penney, ’70, was the winner of both the jet and the unlimited classes at the Reno National Championship Air

Desjardins, ’80, new commandant

Races recently.

Brig. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins, ’80, assumed command of the 34th Training Wing Dec. 8 as the Academy’s newest Comman-

The unlimited winner was a highly modified F8F2 Bearcat

named Rare Bear, flown by Penney. Rare Bear has been restored, substantially modified and equipped with a Wright

dant of Cadets.

R3350 engine producing in excess of 4,000 horsepower. This has allowed the aircraft to establish the Closed Course World Speed Record of 528.3 mph, and 3,000 Meter Time-To-Climb

departed the Academy to become the Director, Capabilities Integration and Transformation at Headquarters, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Desjardins was most recently the commander of the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB, S.C., and is the first female commandant in the Academy’s 50-year history.

Record of 91.9 seconds. Penney won this year with a speed of just over 466 MPH. In the jet class, Penney flew Pip Squeak, an L-39 Albatross. The winning time for this class was a bit over 454 MPH.

Former commandant, Maj. Gen. (Sel.) John Weida, ’78, has

Wynne swears in as 21st Secretary of the Air Force

Academy teacher named professor of the year

More than 4,000 cadets watched The Honorable Michael W.

Dr. Daniel Pack, professor of computer and electrical engineer-

Wynne sworn in as the 21st Secretary of the Air Force during a Nov. 3 ceremony at Mitchell Hall. Not quite a mile from where Michael W. Waynne took his oath is the grave of his brother Pat-

ing, was selected by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of

Teaching recently as the Colorado Professor of the Year.

Dr. Pack was one of 42 selected from more than 300 nomina-

tions for his dedication to undergraduate education. The faculty

and students that nominated Dr. Pack for the award both recog 58

rick, a 1963 academy graduate killed in Vietnam.

In this role, he is responsible for the affairs of the Department of the Air Force, including the organizing, training, equipping, and providing for the welfare of its nearly 370,000 men and women on

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

BEHIND THE SCENES

active duty, 180,000 members of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve, 160,000 civilians, and their families.

As head of the Department of the Air Force, Secretary Wynne

is responsible for its functioning and efficiency, the formulation of its policies and programs, and the timely implementation of decisions and instructions of the President of the United States and

The pilot was recently joined by his family at a Pentagon ceremony where he received the Air Force’s 2004 Cheney Award.

“I’m sincerely honored to have you all here to be a part of this,”

said Groves, 32, as he accepted the award.

Groves, now a major, also has been notified that he will receive the Silver Star.

The pilot of the downed helicopter, Maj. Steve Edwards, said

the Secretary of Defense.

Mr. Wynne replaces Pete Geren who has served as the acting

Secretary of the Air Force since July 29.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside America’s Airmen, and their Joint Service partners to keep our Nation safe,” said Secretary Wynne, “With their dedication, skill and sacrifice,

later in a telephone interview that he owes his life to Groves.

“If it weren’t for him and the actions of his crew, there’s a good chance I and the other crewmen from the aircraft would not be

here today,” Edwards told reporters.

The Cheney Award is named in memory of 1st Lt. William

Cheney, who was killed in an air collision over Italy in 1918. HI

Photo by Charley Starr

they offer an incredible array of options to the President and the Nation; from taking the fight to the enemy, providing strategic intelligence to the Joint Force, or providing humanitarian assistance at home and internationally in the wake of natural disasters.”

Prior to assuming his position, Secretary Wynne served in the Department of Defense as the Principal Deputy Under Secretary Of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.

Mr. Wynne served in the Air Force for seven years, ending as a Captain and Assistant Professor of Astronautics at the US Air Force Academy teaching Control Theory and Fire Control Techniques.

Mr. Wynne graduated from the United States Military Academy and also holds a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a Masters in Business from the University of Colorado.

Discussion Forum!

Your Association has launched a new

Membership Discussion Forum.

It includes discussion topics such

employment opportunities, Academy issues, parent discussion, as

sports and more! It's available off the AOG home page at www.usafa.org

Please take a moment and visit the

forum, participate, and let us know what you think?

Groves, ’95, receives Cheney Award and Silver Star Capt. John Marshall Groves, ’95, who helped rescue a nine-member helicopter crew that was shot down in Iraq was given an Air Force award for valor and self-sacrifice.

Groves was flying his helicopter at 150 mph just 100 feet above

the Iraqi landscape last April when another helicopter was hit by a

rocket-propelled grenade. Groves circled back to find the stricken

The Forum also provides you with the

opportunity to assist/mentor young

graduates affected by the Air Force's Force Shaping Policy.

aircraft and rescue the crew.

CHECKPOINTS

DECEMBER 2005

59

Some think annual giving is not rocket science

Annual gifts to the Air Force

Academy Fund provide support to many important cadet

academic experiences, including the rocket research program.

For more information about

the Air Force Academy Fund,

please contact Greg Knedler, director of annual and class

giving, at (719) 472-0300 or

greg.knedler@aogusafa.org.

J

A Building Leaders M of Character for the Nation The Campaign for the Future of the Air Force Academy

www.usafa.org

but at the Air Force Academy it is!

BEHIND THE SCENES

Three cadets selected for

By Butch Wehry, Academy Spirit

hree cadets have been selected

T

for the Academy’s Maj. Thomas Moore Award.

ClCs Melanie Thomasson, Matt Karmondy and Felisa

Hervey received the award for their summer

research projects.

“The Moore Award was established to

“I feel as though I got this award for just doing what they asked me to do,” said the Cadet Squadron 21 member. “I’m really thankful that people here gave me the project and all the information and help they could so that I could finish the project.

I’m proud that my project was actually

laid the foundation for more cadets to have similar opportunities.”

To Cadet Hervey, the award is especially rewarding, since developing a greater emphasis on international issues and understanding at the Academy has been one

of her passions.

pertinent and worthwhile. The award was

The humanities major said it was a self-

something I thought about until my

ments,” said Lt. Col. William Mandeville,

Cadet Karmondy was sent to the Air

Academy Faculty Research director. “The

Force Special Operations Command at

decision criteria for the Moore Award

Hurlburt Field, Fla., to define the combat

designed research program with original plans to do the research project in Kabul, Afghanistan, but the needed clearance didn’t come through. Plan B was Kazakhstan, but funding didn’t come through.

includes mission impact, solutions pro-

maneuvering capability of the AC-130 gunship, and interfacing with gunship

in Washington came through a series of

celebrate Major Moore’s distinguished career

and his significant accomplish-

vided by publication of research, catalyst for further research, quality of research and other significant contributions.”

never

project was over.”

crews to

determine their needs.

He developed aircraft energy maneuver-

The opportunity to do her research sudden miracles shortly before the research was to

begin, she said.

She met and interviewed people like the

Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, dealt mainly with implementing the Cost of Delay Analysis model to compare values of F-16 programs that would potentially compete

ability charts for the AFSOC requested weight and altitude combinations that characterize the gunship’s operations.

C1C Hervey went to the Pentagon’s Central Asian desk of the Secretary of the

for resource allocation.

Air Force’s International Affairs Office.

the memory of the major they are named

She prepared, proof-read and presented

after, are alive and well.

briefings, met with foreign military delega-

Maj. Thomas Moore taught Academy physics, electrical engineering and research

Cadet Thomasson’s summer research at

“Analysts seriously thought the ‘decision tree’ was one of the most amazing [Microsoft] Excel tricks they had ever seen,” she

said. She had not realized there’s a whole

job about using Solver and PowerPoint.

The most interesting part of the project to her was talking to the retired pilots to out how much figure improvements on F-16 systems are worth to the pilots.

“I really didn’t expect anything like this,”

tions, even traveled to Southeast Asia and served as a translator.

“I’m honored, it was a tremendous and

Uzbek Opposition party leader, think tank experts, policy makers and authors. There translate for a delegation of

was a TDY to

Kazakh officials. The Moore Awards, and

and development from 1961 to 1967, and is

credited with developing the Academy’s first

very unique opportunity to work with the Air Force International Affairs office

computer-based class scheduling system. His final assignment was a tour flying C-7 Cari-

in Washington, D.C.,” said the 21-year-

bous in Vietnam. He had received orders to

old cadet from Pasadena, Calif. “It is vital

return to school for a computer science PhD when he was shot down Nov. 30, 1967.

for our military to start cultivating global

said Cadet Thomasson, an operations

mindsets from the beginning, before we

research major from Springboro, Ohio. “It

become officers and leaders of others in the

at the

really neat to go back to Dayton, Ohio,

Air Force, and before we are ever deployed

Research Awards Ceremony in early Janu-

was as

part of summer research.”

overseas.

I truly hope my research will have

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

The Moore Awards will be presented

Department of the Faculty Annual

ary, said Colonel Mandeville.

S 61

Commandant's

Challenge

tests cadets’ readiness

By Eddie Kovsky, Academy Spirit Photos by Ken Wright CADETS FACED THREE DAYS OF MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TESTS

during Commandant’s Challenge in late November.

Commandant’s Challenge is the fall semester military training event for cadets which tests their teamwork and training to ensure they have the discipline, physical stamina, skills and knowledge required of members of the Cadet Wing and the Air Force.

Among the wartime skills cadets were tested on in the field training exercise are a combat rescue exercise, a chemical suit drill, overland navigation, marksmanship and an obstacle course.

Cadets were also evaluated on drill and ceremonies, uniform and room inspections, military knowledge and physical aptitude. “The mental tests balance the physicality of the field training exercise, ensuring that the Cadet Wing is both physically and mentally fit,’’ said ClC Mark Truxillo, Commandant’s Challenge commander.

“The physical portions of the Commandant’s Challenge are where squadrons come together as a unit to accomplish an objective, be it a combat search and rescue mission, setting up a tent, or land navigation. It also measures the overall endurance of the Cadet Wing, as they travel almost five miles during the field training,” the senior added. Cadets have been practicing these skills on weekends since August.

Each cadet squadron chooses six 12-cadet teams to compete. Each team must be comprised of one member from each class and at least one female cadet. Teams were led by two firstclass cadets and two secondclass cadets, with eight underclassmen rounding out the teams. The team

distribution is designed to allow cadets to further practice and develop their leadership and fol-

lowership skills in a field environment.

Points were earned or lost in satisfactory completion time of each event, and skill and efficiency in designated tasks at each event. Points are also earned or lost in the transit time of all 72 team members from station to station.

Commandant’s Challenge culminated with the “Centrifuge.” Modeled after the West Point Sandhurst competition, Centrifuge changes from year to year. The details and requirements of this event were kept a secret until right before the challenge began. This event is a physically intense competition designed to evaluate problem-solving, teamwork and physical aptitude.

“The Centrifuge is the X-Factor of Commandant’s Challenge,” said Cadet Truxillo. “It is

designed to test the Cadet Wing’s ability to accomplish a mentally and physically demanding task on short notice. It provides excitement and is often the equalizer for determining the outstanding squadron.” The top squadron this year was Cadet Squadron 18. H

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

63

Facing a grueling obstacle course, a tough

SAMI, Centrifuge, and other hurdles, cadet

training and teamwork skills were put to the test in late November.

64

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HERITAGE

Once Upon a

Time

...

tell this story of my best friend of 22 years, Janet Yagle and her

By Gretchen (Krueger) Anderson, ’87

then-roommate, Samantha Loros, ’87,... anytime I get the chance.

As doolies in CS-29, we had morning formation each week-

Illustration by Sarah Wright

day during the academic year. On a particular Monday morning in March 1984, I noticed two of us four female WADs were not

in formation.

When I saw the missing cadets (Janet and Sam) later in the day,

they told me they had been up most of the night studying for Graded Reviews and had consequently slept through their alarm.

As you can imagine, their flight commander was not happy when he had to report them “unaccounted for.”

On Tuesday morning, I decided to stop by their room to make

they were heading out the door with the rest of us. Upon squaring the last corner to their hallway, I gazed ahead to see their door was closed (not a good sign). I knocked, and when there was no answer I burst in to find a tidy room, but no Janet or Sam. I was puzzled and said something out loud to that effect. sure

68

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

It was then that

Janet’s closet door cracked open and I could eyeball peaking out it turned out both girls had slept again and were hiding in their closets with their t blankets, etc. I : one

...

for formation and left

their door

open (as per AMI standards),

ping their absences would go unnoticed. re

found out. Their

ent

On

again, he would

Unfortunately they

flight commander told them if give each of them a Form-10.

Wednesday, I decided to leave my room

:t and Sam

were

up and preparing to

they were

early to make sure

get to morning formation, in, I was greeted by a closed door. This time I didn’t knock. >t burst in and found a dark room with two I >ed on the sleeping girls. lights and made a lot of noise to wake them both up. hey sprang wildly from their beds (during that era we illy slept on our beds, but on top of the sheets and id running around like blankets) and two headless chickens, zipping up their :kets, sans uniform blouses, and each of them r the cold dunking her head sink faucet in an attempt to calm the hair.

By now it was close to formation

time to the formation mates, we formed

area.

time, so we had to double

Being shorter than our male class-

up at the rear of the formation.

I’m taller than both Janet and Sam, so I stood of them. As we stood directly in front huffing and puffing from double timing, waiting for the crackly, taped bugle formation call, I couldn’t help but notice the overpowering smell of morning breath coming my way. It took me a minute to figure out the smell was radiating from Janet’s and Sam’s breathless, gaping mouths.

During the panicked fury of dressing for formation, they had no time to brush their teeth! After formation, Janet asked why shoulders had been my moving up and down during formation was (I trying hard not to laugh). Later that day, Janet and I visited the C-store. She bought a new alarm clock and I Tacs bought her some Tic just in case. 5 ...

unruly

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

BEHIND THE SCENES

In another room, cadets worked on new

wing designs for unmanned spy planes. Nearby, others tried wing-mounted electrodes to A squat building almost hidden among the Air Force Academy’s more palatial structures

By Tom Roeder The Gazette

is crowded with cadets who have their sleeves

rolled up and their hands dirty.

Unlike the pristine classrooms in the world of

academics across Faculty Drive, the Aeronautics

Laboratory is a place of loud machinery, belching smoke, wind tunnels and, in the words of one cadet, “real-world learning.”

On a recent afternoon, undergraduates worked on some of the Air Force’s most vexing problems for existing and future conflicts. In a program

improve the airflow over wings.

In the basement, senior cadet Bronwyn Oliver was up to her elbows in a greasy turbine engine, trying new methods to determine when bearings wear out.

“This is the only college in the world where undergraduates would get their hands on an (airplane) engine,” she said with a smile.

Capt. Devin O’Dowd, who teaches aeronautics, said the laboratory differs from mainstream colleges by having its students work on real problems for the Air Force and NASA, rather

unlike any other in the country, the Air Force and NASA both use these cadet researchers to

than focus on textbook theories.

augment their own scientists and engineers.

experiments motivates them and expands their

Hundreds of cadets go through the research

He said having them problem-solve with lab

minds in a way textbooks can’t.

Inside a noisy room packed with a variety of

program, which is aimed at engineering majors.

In one wind tunnel, cadets tested new

bullet designs to see if they could steer them at

engines, cadets Derek Strang and Joe Walker said they’re living proof of O’Dowd’s statements.

“We can learn something in the classroom and

1,400 mph.

we see

here how things are actually done,” Strang

said while standing near a four-cylinder motor used

propel Predator unmanned spy drones.

Strang and Walker are entrusted by the Air Force with helping to figure out how to make the Predator use less fuel so it can stay in the air longer. The spy plane could spend more time overhead ferreting out enemies and protecting American troops in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We’re learning a whole lot about engines and testing techniques,” said Walker.

To make the engine more efficient, Strang to

and Walker have tried a series of modifications, from changing out turbo-chargers to modifying the intake that allows air into the engine.

They’re hoping to find a fix that can extend the plane’s range by 15 percent and can be easily used by the Air Force. Knowing their schoolwork could help fight the war drives them to

spend more time on the project.

Jerry Stermer, director of testing in the lab, Cadets work together in the Academy’s Aeronautics Labo-

said that’s the point.

ratory to solve real-world problems. (Photo by Ben Bloker)

“Everything we do here has an impact in the real world.”

S

Printed with permission o/The Gazette 70

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

WJ cull it e

^ IffST

C

OFF££

Given the rigors of the program it

vtSvtulhj

idn t

tilt

Last ■i

B

y 9:30 a.m. MBA students at the University

of Virginia are well into their day. Perfect time

Sill

^

But there is also a very practical side to First

Coffee

-

THE COFFEE. With classes through early

then for First Coffee, a tradition dating back to the

afternoon, individual case preparation, club meetings,

founding of the Darden School of Business. At

recruiting briefings, presentations, and late night

First Coffee, students and faculty gather to discuss

sessions with learning teams, let’s just say that

strategies for interviewing

here at Darden, a little boost occasionally comes in

entrepreneurial ideas, or even to swap

running routes.

handy, www.darden.virginia.edu/military

Are you Darden material?

s*s University i!li ^Virginia Darden School of Business

t. Gen.

L

John F. Regni, ’73,

became the Air Force Acad-

emy’s 17th superintendent when he assumed command

from Lt. Gen. John Rosa

during an Oct. 24 ceremony at the Class Wall. The follow-

ing is an excerpt of General Regni’s speech.

“Let me begin by saying what an honor it

is for me to command the United States Air Force Academy. It would be more than a mild

understatement to say Debby and I are merely excited to be back in Colorado, and to serve the Academy. This is something I never imag-

ined, and we are simply ecstatic to be here.

As I drove through the north gate, I couldn’t help but think back to the first time I laid eyes on this beautiful Academy and campus on June 23rd, 1969. I was a 17-year old and just four days out of high school. Many of my high school friends in New Hampshire were thinking of going to Max Yasgur’s farm in New York

for a music festival called Woodstock. Instead, I

go

command

chose basic cadet training!

In-processing was a bit different back then. For three days we were at ease, walking around with chins hanging out, gazing at the Rampart Range, the Flatiron, the chapel and all around

our

the terrazzo. We even got to stuff ourselves to our heart’s content at Mitch’s. The initial impression was

clearly: Wow, what a terrific place.

Then on the third day at the evening meal

formation, we formally met the class of’70 72

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2003

UP CLOSE

and the class of’71 with standing room only onlookers along the

I am honored and humbled to pick up the torch from JR Rosa,

Class Wall. After a seemingly interminably long period of silence,

to continue his

’70 and ’71 swarmed out of the old dorm to formally begin our

2006 through 2009. We will continue to ensure our cadets are

basic cadet training. I specifically met Class of’71 Cadet Tech

and team. Then we were individually given the leadership

positively motivated, shaped, and equipped to meet the life and death challenges that will be demanded of them as lieutenants, as captains, and beyond in the 21st century Air Force.

Through Vandenberg and Sijan Halls, in Fairchild Hall, on the athletic fields, in our character development courses and on the parade field march our next generations of Air Force leaders. Our mission is critically important to our Air Force and to our nation, and we take our mission seriously.

I look forward to working with all our constituents, especially the graduate community. I’ll spend my first month or so immersing myself into every facet of the Academy. I need to see firsthand how we do business and what our strengths and weaknesses are. I’ll

responsibilities that shaped us several levels higher than we could

let you know what I discover and the direction I think we should

have imagined, culminating as qualified to receive a commission

proceed. Then we can work together to move the Academy forward.

Again, we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead this outstanding academy. We are proud to be part of an institution which has given so much to us and all graduates who continue to

Sgt. Peter H. Rensema, ’71. And about three nanoseconds later, I realized that I was no longer the big man on campus and all my

high school accomplishments to that point in my life were merely the entry level requirements into this proud Academy—not the endgame, but the minimum.

For the next six weeks and in my doolie year we were led by cadets like my squadron commander Cadet Colonel Peter H. Fox, ’70, (I can call him Pete now). Over the next four years people like squadron commander Cadet Colonel Brian Binn,

’72, led, mentored, pushed, pulled, and molded us into a squadron

in our great Air Force.

Since I graduated 32 years ago, we’ve developed thousands of men

and women into officers and leaders of character for our Air

Force and nation. They have all worn the Academy blue uniform

with pride and honor, and earned the distinction of graduating

singularly outstanding work with the Classes of

return on our nation’s

Go Falcons!”

investment.

IS

from the school I have always known as the preeminent military

academy/university on the planet. My conclusion then, and now, remains: Wow, what a terrific place.

Advertise in Checkpoints magazine

Photo on previous page: Lt. Gen. John Regni, ’73, the Academy’s 17th

superintendent. (Photo by Joel Strayer)

Newest Academy Stars The following Academy graduates were recently selected

Advertisements in Checkpoints magazine support the

for promotion to Brigadier General. Flere’s a toast!

Association of Graduates and reach an audience of influential military and business leaders

Gregory A. Biscone, ’81 Gregory L .Brundidge, ’79

throughout the country

David S. Fadok, ’82

and world.

Craig A. Franklin, ’81 David L. Goldfein, ’83 John W. Hesterman III, ’83

Michelle D. Johnson, ’81

Joseph A. Lanni, ’80 Michael R. Moeller, ’80

Harry D. Polumbo Jr., ’81 John D. Posner, ’80

For more information,

please contact Bob McAllister at

Charles K. Shugg, ’80 Alfred J. Stewart, ’81 Dartanian Warr, ’80

( 719 ) 472-0300 or

bob.mcallister@aogusafa.org CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

Tod D. Wolters, ’82

Richard Tubb, ’81

73

Ten days in the Ah

KINGDOM Of morocco

BY CAPT. GARETH

ON JUNE 6, four Academy cadets joined three Air

JOHNSON AND

Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets and an Air

CADET SETH NEWFANG

Force officer for an amazing 10-day adventure to the

King-

dom of Morocco. This trip, funded entirely by the Olmsted

Foundation (which we cannot thank enough!), provided our group with memories that will last a lifetime and, more

importantly, further understanding of the vast world outside of the United States, especially a better insight and appreciation of Arabic culture and the Islamic faith. Indeed, for all

but a couple of us, this was the first time even

leaving the

United States; however, from our experiences on this

hopefully will not be the last.

74

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

trip, it

BEHIND THE SCENES

Our excursion into Morocco began as soon as we left the plane.

Defense Attache, set up our visit and several very informative

Though very groggy from the trip, our excitement took over as we

briefings with various U.S. representatives to include the Deputy

boarded what basically became our home for the duration of the

Chief of Mission, the Security Assistance and Defense Attache

beloved minivan. Ya’alla tours, the agency that handled

Offices, and personnel from the Political and Economic sections

the logistics for our stay provided us a driver with questionable

of the Embassy. This provided our group with an understanding

skills, Younes, and a very knowledgeable tour guide, Moulay.

We landed in Casablanca, the commercial capital of Morocco,

of what the U.S. Embassy actually does (besides get Americans

and immediately began a whirlwind tour of the city, including

with Morocco. We discussed US-Moroccan relations and cur-

the port, the medina (old city) and the impressive and newly constructed Hassan II Mosque. While taking a tour of the Hassan

rent

II Mosque, it soon became apparent to all of us that we knew

issues to include terrorism, poverty, women’s rights, illiteracy and

very little about the Islamic culture or lifestyle. A few interesting

economic conditions.

points about this mosque is that it is currently the tallest religious

Following our visit to the U.S. Embassy, we had our own personal time to scout around and see the Moroccan culture up

trip,

our

structure and third

largest Mosque in the world, and one of only

out of international

incidents), and what interests the U.S. shares

issues/topics of interest, most notably Moroccan-Algerian

relations, the Western Sahara conflict and various contemporary

open for non-Muslims in Morocco.

Following our short stop in Casablanca, our group bustled off to

close. It turned out that whenever we had some downtime we

Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where we stayed for about two days.

markets, we tasted exotic foods and honed our bartering skills.

Here we visited many historic sites such as the medina (which is con-

Though I would like to say that we were never “ripped” off while buying Moroccan treasures, I can say that our bartering skills dramatically improved after a couple of days.. .watch out used car salesmen! It’s difficult to buy items when you have no clue as

two

sidered the old part of the city) and souks (markets) where we began our

“cultural immersion” into Moroccan lifestyle. Unfortunately, I do

not have the

memory or skill to recall the dates that these sites were

almost always found ourselves heading to the local souks. In these

their actual price, not to mention our poor grasp of the Arabic

created, nor the ability to recite their history as our tour guide did on

to

countless occasions. However, I can comment on the awe that I held

and French languages. I would have never guessed that it would

when I found myself standing in areas that were erected before North

take two hours to buy a shirt or a traditional dagger. Regard-

America was even discovered. It was amazing how intricate the build-

less of the prices we eventually bought our goodies for, our time

ings were, from the cedar roofs and mosaics to the adobe walls.

in the markets taught us many things about Moroccan culture

While in Rabat, we also had the chance to visit the U.S.

while also allowing us to meet and interact with many people. For

Embassy. Commander McDonald, Naval Attache and acting

example, it was amazing to us how many languages and dialects

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

75

BEHIND THE SCENES

many Moroccans were able to speak, mostly some combination of

Arabic, French, Berber or Spanish.

The following day we spent touring Rabat and its many fascinat-

ing sites to include the medina, the Kasbah (fortress) of the Oudayas and the Oudaya Gate. We also visited the mausoleum of Mohamed V which is the burial place of the current Kings grandfather.

From Rabat, we traveled overland to Meknes and Fes. Meknes

is the former imperial city of Morocco founded by the Zenata

Berbers in the 9th Century. Particularly impressive was the

Moulay Ismail royal stables which at one point housed 12,000 horses belonging to the sultan! Moulay Ismail barbarically ruled Morocco in the 17th and 18th Centuries and even made Meknes

the capital. Our final stop in Meknes was to the remarkable Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of the few holy sites in Morocco

allowing non-Muslims.

Before heading on to Fes, our group had an outstanding meal called tajine. Along with couscous, tajine is considered the national food for Morocco. Tajine is served in a ceramic pot that resembles a triangular smokestack. It consists of vegetables (potatoes, cucumbers, pickles, olives, etc) and some type of meat, usually chicken, beef, or, my personal favorite, lamb. It was always delicious and accompanied by massive amounts of bread, which became our staple while in Morocco.

We spent the next day in Fes, considered to be the religious capital of Morocco. Here we toured the old and new medinas, souks, tanneries and several religious schools. Two of the religious schools

of particular note were the 14th century Bou Inania and Attarine.

The highlight of Fes had to be the fantastic old medina and its

labyrinthine souks, characterized by its mesmerizing alleys full of stalls selling various produce and goods from fruits and vegetables,

carpets, leather goods and meats (including camel!). The souks of Fes were declared by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a world heritage site in 1981.

From Fes, we headed out early for a full day drive across the

Middle Atlas Mountains to Erfoud. The scenery was fantastic

including the world’s second largest cedar forest, picturesque towns located in an area known as the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’

and finally through the Ziz Gorge into the desert where we

reached Erfoud. The town of Erfoud is one of the largest oases in Morocco and sits at the foot of the great sand dunes of the Sahara.

Erfoud served as our launching point into the Sahara and a night with the nomadic Berbers, the original inhabitants of Morocco

who comprise about 40 percent of the country’s population. We started our trip into the Sahara in Land Rovers, driving along some

of the same tracks used by the famous Paris-Dakar Rally. It

amazed me how our drivers knew where they were going. From an

onlooker, it seemed to me that we were just driving in the desert without any clear path or direction. However, our driver delivered us to our

campsite safely and only got stuck in the sand once

the coolest part of the ride).

At our bivouac camp in the Sahara, we were surrounded by the

(which

was

massive sand dunes of the Erg Chehbi, only 15 miles from the Alge

76

rian border. This is where our trip started to teeter on the “unbeliev-

able.” While riding camels amongst the dunes, a series of events

began that not only amazed us travelers, but also our Berber guides.

First, we were overcome by a sandstorm which, by itself, is not uncommon. The storm was blinding with the wind whipping the sand into our faces. Our group couldn’t have been happier! Second, we saw an amazing electrical storm. And finally, and as the reader, you might not believe this; it rained in the Sahara desert. Yes, it rained, the first time in four years according to our guides. Because of this, the Berbers thought that we brought the rain. That night, while eating tajine in a huge tent lined with Moroccan carpets, Berber dancers and musicians provided us with hours of entertainment and fun. When finally the night came to an end and all the lights were shut off, we viewed a spectacular Arabian night.

After our memorable night in the Sahara, we made our way back to our beloved van to travel to our next stop, Ouarzazate.

The full day drive took us through the stunning 1,000 Kasbah

Valley. We stopped to look at several extraordinary Kasbahs to include Tineghir, El Kelaa des Mgouna and Skoura. Additionally, we ate a fantastic lunch at the base of the Todra Gorge which is a chasm with cliff faces over 1000 feet. stunning Upon our evening arrival in Ouarzazate, which is the capital of Morocco’s film industry, we heard through the grapevine that Brad Pitt was shooting a movie called Babel. When we heard this, we spent a couple of hours trying to track him down, but alas, to no avail. We later found out that he left the day before. Other notable films shot in Ouarzazate include Lawrence ofArabia, The Gladiator and most recently Kingdom ofHeaven. The next morning we toured Ouarzazate. Most impressive was the 17th Century Kasbah Taouririt. Then we had another long drive ahead of us for our

last stop in Morocco, Marrakech.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

BEHIND THE SCENES

The drive from Ouarzazate to Marrakech offered numerous

are

the burial grounds of the former royal family. The rest of the

intriguing stops. A particularly breathtaking site was the Kasbah complex of Ait Ben Haddou, an 11 th Century structure which is

afternoon we spent exploring the famous souks of Marrakech.

also a UNESCO world heritage site. From the village next to the

smells and sounds of the famed Jemaa El Fna Square. We witnessed

Kasbah, our group had to ride donkeys or mules across a small river

everything from snake charmers, traditional dancers and acrobats, singers, story tellers and even boxing matches. This square was the historic meeting place of tradesman from all over Northwest Africa.

Marrakech ended our journey through Morocco. As we all boarded the plane back to the U.S., we wondered how we could possibly tell friends and family about all of our magnificent experiences in Morocco. We gained a true appreciation for Arabic culture, the Moroccan people and the faith of Islam. Experiences like this provide a deeper understanding of other cultures, and languages religions, and ultimately, produce officers better to deal with the nature of military operations today and equipped into the future. Finally, our entire group would like to extend our deepest thanks to the Olmsted Foundation for providing us the opportunity to explore Morocco, without which this once in a lifetime experience would not have been possible. 9

to reach the Kasbah. Ait Ben Haddou is a must see for any traveler

and offered awe-inspiring views. Before reaching Marrakech, we snaked our way through the High Atlas Mountains reaching elevations up to 7,400 feet at the Tizi N’Tichka Pass. It was amazing to see

how the local Berbers made their living in these mountains from

rich terraced fields to herding goats and sheep. This is where our drivers questionable skills really made us sweat, swerving around

tight bends with sheer drops on either side. We all took bets to who would get car-sick first from the winding drive. Cadet Blackburn lost. We have pictures to prove it! Finally we passed the mountains and drove out into the fertile countryside of the Haouz Plain, and on to the ‘Pink City’, Marrakech.

Once in Marrakech, it was evident why this beautiful city is the tourist capital of the Kingdom. We eagerly spent our last day in Morocco exploring the city. Our first stop was the striking Saadian pavilion and the Menara Gardens, a very picturesque spot with its many olive trees and the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. We also see

Before heading back to our hotel, we took in the magnificent sights,

Editor's note: The AOG works closely with the Olmsted Foundation and the Academy to make these cultural immersion programs a reality.

visited the 16th Century Kasbah and the Saadian tombs which

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Aircrew evacuates Saipan boy I st Lt. Gerardo Gonzalez,

life^-threatening emergency on the island of

fX

Saipan prompted a team of airmen from Kadena AB, Japan into action recently, bringing together a cross-function of skills to execute a humanitarian mission.

An aircrew from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron and medics

from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron teamed up to transport a severely injured 15-month-old child out of Saipan.

“It was a Friday afternoon when the phone call came to alert us

for an aeromedical evacuation mission,” said Capt. Jeremy

Boyd, the mission pilot and aircraft commander from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron. “The little child had been run over with

injuries to part of his shoulders and head.”

Within three hours of notification, a KC-135 Stratotanker, maintained and prepped by the 718th Aircraft Maintenance

Squadron, took off for Saipan in the Northern Marianna Islands to pick up the child and deliver him to a medical center in Hawaii.

“We were told his prognosis was critical and he required neurosurgery within 24 hours, otherwise he would not survive,” said Capt. Donna Hornberger, 18th AES medical crew director during the mission.

Flying into Saipan was not without challenges as the crew headed toward an unknown airfield with limited resources in the

middle of the night. One of those challenges was communication.

“Our boom operator, Senior Airman Mike Russell, and Captain Hornberger had to use a satellite phone to coordinate with Saipan’s people,” said Capt. Jordan Collins, 01, co-pilot during the mission. “But we had to call back to home station and have them

relay [our arrival information].”

The improvised communication worked. Once the aircraft arrived in Saipan the improvisations continued as the crew found itself without the support they normally receive upon landing.

“There were no military agencies on the airfield to help us out,” said Captain Collins.

The aviators improvised once again and even turned to Continental Airlines to provide required flying notices. More challenges 78

18th Wing Public Affairs

awaited as the crew dealt with the reality that cabin pressure on the aircraft may compound the child’s injuries.

“We pressurized [the cabin] on the ground in Saipan so the preswouldn’t be too great at take off,” said Captain Collins.

Once airborne, the aircrew kept pressure fluctuations to a mini-

sure

mum

by starting aircraft descents early and decreasing pressure

very slowly, said Captain Boyd.

Then the child’s condition took a turn for the worse.

Capt. Hornberger advised the cockpit crew that the child was having extreme breathing difficulties.

“My mind began to race and think of how we could make up any time,” said Captain Boyd.

After discussing options with the medics and his co-pilot, he decided to declare an “emergency” with air traffic control agencies. The declaration allowed for a direct priority flight to Hawaii instead of a less direct point-to-point route.

“We were able to make up about 10 minutes by not following our flight planned route,” said Captain Boyd.

All the necessary agencies waited in place for the aircraft’s arrival and went to work immediately after the aircraft parked.

“Within 20 minutes of engine shutdown the little one was off to the hospital,” said Captain Boyd. The child was admitted to the hospital in critical but stable condition.

The mission was a success from the very beginning according to

Captain Boyd. He credits the medics, the many agencies involved and especially the maintainers for making sure the aircraft was

ready. “We simply could not have made the mission work had they not been there,” he said.

In the end the aircrew found out that the child had no military or government affiliation, said Captain Boyd. The Air Force had answered an international SOS call and took on a mission that no one

else was able to fulfill at the time.

B

Above: A KC-135R Stratotanker flies a training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo)

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

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Sarah F. Roach, Vice President MS. NANCY J. BURNS was recently awarded honorary membership in the Associa-

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Academy in recognition of her longstanding, continuous and dedicated service to the United States Air Force, the Air Force Academy, and the Association of Graduates.

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Falcon Basketball gets fresh start

the Academy. We discussed a to-do list, an immediate to-do list if I was offered and accepted this job. Since then we have talked, it’s very informative. It has been very informative.

Q: Have you talked

to

long-time basketball coach,

Reggie Minton?

A: I have talked to Reggie. One of the priorities of mine is to link the past with the present and to make sure

Checkpoints staff sat down with new

Falcon Basketball Coach

Jeff Bzdelik and had a candid conversation with him about

this year’s team, his expecta-

that all the former players and all the former

head coaches and former assistant coaches feel a part of this family, an active part of this family. We have sent a letter out to

every former player and every

former head coach and every friend of this organiza-

tion, any friend of this basketball program. We have invited them to our basketball homecoming against TCU. That has already been done. We are going to

follow that up with another letter in due time. We want to start an annual

homecoming where as many

tions for the program, coaching

of them as possible can come back, where we can

at the

been well received from many already with the letter

Academy, and his future

with Falcon Basketball.

honor them, where we can welcome them. We have that has been sent out. I think it is very important to link the

past with the present and to have them understand that they have been a major force in Air Force basketball. The staple for Air Force basketball, win or lose, has been to play with great effort, great team

Ql

Why did you decide to take this job after coach-

play and that has transcended through the years

and they started that tradition.

ing the Nuggets?

A: I am very fortunate to have this opportunity; it is a timely fit for my family and me to coach at the Academy. A place I believe in for all the right reasons.

Coupled with the opportunity to coach at a very high level collegiately, and to be close to my family at this time in their lives, more specifically my children, who are both in high school, is a timely fit.

Q= What do you think your biggest challenge will be

as

the Air Force coach?

A: To win knowing that we are playing a very high level of basketball. There are some unique challenges that face us. We need to identify and successfully recruit an Ivy League type student who can play

basketball at a very high level and who wants to serve his country.

Q= How different is coaching

an NBA team

from

Q: What is your leadership style

coaching college program? a

to

A: I might be better equipped to answer that ques-

as

coach, have you had

change that style in some professional way?

tion a couple of months from now, but basketball is

A: That is a loaded question, there are a lot ways that

basketball. I think at times that too much is made of

you can answer that in an in-depth way. But simply put, I want my basketball team to win without com-

the differences.

promising the moral integrity and the values that exist

Q:

’

Have you talked to Coach Popovich, 70 ofthe Spurs? ,

here. I want our basketball players to win. Excuse me, because I want to make sure I say this

correctly,

Al I have talked to Coach Pop several times. During

and accentuate and reinforce the values that are here

the interview process I talked to him several times to

through basketball.

be specific about the infrastructure that exists here at

Q; Can you tell

us

what happened with Nick Welch and will he be

back nextyear and how do you plan to handle his loss at center?

A: Nick Welch, unfortunately had two unrelated surgeries, recent unrelated

surgeries for different injuries on the same foot.

In order for him to successfully rehab, in order for him to sue-

cessfully achieve, continue to achieve academic success and in order for him to be the best officer in the United States Air Force that he can be, the Academy has allowed him a medical turn

back, which allows him to drop out of school for this semester so that he can successfully rehab and get well. He will then re-enter school in January at the start of the new semester and then be eli-

gible, according to the NCAA, for another full year of basketball.

That simply was the right thing to do. The Academy recognized

that and allowed Nick that extra year. It had nothing to do with athletics. It had everything to do with him being a student and an

officer. Fortunately for us we have him back another year.

Q: Maybe you would like

to comment about what a

unique

man Nick is and how he has come

from a very difficult solid and he has shown leadership. He is going to be background

young a

great asset to the Air Force.

A: He epitomizes what a leader and an officer and a gentleman should be. He has fully taken advantage of the resources himself with those traits. We say that baskethere to develop to reveal one’s personality and one’s character ball is a window and integrity. You look at Nick, who I think shot 18% as a freshman from the point arc and he simply has willed himself and worked himself into the player that he is today and that carries over to who he is as a person.

Q= How do you plan

to handle this loss at center?

A: I might be better equipped to answer that at the end of the season. I think not only will we miss Nick Welch in terms of his physical attributes on the court and what he can bring for us, we will miss his leadership. I am not only working hard to draw out a player or two who can fill his shoes from a statistical standpoint, but I am working hard trying to draw out leadership qualities among other players that can take and fulfill the absent role of Nick’s leadership.

Q= That is going

to be

tough.

A: Yes it will. I refer to the Wally Pipp story with my players.

I asked them who Wally Pipp was and nobody knew the

answer to

that. They didn’t and I told them story. I said we

need a Lou Gehrig.

Q? Who

are

the key players returning this year and what do you

expect from them?

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

81

A: Well you can start with Antoine Hood, who certainly is an all conference player who like Nick has provided leadership. It is not about scoring points, it is about the overall player, overall leadership, overall

Qj Are you

are

relying on Hood and McCraw for

leadership?

A: Exactly.

effort, overall unselfishness, and that is what I have tried to draw out of everyone. When we talk about

Q= I know with Nick’s injury your expectations may

Nick’s absence it doesn’t mean that all the pressure

have changed a little bit. What are they?

falls on one particular player to fill that center role. It falls on everyone to improve their game and it starts

A: Every year obviously we are striving to have a win-

with Antoine who is a leader. Matt McCraw is some-

ning season and put ourselves in a position, hopefully for some kind of post-season play. That is always

one

who is an excellent shooter, shot over 50% from

the 3 point arc last year. Excellent assist to turnover ratio. He will be counted on heavily. Jake Burtschi

will be a key player. Jake will have to play many minutes at the center

position. Consequently we will be

small but very mobile, very quick. He is very skilled in all positions. He will do a great job of rebounding the basketball. Danny Nwaelele is also going to be

good player for us. My top four players really are Danny, in no specific order, Danny, Antoine, Jake and Matt. Now from there we have John Frye, who a

going to be our goal. Our short-term goal is to make sure that when all of us, my staff, myself, and my players at the end of the day when we lay in bed and look up at the ceiling before we close our eyes and we all need to ask ourselves the question what have we done today to improve ourselves and Air Force basketball for tomorrow. If we can answer something in the positive light that is a good thing.

Q: It

seems

like Joe Scott when he instituted the

is someone who, unfortunately hasn’t played a lot

Princeton offense it sort ofchanged the face ofAir Force

because of Nick and then Caleb Buchanan who was

Basketball and I have heard you say you don’t want to

senior so John Frye has

call it the Princeton offense, you want to call it the Air Force offense. Do you plan on changing it?

a

backup

center last

year

as a

little or no experience. We won’t say no experience, but he is working very hard and he is getting better every day and has a great attitude. Andrew Henke is a

A: No, no.

freshman. Very talented, excellent shooter. He will be called upon as a freshman to play significant minutes

Qj Do you feel like this is the right style of basket-

for us. Andrew is a special young man who thus far

ball for the Air Force Academy?

hasn’t had anything less than a B in the classroom. He

be an excellent cadet and officer. I will tell you

A: I will be honest with you, it is not just for the Air Force Academy, I just think it is the right way to play.

what; people are really going to be impressed with this

You know, it is called Princeton, but in many ways,

young freshman. We are very fortunate to have him.

this kind of basketball has been around for a long

is getting good reports from the hill, and he is going to

time. Just unselfish play predicated on player involved

Q:

Did he go to prep school?

movement,

reading the defense and, to me, that is

just the right way to play the game.

A: No he did not. He is a special young man.

Q: Who are the teams in the Mountain West Conference

Q:

Where is he from?

A: Minnesota. Minneapolis area.

this year to stand on watch?

A: All eight other teams and I say that not in jest, but this league, there is going to be great parity in this league

Q; How about Tim Anderson?

from top to bottom. A lot of new faces, transfers, a new

A: Tim Anderson is another one who is going to play

all sorts of unknowns that I think will just make this

significant minutes and has waited patiently behind Tim

league a very, very competitive one.

team, you know,

players coming off of missions and just

Keller and now will get his opportunity. What has to

happen for us to be all we can be without Nick is that we cannot afford an injury to any of these key players that I just mentioned. We simply cannot. When I go home and my wife says how was practice, if no one got hurt it was a

Q; In the last

two

years Air Force has lost its open-

ing games in the conference tournament despite being

favored. Have you looked at those games or given any thought to why that is?

great practice. Regardless of what might have happened.

A: I think that there has been a tendency for the Air

mm Force teams to wear down as the year has gone by. Perhaps for the

and hanging around here and looking up to our players and the

depth. We just talked about lack

people who are here and I think that is great testimony to how I

of depth: if you look at playing time, they have only pretty much

view this place. I think it would be terrific if he could get in here

gone seven deep. Couple that with the demanding and challenging lifestyle that exists here academically and from a military

if he wanted to come here and that is what he is desiring to do.

standpoint makes it difficult toward the end of the season. So we

Q: Tell

will try and really monitor with the help of lady luck, our prac-

supporters of the Falcons can help the program.

following

reasons, number one

us

about Friends of Air Force Basketball and how

rices to keep them as fresh as possible. Because it is a long season,

I have heard guys, even Nick told me, he said last year in March

A: Well, obviously there are so many ways that they can help

he was beat, he couldn’t move. His legs hurt. Because you have to

and we appreciate their help so much. You know, I think also

play these guys so many nights they don’t get a chance to rest.

too when

players graduate and if they choose not to make the

military their career they can still be important in developing

Q: What

are

your expectations for your team ojfthe court?

relationships and presenting job opportunities. Having as many positive relationships with people throughout the country and the world is a good thing. And I think sometimes we view these kinds of organizations as important to that kind of effort. Obviously, funding helps, but I think first and foremost is the positive relationship that you can have and that is why Friends of Basketball are invited to homecoming too. I know the team went to Europe a of couple years ago. We have been approached about going to Italy in a couple of years. So that could be some special project that we can plant the seed for. It would be a nice trip and I have already had some people say if you go to Italy can we come.

We could make it a fun trip to go to Italy for ten days and I have had, really I have had people say boy my wife and I would like to go can we tag along? Heck yes, we can work something out. A lot of people would like to do that the more I bring it up.

A: First thing I talked about in our team meeting, our initial team

meeting was I want the grades, the GPA up and we have

made it, and they have had mandatory study halls Monday

through Thursday from 7 to 9.

Q: Where is that held?

A: We have just a room on the hill. They can go to the library.

We have a study room they can go to in the library. They have to do their 7 to 9 and as a result their GPAs have gone up.

Q: We

are

getting ready to launch a major campaign to raise

money for the Academy and the theme of the campaign is build-

ing leaders ofcharacter for the nation. How do you think the

Qj Are there any final comments that you would like to say to

basketball program helps accomplish that?

the graduate community?

A: Our basketball program is on display. We are going to be on TV, national TV. We are going to be in airports, traveling to games, we are going to be watched by thousands of people when we play. We are going to be in the newspaper.

So we are upheld, as the Academy is upheld, to a higher

A: Yes, just that I am very excited and very thankful for this opportunity. I want to win more so for the graduates and the people that support us, than for the staff. It is not about me.

I just want to win for everyone who supports this great place.

When we are on the road I would encourage graduates to call us, come and support us, we would welcome the opportunity to

standard. As a whole our basketball team is even held up

higher than that because of our visibility to the public and so consequently our actions, our comments, the way we conduct ourselves, the way we are seen, is how the Academy in many ways, right or wrong, is going to be viewed. Just going through DIA, if we are not acting like gentleman, one person will see someone not acting right or looking right or even being polite and all of a sudden that is a reflection on

shake their hand. 5

Note: Ifyou know ofany potential Falcon basketball players,

please call the basketball office at 719-333-3039

this whole institution. So, I don’t know if I am answering your question right, but to me how we conduct ourselves and how we perform and how everything we do is under

the microscope reflects back onto the Academy so we do it

right, which I believe and know we will.

Q: Do you feel comfortable here?

A: Yes. I would like to stay here, unless they throw me out, I have a

17-year-old son who is a junior in high school. Since I have

been here, his entire thought process has changed and he would

like to come here and it is because of him just hanging around me CHECKPOINTS

DECEMBER 2005

83

■LSI •111** jLHM

i ®U 1L1- O ■H

Synonymous with Springs DeBerry inducted to CS Hall of Fame

By Doug Gould, The Gazette Photo by Joel Strayer

CERTAIN NAMES ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH COLORADO SPRINGS HISTORY: GEN. WILLIAM PALMER, SPENCER PENROSE, WINFIELD SCOTT STRATTON, WILLIAM

THAYER TUTT. THEY WERE THE CITY’S FOUNDERS, LEADERS AND PIONEERS. Fisher DeBerry’s name also produces an immediate association with the town, virtually as recognizable among the

citizenry as those listed above.

After a quarter-century, DeBerry’s contributions, as football coach at the Air Force Academy and community leader, have made him a virtual institution.

Perhaps the only surprise is that he is not an inaugural member of the Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame, which inducts its sixth class tonight at the World Arena.

“I am very honored and humbled to be recognized by the

Colorado Springs Sports Corp. as one of their inductees into this year’s Hall of Fame class,” DeBerry said. “I do think it

ing with issues of religious intolerance at the time, instructed the banner be removed.

DeBerry also was reprimanded in late October for commade regarding black athletes and recruiting at the academy.

DeBerry is a I960 graduate of Wofford College in Spartanments

burg, S.C., where he lettered in football and baseball. After coaching at McClenaghan High School and Bennettsville High School in his home state for six years, and earning a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, he returned to Wofford in

1969 as an assistant coach.

Two years later, he moved on to Appalachian State Univer-

is particularly special to be recognized in the community in

sity, where he remained for nine seasons before he joined the

which you reside and work, because they know your heart

Air Force Academy as the quarterbacks coach in 1980. He

better than anybody.

was

“I am certainly aware of the fact that you do nothing in life

by yourself. Therefore, I accept this recognition on behalf of all the wonderful and talented cadet-athletes and outstanding coaches, support staff and administration who really are the ones responsible for this recognition.”

Originally from Cheraw, S.C., DeBerry still has his folksy Southern charm.

For example, in 2001, he told a radio audience: “When I was

3 years old, I was drugged. I was drugged by my grandma

to church every time the church doors were

open.”

From those days as a 3-yearold in 1941 through today,

religion has played a vital role in his life. He is a leader in

promoted to offensive coordinator in 1981 and became

the academy’s fifth head coach in 1984.

DeBerry is the winningest coach in Air Force history. His 22 years is the third-longest active tenure among Division I

coaches behind Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden.

His teams are 161-95-1.

DeBerry has had 17 winning seasons and won 12 bowl games. He has led his squads to a pair of 12-1 finishes and 10-3 campaigns on two occasions.

But, to Air Force fans, DeBerry’s most impressive accomplishment might be his record against the service academies.

Despite losses to both Navy and Army this season, his teams have a combined 34-10 mark against those rivals, leading Air

his church, the founder (along with his wife, Lu Ann) of

Force to 14 of its 16 Commander-in-Chief’s trophy titles,

The Fisher DeBerry Foundation, a nonprofit organization

awarded to the team having the best annual record in games

dedicated to the support and education of single parents

among the three schools.

In 1996, DeBerry became the second coach from the academy

and their children, as well as other charitable causes, and the author of an autobiography: “For God and Country:

(Ben Martin in 1977) to serve as president of the American Foot-

Foundations of Faith.”

ball Coaches Association. Other appointments include serving as

It is that fervent devotion that led to controversy last year when DeBerry erected a Competitors Creed banner citing a

chairman of the AFGA Division I-A All-America Selection Committee and the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award Committee.

88

poem from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes that read, in

part; “I am a Christian first and last.” Academy officials, deal

Reprinted with permission o/The Gazette

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

85

Poland, Brown take home top honors Force Football Banquet

S

at Air

By USAFA Athletics

eniors Denny Poland and Jason Brown recently

second-best among players in the option era (1980-

took home top honors at the 24th Annual Air

present) at the Academy. Brown also set an option era record with 184 yards on nine catches at Utah. His 184 yards are the fourth-best ever at the Academy.

“Jason had a dream year,” DeBerry said. “He made a total commitment to football after his junior year and really worked hard in preparation for this season.

He’s as good a receiver as there is in the conference and his play really impressed his teammates for him

Force Football Awards Banquet. Poland was

named the winner of the Brian Bullard Memorial

Award, while Brown was named the overall most valuable player and the team’s most outstanding back.

Seniors Ross Weaver, Mark Carlson, Adam Fitch and

Andrew Dieu also took home awards at the banquet.

Weaver was named the teams most valuable lineman,

while Fitch earned the Jack Braley Mr. Intensity Award

for his work in the weight room and Carlson was named

to be selected as their MVP.”

Weaver finished third on the team in knockdown

the special teams most valuable player. Dieu earned the

blocks this season with 212, an average of 19.3 per

Levi “Pee Wee” Cordova Award as the top team manager.

game. He had double figures in knockdowns in every game and matched his career high with 23 against

The Bullard Award, established in 1984, is based on

the criteria that typifies the late Brian Bullard—

unselfishness, 110 percent effort, total team commitment and pride in his role on the team whether

he’s a starter or not. Bullard was a 1982 graduate of Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs. He

attended the Academy the following year and played the football team for two years. During Thanksgiving vacation in 1983, Bullard and his girlfriend, on

fellow cadet Dianne Williams, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while returning from a trip to Kansas in a snow storm.

“If you made one team of Brian Bullard Award winners you could just about whip anybody in the country,” Air

Wyoming and UNLV. Weaver has been selected to play in the 2006 Hula Bowl all-star game.

Fitch earned his award for his work ethic in the weight room. After moving to halfback for spring drills last year, Fitch added 15 pounds in the summer. Once he returned to quarterback in the fall, he worked himself back to a playing weight for quarterbacks and went on to set a school record with five touchdown passes at BYU.

Carlson was the leader on all special teams in 2005. He led the Falcons with eight tackles on special teams and a fumble recovery. A three-year letterman, Carlson is the

of former Falcon great Joel Carlson, ’73.

The banquet was highlighted by guest speaker Ted

son

each year to play and practice like Brian did. He was a

Sundquist, ’84, general manager of the Denver Broncos.

Sundquist was a four-year letterman as a fullback.

Following his military commitment, Sundquist joined the Broncos as a scout in 1992 before becoming gen-

role model cadet-athlete and person.”

eral manager in 2000. H

Force head coach Fisher DeBerry has stated. “Their commitment to team, unselfishness and fighting spirit would

make them hard to beat. We try to inspire our players

Poland was a three-year starter for the Falcons and

returned from off-season knee surgery to have his best year as a Falcon in 2003. The Pittsburgh, Pa., native

recorded 64 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss for a team-best 31 yards. He also had a quarterback sack

and led the team in tackles in a game twice.

“Denny is so typical of the previous winners. He epitomizes all the standards of the award and is the consummate team

player,” Air Force head coach Fisher

DeBerry said. “He’s switched positions several times and has excelled in every thing we’ve asked him to do. We’ve never

had a more committed player than him.”

Brown had a breakout season in 2005, record-

ing career bests of 49 catches for 874 yards and five touchdowns. His 49 catches and 874 yards are the CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

Cadet joins world power lilting elite

By Wayne Amann, Academy Spirit

C

2C Mike Tuchscherer (pronounced too-sheer)

finished third overall, in the field of more than 250, at the

International Powerlifting Federation’s World

Subjunior and Junior Powerlifting Championship, Sept. 7-

bench press. We have some people who’ve been training hard.

A couple may qualify for the collegiate nationals.”

If they do, Academy backing will be instrumental to their success as

Tuchscherer can attest.

“Money is the big thing,” he said. “Without the sup-

11, in Fort Wayne, Ind. His 749.5 pound squat won him a bronze medal, while his

573 pound bench press earned him a gold medal. Both were

personal bests. His dead lift was 688.75 pounds.

Tuchscherer’s showing helped the United States (58 points) finish second to Russia (70 points), in the 21-team international field.

port of the Association of Graduates and cadet clubs, it wouldn’t be possible. They financed my trips to Louisiana and Indiana. They picked up the tab for plane tickets, hotel rooms, the really big ticket items. I took care of

entry fees, membership, equipment costs and personal expenses. This leaves money for our younger competitors

The 270-pound junior management major’s three lift total of 2,011.25 pounds trailed only Alexey Pankov and Anton

and other cadet clubs.”

Kibiru of Russia who lifted 2,154.75 pounds and 2,089.25

he’s an avid student of his sport.

pounds respectively, in the 243- to 275-pound weight class.

“They did what I thought they would do,” Tuchscherer said. “I knew it was going to be close. I’m one of those people gunning for first place all the time.”

Five months earlier at the U.S. Powerlifting Collegiate Nationals in Baton Rouge, La., the Corydon, Ind., product hoisted a meet record total 2,007 pounds, including a 551pound record bench press, to take first place in his weight class, the first cadet to do so in 17 years.

Accomplishments and notoriety aside, the softspoken Hoosier is blazing a trail he hopes other student-lifters will follow

under the Academy’s Fitness Club umbrella.

When Tuchscherer isn’t training three to five days a week, “I try to be as intense and as focused as possible in the gym, plus I do a lot of power lifting research on my own,” he pointed out. “Sometimes I struggle with my passion because my research conflicts with my homework. I have to get the school work done or else I can’t lift anymore. I find time to

make it work. It’s a balancing act.”

Motivation has never been a concern for Tuchscherer.

“I’ve always been into the weight lifting. Getting stronger was the main reason for getting into the gym,” he emphasized.

“When you leave the gym you know you’re stronger than the day before. It’s one of those natural highs people experience

“We try to make it as team oriented as possible, even

and talk about.”

Tuchscherer’s game plan is to win the Collegiate Nationals

though you’re on your own lifting,” the 20-year old Tuch-

around mid-April of 2006 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., then, if

scherer explained. “I’m the cadet-in-charge of the team so I

selected to the U.S. Junior World Team, travel to Sofia, Bui-

try to develop programs to help the junior athletes succeed.

The freshmen and sophomores need a little more direction. I

garia, for the next IPF World Junior Championship.

A powerlifter normally peaks out in the mid-to late thirties.

“Barring serious injury, I’ve got 15 more years of competition,” Tuchscherer predicted. “I plan to do a lot of big things. I keep a paper with all my longer term powerlifting goals. I’d like to break some more records and do some really cool things in the sport.”

So far—mission accomplished. S

explain the ‘why’ of the programs to them.”

The former high school football lineman is excited about club members who want to compete in local events, where he

believes they’ll be competitive.

“Generally speaking, most cadets could do really well at a local competition because they’re pretty strong, at least in the

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

87

The Campaign for the Future of the Air Force Academy

The AOG's Expanded Role Over the past few years, the role of the Assodation of Graduates has grown tremendous-

ly. Nearly 10 years ago, through the visionary leadership of a handful of graduates, the Sabre Society was created. This initiative has provided millions of dollars in private support for both cadet and graduate programs.

Today, we are expanding the size and scope of our fund raising efforts. In partnership with the Academy, the Association of Graduates has embarked on an extraordinary fundraising campaign that will forever change the face of the institution. Through the generosity of many, our goal is to raise $100 million by 2012. The AOG has named the campaign Building Leaders of Characterfor the Nation.

Through June 30, 2005, we have received more than 38,000 gifts from over 11,000 donors, totaling more than $ 19 million. This accomplishment to date is exceptional given the relative age of our Academy and AOG. In the last fiscal year alone (July 1, 2004

A special thanks also goes out to our reunion classes who, as in the past, were

extremely generous. Of particular note is the Class of 1964, which secured in excess of

$500,000 in gifts and commitments, repre-

senting the largest class gift in the Academy’s history. Those funds will be used to support the Mall of Heroes, a heritage project commemorating the heroic acts of Karl Richter, ’64, and Lance Sijan,’65.

MAJOR

GIFTS TO THE

ACADEMY FY JULY 1,2004-

JUNE 30, 2005

Family members unveil a plaque at the entrance of the Joseph R. O’Gorman Theatre.

(Photo by Ken Wright)

Name

Amount

Jack & Vianne Kucera, 78

$1,000,000.00

Irwin Belk

Purpose Unrestricted

Heritage

The George & Carol Olmsted Foundation

$375,000.00

Worth Boisture, ’67

$250,000.00

Unrestricted

Gary & Caron West, '63 Anonymous

$250,000.00

Character & Leadership Development

$200,000.00

79 Class Gift

Terrance & Toni Drabant, '65

$100,000.00

Unrestricted

Randy & Jennifer Martinez, '77 Terrence & Margaret O'Donnell, '66

$100,000.00

Unrestricted

$100,000.00

Falcon Foundation, Athletics

Lockheed Martin Corporation

$75,000.00

Academics Athletics/AOG

Academics

General Motors Corporation

$67,000.00

Jostens, Inc.

$59,000.00

Unrestricted

Earle Nutter Irrevocable Trust

$58,213.00

Academics/Unrestricted

June 30, 2005) we received over $6.8 million in gifts and commitments, including

David & Brenda Blisk, 78

$50,000.00

Character & Leadership Development

Kenneth & Traci Hancock, 74

$50,000.00

Unrestricted

the 5th gift of $1 million or more, given by

Max James, '64

$50,000.00

'64 Class Gift

Edward & Nancy Jayne, '66

$50,000.00

Academics, Falcon Foundation

-

Jack, ’78, and Vianne Kucera. Through their generosity, the Academy and the AOG will receive unrestricted support to be used at the

superintendent’s discretion for a wide array of cadet and graduate related projects. In

Eugene & Diane Lupia, '67

$50,000.00

Heritage/Unrestricted

Joe Martin

$50,000.00

Unrestricted

William Maywhort, ’68

$50,000.00

Unrestricted

Ronald & Constance Yates, ’60

$50,000.00

Heritage

Boeing Aerospace Company

$50,000.00

Heritage/Unrestricted

addition to this generous commitment, the

Paul & Julia Kaminski, ’64

$48,312.35

’64 Class Gift/Unrestricted

Academy also received 28 new gifts and com-

William & Janet Dickey, '64

mitments of $25,000 or more last year. For

all of this generosity we say thank you.

KHH '64 Class Gift

Trusten & Grace McArtor, '64

$25,000.00

'64 Class Gift

Robert & Rita McBeth, '63

$25,000.00

Unrestricted

Bart & Lynn Holaday, '65

$25,000.00

Falcon Foundation Scholarships

Dave & Martha Norton, '84

$25,000.00

Character Development, '84 Class Gift

Harry & Katherine Pearce, ’64

$25,000.00

’64 Class Gift

The Class of 1984 secured $150,000 for their class gift. These funds will be used to support the memorial pavilion in the Academy cemetery. The driveway and turnaround

Nation campaign is the first of its kind at the

ahead of us. Over the coming months,

through Checkpoints, the AOG Web site,

Air Force Academy.

and meetings with graduates and parents

Why a campaign?

The objective of the campaign is to ensure that the Academy remains the premier educational and leadership institution in

around the country, the AOG will be shar-

the country—an institution committed to

ing with you some of the goals and objectives of this pioneering effort. You will also learn about exciting new projects made possible only through private donations.

building leaders of character for the nation.

Through a coordinated strategic planning

those who are closest to the institution for

Nation Campaign

process with USAFA, five crucial areas have

their financial support. Whether you give

been identified as needing private support.

through the Air Force Academy Fund, to

What is a campaign?

The programs identified will only be made

As we have talked with graduates, many have

possible through the generosity of many.

They are projects that will not or cannot be supported through appropriated funds.

your class gift, or in some other fashion, all of your support helps in this effort. We ask

leading up to the pavilion will be named in

Building Leaders of

Character for the

asked “What is a campaign?” The truth is,

private fund raising has always been a part of the Academy experience. This campaign is an intense effort to raise extraordinary funds from the private sector through multi-year pledge commitments within a specific period of time. This initiative will far exceed anything we have ever done before.

It will position the Air Force Academy to publicly proclaim its need for private sup-

We will be asking all graduates and

for all to make a sacrificial commitment as a

debt of gratitude for what the Academy

Private support will enrich both the cadet

has done for us during our careers. Your

and graduate experience.

support will symbolize your belief in the Academy, what it represents, and its future.

In coming editions of Checkpoints, we will have a special section dedicated to the Building Leaders of Character for the Nation campaign. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with this initiative, and thank you in advance for making this

In total, we aspire to secure $40.5 mil-

lion for character and leadership developprograms; $20 million for academics; $10 million for athletics; $7.5 million for heritage projects, and $22 million for ment

investing in new opportunities.

port that will allow for the continuation and enhancement of current programs as

What can you expect in the future?

well as launching important new initiatives.

While we have made good progress to

The Building Leaders of Character for the

date, we still have quite a bit of work

endeavor a success.

Sincerely,

Mr. Richard T. Schlosberg III, Class of 1965

Mr. Harry J. Pearce, Class of 1964

Campaign Co-Chairman Former President, Publisher and CEO, Los Angeles Times

Campaign Co-Chairman Former Chairman, Hughes Electronics Corporation

2003 Distinguished Graduate Award Winner

2001

Distinguished Graduate Award Winner

To learn more about the

Building Leaders ofCharacter for the Nation campaign, please contact the development office at the AOG. To make a gift, please visit

www.usafa.org.

89

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

GRADUATES CADETS ACADEMY STAFF FAMILY MEMBERS BURT Suburu of Denver teams

with the AOG for super deal on Suburu line-up of vehicles Burt Suburu of Englewood, Colo., provides a significant

discount to USAFA graduates, cadets, faculty, staff and their families: vehicle cost plus applicable tax only. No dealer or

handling fees are assessed. Buyers also are eligible for any

applicable dealer cash, rebates, special financing offers, etc., that are available at the time of purchase. Burt Suburu will donate $150 to the Air Force Academy Fund for each

vehicle purchased through this program. To date the AOG has received $300 from BURT Suburu.

For more information, please contact Mike Crowley, Burt

Suburu sales and leasing representative, at

(800) 587-4156 or Terry Neff at (800) 535-2878.

Terry Neff, BURT Suburu Sales (nght), presents thefirst donation to the Air Force Academy Fundfrom BURT Suburus Graduate Purchase Program to Jim Shaw, ’67, dissociation ofGraduates President and CE(

The Association of Graduates at the U.S. Air Force Academy present these exciting trips in 2006 from Denver (Other departure cities are available)

KITZBUHEL, AN AUSTRIAN DELIGHT AptJl 28 May 6, 2006 -

$1,699 Per person, double occupancy (plus taxes)

Nestled in the heart of the majestic Austrian Alps, picturesque Kitzbuhel is one of Austria's most famous resorts. Discover this mountain paradise, one of Europe's

PRICES INCLUDE AIRFARE!

INCLUDED FEATURES

hidden gems, located near Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich.

•

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April 27 May 9, 2006 $3,199 Per person, double occupancy (plus taxes) Explore the Magical East’ with visits to Shanghai, Xi'an, and Beijing and cruise the incomparable Yangtze River.

class hotels

-

AN IRISH CLASSIC September 22 30, 2006 -

$1,699

Per person, double occupancy (plus taxes) Date & price are tentative and subject to change.

A hundred thousand welcomes await you in Ireland.

Experience the stunning

seascape and the unspoiled beauty of the countryside combined with glimpses of her mysterious past. Stay in Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s loveliest cities and Galway

“The Capital of the West.”

Round-trip air transportation First-class or superior first-

•

Transfers between airports and hotels, and more

Available to members,

their families and friends.

For additional information and a color brochure contact:

© next

WITH GLOBAL HOLIDAYS

THE ENCHANTING COTE D AZUR AND PROVENCE

8000 West 78* Street, Suite 345

October 7-15, 2006 tentative and subject to change. $1,699 Per person, double occupancy (plus taxes) Date & price Ancient hilltop villages and colorful poppy fields in Provence, combined with the glamorous Cote d’Azur the holiday playground of kings and celebrities, offer the are

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Minneapolis, MN 55439-2538

(952) 918-8950 or Toll Free 1-800-842-9023 www.GoNext.com

Ready to get away The Falcon Travel Program planned for 2006 offers exciting

opportunities for graduates and AOG members to travel the world with their spouse, family, classmates and friends in the company of other Air Force and service academy graduates.

Spring 2006 vacation packages include; Rome Escapade: March 5-12

China Treasures and the Yangtze River: April 27 Kitzbuhel

-

An Austrian Delight: April 28

-

-

May 9

May 6

Other travel destinations in 2006 include

The Baltic Sea and the Norwegian Coast

Passage of Peter the Great An Irish Classic

-

Ireland

The Enchanting Cote D'Azur and Provence The Passage of Lewis and Clark

More information about these luxurious travel destinations is available online at www.usafa.org. Click

"Membership & Services" and then "Travel Programs" or contact Brian Binn at brian.binn@aogusafa.org or (719) 472-0300. on

FALCON TRAVEL Sponsored by the Association of Graduates, Global Holidays and Joint Academy Travel.

Link to Chapter Web sites at

www.usafa.org Phoenix

Outlook

The Arizona Chapter 2006 Super Bowl party will be hosted by Jack and Polly Ann Swonson, ’62. The party will begin an hour

Las Vegas

before kickoff to enjoy all the pre-game

There is planning underway to start a Las

hype and to allow folks plenty of time for pre-game eating and drinking rituals. This annually is a “super” event.

Vegas Chapter in the early part of Feb. 6.

Keep up with the planning and registration at www.usafa.org.

San Antonio Milwaukee

The chapter is planning a Habitat for

The Badger Chapter is arranging a formal

Chapter News

dinner meeting tentatively scheduled for Feb. 6. It will take place at the Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee, Wis., the historic

Humanity Work Day from 7:30 am 4:00 pm on Feb. 4. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Kay Grosinske,

-

home of Billy Mitchell’s grandfather. To

’82, kay.grosinske@brooks.af.mil or Mike Nishimuta, ’73, mike@nishimuta.net.

augment our meeting, we’ve requested a speaker from the Academy to attend

San Francisco

who should be able to give our group an

update

on

the happenings at USAFA.

Attire will be business dress. Keep your eyes open on the chapter Web site for more

details on this event.

For something to look forward to in 2006,

planning an event in wine country for the April/May time frame. For more

we are

information, check out the chapter Web page or contact Susan Feland, ’93, at oisusan@yahoo.com or Chuck Reed, ’70, at chuckreed@aol.com.

GOAL 2

Keep abreast ofAir Force and USAFA topics 1.

Celebrate Academy heritage

Keep abreast of Air Force and USAFA topics

3.

Keep the local community abreast of USAFA topics

Boston

Mike Kelley, ’70, NEAOG President Ken

Hasegawa, ’81, former chapter VP Trevor Haak, ’95, and NEAOG Executive Officer Jim Thompson, ’01, amongst 30+ others!

chapter held our annual State of the

Wing dinner on Oct. 27 in Newton, Mass.

Capt. Jim Thompson, ’01, kindly organized the event for our chapter and served as the moderator. AOG President Jim Shaw, ’67, was our

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Provide graduates networking

92

keynote speaker, speaking about the

Washington DC On Sep. 22 the AFA Society of Washington, D. C. was pleased to welcome Rabbi Arnold

opportunities

AOG challenges and ongoing issues at the

E. Resnicoff, Special Assistant for Values and

Academy. Mr. Jack Bernazzani (Parent

Vision to the SECAF and CSAF, for the

Interact with other service

presented information on the Rando Fund,

Chapter’s Fall Focus on Religious & Cultural

which pays Cadet’s travel expenses to attend

Tolerance: What Roles Can Government

academy graduates Give back to the community

-

’03)

funerals for cadets, family, and close relatives.

and Businesses Perform? Rabbi Resnicoff

Our State of the Wing dinner demon-

delivered the keynote speech and addressed

Support the needs and objectives

strates the

of the Academy

local USAFA-related organizations. The

questions regarding recent events at USAFA. Our spring theme will be “The Pacific Rim

Assist liaison officers and

Eastern Massachusetts Parents Club joined

in 2005-2015: What Should Government

recruit qualified candidates 9.

host), local chapter founding member

Flash Wiley, ’65, former chapter VP

The New England Association of Graduates

2.

our

Assist parents clubs/cadets

cooperation that exists within

with eight parents of current cadets/

and Businesses Be Doing?” The Society con-

graduates. Our ALOs normally attend, but

ducts several business educational programs

us

could not make it this time. Every decade of

annually, performs community service, and

USAFA grads were represented at the dinner,

aims to foster personal and professional

including Wiley Burch, ’59, Tad Oelstrom, ’65, John Kelly, ’65 (president emeritus and

networks between the membership and the

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 200 5

greater business community. For information

Chapter Goals continued the society, contact Keylor Eng, ’80, at

on

keyloreng@att.com.

some

social events to break the winter chill

Chapter graduates were also at this patri-

up here in the Great White North. Check

otic dinner. On Oct. 8, Ed and Terry Reis-

the AOG Chapter Web site for upcom-

dorf, ’63, again graciously hosted our fall

GOAL 5

ing details or contact Lou Michels, ’77, at

dinner party. The fall dinner has become

Interact with other service Academy

j michels@mcguirewoods.

an

com.

Graduates

had by all. Finally, on Dec. 3, Jim and Chirl Sienicki, ’74, hosted the Chapter

Colorado Springs

Chicago The Chicago, Ill. Chapter held an unofficial

On Dec. 10, the Rampart Chapter cel-

get together in conjunction with the North-

ebrated with its Annual Holiday Party

ern

annual chapter tradition. A good time

was

Illinois Parents’ Club and members

of the USNA Association of Graduates to

at

holiday party at their home. Holiday cheer enjoyed by all.

was

Doolittle Hall. As always, it was fun

and a great chance to relax and catch up

at the O’Hare

chapter members.

USAFA men’s soccer team to a victory when

and time of the game. On a related note, the

Phoenix

we

Chicago Marathon was the next day, and

The Arizona Chapter participated in three

Hyatt in Rosemont, Ill. We

on

the year’s activities with fellow

San Francisco

watch the Air Force-Navy game on Oct. 7 had a reasonable turn out given the weather

one

of our participants, Joe Hebert, ’80,

carefully observed his fluid intake, since he

they came to San Jose in October. Then, enjoyed our annual Christmas Dinner

during the Fall. On Sep. 30,

held at the Mountain Home Inn on, Dec. 3 where, in addition to a good hike and

the Medal of Honor Society had their

delicious dinner, Lt. Col. Jim Fletcher, ’85,

participating in the event. Joe left it all

annual black tie dinner in Phoenix. Jack

spoke about his experiences flying air-evac

the field, running a 3:22 for his first-ever

Swonson, ’62, and Tom Browning, ’64,

missions for 18 months in Iraq.

was

on

major

events

The Northern California AOG cheered the

marathon and qualifying for Boston. The rest of us

slugs now have something to shoot

were

co-chairmen of this awe-inspiring

event. Tom was

truly surprised and almost

for. The group will be planning its organi-

speechless when he received an award

zational meetings starting in January with

from the Medal of Honor Society. Other

Affinity Groups AcademyWomen The Second Annual AcademyWomen symposium was held Sep. 23-24 at the

At the Silver Falcons Reunion from left to right: Pete Graybash, Kirk Brown, Chuck & Carol Foster, Pat

Kirkstadt, “Chris” & Lil

Chrisinger, Jim Kirkstadt, and Bob & Hilda Dodge.

Women’s Memorial in Arlington and was a

fabulous success! Membership is now

over

670 people and initiatives for the

year include building a stronger mentorship program, building a speaker series

dinner at America the Beautiful Park

ing was given there since all the offices in

and supporting the membership in every

listening to a concert presented by the

Harmon Hall have been relocated to the

way we can. Find out more and become a

Falconaires of the USAFA Concert Band.

Oracle Building on the other side of 1-25

member at www.academywomen.org.

which should be sometime in the spring

Silver Falcons

Thursday began with a tour of Doolittle Hall, AOG Headquarters, and briefing by Gary Howe, ’69, Vice President

Even though small in number, the 2005

for Alumni Relations and Marty Mar-

Silver Falcons Reunion was enjoyed by

colongo, ’88, Constituent Liaison. Part of

all. Attendees were: Kirk and Jill Brown-

Colorado Springs, Colo.; “Chris” and

the group elected to go up to the Cadet Area to watch the noon meal formation

Lil Chrisinger-Winfield, Iowa; Bob and

before going to the Officer’s Club while

until Harmon Hall has been refurbished,

of 2006. Following the briefing, shop-

Hilda Dodge-San Diego, Calif.; Chuck

the rest went to the Officer’s Club early.

and Carol Foster-Albert Lea, Minn.; Pete

Then if was off to the Visitor’s Center

ping was on store there at the Visitor’s Center. That evening, the majority of the group boarded a Ramblin Express bus and headed to Cripple Creek. Unfortunately, nobody came back as a big winner. Friday morning started out with the Silver Falcons working breakfast business meeting.

Graybash-Hershey, Penn.; Jim and Pat Kirkstadt-Johnstown, Penn.; and Ruth Whitaker-Colorado Springs, Colo.

The reunion started Sep. 7, as the early arriving attendees enjoyed an outdoor

for an Admissions Briefing update by the

With seven members present, a quorum

current Director of Enrollment

was

Programs,

Lt. Col. Greg Meyers. The group was

established. The group went over the

greeted by Col. “Trapper” Carpenter,

proposed Silver Falcons Affinity Group Charter drafted by Kirk Brown using the

’73, Director of Admissions. The brief-

previous Silver Falcon Association Constitu-

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

93

Link to Chapter Web sites at

www.usafa.org

Silver Falcons Reunion: Left, Dr. Ed Scott and Silver Falcons in the Gimbel Collection. Right, members of the Silver Falcons enjoying the football game

tion and By-Laws as a basis. With just a few

Space Group

ity Group were presented with Lifetime

Over the past several months, the Space

the charter which will be sent to the AOG

Achievement Awards at the Admissions

Board of Directors for approval. The

Conference in Jan. 05 for their many years

charter establishes the offices of President

of Admissions Liaison Officer service: Brig.

Group has focused on two emerging space-related activities at the Academy: the reestablishment of an active Cadet Space

and Vice President for a term of 4 years. By

Gen. (Ret.) Dennis Schulstad, Minnesota,

Club and the creation of the Center for

unanimous vote, Kirk Brown was elected

for 33 years and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert

President to serve until 2009. Then it was

Canfield, Massachusetts, for 30 years.

Space and Defense Studies.

The Space Club is now functioning

off to the USAFA Library for a tour of the

library and Special Exhibits. The one hour tour went for two excellent hours as our

tour

Now for some administrative announce-

First, everybody who has a listed e-mail address has been sent an e-mail by ments.

guide, Dr. Ed Scott, Head Librarian,

Kirk Brown. Many of these e-mails were

under new leadership, and is focusing on activities such as high-power rocketry, on-site discussion groups, and field trips.

The AOG is investigating appropriate ways

support these activities. The Center for

kept us all entertained and informed. We

returned as the account no longer existed.

to

could have gone on for another hour but

If you have not received an e-mail from

Space and Defense Studies, which was described in our prior Checkpoints report, is being organized by the Political Science Department under the leadership of Col Doug Murray and Ambassador Roger Harrison. Among its many planned projects are a space defense policy textbook, a January 2006 forum on space and defense policy, and a new journal containing the space and

it was lunch time. We all headed up to the

Kirk, please send him an e-mail at ltckirk-

dining room on the 6th floor of Fairchild Hall overlooking the cadet area below. After a quick lunch, it was down to the large

brown@juno.com so your e-mail address be updated both in the Silver Falcons Affinity Group and AOG data bases. With

lecture hall in Fairchild were we received

out a current e-mail address on

briefings from the superintendent, com-

are

mandant, dean, and athletic director. Then

communication as a group and you are not

back to the hotel to get ready to go to the

receiving “ZoomiEnews” which is e-mailed

Flying W Ranch for dinner. Food was great as usual as were the Flying W Wranglers with their western stage show. Saturday morning started off with the AOG/Quarterback Club tailgate party followed by the Falcons defeating the San Diego Aztecs

can

file, you

missing our on our primary means of

to all AOG members once a month with

defense dialog of the annual forum.

information about the Academy. The same

Many members of the AOG Space Group have shown significant interest in participating with and providing support

thing goes for mailing addresses. Please keep both current. Second, we would like to hear from each of you on what is hap-

for these fledgling activities. In addition,

pening in your lives, such as travels, as well as professional and community service.

members of the Group are working with

everybody went to the post-game tailgate for soda or beer and pizza to celebrate the victory and say good-bye to everybody.

Plans are already under way for the 2006

We especially want to be informed of the

ment

passing of past or present Silver Falcons.

We have always given credit to the deceased

FalconSat programs, and leading the study

members and want to continue to do so.

Up-to-date information on space-

Silver Falcons Reunion. Tentative time

This information will be published in this

related activities at the Academy, as well

frame is the first home football game after

column. So please e-mail or send postal

as

Labor Day (Parents Weekend). So mark

mail to Kirk at the e-mail address above or

your calendars now for next year. Hope to

to 2539

41-29 under sunny skies. After the game,

see more

94

Two members of the Silver Falcons AfKn-

minor changes, the group voted to approve

of you there!

Craycroft Drive, Colorado Springs,

CO, 80920-1423.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2005

the Air Force’s Space Professional Develop-

Program, supporting the Academy’s

and development of Space Power Theory.

insight into the activities of the AOG Space Group and procedures for joining the Group can be found at the Group’s

Web site usafaspace.tripod.com.

Service Academy

Career Conference May

11-12, 2006 WASHINGTON, D.C.

What is SACC? The SACC is 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 Marine Academy. Previous conferences have been attended by hundreds of companies and thousands of alumni.

Where will the SACC be held?

The next SACC will be held at the Marriott Crystal Gateway, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Va. You may obtain a room for the SACC rate, if available.

Call (703) 920-3230 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate. There are many other hotels available in the area or stay with classmates or family.

SACC Schedule of Events

Registration Fee

Thursday, May 11, 2006

The SACC Candidate registration fee is $40 and may be paid

Interview Prep Seminar at 6:30 pm

-

by check or credit card. Please mail the attached registration

8:30 pm

with form of payment and a copy of your resume-resumes

Friday, May 12, 2006

must be one

Breakfast (provided)

8:30 am

Registration

9:30 am

SACC

9:30 am

Lunch (not provided)

12:30pm

SACC

2:00 pm

-

-

-

-

-

9:30 am

All Day 12:30 pm 2:00 pm

6:00 pm

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 of your resume.

Registration deadline April 30, 2006.

SACC Hotel Information

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Marriott Crystal Gateway

Interviews only if directly scheduled between company recruiters and candidates; Companies will contact you

1700 Jefferson Davis Highway

Arlington, Va., 22202

directly regarding any on-site interviews during the SACC.

(703) 920-3230

If you have any questions,

please contact Wayne Taylor at

Next Scheduled SACC San Diego, Calif., August 17-18, 2006

(719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-4513.

SACC Candidate Registration Form (Washington, D.C.) USAFA CLASS:

NAME (for name tag, no ranks):

ADDRESS:

PHONE (Home):

(Work):

(E-mail): Mail to: SACC

Will you attend the free Interview Prep Seminar?

Please include:

El Registration Form

OYes

□ Fee $35

EJNo □ Resume (one page/one sided)

247 King George St.

Annapolis, MD 21402-5068

There's no place like Colorado,

V’ Looking to advance your career? JSAJE is an exclusive site specifically designed for service academy alumni.

Whether you are looking for a new job or different career, JSAJE is the place for you to make it happen.

Tony Marietta, 70...

If you have not registered in JSAJE, please register

and create

a

username

and

password. If you have

Since 1975, selling Colorado

registered to JSAJE, please log in to the program by

homes, homesites, and

using the username and password you created. Once

recreational properties.

you have logged into the JSAJE program you may

browse through job listings and contact employers. Not

actively looking for a job? Sign up for Job Retriever MARIETTA & COMPANY

HI

6189 Lehman Drive, Suite 200

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 E-mail: usafa70@aol.com 719-592-9700 Toll free: 1-800-571-1161

and let it alert you when jobs according to your search criteria become available.

Joint Service Academies Jobs Electronically www.jsaje.com

SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference—a career fair hosted three times annually and exclusive to alumni of the five service academies. SACC is designed to match our alumni with employers interested in hiring service academy alumni. Current

SACC venues are Washington D.C., San Diego, CA and San Antonio, TX.

Alumni Search for Jobs JSAJE Plus (Joint Service Academy Jobs Electronically Plus) is an exclusive job Web site designed for service academy alumni. JSAJE Plus allows you to browse through job listings and contact employers. JSAJE Plus also contains a resume repository for those graduates who are in an active transition mode and a job retriever for those who prefer to remain in a passive mode.

Employer Post Jobs JSAJE Plus is also an exclusive job Web site designed for companies in corporate America to advertise their career

opportunities directly to service academy alumni. In addition to the job posting function, JSAJE Plus also contains a repository of resumes

of those graduates who are in an active transition mode.

SABRD is the Service Academy Business Resource Directory and is an excellent tool to network with other academy alumni.

SABRD may be used for career contacts, and is indexed by industry, geographic location (city, state, etc.), company size, type, and

location, and it lists contact information for the graduate registering that specific company. It is a business-to-business directory

designed for alumni to help fellow alumni. iSABRD is the on-line Service Academy Business Resource Directory. With over 31,600 active profiles of service academy alumni from USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA and USNA, it is a viable resource for advertising, career networking and building business connections with fellow alumni.

THE DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD DG

T

Nomination Instructions DG

he Distinguished Graduate Award recognize five 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 U.S. Air Force Academy and the AOG, recognizing graduates whose accomplishments are inspirational and elevate the reputation and the standing of the U.S. 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 of Americas leaders.

To nominate someone for the 2006

Distinguished Graduate Award: Anyone may submit a three-page nomination

package. All packages must be submitted by April 30, 2006. Page one should include: -

-

-

-

Professional accomplishments Education history Professional organizations Professional career summary, include

job titles and location -

-

-

Timeline May 2005 April 2006 Award is publicized and nominations are accepted Nomination packages must be submitted by April -

30, 2006.

May July 2006 -

Selection committee reviews nomination packages

Honors, awards and public recognition

August 2006

Community service

Selection committee recommends award

Three additional references (include

recipient to AOG chairman of the board and U.S. Air Force Academy superintendent Recipient is notified and agrees to accept award at the U.S. Air Force Academy

addresses and phone numbers)

Pages two and three should include a strong written

justification.

Send nomination packages to:

April 2007 Award presentation ceremony at U.S. Air Force Academy in conjunction with Founders Day

Association of Graduates

3116 Academy Drive USAF or

Academy, CO 80840-4475

e-mail as a MS Word attachment to

dick.rauschkolb@aogusafa.org For more information, contact Dick Rauschkolb, ’70, vice president for communications, at (719) 472-0300 or

dick.rauschkolb@aogusafa.org.

Additional information may be found on the AOG Web site at www.usafa.org

Merchandise

Cadet T-Shirt

Cadet Sweatshirt

100% Pre-shrunk cotton. White

92% cotton, 8% polyester. Light gray

with dark navy ringer collar and

with reflective lettering

sleeve cuff..

$45.00

$10.50

View all merchandise

Polo/Goif Shirts

Hooded Sweatshirt

offerend by the AOG

Cutter & Buck. AOG crest on left

MV Sport. 80% cotton, 20% polyester. "Air

chest. 100% premium soft cotton jersey. Contrast striping on the collar and cuffs $39.50

embroidered beneath

Stadium Blanket

Crewneck Sweatshirt

Pre-shrunk 80% cotton, 20% polyester.

MV Sport. 80% cotton, 20% polyester. "Air

and shop online 24 hours a day at

Force" applique across chest with "Academy'

$45.00

www.usafa.org

Prices, styles and colors are

98

subject to change.

54" x 84" Pro-Weave sweatshirt

Force" applique across chest with "Academy"

blanket. Air Force Academy and AFA crest printed on blanket $22.00

embroidered beneath

$40.00

Squadron Pins Pins match all current squadron

Prop & Wing Necklace Silver with 20" chain.

patches and many prevoiusly used patches (Please specify

2005 Ornament Oval shaped ornament featuring

Similar to emblem worn by

the eagle and fledglings statue.

around the equator

cadets

In the background is the cadet

a

chapel and a sunburst

sailplane, the chapel, and the

squadron)

$25.50

$5.00

$20.00

2004 Ornament

Globe with six vignettes -

pegasus,

falcon, eagle & fledglings, a

prop and wings

$24.00

Class Notebooks

Expect Great Things

Falconry Book

License Plate Frames

6 1/4" x 9" Gray leather

A historical documentary of the

'Alumni', 'Falcons', or 'Parent'

notebook. Years available:

first fifty years of the U.S. Air

By Lt. Gen. A. P. Clark, 6th superintendent of the USAF

1966, 1992-1995, 19972005 $12.50

Force Academy. Available in DVD and VHS

$14.95

Print by Keith Ferris. Numbered

and signed. Approximate size is 24" wide by 30" tall.

Unframed

$62.50

top and 'Air Force

Academy' across the bottom.

Hard cover.

Any two frames

Soft cover.

Here's a Toast

across the

Academy. The story of the cadets' unique performing mascot $34.50 $17.95

Footfalls Print by Rick Herter. Artists proofs of the War Memorial. Approximately 24" wide by 17" tall.

Unframed $156.00

Each frame

$6.25 $10.50

Cadet Saber Official USAF Academy cadet saber. *Available to graduate

members only. Saber with scabbard

$240.00 99

RoderickE. Himelberger, ’63 Roderick E. Himelberger passed away Aug. 1,2005 following a valiant battle with cancer. Rod was born Jan. 6,1939 in Muskegon Heights, Mich., the son of the late Francis Earl and Anna Mae Votaw Himelberger. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High

School and continued his education for two years at Michigan College of Mining and Technology, later known as Michigan Tech.

Rod and I met when we were assigned to Cadet Squadron 07

following BCT. We became close friends and enjoyed many of the same things. Rod really enjoyed sports, particularly soccer, even though he’d never played the game before coming to the Academy. We played together on the freshman soccer team and he proved to be very good by earning his “63” numerals.

He competed in boxing as a doolie and became a member of the Wing Championship Boxing team. His squadron won the coveted title of Honor Squadron in 1960 and his contribution in sports, academics and th

leadership helped 7 Squadron earn the title. The next year he helped his squadron win the Wing Championship in field hockey. He continued playing soccer and earned two varsity letters. He was also named to the Commandant’s List for outstanding leadership.

Three days after graduation, he married his sweetheart Donna McKnight and then reported to Reese AFB, Texas for Pilot Training. He was assigned to the 3501 PTS, Class 65B. Rod’s first operational assignment was flying C- 124s and C-141 s for MAC at McChord AFB, Wash. Vietnam was his primary destination during those days of heavy airlift. It wasn’t long before Rod was sent to Pleiku, Vietnam as an 0-2 FAC. One Sunday afternoon, he became involved in rescuing a severely wounded soldier whose unit was under heavy fire. He directed fire suppression attacks allowing a helicopter to sneak in and leave with the wounded soldier. Three days later, Pleiku came under rocket attack and a 122mm rocket came through the ceiling of his barracks room. Though he had taken all the precautions he could when the sirens went off, he received several shrapnel wounds and was evacuated to a hospital in Japan. Ironically, he was placed in a bed next to the soldier he’d saved three days earlier. He received the Purple Heart for his combat injuries and then returned to Pleiku after a two-month recovery period. After finishing his Vietnam tour, he returned to the States to fly C-141s at Travis AFB. He was one of the first selected to upgrade to the C5A and became an instructor pilot. His sharp skills got him assigned to the C-5 TTU at Altus AFB, Oklahoma where he upgraded to an instructor/flight examiner.

In 1975, Rod graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College Rod Himelberger

st

For more current information about

graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org 100

and was assigned to the Air Force Inspector General at Norton AFB, Calif. His IG tour completed, Rod returned to operational rd flying at the 3 MAS, Dover, Del. and became Chief of Squadron Stan/Eval and later an Assistant Squadron Operations Officer

for the 9 th MAS.

Rod was Chief of Wing Training when he retired in 1986. He continued training C-5A pilots for Flight Safety Services Corporation. He was the Site Manager for C-5A simulator training at Dover AFB when he retired from Flight Safety in May 2004.

Rod kept current on military affairs through his membership in the Daedalians and his work at Flight Safety. In the community, Rod was a member and officer of Rotary International where he

helped maintain close ties between the civilian and military communities. He was a member ofWesley United Methodist Church.

Though somewhat short in stature, Rod towered above most in character and integrity. He loved life and was a role model for his children and his community.

Rod was proud to give a lifetime of service to his country. A family man, Rod was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Donna; son, Scott (Stacia) of Newark, Del., daughter Heidi (Rob Leggett) of Dover, Del. and six grandchildren. Rod touched the lives of many people. He will be missed.

May God bless you, Rod Himelberger. (Jay Miller, ’63)

Jonathan C. Bickham, ’65 Captain Jonathan Charles Bickham, Class of ’65, passed away June 2,2005, at his home in Independence, Mo. after a long battle with brain cancer. Jon was born March 2,1944, in New Orleans, La., the second of three sons of Benton O. Bickham Jr. and Mary Louise Kemp. He grew up in Independence, La. Upon graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy on June 9,

1965, he married Barbara Anne Miller of Colorado Springs, Colo.

He flew various aircraft in the United States and Southeast Asia,

serving in Vietnam, where he was awarded numerous citations and medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired as captain and moved to Independence, Mo. after

earning an

M.B A. from CMSU in 1971.

He worked for Arthur Anderson,

consulting division, in Kansas City from 1971 to 1976. He then worked for Hallmark Cards where he served in multiple capacities including Director of Fixture Operations and Pro-

gram Strategist in Merchandising from 1976 until his retirement in 1997.

Jon Bickham

Since his retirement he worked for

Park University in the Hautman

School of Public Affairs in the area of non-profit management.

He also taught courses in strategic planning, marketing and per-

formance management.

Throughout his life he had a keen since of wanting to give back to the community. He obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Block School

in order to best serve non-profit organizations. He served as con-

the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global

sultant with the Center for Management Assistance, a non-profit organization established to provide consulting services to other

War on Terrorism Service Medal.

non-profit organizations, where he was recognized as an Outstanding Consultant.

He was a long-time member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Independence and was involved in the Men’s Prayer Breakfast

and served as a commentator and lector. He was Oblate of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, Kan. He was involved in various activities with his children, including Boy Scouts, Indian Guides

and coaching youth sports. His hobbies include cycling, flying

Shad enjoyed many activities including four-wheeling, snowboarding, flying and traveling all over the world. He was a kind and caring person with a wonderful sense of humor and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Chelsea Blackstone Strother in Spo-

kane; his parents, Michael and Delores Strother of Moxee, Wash.; a sister Mary Eades of Issaquah, Wash.; a brother Seth Strother of Moxee, several aunts and uncles and numerous cousins.

Funeral services with full military honors by the McChord Air

and photography.

Force Base Honor Guard were held in Yakima June 9,2005. (His

In later years, he became an avid backpacker, hiking through the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, southern Turkey, the forests of England and Wales, and many of the nation’s national forests and

Family)

parks. He also regularly worked on trail building projects on the U.S. Continental Divide in Idaho.

He is survived his bride, Barbara, by three sons and their wives,

and three grandchildren. (His Family)

Shad M. Strother, 99 Shad Michael Strother died at his home in Spokane, Wash, on June 24, 2005 while recuperating from back surgery. He was born Oct. 15,1975 in Yakima, Wash, and was raised and educated in Moxee, graduating from East Valley High School in 1994. He attended the New Mexico Military Institute for one year before entering the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Spring, Colo.

Captain Strother was a KC- 135R/T Aircraft Commander assigned nd to the 92 Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild AFB, Wash. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Operations Research in 1999. Following graduation from the

Academy, Shad served as a Squadron Executive Officer in the 8

th

Airlift

Squadron, McChord AFB, Wash, and completed the Aerospace Basic Course at Maxwell AFB, Ala. In September 2000 he entered Spe-

cialized Undergraduate Pilot Train-

ing at Laughlin AFB, Texas. He graduated from pilot training in February 2001 with an assignment to Fairchild. After initial training in the KC-135 Stratotanker at Altus

AFB, Okla. he arrived at Fairchild in

February 2002.

First as a pilot and then as an aircraft commander, Shad served with distinction on several de-

ployments supporting Operation Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He amassed a total of 1,650 hours in the KC-135 including nearly 400 hours of combat flight time. nd Shad fulfilled key support roles in the 92 Air Refueling Squadron, serving as Standardization and Evaluation Liaison Officer and later as a Flight Scheduler.

His decorations include the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Aerial Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal,

the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters,

the Combat Readiness Medal, the National Defense Service Medal,

At press time we had learned of the deaths of the following

graduates: Col. (Ret) James. L. Weaver, Class of 1963, who died on Sept 21, 2005 in Pleasanton, Texas as a result of an aircraft accident.

Dr. Eugene M. DeMatte, Class of 1966, Who died on Sept.

4, 2005 in Tampa, Fla. Maj. (Ret) Ronald O. Voight, Class of 1967, who died on Dec. 15, 2003 in Spokane, Wash.

1st Lt. (MedRet) Edward K. Vornbrock, Class of 1977, who died on Oct. 26, 2005 of cancer in Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Joseph G. Kimball, Class of 1987, who died on Jan. 8, 2001 in California.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these

graduates.

OBITUARY POLICY EXPLAINED We have had a number of inquiries on our policy concerning obituaries for deceased graduates and cadets. Some graduates have noted

that while we have listed a graduate’s death in the “At Press Time” section of “Gone But Not Forgotten," the graduate’s obituary never

appeared in the magazine.

Our policy is to write to the next-of-kin a reasonable amount of time (usually two weeks or so) after the death, and request from that individual (wife, parent, etc.) an obituary written by a classmate, friend or family member. We also ask for copies of obituaries which might have appeared in local newspapers. If we do not have a current photograph, we ask the next-of-kin to lend one to us (the photo is returned when the magazine is published).

If we do not receive a response to our first letter from the next-of-kin in a month, we write a follow-up letter asking for the obituary again and informing the individual that this will be our last request for the

article. If we do not receive a response to our second letter, an obituary is not published.

When the obituary is published, we give the next-of-kin a one-year

complimentary associate membership in the association beginning with the magazine in which the obituary or death notice appears. When the

one-year membership expires, we invite the next-of-kin to join as a regular associate member if she/he desires.

Life membership dues are not transferable to the graduate’s spouse unless the life membership was joint, in which case it does transfer to the spouse. However, if the life member has purchased the “survivorship” option for their spouse, then their spouse can exercise member benefits until their own death. If you wish to add “survivorship” to your life membership, contact our membership department for details and prices.

101

private academic program to meet that time line. In addition, it was necessary th to add a "preparatoryyear” before beginning the 10 grade curriculum. We visited approximately 10 schools and eventually requested four to participate in a competitive bid process. A selection was made and the contract was signed.

“The focus in the leadership area was to establish a JROTC-type program, which was non-existent at the time. The leadership opportunities given to the students were minimal and no formal cadet corps structure was in place. A regularly scheduled PE/PT program, intramurals, ropes course, leadership

Class

reaction course and obstacle course will also be introduced into the overall

Leadership Program. Finally, the campus required renovation or new construction, which was also worked during our stay.

“We found the six months to be challenging, educational and a newexperience for the

Beckels, as we had never served in the Middle East.”

While Wendy and I were doing our own touring around Europe this summer, Dick Tracey sent the following trip report via satellite Internet from a riverboat in China'.

“It is slow as the devil, but at least it gives us a chance to communicate; we’ll be online for the next couple of days.

“We spent three days in BeijingvisitingTiananmen Square, the old Emperor’s Palace (The Forbidden City), the Emperor’s Summer Palace and the Great Wall.

All were unbelievable experiences. The square and palace are absolutely huge.

The pictures we saw on TV simply can’t begin to do it justice. Of course they are sprucing everything up for the 2008 Olympics. The GreatWall was quite an experience. It is a very steep climb, with some sections having a slope ofaround 60 degrees and no steps. Going down these was a real challenge. You held on when you could and ran down if you couldn’t get to the handrail. I made it to the highest tower (they are spaced every 100 meters) and got some great pictures.

“The crowds everywhere we went have been unreal: tens, if not hundreds of thousands. The Wall was literally wall-to-wall people on the one section. We are having to get used to little bodies pushing us, cutting in front of us and hitting us with their open umbrellas as they do this.

“The temperature has been extremely high, around 100°F, and very, very

OiBISil

SSQHBiHl

NEWS

humid. The food has been very spicy, so I think I am losing weight. We have been lucky so far with the ‘revenge.’ The food on the boat is much more enjoyable, in that it is Western. We went to the big dam project today and it is simply unreal. It will have such a dramatic impact on China’s economy, ecology, environment, people, etc. Say hello to everyone from us.”

My ever-faithful correspondent Bill Telford reports on the annual “min-reunion” of’59ers from Virginia and North Carolina that he and Anna hosted 1214 Sept.

“It was a good group and a time filled with lots of laughs and stories. The gang is as chipper as ever. The men played golf— despite the heat—although the very prestigious ‘Hacker’s Trophy’ was not awarded since it resides in Arizona in the home of Hank Canterbury. The ladies enjoyed an afternoon of shopping

and dining at a lakeside restaurant. Some of the guys were venturesome enough Pete Todd

1250 Big Valley Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

to go out on the jet ski and tour the lake. As you can tell, none of us has yet grown

up despite our age.”

H: (719) 531-5874 FAX: (719) 531-6697 E-mail:

petetodd@adelphia.net

Bob and Donna Beckel recently returned from an interestingjob in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bob generously offered the following brief summary of his mission.

“The UAE is a small country located on the Saudi Arabian Peninsula with a predominately Muslim population of four million. It is a combination of seven

separate Emirates that became a nation in 1971. The country is the third largest oil producer in the Middle East following

Saudi Arabia and Iran. It is remarkable how far the Emirates have progressed in so fewyears. In the early 1960s there were no paved roads. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are now, in every sense, modem cities.

"I was asked to visit the UAE at the invitation of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, Crown Prince ofAbu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Sabre Society Donors Commander ofthe UAE Armed Forces, to review the educational program provided by the Air Force Secondary School (AFSS) a high school with grades 10-12 located in A1 Ain, a city of approximately 300,000. The school is a five-day-a-week boarding school for male students only. Students are members of the Armed Forces and are paid while attending school. Graduates progress to the Air Force College, which is essentially an academic year followed by a Pilot Training Program. My report, following two visits, identified a large number ofweaknesses in the overall program and its related support. I was then asked, by His Highness to spend six months in country, along with Donna, to put the new vision into action.

“Sheikh Mohammed was particularly concerned about the academic eredentials of the graduating students and directed that an internationally recognized academic program be in place not later than the beginning of the ’05 / ’06 academic year. Following a review ofthe existing scholastic capabilities at the AFSS, it became apparent that we would need to contract with an existing —

102

The Merry Revelers. Standing from left are Ann Kingsland, Brenda Welch, Lou Kingsland, Steve Hamer, Joe Morgan, Patty Hamer, Karen Morgan, Wayne

and Bonnie Jefferson, Mike Reardon, Aland Jan Waters, Anna and Bill Telford.

Sitting/kneeling are Leigh and CealieHunt, Marian Reardon. Brenda’s ferncious guard dog, MissMandy, provided security for the group.

The following picture was taken at the annual 13 th Bomb Squadron Association reunion in San Antonio this September. Brian Parker notes: “That’s me in the red blazer. Next to me is Maj Gen Anthony F. Przybyslawski, Commander AFPC, Class of 1976. To his left is Maj Gen (Ret) Harrison Lobdell, the Asst.

Visit the AOG’s New and Improved Web Site

-

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

BMWR1150RT cycle for3700+ miles in 10 days from Oklahoma thru Minnesota to Canada’s Lake Superior. And now he’s into border security: “You have my assurance that the Northern Border is

safe,” writes Gordy. “I plan to conduct

similar inspection tours for Homeland Security in the coming years to insure that no swimmers sneak across the lake.”

GGGG—that’s Gary Gunnar (Goose) Gulbransen —was Captain at Pan Am with 26 years in the air and then flew Delta as Captain for 10 years, so his 36 years with the airlines provides free transport wherever he and Susan care to roam. At least that’s the theory. “Well, after three days shuttling between Atlanta and New York looking for two empty seats to Europe and with my new car waiting in Stuttgart at the factory, we bit the bullet and bought FULL FARE oneway seats—$8,700 (ouch!).” But they got their 2006 Mercedes Benz CLS500 four-door w/ coupe styling, V-8 w/ air suspension. Goose drove it for three

During a tense golfmoment at the Telfords’, four classmates demonstrate the trademark ’59er Four-Ship Formation. (Extra credit ifyou can determine the

flight lead.)

Director of Physical Training for the Class of 1959. Gen. P was the speaker at our banquet. I have never heard a more motivational speaker. Gen. Lobdell is one th of our members, having served in the 13 during the Korean War. “It was a busy summer. The 13 th was deactivated at Dyess AFB with B- Is in June and then reactivated with B-2s at Whiteman AFB in September, two weeks after the reunion. The new 13 th ops officer is also a grad, Lt Col Paul W. Tibbets IV (1989). The 13th dates back to 1917 and Paul’s family background adds more heritage to the squadron. I really am honored to be an officer in the Association.

weeks in Germany, Austria and Slovenia and on the Autobahn at 230+km/hr (Susan: “the faster you go, the faster I knit”) and on the way back stopped in Toronto to visit Bill and Nancy Siebecker and their neat yacht—a 56’ Neptunus with twin 460HP Caterpillar turbo diesels, cruises at 26 mph and burns 50 gallons an hour, two staterooms with bathrooms and a 120HP Yamaha jet boat tender that does 46 mph. And although the cost ofthat MB was disclosed only as “almost twice to the dollar what we paid for our first house,” it’s no secret that the Krauts built up their foreign currency war chests and Gulbransen dras-

tically contributed to the bulging U.S. trade deficit. Zoom, ZOOM, Zoom.

”

Goose at the Stuttgart factory with his “Ridiculouslyexpensive car that makes no sense and that I don’t need!"

Editorial space constraints force me to close here. Check out the Class website

(http://www.usafaclasses.org/1959) for more pictures and details about the mini-reunion at the Navy game, Dick Carr’s gripping hurricane-and-travel story and shared moments of sadness with one of our heroes, JB Townsend.

Happy Holidays to all.

Thought for the quarter. Sleep is a legitimate form of criticism.

AJ. (Rosie) Cler, Jr. 9180 Coors Blvd. NW #1003

Albuquerque, NM 87120 E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com Class Web Site: www.usafa.net/1960

Gordy Flygare does some really cool things, like going to the “Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival" in Davenport, LA for the legendary jazz cornetist’s 100 th birthday. Attending AAA Oklahoma Redhawks ballgames at that beautiful new SBC Bricktown

th

Ballpark in downtown Oklahoma City. Riding to our 45 and then racing bare-grey headed on his 2004

Reunion on a motorcycle

—

Return with me now for a legend regarding our classmates from that priceless chunk of real estate called Brooklyn (a.k.a. “Flatbush”)—long ago home to Ebbets Field for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Betty Smith’s novel “ATree Grows in Brooklyn.” Fred Walker, Denis Haney, George Fries —the trio forming “The

Boys Grew In Brooklyn.

”

Frederick Thomas Walker (Fishing Club 3, Forensic Society 4,3,2, 1 Gun Club 1, Model Engineering Society 3) writes: “Raised with four siblings in a twp-bedroom apartment offFlatbush Avenue, I attended St. John’s Prep. That’s where I met Denny Haney. He was a classmate and our long public bus routes to school intersected, so we sometimes rode on the same bus.

We also worked at the same fast-food place for a while. My family couldn’t afford college, so I needed free education.

Sabre Society My older brother attended West Point, so that was my goal. I Donors applied to the congressman who appointed my brother. He chose his nominees by competitive exam. I didn’t do well enough forWest Point, but I was high enough to be a candidate for USAFA. I’d never heard of the Air Force Academy, but free is free. I was very fat and lost 40 ,

lbs in 30 days to pass the physical.

“After I had been accepted, I was astonished to learn that Denny was too. We flew out to Colorado together and showed up at the Academy way late. Turned out I was the youngest in our class, and I think Denny was the 2

nd

youngest (R:

Actually, Dave Luce is second youngest, born 27 March 1939, and Denis Haney third, born 20 March 1939).

“We spent 1961 with Frank and Eve Mayberry at Keesler AFB and came across them several times thereafter, and during four years at ClarkAB (1962-66) we encountered many classmates those stationed there and those going to and from Southeast Asia. In the early ’80s I was traveling with some JSOC brass (I st wasJ6) and Bill Kornitzer was our pilot. Later he was commander of the 1 -

SOW, a JSOC affiliate.

“At ClarkAB I was responsible for coordinating the arrival of our new commander (06 replacing an 05). Until then, I had no thought of an Air Force career.

My thoughts changed when I saw how that 06 was treated traveled to -

Clark with Jus family; met at plane by car and driver; delivered directly to fullyfurnished on-base quarters with refrigerator and cupboards stocked; driven to and from work morning, noon and rnght; all processing done at Ms desk; Ms

choice of any secretary working for someone junior to him, etc. I thought, ‘wow, if I stay in and keep my nose clean, maybe some day I’ll be an 06, and I’ll

Gordy at the Rossport Inn eastofThunderBayin Ontario.

be treated that way.’ I did stay in, and I did make 06 (1 st in the class and youngest in the Regular AF at the time), but I never got treated that way.

103

“After five years at JSOC, all other AF opportunities seemed mundane, especially since the AF wouldn’t consider me for an 07 position until I had been

Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear

‘reblued.’ So, I retired and went to work for General Electric. After several

50582 Stonington Drive

mergers, my employer is now Lockheed Martin, but I’m in the same business and the same building since 1985. “Mywifeof44years, the former Marie (Ree) Fuller of Binghamton, NY, graduated from the University of the Philippines, and has a Master’s Degree fromWestchester University and her Doctorate from Nova Southeastern. She is an elementary school principal. Our son Tom is a poet; and our daughter Nicole is a lawyer.” They live in Malvern, PA and Rick’s e-mail is: Frederick.t.walker@lmco.com.

Granger, IN 46530-8243 H: (574) 273-2597 E-mail: ENOandTJO@ameritech.net Class Web Site: www.usafal961.info

We were sad to learn that Lillie Saunders, Earl’s wife, passed away the night of October 16 th As many have commented, her passing is a real loss for us all.

Our sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with Earl.

Stu Boyd and Bob Brickey are planning for Ski Utah 2007. You should note .

that they are not planning a skiing outing for 2006. Jack Bright is moving to Las th Vegas and should have arrived there on Oct 19 Doug Cairns reported that Jim and Patty Hourin (Doug’s sister) were flying to Montgomery, AL, on Oct 14 th for a short visit. The Cairnses, Pooles, Westbrooks and Hourins were planning a mini-reunion on the 15 th Doug doubts that there will be much newsworthy to report on that visit unless they convince Patty and Jimmy to relocate to Montgomery. That is not completely beyond the realm of possibilities since the golf course and tennis courts at their beloved Diamond Head are no longer playable or just not there anymore.

Paul Dean said that Tom and Bonnie Williams hosted a “Tuscany dinner” for Paul and Donna Dean, Pete and Patty Lane, Allan Blaisdell, Phil Woods, Rich Mayo (from Houston), and honorary group members (John and Mimi Kuenzel .

.

Rick and Ree on the USS Amsterdam cruising the high seas.

Caryl Mosier arrived in Houston as a volunteer nurse helping Katrina evacuees in the George Brown Convention Center—a “gigantic place transformed into a block-long three-story M.A.S.H. unit, she writes. “I started in pediatric triage identifying kids’ medical needs, then moved to Crisis Support Counseling. I heard so many traumatic stories, but some wonderful reunions as well.

Had everything from a five-day-old ‘preemie’ to a displacedl2-year-old, the bravest person I have ever met. It was amazing to see how so many strangers had banded together during the flood to help each other, and the 'Operation Compassion’ people were incredible. There were 1,700 evacuees when I ar”

‘

’

rived two weeks after the storm, and 350 without destinations or homes when I left. (Caryl went back a second time, all at her own expense). Husband Bruce Mosier and Andi Biancur responded to a call for volunteer pilots, and flew into ’’

Pascagoula, MS at “O-Dark-Thirty” one morning in Andi’s Beech Bonanza V35B loaded with relief supplies and returned with a church volunteer/medical type on board after their 13-1/2 hour flight.

And some are still cleaning up from Hurricane Ivan remember Him? Michael J. Clarke and wife, Emma, continue to complete repairs to their home following their move to North Florida from Southbury, CT. Fora look at some of the 100+ digital photos he took of the damages, email Mike at: —

FlyMike55@aol.com.

MiniSki XVI is 26 February through 4 March 2006. Go to Salt Lake City for some snow fun.

“Patricia and I still spend six months in New Zealand each year—December through May,” writes Dave Reed. “I’m presently involved in updating oxygen mandates in light civilian aircraft and gliders. FAA mandates are woefully out of date. Hoping to interest AFA departments in a research project to be pubfished in a professional journal—if you pilots have got some ideas regarding this project, contact me: neptune@ecentral.com. ”

’60). Bonnie was a great hostess, and Tom was a great bartender. Afewoftheir bunch were out of town, but it was fun to hear John and Rich talk about their days as Falcon quarterbacks. Their group is planning further adventures in the coming year. They would love to have more of the ’61 bunch make it to their dinners.

Tom and Anne Eller visited their son Rob and his wife, Kristen, in Philadelphia the week after the AF/Navy game.

They all, along with their daughter Elizabeth and her husband Steve from Atlanta, attended the Navy game and saw several ’61 folks at the rainy, muddy tailgate.

Sabre Society Donors Bill Foster provided an after-action report on the Air Force/

Navy football game and associated activities. The clouds were crying with the Washington group as they watched Navy come from behind at the game in Annapolis on October 8 th While the newly renovated Navy Stadium field looked great and drained well during the torrential rains, the grounds for the AOGTailgate Lunch introduced this year’s attendees to what it is like to be in a rain forest without ground cover during a monsoon. Even those who wore boots were not protected from sinking into ankle deep mud, but the great food .

and drink almost made up for it. To drown their sorrows after the game, the group retreated to a festive party with a lot more food and drink at Bill and Theda Foster’s. Joining the area group were Gene and Judy Davis from Florida, Sue and Jerry Lefton from North Carolina, and Jim and Joy Damauer from California. Locals included Steve Ho and Lynne Funkhauser, Charlie Dixon and Liz

Powers, Ron and Kathy Mueller, John and Ellen Sullivan, John and Joan Kohout, and Jim and Linda Rogers. In two years, theyneedmore ’61erstojoin them and ensure the

victory celebration is indeed one.

John said that this past summer was busy for the Goodleys. When Casey was looking into her Polish ancestry, she discovered the city they came from in Poland and met a family that lived there. She and their daughter went there to visit the area. Later, two people from that household came to visit John and

Casey in Texas and stayed about 10 days. They didn’t speak English, and the Goodleys don’t speak Polish; however, they had a great visit, which included taking them to two nearby towns and meeting descendants of some who left that local area in Poland and setded there in Texas in 1855. This past May, Casey and John visited them in Poland. They received a real red carpet treatment, meeting with the mayor of the “county seat”, touring several local castles, and visiting middle schools, fire houses, churches, and other cities in that local area. The Goodleys later, on their own, visited Krakow, Auschwitz I and II, Warsaw, and a few other places before going home. John said it was a great trip, except that he had to drive. Three weeks later Casey and John flew to Copenhagen, boarded a boat, and cruised the Baltic, visiting seven different countries and St Petersburg. John will remember Copenhagen: $6 for a not so big botde of water. Another good trip though. One evening dinner on the ship he consumed five lobster tails. When the two from Poland, who had visited the

Dave checking oxygen in his sailplane.

Karen and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy NewYear.

Visit the NEWAOG Web Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org 104

Goodleys, went to California to visit their daughter in July, John and Casey drove out and joined them for another visit.

Henry Howe said that he did not have much time to provide many details, having been "drafted” to be the shelter manager for a Hurricane Katrina Evacuee Assistance Shelter that later also became a shelter for Hurricane Rita evacuees. More than 100 evacuees passed through the facility, with about 50 remaining long term. (He still had both Katrina and Rita evacuees in residence in mid-October.) Since this was a faith-based center, they had neither the

benefit nor the red tape of FEMA support. He and his entire staff ofvolunteers

contributed more than 2,000 hours in September alone. Henry has gotten to know many of the evacuees and has heard stories most can’t believe without

looking into their eyes and seeing the pain/panic/pleading. All of their remaining evacuees are putting down roots in the Denton County, TX, area. This

Got an email from Owen and Connie Hawkins. “Connie and I are traveling in our RV and have been zigzagging around Texas since Sept 20th. Went to

will be a chance for them to get a fresh start, with the aid of sponsor organiza-

Midland-Odessa for the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airshow (they spell

tions who are adopting families to aid their transition into the community and

it AIRSHO) used to be known as the Confederate Air Force in Harlingen and it was really amazing. They had a B-17, a B-24, several B-25s plus tons of T6s and otherWWII Warbirds. I stopped by one booth called “Yellow????” and asked if anyone knew Grant Lannon. Yep, they said—he was at the show, but over in theT-6 area. I tried spottinghim as the T-6s taxied by, but all the pilots I saw had too much gray hair so I figured Grant just stayed in the pilot’s lounge to escape the 96-degree temp. Went thru Big Spring (ex-Webb AFB) and Lubbock (ex-Reese AFB). Very nostalgic and a bit of a tear in my eye. Watch out for any leftover Hurricanes.” Thanks

their new opportunity. Henry said that he has seen poverty up close and personal in many ofthe evacuees. He has also seen determination to start again in most. A few were there to get all they could and left when they couldn’t get money or drugs. He says that he would welcome any of those they are now placing into the community as a new neighbor. He hopes to be jobless by the time this gets into print and maybe even mow his lawn. Lucky southerners get to mow almost year around, but he claims that grass is easier to cut than snow is to shovel. [Evidently, he doesn’t know about snowblowers.]

Lou Hablas reports that he and Kate are thanking all who have been praying for her because she has not required a blood transfusion since the first week of Sep tember. In fact, her last blood level check showed that for the first time in ayear, she has actually made some blood! That has led her doctor to conclude that her current chemotherapy is trulyworking, although he said he would be very slow about reducing or eliminating her dosage. (Until this recent improvement, Kate has required two units ofblood every 10-14 days since last November.)

Paul Hinton last set foot on AF property in 1969. During the week of October 3 rd he visited Randolph AFB to hear a T-1 program presentation, and to gain insight into current AF views on pilot training. It was at once very familiar and distant to him. The buildings look the same, the guards act the same, the uniforms were easily recognizable, and he felt oddly at home, like visiting an old friend. It all made him laugh to some degree. Paul thinks, even for those who did not complete a full AF career, an inescapable mark was made. BUT, he added: in 1961 -1966 colonels, lieutenant colonels, and majors looked very old; and now they look very young. He wonders how that might be. He said that he supposes this could be filed under the “life is a strange journey” column.

Brice Jones said that his company’s entire first vintage of 1,189 cases of wine (except for a half-barrel of bottled Hospices of Sonoma wine auctioned offlast May) was lost in a warehouse fire. While insurance should cover much of the loss, the fire means that their company’s wine introduction will slip a year, to the spring of2007. As usual, Brice is taking a positive outlook. He believes that it is better to have lost their first, instead of a market-disrupting subsequent vintage. The delay also provides an opportunity to improve their marketing plan. He is still planning his Hospices of Sonoma in May. Dean Jones said that he and Jo met Wayne and Mary at Cedar Breaks, UT, to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery near Brian Head Ski Resort. They also visited Zion and Bryce Canyon parks, and got in some obligatory golf in St. George and Cedar City. The Jones twins agreed it was a relaxing visit in one ofAmerica’s -

,

most scenic areas.

Pete Lane is the proud co-editor of his second book, entitled “Warriors and Scholars, A Modern War Reader”. The work is a compilation ofthe best papers over the last 20 years from a Military History Seminar held at the University of North Texas. Contact Pete if you are interested in a copy.

Jerry Lefton phoned in his report since his computer for some unknown reason could not transmit messages. He felt that we should have beaten Navy.

He and Sue, along with the Davises stayed with the Fosters that weekend. Jerry th for Bay St Louis, MS which is near Diamond Head was leaving on Oct 11 (where the Hourins have their home). The reason for his trip is that the county where he and Sue live, Moore County, NC, has adopted Bay St Louis to help them with their difficulties arising from Katrina. Moore County has contributed football uniforms for the high school team (which they used in winning their first game), tents, copy paper, computers, personal protection equipment, and lots of other supplies. They are also cleaning the parks, swings, and places for the children to play, as well as cleaning the library. For approximately 10 days, Jerry will be the on-site coordinator between his county and the Bay St Louis townspeople in meeting their needs.

Tom and Mimi Skilling recently moved to Cincinnati to be around five of their seven grandchildren.

Several graduates calling themselves “The Lowry Pioneers” are exploring the possibility of obtaining a statue of Gen Harmon (The Father of the Academy) and to place on the Academy grounds and may seek our financial support. Of course, we will be seeking Class contributions for an adequate gift at th our 50 so this is simply a heads up. Nothing firm at this time on either project.

Thanks to all who contributed.

—

—

Owen. Hope the rest of the trip went well.

Now this from George Thompson: “OK Jack! I retired

Sabre Society Donors

(again?!) from my position as Headmaster at Patterson School and returned to the PskovVolny Institute in Pskov, Russia. I am back in the old routine teaching four courses. Meanwhile there are lots of nice cultural events here in Pskov and in St. Pete. Iam expectingastrongwintersincelastwinterwas quite mild, but it is NOTHING compared to Minot! Here, in the part of Russia that once was owned by Sweden and not reached by the Mongols, the girls are tall, slender, blonde with long hair and short skirts! Other than that I refuse to answer on the grounds it might incrimbilate me. Cheers to all!

George.” Don’t worry, I won’t incrimbilate you.

And here is a recent email from Dick Klass. “Hijack, The class of ’59 has sounded us out about participating in an effort to memorialize the Lowry years.

They are thinking about a full statue of Gen. Harmon or something on the ‘heritage trail.’ No commitment to cost, funding, etc. atthis phase. Could you put the above in the next Checkpoints and ask for reactions to be sent to me.

Thanks, Dick” OK, Redtags, Let Dick know about your feelings on this subject.

He can be reached at rklass@comcast.net.

And a quick message from Willie Gray. “Hello Jack, Hold the presses!! Nancy and I just returned on Friday from a cruise in the Mediterranean. The second night on the ship, at the conclusion of the nightly show, Nancy and I were approached by none other than RTB Bunky Reeves and his lovely wife, Connie.

They were onboard celebrating their 25 th wedding anniversary. What are the chances of running into another RTB 4,000 miles from home, who by the way only lives about 15 miles from us? They were staying in Europe for at least a

week after we returned from Venice. Hope all is well with you and the family.

Cheers, Willie.” Thanks, Willie. See you soon.

Here is an email from Tom Rausch to Tom Young. “I am doing engineering/ technical work for The MITRE Corporation. Our portion of the company supports the DoD. I have always said that I will keep working as long as it is fun, AND as long as I am part of the solution and not part of the ‘problem’. Since I get involved in all the European Intel (ISR) activities and a lot more besides, it is still exciting. And since I am working with 30-year-old captains, you know that age and treachery will always win out over youth and enthusiasm. HOWEVER, I can’t retire until my lawsuit against the German “IRS” is finished since part of my case depends on my being here for my job. IF I retired and stayed here, I would prove their case. At present we cannot leave because my motherin-lawis 85 and my wife an only child. So I work and enjoy it AND the pay. Wait until next April when I can also collect SS. I’ll be swimming in money. Tom” Thanks Tom Rausch for that missive.

And let’s see what Tom Young replied to Tom Rausch. “I resigned from the AF in ’71 and began a real estate career. I was in Columbus, OH, until ’92, then

moved to St Pete, FL, where I still am a real estate broker, and collecting SS. I enjoy people (most of the time) and have the luxury of choosing my clients, so I have to say I am blessed both personally and professionally. I enjoy my work and I’m active in my church, where I head up the sportsmen’s club. So I get to

,

John W. “Jack” Jamba

M Vy

Wn 1

3

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. Our part of Florida has escaped the hurricanes this summer so far. But there are six weeks left in hurricane season; we can still get pounded.

I ’ll start with an apology to Sue Haugen for naming her Ann in the last issue.

That’s two wives’ names I’ve messed up in a row. I need an R&R.

Randy Schamberger holding up a familiar leaning tower!

105

do a lot of hunting and fishing. It’s good to hear from you and to hear that you’re happy. Best wishes with the German IRS. If you ever get to Florida, let’s try to hook up. Tom Young.” Thanks for letting me print that update, Tom. I’ll need another picture of a boar or deer kill sometime soon.

Randy Schamberger sent me a quick note. “Hi Jack. Lieu and I took a 13-day Mediterranean cruise in August. We flew to Rome and then took Carnival’s Liberty to 10 ports. Man, I couldn’t believe how that country is messed up. In Rome, they haven’t cleaned up any of the mins that were there during our 3rd Class Field Trip. But I tried to do my part. In Pisa, they had a tower that was leaning so badly I thought it would fall so I held it up as long as I could (see photo on previous page)Thanks Randy. I never knewyou were such a power stud. I’m impressed. It looks like you almost crossed paths in the Mediterranean with Willie Gray and Bunky Reeves.

Got this from Fred Hendryx. “Jack, thus is my report on the Moody 64A Reunion.

The62RTBgradsattendingwere: Ralph and Pat Conlan, Jerry and Jackie Daniel, George and Penny Harrison, Fred and Helen Hendryx, Bob and Peggy Keighery, Lyle and Susan Wilson The highlight of the Reunion was a Friday tour of the Air Force Museum at Wright Pat. Everyone enjoyed the Reunion and is looking forward to the next one in Maine in 2007. Sorry, no pictures yet. Fred” .

Went to Dallas and had a mini-reunion with Vern Wood, Tom Hutchison,

Jerry Smith, Chuck Turner and Bob Staib. Bob was newly married the previous week and still in the aircraft leasing line. Jerry is working partial days at his real estate business. Tom is full-time engineering with Lockheed Martin. And Vern and Chuck are retired, (see picture)

I guess that wraps it up. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you.

Send me those Christmas Newsletters. Co Redtags!

If you go to the Class Web Page, look under Guest Book, and you will find some additional information on

Jim’s death provided by Garry Wallace.

Jim Hauser and Ev Vaughn filled me in on a recent medical problem experienced by Bill Green. According to Ev, Bill suffered an aortic dissecting aneurysm and at this writing was in intensive care. Ev reports that Bill’s wife, Lisa, says he is making progress. Ev suggests you can send cards and notes to Bill using the following address: Mr. William Green, 13882 Knaus Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97034-2138.

Earlier this month (October) Jim Hauser and Jimmie Butler attended the COPPERSTATE FLY-IN held at the Casa Grande, Arizona Airport. They were at the Fly-in to participate in the Author’s Corner (Jim’s creation). Both Jim and Jimmie had books on display at the event: A Certain Brotherhood by Jimmie and Budding and Programming a SyntheticVision Information System (SVIS)

by Jim. A flyer found on the Fly-in Web Page had the following to say about Jim H’s book: “This book presents the software necessary to program an SVIS. A discussion of the necessary hardware is included. Pretty heavy stuff! Casa Grande is not far from where we live in Tucson and I wanted to get up there and visit with the guys but failed to do so didn’t follow my plan. Jim told me he ”

—

flies his Aztec to and from Boulder to attend these Fly-ins including Oshkosh.

Jerry and Marsha Adinolfi sent us a good photograph taken during their rend cent cruise vacation to celebrate their 42 wedding anniversary.

Marsha and Jerry This was not your routine Caribbean cruise. Due to Marsha’s medical re-

Norman I.

(Skip) Lee

63119 E. Cat Claw Lane

Tucson, AZ 85739-2056 Home: (520) 825-7980

Cell: (520) 241-3498 E-mail: 54wrs@msn.com

or

lindaandskip@robsoncom.net The AOG notified us Sept 23 rd that Jim Weaver died on Sept 21 SI as the result of an aircraft accident near Pleasanton TX. A memorial service and funeral was held Sept 28th at the Academy. Condolences may be sent to his family in care of his wife, Mrs. Maria Weaver, at 16407 Old Stable Rd, San Antonio TX 78247-4418. Jimmie Butler sent us an email about the funeral ceremonies

held at the Academy Cemetery and included a photograph of those classmates a number of us who have settled who attended. In his note Jimmie said near the Academy consider that when one of our classmates returns to the Academy for interment, this too is our place and our time. I would invite all of you to try to join us in the future when such sad returns occur.”

At the USAFA ceremonies were 15' h Squadron classmates: Dave Nuss and Warren Nogaki and Barney Bartlett's son C4C Austin Bartlett. Other classmates there were Gordon Bredvik, Bob Donavan and Jim Gaston. ..

Nuss, Gaston, Donavan, Bredvik, Nogaki and Bartlett 106

quirements they had to drive from Kansas to the embarkation point in Miami (1,750 miles). Once on the boat they managed to avoid two hurricanes (Dennis and Emily) though Emily caused them to miss St. Thomas as a port of call. According to Jerry, Marsha had been bed-ridden for seven continuous months and this trip was a promise that if she got better, they’d go cruising... she got better! Things continue to keep Jerry busy as a parish priest and he claims his six years at the Pentagon seems like child’s play in comparison.

29 Some short notes: Neil Sorenson attached a flyer to his eSabre Society Donors mail for the Whidbey Woodworkers Guild show. Neil said he had a table in the show.

John and Susi Bellotte were in Germany this summer, in the Allgau and, like the southeastern U.S. there has been a lot of rain and flooding in Europe. John also said that Susi recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery.

Bill Mitchell sent a press release that reported the sale ofThe Mitchell Group to Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Bill’s company based at

Carmel-by-the-

Sea had five offices located on the Monterey Peninsula and will now operate as Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. in Northern California. Bill’s immediate plans are to spend more time with a fly rod.

If you recall the July 2005 version of this column, we reported on the decision-making process taken by Stephanie Bacue (Ralph) to become a member of the Class of 2009. Well, Ralph and Virginia spent a weekend in Colorado during early September with Stephanie. They report having a great time and Stephanie is very happy and doing well. Stephanie says she made the right decision. Ralph also provided us a travel tip suggesting that if you’re looking for a great getaway, that is two hours from the C Springs airport, check out the TomCat Guest Ranch (www.fourteenernet.com/tomcat/). He says the ranch is secluded, luxurious, and better than advertised. Their only complaint was being able to see but being unable to catch the “big ones”.

As promised, I have included a photograph of Johnnie Hail and Janet Lee Stephenson from their wedding back in July. (See photo at top of next column.)

Steve Dotson sent me the URL to his new, almost completed, Web Site for his bookThe Light On the Star. Take a look: http:/ /203.177.161.60/web/28909-

DOTS/index.html.

Finally, I would like to apologize for a misprint in the September column.

When discussing Hank Hoffman and Jeff Heal’s flight to Great Exuma you will see the word “Hand” when I obviously meant Hank. This occurred as a result

Bruce Fister, Tom Morris, Wally Wolniewicz, Doug Jenkins, Howie Cohen, Tom Jobin, Roger Neeland and Jim Hermanson at a Denver lunch gathering.

Expemplar- Fred Malmstrom sent the following: Only for those who have been living in a cave, I write that our classmate Karl Richter was overwhelmingly voted the Class of2008 Exemplar. His display case, shown in the photo,

Janet and Johnnie of my poor proof reading. Truth be told what I was thinking about at the time was “Jeff was Captain and Good Hands Hank as First Officer.”

That’s it. Iinda and I hope to see some of you at the Army Game in November.

will remain on display in Fairchild Hall. Several Class of ’64 members attended the 1 /Lt Karl Richter ’64 Exemplar Banquet at Mitchell Hall on Saturday, 22 Oct 2005.

Take Care.

Bob Hovde 206 Walker Ave.

Huntsville, AL 35801

(256) 532-3923 W: (256) 716-2765

bob.hovde@earthlink.net W: rhovde@drs-tem.com

Too Much Time?

Our resident scholar and USAFA instructor, Fred

-

Malmstrom, obviously had too much free time. He justpublished an article in

Skeptic Magazine: “Are UFO Alien Faces an Inborn Facial Recognition Ternplate?” I don’t think I’ve ever seen Skeptic Magazine. I knowl’ve never read it.

I sure as heck don’t understand the title of the article. However, anyone that

that hasn’t sent any news for months now. Consider yourselves chastised.

Speaking ofWriting -1 noticed a favorable review in the Daedalian magazine for Terry Isaacson’s book, “A Flight Through life.” It’s a story about two families in the Vietnam War era and is available from Terry or through his Web site.

Football -1 thought this might be a good season, but giving the game to Navy after the Swabbies painted the F-4 at USAFA in Blue Angel colors is the pits. Oh, writes anything is way ahead of the rest of the Class

-

well. BEAT ARMY! Branson -1 almost hate to admit that we’re going to Branson, MO, this

weekend. I thought only old people went there. We’re meeting our “therapy group” of friends we met in the Air

Jay Kelley, Fred Malmstrom, Betty Richter Siersma (Karl’s sister), Ed Harvey, Pete LoPresti and Wally Wolniewicz at the Exemplar Banquet

Hurricanes

-

1 hope nobody was injured in the recent hurricanes. We live

just outside the areas hit hardest and only suffered a few tree limbs breaking.

Our neighbor had a tree fall on his roof, but no one near here was injured.

From the pictures, southern Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana are really a like it was the mess. The TV and newspapers only talk about New Orleans only place hit. Almost the entire coast is a disaster area. Those people also -

need our support and prayers.

Force at Hanscom AFB back in the ’80s. We meet once a

year for a long weekend for golf, beer (and shows this year).

We used to drink Margaritas and other such things, but I think they’re making the Tequila stronger now, because

it’s just too hard to play golf the next day...

Army Stuff 1 had the occasion to spend last week out in the woods at Ft. Campbell, KY, with a battalion that’s train-

Sabre Society Donors

ing up to go to Iraq next month. They helped us by allowing us to power their Tactical Operations Centerwith the electrical powerwe can export from our hybrid electric HMMWVs. The experiment was a great suecess, but the best thing was being with the young troops as they got ready to deploy. I’m here to tell you that the young men and women that are carrying the load today are every bit as good or better than when we were in our prime.

(OK. Not as good as US, but as good as most of the troops from our generation.) [Yes Some of us were retired before some of them were born!]

So do something today to support the troops.

News from Denver Doug Jenkins sent an email about the regular '64 group gatherings in Denver. He says, “It all started six or seven years ago -

-

-

when four Old Trolls, all from the Class of 1964 and all who started out in 20th Squadron, began getting together for lunch monthly in the Denver area. Jim Hermanson, Roger Neeland, Bruce Fister and I were in the original group. Besides providing mutual support and encouragement for one another, the idea for the ’64 Reunion Prayer Breakfast sprang out of this group. Since the Reunion last year, we have grown to include Tom Morris, Tom Jobin, Howie Cohen, Wally Wolniewicz and Thad Wolfe. It’s been great to get together with these guys and hear their life experiences and benefit from their wisdom.

It sounds like a great way to keep in touch. I know the Washington, DC

people get together (at least once ayear), and Jon Prenez occasionally writes about gatherings on the Left Coast. Do any other groups get together regularly? (Says the scribe in a transparent effort to squeeze more news from the group.)

Hey “65! Well, just a few more weeks to the reunion and many of you will be th enjoying this 40 celebration. By the time you read this, the event will have come and gone, so please send me photos of your gettogethers with squadron mates and great friends that you haven’t seen in years and especially stories of guys that showed up for the first time. Reunion classes are allowed extra space and photos for this Checkpoints column after a reunion.

Sad news from Bill Roberts: My wife, Ellen, passed away on Aug 10th. You can see an online obituary at http:// Sabre Society www.legacy.com/tucson/LegacySubPage2.asp?

Donors Page=LifeStory&PersonId=14811732. She will be interred in the Columbarium at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Honolulu, HI) on Sep 21st at 10:30.

Here is a group of zoomie faithful who were graciously invited to watch the Navy game by the Naval Academy alums of Atlanta at a local sports bar. Gary Fausti, honest to god, did push-ups every time the Falcons scored, but alas, you know the outcome; but a great time was had by all and the middies are a terrific bunch of guys. (See photo at top of next column.)

Nano-reunion: Ray and Diane Bevivino crashed at our house last week on the way back to Arlington, VA from the Misty FAC reunion at Ft Walton Beach.

They saw Dr. Jim Perry and Steve Amdor who were Misty Facs as well. Ray was founding member and the original intelligence officer for the unit and has a chapterin the book, MISTY, edited byMGDon Shepard, ’62.

107

Buck (the Judge) Lyle sent us a great story from the heartland of Kansas. The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson KS has an IMAX theater that was showing that famous bit of propaganda called “Fighter Pilot—Operation Red Flag”. (OK, it was a really well-made movie and I think my company was one of its main sponsors; but to a trashauler like me, any movie about fighter pilots is “propaganda”.) Because Buck is pretty famous in that part of Kansas, the locals wanted him to make some kind of presentation and explain the intricacies of the movie —like the real meaning of “Sierra Hotel”, etc. Well, Buck claimed that he had “only been a navigator”, and was reluctant to make a presentation about fighter pilots—although he had more stories about them than he did about lawyers.

So he called out to our classmates for help, and three of the world’s best Redtag fighter pilots came to his rescue—Kenny Boone, Tip Gaylor and Hugh Gommel.

These intrepid aviators, billed as “Buck Lyle and Friends”, educated and entertained a group of over 200 people as they explained and embroidered the real life of a fighter pilot. A trip to Hutchinson KS $99.95, getting help from classmates when you need it—priceless. ,

At the Navy game in Atlanta: scribe, Mike Murphy ’59, Ken Grizzle ’63, and

GaryFausti ’65.

—

We ate some great Chinese food, drank some red wine and got caught up.

Ray and Diane have three of the best looking kids you’ve ever seen. The eldest, Lt. Ray, Jr. Class of2003, just happens to be training in the C-130 at Little Rock AFB where he may run into Maj. Karl Z, ’95, instructor pilot. Ain’t life grand?

KennyBoone, Tip Gaylor, Hugh Gommel, and Buck Lyle at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson KS.

cheerleader ofall time, Ray Bcvivino.

From Reuel Rolston: “Eric Hanushek has been honored for outstanding

contributions to education with the Fordham Foundation Award. The award detailed at http: / /www-hoover.stanford.edu/pubaffairs/newsletter/04011 / hanushek.html. cites his distinguished contribution to education. He is a recognized expert in the economics and finance of schools. His books include The Economics of Schooling and School Quality... I would also like to hear Rick Hanushek speak to our class. Is it possible that we could use some of our reunion time to ac-

In the last news letter I mentioned that Kenny Boone (does anyone else in the Class of ’66 have a life?) joined with classmates Jim Higham and Bill Riley as they got togetherwith their old USAFAmath instructor, Dick Perkins (USNA ’55) to try to figure out why Kenny didn’t go on to get a MS in math (like Jim) or a PhD in math (like Bill). That semi-historic event was captured on film, but there wasn’t room in the last edition to print it. Fortunately (or not), there is plenty of room in this edition, so here it is.

knowledge and learn from our classmates?

“I would rather hear from people like Rick than tour squadron areas. We have other ‘experts’ from whom we could take home some life-changing knowledge. Barry Watts comes to mind as having made contributions and written on the theory of friction in war.” Great idea, Reuel!

Well, since I am out of copy, just a reminder: “Know Your Numbers”: a. Blood Pressure; b. Body mass index; c: LDL cholesterol level. Take a walk every day with someone you love.

Hope you had a great reunion and send me your pictures and stories.

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! That’s Season’s Greetings to those of you who have not yet joined the politically correct in celebrating the "Winter Holidays”. Once again, this article counts as my Christmas card. Instead of having to plow through (or ignore) that two-page description of how well my above average children and saintly grandchildren are doing, you get the condensed version: We’re all doing great —pictures will be available at the Reunion. But, speaking of grandchildren, I just spent a week helping my wife watch our two grandchildren (ages one and three), while their parents

Jim Higham, KennyBoone, Dick Perkins (USNA ’55) and Bill Riley as they try to remember why they did something 40 years ago.

Gary Palmer and some hardy members of the class attended the Air ForceNavyfootball game and the tailgate partypriorto it. Itwas raining, the tailgate was a quagmire, and we didn’t win the game—other than that, everyone had a great time. Several of our classmates met the night before at the Sabre Society Dinner at the Army-Navy Country Club. Gary says that Hans Mueh was “with

were off on various adventures. We’ve

got a little stuffed bear Sabre Society that plays the Air Force song and my granddaughter pushed Donors the button, ran up to me and said, “Grandpa, it’s playing your song! There were other cute moments, but there were a lot of diapers (one-year-old) and endless questions (three-year-old). That kind of week can really wear you out. I’m glad we were young (and I was TDY) when our kids were that age!

Some bad news first—We recently learned of the death of Dr Gene DeMatte.

He died on 4 Sept 2005 in Tampa FL. A memorial service and burial were held in Tampa on 8 Sept. ”

108

Hans Mueh, GaryPalmer, and Fritz McDougall with the '66Guidonat the Air Force-Navy football game.

the rest of his staff (the Sup, Comm, Dean, etc) Hans was described by the Sup as “What a plus to our team! They had a great night with much good info, food, and conversation. Gary says that he saw Kenny Boone (of course), Randy Jayne, Walt Schrecker, Dick McConn, and Hugh Gommel. He said that there may have been other classmates there; but they seated everyone by how much they donated, not by class.

The official word on our 40 th Reunion is still being finalized by the “usual suspects” in Colorado Springs, so it’s time to start losing that weight, growing that hair, and getting in shape for the memorial run to the Rock. I’ve started a personal training program that kicked off with a visit to the Oktoberfest in Munich. I think a couple of beer mugs weigh almost as much as an M-1 rifle.

Send me those Christmas cards and letters, so we’ll all know what you’re doing to get ready for the Reunion. Until next time... Happy Landings! ”

Larry Wilson

For the Wilsons—we are realizing we are likely not yet (quite) ready. When we do make The

Decision—relationships will likely be the key as we value our families and friends much more than other factors. That, however, does not

simplify things much, as family and friends are scattered and mobile...

Enough of that.

You may be wondering—where on earth did that rambling discourse come from, and why in this Checkpoints? The answer: Because there were no photo or verbal “real” inputs to me for this newsletter. Thus you are stuck with mois and my ramblings, untempered by the reality of class news inputs.

Having said that—I generally am on the Holiday card and letter lists of any number of folks. So I should have “real” input for the next edition. To protect yourself and the entire class from more of this type thing—please add me to your Holiday address list.

With that—best wishes to all. Happy early Holiday plans. Be safe; take care of selves, family and friends. Vaya con Diosl

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE

Tim Davidson

Albuquerque, NM 87111 H: (505) 291-8949

9712 Hidden Valley Road Vienna, VA 22181-6094

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

(703) 255-5313 Fax: (703) 255-5377

Greetings, one and all. As I compose this—in late October—the days are getting shorter, there is a chill in the air, (extended) daylight savings time is aboutto end... all sure signs of impendingwinter. Generally not the season that most of us look forward to.

This year’s last-second football defeat to Navy is history which—much as we’d like—cannot be undone. My USNA friend continues to gloat and I expect he will do so for a long time to come, in about as immature a manner as I did in past, better USAFA football years. Ugh. Meanwhile, another football loss

this past weekend. Another ugh. Regardless of outcome, the

games are a good opportunity for grad groups to gather, as the Seagram’s Seven crew did for the Navy game. I was ineluded on a number of their organizing emails. Well done, guys. It looked like a great time in the planning. Irrespective of the weather and those final seconds with that cursed Navy field goal—I trust that a good time was had by all.

Bob Muldrow keeps me and many of us current on sports Sabre Society Donors and other Academy activities via his frequent “USAFA updates. If you are not yet on his email list and would like to have a more- frequent-than-quarterly finger on the Academy pulse—Bob can help. Let Bob know or let me know and I will forward email addresses to him.

You probably noted that even without Bob’s updates, the Academy continues ”

to be in the news, in generally less-than-complimentary articles about law-

suits, cadet offenses, etc. It is so disappointing.

I am writing this on the eve of my 60 th birthday. Tomorrow, like many of you

have already achieved or soon will achieve, I will reach that big 6 0 milestone and be eligible for any number of “senior” good deals, at theaters, restaurants, etc. Yes, I know, the AARP enrolls folks at age 50. But that doesn’t really count, other than as a wake-up call, because that is for “retirees,” not “seniors.” And -

yes, age 60 is not yet Social Security or Medicare eligible; but those too seem forme—this “different” and likely will inspire other, future ramblings. So birthday is particularly a time for reflection. In fact, I am currently looking at a potential retirement location—my home town of long long ago. My look is complicated somewhat by the fact that I am not yet retired, and have no shortterm plans to cease work; I still live in Albuquerque; and I don’t plan to relocate soon. The realtor—a high school classmate—would of course like to today sell me that perfect North Dakota retirement place. She seems a bit chagrined by my vagaries which translate to the fact that it is less likely that I will be buying today or tomorrow or in the near future. Nevertheless this birthday has focused my thinking on retirement as never before.

How does one come to that point in life, to the decision that it is time to really and finally pack it in? It was different a few years back when I retired from the USAF, as I expected to return to the work force, and have. This time, however, it will likely be more like full-time retirement, aside from whatever occasional, intermittent, part-time, volunteer and / or consulting-type work I might engage.

And how does one select the “right” place to settle? Does one stay put, or move on, to... where? And why? Is it wisest to determine one’s retirement home/ base of operations based on activities (e.g. golf, sailing, fishing etc.); weather (i.e. Phoenix vs. North Dakota) (where, incidentally, I am currently looking— go figure...); relationships (friends, family—kids/ grand kids, etc.); travel possibilities (easy travel access, hops, other); military/ benefits (e.g. San Antonio and its plethora of base stuff—exchanges, commissaries, etc.); costofliving

E-mail: timd@erols.com

HELLO ’68! Greetings from the land of beautiful fall leaves and sparse correspondence! My anorexic mailbox spider just weaved a web sign protesting the meager morsels of classmate info and digital photos she has received over the past several months. As holiday greetings are sent this way, please include some personal news and “scannable” photos. My spider thanks you!!

RECOVERY WARD DEPT: Since the last column, I heard from Bob Durham

indicating that he is recovering “pretty well.” He is still getting headaches, which the doctors said could be expected for the next 3-6 months. His pulmonologist said it could be up to a year before his conditioning gets back to normal.

Frank Moore also checked in with the following news: “I had a very close call with the grim reaper, as not many people survive what happened to me. It was a fairly rare occurrence, known as aortic dissection. You can “Google” that to get info. It’s what took actor John Ritter out last year. I was VERY lucky to have all the things that had to be in place, including a top-notch, ex-Air Force thoracic surgeon, who just happened to be in the hospital when I went to the emergency room. Within 30 minutes of their diagnosing the problem, they had me “open,” putting me ahead of all other scheduled surgeries. Five months later, I’m in pretty Sabre Society Donors good shape. Went through an excellent cardiac rehab program at Baylor (the dissection damaged the aortic valve, which had to be replaced), and have actually returned to work as of last week.

I’m so thankful to have had “safety nets”, e.g. health insurance (Tricare... such as it is) and disability coverage by my employer. So many people are totally ruined when something like this happens. ”

To both Bob and Frank, our prayers are with you for continued recovery.

—

—

—

(Mexico, other Caribbean getaway locations); health facilities (San Antonio with Wellford Hall again, or other sites with major medical centers); access to activities (e.g. Colorado Springs and USAFA); other?. What to do, where to go, when, and why? And of course—how to live to stretch one’s retirement $, to live comfortably for a long long time and outlive the $... Tough considerations, tough decisions. Ideally the answer would seem to be “all ofthe above” plus no doubt several other factors not yet recognized by me; or some balance thereof.

John and Joyce Longenecker, Ken and Lynn Stewart, and Toby and Sharyn Sullivan Our very own Air Force Inspector General, Steve Polk, andhisever-charming wife, Henrietta, invited a few of us over to their historic abode on Bolling AFB to share in some well-prepared vitdes, fine vintage beverages, and some characteristic ’68 conversation. Having known John I xmgenecker as a squadron mate in Thirsty Third and having spent time in academic classes with Steve Polk and Ken Stewart, I began my “foot-in-mouth” question to Toby Sullivan, by asking him how he was affiliated with the group assembled at the Polks?

When Toby shared he was a classmate, I told him after 41 years it was nice to finally meet him. Toby and I discovered we had virtually no common ground 109

shared during our time at USAFA or our tours of duty in the Air Force and vowed to do some catching up. So, for those who have lost track of my “newest” classmate, here is a first-time, mentioned-in- Checkpoints update onToby and his family: Upon graduation from USAFA and after a short stint at Craig AFB, Toby embarked on a career in the Office of Special Investigation (OSI). Throughout the years, he excelled in his craft and retired in 1997 in the rank of colonel as Director of Operations, Headquarters OSI, at Bolling AFB. Following his military career, he was selected to serve as a government civilian in the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Directorate of Counter Intelligence (Cl).

Recognizing his exceptional breadth of knowledge and leadership in this mission area, the Secretary of Defense promoted him to a position in the Senior Executive Service and appointed him to serve as the Director for Cl for DoD in September 2004. As Director, Toby is responsible for developing and promulgating Cl and polygraph policy for DoD. He also has responsibility for oversight of the DoD Cl program; Cl staff support; and representation for Cl at DoD, national, and international forums.

Regarding family matters, Toby’s wife, Sharyn, is a nurse practitioner for psychiatry at the VA hospital in the District of Columbia. His son Troy III is following in his father’s footsteps as a 1992 USAFA grad as a major in the OSI who is currently serving as a U.S. Forces Korea Cl staff officer in Seoul, Korea.

Hisson’swife (alsoamajor) is currentlyservingastheOSI Detachment Commander in Seoul and is expecting Toby’s first grandchild in November. Toby’s daughter Shannon is a registered dietician in Connecticut and his younger son, Kevin, died unexpectedly of a heart attack in 1997.

Toby and Sharyn, it was a pleasure to break bread with you at the IG’s house and I hope to see you at future '68 gatherings.

Lindsey Parris King’s Cloister Circle

616

Alexandria, VA 22302 Home: (703) 836-3604 E-mail:

102177.1033@compuserve.com Dear All, Two substantial catch-up newsbytes in the queue, both ofwhich help tie

the knot of the long blue line that connects us all, these connecting us and our sons and

daughters in subsequent classes.

Bugs Forsythe was elated to have finally snagged a backseat ride in the Elec-

trie Jet with PK Carlton III, Class of ’96, an event which also made our own PK

Carlton the Elder, good doctor and Surgeon General he is, beam proudly. PK III flies F- 16s out of Shaw, and Bugs was and is serving as the Reserve Advisor th at 9 AF, still working the AOR, and looking for opportunities to take breaks from office work. I hear the ride was “hot, not only because of the airmanship on display during that hot and steamy South Carolina day, but also because the D-model’s a/c wasn’t built for two. Check out the before and after shots, and you’ll see what I mean. ”

OUT OF COUNTRY DEPT : Geoff Gorsuch sent a message about his mission work with the Navigators out of Singapore. Geoff writes: “1 just got a

delayed forwarded delivery of Checkpoints here in Singapore and thought I would let you know that Diane and I are doing well. The leadership development training for the “emerging church” in Asia seems to be going very well also. We’re focused on Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Shanghai. And Cambodia is currently being planned for next year. Traveling some, but the level of interest is so high that it is hard to say, no. Would appreciate your prayers.” For those who would like to send Geoff and Diane a friendly hello or some heartfelt encouragement, his e-mail contact info is Geoff@lifecoach.org. To check out activities of his mission, you can view the website at: www.lifecoach.org.

Bugs and PK III, post-sortie.

The second notable event of the summer brought together some ’69ers and members especially of two USAFA new millennium classes to celebrate the wedding of Lara Coppinger (’02) and Ben Brown (’01). Due to the athletic exploits of these two at USAFA and beyond, there were a number of USAFA jocks present, and the games-we-used-to-play were on full display at the pool, on the river, on the links, and in the horseshoe pit. “Give a cadet a ball of twine... so the saying goes. The nuptials, on a perfect summer’s evening at Roy and Lindsay Coppinger ’s Portland estate, were spectacular, and the danc”

ing went on late into the night. Other’69ers attending were Les and Connie Dyer, Mike and Linda Beezley, Steve Kirby, and Jean and I. Les and I were honored to join members of ’01 and ’02 in the wedding saber arch and hoped the pictures were not spoiled by the camera lights reflecting off our shiny noggins and our having to squeeze into our mess dresses. Below are the usual suspects. Chec/cpo/nts write-ups for ’01 and’02 carry the pixofthe entire larger assemblage and wedding party.

Math Instructor Bruce and Iraq Veteran Heather Buono.

MAILBAG DEPT: Bruce Buono sent a “just in-time-to-get-into-the-column"

message and photo to convey that he is “living large in Illinois and working as little as necessary.” Currently, Bruce is teaching high school math as the dreaded “Substitute Teacher,” so his time is mostly his own. On the other hand, his wife, Heather, an active duty USAF lieutenant colonel (select) has virtually no time of her own. Heather recently returned to Scott AFB, ILfrom a six-month nd

tour of duty in Iraq where she was assigned to the 732 Expeditionary Logistics Support Squadron at Balad Air Base. Her responsibilities in theater were to

command all of the Air Force resources that drove and escorted convoys throughout the country. While she was there, her unit surpassed one million road miles driven in support of their mission. Bruce believes Heather should have instituted a new recruiting slogan for the Air Force that states: “Join the Air Force and Drive Your Own Truck! As a result of her service, Heather received the Bronze Star. In closing, Bruce mentioned that he saw Tony Robertson, Bobby Floyd, and Danny James at General Duncan McNabb’s assumption of command during the Air Mobility Command ceremony in September. Thanks for you update Bruce, and congratulations to Heather for her service to the country.

I received another update from Dana Drenkowski, who is now in the Army Reserves and serving in Iraq. Best wishes to Dana to stay clear of jackals while jogging around his base.

THAT’S AWRAP: Mind the flak; keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters, emails, and photos coming in. Ciaofornow. Tim ”

110

Usual suspects, beaming bride and groom, and proud poppa.

As a third bit of remembrance, and to follow up on the article in the previous

Checkpoints about Mike Goode’s riveting remarks at Acceptance Parade for legacy class (’09), here are Art and Katie Schwall and Wayne and Nicki Warren following that momentous event.

Down in Punta Gorda, Chip and Barb Wood, and their home on the coast have survived another hurricane, but delayed the repatriation to the state of their 36’ sloop, the Sweat Pea, until next year. Finding a niche between Floridabound hurricanes were Jeff and Julie Stephenson, who completed their third “Stephensons in Pain” 150-mile ride for Multiple Sclerosis. This year, they went tandem rather than riding their mountain bikes solo—but observed the sun and heat, not to mention their backsides, all felt the same, thank-you-veryour

Dick Rauschkolb

130 Luxury Lane Colorado Springs, CO 80921 H: (719) 761-5764

W: (719) 472-0300/DSN: 333-2067

E-mail:Dick.Rauschkolb@aogusafa.org Hard to believe our Reunion is over! By all accounts, everyone had a great time. Once again, mega kudos to the Reunion Committee for doing a superb

job working extra hard to make sure we all had a good time. Mark Torreano and Tooey Emery provided outstanding leadership, Mark Ewig got us a great band as evidenced by those of us who flocked to the dance floor and tried to remember those moves of 30 some years ago. I am sure there were some sore

joints the next day based on some of the “contorting” I saw.

The Schwalls and Warrens with Pegasus after the Acceptance Parade. much. Axiom number one: "No matter what you saw on the Tour de France, there is no such thing as a comfortable bicycle seat. Nowhere.”

This should set up Jeff and Julie up to do the Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) next summer, an event somehow, some way, spun off from discussions among

the RTJ golfing group. Jimmy Cummings promoted the idea, and after all the woofing was finished, is now spearheading the effort. Lo and behold, after discussions, it turned out that Denny Ryll (just back from the Tour De France) and Terry Brady RABRAIed last summer, so there is some experience base upon which to rely. Contact Brother Cummings (hercflyer@juno.com) for this week-long “Team 69” event if you’re interested. Don’t let the fact that Jimmy, Steve Kirby, Denny Ryll, Flip Keck, John Buckner, Bruce Andersen, Roy Coppinger, Les Dyer, Larry Alexander and I, among others, are giving it some thought at this time dis-

suade your enthusiasm.

Sabre Society A1 McCree, out of Nashville, continues to lead his company, Donors Altissimo! Records, as the “go-to” company for martial music. Over a couple of beers, he described in detail some of his latest doings, including working with the entertainment industry. The Nicholas Cage movie Lord ofWar has 30 seconds of the USAFA band playing America the Beautiful, and Malcolm in the Middle featured some Altissimo! recordings last year. On tap for this year is Boston Legal. A1 sees John Burns, living in Franklin, TN outside Nashville, now consulting for small businesses after retiring from American Airlines. He says Larry Harris lives in Tellico Plans, TN, and runs a pizza restaurant and an independent bookstore, and that Gobi Dessert moved to Buffalo, NY, where he works for an unnamed aerospace company.

Post-Navy game, a few of us gathered together to warm up after the wet afternoon, rehash the game (sadly, the Falcons dominated but lost), swap stories

and pontificate. Dave and Sonia Astle, Mike andVivian Rose, Bruce Andersen with daughter Laura, David and Marti Wagner, Chip and Caroll Ambrose, Charlie and Karen Weinart, Jim and Bernie Petek, Larry and JuneleaAlexander, Harry Laws, Jim and Barbara Dryden, Jimmy Cummings, Jon Pooh Bear, and Darrel and Chris Whitcomb. Most are pictured below. Identify who from the above list is not and win a shot at the pole position for the upcoming Ridgedlh Reunion. Hint: Terry Brady, Tip Osterthaler, Gary Howe, and Jimmy Williams, all ofwhom attended the game, Potato Chip 500, an adjunct event to our 40 are not

pictured.

Seventy Rocks!

Mark and Dave Gaw also spent some long hours putting the photo display of our cadet days together. That was a big hit on Thursday night—hard to believe we were ever that

young! Bill Porter and Steve Sharkey did a lot of homework

to make sure we had fine merchandise to commemorate the

occasion. Larry Bush with a lot of assistance from Marleen, I am sure, got the hotel to give us some outstanding meals.

Jack Mueller helped us in many areas—not the least being computer and mailing list support. Rich Downing organized the Memorial Ceremony which was the best one yet. George

Crow made this one of the highlights of the Reunion. His moving words capturing what it meant to be a member of

Sabre Society

Donors the Class of 1970 and honoring those who are no longer with us could not help to bring a tear to one’s eye. It was fitting and a replica of the proper this ceremony was held in front of our last class gift War Memorial located at Doolitde Hall where nine of our classmates’ names are engraved on this solemn wall honoring those graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice in time of war. If anyone has a picture of the ceremony, please —

send it to me. Thanks from all your classmates George!

I know all the golfers had a good time—particularly the winners who have bragging rights for five years. There was a four-way tie for first at eight under par. Tim Kinnan, Randy Royce, Tom Waskow, and Wild Bill Stealey tied with Pat and Carol Collins, Bruce Harmon and his son Carl and Mike Torreano, Bob Drabant, Bob Carey, and Denny Hall. However the winners, much to the

chagrin ofWild Bill, are pictured below.

The post-Navy Game Gathering For bedtime reading, you might check out Darrel’s latest piece, addressing rescue operations in the Second GulfWar, published in last spring’s Airpower Journal (www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/apj05/spr05/ whitcomb.html). Darrel plies his rescue expertise as an analyst with the TATE

Corporation at the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency.

GreyTags go Under the Tuscan Sun Department. Jerry Ball, at the Personnel Center at Randolph AFB, reports that Dick “Guiseppe” Doyle is on sabbatical from the Naval Postgraduate School, lives in an apartment in a restored 14 th Century monastery in Siena, Italy, and has office space at the University of Siena.

Godspeed all, until next time. Cheers, Lindsey

And the winners are... From left are Chuck Weir, John Disosway, Dick

Rauschkolb, and Dusty Swanson.

John’s chip-in birdie on #15 was the tiebreaker—it was really the only shot of his we used all day—right! Your class scribe also won the closest to the pin th contest. Get your teams ready for the 40 —because we are already tuning up to defend our title!

Speaking of golf, Dave MacGhee and I put a good old fashioned butt kicking grads. Thirty-eight years offrustration were taken out on the boys from ’67 ala John VanderPoel in the Wing Open in 1967. Well—not exactly—golf isn’t the contact sport boxing is. But it sure felt good!

Remember the Colorado winds? Well today at the AOG we have had 11 windshields blown out and a light pole is getting ready to tumble. The tent at the on Bill Boisture and Gil Mook —both ’67

—

football stadium is no more. This is the worst I’ve seen in all my years here.

Gary Dahlen is heading up our class gift committee. At the town meeting, Gary explained that we want to be known as the “Heritage Class”. For that reason and based on a straw poll of our classmates, the committee is committed to raising over $ 1M to build the Vietnam Memorial Pavilion on the impressive promontory many of us walked out to after the Memorial Service. The Vietnam Conflict was the first war Academy graduates fought and died in. We lost nine of our classmates. All of us were affected by the war in one manner or another and it is fitting that we recognize those graduates who served during that conflict. We are looking for some lead donors, but we hope all of you will participate in this worthy endeavor and donate funds to support this important project that captures the legacy of many of our graduates.

As you know, the Falcons have fallen on hard times since their win at the Reunion over San Diego State. I am still in mourning over losing to Navy after we had the game wrapped up with a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. That’s three years in a row we have lost to the Mids by 3 points! We also lost a heartbreaker to Wyoming 29-28 when the holder muffed a snap on an extra point.

We sank to a new low on Saturday giving away a game to Army—winner of one game this year against mighty Akron! At least I have enjoyed commiserating with Gino and Nancy Quist who sit in front of me and have to put up with all my expletive deleteds. Rich and Nanci Downing hosted their annual party after the Army game—more about that in the next issue. Here’s a photo of our own three-time NBA World Champion Coach flanked by two supporters.

Go Spurs! From left are Carol Collins, GreggPopovich and Pat Collins.

Gary and Sharon Dahlen hosted a nice evening at Sharon’s beautiful art gallery—Cherokee’s—in Manitou Springs. If you get out this way, make sure you stop in and see some beautiful western art work—some done by the very talented Sharon. Tooey and Carol Emery, Larry and Marleen Bush, Greg Gilles and his girlfriend, Dave and Jan Gaw, Mark and Kristie Ewig, and Dick and Marilyn Rauschkolb enjoyed the gallery and a good Mexican dinner at the Mission Bell. Gary makes a mean guacamole dip!

Here’s some big news—Doug Norton dropped me a line that John Penny was the winner of both the jet and the unlimited classes at the Reno Nation^ Championship Air Races. The unlimited winner was Rare Bear, which is a highly modified F8F2 Bearcat. In the jet class, John flew Pip Squeak, an L-39 Albatross. Hopefully, there is a story elsewhere in this issue about John’s great accomplishment. It’s not the first time he has won. Kudos John! Mike Huber was one offour employees worldwide for Procter and Gamble to receive the “Phoenix Award” for his many contributions to the company. Way to go roomie! Are you sure it wasn’t the “Phantom Award”? Rick Franck is a proud parent—his son is an instructor IP Rick Humke stopped by for a visit. He is still visiting exciting places—like the Golan Heights on his travels as a FEDEX pilot.

Saw Pete Fox at Lt Gen Rosa’s retirement. Pete was coming off back surgery— that’s why he didn’t make the Reunion. He was still a little ginger and it will be a few months before he hits the links! Dave Gaw is recovering from some ankle surgery and Tooey Emery took a header mountain biking. A little plastic surgery has him looking as good as a guy our age can look. This getting old is for

the birds! So much for the Golden Years!

Chuck Weir says he has a new job at Arizona State. He thought he would be a dorm monitor in the co-ed dorm; turns out he is the construction planning business for a new addition to the university. He claims he is more clueless than he was in Comp Sci plus he is working more than he did at the Pentagon.

Now that sounds like a good retirement job! Terry and Sharon Dessert didn’t make the Reunion. Terry said he was driving trailers to New Orleans to help out Katrina victims. Good on you Terry! It was good to see Mike Ryan at the Reunion—he hadn’t been back since graduation! It was great to see Kdee Hassan at the Reunion. Chuck and Alice Whitechurch gave Carol Sharkey the signed 112

picture ofTim. I got a nice note from Carol and Tim’s son Ryan—it meant a lot to them. Kudos to Dave Gaw for setting up the pictures!

Another Seventy man returned to the Academy for the first time since graduation. Mike Torreano and I had the privilege of playing golf with Tim Bench and his son a few weeks ago. Tim wanted to show his son the Academy and we teed it up. Tim lives in Oklahoma City and still has his game. His son shot par from the tips, won the Oklahoma City Amateur Tournament and is ranked fourth in the state in wresding. Plus he is a nice and polite young man—unlike his Dad was. Sounds like Academy material to me!

Interviewed the new BB coach Jeff Bzdelik—seems like a great guy—former NBA coach of the Denver Nuggets and good friend of Popo. By all accounts, the players really like him and are relieved to finally get some stability in the coaching staff. We were expecting big things this year, but former MWC Player of the Year, Nick Welch, is out for the season due a foot injury. Hopefully, he will return next year. We should still be pretty good with senior Antoine Hood leadingtheway You should have already received a letter from Mike Torreano regarding our class gift—hope everyone will respond by giving generously to this worthy project. Gary Dahlen will be sending out a follow-up letter with more details.

Oh yes—our Saber Society membership has dropped below 70 not good.

If you have dropped off or aren’t a member, please consider joining. We have the most members of any class—let’s keep it that way!

I will close by saying it was great to see so many classmates at the Reunion.

Marilyn and I enjoyed renewing long-time friendships and reliving those days that are so far away yet so close. For those ofyou who didn’t make it, please start th planning for the 40 —we aren’t getting any younger.

Here’s a picture of many of our former football players at the Reunion. I don’t know about you, but one of the highlights of my cadet career was when these guys beat Bobby Anderson and CU at Boulder. Chuck Weir and I were enjoying a few mm and cokes in the stands expecting to see the Falcons get blitzed instead these men led us to victory!

—

—

Arriba Falcones!

Marilyn and I send our best wishes to all for a very joyous Holiday Season and Healthy New Year!

Paul D. Knott 5565 Lantana Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920 H: (719) 570-9162 W: (719) 594-0100 E-mail:

pknott@acninc.net

When you read this (admittedly very short) column, the regular football season for the Falcons will be over. As of the middle of

October, the team is one game below .500, with three games being lost within the last minute. As least we had one game where the breaks went the Falcons’ way. If they can lose no more than one game from here on out, they won’t bring the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy orwin the conference, but a bowl game and a winning season are still within reach.

Jim Kotora sent in this late-breaking piece of news: “Gary Payton recently left the Missile Defense Agency as the Deputy for Advanced Systems and has moved to the position of

Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for Military Space.

”

Jim thought that Gary would be working for Ron Sega (USAFA,

’74). Hope to have more next column.

Sabre Society Oonors

The first suggestion for our 35 th Reunion has come forward from JD McBriety, who graciously has nominated his Bluegrass band as a candidate for our amusement and listening pleasure. “I was thinking about that reunion. Could it really be 35 years? I have an entertainment business on the side that could show the younger classes how much fun we had in the good old days. The DoDo staff of yesteryear could put on a show with the following: 1) Reunion of the Flying Wallenda brothers (now in wheelchairs, etc). (Need Warren Edris, and friends.)

2) Appearance by Brother Harry Steinke, the evangelist.

3) Appearance by Brian Hagerty on banjo and kazoo (if he would?).

4) My Cornbread Washtub Band (www.s-w-b-a.com) will play John Denver and a few funny academy songs.

The theme would be the DoDo Academy Awards with DoDos going to...

If your name is in this quote, and if JD hasn’t asked you about being a part of the extravaganza, or if you were on the DoDo staff and are not mentioned, there’s no better time than this very minute to communicate with JD about this idea. One other category: if you don’t remember if you were on the Dodo staff or not, check with JD or me. We may have to vote, but we’ll set your mind at ease.

Joel Carlson (Roxanna) left the Springs for San Diego and FGM, a software developer; he must miss watching Mark play football in his senior USAFA year.

Don Morrison is owner/CEO of Business Transition Network which helps companies navigate the legal/tax/financial aspects of buyouts. More impressive is how knowledgeable he’s become about multiple myeloma (cancer of plasma cells) while caring for wife, Sally; she’s doing well and Don now offers consultation to others with the disease. O’Dell Engineering has an impressive website that suggests that Randy O’Dell’s CE degree has been put to profitable use.

Dr. Steve Popper is starting an occupational medicine program for Holzer Clinic in Gallipolis, OH while helping raise a second family with wife, Cheryl.

Bruce Slawter is Director of DOE’s Office of Nuclear Warhead Protection

Bob Bell 13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513

charged with, along with other things, upgrading the security of 80 Russian nd military warhead sites; Suzanne teaches 2 Grade near Mt. Vernon. I talked with Ann Heely who occasionally sees Bill at their YorktownVA home between TDYs as he sets up and runs war games for Cubic; Ann says he refers to himself as a

‘pucker’... I can’t wait to find out what that means.

E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

Well classmates, it will be a REALLY short newsletter this time as you will see.

There was only one input this time from Jim (Debi) Reed in which he notes one aspect of the ongoing legacy of your class as we move through the ages...

Here is Jim’s information "right from the horse’s mouth:”

“You know the saying, ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’. Well, I have nd proof that sometimes it actually does (just kidding). 2 Lt Andrew Sellers, son ofA1 and Julie Sellers, just graduated on 1 June as the numher one cadet in the class of2005. Andrew was number one in academics and military as well as number one in the Com-

puter Science department. As a result of his outstanding accomplishments at USAFA he garnered two great postgraduate scholarships. As endowed by Bart Holaday (Class of ’65), he has just begun his two years of post grad work at Oxford under the Holaday Scholarship. Additionally, he has the next Sabre Society Donors 10 years to pick a university of his choice to accomplish a PhD using his Truman scholarship. Andrew is embarking on this great academic journey with his new wife, Andrea, a graduate from Nebraska. It’s a good thing that Julie passed on such great genes!”

(Bob here again... thanks, Jim!) Hope you all can let me know if there are any OTHER guys that we may have missed with second (or more) generation graduates resulting If om our actually having made it through ourselves... And again, keep those cards, letters and e-mails coming if you have ANYTHING to pass on, ok!

Ron and Mary Scott (right) look pleased at daughter Kate’s wedding to Boni Jiang. No time for rest though; daughter Kim caught the bouquet and will th marry Chad Perry (left) on January 14 2006. ,

Huge thanks to Mike Arnett for supplying news on CS-09ers. Mike and Pris were transferred to Cape Canaveral from Colorado Springs by L-3 Communications; they have three daughters, all married and in Colorado, four grandchildren, and one on the way. Dave Barcus and Maria are enjoying life by the beach... as in Miami Beach where he’s campus planner for Miami-Dade Community College. Gordy “Stump” Bendick works for BAE Systems in D.C. “My oldest daughter has moved in with me to attend Law School at Catholic University. I cannot tell which is worse the “Sticker shock” of a “National Law Program” OR the redecorating cost of a former-Sorority Chick turned loose with a Thomasville Credit Card on a Bachelor pad. I have learned that Celery is not vegetable it is actually a paint color and Victorian is not my sex life it is a decorating style.

Bill “Trapper” Carpenter remains active in tenured position as USAEA Director ofAdmissions. After living in AlbuSabre Society Donors querque for a number of years, Denny and Debra Clark moved just north of Orlando where he flies for FedEx. Jim Cropper retired to Schertz, TX where he and Mary care for their parents. Daughter Alicia is a civil engineer in Irvine, CA and son Scott will soon graduate from TexasA&M. “Ifanyone is in San Antonio, stop in and see us! Phone210-5666263.” Doug and Bev Dick are in Southern California where he’s principal of Del Lago Elementary, a “2004 California Distinguished School”, and hoping for‘Governor’s Performance Award’. Jack Glavan retired to the coolest job: -

-

Bob Munson

19245 Lincoln Green Lane

Monument, CO 80132

(719) 487-1464 rmunson@adelphia.net

INTRODUCTION: In my correspondence I sense heightened class pride as general officers continue to influence the direction and tone of the Air

our

Force. I also note we’re feeling a sense of accomplishment in our careers and in the successes of our children. It’s great, as a scribe, to be able to share this

with you.

SQUADRON NOTES: Mike Tremonte and Scott Wilson want me to tell the true story of how CS-38 got the nickname of “All Stars”. Their first squadron

patch depicted a phantom until the 1970 Dodo All Star Award went to “The entire 38 ,h Sqdn. for placing 39 th or below in all areas of competition" (Dodo Vol 14Jun70). That prompted a re-designed patch and yell. Mike is retiring from Exxon/Mobil and will join Susan in Seattle this month where he’ll start doing real estate. Scott flies for Northwest and is a broker/financial consultant with Quest Capital Strategies. Scott attended Juan Rangell’s Alaska Airlines retirement; Juan left USAFA early, finished his degree as a three-striper, got commissioned and flew C- 141s.

Paul Brenner (Maureen) flies for American, lives in Las Cruces, hunts when able. I caught SWA pilot A1 Hoover at his Paulden AZ home after he missed out

flying his PT-17 Stearman at an airshow due to a balky engine; Lauri spins and they’ve raised and looks forward to A1 finishing a workshop for her. Others flying commercially are Tremonte’s brother in law Grover Stein with Northwest, Rick Ralph with American, and Mike Koemer with SWA. CS-38 has a cluster of classmates in the Springs area: Luke

weaves as a ‘fiber artist’ with wool

Coker (Patricia) is an ART with the 302 nd AW at Peterson, BJ Stanton (Donna) is with SI International, Ken Henry (Karen) is with Northrop Grumman, and Jim Vitelli is a program manager working Integrated Space C2 with Lockheed.

All will celebrate Jim’s wedding to Kim this February; Jim traveled with the

Henry’s to England and France this summer... dunno if they’ll do the same with the honeymoon.

-

”

-

he’s in charge of the Pike’s Peak Highway upkeep; wifeTeri, helps head up the USAFA Protocol Office.

John Keesee’s (Carrie) last assignment was Air Force Chair of the MIT Aero Department; at retirement he just took off his uniform (not sure how often he wore

it, anyway) and went back to work there. Steve Kniffen and Rose are back

to Clyde, TX where he runs Embry Riddle’s local program and helps Dad down on the farm.

Gerry Lewis moved to Hawaii, where he remains flying DC-10s for Northwest. Kevin McHugh teaches five science classes/day at Folsom CA High School and is sponsor for the “Aerospace Career Enthusiasts” Club. Son Jesse is a KC-10 IP at Travis and son Ryan is in med school in San Antonio sometimes working in Wilford Hall where he was born.

After 20 years of AF fun (helicopters /j ets / props and teaching at USAFA and West Point) Eric Nickerson (Terry) retired to Maryland as Managing Partner of an investment firm that was conceived back at the Aluminum Womb. Don Pettit has scaled back to “just” his full time job with LockMart; he and Karen live in Springfield, VA with a merged family of three kids and four grandkids.

John Pilcher —After being a T 4 1 nav at McChord, John left the Air Force and settled with Pat in Wichita, KS, where he works for Boeing refurbishing Saudi Arabian 767s. Dick (Karen) Schanberger was a bodyguard for a billionaire in Denver, then later wound up an airline pilot living in Montgomery, TX, just outside Houston.

Skip Smith retired as an Air Force lawyer and one of the country’s foremost —

113

experts on space law. He now works for a legal firm in Colorado Springs and has started a digital family history business. Dr Scott and Brenda Stine are in Carrollton, OH where he’s in private practice. After graduation, Mark Stuckley returned to Pennsylvania, married Linda, raised kids and works in the insurance business. Vic (Connie) Thuotte works for Fidelity Investments while staying very involved with the AOG as a member of its Nominating Committee. Joe Walker left Delta Airlines in 2004 and, with Mary, has lived in Allen, TX for 25 years. After starting/ coaching high school volleyball and lacrosse teams he “may become a high school teacher / coach—or play on the World Series of Poker Tour.”

Dale and Linda Wrisley retired to Booneville, AR: “Since 10Jan2005I’ve been working as the Assistant County Administrator for Sebastian County Arkansas...I help the Judge administer all county property, prepare and administer the county budget, and write ordinances for the Quorum Court to pass.” Rob Zachritz and wife Blake are in Topeka where he’s in charge of the State of Kansas computer program for Medicaid reimbursement. Doctor Ed and Diane Parry live(d) in Metairie, LA; post Katrina disaster NOAA photos show the house out of the flood zone. Latest word was they were temporarily in Chicago and had found their beloved boat using Google Earth satellite

photos.

STORM STORIES: Ernie and Kathy Maravilla spent 15 hours traveling 120 miles away from Houston; turned out their lake home destination was closer to Rita’s center: “It is amazing to see just how much 60-foot pine trees will bend in 100-mph winds.” They returned to minimal damage at their home. Dr Steve McDavid (Roberta) reported little damage to their clinic and home in Ocean Springs, MS but confirmed widespread damage around them.

of Aeronautics, Lincoln, NE; Tom Kennedy at Defense Supply Center Richmond; andWillie Thompson with Delta out of Atlanta. Chaplain Tom Blase (Beth) has been reassigned to Lackland AFB. Joe Brezovic 1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546 H: (281) 482-6860

0: (281) 244-8325/Fax: (281) 244-8020 E-mail: jbrezovic@houston.rr.com joseph.brezovicl@jsc.nasa.gov

Greetings Classmates around the world! I hope all is well with you and yours.

I like the way the AOG gives a few days after Checkpoints comes out so us scribes can get a few more inputs for the next issue. That’s how it’s been this year-1 may have more for the next edition with Christmas letters. You may be reading this right about the December timeframe. Drop a card, a photo with at least you in it because that is the only way we can print it, or drop an email! Some one or more of us will be extremely glad that you did!

The biggest surprise I had this edition is seeing the lineup of the picture below! There’s Steve Daniels, MG Tom Kane, LtGen Chris Kelly, General Duncan

McNabb, Pete Gavares, Dan Schellinger, and Jeff Overton. These folks got together at the Oct 14 change-of-command for Duncan. We had some time scrambling for face-name recognition among some of us. Tom helped me out at the end. Check these faces and your own—against those in the yearbook!

-

Steve, Tom, Chris, Duncan, Pete, Dan, and Jeff For those who’ve lost track, or are looking for updates: Duncan McNabb is

the AMC Commander, Chris Kelly is the AMCVice Commander, and Tom Kane is the Air Mobility Command, A3, Director of Plans and Programs. Check out

John Corleygets pinned by neighbors Gen Moseley and Steve Lorenz.

GENERAL OFFICER NOTES: Frank and Nancy Klotz return to the Springs deputy SPACECOM. In addition to providing a picture, vice AF Chief Gen John Corley wrote: “After 32 years I am still thrilled to be a part of an organization that makes a big difference in the world. Our classmates and our experiences at the Academy formed the bedrock of my value system; one that is based on trust and respect. John added that Gen Moseley was committed to leading our alma mater into the 21st Century and ensuring USAFA remains the backbone of our officer corps. As a token of this commitment the Chief has adopted this year’s entire doolie class... both a gesture and challenge to all graduates. I’ll leave it up to John to brief Gen Moseley on his responsibilities over Parent’s Weekend. as he assumes role of

”

what they really look like up close and personal on http://public.amc.af.mil/ and in the Key Staff link! Go ’74! Steve is pressing on with analyzing transportation for US TRANSCOM to improve our capabilities.

Also working with TRANSCOM is Dan Schellinger. He retired with Monica in 2003 to around Troy. Dan is presently working with Dynamics Research Corp. Dan says that is sees John Verling pretty often because John works for the same company and on the same project! For the other civilians, Pete is working with Rolls-Royce (Arlington area) in the energy development arena. He and Carol retired out of the Air Force in that area.

JeffOvertonfliesforUSAirwaysasacaptain. Hecom-

mutes also out ofArlington, VA where he has been since 1985.

His real estate must be worth something! I wonder who of us have been in the same plot ofland since 1985!

A recent retiree writes in that he’s been and living in Georgetown, KY since 1994 Mike Burnside. Mike is currently working for the state as Undersecretary for Adminis-

Sabre Society

Donors

trative and Fiscal Affairs for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. That is a mouthful for chief of administration, but you know how

governments and titles go... Mike and Patti moved back to their home area after retiring in '94. Mike’s first venture had been two years teaching JROTC at the local high school. Then he says he moved in to the state government, for

’73 claims record forgreatest spread ofrank among classmates actively serving. Army Sgt Rowe Stayton congratulates Nort and Suzie Schwartz at the TRANSCOM change ofcommand.

ODDS AND SODS: I invite all to see Chris Derry interviewed on ‘free market solutions...for a better Kentucky’; just send me an email and I’ll linkyou up.

Chris started the Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions to challenge the thinking of all Kentuckians; their website is interesting, thoughtful, and provocative regardless of your home state. Incoming notes: Jim Casey at the University of Texas at Austin; Kevin McNellis with TCS Design and Management Services at Warner Robins, GA; Barry Scheinost at Nebraska Department

over nine years now. They have two grown sons—one still close by in Kentucky. He adds “No grandchildren, but maybe someday!”

I shot Andy Galik an email to check in, since both of us are in Houston. He wrote back that he lucked out and did not have any damage from Rita other then a lot of downed branches, leaves and pine needles. He was writing from Lagos, Nigeria, where he was serving on a three-week rotation for the oil industry.

The last information I have to pass on comes from Tracy and Cathy Cheatham.

Tracy retired from Delta because, well, you know about cutbacks in the airline industry. Delta ceased retirement funding, froze retirement, ceased medical insurance. They write that after much soul-searching, retirement became effective 1 May 2005. “So much for flying till I was 60!’’Tracy wrote. Andthere’s more, of course. Go back two years, and they had closed on a property that they had wanted but someone else had put the bid in the day before they looked at it. Then Tracy and Cathy learned that the person did not show up for the closing three months later. They made the offer again and this time they got accepted, December 2003. Now, they are no longer in Utah. Missing friends and keeping cherished memories, they are now living in an apartment (?) in the hanger on the 2.5 acres in Crawford, CO. Yes, a home will be built in about

two years. The household goods are still in the 53-foot semi-trailer-now-stor-

age facility. Tracy wrote that he has a dream of developing a Christian Flying Curriculum and hopes to build an R7 or RIO (?). Cathy ministers to people wherever they go. Theywant to serve where the Lord directs them. Itseems things are certainly working out for them.

alumni. Yes, the cheers for this new generation of co-ed zoomies have changed,

but we didn’t know them. So we did our old ones. And, of course, the current cheerleaders came over to assist; then left with their mouths ajar in disbelief (and disgust, possibly) at what came out of the mouths of old men. What can we say? We didn’t invent them. We just repeat them. Very enthusiastically,

actually.

Do you recognize any ofus?

And since I had the some space in this column, here’s a picture ofthose from

the Dozen who came to the reunion last fall. From left are Rich Bowman, JJ

Romano, Steve Sterne, Tracy Cheatham, Mike Cranford, Joe Brezovic, Dr. Paul Sherry, and Dr. Ted Macey.

May you set aside time in the Christmas and holiday seasons to realize the

blessings you have, to know you can seek for what you need, and rest assured that you are covered! May you live long and prosper.

Paul Kent

18166 S.E. 41st Place

Issaquah, WA 98027-9717 Mobile: (425) 785-3586 E-mail: zooscribe@mac.com

Russ Trinter Can You Read the Warning Sign Beneath His Feet?

Friday night we were treated to the voices of the Cadet Chorale, joined later by members of our class who were former Chorale members. Man, can those people sing. Beautiful. Later we were awed with a “Class of 1975 Retrospective”, courtesy of a major effort by Bill Estelle. Bill says he spent between 2000 and 3000 hours compiling pictures from archives and from a few classmates who sent him photos. And he says there are still more files left in the archives.

Amazingly, he adds, “I hope that rather than being the end, this project was a beginning. He added appropriate background audio and produced a classic that you will want if you haven’t obtained a copy yet. For $5 each, basically covering his additional expenses only, you can have up to five DVDs delivered to your door. Include $1.50 additional for shipping, no matter how many you order. GetintouchwithBillatwilliamestelle@mac.com. A Mac guy? Cool.

While you’re at it, send him some digitized photos from your old photo collec—

”

THIRTIETH REUNION. After careful analytical observation and calculated

research, the scribe, with help from many others, has concluded that our class

Groups, bearing no resemblance to the Groups assigned to when were at the Zoo. These Groups will be referred to hereafter as the "A-Jacket” Groups. You can probably see where this is going.

The First Group has conveniently lost our A-Jacket, as we can no longer fit into can now be re-divided into four

we were

it and still function. The Second Group can fit into their A-Jacket, but cannot zip it. The Third Group can fit into their A-Jacket, zip it, but not breathe. The last Group of despicable classmates can fit into their graduation A-Jacket, zip it, breathe, and function normally. This Fourth Group has a select nickname when referred to by the other three Groups, but the scribe can’t print it here.

Lance Grace (Group 2) and Eric Buhyoff (Group 4)

Although this Checkpoints should arrive via postal mail a few months after rejoin in the Springs, this will be the first chance to reminisce about this great event attended by almost half of our surviving members. The percentage is probably greater if we were to tally all of us who got together, registered or not, as many Best Alivers only made it to the Falcon come-from-behind vietory and to the Saturday eve individual Squadron rejoins.

Those of us lucky enough to attend don’t need this column to confirm our get-together was memorable and enjoyable. Even the Falcon football team snatched Victory from the jaws of Defeat, just as they did the week before when the scribe took his whole family to witness a Falcon comeback over the University ofWashington Huskies with only 39 seconds left in the game. The vietory over the San Diego State Aztecs during our reunion weekend was due, the scribe is sure, in no small part, to the efforts of 50-plus-year-old cheerleaders (kudos to Russ Trinter, along with Ollie Lorenz) leading 50-plus-year-old our last

tion, so the Second Edition will be all the better.

Speaking of memories, Jim Carlson, our overworked President, along with his humble scribe, has a great request, which will be facilitated by Bruce Mitchell. From Bruce: “We want to capture our class legacy in writing, for our

posterity purposes: ’75 at 30. We need maxiinput from the class to make this complete and most meaningful. We are working on e-ways to ease and standardize preparation of these narrative inputs from each classmate. They will be collected and input via cadet squadron groups... likely organized and published in the same way.

Begin writing down the most compact one-page summary of your career and perhaps a humorous, sobering, or otherSabre Society wise meaningful anecdote from your career, and stay tuned Donors for future information on this effort from your squadron reps.” We’ll be back to you on this one. In any event, any recollections we record now, along with the DVD, will outlive us all. This is what will remain when the last ’75er is gone. Our legacy is what we leave behind. This will include photographs, memorials, our legacy gifts, andMarkModrich’sA-jacket (as well as that dreadful quasi-official coat that he somehow avoided ditching the first chance the rest of us got).

It is probably too late to order the Class Wine celebrating the 30th, but, thanks to the effort of Mark Beesley, many of us got to enj oy it. The scribe saw several botties on tables on Friday night of our reunion, including our table, courtesy own and future mum

of Dave McDaniel. The vintner, a friend of Marks’, can be reached at

gustavot@napanet.netorwww.gustavothrace.com.

Here’s a web site thatyou must bookmark: usafa75.org. It’s our own site, unaffiliated with anybody except us. You’ll note that you will be given the opportunity to send the webmaster links to your own USAFA centric site. Due to space limitations on the server, links are the easiest method to manage our site.

Lasdy, the scribe needs to acknowledge the kind words from members of our class whodidnotwalk to the stage on June 4,1975. Several of these classmates ave never

imagined what I would feel seeing these people in person after over

30 years, hearing the unfolding of spectacular careers, admiring in men what I knew only as budding character in young men, walking on the Academy

grounds again, spending an afternoon on the beautiful golf course where I used to ‘escape from it all on the hill’, being in the chapel, the stadium, the field house... it was overwhelming. I appreciated seeing the updated dorms. I spent some time in the main library as well as the AOG library in Doolitde. I wouldn’t do justice to attempt here to tell you the value or meaning for me in 115

those few days. I am most grateful for the opportunity and enjoyment of a very well organized event that will live with me as a paramount experience.

As you know, having not graduated with the class, I didn’t expect more than to coordinate my visit to Denver that would coincide with the reunion, in the hope of making contact with a few old pals sometime during that week. I was most impressed by an invitation to attend the reunion events and welcomed the opportunity. I never suspected to find such a reciprocal welcome, in fact, far more. In more than one encounter, in more than one way, and from Superintendent to roommate to mere acquaintance friendships -1 found a recurring theme that shook me into a most compelling awareness... brotherhood, friendship and camaraderie are deep and real among the members of our class.

Moreover, the ‘class’ is defined, by the graduates of 1975, as the 1400+ who entered that summer of 1971, including the record-breaking number of us who

article Taryn has had seven surgeries, is still critical, but she is fighting hard.

30 th Reunion: 8-12 November2006 is still the target and the plan is to base out of the Antlers. Scheduled has home football game against Notre Dame.

Classmates moving/moving up: Mike Gould from Commander 3rd AF to Commander 2nd AF, Keesler AFB; Larry New to Director, Operations HQ AFMC, WPAFB; John Andrews confirmed by Senate as next Permanent ProfessorofMath Dept here at USAFA. Congrats guys! John’s investiture ceremony was 21 Oct here at Doolittle Hall. Myself, Steve Eddy, Greg Seely, Joe Wysocki, Rich Hanley, Scott Gough, Tom Mallory, Jim Lowe, and Jim Kogler were all able to attend.

fell out of rank over the course of your 4 yrs there. I was astounded and humbled to find this sentiment and its universal support. I was moved profoundly by the real presence of this fact in the minds of graduates. My expectation of exclusion met in stark contrast with your high standard of inclusion—and served to quicken my understanding ofthe source of my respect for each of you and unify my own self-esteem with numerous examples of character and integrity that are the common thread between us, it appears.

I went with an attitude of congratulations and honor for a great group of impressive men who are deservedly accomplished.

I returned with healing, perspective, resolution, understanding, self-respect, and a slew of friendships. Priceless.

Thank you again, (Keith).

Dan Beatty, Steve Eddy, GregSeely, JoeWysocki, John Andrew, Rich Hanley, Scott Gough, Rich Carlson, and Jim Lowe at John’s investiture as permanent

math professor. (Missing-Jim Kogler) General Class Stuff: Got a call from Enrique Saa. Says he will be in for the Army game. We’ll try to get a group together and discuss reunion things. Bob Gold asked about our 30 th ; says he and Sandy will try to attend. Ray Brunelle tells me he is flying Continental based out of Newark, soon to go to the B757/767 on international routes. Says he also is executive producer for a film documentary on Marilyn

A1 Peck sends his regrets from the desert.

CLASSMATES. A1 Peck sent the following before the reunion: “...sorry about dropping off the scope. I’ve moved to an undisclosed location.. .Living the dream, but won’t get released to party with the Best Alive. I’ll be there in

spirit...feel free to hoist an extra beverage on my behalf.” Note from scribe: We did, Al. And for some of us, too many extra beverages. Doesn’t take much these days. Most Recent Dad Award: Steve Else, just became a new father on 7 August.

Note from scribe: The competitiveness for this Award seems to be waning, for some unexplainable reason. From Chuck Molzon, now flying for ATA: “I have seen airfields in my ATA career that I had only previously seen in target study during my days in SAC.” Note from scribe: not sure if this is Bad or Good.

Heartiest congratulations to our newly minted Lieutenant General, Douglas Fraser. Major General Dale Meyerrose will be Chief Information Officer at the Office of the Director of Nation^ Intelligence. Scott Hammond just pinned on MGen (ANG Georgia) and Bill Schuesller made BGen in the MN ANG. Our thoughts and prayers are with John Kambourian. He emailed his regrets on not attending the reunion. His wife, Kim, passed away and he will be staying home

Monroe’s first husband; may soon hit the theaters. Ray also says he plans to attend the 30th. Charlie Morgan asked for some help tracking down a birthday, also forwarded and email from Larry Weaver. Larry offered some philosophical comments on Falcon football prior to the Navy game.

Sabre Society Donors Larry, you shoulda been a sports writer. Brad Moffett info’d me on an email advertising a pre-Navy football game party at Mike Worden’s house co-hosted by Mike and Jimmy Carter. Hope the party turned out a bit better than the game classmates. Brad also sent new contact info on Kurt Klingenberger; says Kurt just retired from Joint Military Intelligence College and will join Dept of Homeland Security.

Ron Webber tells me he accepted a position as Assistant Prof of Military Science at Clemson. Mark Shanks recently became manager for all military HUD programs at Rockwell Collins. Doug Fry’s daughter Kasey (2000 grad) is deployed to Krysygstan and is looking for clothes and shoes for kids there.

If you want to assist, contact me for the address. Paul Sowada sent a note to ‘Loosehogs’ with a photo of him, Kevin Hennebray, and Steve Dalros. Says Steve lost his razor a few months ago.

with their children.

Dan

Beatty

12196 Stanley Canyon Road Colorado Springs, CO 80921 H: (719) 488-1962 E-Mail:

whrlybrd76@aol.com Dan.Beatty@usafa.af.mil http://www.AFAcademy.com/76 Fellow ’76ers, By the time you get this, the holiday season should be in full swing. Best wishes to all of you from me and mine. Remember those less fortunate than we, those who need our special thoughts and prayers, and especially our troops around the world during this special time of year.

Need your help. Dave Robinson’s daughter Taryn, USAFA Class of ’05, was critically burned 21 Sept in the crash of a small aircraft during an IFT sortie.

Please keep Taryn, Dave and Lori, and all of their family in your thoughts and prayers. Several of you responded to the email I sent shortly after the mishap and I passed on your thoughts to Dave while I was in San Antonio a few weeks ago. He said the family appreciated the support from everyone. As of this 116

Paul Sowada, Kevin Hennebray and Steve Dalros socializing.

Denny Shupe works in Philadelphia and would welcome calls from classmates as they pass thru the area. Steve reports bride, Mary Ellen, a PhD psychologist, has given up trying to understand/repair his mental condition.

Son graduated with honors in Astrophysics from Swarthmore and daughter Ellen is a high school junior. Denny is still very active in the U SO and if you wanttohelp, contacthim. Jack Catton, ACC/DR now says he can’t believe “they put a ‘big kid’ like me in charge of figuring out what cool stuff” to buy for our warfighters. Bud Nevers sent contact info update and tells me he is on

leave of absence from USAirways, training as financial consultant with SmithBarney. Tom Trainor pinged me for reunion info. Denny Damiens popped outta

the weeds after many years of no contact to say he and Nancy are dog fosterparents. (I always knew you’d go to the dogs Denny!) He’s a Joint Staff civilian for Net-Centric capabilities. Daughter Danielle is a Virginia Tech sophomore. Pete Mapes stopped by my office. Was here at USAFA working on some analysis stuff.

Hadn’t seen Pete since my AETC days. Larry Eriksen moved to Warner Robins ALC and says he’s planning for July 06 retirement. Son # 1 is a Purdue grad and #2 is a pre-med junior at University of Georgia. Chuck Ohms also popped up after

Chaffe (Ann) continues his efforts on behalf of Northorp, working in the electronics systems division, but now out of lovely Baltimore (or as they say on Light Street, “BaU’mer”). Dave’s work is in the area oftactical and theater level ground ISR processing systems, which he describes as “a real emotional rollercoaster” given the pace of change in the industry and the pace of demands placed upon the operators. Duff Muir (Mary) ran into John Buckley (Melinda) and Joe Smutko (Carolyn) while bumming around the Springs area. John is running his own law practice there, while Joe is flying for Southwest out of Midway here in Chicago. Duff and I talk fairly regularly by email now since we have kids at

many years. Says he has kept in touch over the years with Charlie Morgan, Brian Russell, and Jim Bauer. Chuck is a USTRANSCOM contractor.

Bruce Swezey sent an email tribute about our warfighters. Reminds us to keep all our troops in our thoughts and prayers. Geoff Lawrence rang in with some philosophy about current USAFA issues. ‘Leon’ is still a HOO-AH army type. Jeff Larsen asked for help tracking down ‘Thirsty-Third’ bubbas Brad Gerdes, Dave Tutde, Mark Olson, Rich Crouser, Jay Barnes, and Bob Wagner.

I was able to find contact info for all those guys. Don ‘Waldo’ Hall and Lance Christianson sent suggestions for the 30th. Thanks guys! John Dunstan sent new contact info. Marc Felman tells me the new Comm was his copilot a few (several?) years back. Steve Nickel updated his email with me. Mike ‘Woody’ Woodman rang in with questions about the reunion. Mike Fricano tells me Mike Walsh moved in next door at Hickam. Ernie Woollard is now a contractor at Hurlburt workingTMAOS. And finally, A1 Patriquin reports he has nothing

CU. That fact alone is enough to keep us awake most nights.

Tom Jones (Liz) fired off a quick postcard detailing their trip to Pordand and Mount Rainier in between his writing work. Tom’s got a book coming out in February Skywalking and two other books in the works. You can check out his rapidly expanding body of work at astronauttomjones.com. Thanks for the

to report! Way to go Al!

all, Steve is the principal AOG contact for most of the Academy public relations efforts, which I would think has been a challenging position, to say the least, over the last few years.

Again time to stick a fork in it. If you haven’t updated your info in the AOG database, please go to www.usafa.org and do so. You don’t need to be an AOG member to update your bio info. It will help to have current data when we start passing reunion info in the next few months.

As always, if you are headed to the Springs, let me or any of the other locals know and we’ll see if we can’t join up for a few stories and updates. Keep flying your flags and let our deployed troops know you have them in your thoughts and prayers. The Spirit of 76 is STILL alive and well! Until next time... Beatty.

John J “Lou" Michels, Jr. 4107 Harvey Western Springs, IL 60558 Voice: (312) 849-8150 Fax: (312) 849-8151 E-Mail:

jmichels@mcguirewoods.com LOGIN: I hope this finds everybody healthy, wealthy and wise, although by the time you get this it will probably be the start of flu season. I was thinking that

the Falcons themselves had a touch of avian distemper, given their football performance for the first part of the season. I am hoping their problems will solve themselves as they sort out the kinks in their defensive scheme. Mike Batton (Lisa) and I watched the Navy game with 20 or so other grads in the

Chicago area and were grossly disappointed in the outcome. Our disappointment was mitigated somewhat by the consumption of mass quantities of

nachos, soda (at least, /was drinking soda) and other unidentified food that arrived heaped on numerous plates.

MEN BEHAVING NOT TOO BADLY: I mentioned my visit with Gary Hamor (Ellen) and Van Davis (Holly) two columns ago, and was soundly rebuked by a reader who could hardly believe that anyone would let the three of us into a restaurant. Nevertheless, here’s proof that we were at least in the vicinity of a decent Italian place here in Chicago.

Michels, Davis and Hamorjust before being refused service.

Through one of my sources, I got a very brief heads up from Paul Higgins (Nancy). Paul works for BAE Systems Electronics as a Principal Systems Engineer, out of upstate New York. Paul and Nancy have three kids, with one away at college, and the other two preparing to finish bankrupting the family. Ah well, we’re all pretty much in the same boat now. Sterling Johnson (Linda) is an Acquisition Manager atWright-Patt, working on the F-A/22 Program. Dave

update Tom, and good for you in getting away for a few days.

POINTMAN: Steve Simon (Paula) gave me some detailed insight into his role at USAFA. He’s working with the AOG on its communications staff, in addition to working as the graduate liaison for reunions, homecomings, and

other graduate outreach events. He’s also handling programs for parents and donors, as well as the USAFA 50th Anniversary projects. Steve wrote four chapters for the commemorative volume “50 Years of Excellence” and was the script consultant for the PBS program “Jewel ofthe Rockies.” All in

Nice work Steve, and I hope you continue to make the AOG

Sabre Society Donors

the voice ofthe graduate community with regard to all things USAFA. Steve also pointed out (for those of us living under a rock) that Irv Halter (Judith) left his position as Deputy Director at NSA to become the Vice Superintendent at the Zoo. Irv’s presence, as Steve notes, puts five ’77 grads on the USAFA staff- Steve, Irv, Paul Pirog (Mary) at DFL, Jim Glass (Susan) with the Chaplain’s Office working character development issues, and Jeff Heidmous (Barbara) as an Assistant Athletic Director.

Steve ran into Chuck Gill (Judith) on a trip to England—Chuck is the Base Commander at Menwith Hill Air Force Base—congrats, Chuck, it’s a long way from our time at EWO school as butterbars. As if Steve wasn’t doing enough, he ran the Pike’s Peak Ascent in August and got caught by a hail/snowstorm that closed the roads and drove everybody into shelter. In a gift shop, Steve bumped into Tim Patterson (Robin) who was out from Pittsburgh to run the Pike’s Peak Marathon at the same time. Thanks for the insight and all the info, Steve. Hope to see you out here in

Chicago for a Chapter meeting soon.

HANDS ON: At the invitation of the aforementioned Paul Pirog, I spent a day or so teaching several classes at USAFA. I started with a negotiation seminar and

followed it up with the ever-reliable Law for Commanders and then an Operations Law course. I felt pretty old at the end of all this, but otherwise had a great time. The law education program has expanded tremendously, which is appropriate given the legal issues confronting officers almost from the beginning of their careers. The cadets are a little shell-shocked by all the publicity surrounding a variety of USAFA issues, but are also weathering the storm better than I would have in their shoes. I think Paul and his staff are doing a terrific job edueating people on the diverse and tangled problems that exist across the legal spectrum—I just hope I didn’t set his efforts back five or six semesters.

I also had a good sit-down session with Jay Fawcett (Susan) while I was in Colorado on one of my CU visits. On Sept 27, Jay announced he is running for

Congress and any of you interested in making a contribution to his campaign can find him on the web at fawcett4congress.com. Nothing but best wishes here, Jay, and keep us posted on the progress.

NAW’LEANS NUPTIALS: In perhaps one of the last pre-Katrina pictures you’ll see, I offer up Dave Rein (Mary) ’s wedding gathering of ’77-types in New Orleans in June. The photo shows an original Campus Radicals collection from Mark Cochran (Wendy), and a distinguished-looking bunch they are.

From left are Gary Green (Ruth), Ron Strich, Kurt Taylor (Terri), Flip Feeley, Mr. Cochran and the groom, Dave. Mark notes that something might have been catching because not too long after this picture was taken, Ron was married to Donna on July 4. Nice work, guys, it would be hard to close with a much more polished group.

CS 39-Radical Chic

SIGN-OFF: I have only one word of advice for you out there—layers. Stay warm and

drop me some more information about what’s happening these days. Be seeing you.

Bob

Kay

40411 Tesoro Lane

Palmdale, CA 93551

Home:(661) 274-2201 Work: (661) 824-6426 Email: Robert.kay@baesystems.com

About all that is left to report is a few moves I saw on the Air Force Senior Leader Management Office web site: Former roomie Bill Chambers is now the permanent director of SAID organization, Joe Mudd is now the Deputy com-

mander of CAOC 6 in Eskisehir, Turkey: and Punch Moulton will soon (if he hasn’t already) take over the 18 th Wing at Kadena. And... just to show that ’78 can hack the

tough stuff, Paul Capasso will help lead the rebuilding of Keesler

AFB after being trashed by Katrina as the new81st TrainingWing commander...

go get 'em Paul!

Well, this was not as brief as I thought it was going to be. Please keep the info

moving if you would... makes it a lot easier to write this thing. Not sure how many more chance encounters I can count on. May you all have a great Fall... see you next time.

’78 is GREAT!

Greetings’78ers...

This will be a moderately short article primarily due to not having much to report this quarter. I know that it has been a crazy time for many of you with so much going on in the news. Speaking of current events, it is with some concern that I write this after the many weather events we have experienced. I wrote last time about Deon Gieg who lives outside of New Orleans. I haven’t been able to contact him so please join me in praying for his family’s safety and restoration of their home if need be. Please let us hear from you Deon if you read this!

On a slightly happier note, I had the incredible pleasure this past week of being in Tucson attending the annual F-4 Phantom II Society convention (for a shameless plug, check out our web site atwww.f4phantom.com if you are an old Rhino driver). Our guest ofhonor this year was SEA ace Lt Col (Ret) Jeff Feinstein (’68).

He is one of the nicest guys I have ever met and was more than willing to tell some

Bud

Vazquez

25 Hayden Lane Bedford, MA 01730

(781)402-3609 bud.vazquez@us.ibm.com

Ichangedjobsbackin January, whenljoinedlBM... the other Big Blue! My experiment with co-owning a business ended last December when I unfortunately ran into the issues of partnerships like a partner who hired his kids and sailing buddies, paid for his own birthday bashes and alumni donations with corporate funds and overall made many boneheaded decisions while ignoring my advice. So, when a great offer from IBM found its way to me, and I -

-

amazing war stories. Needless to say, the event was a huge success mainly due to his participation. While there, I happened to run into Greg Marston in the O Club bar. He is currently the wing commander of the 111 th Fighter Wing at Willow Grove PA and still flying the A-10. He was at DM attending an A-10 weapons conference... we got to chat for only a few minutes as I had to blast to our dinner event. Greg still looks too young (think I mentioned that last year when writing about his experience in the Middle East) but is having a great time.

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looked at doing Power Point charts for a living, I decided it was time for a change. I recently got the USAF Command & Control account, so that, as my sister once said, “so they can suck the lifeblood out of you all in hopes of a better bonus.” A little too close to home, but I do feel like I am being challenged again, and I like the schedule flexibility one gets when you are 600 miles from your boss! Anyhow, the kids are growing up fast and time seems to go by

faster

-

this picture of my family attests to that.

Had another chance encounter with Dave “Limo” Scott last Donors month (this is getting bizarre). I was minding my own business boarding an airliner in Panama City, FL when I looked to the left and... there

he was (we both looked at each other at the same time with the accompanying grins). I asked the guy sitting next to him if I could switch seats and he reluctantly agreed (not sure what the problem was, he got an aisle seat out ofthe deal). Limo and I spent the next 60 minutes chatting and getting caught up. He’s still at NORAD but looking to possibly move soon. Wonder who the next guy I’ll see is. Gotta love it when that kind of thing happens... better than e-mail!

Received a great e-mail from Jim Arnold back in September who still lives in the Springs and is currently teaching in the area. He had the honor of partici-

pating in the Warrior Run for the class of ’09 (ugh!) during their acceptance ceremonies. According to Jim: This past weekend was the Class of2009’s Warrior run. As part ofthat, the AOG has a “ceremony” whereby a “Baton” is passed from a representative ofthe Class of 1959, through a line reps from each graduating class to a member of the Class of2009 and then this “Baton” is carried through the 33-mile relay run that is called the Warrior run. When the freshmen complete the Warrior Run, there is

The Vazquez Family. FromleftareAJ (10), Dan (15), Molly, Bud, andMarley

another ceremony where the same baton is passed back from the freshmen class,

(12).

through the class reps and finally back to a rep of the Class of 1959. This second or end part is done at halftime of the football game. I had participated in the morning part before, but this year I participated in the afternoon part. Our classmate Warren Kellenbence represented us in the morning ceremony, and I represented us in the afternoon ceremony. In addition Johnny Weida came through the line of class representatives and shook hands with each of us.

Jim also mentioned that he will be attending the AF-Army game in Novemher with Mike Skolaut and son Jay (which should be all over by the time you read this... sure hope theAF hammered theHudsonHigh boys). Mike and Jim went to the AF-Navy last year so it’s becoming a bit of an annual event. Sounds like fun to me. Great report Jim... thanks for participating and letting us know that there are some great legacy events going on at USAFA. Speaking of Johnny Weida, I was personally heartened to hear that theAF got a grip and decided to award him the second star that he so richly deserves.

He’ll be giving the reins to an ’80 grad as he and Bonnie move on to Wright-Pat and Director of Capabilities Integration Transformation for AFMC (good luck putting that on a business card Pyro). I would like to publicly thank him for working so tirelessly for these past fewyears under an electron microscope.

You have done our class proud sir... ’’Well done good and faithful servant.”

By now it’s a bit of old news, but besides Johnny, our class added three more names to the two-star roster (now seven total). New selectees are: Del Eulberg (Director of Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters Air Mobility Command at Scott), Kevin Kennedy (Deputy Director of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Deputy Chiefof Staff for Air and Space Operations at the Pentagon), and DickNewton (Director, Plans and Policy, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base). Congrats to all of you guys. Sure there will

Despite the busyness, I have nothing to complain about, and I count my blessings every day (well, almost every day). I do think a lot about you guys...

I thought of you all when I was folding my original boot socks the other day -yes, 30 years later I still use them and they’re still in good shape. Honest.

I thought of you all and specifically about Ronnie Gray when I was talking to an F-16 driver the other day.

be more to follow.

118

I think of you every time I hear about how the Falcon football team did -1 cringe when they got schwacked by CSU, nipped by Navy, and crushed by TCU and I smiled when they beat UNLV And the loss to Army at home reminded me ofthe last time we lost to Armyat home when we were there.

I thought of you when I ran into Paul Besson the other day -

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at the Network Centric Operation conference.

4 Sabre Society Donors

I thought ofyou when I read Paul B’s e-mail, “The two classmates I see regularly are Greg Brundidge, who just finished his tour as the

PACAF/SC and nowworks in the Pentagon as SAF/XCXR (Director of Resources —i.e. the senior comm money guy), and Pat Phillips, who retired this summer and nowworks for SRS here in DC.” CONGRATS to Greg, who was recently selected forpromotion to Brigadier General -who says that nice guys cannot finish first!

I thought of you when my knee started acting up, of course for no apparent reason, and wondered how many of you have aching knees... or backs... or...

I thought ofyou when I read Brian Koechel’s email, “I had dinner with Jim Mandziara in D.C. this past summer. Jim is doing well working for the Defense Fuels Management Center at Ft. Belvoir as a civil servant. Great Cuban food to be had at Ceiba’s downtown for those interested... very good mohito’s as well (what’s a mohito, Bri?), though we didn’t drink any! (Yeah, right!) Also had a

beer with George Morgan. George is still managing super secret satellite stuff in Herndon. He and Carol have awonderful place in Warrenton,VA. George continues his work with the Boy Scouts mentoring his son, while trying to keep up with his two daughters who are quite active athletically.”

I thought of you when I ran into Karl Reichl here at Happy Hanscom.

I thought of you when I got an e-mail from BGen Bob Edmonds.

I thought of you when I got am email from Tom Griffith, “I’m still doing the

really not in touch with too many people right now with the exception of Randy Fullhart who is the commandant at ACSC and wearing his star. I’m not really in touch with him, but I did talk to Mark Neice on the phone the other day. He’s retired and one of his jobs is working for Omega Air, an outfit that does contract air refueling for the Navy.

Best wishes to you and yours this Holiday Season. Thanks, Godspeed, and same old stuff and I’m

and the commitments at UPS meant he had less and less time to devote to

Guard.

The Aug 2005 issue of Professional Pilot featured a guest editorial by John th Pray. He wrote about the recruitment, training, and capability of the 89 AW at Andrews—of which he is the CC. Ted Kresge, Wing CC in the Desert, was in the news when he hosted comedian Drew Carey during a USO visit. Inside the front cover of a recent AFmag is a full-page ad for the F / A-22 Raptor, featuring “ChiefTest Pilot Bret Luedke, former USAF.” Phil Prosseda and I were on the same flight from DEN to BWI, but didn’t see each other until deplaning. Phil is now in the leadership at the Prep School. TJ Johnson, Kathy, and I were at the Salinas Air Show and also had a great visit with his dad.

good hunting!

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

Our turn. Remember those old-timers coming out of their cars at the BX or Commissary with USAA “Quarter Century Member” bumper stickers? Well, folks, that’s us now. But we’re by no means in the “old folks" category, sol won’t dwell on that—except to say our 25 th reunion has come and gone and it was great; great because of all the wonderful sharing and laughter that filled the air for a few days in early November.

Pre-Re. I’ve got some stuff collected from before the reunion, so I’ll start with that. Jim (Jolene+2) Balazs gave a brief update [a] fter much prompting from my wife, and in light of most likely not being able to attend the big 25th reunion. They celebrated their 25th anniversary in May with friends, daughters, and a vows renewal. Currently living in Chattanooga, Jim still flies the “

”

MD88 out ofAtlanta for Delta. They workwith GAIN Inter-

national, the humanitarian aid arm of Campus Crusade for Christ. Jolene travels quite a bit overseas with that effort.

Their oldest daughter graduated from college, married, and lives/worksinWaco,TX. Their youngest is a senior at UT. “It is very gratifying to hear of all the exceptional folks in our class who went on to such success in and out of the military.”

Sabre Society Larry (Mara) Wolf says, “As an ex Coastie, you more than Donors anyone may appreciate our news. My son Zachary is a Swab at the USCGA. He made it through Swab Summer and had a week cruise on the Eagle from Rota, Spain, to the Madeira Islands. He is working hard and rowing on the crew team.” Zachary turned down the USAFA appointment because of the long pilot commitment and concern regarding the religious climate at the Zoo. “I was only disappointed in that I would have loved to see him at our reunion.” Larry’s trying to stay in Cincinnati as Delta shrinks that base until his daughter, a sophomore, can graduate.

Peace Corps volunteer Sue Slavec is “deep in the middle of the southern Jordan desert... surviving sand storms and lots ofRamadan feasts. Watched the slaughter of five goats at noon one day and ate them, to include the head/ brains, that night for the Ramadan Iftar / feast. Have to say my appetite was a bit off and made me consider going vegetarian very seriously. Teaching English to a bunch of screaming, crazy, head covered 7th and 8th graders is a true experience. My Arabic continues to improve everyday... it makes Spanish look pretty easy. Have to say doing the Peace Corps routine is much tougher than any overseas military assignment... no BX, library, O-Club... only non English speaking village people wondering who is that woman without a cover on her head? walking alone without a male escort? and heaven forbid you should make eye contact with a man let alone speak to him...Haram!”

Spotted Tim (Patricia) Gulliver transiting the ATL airport recently. He was coming from Shannon, Ireland, to Syracuse to pick-up a plane with a bunch of troops for World Airways and had been on the road for a month. He’s been with World just shy of two years; “One ofthe few large aircraft airlines making money with people. Tim retired out ofAndrews flying special airlift missions, sold back 30 days of leave, and smoothly transitioned to his post-retirement job.

He lives in southern California because it’s close to family. They have two children in college. He looked healthy and happy. ”

ACC named Cannon AFB the command-level winner of the Commanderin-Chief Installation Excellence Award. This is the second year in a row for Cannon and John Posner, wing CC, remarked, “I think they’ve been able to do something that is sometimes difficult to manage—to maintain that level of commitment and focus for an extended period, and they’re very proud of this... there’s a very evident sense of teamwork.”

John Fanning is a Management Pilot at UPS and lives outside Louisville, KY. He’s done several jobs there and is currently on the Safety side of the house.

John spent a total of 10.5 years in the blue suit. He was in a nearby RF-4 Guard unit, but when they switched to C- 130s, being gone on both jobs was a stretch

TJ, Kathy, and Don in Salinas I have a long list of recently selected / confirmed BGs and assignments, but

I’m sending it to our web site to save room for the meat below.

Don’s Most Excellent Adventure (to see YOU!): Departed ATL with Kathy at 0825 Thurs, 3 Nov, in an AFA sweatshirt. Was hailed by Ted (Jan+2) Lauer, who was sitting a couple of rows ahead and saw us board. With Delta 16 years, Asst.

Chief Pilot ’93-’97, Captain in MD88 in 2000. Looking at financial world for job to do in parallel with Delta. Said, “Crusty, old captains were right, ‘You gotta have a backup.’” Public Affairs wife retired from AFRES in 2002. Noted Peggy

(Walker) and Chris Cuellar, both with UAL out of Dulles, have USNA-grad son in Seahawk helos.

After visiting with Kathy’s father for the afternoon, we stopped at the outlet stores in Castle Rock. Betsy (Joviak) (Mark) Pimentel was in one of the shops.

Married since graduation, she retired from the AF and lives in the Springs as a space consultant with a small firm, working with many prime contractors. We then made it to the class gathering Thursday evening. Here’s what I got: Marianne (Owens) and Dave LaRivee have two boys, 16 and 14. She retired four years ago in Germany, now at UCCS teaching Business Law in the Springs.

Dave’s theVice Comm at USAFA (along with Debbie (Dubbe) (David) Gray).

They spoke highly of the recent addition of our on-its-way-to-becoming-rich tradition at the Zoo—the Heritage March (coming again this 29 April). It’s a way for grads and cadets to connect during a meaningful march at night, complete with a moving ceremony at the cemetery. Sounds like a date for the calendars. Oh, the Grays are in the process of adopting a child from India.

Bill Andrews has a son Sean in the Legacy Program at the Zoo and is in the old man’s CS-27. The Academy hospital seems to be in the process of “making pilots,” as Sean’s eyes were zapped from 20/200 to 20/10. Bill teaches at the Nat’l War College (with Kevin Keith and Karen Wilhelm) and, getting back to his beginning, joined CAP to take cadets flying and to spark their interest in all things Air Force.

Chopper pilot JC (Joan) Cherniga is the CC of the Manned Space Office (DDMS) at Patrick and works Space Shuttle contingencies. Joan’s a nurse and has worked almost everywhere JC has dragged her: Great Falls, Cheyenne, NORAD, Iceland, DLI, Paraguay, Patrick, and Denmark.

George Ryan, Secret Service, has watched his home increase exponentially while working out of D.C. for the last seven years. Currently he’s in the Dignitary Protection Division. He bought into the Civil Service pension with 12 active-dutyplus four cadet year’s worth ofcredit. Notabaddeal. Henotedhe’s also a USAFA/ROTC L.O., as is Mike McLoughlin (inTulsa).

Smack roommate from Ali Baba, Mark (Linda) Mitchell, has three girls and now, after furlough from UAL, lives in Palmdale, CA, with Lockheed Martin

(advanced concepts for theU-2). After T-38 IP he went to the U-2, then test

pilot at Edwards. Mark said Pete Micale “is the Top Cop in Space Command.”

He also noted Bob Chapman is doing good things as a Congressional Liaison for the AF. Back to Pete: Besides doing a great job on the slide show at the reunion and sending a few photos my way, he had a minute to answer where he’s been all these years: Malmstrom (missiles, then switched to SP), Norton,

Offutt, Turkey, Air Staff (four years/Pentagon), Edwards, Malmstrom, Minot (missile SQ CC), ICAF, Lackland (Training Group CC), now Peterson—wow!

(More of Pete’s reunion photos at our web site, courtesy of Bud Uyeda —who is in Farifax, VA as a contractor with the NRO since going civvy in 2001.) At the football game, it was probably hard for Pete to capture many of you on camera —

everyone was hiding behind blue caps and sunglasses.

119

When I visited my old squadron, I wanted to look-up a current cadet and asked the CCQ if I could look at the Alpha Roster. It was then I found there is no longer such a thing but they looked him up in the Global Directory. Oh, while touring the squadron, a familiar-looking cadet walked-up to me and said, “Good afternoon, Mr. Myers, my father is Dave Brown and you and he were in this squadron together." Sure enough—and 25 years ago Dave looked just like that young man. Afterwards, Kathy and I enjoyed ourselves with the cadets from CS-02, along with some ’65 grads in the SAR for a Meet the Old Geezers session. Then it was off to Harmon Hall for update briefings by the current command structure (almost all grads) before the Memorial Ceremony for our class at the Chapel. I saw Tom Spicer at the steps. He was furloughed

by UAL and came back on active duty as a physics instructor at the Zoo, first on a one-year contract and now on a three-year contract. Funny, he did everyand he thing he could to get back while on active duty, without success wasn’t even a physics major!

Friday evening was the sit-down dinner and more info from you: JO (Janet) Miller retired in 2003 after five years at WPAFB in Ops Research (computer simulation) and does the same thing there as a civil servant. Steve Gignilliat is —

—

Margie, Kathy, and Bev looking for trouble.

management, consultant, currendy with a small biotech company outside of San Francisco. He retired from the CE world at Travis last year after 18 years in a

the Reserves. Tony (Deb) Wolusky is busy teaching several law-based distance learning courses from his home in the Springs. Gail (Benjamin) Colvin is the Mission Support Group CC at Holloman and will “stay until it’s not fun.” Paul (Elizabeth) G. Smith retired in 2001 from being an Edwards test pilot, resides in lower California and took a flying job with UPS. At the football game, which was very exciting, even though it didn’t go our way, I found out that Orlando Rosado lives in Memphis, is an A300 IP for FedEx, and is in the TNANG as the Maint. Group CC (C-5As). John Morgado has worked with ALPA as a Delta pilot for 15 years and currently is DALPA’s chairman for contract admin. He lives in the Springs and commutes to work in Atlanta, where he’s also captain on the MD88. Nancy (Mariano) (Frank) Kudla has owned dNovus in San Antonio for 16 years and employs 200 folks to help make her company a success. They also have four boys to keep life interesting. Mike (Julie+3) Naye has made the move from Colorado to Hawaii as he now flies for

JAL. Bill Peterson has been at the AF Doctrine Center at Maxwell for 2.5 years.

He works on security forces stuff, exercises, and homeland security issues. He felt like most of us likely did walking into the SARs that afternoon, “It was just like 25 years ago.”

CS-12 (1980) at Pregame

I’moutofroom! Send me your Christmas/holiday letters, my friends. Don

Dan Amicarelli has been in south Florida 12 years after a couple of stints in

Rich Trentman

France. Fle’s with Pulte Homes as a Business Process Analyst as well as a USAFA/

11102 Asbee St.

ROTC L.O. with lamie Saives. Dan says Jamie became a nurse and is an ART with

Falcon, CO 80831-8170

the Reserves in Florida as some kind of senior staffer in medical management.

Home: (719) 494-8438

Pat (Kimberly+3) Campbell has lived in Buffalo 11 years. Got off active duty in ’88 as a backseater in the F-4 and went with Mobil. Picked-up his civilian

Work: (719) 234-0754

pilot ratings in ’99 and left Mobil to build time, finally flying Learjets for AirNet. Joined C-130 Reserves as a nav in 2001 to put food on the table and was activated to the desert in 2002. Became anART (full-time AFRES) at that point and will be in the desert again when you read this.

Bob (Lisa+3) O’Neill has been at Hanscom for four years (this time) and is still active duty in acquisitions. Rich Clewis is a senior planner for the city of Phoenix and has been there 20 years. Matt (Chantal) Seitz is now a civil servant for the Army (comms stuff) at Wheeler AFB, HI, where he was stationed as a Lt. and met his bride of 23 years. She doesn’t mind being back home.

Steve (Suzanne) Prileszky lives in Monument in the house they kept from their ’86- ’91 USAFA tour in motorgliders. He spent his last active duty assignmentinC-12satKeeslerwithhiswife, anurse. Prior to that he volunteered for ayear in Budapest with the air attache office, also flying C- 12s, when they needed someone ASAP who could speak the language; an assignment to Randolph (AETC) followed. Steve works with a small IT company in Monument, a skill he picked-up out of boredom while in San Antonio.

Dan Adams has been the wing CC at Minot for 18 months and is “enjoying every day.” Before this he owned the eastern sector ofthe U.S. for the Recruiting Command, which brought in 30,000 recruits. He was also a congressional liaison for a tour. He mentioned Arnie Flores is the Maint. Group CC at McConnell (KC-135s). Bill Coltman is now in the Springs. He recently was overseas for seven years, two in Jeddah and the last five in England, where he owned a government consulting company. He has now joined Northrop Grumman. Bev (Cameron) Plosa-Bowser has been on active duty with the Reserves since ’99. She is assigned to the Pentagon but recendy moved to the Springs, since Cameron’s stationed at Schriever. It works fine, as her folks are scattered all over the place and she only has to go to D.C. once a month.

At the lunch buffet in Doolitde Hall I found out that Linda Garcia is raising a 17-year-old daughter while working out of her Plano, TX home as a director for H-P, currently working on a contract for Proctor & Gamble. At the other side of the table was Kathy Conley who retired three years ago out of OSD in the Pentagon. After Linda left to see the Noon Meal Formation, Art (Judy) Chin sat down and I learned they live in Redondo Beach where Art works for Aerospace Corp helping the AF buy satellites. His Reserve job is at the Pentagon, where he helps the AF fight the budget batdes. (So they can buy more satellites?)

—

120

E-mail: trentman@usafa81.com Class Website: www.usafa81.com

Happy Holidays! Another beautiful fall in the great state of Colorado has For those of you who live elsewhere or have forgotten, the Rockies appear more stunning than we remember as young men and women come and gone.

simply notice them more?? Sadly, football is over, but we’re into another exciting basketball/ hockey season.

In my travels out East with my job, I ran into several classmates at Langley or I

AFB with some involvement in JEFX 06. Fritz Cox was there. Fritzisacontrac-

toratHurlburtAFS. Dennis Northcutt was also there as a contractor. Dennis is at Hurlburt, too. Col Gary Crowder was doing a lot of talking, so I couldn’t get much time or words with him other than to say hello in the hall. I think Gary is at Hurlburt, too? I talked

quite a bit with Mark Perkins. Mark is at HQ AMC. He sees Michelle Johnson at Scott AFB. Mark said John Brunhaver just took over the Expeditionary Ops Division at AMC. Mark flew helicopters, so he was a bit out of the standard AF mainstream during his career. It was very nice to run into so many Sabre Society Donors ’81 ers while out east.

Around the Springs I run into Lauri Cross quite often both at football games and professionally. At the UNLV game, I was walking under the stands and ran into Jeff Braley. He’s back in Colorado after retiring from the AF and currently living up in Ft Collins.

Dave Vanderburgh sent me a good, long email. As you all know, twins Dave and Rich were our classmates. I had several classes with Rich and remember Dave. Rich retired for the second time in 2004 as a B-2 pilot. (I also think Rich

and I were at Casde AFB together... Rich flew B-52s then...) Rich is presently a pilot for UPS and Dave retired in 2005 and is a radiologist. Their family is quite amazing and kept the academies supplied with Vanderburghs throughout the ’70s-’80s. Of the nine Vanderburgh siblings, six went to USAFA, one went to Westpoint (.. .you guys needed to apply more peer pressure to Paul...), one went to Wright State, and one (unfortunately) passed away prematurely.

Simply an amazing story! They had a family reunion at Betsy Vanderburgh’s (’84) house in Lynchburgh, VA.

in Los Alamos so we feel like we’ve moved into the city. Others’ mileage will

differ on that score, depending from whence they’ve come. Although we did pay almost $20K USD for a ’98 Chrysler mini-van, and it was a good deal.

Thanks goodness for the COLA. “Normal stuff; kids are in school, waiting on our surface-shipped household goods to arrive in a few months. Learning to live without much and wondering what we’ll really do with the 10 tons of stuffwe’ve shipped. Went to an all-aboriginal choral presentation last weekend; songs of the desert, very cool. Next weekend is the Hendley on the Todd (we call them arroyos in New Mexico) regatta. Picture 12-person Fred Flintstone foot-powered hottomless boats racing along the sand of what would be the Todd River if there was any water here. Should be a hoot.

“Work seems fun so far. Not the rarified and quirky academic and papered climate of Los Alamos, but the Australians are extraordinarily friendly; it’s summer for a least six months out of year (it’s still winter and I’m sure it has been in the low 30s C high 80s F since we’ve been here), and there are plenty of geeks at work if I go missing them. Deputy Chiefof Engineering here is an ’84 Lt Col Tim McQuade. Met him at a party when he commented that he liked my daughter’s shirt. Hadn’t a clue what he was talking about until I realized it was an issue USAFA T-shirt.

“We’ll be here for at least a couple of years. Come and visit. Come somewhere close and give us an excuse to see more of the continent or the South Pacific with you.”

—

—

In the first row from left are DaveVanderburgh USAFA ’81, MaryVanderburgh (Mom), Richard Vanderburgh (Dad), and Rich Vanderburgh USAFA ’81. In the second row are Paul Vanderburgh USMA ’82, John Vanderburgh USAFA ’88, Mary (Vanderburgh) Pulliam USAFA ’87, and MarkVanderburgh. In the third row are

Betsy Vanderburgh USAFA ’84, and MichaelVanderburgh.

—

Randy Worrall and I roudnely exchange '81 sightings and classmate contacts.

(I usually win...) From my good friend Randy, Matt Durchholz volunteered to help with our reunion. Matt is a senior engineer with Lockheed Martin in Texas. Rob Zyriek also contacted Randy volunteering to help. Rob lives in Maryland. Speaking of our reunion, I am receiving many emails expressing interest. Dan Griffith emailed and plans to make it. Devon Volk emailed to volunteer and will be there. Devin works for CE at USAFA. MyRebeleven buddy Jim Ford emailed to update his info and say “Hi”. Jim flies for Delta and is looking forward to next year’s big event. Jake Jakobi is in good health and still very involved in lacrosse. He and Larry Davis played in the Vail tournament this year. Chet Nowak’s playing days are over. His knees cannot take it anymore. Scott Land is still in the Air Force and zipped me a short email as he played with the AOG website. Scott is stationed at Offutt AFB working at STRATCOM. Maura (Burke) Wingard emailed me thanking me for keeping up with the Rebeleven gang. She said she would try to make our 25*.

Marty France has taken the reins ofthe Astro department at USAFA. A combination of Marty’s skills, background, and timing worked for him to get this great opportunity. The only thing I’m a bit upset with Marty about is that he now makes me schedule “El” to see him. Way to go Marty; we’re all proud ofyou!

Add Dr. Richard Tubb (Physician to the President) to the growing list of ’81

generals. Congrats Rich!

I look forward to plenty of Holiday emails and pictures. (Remember, I wrote this two-three months in advance!) News was a bit light these last couple months but I should have a full article with more current reunion info next quarter. Our 25* is coming quickly. Help spread the word and contact Randy or myself. Go Falcons!

Jim Ratti

161 E. 2400 S.

Clearfield, UT 84015-1919

(801) 497-0989/DSN: 586-3344 rattijm@mindspring.com http://usafa82.org

’82 Classmates at Jane Mengel’s Memorial Service.

Next, Sandy (Maloney) Keeter sent me this picture taken at the USAFA Gradu-

Mengel was honored. Sandy didn’t give “pointee-talkee” to put faces with names and I know I’m gonna catch flak for this, but I can only recognize four of the five ladies pictured! Starting from the left in the back row are Jules (Rosburg) Keck, Sandy, and Nancy Kiyota.

Cynthia (Shelton) Mack is on the right in the front row, and the “mystery guest” is on the left. I even had Ellen (who is much better at face recognition than I!) peruse our yearbooks in hopes of coming up with a match, but we both drew blanks. “Well”, you say, “why not just call up Sandy and askV’ Great idea! Except it’s the night before the deadline, it’s well past a normal bedtime where Sandy lives, and besides, all I have is her work phone! So, I guess I’ll just give all ofyou a good excuse to razz me. ate Memorial Service at which Jane me a

Greetings Redtags!

This was a light quarter for news, but I did get a few noteworthy submittals. First up is Mike Berry, who wrote all the way from Alice Springs, Australia. Rocket scientist Mike took the 15-year retirement in 1997 and eventu-

ally went to work for Raytheon. When they decided they needed a genius in Alice Springs, Mike and Kathleen jumped on the opportunity. I’ll let Mike tell the rest of the story...

“After almost a year delay we’ve finally made it to Alice Springs. Had nice multi-day layovers in Honolulu and 9 Sydney. I’d highly recommend the beach-side bar/grill at Hickam, although after the kids took a dip following lunch, Sabre Society Kathleen stepped off the shower platform backwards and Donors smashed her wrist. Spent the whole next day at Tripler Army Medical center ER/urgent care in lieu of snorkeling, hiking Diamond Head, etc. Nice view of the beach from Tripler. “‘Base’ housing (scattered through-out Alice Springs) is nice and seemingly not as strict as I remember it as a 2nd Lt. Not having ever been stationed anywhere close to the tropics (no, Grand Forks doesn’t count), having orange trees in our back yard now is a real novelty. I’ve only ended up on the ‘right’ side of the road twice so far. When I went to get my license, the lady at the Northern Territories DMV didn’t seem as amused at my recounting those times as I’d thought she’d be. Shopping opportunities are much better here than they were

Gary Packard proud new Permanent Professor.

-

Last but certainly not least, Col Gary Packard sent this picture of himself

with LGen Rosa (Superintendent) and BGen Dana (Lindsley) Bom, ’83 (Dean).

Gary was recently (October) confirmed by the Senate as the “Professor, United States Air Force Academy, for the Department ofBehavioral Sciences and Leadership.” Although the terminology has changed, you’ll probably recognize the synonymous title of “Permanent Professor” from our days at the Zoo quite an honor, and a position in which I’m sure Gary will perform well.

There’s little else in the way of news, but I did read an interesting book lately.

-

121

Since I took over as the A-10 System Program Manager in June I thought I should leam a bit more about how the jet is employed. So, I picked up a copy of‘A- 10s over Kosovo” (free for the asking from Air University Press). It’s a collection of

Mark Melville, Mike Mendonca, Zane Mitchell, Jim Moulton, Jeff Murray, Bob O’Neal, John Parkes, John “JJ” Pericas, Mark Pohlmeier, Rick Ragaller,

first-person accounts from A-10 pilots, maintenance officers and support troops who employed and supported the ‘Hog’ during the Kosovo campaign. The bookwas the brainchild (and superbly edited product of) none other than Chris Haave, and was a very interesting read. I recommend it to anyone interested in some very honest and riveting war stories and commentaries.

That’s all the news (fit to print) from the Wasatch Front this go-round. Keep the info flowing, and be safe. Ratman

“Beeker” Smith, John “Stiz” Stizza, Mike Tallent, Dave Timm, Dave Uzzell, Tom Webster, Ron Wiegand, Bill Wignall, and Dan Zalewski. Congratulations

Raymond J. Blust 7

Highland Park

Wheeling, VW 26003-5472 H: (304) 242-7182 Cell: (304) 281-1621 E-mail: RJMABLUST@comcast.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. It’s rather hard to actually mean it as it is mid- October here in West Virginia. Let me first apologize for having only one picture. Usually the photo would be of our whole family but Julie didn’t like any of them with her in it. So you get me and the kids. And secondly, I

apologize for having minimal information. I’ve been used to writing the artide right after the Holidays and usually have plenty of info and photos. As far as our clan is

concerned, I am still with American out of JFK flying 767s to Europe and South America and am still plugging along as an ALO for the Academy. Julie continues teach aerobics at our local Yand another health club. She is usually the general contractor of the house while the kids and I push her to the verge of doing a work stoppage. Matthew is like any other 14 year old, involved in everything travel, soccer, Boy Scouts, guitar, piano and still finds time to ref soccer. Audrey is now five and loves her dance and gymnastics classes. She is Dad’s little shadow.

-

Brent “The Brain” Richert, Kurt Schake, Mark Schmitz, Eric Schnitzer, Brian

guys, but you still have to call Dana “MAAM”!

A couple of guys are making news here at American, the good way though.

Bob “Morocco Mole” Brown is and has been very involved with APA, our pilot union. Bob is usually knee deep in the safety side but is now on the board of directors of the 9/11 Flight CrewMemorial Foundation. Bob is dedicated to making sure the sacrifice of the flight crews of 9/11 is not forgotten. The foundation is raising funds to honor the professionals who crewed AA flights 11 and 77 and United Airlines flights 93 and 175. The memorial will be located in Grapevine TX. To make a dona14

tionpleaseseewww.911flightcrewmemorial.org. Thanks for all work Bob.

Sabre Society Donors

Also keeping busy in Texas and flying for American is Mark Bogosian. Mark and his wife joined Pilots for Kids six years ago and now they are the coordinators for the organization in the Dallas area. They visit two area children’s hospitals at Christmas time and say “To see the smiles on their faces is incredible”. To make a donation or get more information please go to www.pilotsforkids.org.

Julie and I are looking forward to heading south to Georgia in January for the retirement ceremony offellow Starship classmate Jon and Brenda Duresky. As of this writing the retirement date is Friday, Jan 13 th Jon has been at Dobbins AFB, north of Atlanta, for the past fewyears. Jon is also interviewing with any airline that’ll look at his quals. Good luck in your last few months, see ya soon.

Well I think that about does it for me and my bloviating. For the next article, please send emails, letters and photos to me at the above addresses. Until we meet again, fly safe and enjoy the holiday season. .

Mike Jensen 12035 Milam Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908

(800) GO-AFA-GO michaeljensen@remax.net http://www.usafa84.com We finally have a web page up and “running?” Not much on it yet but we do have a store to purchase that DVD of our Graduation. So check it out and buy a couple! This past summer our class was well represented at the Graduate

Leadership Conference by Gay Harrison (Weaver) Dave Norton and Daryl “Sky” Smith. The were able to check out the Supt’s residence, basics tackling the assault course “AIR FORCE!” and got a chance to bring back that lovin’ feeling with respect to the AFA. Dave flew in from Dallas where he is an aviation attorney and Daryl came in from his new digs in Kentucky where he teaches at a local college and is writing a book... which will be available on the website soon! Gay traveled in from Briargate working as the Director of South,

ern Colorado’s AF Admission

Liaison Officer’s unit. Her

th

husband, Scott, is in their 10 year of sponsoring cadets as

Ray, Matthew and Audrey Blust If you received your last copy of Checkpoints you may have noticed that

Charlie Garcia is the new Treasurer for the Board of Directors of the AOG. Congrats Charlie! Got an email from fellow preppie Ken Mills. Ken flies for Delta out of JFK. He and wife, Sandy, live in New Hampshire. Ken’s working on his MBA with possible plans for Law school. Ran into John Mulhearn in Paris in our layover crew room. John and wife, Pam, live in the Boston where they run an embroidery business. Hopefully we can give you some business for our next reunion John. John sent along few notes about other grads.

Hans Schmidt is living in the McLean VA area where he and wife, Mary Ann, have four children. Mary Ann is a doctor while Hans is in the Real Estate development business. John also wrote to say Ben Hulsey was recently promoted to Colonel. Ben’s currently stationed at Scott AFB as the CC ofthe Ops Section for the T-tail aircraft for the AF. Tamra Rank also works in the same building with Ben and has also pinned on 0-6. By the way, Major General Winfield W. Scott III pinned on Ben’s birds. Yes, it’s the son of our Superintendent and rumor has it the Scotts have been West Point generals ever since the Civil War. Also recently retired LTC Brian McIntosh who was a depot test pilot for KC- 135s is now teaching AF Jr. ROTC somewhere in the south. Can you be less specific next time John? Thanks for all the updates, see ya in Paris again soon.

Speaking of 0-6 promotion I was pleasantly surprised by the latest issue of the AF Times to see so many ’83ers finally getting their Eagles. These are the classmates I recognized and were promoted in October: Merril Alligood, John Mark Amidon, Dan Baltrusaitis, Karl Bosworth, Mike Bryant, Lou Caporicci, Craig Croxton, Mike Davis, Bobby Fowler, Cleo Hockaday, Gary Hopper, Micah Killion, Stew Kowall, Bob Lala, Tommy Lawhead, Brian Maas, Bob MacDonald, 122

Scott is enjoying civilian life as a technology director at their

local school district. A full-fledged goatee growing, Sabre Society Donors Birkenstock wearing civilian he is!

Matt Johnson checked in with the following update: Jay Esmay is running for the U.S. Congressional seat in Minnesota’s 6th district.

The election is about a year away, I think, but he is campaigning a lot now. His website is www.jayesmay.com. I understand that he will not refuse donations!

(True to the ’84 traditions, he is!)

Ben Coffey and Matt have met up a couple of times over in London. He is the Assistant Air Attache so he does a lot of socializing. I guess he will be here for another two-three years. Steve Wacker is still living in Raleigh, NC working for a European turbine manufacturer. Matt is going to relocate to Frankfurt with his firm.

Thank you for those ofyou who gave so much to making our class gift a success.

Because ofyour generosity, we should be able to dedicate the memorial and class turnaround at our 25 th reunion, which is just around the comer in 2009!

Support the Falcons when they are in your area. The AFA is competing in many different venues in a variety of sports and competition. To see the athletic events go to www.airforcesports.com With all that is happening this time ofyear, please remember to drop off a note or a Christmas card to your class scribe. I hope to get enough input to post some good stuff on our website. Also if you have any pictures you think should be up on the web, send them to me! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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agement and/or Systems Engineering support as a contractor or consultant.

Quintel Williams 8980 Peabody Court Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 282-4333 USAFA1985@aol.com

’85 Best Alive!

Our awesome 20 ,h Reunion information is finally here! At least part of it is

here. There’s always a limit on how much we can include in Checkpoints and although we have a little more space for words and up to five pictures, there’s

Chuck has also maintained a position in the Air Force Reserves over the years.

Joe also separated from the Air Force years ago and works as a defense contractor in the Metro

Washington, DC area.

After the briefing, Cadet Candidate Collinder of C-Squadron showed my

small group around to the beautifully renovated dinning hall, academic building which has a new and robust Chemistry Lab, and the C-Squadron dormitory. Before we disbanded, we decided to take a picture of the’85 Preppies.

Pictured below from left kneeling in the front row are Jeff Siegel, Steve Visel, George Hupp and Chuck Streeter. Standing in the middle row are Mike Hoolihan, Laureli Mazik, Mark DeLuca, Bruce Desautels, John "JP” Scott, and Joe Wiggins. In the back row are Stephen Sutherland and Frank Quintel Williams.

too much to fit in this one article. So I promise to use all of the reunion infer-

mation I already have and any new information or pictures you all want to send until the supply is completely exhausted in the next few Checkpoints.

During early registration on the afternoon of the first day at the reunion, I had lunch with Irv Higa at TGI Friday’s. Irv is a lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Air National Guard Intelligence shop. Then I took Irv by my house so he could meet my wife, Renee, and kids (Kristen (4 V2 ) and Marcus (16 months). Later

that day when I was on my way to officially sign in and pick up my registration package at theWyndham Hotel, I saw Jeff Siegel and his wife, Gayl; Stephen “Steve” Visel, and George Hupp in the bar area near the hotel lobby. In the

registration room I saw Chevalier “Chevy” Cleaves and Elizabeth “Beth” (Wright) Dunn and her 15-year-old son “AJ”. Chevy is back from overseas and working at the Pentagon again. This time Chevy is working on the Joint Staff in Information Operations Doctrine and Policy. Later I saw Charles “Chuck” Streeter and his wife, Joanne, in the hospitality room. I also saw Daniel “Dan” Sanchez, who probably came from the farthest distance away—Japan! Forgive me if I left out your name but there were several other classmates who came in as well. Beth said Elise VanderVennet pinned on 0-6 and retired Beth last March. Beth said Elise had twins about six weeks before the reunion so she had a pretty good excuse for not making it. Congratulations Elise and James!

On the second day of the reunion we had a Prep School Mini-reunion in the afternoon. Colonel Johnson, the Prep School commander, gave us the current mission briefing and answered questions at the Community Center Auditorium. During his briefing the colonel said he had recently hired one of our classmates to teach math and coach football—Tom Coleman. Can you believe it? Anyway, unlike the first day, I remembered to bring a camera on the second day of reunion activities. I took a picture of Bruce Desautels and his

wife, Joyce, at the auditorium.

The ’85 Preppies George Hupp graduated from the Prep School with us but not from “the hill.” George ended up graduating from Wyoming and now he works for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) by its new name—ICE, whatever that stands for. I guess George was in a win-win situation for the AFA football game againstWyoming. Sherry (Currin) Fox and her husband, Dan, also attended the Preppie Mini-reunion but they departed before we took the picture. Sherry is still flying with the airlines and juggling a busy work schedule with family life.

Sherry and Dan have four children: Thomas (18), Margaret

(14), Daniel and Catherine, both 11 years old. Robert “Bob” Pickrell missed the Prep School activities, including our picture, but he caught up with most of us in the parking lot before we left.

Dan Martinez mailed me a CD-ROM with some pictures

4 Sabre Society Donors

that he and his wife had taken at the reunion. He also gave me permission to pass along an update on his growing family. “Dear Friends What a great joy it was to see everybody again. It had been entirely too long and —

of course this past weekend was entirely too short. As you saw, our big news is that Kristin is expecting our first. She is due on Feb 4th.” Dan went on to conveythathe has been out oftheAirForcesince 1995. He had just finished his master’s degree and decided to pursue a career putting his new degree to work.

He ended up getting a job in Toledo, OH (which is ultimately how he ended up with Owens-Illinois). He did a quick stint with InteliData in 2000-01 before landing a position with Borders Group, Inc. Dan has been with Borders just over four years now. He says the Martinez’s Master Family Plan calls for him to find a job back in Colorado next summer. There are plenty of high-tech companies in both Denver and Colorado Springs, so hopefelly Dan’s job search Bruce and Joyce Desautels I also took a picture of John “JP” or “Bear” Scott, Chuck Streeter, and his wife, Joanne, and Joseph "Joe” Wiggins at the auditorium. JP recently retired

from Peterson AFB and is working in the Colorado Springs area. Chuck separated from the Air Force years ago and has been providing Total Quality Man-

will be short. Dan and Kristin, thanks for the pictures and congrats on your first child!

On Friday during the reunion, we had a luncheon at AOG Headquarters,

Doolittle Hall. Renee and my kids went with me but it seems like they were only there for about 10 minutes before little Marcus got too restless and they went back home. Afterwards we had a chance to hear briefings from the Superintendent and senior staff, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Then we had a class picture on the outside stairs to the chapel before the memorial ceremony. Dan and Kristin Martinez didn’t miss the opportunity to get a few pictures. If you were there and ordered an official picture but haven’t

gotten it yet, don't worry. Just pull out your magnifying glass and take a closer look at this picture.

Class of 198520th Reunion Picture on the Chapel Stairs From left are JP Scott, Chuck Streeter and his wife, Joanne, and Joe Wiggins.

—

Not the Official

Picture!

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At the dinners on Thursday and Friday nights I saw lot of people I knew pretty well and some that I’d never met before, especially spouses. I finally got to meet Sherry (Sims) Galante’s husband, Albert. He’s a neat guy. Well, Sherry said she retired from active-duty on 1 Jul 05 and she’s going to be a full-time mom for a while. I also got to get the record straight with Charlene ( Jardin) Harding’s husband, William, who is actually an ’82 grad. I apologized to him for periodically trying to give him credit for being in the class of ’83 or ’84.

Anyway, Charlene said she recently retired from Los Angeles AFB, CA. I think she said that she’ll enjoy spending more time with their kids for a while before she thinks about working again. John Au-Yeung wrote that he’s married to wonderful woman named Lili and they have a 13-year-old daughter named Lauren. John said he retired on 30 Jun 05. Rick Wade wrote that he’s a pilot for FED / EX and lives in Seattle, WA. Todd Martin wrote that he’s married to Sylvia.

Todd says he’s still on active duty serving as deputy commander for a maintenance group at Kirtland AFB, NM. Pete Read wrote that he moved from HQ USAF/XOI in July 2003. Pete said now he’s the department chair for the Joint Military Intelligence College’s analysis shop as well as the senior service advisor. Pete says he’s planning to retire on 1 Jan 06.

On Saturday during the reunion we had the football game againstWyoming.

Before the game (and after the game) we had a tailgate party. Dan Martinez sent me a picture ofhimself standing with Brian Leshko, Lynn Steer and Doug Rider.

Bob Colella

9301 Harness Horse Court

Springfield, VA 22153 (703)455-3176 colellar@ndu.edu

rcolella@member.afa.org

Greetings Classmates!

Coming to you live from the “Joint Pub” at the National War College—once again in “Student Status.” So far as I am an “M” student (Meets Standards). I’ll let you know if that changes and I’ll be sure to let you know how my tryout for the bowling team goes. My daily commute goes something like this: Drive to park-and-ride lot, pick up classmate Evan “Ivan” Thomas and Former Cadet Wing Morale Welfare and Recreation Officer Tom “Vulture” Lawhead ’83 and some Coast Guard Guy and hop on the HOV

National War College Students class of2006: In the first row are Kim “Bunz” Sievers (nee’ Baumann), Evan Thomas, Eric Mellinger ’87, and Bob “Cactus" Colella. Second row: Chris “C-Din” DiNenna ’84, John "Bama” Montgomery,

From left are Dan Martinez, Brian Leshko, Lynn Steer, and Doug Rider at the tailgate party.

It was an exciting game but we lost by a few points during in the last minute

Marty Morrison ’87, Shaun Morris ’88, and Rod “Trash” Cregier '85. Back Row: Ryan “RJ” Smith ’89, Mike “Cortez” Connolly '85, Greg “Preacher” Tate ’82, Joe

of the game.

“Gus”Guastella ’87, RobertSmith '84, and Thomas “Vulture”Lawhead ’83.

At one point during the first dinner at the reunion, I realized that I’d never

remember all of the information I was told by all of the people I saw, so I pulled out a pad of paper and asked some folks to jot down something about them-

selves that I could use in Checkpoints. Well, that time has come. Bobby Blackman wrote that he lives in Phoenix, AZ these days. I also have a note from Mark

“Muggo” Mullaney who says he lives in Alexandria, VA. I saw Annette (Perez) Deiters and her husband, Jeff. Annette wrote that she and her family live in Fredericksburg, VA and provided her email. I saw Alan Mackey and his wife, Kate. Kate wrote that Alan was a FO at AA until he went blind in December 2000. Kate also stated that they two kids: Kevin (10), and Brian (8). I saw Jim

Cooper and his lovely bride, Sarah. JimandSarahjustwrappedtheirfirstyear of marriage tied the knot 10 Sep 04. To celebrate, the Coopers got a new Golden Retriever puppy. Jim still works as a defense contractor for the HQ USAF Space Operations directorate at the Pentagon.

Gary Rafferty was there too. And like Jim, Gary work’s as a defense contrac—

tor in the Metro Washington, DC area and he lives in Stafford, VA. I saw Neal

McElhannon who is colonel working at Langley AFB, VA. Cary Chun is also a colonel with a group command at Buckley AFB, CO. YuLin (Greene) Bingle is another colonel in our class that I saw at the reunion. I met YuLin’s husband, Bruce, who’s a real nice fellow. YuLin is a group commander for an intelligence unit at Beale AFB, CA. Tom Connelly wrote that he’s a KC-135 pilot at Alms, OK.

David Bums wrote that he lives in Concord, MA. David told me that he would like a tour of Cheyenne Mountain sometime. Dave, just give me a little notice when you’re coming to Colorado and I’m sure I can help you out. Gregg Christmas wrote that he lives in

Naples, FL and gave his email address. Larry Gast

wrote that he’s a “Real Estate Developer” who lives in Charlotte, NC.

I think I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Joyce Washington again for all ofher

hard work to set up the reunion. Joyce, please know that we all appreciate your efforts very much. We’re especially sorry that you had a health issue crop up at the last minute which kept you from actually attending the reunion. You were missed.

Until the next time.. .take care. Quintel

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www.usafa.org

Cross dresser is Eric Mellinger ’87 swears he wasn’t rooting for Navy or a nineyard punt. Also in the photo is Joe “Gus” Guastella, ’87 who just left command of the Triple Nickel Fighter Squadron (555FS) in Aviano Italy. He gave up command to Lt Col Charlie “Tuna” Moore '89. Also in the photo is Greg Tate ’82 (he is the anchor). He is an Air Force Chaplain these days and a -

NWC student—some Clausewitz, some Old Testament, some

brimstone he mixes it up. He just left Luke where his call sign (Hand of God). He thinks he is on a sports scholarship at NWC and says Shalom. As a fellow RTB he is A-OK. Luckily we had a lesson on Persuasive Diplomacy and I was able to twist Evan Thomas’ arm to give me an update so here goes Ivan’s first actually writing assignment at NWC. Sabre Society Donors "Having successfully dodged providing any clue of my whereabouts to our esteemed and long-suffering class scribes, I find myself compelled (told ya) to write a few words. Was it that recent trip back to the zoo where I gazed down towards Spirit Hill with my -

was “HOG”

sons, hoping desperately that they’d mistake the look on my face for fond memories and decide that it would be really cool to go there (at no cost to their proud dad)? Was it the urge to paint every room in our house bright red after

reading the latest Checkpoints ? Or perhaps it was riding in the same carpool with noted airpower zealot and class scribe Bob Colella, who turned to me and suggested that if I didn’t give him some d#%$ copy for the next issue, he would regale me AGAIN with the riveting tale of how he brushes his two Chihuahuas’ teeth? You make the call. (You smell their breath!)

“So, there I was, NS, flying the F/A-22 and loving life as the commander ofthe Raptor developmental test squadron at Edwards. We were at Edwards from 2002 through 2005, spending ayear as Ops O at the F-16 test squadron before

moving to the Raptors. Yes, thejetisawesome and very capable! Itwasmygood fortune to lead a tremendous group of military, civilians and contractors while proving out the Raptor and supporting the operational test as well, including a great Ops O, Dawn Dunlop ’88.1 also saw fellow Niner Andy Ingram a good bit as he was doing hard time at the Raptor Program Office. We enjoyed our time at Edwards and left lots of good friends. Our thoughts go daily to Brian Simpson ’84 and Miss Cindy as they fight the good fight every day.

“This summer we bid the windswept desert goodbye (again) and moved out to the D.C. area for school. Now I spend my days learning stratiegery and trying to develop into a true airpower zealot (like Cactus). Natalie loves the fact that we have three Starbucks stores within a short drive of the house, in-

stead ofthe 45-minute trek to Lancaster to get her fix. Our oldest son, Ryan, just started high school and is now as tall as me. All in all, life in Virginia is good for the Thomas clan.” Thanks Ivan!

Sharon

Also in the class is Kim (Baumann) Sievers —we got to talking at a recent ICAF vs NWC softball game watching ICAF Student Rob Kaufman, who made

bigger error than those ’85 grads writing a check to their “date” one long-ago Saturday night onTrejon Street, playing third base enroute to a 33-3 shellacking of the ICAF Blue Tigers. She gave me a short update on her whereabouts as well as a family photo. Kim left command of the 93IS at Lackland AFB for NWC this past summer. She is pictured with her husband, Kevin Sievers '89 who left AETC HQ for DIAat the Pentagon, and kids, Kendra (10) and Madison (8 going on 21). Kim ran into squadron mate (CS-24) Mark Beierle hanging up his exec job for ICAF attendance this year. She also ran into Tish (Mooney) Wodetzki on TDY who is still at Edwards running the Global Hawk development pro-

Phone and Fax: (808) 542-8811 nuiohana@gmail.com or sharon.stehlik@pacom.mil

a

gram. Also at ICAF is Jeff Hupy —I am pretty sure I owe him money.

(Hullinger) Stehlik

500 Lunalilo Home Road, 11J Honolulu, HI 96825

(Seven Sabre Society Donors) Aloha once again classmates! I hopeyou all are doingwell. To those ofyou deployed, thank you and I wish you a speedy and safe return home. I received some

great pictures this quarter that I can’t wait to share with you.

Teri Alesch emailed me as she was wrapping up her deployment in Iraq. The

photo is Teri on a typical trip in a Blackhawk.

She had to travel to various bases in the area. Teri said that she ran into many

Kim and Kevin '89 Sievers with Kendra and Madison on their way to the mailbox to pickup theirjoint edition of Checkpoints.

Rex Gibson sent this picture of CS-16 alumni Chris Vellanti, Chuck Wallace, Rex having breakfast in Tampa, FL. Chris is in the Air Force Reserves working

grads while deployed, but none from ’87. She’s already headed to her assignment at Ramstein, so if you’re there look her up! She was assigned there as a Captain, but this go-around she’ll have much more responsibility, as do most ofyou all.

Speaking of responsibility, Allan Woodcock’s dad wrote in to tell me that Allan took command of the 23 rd FS on 26 Aug 05, at Spangdahlem, Germany.

Way to go!

for USSOCOM at MacDill AFB. Chris is doing great in business as well as working at SOCOM. Chuck is a general counsel and one of the founding mem-

bers of esurance.com based in San Francisco. Chuck and his wife, Nana, have a son named Charley. Rex commands the 333 Recruiting Squadron headquartered in Melbourne, FL, near Patrick AFB. He reports “I’m enjoying sunny Florida in between hurricane threats. Mary Jo and I have three great kids, two in high school and one in junior high.”

President Bush, Tim, Lori, Mrs. Bush, and children Julia and Ryan.

Hot Pilot ChrisVellanti, Load Master ChuckWallace and Cold Pilot Rex Gibson

leaving a big tip for Mr. Menendez.

Finally, I heard from the Malfers they left the sun/ surf of Hawaii for the sun/ no surf of Arizona. Malf and Bridget are at Luke AFB where he is the new Ops Officer at the 62nd FS. Bridget wanted to stay in Hawaii for another year (why?), but it was a great opportunity for Malfand it gives him a great shot at command next year. Bridget is still a USAFA ALO but is soon eligible to... retire from the Reserves. She reports “Our kids are doing great—Brandon is in 5th grade and Lindsay just started kindergarten” She reports “Lots of grads here at Luke. Our good friends Jan Tavrytzky and Kevin Aunapu '87 are both flying part-time as -

instructors in the 62nd. Jan also flies for Fed Ex, and Kevin flies for Jet Blue.”

That’s it from this end. I have to write a paper or two they expect you do some work -1 think. Write if you have a spare moment and use your own persuasive diplomacy skills (I can send the lesson plan) or resort to coercion and get someone you know (maybe even you) to join the AOG. Reunion is fast approaching. Next time the ICAF USAFA Grads—no tanker scandals, just defeat on the friendly fields of strife/bowling alleys. Bob Cactus Colella

Tim Matson wrote in also: “I finally had to give my Air Force One Advance Agent “Significant Additional Duty.” I got to do it almost 4.5 years, but my fulltime job at Andrews is getting too busy for me to pick up and leave every other month for a week. Mylast trip was to a stop in Ontario, CA. My wife, Lori, son Ryan, and daughter Julia came out for part of the trip. We got to enjoy a bit of Southern California for a few days and we got a photo-op with the President and First Lady. Attached is the official photo from the White House photographer. See you in two years at the 20-year reunion!

Mark Peters 2437 Bedford Circle

Bedford, TX 76021-1823

(817) 937-9696 pylt@yahoo.com

-

-

Hello 88! As usual, the deadline has come and gone, so here we go. Emily Buckman emailed me back in April and since I was space constrained I’ve held on to her note until this issue.

“I’m finally writing you after almost 17 years since graduation—sorry it’s taken me so long.

125

manded the Services Squadron (I think) but has since moved on. She was in German class with me our Doolie year, and one day she came in really upset at

The Buckman Family

“This is a picture of me, my wonderful husband, David Buckman (’86) our three children (Andrew 4, Hannah 3, and Joshua 11 mos) and his two kids (Brandon 11, and Lizzie 10). We met in ’98 while both attending ACSC and married the following summer. I then went on to command at McGuire. Now we’re both teaching at ACSC and we both started AWC in July ’05. Both Rick LoCastro and Cameron Torrens are here at AWC and graduated in May ’05.

Rick is headed to a NATO job at Ramstein. They are both 0-6 selects and both five years early—Wow! Vicki (Besecker) Rast was here on the ACSC staff, but left last summer for USAFA. Patty Rinaldi is here too as an ACSC Ops Officer, but headed to a Comm SqCC job in L. A. in June ’05. Kim Williams is in the Reserves, but is here as a student under her Civil Service job; she is headed to the Pentagon next. I also keep in touch with Chris Pike who is the Aerial Port Sq CC at Charleston. He now has two kids and loves his second command tour. Kim (Green) Davis and her husband, Jon, are still in Colorado Springs since Kim left the AF. She is working as a tennis pro while raising her two beautiful little girls who have also taken up tennis. Anne Neubauer lives with her husband in Southern California and has two little ones too. She is doing great in the private sector. Scott Warner is stationed with his wife, L. Jayne (Fish ’90) and two kids at Eglin. Scott is an Ops Officer in the F-15 Wing and Jayne is the MSS/CC. Well that’s all for now. I will try and write you again hopefully long before our 30th reunion. Emily is the director of The Practice of Command Course and can be reached atDSN 493-2853, orvia3400Wintermead ”

Ct., Montgomery, Alabama, 36111.

I finally have some room for a Brendan “Bull” Mikus update. As you’ll see, much has transpired since graduation. Please note that some of this may be dated, and there’s still much more to cover as space permits in future columns.

“This is the first time I have written, though I have often thought of it. I was a N avigator / Radar Navigator at Barksdale with the 62/20th Bomb Squadrons and flew 13 sorties during Desert Storm. Then, in ’951 had the option to leave the service because a DU1 and three alcohol-related Articles 15 did not speak well for my future, so I resigned. My dreams of killing and destroying for the government ended and I had to find something else to do. While getting sober I worked for Sabre Society a year at a coffee shop in Shreveport for minimum wage.

Donors

Then I started substitute teaching, and finally leapt into teaching high school full time. I taught High School for four years, and absolutely

loved it. I even went to a couple of airshows at Barksdale, to keep in touch and see how others were succeeding. Mel Deaile brought a B-2 to Barksdale for an airshow before I departed, and I saw Greg Lukasiewicz there with his F-16, and I also ran into him at Dahran in ’94.

“In the summer of2000,1 received a notice from my Dad, (torn out of the Thrifty Nickel and circled in red) who was visiting my older brother at Dyess.

It stated that Boeing Aerospace was looking for certified teachers with computer based instruction experience to work in courseware development for the B-1 schoolhouse. The pay and benefits exceeded teaching by a wide margin, and with a growing family 1 looked into it. After a brief couple of weeks, I had the job. By the middle of September, I was here in Abilene working on B1 courseware. We are now owned by NLX, a company that has been in AF simulator service for ages. I enjoy this job. 1 get to work near combat planes, but don’t have to deploy to yucky places. Since working here, I have run into several classmates and other graduates from my past. I found Jeff Wharton, a Bone IWSO with whom I flew Buffs out of B-dale, who was off to the USAFTest Pilot School. I also ran into Tom Lane who passed through for FIC on his way back up to Ellsworth as an IWSO. Then ran into John McDonough III, who flies C- 130s out here. John LoCastro was here, too. Mary Ann Behne com

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how a couple of upperclassmen in her squadron, CS-12 (go figure!) had really jumped all over her.

“I remember Shak Mangum, one of my roommates from CS-25, and I sneaking over to take revenge on Glen Strebe and John Wisham. We threw a shaving cream bomb into their room and boogied out! The next year I entered CS-12 as a three smoke and I told them all about it. They remembered that night and what a mess that had made—we had a great laugh! Buster Stamper also passed through late last year for FIC on his way to HQ ACC. I ran into Quinten Miklos a couple ofmonths ago. He is on the LtCol list and an IP with the 28th, as is John Koss, who is back on active duty as an IP also. Civilian (retired) instructors perform all of the academic instruction here. My younger brother, Shannon (’92, CS-12), is, I think, the first of his class to command a squadron. He took over a newly-formed maintenance squadron out at Nellis for the Special Ops helicopters and other spooky planes last November. My youngest brother, Brian, ’94, is out at Tinker. They both made Major and show no signs of stopping yet. I am so proud of them!

“Now for more personal stuff. In ’97,1 married my present wife, Carla, and received a wonderful stepson, Curtis, in the deal. In April of ’99 Carla was six months pregnant and developed preeclampsia. She had to deliver early by emergency c-section. So after 26 weeks of gestation, onApril 10th they cut Carla open and out popped a little purple lizard (that’s what he looked like) at a whopping 2lbs, 2oz. That is our boy, Uriah, named after Bathsheba’s first husband. There were several times when his little life looked like it would not

last, but prayer carried the day! Because of his extreme prematurity, he has Cerebral Palsy, severe asthma, cortical visual impairment, GERD, and a host of other little complications and delays, but he is such a joy! It makes me sick in my spirit to think that people abort kids at 26 weeks!

"He is one of the happiest kids I have ever seen! He doesn’t seem to let his

differences get in the way of play! He smiles and laughs a lot, and is working on walking and standing. Chicks dig a guy with wheels, too. He has had two “girl friends” that help him with his walker and wheelchair. They cheer him on in the mornings as he comes down the hallway, and help him keep track of his utensils during meals. He loves frogs (he has a collection of over nine so far and has named each one), games, Veggie Tales, swimming, and his computer.

He has a touch screen because he could not quite master the intricacies of a mouse. After three years in the Early Head Start/Head Start program, he is heading on to kindergarten next year. After such a small start, he is one of the tallest kids in his class, and is a heart-stealer too. Every day reminds me that miracles happen all the time, if we recognize them for what they are!

“Now for the best part. As my time in the Air Force drew to a close, I had to attend AA meetings. By the grace of God, I have not had a drink since ’94.

Because of AA, I started down the slippery slope toward God and ran smack into Jesus in the Fall of ’96 and was baptized in April ’97. Nothing has been the same since. If anyone knows how to contact Scott Cary from CS-12, please let me know!

He always asked me to join them for Bible study on weekends and

I persistendy refused. Let him know that God works in His time, and my time

had come. In ’94,1 started riding motorcycles with outlaw clubs in Shreveport.

Eventually, He even used that! I serve him in the Tribe of Judah motorcycle ministry, carrying His gospel to people in the outlaw biker world, and reaching those others won’t go near.”

There is much more to cover, but space is too limited; more next time. Bull 1433 Yorktown Dr., Abilene, TX 79603, and at servin Jesus@juno.com. Lastly, please note my changed email address, again. can be reached at:

Paul W. Tibbets,

IV

854 Westover Road

Whiteman AFB, M0 65305 Home: (660) 563-3095 E-mail:

p2a2@charter.net

Happy winter classmates! AEF 5/6 returned in early September... serving in Guam isn’t bad duty but nothing beats coming home and reuniting with your

family. Hard to believe, but just over 10 years ago we went through a reduction in force. And now our newest officers are facing the same

fate. Sobering, but just drives home that we don’t know how

long any profession will last. We must treasure the time we have to serve in whatever capacity we are blessed with, knowing it could end tomorrow. The last 16 years have truly flown by while brining new and interesting challenges around every corner. In October I started a new job as director of staff 4 for the 509 th Bomb Wing Commander, Brig Gen Miller. This Sabre Society Donors position will give me the opportunity to learn about the many diverse aspects of a wing, from the judge advocate community to the money people (comptrollers). I hope to provide these folks an insight into the operational side of our business from the pilot perspective while serving as their leader and voice amongst the other four groups on base.

Gary Beard: Been laid off from UAL since March ’3. Applied and accepted to Temple for law school. Took a 90-day TDY to Shaw AFB working at CENTAF in the JSRC in Apr ’03. Sometime in there realized I enjoyed a full-time paycheck as well as the work so applied for a deferment with school to wait until the 2005 to start (granted). Somewhere along that line, CENTAF deemed fit to make me (a Guard guy no less) Program Manager for the AF’s newest toy—ROVER. So, needless to say, law school went by the wayside (couldn’t justify adding one more log to that fire at this stage in life) and I’m coming up on the end of my second year here at Shaw. In the meantime, I’m spending more time in OIF/ OEF on the ground than I ever spent above it and am somewhat proficient in Microsoft Office. Ran into Mark Schmoyer on one of my trips in the AOR; was catching a ride out of Kuwait back to A1 Udeid on a C-17... went up to talk to the fellas up front and through the course of conversation realized that the right seater was none other than Schmo (night ops so couldn’t tell right away)... that was fun.

The Tibbets family enjoys fall in the Midwest-Avery (5), me,Angelle, and Paul (3).

I wish there was more news to pass on, but I didn’t hear from anyone over the

past few months. So, that’s it for this quarter. Let me hear from you! Best wishes to you and your families. Take care and God bless.

James Sanchez

8301 Emerald Circle North Richland Hills, TX 76180

Cell: (817) 881-6357

Schmo, I owe you that beer!

Jon Cooper: Just finished six months of certification flying for the world’s newest businessjet, the Citation CJ2+. Also flying a NASA icing research project for degraded flying qualities of corporate aircraft. We are now a Kansas family of five with the addition of Camdan Bryce this year.

Mike “Flash” Sheppard: Shelly, my bride of 10 years (celebrated recently in NYC sans kiddos!), with our twins Patrick and Veronica (3) and Trevor (2).

We’re now in year 3/3 of an AFIT IDE/PhD assignment, and ready to return to Edwards next summer! Promotion time—John Bell and Kent Halverson are here as AFIT instructors; Marcus Schulthess is a student in IDE/PhD, Scott “Coz” Ormsby at ASC Big Safari big blowout last Thursday at the club then felt old when asked if this meant retirement is next!

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—

Web: WWW.USAFA90.COM E-Mail:

alohatiger@gmail.com

Doug Fullingham: I’m currently out of the military but still a USAF thrall as (GS-14) at the National Assessment Group, an OSD /AT&L activity at Kirtland AFB. Marion Dallison: I just finished CGSC out at Ft Leavenworth in June and am now in the D.C. area working at DTRA in the assessments branch. I’m on one of the Joint Staff IntegratedVulnerability Assessment (JSIVA) teams traveling the world for the next couple years.

Doug Thompson: I just turned in my resignation to Scientific Atlanta today. I am going to work for Cisco in two weeks None Yet and moving my family somewhere on the Georgia/South a Technical Advisor

Carolina coast!

Sabre Society Donors Tim Kane: The Kane clan resides in leafy (Virginia) suburbs of Washington, DC permanently now and I’ve been working as a scholar for the Heritage Foundation. I’ve seen classmates Carl Brenner (a Georgetown basketball game with our sons), JT Palmer (real estate genius), Jim Drape (USAF House legislative liaison), and a few others. I also got to see J oe Deane and J eff Philippart at a small reunion of pals this summer in C-Springs. We climbed Eagle’s Peak for the first time... nice view! I do have one important announcement for any classmates who are MBA/high-tech

types: send me an email at tjk@timkane.com. I am still involved in high-tech

entrepreneurship; know a couple dozen West Point and USNA grads in this world who are close friends and hardly any fellow zoomies! By the same token, anyone looking to get involved politically should give a holler and check outgradpac.org- anew PAC that focuses on helping grads run for office. My prayers are with our brothers and sisters in arms around the world.

Mike “Flash" Sheppard and family after he ran the AF Marathon at WPAFB. Lee Armstrong: I’mnowatAndrewsAFBworkingatHQAFOSI. Saw Brad

and Cindy Rice this summer in Del Rio. Ran into Cal Mercer and his new wife at the AF-Navy game Oct 8. Brian and Vanessa McCombs are also here at HQ AFOSI; he just finished a year at Naval Postgrad School for IDE. Bryan and KK Batt are in Columbia, SC, where he’s doing C-130 acquisitions stuff.

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Joe Deane, JeffPhilippart, Wes Fryer (’92), Tim Kane and John Cinnamon

(’91).

Don Wood: I have recently been appointed the Director of Financial Opera-

tions at Stoam Industries (www.stoam.com).

Paul Pepe: I’m currently deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan working with CJTF76 in the ACCE. Still flying Hercs and when not deployed hanging out at HQ AMC/A37V If anyone needs a place passing through St. Louis give me a heads up at paul_pepe@yahoo.com.

Kraig Hansen: Checking in from Wheeler AAF, Hawaii. Got here in June for a three-year tour in the Defense Information Systems Agency—can’t believe my luck. The visitor lamp is on you just have to take your turn with my almost-one and three-year-olds!

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James Sanchez and his two boys—one can go to the Academy and one can go to Texas A&M! As for me, I have a new job as the full-time webmaster for Freese and Nichols.

It’s a great job, and Jeff Payne (’97) works here as well. I’m on a committee to

help take the AOG web site to the next level and I’m still publishing eDodo.org (which gets more cadet views since USAFA cancelled the paper Dodo) My boys are two and four now, and my wife is back from spending the summer helping her dad open his RV park: BigDRVRockport.com. Send me news and please make sure your listing on USAFA90.com is current. Thanks! .

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Carson Tavenner

PSC 78, Box 7328 APO AP 96326-0073 DSN: (315) 225-4340 E-mail: tavenner@hotmail.com

Okay, folks, it’s that time again! I have been so pleased to see so many emails in, slowly but surely, about the interest in a 15-year reunion. So, as many of you said, “Let’s do it!” I’ll be working to set up an online survey using one of the available online provider companies out there and we’ll put the link on the class website. Since, by the time you read this, time will really be of the essence, I’ll try to get word out early once it’s up via email.

Here’s all the news that’s “fit to print! This first one is from John Wagner. The fact that it is so old is my fault lost the original way back when. Thanks, Wags, come

”

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for the retransmission!

“We had an ‘alumni breakfast’ here at ACSC and as usual 10% of the people donated... just joking buddy. There were some folks that couldn’t make it, but most did. We held our Bold Gold reunion at the Golf Course in honor ofthe “Air

Command and Golf" days, but other than Tony Bauernfeind (12+) and “Dollar” Bill Young (6), most ofthe rest of us have either been on the links two or less times—and mostly zero. Time management? Maybe... but it tells you how much ACSC and the Air Force have changed. We’ve all been impressed with the quality of instruction and the currency of material and have learned as much from each other’s service experiences as we have from the instructors. Couple

that with the latest fitness push and some family time before the next assignment/deployment, and the golf course starts calling the school wondering why memberships are down.

“It has been a great learning experience this year... but we can’t wait to get back to the fight. Where are we going next?

Sabre Society Donors

Dollar Bill, Paul Bauman and I are staying for SAASS. Brian Anderson is in the Reserves, so he’s trying to strum up a sweet posting. Andrew Sassevilleis offto SF Staff atAFMC (Wright-Pat). Tim Bergmann will be the 18 IS/DO at Vandenberg. Corey Martin’s off to Charleston. Tony Bauernfeind is staying at Maxwell. Tom Mohr will be “STRATCOM Tom” at Offutt and he’ll be

joined by Lane Humphreys. Johnnie Martinez is off to Scott. Josh Jones is going to Stuttgart. Mark Kruse is off to Andrews. Dex Harrison will be on SAF HQ staff at the Pentagon. Lourdes (Fallace) Duvall and Laura (Gray) Foglesong are thrilled to be FAIPed as ACSC Faculty next year. Shari (Fox) Silverman is off to Dover. Theresa (Hattemer) Humphrey will be the 355 MOS/CC at DavisMonthan. Current SAASSers (other than Tony B) JeffBrown, Stacey Hawkins and Ken Ekman are off to much bigger/better as well and are looking forward to having us outta here so they can graduate and get the movers lined up after the ACSC and AWC push. .They graduate the end of June.”

In the photo from left are Kathleen Clark and Adam, thenKaidyn, Michael and Jim Clark. Alicia Kwasnyand her mom, Beth, then Nolan and James. Kill

Devil Hills, NC. Four ’91ersin one shot and lots offuture pilots?

Chris Howard made a big move! “I am leaving General Electric to accept a leadership role at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. My time at GE has been terrific and I am truly grateful for all that the company has taught me about leadership. That said, I have decided to redirect my energy towards higher education at a state-run university full of promise and mindful of its mission: helping young minds grow, facilitating understanding and improving human knowledge. I will continue to live at my current address as I will be commuting between Cambridge, MA and Norman, OK for quite some time.”

Okay, we’ll come visit, Chris! Seems you’ll be in place for a record amount of time-maybe?

Rob Erickson wrote: “Things for the Erickson clan are good. I’m still flying the F- 15C as an IP for the ANG at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, OR. My wife, Megan, also has a full-time gig out here as the base comptroller. Two kids, Maggie Jean is 3.5 years and John William is 15 months. Quite a fewAFA grads working out here as IPs. Whit Sieben is here. We have grads from ’82, ’84, '86, ’92, ’93, and three from’95. We recently flew up to Seattle with four jets to perform the fly-by for the AFA vs. University ofWashington game on 3 Sept. A four-ship of all Academy grads. I was fortunate enough to be able to lead the flight which is good since I really can’t fly formation at all. I attached a picture of it. Pretty cool. Whit Sieben is number three.”

(I would’ve included the fly-by picture, but you can imagine the jets were pretty tiny. Picture a four-ship of F- 15s against a field of blue and white Tav) Finally, for my own news, I had the great pleasure of getting to visit with Colleen (McCrary) Lester and Kristi Swain while visiting the Springs in Sep-

tember. Colleen continues her work downtown with Booze-Alien Hamilton, and Kristi is running the strategic intelligence shop for the NORAD/ NORTHCOM J2! She hopes to soon be picked up for teaching history at USAFA. Both have recently moved into new homes, both ofwhich were very nice indeed. I look forward to seeing more of you COS-based folks when I inevitably return for a visit.

Stay tuned next issue for a very special column penned by our special guest columnist... Dave Damrath!

James S. Mehta

8509 Custer Court Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 652-3433 DSN: 682-8898 james.mehta@ogn.af.mil or jamesmehta@earthlink.net

The Since-Graduated ACSC Lonely Hearts Club Band

Jim and Kathleen (Kennedy) Clark and their clan Kaitlyn (5), Michael (3) and Adam (Jan ’05) met up with the Kwasny clan from Texas for a great week of beach and pool fun. James and Beth (Dunn) Kwasny have two children, Alicia (5) and Nolan (3), and live in Keller, Texas. They see the Clarks at least once a year and put together a great week-long vacation at the beach this past summer to catch up and let the kids enjoy each other and some sun sports. Jim Clark is still in and just PCSed to Ft Leavenworth for school; he just left the ACC

training staff. Kathleen got out a fewyears back. Beth and James both left active duty in 2000; she is a contractor for PatchPlus consulting. They do intelligence consulting back to the Air Force writing regulations. After a brief stint with American Airlines (three years), James is now helping start a new charter airline in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Wow! Good luck, you two!

Visit the NEWAOG Web Site

www.usafa.org 128

Greetings from St. Louis and your substitute scribe, Don Unwin! As you all know from his last article, James is approaching the midpoint ofhis six-month tour in Baghdad and he has asked me to fill in for him this quarter. I’m glad to report that he and I just spoke a few minutes ago, and that he is doing quite well.

Thank you to James and to all of the military members who are doing a great job all around the world!

I would also like to congratulate all of the members of the Class of 1992 who made the Lieutenant Colonel list two years below the zone. I’d love to list all

of the names here but I would rapidly hit the word limit for the article. Rest assured it was quite an impressive showing.

I’m not sure if James will be writing next quarter or not but please feel free to email either of us, and we’ll be sure to compile all of the inputs for the next issue. James’ e-mail isjames.mehta@bdab.aorcentaf.af.mil, and my e-mail is unwin@sbcglobal.net. We did not have many formal inputs for this issue so I’ll kind ofbe shooting from the hip as I try to recall all of the ’92er s that I’ve run into or heard about over the last few months.

Let me start by mentioning a few people that I have run into while doing my Reserve duty at Scott AFB. As people tend to be finding themselves in a headquarters job around this point in their careers, I tend see a face from the past nearly every time I head to the base. Most recently I ran into Chris Colbert as

he was in-processing for a new assignment at U.S. TRANSCOM. Chris and I flew the C-9A during our first assignments at Scott and now he and Nicole have moved back to the area with their three boys. I also saw Jim Gallagher soon after he moved to Scott for a job at AMC Headquarters. He passed along that the family was doing well and that they are happy about the move. Another name that has come up recently is Rob Tobler. Apparently, he and the family have moved down to Randolph AFB where Rob is now working rated assignments atAFPC.

The other classmate I ran into on base recendy creates a smooth transition for the rest of the article. Jay Schueler was in town for his final C-9 currency simulator before separating from active duty. Since that time he has been hired at FedEx and I saw Jay again last month down in Memphis after his first week of class. He’s doing great and the move to Memphis for the family should be complete early in the fall.

I have run into many other classmates at FedEx in the last few months. I recently flew with Pete Gubser, Flip Fields, and Brian McGill. All three ofthose guys are still in the Guard and/or Reserve and Brain has recendy made the transition to the Naval Reserve. He is flying the C-9B out ofWhidby Island, WA and he said he is still learning the Navy way of

doing business.

Chantilly, VA. Thanks for the great update!

Jeff Kubik had a great tailgate from what I heard. Shame on me for not attending. Turns out we were both in the same general area. I enjoyed some burgers and beer with the squadron from Andrews as we watched the mighty Falcon’s take it in the chin during the last five minutes ofthe game. It was great seeing fellow graduates! I was talking to the folks next to me and realized they were the parents of one of our classmates Julie (Nep) Siff. She was not attending the game due to the fact she was at home taking care of a three--

month-old! Her husband, Andrew, who is an attorney in the D.C. area, was there for her in spirit.

Jenn (Joyce) Krischer dropped an email to update us! She has been busy... She spent three years teaching Geography and African Studies at USAFA. She and her husband, Adam, have moved to the D.C. area and have there for two years. Jenn is assigned to the AF Studies and Analyses Agency. Adam is an attorney for the state ofVirginia. They have great news for us... Jenn and Adam have a new

addition to the family... Noah Isaac Krischer, born on 15 July 05! Congrats!

6 Sabre Society Donors

Several other people bounce between the Air Force and FedEx as their units are frequendy called to duty. Charles Smith flies the C-17 in Jackson, MS and was recendy activated. Shawn Donaheyhas been activated in the C-130 for a year now and is expecting to be released early in CY06. My old UPT roommate Mark Steger flies the C-130 out of Harrisburg, and is head-

ing on a deployment again in the near future.

Other old friends who I see at work from time to time are Artie Bagomolny and Casey Moore. Both ofthem have had new additions to the family in the last several months. Artie and his wife, Jitana, have welcomed their third daughter, Alexa, and Casey and Heidi have welcomed their second son, Nicholas.

I had an international ground school class a few months ago with Aaron Quinichett He and his family are living in Atlanta and he is still flying the KC.

10 in the Reserves at McGuire. Michelle Carson recently bid an assignment to

FedEx’s Asian hub in the Philippines. She is flying out of Subic Bay to locations

throughout the Far East. John Gurrieri and his family are doing well and their plan is to stay in Charleston. He is still flying the C-17 in the Reserves there. I have seen Rick Murphy a few times while getting on or off of a crew bus but unfortunately we have not really had the opportunity to chat.

I look forward to hearing from more classmates in the next quarter. I may or may not be making another guest appearance in this column but I shall certainly pass along any and all inputs to James. Everyone be safe and have a wonderful Holiday Season! Don Michael D. Sundsted 1805 Macadams Place

Alexandria, VA 22308

Jenn andAdam with their new son, Noah Isaac.

Jenn updates us on Wade Douthit. He is living in Front Royal with his wife,

Rhonda, and children Nadine, Jared, and Brady. Wade is with the FBI working on counter-terrorism in the D.C. area. Anne (Truitt) Grover is in Providence, RI at Brown Univ Hospital completing her surgical residency. Thanks for the

updates Jenn!

Ali (Ward) Trevino sent a message from Misawa AB, Japan where she is currently the Commander ofthe 35 th Contracting Sq. She had an immediate impact as her base won the 2005 CINC Installation Excellence Award.

She thinks it had

dressing up in the sumo suit to impress the inspectors! She wo rks with many grads... Maj Milner ’92 (35SFS/CC) just PCSed and was replaced by Maj Kafka ’92, Lt Col Maharrey '86 (35 CES/CC) and Colonel Yanni ’79 (35 MSG/CC). I agree it’s definitely a small world. Ali and her husband, Ray, are enjoying the many sights of Japan. Recently, they enjoyed hiking the summit of Mt. Fuji. She said the view at sunrise was priceless. a lot to do with her

(703) 768-5664/Cell: (571) 218-0586 E-mail: Bravecwboy@cox.net Class Website: www.highflight.com

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope this letter brings good tidings and cheer to ring in the New Year! Things here in Virginia are going great. I had the opportunity to pick up a very nice 22-foot boat and enjoy the Potomac River before the autumn/winter temperatures hit. I have been flying a lot and Lori is having a great time watching Collin go through Kindergarten as his “room mommy.” Glad to see all the updates in the mailbox.

Sorry for the confusion though. AOG didn’t update my new email account so I may have missed some of your emails.

Please note that my new email is Bravecwboy@cox.net.

Thanks—and if you sent me an email and you are not in this letter, please resend it!

We received an update from one of our Thunderbirds after Sabre Society Donors his last trip for the summer. Steve Horton ran into Neil McCafferty at Hanscom. He is out of the AF and loving the Northeast with his wife and two children. Alex Grynkewich is now at Naval Postgraduate School studying Homeland Security. Steve had dinner with Alex and enj oyed the view of the Monterrey Bay. Alex and wife, Shannon, were due to have their first child in December (maybe as you are reading this!). Last but not least, Steve ran into Stephen Mcllnay, Brandon Hileman, and Paul Trujillo.

They are at Little Rock AFB teaching the young (and a few old) punks how to fly the mighty Herk!

Speaking of the Herk... Waylon Richards checked in from Pope AFB! I apologize about the belated placement of your update in Checkpoints'. Waylon is flying with the 427th SOS but currently playing in the ME Sandbox. He is there with Andy Maas, Rob Lundy, Jodi Neff, and AmyYoung. Andy and Rob are on their way to a new assignment at Hurlburt Field. Jodi is off to ACSC at Monterrey and Amy is trying to locate a staff job in AETC. Jimmy Sparrow is loving life in Charleston and Jason Kimbel should have arrived for his new position in

Ali and Ray Trevino; sunrise on Mt. Fuji.

Ali added to Anne’s update from above. Anne was married to David Grover

this summer in Los Altos, CA. She passed her Year Three Medical Boards (surgery)... she spent over six months studying for it! She’ll be moving from Brown U. to San Francisco to finish her fourth year. Rachel Linnehan, Sean Singleton, and Roscoe attended from our class.

Our beloved and busy Class President, Wispy Speros, updated us from Georgetown Law School just prior to classes starting. He and his wife, Amanda, are still enjoying the D.C. area and will do so for a few more years. Wispy is in his final year of Law School and will pass the bar with flying colors (author’s addition). He had a great time this summer working for a law firm and hopes to continue working there after his bar. He runs into Josh Hartman (Senate Intelligence Committee) every Thursday during his Congressional League game. Wispy went on a cruise with the Ybarra’s before they PCSed from Andrews.

Bruce’s wife, Tina, was a real trooper as she was six months pregnant. They had their daughter Anika after they arrived at Maxwell for ACSC. 129

Julia (Anderson) Yates and husband Shannon (’92) are excited about the birth of their first child, Rowdy. Julia and Shannon are flying for the Reserves and Frontier Airlines. Shawn and Amber Welsh are doing well. They also had a boy (their second) in May. Shawn is flying for the KC- 10 Reserves at Travis and also with Southwest Airlines. While attending a friends wedding in California, Wispy and Amanda stopped by to see Rob Dam’s newplace on the beach in Monterrey. He is enjoying Naval Post Graduate School—his MBA started in July and goes for 18 months. Great hearing from you Wispy we’ll get a beer, hopefully before you read this.

Thanks again for all the great inputs. I look forward to those who write next time. Take care and Happy Holidays—Mike.

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C.C. M. Masotti CMR 480 Box 1168 APO AE 09128-1168 W: 011-49-711-680-4131

C: 011-49-162-297-2221 DSN: 314-430-4131 E-mail: masottic@eucom.mil

Hi everyone! As usual, I’m behind the deadline on this, so I’ll get right to the news, starting with a follow-up from our previous column... Bill and Silke

Engberg wrote in appreciation for Brian Noe’s (FE Warren) support and updated us from Little Rock. In addition to running Blaze Diamonds, Bill is a Safety Observer / Controller for Joint Readiness Training Center exercises training U.S. and coalition forces in how to employ C- 130s in a combat environment, basically running a “Red Flag” for airlift. In his spare time, Bill is taking his final class towards his Master’s in Computer Resource Information Management. Somehow, Bill and Silke were recently able to find time for a oneweek vacation (their first in five years!) to Padre Island.

Bill and Silke Engberg and their “kids" enjoy Padre Island.

Kyle Sanders found time to travel recendy as well—or rather the Air Force, found it for him... he was deployed here to Stuttgart for a four-month AEF deployment working as our J-5 desk officer for Israel and Turkey. When not here at EUCOM (renting terrible movies from our Shoppette even when forewarned that they aren’t worth his time!), Kyle is actually stationed at Peterson, where he works the Space-Based Infrared System at AFSPACE. Of course, his “real” job is being a husband to Rachel (a former AF officer) and a dad to Clayton (3) andLandon (1). Kyle left Germany in time to make Pat Bogue’s 17 Sep wedding in D.C., including an exclusive reception on the roof of the HayAdams Hotel overlooking the White House.

I haven’t heard from Pat in awhile, but his 4-degree roommate Brett Anderson recently signed on to our class webpage with an update: after finishing residency training (and nine years in the civilian sector) in June, he and his family finally “rejoined” military society in Tucson, where he’s an orthopedic surgeon at DavisMonthan.

Others checking in on the site included Jason Wollard (Hueys/Flight Safety Officer, Vandenberg); Jim Winner (Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, Holloman) and newlywed Mike Raynoya (Intel Flight CC, Holloman). Mike and his Sabre Society Donors bride, Trisha, were married over Labor Day weekend in Newport News where Mike’s parents stood in as the Best Man and Matron of Honor. Mike and Trish were stationed together at Langley and hope to live together soon in New Mexico when Trish becomes Intel Flight CC for F-117s. Scott and Katie Taylor seem to be doing the split household thing as well; he separated from the AF last year to fly for FedEx out of Memphis, while Katie is still an F-15E IP at Seymour-Johnson. They still have their house in Goldsboro NC, but consider Memphis their domicile and plan to eventually settle in northern Mississippi.

Carl and Michele (McVety) Hutcherson logged in from Kadena, where Michele is a home-school mom for their four little ones. Another stay-athome mom signing in was Keri (Schreiber) Singleton, who’s living in Anniston AL with hubby Britt (’95, working for Pfizer) and girls Emma (3) and Geneva

(1). Shiloh Fischer and his bride checked in from Tyndall where he’s doing 130

radar/EW flight testing and they’re enjoying life with their daughters Elbe, Caroline and Georgia. Yet another happy parent on the class homepage was

Jeanne (Wilkins) Bisesi (Intel, Wright-Pat), who missed the reunion because she was 8.5 months pregnant! She and her husband are starting their own chiropractic clinic near Cleveland.

Bob Eicholtz checked in from Hershey PA, where he’s an IS Manager and Joe Silvers signed in from Purdue, where he’s in an AFIT/CI program. Mike, Heidi and Ryan Grunwald wrote from Langley, where he’s the Director of Operations, while Kurt Zobrist (Deputy Director, Department of Homeland Secu-

rity) logged in from Arlington VA. Temporarily in the D.C. area is Ray “T-Man” Truong, there for Joint Military Attache School and Mandarin Chinese training before PCSing to Beijing next September as our A/AIRA to China.

Also heading overseas is John Kipp, who’ll be working Comm Requirements in a NATO assignment in Lisbon, Portugal; he and his bride will be celebrating the first birthday of their daughter Josie just after Christmas. And, recently returning from an overseas tour is Pat Day, whom I’ve appointed classmate with the most amazing update to this column... Pat just finished an exchange assignment flying PC-9s with the Australian Air Force—exciting enough, but he also reports that he missed the reunion because he was helping his bride care for their twin daughters... because she was pregnant with their second set of twins (boy/girl this time)! After Pat finishes KC-135 Training at Altus, the family will settle in Grand Forks for an assignment.

Another classmate checking in on our site was lisa Kary, who’s back at USAFA as a pilot. That was good to hear since Joe Imburgia reported seeing her around the Academy in a flight suit pretty regularly! Joe wasn’t checking upon anyone —he just happened to email his own update. Happily married to Heather for sixyears now, Joe is proud to report that he and Joel England (’95) form the first all-grad Area Defense Council at the Academy.

USAFA’s new all-grad defense team.

The two represent cadets in myriad adverse actions, including courts martial, honor boards, discharges, and everything in between. Joe’s enjoying the

challenge but is adjusting to some of the changes in the cadet disciplinary system (translation: we had it easy). He also runs into Chris Colcord (AOC) and Ken Stoltman (Instructor). In his recent deployment to D.C. and GTMO with the Office of Administrative Review of the Detention of Enemy Combatants, Joe worked with Maj Earl Scott (’91) and saw Master of Laws student, Rich LaDue (Computer/Information Technology, GW Law School, D.C.). He also ran into Tommy Gregory at Eagle Flag; at the time, Tommy was SJA at the Air Mobility Warfare Center at Ft Dix, NJ, where he trained JAGs on deployment issues before they deployed. Another class lawyer checking in was Deb (Nawrocki) Luker, who recently PCSed to Kunsan for a remote tour as the Deputy SJA there; she hated to leave Joel again so quickly after her Afghanistan deployment but was thrilled that her schedule allowed her to return to Eglin for their annual Halloween bash!

While Deb left Florida to go overseas, another classmate took a break from her exciting international life to return to Florida. Cynthia Green recently wrote from Orlando; Ryland Homes offered her such a great position that she

opted to leave Costa Rica and make a short-notice move back to the States.

She’s settling quickly into the new job and is ready for visitors.

Those are the updates as I have them from “the field”; just a few from here... I had dinner a few weeks ago with Nick Kozdras who was TDY from Ramstein and is still doing great in the Comm world and I also occasionally catch up with

Logistician Tam (Vo) Elliott. Sadly, it’s more seldom than I’d like consideringwe work one building apart, but we did get together for EUCOM's Air Force Ball and after she completed this year’s Marine Corps Marathon. In addition to completing her first marathon, Tam was able to stay with her favorite cheerleading buddy, Kay (Aquino) Kale and her husband, Tom, who live in Sterling VA. Both work for Booz-Alien-Ham ilton and were Tam’s support team for the race.

Visit the NEWAOG Web Site

www.usafa.org

phones. How did we ever puli stuff like this off on a weekly basis? Ah yes, First Night... usually the best night, but not this time. Maybe we are getting older.

Thursday (Golf Day): Once again, the Wheels of Fortuna turned in our favor. You could not have asked for a more beautiful Colorado day. After a quick breakfast at the Waffle Hue on 1-25 (which sadly had to end its run with the allyou-can-eat special), we went to USAFA. The golf tournament turn-out was fantastic. At the driving range I ran into George Hock, Charlie Baker, John Wilcox (Killer Cobras represented strong), Steve Sanders, Travis Pacheco, Brad “

Tam (Vo) Elliott relaxes with Tom and Kay (Aquino) Kale after finishing the

Marine Corps Marathon.

As for me, I recently had the honor of escorting Gen (ret) Chuck Boyd (former

EUCOM DCDR and seven-year POW in Vietnam) and the Business Executives for National Security (BENS) on a EUCOM-sponsored trip to Moldova, Bui-

garia and Ukraine. Our Deputy POLAD, Col John Horner (’86, son of Gen Chuck Horner) helped escort and Maj Rich Parrotte (’93) was one of our pilots. One highlight was seeing our own Mark Bjorgen (F-16s, Aviano) leading a NATO exercise teaming our F- 16s with the the 510th in VIPER JAVELIN Bulgarians’ MiGs at Graf Ignateivo AB in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. (Lt Gen Wally Moorhead (’69) was visiting there as well, but it was truly Mark’s show).

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That’s all my news and I’m out of space... All my best to you and your families!

Take care and God Bless! C.C. R. Travis Koch

1072 Napa Way

cursed by some Native American tribe? Well if the weather didn’t get us down, the fence around the cadet area sure did. I am not sure if many of us would have graduated under the current regime. All of that aside, the campus is as beautiful as ever. Mike Mills was caught running the strips and Jimmy Lamar took the hill. We bumped into Joe Difidi, Kyle Carpenter and Dave Brackney. Kilo bowed out, but Jimmy Lamar, Scott Trinrud, Brian Schafer, Chad Balettie, and I played in the rugby alumni match. The old heads pulled out a tremendous victory over the developmental side with the help of some of the young A-side studs. You know what they say: old age and treachery will beat youth and vigor any day. Just like old times, we were cheered on by members of the hockey team. Joe Javorski, Andy Veneri, Mirlo and Dan McAlister, and Deb

Niceville, FL 32578

(850) 882-0563/DSN: 872-0563 Cell: (850) 499-8242 richard.koch@eglin.af.mil traviskoch@yahoo.com Reunion News: Well, I didn’t make it to the reunion but from what I heard, it was a blast.

Beyer, Mike Bettencourt, Andrea (Kirkman) Miller, Ruth (Rumfeldt) and George German (’93), and many others that I cannot remember (because Nikki had the camera). Did I mention that we are old, yet? George Hock’s team ran away with the victory-AETC assignments with no deployments will do wonders for your golf game. The one FIVE-some of the group (Nikki Ballinger, Andrea Miller, Antoinette Rose and Ruth and Gigi German) finished dead last.

Something tells me Gigi underestimated her handicap...

“After the tournament, ecstatic hour atEmbassy Suites was jam-packed. Lynn and Scott Trinrud, Sierra and Brian Schafer, and Meagan (Mcann, ’96) and Ken Gjone were all keeping the pride. Brice Williams, Michelle and Preston McConnell, Jessica and Tony Mirabile, and Dave Buchanan were pure gold.

Special thanks go out to Meat Tinsley (who, oddly enough, I ran into in the John) for putting together a fabulous schedule of events. Later that night, we found ourselves in the company of Janel and Steve Gorowsky, Tom Walker, Susie and John Decker, Jan and Mike Clabom, Kristen Capotosto, Sherri Mills, Nicole Davis, and Tom Murphy. That night we found out that I am related to Jan Clabom, that chilly willies should no longer be in our bar repertoire, and that even with Irish goodbyes you cannot escape your friends.

“Friday (USAFA Day): Another beautiful day in Colorado. Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t there a rumor that the Academy grounds were considered

I asked Rex Ballinger to give us a few words and here they are:

(Bilek) Brooks were among the crowd. Just for good measure, Tom Murphy there, Wendy’s cup in hand.

was

“I don’t know about you, but I am still recovering from the reunion. What a weekend! I’ll do my best to record some of the more memorable moments and mention all of the people that I ran into; however, after that weekend my shortterm memory (not to mention my liver) is something less than to be desired.

Let’s try to do this chronologically.

“Wednesday (Arrival Day): With people flying in from all over the world for the festivities, planning to meet was surely destined to be a nightmare. Fate was

smiling that day as Nikki (Gumina) and I immediately found Chad Balettie at the bar in Judge Baldwins. Chad flew in from Germany on a combined family vacation and reunion trip.

He had a couple of days to hang solo before his wife, Christa, joined us. Already this trip was looking like trouble...

"All of a sudden the floodgates opened and classmates started coming out of the woodwork. Tori and Colby Hoefar made the long trip from Peyton, CO. Colby was still grinning ear to ear from his successful elk hunt (more to come on this

4 Sabre Society Donors

one) at the Historic (Matt) Poma Ranch. Oh yeah, and also from his wedding. Nick Capotosto, Esq., Tom and Antoinette (Valero) Rose, Laurel and Mike Pugh, and Mike Mills were the next to appear. Funny what happens when you pick some random bar where we used to hang during

school: time stops and all the usual suspects line up. In an odd turn of affairs, At the next joint, we were joined by Kristen and Jason Cockrum, and Rocky Thurston. By the way, 10 years ago we didn’t have mobiie

we closed the bar.

Some ofthe gang at a local watering hole in Colorado Springs.

Zoomie Rugby Football Rules! From left are Chad Balettie, Brian Schafer, Rex Ballinger, Jim Lamar, and Scott Trinrud.

“Harking back to the days of the Chateau, Jake Maloy, Ty Little, Jim Gourde, and Pete Sheridan rolled into town that evening in a 1970s-era RV Chris Mills, Christa Balettie, Mike Miller (’94), BenjiGlazer, DermotCole and Erik Davis joined the crew for a night with Gyzunglasses. When we all walked into the bar, the band recognized us and started the next set with a tribute, “This one goes out to all you Muthas out there. Ten years is a long time; it’s nice to have you back!” Talk about a blast from the past...

“Saturday (Football Day): Great day, great tailgate and great game! Unfortunately, the Falcons could not pull out a win against Wyoming. It was exciting and fun nonetheless. Ran into some more folks at the tailgate including: Nicole (Roberson) and Craig Pichard, Nicole (Raney) and Mike Henkelman, Andy Lyons, Jamie (Dalgren) Glover, and Brian Baird. At the game, Ken Gjone was spotted doing elevated push-ups and one group was yelled at by an AOC for throwing Spirit Cheese (I won’t mention names). After we graduated, they apparently started putting shredded cheese on the boxed lunch sandwiches.

“After the post-game tailgate, Dermot Cole graciously opened his house for the Class of 1995. At Derm’s we ran into Johnny Northon, Julie Adair, Ryan Welch, Mike May, Amanda Krantz, and Wille Griffiths among others. Colby Hoefar whipped out the largest tube of elk summer sausage that I have ever

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Pete and Angie Swanson have a couple of kids and are living in Edina, MN

where Pete works in the Financial Services Industry. Jamie and Kim Moss have two boys. Jamie is still Flying 16s and is headed to a remote in Bahrain. Raquel (Welch) and Dan Wasilausky are both still in the AF, living in Omaha, and have one son. Kenyon Dutton lives in Houston (Go ASTROS) and works in the Financial Services Industry. Donnie English lives in the D.C. area as a Lawyer.

Hunter (Chip) McAdams still in, flying, and maybe living in England. Ric Trimillos also is still in, flying, and just moved to California. Thanks Adam. I challenge someone from “SECOND GROOOOOUP” to follow suit and drop me an update from your squadron.

Reunion East: There were a good number of us in the Middle East during the reunion. Besides me in Qatar, Brian “V” MacDonald was in Baghdad. Jason Smith and Teaka Robba were both at Al Udeid, just down the road. Brian ’

Green was flying Hercs in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Charles Schmutzer was also in Qatar. I found that one out because his sweet Mom,

Ken Gjone doing push-ups, assisted by Dave Buchanan, BenjiGlazer, Jim

Lamar, and Craig Prichard. seen and

Ryan Welch supplied his latest invention, The Octopus, which al-

lows for multiple taps from a single keg.

Cheri, sent me an update. Awesome. My favorite part about this story is his folks still get his Checkpoints magazine because he hasn’t updated his address with the AOG. Chuck is doing great. He got married last September to Ms. Laura Powell (’00) in Laura’s hometown of Elizabeth City, NC. They have a great story you can read about in the Nov 26,2004 edition of The Mountain Press at www.themountainpress.com. Moral of this story though... Moms and Dads, if you want to share about your kids, or ifyou’re tired of getting their mail, send me a little note and I’ll be glad to publish it.

Post-game Tailgate (too many ’95ers to mention).

“Overall, the reunion was a shining success. One thing was clear though: at the same time, it is both wonderful and painful that some things don’t change.”

Thanks, Rex and Nikki for the words and pics. I also got a great update from Mark Sotallaro, here are some excerpts: “We got in on Thursday and pretty much hung out with Jeff and Teresa Edwards and their three rug-rats. We did the dinner social thing on Thursday night and ran into everybody: Jason Bailey who brought his girlfriend Erin, the A-10 flying duo of Scott Campbell and his beautiful wife from N ellis. Dave Abba was up from Eglin with Carla, Rusty Driggers and his great family, Mike and Ali Snodgrass made the trip from Hickam where he’s doing one of those

hardship tours, and Gil and Ashley Sanders were also up from Eglin.

“Friday I toured Heather around the cadet area and met with the seemingly very young cadets from CS-31. We ran into Jen Cabalero (Spindel ’96) who is pregnant and is now an English teacher at the Zoo. After that day of fun we headed back to the hotel and hung out until the dinner social. The food was a little better on Friday night (which isn’t saying much). At the social, I ran into Dave Brackney, Amanda Krantz (drummer for the rock band Paperboy Jack), Rich Mott, Dave Thompson (now flying for Southwest), Rocky Thurston, Preston McConnell, and Erik Davis, just to name a few (I know I left hundreds

CliffVolpe meets President Bush in Georgia, no, not the state.

Finally, I got the most amazing update I’ve seen yet from CliffVolpe. Cliff, get this, is backpacking across the world. That’s right, the world. He’s three years into his journey and is currently in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia working as a Border Monitor. He has also been working as a freelance photographer. Check these out at cliffvolpe.fotki. com and you will find yourself in the middle of a future National Geographic magazine article. Cliffhas been through Turkey, Iraq, Greece, Chechnya, and is off to Central Asia and Afghanistan soon.

An amazing story, we look forward to hearing more from you soon. Till then, Keep the Faith, T. Koch.

Melissa S.

Cunningham

15668 Candle Creek Drive

Monument, CO 80132

(719) 487-3071/DSN: 333-4405 Melissa.cunningham@usafa.af.mil or melcunningham@msn.com

offolksoutofthis).

“Saturday we headed to the class tailgate. We met up with Tom and Nikki

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas! I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. It’s

Ulmer, Chris Kibble, and a couple family friends. We also ran into old friend

nice to have a white Christmas after three years in sunny Georgia. I’m wrapping

Ronnie Kelly Hall. I ran into Derm Cole who looks good and is still enjoying life in the AH. I also ran into Nate Miller who is still loving flying F- 1 8s for the Corp. I also ran into Tommy Walker, and everyone else during die game (insert 100 names here). I saw LisaThode (fellow mx officer, Notre Dame grad, and sister of Mike Thode) at the game. She is teaching ROTC at CU-Boulder. I wish I had more specifics on more folks, but my memory is slipping.

Thanks Sot. Sot, by the way, is working at the Pentagon now in the Combat Forces Division as Chief of Munitions Programming. He and Heather bought a townhouse in Alexandria and love the D.C. area. Jackson, their one-yearold, is “the happiest guy I know.”

Mighty M1 Catch Up: Adam Velie, who now lives in the Springs working for Booze Allan Hamilton, had a good time at the reunion but was trying to track down Dave Leopold. If anyone knows where he is, drop me a note. Adam did let me know what the other gang from MM 1 is up to these days. Grant Simmons is recently married, lives in New Mexico and owns a web-hosting business.

Josh Bobko is married (Glenda) and lives in Miami as a fourth-year med student at the Univ. of Miami. Tristan Lai (made him an honorary Mach One member from CS-36) is at the Military Med School. Tom and Rene Colvin are stationed at Scott AFB. Tom is a Space and Missileer working at TRANSCOM.

union?” Let me give you what I’ve got so far. Kevin Murch, now a civilian lawyer in Tampa, FL actually has the reigns. I’m working with the AOG to let us host a page on their site to give updates. Hopefully we’ll be up and running as you read this. We won’t know until mid-March the actual dates because we have to wait for the ’06 football schedule to come out. But I got word it will be one of the last three weekends on September. In the interim we need everyone to update their addresses. Looking through the Register ofGrads, there are many of you guys that still have your parent’s address listed from your 60 days of leave. You can update your contact info on-line at www.usafa.org.

We also need pictures! We are going to try to put a slide show together for our dinner, but in order to do that I need your help. We need you to dig through your old photos from USAFA, from your time in the AF and family shots. Send them digitally or hard copy. I will send all originals back. We just need some serious lead time to put the slides together and get all music coordinated/approved because of copyright laws. I guess what I'm saying is, this can’t be one of those “if you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute” deals. Please

”

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up my first semester as an instructor and it’s been a lot offun. It’s definitely nice to be back at the Academy—as an officer, not a cadet.

So to answer the question that everyone is asking “What’s up with our re-

help me out or you’ll be viewing my personal family photos for 20 minutes.

Not exactly riveting.

Now on the main news. I wanted to dedicate this article to updating our class on all of our Doc’s. For the last nine years we’ve had several classmates trudging through medical school, different internships, and residencies. Now these guys and gals are hitting operational assignments. I must admit it was pretty funny to meet my Doc at Wilford Hall when I was getting a knee consultation.

Out walked Colleen Christiansen. I kept thinking she can’t be old enough to be checking out my MRI and making recommendations. Butsheis! Nowsheisspendingayearin Colorado Springs as an orthopedic surgeon. She splits her time between Ft Carson and the Academy. You can catch her every weekend patching up some JV football players or members of the girls’ soccer team.

1 Colleen was helpful in passing along some great info on our Sabre Society Donors classmates. She told me three Bricks are in the Wilford Hall ortho residency program: Shea Brannan is the chief resident (fifth year), Dolly Patel (now Skeete) is in her second year, and Ben Robinson just arrived this summer to start a five-year stint at Big Willie. Jake Oldham and

Colleen graduated in June. Jake moved on to KirtJandAFB. Ed Anderson and Shaka Walker graduated from civilian residency programs last June. She heard that Ed and Shaka were stationed somewhere on the East coast. Sara Whittingham was married last summer in Steamboat Springs and ran a marathon the same weekend. Dolly made it out to Rita Perez’s wedding in Pittsburg, KS last July. Eric Greeson is doing a dermatology residency at Wilford Hall. Christine Tholen is a family doc but here whereabouts are unknown. Adam Starr just started a civilian orthopedic residency at a school on the east coast.

The Rasmussen Clan: Reid, Lori, and Foster on a Korean Vacation.

I did run into Lori Rasmussen at a football game. She was attending ’95’s re-

union with a friend, so she’s been able to give me some good ideas to make our reunion awesome. She told me that she Reid has three months left in Korea and

then will join her at Pope. Life will be good! Lori is enjoying her Reserve time with the guard (112 Air Ops Sq in State College, PA). She’ll be headed down to Davis-Monthan for the Weapons and Tactics Course soon. Other great news: the Rassmussen clan is growing again! Lori is six months along and looks fantastic!

That’s all for now! Keep me posted with updates, pics, and addresses! Take care, Mel.

Melvin E.

Maxwell, Jr.

PSC 2, Box 7518 APO AE 09012 Work DSN:(314) 480-5628 W: melvin.maxwell@ramstein.af.mil H:

Jason and Hannah I also heard from Jason Arnold. After USAFA, he went to med school at Emory

University in Atlanta, GA. In 1999, he married his beautiful bride, Jennifer. Jen is a special education teacher and addiction counselor. Right now, she is working on the toughest job as a stay-at-home mom to Sarah (2) and Hannah (6

months). In 2000 Jason started his residency in Family Medicine at Eglin AFB. In 2003 he was off to Grand Forks AFB where he was the Chief of Primary Care.

Presently he is deployed to Camp Bucca, Iraq at a troop internment facility until

mid-January. He is the OIC for the Detainee Health Team at the Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center. We hope you make it back safely and soon!

I also got some interesting news from Joey Gower. Joey finished medical school in 2000 graduating from Georgetown University. He finished his orthopedic surgery training in New Jersey. While there, he met his wife, an RN at the hospital. The Gower clan quickly grew to four.

Fast forward to the present. Joey has been tremendously busy over the last months... quite a welcome back to the Air Force. He was stationed at Keesler AFB, MS right before Hurricane Katrina hit. The Gower family lost their apartment and house (two weeks from closing) and damage to the cars. The status of their household goods is still unknown. The storage facility was in Gulfport.

Joey, his wife, and two young daughters (1 Vz and 2 Vz) rode out the storm at the Keesler AFB Hospital. Tending to a patient in house, he didn’t want to leave... needless to say, it was an adventure. The family has headed to New Jersey as Joey finalizes orders to his next base, Eglin... yet another hurricane zone.

I also heard from Christine Tholen. She completed family practice residency at Offut AFB, NE and then finished training to become a flight surgeon.

She extended a year at Offut to line up her VML with her husband, Chuck, another family practice resident. They were able to swing a joint spouse assignment to Misawa AB, Japan. There are virtually no specialists stationed at Misawa, so Christine has had to handle just about everything. They love the location! They live in a little rented Japanese house that looks out over some rice paddies. She says it’s absolutely beautiful. They been to several big Japanese festivals in nearby towns and tried to pick up a little bit of the language.

She’s gotten a little adventurous with the cuisine Trying squid pizza and octopus. Because they are in the Pacific, they have had the opportunity to visit Australia where her sister and brother-in-law live. They plan to continue traveling around to the sites and climbing Mt. Fuji after adjusting to parenthood.

Christine gave birth to Travis, a big beautiful boy last spring.

mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com

Hey all, hope all is well in your neck of the woods. I was recently down at Maxwell AFB, Alabama and ran into a familiar face. Klaus Franze is in the Reserves doing Combat Camera out of California. Klaus passed on news of what seems to me to be an amazing few years for him. Klaus left active duty on Sept 11,2002 to become a Resident Athlete at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. There, his housing, medical, food, etc. were taken care of as he trained as a world class athlete in the Running Target event in hopes of making the 2004 Olympic team. Klaus placed fourth in the National Championship in 2003 and in 2004, scored 592 in a training event, besting the World Record score of588. Unfortunately, Klaus had an injury and required back surgery eight months prior to the Olympic trials and couldn’t recover his world class form in order to make the trip to Athens.

Since Running Target was dropped as on Olympic event af2 ter 2004, Klaus decided to move on to a new athletic endeavor.

Ifyou can believe this, despite having little experience playing golf, Klaus decided he wanted to compete on the professional golf tour. He hired a coach to work on ball striking and within

Sabre Society Donors

months was playing on the Golden State Tour (two-three players ayear graduate from the Golden State Tour to the PGA Tour). Klaus competed on the tour for

about eight months but the expense of competitive golf is quite high and Klaus decided to move on. Today, in addition to his Reserve job, Klaus is the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Southern California Elite Gymnastics Academy in Temecula, CA. Klaus also passed on news about Tara Shamhart who is a circuit trial counsel out ofTravis AFB. She spends a lot of time on the road prosecuting cases throughout the western states.

News from the grapevine... Altus, OK sounds like the place to spend time with your family and friends. Just ask any of the folJowing classmates who are

stationed out there as C-17 IPs. The list includes Beth (Houston) Szucs, who’s now out of the AF, and husband, Joe (’96), and their little girls, Gracie and Ella; Jim Thomas and his wife, CaJlie, and their little girl Taylor, who was just born in May; Lee Guthrie and his wife, Michelle,, who is due in November; and Justin Riddle and his wife, Penny, who is due in February. Morgan Murphy his wife, Anna, and their little ones, Micah and Katie have finally decided to chase their dream and are headed south to join the ANG in Jackson, MS. Jake Hardigan and his wife, Tobey, are aiso headed out ofAltus and are bound for Ramstein; while Chris Klopping is headed to the Reserve unit at McChord. There are a ton of other people who are also passing through Altus right now like Matt Anderson, his wife, Christine, and their little girl Kayla who are on their way to McChord. Jen (Brannan) Caplingeris aJso there doingC-17 Qual with her and John’s little girl Anna. Fortunately, Jen and John will soon be together again at McChord with Jen flying in the Reserve unit and John with AD. There are other ’97 guys out there flying the C-17 in places like Charleston, 133

McChord, and New Jersey. One of those is Rob Hamill who lives the good life on the Isle of Palms in Charleston with his wife, Linda-Marie, and their little girl Kaia, who was born in May. Erin Markwith is at McChord, and Rich Carter and his wife, Christi, are at McGuire where they are busy with their two little girls Emma and Kierstyn. Korey (Watkins) Vaughan and her husband, Tim, are also at McGuire where they stay busy with their horses, that is when Korey

While nurturing their friendly service academy rivalry at the AF/Navy game, Holly met up with Jannell (Zicarelli) and Chris MacAulay, Beth (Crimmel) and Rob Makros, Lauren (Eckert) and Rob Myers and Conner (Wyatt) and her husband, Brad. Jannell and Chris are at Pope AFB where she’s flying C130’s; he maintains them, and they are actually deploying together to the desert

isn’t out flying the KC-10. If you’ve been trying to track down Heather (Wyatt) Blackwell then now is your time to find her as she just returned from her fourmonth trek to Iraq. While you won’t find Tanji Johnson in Iraq, you will find this tough lady in any fitness magazine you might pick up. If you can’t find a magazine, then just type her name into Google, and her cool website will pop up. As for, Julie (Thode) Mulloy and Brian, they just PCSed to California where Brian is flying T-38s at Beale while Julie enjoys the Reserve life flying KC- 10s at

Flight Test Engineer and she is a PA officer while finishing up her Master’s in journalism. Holly has also just begun a Master’s program at Georgetown University, focusing on Security Studies.

Caroline Jensen (Bong) also sent in a photo update:

this winter. In other news, Catie and Nick are at Edwards, AFB where he is a

Travis after flying as an A-10 pilot on active duty.

Speaking of Julies, Julie (Masters) Jackson and husband, Walt (’91), are busy

with their three boys, Jeffrey, Jake, and Trevor! Despite having her hands full, Julie somehow managed to finish medical school and is now officially a psychiatrist—who needs help! Amanda ( Jennings) ZumBrunnen, who’s a maintainer in the Reserves, is at Charleston, with her husband, Clint (’98), who’s a C-17 driver, and their little girl Hannah. Amanda just completed her Master’s degree in English from the College of Charleston. Cameron Curry and his wife, Allison, are at Pope where he’s flying A- 10s. Colin Donnelly, his wife, Joe, and their little girl Laney are in Korea where he keeps the Korean skies safe as an A-10 driver. Kim (Reed) Campell is in the 422nd at Nellis. Petey (Marie Peterson) Klapmeyer, who’s now out of the AF, is at the Academy with her husband, Mike, and their two little ones Ryan and Katie.

Dan Fischer, who just got married in March in Cabo to Jore Burton, is flying A-1 Os at DM. He’s joined at DM by Stubby (Kevin) Fenno and his wife, Sydney.

(By the way, both of these heavy hitters are “high-level” execs at DM.) Steph Jardine is at Little Rock flying C- 130s. Mike Zeman, his wife, Nikki, and their little ones Jack and Cooper are at Corpus Christi where he is aT-44 IP. Mark Wolfe is at Randolph with his wife, Heidi. Chad Silva, who just got married in

July to Andrea, is in an active duty slot with an F-16 Reserve unit out ofTucson.

Matt Horn and his wife Jessica are still at Hurlburt where he’s flying special ops helo missions. Shannon (Carey) Schneider is flying F-16s in Japan with her husband, Chris. Pat Kielb, his wife Dawn (McGown) who’s now out of the AF, ,

and their two little ones are at Pope where he keeps the dollars flowing.

Finally, Matt Cunningham, his wife, Lisa, and their little one Cody are back at the Zoo where he’s flying UV- 18s. Well, that’s the news from the girls around the world

—

From left are: Shane Jensen (going to Hill AFB, F-16), Caroline (Bong) Jensen (going to Hill AFB, F-16), Susan (Canaday) Olsen, Chris Olsen, Doyle Pompa (going to Spangdahlem, F-16), Chris Hammond (Weapons School at Nellis in January, F-16), MarkHeusinkveld (going to Holloman, F-l 17), Tom Wolfe (now at Sheppard, T-38), and Brett Comer (going to Nellis to the 422, F-16). All the gentlemen are (or were) 36FS Fiends at Osan. Susan is at HQ ACC (Air Com-

ponent Command) and Caroline is at Kunsan with the 35FS Pantons.

The next email is from Brandon BJ” Arritt. He separated in December of last “

year, and took up a civil service job with the Air Force Research Lab at Kirtland AFB. His son Nathan just turned ayear old this fall. Heandhiswife,LeNita,are

expecting their second child in March.

keep it rev’n! Until next time, Mel. Karin McWhorter PSC 3, Box 377 APO AP 96266-0004 From CONUS: (303) 847-4118 From Korea: 0505-122-7288 mcwhorter@i-mnet.com

Karin.mcwhorter@osan.af.mil

Happy Holidays!

I hope this article finds as many as people home with loved ones for the holidays as possible. I know that anywhere can feel like home if you are surrounded by family and friends.

I continue to run into grads in the BX here at Osan—most recendy I ran into Donald“Sig” Sigmeund. Heis currently stationed atKunsan in the F-16squadron. a

I also got to have lunch with Melissa Parent (Cabot) when she flew in on

shopping trip. She and husband, Charley Parent, are stationed in Japan

where he flies the C-130.

As for me, we are still adjusting to life in Korea and to the news that we will be adding to our family in early May when baby #2 should arrive!

We are really excited but I have to say that the Korea “party town” image isn’t nearly as fun when you are expecting...

On to the updates: The first one comes from Holly Kendrick (Vandehei) who finally got around to sending the updates she

has been meaningtosendforsevenyears... (Are there any more None Yet of you out there that keep saying you should write? JUST DO IT!) Holly separated in Sept ’04 after finishing her final intelliSabre Society Donors gence assignment at the Pentagon serving as an intel briefer for the CSAF. She said it was very rewarding but extremely challenging and the long hours on night shift probably hastened her separation.

Now she works as a contractor doing counterintelligence analysis for HQ AFOSI on Andrews AFB, MD. But, her biggest news is that she just got married last June!

Herhusbandis Ryan Kendrick, aCaptaininthe Marine Corps and a class of2000 grad from USNA (Though she’s quick to point out that he is prior enlisted, so she isn’t robbing the cradle!) They met on a deployment supporting SFOR in Sarajevo, Bosnia in 2002 and got married in the USNA chapel in Annapolis. Catie Hague (Devlin) was her matron of honor and Tom Ste. Marie (’96), Chris MacAulay and Nick Hague were all sabre bearers for them. They currently live in Alexandria, VA (he’s stationed at Quantico) and are doing their best to take advantage of everything D.C. has to offer.

134

BJ, LeNita and Nathan Arritt Here is some more info he sent along: Ryan Quaale is also in New Mexico

with his wife and kids. He’s working at the Airborne Laser SPO. Brent Dorsey is at Warner-Robbins, flying AWACS. He, the wife and two kids are doing well.

J osh Eaton is currently in the midst of his anesthesiology residency at a hospital in Pittsburgh. He, the wife and their two kids are doing well. Brian Kozola is back at the Academy teaching in the Engineering Mechanics Department.

He seems to really like the job. He and his wife recently had a daughter (their

second child) who was bom about 12 weeks premature and had an extensive stay at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in C-Springs. However, just like Brian, the girl is a fighter and has rebounded extremely well.

I also heard from Vince Kendrick who is still at Eglin doing space surveillance. He is married with two daughters and loves his time in sunny Florida.

He had the following news to share: Steve and Candance (McBrayer) Pipes just PCSed to the Academy. Candy is teaching, and Steve will be working with the football team. Phil Dillingham just went into the Reserves and is stationed at Travis. Mark Navo is now at LA. AFB working in space or acquisitions. Dirty Louis is now at Eglin working in acquisitions and got married this fall.

I got a quick birth announcement from Jamie Summers (Otis) She and husband, Marc (’99), welcomed their son Benjamin Dane Summers on Oct 17.

Calvin Powell’s wife, Lori also sent in an update. They are currendy living in Georgetown, TX where Calvin is finishing up a two-year ALO stint at Fort Hood.

Initially they weren’t thrilled with the idea of this assignment but it turns out Calvin has really enjoyed it. He got some great experience during his five months in Iraq last year, but now he’s ready to get back into the jet. They will leave Texas in January to go back to Tyndall for re-qual in the F- 15C and then in April they will PCS to Lakenheath. Their son Jackson is now 17 months old. .

Forces-Iraq. He volunteered to be an Air Force guinea pig as one of the first joint year-long Iraq tours to better support CENTCOM requirements. Abdullah, Kris, and I met up for dinner in October at the Oasis chow hall on Camp Victory, but I forgot my camera, so all you get is a picture of me.

For others that are deployed or not and have met up with other grads, please send a picture and information. I heard from None Yet Dana (Hansen) Granger who says herfamily continues to grow; she and Bryan Granger (’01) have a daughter, Ashley who will Sabre Society Donors be two years old in Nov and a son Wesley who was bom this past March. They are at McChord and it looks like they’ll be there for at least another two years. Here is a picture ofthe family.

Calvin and Jacks at the Alamo.

“Jacks”, as they call him, is “truly a joy” and they are enjoying every fun-filled moment with him!

Lastly I heard from Tara Capelli (Vice) She is still plugging away (slowly) on her thesis. By now they should be in England for Troy’s first operational F-15 .

assignment. Tara is really excited and hopes to see lots of old friends during their assignment there. Joy Boston recently visited her in Florida on her way to her first stateside assignment in 4+ years. She is an air traffic controller headed to 12 AF in Tucson, AZ. That is it for this issue. It is so nice to write updates when there is so much material—keep the information coming. Have a wonderful Holiday Season— send me lots of Christmas updates and you will here from me again next year!

James W. Busch

The Granger family

John Mikal is back at Altus AFB again; at the KC-135 Instructor course this time. John caught up with Brian McKay at Whiteman AFB who is now mission qualified in the B-2. Jared Miller is currently deployed from Hurlburt AFB to the CENTCOM AOR flying C- 130s ISO OIF and Jason Thompson is also in Southwest Asia, flying A- 10s from D-M AFB. Jason Hrynykjust received an F-

4050A Cambridge Loop Hill AFB, UT 84056

Mike Maddox is flying KC- 135s at McConnell AFB and has received an assign-

(801) 776-3586

ment to Columbus AFB to fly the Tweet then the Texan II.

16 training slot after completing his first assignment as a FAIP at Vance AFB.

busch99@earthlink.net or

Konnie Snyder and husband, Ronnie Young, are both still doing intel at D-M

James.busch@hill.af.mil

AFB, although she now serves as a Reserve IMA. Their son lil’ Ronnie, just turned one year old on Oct 13

th .

Here is a picture of them during the birthday party.

(Two Sabre Society Donors) (Editor's note: We did not receive a class news column from James for this issue. Send him your updates for the next magazine.)

Jason “JW” Simmons 447 ECS/SCM-X

APO AE 09321 Simmons@USAFA2000.com

Jason.Simmons@Ramstein.af.mil

Two Grand! Well class, sorry this class news is fairly short; I have gotten a few entries but did not have access to my master excel sheet of our grads at my austere location. Fellow classmates floating around the Baghdad area are Kris

Malloy and Abdullah Brodie. Abdullah and I are tent mates so it’s been good to have someone I know around as we plug along. I have to say I appreciate what others who have deployed have done much more after being here; it’s not the picnic that I imagined. I’m doing double Flight CC duty for Comm plans (SCX) and Mission Support (SCM) and so many days are jam packed.

Abdullah is taking care of the Intel for our group and providing the flyers with the latest information while Kris is playing gung ho with the Army, providing all source intelligence support to the Commanding General, Multinational

Ronnie, Ronnie Jr “Peanut,” and Konnie Laura Terry has moved from Mountain Home to her new station in Oahu, HI

in June, for a three-year stint offun. She is working in the Targets section at the

intel squadron there, and just finished a seven-week training course in Texas.

Sounds like a good place to vacation; I might be giving you a call to bum a couch some time.

Our email list is getting really old; please send me email addresses before the next request for class news goes out. By the time this comes out, the holiday season will likely be upon us, so I hope everyone has a happy holiday and is able to spend time with family. I’ve listed my deployed address, but don’t use it after mid-January if you’re sending me pictures or such.

Faith Dunn

(Hitchcock)

203 Seaton Circle

Montgomery, AL 36116 Faith.Dunn@gunter.af.mil

(No Sabre Society Members Yet) (Editor’s note: We did not receive a column from Faith (or this issue. Send your Jason in Baghdad, at front entrance to an old Iraqi camp.

your information for the next magazine.)

135

Tony Carson 466 Avenue D

Dyess AFB, TX 79606 anthony.carson@dyess.af.mil Class Website: www.usafa02.org Class of2002, Ryan Bell crossed into the Army after graduation and wanted to update the class since he’s fallen out of touch: “I am now blessed to be engaged to Adriane Ostwald (Class of2004), who is at USUHS (same class as Brendt Feldt).

We are getting married next June up near D.C. As for other news, I was promoted to Captain in September and will be

heading back to Iraq/Afghanistan for my second tour in January. (The first was with the 82 nd back in ’03- ’04 as an infantry platoon leader) Other than that, not too much has happened. Interesting life in the army but the only time I see any old classmates is when I’m jumping out of their plane! Hope things are going well.”

None Yet Randy Heusser finally made his way back to UPT at Laughlin AFB after leaving Columbus AFB in 2002 for an unwaiverable Sabre Society heart issue. He went and did Security Forces for two and a Donors half years at Holloman AFB, NM before getting a waiver approved. He reapplied and got picked back up for UPT at Laughlin AFB; started down there in 07-01 (very excited to say the least). Mike Culhane is also at Laughlin AFB and will finish T-38s in January (he was doing some grad school program in France since graduation).

Ben Brown of2001 wrote that his newly-wed bride Lara (Coppinger) Brown, of2002 has accomplished quite a bit in the last few months. “She’s been training for triathlons aggressively over the past couple of years competing across the U.S. and Europe for the Air Force and the U.S. Armed Forces. Lara recently finished as the top Air Force Female at the Armed Forces Championships and earned a spot on the U.S. Armed Forces team to compete at the Military World Championships. She finished third for the U.S. women. Continuing with her success she recently competed in her first race as a ‘Professional’ in the Los Angeles Triathlon. Lara recently ended her season with a strong showing at the Amateur World Championships in Honolulu, HI. Oh yeah, she got married too and PCSed from Edwards AFB to Los Angeles AFB during that time. ”

May, the O’Bryants hosted a party at their Gleneagle home where a reunion of great friends raised a Goldshalger-filled glass to two years, silver bars, and of course, bigger pay checks! Josh is currently in F-15C RTU at Tyndall after graduating from ENJJPT in December, and Kelli is an acquisition program manager at Hanscom. They’re hoping to finally live together in March ’06 at Eglin AFB. As for other class news, Max Johnson just recently got back from Iraq and a synopsis ofhis experiences will be included in the next issue. Congratulations to Rick Jaime who was

recently awarded a slot to the Naval Post Graduate School.

That’s it for this update. Please send along news to the email address above.

Best of luck.

Breezy (Long) Heddinger 18337 Oakmont Dr., #741 Santa Clarita, CA 91387 H: (661) 250-2179

C: (719) 213-3205

breezy.heddinger@losangeles.af.mil Now that we’re back in touch, it’s time to play catch up. This article is dedicated to updates and shout-outs to the ’04 family. Offwe go into the “real AF”... or Navy... or Army... Alex Voeller is almost done with initial training and will be going to SSGN 727 USS MICHIGAN in Bangor, WA where he’ll be on another submarine to work on his qualifications.

Katharine (Holley) Lubinski and her husband, Craig (USMA ’04), both in the Army now, have completed training and bought their first home in Hawaii not bad for Army life! Several Ready for Warriors have already earned their pilot wings some may not know exactly what “hell” you None Yet survived in UPT but we’re all proud of you! To name a few: Jason Depew, Chris Marslender, Derek Portlock... and many Sabre Society —

—

more!

Donors

Wedded Bliss: Shannon Weber married John Decker (’03) on 29 Jan 05.

Bridesmaid-grads: Michelle (Hogue) Henley and Virginia (Casillas)

Frazier. Groomsmen-grad:GrantCoppin(’03). Shannonisjoiningherhubby at Seymour Johnson AFB to work in the 4

th

LRS, while John trains in the F- 15E.

CPT Ryan Bell (’02) was “recently blessed to be engaged” to Adriane Ostwald.

She’s at USUHS in D.C. and he’s at Ft Bragg, NC (82nd Airborne). The wedding will be next June.

Bundles of joy: Thomas Filbert and his wife, Leslie, will welcome home their first son in Feb 06.

Lara (Coppinger) Brown competes in a triathlon.

Thanks for the updates and submissions, and keep up the great work.

Richard Giles Whiting, Jr.

Thanks for your submissions and best wishes to all! Please continue sending your news—we’d like to include two or three of these every issue from now on.

John Tamasitis

384 Treeline Park, Apt. 1323

313

San Antonio, TX 78209

Warner Robins, GA 31088

gileswhiting@hotmail.com

Huntington Chase Circle

(610) 850-3352 Tombo012@hotmail.com

There is no doubt that by the time this article is published the Force Shaping initiative that the Air Force is currently going through will have begun taking its toll, or making an impact if you’d rather, on individuals of our class.

I would request that if you are at all affected by this

or if you have comments that you would like to share that

you do so with me via the email address provided.

Class News: Josh Phifer and Kelli Phifer (O’Bryant) were married in Palmer Hike, CO on 29 May 05. The wedding party None Yet included Jackie Harris, Heather Shelby, Jen Nigro, Mindy Finley, Adam Howes, Jon MacRae, Collin O’Bryant (’08) and Sabre Society Shaun O’Bryant (’09).

Donors The weekend started on Friday night with nostalgic visits to Colorado Springs hot spots—Jack Quinn’s, The Ritz, and Rum Bay. On Sat, 28 136

(No Sabre Society Donors Yet) Haven’t heard anything from many people as I just in-processed at the Air and Space Basic Course and didn’t have access to my email for a while. I need you all to send me your news so that the grad community knows what is going on!! Hope all is well! Ryan Cross, Russ Kirklin, Richard Marby, Chris Steitz and Josh Strafaccia started Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training in October. Ed Cannon is here too and started in August. Ed recendy soloed the Tweet and is doing well and the rest of us hit the flight line right after Halloween.

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